Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks: ‘Recession Guidelines’ Focused On Mental Health Thu Dec 07 2023 17:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Park Participation: Hollywood Earns Recertification As Community Wildlife Habitat By The National Wildlife Federation September 28, 2023 Share The City of Hollywood has been recertified for the seventh year in a row as a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). The Community Wildlife Habitat Program is designed to encourage property owners to create a habitat suitable for Native Species. Community-wide certification is earned by certifying individual properties (homes, parks, schools, businesses and others), through Education and Outreach. Points are earned by engaging community members in Habitat Restoration Projects, providing resources like Native Plant Lists and communicating through websites and Social Media. In addition to points earned for new private properties in Hollywood that have gotten Certified as Wildlife Habitats, this year the City earned points for its Outreach Efforts on Turtle Lighting Compliance, completing Phase I of our City-Wide Tree Inventory, and partnering with the Youth Environmental Alliance to maintain the dunes in Hollywood North Beach Park. These collective efforts provide: food, shelter and safe nesting places for Birds, Butterflies, Endangered Sea Turtles and everything in between. But the City cannot earn this certification alone, we need residents to certify their own yard as a Backyard Habitat. A big thank you to everyone who is already providing host plants for our native Butterflies, nectar for pollinators, berries and seeds for spring and fall migrants and places to raise young for our year-round residents and seasonal breeders! If you want to welcome Butterflies and Birds onto your property, you can find information on how to get started at NWF’s Garden For Wildlife page. For those interested in certifying their property, it’s simple and you don’t even have to have a yard. A container garden on your patio or balcony can support pollinators and other Native Wildlife. To certify your Wildlife Habitat, you need to provide: food, water, cover, places to raise young (Butterfly host plants count!) and use sustainable practices. For more details and to see the National Wildlife Federation’s certification checklist, go to National Wildlife Federation - Certify. Sunset Park Master Planning Public Meetings The City of Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts is hosting several Public Meetings across the City to gather input on the Master Planning of Sunset Park. Planned improvements include: Nature Preserve & Trails, Wetlands & Overlooks, Passive Recreation and supporting amenities. Meetings will be held at these locations on the following dates: • Tuesday, October 3rd - Hollywood Branch Library Multi-purpose Room – 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020. • Monday, October 16th - Boulevard Heights Community Center – 6770 Garfield Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024. • Tuesday, October 17th - Kay Gaither Community Center – 6291 Funston Street, Hollywood, Florida 33023. • Thursday, October 19th - Oak Lake Community Center – 3190 North 56th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Tuesday, October 24th - Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center – 1301 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33019. • Wednesday, October 25th - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center – 2400 Charleston Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020. • Thursday, November 16th - Virtual Meeting - Meeting link on City Calendar at: www.hollywoodfl.org For additional information, please visit: www.hollywoodfl.org - Or call the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts at: (954) 921-3404. As a reminder: City of Hollywood facilities are Plastic and Foam FREE. Single-Use Plastics like water bottles and plastic bags are NOT permitted. < Previous News Next News >

For Our Kids By Nicole Carter - City Of Hallandale Bch June 3, 2021 Share We Need To Get This Summer Right Even under normal circumstances – pre-pandemic, that is – research showed that students in afterschool and summer learning programs get better grades For students and educators alike, this school year has been a seemingly endless grind, presenting one trauma-inducing challenge, after another. School schedules have been in flux, safety protocols have been an adjustment, screen time has been on overload and throughout, this specter, of a horrible disease has loomed over us. Many students have felt isolated, some haven't done as well with on-line learning – either for reasons of access or simply, because, it just didn't click for them. Others have been entirely left behind and in short, we have a lot of ground to make up. So, as summer approaches, our schools and families face painful challenges, as they work to bring students back together. Our children need the chance to make up any lost ground and reconnect with classmates. But, we need that to happen in a way that doesn't burn out students and teachers, all of whom, have been through the ringer, this past year. With a boost from the American Rescue Plan, the latest COVID relief bill from Washing-ton, many children and families will find that summer learning programs are the solution, if we ensure, that they are structured to meet at the moment. Now more than ever, we need to pay attention to the full range of our children's needs. Getting back on track academically, is surely part of the puzzle, but, it's not the only part. We also want them to reconnect with classmates and educators, create forums for them to talk about their Pandemic experiences, do hands-on, team-based learning, get some exercise and experience as much normalcy, as it can be found. Come