All That Jazz & More December 16, 2021 Share Gold Coast Jazz Society (GCJZ) celebrates thirty years of respect and honor for the art form of Jazz in their 2021- 2022 Season - Live! At the Amaturo. “In marking this incredible milestone, we aimed this Season, to mix our performances between pure and contemporary, alongside some hip, creative variations,” says GCJS Executive Director Pam Dearden. “We hope we have curated something for everyone and we also wish to invite new audience members into our fold.” Live! At The Amaturo features a sensational variety of ‘straight-ahead’ tunes, new renditions of old favorites, as well as innovative Jazz. A host of international artists as well as outstanding local musicians are carefully included in the series. All concerts will occur at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Southwest 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 and will begin at 7:45 p.m. The Shelly Berg Trio will return on January 12th, 2022 with a special tribute to the music of George Gershwin with a Gershwin Top 20 Celebration. Berg is a Steinway Piano Artist, a five-time Grammy-Nominated Arranger, Orchestrator and Producer with numerous recordings to his credit. Not only a performer, he is also a notable educator and is the Dean of the University of Miami’s Prestigious Frost School of Music. The All Music Guide says that Shelly “is one of the finest pianists around in the early 21st century playing Modern Mainstream Jazz.” To learn more about Shelly Berg, go to: https://www.shellyberg.com/ On January 25th, 2022, fresh off the Jazz Cruise, join us for a concert with NEA Jazz Master, Kenny Barron. Honored by the National Endowment for the Arts as an NEA Jazz Master, Barron has an unmatched ability to mesmerize audiences with his elegant playing, sensitive melodies and infectious rhythms. The Los Angeles Times named him "one of the top Jazz Pianists in the world” and Jazz Weekly calls him “the most lyrical piano player of our time.” Whether he is playing a solo, a trio or a quintet, Kenny Barron is recognized the world over as a master of performance and composition. Enjoy pre-concert music in the Amaturo’s Lobby by the Pine Crest Jazz Septet. To learn more about Kenny Barron, go to: https://kennybarron.com The February 9th, 2022 Concert will feature the Gold Coast Jazz debut of the acclaimed Latin Jazz Pianist, Chuchito Valdés. Chuchito, following in the footsteps of his famed father Chucho Valdés and grandfather Bebo Valdés, continues the legacy of great piano players from Cuba. With influences of Caribbean Rhythms and Jazz, he will create an exciting and energetic blend of spicy music. Chuchito has recorded and performed with the world renowned Cuban Band, Irakere, which he led for two years. His exciting performances have taken him to festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the world, from Cuba and the Caribbean to the Americas and Europe. Learn more about this artist at: https://www.chucho-valdes.com On March 9th, 2022 Tony DeSare, the incredible Singer/Pianist, brings his fresh take on old school classics. He’s won critical acclaim for his three Billboard Top 10 Jazz albums and for his exciting performances in Jazz Clubs at Carnegie Hall with symphony orchestras and in Las Vegas. DeSare releases new recordings, videos of standards and new originals every few weeks on his YouTube channel, iTunes and Spotify. Learn more about this artist at: https://www.tonydesare.com The closing Concert of the Jazz Series will occur on April 13th, 2022 featuring the world renowned Dirty Dozen Brass Band with An Evening of New Orleans Jazz, Funk & Soul. The DDBB has taken the traditional foundation of Brass Band music and incorporated it into a blend of Genres including: Bebop, Jazz, Funk and with a sprinkling of R&B and Soul. This world famous music machine has celebrated over 40 years of performing a “musical gumbo” around the globe with over twelve recordings and collaborations with a wide range of artists. Learn more about the DDBB at: www.DirtyDozenBrassBand.com The Gold Coast Jazz Society is a Not-For-Profit organization that is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Jazz Music through a mainstage concert series, free community concerts, educational programs, a Jazz scholarship program and musical services provided by the Gold Coast Jazz Society Band. For more information, go to: www.goldcoastjazz.org Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council. This program is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Concert Sponsors include: American National Bank, Funding Arts Broward, Helen Ingham Foundation, Tim Ingham and Julie Pabst, Morgan Stanley and the Mary Porter Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward. < Previous News Next News >

Celebrate Black History Month in the City of Hollywood February 16, 2023 Share Learn more about the rich history of African Americans in Hollywood and the creation of the Libera Neighborhood at the annual Black History Month celebration. All are welcome to join the City's African American Advisory Council on Thursday, February 23rd at 6 p.m. at the Washington Park Community Center, 5199 Pembroke Road for this free, family-friendly event. The event will feature the award-winning film “Wade in the Water.” There will be performances by the Florida Memorial Chorale and Step Team, an African American history monologue, and more. Refreshments will be provided. The Washington Park Community Center is plastic and foam free, please no single-use plastic containers. For more information, please contact Alison Saffold at asaffold@hollywoodfl.org or call 954.921.3599. Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk Saturday, February 18th Visit restaurants, galleries, and shops, while enjoying art, music, murals, outdoor markets, and more! Artisan Market, 6pm-11pm Live Music, 6pm & 8pm Mural Tour, 6pm-7pm Gallery Tour, 7pm-8pm & 9pm-10pm Magic Show, 10pm-10:30pm CALLING ALL STUDENT ARTISTS! The City of Hollywood DropSavers Conservation Poster Contest is Happening Now! Compete for great prizes, recognition for your art and your school and most importantly, help educate your community about Water Conservation. Create an original design depicting the importance of water conservation and enter it in the City’s DropSavers Water Conservation Poster Contest. The contest is open now to all Hollywood K-12 students, entries must be received on or before Thursday, February 28, 2023. For contest rules and information, visit www.hollywoodfl.org/dropsavers < Previous News Next News >

