DOGE - Impacts On The City Of Hallandale Beach By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Aug 6, 2025 Over The Past Months Our Governor Has Been Focused On DOGE. While We Can Agree That There Are Instances Of Spending By All Levels Of Government, Including The State, That Are Questionable. What About The State? Actually, The New “Statewide Taxpayer Funded Campaign” By The Governor Is An Example Of Questionable Spending. These Announcements Could Have Very Easily Been Done From Tallahassee. Cities and counties in our state must submit a balanced annual budget and are subject to annual audits and submit a Comprehensive Annual Report CAFR. Hallandale Beach, for example, just received an audit with zero findings. Our entire budget is online and accessible for everyone including the state for review. The state has access; they should use it and not require our staff to do their work. So, what are they asking for? In short, they are asking our staff to create documents in an effort to cover their own DOGE failure attempt. Mayors and Managers at every level of government received a DOGE basic request back in March and responded. After there was radio silence. The recent DOGE campaign was announced through a staged statewide campaign. The recent DOGE correspondence was sent July 11th, with a response deadline of July 21st. When I first received the email, I was extremely perplexed and annoyed for our professional staff. I sent an email to Dr. Earle to share my thoughts. “While I know we will comply with their request it is perplexing as all this information is available in our audit and our Comprehensive Annual Report CAFR.” At the end of the email the state offered government agencies to contact them if they could not make the deadline. This was a full page of questions asking our staff to comply in their own excel spread sheet form. The report asked once again about population, revenues, and the entire budget with expenses of every single department. This was not just for one year but all the way back to 20-21. Our staff, including the Finance, Budget Committee and Information Technology, got to work instantly and worked over the weekend in hopes of not having to ask for an extension. Many cities and counties asked for extensions, some 30 days. On Monday July 21st in an email to Dr. Earle our Finance Director on behalf of the team explained our complex ledger structure does not simply tie into an excel sheet. IT worked on a solution, and they have completed all the tabs but the final one. Rather than rushing and losing value data the team asked for an extension until August 8th. I am sure this same issue is being addressed by every agency. I cannot imagine what large cities and counties are going through. Many residents may not realize all Florida governments are currently going through their 2024-2025 budgets that must be approved before October 1st. This DOGE mission is taking all our staff away from critical daily duties. As a note, we have a fully accessible state-of-the-art IT system. The main issue is they are asking staff to create a work sheet to fit their needs. Typically, auditors will come in and request access to documentation and our systems, but the auditors do the work. Our staff has requested an extension simply because the time was not possible. The unrealistic request of all the government agencies to comply within 11 days shows a true lack of understanding of the complex financial system or was a deliberate attempt to create a lack of faith in our government. This contrived narrative that all governments have waste and are abusing taxpayer dollars is strictly feeding a political base. The goal is not to cut taxes. They are looking for a “smoking gun” in an attempt to suggest that our property taxes are too high. If you had a chance to read my State of the City. The State of Florida, you already know that our state is the fourth lowest taxed burden state in the nation. Our state does not have income tax and has an incredibly low sales tax rate of 6%. Our cities depend on property taxes to pay for services that directly impact safety and quality of life of each resident. Our state did nothing to cut insurance costs. They cut many local requests to fund much needed infrastructure. Our Northeast Flood Control request was cut. Now, being faced with costs to cover education, schools, and health insurance, they are teeing up a bait and switching. Cut property taxes but increase sales tax. Great for the state as they collect sales tax and do not rely on property taxes. We as a city rely on property taxes to pay for vital services; Police, Fire, EMS, Water and Wastewater Services, Flood Control, Sanitation Services, Municipal Road Maintenance, Park, and Beach Services. Every citizen needs to understand what services each level of government provides. 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

