We’ve begun a new year, and a new decade too. How about marking those milestones by planting a new tree? A new tree will enhance your property with its beauty, shade and curb appeal. Let’s explore one of my favorite trees, the Bridalveil, or Caesalpinia granadillo. Best grown in full sun, the Bridalveil makes a wonderful shade tree with a typical height of up to 35 feet and a 25-foot-wide canopy at maturity. It has a petite...

The town of Miami Lakes and its Neighborhood Improvement Committee is hosting its quarterly meeting for residents seeking information about homeowners and condominium associations. It’s set for Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at town hall, following the committee’s monthly meeting that begins at 7 p.m. Topics will include board member certifications, legal updates and how to keep governing documents current. Budgeting, annual...

A “senior village” project proposed for the lower west side of Miami Lakes was approved by the town council, though the developer doesn’t yet have a healthcare company to operate an assisted living facility planned for the site.The Graham Companies owns nearly 15 lakefront acres along Commerce Way at Northwest 146th Street.Their project that the council approved on June 6, 2017 included 220 age-restricted apartments, the assisted living...

Seeing hungry and homeless people roaming the streets of downtown Miami on Christmas four years ago haunted Erika Castroman.The teenager was driving through the area with her family, on their way to visit relatives for the holiday.That no one seemed to care for the people Castroman saw broke her heart.Instead of giving 15 backpacks that Castroman had filled with goodies to her relatives, she handed them out to people without homes.Castroman’s...

Amerant Bank executives cut a ribbon on Dec. 11 to celebrate the opening of their Miami Lakes branch, at 15151 NW 67th Ave. Left to right: Laura Trosclair, Amerant Bank executive vice president, retail banking manager; Miguel Palacios, executive vice president, chief business officer; Marianela Cajina, vice president, market manager, Miami Lakes Banking Center; Manny Cid, mayor of Miami Lakes and Tony Lopez, deputy town manager. Photo: Karen...