Global Comic Sensation Max Amini Headlines A Night In South Florida April 17, 2024 Share Abstraction Media is thrilled to announce Renowned Comedian Max Amini in a one-night-only headliner event at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, on Friday, April 27th, 2024. Prepare for an evening of side-splitting humor and unforgettable entertainment at this highly anticipated event. Born in Tucson, Arizona, and deeply rooted in Persian heritage, Max Amini has risen to superstardom with his unique brand of comedy. A graduate of UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television, Max has amassed over 50 film and television credits, including appearances on NBC's "Heroes" and Comedy Central's "Mind of Mencia." Since launching his stand-up career in 2002, Max has captivated audiences with his rapid-fire wit and charm. Named a resident comic at the legendary Laugh Factory Hollywood in 2006, Max quickly solidified his status as one of the fastest-growing comedians in the Los Angeles circuit. Max's talent and versatility were further showcased when he was selected as a finalist for NBC's Diversity Showcase in 2009. Leveraging this experience, Max embarked on the highly successful "Exotic Imports" stand-up comedy tour in 2010, featuring second-generation Americans from diverse cultural backgrounds and selling out venues across the country. Today, Max headlines his own shows worldwide, captivating audiences across Europe, the Middle East, Australasia, and Asia. With millions of views and followers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Max's online presence underscores his global popularity. At the Broward County’s Parker Playhouse on April 27th, audiences can expect nothing short of comedic brilliance as Max delivers his trademark blend of eccentric impressions and compelling storytelling. From hilarious anecdotes to spot-on impressions, Max's performance promises non-stop amusement from start to finish. As Amini himself puts it, "Comedy is a universal language that brings people together, and I'm excited to share laughs with the wonderful audience in Fort Lauderdale." Audiences are sure to enjoy an unforgettable evening of laughter and fun as Max Amini takes on life's absurdities with his unparalleled comedic talent. Please note that this event contains adult language and content. Don't miss out on the comedy event of the year! Tickets are available now for Max Amini's show at the Parker Playhouse, located at 707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. and official tickets are available at: www.MaxAmini.com . You can also purchase tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com And at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; and in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The performance season at The Parker is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. < Previous News Next News >

Want To Take A Trip To Aventura? The Greatest Place On Earth Just Got A Bit Closer This Summer June 9, 2023 Share With the newly opened Brightline Stations in Aventura and now Orlando your ticket to the #1 travel destination in the country just got super easy and comfortable might we add. The Aventura Station is very convenient for all Aventura residents to get to and the recent Orlando Station offers a new connection between Orlando’s world-famous attractions. Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America has launched ticket sales for the highly anticipated Brightline Orlando connection. Guests can purchase tickets at: www.gobrightline.com or by downloading the app. “Brightline guests and the travel market have spoken loudly, and we want to respond by opening ticket sales from late summer through the beginning of next year,” said Patrick Goddard, President of Brightline. “While we are finalizing an official launch date, guests can now book travel for Labor Day, Halloween and holidays through the new year.” Brightline will offer one-way SMART Fares starting at $79 for adults and $39 for kids. Groups of 4+ automatically save an additional 25% on SMART Fares. SMART Service offers a comfortable business-class option onboard in hand-stitched leather seats, Complimentary Starlink WiFi, multiple power and USB outlets and an array of food and beverages available for purchase. One-way PREMIUM Fares start at $149, a first class experience with added amenities including a dedicated PREMIUM lounge, priority boarding, checked luggage, and Complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the journey. Transportation and mobility options at Brightline Orlando Station will feature new Brightline+ Products including shuttles, Uber rideshare and car rental options, which will cater to the unique needs of the Orlando visitor. When booked, guests receive a confirmation email and instructions on how to add on extras such as parking, checked baggage, and Brightline+ Mobility options available closer to their trip date. In South Florida, Brightline offers a wide variety of options to get guests to and from the stations using Brightline+ with Uber, fixed route shuttles to the airports, neighborhood electric vehicles and event shuttles. PREMIUM booked guests also enjoy Brightline’s first and last-mile service to get to and from the station with Complimentary Uber rides anywhere within a five mile radius in South Florida. Brightline For Business Connecting South and Central Florida by rail will enable increased productivity and flexibility while promoting a better work-life balance. Brightline offers an array of business