The Arabian Nights Music Fest Returns After 20+ Years South Florida Sun Times May 14, 2026 After More Than Two Decades, One Of Opa-locka’s Most Memorable Cultural Celebrations Is Making Its Long-Awaited Return. The Arabian Nights Music Fest Will Take Center Stage As Part Of The City Of Opa-locka’s 100th Year Anniversary, Bringing An Exciting Lineup Of Nationally Recognized Artists, Regional Performers, Food Vendors, Artisans, And Family-Friendly Programming Together For A Vibrant Community Celebration. Set against the historic backdrop of Opa-locka, the festival will take place on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, at Sherbondy Park, 380 Bahman Street, Opa-locka Florida 33054, with gates opening at 3:00 p.m. and performances starting at 5:00 p.m. Headlining the festival is two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress LeToya Luckett, alongside Miami’s own chart-topping rapper and singer-songwriter Ball Greezy. The festival will also feature additional regional and local performers across multiple genres, highlighting the dynamic cultural sounds of South Florida. Mayor’s Quote: “This festival represents more than great music, it represents the energy, resilience, and cultural vibrancy of our 100-year-old city,” said John H. Taylor Jr., Mayor of The City of Opa-locka. “Opa-locka has always been a place where creativity and community thrive. The Arabian Nights Music Fest will bring people together to celebrate our 100 years, our culture, support local businesses, and showcase the incredible talent that connects our city to audiences across South Florida and beyond.” The festival will transform the park into a multi-zone cultural experience celebrating the city's Moorish Revival heritage, diverse community, and creative spirit. Festival Highlights: • Live music across genres: R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, Latin, Afrobeats • Artisan marketplace featuring local makers • Global and hometown cuisine • Family-friendly creativity and storytelling • Evening light experiences • Centennial tributes and legacy moments Festival Event Zones Rhythm Realm The heartbeat of the Arabian Nights Festival. Rhythm Realm brings together the sounds that shape Opa-locka – R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, Latin, Afrobeats, spoken word, and more. This is where the city’s global rhythms come alive, celebrating the cultural diversity that has defined Opa-locka for 100 years. Expect high-energy performances, community pride, and a stage that feels like home. Artisan’s Way A curated pathway of local makers, artists, and small businesses showcasing the creativity of Opa-locka. From handcrafted goods to cultural art pieces, Artisan’s Way highlights the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of the community. This zone honors the city’s legacy of craftsmanship and provides a platform for artists to shine during the centennial celebration. Local and regional entrepreneurs and creatives are encouraged to participate. Spaces are expected to fill up quickly and are $400, which includes a 10x10 tent. The Spice Court A central hub of global and local cuisine inspired by the flavors that have shaped Opa-locka’s multicultural identity. The Spice Court brings together food vendors, chefs, and culinary storytellers offering dishes that reflect Caribbean, Latin, African, and American traditions. It’s a place to gather and experience the city’s cultural richness through food. Local and regional food vendors and restaurants are encouraged to participate. Spaces are limited and are $750, which includes a 10x10 tent. Discovery Den A family-friendly space designed for creativity, play, and reflection. Discovery Den blends hands-on activities, storytelling, and historical moments to help families explore Opa-locka’s past and imagine its future. This zone invites children and adults to learn, create, and connect through interactive experiences rooted in the city’s 100-year journey. Discovery Den will also feature commemorative merchandise for purchase to preserve a piece of Opa-locka’s 100th year history. The Night Garden An evening activation filled with light, ambiance, and immersive design inspired by the magic of Arabian Nights. As the sun sets, The Night Garden transforms into a glowing, atmospheric space of visual installations that honor Opa-locka’s Moorish Revival heritage. It’s a place to wander, take in the evening’s beauty, take pictures, and experience the festival’s most enchanting moments. Previous Next

