South Dade Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Albizu-Vazquez urges residents and businesses to support local nonprofits on Give Miami Day, Nov. 19, 2026, through donations, volunteering, professional services or simply sharing an organization's story.

As another political season arrives, Vincent V. Marshburn considers what Scripture teaches about believers' relationship to earthly authority, drawing on a Star Trek: Enterprise story arc to illustrate why divided loyalties fail and why a believer's ultimate allegiance belongs to God.

Longtime residents of Homestead are likely to remember both attorney Jon Maas and the “Champagne and Okra” event former Community Bank hosted each year.

The Facebook post for the Saturday, October 17, 2026, performance of Magic Arts Studios and Seminole Theatre’s play, “Frankenstein,” summed up the night of continuing bursts of applause from the audience.

Applications for the Women Divers Hall of Fame 2027 Scholarship and Training Grant Program are open through November 30, 2026.

Central Makers Markets brings its Hispanic Heritage and Halloween Fiesta to Miami Brewing Company on Sunday, October 18, from 3 to 8 p.m.

Bubbles, a sweet girl who loves walks and treats, is looking for a home through Paws4You Pet Rescue.

MUJER, Inc. hosted its Colors of Courage Fiesta Fundraiser Sept. 25 at The Healing Sanctuary in Homestead, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month while raising support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Miss Universe Cuba crowned its 2026 winner at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay, placing one of Miami-Dade’s most visible Cuban cultural events in South Dade.

As South Dade grows, the South Dade Chamber of Commerce’s executive director asks whether the region is building the workforce, infrastructure and opportunities needed to keep up.

A 1913 South Florida Banner piece by Walter Waldin shows that debate over developing the Everglades is far from new.

At Sunset Eats at Palmetto Bay, Fayemas Food’s Mongolian beef with rice and cucumber salad earns a 9.3/10 for big flavor and a portion big enough for two meals.

Smashin Down South’s OG Smash Burger at Sunset Eats at Palmetto Bay earns a 9.2/10 for seasoning that lets the beef shine.

Chef Hel on Wheels’ birria tacos at Sunset Eats at Palmetto Bay earn a 9.7/10 — and three return visits.

Casa Glaze’s Biscoff Cookie Banana Pudding at Sunset Eats at Palmetto Bay earns a 9.9/10 — light, fluffy and too good to share.

What If Works brings Rebekah Taussig’s memoir “Sitting Pretty” to the Seminole Theatre on Friday, Oct. 2, launching its new series The Next Chapter.

Vincent V. Marshburn reflects on Scripture’s call to cherish and guide children, and on the unconditional love God extends to all of us.

Florida’s minimum wage rises from $14 to $15 per hour on Sept. 30. The South Dade Chamber of Commerce offers a quick payroll checklist for small businesses.

As Homestead plans improvements to Harris Field, a look at Thomas J. Harris — produce man, banker and mayor from 1937 to 1948 and again from 1956 to 1961 — whose name the field carries.

The SDNL Foodie Corner catches up with PLUR Tea at Sunset Eats in Palmetto Bay, where a surprise taro boba tasted unmistakably like popcorn — and being recognized by the Cutler Bay shop's staff made the stop. Foodie Score: 9.5/10.

The SDNL Foodie Corner takes home a loaf of jalapeño and cheddar sourdough from Craave House at Sunset Eats in Palmetto Bay — then tops the toast with grape jam, against all expectations. Foodie Score: 9.2/10.

The SDNL Foodie Corner visits Florida City Restaurant, where well-seasoned fried conch, chicken gizzards and generous portions at fair prices have turned a one-off meal into a weekly habit. Foodie Score: 8.9/10.

The SDNL Foodie Corner stops at Fogatta BBQ during Sunset Eats in Palmetto Bay, where chicharrones are hung and smoked rather than deep-fried — rich and tender without the grease. Foodie Score: 8.7/10.

