Entrepreneur and philanthropist Jay I. Kislak used to say the character-building lessons he learned as an enlisted U.S. Navy pilot during World War II contributed to his success. Kislak’s ties to his military service came full circle, with the Kislak Family Foundation’s $10 million donation to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. The gift, announced Feb. 24, will support creation of the new...

The Town of Miami Lakes may allow property owners to use artificial turf in place of paving in backyards. The council unanimously approved a proposed ordinance after the first reading to revise the Land Development Code and will vote on it again on March 9. Mayor Manny Cid said he supported the use of fake grass after a resident complained that sod didn’t survive in shade. Cid said another resident didn’t want to remove...

Stuart Bodin, 60, lives in Miami Lakes. He is pastor at Miami Lakes United Methodist Church, also known as Hope Church. During the coronavirus pandemic, the church has been the site of a weekly food distribution. For nearly a year, more than 600 cars have lined up on giving days to receive donated groceries. “It is a direct reflection of the ministry, seeing the smiles and hearing the ‘thank yous’ makes sense to...

Do you love Miami Lakes? The town wants you to show how much by entering the “2021: 20 Years of Growing Beautifully” photo contest. Judges want to see how photographers capture the hometown feel and stunning views of the community, the town said. Photos should also reflect the photographer’s favorite place or thing to do in town. Winners are eligible for prizes: $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25...

There is a magical green box that stands on a pole in Miami Lakes’ Picnic Park West. Inside are books that mysteriously appear, free for the taking by any reader, of any age. If you’d like to perpetuate literacy, community goodwill and share your love of books, the Town of Miami Lakes is looking for sponsors who want to make Little Free Libraries available elsewhere in the municipality. The total cost is $860 per library,...