The lottery for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten is open for the 2023-2024 school year.       Packets became available from participating schools on Feb. 1; the lottery drawing will be held Feb. 24.         Parents will need to have the following documents in order to register for the VPK lottery:       --Proof of...

     A change in Florida law requires voters to request a mail-in ballot each year.      Registered voters may ask to receive a mail-in ballot on the Miami-Dade County elections website, or by email, phone, fax or mail.       Mail-in ballots must be requested by 5 p.m. on the 10th day before an election, but why wait? Request it now so there is no delay.      The county also...

    The Town of Miami Lakes Economic Development Committee chose new officers on Jan. 17.      Matthew Casamayor is the new chair; Jose Llano is vice chair and Romy Portuondo Remior is secretary.      The committee of volunteers helps foster a “well-rounded business climate,” the town website says.       The group also organizes business networking events.

     Victoria Spadafora’s classroom has gone to the dogs, the cats and even the guinea pigs.       Spadafora is the history department chair and head swimming coach at Monsignor Edward Pace High School.       For 18 years, she has also overseen the Miami Gardens school’s P.A.W.S. Club (Pace Animal Welfare Society).       Colleagues nominated...

     With 250 guests, law partners Jany Martinez-Ward and Greg Ward celebrated the 10th anniversary of their firm at The Temple House in Miami Beach.      The bash happened Dec. 17 and featured a private concert by singer Farruko (“Pepas”), who has won Latin Grammy Awards, and DJ Africa, the company said.       The Ward Law Group was founded in 2012 by the married couple with...