August is now Mario Ruiz Month in Miami Lakes, in memory of the town’s longtime barber.
Mario, who died on July 17, cut hair at the Miami Lakes Barbershop from the 1960s until 2021, working first with his brother Rolando and later, son Richard. The shop has been owned by a Ruiz since 1966.
Richard runs the shop today in the Lake Patricia Shopping Center and accepted the proclamation for the family.
“He cut many of our hairs here in the town, including mine when I was kid,” Mayor Joshua Dieguez said. “The Miami Lakes Barbershop has been a staple of the community for many, many years. His memory will continue to live in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.”
Ruiz addressed the council chambers following Dieguez’s proclamation. He thanked the people in town who have supported the business and his family.
“My dad was not only a great father and a loved one, but also a businessman who was proud of his community,” Ruiz said. “Although he is no longer with us, seeing him honored with this proclamation reminds that the impact of a person’s life continues long after they’re gone.”
Ruiz said that the business was his connection to the community and that it meant everything to his father.
“To everyone that supported his business … thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” Ruiz said.