Giving Thanks & Thanksgiving Fri Nov 17 2023 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Cyberwell Warns Of Antisemitic Conspiracies Blaming Jews For Wildfires Across Europe Jewish Connection News Aug 27, 2026 CyberWell, A NonProfit And Trusted Partner Of Meta (Facebook, Instagram And Threads), Tiktok And Youtube Working To Combat Online Antisemitism, Alerted X After Identifying A New Wave Of Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories Falsely Blaming Jews For Wildfires Across Europe. Cyberwell Identified Nearly Identical Narratives Surrounding Recent Wildfires In Norway, France, And Spain, Reinforcing What The Organization Describes As A Recurring Pattern Of Event-Driven Antisemitism, In Which Major Crises Are Exploited To Spread Hate Toward Jews. The organization’s analysts identified multiple posts in English, French, and Spanish falsely claiming that Jews deliberately started the fires or orchestrated them for political or financial gain. CyberWell has documented similar antisemitic conspiracy theories during previous wildfires, including the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025 and the Patagonia wildfires earlier this year. More broadly, the posts reflected a recurring pattern of event-driven antisemitism that CyberWell has observed following crises, including the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting and the hantavirus outbreak. CyberWell found that bad actors and antisemites repeatedly inserted Jews into breaking news through familiar antisemitic tropes portraying them as secretly responsible for disasters or as profiting from human suffering. CyberWell's monitoring of antisemitic content surrounding the Norway wildfires found that one post alone surpassed 2 million views on X, helping transform an isolated conspiracy into a broader wave of antisemitic content. Another post on Spain’s wildfires reached more than 69,100 users. As the false claims spread, posts increasingly incorporated dehumanizing language, calls to expel Jews and well-known antisemitic imagery, including the "Happy Merchant" caricature. “The same scapegoating stories, once popular in Nazi propaganda during the Third Reich, now trend on every major social media platform after a crisis. Any major event can become a vehicle for blaming Jews online,” said CyberWell CEO and Founder Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor. “Whether the story involves a wildfire, a disease outbreak, a shooting, or another international crisis, we repeatedly see the same conspiracy theories emerge within hours. The details change but the underlying message does not: Jews are maliciously portrayed as secretly orchestrating disasters or profiting from human suffering. This pattern demonstrates how antisemitism continuously adapts to the news cycle while recycling centuries-old myths.” This content reflects well-established antisemitic conspiracy frameworks recognized under the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, including collective accusations against Jews and conspiratorial claims of hidden Jewish control. “Contextual expertise and sustained partnerships with civil society organizations are crucial for any digital platform or AI company that wants to take safety and tech governance seriously,” added Cohen Montemayor. “Platforms can only respond effectively when they understand how antisemitic narratives evolve across languages, current events and online communities. One of the most effective steps digital platforms can take right now is to recognize this hateful, event-driven anti-Jewish conspiracy narrative and begin limiting its reach at scale. The last few years have been marked by multiple incidents in which unfounded conspiracies and misinformation led to targeted violence against Jewish communities around the world. The writing is already on the wall, and it is inscribed in blood.” CyberWell calls on platforms to strengthen detection tools targeting recurring antisemitic conspiracy tropes tied to breaking news, address policy gaps related to antisemitic scapegoating, apply enforcement consistently across comparable cases and continue expanding partnerships with organizations specializing in online hate. CyberWell said early identification of emerging trends remains essential to preventing false narratives from gaining widespread traction before they become normalized. CyberWell is an independent, tech-based nonprofit combating the spread of antisemitism online, operating globally. Its AI-powered technologies monitor social media in English and Arabic for content promoting antisemitism, Holocaust denial, and incitement to violence against Jews and their allies based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. Its analysts review and report this content to platform moderators and index verified posts in the first-ever open database of antisemitic social media posts, cataloging it openly for transparency at: app.cyberwell.org . Through partnerships, education and real-time alerts, CyberWell partners with social media platforms and digital service companies to help them enforce their policies more effectively, promoting proactive steps against online Jew-hate. For more information, visit: https://cyberwell.org/ . Previous Next

