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...

Miami LakesBranch Library6699 Windmill Gate Rd.Miami Lakes, Fla. 33014305-822-6520Movies for Kids*Wednesdays, Dec. 18, 24Dec. 18 “The Grinch” (PG)3 p.m. -5 p.m.Dec. 24Holiday movie marathon.10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing For ToddlersIn English and Spanish/en Dos IdiomasThursday, Dec. 1911 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.Ages 18 months – 3 years.Stories, songs and activities for toddlers.Canvas Painting with LightsSaturday, Dec. 21,...

The town of Miami Lakes is partnering with the YMCA to offer camps for kids during winter break.Youngsters can spend the day with YMCA staff while doing arts and crafts; group games and other activities.Children should wear sneakers and sunscreen and bring lunch, a snack and bottled water.Camp for ages 5 to 12 will be held at the Roberto Alonso Community Center, at Royal Oaks Park, 16500 NW 87th Ave. A camp at the Youth Center, 6075 Miami...

It’s that most wonderful time of year – for bad guys and gals.While we’re out shopping and visiting with family and friends during the holidays, we can be vulnerable to people who want to prey upon us.But it doesn’t have to be that way.“Your involvement in crime prevention allows us to better serve your community,” Miami-Dade Police Major Javier Ruiz said.Ruiz leads the agency’s Miami Lakes department and offered tips that residents can use...