The South Florida Regional Planning Council elected Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sen. René García as chair during its meeting on Jan. 26.      “As chair, I appreciate the leadership and steady guidance provided by immediate past Chair Michelle Lincoln,” García said in a news release. “I look forward to building on that foundation as we work to ensure South Florida remains a thriving, sustainable...

 Miami Lakes Town Manager Edward Pidermann has earned a ICMA Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), effective Feb. 2.      Pidermann is one of approximately 1,300 local government management professionals worldwide credentialed through the program that sets standards for integrity, leadership and professional development in local government management, the town...

    Can you spell whittle? How about scrounge?      Do you know what a camcorder is and how to spell it out, in front of a room full of parents and elected officials?        Sixth graders from three local schools had to demonstrate nerves of steel and prove their mastery of those words and more during the 2nd Annual Education Advisory Board Spelling Bee.       Students...

    A sign on the front door of Chivas Cocina Colombiana conveys the sad news to its customers.      “After 23 years of service, our restaurant will be closing as we enter retirement,” the message from owners Grete and Mariano Santos says on the storefront in the Palm Plaza shopping center on Northwest 67th Avenue.             “It’s been an honor to share our...

     Members of the baseball program at Barbara Goleman Senior High School pose at SeaVee Boats in Medley, one of three businesses that helped them raise $2,000 for new turf and other improvements at their home field.      The athletes obtained a $1,000 donation from SeaVee Boats and $500 each from Bowhead Roofing and T&G Constructors, both in Doral, said team mom Olga Laurenti. She is also vice president...