The City Of Aventura Is Hiring: This Months Job Opportunities to Apply for The City of Aventura August 15, 2023 Share Working for municipal government opens doors to a unique opportunity – the ability to directly impact the lives of citizens. Municipalities play a vital role in delivering essential services, ranging from education and healthcare to transportation and public safety. By becoming part of the public sector, you become an integral force in a system that constantly strives to enhance the well-being and quality of life for your fellow community members. Amidst the uncertainty of the economic climate, municipal government jobs offer the rock-solid stability that many crave. Regardless of economic fluctuations, governments prioritize essential services, ensuring a sense of security for those employed in the public sector. Municipalities often provide competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and retirement plans, paving the way for financial stability for you and your loved ones. Municipal governments encompass a vast array of departments and functions, offering an expansive canvas on which to paint your career dreams. Whether your passion lies in Urban Planning, Environmental Sustainability, Public Health, Finance, or Law Enforcement, the public sector offers abundant opportunities to find your niche. Furthermore, these jobs often come with the potential for growth and upward mobility through specialized training programs and professional development opportunities. Here are a few of the job opportunities currently open to apply for The City of Aventura: Certified Police Officer Full-Time - $67,820.47 - $103,708.75 Annually Department: Police The City is accepting applications for F/T Certified Police Officers for openings and to establish an eligibility list for future openings. Performs Police Patrol, Preliminary Investigations, Traffic Regulation and Enforcement, enforces Criminal Laws and makes Arrests for Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses and other Law Enforcement activities. Police Officers may be assigned to various units within the Police Department to include but not limited to: Road Patrol, Detective Bureau, Traffic Unit, Training Unit, Street Crimes Unit, Marine Patrol, etc. Information Technology Director Full-Time - Depends on Qualifications Department: Information Technology The City of Aventura is seeking a innovative, mission driven, solutions oriented, experienced leader with technical expertise for the position of Information Technology Director. Aventura, known as the City of Excellence, was incorporated in 1995 and is a young, vibrant, full-service municipality with a diverse demographic based and is recognized internationally as a premier location in which to live, shop and play. Park Attendant (Part-Time) Part-Time - $13.50 Hourly Department: Community Services This part time position performs routine work assisting in the operation and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. Duties include light manual and clerical work relating to revenue collection, general park maintenance and control of assigned areas. Under supervision, plans and implements a broad variety of recreational programs and park activities and services to meet the various needs of the public. Police Communications Officer Full-Time - $44,500.00 - $72,500.00 Annually Department: Police The City of Aventura is accepting applications for the position of Police Communications Officer. Responsible for carrying out two-way communications with law enforcement personnel. Work involves screening routine and emergency telephone requests for police services and relaying that information to police personnel in the field. Duties also include, but are not limited to, performing record checks for officers in the field, keeping records of all police units available, and responding to requests. Position reports to the Communications Supervisor. To see what positions are available, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/aventurafl? If you experience technical difficulties applying, you can contact: www.governmentjobs.com Or Call Customer Support at: 1 (855) 524-5627. Their hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. < Previous News Next News >

Brian Evans Live In Concert April 7, 2023 Share Produced by Narada Michael Walden, Legendary Producer of Whitney Houston, George Michael, Elton John among others, big band crooner Brian Evans performs his first concert in more than ten years as he prepares a new album. Backed by Grammy Award Winning Musical Director Gary Anderson (known for his work with Frank Sinatra), Brian has headlined thousands of shows in Las Vegas and performed as the opening act for stars from Joan Rivers to Erasure and dozens of others. His music is heard on shows like BoJack Horseman, on Netflix and a plethora of others. Grammy Magazine named Evans as "One of the most relevant crooners in the style of Sinatra of this generation." He has also been seen on Full House and At Fenway with William Shatner. He has also authored several novels headed for Film/TV adaptation including Horrorscope. See him in this intimate venue. With millions of views on YouTube and over 2 billion TikTok streams of his version of "New York, New York." See him in Aventura with his big band on Saturday, May 20th, 2023! How It Started Brian Evans was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts. At age 16, his mother and he drove to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Several months later, Evans landed his first national television commercial for a Twix commercial, followed by a role in the Charles Bronson film, “Death Wish IV.” After then being cast for the pilot of “Beverly Hills, 90210” and then landed the role as “Keanu,” on the hit television show, “Full House,” followed by a role in the New Line Cinema Film, “Book of Love.” It was Evans' passion for music, rather than acting, that had him begin a “crooning” career in the same genre as Sinatra. After meeting Frank Sinatra at a charity event, Evans said, “Everyone thinks I’m crazy for pursuing this kind of music,” to which Sinatra replied, “Kid, if everyone thinks you’re crazy, you’re on the right track.” Evans took those words to heart and began a career in the music business, immediately booked to open for Frankie Valli, Dionne Warwick, and Lou Rawls. Evans would then continue to open for the likes of Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, Social Distortion, Rob Schneider, David Spade, Louie Anderson, Bob Saget, Citizen Cope, Roseanne Barr, Jeff Bridges, Nick Swardson, William Shatner and numerous other stars. Tickets Brian will perform with his big band on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. at The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, tickets start at $45. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org or 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 noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. Parking Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of Excellence School. Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in the circular drive. There is a convenient drop-off area in front of the building. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. < Previous News Next News >

Digital Literacy Tips for Older Adults October 18, 2024 Share If current trends continue, decades of gentle teasing and jokes about older adults' confusion with technology may be on their way out. Not only do digital tools and technology help this generation stay connected to family and friends, but technology is also making it more practical for these individuals to remain independent and age in place. Assistive and health-related technology is also on the rise, according to a "U.S. News & World Report." Tools like medical or health apps, wearable trackers, hearing devices and some smart home products make it easier and safer for older adults to age in place. Whether for social, practical or entertainment purposes, growing your confidence with technology and digital tools can be a slow, steady process that allows you to increase your comfort level while building a solid understanding. Boost your digital literacy with these tips from the tech experts at Cox Communications: Find resources that allow you to participate in digital literacy education. Many community groups offer classes geared toward older adults, and you can also find resources from internet providers. If you're comfortable searching the internet, you can also find support groups and user-friendly guides online. Slow down. When it comes to digital literacy, the internet can be fast-moving, which can be overwhelming for older adults who are not used to the environment. The pace can also expose you to the risk of cybercrime. Approaching online activity in small bites may help you take in a manageable amount of information and process it before piling on more information. Research options. With so many technology devices and services available, it's possible, and even advisable, to explore the various options before making a purchase or signing an agreement. Consider the features you need against your budget to make the best choice. For example, options like Cox Communications' Connect Assist program can help you find fast, reliable and affordable internet plans to fit within your retirement budget. Take breaks. Digital media can become addictive for older adults; with so much to see and learn, it's easy to lose literally hours. That's why it's a good idea to take a balanced approach and limit the time you dedicate to your smartphones and computers each day. Use digital media to improve connections. Social media and online groups can add social connectivity, but this digital interaction shouldn't replace your personal relationships. Be sure to prioritize live social connections, and don't use digital media in place of conventional in-person connections that can provide important benefits for your overall physical and mental health. Stay informed about cybercrime. Because of their limited experience with technology, older adults are major targets of cybercrime. Stay informed about methods and tactics used by these criminals so you can protect yourself, your identity and your assets. Use strong passwords. If your memory isn't what it used to be, you may be tempted to repurpose your passwords so you don't have to remember as many. Unfortunately, that approach may mean that if someone figures out how to access one account, they have access to many more. Create passwords that are a mix of letters, numbers and symbols and write them down in a safe place. Generally, it's best to avoid using easily guessed information like birthdays and names of children. Be cautious about what you read and share online. If something seems questionable, verify it with multiple sources before accepting it as true. Explore more resources for older adults in this digital age at: www.cox.com/digitalequity < Previous News Next News >

Join In The Fun At The St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival March 7, 2024 Share Experience one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the country! Over a mile in length - you'll see some of the most exciting performers, festive floats, antique vehicles, marching bands & more! The City of Hollywood and Hibernians of Hollywood are hosting the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in Downtown Hollywood on Sunday, March 10th from Noon to 6:00 p.m. At 1:00 p.m. the parade will travel east on Hollywood Boulevard from 21st Avenue to Young Circle, returning on Harrison Street to 21st Avenue. This year, the parade will feature dozens of festive floats, local marching bands and spectacular bagpipe and drum corps including the New York Police Department Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps. Anniversary Park will transform into the “Magic of the Emerald Isle” children’s activity area featuring games and crafts for youngsters of all ages. More than 80 vendor booths will also offer some one-of-a-kind finds. There is an exciting line-up of traditional Irish entertainment including roving performances by Uproot Hootenanny and Headliner U2 by UV The U2 Concert Experience on the stage at 19th Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard. Downtown Hollywood restaurants will be offering festival specials including Irish favorites like Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie and green-colored drinks! Event parking is offered at marked lots and City-operated garages. For complete event information, please visit: www.stpatricksfestival.com - Or call the City of Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at: (954) 921-3404. Water Matters Day Stop by the City's Public Utilities booth at Water Matters Day to participate in interactive educational presentations about Stormwater Pollution Prevention, learn what not to flush to prevent sewer system damage and more about our drinking water. The will take place March 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Tree Tops Park in Davie. Environmentally friendly giveaways will also go along with the presentations. Learn more here: www.broward.org/NaturalResources/WaterConservation/Pages/WaterMattersDay.aspx < Previous News Next News >

66th Annual Candy Cane Parade On Hollywood Beach December 1, 2022 Share The 66th Annual Candy Cane Parade along the world-famous Hollywood Beach Broadwalk takes place this Saturday, December 3rd at 7 p.m. This year’s parade theme is “A Country Western Christmas.” The parade begins at Missouri Street and will head south along the Broadwalk, past the parade emcee positioned at the Hollywood Beach Theatre at Johnson Street, to Harrison Street. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for top-notch viewing of the parade floats, marching bands, and creative displays from civic, non-profit and children’s groups, or reserve a table at one of the many seaside restaurants. Due to the high demand for parking on the barrier island, beginning at 5:00 p.m., parade goers are encouraged to park in one of the Downtown parking garages and take the free shuttle to the beach. The Downtown parking garages are located at 19th Avenue at Polk Street and 20th Avenue at Van Buren Street. Shuttles will circulate non-stop throughout the evening with the last shuttle leaving the beach at 10 p.m. Downtown parking rates apply. Modified security protocols will be in place for the duration of the event, participant patience is appreciated. Parade participants are being asked to “Help Keep Hollywood Beautiful” by handing out candy to parade goers, rather than throwing from floats. This will help reduce waste on the Broadwalk and sandy beach. Parade attendees are encouraged to be #SeenBeingGreen by bringing their reusable water bottles. Hollywood’s signature holiday event, the Candy Cane Parade, is presented in partnership with the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts. For more information, visit: www.hollywoodfl.org < Previous News Next News >

What Reinventing Our Schools Means To Hallandale Beach By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper March 7, 2024 Share Over the last month the School Board of Broward County announced its goal to address the under enrollment in schools. The announcement that some schools could possibly close sent a chilling effect throughout every school. Parents, community stakeholders and all elected officials all have been outraged, afraid their school would be shuttered, and children transferred to another school. With state and national laws pushing for vouchers and charter schools popping up everywhere the public schools have been under strain for years. Broward County Schools lost over 50,000 students to charter and private schools. That is down from 250,000. The board still counts all the 286 since funding for them comes directly out of their budget as pass throughs. With the student drain from traditional classrooms there are direct budget implications which are tied to student seats. On average Broward receives $9,000 Dollars per student seat. This equates to $450,000,000 Million. As Superintendent Licata states “everything is on the table.” Hallandale Beach actually has 2 schools within our boundaries and 2 centers. We are part of what is called the Hallandale Innovation Zone which comprises seven schools within parts of Hollywood, West Park and Pembroke Park. These include: Colbert Lake Forest and Watkins which are elementary schools. McNicol Middle, Gulfstream K -8 and Hallandale High School. Lanier-James Education Center which serves all of Broward south from I-595 and is a school for students that have been suspended and or have other Behavioral Issues. Gulfstream Early Learning Center is not listed as a school but has become a south area location leased out to various organizations. It was created as an educational center for ages 6 months – PreK 4 and training for teachers. It also provides Adult Education in the form of English as a Second Language and GED services. It also provides services for the District and other Social Services. I cannot cover every aspect of this issue as it will be ongoing over the next year. I wanted to at least share some information so readers could understand the education landscape here, in our city. More importantly, what is at stake? I will focus first on Hallandale High School. This school according to school student seats has a capacity for 1,600 students. Currently they have 1,100. As a note these numbers fluctuate. The school was built in 1973. The state stopped rebuilding older schools, so the school never received much in the way of improvements. This is not unique to our school but the same for most eastern schools. It is important to note that when the schools were segregated in the sixties until 1970 our High School students went to the old Lanier School and others to Attucks. Residents fought long and hard to have a High School, not simply Hallandale but unincorporated Carver Ranches and our neighbors to the west. Notably these were the segregated Black areas. In 1963 MacArthur was built just west of 441 and South Broward built in 1938, it was the only High School and was not integrated until 1968. When news was released that Hallandale High was on the under enrolled list and was going to be discussed everyone including me was dismayed. It became an all-hands-on deck issue. There were three meetings scheduled for residents to find out about this issue. This created controversy by itself as everyone had to travel to attend either in Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, or Coral Springs. I did some asking about the format and heard it was really not a public meeting but set up as a workshop. Residents that attended were split up into small groups then reported out. I am not saying this was a waste of time or effort, but it was not as informative as attendees expected. As Mayor I was invited to a separately held meeting with all of the mayors and city managers from each city. We were informed of the vision and necessity for this “Redefining Our Schools.” From a strict budgetary standpoint many of us understand the board's challenges. We understand the turmoil that the board has gone through over the past decade. Many in the group were happy that it was held and cautiously optimistic the board had turned a corner and was ready to truly focus on the new realities. During the meeting, Mayors shared their concerns and ideas about our schools. They ranged from partnership with CRAs similar to ours when we helped to rebuild the neglected stadium and entered into a shared use agreement. They discussed the failed boundary process where schools were built out west, some with 4,000 seats only to see eastern schools neglected. This combined with school choice gutted many principals’ budgets which meant many programs were cut. My biggest comment was that we need to look at going back to the basics. School cannot be everything and need to be focused on students K-8 Education. Embedded resources at the schools children need. Every school should have at a minimum the right size classes, Certified Educators, Mental Health Counselors, Guidance Counselors, Academic Coaches and Permanent School Nurses. High School should not have a singular focus on college graduation or testing. Life skills and trades need to be provided to those students that may not be ready to go right to college but want and/or need to work to support themselves. More importantly, students without transportation get to the one of three technical schools in the district. I heard last week the closing of Hallandale High was off the table which was a relief. The question now becomes what next? What schools will remain open? What programs will be added, moved or taken away? I will continue as always to keep our readers abreast of what transpires. As always feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas to make our city better! I can be reached at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or: joycooper@aol.com . Or Facebook: Mayor Joy Cooper. You can always call my office at: (954) 457-1318. Or Call/Text me at: (954) 632-5700. Working for you! Always have! Always will! < Previous News Next News >

Russian Invasion of Ukraine Wed Mar 02 2022 08:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Tasty Steps Toward Heart-Healthy Eating By Family Features August 24, 2023 Share As the leading cause of death among Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease often results from uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight and obesity. However, a heart-healthy eating plan can help lower or control these risk factors and put you and your family on a path toward better heart health. With back-to-school season adding stress to already busy schedules, it's important for families to make time for healthy eating decisions. Consider these five steps recommended by The Heart Truth program of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): Eat Smart One way to get started on a path toward heart-healthy eating is to change your way of thinking about how and what you eat. For example, use smaller plates to help limit portion sizes. Chew food slowly and consider the textures and flavors of different food as you eat. Plan to Eat Heart Healthy Put together an eating plan that offers a balance of calories and nutrients including vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Consider make-at-home favorites like Heart-Healthy Pita Pizzas, which include grilled chicken as a better-for-you alternative to methods such as frying. Choose Healthy Snacks After a full day of learning or working, it's tempting for children and adults to grab a quick snack that may not be healthy. Swap out sugary or salty snacks and instead enjoy lower-calorie after-school treats that fit into your daily