Oceanic Debuts Summer Live Music Series South Florida Sun Times Jul 16, 2025 Celebrate South Florida’s Summer Season With Oceanic At Pompano Beach Pier’s New Summer Live Music Series. Every Saturday And Sunday, From 1:00 p.m. To 4:00 p.m., The Community Is Invited To Enjoy Tunes By The Tides And Indulge In Chef-Driven Coastal Cuisine. Guests Will Soak In Boundless Views Of The Atlantic Ocean From The Oceanfront Patios While Listening To Live Music From Celebrated Local Musicians. The July lineup includes: Saturday, July 19th: The Gin & Tonics Duo Sunday, July 20th: Eric Xarles Duo Saturday, July 26th: Chris Luv Duo Sunday, July 27th: The Shindig Duo In addition to the main menu, Oceanic serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Oceanic’s signature brunch menu includes brunch classics such as Grand Marnier French toast, sweet-tea brined chicken and waffles with drunkin' bourbon peaches and crab cake benedict with potato hash. Lunch favorites include sun-kissed shrimp, fresh watermelon and grilled shrimp salad, the New England lobster roll and the fresh catch of the day. Guests can build their own mimosas and bellinis and sip bubbles by the beach. The Mimosa Bucket includes Mionetto prosecco, orange juice, pomegranate juice and strawberry purée for $29, and the Bucket of Bubbles includes six bottles of Mionetto Rosé and Brut for $68. Reservations are encouraged. When: Every Saturday and Sunday, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where: Oceanic at Pompano Beach 250 North Pompano Beach Boulevard Pompano Beach, Florida 33062 About Oceanic at Pompano Pier: With the iconic Pompano Beach Pier as the backdrop, Oceanic boasts boundless views of the Atlantic Ocean. The chef-driven menu features coastal-inspired cuisine with fresh seafood and creative dishes crafted with high-quality ingredients. Oceanic is dedicated to delivering a high-quality dining experience and warm hospitality, making it the perfect spot for celebrating special occasions or grabbing a quick bite after a day at the beach. With spectacular views from every angle of the restaurant, the space is artistically designed with flexibility in layout, with the ability to host private events from intimate gatherings to extravagant celebrations. Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Oceanic’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and happy hour is offered weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., exclusively at the bar. Oceanic’s Brunch Unplugged live music series takes place on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Oceanic is in Pompano Beach Village at 250 North Pompano Beach Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062. For more information or to make reservations, please visit: www.oceanicpompano.com - Or call: (954) 366-3768. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram at: @OceanicPompano. About LM Restaurants: LM Restaurants is a Deerfield Beach, Florida and Raleigh, North Carolina-based hospitality management group privately held, and family owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Lou and Joy Moshakos with daughter Amber as President. LM Restaurants has 34 award-winning restaurants throughout the Southeast. Its South Florida restaurants include Lucky Fish Dania Beach, Lucky Fish Pompano, The Cove Waterfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar in Deerfield and Oceanic at Pompano Beach. Lucky Lou’s, a raw bar concept, will join the South Florida family in mid-2025. For more information, visit https://www.LMRest.com/ - Or call: (919) 851-0858. The events are free and open to the public. The full menu is available. Prices vary by item. For more information, please visit: https://www.oceanicpompano.com/events . To make a reservation, please call: (954) 366-3768. Or visit: https://resy.com/cities/pompano-beach-fl/venues/oceanic-pompano Previous Next

Protect Skin From The Sun - 3 Simple Tips For Summer Skin Care By Family Features Jul 10, 2025 Taking Good Care Of Your Skin All Year Long Is Essential, But Even More So In The Summer When The Power Of The Sun Is At Its Strongest. Healthy Skin Doesn't Require Fancy Moisturizers Or Expensive Skin Care Products. You Just Need To Adopt A Few Healthy Habits. For example, keeping your skin healthy and glowing starts from the inside out by eating and drinking healthy foods and beverages that nourish your body's largest organ and promote healthy skin cells. Additionally, studies show certain foods, such as fresh, juicy grapes, may help protect healthy skin even when exposed to UV Light, which is known to damage Skin Cells. A study published in the journal "Antioxidants," in which people consumed 2 1/4 cups of grapes every day for two weeks, showed increased resistance to sunburn and reduced markers of UV Damage at the cellular level. This study reinforced previous and similar findings published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology." Grapes are also a hydrating food with 82% water content; hydration is essential to healthy skin. Along with snacking on fresh, delicious California grapes, consider these everyday ways you can keep your skin safe from the sun's rays. Seek Shade Most