Florida's Fentanyl Crisis: The Attorney General Wants To Classify It As Weapon of Mass Destruction Thu Aug 04 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Celebrating Love At First Bite: Valentine’s Day "Foody" Options To Express Your Heartfelt Sentiments Thu Jan 25 2024 17:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

New Flavors In Bloom This Spring - Arc Culinary's Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen Features Bold Menus South Florida Sun Times Apr 16, 2026 Arc Culinary’s Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen In Sunrise Is Serving Up Two Unmissable Chef Experience Dinners This April And May, Each Featuring Bold, Inventive Menus. A Study in Short Rib will delight the senses on Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. The four-course menu features a Short Rib Croquette with crispy braised Short Rib, a micro-herb salad, citrus salt and lime-garlic aioli; a Short Rib agnolotti cooked with pho broth essence, crispy shallots, charred onions, scallions and lime oil; potato gnocchi with Short Rib estofado, red wine and tomato reduction, roasted garlic, parmesan and charred scallions; and caramel flan for dessert. Butter, Bone, and Spice brings an evening of bold flavors and culinary creativity to the table on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. This four-course culinary adventure starts with sweet chili glazed Shrimp skewers with fresh pink Key West Shrimp, sweet chili glaze and Thai basil; roasted carrot-ginger soup made with nutty brown butter and pumpkin seed gremolata; rosemary charred Beef Osso Buco featuring slow-braised Beef shank, roasted bone marrow and truffled polenta; ending with chocolate molten cake. Tickets for “A Study in Short Rib” and “Butter, Bone, and Spice” chef experience dinners are $102 for the chef’s table or $92 for communal seating, including gratuity and alcoholic beverages. Ticket sales from every Chef Experience Dinner support Arc Broward’s mission to strengthen the community by empowering adults and children with disabilities to grow, develop and thrive. Arc Culinary's Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen offers a blend of mid-century classic and modern elegance, featuring a Chef’s Table, refined décor and an outdoor patio. Beyond Chef Experiences, the catering venue hosts private cooking classes, corporate meetings and events, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, small weddings and more for seated guests up to 49 and buffet or cocktail-style events up to 125 guests and provides full-service off-site catering. Arc Culinary and Arc Educates are revenue-generating social enterprises of Arc Broward that directly support programming for 1,200 children and adults with disabilities. Chef Experiences are sponsored by Amazon. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen at Arc Culinary is located at 10250 Northwest 53rd Street, Sunrise, Florida 33351. For tickets and more information, please visit: https://arcculinary.com/chef-experience-dinners/ . Or call: (954) 299-7515. About Arc Broward In 2026, Arc Broward proudly celebrates 70 years as a leading provider of services that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to thrive. Today, Arc Broward is focused on opening doors, creating pathways and expanding opportunities through 24 programs at 16 locations across Broward County, serving individuals with disabilities from preschool children to adults and seniors. Its two social enterprises, Arc Educates and Arc Culinary, help people with disabilities and various employment barriers gain education, experience and employment. For more information about Arc Broward, visit: https://arcbroward.com . Or call: (954) 746-9400. Previous Next

Lights Camera Action: The Hallandale Beach CRA Commercial Film Incentive Grant Program July 22, 2021 Share If you are a budding file maker or a seasoned professional, the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) has designed a Commercial Film Incentive Program to promote economic development; attract more film producers to the city and by extension, you can motivate more investors to open businesses, in the City of Hallandale Beach. So, now would be a great time to get your creative juices flowing! The application process and guidelines are intended to provide the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and producers/ film makers with a reasonable process that will safeguard the interest of the community. Proposed film projects must be presented to the HBCRA and are reviewed based on the following criteria: The general conditions are, you must spend a minimum of $10,000 in the City of Hallandale Beach in qualifying expenditures and a minimum of one (1) full production days occurring within the City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). The CRA area is bound to the north by Pembroke Road, to the south by the Dade-Broward County line, to the West by Interstate 95 and to the East by NE 14 Avenue and the 14th Avenue canal. A map of the HBCRA is included in the application for reference. The Film Incentive Grant Program application can be found online at: https://cohbcra.org/programs/business-programs-incentives/. The production must agree to help promote the City