Carlos Ramirez had never heard of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when his friend asked him to join a class taught at the Gracie Academy in Coral Gables. It has been 10 years since the Miami Lakes native had his first class and now he is opening his own Gracie Academy in the Cypress Village Shopping Center in Miami Lakes, Rilion Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Miami Lakes. Classes have already begun but an official grand opening will take place on Saturday,...

  In an initiative by Councilmember Tim Daubert, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Military Policeman, the Town of Miami Lakes will host a toy drive for the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots throughout November and part of December. Residents are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys for children up to the age of 16 by Friday, December 12, to Town Hall, 6601 Main Street. The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less...

  Martha Jane Toms, widow of Gerry Toms, a lifetime associate of The Graham Companies and former president of Graham Farms, celebrated her 90th birthday on October 4. The birthday party was held at Elizabeth and Bill Brinegar’s home with a theme of “born in the ‘20’s and roaring into her 90’s.” Guests were dared to wear ‘20’s attire and they did, including most of Martha Jane’s...

  Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce, with a sponsorship from the Town of Miami Lakes’ Economic Development Committee, will host the annual Business Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, at Shula’s Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The Expo is the Chamber’s signature event and a tradition of the business community commencing with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 4:45 p.m. with town officials and business leaders to...

  Miami Lakes children, as well as students from area schools, are invited to participate in the 2nd Annual Main Street Banner Art Contest where up to 26 winners’ artwork will be showcased down Main Street on the light pole banners. This year's theme is: “My Home, My Community.” Artworks can show, but are not limited to, any of the following attributes that connect with Miami Lakes: Culture + Heritage, Parks + Nature,...