products for companies and their employees that are seamless and transferable. Brightline for Business is offering an introductory promotion providing a limited time exclusive offer for travel between Orlando and South Florida. To learn more about Brightline for Business, visit: www.gobrightline.com/train-tickets/corporate The New Train Schedule Service will include 16 daily round trips with hourly departures between Miami and Orlando. Regular service from Orlando to Miami will stop at all Brightline Stations including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Aventura. Additional dedicated trains will continue to serve commuters and the South Florida Region between Miami and West Palm Beach with early morning departures at 5:00 a.m. from West Palm Beach and late night departures until 12:45 a.m. out of Miami. The complete new train schedule between Miami and Orlando can be viewed by visiting: https://www.gobrightline.com/ Unveiled for the first time last month, the new Brightline Orlando Station is meticulously designed and built through the lens of today’s modern traveler. The 37,350 Square Foot station is located in Orlando International Airport’s new Train Station facility adjacent to Terminal C. The Train Station connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces branded for Brightline guests. The Train Station provides direct access to Airport Terminals A and B via the airport Terminal Link (automated people mover) in under five minutes. < Previous News Next News >

December Performances: At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center November 11, 2021 Share The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center performances this December feature an array of musical, dance and international film presentations. The City of Aventura presents Michael Londra’s Celtic Yuletide on Saturday, December 4th, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. The Irish singer and Emmy® nominee who is best known as the voice of Riverdance on Broadway, brings “Christmas from Ireland” to South Florida. Told in song, dance and the festive stories of his youth, the show includes heartwarming Irish carols like “Winter, Fire and Snow” and Gaelic versions of Christmas songs audiences love such as "Oiche Ciuin" (“Silent Night”) and his own popular carol "Beyond the Star.” Classical Irish musicians join Londra onstage as well as dancers from Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Tickets are $45-$49. The Aventura International Film Series continues with the critically acclaimed film, Women at War on Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. The film tells the story of Halla, a fifty-year-old independent woman who works behind the scenes of her quiet routine, leading a double life as a passionate environmental activist who secretly wages a one-woman-war on the local aluminum industry. Right as she begins planning her biggest and boldest operation yet, she receives news that will change her life and leads to her decision to plot one final attack to deal the aluminum industry a crippling blow. Not rated, this film is from Iceland with English subtitles and is not suitable for children under 12. The Aventura International Film Series presented by the City of Aventura is hosted by Shelly Isaacs who introduces the film and leads a post-screening discussion. Tickets are $12. The City of Aventura presents a Smart Stage Matinee performance of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s The Nutcracker on Thursday, December 9th, 2021 and Friday, December 10th, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. The magic of the season comes to glorious life in this stunning production. Created by the world-famous composer Tchaikovsky nearly 200 years ago, The Nutcracker ballet tells the story of a spectacular Christmas Eve party and the magical events that take place late that night. With dancers of all ages, colorful costumes and breathtaking music, this beautiful performance is a true holiday tradition and a wonderful introduction to the ballet. This is a wonderful introduction to the ballet for grades 4-12. For group sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. Or e-mail: groups@BrowardCenter.org . Single tickets are limited. Tickets are $10 with $3 lap seats for infants 12-months or younger. A traditional holiday favorite, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida presents the classic ballet The Nutcracker on Friday, December 10th, 2021 and Saturday, December 11th 2021 at 7:00 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, December 12th, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Set to Tchaikovsky’s popular score based on the tale of E.T.A Hoffmann, the critically acclaimed performance is choreographed and directed by renowned Ballet Master Vladimir Issaev, with an enthusiastic ballet company featuring its team of professional dancers performing the principal roles, as well as a community cast made up of local character artists and children for the party scene. The Nutcracker’s engaging choreography is guaranteed to entertain audiences of all ages. Tickets are $40 with $5 lap seats for children ages 12 months and under. Black Box Productions’ Stand-Up Comedy Series presents the musical piano savant, amazing improvisational comedian and singer Sarge, “Hotter Than Ever” on Friday, December 17th, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. From Radio City Music Hall to Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game to entertaining our nation’s troops overseas, Sarge's