Kitchens & Concerts In Hollywood: Streamlining The Process For The Most Popular Remodels & A Free Hollywood West Concert South Florida Sun Times Feb 27, 2025 Exciting news for Hollywood residents! The remodel checklists for kitchen and bathroom remodels have been updated to provide comprehensive guidance for your next renovation project. These enhanced checklists offer clear, step-by-step details designed to help plan and execute every aspect of a remodel with precision and ease. Whether upgrading fixtures or reimagining the entire space, these tools ensure nothing is overlooked and prevent unnecessary code violations and/or fines. Since kitchen and bathroom remodels are among the most popular home improvement projects, the instructions have been made more accessible to better support homeowners through the renovation process. For simple kitchen or bathroom remodels (like-for-like), no plans are required, making the process even more straightforward. Get started on creating the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams by downloading the new checklists from: www.hollywoodfl.org/permitchecklists - Visit the Building webpage under Applications & Forms to access them and embark on a smooth and successful renovation journey with confidence. For any questions or additional assistance, please contact the City of Hollywood Development Services Building Division at: (954) 921-3335. Rock ‘n Roll by Brothers of Others Concert A Free Hollywood West Concert Featuring Rock ‘n Roll by Brothers of Others, Saturday, March 1st at 7:30 p.m. at the Boulevard Heights Amphitheater located at 6770 Garfield Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024. Bring a lawn chair, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy this free concert under the stars! Previous Next

Addressing The Region's Evolving Healthcare Needs - Memorial Healthcare System To Expand With Two New Freestanding Emergency Departments Thu Dec 12 2024 17:45:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Mayor Josh Levy To Deliver 2026 State Of The City Address On Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 By City of Hollywood Jan 21, 2026 Hollywood Residents Are Invited To Attend Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy’s 2026 State Of The City Address On Thursday, January 22nd, 2026. The annual address will highlight key accomplishments from the past year, including Hollywood’s year-long Centennial Celebration, as well as updates on ongoing City initiatives and a look ahead at priorities helping shape Hollywood’s future. The event is a chance for residents, business owners, and community partners to hear directly from Mayor Levy about current progress across the City and what’s planned for the year ahead. The State of the City address will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the Development Hub at the Hollywood Branch Library, located at 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020. Admission and parking are free and light refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend. Free Movie Nights This Weekend Enjoy two free outdoor movie nights in Hollywood this weekend, including the launch of a new movie night series at Driftwood Community Center. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and make it a fun evening under the stars. ArtsPark Movie Night: “SUPERMAN” (2025) Friday, January 23rd, 2026 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ArtsPark Amphitheater at Young Circle 1 Young Circle, Hollywood, Florida 33020 Movie Night Series at Driftwood Community Center: “Jaws” Saturday, January 24th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Driftwood Community Center 3000 North 69th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33024 Please note: City parks are plastic and foam free. Single-use items such as plastic water bottles and utensils are prohibited on the grounds. Previous Next

Weapons Of Love - Lag Ba'Omer 101 By Rabbi Moishe Kievman Chabad Chayil May 15, 2025 Lag Baomer Is A Festive Day On The Jewish Calendar, Celebrating The Anniversary Of The Passing Of The Great Sage And Mystic Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Also Known As The Rashbi (An Acronym For His Name), He Was The Author Of The Zohar, A Foundational Work Of The Kabbalah Which Is The Basis For Chassidus. He Requested That The Day Of His Passing Be Celebrated, And Not Mourned. It also commemorates another event. In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot, a plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva and on Lag BaOmer the dying ceased. The Talmud tells us that the plague affected the students of Rabbi Akiva “because they did not act respectfully towards each other.” Thus, Lag BaOmer carries the theme of the imperative to love and respect one’s fellow (ahavat yisrael). Lag BaOmer teaches us that while working to help improve our fellow man, we must never allow these efforts to compromise our love and respect for him. It is traditional to light bonfires on Lag BaOmer eve, commemorating the immense light that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai introduced into the world via his mystical teachings. Children customarily go out into the fields and play with imitation bows and arrows. This commemorates the midrashic tradition that no rainbow was seen during Rabbi Shimon’s lifetime. Rainbows first appeared after Noah’s flood, when G‑d promised to never again devastate the world. When the world is deserving of punishment, G‑d sends a rainbow instead. Rabbi Shimon’s merit protected the world, rendering the rainbow superfluous. But there’s a much deeper meaning behind the bow and arrow game, with a lesson not just for Lag BaOmer, but something we can apply every day of the year. The