Everything Beautiful Happens At Night By Ted Malawer - A Poignant Story About Bravery And Finding The Courage To Get On The Same Page South Florida Sun Times Mar 11, 2026 It’s The 1980s In Manhattan And Celebrated Children’s Book Author Ezra Is At A Creative And Personal Roadblock. His New Book And Literary Legacy Is In Limbo. What, Or Who, Will It Take For Him To Find Acceptance And Inspiration Again? Journey Into A Writer’s Mind And Heart As Island City Stage Presents The East Coast U.S. Premiere Of Everything Beautiful Happens At Night From April 2nd – April 26th. Tickets Are On Sale Now. From writer Ted Malawer (Red, White, & Royal Blue), Carbonell and Silver Palm Award-winning director Bruce Linser, and featuring stunning illustrations by multi-award-winning artist Bong Redila, Everything Beautiful Happens at Night is a tender, funny, and moving story about the life you have, the life you want, and who stays when the world gets quiet. “The first time I read this play, I fell in love with it. The dialogue is smart, witty, and fast-paced, but the emotional depth of it sneaks up on you and takes you by surprise. I found myself laughing out loud and then crying a moment later, which is the mark of powerful theatre for me,” said Linser, making his Island City Stage directorial debut. “The characters and relationships are well-crafted and profoundly human. Although it's set in a specific time and place, the themes still resonate deeply for where we are today. I think audiences will find it moving, and they'll definitely be able to relate to it on a personal level.” Ezra is a closeted children’s book author. Nancy is his fiercely loyal editor. Their creative partnership has shaped stories that delight generations. But when writer’s block pushes Ezra far past deadlines to deliver his latest book, a new voice enters the conversation and begins to change Ezra’s life, inspiring a controversial ending to Chipmunk and Squirrel, and testing the limits of his friendship with Nancy. As a former literary agent for children’s book authors, then as an editor of children’s books, and ultimately as a children’s book author and novelist himself, Ted Malawer has spun a tale close to home. Everything Beautiful Happens at Night was partially inspired by his childhood LGBTQ author heroes Maurice Sendak (“Where the Wild Things Are”) and Arnold Lobel (“Frog and Toad” books). The play held its world premiere at Capital Stage in Sacramento, California, in early 2025 and its second U.S. staging brings it to the award-winning Island City Stage in Wilton Manors, Florida. Island City Stage’s production of Everything Beautiful Happens at Night, directed by Linser, stars Christopher Dreeson as Ezra, Laura Turnbull as Nancy, and Aidan Paul as Jake. While Everything Beautiful Happens at Night marks Bruce Linser’s directing debut with Island City Stage, ICS audiences will recognize him as the actor who played John/James in Love! Valour! Compassion! and Jane/Lord Edgar in The Mystery of Irma Vep. He also played Gavin in the world premiere of Family Tree at Plays of Wilton next door. Favorite directing projects in the area include Woody Guthrie’s American Song, The Spitfire Grill, and the world premiere of The Science of Leaving Omaha (Palm Beach Dramaworks), numerous productions with MNM Theatre including Man of La Mancha, Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors, The World Goes ‘Round, Side by Side by Sondheim, and 108 Waverly and The Timekeepers (Plays of Wilton). He is an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and a member of Actors’ Equity Association. Christopher Dreeson (Ezra) was last seen at Island City Stage as Horace in The Little Foxes. He made his South Florida professional debut in 2018 in the Carbonell-recommended one-man show Confessions of a Nightingale playing the role of Tennessee Williams, directed by Jeffrey Bruce. Dreeson’s most recent Carbonell nomination was for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (John aka Fountainhead) in the New City Players production of Water by the Spoonful directed by Elizabeth Price. Last spring, Dreeson won a Del Lago award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor for his role of Jeff in Boca West’s production of Dry Powder at the Delray Beach Playhouse. Laura Turnbull (Nancy) recently completed a successful run of Come From Away at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre and prior to that was seen in Spitfire Grill at Actor’s Playhouse. Over the past 25 years, Turnbull has performed with nearly every professional theatre in South Florida and last season appeared in All My Sons (New City Theatre), Anastasia (Slow Burn Theatre), and Lost in Yonkers (Palm Beach Dramaworks). When not on stage, she can be found behind the scenes costuming or assisting with costumes for several local theaters. In addition, Laura has worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, television and film. She’s a proud, long-standing member of Actors Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA. Aidan Paul (Jake) will be making his Island City Stage debut in Everything Beautiful Happens at Night. His recent credits include playing Adam/Leo in The Inheritance Part 1 (Zoetic Stage), Link in Hairspray (FSU) and Bobby in Cabaret (Mountain Theatre Company). Everything Beautiful Happens at Night co-producers are Russell Vance, Michael Mullins and Terry Gaw; Lights and Sound Sponsor is Scott Bennett; Talent Sponsors are Paul Rolli & Bennett Quade and Robert Lee; Costume Sponsors are Rita Cassady and John Colemen; Set Sponsors are Margie & Trevor Fried; and Illustrations Sponsor is DC Allen & Ken Flick No Gay Hate Fund at Our Fund. Additional funding is provided by the following: The Our Fund Foundation, The Schubert Foundation Inc., the SHS Foundation, the Warten Foundation, and OutClique. From twisted tales to touching human stories, Island City Stage's upcoming season invites you to expect the unexpected. Upcoming bold productions, each delivering unexpected twists, inventive storytelling, and unforgettable theatrical moments include Light Switch by Dave Osmundsen from May 21st – June 14th and Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector from August 20th – September 20th. Individual show tickets start at $45. A Mimosa Sunday performance sponsored by John Fomook and Charles Lee will take place on April 12th. A special Women’s Night at the Theatre sponsored by Barbara Signer and Fran Epstein will take place on April 24th. The show runs for one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission. Island City Stage believes that theatre should belong to the next generation of storytellers, artists, and audiences. Its new “30 Under 30” initiative invites patrons ages 18–29 to experience award-winning, professional theatre for just $30 per ticket (plus taxes & fees; subject to availability on Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday matinees). Limit one ticket per patron per production. A government-issued photo ID will be required at will call. When ordering online, use the discount code “30U30.” For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.islandcitystage.org . Call: (954) 928-9800. Or email: boxoffice@islandcitystage.org . Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/IslandCityStage . And on Instagram at: @islandcitystage1. About Island City Stage Founded in 2012, Island City Stage is a professional theater committed to sharing stories of universal interest, engaging diverse audiences with entertaining, challenging, and inspiring productions and programs, often exploring the LGBTQ+ culture. These shows are brought to life on stage through the talents of professional artists whose credits include Broadway, Off Broadway, national tours, major regional theaters, film and television. Island City Stage offers an intimate setting with six rows of stadium seating to foster a feeling of inclusion and participation in each theatrical event. Island City Stage is a 501 (c) 3 NonProfit Organization. It is located at 2304 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305. For tickets and more information, please call: (954) 928-9800. Or visit: www.islandcitystage.org . Previous Next

