Moving On Without Letting Go: Widower’s new book shares keys to surviving the journey through grief January 26, 2024 Share Everyone experiences grief differently. Some want to move on immediately; others let grief flow through them, following its natural course; still others get stuck — they can't or don't want to move on, because their grief is the last thread of connection they have with their loved one. To let go would make the loss feel even more final and devastating. The comforting message at the core of It All Belongs: Love, Loss, and Learning to Live Again, a new book from Judy and Roy Smoot, is that it’s OK to be part of the latter group. “The essence of It All Belongs is to help more people allow (even embrace) their grief as necessary to healing and honoring their loved one lost — and to move gently with it, through to the other side,” said Smoot, who lost his wife, Judy, to Brain Cancer in 2016. Smoot’s book also offers an intimate window into Judy’s own grief while she travels from devastating diagnosis to the end of her life. In It All Belongs, Judy shows people how to live — and how to die — with grace, vulnerability, fear, and humble acceptance. In its special juxtaposition of stories, It All Belongs traces Judy and Roy Smoot’s final four years together, weaving in tools and practices to create an immersive reader experience. By approaching dreaded end-of-life realities with wit, candor, and hands-on help, It All Belongs is a soulful mosaic that blends an engaging, deeply personal story with expressive art, journaling, poetry, and writings. “This is a book to be used,” Roy Smoot explains. “It’s filled with ideas, tools, and examples to help guide individuals and groups in discussing and contemplating their own inevitable journeys of love and grief.” When Judy, a spiritual director who used expressive arts to help others cope with chronic illness, receives the devastating diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme, she puts her own spiritual practices to the ultimate test. In continuing to journal and make mandalas until the very end of her life, Judy models living fully into one’s own mortality. But that’s only half the story. Following Judy’s death, Roy, Judy’s husband and soulmate of nearly 40 years, enters a world he didn’t know existed, a world he didn’t want to know, a world of searing pain, grief, and grace beyond anything he could conceive. It All Belongs invites readers to follow Roy from the angst of navigating the simplest of day-to-day realities to deep questioning and soul-level introspection. In journaling through his travels, including a long road trip out west and a spiritual quest to Iona, Scotland, Roy mirrors Judy’s work to model finding one’s personal path through devastating grief. It All Belongs offers spiritual tools and healing practices to help readers face end-of-life realities by exploring the beauty, light — and even joy — tucked within even the most tragic of circumstances. This beautifully illustrated book encourages readers to listen deeply, explore purposefully, and fully embrace this sacred time. “Hold nothing back in your questions, rantings, thoughts, emotions,” Roy Smoot writes in the book’s introduction. “As this book’s title affirms, everything you feel, think, ask, experience, live through, and release is a sacred part of your journey. It all belongs.” About the Authors JUDY and ROY SMOOT met in college at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio; were married following graduation; and for the next four decades lived and loved in Georgia, Florida, Ohio, and Maine. Roy enjoyed a successful banking career; Judy served as a Wellstreams spiritual director, a Dominican Associate, and an Expressive Arts Florida Institute (EAFI) certified expressive arts therapist. Judy established Always We Begin Again (AWBA), a nonprofit organization to support people with chronic illnesses. Later in life, they made their home at “Sunrise Ridge,” their cottage and retreat center renovated and created in the breathtaking beauty of Ohio’s Hocking Hills. MELINDA FOLSE is a writer, editor, and collaborator on a mission to tell stories that make a difference. She believes this story will strike a meaningful chord in every life it touches. It All Belongs is her eighth book, joining Grandmaster, Dream Catcher, and Lessons Well Learned as her favorite explorations of lives and passions well lived. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas. To buy the book, visit: www.amazon.com/All-Belongs-Love-Learning-Again/dp/098269606X/ < Previous News Next News >

The State Of Medicaid And Human Services: We All Can Agree That Efficiency and Transparency Are Excellent Goals, But Who and What Is Cut By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Mar 6, 2025 Over the past months, the federal government has been evolving under new leadership. While our President has been pushing the boundaries there are still certain guardrails in place. Many laws that govern our democracy still require controlling votes of the Senate and Congress. We all can agree that efficiency and transparency are excellent goals but who and what is cut will have a direct effect on our delivery of services. Checks and balances that seem to slow down the delivery of services are there to protect our tax dollars. We do not want them to be wasted or doled out by fraud. On the other hand, we as taxpayers should not be waiting months for services like Social Security, Medicare and Veterans benefits that we paid for and depend on. I have had a direct experience sadly within the past