fall, the status of the Pandemic, permitting, we want the children to be ready to resume, to a normal school schedule and not to be burnt out, on the first day of school. That's why, summer learning programs have such a vital role to play. They mix learning and fun in exactly the ways our kids need it, in this most unusual time. In addition to help with academics, they give students the chance to learn new skills: Creating Web-sites, Com-puter Coding, Making Videos, Planting, Maintaining Community Gardens, Learning Photography, Building Robots and so much more. They make sure students have plenty of time to run around and be kids – playing individual and team sports, splashing in swimming pools, shooting baskets or playing volleyball. They connect children with community organizations for service projects, take them to visit local businesses, science centers, libraries, museums, colleges, parks and more. Our summer learning program at the City of Hallandale Beach After School Tutorial and Enrich-ment Program will include project-based learning, activities in science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics (STEAM), cultural and performing arts activities, swimming lessons and field trips. We have 180 students enrolled and are staffed with seven certified teachers, seven teacher assistants, five teacher aides and seven summer youth aides. Even under normal circumstances – Pre-Pandemic, that is – research has shown, that students in after school and summer learning programs get better grades, are more excited about learning and participate more, in school. That's not just because of the specific information they learn in summer and after school programs, but because of the skills they build, including teamwork and problem-solving, for example. In recent years, one significant reason that many children did not participate in summer programs, was that there weren't programs to be found. The American Rescue Plan provides significant funding to states that can be used to support summer learning programs. As a result, school districts and state education agencies can support summer learning programs, after school programs that will supplement classroom education, serving more kids, in more places, for longer periods of time and by using the best evidence-based, practices. It's been a hard year for everyone and we've got a lot of ground to make up. We'll need every player in our children's learning ecosystem – schools, summer learning programs, youth-serving organizations, parents and families – to play a part in the recovery process. New resources make that possible, thank goodness and now, we need to make sure that we bring everyone to the table! Nicole Carter Is The Youth Services Supervisor For The City of Hallandale Beach and serves as an After School Ambassador For Florida For The After School Alliance. < Previous News Next News >

Condo And HOA Board Dysfunction - Are There Early Warning Signs By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate February 28, 2024 Share With increasing frequency, we hear about Florida residential Owners Associations that are experiencing difficulty with governance, financial, maintenance, or legal issues. Further investigation often reveals that some of these problems are the result of a Board of Directors that has temporarily strayed off course. The situation is compounded when a Board member oversteps the limits of her or his authority, ignores fiduciary duty, or neglects administrative responsibilities while the rest of the Board sits around and lets that happen. It is very important for owners and Board members to see the early warning signs of administrative breakdown so they can prevent or correct it. There are always more Association owners than Board members, though when not enough of those owners participate in Association business, the few on the Board get to make more decisions for the many in the Association. I am NOT an attorney. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read on this site, you must speak with a Florida-licensed attorney. Residential Owners Association Boards function as elected administrative bodies with decision-making authority and responsibility. Here in Florida, Directors (Board members are also known as Directors) can only speak for the Board based on decisions they have made together at properly-noticed and organized Board meetings. Individual Board members cannot make decisions regarding rule enforcement, maintenance, security, finances, or any other Association business on their own. Communication regarding Association business comes from the Board as an executive governing body, often delivered through its designated property manager. According to Florida's Condominium Act and Homeowners Association Act, Board members have a strict fiduciary duty to all owners in the building or community. This means they must put Association member-owners' interests above their own. At the same time, they are required to comply with the Association's own Governing Documents and either the Condominium Act (Florida Statutes Chapter 718) or the Homeowners Association Act (Florida Statutes Chapter 720). Directors have ethical and legal obligations that attach to holding a position on the Board. When they lose sight of those obligations, things tend to go "off the rails" in a Condominium building or an HOA Community. Newly-elected Condominium and Homeowners Directors in Florida are only required to take a 2-hour certification class (conducted by law firms specializing in Condominium and Planned Development law) within the first 90 days of taking a seat on the Board. Attorneys go over basic aspects of COA and HOA governance, rule enforcement, Director responsibility, Official Records, an introduction to Governing Documents, and more. Instead of taking the class, new Directors are also allowed to just sign a