The University of Florida named alumni Helen Roldan one of its 40 Gators Under 40 awardees for 2025.      “I’m honored,” Roldan said on March 14. “UF shaped a lot of my world view and things I’m passionate about. It’s special to go back to the university and be recognized. I hope I can do them proud.”      Honorees are chosen for their impact...

Miami Lakes Optimist Club Treasurer Jim Hamilton presents a plaque to Fred Senra in January. Senra is a partner at Miami Lakes AutoMall, and the recognition was for the dealership’s sponsorship in 2024 of the youth sports organization’s baseball program. 

     Ray Palacios is the newly-elected president of the board of the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce.       Palacios, 48, previously was vice president of the chamber and in 2020, moved to the Young Professionals Committee so he could focus on his business.            A career in banking led to his founding of ASJ Financial Group mortgage brokerage in 2006. In 2013, he...

     If there was any doubt that Miami Lakes needed a professional group for women who practice law, 17 attorneys showed up to a Galentine’s Day lunch on two days’ notice.      “Things have changed so much with Zoom hearings,” said attorney Gloria M. Garcia. “A lot of our attorneys are lacking mentors. A lot of organizations cater to women in the law, but there’s nothing...

 More than 80 guests, including members of the town council, attended the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce luncheon on March 12 to hear executives with The Graham Companies describe the status of its retail, hospitality and residential projects. Lake Katharine Shopping Center      Demolition of the 52-year-old commercial building began in June, 2024. Rebuilding it to hold two restaurants and retail shops in...