experts recommend avoiding the sun at the height of the day, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., when its rays are at full strength. That doesn't mean you can't be outside - just seek shade as often as possible while enjoying the warm summer air. Prioritize Hydration Drinking water and staying hydrated is important year-round, but especially when it's hot and you're more likely to lose water content through sweat. Keep your body full of moisture with simple and delicious Grape-Infused Waters. For a zesty kick, try Grape, Ginger and Lime that combines the sweetness of grapes with the zing of ginger and lime, or Grape, Lemon and Mint, offering a bright and invigorating blend of citrus and mint. Enter your Zen state with a mellow, spa-like sip from Grape, Cucumber and Mint. For a cool, hydrating snack, try freezing grapes. Simply rinse, pat dry, remove from the stems and freeze for 2 hours in a single layer on a sheet pan. You can even enjoy them as flavorful ice cube replacements in these easy-to-prepare, flavorful beverages. Layer Up While you're enjoying the sunshine, layer up with a generous application of 30 SPF or higher sunscreen every 1-2 hours. Wear lightweight, long-sleeve shirts; wide-brimmed hats; sunglasses; and other protective clothing to reduce sun exposure, which can lead to wrinkles, age spots and other health problems, including an increased risk of Skin Cancer. A Trio of Grape-Infused Waters Servings: 4 Grape, Ginger and Lime: 1 Heaping Cup of Grapes from California, muddled, plus additional for serving (optional) 5 Quarter-size slices of peeled Fresh Ginger, muddled 4 Lime Slices 4 Cups of Water Ice Grape, Lemon and Mint: 1 Heaping Cup of Grapes from California, muddled, plus additional for serving (optional) 3 Lemon Slices 3 Large stems of Fresh Mint 4 Cups of Water Ice Grape, Cucumber and Mint: 1 Heaping Cup of Grapes from California, muddled (plus additional for serving (optional) 6-8 Thin slices of Cucumber, halved 3 Large stems Fresh Mint 4 Cups of Water Ice To make the Grape, Ginger and Lime Water: In a pitcher, place the Grapes, the Ginger and the Lime Slices. Add the Water and stir it well. Cover it and chill it overnight. Before serving it, stir it well and pour it into ice-filled glasses, adding the Grapes to each glass, if desired. To make the Grape, Lemon and Mint Water: In a pitcher, place the Grapes, the Lemon Slices and the Mint. Add the Water and stir it well. Cover it and chill it overnight. Before serving it, stir it well and pour it into ice-filled glasses, adding the Grapes to each glass, as desired. To make the Grape, Cucumber and Mint Water: In a pitcher, place the Grapes, the Cucumber and the Mint. Add the Water and stir it well. Cover it and chill it overnight. Before serving it, stir it well and pour it into ice-filled glasses, adding the Grapes to each glass, as desired. Nutritional information per serving: 25 Calories; 0 g Protein; 7 g Carbohydrates; 0 g Fat; 0 mg Cholesterol; 0 mg Sodium; 0 g Fiber. Visit: www.GrapesFromCalifornia.com for more delicious recipes and information on grapes and health. Source: California Table Grape Commission Previous Next

FDOT Construction Open House: 
Washington Street & NW/SW 72nd Ave. Mobility Project Thu Nov 11 2021 05:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Summer Arts Camp: Sharpen Your Skills And Showcase Your Talents Thu Mar 30 2023 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Rock Out, Laugh & Learn: At The Parker This October Thu Sep 14 2023 16:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

With Elections Over, We Are Back To Work Thu Nov 21 2024 17:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A State Of Never-Ending Crisis: The Government Is Fomenting Mass Hysteria Thu Apr 27 2023 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Are You Spending Too Much On Your Car? South Florida Sun Times Jun 18, 2026 For Many Americans, A Vehicle Payment Has Become A Significant Source Of Financial Stress. Rising Insurance Premiums, Higher Interest Rates, Fuel Costs, Maintenance Expenses, And Longer Loan Terms Have Increased The Overall Cost Of Vehicle Ownership, Leaving Some Households Struggling To Keep Up. Below, Automotive Retail Analyst And Consumer Advocate Ray Shefska, CarEdge Co-Founder, Shares Insights On How Consumers Can Recognize When A Car Payment Is Consuming Too Much Of Their Budget, Why Payment Burdens Have Become More Common, And What Steps People Can Take If They Find Themselves Financially Stretched. What are some signs that a car payment is taking up too much of a person's budget? You know a consumer bit off more than they can comfortably handle when they have to cut back on the amount they drive. That is usually one of the first signs that their budget is stretched. Rather than drive somewhere they stay home or get a ride with a friend. The cost of