South Florida’s Kids Got Talent: Free Family Fun Day to Feature Gifted Young Stars Thu Feb 10 2022 05:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Building A Path To Stability: Broward County Transit Offers Innovative Solution To Homelessness April 25, 2024 Share Broward County Transit (BCT) is leading the way in addressing homelessness with a comprehensive and compassionate approach. Recognizing the need for both supporting individuals experiencing shelterlessness and ensuring passenger safety, BCT has partnered with various agencies to launch Project Homeless Connect. Collaboration is Key: "At BCT, we are committed to both supporting our riders and fostering a safe and secure environment," says Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO/General Manager, Broward County Transportation. "Project Homeless Connect exemplifies this commitment through collaboration with Broward County Agencies, Law Enforcement, and community organizations." Addressing Root Causes: In November of 2023, BCT partnered with the Broward County Human Services Division of Housing Options, Solutions, and Support (HOSS-D) team and community partners to begin to address the issues of unsheltered people at bus terminals, bus stops, and on certain routes. A dedicated team of street outreach workers that includes a licensed clinical practitioner began engaging, assessing, and providing shelter and housing referrals to the people served in this pilot. Since its inception, over 324 shelterless individuals have been identified that frequent the public transportation system and through this collaborative effort, essential services including: shelter placements, case management, mental health resources, and legal assistance have been provided. Positive Outcomes: Project Homeless Connect at the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Terminal has been a success, since launching on February 20th, 2024, and has yielded positive results: • 19 individuals sheltered. • 20 individuals connected with addiction recovery services at the Broward Addiction Recovery Center (BARC). • One person received medical care. • Another individual was reunited with their family. Beyond these direct interventions, the project also improved the environment at the transit center as the individual’s belongings were humanely cared for and stored; and the entire terminal was freshened-up through deep cleaning, new lighting, and other customer amenities. From Despair to Determined: A Life Transformed At the February 24th Outreach Event, one woman self-identified as being at her lowest point. Struggling with a cycle of addiction and waiting for her next fix, she shared that she had not intended to get help that day, but as she watched what was unfolding around her, she decided to jump in. Now 49 days clean, she is thriving in a residential treatment center. “We view this initial effort as a huge success,” says Cuff Lonergan, “we will continue to monitor activities at our Broward Central Terminal location and provide similar services as necessary with our shelterless support partners.” Over the next few months, Broward County Transit, along with their homeless outreach partners, will expand its outreach efforts to additional locations including the Northeast Transit Center in Pompano Beach, Florida, the Lauderhill Transit Center, in Lauderhill Florida, and the West Terminal in Plantation, Florida. < Previous News Next News >

Family Fun With A Pop: Kid-Friendly Snacks And Treats Perfect For Sharing By Family Features July 13, 2023 Share When hunger strikes and family fun calls for a snack to keep the excitement going, take your kiddos to the kitchen to whip up a tasty treat for all to enjoy. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or watching favorite movies, turn to an ingredient like Popcorn that encourages creativity. Plus, it's a delicious way for adults to turn back the clock and recreate childhood memories while making new ones with the family. Consider these Popcorn-inspired snacks to serve during your next adventure: • Take yourself back in time to your own childhood with a classic pairing that never goes out of style: Peanut Butter and Jelly Popcorn. This version offers a fun way to jazz up Popcorn for kids and adults alike with a sprinkling of Strawberries and Dried Cranberries on top for added nutrition. • When it's time for a little fun in the sun or a trip to the park, sweeten up the celebration with this Graham Cracker Picnic Mix that's a flavorful, kid-favorite combination of Popcorn, Bear-Shaped Graham Crackers, Marshmallows, Fudge-Covered Pretzels and Miniature Cookies. • Pizza is hard to beat as a snacking solution the whole family can enjoy and this Grab and Go Pizza Popcorn is no exception. Ready in just minutes by mixing Popcorn, Parmesan Cheese and seasonings, little ones can help prepare a batch quickly before heading out the door. • Colorful and fun, these Minty Green Popcorn Clusters are simple to make and a perfect treat to share. Just melt together the Marshmallows, the Butter, the Salt, the Green Food Coloring and the Peppermint Extract before tossing it with the Popcorn and the Green Candy-Coated Chocolates. To find more family-friendly snack time favorites, visit: www.Popcorn.org Peanut Butter And Jelly Popcorn Servings: 4-6 • 8 Cups of Popcorn • 2 Tablespoons of Raspberry Jam • 1/2 Cup of White Chocolate Chips • 3 Tablespoons of Smooth Natural Peanut Butter • 1/4 Cup of Freeze-Dried