Former Florida Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, is seeking a spot on the Miami-Dade County Commission in 2020, and the veteran office holder has drawn an opponent. Political newcomer Adrian Jesus Jimenez filed paperwork in February to run for the District 13 seat. The district includes Miami Lakes, Palm Springs North and Hialeah, and is currently represented by Commissioner Esteban Bovo, Jr. Bovo is facing term limits and is running...

For the third time since its incorporation 20 years ago, the town of Miami Lakes is a finalist for the National Civic League’s All-America City Award. The league recognized 22 finalists, including the city of Miami Gardens, for practices that enhance the health and well-being of residents through civic engagement. The league had planned for finalists to travel to Denver in June to make presentations. But after surveying finalists,...

The Straight Leg Situp Ah, the situp. Just saying the word brings back memories of gym class drills that required us to perform dozens of sit-ups in a minute. This version is a bit easier on the back of your upper thighs, because you don’t have to fall all the way forward and touch your elbows to your knees. Though it isn’t easy, it can strengthen the entire abdominal complex (think of your six pack!) as well as your legs (hip...

Due to preventative measures being taken by the town, programming is canceled until further notice. Check www.miamilakes-fl.gov for when classes will resume or call town hall, at 305-364-6100 for more information.Youth ClassesKidokineticsMiami Lakes Youth CenterAges: 2-5 Spring B Session: Mondays, April 6 – June 1 (No class 5/25) $11 per class5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.To register: 954-385-8511 or www.kidokinetics.comFree T-shirt with first...

BankUnited has promoted Raul Llanes to head of institutional and specialty real estate.Llanes, 35, (shown above) lives in Weston.He led the bank’s expansion of its newly launched real estate investment trust lending platform and other institutional, commercial real estate business lines.Llanes was previously head of commercial real estate credit products and a south region managing senior credit officer.He will report to Benjamin Stacks,...