American Legion Post 144 of Miami Lakes celebrated Independence Day with a barbecue at Veterans Park.      Shown from left are Gerry Olano, a Post Service Officer; Alvaro Hernandez, Post Sgt. at Arms; Post members William Knickerbocker and Ken Boyd; Post Commander Gary Cardenas; Post Vice Commander Fred Senra; Howard Sanchez, a veteran who works for sponsor Well Care; Post members Orlando Menendez, Chris Wilson...

        When new businesses open in town, elected officials and the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce welcome them with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  At the Eli M. Boutique, 6608 Main St. on June 15 are from left in front: Miami Lakes Elderly Affairs Committee member Pedro Fiallo; Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce member Norma Martinez; Chamber President Fred Senra; Melissa Caballero Alton, president of Business...

Steve Kretsch  Owner, Island Fin Poké Restaurant  Coral Gables      “Best part of the summer is opening my store in Royal Oaks Plaza,” Steve Kretsch said. Adriana Vila Soto  Financial professional Miami Lakes      “Spending time with family, doing some traveling and having some friends over in this beautiful town,” Adriana Vila Soto...

    The Miami Lakes Golf Club has a new head golf professional who will share his knowledge with readers of the monthly Tee to Green column, too.      Mike Stern, 35, was a teen competitor at Killian High, a golfer on scholarship at the University of Central Florida and a professional on mini-tours and at PGA Latin America tournaments.      It’s all experience that he can draw from and...

     The 3rd Annual Pride Awareness booth at the Miami Lakes Farmer’s Market on June 24. The group distributed literature and rainbow-themed items. That was followed by a night of performance -- short original plays, monologues, poetry and music -- at the Main Street Players theater.     Shown in the photo are from left: Suzanne Choopani; Stefan Crotti; Charles James; Manny Tejeda and Star Rodriguez. Sponsors...