fuel on top of a high car payment is more than many can afford. Another sign is when someone puts off needed maintenance simply because they must choose between making the car payment or covering the maintenance. With rising auto insurance premiums, this puts further pressure on a consumer who accepted a payment that was already a stretch to make before prices started spiking upward. Depreciating assets like cars and trucks are not the type of purchases someone should stretch for, perhaps real estate, which usually appreciates over time but certainly not cars. In your experience, how do consumers typically end up with car payments that take up too much of their income? The first mistake people make is buying their wants as opposed to buying their needs. Wants tend to cost more than needs. The second mistake they make is not closely examining all of their expenses, leading them to assume they can afford a bigger payment than they actually can. The third mistake they make is not checking the cost of their automobile insurance until after they have purchased their new vehicle, leading to shock at how much their monthly premium increases. And finally they fall for the payment trap the Finance and Insurance Manager sets when they sign their loan documents. Unwanted, overpriced protection packages, longer loan terms, and higher interest rates all seem acceptable when the F&I manager says, 'You don't think the bank would agree to this payment if they weren't confident you could pay it back, do you?' Have you noticed any changes in recent years that have made car payments less affordable for consumers? New car and pre-owned interest rates are much higher today than they were just a few years ago, which has negatively impacted car payments. 84 and 96-month loan terms also give the appearance of making a car more affordable when in fact customers agree to pay thousands of dollars more in interest in most cases. How can you determine how much car you can afford? I recommend that no more than 10-15% of your gross monthly income go toward covering your car, including your car payment, insurance premium, fuel cost and maintenance. What should consumers do if their car payment is too high? Contact the bank that holds the car loan if you are having trouble making your payment and ask if you can make partial payments for a time being until things improve financially. Remember, banks want to be in the lending business not actually the car business, so in most cases they will try to work with a customer so they don't have to repossess the vehicle. Besides refinancing, what other options are available? For those struggling with their monthly payments I suggest they contact each provider they are paying and see if they can negotiate a lower payment plan to lessen their monthly obligations until they regain their financial footing. That would include your credit card providers, cell phone services providers or utility providers. Many government-approved credit counseling service providers are available for people struggling financially, and someone in this situation should seek one out. Will affordability improve soon? I do not expect affordability to improve any time soon, so buyers need to thoroughly and completely understand their budgets and limit purchases to things that they need not necessarily what they want. Save as much as they can for a down payment and limit their loan term to avoid paying thousands of dollars in extra interest. Discipline is the key, make only discipline-informed purchasing decisions. About CarEdge CarEdge is a leading consumer platform, Founded by father-and-son team Ray and Zach Shefska, that is dedicated to empowering car shoppers to make confident, informed and financially savvy decisions. The company’s CarEdge Pro subscription service gives car shoppers real-time market insights and an expert AI Car Negotiator agent to make the process simple, easy and fair. It’s premium-level CarEdge Concierge offers buyers a white-glove experience with a dedicated automotive expert who locates, negotiates and secures the best possible deal on your behalf. Both CarEdge tiers help consumers save money, time and hassle. Also with trusted resources that includes hundreds of guides on YouTube, CarEdge is redefining transparency, fairness and value in the automotive industry. Connect with him at: www.CarEdge.com . Or on Social Media on: YouTube, TikTok, X, Facebook, and Instagram. The first mistake people make is buying their wants as opposed to buying their needs. Previous Next

61st Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival: Celebrating The Talent And Dedication Of Artists Nationwide Thu Feb 13 2025 17:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Water Damage & Mold Experts: 1st Priority Restoration Has The Solution Thu Mar 24 2022 04:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)