Art And Culture Center/Hollywood: Announces The Retirement Of Executive Director Joy Satterlee December 7, 2023 Share It is with great gratitude that the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood announces the retirement of Executive Director Joy Satterlee after more than 20 years of stewardship of the organization. Joy has resigned, effective December 31st and the Center will start the new year under the leadership of Jennifer Homan, who began as Incoming Executive Director on November 6th. Joy will continue in her role through December 31st to assure a smooth transition at this critical moment in the Center’s nearly 50-year history. “It is bittersweet to resign as Executive Director of Art and Culture Center/Hollywood after 21 rewarding years of serving the Center as well as Hollywood’s community,” said Joy. “I’m incredibly proud of the accomplishments that the Board, funders, partners, and I have achieved for the Center along with our dedicated Staff. I’m also deeply grateful for all the relationships I’ve built during my time as Executive Director. It’s been a pleasure and honor to work alongside all the artists and community leaders in the area.” Joy submitted her resignation to the Board in June 2023. The Board hired a recruiting firm, Charity Search, to assist with the search for the Center’s next Executive Director. After more than 225 applications for the position, and with the assistance of Charity Search, the Board of Trustees offered the position to Jennifer Homan. Jennifer comes to the Center from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, where she served as the Chief Development and Operations Officer. She brings a proven track record of impactful organizational growth with more than 15 years of experience as a leader in Nonprofit Fundraising, Community Relations and Board Development. Jennifer will serve as the Center’s sixth Executive Director since the Center opened its doors in 1975. “Joy has built an impressive organization for quality contemporary arts programs over the years,” said Jennifer. “She has developed a competent and passionate team with extensive tenure that I look forward to working with to continue to further the Center’s mission. The expansion of the Center’s facility that Joy spearheaded allows for new opportunities that will benefit not only the South Florida community but visitors alike for decades to come.” Jennifer brings to the Center a track record of impactful organization growth. She is a strong relationship developer with excellent local, national, and corporate contacts. She’s worked with numerous high impact nonprofits, designing effective strategic plans, progressive budgets and fundraising campaigns. She will work closely with the Board of Trustees and staff to ensure the continued success and growth of the Center. Joy began her transformative tenure at the Art and Culture Center in 2002, first as Deputy Director, before becoming Interim Director and then Executive Director in 2005. During her 21 years, the Center has expanded its programming and impact in all areas – Gallery Exhibitions, Art Education for children, youth, and adults, as well as Community Outreach and Partnerships through Fundraisers such as Cuisine for Art, Golf for Art, and Men of Style held each year at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. Joy also provided critical leadership in the creation and development of the Center’s Award-Winning Open Dialogues Film Series, serving as Executive Producer on four documentary shorts that advance fairness and equity for our Black and LGBTQ Communities in South Florida. The second Film in the series, Black Voices | Black Stories, was selected to be televised during Season 5 of the South Florida PBS Film-Maker Project, won a Silver Telly Award and is nominated for a Suncoast Regional EMMY® Award. She also was instrumental in creating the Center’s Endowment and savings account, which allows the use of the investment income for its programs and operations in future years. Joy’s departure on December 31st coincides with the groundbreaking for a new 5,000-Square-Foot Arts Education Wing that the City of Hollywood will be constructed adjacent to the Center’s gallery and administrative building at 1650 Harrison Street. The Education Wing is scheduled to open in 2024 and will stand as a lasting testament to Joy’s leadership. In addition to her work at the Center, Joy served from 2013-2019 on the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, a 15-Member Advisory Council that advises the Secretary of State on Cultural Funding and Development in Florida. In March 2023, Joy was honored by History Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale as part of their “Women Trailblazers: Champions Of Change - Broward County.” She also received the Community Leadership Award from the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and was named a “South Florida Mover & Shaker” by South Florida Business Leaders. She has served on the Advisory Committee for Girls’ Club Gallery Fort Lauderdale, as Board Secretary for the Broward Women’s Alliance, and is an Honorary Board Member of Citizens Interested in Arts. Thank you and congratulations to Joy for everything she made possible at the Center, and continued success as she begins a new chapter. About The Art And Culture Center/Hollywood The Art And Culture Center/Hollywood is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization supported in part by its members, admissions, private entities, the City of Hollywood; the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners; the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts; the Community Foundation of Broward; David and Francie Horvitz Family Foundation; Josephine S. Leiser Foundation, and Helen Ingham Foundation. We welcome donations from all members of the community who wish to support our work. < Previous News Next News >

What Is Police Accreditation? Sunny Isles Beach Accreditation Team Invites Public Comments www.sibfl.net August 3, 2023 Share A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will arrive on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, to examine all aspects of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. The Sunny Isles Beach Police Department must comply with numerous standards in order to receive accreditation status. Many of the standards are critical to both life and health as well as safety issues and overall best practices. As part of the assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team. A copy of the standards manual is available under the standards tab on the CFA’s website at: www.flaccreditation.org For more information regarding CFA or for persons wishing to offer written comments about the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department’s ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please send correspondence to: CFA, Post Office Box#: 1489, Tallahassee, Florida 32302. Or email to: flaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us . The Accreditation Program Manager for the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department is Mr. Doug Robertson. According to Mr. Robertson, the assessment team will be composed of assessors from similar agencies to that of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals within the agency, and visit offices and other areas within the department where compliance can be observed. Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report the findings of their assessment to the full Commission, which then determines if the agency is to receive accredited or reaccredited status. The Sunny Isles Beach Police Department’s accreditation is valid for three years. Verification by the team that Sunny Isles Beach Police meets the Commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain and then maintain accreditation – “A highly prized recognition of professional excellence.” Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief Edward Santiago said. To offer your comments contact: Sergeant Melissa Porro, Sunny Isles Beach Public Information Officer at: 18070 Collins Avenue Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160. The office number is: (305) 792-1886. Or via Dispatch at: (305) 947-4440. A Message From Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief Edward Santiago A member of the community (and good friend) asked me a simple question, “what is police accreditation?” It was then I knew that it needed to be explained to the community. The community has been served since 1998 by a group of dedicated and well trained officers from various backgrounds. These officers have always strived to be professional and compassionate. How does the police department improve upon such a dedicated workforce? The answer – accreditation. This is a major project that will take several years to complete, but will be the most worthwhile investment the agency has ever made. To obtain accredited status is a significant accomplishment that we will achieve. Read on to better understand the meaning of police accreditation and why it is needed. The Florida Legislature enacted Florida State Statute 943.125, which provided the framework for the accreditation of public safety agencies to include Law Enforcement. Essentially it defines the purpose of accreditation, who will manage the process, and what aspects of Law Enforcement need to be addressed. The purpose of Law Enforcement Accreditation per state statute is to “maximize the capability of Law Enforcement agencies to enforce the law and control criminal activities.” This is accomplished by voluntarily adopting standards that are designed to enhance the professionalism of the agency. It was important to the Legislature that this process was managed by an independent entity. It could not be a Law Enforcement Agency who is responsible for the oversight and administration of the accreditation of agencies. The Legislature also decided the accreditation program must address at a minimum the following: Vehicle Pursuits, Seizure and Forfeiture of Contraband Articles, Recording and Processing Citizen Complaints, Use Of Force, Traffic Stops, Handling Natural and Man-Made Disasters, Special Operations, Prisoner Transfer, Collection and Preservation of Evidence, Recruitment and Selection, Officer Training, Performance Standards, Law Enforcement Disciplinary Procedures and Rights, Use of Criminal Investigative Funds, and Access to and use of Personal Identification Information. Once the standards are adopted by the agency’s Chief Executive, they become a guide for officers. It gives them direction, which enhances their confidence and effectiveness. These standards are always available electronically to the officers. It provides clear and concise guidance on various issues they may encounter while working. If I were reading this article, the next question I would ask is how close is the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department to achieving accredited status? Fair question. I was made your Chief of Police on April 4, 2022. At the May 2022 Commission Meeting I brought your elected officials an agreement with Doug Robertson, an accreditation manager with 32 years of accreditation experience, to achieve accredited status for our agency. He is also a former Chief of Police and current accreditation manager of a local agency with a stellar reputation. I thought it was important to have an outside manager look at our practices and enhance them to conform with accreditation standards. The agreement provided a blueprint on how to achieve accreditation. His contract is financed through forfeited funds acquired from drug investigations from our detached detectives. This contract is not an added expense for taxpayers. The first step was to sign a formal agreement with the accrediting agency, the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. I signed the agreement on June 1, 2022, and Mr. Robertson went to work. Since signing the agreement, we are 97% complete with policy development and 66% complete with our internal review of the polices. Once the policies are completed and conform to the accreditation standards, we will begin to document compliance with the standards. Moving forward, we have a goal of scheduling a “mock assessment” of our agency in August 2023. During this mock assessment, assessors will come to the agency and evaluate our revamped policies and practices to determine if they will pass a formal assessment. The next goal would be to have the formal on-site assessment in September 2023. Once this is complete, we will be presented to the accrediting entity in hopes of becoming formally accredited. I hope this explains the importance of police accreditation. As your Chief of Police, I will do everything I can to continue to offer the community a well-trained and professional police force. Accreditation will just support and optimize the service you have been accustomed to. Credit: https://www.sibfl.net/police-accreditation/ < Previous News Next News >

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation Red Gala A Tremendous Success South Florida Sun Times Jan 1, 2026 The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Red Gala At Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Marina Recently Brought Together Community Leaders, Healthcare Champions And Philanthropic Supporters To Raise Well Over $3 Million At The Event Alone And Then Additional Amounts Are Being Donated As A Result Of Those Who Attended And Had An Opportunity To See What Joe DiMaggio Can Do. The Funds Raised Will Go Toward Advanced Life-Saving Care For Congenital Heart Disease, Heart Failure And Pediatric Heart Transplantation At The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Heart Institute, Among Other Service Lines Provided To The Patients And Families Treated At Joe DiMaggio. “The Red Gala is all about community in action,” said Kelley Morris, President Memorial Foundation and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. “When we come together with a shared purpose, we make extraordinary things happen. Our mission is simple but powerful, and it’s to ensure every child in our community has access to the very best care close to home.” With Rita Case, President and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, serving as Gala Chair and Kelley Morris, President of Memorial Foundation and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, leading the evening, the Red Gala surpassed its fundraising goal. Guests enjoyed a heartfelt evening featuring a high-energy performance by Counting Crows, live and silent auctions and an unmistakable sense of purpose. “The Red Gala is a celebration of generosity and community,” said Case. “We sold out the Gala in no time and had an incredibly successful auction with amazing one-of-a-kind items. Coupled with an ask from the heart, we raised record funds. I am so grateful to everyone who came together on this special night in support of the children and families at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.” The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Heart Institute supports young patients through every stage of their journey, from diagnosis to surgery and recovery, ensuring that families have access to the very best in compassionate health care, close to home. With a team of cardiac specialists, trained at leading programs nationwide, the Institute uses state-of-the-art technology and innovative techniques to treat children across South Florida. The Institute’s Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Lab ranks among the nation’s most advanced, allowing for minimally invasive procedures that improve outcomes and reduce recovery times. “The Red Gala is an incredible opportunity for the community to support the programs that help our patients heal and thrive,” said Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “As one of the nation’s top 50 children’s hospitals and one of only two pediatric heart transplant programs in Florida, we’re proud to be the community’s hospital and grateful for the generosity that makes our work possible.” To learn more or make a gift, visit: www.jdch.com/give-back/donate . About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. The level one pediatric trauma center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a comprehensive cardiac care floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas, and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings. Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission. To learn more, visit: www.jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram. Previous Next

