Back in the day, if a firefighter’s protective jacket smelled of smoke or their helmet was melted or nicked at the end of a shift, it was considered a sign of bravery, or a badge of honor.       But as the number of cancer diagnoses among firefighters, paramedics and police officers rise, caring for turnout gear stained from dangerous scenes is considered a way to help prevent disease, experts...

     The sounds of clinking glasses, laughter and music filled Optimist Park during the 5th Annual Miami Lakes Food and Wine Festival.       Event co-founder Lynn Matos was at a loss for words the night of Feb. 4, when clouds threatened to drench the charity event that attracts 1,000 neighbors.       Those ticket buyers fund the Miami Lakes Town Foundation and its community-oriented...

Barbara Goleman Senior High School’s wrestling team hosted a tournament at its Miami Lakes campus for six other schools and took home the trophy on Dec. 20, the school said. The winners of the Gator Duals Champions contest, shown above in the first row are, from left: Noah Gutierrez; Adrian Jimenez; Justin Rodriguez; Mateus Sga; Aidan Barrett and Nelser Castillo. In the second row from left: Lorenz Martin; Brandon Peart; Derek...

 The Miami-Dade County Library branch in Miami Lakes is offering these in-person classes.  LEGO and Goobi Building Challenge Wed., Feb. 1   4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Choose LEGO or Goobi pieces to complete engineering tasks.  Ages 8 – 18. Get Your Game On! Thurs., Feb. 2   4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Friendly competitions in video and board games. Ages 8 – 18. Florida...

     The lottery for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten is open for the 2023-2024 school year.       Packets became available from participating schools on Feb. 1; the lottery drawing will be held Feb. 24.         Parents will need to have the following documents in order to register for the VPK lottery:       --Proof of...