The Oral And Cardiovascular Health Connection: 4 Tips To Protect Your Teeth, Gums And Heart By Feature Impact Oct 1, 2026 People Often Think Of Dentists And Doctors As Totally Separate Healthcare Professionals: One Cares For Your Teeth And Mouth While The Other Handles The Rest Of The Body. In Reality, The Different Systems In The Human Body Are Closely Interconnected And Oral Health Is No Exception, Making Dentists A Vital Part Of Your Healthcare Team. Oral health and heart health have a particularly close connection, with inflammation at the core of it. When your gums are inflamed, the resulting bacteria can make their way from your mouth through your bloodstream, potentially contributing to your blood vessels constricting or becoming blocked. This, in turn, may force your heart to work harder and raise your Blood Pressure, putting you at risk of Heart Disease and Stroke. More than 46% of adults in the U.S. have High Blood Pressure, and more than 40% of adults age 30 and older are affected by Periodontal (Gum) Disease. To help address these issues, the American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental of California, is encouraging dental teams to take a total-body perspective with their patients. Simple steps like Blood Pressure screenings during checkups can give a more complete picture of a person’s overall health. If a member of your dental care team pulls out a blood pressure cuff at your next appointment, it’s a good sign. “The mouth is a gateway to the body and can often reveal more about your total body health than you may think,” said Daniel Croley, D.M.D., Chief Dental Officer at Delta Dental of California and Affiliates. “Oral health professionals have a powerful opportunity to integrate more into their patients’ collective health care team beyond protecting their patients’ teeth by connecting oral health and heart health, this initiative helps dentists identify risks early and guide patients toward care that can improve and even save lives.” Care for your teeth, gums and heart all at once using these tips from experts at the American Heart Association. Follow a Brushing and Flossing Schedule Good dental health starts with a daily routine. If you don’t want to sheepishly cringe next time the dentist inquires about yours, brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to disrupt plaque-forming bacteria. Dentists recommend using toothpaste with fluoride and brushing your teeth and gums thoroughly yet gently, as applying too much pressure can wear away enamel and cause gum recession. Eat a Healthy Diet and Limit Sugar Most kids are used to hearing sugar will rot their teeth – and that’s not just a parental scare tactic to get their little hands out of the candy jar. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth, producing acid that can cause cavities and Gum Disease. For a diet your heart and teeth will both appreciate, prioritize vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, while limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates. Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products The connection between smoking and Oral Disease is well established: smokers face significantly higher risks of developing periodontal disease, losing teeth or being diagnosed with Oral Cancer. Cigarettes aren’t the only form of tobacco to worry about, either. Vaping, dipping and chewing tobacco can also harm your dental health by drying out your mouth and restricting blood flow to the gums. Since these products are also harmful to heart health, quitting or avoiding them offers plenty of worthwhile benefits. Seek support if you need help to kick the habit. Communicate with Your Healthcare Team Since your body’s systems are connected to each other, it’s helpful to talk to your dentist about your Blood Pressure and to your doctor about your oral health. Start thinking of your dentist as a key member of your integrated healthcare team. Don’t be afraid to share your medical history, discuss the side effects of any medications you’re taking and ask for personalized recommendations on caring for your teeth, gums and overall health. To learn more about how to improve your oral and cardiovascular health, visit: www.Heart.org/OralHealth . Photos courtesy of Shutterstock Oral health and heart health have a particularly close connection, with inflammation at the core of it. More than 46% of adults in the U.S. have High Blood Pressure, and more than 40% of adults age 30 and older are affected by Periodontal (Gum) Disease. Previous Next

Hallandale Beach State Of The City Address 2026 By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Oct 1, 2026 Last Week Was Part 5 Of My State Of The City Address Hosted By The Hallandale Beach Chamber Of Commerce. This Week Is The Final Part Of The State Of The City Address, Development, Redevelopment And Investing In Hallandale Beach. We Continue To Have Tremendous Business Partners And Investors Who Believe In Hallandale Beach. New Hotel Opportunities Are Moving Forward. Housing And Affordable Housing Projects Continue To Break Ground And Open. The City Itself Is Exploring Opportunities To Create Additional Housing While The CRA Remains Active. Big Easy Casino is undergoing major redevelopment, including demolition, renovation, and planning that can pave the way for its future. And right here at Gulfstream Park, there are exciting opportunities ahead. Under the leadership of Linda Stronach and her new development team, this property continues to explore ways to evolve and remain competitive. We need to work with both these large property owners to help make sure their needs are recognized on the state level. Gulfstream Park and events such as the Pegasus World Cup have placed Hallandale Beach before an international audience. Development and redevelopment are always a double-edged sword. We will continue to be balanced and strategic when it comes to development and redevelopment. A sustainable resilient community, and I take the stewardship of our city and our resources that are essential components of Hallandale Beach's economic stability. The importance of fiscal stability and protecting Hallandale Beach’s financial future. Having a balance of residential and commercial is essential to stability and economic vitality. Over the past six years, we have continued to implement our strategic plan to ensure we can roll back taxes while delivering vital services. We continue investing in public safety, which has produced amazing results. Our Police Department having the right tools is critical to prevent crime and, more importantly, to catching bad guys and getting them off the street. There has been a debate on cameras. It has never been a debate for me; having an extra set of ears and eyes on the road to help fight crime is vital. License plate readers, ShotSpotter and speeding enforcement all help to keep our City a safer place. We cannot have Police officers on every corner, but we can have the best well trained and well-equipped police force in the state. Once again, this year’s Budget has not utilized any Reserves. We have rolled back the Tax Rate, so we are collecting the same revenue as the year before. Every property pays the same Millage Rate but depending on the taxable value your taxes may be the same or increase slightly. For the General Fund Budget it's $135 Billion with a robust reserve of A $42 Million. There is one budget uncertainty we cannot ignore: property taxes. Hallandale Beach is financially stable. Six years ago, that was not the case. The city was dipping into its reserves and failing to address many of our City's needs. Leadership was unstable, and we continued to go through various city managers. Our goal was stability, fiscal accountability and being extremely transparent about our budget conditions. Fast forward to today. We have seen an increase in property values. This has allowed us to address many projects. I have just sent out a wonderful comprehensive report updating all our stakeholders on this progress. Property values did increase. That goes back to the national changes we have seen and the cost of living in areas of the country that have driven people out and to other areas of the country. Florida has been one of the many areas for migration. Value increases are economic; they are driven by supply and demand. People have flocked to Florida because of our low taxes. Just a year ago, we were the fourth lowest-tax state in the nation. We are now the sixth lowest. Combine that with great weather, beaches, and simply a great quality of life. Actually, that's why I moved here 34 years ago. So, the sound bites of all property values doubling are true. The problem is revenue is only part of the balance sheet. While we saw double-digit increases over the past two years, the market has slowed this year. Our property tax values only increased by 2.3% this year. Our mix of properties has helped to keep our budget stable. Growth in values has slowed. When the CRA sunsets, tax increment financing will no longer represent the same general-fund obligation. This too will take some pressure off our budget. The CRA uses our general fund dollars and county dollars. While we lose the County's CRA contribution, the city will go to Economic Development functions, with additional dollars remaining available for general municipal services. We need to remember the saying, "What a difference a day can make." With global and political uncertainty, just like this year, things can change. So, what about amendment three: While the state government is pushing property tax reform, this statewide proposal is so much more complicated. After a few months of public hearings and testimony, many thought there would be a meeting of the minds during regular