Strawberries • 1/4 Cup of Dried Cranberries In a large bowl, stir the Popcorn and the Jam until it is evenly coated. Transfer it to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. In a small heatproof bowl over a small saucepan of barely simmering water, add the White Chocolate Chips and the Peanut Butter. Cook it, stirring it occasionally, 3-5 minutes, or until it is smooth and melted. Drizzle the Peanut Butter mixture over the Popcorn mixture. Sprinkle it with the Strawberries and the Cranberries. Refrigerate it for 10 minutes, or until the Peanut Butter mixture is set; break it into pieces to serve it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Graham Cracker Picnic Mix Yield: About 12 Cups • 1/4 Cup of Vegetable Oil • 1/4 Cup of Sugar • 5-6 Drops of Pink Neon Liquid Food Coloring or desired color • 1/2 Cup of Unpopped Popcorn Kernels • 1 Package of Mini Pastel Marshmallows • 1 Cup of Bear-Shaped Graham Crackers • 1 Package of White Fudge-Covered Pretzels • 1 Cup of Mini Cookies In a large pot over medium heat, stir oil, sugar and food coloring. Stir in the Popcorn Kernels and cover it. Cook it until the Popcorn begins to pop. Shake the pot over the heat until the popping slows. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the Popcorn into a large bowl. Add the Marshmallows, the Graham Crackers, the Pretzels and the Cookies then lightly toss them. Grab And Go Pizza Popcorn Yield: 6 Quarts • 6 Quarts of Popped Popcorn • Olive Oil Cooking Spray • 1 Cup of grated Parmesan Cheese • 2 Teaspoons of Garlic Salt • 2 Teaspoons of Paprika • 1 Tablespoon of Italian Seasoning Place the Popcorn in a large, sealable plastic container or 2 1/2-gallon plastic sealable bags. Spray the Popcorn lightly with Cooking Spray. Sprinkle the Cheese, the Garlic Salt, the Paprika and the Italian Seasoning over the Popcorn and shake it to distribute it evenly. To serve, scoop the Popcorn into reusable plastic cups. Minty Green Popcorn Clusters Yield: 32 Clusters • 12 Cups of Unsalted, Unbuttered, Popped Popcorn • 4 Cups of Mini Marshmallows • 2 Tablespoons of Butter or Light Olive Oil • 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt • 1 Tablespoon of Green Food Coloring • 1/4 Teaspoon of Peppermint Extract • 1 Cup of Green Candy-Coated Chocolate Candies Place the Popcorn in a large mixing bowl. In a saucepan over Medium Heat, melt the Marshmallows, the Butter and the Salt, stirring it occasionally, until it is smooth. Remove it from the heat; stir it in the Food Coloring and the Peppermint Extract. Toss the Marshmallow mixture with the Popcorn; cool for 2-3 minutes, or until cool enough to handle. Toss with the Chocolate Candies. Shape 3 Tablespoons of the Popcorn mixture into a small cluster; repeat with the remaining Popcorn mixture. Place it on a wax paper-lined baking sheet; cool completely. < Previous News Next News >

A Fresh Taste of Creativity: Hallandale Beach's New Shipping Container Restaurant Brings Unique Dining Concept to Broward County Tue May 16 2023 16:25:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ahoy, Mateys! It’s Time for the City of Hollywood Cardboard Boat Race! October 7, 2021 Share Join us this Saturday for the City of Hollywood’s Annual Cardboard Boat Race and watch more than 50 cardboard boat crews compete in their boats made entirely of cardboard! The race sets sail on Hollywood’s North Lake on Saturday, October 9 at 10 a.m. at the Hollywood Marina at 700 Polk Street. Landlubbers will gather to cheer as the crews paddle in head-to-head competition for the coveted trophies in categories such as: “People’s Choice,” “Last Boat Sailing,” “Fastest Vessel,” “Most Creative Design” and “Most Spectacular Sinking.” Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For additional information, please call the City of Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at 954.921.3404 or visit www.hollywoodfl.org/specialevents Hollywood Marina Master Plan Underway Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to Provide Input Plan to participate in the first public meetings scheduled for Wednesday, October 13th at 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 14th at 4:30 p.m. Additional information and meeting links can be found at www.PlanHollywoodFLMarina.com < Previous News Next News >

Open Dialogues: How the Faith-Based Community Can Better Include and Accept LGBTQ Individuals Thu Sep 16 2021 04:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Celebrate The Holidays And New Year’s Eve With The Quintessenial Queens Aventura Digest Dec 18, 2025 Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale Invites South Florida To Celebrate The Holidays In Fabulous Style With The Return Of Its Signature Holiday Spectacular Brunch And New Year’s Eve Celebration. Every Sunday, From November 30th Through December 21st, Beginning At 2:00 p.m., Guests Will Enjoy A Delicious Brunch And The World-Famous Show With A Sprinkle Of Holiday Classics. The Holiday Fun Continues With A Special Brunch Show On Christmas Eve Day. The Year Culminates With A New Year’s Eve Dinner And Show At 7:00 p.m., Followed By A Dazzling Masquerade Ball And Countdown Party At 10:00 p.m. “Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with friends, family and co-workers as one of South Florida’s most lively destinations for great food, craft cocktails and an illusionist show,” said Rianna Petrone, General Manager of Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the