side-splitting comedy, touching vocals and stunning display of dexterity as a pianist have wowed crowds for decades. Not only a hysterical stand-up comedian, Sarge sings in his own voice and in a dozen others including Harry Connick Jr., Sammy Davis Jr., Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. He has performed with many of the biggest names in music including Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Paul Anka, The Beach Boys, Taylor Dayne and Donna Summer. This performance is not appropriate for children under 12. Tickets are $55-$65. Direct from Las Vegas, South Florida Legends presents Dave La Fame in A Tom Jones Christmas on Saturday, December 18th, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. La Fame will perform cherished Tom Jones hits and Christmas favorites which capture the energy and glamour of the late '70s and early '80s. With its amazing dance routines by the Las Vegas Rockets, stage props, costume changes and more, this incredible show can be enjoyed by the entire family. Tickets $49-$59. The Miami International Piano Festival continues with Stephen Beus on Sunday, December 19th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Hailing from the United States, Beus will perform Felix Mendelssohn’s Sonata in E Major, Opus#: 6, Allegretto con espressione, Tempo di Menuetto, Adagio e senza tempo and Molto Allegro e vivace, in addition to popular works by Marguerite Canal and Nikolai Medtner. The Copenhagen Post calls Beus "Spectacular.…it was like he had placed the orchestra in the middle of a gigantic centrifuge and pushed start.” Not suggested for children under 12 years of age. Tickets $45-$55 Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has implemented a number of changes to ensure an enjoyable experience. Health & Safety Guidelines have been developed in conjunction with its management company, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic and by the guidance of public health officials including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These guidelines will be continuing to evolve as the environment changes and may be accessed on the venue’s web-site at: https://www.aventuracenter.org/visit/health-safety-guidelines Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets on-line 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 Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at: @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. < Previous News Next News >

Catch the Love: Broward-Based Philanthropists Are Making a Difference for Kids August 25, 2022 Share There’s an old expression that ‘success is not measured in the amount of dollars you make, but rather in the amount of lives you impact.’ Broward residents Judd and Laura Zebersky are an example of that, using personal and corporate philanthropy to improve the present and future for kids and families at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. The two, who lead the Sunrise-based toy company Jazwares, have donated $2 Million to the “Catch The Love” capital campaign to expand the pediatric facility, created a Lotsy Dotsy Doll to honor the hospital’s resident clown and comfort patients in moments of uncertainty and annually contribute a countless number of toys to provide hope and happiness to those hospitalized during the holiday season. “Laura and I firmly support the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital’s Mission,” said Judd Zebersky. “Not only are they a top-notch pediatric facility, but they also provide quality medical care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. We wanted to expand our personal philanthropic giving to the hospital because putting a smile on children’s faces, especially when they are at the hospital, is at the heart of everything Laura and I do in business, family and life.” The Zebersky’s have been recognized for their impact at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital with the naming of the Pediatric Emergency Department Registration Area and the Outpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit. Their generous donations have also benefited the Lotsy Dotsy Fund, providing additional resources for activities and supplies that are used to entertain children. “One of our greatest memories was making a very special toy for the hospital in honor of their most famous clown, Lotsy Dotsy. To see how the kids interact with the doll and how it gives them the ability to feel just a little bit better, is so inspiring that it compelled us to want to do more,” said Laura Zebersky. The Zebersky’s found the outlet for their giving through the children’s hospital foundation’s capital campaign. The fundraising effort will underwrite a substantial portion of the estimated $170 Million cost to expand the children’s hospital from four floors to eight, a construction project expected to be completed later this year. In addition to a leading-edge Child Life Zone, the expanded Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will add state-of-the-art patient rooms, Cardiac Hybrid Operating Rooms, additional Surgical and Interventional Radiology Suites, Intensive Care, Cardiac Intensive Care Units and an Intraoperative MRI. “The contributions that the Zebersky’s and the Jazwares have made to our efforts is a testament to their sincere desire to help children and families in difficult circumstances,” said Kevin Janser, President of the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundations. “Their impact is significant, both today and in the time to come, as