Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Coote wanted to honor Miami Lakes during his speech at the 45th Annual Veterans Day Parade.       Coote, chosen by the Miami Lakes Veterans Committee to be grand marshal, is also a former chair of the committee.       “I found my home and my friends not where I left them in the wooded lands of rural New Hampshire, but rather 1,500 miles...

Miami Lakes Councilman Josh Dieguez said Tuesday night that he expects to face Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez yet again in a runoff election on Nov. 26, after unofficial numbers released by county officials showed that neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote needed to become the next mayor of the town. With seven out of seven precincts accounted for, the county showed Dieguez with 46.6% of the vote and Fernandez with 42%. There...

The race for Florida District 39 senate race is between incumbent Sen. Bryan Avila, R-Miami Springs and Democrat Charles A. Lewis I.       One of Avila’s staff members said he was not available for an interview.       He is academic dean at Doral College and an officer in the Florida Army National Guard, according to his social media accounts.      Avila, 40, was a sponsor...

Mario O. Pinera III  Miami Dade College  Student  Miami Lakes       “Yes, I am ready for the holidays,” Mario O. Pinera III said. “[I’m hoping] it’s going to be a cold holiday. That’s what we need. Holidays are around the corner. I get to spend more time with family, school is going to be out and [I’ll get] to see my cousins.”  Chanel...

  The Graham Companies is accepting new, unwrapped toys to benefit children in the Miami Lakes area, to be distributed by the Neighbors 4 Neighbors and Giving Gators organizations.      Toys may be dropped off at company headquarters, 6843 Main St. in Miami Lakes, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.      Merchants on Main Street may also be participating - look for collection...