statement saying they have read through the Governing Documents on their own (I am not making this up). There is no verification or follow-up involved with "self-certification." This earlier article expands on Board member education: The 1st Step In Becoming An Association Board Member? Education. (thefloridarealestateblog.com) (Board certification classes may become mandatory if/when Florida Senate Bill SB-1178 is passed into law during the current 2024 Legislative Session. Many of us engaged with Association governance matters have supported this effort for years.) Directors start out as property owners and Association members. Most of them genuinely want to contribute for the benefit of all residents so they sign up to run for the Board of Directors when there is an open seat. Many run because they feel there are inefficiencies in how the building or community is functioning and they want to help things get better. While most serving Directors are there to make a positive contribution, some view being on the Board as a social function, playing the congenial host or hostess at meetings. A few might have been looking to exercise some level of power and authority over their neighbors. There are even a few who were bored sitting around the pool and thought being on the Board would give them something to do (Board replaces Bored). Yes, really. Efficiently and effectively running a residential Owners Association is a business, not a social function. Whatever your Directors' reasons for being there, all must individually and collectively follow what is in the Governing Documents and either the Florida Condominium or Homeowners Association Act. It is not only up to Board members to understand and follow the rules and laws that guide Association function. All member-owners in the condominium building or HOA community have the responsibility and obligation to understand and follow Association rules and regulations. Being able to recognize the red flags of questionable Board behavior requires working knowledge of how your Association is structured and what rules guide it. Association owners are welcome to attend most scheduled Board meetings, either in person or live online. A few internal topics are limited to closed-meeting Board discussion, especially when the Association attorney is involved. VERY important - When you have a question or concern about Association business - finances, maintenance, rule enforcement, Board action, or anything else that affects living in your building or community, ask the Board to put it on the agenda for the next meeting. If a topic is not on the agenda, there is no requirement to discuss it. When something is brought up verbally in the "new business" part of the meeting, it can be postponed indefinitely. You need to get your concerns on the agenda for the next Board meeting if you want them addressed. Now that you have an overview of how residential Association Boards of Directors are supposed to function, what are some of the indications that yours may have strayed off course? Here are a few examples of questionable Board activity mentioned by readers: • Individual Directors making decisions without participation of the entire Board • Poor communication with owners • Delaying needed repairs and maintenance • Directors resigning before their terms are completed, coupled with a lack of candidates willing to run for open Board seats • Retaliation against owners who ask questions or disagree with Board action • Asking owners to vote a certain way without providing the Board's reasons why • Raised voices, personal insults, unprofessional behavior at meetings • Resistance to owner requests for Official Records • Giving managers and Management Companies authority that is beyond their licensing or employment contract limitations Association Board dysfunction has been widely suspected (and reported) for decades all across Florida. Largely as a result of the deadly Champlain Towers South structural collapse and the Hammocks (alleged) multi-million dollar HOA embezzlement case, there are currently some Association-related Bills being debated in the 2024 Florida Legislative Session. If/when these Bills are passed, become State Law, and a sufficient enforcement mechanism is in place, there is a good chance the stories about dysfunctional Association Boards and management may begin to slow down. Again - There are always more Association member-owners than Board members, though when not enough of those owners participate in Association business, the few on the Board get to make more decisions for the many in the Association. Education and participation are the keys to owning and living in a Florida condominium building or HOA community. It is the built-in obligation of ALL owners to learn the basics of how their Associations operate, keep their eyes open, and watch what their Boards are doing. Learn all you can, pay attention, and ask questions. 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 >

Tri-Rail Day At The Museum: See The “Thomas & Friends: Explore The Rails!” Exhibit November 9, 2023 Share Tri-Rail, South Florida’s premier commuter rail system, is pleased to announce the first “Official Tri-Rail Day” on Saturday, November 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Museum of Discovery and Science, located at 401 Southwest 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. Tri-Rail riders with a valid train ticket will receive a $2 discount on museum admission for a fun-filled day. This includes access to the featured exhibit, Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails!, presented locally by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans and Tri-Rail. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to witness auditions for Tri-Rail’s “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” singing competition. “We’re thrilled with our collaborative partnership with Museum of Discovery and Science,” said David Dech, Executive Director of SFRTA/Tri-Rail. "We extend an invitation to our loyal riders and South Florida families to ride the train and enjoy a day of fun." Families and children will have the opportunity to explore the museum’s wide array of exhibits and are encouraged to visit “Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails!” Featuring the favorite engines and destinations from Thomas & Friends™, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) – focused exhibit seeks to engage children, ages 2 through 7, and families in foundational skills that foster STEM literacy through playful learning experiences. The exhibit incorporates STEM practices that encourage thinking mathematically, making comparisons, experimenting to solve problems using a variety of methods and tools, thinking creatively and reflecting on actions and results. The day will also feature auditions for Tri-Rail’s singing competition “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent.” The auditions are open to solo or group singers, ages five to 17, who are South Florida residents. Each act will have a four-minute opportunity to perform at the auditions. A panel of judges will select the acts that will compete in the final competition, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2024, during Tri-Rail’s 15th annual “Rail Fun Day.” Tri-Rail mascot Conductor George Green will make a special appearance. Representatives for Tri-Rail will be on-site to share train information. To learn more about Tri-Rail, visit: www.tri-rail.com - For train schedules and more information, call: 1 (800) TRI-RAIL • 1 (800) 874-7245. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Noon 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: www.mods.org - Or call: (954) 467-MODS • (954) 467-6637. Tri-Rail, South Florida’s premier commuter rail system, serves Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties with 18 conveniently located train stations, bus and Metrorail connections and service every day of the year. For more information about Tri-Rail, visit: www.tri-rail.com - Or call: 1-800-TRI-RAIL • 1 (800) 874-7245. < Previous News Next News >

Parking, Masks & The Budget Thu Sep 16 2021 04:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Black Furrday Is Back At The Humane Society Of Broward County South Florida Sun Times Nov 26, 2025 Skip The Chaos Of Crowded Malls And Long Lines On Black Friday And Instead, Find Your Purr-Fect Match At The Humane Society Of Broward County’s “Black Furrday” Adoption Extravaganza! It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year… To Bring Home A Furry Bundle Of Joy. On Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th, we’re rolling out the red carpet for our beloved “Cuddle Busters” – select pets whose adoption fees will be waived! Plus, if you fall head over paws for a dog or cat one year or older, their adoption fee will be half off. That’s right – twice the love for half the price! That’s a $100 savings for dogs and $40 savings for cats. Note there is a $25 administrative fee for fee-waived adoptions. Whether you’re dreaming of a dashing doggy or a quirky kitty, purebred or a one-of-a-kind mix, we’ve got a furry friend waiting to make your holidays extra special. Already have a four-legged family member? The HSBC Vaccine Clinic is open during the event! Get a FREE microchip when you purchase a vaccine package or flea/tick preventative – pets must be present. Friday, November 28th & Saturday, November 29th only, no appointment needed! Vaccine clinic hours are: 8:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Adoption Perks That’ll Make You Wag Your Tail Because Every Pet Comes With: • Spay or neuter surgery • Vaccinations & Microchip • Heartworm test for dogs over 7 months • Feline leukemia test for cats • Bag of Purina One pet food limited supply • Limited 14-day health care plan from VCA Animal Hospitals Before you visit, be sure to fill out our pre-adoption application at: www.humanebroward.com – and take a peek at the adorable faces waiting to meet you! Location: 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 - just a block west of I-95 Adoption Kennels Open: 11:00 a.m. Daily Questions? Call: (954) 989-3977. Or visit: www.humanebroward.com . Featured Pets: My name is Poppy; ID#: 705879 and I’m oh so cute! So, you know a little more about me, I arrived at the shelter as a stray, so my past is a mystery, but boy does my future look bright! Not only am I super adorable, but I'm super sweet, too! I'm very affectionate, but not in an overbearing way. Just enough. I do know some commands, and my superpower is I can catch treats. Why wouldn't I? I get to eat them after that. When I arrived, I was unable to use my back legs. The vet thinks I may have been hit by a car. After several weeks of physical therapy, acupuncture and TLC from my foster family, I’m ready to find my forever family. I’m a three-year-old, 62-pound, bully breed mix and I love people of all ages - in my foster home there were kids 3 and 6 years old. I get along with other dogs, but a meet and greet is always recommended. I’m a bit too interested in felines, so best I go to a kitty-free home. Anyway, come meet me and you'll fall in love. Calling all cat lovers…can I go home with you? My name is Benji; ID#: 708284 and I’m a handsome, five-year-old, brown tiger kitty with expressive, golden eyes. I have quickly become a shelter favorite with the staff and volunteers. I’m a playful, curious fellow, who likes to snuggle under a blanket and chase feathers and balls. I might tell you stories by meowing and will purr to let you know I’m happy. I’m a fan of treats, and my former owner said I’m good with other cats and dogs. Thanks to #9 Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers, he has kindly paid my adoption fee. Every time Sam scores a goal, another pet at the Humane Society of Broward County benefits. To meet a pet at the shelter, visit: www.humanebroward.com - And complete the pre-adoption application...then stop by. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312, and the adoption kennels open daily at 11 a.m. If you have any questions, call: (954) 989-3977. See you soon! The Humane Society of Broward County is a private, Non-Profit Organization that is not affiliated with any other similarly named groups and receives no funding from the state. Make a difference today…your new best friend is waiting. Previous Next

