Water Damage? Call The Experts 1st Priority Restoration Will Fix The Problem Thu Feb 03 2022 05:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Come Celebrate! South Florida Jubilee Chorus' Performs Its First Live Performance in 30 Months July 21, 2022 Share After a hiatus of more than 30 months, Broward County's only all women's a cappella chorus, South Florida Jubilee Chorus, will be back on stage on Saturday, July 30 at 2 pm in Fort Lauderdale. (United Church of Christ 2501 NE 30th St, Fort Lauderdale) This performance: "Come Celebrate!" is the chorus' 2021 Holiday and 25th Anniversary show…Christmas in July. The original show date was postponed due to the surge of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 last December. It's been a long journey from 47 members in March 2020 to our current 26. The chorus continued rehearsing during the pandemic holding weekly rehearsals on Zoom, with occasional outdoor rehearsals and produced a virtual show last July. Last August, the ladies returned to in-person rehearsals, rehearsing masked and socially distanced. Under the direction of James Kastler, the ladies worked tirelessly to get their show ready for the December show date but, in an abundance of caution, decided to postpone it. "We are thrilled to finally be able to hold our Holiday/25th Anniversary show and are excited to welcome many of our chorus alumni who have been invited to the celebratory production," said Laurie Hunt, founding member and last year's president of South Florida Jubilee. "The show will include a video projection of photos and performances from the past 25 years that will bring smiles and tears to the audience." This show is made possible in part by a grant received from the Broward County Cultural Division. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under and are available to purchase online at https://tickets.chorusconnection.com/sfj/events/459 - A limited number of tickets may be available on the day of the performance. South Florida Jubilee Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide women's organization focused on advancing the art of barbershop harmony. SAI provides opportunities to enjoy this a cappella style through performance, competition, and education. The chapter began 25 years ago in Hollywood. South Florida Jubilee's singers enrich their lives through the enjoyment of singing a broad variety of songs from Broadway, classical, pop, and gospel music. They perform throughout Broward County in quartets, ensembles, and full chorus all year long. Sweet Adelines International Founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1945, Sweet Adelines started as a small group of women who loved to sing. Since then, it has evolved into an organization that spans the globe connecting nearly 21,000 singers around the world in song. They’re dedicated to preserving the unique sound of a cappella barbershop harmony, sharing our passion for music and empowering our community in every area of their lives. If you are interested in singing with them, read the Singer's information page at www.southfloridajubilee.org/singers-faq then call 954-678-4223 to see what they are all about. < Previous News Next News >

Explore In 2024: 5 Rivers That Are Perfect For Small Ship Travel By BPT January 18, 2024 Share Are you looking to travel differently in 2024? If you want a unique vantage point for learning about different parts of the world, exploring the small towns, iconic cities and countries along a river is sure to open your eyes, heart and mind. Did you know you can make the river the foundation of your travel plans by exploring via small ship with other like-minded travelers? No one does river cruises better than Viking, the small ship experts. These adults-only ships provide all of what you want - comfortable accommodations and ample opportunity to experience some of the world's most interesting and significant rivers. And there's none of the unnecessary flair - like the flashy casinos and tired art auctions of traditional cruises. If the idea of river exploration inspires your wanderlust, here are five of the best rivers around the world that are perfect for exploring by way of a river voyage. 1. Rhine River From the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, the Rhine River flows through several European countries including Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Raise a glass on Viking's Award-Winning Longship while sailing the Rhine River and see how the historic river system unfolds to create a spellbinding display of storybook villages, Dutch windmills, German vineyards and splendid UNESCO sites. Enjoy Amsterdam's charming canals and gabled houses, windmills of Kinderdijk, Cologne's Gothic Cathedral, breathtaking views of the legendary Black Forest and much more. 2. Danube River From awe-inspiring cliffside castles to charming river towns, you'll enjoy a trip of a lifetime when you explore the Danube River via small ship. Coursing through Germany, Austria, Hungary and seven other countries all the way to the Black Sea, the Danube is a key part of Central Europe's rich and dramatic history. Just a few highlights you can see during a river cruise while exploring the Danube include the lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley, the baroque splendor of Melk Abbey, Vienna's elegant architecture, Budapest's stunning Chain Bridge, the soaring cliffs of the scenic Iron Gate and Belgrade's impressive Kalemegdan Fortress. 