Eight candidates have qualified to run in the mayoral race and for Council Seat 4 during next month’s special election following the arrest of Michael Pizzi on public corruption charges, and another spot was left vacant after a sitting councilman stepped down to run for mayor. The mayoral candidates include Councilmember Nelson Hernandez, who resigned last month to seek the top position, Miami Lakes’ founding mayor...

The Florida League of Cities honored Rep. Eddy Gonzalez (R- Hialeah Gardens) with a 2013 Defender of Home Rule Award at its 87th Annual Conference in Orlando. “I am honored to receive this award from the Florida League of Cities,” said Gonzalez. “This organization has supported me from the time I was a city councilman. I will continue to support the League, and the 401 cities it represents, in its efforts to protect home...

(Editor’s Note: The following unsolicited statement was provided to The Miami Laker by Michael Pizzi who was suspended as Miami Lakes Mayor in early August following his arrest by FBI agents on charges of public corruption.) I want to thank all of the Miami Lakes residents who have shown me a large outpouring of support and love during what has been a very difficult period for me and my family. On a positive note, this has shown me...

The Cuban American Bar Association ProBono Project, in collaboration with State Representative Manny Diaz and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr., is offering free legal assistance with foreclosures and loan modifications, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, at Palm Springs North Elementary School, 17615 N.W. 82 Avenue. CABA Pro Bono is committed to providing legal services to low and moderate income single-family occupant...

As a prelude to Miami-Dade’s September budget hearings, County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez has scheduled six town hall meetings throughout the county to discuss his proposed $4 billion budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Among the town hall meetings is one scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, August 6, at the North Dade Regional Library, 2455 N.W. 183 Street in Miami Gardens. Gimenez and county staff will be on hand to address the budget and...