My Hollywood Pride: Inaugural Event Will Be Saturday, January 22 Thu Jan 20 2022 05:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Fresh Taste of Creativity: Hallandale Beach's New Shipping Container Restaurant Brings Unique Dining Concept to Broward County May 16, 2023 Share The City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is thrilled to welcome the first shipping container restaurant in Broward County, KAO Bar & Grill, to the newly rebranded District 8, formerly the Fashion and Art District (FAAD). The grand opening of KAO Bar & Grill will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, from Noon to 11:00 pm, located at 11 NE 1st Avenue. KAO Bar & Grill is a two-story unique concept of a shipping container restaurant that perfectly adds to Hallandale Beach's vibrant and diverse community. The restaurant is a 5,000-square-foot design hand-painted by artist Falopapas. KAO offers indoor dining with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor patio, and a 14-seat full bar. Customers can expect an immersive dining experience with Argentine grill-inspired cuisine. "The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) is excited to have KAO Bar & Grill in Hallandale Beach and District 8," said City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle. The HBCRA has invested over half a million dollars to position KAO in the heart of our community, District 8, confident that this restaurant will be a great addition to our city." District 8, where KAO Bar & Grill restaurant is located, has been undergoing significant redevelopment in recent years, transforming into a thriving design district focusing on innovative concepts and businesses. Adding KAO Bar & Grill to the district is a testament to the City of Hallandale Beach's and HBCRA's commitment to creating a unique, diverse, and progressive community for residents and visitors. The grand opening of KAO Bar & Grill promises an unforgettable experience with a chance to sample some of their delectable menu items. There will also be chalk artists and possibly a live mural painting during the event. Surrounding businesses in District 8 will show their support for the launch of KAO Bar & Grill by activating their space with light refreshments. The City of Hallandale Beach encourages everyone to come out and celebrate the opening. Parking will be available in the FEC Parking lot on NE 1st Avenue and 3rd Street. A free bus shuttle service called the “Freebee” is provided by the HBCRA and will transport guests to and from KAO Bar & Grill. The HBCRA is also offering an exclusive 30-day promotion on Uber and Lyft for “D8 Night.” Receive $25 off per ride for two rides to and from KAO. Take advantage of this offer using the links and codes below: Uber: https://r.uber.com/rMVboiIteeK Code: rMVboiIteeK Lyft: https://lyft.com/lp/HBD8NITE Code: HBD8NITE MORE INFORMATION: For more information on KAO Bar & Grill, District 8, and the D8 Night ride promotion, please visit: https://cohbcra.org/BeLocal/ Or contact Public Information Officer, Kisha Eugene at: keugene@cohb.org About the City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency: The mission of the Hallandale Beach CRA is to promote economic development and enhance quality of life by eliminating and preventing blighted conditions through the facilitation of community partnerships, business growth, job creation, and neighborhood rehabilitation. Learn more: https://cohbcra.org/about/ < Previous News Next News >

State Of The City Of Hallandale Beach Part 4 By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Jun 26, 2025 Today, I Continue With Part 4 Of The State Of The City Of Hallandale Beach Series. An EMS Revenue Study Was Performed And Presented To The Commission. There Are Multi Pronged Approaches To Improve And Boost Our Revenues. Currently, There Is Still Work To Be Done Operationally Before We Decide What Will Be The Path Forward To Close The GAP. There is good news! An Emergency Manager Coordinator was hired last year. The entire staff has been hard at work over the past months. We revamped our disaster planning. Not just for Hurricanes but all disasters; flooding, cybersecurity, facility security and other major events. There have been multiple table top exercises and investments in various response equipment. Specialized emergency trucks, high water rescue vehicles, barricades, emergency notification technology and other equipment. We hosted a Preparedness Class again this year for residents and businesses. Sadly, they were not well attended this year. We are concerned that this is a sign of complacency. Our goal is to beef up our website to include training videos for individuals that are unable to attend in person. I encourage all our stakeholders to visit our website that is full of useful information and links to a wide array of outside resources. We are doing our part. As a City, we cannot do everything. Private property owners need to plan, be prepared and have recovery plans as well. The reality is we cannot engineer our way out of every storm event. The year of the shovel began. And like I said this year, “Dig Baby Dig!” We planned for a major overhaul of our aged Infrastructure. We dusted off the Basis Of Design Report and prioritized projects. We set up a list of 10 criteria. Public Health and Safety first, Infrastructure Investment Protection and Regulatory Requirements as the top three. These projects are all sizes and are all vital to our sustainability. They take planning, design and then are constructed. Timelines can range from a year to well over three or more depending on the scope. And yes, like all construction, they are disruptive, messy and do not always go as exactly planned. Last September, we updated our 5 year Capital Improvement Plan for 25-29. It included over 70 projects with projected costs of $207 Million Dollars. These range from public safety, sidewalks, road paving, street lighting, facility upgrades and the biggest utility improvements citywide. The projects are funded through multiple sources. General fund, shared Sales Tax, Gas Taxes, Broward County Transportation's