A hometown reflection on 100 years of community, history and pride I am about to turn 41, and I have spent roughly 30 of those years living in Miami Springs. I attended Springview Elementary, Miami Springs Middle School and Miami Springs Senior High, where I graduated. Today, I still call Miami Springs home and am a part owner of Uncle Hanks’ Hideaway right here in the city. This community has been a part of nearly every stage of my life, and after what I witnessed during our centennial festivities, I can say without hesitation that I have never been prouder to call Miami Springs my hometown. For me, the weekend began on a deeply personal note before the unveiling of the...

Some evenings begin without much fanfare, then stay with you because everything seems to fall naturally into place. Friday, August 21st, was one of those evenings on the West side at Woody's Backyard Grill (600 Payne Dr. Miami Springs.) It was a warm, relaxed night, filled with the calm, positive energy that makes people want to linger a little longer. From the start, there was an unmistakable sense that the night would be shaped less by spectacle than by the simple pleasure of being together. That feeling came alive at the Backyard, where familiar faces gathered as the evening settled in. Live music gave the night an easy rhythm, while the warm air and fading light created a comfortable backdrop...