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    Community Newspapers Continues to Expand Local Voices Through Digital Storytelling

    Community Newspapers Continues to Expand Local Voices Through Digital Storytelling

    For more than six decades, Community Newspapers has been committed to one core mission: telling the stories that matter most to the communities it serves. Today, that mission continues to evolve through expanded digital platforms, podcasts, video programming, and community-focused storytelling across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

    The organization has become a trusted source for local news and community storytelling across South Florida, covering the issues, people, and organizations that shape daily life at the neighborhood level.

    Through its growing podcast and video network, Community Newspapers provides local business leaders, nonprofit organizations, healthcare professionals, educators, and community advocates with a platform to share their expertise, experiences, and insights with a highly engaged local audience.

    “Our goal has always been to bring people together by giving local voices a place to be heard,” said Grant Miller, Publisher of Community Newspapers. “With our expanding digital and podcast platforms, we’re able to spotlight the people and organizations shaping our neighborhoods in a meaningful and authentic way.”

    Community Newspapers’ podcast and video content is produced in-house and distributed across multiple platforms, including www.CNewsTV.com
    , CommunityNewspapers.com, social media channels, and e-newsletters that reach readers throughout South Florida.

    Editor Michael Miller emphasized that the focus remains on community-first storytelling, regardless of format.

    “Whether it’s a small business owner, a healthcare provider, or a nonprofit leader, we’re interested in stories that inform, inspire, and connect our audience,” Miller said. “These conversations allow us to go deeper and give context to the work being done every day across Miami-Dade and Broward.”

    As part of this ongoing effort, Community Newspapers continues to feature local professionals and community leaders through its Miami-based podcast and video programming, offering guests professional production, broad digital distribution, and the credibility that comes from being highlighted within an established local media organization.

    Podcast & Video Programming

    Podcast and video content is produced in-house and recorded at CNewsTV Studios in South Miami, then distributed across www.CNewsTV.com
    , CommunityNewspapers.com, targeted e-newsletters, and social media platforms—reaching audiences across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

    Podcast Guest Information

    Community Newspapers regularly features local professionals and community leaders on its podcast and video platform, www.CNewsTV.com
    .

    Those interested in being a guest can learn more at www.CNewsTV.com
    or contact the Community Newspapers team at karina@communitynewspapers.com

    Community Newspapers Expands Legal Notice Publishing in Broward County

    Community Newspapers Expands Legal Notice Publishing in Broward County

    For more than 60 years, Community Newspapers has been committed to one simple idea: keeping the public informed. From city halls to courthouses, legal notices play a critical role in transparency, accountability, and civic engagement — and that mission continues to grow.

    Community Newspapers publishes legal notices in its countywide newspapers, on its website, and through FloridaPublicNotices.com, ensuring broad access, proper archiving, and compliance with Florida law.

    Legal Advertising at a Glance

    Published in countywide newspapers

    Available online at CommunityNewspapers.com

    Archived on FloridaPublicNotices.com

    Meets Florida statutory requirements

    Local support from an experienced legal advertising team

    As part of that ongoing commitment, Community Newspapers has expanded its legal advertising services in Broward County, providing attorneys, municipalities, businesses, and residents with another trusted and compliant option for publishing public notices. This expansion builds on the organization’s long-standing role as the newspaper of record in Miami-Dade County and reflects continued demand for clear, accessible legal advertising across South Florida.

    “Legal notices are not just a requirement — they’re a public service,” said Grant Miller, Publisher of Community Newspapers. “People deserve to know what’s happening in their community, whether it involves zoning changes, court proceedings, or government actions. Expanding our presence in Broward County allows us to serve that purpose even more effectively.”

    Community Newspapers publishes notices across multiple platforms to ensure visibility and ease of access, with a continued focus on accuracy, clarity, and meeting all statutory requirements. The process is designed to be straightforward for those placing notices and easy for the public to find.

    “At the end of the day, legal advertising should be clear and accessible,” said Michael Miller, Editor of Community Newspapers. “Our responsibility is to publish notices correctly, on time, and in a place where the public can actually find them. As we continue to grow in Broward County, that commitment remains the same.”

    Community Newspapers works directly with attorneys, municipalities, developers, HOAs, and businesses that are required to publish public notices under Florida law, guiding them through the legal notice process from start to finish and helping ensure notices are published correctly the first time.

    For more information about legal advertising services, visit communitynewspapers.com/legals, or contact Karina@communitynewspapers.com
    at 305-582-9030.

    What comes next in Florida’s budget-making process?

    @GovRonDeSantis / X account Gov. Ron DeSantis announcing his 2026-2027 budget proposal on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Orlando.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis has released a $117 billion budget proposal. Here’s what Floridians need to know about what comes next.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis has released a $117 billion budget proposal.