Penny Tax, CRA and Utility Fees. I need to note this does not include “all” of our projects. We have over $320 Million Dollars in needs, not wants. Many of our road projects are city, county and state roadways. These are estimated at $57 Million and are not fully funded. Utility projects are critical and we did not wait to start digging. We utilize our robust reserves to kick start over $63 Million Dollars in vital needs while we set up our Utility Revenue Bond. The bond process is both financially and legally complex. We have a team of special counsel and consultants that have worked with our Finance Director. To bond, we needed to go through new credit ratings. We received news in October that Moody had given us an Aa1 and S&P gave us an A +. Now, I know that those of you that are financial wonks are thinking that is not a Triple A. In this case, it is not just the “city” Debt Capacity it is based on a citywide Debt Capacity including our taxpayers. So with all that is going on in our South Florida housing market and global markets this is really great news. The real win is the rating helped to save money and we closed on our Bonds. Now we have to pay it back? These are revenue bonds that can be paid back from Utility Fees. I must assure our stakeholders, we remain very sensitive to the current financial reality but still we must make these upgrades. We adopted a phase in annual rate increase rather than front loading a large rate hike of 63%. That percentage sounds really big. Without getting too much in the weeds, I need to explain it. We have set up a structure that includes a 10% increase in Water, 7% increase in wastewater and a flat increase in stormwater rates based on the Equivalent Residential Unit over the next five years. The average residential utility bill will increase by $10 dollars. The full utility bill for all services including sanitation runs on average $146. It will now run on average $156 depending on usage. There are plenty of other programmatic changes taking place. This is not a big dive, but I will touch on some highlights. For years we have not designated a fund for repairs and replacement of our over $82 Million in Capital Assets. This is like many condominiums that did not budget reserves knowing they had to replace their roofs, perform concrete restorations, replace HVAC systems and not have any funds set specifically for the projects. We budgeted costs as the needs came up. This meant we had to dip into departmental budget contingencies or dip into general fund reserves. Remember the mess we had 5 years ago, our reserves were going to be at $8 Million Dollars. In January, we adopted for the very first time a formal policy and law directly establishing a Repair and Replacement Ordinance and fund. Like a reserve fund, the fund was established at first with a $1.5 Million Budget and now with ongoing planning has grown to $3.5 Million. We established a direct policy that includes a 25-year schedule of assets including repairs and replacement at end of life. The fund schedule cannot be changed or amended without direct Commission Approval. It creates Stability. It ensures technology will be maintained, facilities will be repaired, vehicles will be replaced, Fire and Police Equipment replaced, Parks and open spaces will be maintained and it is a Government Finance Best Practice. 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

Water Worries: The Dangers Of Dehydration In Pets Aventura Digest Jul 24, 2026 The Summer Heat Can Be Unrelenting, Sending Pets Who Usually Run Straight To Their Owners After Being Outside In Search Of Their Water Bowls Instead. Rehydrating After Playtime Is Important, So If A Pet Does Not Have Proper Access — Or A Desire To Seek Out — Water, Their Owner Must Step In Before Their Companion’s Health Is At Risk. Dr. Sarah Manning, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, provides insight on how to ensure pets maintain the proper level of hydration as the temperature continues to rise. Why Water Matters Hydration is a basic necessity for a pet’s daily well-being, with water intake playing an important role in bodily functions such as: • Digestion • Joint mobility • Organ function • Regulating body temperature However, the amount of water needed depends on the species and size of the animal. “A cat should drink about a cup of water per day,” Manning said. When considering dogs' year-round hydration needs, body shapes and sizes are factors that must be considered. “For dogs weighing less than 50 pounds, it is advised to intake up to 5 cups of water per day; dogs greater than 50 pounds need upwards of 10 cups per day,” Manning said. “However, when they start to get hot and exercise, they will need more water.” Owners must actively make hydration a priority, as the complications caused by dehydration can become life-threatening over time. Pets not properly hydrated, especially in the summer, are at risk for serious complications, including: • Heatstroke • Kidney failure • Neurological issues • Hypovolemic shock — a type of critical body state that occurs when the body loses too much fluid volume (like in severe dehydration or major blood loss), which can lead to organ failure Signs of Dehydration The key to detecting early signs of dehydration resides in a pet’s mouth. “You can check their mucus membrane — the pink tissue underneath their lips and over their teeth,” Manning said. “If it feels very sticky to the touch, that's a sign that they're getting a little dehydrated. You would hope that their gums would be really slick with saliva, but if it's dry and sticking to you, that's going to be a problem.” Another way you can check for dehydration is by gently pinching the skin on the back of their neck and lifting it up to create a tent-like shape. “In a well-hydrated animal, that skin tent should drop right back down,” Manning said. “In an animal that's starting to get dehydrated, it'll stay in place a little before it slowly starts to return down.” When dehydration becomes severe, owners may notice a decline in their pet’s overall well-being. “They may appear to not be feeling well,” Manning said. “They won't be as active and may not want to eat or drink.” Dental Disease, nausea, an unclean water bowl, Arthritis, or more serious illnesses could be additional explanations for a pet's avoidance