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 >

A Head For An Eye: The Government's War On The American People By John & Nisha Whitehead Aug 13, 2026 We Have Been Ambushed. We should be talking about the dangerous, destabilizing things being done to this country. We should be talking about the data centers spreading across the landscape, draining electricity and water, straining local Infrastructure and expanding the technological machinery needed to track, profile and control the population. We should be talking about the government’s growing network of detention centers and its family-separation policies, which have resulted in an estimated 145,000 American children experiencing the detention of at least one parent—including more than 22,000 U.S.-citizen children whose entire household of co-resident parents has been detained. We should be talking about license-plate readers, facial recognition, government databases and artificial intelligence capable of turning our movements and associations into a digital dossier on every person in America. We should be talking about masked government agents, endless war, disappearing constitutional safeguards and an imperial presidency accountable to no one. Instead, we are trapped in a vicious loop of nonsense, mania, political demagoguery and manufactured spectacle while the country goes to hell in a handbasket. Every day—sometimes every hour—brings another outrage, another threat, another vulgar display of power, another self-glorifying meme, another political provocation and another distraction demanding our attention. Before we can fully comprehend one assault on the Republic, another takes its place. That is not merely the chaos surrounding this government. It is one of the ways this government maintains power. Keep the public angry, exhausted, frightened and distracted. Force everyone to chase the latest outrage. Crowd out serious scrutiny with political theater. Then push past another constitutional boundary while no one is able to keep track of what has already been lost. This is how every crisis appears fleeting and every constitutional violation merely the latest controversy in an endless political spectacle. Taken together, however, these are not isolated events. They are tests. Donald Trump is not defending the Constitution. He is testing how much of it he can violate before anyone stops him. He is testing whether a president can wage war without Congress. He is testing whether federal power can be turned into personal power. He is testing whether dissent can be punished without formally outlawing speech. He is testing whether masked government agents can operate as a secret police force beyond public scrutiny and constitutional accountability. He is testing whether the government can watch, track and profile everyone without meaningful limits. He is testing whether the Twenty-Second Amendment, which limits a president to two terms in office, means what it says. Most of all, he is testing how much abuse the American people will tolerate before exhaustion, fear, distraction and partisan loyalty wear down their willingness to resist. That is the real constitutional crisis confronting America. Trump has turned constitutional government into a continuous test of submission: He pushes beyond a boundary and waits. Will Congress resist? Will the courts intervene? Will government officials refuse? Will the public object? Or will everyone retreat, rationalize, delay and adjust? If no one stops him, the violation becomes precedent. Then he pushes farther. This is how a republic is dismantled—not necessarily through one dramatic declaration of dictatorship, but through a succession of constitutional violations that go unanswered long enough to become the new normal. The administration’s approach to war offers a revealing glimpse into the instincts driving much of its conduct. Asked about Iran’s promise to retaliate according to the principle of “an eye for an eye,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Trump’s policy is “a head for an eye.” Not proportionality. Not restraint. Vengeance to the maximum. The impulse behind that doctrine—to retaliate when challenged, punish when criticized, escalate when restrained and push harder when the law says no—is not confined to the battlefield. It runs through the administration’s approach to political opponents, dissent, immigration enforcement, executive power and constitutional limits. “A head for an eye” may be Trump’s philosophy of war, but it is also a warning about the kind of government that philosophy produces. The result is a government at war not only with foreign enemies but with dissent, privacy, due process, constitutional limits—and ultimately with the American people. Meanwhile, as the administration tests how much damage it can inflict and how many boundaries it can cross without consequences, the public is being overwhelmed by a relentless barrage of noise, spectacle and manufactured outrage. And the costs of the government’s recklessness continue to mount. The war with Iran continues to consume lives, military resources and tens of billions of taxpayer dollars. Critical munitions are reportedly running low. Military commanders are being forced to make difficult decisions about which weapons must be preserved. American service members have been killed and hundreds more injured. Disruptions to global oil supplies threaten higher prices, shortages and further economic instability. Yet even as the administration demands billions more to replenish the weapons expended in its war, it is preparing to end a Medicare