Bakey - Love, Always - Always On And There's Love In Every Bite South Florida Sun Times Jul 16, 2026 After Enrapturing New England Hearts And Appetites With Five Locations Throughout Boston, Bakey, The Bakery And Cafe Renowned For Handcrafted Baked Goods And Its One-Of-A-Kind Babka (All Of It Built Upon The Philosophy Of “Love, Always”) Is Set To Open Its First South Florida Location In Hallandale Beach. Soon, South Floridians Will Come To Understand Bakey Fans’ Rapturous Mania And Come To Experience Firsthand The Utterly Delicious Creations Of The One-And-Only Chef, Master Baker And Cookbook Author Uri Scheft. Opening To The Public On Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 Bakey Will Serve All-Day Breakfast, Lunch, Freshly Rendered Baked Goods, Especially Its Famous Chocolate Babka (Also In A Multitude Of Flavors), Sourdough Breads, Rolls, Challah, Cakes, Burekas, Croissants, Premium Coffee, Salads, Sandwiches And More. Housed in the former Kosher Bagel Cove space, the first South Florida Bakey (with two more already in the works) will offer a warm, inviting space where guests can stop in for a quick coffee and pastry; grab a freshly-made salad, sandwich, snack for later or sit and linger over freshly baked pastries, delicious breakfast plates and expertly crafted coffee in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. In keeping with the space’s history, this Bakey location will also be Kosher. First launched in Massachusetts in 2021, Bakey comes from legendary baker and culinary craftsman Chef Uri Scheft, internationally recognized for elevating babka from a traditional Eastern European pastry into a modern culinary menu staple. Also known as the Founder of Lehamim Bakery in Tel Aviv, Scheft, who was raised in Israel and Denmark, spent decades refining his craft through training and extensive travels throughout Europe, where he immersed himself in classical baking and patisserie techniques. Scheft then returned to Israel and launched his own acclaimed concept, Lehamim Bakery (“breads” in Hebrew). He later brought his vision to New York City, where he Co-Founded Breads Bakery, helping establish it as a renowned Manhattan institution. His distinctive approach earned national recognition, including appearances on Martha Stewart's television program, and culminated in the publication of his James Beard-nominated cookbook, Breaking Breads. Scheft now continues to shape the future of babka and baking through the Bakey concept with five – soon to be seven – locations in Boston and the first of several in South Florida in partnership with fellow bakery industry scion Amir Vadash. Vadash is a generational baker himself; his family owned and operated Vadash Bakery for more than 60 years in Israel. Everything at Bakey is made in-house with fresh ingredients. Since a central edict of the Bakey concept is that “the oven is always on,” the team is constantly baking fresh breads and pastries throughout the day. Their approach to Kosher baking focuses on healthy eating and clean, simple ingredients, including unbleached flour, natural sourdough resulting in products that are both fresh and delicious. The curated menu will be sweet and savory, with its well-known Chocolate Babka & Almond Babka with high-end German Marzipan at the center, where guests can either purchase loaves or slices. Other menu standouts include cheese burekas, cheese sticks, goat cheese croissants, chocolate croissants, rugalach and plain croissants, along with larger items like potato burekas (24") and spinach burekas (24"). The selection also features challah loaves in plain, sesame, poppy and festive varieties, as well as muesli rolls and sourdough bread. Bakey will also continue making fresh-baked New York bagels. The bakery offers wholesale services, an expanded catering and special events menu, and seasonal food and drink offerings for Jewish holidays and the holiday season. Guests can also choose from catering packages for groups of all sizes or order Bakey for delivery or pickup through Uber Eats and DoorDash. Complementing Bakey’s offerings, is an exceptional premium coffee program featuring beans sourced from Umbria, Italy. The coffee is expertly roasted off-site and freshly ground in-house, ensuring exceptional flavor and aroma in every sip of coffee. Formerly home to Kosher Bagel Cove, the space has been transformed by designer Alona Eliasi into a modern, light-filled bakery accented by warm tones, minimalist decor, and lush greenery. The bakery seats 50 guests indoors and an additional 70 outdoors. Upon entering, guests are greeted by grab-and-go offerings and display cases showcasing jewel-like pastries, freshly baked breads, and other house-made specialties. Every element has been carefully considered, from the presentation of the baked goods to the curated China plate ware. Bakey is continuing to grow in South Florida, with locations in Fort Lauderdale and Aventura currently in development. More details are forthcoming. Bakey is located at 668 West Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. Bakey will be open Sunday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Complimentary parking is available in the shopping plaza. Follow Bakey on Instagram at: @BakeyBabka for future updates and opening announcements. Or visit: bakeybabka.com Previous Next

City Of Pembroke Pines Earns Autism Friendly Partner Designation South Florida Sun Times Apr 16, 2026 The City Of Pembroke Pines Will Be Officially Recognized As An Autism Friendly Partner By The University Of Miami Center For Autism And Related Disabilities (CARD) On Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, Marking A Significant Milestone In The City’s Commitment To Creating Inclusive And Accessible Environments For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) And Related Disabilities. The Designation Will Be Formally Presented During The City Commission Meeting On Wednesday, April 15 At 6:30 pm, Held In The City’s Chambers Located At 601 City Center Way. The City began working with CARD in October 2025 to further enhance and build upon the inclusive programs and services already in place. Through this collaboration, Pembroke Pines strengthened existing efforts while expanding its partnership with CARD to develop new initiatives that ultimately led to this designation. Existing efforts include inclusive recreation programming, adaptive sports in partnership with the YMCA of South Florida, a specialized academic program at the City’s Charter FSU elementary school, an ADA-inclusive playground at Memorial Park, a Special Population Summer Camp, workforce training for Police and Fire personnel, and sensory-friendly cultural programming such as “Sensory Saturdays.” The City continues to expand its efforts with several new initiatives currently underway, reflecting a deeper, more comprehensive approach to accessibility and inclusion. These include the integration of Autism-friendly design elements into future playgrounds—beginning with Silver Lakes North Park—to ensure that play spaces are intentionally inclusive from the ground up. In addition, the City is installing 12 communication boards across its park system, sponsored by Baptist Health, to support non-verbal and minimally verbal individuals in expressing needs, engaging with others, and navigating public spaces more independently. To further support residents and families, the City is launching a dedicated Autism Friendly webpage that will serve as a centralized hub for resources, programs, and tools. This will be complemented by the development of social stories—visual and narrative guides designed to help individuals prepare for and navigate City events, facilities, and services with greater confidence. The City is also