The Town of Miami Lakes is preparing to spend an estimated $3.5 million for improvements to the dated Optimist Park. The plans will modernize “critical infrastructure” while keeping existing layout of ball fields, according to a memo by Town Manager Edward Pidermann which the council discussed during the May 19 town meeting. Work could begin as soon as this summer, after negotiations with the Miami-Dade County School Board...

The Town of Miami Lakes and the Elderly Affairs Committee are seeking volunteers to join Jerry’s Squad, a team of helpers before and after hurricanes. Squad members help elders and disabled neighbors batten down their hatches and put up shutters on doors and ground floor windows before storms, and restore order afterward.  The squad jumps into action when a hurricane watch is issued for South Florida.  To apply for...

    A wife and mother, a saleswoman, a Republican politician and an early leader in Miami Lakes government. Mary Collins lived all of those roles and left a lasting legacy on the town.      She died May 28 at the age of 93, her family said.      Collins served on the first council after the town incorporated in 2000 and fulfilled three terms.       Stories in The Miami Laker...

      As the country marks its 250th year, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sen. René García had a patriotic message for the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce: Buy American.      “Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy,” García said. “It’s incumbent on all of us whenever possible to go and shop at a local vendor, to go and support them. Because that’s the way money stays...

    The Miami Lakes Education Advisory Board is accepting applications for its student member advisor.       Open to students enrolled in schools in Miami Lakes, the non-voting advisor supports the board by attending meetings, reading research and getting answers to questions about agenda items.       The student is also responsible for gathering information regarding the interests of...