Doral names Matthew Castillo as next police chief
Matthew Castillo steps in as Doral's top cop while the city's calendar fills with art, sport, and music.
Doral names Matthew Castillo as next police chief
Matthew Castillo, currently the chief of police in Miami Springs, has been appointed Doral's next top cop, city leaders announced Thursday. He replaces Edwin Lopez, who is leaving Doral to become the City of Miami's next police chief. Castillo brings more than a decade of law enforcement experience and is a graduate of Florida International University and the FBI National Academy. Mayor Christi Fraga said the city has worked to build a department defined by trust, service, and community policing, and that strong public safety leadership matters even more as Doral grows into a larger regional role. Castillo officially assumes the position on June 15, with a formal swearing-in ceremony set for June 17. (NBC 6 South Florida)
Summer fertilizer ban is now in effect across Doral
Doral residents and landscapers are now under summer fertilizer restrictions that run May 15 through October 31, when heavy rainfall can wash nitrogen and phosphorus into canals, lakes, and Biscayne Bay. Under Miami-Dade County's Florida-Friendly Fertilizer Use ordinance, no nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer may be applied during the rainy season, and application is prohibited near water bodies. Phosphorus fertilizers are allowed only when a soil test confirms a deficiency, nitrogen rates are capped, and grass clippings and yard debris should be kept out of streets and storm drains. The rules are meant to curb algal blooms, poor water quality, and seagrass die-offs, and they apply throughout the county, including within city limits. (City of Doral)
PLAY Sporting Lounge opens in Doral
PLAY Sporting Lounge, a new dining and entertainment venue, is now open in Doral, billing itself as a combined restaurant and sports-and-entertainment destination. The opening adds another sit-down option to the city's growing food-and-nightlife mix. (What Now Miami)
Watercolor workshop scheduled at the Cultural Arts Center
Award-winning artist Olga Nikishina leads a hands-on watercolor workshop at the Doral Cultural Arts Center on Wednesday, June 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Participants will learn layering, color blending, and wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques while completing a realistic hibiscus painting they can take home. Registration is $15 per person, and free parking is available at the City Hall garage at 8401 NW 53rd Terrace until 9 p.m. (City of Doral)
Free pickleball clinic Saturday at Doral Glades Park
Baptist Health and the Doral Pickleball Club host a free pickleball clinic at Doral Glades Park on Saturday, June 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. The session is open to the community at no cost, with online registration available through the city's Eventbrite page. The park is at 7600 NW 98th Place. (City of Doral)
City to swear in new police leadership June 17
Doral will formally swear in its new police leadership on Wednesday, June 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Government Center, 8401 NW 53rd Terrace. The ceremony installs Chief of Police Matthew Castillo and Deputy Chief of Police Jonathan Dweck, with a reception to follow in the first-floor lobby. (City of Doral)
Fonseca brings a World Cup celebration to Doral Amphitheater
Colombian star Fonseca performs at the Doral Amphitheater on Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m., in a World Cup–themed celebration of music and culture promising his biggest hits live. The rain-or-shine show is set at 3005 NW 92nd Avenue, with tickets available through Ticketmaster. (Doral Amphitheater)
Colombia World Cup watch party hits the amphitheater June 27
The Doral Amphitheater hosts an official Colombia fan zone on Saturday, June 27, from 3 to 11 p.m., centered on a giant-screen broadcast of Colombia versus Portugal at 7 p.m. The event features live music, brand activations, meet-and-greets, a prize wheel, and a food fair at 3005 NW 92nd Avenue, with tickets through Ticketmaster. (Doral Amphitheater)
Sheriff: father killed family in Doral Isles before taking own life
Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office officials said a father killed his two daughters and their mother inside a Doral Isles home before taking his own life, in a case authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide. The four were found dead during a welfare check Tuesday night in the area of Northwest 111th Court and Northwest 72nd Terrace. Officials identified the victims as Ryan Charles Whiten, 42; his daughters, Savannah Whiten, 11, and Sienna Whiten, 8; and the girls' mother, Melanie Hyer, 46, a probate real estate professional. All had suffered stab wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. (NBC 6 South Florida)
Woman charged with stealing $260K in jewelry from Doral date
A New York woman was arrested on a first-degree grand theft charge after allegedly stealing more than $260,000 in jewelry from a man she had been dating in Doral, authorities said. According to an arrest report, the incident happened at The Mansions at Doral gated community, where Mikaila Lopez, 20, of the Bronx allegedly took a gold necklace, a tennis bracelet, a pendant, and a Richard Mille watch before leaving. Officers found Lopez nearby and recovered the necklace, pendant, and watch; the bracelet was not located. (NBC 6 South Florida)
Doral City Council meets June 10
The Doral City Council holds a meeting on Wednesday, June 10, at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers. Residents can follow the proceedings from the Council Chambers or review the agenda through the city calendar. (Doral Legistar)