sessions. That did not happen. Producing ballot language created in a special session lasting 72 hours that read more like a political statement is not a plan. We need to remember that even the governor was not happy with the language on the ballot to begin with. It has since changed, and we have a better idea of what we all need to face. As someone said at the Florida League, changing the color of the lipstick on a pig still does not change the fact that it is still a pig. Actually, reducing homestead property taxes and capping non-homesteaded property taxes, without addressing the lost revenue to every city, town, county, and special district, is not fiscally prudent. It is not a way to address the affordability crisis; some experts even suggest it makes the crisis worse by shifting costs onto both commercial and residential rental properties. Even some of the most conservative think tanks have come out against this proposal. There will be counties and cities within our state that will face bankruptcy. To me, this is a consumer issue. And while, as consumers, we still haven't stopped complaining about insurance and healthcare costs, the state has found its way to avoid that tough discussion and place the burden squarely on local governments. Property taxes expose what city services truly cost. There has been considerable discussion about reducing property taxes. I understand why. Families are struggling. Insurance has increased. Housing has increased. Groceries have increased. Businesses are watching every dollar. Not everyone's paycheck has increased at the same pace. Cities understand we watch every dollar. Every year we have to balance our budget and live within our means. But there are several things everyone should understand. The State of Florida does not levy municipal property taxes. Property taxes primarily fund local governments, counties, school districts, and special districts like hospitals, children’s services, water, and flood management districts. So once revenue is cut without any other replacement, like sales tax, local governments have to fill the gap with increased fees or cut services. People also need to understand that, just like your home or business, costs to provide and purchase services do not suddenly become cheaper. Police contracts, Fire, EMS, infrastructure, managing water resources, trash, and parks don't disappear. And many government labor agreements span multiple years. So, this is ultimately a consumer question: What are you receiving for your money? The iPhone test — putting the cost of government services in perspective. Let me give you an example. This whole conversation started with a text message from a resident on the governor's Instagram. I've lived in my home for years and have been paying for it all my life. Why should I continue to pay? I should be able to live here for free. I gave some thought to this premise. Obviously, he paid his mortgage, and I guess he does not need any services. I admit it sounds great! Who wouldn’t want things for free? No taxes. As elected officials, we often forget to explain just what it is we provide and the value of those services, I was thinking about how to explain it. Most phones cost $1100. The top-line iPhone, but without any services it is useless. We have to buy cellular service. Apps, subscriptions like Amazon Prime. Netflix, maybe security services. Not to mention all the accessories. Suddenly, a household can easily spend several thousand dollars every year on technology and subscription services. Now compare that with what you receive from your city. Let's take an example of an average property with an assessed value of approximately $455,000, apply applicable exemptions, and use a municipal millage rate of approximately 7.3189. The City's portion of the property tax bill is roughly $2,600 to $2,800 annually, depending upon the property's taxable value and exemptions. Remember, non-homestead will still pay but rather than 10% cap it is now 5%. And what does that help provide? Twenty-four-hour police protection, fire protection for your home, 24-hour emergency medical service, parks, recreational programs, beach maintenance, lifeguards, road maintenance, code enforcement, community programs, planning, Infrastructure and the basic government services that protect the quality of life and property values we sometimes take for granted. Yes, residents also pay separate utility fees for water, wastewater, stormwater, and sanitation because those are enterprise services. They still take employees to oversee and run an operation. But when we talk about property taxes, we must discuss the real value. If property taxes are dramatically reduced, cities will have to evaluate what services can continue at their current levels. So, I leave you with this question: Would saving several hundred dollars a year be worth sacrificing some of the services that protect your quality of life, your business, and your property? That is a conversation every community in Florida may soon have to answer. Hallandale Beach at 100, Honoring our past & building our next century. I spoke earlier as well that not every City is the same, there's not one-size-fits-all. But I don't want to end today talking about taxes. I want to end by talking about our future. Hallandale Beach is preparing to celebrate an extraordinary milestone next year: Our 100th year. Think about what that represents. For a century, generations of families, entrepreneurs, educators, public servants, community leaders, and businesses have built this city. They saw Hallandale Beach through economic changes, hurricanes, wars, population growth, development, and tremendous transformation. Now it is our turn. Our Centennial should be more than a birthday celebration. It should be an opportunity to tell the story of Hallandale Beach — where we came from, who we are today, and what kind of city we want to leave to the generations who will call Hallandale Beach home over the next 100 years. As we prepare for our Centennial, we want our residents, businesses, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, and community partners to be involved. Our Centennial planning meeting was held at the end of August. I invite our Chamber members and our entire business community to be part of the planning and this historic celebration. There will be opportunities to celebrate our history, recognize the people who helped build this community, highlight our businesses and neighborhoods, and create experiences that bring every part of Hallandale Beach together. But as we celebrate the past, I want to keep looking forward. What will transportation look like in Hallandale Beach 20 years from now? How will we protect ourselves from flooding? How will technology change the way we live and work? How do we make sure families can still afford to live here? How do we attract businesses and create opportunities? And how do we preserve the character of the community we love while continuing to grow? Those are the questions that will define our next century. We have accomplished a great deal. We still have work to do. And after nearly 100 years, Hallandale Beach is still moving forward. We are building a resilient city. We are building a connected city. We are building a City prepared for change. And together, we are building Hallandale Beach for the next 100 years. Thank you to our Chamber of Commerce, our businesses, our residents, our City employees, and everyone who continues to believe in Hallandale Beach. Looking forward to Hallandale Beach’s 100th year. Our history brought us here — and our future is just beginning. 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 MayorJoyCooperHB. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Bow Wow Ween 2026 - Pembroke Pines Pups Get Ready To Howl At Halloween Fun South Florida Sun Times Oct 1, 2026 Halloween Is Going To The Dogs In Pembroke Pines, Where Four-Legged Friends And Their Families Are Invited To Unleash Their Creativity At The 14th Annual Bow Wow Ween Dog Costume Contest. The City of Pembroke Pines will host this year’s spooktacular celebration on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Noon at the Officer Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park, 9751 Johnson Street, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024. The free community event promises a morning filled with costumes, games, treats, prizes and plenty of tail-wagging fun for local dogs and their owners. Whether your pup arrives dressed as a frightening phantom, a famous character, a superhero, a pumpkin or something completely unexpected, Bow Wow Ween offers an opportunity for pets and their people to celebrate Halloween together. The event is open to all ages and dogs, and admission is free. A Howling Good Time for the Whole Family Bow Wow Ween has become a popular annual tradition for Pembroke Pines pet lovers, giving the community a chance to gather with their furry companions for a festive morning at the dog park. During the event, dogs can enjoy the open dog park, while water stations will help keep thirsty pups refreshed. Treats, giveaways and a variety of vendors offering dog-related products and services will also be available throughout the morning. For those looking to add a little friendly competition to their Halloween celebration, the highlight of the event will be the series of costume contests. Dogs of all sizes are encouraged to participate, with several categories designed to showcase everything from adorable looks to imaginative creations. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their dogs dressed for the occasion and ready to strut their stuff. Get Those Costumes Ready The costume contests will take place throughout the morning, giving plenty of pups a chance to take center stage. The schedule includes: • 10:00 a.m. — Mr. and Miss Bow Wow Ween • 10:15 a.m. — Funniest Costume • 10:30 a.m. — Cutest Costume • 11:00 a.m. — Most Original Costume • 11:30 a.m. — Best Family Costume From classic Halloween characters to clever homemade creations, the contests are expected to bring out some of the most imaginative costumes in the community. The Best Family Costume category also gives owners a chance to coordinate their own Halloween looks with their canine companions. With prizes, games and plenty of photo-worthy moments, organizers are encouraging residents to make a morning of it and celebrate the Halloween season with their pets. A Community Tradition Beyond the costumes and contests, Bow Wow Ween is designed as a community gathering where residents can connect with neighbors while enjoying time outdoors with their dogs. Events such as Bow Wow Ween also provide a chance for local pet owners to discover products, services and resources available for their four-legged family members. With vendors on hand and activities taking place throughout the morning, there will be plenty for both humans and hounds to explore. And, of course, no Halloween celebration would be complete without a few memorable costumes. From tiny pups to big dogs, every size and personality is welcome at this year’s celebration. Enter the Contest Costume contest applications are now open for those ready to put their pup in the Halloween spotlight. Pet owners can apply online through the official contest application form:
 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLDWU-MBNHOBJZNWsKsvdZQpxFfQfcQhpnCerg965IrGrvNg/viewform?pli=1 Residents looking for additional information about Bow Wow Ween can contact the City of Pembroke Pines Special Events Office at: (954) 392-2116. With a free admission, a dog-friendly setting and a morning packed with Halloween-themed fun, the 14th Annual Bow Wow Ween is set to give Pembroke Pines families a chance to celebrate the season with their favorite furry friends. So dust off those capes, polish those paws and get the costumes ready. On October 3, the dogs of Pembroke Pines will have their chance to howl, strut and steal the Halloween spotlight. Stay Connected With Pembroke Pines Residents can keep up with upcoming city events, programs and activities through several City of Pembroke Pines communication channels. The community can subscribe to Pembroke Pines Media on YouTube, sign up for the NewsFlash monthly digital newsletter, read the city’s digital newspaper City Connect, or visit the city’s website at: www.ppines.com . Residents can also follow the City of Pembroke Pines on Facebook and on Social Media through: @cityofppines on X and Instagram. Pembroke Pines Media programming is also available to Comcast subscribers on Channel 78. For local families and their canine companions, Bow Wow Ween offers the perfect excuse to embrace the Halloween spirit — with a little extra fur, four paws and plenty of tail-wagging along the way. Previous Next

When Everything Becomes A National Security Threat By John & Nisha Whitehead Oct 1, 2026 “National Security” Has Become The Government’s All-Purpose Permission Slip To Behave Badly. They have become the magic words that can make constitutional restraints disappear—especially when the courts defer to claims of national security. Call something a matter of national security and the normal rules start disappearing: Courts defer. Congress retreats. Secrecy expands. Executive power grows. That game is hardly new. Nixon played it. Bush played it. Obama played it. Biden played it. Trump may not have invented the national-security dodge, but he has taken it to increasingly absurd extremes. Under Trump 2.0, almost everything gets branded a matter of national security in order for the president to sidestep as many parts of the Constitution as he finds inconvenient. At one point, the government even invoked national security to justify proposed tariffs on trumpets, trombones and tubas because the instruments depend on foreign copper alloys. This would almost be laughable if the consequences were not so serious. Trump wants greater control over the U.S economy? Declare a national emergency and seize the power to levy tariffs in the name of national security. Trump is disgruntled over relations with Canada? Declare a national security threat and claim executive authority to levy tariffs without going through Congress. Trump wants to build a lavish ballroom? Stick a bunker below it and a droneport on top, and call it national security. Trump wants to erect a massive ceremonial arch? Turn it into a military installation, complete with drones, snipers and ammunition, and chalk it up to national security. Trump doesn’t like unfavorable press coverage? Ban reporters from the White House and characterize the press as a national-security threat. National security has become Donald Trump’s fail-safe strategy for defying the Constitution. As Sophie Hurwitz writes for Mother Jones, “Trump is using agencies and emergency powers that sprung up in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks—and have never been abolished or repealed—to threaten domestic dissidents and anyone else he views as an enemy, claiming that those who oppose his policies constitute threats to America.” For decades, Congress has helped build this monster, repeatedly surrendering extraordinary powers to the Executive Branch whenever presidents invoke war, terrorism, emergency or national security. Which brings us to the far greater danger: a government that can declare anything a national-security concern can eventually declare anyone a national-security threat. Because the question is no longer merely what constitutes a threat. It is who gets to decide who is one. Who decides who is an enemy? Who decides who is dangerous? Who decides when the normal rules no longer apply? The government does not have to call you a criminal if it can call you a threat. And once you are classified as a threat, the government does not necessarily have to wait for you to commit a crime before it begins treating you like one. That is the danger when “national security” becomes the exception that allows the government to bypass the rule of law. The fact that the government does not have to build that machinery from scratch—it already has it—makes our current state of affairs that much worse. Long before “national security” became the justification for presidential ballrooms, triumphal arches and retaliation against unfriendly journalists, the government had already spent decades constructing a machinery for identifying, monitoring and neutralizing people it deemed potential threats. Connect the dots. Start with the Patriot Act and the surveillance powers unleashed after 9/11. Add the government’s ever-expanding definitions of “extremism” and “domestic terrorism.” Add the NDAA and the normalization of military detention authority in the name of national security. Add the NSA, fusion centers, and government watchlists. Then layer on facial recognition, artificial intelligence, biometric surveillance, automated license plate readers and predictive-policing technologies capable of identifying and tracking people at a scale unimaginable a generation ago. What emerges is not merely a government capable of investigating crimes after they happen. It is a government increasingly capable of identifying people as potential threats before they have committed one. That is the essence of precrime. It substitutes prediction for proof, suspicion for guilt and risk assessment for due process. And we have already seen where that mindset leads. In the years after 9/11, the government loosened investigative safeguards so that national-security investigations did not always have to begin with evidence that a crime had actually been committed. The focus increasingly shifted from investigating wrongdoing to identifying people and communities thought to present a potential risk. That is how a free society becomes a suspect society. And once government is permitted to investigate people not because of what they have done but because of who they are, what they believe, whom they associate with or what officials fear they might someday do, the distinction between protecting national security and policing dissent becomes dangerously thin. Government agencies already possess the technology and legal authorities to identify, label, track and target individuals viewed as potential threats. With every passing day, the technology becomes more powerful, the surveillance more pervasive, and the language of national security even more elastic. That should concern us far more than any single ballroom, tariff, monument or press dispute. Because once the government has both the power to define the threat and the machinery to act against it, the most important question is no longer what constitutes a threat. It is who gets to decide. This is where Americans make a dangerous mistake when they treat abuses of presidential power as partisan questions. If you approve of the president, you may not care how broadly he defines national security. If you trust his judgment, you may not object when he stretches emergency powers, sidesteps Congress, attacks the press or argues that the courts should defer to him. But presidential power does not disappear when your preferred president leaves office. It passes intact to the next one. Trump will not be president forever. The powers he is expanding will outlast him. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, that is the danger. A government that can declare anything a national-security concern can eventually declare anyone a national-security threat. And once “national security” becomes the magic phrase that makes constitutional restraints disappear, all of us are potential threats. 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

