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South Florida Sun Times  •  PROFILES  •  Aventura Digest

This January, ring in the New Year with a unique lineup of performances for audiences of all backgrounds at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center. The stage comes alive with an exciting mix of performances including, Tango Apasinado, Robert Klein, Spamilton: An American Parody and more.

Audiences will continue to enjoy unwrapping an eclectic mix of holiday favorites the rest of this month at The Parker in the Lillian S. Wells Hall, with classics performed by Debbie Gibson, Arts Ballet Theatre’s enchanting production of “The Nutcracker,” and joyous tunes with electrifying choreography from Broadway performers in Under the Streetlamp: Hip to the Holidays, as well as an exciting lineup that brings the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, laughs from David Sedaris, Brian Regan, Sheng Wang and Lewis Black, a sprinkle of magic from Jen Kramer, and rock music from Alan Parsons, Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band, Zebra and more.

The holidays are just around the corner and JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate the season with a host of culinary experiences. The award-winning resort continues its popular programming at Bourbon Steak including a Sip ‘N Stir Cocktail Class and the continuation of the restaurant’s Secret Menu.

The holidays bring a special kind of magic, but let’s be honest—navigating family visits, holiday shopping, and festive events can feel like an impossible balancing act. Add transportation into the mix, and things can quickly spiral into stress. This year, there’s a better way to keep your holiday season smooth, fun, and convenient.

It's the time of year when you may be shopping for a digital device for your son or daughter, but you worry about the world they may come in contact with. Keeping a watchful eye on your kids requires an increasing level of tech savvy and many parents find it intimidating. Not only are your kids vulnerable to bad actors online, but your family's personal information could be at risk, as well.

One of the busiest travel times of the year is approaching, with nearly 80 million Americans are planning to travel during the long holiday period, according to AAA estimates. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is offering tips to help those traveling with a loved one with a Dementia-related illness make their trip as easy and comfortable as possible.

Visit Lauderdale, in collaboration with Wheel the World, announces the release of “Seguimos III: A Blind Traveler’s Experience,” a captivating short video featuring Henry Martinez, a blind influencer and professional surfer.

For those of you that read last week's part one of "Celebrate The Season," part two will focus on the second half of December and the spectacular performances at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

I hope all our readers and neighbors had a blessed Thanksgiving. It is hard to believe that Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are only a short 20 and 21 days away. It looks like the holidays around the town.

The 68th Annual Candy Cane Parade is lighting up the iconic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk this Saturday, December 7th, starting at 7 p.m. This year’s theme, “Favorite Children’s Christmas Movie,” promises a nostalgic evening filled with holiday cheer.

Embrace the color and flavor of tradition this holiday season with new twists on red velvet desserts. These variations on the classic cake can take your celebrations to new heights by throwing it back to childhood with a little bite of the past.

Light up the holiday season with a festive lineup of unforgettable shows and performances that are sure to bring joy and cheer to audiences of all ages at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts this December. From theatrical productions that include Broadway in Fort Lauderdale’s presentation of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” “Anastasia,” and “Narnia” to comedy from Pinky Patel, Ben Brainard and Ryan Sickler, all genres of music from The Outlaws, Levi Kreis, Whiskey Myers and tribute bands bringing the music of Queen and the Beatles, there is something for everyone this December.

Once your holiday feast comes to pass, you're almost certain to find your refrigerator stuffed with leftovers. However, that doesn't mean you want to eat the same meal again and again in the days that follow.

South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO), led by Sebrina María Alfonso, returns to illuminate and inspire joy this holiday season with its beloved performances of Handel’s glorious Messiah (Part 1, the Christmas portion) culminating in the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus, and timeless uplifting Holiday Pops on Saturday, December 7th, at 7:30 p.m., at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale and on Sunday December 8th, at 4:00 p.m., at Barry University in Miami. SFSO will be joined by vocal soloists Rachel Blaustein (soprano), Lisa Marie Rogali (mezzo-soprano), Norman Shankle (tenor) and Rafael Porto (bass-baritone) and the South Florida Symphony Chorus.