first weapons devised by man were designed for hand-to-hand combat. But a person's enemy or prey is not always an arm's-length away, or even within sight. Soon the warrior and hunter felt the need for a weapon that could reach a target a great distance away, or which lies invisible and protected behind barriers of every sort. With a bow and arrow, the tension in an arched bough of wood is exploited to propel a missile for great distances and slash through barriers. The inventor of this device first had to grasp the paradox that the deadly arrow must be pulled back toward one's own heart in order to strike the heart of the opponent, and that the more it is drawn toward oneself, the more distant an adversary it can reach. Chassidus teaches us that the same rules that apply to tools of destruction, apply to tools of construction - the tools we use to help build each other. And this is the deeper theme and lesson of Lag BaOmer: In order to reach a friend or relative who is otherwise unreachable, we have to first dig deep within our own heart. The deeper place from within our heart this love comes from, the deeper it will penetrate in our loved ones heart. The more we work on our own character, the more our children will work on theirs. The Rebbe writes in Hayom Yom “If you rebuke your brother and he does not listen, then it is you who is to blame. Because words that come from the heart, enter the heart.” If you haven't penetrated their heart, dig deeper within your own heart. This year, Lag BaOmer is Thursday Night - Friday, May 15-16, 5785 / 2025. I encourage you to reach out to your local Chabad or synagogue and find out what they’re doing to celebrate this special day. You are of course welcome to join me at our annual bonfire, where you can enjoy a BBQ, music, sign along kumzitz and plenty of fun. We will do it behind the construction site of the new Chabad Chayil Education Center in West Aventura. There’s no charge to RSVP at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Events . For the complete history and more lessons you can learn from this fun and Kabbalistic holiday visit: www.ChabadChayil.org/LagBaomer . About the Author Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919 or rabbi@ChabadChayil.org . You can also support the community with your partnership at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Partner . Previous Next

Call To Artists And NonProfit Organizations - This Two-Day Live Mural Festival Celebrates Art, Culture And Community In Fort Lauderdale South Florida Sun Times Oct 22, 2025 Business For The Arts Broward (BFA), In Partnership With The Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Invites Local Artists And Arts And Culture Non-Profit Organizations To Participate In The Inaugural BFA Art Walls Mural Fest, A Two-Day, Community-Driven Celebration Of Art, Collaboration And Impact On Saturday, February 28th, 2026 And Sunday, March 1st, 2026 From 10:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. At History Fort Lauderdale. This exciting event will pair 10 local art and culture Non-Profits with 10 established and emerging artists who will each create an eight-foot-by-eight-foot mural inspired by the Non-Profit’s mission. The festivities kick off with a special BFA Art & Spirits celebration on Monday, February 16th, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the BBX Capital Gallery that showcases participating artists and organizations with an exclusive liquor tasting and art exhibit with BFA’s sponsors and supporters. Artists and Non-Profit Organizations are encouraged to apply and participate. Artist applications for the Art Walls Mural Fest open Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 and close on Monday, November 10th, 2025. Muralists must be residents of Florida, with preference given to South Florida artists. Both established artists with 10 or more public works and emerging artists with up to 10 public works are encouraged to apply. The selected artists will be notified on Thursday, November 20th, 2025. To enter, artists must indicate whether they are an emerging or established artist, submit their artist bio and 10-15 images of previous murals or large-scale works and provide a brief statement on why they are interested in participating. Artists should be open to collaborating with an arts and cultural non-profit partner and incorporating the non-profit’s mission or values into the mural design, while staying true to their own creative aesthetic. Artists must apply through the CAFÉ website: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=16215 Established artists will receive a $2,000 mural honorarium and a $200 stipend to display artwork in BBX Capital while emerging artists will receive a $1,000 mural honorarium and a $200 stipend to display artwork in BBX Capital. Additional benefits include live mural creation during the public high-profile event, as well as a four-month exhibition and sales opportunity at BBX Capital and the Art & Spirits pre-event. Artists will also have the chance to build meaningful connections with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, fellow muralists, art collectors, business professionals and potential collaborators. Artists also will earn lasting visibility through the donation of completed murals to partner arts and cultural non-profits. All artwork will be offered for sale with proceeds split between the artist (75%) and BFA (25%). All selected artists will be required to provide proof of general