South Florida will have one of the nation’s premier pediatric facilities to care for its kids.” With support from the community, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is able to provide innovative clinical trials that are personalized to each child. Your contributions also enable them to train future generations of doctors and nurses and staff on the latest breakthroughs and technology. And when you give, you also help them educate their patients – with larger classrooms, a full-time teacher and smartboards – to help keep kids current on schoolwork. Ways To Help Your support gives another child a healthier, happier tomorrow. Gifts of all sizes help provide world-class, life-changing pediatric care to kids right here in our community. Every dollar you donate directly benefits patients, including new technology to improve medical outcomes; expanded resources to save more lives; research and education to yield new breakthroughs and support programs to give patients and their families the help they need. To offer a donation of any size to help save a child’s life, please visit: https://www.jdch.com/give/donate Gifts & Toy Donations In addition to the generous contribution of toys by Judd and Laura Zebersky, patients at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital rely on the generosity of our community to brighten their hospital stay. Your donation of new, unused, unwrapped gifts helps create a comfortable, healing environment. Gifts and toys are used by our child life team year-round for special holiday and birthday celebrations, end-of-treatment parties and to celebrate significant milestones. If you are interested in making a gift or toy donation, please contact the Child Life Donation Line at: (954) 265-7149. Or for any additional questions, E-mail: ChildLife@mhs.net . < Previous News Next News >

Reserve A Victorian Christmas Tour: A Wonderful Way At Any Age to Celebrate The Holiday Spirit Thu Nov 18 2021 05:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days - Inspire Imagination And Exploration At The Museum Of Discovery And Science South Florida Sun Times Jul 16, 2025 “Hey Gabby, Take Us To The Museum!” Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days Are Coming To The Museum Of Discovery And Science (MODS) Saturday, August 9th And Sunday, August 10th! This Popular Limited-Time Event, Produced In Collaboration With DreamWorks Animation And The Association Of Children’s Museums (ACM) And Locally Presented By Chewy VetCare, Celebrates The Power Of Play, Imagination And Exploration. Gabby's Dollhouse is a globally popular mixed media preschool series streaming on Netflix, combining live action and animation to transport viewers into a whimsical world filled with adorable cat characters. Rooted in a growth mindset, each episode encourages flexible thinking and learning through trial and error. “We’re excited to partner with DreamWorks Animation and ACM to bring these cat-tastic, hands-on experiences to MODS,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “Through creativity, collaboration and curiosity, guests will build foundational STEM skills while developing confidence and critical thinking by making memories and learning from their mistakes. After all, as Gabby says, sometimes we earn a lot by ‘failing fantastically.’” Families can look forward to a meow-gical meet-and-greet with Gabby, the show’s beloved costumed character, and paws-on activities including MerCat’s Water Walking Spa, the Hamster Kitty Craft, an Egg Carton Garden, a Glass Xylophone, cozy storytime sessions and a museum-wide scavenger hunt to find Gabby’s friends. It’s the purr-fect celebration for curious kids and families. “ACM and DreamWorks Animation share key values as they relate to playful learning,” said Arthur G. Affleck, III, Executive Director of the Association of Children’s Museums. “Like children’s museums, Gabby’s Dollhouse emphasizes social-emotional learning and showcases compassion, curiosity, creativity, learning from mistakes and the joy of teamwork. ACM is so excited to be partnering with DreamWorks Animation to shine a spotlight on our member museums across the country.” Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days, locally presented by Chewy VetCare, are included with general admission. Museum members receive free entry. Tickets are on sale now and pre-registration is required at: https://mods.org/gabbysmeowseumdays. Space is limited and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. (Guests without a reservation may not be able to meet Gabby or take a photo.) For more information about Gabby’s Dollhouse, please visit: www.GabbysDollhouse.com . For more information about MODS, please visit: https://mods.org - Or call: (954) 467-MODS. Call: (954) 467-6637. Dreamworks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse Since the debut of DreamWorks Animation’s hit series Gabby’s Dollhouse, kids around the world have been having one big sprinkle party with Gabby and her friends. Created by celebrated storytellers Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey and now streaming on Netflix, Gabby's Dollhouse is a mixed media preschool series that unboxes a surprise before jumping into a fantastical animated world full of adorable cat characters that live inside Gabby’s Dollhouse. Rooted in growth mindset, Gabby’s activity-based episodes encourage flexible thinking and learning from your mistakes. The show has charted as a top 10 TV series in 63 countries on Netflix and has become a top preschool brand across the globe, inspiring an award-winning toy line, publishing, home, apparel, and more, as well as original music, a top-rated app and a growing YouTube channel visited by millions of fans weekly. Gabby’s Dollhouse continues to expand through Universal Destinations & Experiences theme parks, global fan experiences, live events and much more, including Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie heading to theaters on Friday, September 26th, 2025. Any adventure can unfold when we play in Gabby's Dollhouse! Follow Gabby’s Dollhouse: Facebook: www.facebook.com/gabbysdollhouse/ X (formerly Twitter): www.x.com/gabbysdollhouse Instagram: www.instagram.com/gabbysdollhouse/ Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) ACM is the foremost professional society supporting children’s museums in developing rich environments that stimulate children’s natural playfulness, curiosity, and creativity. With more than 470 members in all 50 states and in 19 countries, ACM champions children’s museums and together they enrich the lives of children worldwide. As a global leader, advocate, and resource for the field, ACM and our member organizations strive to build a better world for children and serve over 30 million visitors annually. Started in 1962, ACM recently marked its 60th year of impactful service to children, families, and children’s museums. About 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 Square Foot facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. 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 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service. The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Now through Saturday, August 8th, the Museum will remain open one hour later—until 6:00 p.m. — on Fridays and Saturdays. MODS is located downtown at 401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: https://mods.org - Or call: (954) 467-MODS. Call: (954) 467-6637. Like us or follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/modsftl X (formerly Twitter): www.x.com/modsftl Instagram: www.instagram.com/modsftl DreamWorks® Gabby of Gabby's Dollhouse MEOWseum Previous Next

Property Insurance Going Up? 4-Point Inspections May Help Reduce Your Insurance Premiums By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate November 9, 2023 Share Florida's Homeowners Insurance issues are well-known throughout our State and beyond. Coverage limitations, high premium costs, availability of basic coverage, and policy non-renewals are affecting property owners all across Florida. The contributing causes to this situation began decades ago, though are not the subject of this week's article. We will address those causes in an upcoming edition. Depending on the location and type of residence, property insurance coverage in Florida can include: • General Homeowners (Hazard, Liability) • Windstorm (Hurricane, Tropical Storm) • Flood (Rising Groundwater, Storm Surge) Anything a property owner can do to reduce exposure to hazards, damage, and deterioration has the potential to reduce premium amounts paid to the insurance company. This is known as mitigating risk, and should be a priority for all Florida property insurance policyholders. Today, we are discussing one of the best ways to evaluate exposure to some of the hazard damage areas that result in the most frequent insurance claims. Saving money on insurance premiums is always important, though not nearly as important as occupants finding and addressing property condition issues that can cause injury or health problems. The underlying purpose for Home Inspections and insurance 4-Points is to promote occupant/resident safety. A 4-Point insurance inspection is a look at the primary areas of a Single-Family Home acknowledged as having higher incidence of damage and insurance claims. When/if deficiencies are found in these 4 main areas of concern, they can be addressed by the property owner and brought up to the insurance company's condition standards for underwriting a Homeowners policy. The specific areas of inspection for an insurance 4-Point are: Roof, Electrical, HVAC & Plumbing. 4-Points are performed by licensed Home Inspectors, Contractors, or Building Code Inspectors, limited to visual inspection of these 4 specific areas and systems. They are not the same as complete Home Inspections which all buyers should have performed within the purchase contract's Due Diligence period. The newer a house is, the less time has gone by for parts of it to deteriorate, break, or wear out. Plus - more recent building codes tend to have stronger standards than older codes, which is why 4-Points are required for older homes, and why newer houses are usually less expensive to insure than older ones. For houses constructed 20+ years ago, insurance companies require the new property owners to have an independent 4-Point inspection performed before issuing a new Homeowners insurance policy. They could also ask for one at policy renewal in order for property condition information on an older home to be as current as possible. Having one performed can also be a good idea for owners thinking about selling their Single-Family Homes. The next owner will also need to insure the property, and providing a pre-listing 4-Point can greatly increase potential buyers' comfort levels when thinking about making an offer. Florida's ongoing property insurance concerns have caused most buyers to include insurance availability and premium cost as important parts of their pre-purchase Due Diligence. Without a 4-Point inspection, insurance companies