introducing designated “Quiet Zones” at major events, providing low-sensory spaces for individuals who may become overwhelmed, as well as expanding Autism awareness and sensory sensitivity training for staff across all departments to ensure consistent, informed, and supportive interactions throughout the organization. “The City of Pembroke Pines is honored to be recognized as an Autism Friendly Partner, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue expanding how we serve individuals with Autism and related disabilities in our community,” said Vice Mayor Michael Hernandez. “This designation reflects our commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where all residents feel supported and valued. We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing to enhance accessibility, awareness, and engagement for everyone.” The City’s efforts align with its broader vision to promote accessibility, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all residents—ensuring that individuals of all ages and abilities can fully participate in community life. For more information about the Autism Friendly designation, available resources, and programming, please visit: https://www.ppines.com/autismfriendly . About CARD CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) at the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University provides support and assistance to help optimize the potential of individuals with autism and related disabilities. Services are delivered across the lifespan in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. CARD also partners with local organizations to promote inclusive environments through training, resources, and its Autism Friendly Initiative. The program serves individuals and families in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties. To learn more, visit: www.card.miami.edu . Stay Connected With The City! The community can learn more about the City of Pembroke Pines’ latest events and activities by subscribing to Pembroke Pines Media on YouTube at Pembroke Pines Media, to NewsFlash, a monthly digital newsletter at: www.ppines.com/NewsFlash . By reading the city’s digital newspaper City Connect at: www.ppines.com/CityConnect . By visiting the city’s website at: www.ppines.com . By checking the city’s digital signage or by visiting the City’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/cityofpembrokepines and @cityofppines for Twitter and Instagram. Residents with Comcast can view Pembroke Pines Media programming on Channel 78. Previous Next

Anger About The Past: Instead of Destroying History, We Should Learn From It By Dr. James Finck - USAO History Professor July 14, 2022 Share As I am sitting on my balcony of a boat traveling down the Mosel River in Germany, passing picturesque villages founded before Christopher Columbus was even born, I am in awe of this place with its Castles and massive Churches. While I am having a dream vacation, I am also thinking upon what the History of this Region can teach. As you know, I believe History is here for us to learn from and while I was spending a few days in Paris, eating some amazing food, I realized how part of France’s History may be mirroring our own right now. When we were making plans for Paris, I was excited to spend some time looking around the City and visiting the Historic Sites. As I made a list of the things that I wanted to see, there were the normal attractions, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Grand Entrance. As an American Historian, I was interested in the History of the two World Wars, but I am also interested in the French Revolution. When you teach Early American History, you end up teaching a great deal of European History and the French Revolution played a part in shaping that History. Knowing this, there were a few sites I wanted to see like the Palace at Versailles and the Bastille. Yet to my surprise, the Bastille no longer stands. It turns out that it was destroyed by the New Revolutionary Government because of what it stood for and it was not the only structure to suffer damage from a New Regime. If I ranked World Revolutions in terms of radicalness, the French Revolution makes the top of the list. The American Revolution, which is on the other end of the spectrum, was a top-down Revolution that replaced British Nobility with an Elected American Nobility. The French Revolution was a bottom-up Revolution that turned every aspect of French Society, Culture and Politics on its ear. The Revolution began from an Economic Downturn after financing the American Revolution. In 1789 the people, who were struggling to feed their families as well as lacking basic human rights, rose in protest as the Estes General became the National Assembly and the people stormed the Bastille, releasing the Political Prisoners within. Later the King and Queen were put on trial and their heads were removed from their bodies as were the vast majority of the Noble Class of France. Eventually the Bastille suffered the same fate as the Noble Class as it was destroyed because of its symbolism of the Monarchy. Unfortunately, the Bastille was not the end of the destruction. In 1793, the same year Queen Marie Antoinette lost her head, the people got caught up in a frenzy and moved on the most sacred site in Paris, the Cathedral of Notre Dame. On the front of the Cathedral were 28 statues of Jewish kings from the Bible and beyond. Yet the masses in their righteous indignation and ignorance assumed the Kings were French Kings and tore them down and cut off their heads as they had done with the real Royalty. I am not arguing that the people did not have the right to be upset. The French people had been under absolute control for too long and had the right to hate everything associated with the Monarchy, yet what did this act accomplish? The Monarchy was just as dead with or without the destruction. Even though the monuments were gone, it did not stop the French people from falling into chaos with the “Reign of Terror.” What happened instead was the destruction of a sacred structure and the elimination of an important piece of history which is celebrated today in France with Bastille Day. The actual object is not around to experience and learn from. Now consider the experience at the next stop on my trip. When we left Paris and boarded ships, the first town we visited was Trier, an Ancient Roman City and the oldest city in what is known as today's Germany. In 1818 Karl Marx was born in Trier. With his publication of the Communists Manifesto, he changed Economic and Political theory forever, especially after the Russian Communists Revolution. Understand that Germany has no love lost for Communism. The German Fascists and the Communist Russians killed each other by the hundreds of thousands in WWII. After the War, the Communists kept East Germany under their authoritarian control for decades. Yet it is impossible to deny Marx’s importance to History, for good or bad. On the 200th Anniversary of his birth, Trier decided to hold a celebration. When the Chinese Government heard about the celebration, they wanted to present the town with a giant statue of Marx. Accepting the statue became quite controversial, especially one so large. Yet Trier recognized that the History was important. They did make the Chinese scale back the monument and did not place it where the Chinese wanted, but they still put it up. America is going through its own crisis of History. We may not have stormed the Bastille, but we are going through a Revolutionary attitude just the same. In our anger about our past, are we going to continue to act in haste and tear down statues? Is removing the statue of Andrew Jackson from Jackson Square in New Orleans going to change the historical fact that Jackson, a slave holder, won a battle against the British and saved the city from capture? Is our World better by removing President Wilson’s name from Princeton, a school where he was President, because he was Racist in a time when Racism was unfortunately acceptable? We have a choice to make in our Country. Do we remove names and statues of our past that some have found offensive, or do we accept our history, warts and all, embrace it as historical truth and learn from it? After all, only fifteen years after the French stormed the Bastille, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor and Authoritarianism was the Law once again. Historically speaking, maybe instead of destroying the Bastille, they should have learned from it. Dr. James Finck is a Professor of History at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and Chair of the Oklahoma Civil War Symposium. To receive daily historical posts, follow Historically Speaking at: https://historicallyspeaking.blog/ Or on: Facebook. < Previous News Next News >