eating plan. Try options like a cup of seedless grapes, small banana, cup of cherry tomatoes, handful of unsalted nuts or half cup of low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Find Heart-Healthy Menus How you eat day after day can make a difference in your heart health over time. Developed through research by NHLBI, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, low-fat dairy and healthy oils to help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. DASH focuses on lowering sodium and limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, including fatty meats, full-fat dairy and tropical oils. Stay On Track When Dining Out It is possible to eat healthy foods in restaurants. To control portion sizes, try tactics like eating half your entree and taking leftovers home for another meal. Choose foods that are broiled, baked or roasted to limit calories. Ask for low-sodium menu options and request butter, gravy, sauces and salad dressings on the side or leave them off completely. Visit www.hearttruth.gov to find more healthy eating inspiration and find DASH-friendly back-to-school recipes at: https://healthyeating.nhlbi.nih.gov/ Heart-Healthy Pita Pizzas Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 8 minutes Servings: 4 • 4 whole-wheat pitas (6 1/2 inches each) • 1 cup chunky tomato sauce • 1 cup grilled boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced (about 2 small breasts) • 1 cup broccoli, rinsed, chopped and cooked • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, rinsed, dried and chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried) Preheat oven or toaster oven to 450 F. On each pita, spread 1/4 cup tomato sauce and top with 1/4 cup chicken, 1/4 cup broccoli, 1/2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and 1/4 tablespoon chopped basil. Place pitas on nonstick baking sheet and bake 5-8 minutes until pitas are golden brown and chicken is heated through. < Previous News Next News >

Beware of Scams as Tax-Filing Deadline Approaches March 31, 2022 Share Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians about scams ahead of the 2022 Tax-Filing Deadline. The Deadline to file 2021 Taxes is Monday, April 18th, 2022. According to the Internal Revenue Service, millions of Americans wait until the last two weeks before the Deadline to prepare their Tax Returns. Last-minute filers are at a heightened risk of scammers fraudulently filing for a return in their name. Other less-common tax schemes also seek to exploit Federal Filing Requirements. To avoid unnecessary hardships, Attorney General Moody is providing tips to help taxpayers spot and avoid tax scams. Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The Federal Tax-Filing Deadline is just a month away and millions of Americans have not prepared their taxes. While there is still time, filing early reduces the likelihood that a scammer will steal your Tax Return. For more information about how to avoid common Tax-Filing Scams, check out the tips in our latest Consumer Alert.” Here are some of the most common types of Tax Scams: • Tax-Related Identity Theft is when a target’s personal information is stolen so that a scammer can file a Tax Return claiming a Fraudulent Refund. • The Tax Gift Card scam occurs when scammers forge Fraudulent Tax Bills to give to targets, convincing the target to pay the fee with gift cards. • Examples of Refund-Recalculation Scams are when scammers send phishing emails to targets, making the email look like a Tax-Refund Payment or a Recalculation of a Tax Refund—attaching a link to input personal information to claim the Refund. • During June and July of 2021, the IRS received a record number of reports about Stimulus-Payment Scams. Scammers impersonate the IRS and tell targets that the target is eligible for a Stimulus Payment—claiming personal information is needed for the payment to be sent. • Scammers may pretend to be an independent organization within the IRS called Taxpayer Advocate Services and spoof caller ID’s to make targets believe a legitimate call from TAS is being received. Once the call is received or returned, scammers will phish for personal information. Tax Scams can be complex as scammers regularly adapt and update schemes. Below are tips about how to avoid Tax Schemes: • When seeking a new Tax Preparer, look for one who is available year-round; • Ask a potential Tax Preparer to show an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number—all Legitimate Preparers will be able to provide one; • Make sure that Refunds will be sent to the Taxpayer and not a Tax Preparer; • Know that a letter from the IRS about an Unfiled Tax Return is a Scam; • Recognize that any notices from the IRS about On-line accounts being created, accessed or disabled when no action was taken are often Scams; and • Pay attention to any Received Wages or other Income from an unknown employer as it could be a sign of Identity Theft. If anyone receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration by filing a complaint On-line at: TIGTA.gov Or By Calling: 1 (800) 366-4484. To view other recent Consumer Alerts, Visit our Web-Page At: http://myfloridalegal.com/ConsumerAlert < Previous News Next News >

Back-To-School Savings: Your Comprehensive Guide To Florida's Sales Tax Holidays Thu Jan 11 2024 17:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Code Enforcement Update: Unkept Properties Impact The City As A Whole Wed Dec 20 2023 05:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Supercar Saturdays Debuts At Gulfstream Park Village: The Supercharged Event Rolls Into South Florida’s Favorite Entertainment Destination Mon Feb 06 2023 17:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)