to drinking water. Contacting a veterinarian when concerns arise is important to determine whether the issue is behavioral or related to an underlying problem. Methods To Help For pets who are picky or avoid daily hydration, Manning says there are strategies that can help. “Typically, owners choose to flavor the water or make the experience of drinking fun in some way,” Manning said. “One technique to flavor water is called ‘water baiting,’ which means adding a supplement to the water to encourage consumption. For example, owners can mix a tablespoon or two of wet food into the water to get their pet to drink more.” When “water baiting” is not feasible, engaging dogs with moving water can encourage them to drink. “Some dogs really like to play with the water hose, and inherently, when you're playing with the water hose, they're going to drink some of the water at the same time,” Manning said. Cats, on the other hand, can be more particular. “Some cats prefer water that's in a nice big bowl; some cats prefer water that's moving — such as from a fountain," Manning said. “So, having different types of water out and available for them is the key.” Another way to increase hydration is through diet. Wet food contains more moisture and can boost overall water intake, though many animals have set preferences when it comes to a wet or dry food diet. “Dry foods don't have much moisture to them, whereas a large component of wet foods is water,” Manning said. “With that said, you can always add water to a dry food and that kibble will soak it up. With the cans of wet food, you can add additional water and make it more of a soup-type consistency.” Before choosing a hydration strategy, consult with a veterinarian to determine which option best serves your pet. Pinpointing Preferences Meeting the basic needs of a furry companion comes from taking the time to understand how they prefer to eat, drink, and play. “I think an owner’s mistakes with hydration can come from not recognizing preferences — at least with cats,” Manning said. “Dogs tend to be better drinkers on their own. In the sense of summertime activities and heat, though, we sometimes don't fully recognize that they might want to drink more.” With hydration — as well as any aspect of care — an owner should carefully monitor their pet’s well-being and intervene when necessary. “Some dogs might try to drink a lot of water all at once when they are dealing with heat stress and that can actually make them throw up, which makes them sicker,” Manning said. “Encouraging steady hydration throughout the day and being proactive with hydration measures are what's most important to prevent dehydration and further bodily harm.” Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk . Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu . Previous Next

Taxes, Services & Infrastucture: It has become very costly to live in South Florida By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper September 15, 2022 Share Last week, I wrote about the taxes here and around the State. In the article, I explained about Save our Homes and the Truth in Millage. I do not want to be redundant, but I believe it is imperative that residents understand that the Roll Back Rate is simply a past action by State Legislators to suggest that City Governments should run on fixed costs. In other words, when property values go up, taxes should go down. In the real world it does not work that way. Please visit the Sun Times Website to read the full article - https://www.southfloridasuntimes.com/news/tax-season%3A-there-is-a-misconception-that-we-can-simply-cut-costs In the article, I explained that cities just like businesses are also subject to increased costs of operations. Our cost increases are well over 10% since we purchase different types of services and products, the typical basket of household goods that are calculated in the CPI. Unlike businesses, we do not have the luxury of picking and choosing the services we provide like: Police, Fire, Emergency Services, Water/Sewer/Stormwater Management, Code Enforcement, Building Services, Public Right Of Way and Maintenance to name a few. We also have to provide the underground and above ground infrastructure to deliver those services. On Monday, September 12th, 2022, we held two extremely important Public Meetings. We held the first Public Hearing on our City’s Budget and Millage Rates. The Millage Rate was increased to 8.2466. This represents an increase of 1.2466 Mills to generate $5.9 Million Dollars to balance our Budget without using Reserves and to provide Services at the same level. It also provides financial resources to repair the Infrastructure. The Millage Rate to pay for our Park GO Bond decreased from 0.5377 to 0.4946. There are two Special Districts, Golden Isles Rates stayed the same at 1.0934 and Three Islands also stayed the same at .6600. During the meeting, I realized that many newer residents may not be aware that the trim notice they receive is not just City Taxes. It includes the County, the School Board and the Hospital District. It was also clear that when comparing City to City, it is not just about the Tax Rates. It is also about the size and type of the Tax Base. The other key is the charges for the Services. One City may have a lower Tax Rates but higher fees. We did have approximately 15 residents that came to participate in the meeting and three speakers spoke. Obviously, they spoke against raising taxes. As a Commission, we certainly do not want to raise taxes, but we do have to keep our City safe and running. We are all empathic to the fact that there are some residents that are struggling to make ends meet. We also understand that many Non-Homesteaded owners are now reconsidering keeping their second homes. Understanding these struggles, our CRA has approved a Rental Assistance Program that is available to residents that live within the CRA boundaries that include 14th Avenue and West. While we do not have this available East of 14th Avenue, we do have Emergency Funding available at the Hepburn Center Human Services Department, located at 750 Northwest 8th Avenue. Our Social Workers can also assist by pointing you to resources available from other agencies. To find out more, please attend the kickoff meeting this Saturday, September 17th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Center. It