Miami Laker September 1, 2017

Page 1

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The original community newspaper for the Town of Miami Lakes & surrounding areas

Vol. 43 No 17

305-817-4078

MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA

Councilmembers hesitant about $1 million loan for Optimist Park The Miami Laker staff Miami Lakes is proposing to borrow up to $1 million to complete the master plan for Miami Lakes Optimist Park, instead of using the pay-as-you-go method, as more residents are becoming equally frustrated over the park’s conditions and traveling to Weston, Doral and Pembroke Pines to use their parks and recreation facilities. But some council members stopped short of committing to taking out a loan, and one lawmaker vehemently opposes borrowing even less money to fund the master plan for the town’s oldest park. Lawmakers gave residents a preview of the town’s budget hearings in September, as town staff outlined a new capital improvement projects plan during a workshop on August 25.

Following Councilmember Tim Daubert’s vent over the decade-long delay for completing the renovations at the park in July, Miami Lakes turned its focus on the large green recreation area, which was built in 1970. Once finished, Miami Lakes Optimist Park would mirror the state-of-the art recreational facilities in Doral and Weston, hoping to win back town residents who have been waiting years for a new park. The Miami Lakes Optimist Club house is the only new facility on the property, near 6425 Miami Lakeway North, but the baseball fields, batting cages, and other amenities are decrepit, and residents want the gymnasium the town promised in 2007. The town budgeted an esti-

Flag Football season opens Sept. 30 at Royal Oaks Park

A Look Inside:

mated $4 million for the park, which includes a $1 million loan, cell tower revenues at $30,000 a year, and $60,000 a year in savings on electric and lighting services. Park improvements would also include an airnasium; new tennis and basketball courts; a concession and bathroom facility; field and fencing reconfigurations; walking trail path; and additional parking spaces. Town Manager Alex Rey said the town could wipe out the $1 million debt in four years by making minimum payments and using savings from future budgets. But Councilmember Frank Mingo wasn’t convinced about (Please see Page 2)

SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

M.L. Chamber welcomes Com. Bovo as guest speaker Sept. 13.........See Page 2

K-9 Cove, Miami Lakes new off-leash recreation area, opens on September 9

Miami Lakes canines and their owners have been eagerly wagging their tails awaiting the opening of the planned Miami Lakes off-leash dog recreation area. The Town announced the grand opening of K-9 Cove will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, at the park location, 14048 Palmetto Frontage Road (N.W. 77 Court). The Town sponsored a contest to name the new recreation area. While there were several creative submissions, “K-9 Cove”, submitted by Miami Lakes resident Damian Hernandez, was selected as the winner by the Friends of the Dog Recreation

Area Group. K-9 Cove features both a passive recreational area and two separate fenced areas for smaller and larger dogs. The area includes benches, drinking fountains for dogs, and a joint open-air shelter for pet owners. In addition, the site incorporates a portion of the proposed 10-foot wide bike trails along the south side of Palmetto Frontage Road. Several of the Town’s animal care professionals will be in attendance to distribute materials and free giveaways including Dog House Miami and Miami Lakes Veterinary Clinic.

‘Capture a Miami Lakes Moment’

MIAMI LAKES OPTIMIST CLUB opens registration for new season of NFL Youth Flag Football for boys SECOND PLACE WINNER in the Town’s “Capture a Miami Lakes Moment” photo (See story on Page 5.) contest is Monique Metzcus with her view of clouds flying over Lake Katharine. and girls ages 5-13.

I Town Councilmembers dis- I Bonsai expert Ed Trout vis- I Lakes resident Yasnei I Innovation, equity drive agree with traffic study for two its Miami Lakes Garden Club Llavore will play softball at Miami-Dade Public Schools I-75 bridges...........................4 meeting on Sept. 25.................8 Wesleyan College...................14 new initiatives...................20 I News and Notes of interest I Residents asked to nominate I Shula’s Golf Club offers I Community Calendar, 11, from the Town of Miami Lakes. businesses for “Best of Miami new memberships without School, sports and church news, See pages.......................6 & 7 Lakes” Awards.......................10 year-long commitments.......15 14-20, Classified ads...21-23


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