A Six-Hour Trip Around The World With No Passport Required - Passport To Pours Makes Its Boca Raton Debut With Global Drinks, Live Music And Cultural Entertainment South Florida Sun Times Oct 1, 2026 This Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 Mizner Park Amphitheater Will Transform Into A Trip Around The World As Passport To Pours Makes Its Boca Raton Debut. The new global tasting festival will bring together 12 country-inspired destinations, international drink samples, food, cultural performances, live music and interactive experiences. Guests will receive their Passport to Pours and make their way through destinations inspired by the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Japan and Thailand, discovering different flavors and experiences along the way. Confirmed country partners include American Social, Casa Maestri, Le Petit Parisien Cafe, Campari Group, St. Pat’s, Kapow, Lemongrass Asian Bistro, Aupale Vodka, American German Club, and Elite Travel Solutions LLC, with additional partners and offerings rounding out the festival lineup. Among the drinks guests can discover throughout the evening are sangria from Spain, French wines, Italian spritzes, tequila cocktails from Mexico, Irish favorites, lychee martinis and other specialty cocktails inspired by destinations around the world. More Than A Tasting Festival Passport to Pours was designed to give guests something new to discover throughout the entire evening. Throughout the festival, guests can explore food and craft vendors, sponsor experiences and special giveaways, including an offer from Nicolas & Nunez Orthodontics for $1,000 off Invisalign and a Chewy prize package available through Rachel's Gate. Live cultural entertainment will include Mariachi Show Mexicanismo, Dance Dance Tahiti Luau and Irish step dancers from Tir Na Greine. Beginning at 7:15 p.m., Leave It To Us takes the stage for two sets of pop-punk and alternative rock covers and originals. The South Florida band has previously performed at events including SunFest and Warped Tour. Guests can also step away from their international travels to catch the day's college football action on a video truck, try their swing on the PopGolf golf simulator, visit the Cigar-Park Airstream Cigar Lounge, explore a vacation silent auction and check out additional sponsor activations throughout the festival. And because no international trip is complete without a little friendly competition, the evening will also feature a Stein Holding Contest. VIP Gets An Upgrade For guests looking for an elevated Passport to Pours experience, the VIP Lounge will offer its own lineup of food and drinks. Talkin Tacos will prepare food to order, complemented by selections from participating food vendors, international snacks, soft drinks and desserts. The VIP open bar will feature participating brands including Bravazzi Hard Italian Soda, Summerseat Crush, Oyster Bay Wine and Deerfield Beach's Cove Brewery. Getting There Brightline, the Official Transportation Partner of Passport to Pours, offers an easy way for guests from throughout South Florida to make a day of the festival, with its Boca Raton station located just a short walk from Mizner Park Amphitheater. Hubbard Radio West Palm Beach is a Premier Sponsor of the inaugural event. Event Details What: Passport to Pours
When: Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
 Where: Mizner Park, Boca Raton, Florida
Who: Ages 21+
Experience: 12 country-inspired destinations featuring drink samplings, international food, cultural performances, live music, interactive experiences, vendors and VIP Hospitality Tickets are on sale now at: www.PassportToPours.com . About Passport To Pours Passport to Pours is an immersive 21+ global tasting festival making its debut at Mizner Park in Boca Raton on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026. Guests will travel through 12 country-inspired destinations while experiencing international drinks, global bites, live music, cultural entertainment and interactive experiences. Previous Next

The Power Of A Podcast - “World Of Wishes” Helps Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Share Its Considerable Impact With Online Audiences South Florida Sun Times Oct 1, 2026 The Stories Are Powerful And The Storytellers Emotional, A Testament To The Life-Changing Impact A Wish Fulfilled For A Critically-Ill Child Can Have. It’s Also A Large Reason For The Appeal Of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida’s “World Of Wishes,” Which Has Become The Longest-Running And Most Successful Podcast Hosted By A Make-A-Wish Chapter In The U.S. The program, which has presented more than 60 long-form conversations with those who have received or helped deliver wish experiences, offers an insider’s perspective on the impact of the Make-A-Wish mission. Hosted by Richard Kelly, Chief Operating Officer of the Southern Florida chapter, “World of Wishes” features not only wish kids and parents, but also the volunteers, healthcare professionals, donors and community partners that help the NonProfit make a positive difference in the lives of every medically-eligible child that resides in or travels to its territory for their wish. “Our goal is to present stories that resonate with listeners, whether they already know us intimately or just have a general sense of what we do,” said Kelly, who launched the podcast in 2023. “Hope, resilience, leadership, and the impact of community are common themes, but each guest brings a unique perspective on how they’ve been personally affected.” Those conversations - which can be heard on Apple podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and other major podcast platforms - have helped “World of Wishes” rank among the top 15% most downloaded podcasts. Among others in its NonProfit space, it’s estimated to be among the top 10%. “We feel it’s important that listeners understand how the impact of a wish extends far beyond the individual families that receive them and that our work is not just nice but necessary. Storytelling helps us do that,” said Kelly. One recent episode featured Linda Pauling, the mother of Chris Grecius, a seven-year-old with Cancer whose desire to be a police officer inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish in 1980. "Chris was the happiest I've ever seen him, he came alive again, transforming into a child full of hope and joy," said Pauling about her son’s experience with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. "Because of this, I continue to remember Chris' wish more than I remember his illness." Documenting those stories is a labor of love for Kelly and his Brand Advancement team, which started “World of Wishes” to give a voice to those impacted by the Make-A-Wish mission. It’s resulted in a deep connection with a growing audience that has been inspired to volunteer, donate and become more involved in their own communities in the effort to provide life-changing experiences to critically-ill children and families. To learn more or listen to any podcast episode, visit: www.worldofwishespodcast.org . About Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Make-A-Wish Southern Florida ( www.wish.org/sfla ) has granted more than 15,000 life-changing wishes since 1983 for critically-ill children. It aims to grant a wish for every medically-eligible child in its territory and understands wishes aren’t just nice, they’re necessary for kids and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives. Wish kids most often ‘wish to be’ (something), ‘wish to meet’ (someone), ‘wish to go’ (somewhere), ‘wish to have’ (something), or ‘wish to give’ (to a cause) and the NonProfit Organization makes this happen for the child and his/her entire family at no cost or obligation. The Southern Florida chapter’s territory includes 22 counties/four regions: southeast and southwest Florida, the Suncoast, and Tampa Bay. It also includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. Follow and engage with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Previous Next

5 Hidden Ways To Save On Home Insurance Costs By Family Features Oct 1, 2026 When You’re Planning Home Improvements, You’re Often Thinking About Improving The Comfort, Safety, Aesthetic Or Value Of Your Home. Many Changes And Renovations Have The Added Bonus Of Unlocking Insurance Discounts, But These Savings Opportunities Can Easily Fly Under The Radar When You Aren’t Actively On The Lookout For Them. “Homeowners tend to think about their insurance when they buy the house or when they have a claim, but a lot can change in between,” said Larry Anderson, Director of Underwriting Operations at Mercury Insurance. “Something as simple as reviewing your policy with your agent once a year can help make sure your coverage still reflects your home today and identify improvements or other factors that may qualify you for additional savings.” The experts at Mercury Insurance, a multiple-line insurance carrier emphasizing competitive rates and excellent customer service, encourage homeowners to consider these five ways to save on home insurance costs. Updating Older Parts of the Home As a home ages, it’s wise to look at what parts and systems may be deteriorating and need upgrades for modernity or safety reasons. Replacing older electrical, plumbing or other major systems can protect your home from emergencies and loss risks. Depending on the state you live in, your specific policy and the improvements you made, it can also qualify your property for an updated-home insurance discount. Keep records of major improvements – including receipts, work permits and information about when the work was completed – and plan to discuss the upgrades during your next insurance review. Adding Protective Technology Beyond replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors, you can outfit your home with a variety of protective devices that make a difference to insurers. Consider options like monitored burglar and fire alarms, smart water sensors and automatic water shutoff systems designed to detect problems before they become major losses. Remember, while security upgrades can make your home less risky to insure, they won’t save you money if your insurer doesn’t know you’ve installed them. Improving Resilience to Damage If you live in an area prone to extreme weather or other hazards, resilience upgrades could both safeguard your home and access insurance savings. Depending on your location, qualifying improvements could include a stronger roof, wildfire mitigation measures or flood defense options. Local insurance agents can provide more specific guidance on ways to make your home less vulnerable to damage – or whether you’re eligible for discounts because of work you’ve already completed. Qualifying for Community Programs Even if you haven’t personally made renovations to your home, certain changes in your community could help you save on insurance. That could include local wildfire mitigation measures, membership in a qualifying homeowners association or other neighborhood characteristics that affect coverage options, but specific programs vary by location. Reviewing Insurance Products and Discounts Whether something significant has changed in your home or community or not, it’s always valuable to review your insurance coverage on a regular basis. For instance, there may be new products or discounts that simply didn’t exist when you originally purchased your policy. Beyond savings considerations alone, ask your agent questions to make sure your coverage still reflects your circumstances and goals. “Finding savings is always welcome, but the bigger goal of a policy review is making sure your insurance keeps pace with your life and your home,” Anderson said. “A house isn’t static. We improve it, maintain it and protect it in new ways over time. Your insurance should keep up with those changes.” For more information on homeowner coverage and discount eligibility, visit: www.MercuryInsurance.com . Questions to Consider During Your Annual Insurance Checkup An annual insurance review is an opportunity to look for savings and update coverage. Use these questions as a jumping-off point for discussions with your agent: • What has changed about my home? • What has changed about my property or community? • Have my circumstances changed? • Are discounts available today that weren’t when I purchased my policy? • Does my coverage still reflect what it would cost to repair or rebuild my home today? Photos courtesy of Shuttersotck Remember, while security upgrades can make your home less risky to insure, they won’t save you money if your insurer doesn’t know you’ve installed them. Consider options like monitored burglar and fire alarms, smart water sensors and automatic water shutoff systems designed to detect problems before they become major losses. Previous Next

An Unforgettable Season Of Live Performance - The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Stage Comes Alive With Broadway & Comedy South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2026 The 2026/2027 Aventura Broadway Concert Series, Presented By The City Of Aventura At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, Features Broadway’s Brightest Stars As They Light Up The Stage In This Spectacular Concert Series, Featuring Four Unforgettable Evenings Of Broadway Classics, Contemporary Works, Cabaret And Personal Storytelling, This Series Celebrates The Voices And Artists Who Have Shaped Musical Theater Across Generations With An Evening With Victoria Clark On Sunday, November 22nd, 2026; An Evening With Norm Lewis On Friday, January 8th, 2027; Reeve Carney: Broadway Divas On Friday, January 22nd, 2027; And Andrea McArdle’s Broadway Jukebox: An Unscripted Evening Of Song, Story, And Surprise On Saturday, April 10th, 2027. Ticket Buyers Also Have The Option To Purchase The Opportunity To Meet The Artists After The Show And Have A Photo Taken. This Series Is Not Sold By Subscription. An Evening with Victoria Clark Sunday, November 22nd, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. The 2026/2027 Aventura Broadway Concert Series presented by the City of Aventura kicks off with An Evening with Victoria Clark on Sunday, November 22nd, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Clark is a two-time Tony Award–winning actress, director and educator. She made her Broadway debut as an understudy in the original Sunday in the Park with George and has since delivered acclaimed performances in Kimberly Akimbo (Tony, Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Awards); The Light in the Piazza (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle); Sister Act; Cinderella; and Gigi, among many others. Her television credits include Pose, The Blacklist, Homeland and One Royal Holiday. An accomplished educator and director, Clark has released two solo albums on PS Classics, including Fifteen Seconds of Grace and December Songs. This special concert features songs from her celebrated Broadway roles alongside beloved standards. She is joined by music director Ted Sperling, a Tony and Drama Desk Award winner for The Light in the Piazza, with a distinguished career spanning more than four decades on Broadway and beyond. VIP tickets are available as an add-on at checkout and include a post-show meet & greet/photo opportunity. An Evening with Norm Lewis Friday, January 8th, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. Renowned for his acting work on stage and screen, the SAG, Grammy and Tony Award nominated star, Norm Lewis, is best known for his booming baritone and the magnetic charisma that has marked every step of his nearly three decades of Broadway excellence. The 2026/2027 Broadway Concert Series presented by the City of Aventura at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center kicks off with An Evening with Norm Lewis on Friday, January 8th, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. In this one-man show, Lewis presents a revue of songs drawn from his extensive resume of leading roles, showcasing his vocal range across jazz, blues, soul, pop and classic American standards. He recently starred in the off-Broadway production of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men and completed the national tour of the Tony Award-winning production, A Soldier's Play, and he has appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End concert production of Love Never Dies. He also starred in Broadway’s Chicken and Biscuits at Circle in the Square Theatre. Lewis earned multiple award nominations for his performance as Porgy in Porgy and Bess. In 2014 he became the first Black actor to play the Phantom on Broadway in The Phantom of the Opera and is a proud founding member of Black Theatre United. VIP tickets are available as an add-on at checkout and include a post-show meet & greet/photo opportunity. Reeve Carney: Broadway Divas Friday, January 22nd, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. Grammy Award winning Broadway star, Reeve Carney, brings a cabaret that feels like an invitation-only afterparty to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center with Reeve Carney: Broadway Divas on Friday, January 22nd, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. as part of the 2026/2027 Broadway Concert Series presented by the City of Aventura. A singer, multi-instrumentalist and actor, Carney has built a distinctive career spanning Broadway, recording and live performance, appearing in theaters, cabaret venues, rock clubs and festivals worldwide. He currently stars as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby and is known for originating Orpheus in Hadestown and Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, as well as for his roles in Penny Dreadful and Fox’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show. His performance features a dynamic mix of selections from the Broadway canon, the Great American Songbook and original music from his award-winning album Youth Is Wasted. Signed to Interscope Records at age 22, he released two albums with his band before launching an independent solo career. His debut solo album, Youth Is Wasted, earned five Independent Music Awards, including Best Album. Broadway World wrote “Carney is truly a force in entertainment, and any opportunity you have to see him in a live show, take it.” VIP tickets are available as an add-on at checkout and include a post-show meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Carney. Andrea McArdle’s Broadway Jukebox Saturday, April 10th, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. In celebration of the original Broadway production’s 50th Anniversary, Broadway’s first Annie, Andrea McArdle, invites audiences to a completely unscripted, one-of-a-kind musical experience on Saturday, April 10th, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. In Andrea McArdle’s Broadway Jukebox, presented by the City of Aventura, no two shows are ever the same. The audience becomes part of the show by selecting songs and story prompts that shape an unforgettable night filled with powerhouse vocals, spontaneous storytelling and pure theatrical magic. Experience McArdle as she shares behind-the-scenes tales from her legendary career and personal stories featuring such icons as Liberace, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand and Sarah Jessica Parker. McArdle rocketed to stardom as Broadway’s original Annie, becoming the youngest performer ever nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Her Broadway credits include Starlight Express, State Fair, Beauty and the Beast and Les Miserables, with additional starring roles on tour and in concert halls worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and the White House. VIP tickets are available as an add-on at checkout and include a post-show meet & greet and photo opportunity with McArdle. 2026/2027 Aventura Comedy Series The 2026/2027 Aventura Comedy Series: Stand-Up Stars and Unforgettable Laughs! presented by the City of Aventura at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center features stand-up comedy legends Julia Scotti on Friday, November 20th, 2026; Dovi Neuburger & Ami Kozak Hanukkah Comedy Show on Saturday, December 5th, 2026; and Rita Rudner on Tuesday, February 9th, 2026. This series is not sold by subscription. Julia Scotti Friday, November 20th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. The 2026/2027 Aventura Comedy Series presented by the City of Aventura kicks off with nationally touring stand-up comedian, Julia Scotti, known for her razor-sharp wit, heartfelt storytelling and fearless honesty on Friday, November 20th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. She gained national attention as a standout quarterfinalist on America’s Got Talent, where she shared her journey as a transgender woman. A seasoned performer since the ‘80s, Scotti has toured with top comedians, was named Funniest Person in New Jersey and appeared on Comedy Central and Showtime’s More Funny Women of a Certain Age. Her life and career are also featured in the documentary Julia Scotti: Funny That Way. With warmth, candor and no-holds-barred humor, Scotti continues to break barriers and connect with audiences night after night. This event contains adult language or content. Dovi Neuburger & Ami Kozak Hanukkah Comedy Show Saturday, December 5th, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Celebrate Hanukkah with an unforgettable night of laughter during the Dovi Neuburger & Ami Kozak Hanukkah Comedy Show, sponsored in part by the City of Aventura as part of the Aventura Comedy Series. The performance takes place Saturday, December 5th, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Neuburger is a New York based stand-up comedian and a rising star in the Jewish comedy world. He regularly opens for Elon Gold's theater dates, performing for sold-out audiences nationwide and has built a growing digital following of more than 65,000 on Instagram. Kozak is a comedian, musician, impressionist and podcaster. Kozak's online videos have taken social media by storm, amassing millions of views on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. He has been featured on Fox News; Sky News; The Daily Wire; Adam Carolla; as well as numerous other high-profile news segments and podcasts. He has become a staunch advocate for Israel and the Jewish community and hosts his own podcast, Ami's House. VIP tickets are available for this performance. VIP tickets include premium seating in the first two rows and a post-show meet-and-greet with the artists. This show contains adult language or content. Rita Rudner Tuesday, February 9th, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. Rita Rudner, one of America’s most beloved comedians, brings her signature wit to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Tuesday, February 9th, 2027, as part of the Aventura Comedy Series presented by the City of Aventura. Known for her sharp, epigrammatic one-liners and elegant delivery, Rudner became one of Las Vegas’s most sought-after performers, ultimately achieving the longest-running solo female comedy show in the city’s history and earning honors including the Casino Entertainment Legend Award and nine consecutive titles as Las Vegas Comedian of the Year. Her television and stage career includes acclaimed HBO specials Born to Be Mild, Married Without Children and her debut One Night Stand, as well as sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall. Her PBS special, Rita Rudner: Live from Las Vegas, marked the network’s first stand-up comedy special. A bestselling author, she has written six books, including Naked Beneath My Clothes, the audio edition of which earned a Grammy nomination. Beyond stand-up, Rudner is also an accomplished actor and screenwriter, frequently collaborating with her husband, Martin Bergman, on films such as Peter’s Friends and Thanks. She has written for the Academy Awards, hosted the syndicated series Ask Rita and continues to create new work for stage and screen. An opening act is yet to be announced. VIP tickets are available as an add-on at checkout and include a post-show meet & greet/ photo opportunity. Accessibility Theater Access Our facilities feature ADA-approved signage, handrails, and automatic door openers. Patrons with limited mobility may be dropped off in front of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center via the front driveway. The dropoff point allows for access to all venue spaces. Special Seating Accessible seating is available and can be limited. We encourage you to order early and to specifically request seating for wheelchair access or easy access transfer. Accessible seating may be purchased by calling: (954) 462-0222, press option 1. Wheelchair seating may be purchased online at: www.aventuracenter.org . Look for the wheelchair icon on the seating chart and click to purchase. Wheelchair/Accessible Ticketing Policy It is prohibited for anyone, other than those requiring the accessible features of a seat—or a guest’s companion—to use accessible seating locations (unless the area has been released for general seating). Those purchasing wheelchair accessible seating may purchase one (1) wheelchair accessible seat and up to three (3) companion seats; any additional seats must be purchased in the regular seating areas. This policy ensures that we can maximize use of all available and accessible wheelchair seats at our theater. Wheelchair Availability We have a limited number of wheelchairs available at no charge. Please ask any front of house personnel for assistance. Assistive Listening Devices Assistive Listening Devices are available in our performance space. These devices amplify and clarify sound for patrons who are hard of hearing. There is no charge for the use of the headset. If you wish to use one of these headsets during your visit, please ask any Front of House personnel in the lobby. Sensory Friendly Performances These performances are intended to create a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the Autism Spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities. Service Animals Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are permitted into the theaters and must always remain on a leash or in a harness. A service animal must sit under the guest’s seat or at his/her feet. Service animals are not permitted to sit in the aisle or on seats. A guest whose service animal poses a threat to the safety of other Aventura Arts & Cultural Center guests and/or staff may be asked to escort the animal off the premises. Restrooms Wheelchair accessible and companion/family restrooms are in the lobbies of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Please ask any front of house personnel for locations. Emergency Information To contact an audience member during a performance, please call the Box Office at: (305) 466-8002, Extension#: 1. Or the General Manager at: (305) 466-8002, Extension#: 2. We will do our best to reach your party. Please provide a seat number, section, and row if possible. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. 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. Please note that not all events scheduled for the 2026-2027 Season are currently on sale and additional performances will be added throughout the season. 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. For more information, visit: www.aventuracenter.org . Aventura Comedy Series Julia Scotti Friday, November 20th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. An Evening with Norm Lewis Friday, January 8th, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. Reeve Carney: Broadway Divas Friday, January 22nd, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. Andrea McArdle’s Broadway Jukebox Saturday, April 10th, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. An Evening with Victoria Clark Sunday, November 22nd, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Aventura Comedy Series Dovi Neuburger & Ami Kozak Hanukkah Comedy Show Saturday, December 5th, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Aventura Comedy Series Rita Rudner Tuesday, February 9th, 2027 at 8:00 p.m. Previous Next

