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Short-Term Rentals In Florida - What You Should Know By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate August 3, 2023 Share Renting out your Florida house or condo to others for their vacations sounds like a pretty profitable idea. Just be fully aware of the multiple compliance issues involved. Due in large part to the popularity of online vacation rental sites such as Airbnb, VRBO and others, many homeowners with properties in desirable locations want to become amateur hoteliers and landlords by offering short-term rentals to the public. And because Florida benefits from historic and continued popularity as a vacation destination, private Short-Term Rentals across our State have become a headline-producing topic. When it comes to Short-Term Rentals in Florida, property owners have a number of compliance issues to take into account because all of the following have some level of jurisdiction and control over short-term residential rentals: • State, County, and City where property is located • Mortgage Lender • Property Insurance Company • Condominium or Homeowners Association State, County, & City Chapter 509 of the Florida Statutes identifies a Short-Term Rental ("transient lodging establishment") as a housing accommodation rented to tenants for stays of 30 days or less, more than 3 times per calendar year, "...or which is advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests." However, Florida's Department of Revenue considers a transient rental as any paid agreement to occupy living quarters that lasts for 6 months or less to the same tenant. For any transient rental, the State requires standard 6% State Sales Tax to be collected and sent to the Department of Revenue. Based on either (or both) definitions above, private home or condo Short-Term/Vacation Rentals can be classified the same as hotels and motels. Here is a direct link to the Florida Department of Revenue information sheet on housing accommodations Rental Taxes: https://floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/gt800034.pdf In addition to State Tax, most local Counties levy their own taxes on short-term rentals. This additional County Tax ranges from 2% in less populated rural Counties like Glades and Hardee, to 6% in more populated visitor-attraction Counties like Orange, Miami-Dade, Collier, and others. These transient Rental Taxes apply to hotels, motels, private homes and condominium units offered for Short-Term Rental. On top of State and County Transient Rental Taxes, some incorporated Cities require separate registration and levy their own tax on rental accommodations. For example - in the City of Miami Beach, a 4% Resort Tax is charged in addition to the State 6% and the County 6%. That's a total of 16% Transient Rental Tax within the City of Miami Beach. Private owners offering their properties for Short-Term Rental must comply with all 3 jurisdictions' requirements and remit all 3 taxes. Recently, many Florida Counties and Cities have applied more direct oversight and enforcement of proper registration by owners advertising their properties for Short-Term Rental. An example of this went active last year for Collier County in Southwest Florida. In addition to the existing obligation for property owners to collect and pay the County Transient Rental Tax (6%) and State Sales Tax (another 6%), Collier County now requires owners to submit a Short-Term Vacation Rental Registration Application for each property offered for vacation rental. The intended purpose is to provide County administration with owner contact information in the event there is an emergency, problem, or complaint while the property is tenant-occupied. Whether the property owner is local or lives out of the area, Collier County requires the identification of a Designated Responsible Party who is able to respond quickly to any issues reported to the County. They must be serious about this because unregistered rentals are subject to fines of $500 per day. Local rules and applications for STVR Registration can be found on City or County websites. Mortgage Lenders Lenders identify 3 categories of occupancy when making residential mortgage loans: • Primary Residence • Second Home • Investment Property Primary Residence loans present less default risk to lenders than Second Homes, and Second Homes present less risk than Investment Properties. When lenders see less risk, they offer lower interest rates to borrowers. When applying for a mortgage loan, a statement of the buyer/borrower's intended occupancy and use of the property becomes a material part of their signed application. Misrepresenting one's use and occupancy in order to receive better loan terms is mortgage fraud, a violation of Federal law that carries severe penalties. Owners intending to offer their properties for Transient Rental in Florida are strongly advised to first consult their mortgage lender for applicable guidelines and restrictions. Just about all lenders restrict and may even prohibit Transient Rentals under Primary Residence occupancy, and most also have specific restrictions under Second Home occupancy. Investment Property loans (also known as Non-Owner Occupied) are the proper way to go when a buyer/borrower knows that a financed property will be regularly offered for rent to the public. Current owners should thoroughly research the exact language in their signed mortgage documents before offering homes or condos for Short-Term Rental. Violations of those restrictions can create a loan