The County’s new fiscal year began on October 1, but getting there wasn’t easy. On one hand, taxpayers were calling on their elected leaders to provide economic relief by keeping the property tax rates flat. On the other hand, doing so would mean placing services provided by police, fire rescue, the library system and the animal shelter in financial difficulty. Tough choices had to be made and in the end, while not every...

  Miami-Dade County School Board chair Perla Tabares Hantman hosted a Teen Driver Event at Barbara Goleman Senior High School on October 17 to bring awareness to the dangers of distracted driving, including texting while driving. This is one of Hantman’s safety initiatives to encourage parents, young drivers, lawmakers and educators to work together to change risky driving behaviors. She is joined by Goleman principal Joaquin P....

  The Best Buddies Bobcat Chapter at Bob Graham Education Center is off to a great start in the new school year as members gathered at a breakfast in October to enjoy new friends and facilitate a toy drive for Miami-Dade County Public Schools Special Education Conference (GIFT Conference). The Bobcat Chapter feels it is a natural fit to support this conference because according to Best Buddies International, the organization is...

  Palm Springs United Methodist Church is holding its annual Arts and Crafts Show on Friday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, November 16 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be crafts and craft supplies, knick-knacks, Christmas gifts and decorations, old and new books, collectables, records, paintings, dishes, gift items, antiques, orchard plants, fashion jewelry and hand bags all for sale. Visit and shop early for...

  The Optimist Club of Miami Lakes is beginning registration for its flag football program. Parents may register their children in person at the front entrance of Miami Lakes Middle School, 6425 Miami Lakeway North, on Saturdays November 9, 16, 23, and December 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Parents can also register their children online at www.miaflag.com. The registration fee is $100 for in-person registration and $110 to...