We’ve begun a new year, and a new decade too. How about marking those milestones by planting a new tree? A new tree will enhance your property with its beauty, shade and curb appeal. Let’s explore one of my favorite trees, the Bridalveil, or Caesalpinia granadillo. Best grown in full sun, the Bridalveil makes a wonderful shade tree with a typical height of up to 35 feet and a 25-foot-wide canopy at maturity. It has a petite...

South Florida Democratic candidates for state office joined Florida Rep. Cindy Polo, D-Miramar, on Dec. 15 for a toy drive in Tamiami Park benefitting Mothers for Justice and immigrant rights group Miramar Circle of Protection. They are, left to right: Ricky Junquera, candidate for House District 118; Gabriela De Jesus, candidate for House District 116; Polo, who is seeking reelection to House District 103 which includes Miami Lakes;...

For the eighth year in a row, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded the town of Miami Lakes a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting. The town won the latest award last year and the finance team recently received it. To earn the recognition, they exceeded generally accepted accounting principles while preparing the municipality’s comprehensive annual financial...

U.S. Congress Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. 7400 SW 87th Ave., Ste. 270 Miami, Fla. 33166 305-596-4224 Twitter: @SenRubioPress Office hours in Miami: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. 415 Clematis St., Ste. 201 West Palm Beach, Fla.33401 561-514-0189 Twitter: @SenRickScott Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami 8669 NW 36th St., Ste. 100 Doral, Fla. 33166 305-470-8555 Twitter: @MarioDB Office hours: Monday -...

There was dancing and celebration when a menorah was lighted Dec. 23 in front of Miami Lakes town hall. The ceremony was to mark the second night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Jews observe the holiday by lighting a candle over eight nights to remember how, in the second century B.C., a small amount of oil needed to light a temple in Jerusalem lasted eight nights. It was considered a miracle, according to Chabad.org. Special...