When you step into Cafe Mi Vitrola in Miami Lakes, you’ll be transported to Old Cuba— the vibrant, pre-revolutionary, nostalgia-evoking era on the island.      It is restaurateur Rufino Paulino’s vision for his new restaurant, located at 15352 NW 79 Ct. in the Park Centre Shops that he aims to open in September.       Paulino owns two other eateries in Miami Lakes:...

Three candidates are seeking to replace Perla Tabares Hantman, who represents District 4 on the Miami-Dade County School Board. Tabares Hantman was elected chair of the board 14 times and announced in April that she will not seek reelection. Below are the answers from the candidates -- Roberto J. Alonso, Maribel Balbin and Kevin Menendez Macki -- to questions from The Miami Laker. You can meet the candidates Aug. 3 from 7 p.m....

The Miami Lakes Athletic Club presented a $500 check to the HDS Foundation in May. HDS Foundation in Miami Lakes provides mentoring services to teens and young adults who have autism-related disabilities. The fitness center sold scrunchies, pens, wristbands and hair ties at the front desk and also hosted a Zumbathon, where athletes donated $10 to participate, to raise money.  Elizabeth Falk, HDS Foundation program manager, said the...

     Juneteenth, the national holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, was observed June 18 at Miami Lakes Town Hall. Saxophonist Michael E. Kennedy performed. South Florida Miss Juneteenth beauty queens, one teen and one adult, also attended. Sponsored by the Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs Committee and Memorial Healthcare System, Committee Secretary Elsa Rues gave the invocation. Entrepreneur Jihad...

    Visitors to Veterans Park or Royal Oaks Park in Miami Lakes may have noticed boxes atop wooden poles.       While they may look like birdhouses, they’re really places for residents – children and adults alike -- to share books with their neighbors.      Books line the shelves of Miami Lakes’ Little Free Libraries in seven town parks.       The...