Back in the day, if a firefighter’s protective jacket smelled of smoke or their helmet was melted or nicked at the end of a shift, it was considered a sign of bravery, or a badge of honor.       But as the number of cancer diagnoses among firefighters, paramedics and police officers rise, caring for turnout gear stained from dangerous scenes is considered a way to help prevent disease, experts...

     The sounds of clinking glasses, laughter and music filled Optimist Park during the 5th Annual Miami Lakes Food and Wine Festival.       Event co-founder Lynn Matos was at a loss for words the night of Feb. 4, when clouds threatened to drench the charity event that attracts 1,000 neighbors.       Those ticket buyers fund the Miami Lakes Town Foundation and its community-oriented...

The Miami-Dade County Mom and Pop Small Business Grant program is accepting applications in District 13, which includes the Town of Miami Lakes. Up to $2,500 is available for qualified businesses. Forms may be obtained from Feb. 14 – Feb. 28 from Commissioner Sen. René García’s office:  1490 W. 68th St., Suite 101, Hialeah, FL 33014, or online at www.miamidade.gov/district13. Completed forms must be hand-delivered in...

Barbara Goleman Senior High School’s wrestling team hosted a tournament at its Miami Lakes campus for six other schools and took home the trophy on Dec. 20, the school said. The winners of the Gator Duals Champions contest, shown above in the first row are, from left: Noah Gutierrez; Adrian Jimenez; Justin Rodriguez; Mateus Sga; Aidan Barrett and Nelser Castillo. In the second row from left: Lorenz Martin; Brandon Peart; Derek...