Miami-Dade’s fire chief, Dave Downey, is calling it a career.Downey said he is retiring because of the government Deferred Retirement Option Program which allows him to take the maximum amount allowed under his pension.“I entered the DROP program five years ago and I can’t turn back,” he said during an exclusive interview with The Miami Laker. “I don’t want to leave but I don’t have a choice.”Downey has spent 37 years as a firefighter, six...

Jack McCall has coached so many young baseball players, including his sons and four grandsons, during his 40 plus years with the Optimist Club of Miami Lakes that he lost count.But the humorous anecdotes from his former players help jog his memory, as the coach of their kids and grandchildren who told him he was a big inspiration in their lives.“They would come up to me and say, ‘Mr. McCall, do you remember me? You coached me in T-ball and...

The Main Street Players (MSP) located at 6766 Main Street announced its 2019 New Play Competition. As part of its mission, the theatre group wants to support local playwrights and bring new plays to the South Florida theatre community. The winning submission will be presented as a staged reading as part of the South Florida Theatre Fest. Since MSP produces its plays in an intimate black box theater, organizers suggest the following for all...

Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid and Councilmember Jose Dieguez celebrated the grand opening of Andy’s Gun Range recently at 14000 N.W. 82 Avenue. The range is a training facility for law enforcement officers and military personnel. Pictured are owner Andres Perez, his son Christopher and wife Michelle Rodriguez.

Miami Lakes Town Council recognized Miami Lakes Middle School (MLMS) students for their win at the District and State levels for “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” competition at the March 12 council meeting. Pictured are Councilmembers Marilyn Ruano, Carlos O. Alvarez, Vice Mayor Nelson Rodriguez, Councilmember Jeffrey Rodriguez, Mayor Manny Cid, Councilmember Luis Collazo, student sponsors Liza DeYarza and Lenard Gutierrez,...