Nela is short for canela, which in Spanish means cinnamon and is the color of the glossy coat on this American Pit Bull Terrier, or Pit Bull, her owner Elizabeth Carmenate says.       When she was a student at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Carmenate rescued her 3-year-old dog.      “I didn’t clip her ears,” Carmenate says. “That’s how I...

   The Miami Lakes Town Council recognized Scout Troop 566 for 25 years of serving youth in the town. Chartered to Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Parish, Committee Chairwoman Adriana Schwinghammer and Scoutmaster Sean Schwinghammer lead the troop. Activities stalled during the pandemic but the couple’s son Aidan urged them to resume scouting, his father said in an email. Aidan went on to become an Eagle Scout, one of 37 troop...

    The opportunity to be a messenger in the Florida House of Representatives was a journey that I encourage anyone in high school to pursue.      It was a literal journey, as my family and I drove nine hours to the state Capitol in Tallahassee to spend a few days touring the area before I started my week of service. It was also a journey of  personal growth for me, as I overcame nerves, and eventually...

    The Miami Lakes Neighborhood Improvement Committee hosted 24 cyclists on a bike ride around town on April 5 to support Autism Awareness Month. Lucia Toro, 4, kept up with the pack while riding her pink bike (with training wheels) while accompanied by her father, Derick Toro, and deputies. Free helmets donated by the Florida Dept. of Transportation were available for kids to ensure a safe ride. Mayor Josh Dieguez greeted...

     Parishioners, alumni and current and former parents of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Parish came together on Feb. 22 for the 3rd Annual Dad’s Cheetah Slam that raised nearly $12,000 for the school. Twelve teams competed in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and there were 3-point and free throw shooting contests too. The Miami Dolphins, Miami HEAT, Florida Panthers and Miami Marlins donated memorabilia that became...