CURTIS MORGAN

At this time of the year, it's customary for a community to reflect on yet another 365 days flown swiftly past and to seek the full meaning of the most significant events and issues:

Mayor Raul Martinez leads the charge to create Hialeah county, a battle temporarily sidetracked by an actual brawl. During a traffic-blocking protest, the burly mayor pummels slender butcher Ernesto Mirabal - landing a left and at least five right uppercuts as police officers also jump Mirabal. Prosecutors drop charges against Mirabal after news videos prove he didn't start it.