    It’s around $2 billion larger than the current fiscal year’s budget, including increased pay for law enforcement officers and teachers.

    It would also transfer the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College, the university where DeSantis launched a conservative takeover. This is despite a state audit finding the school is far outspending others in the state while having low graduate outcome rankings.

    But whether any of that comes to pass is in the legislature’s hands. Now the Senate and the House have to put forward their own proposals.

    To do so, the chambers look at revenue forecasts, agency funding requests, as well as what the governor wants.

    The Legislature won’t have complete proposals off the bat.

    Different appropriation committees will have to approve different spending sections, like for education, agriculture and criminal justice.

    It doesn’t necessarily get easier once the chambers have their budgets.

    “In the end, both the House and the Senate have to pass the exact same budget,” said Aubrey Jewett, a UCF political science professor. “It has to be exactly the same in terms of the total amount and in terms of all the specific amounts within all those different areas.”

    Last session, the chambers couldn’t get their plans to match, stretching the process deep into the summer.

    If the budget isn’t law by July 1, the state government enters into a partial shutdown, which has never happened.

    “There is a whole lot about the Florida Legislature and the Florida Constitution, but when push comes to shove, there’s only one specific thing that the Florida Legislature has to do every year constitutionally, and that’s pass a budget,” Jewett said.

    If 2026 is a normal year, the budget can be expected to be passed by the end of the legislative session in mid-March.

    It then goes to the governor, who can issue line-item spending vetoes. DeSantis typically cuts hundreds of millions of dollars in mostly local projects.

    The Legislature can override budget vetoes, though, as happened earlier this year.

    If you have any questions about state government or the legislative process, you can ask the Your Florida team by clicking here.

    This story was produced by WUSF as part of a statewide journalism initiative funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

    Strive 305 Cooking Podcast: Chef Dunia- Prepares Caribbean-Style Rum Pork with Tico Casamayor

    In this episode of the Strive 305 Cooking Podcast, host Tico Casamayor welcomes Chef Dunia Miranda Mauri for a flavorful cooking experience centered on a bold Caribbean-style rum pork recipe. The episode highlights the preparation process, Caribbean culinary influences, and the techniques behind creating a dish that balances sweet, smoky, aromatic, and caramelized flavors.

    Chef Dunia guides viewers through marinating, cooking, and glazing the pork, sharing practical tips while discussing the inspiration and cultural roots behind the recipe. From rum-infused marinades to rich spices and finishing touches, the conversation blends food, technique, and storytelling in a way that’s approachable for home cooks and food lovers alike.

    Strive 305 Cooking continues to showcase local chefs, culture, and creativity, offering a space where cuisine and conversation come together to celebrate community and flavor across South Florida.

    About Miami Community News
    Miami Community News is a trusted local media organization dedicated to sharing the people, stories, and experiences shaping South Florida. From business and leadership to culture, food, and community impact, Miami Community News delivers original programming that connects Miami. Explore more at CNewsTV.com.

     

    Strive Kreyole: Frandley Julien on Leadership, Law, and Community Advocacy

    In this episode of Strive Kreyole, the conversation centers on leadership, law, and serving the community, featuring attorney Frandley Julien. He shares insight into his legal journey, the mission and work of his firm, and the importance of advocacy, professionalism, and giving back to the communities he serves.

    The discussion explores how legal knowledge and education can empower individuals, promote responsibility, and strengthen communities through purpose-driven leadership. Frandley Julien highlights the role of mentorship, ethical practice, and community engagement in building trust and creating long-term impact within South Florida.

    This episode of Strive Kreyole offers viewers a meaningful perspective on how law, leadership, and service intersect to uplift communities and inspire the next generation of professionals.

    About Miami Community News
    Miami Community News connects you to the people and stories shaping South Florida. From business, leadership, and legal insight to community impact and local events, Miami Community News is your trusted source for news and conversations that bring Miami together. Visit CNewsTV.com for more original programming.

    Michael Miller & Rabbi Ari Werbler on Doing Good, Faith, and Scripture | Chabad of Southwest Miami

    In this inspiring episode, Michael Miller sits down with Rabbi Ari Werbler, Rabbi of Chabad of Southwest Miami, for a thoughtful and engaging conversation centered on doing good, faith, and the role of scripture in everyday life. Together, they explore how timeless teachings and spiritual values can guide individuals toward purpose-driven living, stronger communities, and positive impact in today’s world.

    Rabbi Werbler shares insights drawn from Jewish tradition and scripture, offering practical wisdom on kindness, responsibility, and the power of small good deeds. The discussion reflects on how faith-based principles transcend backgrounds and beliefs, creating common ground rooted in compassion, service, and moral clarity. Michael Miller guides the conversation with a focus on real-life application, making the dialogue both relatable and meaningful for viewers.