year, trying to get benefits from the VA for our mother. Our Dad was in WWII. He served in the Navy on a hospital ship. She was due to a reimbursement for her out of pocket cost for nursing care. I had submitted an application over a year ago for her that was rejected for more information. It was resubmitted and the benefits were still not paid. I am sure I am not the only person that has come across this type of problem. DOGE seems like a worthy attempt to clean up abuse and create efficiency. The issue is how they are going about it. Even with technology, you need human resources to work in departments. Disrupting the workflow with firing employees without technology improvement in place will only create more hardships for individuals dependent on these resources. As Congress works on a budget, we are already seeing across the board outcries from both Republican and Democrat individuals to preserve our social nets. The U.S. Conference of Mayors held our recent leadership meeting. Our Executive Board and all committee chairs review the changes taking place. Medicare was one of the topics that was discussed. As municipal leaders we do not directly manage Medicare, which is a national and state function. It does, however, directly impact all of our constituents. We passed a joint letter to Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Thune, Minority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader Jeffries, urging them to strengthen Medicare and not cut this vital program. The National State Legislators, The Council for State Governments, National Association of Counties, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities and The International City County Management Association, all signed on to protect Medicare. Medicare does not simply provide health insurance to seventy-nine million Americans, it impacts all areas of healthcare, including hospitals. Another issue that is now being implemented is the increase of tariffs on Mexico and Canada. I think all of us realize that Mexico has created issues with illegal immigration and illegal drugs. We all were caught off guard with the Canadian Tariff plan. Illegal drugs are being shipped to Canada and are finding their way to the United States. Our partnership with Canada is the largest Bilateral trading relationship in the world. $2.5 Billion dollars cross the border daily. Eight million jobs in the U.S. are tied to the Canadian trade industry. There are thirty-six states with Canada as their top exporters and Florida is one of them. Florida exports over $5.2 Billion to Canada including these top three agricultural, chemicals and equipment/ machinery. So, when tariffs go up, it will not just impact on the cost of what is imported but will affect what goods and services that are exported out of our state. The other top concern of all Mayors was ICE. Florida was already at the forefront of this issue with our Governor trying to implement far-reaching laws that would impact our local Law Enforcement. It needs to be made noticeably clear that city Law Enforcement enforces all the laws. If they find a person is here illegally, they take them to the county. The county is tasked with jailing all criminals. They work directly with ICE by notifying their agents and undocumented immigrants that are in their custody. The issue arises with our officers being taken off the road to enforce national immigration law. To date, we have not been approached by ICE to help them. If we are, it means less officers to protect our community, when it comes to Public Safety. Our officers are not directly trained to perform immigration enforcement. Taking officers off their regular duties for training also has an adverse effect on Public Safety. The Acting Deputy Director of US ICE Kenneth Genalo, attended our meeting and shared an update of their activity. We were all informed that they were and continue to target specific undocumented immigrants. Their main targets are known criminals that include murderers, violent offenders’, gangs and drug related crimes. They have no intention of targeting churches, schools, or hospitals. If they are aware of a criminal at any of these locations, they are required by law to work directly with local agencies, in ensuring innocent civilians are not placed in harm's way. We are all now waiting to see what their next steps are. The Police Athletic League of Hallandale Beach, announced the 2nd Annual One Hallandale Beach Family Fun Field Day. PAL Hallandale Beach is a national organization that police departments in different cities across the country implement to foster a greater connection between Law Enforcement, cities and communities through recreational sports. The event features a robust Resource Fair, entertainment, field games, prizes, food and much more on April 5th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., in Hallandale Beach at O.B. Johnson Park 1000 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, the event is free. 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 email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And Share! Previous Next