Quick and Easy Dishes for Dining Al Fresco Fri Apr 08 2022 04:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Lopsided Politicization Of Society And Medicine Thu Jan 05 2023 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Go With The FLOW: Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) Unit Is Heading to Hollywood Thu Sep 22 2022 16:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Your Curtain Call: You’ve Always Wanted To Step Out On The Stage, So Just Try It! August 25, 2022 Share Want to try something new and step a little out of your comfort zone? The Broward Center offers a number of adult classes for various skill levels in acting, Broadway dance, musical theater, singing and Improv. Fall classes begin in September and most continue for 10 weeks. All class fees include: complimentary parking. Adult Comedy Improv Classes Comedy Improv is a fun introduction to the world of Improv for beginning improvisers, as well as an opportunity for the more experienced improviser to refresh and hone skills and state of play. Classes consist of warm-ups and light skill work and include both “Whose Line Is It Anyway” - style and scene-based Improv game play. Students leave with a greater understanding of the basic tenets of Improv and are encouraged to unleash their creative genius. Course study has an emphasis on solid skills coupled with fun! Adult Broadway Dance Designed for adults who want to DANCE! Broadway dance is the focus of this high energy class. Taught by an experienced choreographer, Broadway Dance is the perfect class to help you stay fit while learning basic steps and explosive choreography from some of Broadway’s greatest shows. Spread the word, bring a friend and take advantage of this opportunity to embrace your inner dancer. No prior experience required and all dance levels welcome. Adult Musical Theater Singing Come and sing! Designed for adults who enjoy singing Broadway show tunes and wish to improve vocal technique, this class uses musical theater songs to teach proper vocal production, breath control and how to act out a song. No previous singing experience is necessary as students learn group numbers in a supportive environment and participants will perform in a showcase at the end of the session. Adult Acting: Try It You’ve always wanted to step out on the stage, so just try it! Learn the fundamentals of acting in a nurturing atmosphere. Participate in physical and vocal warm-ups, improvisation, theater games and more. Bring attention to your listening and observation skills and learn how to “take the stage” in this relaxed and fun acting class. Adult Acting Scene Study Adult Scene Study class is for serious students interested in building on their craft, as they further their understanding of script analysis and character development, a.k.a. “the actor’s homework.” Students dig into more complex material through analysis, exercises and movement in this advanced scene study class. Breath, body and the intellect are explored as character details and specificity are created. This class increases skills, self-awareness and prepares students for entry into the professional acting community. More information and registration is available at: https://www.browardcenter.org/classes/adults An Evening of Cabaret The adult summer cabaret workshop students from the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts invite audiences “to come to the cabaret,” as they present Summer Songs - An Evening of Cabaret in the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, August 26th, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Students will showcase new performing skills as they present songs from the earliest days of American musical theater to the current hits of Broadway. Led by Artist-in-Residence Tammy Holder and Special Guest Vocal Coach Adam Ross Glickman, this evening of song is the perfect night out to support and cheer on these cabaret performers. Open House The Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center has classes for all ages and will host a free open house on Saturday, August 27th, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during which guests can tour the education center facilities, observe or sample a class, grab the mic in Broadway Karaoke, meet the teaching artists, win prizes and register to win a free fall class. Ticketing & More Information Tickets for Summer Songs - An Evening of Cabaret are on sale now, tickets are $10. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and Parker Playhouse. You can buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org Or: www.Ticketmaster.com By phone at: (954) 462-0222 or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center 2022/2023 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center are proud sponsors of the Broward Center. Programs are also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the National Endowment of the Arts. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: https://www.browardcenter.org/ < Previous News Next News >

The City Of Aventura Embarks On Founders Park North Turf Field Enhancement Project Fri Nov 10 2023 17:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)