Like many authors do, Jackie Morera drew from her own life when writing her first book, “Abuelo’s Flower Shop.”       Morera, 34, grew up in Miami Lakes. Her grandfather’s flower stand in Miami inspired her tale of Elena, a little girl who is finally old enough to help her grandfather sell his flowers.       “I would visit my abuelos (grandparents) when...

The Latin American Grill in Miami Lakes will give customers a taste of what’s to come on July 4th. That’s when the restaurant’s ventanita will reopen and owner Reny Gonzalez and his devoted team will give away free shots of Cuban espresso, from 4:30 p.m. to sunset. “We’ll be able to serve the people who park here and walk to [Veterans Park] for the fireworks,” Gonzalez said. His landmark café has...

    It was a Tico Casamayor Takeover of Town Hall on May 14.       The Miami Lakes town council honored him for his extensive volunteering for causes that include boosting business and helping elders and veterans.       Mayor Manny Cid described him as “someone who makes people feel important, good and loved…[he] has made people’s dreams come true.”   ...

     The Miami Lakes Sports Hall of Fame is seeking candidates for its 2024 class.       Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Aug. 1.       Inductees who have made outstanding contributions or achievements in sports will be honored on Dec. 14.        Individuals or organizations may submit a nomination for a qualifying team, athlete; coach; official;...

Sean Schwinghammer  Scout Leader, Boy Scouts Troop 566 Miami Lakes      “We will be celebrating Independence Day in front of a 20-foot-tall bonfire with 600 Scouts from around the country, in Camp Raven Knob, North Carolina, singing patriotic songs and celebrating what’s best about America,” Sean Schwinghammer said. Katherine Alvarez  Member, Miami Lakes Veterans...