of Hallandale Beach by including (as applicable): • Thanks to the City of Hallandale Beach in the production end credits • Listing the City of Hallandale Beach as a location on the production`s page of the internet movie Database (IMDb). • The City of Hallandale Beach welcomes any request to cross promote projects in the City’s social media platform and marketing campaigns: including promoting movie openings, movie posters, still photographs and trailers or any positive content. Qualifying Expenditures: 1. Building rentals 2. Contracted City services 3. Equipment Rentals/ Purchases 4. Food/ Restaurant Expenses 5. Goods & Services 6. Location & Studio rentals 7. Lodging / accommodations 8. Material rentals/ purchases 9. Transportation & Vehicle rentals. Eligible Projects • Feature Films • Documentaries • TV Pilots/ Series • Music Videos • Short Films • Commercials • TV shows/ TV Movies • Web series Ineligible Projects • News/ current events • Sports/sports programming • Informercials/promotional • Reality / Talks shows • Gala presentations/ award • Political ads/ Materials • Obscene/ Inflammatory. Applications are submitted to the HBCRA staff for review to ensure that the above criteria were followed. Completed applications must be submitted along with the required support materials (below) no earlier than 120 days prior to production. Applications must be accompanied by the project description including synopsis of plot along with an itemized project budget totaling no less than $10,000 including only (and all) local expenditures in the City of Hallandale Beach. The CRA will expect a proposed City of Hallandale Beach CRA locations and production schedule. For a full list of requirements, visit: https://cohbcra.org/programs/business-programs-incentives/. The maximum amount of the award is $5,000. The Hallandale Beach CRA may periodically review production activity including, but not limited to, in-city spending, shooting locations etc. The HBCRA may request documentation for all the above. In addition, the production must provide the HBCRA with the production point-of-contact for any media request. Application Process If you wish to complete the application process, you must schedule an appointment with The Hallandale Beach CRA staff to discuss the potential film project and make sure it meets the program guidelines. To schedule an appointment, please call: (954) 457-2228. To be considered, you must submit a completed application with a check for $75.00 made payable to the City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency for review. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding until a complete application, and all supporting documents are received by the Hallandale Beach CRA. The Hallandale Beach CRA will complete the application review within 15 days of receipt and notify the applicants of any missing information or deficiencies in terms of eligibility for the program. The Hallandale Beach CRA will notify applicants in 20 days of approval once a completed application is received. < Previous News Next News >

Scratching Beneath The Surface - Keeping Pets Flea-Free South Florida Sun Times Jun 26, 2025 The Summer Heat Has Crept In — And With It The Critters That Have Owners And Pets Alike Itching. Fleas, In Particular, Have A Tendency To Make Themselves At Home In Your Carpet, Bedding, And, Worst Of All, Your Pet’s Fur, Inflicting Constant Irritation And Posing Potential Health Risks To Their Hosts. Dr. Lori Teller, a Clinical Professor at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offers insight into the symptoms and dangers of fleas as well as effective prevention methods. How Fleas Spread Although fleas thrive the most in warm, wet climates, there are very few places in the United States where fleas are not a problem for at least part of the year. “The Gulf Coast region is a major place for fleas to thrive,” Teller said. “Areas where it’s very cold and dry, especially at higher altitudes, and desert areas that are extremely hot and dry will generally have a lower incidence of fleas.” Whether from the environment, other animals, or people, pets are susceptible to contracting fleas from a variety of sources. Migrating wildlife can even bring fleas to areas where they may not normally flourish. “Pets can pick up fleas from direct contact with other animals, such as at a dog park, pet store, kennel, or the beach,” Teller said. “They can also pick them up in the environment, such as the backyard or when on walks. In some cases, fleas can hitch a ride on people’s clothing or gear, such as a backpack.” Recognizing The Signs When fleas make themselves at home in a pet’s fur, symptoms can range from itchiness to major skin irritation. “Fleas can cause pets to become itchy, especially on their lower back, inner thighs, and head,” Teller said. “With enough scratching and chewing, a pet can pull out its hair, create raw and inflamed lesions on its body, and develop a secondary bacterial infection.” A visual inspection can often help owners know if fleas are the cause of their pet’s itching and scratching. “Sometimes you can see fleas on your pet, especially in areas where the hair coat is thinner,” Teller said. “You may also see what looks like pepper in your