Feeling the pinch at the pump and overwhelmed by car payments? You're not alone. Broward County residents shell out an average of $712 monthly on transportation, according to Living Wage Calculation data. That includes car ownership and other commuting methods. The average car payment hovers around $600, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Factor in insurance, fuel, maintenance, ever-rising parking fees, and monthly expenses can easily top $1,000. These costs weigh heavily, especially when living expenses climb.

The Arsht Center (@arshtcenter), Broward Center (@browardcenter) and Broadway Across America (@bwayamerica) are thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the smash-hit musical, MJ, went on sale starting Friday, November 22nd at 10 a.m. Fans will have two opportunities to catch the Tony Award®-winning musical beginning at the Arsht Center from March 18th, 2025 - March 23rd, 2025 and the Broward Center from April 8th, 2025 - April 20th, 2025.

Audiences will enjoy unwrapping an eclectic mix of holiday favorites and more this December at The Parker in the Lillian S. Wells Hall, with classics performed by South Florida Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah, Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra - Christmas Classics New & Old, and joyous tunes with electrifying choreography from Broadway performers in Under the Streetlamp: Hip to the Holidays, as well as an exciting lineup that brings the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, laughs from David Sedaris, Brian Regan, Sheng Wang and Lewis Black, a sprinkle of magic from Jen Kramer, and rock music from Alan Parsons, Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band, Zebra throughout December.

As families look forward to their Thanksgiving feast, Fire Safety is not often their first concern. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home-cooking fires.

For many travelers the holiday season and the new year bring a desire to discover unique and memorable experiences. This desire for new adventures - whether gathering with family, escaping routines or celebrating milestones and Hyatt is offering up to 25% off. To master the art of gift giving this holiday season, World of Hyatt is offering guests and members up to 25% off their room rate for bookings made by December 9th at more than 800 participating hotels for stays between November 21st, 2024 - April 20th, 2025 - meaning now is the perfect time to plan a spring break adventure or surprise a special someone with the holiday vacation of a lifetime.

As Friendsgiving celebrations and the Thanksgiving holiday takes place this week, I am reminded of the things we are thankful for. I, for one, am thankful to serve as your mayor once more for the next four years. I am thankful for our families and friends that become family. I am thankful for our robust coastal community and our beautiful woven tapestry of diversity throughout our residents. I am thankful for our incredible city staff that never stops working to maintain our city. And I am grateful for our community partners, educators that nurture our future minds and the business community that is the lifeblood of our city.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts kicks off the holiday season with a spectacular celebration marking 10 years of performing arts classes in the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center as more than 100 kids, teens, and adults take the stage in the Amaturo Theater for the 10th Annual Student Spectacular at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3rd.

Guests at the recent Broward Performing Arts Foundation Annual Reception, sponsored by J.P. Morgan Private Bank, were treated to a preview of the 2024/2025 Performance Season and a special presentation of a real-life “Lion King” story by Zoo Miami’s “Goodwill Ambassador,” Ron Magill.

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday celebration in Sunny Isles Beach! The much-anticipated Winter Fest is back, promising an enchanting and interactive light display that will captivate visitors of all ages. This year, the event comes with an immersive experience that brings the beloved holiday to life through a dazzling array of lights, decorations, and surprises. Whether you're a local resident or visiting from out of town, Winter Fest at Gateway Park is the place to be this holiday season.

Get ready to sip, savor, and escape to the tropics! What started as an Art Basel pop-up in December 2016 has grown into one of Wynwood’s most beloved destinations, and now, Miami Mojito Company has officially moved from its original 500 Square Foot tucked-away corner to a sprawling new location at 169 Northwest 23rd Street, Unit#: 101, Miami, Florida 33127. Nestled in the heart of Wynwood’s bustling Art District, this expansion to over 2,500 Square Feet gives guests even more room to enjoy the freshly handcrafted drinks and the clandestine tropical oasis vibes that have made Miami Mojito Company a local favorite.

The Sunny Isles Beach Police Department is a fully accredited law enforcement agency, which is dedicated to providing the highest level of professional service to its citizens, businesses and visitors. The Department is committed to maintaining The Height of Living by providing extraordinary law enforcement service with an emphasis on professionalism, accountability and respect.