3. Douro River Wine enthusiasts of all kinds will delight in small ship travel through the Douro River in Portugal that explores some of Europe's oldest and most renowned wine regions and estates. Sip and savor divine food and beverage while enjoying the rich culture of this vibrant country on a Viking Longship, designed for elegance and comfort with all outside staterooms. From Lisbon's stunning Manueline architecture and Vila Real's extraordinary Mateus Palace to the hilltop fortress town of Castelo Rodrigo and the tiny village of Favaios, nestled among picturesque hills - you will fall in love with this incredible country and the river that has always helped sustain it. 4. Seine River Bypass the basics and instead explore France in a unique way - via a river cruise on the Seine. Meander the river through medieval ruins, charming farms, elegant cities and much more. You'll experience France's culture and history in a way that will leave a lasting impression while in the comfort and style of an elegant river voyage. A few of the sights you'll enjoy include the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, Claude Monet's beautiful house and gardens at Giverny, Normandy's historic beaches and Château de Malmaison, Napoleon's final home. 5. Mississippi River There's a reason it's known as the mighty Mississippi: Stretching for 2,350 miles north to south in the United States, this river has transformed a nation's history and culture. A great option for those who want to travel closer to home, you can sail through America's heartland on one of Viking's newest river ships that features all outside staterooms, private verandas and spacious public areas. The French Quarter in New Orleans, Graceland in Tennessee, Civil War history in Vicksburg National Military Park, and The Gateway Arch in St. Louis are just a few of the places you'll experience on a Mississippi River voyage. When wanderlust strikes, are you ready to travel differently and explore the world's most memorable waterways? To learn more about these legendary rivers and explore them via small ship, visit: www.Viking.com < Previous News Next News >

Scrumptious Ways To Simplify Springtime Meals: Make Weekday Dining A Breeze With Easy And Delicious Recipes Thu May 09 2024 16:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Rule By a Few: Real Americans and the American Oligarchy By Marilyn M. Singleton, M.D., J.D. March 31, 2022 Share ol·i·gar·chy: a small group of people having control of a country, organization or institution. Driving across our country makes one appreciate this glorious and (dare I say) exceptional country. The diverse landscapes are a feast for the eyes. Food for the soul is the affirmation that most Americans love their families, treasure America and enjoy their fellow Americans whether they be white, black or somewhere in between. Daily, the media dutifully informs us that coastal and urban residents about gender fluidity, diversity training and decarbonizing energy systems to avert the coming environmental Armageddon. When the media could not flog us with a juicy COVID-19 tragedy, they resurrected a tired but effective angst-inducing headlines about the imminent big earthquake. Why would the media-government complex want to demoralize its citizens and have them live in fear and anxiety even when a “crisis” has been resolved? To make them rely on the government, rather than themselves for their day to day needs. To steer them from respecting the Democratic Republic formed by our Constitution to accepting Government Control of their lives. Fear lays the groundwork for unquestioning compliance. Federal and State Governments have used the COVID-19 Pandemic as a justification to cross the line from public safety measures into tyranny. Despite the decreasing COVID-19 Cases, the National COVID-19 Emergency Declaration was extended beyond March 1st, 2022. The National Emergency Designation gives the President more than 100 special powers that can bypass legal procedures ranging from banking to public health and anything else the Government wants to control. Despite a long tradition of differing opinions regarding medical disease processes and treatments, the Government has discouraged such discussions regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. First, the Surgeon General simply asked us to help stop “misinformation” because it “pollutes our information environment.” A few short months later, the Feds are demanding that Social Networks, Search Engines, Crowdsourced Platforms, E-Commerce Platforms and Instant Messaging Systems send Data and Analysis on the prevalence of COVID-19 misinformation on their