The City Of Aventura Is Hiring: This Months Job Opportunities to Apply for The City of Aventura August 15, 2023 Share Working for municipal government opens doors to a unique opportunity – the ability to directly impact the lives of citizens. Municipalities play a vital role in delivering essential services, ranging from education and healthcare to transportation and public safety. By becoming part of the public sector, you become an integral force in a system that constantly strives to enhance the well-being and quality of life for your fellow community members. Amidst the uncertainty of the economic climate, municipal government jobs offer the rock-solid stability that many crave. Regardless of economic fluctuations, governments prioritize essential services, ensuring a sense of security for those employed in the public sector. Municipalities often provide competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and retirement plans, paving the way for financial stability for you and your loved ones. Municipal governments encompass a vast array of departments and functions, offering an expansive canvas on which to paint your career dreams. Whether your passion lies in Urban Planning, Environmental Sustainability, Public Health, Finance, or Law Enforcement, the public sector offers abundant opportunities to find your niche. Furthermore, these jobs often come with the potential for growth and upward mobility through specialized training programs and professional development opportunities. Here are a few of the job opportunities currently open to apply for The City of Aventura: Certified Police Officer Full-Time - $67,820.47 - $103,708.75 Annually Department: Police The City is accepting applications for F/T Certified Police Officers for openings and to establish an eligibility list for future openings. Performs Police Patrol, Preliminary Investigations, Traffic Regulation and Enforcement, enforces Criminal Laws and makes Arrests for Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses and other Law Enforcement activities. Police Officers may be assigned to various units within the Police Department to include but not limited to: Road Patrol, Detective Bureau, Traffic Unit, Training Unit, Street Crimes Unit, Marine Patrol, etc. Information Technology Director Full-Time - Depends on Qualifications Department: Information Technology The City of Aventura is seeking a innovative, mission driven, solutions oriented, experienced leader with technical expertise for the position of Information Technology Director. Aventura, known as the City of Excellence, was incorporated in 1995 and is a young, vibrant, full-service municipality with a diverse demographic based and is recognized internationally as a premier location in which to live, shop and play. Park Attendant (Part-Time) Part-Time - $13.50 Hourly Department: Community Services This part time position performs routine work assisting in the operation and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. Duties include light manual and clerical work relating to revenue collection, general park maintenance and control of assigned areas. Under supervision, plans and implements a broad variety of recreational programs and park activities and services to meet the various needs of the public. Police Communications Officer Full-Time - $44,500.00 - $72,500.00 Annually Department: Police The City of Aventura is accepting applications for the position of Police Communications Officer. Responsible for carrying out two-way communications with law enforcement personnel. Work involves screening routine and emergency telephone requests for police services and relaying that information to police personnel in the field. Duties also include, but are not limited to, performing record checks for officers in the field, keeping records of all police units available, and responding to requests. Position reports to the Communications Supervisor. To see what positions are available, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/aventurafl? If you experience technical difficulties applying, you can contact: www.governmentjobs.com Or Call Customer Support at: 1 (855) 524-5627. Their hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. < Previous News Next News >

The Show Must Go On & Here’s Your Ticket: Embark On A Journey That Brings The Performing Arts To Life June 9, 2023 Share Have you ever dreamt of being part of the magic behind the scenes of a live theater performance? If so, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has an incredible opportunity for you. Join their volunteer team as an usher and embark on a journey that not only brings the performing arts to life but also allows you to give back to the community. Volunteering at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is an experience that goes beyond the act of helping others. It's a chance to meet exciting people who share your passion for the arts and create lasting friendships. As a volunteer, you'll become part of a close-knit community of Aventura neighbors and friends from all over South Florida who form the volunteer family. Ushering is a rewarding role that offers volunteers the opportunity to expand their horizons, explore new interests, and contribute to the vibrant cultural community of South Florida. By committing to a regular weekly shift, you become an essential part of the theater's operations. Whether you choose an evening or matinee shift, your presence ensures that patrons have a memorable and enjoyable experience. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center welcomes volunteers of all ages, from Retired Seniors and Baby Boomers to High School Students who may receive Community Service Hours. The safety of volunteers and guests is of paramount importance at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. In collaboration with the renowned Cleveland Clinic, the center has developed comprehensive Health & Safety Guidelines. These guidelines adhere to the recommendations provided by local and state health officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). By following these guidelines, the center ensures a safe and secure environment for everyone involved. To become a volunteer, there are a few requirements you need to meet. First, you should be a full-time year-round resident of South Florida. Second, you must commit to a regular weekly shift, either during the day or at night. Additionally, you'll need to attend a formal orientation training session, which will be scheduled by the volunteer office. The Volunteer Manual will provide you with all the necessary standards and policies that you need to adhere to. Lastly, you should have the ability to escort patrons to their seats in all levels of the theater and possess a great attitude to serve as needed. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is managed by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (PACA) and has quickly become a hub for cultural excellence in the vibrant city of Aventura. Nestled in one of the most desirable destinations in South Florida, the center continues to bring an extraordinary world of cultural opportunities to the community. When it comes to accessibility, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has made it convenient for volunteers and guests alike. Self-parking is FREE and available in the lots adjacent to the center, located in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of Excellence School. If you're interested in volunteering and being part of this incredible experience, you can apply online at: https://aventuracenter.org/support/volunteer - Or contact the volunteer office at: (305) 466-8002. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center eagerly awaits your participation. Make a difference in the arts, connect with like-minded individuals, and create cherished memories by joining the volunteer team at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The show must go on, and with your help, it will continue to shine brighter than ever. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. < Previous News Next News >

Celebrating Hallandale Beach’s Finest & Our Hometown Hero Chief Michel Michel By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper December 19, 2024 Share This week I had a wonderful opportunity to attend the “Friends of Foster” Police Appreciation Day. The Friends of Foster are continuing a long history at Foster Park. Back in the days, way before I moved here in 1991, Foster Park was the gathering place for residents. It was the northwest neighborhood park. The people made the park. It was very run down by the time I became acquainted with the location. I remember back when I first moved to Hallandale Beach how neglected the area was. Foster Park had a broken basketball court with a rundown chain hoop, cracked pavement and faded lines. The building itself had to be all of forty by forty at best. Inside there were some historic pictures, an old upright piano, and a mixed match of tables and chairs. If you wanted to use the restroom, it was just that one bathroom. I came to know Foster as the meeting place of the Northwest Civic Association after being invited to meet the residents and listen to hear about their concerns. It was more than that though. It was the place for the seniors to meet. The elders gathered to play cards, bingo or simply to talk about the local gossip or what needed to be changed. They felt unheard. Certainly, I listened. Moving back here, I understood the huge contrast of the segregated east and west. It pained me to truly see what the other side of the tracks meant, the lack of investment in the neighborhood and sadly the frustration of not having great parks resonated. It was not that just the Northwest was lacking in investment, the entire city had a rundown park system. My goal was to change that. Thanks to the HBCRA we had the financial tool to make sure every park in the Northwest was made over. Foster Park, BF James Park, and the Hepburn Center at OB Johnson Park. We collaborated with the community and developed the Master Plan for the community. This meant tearing the old Foster Park to the ground. It also meant that the seniors would lose their home away from home. During the planning, we made sure that an agreement with the seniors would be memorialized. The Friends of Foster would always have their home, and they could meet at Foster Park for free. As with many organizations there are changes. Many of the elderly have passed away or moved but some remain. They along with the new elders aka seniors sixty and older are revitalizing the community spirit. There was a bump in the road when it came to Foster. We built a beautiful facility but with regentrification, budget cuts and COVID-19 the facility sat empty. We tried to put out a request for proposal to provide programming at the center. The RFP failed to receive any viable proposal. Originally PAL wanted to submit a proposal but was unable as they were an independent board that received funding from the city. I fought alongside like minded advocates and the PAL Board to allow them the opportunity, finally they were able to execute an agreement and run their program from the building. There was a major glitch in the agreement, PAL could not sublease any portion of the building, nor could they rent it out for revenue as a fund stream for PAL. But what about Friends? This is where history and knowledge matter. I informed the City Manager of the agreement that the Friends could utilize that building for their meetings. It was a win -win. Friends now had access to