These Florida Commutes Are So Bad, Drivers Would Take A $3,365 Pay Cut To Avoid Them South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2026 For Many Workers, The Daily Commute Is More Than An Inconvenient Bookend To The Workday. It Can Determine Which Jobs They Apply For, Whether A Promotion Feels Worthwhile, And How Long They Are Willing To Stay With An Employer. After All, A Bigger Paycheck Can Quickly Lose Its Appeal When It Comes With Hours Spent Crawling Through Traffic Or Wedged Into A Crowded Train. In fact, when Resume.io polled 3,017 workers, revealing that 59% said they would accept a lower salary from another employer if it significantly reduced their commute. The survey put that trade-off to workers directly with a hypothetical question: beyond what they already spend on commuting, how much of their annual salary would they be willing to give up to avoid the trip altogether? It turns out, on average, Florida workers would be willing to give up $3,292. In the Sunshine state, the 3 commutes locals would sacrifice the most salary to avoid were: #1. I-4 through the Orlando Metro, Orlando: $3,365 For workers traveling on I-4 through Orlando, staying off the road is worth $3,365 in annual salary. The interstate carries commuters alongside tourists, airport traffic and drivers crossing the region, so even a familiar trip can become unpredictable without much warning. A bigger paycheck loses some of its appeal when the route to earn it comes with its own daily suspense. #2. Palmetto Expressway, SR-826, Miami: $3,292 After allowing for the fuel, maintenance and other costs they would save by driving less, commuters on the Palmetto Expressway said they would still sacrifice $3,292 a year to avoid the route. SR-826 threads through some of Miami’s busiest commercial and residential areas, with major interchanges and constant lane changes keeping drivers alert from one end of the journey to the other. That willingness to pay on top of the direct savings suggests many would value a calmer morning almost as highly as the salary itself. #3. I-95, Miami/Fort Lauderdale: $3,219 I-95 links two major South Florida employment centers, but heavy traffic, frequent merging and uncertain journey times can make the drive feel like part of the work day itself. Commuters traveling between Miami and Fort Lauderdale said they would give up $3,219 a year to avoid the journey. By the time someone reaches the office, they may already feel they have put in the first hour. Elsewhere across the country, some of the highest amounts commuters would be prepared to pay included: Rhode Islanders would be prepared to forgo $6,116 per year to avoid navigating the Route 6/10 Interchange. The interchange brings together several busy routes into Providence, with merging lanes and closely timed exits demanding attention before the workday has even begun. At that price, the home office is not simply more convenient; it starts to look like one of the better-paid locations in the state. Over in Delaware, once the savings on gas, maintenance, and everyday vehicle wear are set aside, commuters using I-95 through the Wilmington Viaduct said they would still give up $5,261 a year to avoid the route. The highway carries traffic directly through the city, where closely spaced exits and heavy merging can make a short stretch feel surprisingly eventful. It is a substantial sum, but perhaps easier to understand after enough mornings spent watching the same skyline from almost exactly the same spot. After taking into account the usual costs associated with their commute, Baton Rouge drivers using the I-10 and I-12 Split said they would accept $4,882 less in annual salary to avoid it. The junction divides traffic heading east through Baton Rouge, forcing commuters to choose lanes while vehicles merge and reposition around them. That is almost $5,000 just to avoid navigating the same stressful merge every morning. Perhaps unsurprisingly, NYC workers said they would miss out on among the highest dollar amounts in the country ($4,850 a year) to avoid using the Cross Bronx Expressway. The route carries a dense mix of local traffic, trucks and drivers crossing the city, so even a relatively short distance can absorb a disproportionate amount of the day. Nearly $5,000 is a steep price for staying home, but then so is spending another year moving across the Bronx one brake light at a time. Idaho commuters using Chinden Boulevard between Boise and Caldwell said they would give up $4,806 a year to avoid the drive. The route passes through a fast-growing stretch of the Treasure Valley, where expanding communities and steady weekday traffic can make the drive feel longer than the map suggests. Nearly $5,000 is a serious price for a quieter morning, but repeated stop-and-go traffic has a way of changing what feels reasonable. Nearly Half Have Rejected a Job Because of the Commute The commute is not simply an inconvenience workers complain about once they have accepted a position. For many, it affects whether they take the job in the first place. Almost half of respondents, 46%, said they had previously turned down a job because the commute was too long or difficult. Stress Is the Biggest Price Workers Pay The cost of commuting is not limited to gas, tolls, and vehicle maintenance. Respondents were also asked which part of their personal lives suffered most because of their commute. Stress or anxiety was the most common answer, selected by 31% of workers. Less time with family followed at 25%, while 23% said commuting deprived them of sleep. The remaining personal costs included: • Less time to exercise: 7% • A reduced social life: 6% • Lower job satisfaction: 5% • Poorer eating habits: 3% A commute, then, does not simply occupy the minutes between home and work. It can quietly borrow from family time, sleep, exercise and the limited number of hours people have left once the workday is over. Some workers have experienced more serious consequences. Almost half, 44%, said commuting had negatively affected their physical or mental health. Workers Will Change Jobs Before They Change Neighborhoods While most workers would accept a smaller paycheck to shrink their commute, they were far less willing to compromise on where they live. Just 36% said they would move to a less desirable neighborhood if doing so substantially shortened their commute. For many, changing employers or accepting less money appears preferable to allowing the commute to dictate where they call home. Workers Want Warning Before Being Called Back The study also asked how much notice employers should give before increasing mandatory office attendance. The largest group, 42%, said workers should receive one to two months’ notice. A further 26% believed less than one month’s notice was sufficient. However, a substantial minority expected considerably more notice: • 18% wanted between three and five months. • 9% expected at least six months. • 5% believed employers should provide at least one year’s notice. These expectations reflect the practical upheaval that can accompany a return-to-office requirement. Increasing office attendance can affect childcare, housing decisions, transportation costs and daily routines that may have been built around remote or hybrid work. “Employers may think of the commute as something that happens outside of working hours, but employees don’t necessarily see it that way,” says Amanda Augustine, Resident Career Expert at: https://resume.io and a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC). “A difficult commute can influence whether someone accepts a job in the first place, pursues a promotion, or decides it’s time to look for an opportunity elsewhere. “The fact that so many workers would accept a lower salary in exchange for a shorter commute shows that compensation isn’t just about the number on your paycheck. Time has value, too. When workers evaluate an opportunity, they’re also considering how many hours they’ll spend getting to and from work, what that commute will cost them, and how much time and energy they’ll have left for the rest of their lives. “For employers asking people to spend more time in the office, that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone needs to be allowed to work remotely. However, companies should recognize that commuting comes with a very real cost. Employers that offer some degree of flexibility, give employees reasonable notice when attendance requirements change, and are thoughtful about when in-person work is truly necessary will be in a better position to attract and retain talent.” About resume.io Resume.io is an online career platform that helps job seekers create professional resumes and cover letters. Through an easy-to-use builder, recruiter-tested templates, and a library of expert guides and real-world examples, resume.io gives people the tools to present their experience clearly and apply for jobs with confidence. The platform is built to make career documents simpler to create, easier to tailor, and more effective in a competitive hiring market. To learn more, visit: https://resume.io . Amanda Augustine is the Resident Career Expert for resume.io, a career.io company, and its suite of brands: TopResume, TopCV, TopInterview, Resume.ai, and others. As a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), she has spent more than 20 years helping professionals improve their careers and land the right job sooner. For more information about the survey, visit: https://resume.io/blog/cost-of-a-commute Previous Next