pet’s fur; these black granules, called flea dirt, will turn reddish when wet.” Beyond A Nuisance Fleas are more than just an irritation; they can also pose several health risks to pets, including: Spread of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum from ingesting fleas Flea-allergic dermatitis, an allergic reaction to flea saliva Secondary infections from raw wounds “A severe infestation, especially in very young or old pets, can even lead to life-threatening anemia, sometimes requiring a blood transfusion,” Teller said. Fleas also can spread disease-causing bacteria to people, including Bartonella henselae, the cause of cat scratch fever; Yersinia pestis, the cause of bubonic plague; and Rickettsia typhi, the cause of murine typhus. Flea-ing From The Itch The best way to shield your pet from fleas — and the secondary problems they can cause — is by using a veterinary-approved flea and tick preventative. “The preventives prescribed by veterinarians tend to be more effective, but the best prevention is the one that you use consistently,” Teller said. These preventatives are available as topical treatments, oral medications, and medicated collars. Teller recommends that every dog and cat in the household be on flea prevention, even those that are inside-only. “It is extremely important that the product you use is labeled for the species you are treating,” Teller said. “Dog products should never be used on cats. If you accidentally use the wrong product on your pet, immediately call animal poison control and contact your veterinarian.” Controlling fleas in a pet’s environment, including inside the home, is another important part of prevention. “If you are battling a flea infestation in your home, there are some flea treatments that can be used in your carpet and furniture,” Teller said. “You may also want to enlist the help of a professional exterminator.” Combating fleas requires a proactive and thorough approach, but by preparing for the presence of fleas, treating the issue promptly, and maintaining a clean household, your pets will be healthier and itch-free — ready to play another day away. 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

Holiday Celebrations Kicked Off in Hallandale Beach Thu Dec 12 2024 17:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Making A Lasting Impact On Those In Need In South Florida South Florida Sun Times Sep 10, 2026 Community-Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI), A NonProfit Organization Dedicated To Delivering Youth Development, Family Strengthening, And Community Empowerment Services To Underserved Populations, Has Announced Local 10 Anchor/Reporter Aaron Maybin As Emcee And Has Added Two New Honorees For Its Fifth Annual Green Blazer Awards Gala & Celebration. FPL (Florida Power & Light) Will Be Honored As The Organization’s Corporate Partner Of The Year And The GEO Group Foundation Will Be Recognized As Corporate Education Partner Of The Year At 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 At The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Located At 321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. These Two New Honorees Will Join Previously Announced Distinguished Leaders Kirk Brown, CEO Of Handy; Carol Hylton, President And CEO Of CareerSource Broward; Brian C. Johnson, Founder Of Community-Based Connections, Inc. And President And CEO Of The Minority Builders Coalition; And Newton Sanon, President And CEO Of OIC Of South Florida Who Will Each Receive A Commemorative And Branded Green Blazer For Their Contributions To Help Improve The Quality Of Life For Local Children And Families. “Community-Based Connections is indebted to our many funders, partners and sponsors including FPL and The GEO Foundation,” said Mikelange Olbel, President and CEO of Community Based Connections, Inc. “It is an honor to recognize them along with a number of dedicated individuals at our annual event which shines the spotlight on those who make an impact on so many lives in our community.” FPL is America’s largest electric utility, delivering reliable power to more than six million customer accounts — serving approximately 12 million people across Florida. It is committed to making a positive difference in our communities through its FPL Care To Share program. Founded in 1994, the program helps individuals and families who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties, such as sudden illness, unexpected unemployment, or another emergency or personal crisis, keep their lights on when they need it most. Each year, the program helps thousands of families by providing emergency bill payment assistance to eligible customers in need. Contributions are distributed to the community through a network of NonProfit Human-Service Agencies. The GEO Group Foundation supports charities, schools, community organizations, and higher learning for students across the country. One of The GEO Group Foundation’s main goals is to help deserving students within its local communities achieve their education and career goals through higher education scholarships. This charitable group is revered for making Charitable Grants to NonProfit Organizations, schools, and public entities to help them meet their philanthropic