HOMESTEAD

Homestead city councilwoman gets restraining order against activist

The courts have prevented an activist from going to Homestead City Hall and communicating with one of the council members.

HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE

Seventeen military members become U.S. citizens at Homestead Air Reserve base

During a special naturalization ceremony held at the Homestead Air Reserve Base, 17 current and former military members became citizens -- just in time for the Fourth of July.

SOAPBOX / LETTERS FROM READERS

Close landfill before taking over park land

The town of Cutler Bay should allow the county to complete its closure of the construction and debris landfill, before the conveyance of the deed for the proposed Lakes by the Bay Park, thus allowing sufficient time to work out the environmental language that should be included as part of the Interlocal Agreement.

NARANJA

Diaz Supermarket opens in Naranja

A favorite neighborhood convenience store has expanded into a full-service supermarket.

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

EAST REDLAND A thief took an amp, a radio, speakers and a GPS from a 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse in the 30100 block of Old Dixie Highway between 7 p.m. June 23 and 1:50 p.m. June 24. The items were valued at $1,400.

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS | BY CHRIS MAYO

Wine, cheese and Gables women a happy mix

Members of the Coral Gables Woman's Club gathered at a wine and cheese social to celebrate another year of successful giving. The event was held at the organization's clubhouse adjacent to its May Van Sickle Children's Dental Clinic, which provides more than $160,000 in free dental care annually to children in need.

Homestead supermarket president charged with fraud

The 27-year-old president of a Homestead supermarket was charged with fraud Wednesday in connection with the alleged forgery of signatures to secure a community redevelopment grant.

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

GOULDS PARK AREA | A burglar collected three gold chains from a house in the 11000 block of Southwest 223rd Street after breaking a window between 9 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. June 27. The chains were valued at $900.

HOMESTEAD

Homestead Confederate flag dispute dies down -- but is far from over

Nearly a month after the Miami-Dade chapter of the NAACP issued a series of demands to resolve an ongoing dispute over the one-time appearance of the Confederate battle flag, its leaders have been mum about the group's next steps.

MIAMI-DADE

Eco camp a respite from urban life

The rain was a gift. It came suddenly from the south, and we didn't have time to get off the island before the water started blowing in sideways, making it impossible to stay dry under our tent without sides.

• Eco Island Adventure Camp

HELPING KIDS WIN IN THE CLASSROOM | BY ROBIN SARANTOS

Volunteer mentors help kids become adults

Despite the financial problems many are enduring, Floridians are still reaching out and giving back to their communities in unprecedent-

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS | BY CHRIS MAYO

Flag Day celebrated at Kendall's historic Dice House

Nearly 70 people gathered to celebrate the American Flag at the historic Dice House, Kendall's oldest existing building. Established in 1929, the house was recently saved from demolition and was moved to Continental Park.

Cadet Valentin Boza recently graduated from The Citadel, The Military...

Cadet Valentin Boza recently graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Boza earned a bachelor of arts in criminal justice.

The college scene

Cadet Valentin Boza recently graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Boza earned a bachelor of arts in criminal justice.

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

GOULDS A thief stole a 1992 Buick Roadmaster in the 12200 block of Southwest 218th Street between 6 p.m. June 27 and 7:45 a.m. June 28.

HOMESTEAD/FLORIDA CITY

Homestead, Florida City discuss diverting trucks with FDOT

Diverting trucks away from Krome Avenue is easier said than done.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Students lauded for doing the right thing

Special students from schools throughout Miami-Dade County were named the May winners of the Do The Right Thing Program (DTRT), sponsored by the Miami Police Department, British Airways, The Miami Herald and WTVJ-NBC 6.

HOMESTEAD

Homestead-Miami Speedway now hosts Friday night drag racing

Drag racers have found a new place to get their adrenaline rush right before the weekend. It's Homestead-Miami Speedway, which welcomed 145 cars and trucks to the racetrack Friday night at the inaugural one-eighth-mile Test & Tune.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Many July Fourth celebrations will go on in Miami-Dade despite tough times

While today’s economic squeeze has put the kibosh on some traditional Fourth of July celebrations, there are still plenty of spots throughout Miami-Dade where music will play, hot dogs will sizzle and fireworks will light up the night sky

CRIME BLOTTER

Police reports from local municipalities

REDLAND A thief stole a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe in the 21400 block of Southwest 187th Avenue between 1 and 9 a.m. June 19. NARANJA A burglar stole a PlayStation, jewelry and clothes after kicking in a door of a house in the 13800 block of Southwest 268th Street between 8:30 and 10 a.m. June 19. The items were valued at $575. Damage was estimated at $400.