their forever home and PAL had a new partner. They have been meeting and as a thank you they hosted this wonderful event in thanks. While this old partnership is being revitalized the agreement between the city and PAL will be amended to give PAL the ability to enter beneficial partnerships. The celebration recognized Chief Michel Michel, the Command Staff and all our officers for their hard work. As a surprise Chief Michel has been nominated by one of Friends' partners for a Hero Award. Please take a moment and vote for our very own Hometown Hero. Hope For the Holidays is this Thursday, December 19th, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. presented by PAL of Hallandale Beach & hosted by Hallandale Beach Community Events Committee. The focus is to give gifts to those in need. The event is at Foster Park, 609 Northwest 6th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. The event will feature local talent, games, toys, raffles, gift cards, food, music, and games. Donations and Volunteers are still needed. Get more information and register by calling Sandra Atkins: (754) 204-5947 - Lileen Robertson: (954) 559-1124 - and/or Marilyn Franks: (954) 548-5089. 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 email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at Mayor Joy Cooper. Like, follow, and share! < Previous News Next News >

Consumer Alert: Attorney General Moody Warns of Payment App Hack Attacks Thu Nov 11 2021 05:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

July Is Heating Up: Music and Comedy Coming To The Broward Center June 22, 2023 Share As the summer heats up, Lady A ignites the stage while Jeff Leeson, Eric D'alessandro and Eric Neumann deliver three nights of cool comedy this July at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. While out of school, children can take a theatrical vacation under the sea as Disney’s Finding Nemo JR offers two weeks of family theater fun including a sensory-inclusive performance and Bluey’s Big Play presents a musical adventure. Broward Center Complete July Schedule: July 1: Lady A: Request Line Tour July 1 : Jeff Leeson July 6 – 15: Young Professionals Summer Camp 2023: Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. July 8: Quick2Love Foundation presents FLO'pocalypse July 15: Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. sensory-inclusive performance July 15: Eric D'alessandro July 15: Elaina the Poet Bringz the Jazz: It's A Family Affair Theater July 21: Eric Neumann July 22 & 23: Bluey’s Big Play The Broward Center and Live Nation present Lady A: “Request Line Tour” with special guest Dave Barnes on Saturday, July 1st, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. in the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Built around rich vocal harmony, vivid emotional writing and a smooth fusion of Country Rock and Pop, Lady A has long been a model of mainstream success. The Multi-Platinum Band continues that same momentum with its latest What A Song Can Do Album featuring the single, "Like A Lady." Known for their Nine-Time Platinum hit, "Need You Now," which is the highest certified song by a country group, Lady A has earned CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row and countless other honors including five GRAMMY® Awards, Billboard Music Awards, People's Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards, a Tony Award® nod and induction as members of the Grand Ole Opry. Tickets are $50.50-$130.50 with $165 Spirit Club Level Seats. Combining traditional Stand-Up Comedy with long form improv that makes every show unique, Jeff Leeson comes to the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center as part of the Truist Comedy Series on Saturday, July 1st, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. In addition to his newly released YouTube special, Sorry I'm Not Kevin Hart, Leeson has been featured in two comedy specials on Amazon Prime, The Bob & Tom Show and a Dry Bar Comedy Special as well as on Sirius XM Radio, Spotify and iTunes. With more than 50 million views of his stand up online, Leeson is quickly becoming one of the most requested acts in North America. This event may contain adult language or content. Tickets are $25-$35 with a $20 VIP opportunity to meet the comic that can be added to any ticket. The Broward Center and the Performance Project present the Young Professionals Summer Camp 2023 production of Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. Thursday, July 6th, 2023 - Saturday, July 15th, 2023. Performed in the Amaturo Theater by the talented 13–18 year old Young Professionals student group, this musical is a 60-minute adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar Movie Finding Nemo, with new songs written by Award-Winning Composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who have won Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar® and Tony® Awards. Described as plucky, resilient and heartwarming, this musical follows the adventures of Marlin, a timid clownfish, and this son, Nemo. After Nemo is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, they both face challenges on the journey to be reunited. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. noon; Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and on Saturday, July 15th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for weekday performances are $10 with $3 Lap Tickets for children 12 months and younger. Tickets for the weekend performances are $15 with $5 Lap Tickets for children 12 months and younger. A Sensory-Inclusive performance of Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. will be performed on Saturday, July 15th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Slight adjustments have been made to the production including reduced sound levels, no flashing or strobe lights and minimal special effects to create a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the Autism Spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental challenges. An area adjacent to the theater has been designated as a Quiet Room with specially trained volunteers to provide audience support. Audiences will enjoy complimentary pre-show arts and crafts activities provided by Young At Art Museum. The Broward Center's Sensory-Inclusive programming is made possible through the generous support of ABA Centers of Florida, The Batchelor Foundation, The Gore Family Memorial Foundation Trust, Nicklaus Children's Hospital and The Taft Foundation with special thanks to UM-NSU CARD for their in-kind support. Tickets are $15 with $10 Early Bird pricing when purchased until one week prior to the performance. Lap Tickets for children 12 months of age and younger are $5. New York native Eric D'Alessandro appears live in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center as part of the Truist Comedy Series on Saturday, July 15th, 2023 at 8 p.m. Having grown up with a camera in his hand, D'Alessandro created a YouTube channel sharing original, timely and relatable content for the everyday American. His sketches featuring original characters like "Maria Marie," as well as impressions of celebrities and comedic covers of popular songs helped build a loyal fan base with millions of YouTube video views as well as 255,000+ Instagram and 477,000 TikTok followers. His recent video "Mask Off Remix (Walmart Diss)" went viral gaining more than 16 million views across all his platforms. This event may contain adult language or content. Tickets are $35-$55 with a $50 VIP opportunity to meet the comic that can be added to any ticket. One of the fastest rising Stand-Up Comedians in the U.S. comes to the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center as Eric Neuman performs on Friday, July 21st, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. His three albums and specials have all reached Number 1 on iTunes’ Comedy Charts: Nervous Lover, Just A Phase and But Enough about Me: A Crowd Work Album. In addition to making his late night debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Neuman appeared on Season 3 of Comedy Central's This Week at the Comedy Cellar and Season 1 of The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show on Netflix. Being able to find humor in everything, he was featured in The Jerusalem Post as "one of the Jewish comedians who stayed relevant during the COVID-19 Pandemic." When not touring, Neuman lives in Manhattan, where he is a regular at the Comedy Cellar. This event may contain adult language or content. Tickets for this Truist Comedy Series event are $25-$35 with a $20 VIP opportunity to meet the comic that can be added to any ticket. The Islands of The Bahamas Imagination Series continues as fans of all ages spend time with Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli as they’ve never seen them before in Bluey’s Big Play in the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 and Sunday, July 23rd, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each day. Based on an original new story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and music by Bluey composer Joff Bush, the Heelers first live theater show features puppetry, live actors, and iconic sets. Tickets are $25-$74.50. Also in July, Quick2Love Foundation presents FLO'pocalypse on Saturday, July 8th, 2023, an exciting spoken word journey through the words & life experiences of the poet. Elaina the Poet Bringz the Jazz: It's A Family Affair on Saturday, July 15th, 2023 is a celebration of family in which every cast member is related to each other in some manner. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and Parker Playhouse. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or at: 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 through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org < Previous News Next News >

Car Rental Customers Shocked By EV charges: Electric Vehicle Prices May Be Coming Down But Not If You're Renting One Fri Feb 03 2023 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Message from the City Manager: Review of Building Structures in Aventura July 15, 2021 Share “Miami-Dade County operates under some of the most stringent building regulations and codes in the United States, and safety and security is the most important aspect” Aventura City Manager Ronald J. Wasson In response to the partial building collapse in Surfside, the City of Aventura Building and Code Compliance Divisions have initiated a proactive inspection process as requested by Miami-Dade County. As you can imagine, the City is receiving many calls from concerned residents regarding the safety of their buildings. As of now, we are complying with the Miami-Dade County request to review all of our structures that are over 40 years of age, over 5 stories and have completed - or in the process of completing - their 40-year certification. At this time the City is reviewing all certification reports and revisiting all the buildings that satisfy the County's requirement listed above. In addition the City is tracking and responding to all requests to inspect specific concerns regarding building structural