assume that a given Single-Family Home has full exposure to hazards and damage, which usually means a full-price premium or in some cases declining to write coverage at all. This is because the actual condition of higher-risk parts of the property is unknown. Once the 4 primary systems and components in the property are inspected for condition and applicable code compliance, insurers may adjust premiums and possibly apply discounts to reflect actual exposure and risk. Here are some examples of what inspectors look for in each of the 4 categories: Electrical: • Breaker Panel Condition & Amperage Capacity • Wiring - Type, Damage, Proper Grounding • Any Observed Deficiencies HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning): • Age • Proper Function • Working Condition Evaluation Plumbing: • Type & Condition Of Interior Pipes • Evidence Of Leaks • Connections To Fixtures & Appliances • Water Heater Location, Age, Pressure Relief Valve Roof: • Covering Material (Shingle, Tile, Metal) • Age, Estimated Remaining Useful Life • Visible Damage Or Deterioration, Evidence Of Leaks A written 4-Point report must include supporting photos with comments, observations, and descriptions by the inspector. It goes from the licensed inspector directly to the property insurance company, with a copy going to the buyer (new policy) or current homeowner (renewal). Because of the current state of property insurance in Florida, buyers of Single-Family Homes more than about 10 years old will likely need to have a 4-Point performed by a licensed inspector before their Homeowners insurance company will issue a policy. Even when not required by the company, it is strongly suggested in order to receive any possible adjustments or discounts to the premium. The cost for a 4-Point is most often paid by the buyer directly to the inspector or inspection company. For current homeowners, it is a very good idea to get in touch with your Homeowners insurance agent every couple of years to see if an updated 4-Point might help reduce your premiums. Especially after doing upgrades, repairs, and renovations, homeowners should talk with their agents to update what the company has on file. A new 4-Point may provide details the company needs to accurately calculate risk exposure and apply premium discounts. There is NO guarantee that a new 4-Point inspection will reduce your current property insurance premiums. Though keep in mind that when insurance companies don't have accurate, up-to-date information on file about a property's pre-claim condition, it can be much more difficult and time consuming for any future claims to be processed and paid. There we are - a brief overview of how 4-Point insurance inspections are used in Florida. If you are a potential buyer of a Single-Family Home more than about 10 years old, understand their value in helping you receive an accurate Homeowners Insurance premium quote. If you already own a Florida SFH, it may be a good idea to ask your insurance agent if having a fresh 4-Point performed on yours could have any effect on your premiums. Be ready to describe any updates, upgrades, and repairs you may have done in the past few years. Very closely related to 4-Points are Florida Wind Mitigation inspections. 4-Points and "Wind Mits" are usually performed at the same time. Look for an article on them in the near future. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com < Previous News Next News >

We Can All Use A Laugh Right About Now Thu Sep 23 2021 04:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Broward Medical Supply: Sat May 15 2021 04:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town December 1, 2022 Share Gulfstream Park Village is Spreading Holiday Magic with Visits from Santa with Snow & Music on Select Dates This Holiday Season. Santa will be making his list and checking it twice! From Nov. 26 – Dec. 24, 2022, Santa Claus is making scheduled visits to Gulfstream Park Village, where families are invited to partake in the festivities and share their Christmas wish lists with the jolly old elf. Available on a first come, first serve basis, Santa will be stationed in the ground level Village Center on select dates from 6-9 p.m. and from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. on December 10. While in line, families can enjoy music and the open-air lifestyle center’s Symphony in Lights festival running daily through December 31. With the grounds illuminated in more than 250,000 LED lights, this amazing spectacle will be set to the sounds of holiday favorites from yesterday and today. A 10-minute light show takes place at the top of every hour from 6-11 p.m. and will feature snow for a magical effect. In addition to visiting with Santa and taking in the awe-inspiring ‘Symphony in Lights’, families can also enjoy shopping, dining and boundless entertainment at Gulfstream Park Village’s open-air setting. The center’s 11 distinct home stores, including BoConcept, Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Z Gallerie, The Container Store, Bang & Olufsen and many others, offer the very best in holiday décor, entertaining and gifts. Dining destinations, including Yard House, Texas de Brazil, Christine Lee’s, Pastry Is Art, Häagen-Dazs and more offer a delicious break from holiday shopping. A full directory of shops, restaurants and entertainment can be viewed at: www.gulfstreampark.com . When Saturday, December 3 Saturday, December 10 (6:30-9:30 p.m.) Saturday, December 17 Tuesday, December 20 Wednesday, December 21 Saturday, December 24 Santa visits take place 6-9 p.m. except for December 10 where the visit will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Showtimes for Symphony in Lights Festival are at the top of each hour from 6 – 11 p.m. daily through December 31. Where Gulfstream Park Village 901 South Federal Highway Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 For more information about this FREE event, visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/events/ Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events and additional information, visit: www.gulfstreampark.com Or call: (954) 454-7000. < Previous News Next News >

Tony DeSare Trio Brings 'Sinatra & Beyond' To Amaturo Theater South Florida Sun Times Apr 10, 2025 With A Voice Reminiscent Of Sinatra And A Musical Style All His Own, Tony DeSare Brings The Timeless Magic Of Swing To Life With The Tony DeSare Trio In A Much-Anticipated Show, Sinatra & Beyond. Set For Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, At 7:45 p.m. At The Amaturo Theater At The Broward Center For The Performing Arts In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, This Unforgettable Performance Celebrates The Great American Songbook While Showcasing DeSare’s Original Compositions And Fresh Interpretations Of Jazz Classics. With more than 17K Instagram Followers, more than 47K Facebook Followers and 21K Subscribers on YouTube, Desare is a musician for our time. Recognized for his velvety vocals and masterful piano artistry, Tony is more than a Sinatra interpreter—he is an acclaimed singer and songwriter with original works. His albums Radio Show and Song Diaries, blend seamlessly with jazz and pop influences, making his performances both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. “It’s really about making sure that the music happens in the purest way possible. It’s not about impressing them,” says DeSare. “As any performer knows, when you get in front of people, everything changes. It becomes about a musical exchange, a conversation, a constant exchange of energy.” Backed by his dynamic ensemble—David Rourke on guitar and Chuck Bergeron on bass—DeSare delivers a night of swinging classics, heartfelt ballads, and inventive arrangements. The synergy among the musicians enhances his charismatic stage presence, transforming each set into an intimate and immersive experience. Audiences can expect a vibrant mix of beloved Sinatra favorites interwoven with DeSare’s own compositions that highlight his unique artistry and passion for Jazz. DeSare has headlined venues from Jazz at Lincoln Center to major symphony halls, drawing comparisons to legendary crooners while infusing his performances with a modern sensibility. The New York Times praises his ability to “put a fresh spin on old-school classics,” while DownBeat Magazine hails his musicianship as “a perfect balance of tradition and innovation.” David Bowden, music director of the Philharmonic, lauded DeSare as “a supreme showman,” noting, “He clearly understands how to engage an audience and how to find ways to connect.” Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Tony DeSare Trio: Sinatra & Beyond—a night of timeless music, dazzling musicianship, and captivating storytelling—live at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The Gold Coast Jazz Society is a Not-For-Profit Organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Jazz music through a mainstage concert series, free community concerts, educational programs, a jazz scholarship program and musical services provided by the Gold Coast Jazz Society Band. The History of Gold Coast Jazz Society Frederick G. Ruffner, Jr. had a vision to bring more jazz to the “Gold Coast” area of South Florida. In 1992, Fred and a group of avid Jazz buffs made this vision a reality by forming a Non-Profit Organization called the Gold Coast Jazz Society in Fort Lauderdale. Following its formation, the GCJS developed a concert series, which was presented in the main dining room of the historic Riverside Hotel, located on the famous Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. As the concert series continued to grow and expand, a larger venue was required. The concert series was eventually moved to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, located in the Arts & Science District of Fort Lauderdale. Today, the seven-concert Jazz series continues to be presented in the Amaturo Theater each year from November through May. Over the years the Society has grown and expanded to include the presentation of jazz education and community outreach activities, the Jeanette M. Russell Jazz Scholarship Program, and many special events throughout the year. For more information and tickets, visit: www.goldcoastjazz.org Tony DeSare Previous Next