sites. Translation: divergent opinions will be censored once the Government discovers how to do so. What happened to our respect for the marketplace of ideas? If tracking our computer use doesn’t work, we have the National Patient ID, a single number issued by the Federal Government containing all of the details of a person's Medical Records from cradle to grave. The concept has been around for more than 25 years as part of HIPAA. However, Congress banned itself from funding such an undertaking. In 2019, Congress lifted the funding ban despite the very real possibility that a National Patient ID could allow for large-scale tracking of Americans through their Healthcare Records. What happened to the Confidential Patient-Physician Relationship based on trust and privacy? Such Government Overreach and Intrusion are becoming commonplace. We are perilously close to losing “The Government Of The People, By The People And For The People.” Our Government is increasingly populated with close-minded lifelong Bureaucrats like Dr. Anthony Fauci and the influential career Politicians who are hardly the working man’s heroes like Nancy “let them eat ice cream” Pelosi. Universities—grooming our future leaders—have become politically imbalanced and intolerant of open discourse. We hear about how the evil Russian and Ukrainian Oligarchs who profited from Political Unrest are pulling the strings of their Governments. We are trending toward our own Classic Oligarchy, the rule by a few. We have our own wealthy ideologies who have transitioned from mere annoying elitists into toxic powerbrokers promoting their own agendas. Notables include: Mark Zuckerberg (Meta/Facebook), Jeff Bezos (Amazon, Washington Post), Bill Gates (Microsoft), George Soros (Open Society Foundation). Meanwhile, runaway inflation is making it harder for Americans to afford basic necessities. Filling one’s automobile with gas is now an exercise in emotional and financial misery. The reaction of Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg and Vice President Harris are indicative of their disdain for the average American. Can't afford gas? Buy a $45,000 electric car. This dismissive rhetoric does not comport with reality. In 2020, there were 286.9 million cars in the US with 1 million electric vehicles. Moreover, the electric grid absolutely could not support a sudden influx of electric vehicles, given the brown-outs across the country in winter and summer. This political and powerful class of people want to change the way we live and think—whether we like it or not. We will never have as much money to buy Political influence as do the American Oligarchs. But we do have our voices. Parents are speaking up about their Schools’ Curricula and toxic overtly Racist Policies that perversely Segregate Students by skin color and Laws that bypass parental input into their children’s medical decisions. Physician office practices are changing to meet the needs of patients, not Insurance and Pharmaceutical Companies. Physicians who have fought for open medical discussions about Vaccine Safety and Efficacy are leaving their mark. CDC Director Walensky finally publicly admitted that the COVID-19 Vaccines do not stop transmission of the Virus. Many physicians have gone from looking at their unvaccinated patients in horror to “I respect your choice.” The Oligarchs do not represent the real America. It’s up to us to carry on the legacy of American heroes who thought for themselves and bucked the system. About Dr. Singleton Dr. Singleton is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) Board Member. She graduated from Stanford and earned her MD at UCSF Medical School. Dr. Singleton completed two years of Surgery Residency at UCSF, then her Anesthesia Residency at Harvard's Beth Israel Hospital. While still working in the operating room, she attended UC Berkeley Law School, focusing on Constitutional Law and Administrative Law. She interned at the National Health Law Project, practicing Insurance and Health Law. She teaches classes in the recognition of Elder Abuse and Constitutional Law for Non-Lawyers. < Previous News Next News >

Inflation: It's Impacting Summer Travel Decisions More Than COVID-19 June 9, 2022 Share 90% say Gas Prices are a consideration in deciding whether to Travel in the next three months The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) recently conducted a Survey of 2,210 Adults, with some surprising results. More than two years into the Pandemic, Americans report that Gas Prices and Inflation will Impact their Summer Travel Decisions more than Concerns about COVID-19, according to a New Survey Conducted by Morning Consult and Commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Memorial Day Weekend marked the Start of the Summer Travel Season, a traditionally busy time for the Hotel Industry. This year, nearly seven in ten Americans (69%) Reported being likely to travel this Summer, with 60% saying they are likely to take more Vacations this year compared to 2020-21. New concerns about Gas prices and Inflation, however, are impacting Americans’ Travel Plans in a variety of ways. Majorities say they are likely to take fewer Leisure Trips (57%) and Shorter Trips (54%) due to Current Gas Prices, while 44% are likely to postpone Trips and 33% are likely to Cancel with no plans to reschedule. 