integrity. For example, we have received calls identifying cracks in floors and ceiling, rust spots on concrete, possible spalling inside building garages, etc. An inspector is responding to each and every location and if it is determined, we will be requiring the building management to have an engineer report prepared to ensure a course of action is determined to address the issue. In most of these instances, there is not a need for that because most properties are generally well maintained and in good repair. As the City moves forward with this process, I would respectfully ask that the community remain calm and let our Building and Code Compliance Divisions conduct their reviews of our buildings and determine if there is more to be done. Please understand that Miami-Dade County operates under some of the most stringent building regulations and codes in the United States, and safety and security is the most important aspect. For questions or concerns regarding the 40 year certification process, please contact the Office of the City Manager at 305-466-8910 or email the City Manager, Ron Wasson, at rwasson@cityofaventura.com . < Previous News Next News >

Vacation Hangover: The Financial Stress Travelers Feel After The Trip Aventura Digest Jul 24, 2026 Weekend Getaways And Cross-Country Trips Are Supposed To Offer A Break From Daily Routines And Financial Stress. Yet For Many Travelers, The Return Home Comes With An Uncomfortable Reality: The Trip Cost Far More Than Expected. From Luxurious Dinners And Spontaneous Excursions To Airport Snacks And Daily Coffees, Vacation Spending Is Becoming Increasingly Difficult To Control In An Era Of Rising Prices And Experience-Driven Travel. According to a survey conducted by TopCashback, a cash back site serving more than 20 million members worldwide to help people save as much money as possible on everyday spending, overspending while traveling is now the norm rather than the exception. Nearly 94% of respondents said they have spent more on vacation than originally planned, with more than 65% reporting they typically overspend by at least $250. "Vacations should create memories, not money stress," said Elisabella Ricca, Personal Finance and Consumer Analyst at TopCashback. "Giving yourself a spending plan before you travel can make it easier to enjoy the experience in the moment and avoid feeling guilty about the cost afterward." These findings reflect a growing disconnect between travel budgets and actual spending as vacationers navigate higher costs and pressure to make their trips feel worthwhile. Inflation's Impact On Travel Behaviors Airfare, hotel rates, dining and entertainment costs are all climbing, forcing many households to rethink how often they take trips and what those trips look like. In fact, nearly 78% of respondents said rising travel costs have changed the way they vacation. Meanwhile, nearly 83% said they're traveling less often altogether due to rising costs. Travelers are Turning to Financing These changing behaviors may also explain why financing vacations is becoming more common. The survey found 67% of respondents have used credit cards, financing plans or "buy now, pay later" services to pay for a vacation. While these tools can help make trips more accessible in the short term, they may also extend the financial impact of a vacation long after travelers return home. Financial Stress After the Fun For some travelers, that long-term effect is already being felt. More than 58% of survey respondents said they feel guilty at least sometimes about how much they spend on vacation, a feeling that often emerges after returning home and assessing purchases that seemed easier to justify while away from normal routines. Small Purchases are Adding Up to Big Overspending Vacation overspending rarely happens through one large purchase alone. Instead, smaller expenses accumulate steadily throughout the trip. For example, 53% of respondents said they're most likely to spend more on coffee or drinks while traveling than they would at home, and another 53% said snacks are the common overspending culprit. These purchases may seem insignificant individually, but multiple small transactions each day can quickly add up. Experiences Outweigh Luxury When Justifying Expenses Even as travelers look for ways to cut costs, most remain willing to spend on experiences they view as meaningful. The survey found the top vacation splurges respondents are most likely to justify are fancy dinners (56%) and excursions or tours (48%). This suggests travelers are placing greater value on memorable moments rather than luxury, such as high-end accommodations. Careful planning isn't enough for most travelers to stay within a budget, as 59% of respondents said they set a vacation budget beforehand, signaling that overspending is often less about a lack of preparation and more about the realities of modern travel costs. Nearly 90% of survey respondents said earning cash back or rewards on travel purchases would influence their spending decisions at least slightly. As people look for a better way to manage expenses and offset costs, many are turning to programs such as TopCashback, which offers travel-related cash back on airfare and last-minute flights, vacation packages, hotels and lodging, transportation and parking, car rentals, travel insurance, cruises, resorts and more. To learn how cash back programs could help you stay within your next vacation budget, visit: www.topcashback.com . Photos courtesy of TopCashback Previous Next

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