default, triggering the Acceleration Clause and making the entire loan balance immediately due and payable. If the mortgage on a property is FHA-insured, Vacation/Short Term Rentals are expressly prohibited for the life of the loan. Insurance Companies Along with hazard coverage, Homeowners Insurance policies include liability protection in the event a visitor or guest is injured while on the property. Rent-paying tenants in Primary Residences and Second Homes are very different from socially invited non-paying guests in the eyes of insurance companies. Unless an owner also has coverage for tenant occupancy (usually a "rental to others" endorsement), liability claims brought against owners by tenants may be denied by the homeowner's insurance company. After that, the company may consider whether or not it will renew coverage at all based on tenant occupancy not being disclosed. At the very least, insurance companies expect owners to notify them when renting out an insured residence. Depending on the circumstances, your company may: • Allow limited rental occupancy • Require a rental endorsement (at additional cost) • Prohibit rentals altogether. Insurance companies may also consider Short-Term Rental activity to be a business, which would be excluded by a standard homeowners policy. Speak with a licensed Florida insurance agent for details and application to your specific circumstances. In Condo buildings and HOA communities, the Association's liability insurance for its common areas and recreational amenities may not cover transient tenants who have not filled out the Association's required application. This is especially true if the short-term occupancy violates the Association's published minimum rental period. Often, COA and HOA liability coverage only extends to owners, non-paying guests of owners, staff, vendors, and longer-term tenants. Condominium & Homeowners Associations This is probably the most important consideration for Florida property owners thinking about offering a house or condo for vacation short-term rental to the public. Condominium and Homeowners Associations have restrictive covenants and rules in their Governing Documents that outline allowed and prohibited owner actions. When buying into a condo building or Association-governed community in Florida, all buyers agree to follow those rules. One of the most important covers the minimum lease period that individual owners may offer potential tenants in the building or community. All COA and HOA Governing Documents (that I have ever read) require applications to be submitted and approval given before rental occupancy within the building or community. Minimums in most Florida condo buildings and HOA-governed communities usually range from 30 to 90 consecutive days for rentals to the same tenant. Associations establish these minimums to protect all owners' interests, security, and comfort. Owners Associations also limit the number of times an individual home or condo may be leased in one calendar year, regardless of the length of each stay. It is important to note that throughout our discussion today, minimum rental periods and number of allowed rentals count each occupancy by a different tenant individually. Renting to 4 different vacationing tenants each for a week at a time is NOT a 30-day rental. If the Association's rules say a 30-day minimum limited to 3 times a year, the property owner has already violated the rules. Remember the Chapter 509 definition above (30 days or less), then compare that with the Department of Revenue definition (6 months or less). Many (most?) Associations' minimums are intentionally based on avoiding classification as transient lodging under Chapter 509, yet those same rules do not usually reference the Department of Revenue's 6-month interpretation for collecting and paying State Sales Tax. In condos, rental terms of less than 30 days or more than 3 separate rentals within a year can cause the Association and property to be classified as a Resort Condominium and Public Lodging Establishment (regulated under FS 509 and the Condominium Act FS 718), which exposes it to much stricter inspections, compliance, and public safety standards. Condominium developments that allow STRs and have a managed rental pool in which unit owners participate are often called condotels. Residential Associations may impose stricter (longer) minimums than the surrounding County or City, though cannot allow more lenient (shorter) minimums. If they do, they will likely be considered Public Lodging Establishments as described above and have to comply with increased regulation. Individual owners following their Association guidelines must still register their properties with the State, County, and City as required. Depending on how their Governing Documents were drafted and amended over the years, Associations may be able to impose fines, bring suit, or restrict access to common areas and amenities when owners violate the written rules. Owner's Homestead Status There is another important consideration when deciding whether or not to offer your house or condo for public rental. Florida extends very strong Homestead benefits for owners who establish a residential property as their Permanent Residence. These benefits include significant property tax savings, limits on property value assessment increases, protection from forced sale due to certain legal processes, and spouse/minor child rights. Private owners who rent out their Homestead properties for too long or too frequently can be seen as "abandoning" their Homestead status, and lose the very attractive property tax and protection benefits that go along with it. Speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney for details on Florida's Homestead Law and its application to your specific circumstances. There we are - a quick look at the various guidelines and rules affecting private short-term rentals in Florida. It is VERY important that owners thinking about offering their properties for Short-Term Rental do the necessary research to avoid violating applicable rules and restrictions. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: https://thefloridarealestateblog.com/ < Previous News Next News >