holiday season with our special brunch shows, and of course, to ring in the new year with the best Queens in South Florida.” The Holiday Spectacular brunch series will feature festive themed performances by the Aquanettes and will be hosted by Nicolette, an 18-year veteran of the drag brunch scene. Each Sunday brunch, on November 30th and December 7th, December 14th and December 21st, includes a flavorful menu of brunch favorites plus unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys for $49.95 per person. The Christmas Eve day brunch at 12:00 p.m., hosted by Velvet Lenore and also $49.95, will offer an elevated holiday experience with fun performances, sparkling surprises and a vibrant atmosphere to celebrate the season. To welcome in 2026, Aquaplex will offer a New Year’s Eve seating at 7:00 p.m. featuring a three-course dinner and live show hosted by Velvet Lenore for $65 per person. The New Year’s Eve dinner menu includes appetizer options of Shrimp Cocktail or Aqua Salad. Entrees will include New York Strip Steak, Lobster Ravioli, Sweet and Sticky Salmon, French Onion Chicken and a vegan Mushroom Ravioli. The evening ends on a sweet note with a rich Chocolate Mousse Cake dessert. At 10:00 p.m., the evening transforms into a dazzling Masquerade Ball with passed hors d’oeuvres, two-hour open bar, party favors, pop up performances by the Aquanettes and a midnight Champagne toast for $95 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity. It’s ball-dropping fun for all as guests enjoy a live countdown on stage followed by more dancing to start the new year in style. Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale is located at 1421 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334 in Oakland Park, just one mile east of I-95. Ticket pricing excludes tax and gratuity. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling: (954) 567-0987. Or visiting: www.fladragshow.com - And: www.opentable.com . Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale, formerly Lips Fort Lauderdale, continues the tradition of offering an immersive and interactive entertainment experience with leading drag entertainers. Sold out audiences indulge in a variety of show concepts performed by the Aquanettes and an elevated bar and dining menu. Aquaplex is open Tuesday through Sunday nights with weekend brunch shows. Happy hours are Tuesdays through Fridays starting at 5 p.m. Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale is located at 1421 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334 in Oakland Park, about one-mile east of I-95. For more information, call: (954) 567-0987. Or visit: www.fladragshow.com . It is the sister property to Aquaplex Key West, located at 711 Duval Street, Key West, Florida 33040 which has gained the reputation as the leading entertainment destination on the southernmost tip island with a multitude of experiences all under one roof including the Aqua Theater & Bar, Back Bar, 22& Co. Bar and the Aquabelle Fusion Food Truck. The Birdcage Cabaret Show, a Las Vegas style production hosted by internationally recognized entertainer, Christopher Peterson, is featured on select nights. Nicolette - Photo Credit: The Drag Photographer Velvet Lenore - Photo Credit: Courtesy of Velvet Lenore Previous Next

Sunny Isles Beach Residents’ Academy is a 7-session course that will introduce residents to the operations of the City of Sunny Isles Beach. Wed Jan 22 2025 18:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Trickle in History: Pembroke Pines Resident Wins International Writing Contest Thu Oct 20 2022 16:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Summertime Heats Up: Aventura's Happy Hour Scene With New Hotspots By Joyce R. Forchion July 20, 2022 Share Aventura has always received accolades for providing a high quality of life for its residing families, but now, the city is building a formidable reputation for its after-work happy hour scene. Years ago, young professionals employed within the city would bypass the understated, family-oriented area to imbibe with friends in South Beach or its neighboring communities, such as Wynwood or Brickell. Times have changed as Aventura’s current workforce now has the option to walk outside of their office complexes at the end of a workday and select from dozens of trendy haunts and chic resto-lounges at their disposal. The City’s various open-air Happy Hour experiences– including one of the community’s first rooftop bars– utilize the South Florida sunsets as entrancing backdrops to elevate the ambience of the summer season and solidify Aventura’s character as a viable “quitting-time” draw. With so many new and fresh Happy Hour options from which to choose, where can one decide to convene with coworkers and friends for cocktails and conversations, or discuss business deals informally over a refreshing nightcap and tasty tapas? Below are some of the trendiest after-work hotspots that have emerged in Aventura, contributing an air of flair to the city’s burgeoning– yet refreshingly tasteful– nightlife options. Asiatiko Robata Bar www.Asiatikomiami.com Located in the modish Aventura ParkSquare shopping plaza, this establishment is known as much for its bustling, crowded courtyard each weeknight as it is for its delectable Kosher sushi and world cuisine. Happy Hour takes place Monday through Thursday at 6:00 pm, but the restaurant is closed each Friday to reopen on weekends for late-night