The Mater Lakes Academy Future Business Leaders of America team won Chapter of the Year at the Florida FLBA Leadership Conference in Orlando in March for the first time in school history, officials said. Students also won 1st Place in: Digital Video Production by Lauren Canovas, Anthony Martinez and Danielle Upson; Introduction to Public Speaking by Daniella Coromateu; Public Speaking by Natalie Maldonado; Public Service...

     Nela is short for canela, which in Spanish means cinnamon and is the color of the glossy coat on this American Pit Bull Terrier, or Pit Bull, her owner Elizabeth Carmenate says.       When she was a student at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Carmenate rescued her 3-year-old dog.      “I didn’t clip her ears,” Carmenate says. “That’s how I...

   The Miami Lakes Town Council recognized Scout Troop 566 for 25 years of serving youth in the town. Chartered to Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Parish, Committee Chairwoman Adriana Schwinghammer and Scoutmaster Sean Schwinghammer lead the troop. Activities stalled during the pandemic but the couple’s son Aidan urged them to resume scouting, his father said in an email. Aidan went on to become an Eagle Scout, one of 37 troop...

    The opportunity to be a messenger in the Florida House of Representatives was a journey that I encourage anyone in high school to pursue.      It was a literal journey, as my family and I drove nine hours to the state Capitol in Tallahassee to spend a few days touring the area before I started my week of service. It was also a journey of  personal growth for me, as I overcame nerves, and eventually...

    The Miami Lakes Neighborhood Improvement Committee hosted 24 cyclists on a bike ride around town on April 5 to support Autism Awareness Month. Lucia Toro, 4, kept up with the pack while riding her pink bike (with training wheels) while accompanied by her father, Derick Toro, and deputies. Free helmets donated by the Florida Dept. of Transportation were available for kids to ensure a safe ride. Mayor Josh Dieguez greeted...