Former Miami Lakes Vice Mayor Roberto Alonso was known for championing the efforts to develop Royal Oaks Park into a full-fledged park and recreation facility, adding police presence that brought down the crime rate to an all-time low, and discovered the land for the county to build a new fire station to improve the emergency response time on the town’s west side.
Outside the political arena, Alonso had an affinity for classic cars and created the town’s annual Classic Car Show on Main Street, where he displayed his 1964 Chevy Coupe Super Sports car.
After Alonso died from cancer in 2013, his friends reached out to his son, Roberto Alonso Jr., to keep his memory alive by resuming the event in his name.
But he had a better idea.
Alonso has teamed up with The Graham Companies and Dolphins Cycling Challenge for the inaugural Cars for a Cure in memory of his father – a classic car show that raises money for cancer research for the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, on Main Street.
The former vice mayor’s classic Chevy Coupe will be on display along with other classic cars and brand new Mustangs.
"My father had that car when he dated my mother," Alonso told The Miami Laker.
The Graham Companies suggested teaming up with Dolphins Cycling Challenge, an annual bicycling riding challenge that also raises money for cancer research for the Sylvester Cancer Center in memory of former Miami Dolphins tight end and color commentator Jim Mandich.
Mandich, a longtime Miami Lakes resident, died of cancer in 2011 and his son, Michael Mandich, participates in the event and unveiled the “88 Mad Dog Lane Water Stop in his father’s honor.
In fact, Roberto Alonso Sr., and Mandich were treated by the same doctor at the Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“It’s a passion to keep our father’s memory alive,” said Roberto Alonso Jr. “We wanted to raise money for cancer research at UM where he did his treatment.”
He said the event includes several raffles to help raise money and vendors will give out gift certificates for dinner.
Roberto Alonso Sr., was an original council member for Miami Lakes and the town’s first vice mayor.
He was second in command for four consecutive terms and ran for mayor in 2008.
Alonso was the face of Royal Oaks, an upscale community that is protected by guard gates and features some of the most beautiful homes in South Florida.
After Miami Lakes incorporated in 2000, Alonso made Royal Oaks Park, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue, his pet project, which was only a tot-lot before he spearheaded an initiative to convert it to a full-fledged park and recreation area and a community center.
The community center was renamed in his honor following his death.
Before he became a local lawmaker, Alonso was president of the Royal Oaks Homeowners Association and sat on the board of the community’s architecture control committee that imposed strict deed restrictions to maintain property values.
For more information, call 786-519-3915 or visit www.MLCarsForACure.com.