A Celebration Of Pride - Nearly 1,000 Guests Attend Second Annual Celebration South Florida Sun Times Jun 25, 2026 Nearly 1,000 Guests Gathered At Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood On Sunday, May 31st, 2026 For The Nation’s Largest Drag Brunch, A Sold-Out Pride Drag Brunch Presented By Can Community Health That Raised Support For The Pride Center At Equality Park While Celebrating The Spirit, Resilience And Achievements Of South Florida’s LGBTQ+ Community. Now in its second year, the signature Pride Month event transformed the Hard Rock’s Seminole Ballroom into a vibrant celebration of community, inclusion and entertainment, drawing attendees from across South Florida and beyond. The high-energy afternoon featured a cocktail reception, lavish brunch and unforgettable performances by Daisy DeadPetals, Erika Norell, TP Lords, FKA Twink, Christopher Peterson and Quinn Zrenity. The celebration also included The Pride Center’s Annual Icon Awards Ceremony, recognizing leaders whose work has advanced equality, advocacy and public service while uplifting the LGBTQ+ Community. “Pride is about joy, visibility and showing up for one another,” said Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center at Equality Park. “This event captured that spirit beautifully while helping support programs and services that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.” Hosted by WSVN’s Deco Drive personality Alex Miranda, the Icon Awards honored three distinguished leaders: • Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal, for his decades of advocacy advancing LGBTQ+ Rights nationwide; • Katie Phang, Senior Advisor for Democracy Defenders Fund, for her commitment to justice, truth and civic engagement; and • Chief William C. Schultz, Chief of Police for the City of Fort Lauderdale, for his dedication to public service and fostering trust within the community. “CAN Community Health is proud to support celebrations that bring people together while raising awareness and resources for organizations that uplift LGBTQ+ Individuals,” said Kal Gajraj, Ph.D., MBA, CDP, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at CAN Community Health. “The energy in the room was incredible, and it reflected the strength and vibrancy of our community.” The Seminole Ballroom was transformed into a colorful Pride showcase, complete with spectacular entertainment, chef-curated brunch stations and premium beverages, creating an atmosphere of celebration and connection. “At Seminole Hard Rock, ‘Love All, Serve All’ is more than a motto—it’s part of who we are,” said Erick Eldridge, Director of Special Events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. “We were honored to partner with The Pride Center and CAN Community Health to create an event that celebrated Pride while supporting an organization that serves so many in our community.” Proceeds from the event will benefit The Pride Center at Equality Park and its mission to provide programs, services and support that empower and enrich the lives of LGBTQ+ Individuals and families throughout South Florida. About The Pride Center at Equality Park For more than 33 years, The Pride Center has provided a welcoming, safe space, an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities and its friends and neighbors in South Florida. Programs and services meet the distinct socio-economic, health, spiritual and safety needs of the LGBTQ community. The Pride Center hosts more than 45 regularly-meeting groups each month, including support, social and educational groups that focus on women, seniors, youth, men, transgender individuals, recovery, health, the arts, athletics, spirituality, games and more. More than 35,000 adults and youth attend activities at The Center each year. On The Pride Center Five-And-A-Half-Acre Campus, there is also The Residences at Equality Park, the first affordable and supportive housing community for seniors with disabilities in Florida, 30,000 Square Feet of office space, a playground and a newly renovated Mark Turner and Chuck Nicholls Garden Plaza in Wilton Manors. Equality Park establishes The Pride Center as a leader in LGBT Unity, inclusiveness and pride. For more information, visit: https://pridecenterflorida.org . About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship-integrated resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 Billion expansion in 2019, highlighting the debut of the world’s first and only Guitar Hotel. Between three hotel towers, the resort boasts 1,271 luxury Guest Rooms. Amenities include a 42,000 Square-Foot Rock Spa & Salon; an 18-Acre Recreational Water Experience; private “Bora Bora” style cabanas; more than 20 food and beverage outlets; a 26,000 Square-Foot retail promenade; 120,000 Square Feet of premier meeting and convention space; and an expansive gaming floor with more than 2,500 slots, more than 200 table games and a 45-table poker room. In 2023, the casino launched live craps, roulette and retail sports betting, offering 10 craps tables, 20 roulette tables, and sports betting locations including both electronic kiosks and kiosks with live sports betting agents. Introducing the new games is a historic milestone that immediately puts Florida in the same league as the world’s great gaming destinations. Hard Rock Live, ranked No. 4 worldwide in 2024 gross revenue for Pollstar Magazine, highlights A-list entertainers and performers, sporting events and live broadcast productions in an intimate 7,000-person capacity setting. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is located on 87 Acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441). For more information, visit us online at: www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com . Call: 1 (800) 937-0010. Or follow us: Facebook: @HardRockHolly, X: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly. Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center at Equality Park with 2026 Icon Awardees, Katie Phang; William C. Schultz and Kevin Jennings Drag Queens FKA Twink Daisy DeadPetals and Erika Norell Susan Reinesen, Vice President of Community Affairs & Special Events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Alex Miranda TP Lords, Erika Norell, Erick Eldridge, Christopher Peterson, Daisy DeadPetals, Jesse Hernandez, Quinn Zrenity, Fay What!, DJ Mark Rivera and FKA Twink (front) Erika Norell performing with the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino dancers William C. Schultz, Chief of Police for the City of Fort Lauderdale with colleagues and friends Erick Eldridge, Director of Special Events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Kal Gajraj, SVP and CMO, CAN Community Health Daisy DeadPetals performing with fellow drag queens and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Dancers Kal Gajraj, SVP and CMO, CAN Community Health and Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center at Equality Park Kal Gajraj, William C. Schultz, Katie Phang, Kevin Jennings, Robert Boo and Dean Trantalis, Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale Susan Reinesen, Vice President of Community Affairs & Special Events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Robert Boo, Kal Gajraj and Alex Miranda Pride Center at Equality Park volunteers Natacha Garbey, Danielle Covington and Dolores Garbey Guests at the sold-out Drag Brunch Previous Next

What Do You Say When You Talk To Yourself? By Bryan Golden Aug 13, 2025 You Have Just Completed A Major Work Project Before The Deadline. Having Worked Diligently And Spending Your Own Time, You’re Proud Of The Results And Can’t Wait To Impress Your Boss. You Showed Him The Project And He Immediately Begins To Criticize It And You. The Criticism Is Completely Unwarranted. What Do You Say To Yourself? “I’ve Failed Again” Or “He Must Be Having A Bad Day, I know I Did An Excellent Job”? You’ve thought of an innovative idea for a business that you really believe in. Excitedly, you tell your spouse who finds only faults with your idea. He tells you it’ll never work. Seeking another opinion, you confide in one of your closest friends. She has nothing positive to say either. What do you say to yourself? “Why can’t I ever come up with good ideas” or “I know my concept is good, I’m going to go with it”? You’re a volunteer at a civic organization. You make a suggestion for a fundraiser and the president of the organization tells you it’s a bad idea that won’t work. What do you say to yourself? “It’s no problem if they don’t like my ideas, I’ll still help anyway I can” or “If they don’t like my suggestion, they can do it themselves”? You help your neighbor move some furniture. Several months later, you ask them for help carrying some heavy items to the dumpster. He tells you he’s too busy and doesn’t have time. What do you say to yourself? “Fine, last time I helped him or anyone else” or “No big deal, I’ll ask one of my other friends to help?” There’s a job opening where you work. The position is something that you always wanted to do. It’s a great opportunity and would be a promotion. You’re not sure if you have enough experience. What do you say to yourself? “I’ll apply, I’ve got nothing to lose” or “Why bother applying, I’ve got no chance?” You can probably relate to one or more of these illustrations or have experiences that are similar in nature. Comments of all sorts are volunteered by everyone; friends, family, coworkers, bosses, acquaintances, and even strangers. People are constantly giving you their unsolicited opinions. There’s nothing you can do, it’s human nature. What’s important is what you say to yourself, not what others say to you. Without discrimination, your brain believes whatever you tell it and immediately goes to work figuring a way to make the statements happen. Your mind processes your self-talk 24 hours a day. Don’t say to yourself phrases you don’t want to come true. Tell yourself things that help rather than hurt you. You want to be saying things such as I can do this, I am capable, I’m a good person, I can learn what I need to know, I can make it work, and good things will be happening. Whatever it is that you say to yourself, you are right. Occasionally, I have a student tell me that he or she can’t do something. I tell them if that’s the way they feel, they are right. But if someone says, “I can do it,” they are also right. Remarking “I can’t do this” is different than saying “I need help” or “I don’t understand.” Asserting, “I can’t” is a final conclusion rather than making an effort to seek a solution. Be aware of and monitor what you say to yourself. Don’t tell yourself anything that’s not going to help and assist you in achieving a positive outcome. Always engage in positive self-talk. Bryan is the author of “Dare to Live Without Limits.” Contact Bryan at: Bryan@columnist.com . Or: visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2025 Bryan Golden Bryan Golden - Author of “Dare To Live Without Limits” Previous Next

