This year, the choices for a fun Independence Day are better than ever. No matter what your speed, there are celebrations for you. Here is a list of some of the more popular places to see the rocket's red glare.

Read more: 2009 Fourth of July in Miami

An article in Sunday's Miami Herald highlighted the potential connection between the growth of casinos in South Florida and an increase in the number of compulsive gamblers in our area. The gambling industry creates thousands of jobs and contributes millions in tax dollars to our government, but is it all worth it?

What are your views on this critical issue facing South Florida? Should gambling continue to grow in our region? Do the economic benefits to the community outweigh the social costs of problem gambling? Join the conversation in our forum.

Image Courtesy Seminole Hard Rock Casino

Nothing says Miami like an ice-cold mojito! Learn how to make the perfect mojito for the beach or backyard this summer.

View the Miami Mojito Recipe

Photo by Aquatone282

Looking to adopt a new pet? Banana Split and Daquiri (shown to the left) are just two of many pets available for adoption from Miami Dade Animal Services this week. They're five-month old domestic shorthairs. Here's what the Animal Services caretakers have to say about them:

"Beat the heat with a couple of furry treats! Tabby kittens Banana Split and Daquiri are outgoing and friendly buddies who love to play as much as they like taking catnaps on your chest. These cool kittens will enjoy keeping you company while you stay beach-body ready this summer. We can just see you all now on a glorious summer afternoon, you on the stair master, the boys chasing the mouse toy dangling from the handlebar. Who better to keep you motivated than your new purry friends?"

Learn more about adopting a pet in Miami.

Image courtesy Miami Dade Animal Services