Shakey Rodriguez would have been proud. Mater Academy Charter High School’s boys basketball coach was a South Florida sports icon who led high school teams to five state championships. But he died from a brain aneurysm during the preseason, the biggest setback among challenges his Mater team faced. The school’s gym at its Hialeah Gardens campus was being rebuilt and the team often had to practice and play elsewhere, while...

The town council approved an increase to the stormwater utility fee property owners pay and will go to the municipal bond market later this year to raise $15.5 million. Bond proceeds will fund new capital improvements as part of the town’s ongoing effort to alleviate flooding. “It’s the largest infrastructure investment
in town history,” Mayor Manny Cid told The Miami Laker on March 13. The money raised from...

The Town of Miami Lakes is allowing property owners to replace their natural grass with artificial turf, but only in certain areas. The second, final vote on a new ordinance was made during the council meeting on March 9. Prior to the unanimous vote, resident Bonnie Cintron told councilmembers, “I am sad, I am disappointed and I’m angry because I keep hearing that we’re growing beautifully, and then I look around my...

High school students may apply for The Graham Companies’ scholarships being offered this spring. The Town of Miami Lakes and its Education Advisory Board are accepting applications for the scholarships, which will be awarded to two college-bound high school students who live in town. Each $1,000 scholarship is funded by The Graham Companies. In addition to being town residents, applicants must provide an official, sealed high...

Cousins Anthony Perez, 10, at left, and Jayden Valdes, 12, at right, show off their catch of a Butterfly Peacock Bass at Lake Adele in Miami Lakes on Feb. 28. The boys were “in awe” of what they pulled up from the water, according to Anthony’s father, Manny Perez, who provided the photo. This bass likes to eat other fish and is native to Brazil, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation...