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ArtServe Announces 2026 Calendar Of Events Celebrating Creativity, Wellness, Language And Community South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 ArtServe, Broward County’s Premier Incubator For Arts And Culture, Has Released Its 2026 Calendar Of Events. The Coming Year Brings A Thoughtfully Curated Mix Of Exhibitions, Celebrations And Community Programs Designed To Champion Creativity And Broaden Cultural Engagement. Through Its Visual And Performing Arts Initiatives, ArtServe Continues To Nurture Artistic Growth, Expand Educational Opportunities And Strengthen The Region’s Creative Economy. “Our 2026 season reflects ArtServe’s commitment to bringing people together through art that encourages reflection, dialogue and a true sense of community,” said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. “Each exhibition explores a different aspect of the human experience. When taken together, the season offers our community a chance to discover, connect and engage in ways that are both meaningful and inspiring.” This year’s lineup encourages audiences to pause, consider their own stories and connect more deeply with one another. Highlights include: Journey to Mount Athos Friday, January 23rd, 2026 – Friday, March 6th, 2026 ArtServe opens its 2026 Season with Journey to Mount Athos, presented in partnership with the Mount Athos Foundation of America. The exhibition features more than 30 large-scale art banners, photographs and cultural artifacts that illuminate the spirituality, artistry and traditions of Greece’s Mount Athos Orthodox monastic community. Additional works by local Greek artists—along with poetry, traditional costumes and musical instruments—celebrate Hellenic culture, history and Fort Lauderdale’s sister-city connection with Thessaloniki. Opening night will feature a Greek-themed celebration with live music, costumed dancers, guest speakers and cultural presentations sponsored by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and the Hellenic Society of South Florida. The public reception will take place Friday, January 23rd at 6:00 p.m. I’m Still Here: Exploring Mental Wellness Friday, March 27th, 2026 – Friday, May 22nd, 2026 A tribute to resilience and the enduring human spirit, this exhibition centers on mental health and the importance of finding moments of joy even during challenging times. A free public reception will be held on Friday, March 27th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. ArtServe’s Fourth Annual Impact Awards Gala Friday, April 17th, 2026 This signature event honors individuals and organizations whose creativity, leadership and generosity have made a meaningful difference in the arts and the broader community. The gala runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with tickets available at: www.artserve.org. The Art of Language: Celebrating the Aesthetic and Intellectual Beauty of Words Friday, June 26th, 2026 – Friday, August 28th, 2026 This summer exhibition explores the rich intersection between visual art and language, highlighting the expressive beauty of the written word, storytelling, poetry and other literary forms. A free opening reception will be held on Friday, June 26th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Members’ Show: In Memory Of Friday, October 2nd, 2026 – Friday, December 4th, 2026 Closing out the season, this exhibition offers a reflective look at personal histories and creative journeys. Through works that honor memory and experience, ArtServe members present a heartfelt exploration of the moments and stories that shaped them. A free reception will be held on Friday, October 2nd, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Reception times are subject to change. Please visit: www.artserve.org for the latest updates. ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily admission is free. ArtServe inspires, supports and advances its diverse members, artists and community by promoting artistic development, education and prosperity through the exploration and presentation of the visual and performing arts. For more information about these events, or to become a member, volunteer, or support ArtServe’s mission, please visit: www.artserve.org - Or email: membership@artserve.org . About ArtServe Named a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now in its 36th year, ArtServe has won multiple awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Community Foundation of Broward. In 2025, ArtServe was named Non-Profit Organization of the Year: The Arts by 211 Broward. Each year, ArtServe helps 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses, connect with the community through exhibitions, education and events. Previous Next

Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party Brings The Magic South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers so be prepared to join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience at Amerant Bank Arena from Thursday, March 19th, 2026 - Sunday, March 22nd, 2026. Disney On Ice Preferred Customers were able to purchase advance tickets to get the best seats available before tickets went on-sale to the general public on Tuesday, November 11th. Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code. Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises. Make memories during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration! Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice. Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. Click here to view Mickey's Search Party Show Trailer When: Thursday, March 19th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21st, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. Where: Amerant Bank Arena – One Panther Parkway, Sunrise, Florida 33323 Tickets: Tickets now available for purchase online at: www.SeatGeek.com or in-person at the venue box office. It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of family-friendly ticket pricing options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience. *Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. For local Sunrise event information, please visit: https://www.disneyonice.com/mickeys-search-party/sunrise-fl-amerant-bank-arena Follow Disney On Ice’s Social Media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok. Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce About Feld Entertainment: Feld Entertainment®, family owned and operated, is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Disney On Ice, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 80 countries and on six continents. For more information, visit: www.feldentertainment.com . Previous Next

A New Year – A New Venezuela? By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Jan 7, 2026 Happy New Year! It Has Been A Crazy Few Weeks, Nationally! I Joined With The Many Floridians Who Are Thrilled To See Maduro Behind Bars Where He Belongs. Even When Biden And Harris Were In Office, They Issued A Bounty Of $25 Million For Information That Would Lead To His Arrest. In July, Trump Doubled It. Political Posturing Cannot Change The Fact This Is A Welcomed Event For So Many Of Our Residents That Fled Venezuela. I know so many people that have shared stories of their businesses being torn away from them. Large and small, simply in a government takeover. Guised as independence and a better life for all simply became another failed nation like Cuba. Family businesses that employed many citizens shuttered. Democracy gone and trampled. I had the chance to visit Venezuela on a cruise years ago when the government began taking over stores. At first, it was recommended not to get off the ship, but I wanted to witness what was taking place. We hired a professional driver that did not leave our side. There were lines in front of every store. We drove to a shopping mall that was about the size of the old Broward Mall. It was right before Christmas, but the lot was virtually empty. It was really eerie, almost post-apocalyptic, the three of us walked about 20 minutes in the mall with most shops shuttered. The ones that were open had their gates partly closed for safety. I went into one which sold cosmetics to check the prices. In U.S. Dollars, a simple bottle of Calvin Klein was $375 Dollars. The only store with a line was a toy store. The gate was closed and opened, only allowing a few buyers in at a time. We drove a bit further to a restaurant on the water. It was lovely and the only place that was crowded. We had to insist that our driver remain and eat with us as workers were not allowed. They had to eat outside. I am sharing this due to the fact that many people have an opinion, but they do not have experience. They go off of online commentary without knowledge and worse without facts. Sure, these are historic times. Yes, there is uncertainty, but it is the right thing. Could you imagine our police officers coming to a commission meeting and having to tell us they are doing a drug raid? I do not think so. Even with the shock and awe Maduro knew his days were numbered. The question remains how long will the newly sworn in President remain in power. 283 of the officials who won the election last May were sworn in. The one main problem is that these are still mostly Marxist and socialist. According to reports there will be some time until a new election, but America will be working to get the country back on its feet. The oil companies’ involvement which is being called out as Trump takeover of the nation’s oil assets is not the full picture. Actually, it's Exxon and Mobile going back in and taking back over the assets they owned that were stripped away in 2007 without just compensation. If helping the economy helps the people of Venezuela it will be all worth it. Let’s hope the plan works and the country does get back on its feet. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text: (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

