The Saint Andrews Pipe Band of Miami led by Pipe Major Jason Wright launched Miami Lakes’ 25th Anniversary celebration with a march through Veterans Park while playing “Scotland the Brave.”
The Scottish music was a reference to the heritage of the Graham family who have owned land in the town since the 1930s and continue developing properties on it.
It was the start of the town’s four-hour observance of its municipal incorporation, which happened on Dec. 5, 2000.
Since then, the population has grown to about 30,500. With the help of its own division of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, it can boast about having one of the lowest crime rates in the county.
On Dec. 6, William Perez, chair of the Veterans Committee and Felicia Salazar, chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee who both served on the anniversary committee, welcomed residents, the town council and special guests.
A stage was flanked by a large lighted 25 sign and the town’s name spelled out in large white letters.
Rev. Dr. Tino Espinoza of Miami Lakes United Methodist Church led an invocation. A Sheriff’s Honor Guard carried the flag.
“It’s 25 years of growing beautifully, 25 years of leading the way,” Mayor Josh Dieguez said. “… Areas where we have been a model for other communities include how we treat our special needs community, how we treat our veterans and how we treat mental health.”
Wayne Slaton, the town’s first mayor, described Miami Lakes history and urged residents to get involved. Miami-Dade Commissioner Sen. Rene Garcia praised the “amazing” community.
“Representing the Town of Miami Lakes has been truly an honor,” Garcia said. “This is a hidden gem in Miami-Dade County.”
Performers included Barbara Goleman Senior High School’s Salsa Club and Jewels Dance Team; Arts for Autism dancers; the ‘80s tribute band LatchKey Kids and guest singer Carolina Sauer.
Students from Miami Lakes K-8 Center chorus sang, a birthday cake was cut and a video produced by Gani Espinoza of GaniFilms and Carlos Andres was shown.
While waiting for the fireworks, visitors dined from ice cream and food trucks and met llamas, cows and goats at Julio’s Zoo2U. Kids got their faces painted.
The town spent $25,000 on the night, Dieguez said.
Miami-Dade Commissioner Sen. Rene Garcia and The Graham Companies; YBM Your Better Mortgage; Banco Popular; Southwest Medical Group; Specialty Smiles; and Vicky Bakery were the sponsors.
Resident Monica Dumas was at the park with her daughter Isabella, Dumas, 4.
“I love it,” Dumas said about the festivities. “Especially because it’s free and for families. We love the area. It’s very quiet, well maintained and secure.”
In the large photo: Current members of the Miami Lakes town council with Wayne Slaton (center, white shirt), the town’s first mayor, from left: Councilmen Ray Garcia and Angelo Cuadra Garcia; Slaton; Mayor Josh Dieguez and Council members Steven Herzberg, Juan Carlos Fernandez and Alex Sanchez at the Miami Lakes 25th Anniversary celebration on Dec. 6 in Veterans Park. Vice Mayor Bryan Morera had not yet arrived when the photo was taken. Photo: Alexandra Herrera
A selfie shot of the council cutting the cake, from left: Councilmen Ray Garcia and Steven Herzberg and Juan Carlos Fernandez; Janelle Herzberg their kids Jordan and Catherine; Katherine Morrera and Vice Mayor Bryan Morera; Councilman Angelo Cuadra Garcia; former Vice Mayors Luis Collazo and Nelson Rodriguez; Mayor Josh Dieguez; Councilman Alex Sanchez and his son Aiden Sanchez. Photo: Alexandra Herrera.