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

We're only a few weeks into what experts predict will be an active 2009 hurricane season. Are you ready for a hurricane? Here are some resources to help you prepare:

• How to Prepare for a Hurricane
• Miami Hurricane Evacuation Zones
• Hurricane Season Returns
• Hurricane Categories
• Community Hurricane Readiness
• Naming Hurricanes
• Hurricane History Facts
• Miami Weather and Climate FAQ

Image Courtesy NOAA

Do you need to rent a car at Miami International Airport? There are a number of full-service rental car agencies serving Miami residents and visitors. Your first stop should be the About Miami Travel Center where you can easily compare the car rental rates from all Miami rental firms and select the one with the lowest price for your rental period.

Read the full article: Renting a Car at Miami International Airport

Image courtesy Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

Miami is a great place to celebrate Father's Day! Take your father or grandfather out for a special celebration. In this article, we look at some of the best ways to celebrate Father's Day in a uniquely Miami style.

Read the full article: Father's Day 2009 in Miami

Miami residents are always looking for a great way to beat the heat and there’s no better way to do that than take a dip in the pool! If you aren't fortunate enough to have a pool in your backyard, Miami offers a number of public swimming pools that are accessible to residents for a nominal fee.

View the list: Miami's Public Swimming Pools

Have you ever wondered about the system used for naming hurricanes? Where did those names come from, anyway? Will we have to suffer through another "Hurricane Andrew"? The system is not that complicated.

Take a look at the 2009 hurricane names

Image courtesy NOAA

Miami-Dade residents who are sensitive to air pollution (especially the young, elderly and those with respiratory problems) need to know when air quality in the area goes into a critical status. The new EnviroFlash Air Quality Notification System allows you to sign up to receive free notifications via e-mail when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Miami reaches a level that you specify.

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