Mayte Planas Nurse Unincorporated Miami-Dade County
“I love Miami Lakes because it really feels like a close-knit community, neighbors know each other and look out for one another,” Mayte Planas wrote in an email. “The neighborhoods are beautiful, especially during Christmas when everyone decorates and the whole town lights up. The small businesses are always welcoming to everyone. I’m also involved through the town’s Elderly Affairs Committee and the Zonta Club, so I get to see firsthand how much people truly care about each other. Miami Lakes has a small-town vibe with a lot of heart.”
Kimberley Llaguno Customer Service Representative, Carnival Cruise Lines Miami Lakes
“The family atmosphere, the friendliness, the courteousness, everything about the town,” Kimberley Llaguno said. “The get togethers and [having] a good time.”
Peter Llaguno Project Manager, New Technology Construction, Baptist Hospital Miami Lakes
“What I really like is the family atmosphere,” Peter Llaguno said. “It’s really different from all of Miami and Broward Counties. It’s like the best cultural mix. It’s a mix, you’re not separated, you can be on the east side of Miami Lakes and still be in Miami Lakes. What happens is in Miami-Dade County or even in Broward, you have this culture or whatever. Here it really meshes.”
Erlan Diaz Clinical Liaison, WoundCare Specialists of South Florida Hialeah
“Miami Lakes is the best,” Erlan Diaz said. “The culture primarily. The food is great, the people, everything about Miami Lakes is wonderful. We never get out of Main Street, [I grew up] coming to Miami Lakes.”
Christina Gonzalez Child Care Worker Miami Lakes
“I think the town is great,” Christina Gonzalez said. “It’s a tight-knit community. Every time I go to the grocery store, I see someone I know. We’re raising four kids here, and they all participate in the community, in Scouting, Brownies. Everything is close by.”
Alexandra Herrera interviewed Mayte Planas, Kimberley and Peter Llaguno and Erlan Diaz. She photographed everyone except for Mayte Planas, who provided her photo. Linda Trischitta interviewed and photographed Christina Gonzalez. We thank you all!