Hello Miami! - The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck To Pop Up At CityPlace Doral On January 24th, 2026 South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 Hello CityPlace Doral! Due To Popular Demand, For The Third Year In A Row, Sanrio’s Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Is Rolling Into CityPlace Doral’s Fountain Plaza. The Community Is Invited To Shop Hello Kitty-Themed Sweet Treats And Merchandise While Supplies Last On Saturday, January 24th, 2026 From 11:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m. The all-pink cafe on wheels will sell yummy sweets, including 10th anniversary cookies, five-piece macaron sets, and Madeleines. Supporters can also shop super cute merch, including 10th anniversary keychains, thermal bottles, mugs, tumblers, T-shirts, blankets, sweatshirts and Hello Kitty Cafe plush toys. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is a mobile pop-up experience celebrating all things Hello Kitty and carries Hello Kitty collectibles and sweet treats that are exclusively available only on the truck or at the brick & mortar shops in Irvine and Santa Clara, California. The first Hello Kitty Cafe Truck was first launched in 2014, and today, there are three Hello Kitty Cafe trucks crisscrossing the country with over 100 U.S. cities visited to date. When: Saturday, January 24th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where: CityPlace Doral - 8300 Northwest 36th Street, Doral, Florida 33166 How: For more details, please visit https://cityplacedoral.com/events . Cost: The event is free and open to the public. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck accepts payments via credit/debit card only. Parking at CityPlace Doral is available for an additional charge in the parking garage. Valet service is also available. About CityPlace Doral: CityPlace Doral is an attractive leisure destination offering a collection of memorable dining, shopping, wellness and entertainment experiences. Featuring 250,000 square feet of retail space, CityPlace Doral is a master-planned, mixed-use development nestled in the dynamic employment center of Doral in the heart of Miami-Dade County. CityPlace Doral combines the vision of world-renowned architects, designers and artists creating the next crown jewel of prosperous dining, entertainment and upscale shopping in one of South Florida’s growing cities. CityPlace Doral includes more than 40 dining, shopping and entertainment destinations for all palates and walks of life, and the property’s entertainment retail component is anchored by a roster of first-class tenants from all over the country. For more information, visit: www.cityplacedoral.com - Or call: (786) 693-1849. Join the conversation and follow CityPlace Doral on Instagram, Facebook and X at: @CityPlaceDoral. Previous Next

Tom Cotter Brings A Night Of Unstoppable Laughter To The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 Audiences Won’t Want To Miss A Fantastic Night Of Humor With One Of Comedy’s Most In-Demand Performers, Tom Cotter, Who Brings A Night Of His Undeniable Laughter To The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center On Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. As Part Of The Aventura Comedy Series Presented By The City Of Aventura. Before his historic finish on NBC’s “America's Got Talent,” where he famously lost to a dog, Cotter had already been entertaining audiences across the U.S. and internationally. His global credits include performances in London and on British TV, as well as major wins at the Seattle International Comedy Competition and the Boston Comedy Festival, in addition to being voted “Best Stand-Up” at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival. Cotter’s long list of television and radio appearances features “The Tonight Show,” “Last Comic Standing,” multiple “Comedy Central Presents… Tom Cotter” specials, “Comics Unleashed,” “The Late Late Show,” his stint as Celebrity Host of “Gotham Comedy Live” on AXS-TV and “The Howard Stern Show.” Known for his rapid-fire sarcasm, sharp satire and clever word play, Cotter remains one of the most sought-after comedians in the business. There’s never a dull moment when he’s on stage. Tom McTiernan, one of the East Coast’s top comedians, opens the evening with a hilarious preface to Cotter. McTiernan has appeared at premier comedy clubs in New York City and Los Angeles, including Comic Strip Live, Gotham Comedy Club and the world famous Improv. His television appearances include Comedy Central, NBC’s “Friday Night” and Gotham Comedy Live. He has also performed in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, opening for major acts including Brian Regan, Jeff Dunham and Tom Jones. This event contains adult language or content. Tickets to all shows are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org . By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-Seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. Previous Next

2025 The Year The Government Stopped Pretending It Cared About Freedom By John & Nisha Whitehead Jan 7, 2026 Some Years Chip Away At Freedom. Others Tear The Mask Off. 2025 was the year the government stopped pretending it was constrained by the Constitution—when executive power expanded openly and unapologetically, surveillance became ambient, dissent became dangerous, and the machinery of militarized government embedded itself into daily life. Under Trump 2.0, the erosion of civil liberties gave way to something more brazen: the dismantling of constitutional government itself. What made 2025 different was not any single abuse of power, but the relentless accumulation of them. The losses mounted week by week, crisis by crisis, executive order by executive order, until exhaustion itself became a political condition. Outrage no longer led to accountability; it simply rolled into the next emergency. What follows is not a list of grievances or a catalogue of partisan