    This episode highlights the importance of community, reflection, and leadership grounded in values, providing viewers with an uplifting perspective on how doing good can shape both personal growth and collective well-being.

    About Miami Community Newspapers
    Miami Community Newspapers is a leading local media organization dedicated to covering community news, civic engagement, and meaningful conversations across Miami-Dade County. Through in-depth interviews, podcasts, and original programming, Miami Community Newspapers connects residents with local leaders, businesses, and organizations making a positive impact. Watch more shows and interviews at CNewsTV.com.

    Holiday festivities bring out the spirit of the season

    Pictured here surrounding Jingle Bells Run honoree, Mercy Hospital Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas, are members of the hospital staff including CEO Allyssa Tobitt, Mercy COO Jessica Miller (in a standout costume), and Mercy Director of Communications, Annabel Beyra.

    If you are like me, the calendar of festive events is packed with amazing ways to celebrate the season.  The first week in December, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Gringo Bingo on December 2nd, helped raise funds for The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run.  The run on December 6th was a smashing—and hilarious—success. Held at  Tropical Park, there were costumed holiday characters everywhere you turned.  The morning run drew a great crowd including a strong team from HCA Mercy Hospital, whose orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas,  was the event honoree. On hand to cheer on participants were Mercy CEO, Allyssa Tobitt; Mercy COO Jessica Miller (in a standout costume); Mercy Director of Communications; Annabel Beyra; and Arely Ruiz, President of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club—just a few among the hundreds who took part in the lively morning run.

    As for Gringo Bingo, kudos go to the club’s longtime volunteers, Steven Bradley, the much-loved “Gringo,” who calls the numbers each month, and Corey Tennyson, who provided DJ services that day. What began in 2019 as a one-time bingo fundraiser for veterans—created by Steven and this writer—quickly grew into a monthly tradition that has since raised well over $100,000 for dozens of nonprofits. The club continues this success thanks in large part to Steven, who donates his time despite a demanding schedule as managing partner of Vivo Sports and Social at Dolphin Mall, and the support of Community Newspapers to promote the events.

    From the run, we move on that December 6th  to The Villagers Holiday House Tour, presented this year as a festive Stroll in the Grove.  Before the event, Villagers President Gina Guilford and Past President Kelly Schild (Gina’s sister) joined Gloria’s Gab LIVE to highlight the event and the extraordinary impact The Villagers has made in historic preservation. Kelly, who co-chaired this year’s tour with Merlin Ebbert, shared that the group has awarded $2 million in grants to 200 organizations, an astonishing achievement for an all-volunteer nonprofit. With record attendance this year (1,000 tickets sold), 2026 promises to be even more impactful for preservation projects.

    The historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club, itself a past Villagers grantee, recently showcased both history and artistry by hosting Her Art Basel on December 3. Curated by Arts & Culture Chair Alex Guillen, the exhibition featured works by women artists, including her mother, Celia Guillen. While one ballroom became an elegant gallery, the other hosted the club’s annual Holiday Dinner Party catered by celebrity chef Chris Valdes. Guests enjoyed cocktails, admired the art, then returned for dinner and beautiful performances by Margarita Parsamyanan operatic soprano and the founder of MP Miami Music School, with one of her students, Elizabeth Rojas.

    Sime Realty’s annual holiday party is like few others as Scott and Belinda Sime open their impressive home to hundreds of friends and family to collect toys for children at Lighthouse for the Blind and other charities.  The Ugly Sweater theme created lots of fun as guests enjoyed vising with old friends, enjoying festive music, food and drinks.   Best of all, this party with a purpose collected more than 500 toys and $1,300 in checks for the Lighthouse for the Blind  from generous donors that night.

    Coral Gables Community Foundation also held its annual holiday party on December 9th for donors and board hosted once again by Bill Bonn and Ruben Ceballos at their beautiful home on Alhambra. During the evening, CGCF’s new CEO Mauricio Vivero presented CGCF 2024-25 Chair, Michael Walsh, with a gift and thanks for his leadership and service. Among the many enjoying the evening were Ron and Anita Shuffield, Bill and Lynn Kerdyk, David and Cristina Lama Evensky, Jeff Flanagan, John O’Rourke, Matthew Meehan, Roy Gonas, Don Slesnick, III and Cecilia Slesnick, 

    Coral Gables Bar Association also celebrated the season with a party hosted by Banesco in Coral Gables. Among the many guests enjoying the affair were Banesco’s Community Relations Director Erbi Blanco-True, Coral Gables Bar President Danny Fors, President-Elect Elina Magaly Santana, Immediate Past President Alberto Manrara, Bruce Bounds, Jerry Kavulich, Brian Barakat, and Vanessa Michaud, to mention a very few. 

