Children who were good this year had two opportunities to see Santa and Mrs. Claus in Miami Lakes. The couple, dressed in their finest red suits, appeared Dec. 19 at a Secret Santa Drive-thru hosted by charity Giving Gators at the campus of Ana G. Méndez University. Volunteers at five stops handed out goodies for families previously chosen by the organization. There was also a classic car display, with the autos bedecked with holiday...

  She’s a painted Holstein cow statue affectionately known as Betsy Moo, and she has a message for children who visit the Miami-Dade County Library branch in Miami Lakes:      Mask up!      “If the kids see the cow is doing it, they know they have to wear the mask, too,” Dottie Wix, a member of the Miami Lakes Garden Club, said on Dec. 4.      Club...

A Special Needs Registry to identify Miami Lakes residents with neurological illnesses or disabilities and which may ease interactions with police could be launched early next year. Participation would be voluntary. Bracelets may be offered to children or adults who have autism, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions. “It prepares officers when they are called to the homes, especially for emergencies,” said Vivian...

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began in March and folks increased their online shopping, porch pirates have been a problem. The holiday season means even more deliveries by UPS, FedEx, Amazon and the United States Postal Service. And once those trucks pull away from your home, your purchases are vulnerable to theft. “Coordinate with neighbors so you’re all working together as a community,” Miami-Dade Police Maj. Javier Ruiz...

During the 2019 Christmas season, parents of students enrolled at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School and parishioners of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church built a Nativity scene and set it up in front of Miami Lakes Town Hall. The church held a blessing ceremony that year, which has become a tradition. On Dec. 10, Father Luis Flores sprinkled holy water on the display. It holds figures that represent the Holy Family, an angel,...