FALL BAZAARS

Miami-Dade bazaars for all styles, tastes

'TIS THE CRAFTS SEASON, AND EVERYTHING FROM LOCALLY GROWN BASIL TO QUILTS THAT CONVERT INTO PILLOWS ARE BEING OFFERED THIS FALL

• BAZAARS: MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD

CRIMEWATCH | BY CARMEN CALDWELL

Residents are tackling crime all month long

I t's now Crime Prevention Month, and we're taking part in the Celebrate Safe Communities initiative with the Miami-Dade Police Department's neighborhood resource officers. Read more about this initiative below.

SOAPBOX | LETTERS FROM READERS

Sign ordinance curbing Lakes residents' rights

I was amazed to see a letter from A. Garrison, former president of the Miami Lakes Civic Association, in Neighbors on Sept. 28. The ink wasn't dry yet on the town's sign ordinance, when on June 12, 2007, the first violators of the ordinance were none other than the civic association's signs (oversized and placed in the swale areas of the town). A year later, the same oversized, illegal signs went up around town.

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

DORAL A thief stole a purse after breaking a window and a door lock on a 2000 Honda Accord at the corner of Northwest 24th Street and 108th Avenue between midnight and 4 a.m. Oct. 4. The purse was valued at $20. Damage was estimated at $200.

MIAMI LAKES

After election, one move left for Miami Lakes Town Council

NEWLY ELECTED MAYOR MICHAEL PIZZI WILL PRESIDE OVER HIS FIRST COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY AS MAYOR. ON THE AGENDA: A DISCUSSION ABOUT HIRING A PERMANENT TOWN MANAGER AND TOWN ATTORNEY AND APPOINTING A REPLACEMENT FOR THE NOW-VACANT COUNCIL SEAT

• Miaml Lakes election results

NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE

Boyfriend arrested in death of 6-month-old

A 24-year-old man was arrested after detectives said he hit and killed his girlfriend's infant, Miami-Dade police said Thursday. Watson J. Dorval was booked into the Miami-Dade County Jail early Thursday and charged with second-degree murder.

MIAMI LAKES ELECTION

Miami Lakes elects Michael Pizzi as mayor

Miami Lakes elected a new mayor, the second in the town's history, and reelected two council members.

OPA-LOCKA

Opa-Locka cement workers find man's body

Workers at an Opa-locka cement factory Monday morning found the body of a middle-aged man who apparently had been shot to death.

MEDLEY

Miami-Dade Animal Service Shelter held its third anniversary celebration in Medley

Miami-Dade Animal Service's third birthday party Sunday was a hit, resulting in 78 adoptions.

NEIGHBORS IN RELIGION | BY BEA HINES

Violent crime claims life of family friend

A few months ago I wrote about my beloved Miami Gardens -- how the streets of the city are being beautified while crime seems to be flourishing. Three weeks ago, the crime I wrote about hit very close to home.

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

DORAL | A thief stole a wallet and keys from a 2009 Toyota Corolla in the 7300 block of Northwest 35th Terrace between 2:30 and 3:15 p.m. Sept. 25. The items were valued at $35.

MIAMI-DADE

Fewer services, higher fees as hard times hit Miami-Dade cities

Leaner budgets for the new fiscal year mean more fees, fewer services and higher tax rates -- despite lower tax bills -- in most county municipalities.

CRIMEWATCH | BY CARMEN CALDWELL

Starting a Neighborhood Watch worth time, effort

T oday I am going to continue on Neighborhood Watch because many of you e-mailed me wanting to know more about how it works and what it requires to implement.

MIAMI LAKES

Miami Lakes throws month-long party to honor U.S. culture

Miami Lakes parks provided a month full of weekend entertainment, celebrating U.S. culture throughout the decades.

CRIMEWATCH | BY CARMEN CALDWELL

Starting a Neighborhood Watch worth time, effort

Today I am going to continue on Neighborhood Watch because many of you e-mailed me wanting to know more about how it works and what it requires to implement.

MIAMI-DADE

Fewer services, higher fees as hard times hit Miami-Dade

Leaner budgets for the new fiscal year mean more fees, fewer services and higher tax rates -- despite lower tax bills -- in most county municipalities.

• 2008-09 tax rates by city, Miami-Dade

MIAMI LAKES

Campaign sign thefts rise with looming election in Miami Lakes

As the town mayoral and council elections draw closer, candidates have had to deal with complaints of campaign sign thefts.

• Miami Lakes voting info and precincts

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

DORAL | A thief stole a wallet, $220, a credit card and a driver's license form an unlocked 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche in the 8700 block of Northwest 26th Street between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Sept. 25. The items were valued at $460.

4-H Club to hold national open house at Miami International Mall

The 4-H Club, the world's largest youth organization, will be hosting a national open house for both students and parents to enjoy.

MIAMI LAKES

Miami Lakes park to host NFL punt, pass, kick competition

The town of Miami Lakes will host its first annual Pepsi National Football League Punt, Pass & Kick Competition from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Royal Oaks Park, 16500 NW 87th Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.