liability insurance covering the duration of the festival. Insurance must list Business for the Arts Broward (BFA) and History Fort Lauderdale as additionally insured. Each artist must sign a Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) waiver acknowledging that the temporary nature of the mural panels and festival may result in the eventual relocation, alteration or removal of the artwork. Murals created during the festival will be donated to partnering art and cultural non-profit organizations. Artists grant permission for BFA and partner nonprofits to photograph, reproduce and use images of the artwork for promotional, educational and fundraising purposes, with credit to the artist whenever possible. They are also expected to comply with all festival guidelines, deadlines and on-site safety requirements. Applications for local arts and cultural non-profit organizations open on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 and close on Monday, November 10th, 2025. Selected organizations will be announced on Thursday, November 20th, 2025. Participation in this event provides a non-profit organization with the opportunity to showcase itself over two days and partner with a professional artist who will create a mural inspired by its mission. They also gain visibility, recruit volunteers and engage the community through a free vendor table at the event. This experience highlights their impact, builds lasting connections and allows them to be part of a free community arts event designed to foster collaboration, creativity and awareness. More information and non-profit applications are availabe at: https://bfabroward.org/programs/bfa-art-walls-mural-fest/call-to-arts-and-cultural-nonprofits/ Selected non-profits will receive a $1,000 stipend and receive the artists’ completed mural after the event to display at their location. There is also an optional opportunity for Non-Profits to perform during the festival. To apply, NonProfits must provide the name of the organization, mission statement and contact information for one staff member to serve as the primary point of contact. Non-Profits will be scored on established arts and cultural organizations in Broward County, ability to help promote the event via social media and email campaigns, community impact and reach and youth programs offered. If applicable, five youth-oriented non-profits will be selected. This year’s sponsors include BBX Capital, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). For additional information, contact BFA’s Executive Director Robyn Vegas at: (954) 940-4933. Or: rvegas@bfabroward.org . Full event details are available at: https://bfabroward.org/programs/bfa-art-walls-mural-fest/ . About Business for the Arts Broward Business for the Arts Broward is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more, visit: www.Facebook.com/BFABroward - Or: www.bfabroward.org . Previous Next

The State of Our Nation: Things Are Getting Worse, Not Better Thu Mar 10 2022 05:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

2.6 Million Students Begin New School Year Across Israel As 260,000 Teachers Return To Classrooms Aventura Digest Sep 17, 2026 According To Israel's Ministry Of Education, The Country's Education System Opened The 2026-2027 School Year Today At Approximately 28,000 Educational Institutions Across The Country. About 2.6 million students began the year, including approximately 180,000 first-grade students taking their first steps in school and approximately 143,000 twelfth-grade students beginning their final year in the education system. Approximately 260,000 teaching staff began the new school year nationwide, per Ministry figures. Within that national opening, Israel Sci-Tech Schools (ISTS), Israel's largest independent “charter” school network, welcomed 100,000 students today across 265 educational institutions in 57 towns and municipalities throughout the country, supported by 8,373 teachers and staff. "We are excited to open the new school year with an outstanding education staff that gives students the knowledge, tools, and sense of capability to dare, take initiative, and make an impact," said Raz Frohlich, CEO of Israel Sci-Tech Schools Network. "We are proud to raise, at ISTS, a curious, values-driven, and engaged generation that acts for the benefit of Israeli society. We will continue to cultivate excellence in values and academics, out of belief in our students and their ability to lead tomorrow." Frohlich added: "Our role is not only to provide knowledge. Our role is to create the environment in which they will discover who they can be - to build a community of excellence, values, innovation, responsibility, and a sense of mission. To be the place where the seeds are planted that shape the Israeli society of tomorrow. This was the mission of the pioneers and leaders more than a hundred years ago, and it is also our mission today. I wish all of us a meaningful, successful school year.” About Israel Sci-Tech Schools: Founded in 1949, Israel Sci-Tech Schools is Israel’s largest independent charter school network, educating 100,000 students across 264 middle and high schools, vocational training centers, and colleges of practical engineering in 54 municipalities. The network delivers inclusive, life-changing iSTEAM education (innovation, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) to students from all backgrounds—Jewish (secular to Haredi), Muslim, Christian, Bedouin, and Druze—regardless of gender, religion, or socio-economic status. Through academic excellence and values-driven leadership, the network empowers students to succeed in high-demand 21st-century careers and helps close social and economic gaps in Israeli society. Previous Next