Every year on November 11th, Veteran's Day honors the immense sacrifice and courage of service members who've given their all for their countries. Originally known as Armistice Day, it marked the end of World War I on November 11th, 1918. Today, this global observance takes many forms: a two-minute silence in the UK, ceremonies in Kenya, and National Independence Day in Poland. These traditions highlight the universal respect for Veterans’ service that transcends borders.

The holiday season is fast approaching and the City of Sunny Isles Beach is once again gearing up for its Annual Toy Drive, a cherished tradition that embodies the spirit of giving and community. Running from November 15th to December 20th, this year’s drive aims to bring joy and smiles to children in need throughout the community.

Step into the world of magic, music, and heartwarming adventures as Mary Poppins Jr., the enchanting musical for young audiences, brings timeless charm to the stage December 8th at The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Based on the beloved 1934 book by P.L. Travers and inspired by the classic Disney film, this adaptation offers a delightful experience that promises to captivate children and adults alike.

As millions of Americans evaluate their health plan options during this fall's open enrollment season, a new survey finds that 3 in 5 Americans incorrectly defined key health care terms. This knowledge gap may result in less-than-ideal selections, which could cause you to miss out on plans that might better suit your needs and offer potential cost savings.

Welcome to the 68th Annual Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade. Registration is now OPEN to include your holiday float in the 68th Annual Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of one of the country’s longest-running holiday parades, rolling down the beautiful Hollywood Beach Broadwalk on Saturday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m. Space is limited!

Larisa Svechin, SIB Mayor - As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the people and moments that fill our lives with joy. Whether it’s the warmth of family traditions, catching up with old friends, or simply enjoying good food around the table, this season reminds us of what truly matters: connection, kindness, and gratitude. Even small moments—like a heartfelt conversation, a shared laugh, or a quick check-in with a neighbor—help us feel grounded and grateful for the people around us.

When people hear about Black Friday deals they think of the day after Thanksgiving. But at Brand International Perfume they are having a Black Friday sale all month long. Are you looking for a new signature scent or a gift for the special people in your life? This sale will have you smelling even better than the Holiday dinner! The fragrance experts at Brand International can help you find that scent that defines you, all at huge discounts. Plus while you are at Brand International selecting your perfect scent check out the fabulous designer eyewear and sunglasses, you’ll be ready for the season and looking and smelling great.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Luke O'Malley, a native of Cooper City, Florida, was recently named Sailor of the Quarter (SOQ), fourth quarter, serving in the U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Bahrain.

As the nation settles into the transition of Washington, D.C., our City will be going right back to work addressing the needs and concerns of our residents. All the incumbents won overwhelmingly and approximately a third of our residents cast votes for our opponents. We are elected to serve every resident whether they voted for us or not. I always chose to be pragmatic when it comes to politics. When I was first elected, I had an interesting conversation with a friend’s father that lived in the southwest. That is my philosophy.

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to ring in the festivities than by celebrating with your loved ones at the Annual Tree Lighting in Downtown Hollywood this Friday, November 22nd. Hosted at the ArtsPark at Young Circle, this beloved event promises to bring holiday cheer, joy, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Whether you're looking to enjoy the sights, sounds, or traditions of the season, this evening has something for everyone.

Understanding and improving Cholesterol is important for people of all ages, including children and teens. Maintaining healthy Cholesterol levels can help keep your heart healthy and lower your chances of getting Heart Disease or having a Stroke. High Cholesterol usually has no symptoms. In fact, about 38% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with High Cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. Understanding what Cholesterol is, the role it plays, when to get screened and how to manage it are important aspects of protecting your overall health and preventing a Heart Attack or Stroke.

Dranoff 2 Piano was founded by Loretta Dranoff decades ago as The Murray Dranoff Foundation in honor of her late husband. The organization quickly became synonymous with the renaissance of two pianos, music and a world-renowned competition.

It was a year to the day, October 7, 2024 after Israel suffered an act of terrorism causing some 1,200 heinous deaths-and compared to the infamous attack more than a generation earlier on US soil. The City of Hallandale Beach was to put on An Evening of Remembrance honoring the victims and survivors of the massacre of innocent civilians including women and, especially, children last year. The event was rescheduled for a week later, October 14, to occur at the Hallandale Community Center due to hurricanes.