South Florida Premier Of The Dying Gaul - A Love Triangle, Secrets And Intrigue Haunt This Modern American Tragedy South Florida Sun Times May 8, 2025 A Salacious Love Triangle, Secrets And Intrigue Haunt The Modern American Tragedy The Dying Gaul By Craig Lucas Making Its South Florida Premiere At Island City Stage On Thursday, May 22nd, 2025. The Show Runs Through Sunday, June 15th, 2025. “The Dying Gaul, whose title is based on the ancient Roman statue depicting a warrior in his final moments of life, examines the complex professional and sexual relationship between Robert, who wrote a screenplay about his boyfriend who died of AIDS, and Jeffrey, a movie studio executive, and his wife, Elaine, who will only commission the script if the main character is changed to a woman and the plot focuses on heterosexual relationships,” said Andy Rogow, Artistic Director of Island City Stage. “It’s a thrilling drama where sexual deception, internet chat rooms, lies, betrayal and artistic compromise are woven together, resulting in a stunning conclusion.” Hailed in 1998 as the best American play by The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, The Dying Gaul premiered off-Broadway at New York City’s Vineyard Theatre to rave reviews. Craig Lucas later adapted the play into a 2005 film (starring Peter Sarsgaard, Campbell Scott and Patricia Clarkson) marking his directorial debut. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize and the National Board of Review awarded the film Special Recognition for Excellence in filmmaking. The personal and professional life of acclaimed Playwright, Screenwriter and Film Director Craig Lucas is as engrossing as his plays. Abandoned as a child when he was eight months old and adopted by a conservative Pennsylvania couple, he repressed both his Jewish identity and sexual preference for years. It was only till he embraced his identity as a gay Jewish man that he was able to develop as an artist and as a person. A 1973 graduate of Boston University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and Theater, his mentor Pulitzer Prize-winning Poet, Anne Sexton, urged him to move to New York City to become a playwright. In 1979, his life-changing professional break took place when he collaborated with Theater and Film Director Norman René. The two wrote several plays throughout the 1980’s. They both achieved their biggest commercial and critical success in 1990 with Prelude to a Kiss, which earned a 1991 Pulitzer Prize nomination. The play was later made into a film starring Meg Ryan and Alec Baldwin. René died of complications from AIDS in 1996. Since 2001, Lucas has received numerous awards as a playwright, director and screenwriter including a 2001 Obie Award and a 2003 New York Film Critics Award. In 2022, he was nominated for a Tony Award for the musical, Paradise Square. Island City Stage’s production of The Dying Gaul is directed by Rogow and stars Amir Darvish (Jeffrey), Jorge Amador (Robert), Autumn Kioti Horne (Elaine), and Ted deChatelet (Foss). Amir Darvish (Jeffrey) has appeared in the New York productions of Seen/By Everyone, This Lingering Life, I Came to Look For You On Tuesday, The (*) Inn, Taxi to Janna and the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway one-man show, Mercury about the life of Freddie Mercury. Other selected regional credits include The Golden Dragon (Studio Theatre DC), Disgraced (Florida Repertory Theatre), and Rafta Rafta (Old Globe Theatre San Diego) He has appeared in the television programs "Madam Secretary," "Shades of Blue," "The Blacklist," "Michael J. Fox Show," “Person of Interest,” "Damages" and "The Daily Show," among others. Darvish has appeared in numerous commercials and print advertising around the world and has done voice-over work. Additionally, he is Co-Founder, Creator and Producer of Five on a Match. His directing works include COCK by Mike Bartlett, ART by Yasmina Reza & HARAM IRAN by Jay Paul Deratany and Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet. Jorge Amador (Robert) is making his Island City Stage debut. His New York City credits include Sticks and Stones: Concert (Broadway Workshop) Rep Book (Green Room 42) and Glee! In Concert (Pit NYC). His regional credits include Mortiz in Spring Awakening, Gabe Goodman in Next to Normal, Peter in Peter and the Starcatcher, Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Benny from In The Heights, Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid, Darius in Afterglow, Tony in West Side Story, Frank Abagnale, Jr. in Catch Me If You Can, Swing in Be More Chill, Enoch Snow, Jr., in Carousel plus roles in Beauty and the Beast and Matilda. South Florida Artist and Actress Autumn Kioti Horne (Elaine) returns to Island City Stage after performing in Pulp and Rotterdam for which they received a Silver Palm Award, Outstanding Performance. Horne recently appeared in Dry Powder (Boca Stage), POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive (Zoetic