With baseball nearing postseason, a look back at Homestead's turn as "The Baseball City" — English Park and the Tomato Growers' 37-3 season in 1921, the St. Louis Cardinals' farm clubs at Harris Field beginning in 1961, and the free-agent camp at the Homestead Sports Complex during the 1995 MLB strike. Drawn from Bob Jensen's 2012 article.

The VA has redesigned its Freedom of Information Act request page at department.va.gov/foia, cutting misrouted requests by 90%. Freddy Groves walks through how to find the right department, whether you are asking about home loans or replacing medals or a DD214, and where to reach the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.

South Dade Chamber Executive Director Lisa Albizu-Vazquez writes about meeting newly appointed Miami-Dade schools Superintendent Rafael Villalobos, a district that opened the year with nearly 19,000 fewer students, and why classroom outcomes are workforce and economic-development outcomes for South Dade.

Homestead's Crystal Schnebly has built a life around horses, the Army, law enforcement and public service — and she tells young people that resilience, not perfection, is what carries them through.

Descriptions of the Sept. 18, 1926, storm were provided by Bob Jensen in “Homestead, Florida: From Railroad Boom to Sonic Boom,” by Seth Brasom and Bob Jensen. The book, commissioned by the City of Homestead for the 2013 city centennial, cited this catastrophe as the first among the most notable hurricanes prior to the destruction of Hurricane Andrew.

South Dade is fortunate to have a strong network of nonprofit organizations, foundations, churches, associations and community groups working every day to support our residents.

 Over 215,000 veterans have been enrolled in VA healthcare just this year alone.

Thirteen women from across South Florida were honored for their contributions to medicine, business, public service, nonprofit leadership and community advocacy during the 25th Hispanic Women of Distinction celebration.

For Slick’s Kicks Charitable Foundation, a new pair of sneakers is more than a practical gift. It is a carefully prepared message that someone’s progress, perseverance and personal journey deserve to be recognized.

The foundation was created in memory of Victoria “Slick Vick” Hoppe, who died in 2022 at age 25 following a rare and aggressive cancer.

Residents of The Palace Gardens recently welcomed members of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office for a special Career Day designed to strengthen community ties, encourage social interaction and recognize the important work of law enforcement.

High school students and young adults today may remember their parents speaking of the murderous Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack.

In looking at the Palace Gardens Assisted Living website, the opening passage is easy to understand.

There is a particular kind of conversation that happens when you talk to someone who has lived in South Dade for decades.

There is a particular feeling to Cutler Bay that is difficult to capture in a planning document.

Missed Part 1? Read History of South Dade: Jim Anson

In last week’s paper, we introduced the News Leader’s oral history interview with Captain Jim Anson, a South Florida fishing guide who is responsible for 181 game fish world records, 31 personally and 151 by customers he was guiding.

More than 430 children received school supplies during the Homestead Cares Foundation’s third annual back-to-school drive Saturday, Aug. 1, continuing an initiative that has grown significantly since it began three years ago.

More than 500 residents gathered at Cutler Ridge Park Tuesday evening for Backpacks & Blue: A National Night Out Celebration, where event organizers distributed approximately 230 backpacks to local students while offering families an evening of food, entertainment, children's activities,…

There was a time when scuba diving — with its cumbersome equipment and demanding techniques — was largely the realm of men and considered an extreme sport.

Community members will have a chance to try their luck for a good cause when the Military Affairs Council hosts its 14th Annual Vegas Night on Saturday, Aug. 8.

Many people easily recall a teacher, coach, or mentor who influenced them during their school years.

As Mayor Tim Meerbott concludes his final term, he leaves behind more than a list of completed projects. He leaves behind nearly two decades of perspective on how a young town grew while striving to preserve the character that first brought its residents together.

Members of John G. Salley American Legion Post 43 have had a busy month as they make final preparations for what will be one of the biggest celebrations they’ve ever held.

One may regularly encounter contemporary arguments intended to undermine or deny the complementary nature of the mother-and-father parental combination.

For more than 40 years, the Homestead Soup Kitchen has served as a steady source of help for residents in Homestead, Florida City and the surrounding South Dade area.