A Message from the Mayor: Developing a Parks and Recreation Master Plan for Sunny Isles Beach Thu Oct 27 2022 16:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ways Color Can Make Your House a Haven Thu Feb 03 2022 05:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hadassah Reopens Key Spaces - At Its Youth Villages In Israel Following Extensive Renovations By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, has reopened two facilities at its youth villages in Israel, which serve vulnerable teens and pre-teens, following extensive renovations. The psychological therapy center at Hadassah’s Meir Shfeyah youth village, near Haifa, will now be known as the Ellen Hershkin Therapeutic Center in honor of Hadassah’s 26th national president, who led the organization from 2016 to 2019. At the Hadassah Neurim youth village, near Netanya, the spacious, redesigned emergency shelter will serve as a secure space and command center during emergencies and a leisure and activity space year-round. The renovations were made possible by more than $500,000 from Hadassah’s crisis-response fundraising efforts following the October 7 attacks. The youth villages, which are home to almost 700 students and 200 staff members, are supported by Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah program. Ellen Hershkin Therapeutic Center at Meir Shfeyah Youth Village The Ellen Hershkin Therapeutic Center offers Meir Shfeyah’s residents a welcoming environment where they can meet with social workers and therapists. The renovation is especially timely given the increasing number of residents experiencing trauma due to the October 7th invasion and the subsequent war. While the Center is located on the first floor of the Meir Shfeyah administration building, the renovation encompassed the building’s entire exterior and interior. “I’m humbled to see my name on an edifice that exists solely to be a safe haven for our young residents,” said past Hershkin. “Children are a country’s greatest resource and nurturing them, which Hadassah does in partnership with many, many talented and dedicated professionals, donors and volunteers, is more than a mitzvah. It is holy work.” As part of the ceremony, Hershkin and Inessa Shlomov, the mother of Meir Shfeyah graduate Simon Shlomov, who was killed in February while serving with the IDF, affixed a mezuzah to the entrance to the Center. Emergency Shelter at Hadassah Neurim Youth Village The almost 4,000-square-foot shelter on the campus of Hadassah Neurim has been upgraded and outfitted to protect students and faculty from attack while providing a year-round leisure and activity space. The shelter now offers four large rooms – a Yoga-Pilates-dance studio, a movie theater, a student leadership room and a staff room – as well as two kitchens and two bathrooms. A nurse’s station is available for emergencies and the staff room has been set up to function as a command center in a crisis. During the dedication ceremony, which honored Hadassah Neurim graduates and family members killed on or since October 7th, those assembled lit memorial candles and recited a prayer for fallen IDF soldiers. Previous Next

Hallandale Beach Parking Program: Residents Are Still Concerned How It Will Impact Them By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper November 4, 2021 Share I have received some questions about our parking program. It has been discussed many times over the years and was adopted by the commission. It started last month and will not be enforced by our parking enforcement team through the Police Department. There were requests to have residents that live on 3rd street be able to apply for an annual parking pass. This was not recommended by staff due to the fact this is a commercial area and many of the units already have two spots. I was not at the last meeting or I would have brought the issue up. The main issue is that we truly do not want residents storing their cars on the street. This may change but it will be up to the commission to do so. Below is an article I wrote on the topic. Please save the date, on Tuesday, November 16th 2021 at 12:00 p.m. via ZOOM, I will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the 40 Year Inspections and to introduce our new Building Official Shellie Jackson. She will be reviewing our new permitting system and programs, for further info, check out my Facebook Page. Over the past year our City Commission had directed staff to develop a comprehensive citywide parking program. Over the past two months we have hired parking enforcement officers. We also have equipped them with electric vehicles. They have been going around the City and issuing tickets for both illegally parked or unpaid parked cars at our metered locations. This past meeting the Staff parking committee brought forward recommendations on a plan. It included analysis of existing on street parking throughout the City. They recommended two types of parking rates: premium and regular. The residual rates were not changed but on-street parking now will be charged and a monthly rate of $30 per month for residential. The main reasons for enforcement are threefold and public safety is paramount. We need to enforce no parking zones, blocked crosswalks and hydrants. We also need to enforce parking and storage of privately owned commercial vehicles. Maintenance also needs to be provided for on public spaces and roadways. Lastly reimbursement for planning, zoning and enforcement costs for the parking itself. Currently we have a standard parking rate of $1.00 per hour and a premium parking rate of $2.50. The residential beach parking is $300.00 per year of which only 3 permits have been issued. There are no overnight parking passes and sadly there has been limited enforcement. Other surrounding cities have parking programs with varying rates. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Pompano, Hollywood, Surfside and Dania Beach all have parking fees that range from $1.75 to $3.00 with residential passes available. During the season and on special events, the rates are a bit higher. Staff has developed two tiers of parking: premium nonresidential at a rate of $4.00 and a standard parking rate at $2.50. Residential rates will not change and remain at the standard rate of $1.00 and the $2.50 holiday rate. Holiday flat rate is $20.00. Premium parking was proposed for 4 locations: South Beach lot, North Beach lot, Diana Drive, The Fashion Art And Design District (FADD) on First avenue and on Northeast 3rd Street. During our meeting it was suggested that FADD be set as Standard until all of the construction on the new lot is completed and that the stores have had a chance to expand. Diana Drive will remain due to the fact that we have issues with commercial overnight parking generated by the surrounding hotels. Please note that there will be a residential pass which equates to $1.00 a day for $30.00. There will be five zones, Zone 1 is Diana Drive and Golden Isles Drive, Zone 2 is Three Islands Boulevard, Zone 3 is Atlantic Shores Boulevard and 14th Avenue, Zone 4 is around Peter Bluesten Park and Zone 5 is the Northwest around the new proposed Development on Dixie Highway and East of OB Johnson Park. It also needs to be noted that we are looking to expand parking on Three Islands Boulevard and Atlantic Shores Boulevard. When the Diplomat is reconstructed, there will be a public lot that I requested and was incorporated as part of the development agreement. I have already received two constituent questions on this proposal. The Parking Program was passed 4-0 by the City Commission and an ordinance will be coming forward. We know this is new and we are surely expecting push back. It is a change and I responded to the second question which was an email to explain in my opinion the logic in supporting this proposal. The resident was in general complaining about new taxes and comparing us to the States of California and New York. As I stated before we already had parking fees. What has changed is a new non-resident's fee. What is changing is where people are parking for free, where there will be parking charges and the added resident pass rate. I explained to the City governments that they must provide services to our constituents while balancing a budget under the restraints of the limited availability of resources. We are in the business of providing: Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Police, Fire, EMS, Trash Removal, Parks, Maintaining Roadways, providing Code Enforcement, Building Services and an array of other services. Our choice to provide on-street parking and the ability for residents to utilize our City assets is a service that needs to be managed and the management of our assets costs money. We are trying to add parking spots. In addition, enforce parking where people are storing their work vehicles, recreational vehicles, simply parking their cars and renting out their own personal parking spots for revenue. Condominiums that were built years ago without parking spaces or with one parking space are not paying a thing to utilize city property. This is a reality in our community and to many others. Individuals living in condos know that they bought the condo with one parking spot. In my humble opinion, it is not fair that these residents are utilizing City property, but are not having to pay for its upkeep. One would argue that property taxes should be paying for everything and that we should not have fees. Also, when we charge fees, it makes it more difficult typically for those on tight budgets. The reality is that our costs just like every other business go up and we can only charge up to 8% percent millage by law. Millage rates are capped by the state. In addition, Save Our Homes and other exemptions that reduce the amount of taxes that are collected, however, this structure does not generate enough to pay for everything that we must provide. Please be assured that as a resident myself I am very sensitive to taxes and fees that we must pay within our community. Those combined taxes and fees for services run approximately 22%. That is low comparatively speaking to any other communities. We will continue to work on ways to balance our budget and utilize our City resources for the benefit of all individuals. While we are working to implement this new program, it should be noted that residential parking fees will be approximately $30 a day. I hope that this sheds some light on the rationale of the direction our City is going in. We are stewards of our City's assets. People in our City, State and Nation need to understand that the quality of life, the amenities and services cities provide around our country cost money. Therefore, so many people want to come to our country and enjoy living in our wonderful nation. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City, a better place, on my phone/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can e-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit my Facebook Page: MayorJoyCooper. Like It! Friend It! Share It! < Previous News Next News >

A Survivor's Reflection Thu Mar 21 2024 16:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Educate Florida’s Youth On Holocaust And Peacemaking: Up To 2 Million Students Across Florida Will Benefit From The New Educational Programming Thu Sep 12 2024 16:16:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Join In The Fun At The St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival Thu Mar 07 2024 17:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hello Miami! - The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck To Pop Up At CityPlace Doral On January 24th, 2026 South Florida Sun Times Jan 7, 2026 Hello CityPlace Doral! Due To Popular Demand, For The Third Year In A Row, Sanrio’s Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Is Rolling Into CityPlace Doral’s Fountain Plaza. The Community Is Invited To Shop Hello Kitty-Themed Sweet Treats And Merchandise While Supplies Last On Saturday, January 24th, 2026 From 11:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m. The all-pink cafe on wheels will sell yummy sweets, including 10th anniversary cookies, five-piece macaron sets, and Madeleines. Supporters can also shop super cute merch, including 10th anniversary keychains, thermal bottles, mugs, tumblers, T-shirts, blankets, sweatshirts and Hello Kitty Cafe plush toys. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is a mobile pop-up experience celebrating all things Hello Kitty and carries Hello Kitty collectibles and sweet treats that are exclusively available only on the truck or at the brick & mortar shops in Irvine and Santa Clara, California. The first Hello Kitty Cafe Truck was first launched in 2014, and today, there are three Hello Kitty Cafe trucks crisscrossing the country with over 100 U.S. cities visited to date. When: Saturday, January 24th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where: CityPlace Doral - 8300 Northwest 36th Street, Doral, Florida 33166 How: For more details, please visit https://cityplacedoral.com/events . Cost: The event is free and open to the public. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck accepts payments via credit/debit card only. Parking at CityPlace Doral is available for an additional charge in the parking garage. Valet service is also available. About CityPlace Doral: CityPlace Doral is an attractive leisure destination offering a collection of memorable dining, shopping, wellness and entertainment experiences. Featuring 250,000 square feet of retail space, CityPlace Doral is a master-planned, mixed-use development nestled in the dynamic employment center of Doral in the heart of Miami-Dade County. CityPlace Doral combines the vision of world-renowned architects, designers and artists creating the next crown jewel of prosperous dining, entertainment and upscale shopping in one of South Florida’s growing cities. CityPlace Doral includes more than 40 dining, shopping and entertainment destinations for all palates and walks of life, and the property’s entertainment retail component is anchored by a roster of first-class tenants from all over the country. For more information, visit: www.cityplacedoral.com - Or call: (786) 693-1849. Join the conversation and follow CityPlace Doral on Instagram, Facebook and X at: @CityPlaceDoral. Previous Next

10 Totally Doable Ways Sellers Can Raise Resale Value By Merilee Kern, MBA Jan 14, 2026 As The Market Slowly Cools Off, Homeowners Are More Interested Than Ever In Finding Ways To Make Sure Their Properties Resell For As Much As Possible. However, Choosing Between The Many Potential Renovations Makes Moving Forward With Your Home Improvement And Listing For Sale Overwhelming. What type of renovations can increase home resale value… or generally add tremendous appeal that can tip the scales in your favor? Below Jon Grishpul, Co-CEO of www.GreatBuildz.com —a free service that matches homeowners with reliable, pre-screened general contractors—suggests these 10 ways to renovate in intelligent, efficient ways that will help you get more money back as you put your home on the market. #1: Outdoor Upgrades: Curb appeal cannot be understated, and buyers like to have a group area to come home to. This includes the front yard, back yard, any patio space, and even the driveway. If any of these structures need serious renovation or repair, consider prioritizing this area to increase home value. Driveways, in particular, can add a lot of value. This is particularly true if you have an unpaved driveway or can expand the driveway to be wider. These will not only add value, but they will also attract attention. Another addition that can make a huge difference is an outdoor living area, such as a deck or patio. Homeowners have found that they get nearly 100% back on this investment, so it can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and then increase your resale value down the line. When doing large landscaping and paving projects, however, keep in mind that you should not DIY these renovations unless you have experience with these projects. Hiring a professional to lead with these tasks will be more expensive, but the end results will be far more successful. #2: Outdoor Showers: Thanks to celebrities and popular architects, outdoor showers are having a moment this year as a major remodeling trend. They’re practical outdoor remodeling projects that serve multiple purposes and add unique designs to traditional neighborhoods. You could use your shower to rinse off after swimming in your pool or mowing your lawn. Wash your dog in your outdoor shower to minimize the inevitable indoor mess. They’re also great additions to coastal rental homes for guests who frequently jump into the waves. If you’re considering an outdoor shower, remember to select features like water-resistant tiles to make it last longer. It should also have complete privacy from any neighbors and drainage that directs water away from your home’s foundation. #3: Built-In Bookshelves: Wobbly bookshelves and temporary furniture are old news. People are looking forward to installing built-in bookshelves this year instead. They add value to any property and give it instant character — built-in shelves are more of a bold statement than standing shelves. They’re also a fun opportunity to create a secret doorway or an entertainment cabinet – talk about a fun remodeling trend. #4: Fireplace Addition: Many buyers are looking for homes that have charming and warm fireplaces in their