The Miami-Dade Police Department has new director. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez appointed Deputy Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez III as the top cop on Jan. 8. The town of Miami Lakes has a $8.7 million contract with the agency. Ramirez replaced Juan Perez, who retired after a 29-year career in law enforcement. Ramirez earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Miami in 1994 and joined the...

The Miami Lakes Optimist Club crowned five new division champions to close out its 2019 Fall flag football season during a Dec. 14 ceremony at Royal Oaks Park. The Vikings won the 6U division championship, while the Broncos claimed the 8U division title. The 10U division title belongs to the Seahawks. The Browns captured the 12U division championship and the Ravens were the 14U division champs. Miami Lakes Optimist Club flag football...

Brigadeiros Boutique should post a warning to customers: Enjoying their sinfully good, handmade fine chocolates and cakes will require a confession to one’s personal trainer. The shop on Main Street brings a taste of Brazil to Miami Lakes. It is named for the traditional dessert that is served at family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The store uses Belgian chocolate, condensed milk and other flavors like salted caramel, fruits...

When eighth graders from Bob Graham Education Center competed at the Junior Orange Bowl VEX IQ Tournament in November, their teams won awards for documenting how to build a well-crafted robot in their engineering notebook. Those wins entitle the Robocats to compete at the South Florida State VEX IQ Middle School Tournament and at the 2020 CREATE U.S. Open Robotics Championship - VEX IQ - Middle School Division, in Iowa, both in March....

The Miami Dade College women’s volleyball team finished their season 29-3, and reached the quarterfinals of the 2019 National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship. It was the Lady Sharks’ third try in four years at the national tournament. The 2019 squad is, top row, left to right: Freshman outside hitter Erika Asencio; freshman setter Ana Araujo; sophomore middle blocker Kimberlie Apolinario-Correa; sophomore...