Broward County is a mecca of fun and a mixing bowl of multicultural activities. It is also a recreational haven for health and fitness. With agreeable South Florida sunny weather -- most of the time -- and various transportation options, residents and visitors alike are drawn to the area for over-the-top experiences. So, this fall, Broward County Transit (BCT) encourages people to leave their cars behind and take BCT to these exciting places around town. Regardless of a sprinkle or shine or even an occasional cool breeze, these outdoor activities from entertainment to exercise draw hundreds of thousands of people every season, and BCT wants to get them there.

Josu De Solaun has garnered recognition from critics like Nikolaus Frey (Fuldaer Zeitung) for his "poetic sense of sound, bold artistic vision and brilliant virtuoso skills, always and totally at the service of the works he performs." He's a two-time awardee of the prestigious International Classical Music Awards (ICMA) in 2021 for chamber music and in 2023 as the best soloist.

A sea of 25,000 people, many clad in pink, converged at an arena in Sunrise, Florida, recently to celebrate the Making Strides walkathon, a tradition in Florida and across the country to help thwart the deadly disease, Breast Cancer.

Jesus Abikarram, a distinguished professional and the owner of Freedom Tax Resolution, was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hallandale Beach Chamber of Commerce, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the tax industry and his commitment to leadership and community service. With over 31 years of experience in tax resolution, leadership development, and insurance brokerage, Jesus has built a reputation as a trusted advisor and leader in his field.

Did you know Puerto Rico celebrates one of the longest holiday seasons in the world? The holiday season lasts about 45 days, from Thanksgiving Day through mid-January.

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, which has hosted such legendary Broadway stars as Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin, is proud to announce the 2025 Broadway Concert Series presented by the City of Aventura featuring the original stars of several Broadway blockbusters.

The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be a Parkinson's Support Group, a book discussion group, Family Storytime and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register At: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura or for more information prior to attending the event, Call: (305) 931-5512.

Get ready to experience one of the most authentic tribute acts ever to hit the music scene on Friday, December 6th at 8:00 p.m. when BruMar Productions presents DAYBREAK: The Music & Passion of Barry Manilow. The audience will embark on a musical journey to the 70’s, where they can relive Barry Manilow’s greatest hits just as they remember them. Led by veteran musician and accomplished Pianist Joe Hite, DAYBREAK: The Music & Passion of Barry Manilow brings to life timeless classics including "Mandy," "Can't Smile Without You" and the foot stomping rhythm of "Copacabana" just to name a few. Attendees won't believe their eyes or ears as this eight-piece ensemble presents the 'music and passion' of Barry Manilow to perfection while keeping the music alive for generations to enjoy.

Join Business for the Arts of Broward (BFA) for an intimate evening of fine wine, excellent food and incredible art during the Fourth Annual Art & Somm, presented by Burdette Beckmann Inc. (BBI). Guests will enjoy an evening of fine wines, cuisine and an exclusive artist encounter with Internationally acclaimed Miami-based Photographer Anastasia Samoylova, who is also on exhibit at The Met.

American Pickers to Film in Florida and they are excited to return! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in December 2024.

Celebrate the City’s 120th birthday and the magic of the holiday season at Light Up the Night, presented by Dania After Dark on Saturday, November 16th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Dania Beach City Hall Plaza will transform into a winter wonderland filled with community spirit and cheer. Event admission and parking is free. Complimentary gifts to the first 120 attendees, while supplies last.

The South Florida Seafood Festival returns for its eleventh year, making its debut at Wynwood Marketplace on Sunday, November 10th, 2024. Hosted by SWARM, this ultimate seafood celebration promises a feast of coastal flavors, offering a unique culinary experience that embodies the essence of South Florida's vibrant seafood scene. Guests are invited to savor South Florida’s most iconic seafood dishes, as local restaurants showcase their skills with a variety of mouthwatering creations. From fresh catches to classic seafood favorites, there’s something for every seafood lover to enjoy.

If holiday gatherings have started to feel more overwhelming than celebratory, it's time to go back to the basics with seasonal dishes that are easy yet elegant. Don't let Turkey and Ham have all the fun this holiday season. After all, you know your guests are likely to have plates piled high with all their favorite festive side dishes.

Arc Broward’s acclaimed Arc Culinary is offering the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with ease and heart. Arc Culinary’s Thanksgiving meal packages and customizable holiday catering services are designed to make holiday gatherings delicious, memorable, and impactful.

