Mariela Martinez, Physician, Miami Lakes      “No I am against it, because of the way it was explained to me and how the taxes will [impact] residents,” Mariela Martinez said in Spanish. “It’s going to cost the residents of Miami Lakes more.  [Taxes based on property values] won’t be [evenly distributed] and if it was going to be evenly distributed, I’d be for it,...

     During Florida City Government Week, the Town of Miami Lakes asked students in local schools to write creative stories about a bull named Cornwall who escapes his barn.       Three second graders from Miami Lakes K-8 Center won the contest.       Teacher Lizet Colet and her students Lily Martinez, at left, Maximiliano Medina, at center and Riley Lavery, at right, all...

     Do you take special pride in maintaining your home and property?  Have you fixed it up lately?      If so, you could win a $750 Home Depot gift card in the Miami Lakes Home Beautification Contest.      Your property must be within town boundaries; your project must have improved the general appearance of your home or business; enhancements must be in publicly visible...

     The Helping Hands column focuses on the town’s 12 volunteer committees that promote various causes in Miami Lakes and help the town government serve the community.       Committee activities are funded by the town budget and by ticket sales from some events.  Committee: Veterans Committee Founded: May 13, 2008  Chair: Michael Coote Vice Chair: Larry...

    Olivia Shock was introduced as the new Miami Lakes transportation manager during the Oct. 11 council meeting.       Shock, 22, grew up in Michigan and graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2021, with a Bachelor of Science degree in community and environmental planning.       The position became vacant last spring when Michael Zayas-Morales resigned.     ...