Take Advantage of Your Medicare Wellness Visit October 19, 2023 Share Everyone enrolled in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is eligible for an annual wellness (BPT) - Most of us know that it's important to see a doctor for an annual checkup. During your working years, that annual checkup typically means a full physical. But once you become eligible for Medicare, you'll likely start hearing about something called an annual wellness visit. Unlike a standard head-to-toe physical, an annual wellness visit is primarily focused on preventive care, health screenings and wellness planning. It gives you an opportunity to have a conversation with your doctor about your health status and goals - then create a long-term plan to help you meet those goals and maximize your well-being. While Original Medicare doesn't cover an annual physical, some Medicare Advantage plans do. However, everyone enrolled in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is eligible for an annual wellness visit at no additional cost. If your Medicare Advantage plan includes coverage for an annual comprehensive physical exam, ask your provider if the annual wellness visit and the physical can be scheduled during the same visit. The misconception that the annual wellness visit is the same as a physical could be part of the reason why so few Medicare enrollees take advantage of the benefit - only about 23% of beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare attended a wellness visit. Below you'll find an overview of what to expect from your annual wellness visit - and hopefully the motivation to schedule one. Taking Stock of Your Medical History Your doctor's office may send you a form ahead of your appointment that includes a list of questions. Filling out this form in advance can help ensure your doctor has a thorough understanding of your health history and also remind you of questions you might want to raise at the appointment. If you don't get a form before your visit, you should still be prepared to be as detailed as possible when describing any past medical procedures and illnesses. Knowing specific diagnoses and dates will certainly help, but even giving a rough description of any major medical events in your life will help your physician understand both your past and current medical issues. Your primary care provider will review your relevant medical history, including major illnesses, surgeries, your current medical condition and medications you're taking. The Who's Who of Your Health Care Team Keeping you healthy is a group effort, and the primary care provider you see for your wellness visit will want to know who's part of your health care team. So be prepared to give the person conducting your visit a list of your current health care providers, including contact information and field of specialty. You may have chosen a Health Care Surrogate or a Proxy who will speak on your behalf should you ever become too sick to speak for yourself. If so, bring a copy of your completed forms to your appointment. If you haven't made your choices yet, this is a good time to get your physician's advice on your personal advance care planning. An Rx For a Productive Medication Review Getting a full rundown of all your Vitamins, Minerals, Herbal Supplements and Prescription Medications can help the doctor spot potential Drug Interactions that could be harmful to your health. They will also want to ensure you have a complete understanding of each Medication, its purpose and any Potential Side Effects. Make a list, including how often you take each Medication and the dosage. Or, bring all your pill bottles with you to your appointment and show them to the provider. Stats & Screenings A clinician will check your height, weight and Blood Pressure, and then your provider will likely ask you some questions, including how you have been feeling recently. These questions are designed to test your cognitive function and screen you for Depression. Answer them as honestly as possible and come to the appointment well rested so you can perform your best on the tests. Creating a Wellness Plan After completing all tests and assessments, your provider will be ready to assess your current health status and work with you to develop a plan to meet your health goals. That plan will address how to treat your current conditions and how to help prevent future health problems. If you have any risk factors for developing new conditions, your provider will give you some options for managing those risks. You can also set up a schedule for preventive care or screening tests and discuss treatment options for any newly diagnosed conditions. Don't be shy to ask questions throughout the annual wellness visit; your provider may have more time than usual to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. It's also important to be honest about your health goals. Not everyone sets out to exercise daily or lose 10 pounds in the next year - and that's OK. Maybe your goal is to ride a bike with your grandkids around the neighborhood or to cut back on your alcohol consumption. Whatever your health goals are, your provider can't help you reach them if they don't know about them. So be as open and honest as possible during your visit. Things To Keep In Mind To avoid surprises, pay attention to these details as you get your visit on the calendar: • Make sure the appointment is scheduled specifically as an annual wellness visit, or the provider may bill it as a normal office visit, which could be subject to a copay, depending on your plan. For UnitedHealthcare Members, a dedicated customer service advocate can even help schedule your appointment for you. • If your provider orders a test during the annual wellness visit, you may be charged any applicable lab or diagnostic copay for the recommended services. The Bottom Line When you are prepared, your annual wellness visit is more than just an office visit. It is your opportunity to take charge of your health and help ensure you're on the right path to living the life you want. If you haven't scheduled yours yet, use this as the push you need to get it on your calendar. It could be one of the most important conversations you have all year. To learn more about how your Medicare plan can help you access the care you need, visit: www.medicare.gov < Previous News Next News >