If you're enrolled in Medicare, it's important to remember Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15th through December 7th each year. This is the time for people with Medicare to compare their Prescription Drug and Health Coverage Options for the upcoming year.

Distinguished leaders in education, business and the community who are alumni of Broward County Public Schools will be honored at the 2024 Hall of Fame Award Breakfast presented by Publix Super Markets Charities on Friday, December 13th, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at First Baptist Fort Lauderdale, 301 East Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.

By popular demand, Island City Stage has extended the run of The Fantasticks, its South Florida premiere and season opener, through November 24th, 2024! Described as “magical” and “a triumph,” Island City Stage’s newly reimagined The Fantasticks is taking sold out audiences on a nostalgic and beloved musical journey. Theatergoers won’t want to miss this extended opportunity to see this new production by original librettist and lyricist Tom Jones that features two young compelling gay leads.

The Broward Water Partnership (BWP) has partnered with the Minority Builders Coalition’s “Home Touch” program to introduce a new initiative offering free installations of high-efficiency toilets for eligible Broward County senior citizens. This initiative, titled the Each Home Counts Water Savers Program, provides free toilet installations in combination with BWP’s $125 Toilet Rebate Program, allowing seniors to upgrade to water-saving fixtures without a significant financial burden.

A Plantation business woman took home the grand prize of $15,000 to help grow her business during BankUnited’s annual gathering of women business leaders, owners and aspiring entrepreneurs during the Small Business, Big Dreams: Women in Business Summit to celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month.

The City of Hollywood is committed to fostering a healthy and vibrant business community through its Small Business Assistance Center, part of the Economic Development team's ongoing efforts to support both new and existing businesses. On the second Thursday of every month, business owners and managers are invited to stop by for assistance, no appointment necessary.

The City of Hollywood and much of South Florida is facing heightened flooding risks as a Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect through December 16th, 2024. This advisory is triggered by the occurrence of King Tides, which are unusually high tides expected periodically through mid-December. These seasonal high tides, coupled with Rising Sea Levels and inclement weather, are putting the city’s low-lying coastal areas at increased risk of flooding. For residents, motorists, and businesses, the next few weeks will require heightened awareness and preparedness.

This November is chock-full of musical, comedy and dance genius at The Parker in the Lillian S. Wells Hall, from a live band experience celebrating Taylor Swift to such varied musical talent as Ben Folds, Amy Grant, Don McLean, Will Downing, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Better Than Ezra and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the transformative moves of dance troupe Pilobolus, laughs from comedians Vir Das, Laura Ramoso, Felipe Esparza, Max Fosh, Dan & Phil and so much more.

Today, nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the opening of the Miami-Dade 2024 Solar Co-op to help residents, businesses and non-profits in the area go solar.

For food lovers and culture seekers, Broward County is buzzing with energy this season, offering a rich tapestry of Caribbean festivals, mouth-watering cuisine, and live music. From the spicy, sizzling dishes at the annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival to the vibrant rhythms of soca and reggae concerts, there’s no shortage of enjoyable experiences.

If you're wondering what to serve for a delightful holiday meal, look no further than Pork - a perfect match for festive menus as it's easy to prepare, versatile, budget-friendly and pairs well with seasonal ingredients.

The City of Hollywood will host the Annual Veteran’s Day Barbecue on Monday, November 11th at TY Park, located at 3300 North Park Road, Hollywood, Florida 3302 in the Corporate Pavilion #12, beginning at 12:00 p.m. The barbecue will honor Hollywood men and women who are currently serving or are Veteran’s of the armed forces. Each year, the members of the Hollywood City Commission help serve food and greet local veterans in a celebration of their service.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the YMCA of South Florida’s Annual Veteran’s Day Salute, presented by Milner Technologies, honoring Former and Current Military Members. Hosted in partnership with the City of Weston, the breakfast is set for Friday, November 8th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Bonaventure Town Center Club, 16690 Saddle Club Road, Weston, Florida 33326.

The Performing Arts Center Authority today announced the appointment of Catherine Carter as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Carter has a demonstrated track record of success in the performing arts sector and has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Broward Center since September 2023. Her appointment is effective immediately.