82% say Gas Prices will have at least some Impact on their Travel Destination(s). Key Findings • 68% of Americans agree they have a greater appreciation for Travel because of missed experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic • 90% say Gas Prices are a consideration in deciding whether to Travel in the next three months (50% major consideration, 23% moderate consideration, 17% slight consideration, 10% not a consideration) • 90% say Inflation is a consideration in deciding whether to Travel in the next three months (39% major consideration, 31% moderate consideration, 20% slight consideration, 10% not a consideration) • 78% of Americans say that COVID-19 Infection Rates are a consideration in deciding whether to Travel this Summer (33% major consideration, 23% moderate consideration, 22% slight consideration, 22% not a consideration) “The Pandemic has instilled in most people a greater appreciation for Travel, and that’s reflected in the plans Americans are making to get out and about this Summer. But just as COVID’s Negative Impact on Travel is starting to wane, a new set of challenges is emerging in the form of Historic Inflation and Record High Gas Prices. We will be keeping a close eye on these issues and urging Congress and the Administration to do the same in order to help ensure they don’t negatively impact Hotels’ continued Pandemic Recovery,” said Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. AHLA recently relaunched its Hospitality is Working Campaign with a focus on reigniting Travel across the Nation and highlighting Hotels’ Positive Economic Impact in Cities across the Country. With Travel ramping back up, Hotels have embarked on an unprecedented Hiring Spree to recruit hundreds of thousands of workers for more than 200 Hotel Career Pathways. About AHLA In the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic,Hospitality was the first Industry Impacted and it will be among the last to recover. That is why AHLA is committed to promoting Safe Travel while also creating a Standardized Safety experience Nationwide through the Safe Stay Initiative. With an enhanced set of Health and Safety Protocols designed to provide a Safe and Clean Environment for all Hotel Guests and Employees, Hotels across America are ready to welcome back Travelers when they are ready to Travel. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the Sole National Association representing all segments of the U.S. Lodging Industry. Learn more At: www.ahla.com . < Previous News Next News >

School Is Out & Fun Is In: At The Museum Of Discovery And Science This Summer July 11, 2024 Share Enjoy the New Survival of the Slowest Traveling Exhibit, Get Busy with Camp STEAMology, Learn about a Two-Toed Sloth and more! Families this summer can soar to new heights with To Fly: Aviation Weekends, meet-and-greet with the two-toed sloth of the Survival of the Slowest exhibit and get busy with a variety of fascinating and educational Camp STEAMology programs and more! Prepare for take-off! From gliders and airships to drones and spacecrafts, humans have developed many ways to experience the power of flight. Where can we go from here? Come to MODS to discover flight technology and test your engineering skills during To Fly: Aviation Weekends on Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays, from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Kids can tinker with avionics and test piloting skills, use drones to accomplish various missions and learn about animals that take flight, such as insects and birds, to discover how these creatures adapt to different environments. Careers in aviation such as aerospace engineering, navigation and mechanics will be explored. Young navigators (ages 0-6) can experience the magic of flight by creating a biplane, rocket or parachute and learn how different objects glide through the air. Themed IMAX® films on the Certified Giant Screen® include Wings Over Water, Flight of the Butterflies, Cities of the Future and more. To Fly: Aviation Weekends are sponsored by Banyan Air, JetBlue and the JetBlue Grants Foundation. “MODS is a great place to beat the summer heat while keeping minds active and engaged,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “Whether it is learning about how slow attributes can give some animals an evolutionary edge, the intricacies of flight or immersive, curated STEM-based camp programs, we offer exciting experiences for the whole family.” Sometimes being slow, small or weak can have its advantages in Survival of the Slowest, MODS’ newest summer traveling exhibit presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Guests meet the often-overlooked species that evolved to slow down as part of their survival strategy in a world where large, strong and fast animals are often at the top of the food chain. The exhibit features 14 habitats with live animals (17 species) and plants. Guests get an up-close look at wildlife with daily presentations featuring a sloth, a tarantula, tortoises, a hedgehog, a blue-tongued skink and more! Educational talks are offered for guests Wednesdays through Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. The exhibit is produced by Little Ray’s Nature Exhibitions in collaboration with the Canadian Museum of Nature and runs through September 5th, 2024. Attention all sloth lovers! Join us for a VIP experience at the Sloth Meet-and-Greet on July 27th, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. This event gives guests exclusive early-morning access to the Museum and includes a meet-and-greet with JJ, the two-toed sloth, Museum admission, breakfast, an IMAX® documentary film and insight into the vital importance of rainforest conservation. The cost is $65 for members, $75 for non-members and pre-registration is required. (NOTE: The sloth will be held exclusively by the Life Sciences staff.) To register, visit: www.mods.org/slothbreakfast. When school is out, MODS’ Camp STEAMology is in! Children ages 5 – 10 will have a blast exploring a variety of one, three and five-day camps. July 8th – July 12th; Campers will prepare to become a Jedi Knight by learning the ways of the force on Earth. Electrify a lightsaber, create a TIE fighter and more during Camp STEAMology: Padawan Academy! July 15th – July 19th; Experience water-based STEM activities, create floating LEGO® cities, observe changing water densities and analyze soil compositions during Camp STEAMology: STEM: Waterplay! July 22nd – July 26th; Take a bite out of summer during Camp STEAMology: Shark Mania! Campers will investigate the biodiversity and chemistry of our oceans and learn about sharks from their prehistoric origins through today. July 29th – August 2nd; Explore an outdoor, living classroom and gain hands-on experience in regenerative gardening in MODS’ Food Forest, featuring more than 50 species of tropical fruit trees and medicinal plants. Guests will also discover how to grow their own backyard edible landscape during Camp STEAMology: Food Forest! For more information about Camp STEAMology pricing and multi-child discounts, visit: www.mods.org/camp. For more information about MODS’ July programs and special events, visit: www.mods.org . The Museum of Discovery and Science Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades (only 3% of science museums are accredited for excellence and leadership in the field). In the past year, MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 15 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service. The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: www.mods.org - Or call: (954) 467-MODS. (954) 467-6637. < Previous News Next News >

“Broadway With Heart" Brings Heart By Phyllis Green, Critic At Large February 16, 2023 Share A night of nostalgia and some nifty song and dance routines recently whirled into Aventura Cultural Center, a jewel box of a theater. Stars, Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson wowed a full house with their take on some of the most beloved Broadway shows of the times. The beautiful couple known as M&M presented a non-stop parade of their experiences in performing arts including directing, composing, teaching, singing and dancing, through the years. With their creation of The Non-Profit M&M American Dance Theatre Works, they promote educational and cultural enrichment, through exposure, mentorship and involvement in musical dance theater. Blessed with a gorgeous body, with legs that reached to eternity, Melinda, through song, jazz, soft shoe, ballet and breathtaking pointe, delivered a luscious act. Would have loved more of her and her graceful moves. Michael, the man of many talents, sang and danced vignettes of shows gone by such as "Oklahoma," "Kiss Me Kate," "Guys and Dolls," to spots from "Hair," "Jesus Christ Super Star" and even "Hamilton." Certainly, he could have taught the beloved Tevye a step or two or three in his "If I Were A Rich Man" presentation. Just to watch the precision and expressions of hand and body from this duo throughout the show was a treat. Backed by a bevy of five talented dancers, who, through clever choreography by Michael himself, provided on-stage set designs and costume changes with panache. The staging was simple: a huge screen showing M&M handling much of the narrative with the telling backgrounds of the spots being done. From "Two Sleepy People" with moves so synchronized, this couple was affectionately one soul; to morphing into "Phantom Of The Opera" with glitzy flowing fabric furling behind the actors, presented, exquisite! Indeed, a Five Star Show from Two Gifted Stars: Magical and Mighty!! To learn more about M&M: www.americandance.biz < Previous News Next News >

Ketamine and Other Anesthetics Emerge as Treatments for Depression Fri Oct 18 2024 16:45:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Brian Evans Live In Concert Fri Apr 07 2023 16:16:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Friday Night Sound Waves Returns To The LOOP March 22, 2024 Share This Free Outdoor Concert Series on Fort Lauderdale Beach is Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Business Improvement District, Every Friday Night April 12th – May 17th, 2024. The producers of Friday Night Sound Waves are giving guests the opportunity to check #41 off Author Christiana Lilly’s “100 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale Before You Die” list, with a spring revival of the popular free concert series at The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park), every Friday, April 12th through May 17th, 2024 from 6:30–9:30 p.m. Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Business Improvement District, Friday Night Sound Waves welcomes locals and visitors, the young and the young at heart, to enjoy some of South Florida’s best musical talents, performing an eclectic range of genres ranging from Reggae, Funk, Afro-Cuban, Top 40, Motown and R&B. Attendees are invited to come early to enjoy various pre-concert games on the main lawn starting at 5:00 p.m., along with Local Artisan Vendors and a rotation of Food and Drink Vendors to peruse during and after the show. Friday Night Sound Waves scheduled performances include*: April: Friday, April 12th – The Resolvers, Reggae The Resolvers define “Big Band Reggae” by combining classic Jamaican Roots and lively New Orleans stylings. Siblings Ojay and Sahara Smith (son and daughter of International Reggae Artist Ernie Smith) exchange lead vocal roles with Israeli-Born Bandleader and Guitarist Ron Eisner while their rock solid rhythm and bombastic horn sections set the pace. Their shows have been described as “explosive" and “must see,” and the band has gained a reputation as a premier live Reggae act. The Resolvers have shared the stage with The Wailers, Julian Marley, Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Kymani Marley, Inner Circle, English Beat, Yellowman, Matisyahu, Lee 'Scratch' Perry and Mishka along with many other world-renowned acts in major international festivals such as Marley Fest, Jamaican Jazz & Blues Fest, Sun Fest, Hulaween, AURA Music & Arts Fest, Dub Fest and more. Friday, April 19th – Rogue Theory, Indie Funk/Rock Dive into the vibrant soundscape of Rogue Theory, a dynamic band hailing from the Sunshine State. Rogue Theory is on a musical journey leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and ears of music lovers across the nation. Their ever-evolving, eclectic fusion of Indie Funk-Rock is often called refreshing – a playful and nostalgic tapestry woven from the finest threads of various musical genres – a truly original soulful experience. Friday, April 26th – Private Stock, Top 40 80's Dance Party Private Stock Band is the most sought-after entertainment in the event industry. Being together for over 20 years contributes to the band’s amazing chemistry that shines through with every high-energy performance. Voted the #1 Party Band in Florida, Private Stock is the only band in the event industry that features Top 10 Hit Recording artists and stars from the hit show, “Legends.” Private Stock's musicians are all multi-talented and versatile, with an extensive song list consisting of Top 40, the 50’s & 60’s, Rock & Roll, Motown, Soul, 70’s Disco, Classic Rock, 80’s, 90’s, Latin and Country. May: Friday, May 3rd – SonLokos, Afro-Cuban, Fusion SonLokos was born in the City of Miami in 2012. Its music fusions Son, Afro-Cuban Music, Timba and traditional Cuban rhythms with Hip-Hop, Electronic Music, Reggae and Rap. SonLokos has a fresh and innovative sound that ranges between Son and Descarga to a very explosive danceable rhythm that keeps people on their feet. Their repertoire includes classic covers of Cuban music as well as original compositions. Friday, May 10th – VAM Band, Top 40 VAM Band is a Funk Tribute Dance Band performing Pop, Top 40, Soul, R&B, Motown, Latin, Reggae and more. Friday, May 17th – Valerie Tyson, Motown Valerie Tyson is a soulful and electrifying band that performs classic and modern music specializing in playing today’s Top 40, Jazz, Classic Rock, R&B and Reggae. Each member of the band brings a combination of vocal and instrumental skills and experience. *Performers schedule subject to change When: Every Friday, April 12th–May 17, 2024 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Where: Las Olas Oceanside Park: 3000 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316 The most convenient place to park is the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, where the PayByPhone payment option can be used, and parking can be extended from anywhere using the mobile PayByPhone APP. Cost: The events are free and open to the public. How: For more information, please visit: www.FridayNightSoundWaves.com About The LOOP: A cornerstone of activity, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) is the central hub of the $65 million four-park system at the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The