subsidy program that has helped hold down prescription-drug-plan premiums for millions of older Americans. The government can find billions for bombs but tells senior citizens to brace for higher costs. It can also spend public money on enormous banners bearing Trump’s face and regilding statues while ordinary Americans struggle to afford food, medicine, housing and fuel. This is what government without constitutional limits looks like: war without accountability, policing without transparency, surveillance without warrants, propaganda without shame and power without restraint. The question is no longer whether the Constitution is welcome in America. The question is whether the government still considers the Constitution binding at all. By all indications, the answer is no. Trump will keep testing the limits of the Constitution until someone stops him. Unfortunately, Congress has largely abandoned its duty to check presidential power. The courts increasingly allow constitutional controversies to be resolved through delays, procedural maneuvers and doctrines that shield government officials from accountability. Federal agencies resist transparency, police investigate themselves, and private contractors help the government evade constitutional limits. And the American people are encouraged to treat every abuse as a partisan question rather than a constitutional one. That is the trap. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, constitutional limits mean nothing when the institutions entrusted with enforcing them refuse to act. The greatest danger is not that Trump keeps testing the limits. It is that the institutions entrusted with enforcing those limits keep failing the test. 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

A Memorable Start To Spring JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa Have A Magical March Lineup Aventura Digest Mar 19, 2025 JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa Invites Guests To Experience A Memorable Start To Spring With A Roster Of Fun Activities And Special Activations. Renowned Restaurateur, Chef Michael Mina, Hosts An Intimate Dinner At Bourbon Steak With A Specially Curated, Multi-Course Menu And CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar Welcomes Clase Azul For A Tequila And Tacos Tasting Event. Live Entertainment Is Offered Every Sunday At Corsair Kitchen & Bar’s Brunch 52 And Every Thursday Through Sunday At SOFF’s Lobby Lounge. âme Spa And Wellness Collective Welcomes Back The Popular Juice And Glow Retreat And Offers Exclusive Treatments For The Month Of March. Discover luxury services, modern amenities and a stylish setting at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. Elegantly designed spacious rooms and suites provide relaxing comfort with marble bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the resort's tropical grounds. The resort features Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, serving signature cuts of prime meat, local seafood and a fine selection of over 1,000 wines. For casual fare, visit CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar, Surf House Bar & Grill or Freestyle. Let little ones join in days of fun at Tidal Cove Water Park while lounging poolside in a private luxury cabana. Golf enthusiasts can vie for under par scores at the property’s two 18-hole championship courses, while the exquisite full-service spa is a tranquil haven for beauty and wellness. Ushering in a new era of meeting style and sophistication, the 120,000 square foot conference center features 40 flexible meeting rooms, two grand ballrooms and vast outdoor terraces and venues, while delivering the luxury expected, along with JW Marriott’s world-class event services and amenities. CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar & Brunch 52 An American-inspired kitchen and bar, Corsair’s contemporary cuisine attracts those looking for lighter comfort food prepared with regionally sourced, wholly natural ingredients. Guests are invited to enjoy tacos paired with Clase Azul Plata, Reposado and Mezcal on March 25th from 6:15 p.m. through 7:15 p.m. Stay for dinner at CORSIAR Kitchen & Bar to receive 25% off or continue the journey with Clase Azul at Soff’s Lobby Lounge and receive 25% off including Gold, Añejo and Ultra. This dining experience is $75 per person and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant: (786)-279-6800. Named the 52 – as the menu items change 52 weeks of the year – Corsair Brunch 52 includes à la carte items, unlimited mimosas and Aperol spritzes, seafood and dessert bars. Made-to-order dishes include French Toast with a graham cracker-crusted brioche, Key lime meringue and mint; Breakfast Skillet with Buffalo chicken, cheese fondue, blue cheese, scallions and celery; Mac n’ Cheese with crab, Old Bay and panko breadcrumbs; and Eggs Benedict with fried onion rings, KC BBQ beef "burnt ends," poached egg and classic hollandaise, among others. Guests can enjoy live entertainment every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Brunch is $67 per person; $31 per person for children 12 and under, and children ages 3 and under eat free from the Kids Menu. Reservations can be made online: https://www.opentable.com/corsair-kitchen-and-bar Wine Down Wednesdays: Enjoy a mid-week special every Wednesday at CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar with 40 percent off select bottles of wine. The offer includes varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau d’Esclans, Chardonnay and more. Guests are invited to enjoy a bottle while sampling