This Thanksgiving season, over 1.2 million individuals throughout South Florida are experiencing food insecurity. Feeding South Florida® – the Leading Hunger-Relief Organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties – is offering different ways that the community can help those in need this holiday season including its “Share Food. Share Joy.” Initiative, volunteer shifts, Food + Fund Drive and more.

With National Happy Hour Day coming up on Tuesday, November 12th, it's the perfect time to celebrate the best time of the day—because after all, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!

Ring in the holiday season this December with memorable performances at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center.

In a move to encourage civic engagement, the Broward County Board of Commissioners has announced that voters can take advantage of FREE bus and Paratransit fares during the Early Voting Period and on Election Day.

The City of Aventura partners with FUNDarte and Miami-Dade County Auditorium to present FL.Flamencos performing “Ser.Rana” by Sonia Franco in two shows on Saturday, November 2nd at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 3rd at 2:00 p.m.

Transformational Gift From Wanda And Jim Moran, Jr. To Support A New CT Scanner For Emergency Department

Nearly 40 years ago former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was kidnapped, tortured, and killed while serving in Guadalajara, Mexico.

If the three-ring circus that is the looming presidential election proves anything, it is that the Deep State’s plot to destabilize the nation is working.

The City of Aventura, in partnership with YI Love Jewish, presents Anne Being Frank, a new play by Israeli-born Australian playwright Ron Elisha and directed by Amanda Brooke Lerner, on Saturday, November 9th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.

Join us this Saturday for the City of Hollywood’s Annual Cardboard Boat Race, which was rescheduled to this weekend after being postponed last month due to weather. Watch as more than 45 cardboard boat crews compete in vessels made entirely of cardboard! The race sets sail on Hollywood’s North Lake this Saturday, November 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at the Hollywood Marina, located at 700 Polk Street, Hollywood, Florida 33019.

Early voting will continue at our Cultural Community Center until Sunday, November 3rd. Residents registered to vote in Broward can vote from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at this location or the others throughout Broward County for more information visit: https://Browardvotes.gov. It is too late to request an absentee-Vote by Mail Ballot the deadline was October 24th. I would suggest that if you have one do not mail it, drop it off at one of the early voting sites. The mail is slow and if it is not received by 7:00 p.m. on November 5th, it will not be counted.

This November is chock-full of musical, comedy and dance genius at The Parker in the Lillian S. Wells Hall, from a live band experience celebrating Taylor Swift to such varied musical talent as Ben Folds, Amy Grant, Don McLean, Will Downing, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Better Than Ezra and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the transformative moves of dance troupe Pilobolus, laughs from comedians Vir Das, Laura Ramoso, Felipe Esparza, Max Fosh, Dan & Phil and so much more.

The City of Aventura proudly celebrates the 29th Anniversary of incorporation on Sunday, November 9th, 2024 at the Annual Founders Day Celebration. To honor this important milestone, the City invites residents and members of the community to enjoy this family-friendly celebration. The festivities take place from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Gulfstream Park located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. The entrance to the event will be located northbound on Biscayne Boulevard. FREE parking will be available at Gulfstream Park just north of the event's location.

For those seeking the ultimate sugar fix, South Florida boasts an array of delectable destinations sure to delight any sweet tooth. Whether you're in the mood for a rich dessert or a whimsical treat, South Florida's vibrant dessert scene is ready to satisfy your cravings! Here are a few of the top treat destinations that will certainly fill your sweet craving.

Broward County Transit (BCT) is taking to the street this month by engaging thousands of residents during the largest festivals this season. It’s first stops were at Miami Broward Carnival recently held at the Broward County Central Regional Park.

Pigs Do Fly Productions will present Canadian Playwright Norm Foster’s The Long Weekend, a comedy of manners filled with numerous plot twists and a hilariously tangled web of truths, deceptions, and surprises. The production will run from November 1st - November 24th at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale.

In partnership with the City of Hollywood, Memorial Healthcare System has created a new community health initiative, Hollywood HERO: Health Education And Response Outreach. Hollywood HERO is designed to empower and inspire our community to take action and make a difference.