homes, and they’re not always a common feature. Depending on the layout of your home, it can cost just a few thousand dollars to do this renovation. Even though the investment is small, the return that you might see when reselling is huge. Plus, it will help your home stand out from others that don’t have comparable features. This is a definite must if comparable homes in your area all have fireplaces. Without one, you might miss out on great potential buyers. #5: Expansive Windows: Wider windows are popular for numerous reasons. They let more sunlight into your home, decreasing the need for lamps and more electricity. Big windows can also make rooms appear bigger. Your home will feel brand new with a slightly more expansive view of your backyard or neighborhood. #6: Tankless Water Heaters: Instead of consuming electricity to continuously heat a large tank of water for small usages, tankless heaters warm water only when you need it. They’re more cost-efficient for long-term use than water tanks because you’ll use much less daily electricity. #7: Hidden TV Centers: People don’t want to get rid of their televisions, but sometimes it’s nice to hide TVs away for more family time and a cleaner aesthetic. Building a built-in bookshelf that spans your living room wall or an alcove with hidden doors above your fireplace has great appeal. Whether you have a large flatscreen that prioritizes the environment or a vintage television, you can build an entertainment center that tucks it out of sight whenever you want to unplug. #8: Jetted Bathtub: Going to the spa is always a treat, but you might not schedule appointments as often as you’d like. That’s one reason homeowners are installing jetted bathtubs in their bathrooms. You can relax in luxury without leaving your home once you remodel your bathroom to fit your preferred jetted model. The simple element will help relieve your daily stress if you love to soak in a bubble bath. #9: Walk-In Closets: Bigger closets give you more room to store your belongings, but they’re so much more than storage space. They also add luxury to any home and create new opportunities for personalization. Consider remodeling your closet this year to include features like cabinets, built-in lighting, display shelves, and seating. You’ll add value to your home and make it feel like a mansion. Plus, it’s always helpful to have extra room for storing your belongings. #10: Kitchen Refresh: When buyers are browsing real estate listings, many are seeking stunning kitchens with amazing details. If your home doesn’t have this yet, upgrading the kitchen is one of the best renovations that you can do. That being said, kitchen remodels can be incredibly expensive. Still, you should also remember that the return on investment can be huge. Some sellers that renovated their kitchen before selling found that their home resale value rose by more than $80,000 after a kitchen remodel, and they even got multiple offers. If comparable properties in your area have renovated kitchens, this will be a must if you want to increase your listing price. If properties do not have renovated kitchens, this might be a great time to stand out. To cut back on costs, consider only renovating part of the kitchen, especially if your kitchen is already partially updated. You can spend less than $20,000 on renovations if you only update one or two of the following: • Cabinetry • Appliances • Countertops • Flooring • Lighting and fixtures Of course, consider your budget when choosing between these enhancements. It’s ok if you cannot take on a huge renovation project. Even small investments can double back the money you earn at resale, so think logically as you plan your next steps. Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at: www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram: www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN: www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern . All images "Courtesy of: www.GreatBuildz.com " Previous Next

Black Friday Deals All Month At Brand International - Looking Good For The Holidays With New Designer Eyewear & Trendy Fragrances November 21, 2024 Share When people hear about Black Friday deals they think of the day after Thanksgiving. But at Brand International Perfume they are having a Black Friday sale all month long. Are you looking for a new signature scent or a gift for the special people in your life? This sale will have you smelling even better than the Holiday dinner! The fragrance experts at Brand International can help you find that scent that defines you, all at huge discounts. Plus while you are at Brand International selecting your perfect scent check out the fabulous designer eyewear and sunglasses, you’ll be ready for the season and looking and smelling great. With the holidays almost here, now is the time to start thinking about fall fashion for yourself and the special people in your life, and that prefect fragrance is where it all starts. This Month Long Black Friday sales provides an opportunity for you to save on any perfume you need. You may also be interested in out-of-stock, or hard to find fragrances from your favorite designers. At Brand International Perfume this month they will be hard at work to bring you big savings, owner Jaqueline Kels and her knowledgeable staff are making it easier than ever to shop for your special scent. With the malls and shopping centers starting to get busy with those looking to take advantage of Black Friday bargains on designer perfumes and frames, Brand International Perfume has certainly earned the reputation for being the place to go for fragrance gifts for every member of the family. And, you can guarantee that there will be plenty of convenient parking. Upon entering the store, you’ll be greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable team, handpicked by