Annual Epilepsy Walk In Hollywood To Be Held This Weekend - The Walk Is The Largest Local Event That Raises Awareness And Funds For Individuals Living With Epilepsy South Florida Sun Times Apr 1, 2025 Epilepsy Alliance Florida Will Host Its Annual Walk The Talk For Epilepsy In Hollywood On Saturday, April 5th, 2025—The Largest Community Event In The Area That Raises Awareness And Funds For Individuals Living With Epilepsy. The Walk Will Be Held At North Beach Park, Located At 3601 North Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33019 With A Start Time Of 9:00 a.m. The Hollywood Walk the Talk for Epilepsy, sponsored by UCB, Aquestive, Memorial Neuroscience Institute, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Assertio, Holman Enterprise, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, The Salah Foundation and Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, will feature a two-mile walk and family-friendly entertainment, including a live DJ, face painting and special appearances by Star Wars characters. "Epilepsy makes daily life a difficult journey for many individuals," said Karen Basha Egozi, President and CEO of Epilepsy Alliance Florida. "This event, which unites us as one, highlights the essential support we provide to over 500,000 Floridians affected by Epilepsy and helps to shine a light on the importance of awareness in our local communities." Ten-year-old Mauro Gomez will be honored at the event with Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s Clayton Feig Youth Award, an award commemorating youth who battle seizures and that highlights the important work of those dedicated to removing the stigma associated with Epilepsy. The award was established in memory of Clayton Feig, a young man who demonstrated courage and strength of character while dealing with epilepsy. Complications from Epilepsy claimed Clayton’s life in 1993 when he was just 18-years-old. Diagnosed last year after experiencing nocturnal seizures, seizures that occur during sleep, Mauro has refused to let epilepsy define him. Mauro’s commitment to raising Epilepsy awareness has already taken him to Tallahassee for Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s Capitol Day, where he met with state legislators in February to share his story and emphasize the need for greater resources and funding for those living with Epilepsy. His advocacy extends beyond Florida’s Capitol. He has expressed interest in starting an Epilepsy club at his school to help educate his peers and foster a more supportive environment. Additionally, he and his family are dedicated participants in Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s annual Walk the Talk for Epilepsy in Hollywood. Epilepsy, a neurological disease that one in 26 people will be diagnosed with at some point in their lives, is a diagnosis given when a person experiences two or more seizures that cannot be attributed to another cause. It is a disorder more people live with than Autism, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Cerebral Palsy—combined. In the United States, Florida is the state with the most instances of epilepsy. The Hollywood Walk the Talk for Epilepsy is one of seven walks hosted by Epilepsy Alliance Florida across the state. The other cities where walks will be held are Jacksonville, Gainesville, West Palm Beach, Pensacola, Miami, and Naples. For more information and to register, visit: https://walkthetalkfl.org/ Epilepsy Alliance Florida, established in 1971 as a Not-For-Profit 501 (c)(3), is dedicated to supporting those impacted by Epilepsy by confronting the spectrum of challenges created by seizures. It is a founding member of the Epilepsy Alliance America. Epilepsy Alliance Florida provides numerous services to individuals and families, including advocacy and counseling, education and prevention, direct medical and neuropsychological services, as well as other programs regardless of financial situation or socioeconomic status. For more information, visit: https://epilepsyalliancefl.org/ Previous Next

Abortion & Gun Laws: Have You Been Following What is Taking Place, It Is Abhorrent By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper March 30, 2023 Share State Legislators are in Tallahassee addressing citizen concerns. Are they? If you have been following what is taking place it is abhorrent. After years of lobbying and advocating on all levels of government on common sense gun laws this state seems dedicated to giving every single person the ability to carry a gun without a permit. In 1994 there was actually an “assault weapons ban” passed in Congress after the 1989 Mass Shooting at a school in Stockholm, California. After that there was a Mass Shooting in 1993 at a law firm. The law was passed as a way to regulate weapons of war. It banned the sale of certain automatic assault weapons and more importantly large magazines. The law passed but with a 10 year sunset provision. It allowed those that had these automatic weapons to keep them. In 2004 the ban was not renewed. Last meeting, I sponsored a resolution opposing the new “permit less carry” law and it was adopted unanimously by the Commission. It is simply bizarre even though polls suggest 61% of Floridians are against permit less carry and 76% of Floridians support universal background checks. So why would our Governor and the elected officials support this law? Even our law enforcement is opposed. I have heard all the reasons about gun rights and this law being guised under the name Constitutional Carry. I am here to share that the NRA is real and they spend a ton of money $52 Million Dollars in 2020 alone. Not only do they spend direct, indirect and money through various PAC’s they spend a ton on grassroots opposition research. Back in 2018 the NRA cold called my office to find out if I was running for office. They did not realize I answered my own calls. In the last election in Florida alone they spent $15 Million Dollars. So, when you are hearing it is about their base it may be. I argue it's about the money and the backlash if they do not carry the NRA’s water. We all need to unite and fight this bad legislation. Let us be real. How are our police going to be able to regulate and enforce anything? This law will increase the number of senseless killings and worse accidental shootings. Anyone with a weapon should be trained. This is simple common sense. Another issue is the outright Abortion bans. Yes, 6 weeks is an outright ban. Most women do not even know they are pregnant at 6 weeks. Typically, most find out after 8 and some do not until much later as they cannot afford care. I understand that at this time they have put in the new bill with two exceptions. One for incest and the other for rape. The caveat is that victims need to be documented and before 15 weeks. So here is a reality check. Most sexual assaults go unreported. According to a recent Miami Herald article “Only 310 out of 1,000 are reported.” The FBI reports that incest takes place in 10% percent of families and only 20% percent of those are reported. I have always been a proponent of the three B’s. Stay out of our Beliefs. Stay out of our Bedrooms. Stay out of our Bodies. For 50 years women have had the right to privacy for our own health decisions. Now in the “Free State of Florida,” we are the slaves in our own state. I am thankful there is a lawsuit against the 15-week ban. It is going to be interesting what happens now. Obviously we are all waiting on the supreme court ruling on the 15-week ban. There is also something else in play. If the ruling falls in favor of the state there will be another filing by the ACLU. In 1980, Florida’s Constitution provided “Every natural person has the right to be let alone and free from governmental intrusion into the person's private life.” It was upheld in a 1989 case about parental consent over Abortion. This case will have implications and obviously we are all waiting for the Supreme Court ruling. Even this case is a long shot with the Republican majority sitting on our court. Three were appointed by the Governor. The truth is Abortions will still happen. We want safe, accessible and private health care. I believe we can all agree on that. During 2021 in the State of Florida there were 80,000 Abortions performed. 4,800 of them 6% occurred after 12 weeks. However, most ultrasounds do not take effect for fetal anatomy until 18 weeks so this new band would require two doctors to sign off. Also, there will be a review panel set up, so doctors more than likely will be apprehensive due to threats on their medical license. The commission passed a resolution against this Legislation. One might ask why to weigh in on this type of issue. In my mind this is a public health issue. I cannot imagine a day when a doctor is being arrested for providing care. I also cannot imagine our EMS responding to calls for botched backroom Abortions. It has become partisan due to the fact some want freedom that pertains to their own beliefs. I can respect everyone’s belief but when we force them on everyone, that is Totalitarianism. Ironically, 50% of Catholics support Abortion Rights, 57% percent historically Black Protestant and 67% Protestants and only 36% Evangelical Protestants support. 56% of Floridians support Abortion. So once again who is the state representing. Our “Free State?” One of the fundamental bedrocks of our society is the freedom of privacy. Once we continue to erode that right, what is left? As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out to me at my office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: 954-632-5700. Or email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >

The Budget Process Continues: It Is of Critical Importance to Make Difficult Decisions Now By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper August 12, 2021 Share Last meeting the City Commission passed our updated parking ordinance on first reading. I do want to thank all the residents that share their input and ideas on the ordinances. It was passed 4-0 with some adopted changes. They include a discount for seniors 65 and older, confirmation that handicapped and veterans parking will be free, no change for parking during PAL sporting games and special events. The following is a continuation on the 2021-2022 budget message and five-year fiscal plan that was presented by our city manager. This budget is extremely important to create fiscal stability. As part of the budget development process, preliminary budget projections for the next four fiscal years have been prepared. It was important to include projections through FY2024/2025 (the year after the ARPA subsidy ends), to provide a better picture as to why it is of critical importance to make difficult