the Seafood Platter with a jumbo shrimp cocktail, snow crab claws, octopus salad, classic louis and cocktail sauces for the ideal happy hour. For dinner, elevate a meal with a choice of wine while indulging in entrees such as the New England Lobster Roll or CORSAIR smash burger and sides including truffle fries, loaded tater tots and more. Reservations can be made online: https://www.opentable.com/corsair-kitchen-and-bar Ribeye Sundays: Every Sunday at CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar, from 6:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy a ribeye dinner special for $48 per person. Ribeye Sundays include a choice of roasted tomato soup or Caesar salad, a 12-ounce ribeye with mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, roasted mushrooms, beef jus and key lime pie with coconut sorbet for dessert. Advance reservations are required and can be made online: https://www.opentable.com/corsair-kitchen-and-bar SOFF’S Jazz & Martini Night Enjoy Jazz music and Martinis every Thursday starting at 4:00 p.m. In addition to martinis made to one’s liking, guests can also enjoy an array of signature cocktails including “Where’s Donnie?” with Ketel One Vodka, cucumber, mint, agave, and lemon or ‘Sting Like Ali” featuring Bulleit rye, Chartreuse Green Liqueur, Drambuie and lemon among others. A wide variety of cigars are also available and are perfect to enjoy on the adjacent patio. âme Spa & Wellness Collective - Juice and Glow Retreat – March 23rd âme Spa & Wellness Collective invites guests to a day of renewal and transformation at the Holistic Rejuvenation Center at JW Turnberry’s âme Spa and Wellness Collective. The exclusive one-day retreat is designed to help guests reconnect with their inner balance, vitality and overall well-being. This one-day event is a unique opportunity to nurture the body, mind and spirit in a setting of elegance and tranquility. Attendees can embrace the power of juicing, set intentions, listen to enlightening lectures and have access to world-class amenities, including the Infrared Sauna, Whole-Body Red Light Therapy pod, Aromatherapy steam room and a cold plunge with guided breathing exercises. Guests will also have access to the tranquil adult pool for complete relaxation. Tickets are priced at $296 per person and include Juices and Collagen shots, access to an Infrared Sauna, Red Light therapy pod, a Cold plunge with guided breathing exercises, a welcome gift bag, and more. Further information is available online: https://www.exploretock.com/turnberryislemiami/event/503212/juice-glow-retreat âme Spa & Wellness Collective March Specials QMS Connection Treatment: This treatment is a multi-faceted treatment combining face, body, and nutritional stimulation. With the ability to energize, revitalize connective tissue, and skin cells, this treatment restores blood, lymphatic circulation and relaxes the nervous system to reduce inflammation. 50 minutes | $249 Cryo-Facial by BABOR: This cooling facial treatment reduces puffiness, tightens skin’s appearance while promoting a radiant, refreshed and more even complexion. Combining the benefits of cold therapy and sculpting gua sha, the ergonomic shape of the tool perfectly adapts to the contours of the face and neck. 50 minutes | $189 Turnberry Reset: Reset and recover with this unique treatment. Experience the combined benefits of hands-on massage and aromatherapy oils. The therapist uses advanced bodywork techniques, as well as aromatherapy oils to soften fascia and release adhesions. 50 minutes | $189 Celebration of You Massage: This offer is exclusively offered to guests with a birthday during March. Enjoy a signature massage with a special gift. Guests can book online. 50 minutes | $159 Restore and Glow: Restore the skin to a healthy glow with this uniquely hydrating treatment. This service features a customized exfoliation and hydrating treatment using coconut and natural sugar cane to reveal a bright radiant skin, followed by a full body massage combining traditional massage techniques to transform stress into balance. 80 minutes | $249 Perfect Day: Relax with a customized full-body massage designed to unwind the body and refresh the mind. An express facial combining antioxidants and vitamins to enhance elasticity and improve the look of fine lines is also part of this luxurious treatment. 80 minutes | $249 Tidal Cove Waterpark Award-winning Tidal Cove Waterpark features a 60-foot tower with seven water slides, a 4,000-square-foot kids pool with an aquatic play structure, the first-ever FlowRider® Triple surf and bodyboard simulator in the nation, 25 private cabanas and an additional VIP pool, Oasis Pool. Guests of JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa enjoy complimentary exclusive access. • Tidal Cove Adult-area DJ – Weekends, 12:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. • Kids Cove DJ – Weekends, varying dates and times. Tidal Cove Arcade Tidal Cove Arcade is the go-to spot for family-friendly entertainment. Located within Tidal Cove, the arcade features Claw and Halo machines, Cruisin’ Blast, Pac Man and Key Master. The Tidal Cove arcade is open from 9:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. daily. Golf Lessons JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa offers private golf lessons from top 25 US-ranked National golf instructors, starting at $250. The Ray Boone Golf Academy has options for everyone, including corporate clinic rates. Indoor and outdoor sessions are available, along with Trackman and Video Analysis. For more information, please contact: jteetimes@jwturnberry.com . Or: (305)-933-6929. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is tucked away on 300 acres in Aventura, it's a tropical oasis with a culture of accessible luxury and enriching experiences. For more information visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/miajt-jw-marriott-miami-turnberry-resort-and-spa/overview/ - Or call: (305) 932-6200. (Photo Credit: JW Marriott Miami Turnberry) Previous Next

