Residents and town leaders are debating how a massive, multi-million-dollar renovation of Miami Lakes Optimist Park should be designed and funded.       It is a place with a unique history: Its creation 50 years ago as South Florida’s first school-park partnership, which serves everyone in the community, is a model which has been replicated throughout Miami-Dade County.      The...

     American Legion Post 144 in Miami Lakes swore in new officers on Sept. 4.  District 14 Commander Tom Frank officiated at the ceremony which was held at the Mary Collins Community Center.      Shown above and facing the camera are left to right, Angel Vazquez, vice commander; Fred Senra, vice commander; at rear in the white shirt is Commander Gary Cardenas; Tim Daubert, vice commander; Ismo Guzmán,...

     On Sept. 11, officials from the Town of Miami Lakes, its Veterans Committee; members of American Legion Post 144; Miami-Dade Fire Rescue; Miami-Dade Police and the U.S. Coast Guard gathered in Picnic Park West to observe the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks upon America.       Speakers included U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart and Mayor Manny Cid, shown in left photo above; Vice Mayor Luis...

    Say hello to Rita!  Shes a 5-year-old Labrador and hound mix, owner Jenny Onega says.       Last November, Rita joined the Onega family -- Joseph and Jenny and their children, Lucia, 2 months, and twins Amelie and Sara, 11 -- in a community that is north of the Royal Oaks Plaza shopping center in Miami Lakes.      Rita likes to keep an eye on the neighborhood and is known as...

      Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sen. Rene Garcia, Miami-Dade Police officers from the Northwest District Station and community volunteers teamed up on Aug. 9 to paint over graffiti along a fence at the Ludlum Lake Condominium, at 6703 N.W. 169th St. near the Palmetto Expressway.      The beautification project was a joint effort to improve neighborhoods within District 13, Garcia’s office said....