Stage), Tango Palace (Thinking Cap Theatre) and Last Summer at Bluefish Cove (The Foundry). Other regional credits include performances at Theatre Lab, Caldwell Theatre and GableStage. In New York City, Horne appeared in The Hive (Galapagos Art Space) and She Calls Me Firefly (New Perspectives), among others. Horne is the Co-Founder of Seachange Collective, creating unique devised physical performances in unusual places. When not performing, Horne is an interdisciplinary artist, poet and environmental educator exhibiting global interdisciplinary work. Ted deChatelet (Foss) is an Actor, Film Maker, Director, Teacher and Fight Choreographer who has worked extensively at theatres and universities around the country. He teaches acting for the camera and acting Shakespeare at Florida Atlantic University. His theatre credits include performances at Portland Center Stage, the Oregon Symphony, Salem Rep, ACT Seattle, Milwaukee Rep, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and seasons with the Shakespeare Festivals of Colorado, Georgia, Illinois and North Carolina. His film and television credits include “Wild,” “Grimm,” “The Librarians,” “The Wonderland Murders,” Saturday Night Live and numerous commercials. He will soon star in the web series, “Mackerel,” the short film “Anxious!” and The Tempest (FAU Theatre). The Dying Gaul is Co-Produced by Thel Boyette and David Page. Lights and Sound Sponsor is Scott Bennett. Costume sponsor is the Parrot Lounge. Additional funding is provided by the following: The Our Fund Foundation, The Schubert Foundation Inc., The SHS Foundation, The Maval Foundation, Warten Foundation and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council. Tickets for The Dying Gaul are $43 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday matinee) and $48 (Saturday and Sunday performances). A Mimosa Sunday performance will take place on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 with tickets at $55. The show runs for two hours and five minutes with one intermission. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.islandcitystage.org - Call: (954) 928-9800. Or email: boxoffice@islandcitystage.org . Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/IslandCityStageFL - And on Instagram at: @islandcitystage1. About Island City Stage Founded in 2012, Island City Stage is a professional theater committed to sharing stories of universal interest, engaging diverse audiences with entertaining, challenging and inspiring productions and programs, often exploring the LGBTQ+ culture. These shows are brought to life on stage through the talents of professional artists whose credits include Broadway, Off Broadway, national tours, major regional theaters, film and television. Island City Stage offers an intimate setting with six rows of stadium seating to foster a feeling of inclusion and participation in each theatrical event. Island City Stage is a 501 (c) 3 NonProfit Organization. It is located at 2304 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305. For tickets and more information, please call: (954) 928-9800. Or visit: www.islandcitystage.org . Previous Next

Open Call To Artists: Business For The Arts Of Broward Announces Paid Public Art Mentorship Opportunity Thu Jul 25 2024 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Stay, Play & Save This Summer - There’s Much For Locals To Love This Summer, And For Those Seeking A Quick Daycation Trip South Florida Sun Times Jun 11, 2025 This Summer, Visitors And Locals Looking To Save On Travel Without Sacrificing Style Or Sunshine Can Find Their Idyllic Getaway Just Steps Away From The Sand And The Hustle And Bustle Of The A1A Strip At The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. With Summer Marking Florida’s Slow Season, Guests Can Enjoy Reduced Hotel Rates While Soaking Up Everything This Boutique Beachside Resort Has To Offer – From Two Pools And Day Access To Amenities Via ResortPass, To Entertainment And A Bevy Of Daily Food And Beverage Specials That Bring A Flavorful Experience To Each Day. Whether You're A Savvy Traveler Visiting The Sunshine State, Or A South Florida Resident Looking For A Staycation Retreat Close To Home, The Kimpton Shorebreak Delivers An Affordable, Laid-Back Escape In The Heart Of Fort Lauderdale That Offers The Opportunity To Unwind And Save In Style All Summer Long. Florida Residents Rate Those who live year-round in the Sunshine State know that they don’t have to travel far to enjoy a sunny beachside getaway, and the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is welcoming all Florida residents with discounted accommodations. Anyone who can show valid Florida ID will receive 20 percent off the best available rate and have the resort fee ($40/day) waived for their stay. Raise the Rooftop Enjoy a $50 credit and explore the innovative new food and cocktail menus at Escape Rooftop Bar – the property’s welcoming rooftop pool and lounge. Soak in the best views of Fort Lauderdale, including magnificent western-facing sunsets and Escape’s Sunset Happy Hour offering drink specials 30 minutes prior to, and after, sunset. All summer long, “Raise the Rooftop” every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with guest DJs. #SquadGoals Summer is a great time for bachelor and bachelorette gatherings and the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach is a great place to get the party started for gals and guys wishing to honor their nuptials-bound pals. For any room block of six or more rooms, receive 10 percent off, and the