Rent Prices Are Finally Falling: But These 20 Cities Missed The Memo For Single-Family Homes February 2, 2023 Share In-demand single-family homes drove 2022’s rental-price roller coaster. Prices are finally settling down, but just in case you’re planning a move, new data from Dwellsy pinpoints the 20 American cities where it’s most expensive to rent a house. Picture it: You’re lounging in a cozy chair in your (rented) living room, watching snow drift gently down outside. If you want to get crazy, add a cup of hot cocoa, a fuzzy blanket and a few scented candles. If this winter fantasy is appealing, data-cruncher Jonas Bordo of Dwellsy has good news: Moving into a single-family home rental (SFR) just got a bit less pricey—so go ahead and spring for the fancy marshmallows. Now, here’s the caveat you knew was coming: If you want to rent a sunny beach house, forget he said anything. You’ll still pay plenty for the privilege of not freezing your butt off. “From November to December 2022, asking rent for a three-bedroom SFR went down $30, or 1.7 percent,” says Bordo, CEO and Co-Founder of Dwellsy. “This is extremely welcome news for renters, who saw prices for that property type rise 8 percent or a total of $128, from December 2021 to December 2022. That said, your rent might still cost quite a bit depending on your address—especially if you’re hoping to find a rental home in a warm, sunny spot.” Bordo believes that providing accurate and timely rental data is a crucial service for renters, landlords, cities and organizations connected to the rental industry. To that end, Dwellsy regularly mines its 13+ million residential rental listings for statistics and data. Because the rental platform allows landlords to post listings free of charge, it has a pool of data that’s more diverse—and more representative of the true rental landscape—than that of pay-to-play listing services. Each month, Dwellsy breaks down this data regionally across 250 U.S. markets. “Without current data, it’s difficult for renters to accurately gauge developing trends, determine affordability in their area and plan for the future,” says Bordo. “In order to increase the specificity of what we’re pricing and reduce the risk of noise in the underlying data, Dwellsy has recently updated our methodology for analyzing rent data. In compiling this list of most expensive cities for single-family home rentals, we’ve focused on three-bedroom homes because they are by far the most common rental home type.” For a more detailed look at Dwellsy’s rent price analysis methodology, see this article: https://dwellsy.com/blog/rent-analysis-methodology/ Top Ten Most Expensive Big Cities for Single-Family Homes: 1. Los Angeles, California $3850, 2. San Francisco, California $3700, 3. San Jose California $3600, 4. Honolulu, Hawaii $3500, 5. San Diego, California $3450 6. Miami, Florida $3200, 7. Boston, Massachusetts $3200, 8. Riverside - San Bernardino, California $2600, 9. Seattle, Oregon $2596 and 10. Denver, Colorado $2540. A glance at this list shows that a snowy winter is not in the forecast for the majority of cities with the most expensive SFR rent. Los Angeles claimed the top spot with a median December asking rent of $3,850 and Bay Area twins San Francisco and San José took the second and third spots with rents of $3,700 and $3,600, respectively. “Renters in Miami, Honolulu and Boston might still be in mourning for their 2021 budgets, because prices in each of these cities have increased over 10 percent since December 2021,” says Bordo. “On the other hand, asking rents in San José, Riverside-San Bernardino and Seattle have increased by 3 percent or less—well below the national average of 8 percent.” Top Ten Most Expensive Small Cities for Single-Family Homes: 1. Naples-Marco Island, Florida $5000, 2. Salinas, California $3500, 3. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks, California $3398, 4. San Luis Obispo, California $3200 5. Santa Rosa, California $3000, 6. Santa Barbara, California $2938, 7. Vallejo-Fairfield, California $2750 8. North Port-Bradenton, Florida $2650, 9. Hilton Head, South Carolina $2638 and 10. Boulder, Colorado $2595. Thanks in part to the loosening of Pandemic restrictions and the rise of remote work, many renters chose to move to smaller cities with sought-after amenities and attractions in 2022. After all, if you can work from anywhere, why not do it by the beach? Assuming, of course, that you can afford to pay for that coveted ocean view. “Naples-Marco Island, Florida, gets the prize for ‘most expensive rental city’ across all property types and locations,” shares Bordo. “Median asking rent in December was $5,000 for a three-bedroom home. This is significantly higher than asking rent in second-place Salinas, California, which came in at $3,500. “Hilton Head, South Carolina, also stands out for having this group’s highest overall rent growth in 2022: 23.4 percent,” he adds. “No matter where you live, it looks like more stable rent prices will continue into 2023,” Bordo concludes. “Thanks to the Fed’s fight against inflation and an increased supply of new rentals entering the market, I expect moderate pricing to continue as the year progresses.” < Previous News Next News >