has become very costly to live in South Florida. All properties and businesses are being faced with increased cost of materials, cost for staffing, fuel and energy costs as well as the big one, insurance costs. We also understand that 40 and 50 Year Safety Repairs must be performed or buildings can be faced with red tags. There is no silver bullet and Local Governments can try to help but we also have bills to pay. We need our State and National Partners to now step up to the plate. Another Major Meeting was held on Monday afternoon to discuss our Infrastructure needs and how we will be able to pay for replacing Water/Sewer and Stormwater Pipes. There are over $358 Million Dollars of underground pipes that need replacement. Of that $180 Million is being funded by Revenue Bonds and another $19 Million will be funded by Grants. $117 Million will still need to be funded but we are targeting the most critical. Those that are 45 Years and older. The other portion is at 25 Years old. Over the past year, there were over 510 water main breaks with 35 resulting in Boiled Water Notices. This is unacceptable. Like many Condos, we cannot kick the can down the road. I will go into further detail over the next few articles, but it is important that our residents understand that we need to Fund these Projects through Revenue Bonds. These types of Bonds are tied to Water/Sewer and Stormwater Fees. Our Staff has been working with a consultant that has specialized in this field for over 30 years. They have developed a financial plan that includes a phased increase in these Utility Fees. The Commission fully agreed on the plan and Rate Increases. The new Rate starting next year will be as follows. If you are not using any Water, the Base will go from 42.61 to 52.35. If you are a larger consumer and use 10,000 a month, the average bill will go from 101.96 to 119.00. In addition, the Stormwater Rates which have not been studied or raised for years will be a flat rate of $8 Dollars per month. Over the next five years, we will be covering the Bond Debt by increases of 17% year 2024,10% year 2025, 7.5% year 2026, 5.25% year 2027 and 3.75% in 2028. Since this is a Long Term Plan, the Rates will be reviewed and Rates per type of user may change. Please know, I would welcome the opportunity to come out and discuss these important topics with your Condominium owners. As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out at my office: (954) 457-1318. On my cell/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >

What's At Stake? This Election Many Issues Are On The Ballot For Hallandale Beach October 13, 2022 Share I wrote about the upcoming election a few weeks ago and received many inquiries to what the November election will look like. Many new and long time residents may not be aware of all that is at stake this election, so here is some information to help you. As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place, e-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Here in Hallandale Beach, we have Elections for Commission Seats 1 and 2 and for Charter Amendments. A committee of appointed citizens proposed the Charter Amendments. The Commission approved and supported them with a 5-0 Vote to be placed on the Ballot. Voters should support all these Amendments that improve the governance and operations of our City. I typically do not get very political in these articles, but Voters really need to understand what is at stake in our City this Election Year. I have already heard many Voters are being misled. Hallandale Beach now has a system of seats. The Commission seats are 1 – 4 and the Mayor's Seat. This year two seats are on the Ballot are: Seat 1 and 2. Vice Mayor Mike Butler is running for Re-Election in Seat 1. That is not the news. The alarming news is that Keith London is running against him. I will not call it shocking even though Mike was at one time his friend and Former Running Mate. This is the type of arrogant behavior that is typical to Keith. His past cruel behavior against colleagues, business owners and employees may not be known to all new residents. To those of us who know the real truth, there is a reason that London lost his appointed Mayor’s Seat. He lost because residents had enough! I am writing about this because we all need to not forget this horrific chapter in our City’s History. This is a call to action from Vice Mayor Mike Butler, Commission Michelle Lazarow, Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub and myself. It is hard to imagine that this is taking place but after years of disinformation about corruption, personal attacks against those that called him out or those burned by his reckless actions our City Commission is united in the message about the news. We are all formally and publicly denouncing his attempt to once again fleece our City and misinform Voters. It was an agonizing time for many. The residents united to Vote him out and we all need to unite once more for the wellbeing of our now vibrant Community! Obviously, I was not on the dais for a year and half and was finally vindicated. Sadly, during that period, the arrogant power-hungry London was even worse. His attacks on Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub were despicable. Hallandale Beach made national headlines over anal bleaching. We were slammed with costly Lawsuits that are still hanging over the heads of our taxpayers. One with a price of $5 Million Dollars. Over the past three years, our City has been moving forward without the shenanigans of years past. We have worked collectively to overcome the bad headlines. Correct a Budget that was fully mismanaged and in 2018 had the lowest reserves in the history of the City. Now we are all fully united to keep him out and protect our City. We need your help to continue the peace that has been brought to our City by empathic, caring and smart leadership. In other news, it has been brought to my attention that other misinformation is out there regarding our BSO Merger. We all can agree that Public Safety is one of the most important services and duties we perform as Elected Officials. Without Health and Safety, we do not have anything! When the City Commission Voted 3-2 on the Merger, they were put in a box due to a Pension Lawsuit and collective bargaining. It