Why ‘Waiting Until It Breaks’ Can Be An Expensive HVAC Strategy By Feature Impact Sep 24, 2026 For Many Homeowners, Heating And Cooling Systems Fall Into The “Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind” Category. However, Even If The Air Is Flowing And The Temperature Feels Right, Taking An “If It’s Still Running, It’s Still Fine” Approach To Your HVAC System Today Can Lead To Higher Repair Bills, Rising Energy Costs, Uncomfortable Downtime And Rushed Replacement Decisions Tomorrow. While it may seem cost-effective in the short-term, the experts at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS) suggest proactive maintenance and planned upgrades as the smarter financial move in many cases. The Hidden Costs of Waiting HVAC systems rarely fail without warning. Instead, they decline gradually, becoming less efficient and more prone to breakdowns over time. They commonly fail during extreme summer heat or winter cold when demand is highest. A broken air conditioner during the peak of summer doesn’t just create discomfort; it often comes with longer service wait times and higher emergency repair costs, while also leaving you with less time to compare equipment options, take advantage of rebates or make a convenient installation appointment. Small issues – like a dirty filter restricting airflow or worn components adding stress to other parts of the system – can also snowball into bigger, more expensive repairs. Similarly, inefficient systems, especially older or poorly maintained ones, can drive up monthly energy costs, using more energy and putting additional stress on the components to maintain the same comfort level. Signs Your HVAC System Needs Attention Even if your HVAC system hasn’t broken down, it may already be showing signs of trouble. Consider these warning signs that your HVAC system may be due for replacement: • Rooms cooling unevenly • Rising utility bills with no clear cause • Strange noises or unusual odors • Weak airflow or reduced comfort • Frequent service calls • System age approaching 10-15 years or older The Value of Preventive Maintenance Routine maintenance can help catch small issues early before they become costly repairs while extending system lifespan and maintaining performance. Regularly replacing or cleaning filters helps maintain airflow and efficiency while keeping vents clear and outdoor units free of debris ensures your system can operate at its best. Professional seasonal tune-ups can also help catch small issues early and extend the lifespan of your equipment. How Planning Ahead Can Pay Off Replacing an aging HVAC system before it fails gives homeowners an invaluable asset: time. Instead of making a rushed decision in extreme temperatures, you can make thoughtful decisions based on comfort goals, budget and home needs. It also allows for evaluating newer technologies that can improve everyday comfort and lower operating costs. Today’s systems offer features that weren’t available a decade ago, allowing for customization of indoor environments that were once out of reach. Benefits of Modern HVAC Upgrades Upgrading your system isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns – it’s about enhancing your everyday comfort and improving efficiency and control. Modern HVAC solutions, like Zoned Comfort Solutions from Mitsubishi Electric, allow for personalized temperatures in different rooms or areas of the home. Using energy-efficient heat pump technology, they provide heating and cooling in one efficient system for better temperature consistency and control in every season. Newer systems – both ducted and ductless – tend to run more quietly and offer flexible installation. They can be used with existing ductwork or installed in homes without it, making them a strong option for room additions, garages, sunrooms or spaces that are traditionally difficult to heat or cool. Long-Term Benefits of Upgrading When you shift to proactive HVAC maintenance, the benefits can add up and you can gain confidence your home is prepared, regardless of what the seasons have to offer. Upgrading your system ahead of a total failure reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, lowers energy costs and provides more consistent comfort throughout the year. There’s also the added bonus of increasing your home’s appeal and value for future buyers. According to FPL up to 50% of your energy bill comes from heating and cooling. Newer A/C units tend to be more energy-efficient and cool your home faster. You can also receive an instant $200 rebate as a credit on your invoice by using one of their qualified contractors as a credit on your invoice. While waiting until it breaks might feel like the easy choice, it may also be the most expensive one. Visit: www.mitsubishicomfort.com to explore your options and learn more. Previous Next

Democrats' Key To Winning The Midterms By Howard Dean Sep 24, 2026 American Voters Desperately Want Relief From Rising Prices -- Especially The Increasingly Unaffordable Cost Of Healthcare. Democrats Have A Plan For That. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren recently introduced the Break Up Big Medicine Act, a bill that would split up the huge conglomerates that have made the current healthcare system so expensive and frustrating to navigate. Businessman Mark Cuban recently quipped that breaking up these near-monopolies could bring costs down by 40%. If Democrats run on this healthcare affordability agenda, we stand a good chance of flipping not just the House, but the Senate too. Insurers like UnitedHealth or Cigna don't just sell coverage. They've consolidated power over virtually every part of our healthcare system, operating hospitals, clinics and pharmacy networks. And they use that control to generate billions in profits -- by pushing patients toward care at the facilities they control. UnitedHealth Group, for example, generates about 40% of its revenue --about $180 Billion-- from transactions between its thousands of subsidiaries. Its insurance branch steers patients to its roughly 90,000 affiliated doctors, and pressures those physicians to refer patients to its affiliated hospitals and clinics rather than lower-cost independent providers. And that's not all. The company's pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) arm pushes patients to affiliated pharmacies. Those pharmacies frequently upcharge patients for medicines, sometimes by 10 times the acquisition cost. In theory, PBMs exist to save employers money by overseeing all the drug-related details of health insurance plans, and using their bulk-buying power to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for big discounts and rebates. PBMs often tell employers that they pass along all the discounts and rebates they receive to the employer, minus a small fee for their services. What they typically don't mention is that many PBMs are affiliated with foreign-based entities called "group purchasing organizations." In 2025, the House Oversight Committee launched an investigation into whether PBMs are using these overseas entities to skirt government oversight. Lawmakers have raised concerns that these arrangements allow PBMs to retain rebate-related revenue and fees within opaque corporate structures, rather than transparently passing those savings on to employers and patients. Meanwhile, insurers continually deny coverage for treatments and procedures that patients need. They often force doctors to get insurer approval -- known as prior authorization -- before prescribing, or they force patients onto less effective drugs. That places an immense administrative burden on physicians, who can spend an average of 12 hours per week completing prior authorizations, time that they'd certainly rather spend with patients. Breaking up the healthcare conglomerates that have enriched themselves by immiserating patients and cheating employers is good policy. Polls show that voters overwhelmingly support bold healthcare reform. According to a recent poll, nearly seven in ten insured Americans identified either lowering out-of-pocket costs or nixing prior authorization as the single most important change they want from their health insurance. It would be a mistake for Democrats to content themselves with merely tweaking the Inflation Reduction Act, the party's last major healthcare reform, which primarily focused on reducing the federal government's pharmaceutical spending. That kind of incrementalism won't work -- Democrats cannot win by being Republican-lite. We need to target the insurer and PBM practices that directly drive up Americans' out-of-pocket costs and force too many people to choose between filling their prescriptions and filling their gas tanks. If Democrats are looking for a 50-state strategy for the midterms, Senator Warren's Bill offers a great place to start. Howard Dean, MD is the Former Chair of the Democratic National Committee and Former Governor of Vermont. This piece originally ran in Salon. Howard Dean Previous Next

Give Your Home A Fresh Look With Free Exterior Paint City of Hollywood Sep 24, 2026 Hollywood Homeowners Looking To Freshen Up Their Home’s Exterior Can Pick Up Free Recycled Paint During The City’s Next Operation Paintbrush Event On Saturday, September 26th, 2026. Through Operation Paintbrush, Eligible Single-Family Homeowners Can Receive Up To Two Five-Gallon Buckets Of High-Quality Exterior Latex Paint At No Cost. Paint Will Be Distributed From 8:00 a.m. To Noon At The Department Of Public Works, 1600 South Park Road, Hollywood, Florida 33021, On A First-Come, First-Served Basis While Supplies Last. Available Colors Typically Include Off-White, Beige, Grey, Terracotta And Turquoise, Although Colors May Vary Depending On Supply. To participate, residents must provide a current Driver’s License or Identification Card showing a Hollywood address, along with a current Utility Bill, Lease Agreement or Mortgage Documentation as proof of Hollywood residency. Operation Paintbrush is also a great example of recycling coming full circle. The paint distributed through the program comes from the Broward County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program. Latex paint dropped off by Broward County residents is recycled into new exterior paint and made available at no cost to participating municipalities, residents and nonprofit organizations. The program relies entirely on paint donated for recycling. Hollywood residents can help keep the program going by properly recycling unwanted paint. Old paint can be dropped off at the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off facility, 5601 West Hallandale Beach Boulevard, West Park, Florida 33023 every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Proof of Hollywood residency is required. For additional information, please contact the Department of Public Works at: (954) 967-4526. Previous Next