same discount applies to the group’s dinner bill at the hotel’s delicious coastal Italian restaurant, La Fuga. Upon arrival, enjoy a complimentary Limoncello toast to set the tone for the stay while daily beach yoga offers a refreshing recovery from the night before. The package also includes a VIP amenity for the group host and a reduced resort fee. To book this package, contact: sales@shorebreakfortlauderdale.com. For more information on the summer specials listed here as well as special rates for IHG Rewards One members, longer stay specials and many more, visit: https://www.shorebreakfortlauderdale.com/hotel-deals/ ResortPass There’s much for locals to love this summer, and for those seeking a quick daycation trip in Fort Lauderdale, the Kimpton Shorebreak is the perfect destination to relax, soak up the sun and take advantage of the property’s special Day Pass and Day Room offers available via ResortPass. For the reduced rate of $40 per adult (ages 21+ only), purchase of a Day Pass grants visitors access to spend the day enjoying the resort’s rooftop and courtyard pools, lounge chairs and towel service, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 10% discount on food and beverages from La Fuga or Escape Rooftop Bar, and $10 valet parking. Additionally, visitors can enhance their daycation with the Shorebreak’s Day Room offer which is available for the reduced rate of $119 for two people. Purchase of a Day Room includes use of a private guest room from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with in-room seating and work areas, mini-fridge and Cable TV, fitness center access, plus Day Passes for up to two guests including all of the amenities within the Day Pass offer. Room type will be assigned at check-in and will be based on availability. All room cancellations require 72-hour notice. For more information or to purchase a ResortPass, visit: https://www.resortpass.com/hotels/kimpton-shorebreak-fort-lauderdale-beach-resort Sip & Savor Shorebreak-Style at La Fuga Located on the lobby level of the Kimpton Shorebreak, La Fuga is the resort’s signature restaurant that showcases spectacular coastal Italian cuisine from Executive Chef Michael Mayer. The charming restaurant welcomes guests with comfortable booths and a buzzy central bar, complemented perfectly by stellar live jazz performances every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with no cover charge! The perfect spot to enjoy Happy Hour, which is available daily from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and offers specially priced bites and drinks at the bar and lounge, La Fuga also features an exciting lineup of nightly specials for locals and visitors to enjoy throughout the week including: Rosé All-Day – enjoy $9 per glass of The Beach Rosé by Whispering Angel; every Sunday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; In Vino Veritas – 30% off sommelier-selected bottles of wine; every Monday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Negroni Night – specialty negronis and classic negronis for $10 each; every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Martini Night – $10 gin and vodka martinis; every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; and Spritz Night – signature and classic spritz cocktails for $9 each; every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Making the destination even more enticing to residents and visitors looking to savor exclusive dining deals this summer, La Fuga is participating in Visit Lauderdale’s annual Dine Out Lauderdale Restaurant Months which kicks off on August 1st and runs through September 30th, 2025. As part of the annual culinary celebration, La Fuga is offering a special three-course dinner menu for just $60++ per person which includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert, plus a pour of Limoncello and a glass of wine. The restaurant’s Dine Out Lauderdale menu will be available nightly to guests from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Savory items from the special menu include Bruschetta – oven roasted tomato, basil, olive oil and balsamic; Polpette di Vitello – veal meatballs, mascarpone polenta, puttanesca and parmigiano; Tagliatelle al Ragù' Bolognese – house made pasta with bolognese; Pappardelle – San Marzano tomato sauce, basil and olive oil; and Pollo alla Cacciatora – roasted chicken, porcini, tomato, ligurian olive & polenta. For dessert, guests can indulge in sweet treats on offer including Tiramisu, Panna Cotta and Cannoli. Escape Rooftop Bar In addition, the Kimpton Shorebreak is also home to Escape Rooftop Bar, offering loungey poolside vibes and spectacular rooftop views of Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal. Serving sunsets daily, the west-facing rooftop is an imbibers paradise and the ideal location to sip stellar cocktails and wines, and enjoy delicious bites and tapas, all while watching the sunset. In addition to Escape’s daily Sunset Hour featuring specially priced wines-by-the-glass, cocktails and bottles of rosé, 30 minutes prior to and after sunset, the rooftop bar and lounge offers a vibrant lineup of weekly specials for locals and visitors to enjoy. Weekly programming at Escape includes In Vino Veritas – 30% off sommelier-selected bottles of wine; every Monday from Noon – 9:00 p.m.; Tequila Tuesday – house margaritas or tequila straight up for $10; every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Martini Night – $10 gin and vodka martinis; every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Soundscape by Escape – enjoy the Soundscape of DJ Reall and refreshing cocktails poolside on the rooftop; every Friday from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturdaze at Escape – refreshing cocktails, skyline views and live set from DJ Blcknsss; every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; and Rosé All-Day – enjoy $9 per glass of The Beach Rosé by Whispering Angel; every Sunday from Noon – 10:00 p.m. The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is located at 2900 Riomar Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. For more information, visit: www.shorebreakfortlauderdale.com - Telephone: (954) 908-7301. Previous Next