eats. Guests are encouraged to try “The Magic of Asia” spirits menu, curated by Aaron Diaz and Cocteleria Conceptual. Reunion Ktchn Bar (Global Cuisine) www.Reunionkb.com Fostering the spirit of fellowship, guests at this establishment have the option of selecting three unique seating areas including a wine gallery, patio, and gastronomic lounge to personalize your atmosphere. Though Happy Hour takes place Monday through Friday between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm, this option is only limited to the bar and tabletop areas. Popular hand-crafted cocktails include the Ginger Margarita, Miami Storm, Mykonos Mojito. The restaurant hosts a regular DJ and recently announced its Live Music offerings, with the next performance scheduled for Wednesday, July 20 at 7:30 pm. Skye Rooftop Aventura www.Skyerooftop.com Aventura has joined the ranks of South Florida’s nightlife emporiums by offering its own rooftop bar, which is located on the eleventh floor of the SERENA Hotel Aventura, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. A distinctive array of fluorescent lights, live musical performances, breathtaking sunsets and eclectic tapas await visitors in hopes of enjoying a night out with sweeping views of the city, but the venue is only open from Thursday to Saturday, 7:30 pm - 12:30 am. Taco Box https://linktr.ee/tacoboxmiami A modern take on the traditional Mexican restaurant, including dietary menu options for the health-conscious community including spinach and kale salad bowls, this establishment offers Happy Hour each day from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and over a dozen taco varieties. Daily deals include Taco Tuesday, “2 for 1” Margaritas on Wednesdays and a “Ladies Night” each Thursday. This establishment is located directly behind Bonefish Grill in Town Center Aventura. LOVE, AVENTURA. A column celebrating the heart, soul, and culture of our community. < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Celebrates 28 Years of Incorporation: City of Aventura Commemorates Its Annual Founders Day at Gulfstream Park Fri Nov 10 2023 17:16:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Celebrating Freedom 250 Through Music - Miami Music Project Receives National Endowment For The Arts Grant To Support Its Children’s Orchestras Program Aventura Digest Aug 27, 2026 Miami Music Project Is Pleased To Announce It Has Received A $50,000 Grant Award From The National Endowment For The Arts For The 2026-2027 Program Year. This Funding Will Support Its Children’s Orchestras Program, A Tuition-Free, Year-Round, Daily After-School Youth Development Program With Intensive Orchestral Training. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support opportunities across the country for Americans to experience and participate in the arts,” said Mary Anne Carter, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “As we celebrate the country’s 250th Anniversary this year, it is a moment to recognize the important role the arts continue to play in our lives, communities, and heritage.” The Miami Music Project Children’s Orchestras program is dedicated to expanding access to orchestral music education for all, fostering youth development, and celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States through 25 community performances to commemorate this historic milestone. “We are deeply honored to receive this milestone investment from the National Endowment for the Arts,” said Miami Music Project President and CEO Anna Klimala. “Dedicated to advancing the values of opportunity, community, and service, our organization proudly celebrates Freedom 250 by ensuring more young people have access to exceptional music education and performances that honor the nation’s artistic heritage.” About the National Endowment for the Arts Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit: www.arts.gov . About Miami Music Project Miami Music Project is a 501(c)(3) award-winning NonProfit Organization that uses music as an instrument for social transformation, empowering children to acquire values and achieve their full potential, positively affecting their society through the study and performance of music. Miami Music Project’s vision is to create opportunity and access through music for those most in need, improve the quality of life for children today, and ultimately transform their lives, the lives of their families, and their communities. Emerging as a model for music education programs nationally, Miami Music Project offers free-of-charge, after-school programming to all students with no barriers to entry, regardless of race or economic status. As of today, Miami Music Project has reached over 33,000 children and youth across Miami-Dade County, becoming one of the largest socially transformative music initiatives in the U.S. Miami Music Project's programming is inspired by the El Sistema phenomenon - a new model for social change and a visionary global movement that transforms the lives of children through music. Miami Music Project meets children in seven local schools, providing them with the highest-quality, immersive conservatory-level education three hours a day, five times a week. This support results in 100% of our senior students pursuing higher education. Learn more at: Instagram: @miamimusicproject Facebook: @miamimusicproject X: @MiaMusicProject YouTube: youtube.com/@MiamiMusicProject https://miamimusicproject.org/ Previous Next