Ben the apricot-colored Goldendoodle has his own Instagram page.      Though he’s not an influencer, he could be one because he has only positive qualities, owner Jackie Garcia says.      “Despite his size, he is a sweetheart and a cuddle bug,” said Garcia.       She and her husband Ray live in Miami Lakes with Ben. The doodle, 3, has a...

          HCA Florida Palm Lakes Emergency celebrated the opening of its new facility at 18000 NW 57th Ave. in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Its nearly 11,000 square foot, free-standing emergency room will offer care and advanced diagnostic technologies for heart and stroke patients in the Palm Springs North, Country Club, Miami Gardens and Miami Lakes communities.        There are 11...

U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, is accepting submissions for the annual Congressional Art Competition.      The deadline is April 22 and winners will be chosen May 8.      The competition is for high school students, but 7th and 8th graders’ work would be accepted for consideration if their school is within the district and it shares a campus with upper classes.      The...

    The Miami Lakes Veterans Committee is offering scholarships to students who are descendants of veterans.       The committee will consider children of veterans who live in town as well as grandchildren, a new category, when reviewing applications.      It has also extended the deadline by a month: Applications will be accepted through May 3.       The scholarships...

The Miami Lakes town council honored The Keyes Company of Miami Lakes for its 25th anniversary and for staff and company fundraising efforts on behalf of the Jesse L. McCrary, Jr. Elementary School, feeding the hungry and for cancer research.      “The owner is a great example in our community, who is not only a friend but somebody who has done amazing work in the town of Miami Lakes and somebody who showcases what...