needs to be noted that the two other Unions, The International Union of Police Associations (IUPA), which is the Police, were negotiating going to FRS (Florida Retirement System) and AFSCME (American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees) already went to FRS. This change did save money all around. In my opinion, it should have and could have happened without the BSO. The BSO’s Contract was all Union and did not have to do with staffing even though the public was led to believe it. There was a report of an incident with a female Firefighter going into a house during a kitchen fire on her own. What has been left out of this story is there was another Firefighter and the Chief was on the scene. In Fire Response, there are typically multiple trucks responding. She claimed she was told to go in on her own. This is totally against protocol but after a thorough review it became a point of “she said, he said.” As the Chief said, he was behind her while the other officer was running the hose. This Fire Incident created the push to have three Personnel on a truck. The other incident that has been pointed out from what I can gather, I was not on the dais at the time, was a response to a Heart Attack by a Single Responder. I do not know if the Fire Truck Personnel only had a Certified Driver and one Paramedic. While we do not want any of these types of incidents occurring, they are outliers. There is not one single perfect Department in Broward County and human error is always possible. Even with the BSO Merger, we had a tragic Incident due to BSO Protocols. There was a call for an Asthma Attack that turned tragic due to the fact the response could not go in. Ironically, people are not sharing this story. Since I have been on the dais, I have only heard good comments and accolades for our wonderful First Responders. It was my understanding our City was to work on Certifications. I have heard debates over staffing levels for years. We have three on EMS and three on Fire only because of a SAFER Grant. This had nothing to do with the Merger. I also need to share that in a four-square mile City, we have more coverage than other cities with 3 Fire Stations housing Fire and EMS at the Beach, Main Stations and EMS on Three Islands. We still pay for all other related expenses, trucks, stations, equipment for trucks and life saving apparatuses. The other issue is training. Due to staffing, training hours were interrupted. I am not saying this is not an issue. Training is important. Currently, our Grant is over. We will be losing a position. We will still be in the BSO Contract, while spending $1.2 Million Dollars. If lost, we will go to three on a Fire Truck and two on EMS. I firmly stand with getting out of the contract and stop wasting money on upper management and focus on boots on the ground. As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out at my office: (954) 457-1318. On my cell/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >

Stacking Healthy Habits For Progress, Not Perfection By Feature Impact Mar 26, 2026 Despite The Best Of Intentions, It's Common For Plans To Build Healthier Habits To Fall Flat. Often, The Culprit Isn't A Lack Of Motivation Or Discipline; Rather, It's Unrealistic Expectations. Overhauling your lifestyle requires a level of commitment that isn't always practical. Understanding your personal health needs and the challenges you need to overcome can help give you a more realistic roadmap toward better health. Tools to Guide You Every plan needs a starting point and there are many reputable sources that can help guide you toward a plan that addresses your personal health needs. For example, the American Heart Association introduced My Life Check, a simple, free tool to help individuals understand their heart health and what's driving it. Users answer simple questions about their daily habits and health factors to get a personalized Heart Health Score in minutes. The results are private and downloadable, giving you full control of your information. The tool turns big goals into small, specific actions you can start right away. Knowing your numbers relative to your heart health (and where you are in comparison to target ranges for optimal health) can help you decide how to build a better map to get you where you want to be. While the report is customized to each individual, no personal data is stored and answers are only used to calculate health scores and provide personalized recommendations and practical steps to improve your health, so you can use your results to focus on what matters most to you. Every small step you take, such as moving more, eating smarter, sleeping better or managing stress, can add up over time. Finding Your Path Once you're armed with data and know where you stand on your heart health numbers, small steps become clearer and more manageable. That knowledge makes it easier to choose one area to focus on, such as getting more sleep, taking daily walks or adding more color to your meals. Healthy changes don't need to be expensive or complicated. The best habits are ones that fit real life when every action you take moves you closer to your goals. Eat Smart Choose foods that help you feel your best, one meal at a time. Add more color to your plate and focus on balance, not restriction. Simple, affordable swaps can make a real difference. Move More Find movement that fits your life, such as a walk, a stretch or dancing while you cook. Every bit of activity counts and it all supports your heart and mind. Move for joy, not just for results. Sleep Well Rest is a foundation of good health, not a reward. Protect your bedtime routine and give your body the recovery it deserves. Notice how good sleep makes everything else easier. Manage Stress Check in with yourself regularly, both mentally and emotionally. Create simple moments to pause, breathe, laugh or step outside. Connection, kindness and calm all support a healthy heart. Staying motivated and on track is also easier when you can check back in, see your progress and realize the steps you're taking are making an impact. Checking in every few months to see how you can grow gives you the chance to celebrate your progress, learn from challenges and keep building lasting habits that feel good. To get started with personalized tips to set your own health goals, visit: www.heart.org/mylifecheck . Source: American Heart Association Previous Next