After all the planning and stress of a wedding, many newlyweds look forward to celebrating their union by taking the trip of a lifetime. With the honeymoon destination options nearly unlimited, however, choosing where to go on your post-wedding getaway can be more stressful than proposing or choosing the right venue to say "I do."

“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” — Bob Dylan
A water main breaks every two minutes somewhere in the U.S., resulting in contaminated drinking supplies and boil water notices.

Even though cooler days may seem far off, now is the best time to plan ahead for a healthy winter. One common respiratory illness, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can be severe and even deadly for older people.

As it dips a few degrees, the excitement for Halloween begins to stir in Sunny Isles Beach. This year, the community is gearing up for a delightful fright fest with "Booogie By The Beach," a two-night event that promises fun, thrills, and plenty of ghostly good times. Scheduled for Friday, October 25th, and Saturday, October 26th, this annual celebration will transform Pelican Community Park into a Halloween wonderland.

Do you believe that it’s possible to actually die laughing? If so, Dizzy might be the most dangerous man alive. From the celebrated Apollo Theatre in London’s West End to the iconic Sydney Opera House, Darren “Dizzy” Partridge has been delighting audiences around the globe for more than a decade. An accomplished comedy magician and cirque variety performer, Dizzy is a regular headlining act on the luxury liners of both Celebrity and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

This past week we found out that Broward County Library in Hallandale Beach will be closing temporarily for much needed renovations. The county commission has been planning this for the past few years. Regretfully, we did not get notified until The Friends of the Hallandale Beach Library President reached out looking for storage and a place to hold their free Yoga Class that so many depend on.

A change in weather often signals an uptick in flu and COVID-19 cases. The viruses that cause COVID-19 and flu keep changing and infecting thousands of people each year, with older adults being most at risk. The vaccines are updated to provide protection against the viruses currently circulating in communities.

Some nights, especially when schedules are jam packed, the allure of grabbing takeout or swinging through a drive-thru between activities may sound more appealing than spending time in the kitchen. You can skip the to-go boxes, however, with these tasty Asian-inspired dishes that come together almost as fast as delivery while allowing you to get creative at mealtime.

When Hurricane Milton threatened the area recently, Broward County Transit (BCT) top administration reported to the EOC, monitored storm conditions and made critical decisions to maintain transit services during the storm. 


If current trends continue, decades of gentle teasing and jokes about older adults' confusion with technology may be on their way out. Not only do digital tools and technology help this generation stay connected to family and friends, but technology is also making it more practical for these individuals to remain independent and age in place.

The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be Talk, Read, Sing for Preschoolers, a book discussion group, Chess/Checkers Club and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register At: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura or for more information prior to attending the event, Call: (305) 931-5512.

South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO), led by the Award-Winning Sebrina María Alfonso, will launch its riveting 2024-25 Icons & Rebels Masterworks Season with “100 Years of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue,” an anniversary tribute to one of popular culture’s most beloved masterpieces, featuring Acclaimed Pianist Benjamin Hochman, the orchestra premiere of Prokofiev’s The Love for Three Oranges Suite and Elgar’s Symphony No. 1.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital has been named a 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital is the highest-ranked in Florida for Orthopedics and has been recognized an impressive 11 times. Additionally, this year the hospital ranked #25 in the nation for Neonatology ranked and among the top 50 for Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health.

Would you like to know where we celebrate the rich tapestry of Italian culture through some of the most beloved culinary treasures in SOFLO? This month it's time for locals and visitors alike to indulge in the flavors of Italy, from the perfect slice of pizza to the comforting embrace of homemade pasta.

As the air dips a few degrees, South Florida transforms into a vibrant tapestry of Halloween spookiness and the heartfelt celebrations of Día de Los Muertos. From haunted houses that thrill the bravest souls to colorful altars honoring departed loved ones, the region offers a unique blend of traditions and festivities.

In a healthy person, the body is like a well-oiled machine. However, sometimes things go wrong, and when that happens, finding the source of damage, illness or disease often requires a deeper look. In many cases, the culprit is free radicals.

Drag superstars and dazzling divas will light up the stage during the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood’s “The Art of Drag” Fundraiser, returning for another glamorous year at Lips Fort Lauderdale, soon to be renamed Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale, located at 1421 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334, on Thursday, November 14th, at 7:00 p.m.