goals and public purposes. This year’s honorees join a prestigious roster of past individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact on those in need in South Florida. These include Tim Curtin, Memorial Healthcare System; Rosalyn Frazier, Broward Community & Family Health Centers; Kathy Salerno, Broward Health; Ken Walters, Community Care Plan; Anna Fusco, Broward Teachers Union; Kenneth Jones, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital; Sandy Michael McDonald, Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development; Jasmin D. Shirley, Broward Health Regional Planning Council; Dion Smith, Children’s Services Council of Broward and Khalil Zeinieh, community advocate. In the last year, CBCI served nearly 4,000 people and almost 2,000 families, provided over nearly 15,000 hours of in-home case management and support services to keep families intact and conducted 68 fatherhood group session meetings to improve fathers’ relationships with their children and help them secure employment. Additionally, the organization expanded services to Palm Beach County with an office in Riviera Beach. Proceeds from the event will benefit CBCI’s Awesome Dads Awesome Men (A.D.A.M.) fatherhood mentoring program, The Beacon of HOPE-Intact Family Navigation Program, Family Strengthening Program, and S.M.A.R.T. monitoring safety plans, as well as its vital initiatives such as Early Achievers at Markham Elementary, Young Believers, Club Elevate, Haven and Healing Space. The evening of celebration will include a cocktail reception, a seated three-course dinner with an open bar, live musical entertainment, dancing and the impactful awards ceremony, which includes the presentation of the branded green blazers. Tickets are $150 per person; a table is $2,500. To attend, please reserve seats at: https://communitybasedconnections.com/green-blazer-awards/ . Community-Based Connections, Inc.’s Fifth Annual Green Blazer Awards Gala & Celebration is sponsored by FPL, Kirk Brown, Homes, Inc., Pompano Beach Hosing Authority, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, GPR | Goodman Public Relations and The Spritz Group. About Community-Based Connections, Inc. Community-Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI) is a NonProfit Human Services Organization with more than 16 years of expertise in delivering youth development advocacy and family resilience strengthening programs, plus health and community empowerment initiatives to underserved populations in Broward County. CBCI was founded upon the belief that service providers who have natural ties to the community are in the best position to help improve the odds of youth and family success. The CBCI mission is to expand the options available to children – from cradle to college - that promote their social and academic growth, equipping them with the skills they need to overcome challenges and thrive in adulthood. CBCI programs services that engage, encourage and motivate include the Young Believers Program, Family Strengthening Program, S.M.A.R.T. Team, New Day Diversion, and the Early Achievers Program. For more information about programs in Broward and Palm Beach counties, visit: https://communitybasedconnections.com . 2025 CBCI Green Blazer Awards Gala & Celebration Honorees (from l. to r.): Ken Walters, Rosalyn Frazier, Community-Based Connections Inc. CEO Mikelange Olbel, Kathy Salerno, and Tim Curtin (Photo credit: Michael Murphy Photography) Local 10 Anchor/Reporter Aaron Maybin has been announced as the emcee (Photo courtesy of Local 10) Previous Next

Monday Marked Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Apr 16, 2026 Antisemitism Continues To Rise, Echoing Patterns Seen In The 1930’s. Throughout History, Jews Have Faced Persecution, Displacement And Violence. Monday Marked Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah. I Attended A Memorial At Beth Torah, Sponsored By Several Jewish Organizations Including Yad Vashem USA. Some Holocaust survivors, now elderly, shared their stories. The ones alive today were children during the Holocaust. They lost their parents, siblings, and entire families. Over six million people died, including 1.5 million children. While some survived concentration camps, others escaped or were hidden, they still live with the horrors and guilt of surviving. Survivor Regina Behar shared her story. What struck me was she said, “my childhood was stolen.” She, along with others, survived thanks to those who risked their lives to protect them. Rabbi Farber shared an interesting story in regards to what is said in the Bible. There is a passage that every generation will see evil. In other words, there will be another snake that comes out of the ground to attack the Jews. During the times of historical struggles and war many leaders did not choose to be leaders. David, Joseph, and Ruth are some of the heroes that stood up against oppression. They stood up, spoke out, and did what was necessary at personal risk to protect their community. Since World War II the message has been Never Again! Since October 7th we have been saying Never Again is Now! I have listened over the years to many survivors. It is always very emotional but necessary. The pain they endured. Their childhood was stolen from them. The sense of guilt for being the only person to survive. Their words are true. Their words are not some made-up stories that Holocaust deniers like to spin. Florida State Representative Fabian Basabe shared such an amazing speech. I was hoping to get a copy of it rather than just taking bits of it for this article. He made it a point to say, “standing up for truth is not political. Standing up for your community is not political. Speaking out and doing the right thing is not political.