Bahamian Paradise Found - Snaresbrook Manor An Impeccable Luxury Escape In Eleuthera By Merilee Kern, MBA Jan 21, 2026 Nestled In The Embrace Of The Turquoise Waters Of The Caribbean Sits Snaresbrook Manor—An Impeccable Luxury Vacation Home In The Governor’s Harbor Of Eleuthera, Bahamas. Perfectly Situated On A Panoramic Pink Sand Beach And With Premium Appointments From Top To Bottom, This Pristine Property Stands As A Testament To The Serene Luxury And Natural Beauty That This Tropical Island Paradise Has To Offer. Tucked Away From The Other Bustling Bahamian Tourist Spots, Snaresbrook Manor Is A Hidden Gem On The Outer Island Of Eleuthera That Provides An Idyllic Escape For Those Seeking Tranquility, Extravagance And The Allure Of A Private Oasis. This Exceptional Eight Thousand Square Foot Vacation Home Spans Across A Private 2.2 Acres And Sits Directly On A Mile-Long Private Pink Sand Beach. Owned By Fashion Designer Patricia Nash, Snaresbrook Manor Is A Meticulously Designed And Carefully Crafted Private Estate That Encapsulates The Essence Of Bahamian Charm. The property offers seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms in the main house plus a separate on-property apartment with nearly all having an ocean view. Its sizable second story balcony provides a sweeping sea view in all directions as far as the eye can see. This sprawling estate also boasts a 40 by 25 foot heated beachfront pool surrounded by plush loungers, large indoor and outdoor dining and seating areas, commercial-grade kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances for luxury vacations and retreats with lodging for up to eighteen guests. Other deluxe features include a plush media room with oversized HD flat screen TV, fitness room with gym-quality equipment, covered pergola and cabana with a bathing area and outdoor bathroom, a water filtration system and an on-site orchard. Daily housekeeping and concierge services are also included with each stay. Here you can revel in exclusivity, sumptuous surroundings and natural beauty and gracious island hospitality. From its pristine beaches to lush landscapes and affable staff available to accommodate nearly all guest needs, Snaresbrook Manor captures the heart and soul of the Caribbean and sets a decidedly high standard for area vacation rentals. The veritably flawless property boasts a range of luxurious amenities and facilities that cater to the needs of even the most discerning travelers. From a stunning global travel-inspired interior decor, breathtaking views of—and direct access to—the ocean, a sparkling pool that seems to merge seamlessly with the sea and sprawling tropical gardens that invite moments of quiet contemplation, each element of Snaresbrook Manor evokes a sense of awe and relaxation. Having myself experienced a Snaresbrook Manor vacation experience, I can attest that the allure of Snaresbrook Manor lies not just in its luxurious offerings, but also in the tranquility the entirety of the grounds provide. Unlike the more bustling Caribbean island tourist hubs, this hidden haven allows visitors to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in an oasis of peace. Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the private beach, an intimate dinner under the starlit sky, or a rejuvenating on-property spa session, Snaresbrook Manor caters to those seeking an intimate and personalized experience. Beyond its captivating natural beauty and lavish offerings, Snaresbrook Manor also provides an opportunity to engage with the rich Bahamian culture. From sampling local delicacies via Island Hospitality Group or other private chef services, venturing out into the community to experience local restaurants and the must-do weekly Friday night community fish fry, to experiencing traditional music and arts, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant heritage that enriches this Bahamian outer island. In all, Snaresbrook Manor stands as a testament to the allure of Eleuthera, offering a glimpse into a world where extravagance and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Whether you seek a romantic getaway, a serene family vacation, a girls or guys trip, wedding or corporate event, or an escape from the ordinary for any other reason, this meticulous private estate promises an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. In the embrace of Snaresbrook Manor, guests can discover the true essence of paradise—a place where time slows down, worries fade and the magic of the Caribbean becomes a cherished memory. Merilee Kern, MBA Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the “Savvy Living” lifestyle TV show that airs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta and other major markets on CBS, FOX and other top networks; as well as the “Savvy Ventures” business TV show that airs nationally on FOX Business TV and Bloomberg TV. Merilee also hosts the Savvy Ventures Podcast & Radio show available globally on W4CY Radio—the #1 ranked live streaming radio station—among others as well as all major podcast platforms, including Pandora, Audible, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Streamyard, iHeart Radio and dozens more. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at: www.TheLuxeList.com And: www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram: www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN: www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern . ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.*** Previous Next