2023 Hyundai Air & Sea Show: Memorial Day Weekend National Salute To America's Heroes May 24, 2023 Share The Hyundai Air & Sea Show, the Greatest Show Above the Earth returns to Miami Beach Memorial Day weekend (May 27-28, 2023). The Hyundai Air & Sea Show begins each day at 12 p.m. with sea demonstrations by professional jet skiers, ThunderCats boat racing exhibition and the Cigarette Offshore Powerboat Racing Demonstration. After the sea portion, look to the sky for our country’s state of the art military technology including Parachute teams, jet demonstrations, air and sea search and rescue exercises, and more. Families can enjoy the Florida Power and Light Display Village east of Lummus Park (Ocean Drive, 11th - 14th Street), which is over four-city-blocks long. The Florida Power and Light Display Village includes incredible flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators along with interactive displays from all branches of the U.S. Military including a U.S. Army M1A2 tank. Guests can meet the men and women of our armed forces and experience displays and booths from the Hyundai Air & Sea Show corporate sponsors including USA Boxing Exhibition, a Kid Zone, and the Monster Energy Action Zone, showcasing Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team. On Saturday, May 27, the U.S. Army SaluteFest, will feature three concerts including platinum-selling country music star Chris Janson, viral singing sensation JVKE, and country music artist BRELAND. The U.S. Army SaluteFest will be hosted by former football player Rob "Gronk" Gronkowski, a four-time All-Pro tight end. The U.S. Army SaluteFest also includes an interactive Display Village, a mesmerizing 500 drone aerial show, and a fireworks extravaganza. Attendees can also expect to see the U.S. Army's top equipment, innovations, and career opportunities on display. On Sunday, May 28, the event will reach its grand finale with a captivating performance by country music duo Big & Rich, known for their high-energy shows and chart-topping hits at the Music Explosion, presented by Hyundai. Attendees can expect a memorable evening filled with their signature blend of country rock and engaging stage presence. To culminate the festivities, the event will conclude with the spectacular Veteran's Florida Fireworks Extravaganza. This awe-inspiring fireworks display will illuminate the night sky with a dazzling array of colors and patterns, paying tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. The Hyundai Air & Sea Show is certain to please veterans, patriotic Americans and people of all ages. Packed with action in the sky and on the water, the Hyundai Air & Sea Show will have crowds cheering from 11th to 14th Streets along the shores of Miami Beach. The family-friendly event has something for everyone. Saturday, May 27: U.S. ARMY SaluteFest™ (1:00PM -10:00PM) • MUSIC ACTS: Chris Janson, BRELAND, JVKE and more! • U.S. Army Golden Knights Nighttime Pyro Parachute Demonstration • U.S. Army 82nd Airborne “All American” Chorus • The U.S. Army Band, mesmerizing 500 Drone Aerial Show, Interactive Army Display Village and Fireworks extravaganza • Attendees can also expect to see the U.S. Army's top equipment, innovations, and career opportunities on display. Sunday, May 28: Music Explosion® presented by Hyundai (6:30PM - 9:00PM) • Featuring Country Music Stars Big & Rich • U.S. Air Force Band • Veterans Florida Fireworks Extravaganza Sea Events Demonstrations: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM • “Thundercat” Boat Exhibition • Cigarette Offshore Powerboat Exhibition • Flyboard Demonstration • Jet Ski Freestyle Exhibition AIR EVENTS: 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM • Demonstrations and Fly-bys, USAF F-35 Lightning ll, USAF F-15 Eagle, USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon, USAF A-10 Thunderbolt, USAF T-6’s, USAF B-52 Bomber, USAF B-1 Bomber, USAF, B-2 Bomber, USAF Heritage Flight, USAF C-17 Global Master III, USAF C-130J Hercules, USAF KC-135 Stratotanker, USAF C-5 Galaxy, US ARMY AH-64 Apache Helicopter, US NAVY Legacy Flight Team Demonstrations • U.S. ARMY Golden Knights Parachute Team • U.S. NAVY Leap Frogs Parachute Team • British Army Red Devils Parachute Regiment • USAF Honor Guard Drill Team Precision Exercises • USAF 920th Combat Search & Rescue Demo • U.S. Army Special Operations Demo • USCG Air Sea Rescue Demo • U.S. Customs Border Protection Drug Interdiction Demo (All aircraft are subject to operational availability and all aircraft listed may not be available on days of event. Demonstrations consist of multiple aircraft exhibiting capabilities of military and governmental agencies personnel and equipment) “There is no better time than Memorial Day weekend to pay tribute to our military, First Responders, and those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our freedom,” said Mickey Markoff, National Salute to America’s Heroes Executive Producer. Tickets for the Hyundai Air & Sea Show LiquorSplit Beach Club at Show Center are available at: www.USAsalute.com starting at $65. General admission, VIP, Cabana Club, Sky Suites, and corporate chalets are also available. For more information and to view the promotional video, please visit: www.USAsalute.com < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale’s P.Pole Pizza Offering Its Own Fast And Free Delivery By Erika Cartwright November 17, 2022 Share Pizza in its many forms has always been a crowd pleaser, young and old alike love the delicious dish and its convenience. South Florida residents get to experience the time-honored family favorite at the next level. With its unique shape, wide array of topping choices, and healthy options, P.Pole Pizza has quickly become a favorite in South Florida. Opened by Anthony DiCarlo in November 2021, it is conveniently located at 1113 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. Since its beginning, it has steadily gained popularity among locals as well as tourists. Restaurant owner Anthony DiCarlo is on a continues quest of providing excellent customer service and seeking ways to improve the customer experience. Delivery has been available via services such as Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub. However, DiCarlo recognized