the owner, Jacqueline Kels. Over the years, Brand International Perfume has earned a stellar reputation as the go-to place for thoughtful gifts for all occasions, and the Holidays are no exception. Ample parking ensures your shopping experience is both convenient and enjoyable. Jacqueline and her team at Brand International Perfumes have the latest scents in stock and are offering savings right through the end of the year on fragrances and eyewear! The friendly staff will help you find the perfect fragrance or gift set for your loved one and while you’re shopping they will assist you with finding a fragrance for yourself as well. We all know that finding that new signature scent or a gift for the special people in your life can be a challenge, so why not take all the guesswork out of it and let the professionals help you. It’s not often that you can purchase quality fragrances at such discounted prices. At Brand International Perfume, high-end items that go from $150, $200, $300 retail - such as Creed, FlowerBomb by Victor & Rolf - are not found in most discount perfume shops, but Jacqueline carries them at significant discounts, along with the other big names - such as Mancera, Tom Ford, Carolina Herrera Good Girl, Bad Boy, Maison Francis, Kurkdjian Paris, Amouage, Montale and Juliette Has A Gun to name a few. Brand International Perfume also has the hottest selection of Dubai Perfumes available. If you want to find a gift that your special someone has never received, Brand International Perfume has the newest, most popular fragrances from the UAE at the best prices, look no further than Brand International Perfume. All of this is possible thanks to Jacqueline’s team of experts who have a genuine passion for fragrances from around the world. They have certainly earned the reputation for being the place to go for fragrance gifts for every member of the family and you can guarantee that there will be plenty of convenient parking. You may also be interested in out-of-stock or hard to find fragrances from your favorite designers. Brand International Perfumes has all the modern and hard to find fragrances you are looking for at discounted prices. In addition to designer fragrances, you can find some new designer eyewear for that special someone. That’s right, Brand International Perfumes is also the one stop shop for designer eyewear. We already know when it comes to trendy fragrances Brand International Perfume has the largest selection in the area and now they have fashionable eyewear. Nobody has the selection and quality that Brand International Perfumes in Hallandale Beach does. From the time you walk in, you are greeted by the most knowledgeable and friendly team that Jacqueline Kels has put together. The fragrance experts at Brand International can help you find that scent that defines you, and a pair of fabulous designer eyewear and sunglasses. They can even gift wrap your purchase! Win Win! When it comes to frames - everyone is searching for that perfect look that fits their personality. Maybe you saw someone wearing a style that you felt would look great on you - or flipping through a magazine - that pair of glasses happened to be just what you were looking for. Come by and Jacqueline will help you with your selection. “What we want to give our customers is a great selection at lower prices and something that everyone will notice,” Jacqueline explained. “Your eyes are so important - and we make it easier than ever for you to come in, bring your prescription and we will find the perfect frame and will have you looking and feeling great about yourself.” You don’t need to be a fashion expert to find eyeglass frames that look great on you. With today’s technology frames are lighter and sleeker than ever. From designer brand name sunglasses to those frames that everyone is talking about, Brand International has it all - and there is really no reason to waste your gas and drive all over south Florida. Among the trendy frames that everyone is wearing these days - include: Vera Wang, Prada, Chanel, Burberry, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Dior, Tiffany, Versace and many more. So with the vast selection of trendy eyewear, and thousands of brand name perfumes, the Staff will be able to help you find exactly what you are looking for. When it comes to having the best deals, with savings on perfume sets to designer brand name sunglasses, there is really no reason to drive all over. With the guidance from her late husband, Elliot, Jacqueline has put her own signature into this very popular business, creating a vision that both had some years ago. Brand International Perfume prides itself on getting anything the customer wants. If it is still out there, if it is still being made, Jacqueline will get it. Even if it’s not being made and very hard to find, she probably has it. Living by Elliot’s motto: “If you can’t find it, we may have it.” This is certainly a destination that shoppers head to. Brand International Perfume’s customer service is second to none. They are open 7 days, with almost three decades of experience Jacqueline and her talented Staff can fit your style, your budget and save you time as well. Brand International Perfume is located at 121 Northeast 3rd Street, Hallandale Beach Florida 33009. If you don’t have time to stop by the store, give Jacqueline a call at: (954) 457-1969. OUT OF STATE: 1 (800) 689-1969. Chances are, you will find your favorite fragrance at a tremendous savings. THEY SHIP UPS ALL OVER THE USA! < Previous News Next News >

A Snowbirds Summer Guide: Don't Think of It as Just a Winter Timeshare Thu Jun 27 2024 16:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Office Party Pitfalls - The Worst Holiday Party Mistakes Revealed By Florida Office Managers Thu Dec 19 2024 19:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)