disputes. It is a record of the year freedom lost its guardrails—and of a nation torn apart from within by the very individuals and institutions entrusted with preventing such tyranny. Donald J. Trump entered his second term promising revenge, retribution, and sweeping transformation. In that regard, he has been utterly successful. Where he has failed—spectacularly—is in honoring his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution. From the outset, Trump treated the Constitution not as a governing framework but as an obstacle—something to be maneuvered around, ignored, or rewritten by executive fiat. Indeed, he signed more executive orders in his first month than any other president had signed in their first 100 days. The warning signs appeared immediately. Within days of his inauguration, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights disappeared from the White House website. While the administration later insisted the documents would be restored, the timing and symbolism were impossible to ignore—especially as executive orders poured out at a pace designed to bypass the very rule of law those documents exist to preserve. Almost immediately thereafter, Trump declared two national states of emergency, announced his intention to disregard the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of birthright citizenship, established new federal agencies without congressional authorization, and pushed for an expansion of the death penalty. Constitutional boundaries were not merely tested; they were treated as optional. At the same time, the presidential pardon—intended as a tool of mercy—was transformed into a currency of loyalty. Political allies and insiders were shielded from accountability, signaling that allegiance to the president now mattered more than fidelity to the law. Economic governance followed the same pattern. Trump unilaterally launched tariff wars against longstanding trade partners, seizing Congress’s power of the purse and throwing already fragile markets into turmoil. Constitutional process was no longer a prerequisite for national policy; presidential will was sufficient. Immigration enforcement soon revealed just how far the rule of law had eroded. Despite campaign promises to target violent offenders, Immigration and Customs Enforcement expanded dragnet-style raids that swept up undocumented immigrants with no criminal history. In a calculated effort to evade judicial review and human rights obligations, detainees were secretly flown out of the country to foreign prisons beyond the reach of U.S. courts. As public opposition mounted, the government’s response was not restraint but force. The National Guard was deployed first to Washington, D.C., and then increasingly to states across the country, under the pretext of addressing crime and unrest. Civil liberties organizations warned that the line between civilian law enforcement and military occupation was rapidly disappearing. The administration pressed on regardless. By this point, the nation was teetering on the brink of a constitutional crisis. The president openly embraced the notion that “I have the right to do whatever I want as president.” Abroad, constitutional limits collapsed just as readily. The United States carried out preemptive military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites without congressional authorization. Drone strikes escalated in Yemen. Civilian boats were targeted under the banner of counterterrorism and drug interdiction. Trump openly threatened land invasions of Venezuela. The Founders’ fear of a standing army turned inward—and war powers exercised without consent—was no longer theoretical. It had become standard operating procedure. Domestic tragedy did nothing to slow this consolidation of power. Crisis after crisis was folded into an ever-expanding rationale for centralized control, rather than prompting accountability, restraint, or reflection. By midyear, even the machinery of government itself was being dismantled. Under the banner of “efficiency,” the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) began shuttering agencies and hacking away at public services. In practice, the initiative cost taxpayers more than it saved, hollowed out institutional expertise, and left Americans with fewer protections and fewer remedies. The government became less capable of serving the public—and more capable of policing it. At the same time, the surveillance state reached a new level of sophistication and reach. Government agencies consolidated financial records, biometric identifiers, communications metadata, travel histories, and online behavior into centralized intelligence systems, often facilitated by private contractors. Artificial intelligence tools generated risk scores and predictive profiles, flagging individuals not for crimes committed, but for behaviors, associations, and speech deemed suspicious. The presumption of innocence gave way to the logic of pre-crime. Due process eroded accordingly. Habeas corpus—the oldest safeguard of liberty—lost meaning as Americans were detained first and forced to justify their innocence later. Political speech itself was increasingly treated as a public-safety risk. Incarceration, meanwhile, became national infrastructure. Predictive policing systems fed people into the system at the