Calling All Conservation-Artists: Hollywood’s Annual DropSavers Conservation Poster Contest Is On Thu Feb 13 2025 19:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Untouchables - The Sexual Predators Within America’s Power Elite John & Nisha Whitehead - The Rutherford Institute Jul 30, 2025 Once Again, The American Police State Is Choosing To Protect Predators, Not Victims. Jeffrey Epstein—the hedge fund billionaire/convicted serial pedophile and sex trafficker—may be dead, but the machinery that empowered and protected him is still very much alive. You see, the Epstein case was never just about Epstein—it was about the entire edifice of power that shields the ruling class, silences victims, and erases accountability. Thus, the latest about-face declarations from the Trump administration—that Epstein had no client list, that he did in fact kill himself, and that there’s nothing more to discuss or investigate so we should just move on—have only reinforced what many have suspected all along: the system is rigged in order to protect the power elite because the power elite are the system. In this age of partisan politics and a deeply polarized populace, corruption—especially when it involves sexual debauchery, depravity and predatory behavior—has become the great equalizer. With the reemergence of Jeffrey Epstein’s ghost in the public discourse, we are once again reminded of just how deep the rot goes. Politics, religion, entertainment, business, law enforcement, the military—it doesn’t matter the arena or affiliation: all are riddled with the kind of seedy, depraved behavior that gets a free pass when it involves the powerful. For years, the Epstein case has stood as a grotesque emblem of the depravity within America’s power elite: billionaires, politicians, and celebrities who allegedly trafficked in sex with young girls while insulated from accountability. It is believed that Epstein, who died in jail after being arrested on charges of molesting, raping and sex trafficking dozens of young girls, operated a sex trafficking ring not only for his own personal pleasure but also for that of his friends and business associates. According to The Washington Post, “several of the young women…say they were offered to the rich and famous as sex partners at Epstein’s parties.” Despite the government’s insistence there’s nothing more to see, here’s what the public record already reveals: • Epstein ferried his friends about on his private plane, nicknamed the “Lolita Express” after the Nabokov novel, due to the presence of what appeared to be underage girls on board. • Both Bill Clinton and Donald Trump were counted among Epstein’s friends. • Both Clinton and Trump were at one time passengers on the Lolita Express. • Both Clinton and Trump are renowned womanizers who have been accused of sexual impropriety by a significant number of women over the years. In fact, The Rutherford Institute represented Paula Jones in her landmark sexual harassment lawsuit against then-President Clinton—a case that helped expose how far the political establishment will go to shield its own. So you have to wonder ... when President Trump, who has used his administration’s war on human trafficking to justify expanding the government’s police state powers, quietly dismantles the very government agencies tasked with investigating and exposing sex trafficking... What exactly is going on? The message from the top is clear: there will be no accountability. This isn’t justice. It’s a double standard—one set of rules for the untouchables, and another for everyone else. If it looks like a cover-up, smells like a cover-up, and appears to benefit all the usual suspects, is it so far-fetched to suspect that the government is once again closing ranks to protect the members of its power elite? We’ve seen it before: from the CIA’s MK-Ultra experiments and the FBI’s COINTELPRO operations to CIA black sites and NSA mass surveillance. Each time, secrecy protected the powerful and betrayed the people. And it will keep happening—again and again—unless we confront the truth hiding in plain sight: that abuse of power is not an aberration of the system—it is the system. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the shadow economy of sex trafficking, where power, profit, and predation converge. This is America’s seedy underbelly. Child sex trafficking—the buying and selling of women, young girls and boys for sex, some as young as 9 years old—has become big business in America. It is the fastest growing business in organized crime and the second most-lucrative commodity traded illegally after drugs and guns. This is the darkness at the heart of the American police state: a system built to shield the powerful from justice. While Epstein’s alleged crimes are heinous enough on their own, he is part of a larger narrative of how a culture of entitlement becomes a cesspool and a breeding ground for despots and predators. Give any one person—or government agency—too much power and allow them to believe that they are entitled, untouchable and will not be held accountable for their actions, and those powers will be abused. We see this dynamic play out every day in communities across America. A cop shoots an unarmed citizen for no credible reason and gets away with it. A president employs executive orders to sidestep the Constitution and gets away with it. A government agency spies on its citizens’ communications and gets away with it. An entertainment mogul sexually harasses aspiring actresses and gets away with it. The U.S. military bombs a civilian hospital and gets away with it. It’s no coincidence that the same administration dismantling offices tasked with fighting human trafficking is also defunding the few agencies left to hold law enforcement accountable. This is how the system works, protecting the untouchables—not because they’re innocent, but because the system has made them immune. Abuse of power—and the ambition-fueled hypocrisy and deliberate disregard for misconduct that make those abuses possible—works the same whether you’re talking about sex crimes, government corruption, or the rule of law. Unless something changes in the way we deal with these ongoing, egregious abuses of power, the predators of the police state will continue to wreak havoc on our freedoms, our communities, and our lives. For too long now, Americans have tolerated an oligarchy in which a powerful, elite group of wealthy donors is calling the shots. We need to restore the rule of law for all people, no exceptions. The rule of law means no one gets a free pass—no matter their wealth, status, or political connections. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, the empowerment of petty tyrants and political gods must end. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an attorney and author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of constitutional law, human rights and popular culture. John Whitehead's commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org Previous Next