“ Other speakers, including him, shared the fact that silence and not speaking out equals utter surrender. If not us and now then when. Mayor Steven Meiner from Miami Beach also shared the same message. He told us when he just became Mayor October 7th occurred. He had to deal with protestors. He had to deal with misguided Palestinian supporters blocking roads and attacking local Jewish businesses. He did not back down. He shared his story when he had first started to set up boundaries for the protesters. They were actually sued for free speech. He did not stand down. He won and his ordinance has become a model for other cities. Even to this day any person that spews lies and hate from the podium in his chambers will never sit silent. Lies need to be called out and corrected. I have said this all along. Supporting the fight against hate is extremely important. It is a start. Inaction or indifference allows lies and misinformation to continue and grow into the hate that we are seeing now. I ask everyone if you see a lie, call it out. These lies create stupidity. Stupidity creates ignorant followers. You may not agree with everything but in a world like today, facts of history matter. 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

Fire & Soul At WMODA Thu Oct 21 2021 05:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Paddleboard on Hollywood Beach Thu Mar 31 2022 04:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Delta Variant: What We Know About the Science Thu Aug 26 2021 04:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Joining Forces For Second Chances - PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary And Abandoned Pet Rescue To Host Thrifty Kitty Pop-Up Boutique South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2025 Two Organizations, One Mission: Second Chances. In Celebration Of National Happy Cat Month, Celebrated In September, PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary And Abandoned Pet Rescue Are Collaborating To Host Thrifty Kitty Pop-Up Boutique On Tuesday, September 30th. The Evening Will Begin With A Sneak Peek From 4:00 p.m. To 5:00 p.m. And General Admission Will Open From 5:00 p.m. To 8:00 p.m. The community is invited to an evening of shopping, style and second chances to benefit PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary and Abandoned Pet Rescue. Supporters can Buy-A-Bag, Fill-A-Bag with a selection of men’s and women’s fashion to help give cats and dogs a second chance at life. Admission is free. Full bags are $50, and half bags are $25. Luxury brands and wedding dresses are not included in the Buy-A-Bag, Fill-A-Bag, and will be available for purchase at thrift pricing. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to meet adoptable cats and dogs looking for their furrr-ever homes and a second chance at love. Future pet parents can fill out adoption applications at the event. “Partnering with Abandoned Pet Rescue for this event means twice the impact for animals in need,” said Executive Director of PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary Michelle Schecht. “Every bag purchased at Thrifty Kitty Pop-Up Boutique helps give cats and dogs a second chance at life, while also connecting future pet parents with their forever companions.” Proceeds from the event will be equally split between PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary and Abandoned Pet Rescue, ensuring both organizations can continue their lifesaving work. Founded in 2018, PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) NonProfit Organization with a mission to transform cats' lives one PURRR at a time, through rescue, adoption, and spay and neuter initiatives that help reduce overpopulation and ultimately enrich the human-feline connection. PURRR is committed to giving cats and their companions a better future by offering a safe haven and encouraging responsible pet ownership. PURRR’s team, and volunteers bring a wealth of experience and compassion to everything they do. From adoptions to spay and neuter services, every aspect of PURRR is driven by a deep love for cats and a commitment to their well-being. Founded in 1996, Abandoned Pet Rescue is a 501(c)(3) NonProfit Organization that rescues and shelters abandoned dogs and cats with the goal of finding them new homes. Abandoned Pet Rescue is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in South Florida. Over the past decade, Abandoned Pet Rescue has provided comprehensive care for more than 10,000 dogs and cats that have come through the shelter as well as for community cats that have been trapped, neutered, vaccinated and released. Today, Abandoned Pet Rescue has the capacity to house up to 150 cats and 35 dogs. Previous Next