front end, while bureaucratic cruelty defined life inside it. Justice became mechanical, impersonal, and deliberately unforgiving. Federalism collapsed in parallel. Local police forces were federalized in practice if not in name. National Guard units were commandeered. Federal enforcement authority expanded into states and cities once shielded from centralized power. The balance between local self-governance and federal authority—one of the Constitution’s most important safeguards—was steadily erased. Oversight mechanisms fared no better. Inspectors General were sidelined. Congressional subpoenas were ignored. Whistleblowers were punished rather than protected. Transparency collapsed as Freedom of Information Act requests were delayed, denied, or buried. Routine documents were classified. Internal communications vanished. None of this happened overnight. That is the point. The damage was cumulative, calculated, and exhausting by design. The goal of 2025 was not merely to expand power, but as I make clear in Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, to normalize its abuse, to wear the public down until resistance felt futile. The question for 2026 is not whether this trajectory will continue, but whether the American people will reassert the constitutional limits that make freedom possible—before those limits disappear entirely. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an attorney and author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of constitutional law, human rights and popular culture. John Whitehead's commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org Previous Next

West Hollywood Hosts Full Weekend Of Community Events By City of Hollywood Jan 7, 2026 West Hollywood Is Full Of Family-Friendly Fun This Weekend, With Events That Invite Residents To Read, Create, Celebrate And Connect. The weekend begins Friday, January 9th, 2026 with the monthly Storytime in the Park event from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kay Gaither Community Center, 6291 Funston Street, Hollywood, Florida 33023. The series is held at locations throughout District 6, featuring surprise guest readers and a relaxed setting for families. Each child will receive a free book to take home, courtesy of the Children’s Services Council and Broward Reads. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and blankets will be provided for children to sit comfortably. This month’s guest reader is Sadiqa Williams-Glusman, Co-Founder of Seven Hills Garden and Soil. A nature educator and community gardener, Williams-Glusman is passionate about helping children and families grow food together while building connections. She will read a nature-inspired children’s book and share her love of gardening and storytelling to encourage both literacy and an appreciation for the natural world. On Saturday morning, January 10th, 2026, Buckets of Joy Recycle & Grow takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Kay Gaither Community Center. The community celebration focuses on sustainability, gardening and creativity, featuring recycling education, eco-awareness activities, hands-on planting and opportunities for children to create their own art. The event is designed for all ages and emphasizes local connection through shared experiences. The weekend concludes Saturday evening with Hollywood West Salsa Fest at the Boulevard Heights Community Center & Amphitheater, located at 6770 Garfield Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024. Enjoy live Latin music, dancing and a festive outdoor atmosphere from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Families will also have the opportunity to meet the Three Kings, who will be on site greeting children and distributing gifts. Admission is free. Together, the events offer a full weekend of activities that reflect the culture, creativity and community spirit of West Hollywood. For more information on the Hollywood West Salsa Fest, visit: www.melinasalsamusic.com . Electronics Drop-Off Event Join your neighbors this Saturday, January 10th, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Electronics Drop-Off Event. The City of Hollywood is hosting an Electronics Drop-Off Event on Saturday, January 10th, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the City Hall parking lot, located at 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020. Residents can drop off unwanted electronics including TVs, computers, keyboards, monitors, printers, stereos, small appliances and more for proper recycling. This event is for electronics only and is not a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off. Previous Next