the need for a more cost-effective delivery system for his customers. He realized the extra delivery charges by these services were putting an unnecessary strain on his customers, during the current economic state and rising gas prices. He therefore wanted to offer a more consumer-friendly alternative to his clientele. Customers can still enjoy their delicious creations via Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub. However, now customers have the option of free delivery within a 5 mile radius of the Hallandale Beach’s P.Pole Pizza restaurant location. Enjoying your favorite pizza creation has never been easier, more convenient, or faster. DiCarlo’s delivery option passes savings on to you. DiCarlo explains,” No extra charges, just fast and free delivery. The price you pay for your delivery order is the same price as what you would pay for in the restaurant.” Since opening in 2021, the popular pizza restaurant has grown quickly and is loved by customers of all ages. Delicious hot Cheese pizza for only $8, with a vegan cheese option available, scrumptious two topping pizzas for $10, loaded pizzas with unlimited toppings for only $12. It’s easy to see why it has become a local favorite. It only takes 2 minutes and 5 seconds to bake each pizza, making it a perfect lunch option. Make it a meal for two, or order several pizzas for a church, school, or work event. P.Pole Pizza is a delicious, convenient, fast, and affordable option for parties, that’s sure to please your guests. Proprietor Anthony DiCarlo brings quality and value to his customers while passing savings and convenience on to them with the new delivery option. This is not your typical pizzeria, it is a unique, next level Pizza restaurant. P.Pole Pizza makes it easy for you to tantalize your taste buds, with a wide variety of choices, and healthy options the whole family is sure to love. There are no limits to your perfect pizza creations, design one pizza or several. Three dough choices are available; Standard, Chia (infused with chia seeds), and Cauliflower which is a gluten free option. If you like having a variety of delicious sauce options, this is the perfect place for you. Five different sauces are available to choose from: Alfredo Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Pesto Sauce, Tomato Sauce, as well as Spicy Tomato Sauce. P.Pole Pizza offers over 30 fresh topping options, seven types of cheese, including vegan options, a wide assortment of vegetables, various meats, as well as shrimp. You’re sure to create a masterpiece you’ll fall in love with. Top off your delicious creation with the post topping of your choice such as, Balsamic Glaze, Basil, Garlic Powder, Goat Cheese, Olive Oil, Pesto Glaze, or Ranch Sauce, just to name a few. With so many choices, you can create a new pizza combination each time you order. Each pizza is served piping hot with a generous amount of delectable toppings to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re looking for a gluten free option, vegan, vegetarian, or perhaps an organic taste with a wide array of flavors and options, P.Pole Pizza is sure to please. There is a perfect pizza combination for everyone just waiting to be discovered. If you can imagine it P.Pole Pizza can deliver it, hot and ready to eat, right to your door. For those that would rather not create their own work of art pizza combination, the signature pizzas can be ordered just as easily. The P.Pole signature pizzas include, the American, Barbeque, Cuban, Italian, Meat and Veggie. For Anthony DiCarlo, it’s all about the customers and providing excellent customer service every step of the way. All pizzas are made to order and ready in less than 3 minutes. With the new delivery service offered by DiCarlo in Hallandale Beach, it will arrive straight from the oven, right to your front door. DiCarlo’s delivery option is a faster way to get your delicious, mouthwatering pizza creation than previously through popular delivery services. Unlike P.Pole Pizza’s delivery they have several stops to make along the route before getting your order to you, along with extra charges added to the total. For DiCarlo, it’s about putting the customers first each time, with each pizza. Your delivery order total is the same as the in-store total, no additional charges. Ordering your favorite pizza creation has never been easier with three convenient ways to place your order. Via telephone: (954) 510-9833, by downloading the P.Pole Pizza app on your smart device, or by visiting the website: www.ppolepizza.com - By signing up for the rewards program, customers earn coins towards future purchases. For each dollar spent a coin is earned, the coins accumulate until redeemed towards future purchases. Look for the P.Pole Pizza Delivery car in your neighborhood. < Previous News Next News >

Safe Places to Play: A New Mini-Pitch Was Installed at the Police Athletic League Hollywood September 5, 2024 Share On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, a new mini-pitch was installed at the Police Athletic League (PAL) in Hollywood, FL. The mini-pitch, which is a small, customized, hard-court soccer surface, is poised to become a vibrant hub for soccer programs and pick-up games, offering children and families a safe space to participate in the world’s most popular sport. The installation was made possible through a partnership with U.S. Soccer Foundation and the MLS Players Association with the support of Genesis Gives, the corporate social responsibility initiative of Genesis Motor America, committed to the development of the future generation through the support of STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). During the grand opening event, youth and coaches participated in a ceremonial first kick and played in an inaugural scrimmage. This mini-pitch marks the latest development in the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Safe Places to Play program which aims to provide children a safe place to play in underserved communities by creating 1,000 mini-pitches across the country by 2026. To date, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has installed more than 700 mini-pitches nationwide. For more information about the Hollywood Police Athletic League visit: https://www.hollywoodpal.com/page/show/5988131-contact-us < Previous News Next News >