decisions now, that will affect the next four fiscal years and beyond. Recommended FY2021/2022 Budget The FY2021/2022 Budget reflects an operating budget of $140,467,045. This amount represents an 11.7% increase over the prior year’s budget. When adding the capital projects and adjusting internal service fund transfers; the total FY 21/22 Budget is $147,133,289, which represents a 4.14% increase over the prior year’s budget. The increase in the total budget is primarily attributable to the General Fund. The largest increases in the General Fund include the contract with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Police/Fire pension costs, Tax Increment Financing payment to the CRA, and capital purchases. Continuous updates will be prepared over the next months and will be discussed with the City Commission at proposed future Budget workshops. Currently, the recommended General Fund budget is out of balance by approximately $3.6 million. This results after a $5.5 million ARPA subsidy, and a $1.7 million in new revenues from proposed programs (i.e. Parking Program, Certificate of Use) are accounted for. Without federal subsidies and new revenue generating programs, the budget shortfall amounts to $10.8 million. FY 2021/2022 Fund Overview The recommended budget shows the following funds using fund balance for recurring expenses: Cemetery and General Fund. Also, the General Fund continues to subsidize the Transportation Fund, with a transfer not to exceed $958,125. Additionally, in the upcoming fiscal year, the Police Training Fund will be subsidized by the General Fund with a transfer not to exceed $40,000. Below is a summary of operating funds impacted with a deficit. City Taxable Value Based on the June 1, 2021 certified value received from the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, the City’s growth in taxable value shows a 1.89% increase from July 1, 2020. The increase in property values will only provide an additional $760,620 in new Property Tax Revenues. The City’s portion of the increase is $230,950 and the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s portion is $529,670. The recommended budget is predicated on the General Fund’s current operating millage and no increase in the fire assessment fee (remaining at 7.0000 mills). The General Obligation (GO) Bond millage will decrease by 0.0149 mills, from 0.5522 to 0.5376 mills in the upcoming fiscal year. This decrease in millage is due to the slight increase in property values and a slight decrease in debt service budget. The American Recovery Plan signed into law in March provides over $350 billion of relief funds to state and local governments. This amount represents approximately one-fifth (1/5) of the bill's total allocation and will be deployed to state and local government agencies in two distributions. Use of these funds is broadly defined in the bill. As of the printing of this document, specific guidance for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund component of ARPA, including metrics, requirements, and restrictions, has been issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. However, because the City is a non-entitlement unit of government, the City must also abide by any provisions by the State to request and receive funding. The City expects to receive approximately $16 million over two years. Of the first allocation of approximately $8 million, this Recommended Budget proposes the use of $5.5 million to balance the FY2021/2022 budget, which has allowed the City to abate greater budget shortfalls. The remaining second year ARPA allocation will assist in further mitigating shortfalls that the City’s reserves cannot sustain in FY2022/2023 and FY2023/2024 as the economy recovers. It is expected that a great portion of these funds will be necessary to maintain service levels as we manage through the recovery. As the City charts course for a financially responsible future, new options must be explored to find new revenue to pay for the increasing cost of public services. For years, the City has been missing out on significant revenues by not charging fair market rate for in-demand parking spaces. Based on conservative estimates, the expansion of the parking program would result in approximately $1.4 million in new revenue. This revenue can be used to replace our aging fleet of police vehicles, allow the City to keep parks open longer, expedite permitting processes, and increase code compliance efforts. Further, parking enforcement has a public safety component as it provides an authoritative presence, a marked vehicle with lights and uniformed parking specialist, discouraging criminal activity, and removes dumped and illegally parked vehicles from our neighborhoods. New Certificate of Use and Enhanced Local Business Tax Receipts Program This program was approved by the City Commission in the current fiscal year; however, due to various factors including staffing levels and turnover, the full potential of the combined programs has not been reached. While enhancements to the Local Business Tax Receipts Program are underway, the new Certificate of Use Program has not taken off. It is estimated that in FY2021/2022 the program will be staffed and revenues in the amount of $300,000 will be realized. The programs’ full potential revenue is approximately $590,000 per year and is projected to be realized starting in FY2022/2023. Next week the message will be continued. 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 >