ArtServe Presents “Journey To Mount Athos,” Bringing Greek Culture And Art To Fort Lauderdale South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 Artserve Will Open “Journey To Mount Athos” On Friday, January 23rd, 2026 A Compelling Cultural Exhibition That Brings The Artistic And Historic Traditions Of Greece To South Florida. The Exhibition Runs Through Friday, March 6th, 2026 And Launches With A Free, Public Opening Reception On Friday, January 23rd, 2026 At 6:00 p.m. Presented in partnership with the Mount Athos Foundation of America and supported by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), “Journey to Mount Athos” offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience Greek heritage through large-scale visual art, photography and cultural artifacts. The exhibition is anchored by 34 retractable art banners from the Mount Athos Orthodox Church Center and includes the “Princeton Exhibition” of 46 photographs and four canvas prints, along with original works by local Greek artists. The exhibition features a curated collection of cultural artifacts that reflect the depth and diversity of Hellenic tradition, including framed poetry, musical instruments and objects from South Florida’s Orthodox churches and schools. Among the highlights are two authentic traditional Greek costumes from different regions, generously provided by Anastasia Kastrenakes Merkel. Drawn from her personal collection, the garments offer a tangible link to Greece’s regional identity and craftsmanship. Merkel played a key role in the planning of the exhibition and worked closely with ArtServe to ensure their thoughtful presentation. Together, the exhibition’s elements trace a cultural journey beginning in Fort Lauderdale’s sister city of Thessaloniki and culminating at Mount Athos, one of the most important centers in the Orthodox Christian world. Opening Reception – A Night of Greek Celebration The opening night on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 will transform ArtServe’s auditorium into a celebration of Greek life and artistry. Guests will enjoy: • A cultural panel of speakers • Byzantine chanting and Greek music • Traditional costumed dancers • A short film presentation • Greek wine, beer and refreshments Throughout the exhibition, ArtServe will highlight South Florida’s vibrant Greek community by promoting upcoming festivals and cultural events hosted by local churches and organizations. Guests will also have opportunities to connect with groups including AHEPA and the Hellenic Society of South Florida. “This exhibition is a cultural bridge,” said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. “It brings together art and history to give our community a deeper understanding of Greek heritage and the values that connect cultures across generations.” ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily admission is free. For more information about these events, or to become a member, volunteer or support ArtServe’s mission, please visit: www.artserve.org . Or email: membership@artserve.org . About ArtServe Named a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and NonProfits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now in its 36th year, ArtServe has won multiple awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Community Foundation of Broward. In 2025, ArtServe was named Non-Profit Organization of the Year: The Arts by 211 Broward. Each year, ArtServe helps 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses, and connect with the community through exhibitions, education, and events. Previous Next

Southern Charm & Comfort Food Arrives In Miami - Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley, Opening Saturday, January 17th, 2026 Aventura Digest Dec 18, 2025 Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley Offers Elevated Southern Soul Food, Handcrafted “Kocktails,” High-Energy Dining, And Signature “Welcome Home” Hospitality. After Thriving In Six Other U.S. Cities, The Restaurant Brings Its Modern Take On Authentic American Southern Comfort Food To Miami. Guided By The Belief That Every Guest Should Feel At Home From The Moment They Walk In, Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley Is Known As Much For Its Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere As Its Flavorful Dishes And Creative “Kocktails,” Setting A New Standard For Southern Cuisine And Hospitality In The Magic City. “We’re excited to bring this concept to Miami – a city that feels like home,” says Founder Kevin Kelley. “The diversity, the culture, the energy, there’s nothing like it. With Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, we want to bring Miami the very best in Southern comfort food and hospitality, creating a space where everyone feels welcome.” Founder Kevin Kelley, a Dallas-based attorney & hospitality entrepreneur is the force behind this rapidly expanding national restaurant group. Miami marks the seventh location of the concept, following success in Dallas, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, and most recently Philadelphia. In addition to Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, the portfolio also includes KANVAS by Kevin Kelley, a multi-level sports bar and Club VIVO, a Latin nightclub, both located in Dallas, Texas. The Wynwood location will boast over 8,000-Square-Feet of dining space and features a signature Blue Onyx Bar, known for its bold, luminous design. Guests can also expect to find the restaurant’s signature, spectacular Rose Wall, a core brand element across all locations, and the perfect photo spot to mark the occasion. The space will blend modern luxury with Southern warmth, incorporating rich textures, dramatic lighting, and vibrant artwork that creates a sense of culture and community. The scratch-made menu features more than 50 rich and elevated Southern comfort favorites, showcasing dishes like Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Southern Fried Catfish, Caribbean Jerk Lamb Chops, Candied Yams, Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, Fried Green Tomatoes, Seafood Gumbo, Blackened Salmon, and many more guest-favorites. The beverage program shines with hand-crafted “kocktails” including True Flame, a fiery concoction of premium spirits, warm citrus, and spice built over a torch-kissed orange peel, crafted tableside with a live fire presentation, a Blackberry Margarita, and the Peach D’usse Frose, among others. Reservations for Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley are available at: https://kitchenkocktailsusa.com/miami . The restaurant will open to the public on Saturday, January 17th, 2026. Located at 2838 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Building#: 2, Miami, Florida 33127. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley will have a 208 seating capacity. Follow on Social Media at: @kitchenkocktailsusa. Previous Next

Bijoux Shelami: Where Fashion Meets Family, Quality Meets Quantity Fri Nov 17 2023 17:17:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Brightline Opens: New Stations In Aventura And Boca Raton February 3, 2023 Share Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, along with its partners in Boca Raton, Aventura and Miami-Dade County, celebrated the ribbon cutting of its Aventura and Boca Raton train stations recently. Congressman Carlos Gimenez and Mayors Daniella Levine Cava, Scott Singer and Howard Weinburg were joined by officials from the City of Boca, the City of Aventura, Miami-Dade County and Brightline Executives to officially launch the highly-anticipated opening of the two new stations. The ceremony commenced at the entrance of the Boca Raton station at 9:00 a.m. where city officials and media were welcomed with remarks by Brightline’s President Patrick Goddard, City of Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Florida State Senator Tina Polsky and Milton Segarra of Discover The Palm Beaches. The ceremony proceeded with a tour of the completed station and the inaugural ride from Boca Raton to Aventura. The ceremony at Aventura began at noon with remarks by Brightline President Patrick Goddard, Congressman Carlos Gimenez, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, City of Aventura Mayor Howard Weinburg, Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman and Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) Second Vice Chair Robert Wolfarth. The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by a tour of the Aventura Station and the inaugural ride from Aventura to Miami Central. Aventura & Boca Raton Stations With the station openings of Aventura and Boca Raton, Brightline now has five stations in South Florida and will connect travelers to existing stations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Both stations feature Brightline’s signature autonomous MRKT, SMART and PREMIUM lounges in addition to touchless turnstiles and free high-speed WiFi throughout the station and onboard the train. Brightline’s Aventura Station is located at 19796 West Dixie Highway, Aventura, Florida 33180. The Aventura Station will allow guests congestion-free travel between all of Brightline’s stations with an estimated travel time to Miami Central of about 20 minutes. The station will also offer express service between Miami during the peak morning and evening hour commute periods, saving time and stress for commuters. As part of the agreement with Miami-Dade Transit, Brightline guests will have access to discounted rides between Aventura and Miami Central through the Brightline website and App. Monthly commuter passes for travel between Aventura and Miami Central can be purchased at a discount at the Aventura Station guest services desk. Discounted commuter passes will be available online or through the App for a limited time. Brightline will reserve capacity on commuter trains for rides between Aventura and Miami Central up until 48 hours of train departures. The 34,000 square foot station features 240 parking spaces, a bus drop-off for Miami-Dade Transit passengers, newly landscaped and hardscape areas and a pedestrian skybridge that transports guests from the vertical transportation towers to the train platform. Brightline is currently designing a new pedestrian bridge which will connect the platform to the Aventura Mall. Upon the station’s opening, Brightline will provide a complimentary bi-directional Brightline+ shuttle to Aventura Mall for guests. The shuttle will be available 14 hours of the day. The Aventura Station has been designed to LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver criteria as part of Brightline’s goals to reduce contribution to global climate change, enhance individual human health and protect water resources. These LEED Silver Station design features include a solar canopy and installation of electric charging vehicles to reduce emissions and encourage clean transportation, a careful selection of materials to increase healthy indoor spaces and smart technology to reduce water use. Location • 19796 West Dixie Highway, Aventura, Florida 33180. • Brightline’s Aventura Station is located on the west side of US-1 across from Aventura Mall, one of the nation’s top luxury destinations for shopping, restaurants and lifestyle. • The new station in Aventura will help