Music Lovers Rejoice: Two South Florida Symphony Premieres March 22, 2024 Share South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO), led by Sebrina María Alfonso, presents an enthralling March Masterworks program that will take audiences on an epic journey through a Russian fairytale to a sensuous Spanish tavern to the streets of 1940’s Times Square all the way up to a modern stirring elegy for 9/11. The region’s foremost symphony will premiere two first-time performances of Bernstein’s “Three Dance Episodes” and modern composer Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Clarinet Concerto featuring David Shifrin plus popular favorites Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite and Ravel’s Boléro at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 25th, at New World Center in Miami Beach and Wednesday, March 27th at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale. A pre-concert chat with Dr. Alan Mason illuminating the works and composers will take place 30 minutes prior to the New World Center concert, only. “The composers featured in this concert all paint vivid stories that seem to dance in the mind,” says Maestra Alfonso. “Imagine…in Zwilich’s Clarinet Concerto, we revisit the shock and sorrow of 9/11, which ends on a more hopeful note. In Bernstein’s jazzy ode to New York City, we recall the frivolity of youth while Ravel’s rhythmic Bolero pulsates with sensuality. Then, Stravinsky takes us into a legendary folktale that bursts with magic and life. This concert wonderfully demonstrates how music can provide a welcome escape from our daily lives, and we look forward to our audiences joining for the adventure." Russian Composer Igor Stravinsky’s (1882 - 1971) The Firebird Suite, based on the Russian fairy tales of the Firebird and the blessing and curse it possesses for its owner, was first performed at the Opéra de Paris in 1910 and was an instant success, catapulting him to international fame. The memorable neoclassical work embodying good and evil has been described as a work of genius. Maurice Ravel’s (1875 - 1937) Boléro was commissioned by Dancer Ida Rubinstein in 1922, and was a raving success when it premiered at the Paris Opera in 1928, Instantly recognizable, the popular, Spanish-influenced rhythmic earworm remains one of the most romantic and well-known classical pieces in his canon. Leonard Bernstein (1918 – 1990), America’s Famed Composer and Conductor, takes his concert suite "Three Dance Episodes" from the hit musical On the Town, a wartime romantic comedy about three sailors with 24 hours’ shore leave in New York City. Composed in 1944, this popular, Jazzy piece was Bernstein’s first composition for Broadway. This work is a South Florida Symphony Premiere. Another South Florida Symphony Premiere is Pompano Beach-based Pulitzer Prize-Winning Composer Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Clarinet Concerto featuring the equally award-winning talents of Clarinetist David Shifrin (original performer of the piece). Zwilich had already begun her Concerto for Clarinet (commissioned by the Arlene and Milton D. Berkman Philanthropic Fund) by the time the 9/11 World Trade Center Attacks occurred. In his review of the 2003 world premiere performance of the piece in 2003, Peter G. Davis of New York Magazine observed: “Like everyone else, composers were badly shaken by 9/11, and their musical responses are beginning to be heard. (This work) would surely have turned out to be quite a different piece had not the fatal date arrived just as she was about to start work on the second movement. That inevitably became an elegy, and the subsequent two movements grew from there.” Winner of the coveted Avery Fisher Prize, David Shifrin has long been one of the most highly respected American Clarinetists for his work as Orchestral Soloist, Recitalist, Chamber Music Collaborator and Educator. He has appeared with the nation’s foremost symphonies and internationally with orchestras in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. A much sought after chamber musician, he has collaborated with such distinguished ensembles and artists as the Guarneri, Tokyo, Emerson, Orion, Dover and Miro String Quartets, Trumpeter and Composer Wynton Marsalis, and Pianists Emanuel Ax, André Previn and André Watts. He has served as Principal Clarinetist with the Cleveland Orchestra, American Symphony Orchestra (under Stokowski), the Honolulu, Dallas and New Haven symphonies, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the New York Chamber Symphony. Shifrin joined the faculty at the Yale School of Music in 1987 and since 2008, has been the Artistic Director of the Chamber Music Society of Yale and Yale's Annual Concert Series at Carnegie Hall. In January 2022, he was named the Samuel S. Sanford Professor in the Practice of Clarinet. He has also served on the faculties of The Juilliard School, University of Southern California, University of Michigan, Cleveland Institute of Music and the University of Hawaii. He has received three Grammy nominations, is the recipient of a Solo Recitalists' Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and a Concert Artist Guild Virtuoso Award, among many other prestigious honors. Following its highly acclaimed 25th Anniversary Season, including sold-out shows and a celebrated performance accompanying Award-Winning Alt-Rock Indie vocalist Natalie Merchant, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its musical journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages. Upcoming concerts include masterworks from Tchaikovsky and Bruch plus popular music performances including Maestra Alfonso conducting SFSO in a live performance of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ™ In Concert on April 5th and April 6th and the Classical Mystery Tour: A Symphonic Tribute to The Beatles on May 11th, both at Broward Center for the Performing Arts (separately ticketed events). Single tickets for this program begin at $15 for the Parker in Fort Lauderdale and $25 for New World Center in Miami Beach. For tickets and additional information, visit: www.southfloridasymphony.org - call: (954) 522-8445. Or email: info@southfloridasymphony.org . The South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) Founded in 1997 in Key West by Music Director Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, the now Wilton Manors-based South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is celebrating its 26th Season. SFSO is dedicated to providing enriching cultural music experiences to residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communities, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innovative programming and transformative educational initiatives. A pioneer in its commitment to symphonic music for underserved communities, its Symphony in the Schools program has touched the lives of 100,000 students since its inception in 1997. SFSO was recently named the first Partner in the Arts for The Parker by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and has been recognized by the Broward County Cultural Division as a “Major Cultural Institution,” one of only a handful of organizations to be so honored. For a performance schedule and season tickets, visit: www.southfloridasymphony.org . Call: (954) 522-8445. Or email: info@southfloridasymphony.org . < Previous News Next News >

Taxes & Our City: Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper Discusses Proposals Coming Out Of The State Legislature By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Apr 2, 2026 Two Weeks Ago, We Hosted A Meeting To Address Property Tax Proposals Coming Out Of The State Legislature. Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, Finance Director CFO Geo Neste, And I Shared Our Observations. I Discussed The Hearing And A View From An Elected Perspective. CFO Neste Reported On What Property Taxes Pay For And What Revenue Streams We Depend On As A City. Property Appraiser Kiar Shared A Breakdown Of The Various Proposals Being Discussed And What They Would Mean To Our Budgets And Level Of Services. At the time of this meeting the State ended session without a budget and without any bills passing on taxes except for one for the House of Representative fully eliminating property tax on homestead property within ten years. The following is my brief speech and introduction. There is still not a firm date for the state to go into special session, but we will still continue to follow this issue very closely. I have flowed through all the discussions on this issue and have been watching the hearings over the past months. I keep thinking about how we will get here. There had been this notion that floated on Social Media from a constituent, “I have paid for my house, why should I keep paying?” Our Governor commented on it and now has used it as a platform to cut property taxes. This statement that continues to be repeated is simply a false narrative. It is important to know the politics around this. Property taxes are to pay for services not mortgages. How many of you think the state collects property tax? Well, they do not. Cities, counties and special districts do. This is why they are going after taxes. It is a deflection away from insurance cost and healthcare. The state does control those issues. Does anyone know what rank Florida is when it comes to overall taxes? It used to rank the 4th lowest. In 2025, it now ranks 6th. Alaska is the lowest and Hawaii is the highest. The question then becomes whether taxes are cut and what will happen to our level of services? The state is not touching school taxes which are on average a third of your taxes. Our CFO Geo Neste will get into more financial detail. The house bill passed a bill but no bill from the senate. The bill proposes the elimination of taxes on homestead properties over the next ten years. It is clear that they have avoided answering the important questions about how cities and counties and districts will be able to address the cuts. During the hearings it was clear they are simply driven by politics not quality of life issues. They have stated that we cannot cut police or emergency services. There is not a sales tax increase on the table. So, this plan has no replacement revenue so every other service will be impacted. Do you know if response times would be impacted, would you support tax cuts? If you knew a fire fee would need to be increased to cover services, would you vote for a tax cut? If you know that paying for the running of our public works services would require fee increases across water sewer stormwater? Would you support a tax cut? If we were to run our parks, we would have to increase fees and shutter our buildings, would you vote for a cut? You see where I am going with this. As a note, not one resident said yes. I do not want it to seem like I’m spreading fear. I genuinely want our residents to know nothing is free and if our largest source of revenue is cut, we will still have services provided. I will continue to keep everyone posted. Wishing all our residents and Blessed Passover and Easter. May this holiday time be filled with love and peace. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Real Estate's 80/20 Rule: What Is Mortgage Insurance & Why You Might Have To Pay It August 31, 2023 Share Mortgage Insurance is one of the most misunderstood topics in Residential Real Estate. When buyers use financing and their Down Payment is less than 20% of the purchase price (or Appraised Value), Lenders require Mortgage Insurance. Lenders' tracking studies indicate that when Buyers start out with less than 20% Initial Equity in the property, there is higher risk of the Loan going into default, then into Foreclosure. Mortgage Insurance (MI) offsets the risk of Lender Financial Loss. Real Estate's 80/20 Rule refers to the LTV Ratio, a primary element of all Lenders' Risk Management. A Mortgage Loan's Initial Loan-To-Value (LTV) Ratio represents the relationship between the buyer's Down Payment and the property's value (20% down = 80% LTV). Here are 3 important points to keep in mind while reading today's article: Mortgage Insurance protects the Lender from Loss, though the Borrower pays the Insurance Premiums. MI Premiums do not go toward Principal or Interest, they are separate additional charges, and Initial LTV (and the need for MI) is determined by the amount of the Buyer/Borrower's Down Payment. With less than a 20% Down Payment, Buyers pay Mortgage Insurance Premiums for Coverage that reimburses the Lender for its Loss if the Borrower defaults on the terms of the Loan. MI is an additional charge to Buyers in Conventional as well as Government-Insured Financing Programs. Depending on the Loan Program and MI requirements, Premiums might be paid upfront, monthly, or both. On Conventional (Not Government-Insured) Mortgages, those Premiums are paid to Third-Party Specialty Insurance Companies. With Government-Insured Mortgages (FHA, VA, USDA), MI Premiums are paid to the Insuring Government Agency. (Important - The Mortgage Insurance we are discussing today is NOT to be confused with Mortgage Life Insurance, which pays off the remaining Mortgage Balance in the event of the Borrower's death. They are very different Insurance Policies used for very different purposes.) Most people have seen the acronym "PMI" which stands for Private Mortgage Insurance. PMI is issued by Specialty Insurance Companies for Conventional Loans in which the Buyer/Borrower has put down less than 20%. Annual Premiums for PMI depend on Initial LTV (Down Payment Amount), Credit Score, property type, and other transaction details. PMI can be structured as a one-time payment at Closing (upfront), Monthly payments added to scheduled Principal and Interest Payments, or a split plan combining both upfront and monthly. Mortgage Insurance Premium Structure Overview Conventional - Upfront, Monthly, Or Combination FHA - Upfront and Monthly VA - Upfront Funding Fee only USDA - Upfront Guarantee Fee and Monthly Note - Upfront MI Payments on Government-Insured Loans can be wrapped into the Loan Amount. Conventional one-time upfront MI must be paid at Closing. Lenders might pay for a Borrower's PMI in exchange for charging a higher Interest Rate for the Life of the Loan. As we have mentioned, it is all about Lenders' Risk Management. Ask your Licensed Loan Originator about Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI) and other Lower Down Payment Programs. Under the U.S. Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1999, Borrowers may request in writing that Conventional PMI be removed (and ongoing PMI Payments ended) when the Loan Principal Balance is paid down to 80% (there's that 80/20 Rule again) of the property's Appraised Value when purchased. Also under the HPA, Lenders must remove PMI when LTV reaches 78% of the property's Original Value, as long as Payment History has been satisfactory. Important - this removal procedure ONLY applies to Conventional Mortgages, not Government-Insured Financing. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a Cabinet-Level Department of the Federal Government. To help make Mortgage Funding available to a broader range of Buyers, the FHA Insures Independent Lenders against Buyer/Borrower Default. FHA Qualifying Standards for Borrowers are more lenient than most Lenders’ Conventional Loan Programs. These standards help Buyers with Lower Credit Scores and Lower Down Payments qualify for Mortgage Financing on Primary Residences. Lenders are more willing to make Loans using these broader Qualifying Standards when they are protected by FHA Insurance. FHA-Insured Financing includes both Upfront and Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). The upfront portion can be either paid at Closing or wrapped into the total Loan Amount, and is required on all FHA-Insured Mortgage Financing. There is also an Annual MI Premium that is paid with the Borrower's Monthly PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) Payment. For FHA-Insured Mortgages, the Annual MIP stays in place for 11 years when the Initial LTV is less than 90%. This means that Buyers putting down more than 10% will be paying Monthly MI for the next 11 years unless they Refinance or move within that time. When Buyers use a less than 10% Down Payment, FHA MIP stays in place for the Life of the Loan. In this case, Buyers could be paying Monthly MI Premiums for up to 30 years, or until they Refinance or sell the property. There we are - a brief overview and introduction to Mortgage Insurance, an important part of the U.S. Real Estate Market. For expanded details on Mortgage Insurance and available loan programs, speak with a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator. < Previous News Next News >