    The Merrick Festival Caroling Competition wrapped up with short programs by the winning choirs on December 9th on a rainy evening that forced the final performances inside.  This year’s annual competition provided our community with a week of great choral performances by 30 choirs from all over the county vying for more than $17,000 in cash prizes. Festival Executive Director Sally Baumgartner Goodman has been producing this event that showcases talented children from across the county for decades and appreciated the generous sponsors including Miami Dade County, City of Coral Gables, Holtz Children’s Hospital, Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, and so many others. St. Theresa in Coral Gables came home with grand prize for the Middle School Full Choir, a choir that also won the Rotary Club of Coral Gables Award and performed at the December 18, Rotary meeting at the Hyatt.  

    For a complete list of the prize winner, go to carolingcompetition.org.

    Check out these upcoming events and mark your calendar!  

    • Currently running through March, 2026 – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices.  For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org ›pharaohs (Look for a new Titanic Experience coming in January, 2026)
    • Now thru Dec. 31 – Festival of Trees at Miami International Mall Doral – Free admission
    • Now thru Dec. 30, 2025 – Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament 
    • January 3 – 6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament – Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily 
    • January 4, 2026 – Annual King Mango Strut Parade – Coconut Grove 
    • January 10, 2026 – Voices for Children Gala- Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne
    • February 7, 2026 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Annual Children’s Festival – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  1001-9 East Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Admission is free.

    In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.

    Happy New Year!

    A December to Remember: Giving Back, Celebrating Arts, and Spreading Holiday Joy

    On December 10, the Doral West Dade Woman’s Club celebrated the holiday season with a cookie and gift exchange at the club’s general meeting where plans for 2026 were the topic of conversation including participation in the General Federation of Women’s Club Florida Arts Competition.  Maria Prado, the club’s 1st Vice President was appointed by the club president, Gloria Burns, to also serve as the chair of the Arts & Culture Committee. In addition, the Club’s 2nd Vice President and Membership Chair, Nadya Gribanova, advises that since incorporation with 14 founding members, it looks several others will be added before year’s end.  Among the members joining the club’s support for the Marine’s Toys for Tots event at the Intercontinental Hotel with this writer were Ruth Martinez, Stacy Alonso, Nubielena Medina, Emma Machlin, Carmen Siman, Rosemary Ravinal, Liz Wiegandt, and Margarita Parsamyan.

    Speaking of the Intercontinental Hotel, the December 4, the White Arts Festival the combined with the Marine’s Toys for Tots event also served to celebrated the hotel’s being named the “Best Hotel in Doral”.   Kudos to Randal Pasut and staff for earning this honor and for the hotel’s community outreach. Doral Mayor Christi Fraga attended the event to present the award during a short program that night.  It was certainly well deserved. 

    In other service club news, Doral resident and Vivo Managing Partner, Steven Bradley, continues to support numerous charities by volunteering his talent every month at Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) Gringo Bingo.  This month the club shared the proceeds with the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bells Run held at Tropical Park on the morning of December 6.  On site to present the check was CGWC President Arely Ruiz.  That day hundreds of runners and walkers participated in this fun run dressed in all sorts of holiday attire that provided lots of laughs and all for a great cause. Among the highlights of the morning was an opportunity to recognize HCA Mercy Hospital’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas, an event honoree. 

    Meanwhile, the Merrick Festival Caroling Competition filled the community with music as 30 choirs competed for cash prizes including Doral Academy Prep that won the $1,000 Grand Prize for Senior High School Full Choir.  Led annually by Sally Baumgartner Goodman, the event showcases young talent from across Miami-Dade, supported by sponsors including Miami-Dade County, the City of Coral Gables, Holtz Children’s Hospital, Rotary Club of Coral Gables and the Coral Gables Community Foundation, to mention a few. For a complete list of winners, visit carolingcompetition.org. 

    The 42nd Annual King Mango Strut Parade had ten thousand or more participating in the parade and lining the streets of Coconut Grove on January 4, 2025. Spoofing current events in comical ways is a must for all who want to participate and these groups always deliver. It all started when a group was not allowed to be in the King Orange Bowl Parade decades ago; so, they decided to do their own and the rest is history.  Look for more on this online.

    Check out these upcoming events and mark your calendar!  

    • Currently running through March, 2026 – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices.  For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org ›pharaohs (Look for a new Titanic Experience coming in January, 2026)
    • Now thru Dec. 31 – Festival of Trees at Miami International Mall Doral – Free admission
    • Now thru Dec. 30, 2025 – Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament 
    • January 3 – 6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament – Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily 
    • January 4, 2026 – Annual King Mango Strut Parade – Coconut Grove 
    • January 10, 2026 – Voices for Children Gala- Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne
    • February 7, 2026 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Annual Children’s Festival – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.  1001-9 East Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Admission is free.

    Finally, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference! 

    Happy New Year!

    December 29, 2025

    December 27, 2025

    December 27, 2025

    December 27, 2025

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