alleviate road congestion and connect the community to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando (2023). In October 2019, the Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) passed a resolution to approve the property acquisition and development agreement between the County and Brightline. It also approved the use of $76.7 Million of Surtax Dollars for the development of this project, which will serve the Northeast Corridor – one of six corridors in the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Program. Station Travel Times, Parking + Passes Brightline’s initial schedules for Aventura and Boca are designed to optimize commuter patterns and will focus on peak morning and evening weekday service. During non-peak hours and weekends, Brightline will provide service approximately every other hour. Regular hourly service will continue in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Central. You can view a full schedule for Boca and Aventura at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dkyzy36KftQHQ5T-AExaoHh9YYRqIKH8/view Or visit: www.gobrightline.com Parking options will be available at both stations upon opening with rates for Brightline guests starting at $7 and walk up parking rates starting at $6 for up to an hour. Guests traveling from Aventura and Boca Raton Stations will also have access to Brightline+ shuttle services offered to South Florida’s biggest games and events. For guests looking to save on fares, a commuter SMART pass will be available for $229 per month. Passes for SHORT (2-leg) and LONG (4-leg) bookings will also be available for both SMART and PREMIUM. Miami-Aventura passes can be purchased in-person at the Aventura Station and will become available for purchase online in early 2023 for $170 per month. To purchase tickets, visit: www.gobrightline.com The opening of the Aventura Station creates opportunities for better connectivity to destinations such as Aventura Mall, Hallandale Beach and Hard Rock Stadium for events; Brightline is working with local partners on established connection options. < Previous News Next News >

Sunny Isles Beach Photo Contest July 13, 2023 Share Each year the City of Sunny Isles Beach holds a Photo Contest, asking residents, visitors and locals to send us their best Sunny Isles Beach photographs. Now is the time to submit those great shots of the City’s stunning architecture, beautiful parks, the Atlantic Ocean and our residents and visitors having fun in the sun! The photo must be of a scene taken in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida between 156th Street through 195th Street and the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Each page of the desktop calendar features a Winning photograph and the name of the photographer. Calendars are FREE and can be picked up at the end of November at the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center, Pelican Community Park and Gateway Center. Even if your photo is not chosen for the calendar, there are many other places it may show up! Photos may appear in our Live & Play Magazine, Sunny Isles Beach Islander Monthly Newsletter, on our website, or on our Social Media pages. All entries are considered and welcomed. Photo entries should be submitted online if possible, but can also be submitted via storage devices such as flash drives, which may then be dropped off or mailed to the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center - Attention: Vanessa Viera, 18070 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160. Be sure to include your contact information so that it may be retrieved later. Past Winners In 2023, the City received many creative and stunning photographs of the picturesque city. Winning photos were selected by the calendar design committee and the Winning photographers were recognized at the December 15th, 2022, Regular City Commission Meeting. You can see the Winning photographs featured in the 2023 Sunny Isles Beach desktop calendar. Calendars are free and available to pick up at the front desk of the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center, Pelican Community Park and Gateway Center. If you submitted a photo to the contest and were not selected to be featured in the calendar, you may still see your work featured on City of Sunny Isles Beach Social Media, Digital Publications, or on the City's website: www.sibfl.net To view past Contest Winners, visit: 2023: https://www.sibfl.net/photocontest2023/ 2022: https://www.sibfl.net/photocontest2022/ 2021: https://www.sibfl.net/photocontest2021/ 2020: https://www.sibfl.net/photocontest2020/ 2019: https://www.sibfl.net/photocontest2019/ 2018: https://www.sibfl.net/photocontest2018/ 2017: https://www.sibfl.net/photocontest2017/ 2016: https://www.sibfl.net/photocontest2016/ 2015: https://www.sibfl.net/photocontest2015/ Requirements: Photos should be at least 300 dpi to be considered for the calendar. For best resolution, a digital camera should be used. Submissions are due by September 1st of each year. Direct any questions to: (305) 792-1920. Or: photocontest@sibfl.net . Now grab your camera and take some Prize-Winning shots! To submit photos visit: https://www.sibfl.net/photocontest/ and to sign the waiver visit: https://sunnyislesfl.seamlessdocs.com/f/Photo_Contest_Waiver < Previous News Next News >