Celebrate Father's Day With Exciting Outdoor Activities: South Florida Is Filled With Adventures For You & Your Dad To Enjoy Together Thu Jun 13 2024 16:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Journey That Began Back In 1966 - This South Florida Resident Is FPL's Longest-Tenured Employee South Florida Sun Times Oct 1, 2025 When Ron Natter First Walked Into The Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) Office In Miami In 1966, Little Did He Know He Was Embarking On A Career Spanning Nearly Six Decades. This Year, As The Company Celebrates 100 Years Of Service In Florida, Natter Is Recognized For His Contributions As FPL’s Longest-Tenured Employee. As a radio technician in the information technology business unit, Natter repairs and installs the radio communication system used on-site and in company vehicles by various groups, such as power delivery, power generation, nuclear, solar, metering, emergency planning and corporate security. He also handles customer concerns, conducts fieldwork, investigates and works with power delivery crews to resolve these issues. His favorite part of his job, he said, is helping customers. “I enjoy being out in the field, interacting with customers,” Natter said. “I've learned over the years that when the customer tells you something, he's the one that really knows what's going on and I need to listen to help win his trust and solve his problem.” Natter joined FPL after a career as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force Reserves, stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After his service, he returned to Miami, where he worked at Miami International Airport earning $1.97 an hour, when a friend from the reserves encouraged him to join FPL. His career at FPL began as a helper and winch truck operator working on underground and overhead systems. Eventually, he pursued a four-year apprenticeship program at the equipment repair center, becoming a journeyman and learning how to weld, test and fix electronics and equipment used on power lines. After two years, he began attending night school and earned a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) License as well as a Ham Radio License to work in the FPL radio shop. Through his dedication, he advanced to the radio shop, where he has worked since, repairing and programming radios and locating radio and TV interference. “As a kid, I always liked repairing things and taking stuff apart,” Natter said. “I still like doing it to this day.” Often regarded as an innovator, Natter is known for his inventions in the field communication services team. Over his career, he has been recognized more than a dozen times for innovative solutions, including a special stand made from a tripod for receiver units used to track TV electrical interference, and a lift system, SatNat, used to raise and lower storm satellite dishes at the former General Office building in Miami. SatNat was nearly patented. Natter’s legacy at FPL extends to his family. His daughter, Julie Natter Graf, has been with the company since 2015. She’s a dispatcher clerk in Melbourne, communicating with field personnel over a radio that sits on her desk in a service center. She’s part of a second generation using the systems her father put in service to help deliver power to the community. “Many of my childhood memories are of working alongside him in the garage while talking about my day,” she recalled. “While he listened, he took apart my broken Game Boy, laying everything out with careful precision, pointing out some corrosion on the electronics board damaged by both water and a bad leaking battery. He moved around his well-organized garage with its labeled areas and organized bins, pulled out some spare parts to show me how to resolder some battery contacts on the circuit board while we talked about the importance of being kind to others.” Reflecting on her father's influence, she said he leads by example, wanting everyone to succeed and be their best. He is dedicated, passionate and a great teacher. Tim Lewis, Senior Manager of IT Field Communication, said Natter is very conscientious about his work. “He has always been very creative and in terms of how he approaches his job, his emphasis is always on safety,” said Lewis, who oversees field communication across FPL’s service territory and has worked with Natter for 35 years. Natter's unwavering dedication to his job and his ability to innovate and solve problems have left a lasting impression on his family and coworkers. As he looks to the future, he has no plans to retire anytime soon. "I don't want to sit at home and watch TV," he said. “I’m real busy but I like it, and it's also good to have a new challenge every day.” Previous Next

Florida Homestead Exemptions: The Basics For New Full-Time Residents Wed Dec 13 2023 17:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)