public greenspaces, including the Intracoastal Promenade, Las Olas Beach Garage Sunset Terrace, and DC Alexander Park, aim to provide infinite experiences for everyone under the sun and year-round activity in Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront backyard. Through its four pillars, “FAME,” The LOOP offers a variety of special events, activities, and unique local experiences for all, including free concerts, holiday happenings, farmer’s markets, community workouts, and more. For more information, visit: www.theloopflb.com - Or contact: info@theloopflb.com . Follow The LOOP on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/theloopflb - and Instagram at: www.instagram.com/theloopflb/ < Previous News Next News >

Stop Taxpayer Funding Of Traffickers: Human And Drug Traffickers Can Currently Receive Government Benefits February 23, 2023 Share Congresswoman Kat Cammack of Florida and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee introduced legislation recently to ensure human and drug traffickers cannot continue to defraud the American taxpayer while they await prosecution and conviction. The bill, "Stop Taxpayer Funding Of Traffickers Act," comes after several visits to the border over the last two years by Congresswoman Cammack, Senator Blackburn and their colleagues. While Congresswoman Cammack led the House version of the Bill, Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Katie Britt (R-AL) co-sponsored the Senate legislation. "Over the last two years, we've seen the horrific consequences of the Biden Border Crisis, including the devastating toll on our communities nationwide from drug and human trafficking. In Marion County, Florida, our sheriff's department has recovered bricks of Fentanyl with stamps from border cartels, alongside pill presses and sophisticated distribution plans. Our first responders gear up each day to save lives from Fentanyl overdoses occurring almost daily, putting their own lives at risk," said Representative Cammack. "Those responsible for trafficking drugs and people into our country at our borders and in our waters should not receive federal assistance after violating our laws—not only is it wrong, but it rewards those who have perpetuated this deadly crisis. I'm pleased to join Senator Blackburn on this effort and look forward to growing this legislation's support with my colleagues." "For two years, President Biden’s open border policies have emboldened the cartels and caused human trafficking to grow to a $13 billion industry, with criminal cartels earning up to $14 million each day. Last year alone, law enforcement seized over 14,000 pounds of Fentanyl at the border, enough to kill over 3.3 billion people. We cannot continue to incentivize this blatant criminal activity. This legislation ensures that hardworking American taxpayers – already crushed by inflation – are not forced to fund the lifestyles of offenders who are making our country more dangerous," said Senator Blackburn. "As a border Sheriff, I have witnessed the senseless tragedies on our southern border at the evil control of ruthless and violent criminal transnational organizations, i.e. cartels. These cartels exploit their criminal enterprise based on fear, violence and greed. I support and commend [the] efforts to pass legislation for those directly responsible in these types of criminal acts that violate Public Safety - National Security and Humanitarian offenses," said Sheriff Mark Dannels, Cochise County, Arizona and NSA Border Security Chair. Even after offenders are charged with federal drug and human trafficking offenses, many of them continue to live in government housing and receive other government benefits while they persist in exploiting and trafficking women and children or smuggling drugs across the border. The Stop Taxpayer Funding Of Traffickers Act: • Prohibits anyone charged with drug or human trafficking at our international borders or in our territorial waters from receiving federal government benefits. • Defines "drug trafficking offense" as any federal offense that includes as an element the distribution of a controlled substance. • Defines "human trafficking offense" as a range of offenses, including smuggling, transporting and harboring individuals. • Defines "federal benefit" to include the issuance of any grant, contract, loan, professional license or commercial license provided by an agency of the United States or by appropriated funds of the United States, as well as any Retirement, Welfare, Social Security, Health, Disability, Veterans, or Public Housing Benefit. • If the charges are dismissed or the individual is acquitted, provides for back payment of benefits to any individual deprived of benefits under this section. View the Senate version of the legislation at: https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/services/files/DB997415-471D-4D5F-BD2B-7C3C8EC73778 If you wish to discuss this legislation with Congresswoman Kat Cammack you can reach her office at: (202) 225-5744. < Previous News Next News >