SWEETWATER

Sweetwater to launch baseball academy

City officials signed off on the operation of a baseball program starting in January.

MIAMI-DADE

Toy drives face tough times this season

An uncertain economy has made for a slow start for many toy drives -- ''Unfortunately, I think there are going to be a lot more people looking for toys than giving them,'' said Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief Fred Maas, whose department has only gotten a trickle of toys so far.

• Toy Drive spots to donate

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

SWEETWATER AREA | A thief stole a laptop computer after breaking a window on a 2008 GMC Yukon in the 500 block of Northwest 136th Avenue between 7 and 7:45 p.m. Nov. 19. The laptop was valued at $1,900. Damage was estimated at $150.

KENDALL

Ceremony to rename Kendall street after late rabbi

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson and state Rep. Julio Robaina will hold a ceremony naming a part of Southwest 87th Avenue after the late Rabbi Barry Tabachnikoff at 9 p.m. Wednesday.

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Popular Chekika spot to be reopened

The National Park Service will reopen the Chekika day-use area on Monday -- one of the Everglades' closest spots to Miami. Its popular picnic area will be open from dawn to dusk until May 1.

KENDALE

David Lyons gets involved to get things done

Kendale homeowner David E. Lyons lives by the mantra that change begins with a group of informed and dedicated people, commonly referred to as community activists.

• Sunday Profile at a glance: David E. Lyons

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS | By CHRIS MAYO

Businesswoman fills principal's shoes in South Miami

The Principal for a Day program is a one-day event that puts business people in the shoes of public school principals. The program aims to develop long-term relationships between educators and local executives.

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

SWEETWATER AREA | A thief stole a city of Miami firefighter badge, identification card, driver's license and other items after breaking a window on a 2007 GMC Yukon in the 700 block of Northwest 135th Court between 10:30 and 10:45 p.m. Nov. 19. The items were valued at $111. Damage was estimated at $100.

ARCHBISHOP COLEMAN CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL

Archbishop Coleman Carroll students learn stock market rules through game

A national educational program is teaching local high school students how to win at the stock market game.

COMMENTARY

Redland neighbors give stray dog a happy ending

I believe my neighbors in South Florida really are good at heart, and here is why. Since I have lived in Redland I have heard a lot about the abandoned dogs who roam the farmlands, the ''road warriors'' as one of my new friends calls them.

SWEETWATER

Sweetwater City Commission proposes annexation plan

The Sweetwater City Commission presented an annexation proposal Monday to concerned residents of an unincorporated area north of the city.

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

SWEETWATER AREA | A thief stole clothes after breaking a window on a 2005 Honda in the 11900 block of Southwest Fourth Street between 11:45 p.m. Nov. 11 and 2:15 a.m. Nov. 12. The clothes were valued at $200. Damage was estimated at $100.

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS | By CHRIS MAYO

Girl Scouts take part in gingerbread house contest

Girl Scout Troop 1938 learned a lot about home building at a gingerbread house making workshop at the Coral Gables Youth Center. The event was part of the Coral Gables Museum's first gingerbread house contest open now through Dec. 14.

TROPICAL PARK AREA

Kendall residents concerned about Palmetto Expressway expansion

Kendall residents and a Miami-Dade county commissioner are concerned about Palmetto Expressway expansion, which includes widening Bird Road to eight lanes in front of Tropical Park.

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

SWEETWATER | A thief stole a VCR and a briefcase after breaking a window on a 2001 Mazda at the corner of Northwest 102nd Avenue and Flagler Street at 2:45 p.m. Nov. 17. The items were valued at $300. Damage was estimated at $200.

THE FALLS

Parade at The Falls kicks off holiday season on Saturday

The holiday season returns at The Falls shopping mall as the 12th annual Miracle on 136th Street Parade is held this Saturday.

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

SWEETWATER AREA A thief stole three pairs of sunglasses after breaking a window on a 2001 Mitsubishi in the 1000 block of Northwest 123rd Court between 9 p.m. Nov. 2 and 3 p.m. Nov. 3. The sunglasses were valued at $110. Damage was estimated at $50.

MIAMI

Miami-Dade students show artistic side in exhibit

More than 300 works of art by students from throughout Miami-Dade will be on display in a new exhibition, The Shapes of Space, now on view at 801 Art Studio, 801 SW Third Ave. in Miami.

Second teen charged in fatal Nov. 10 robbery

A second teenager accused in the fatal robbery of Coral Park High School student Erik Bostock, 17, has been arrested and charged with murder.

KENDALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL

New leaders have new goals for Kendall Community Council

The Kendall Community Council welcomed a new two-year term by electing council member Elliot N. Zack as its new chairman and council member Alberto Santana as its new vice chairman at Wednesday's nonzoning meeting.