Savoring Global Flavors: A Memorable Senior Summer Camp Cultural Trip At EPCOT Food & Wine Festival August 3, 2023 Share As the summer heat continues and the breeze from the Atlantic gently brushes our skin, it's the perfect time for seniors to embark on a cultural adventure unlike any other—the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World. Hosted by the City of Sunny Isles Beach Cultural & Community Services Department, this day trip promises to take participants on a mouthwatering journey across six continents, indulging in the finest flavors from around the globe. The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of culinary diversity, offering a gastronomic experience that leaves taste buds tingling with delight. Set against the enchanting backdrop of EPCOT, one of Disney's most beloved theme parks, this festival captures the essence of different cultures through their traditional foods and beverages. A Global Taste Tour Early in the morning, as the sun begins to rise, eager participants gather at the Gateway Center to embark on their epicurean adventure. The journey commences with a leisurely bus ride, filled with anticipation and excitement, as seniors gear up to savor flavors they may have only dreamt of. As the bus arrives at EPCOT, participants are greeted by a cornucopia of aromas and sights. Stalls and kiosks line the streets, each representing a different country's cuisine. From the savory delights of Asia to the indulgent desserts of Europe, the Food & Wine Festival truly presents a melting pot of global delicacies. Tantalizing Food And Beverages The heart of this festival lies in its offerings. Each country boasts a unique menu that represents the essence of its culture. Seniors can savor classic dishes like: French Escargot, Italian Pasta, and Japanese Sushi. For those feeling adventurous, there are exotic treats such as Moroccan Tagine, Brazilian Churrasco, and Indian Samosas. The culinary journey is not limited to food alone. A wide selection of Fine Wines, Craft Beers, and Innovative Cocktails are available for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. From Full-Bodied Reds to Crisp Whites, the beverage options cater to every palate, elevating the dining experience to new heights. Cultural Immersion And Activities Beyond the culinary delights, the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of culture and entertainment. Throughout the day, participants can enjoy live performances by traditional artists from various countries, showcasing their music, dance, and art. These captivating displays add an immersive layer to the experience, making it not just a food festival but also a cultural extravaganza. A Day Of Fun And Togetherness The festival's vibrant atmosphere and delectable offerings set the stage for seniors to create lasting memories with their fellow travelers. Amidst laughter and camaraderie, participants bond over shared experiences and delightful culinary surprises. The trip becomes an opportunity to forge new friendships and strengthen existing ones, making it an enriching social adventure. Preparation And Details The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival trip is a day-long excursion that involves a considerable amount of walking. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable attire and sturdy walking shoes to ensure they can fully enjoy the experience without any hindrances. Additionally, it is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle to stay refreshed throughout the day. Pre-Registration for the trip is Mandatory, as it allows organizers to plan accordingly and ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved. The Fees for the trip are $150 for Sunny Isles Beach Resident ID Card Holders and $185 for Non-Residents, which includes Transportation, Admission to EPCOT, and access to the festival. The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is not just an event; it's an immersive journey that transcends borders and tantalizes the senses. Seniors who embark on this cultural adventure can expect to be enchanted by a world of flavors, cultures, and entertainment, all in one place. It's an opportunity to expand culinary horizons, embrace new experiences, and create beautiful memories with friends old and new. So, mark your calendars for Friday, August 18th, 2023 at 5:30 a.m. and join the City of Sunny Isles Beach Cultural & Community Services Department on this unforgettable gastronomic tour at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. To secure your spot or find more information, call: (305) 792-1706. Or visit: www.sibfl.net/ccs Don't miss this chance to savor the best of what the world has to offer, right in the heart of Walt Disney World. Bon Appétit! < Previous News Next News >

The City Of Aventura Is Hiring: Join The Team With an Unwavering Desire to Make a Difference July 18, 2023 Share In a world fueled by rapid advancements and the allure of corporate glamour, it's easy to overlook the remarkable opportunities that lie within municipal government jobs. While the private sector dances to the tunes of innovation and profit, municipal government positions are driven by a noble purpose – serving the community and creating a tangible difference in the lives of individuals. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the compelling reasons why applying for municipal government jobs should be on your radar. Working for Municipal Government opens the door 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 a 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 an uncertain 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 heart beats for Urban Planning, Environmental Sustainability, Public Health, Finance, or Law Enforcement, the Public Sector offers ample 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. Unlike the anonymity often associated with large corporations, Municipal Government jobs allow you to forge meaningful connections with the community you serve. You have the chance to engage with citizens, truly understand their needs, and collaborate on initiatives that directly impact their lives. Municipal Governments actively encourage public input and involvement, giving you the opportunity to build strong relationships and foster lasting connections within your community. Contrary to popular belief, Municipal Government jobs are not devoid of innovation and creativity. As communities face new challenges, such as sustainable development and technological advancements, Municipal Governments stand at the forefront of finding pioneering solutions. By working in the Public Sector, you have the power to contribute to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of your community, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. Municipal Governments invest in the growth and development of their employees, offering an extensive range of Training Programs and Continuing Education Opportunities. Whether it's attending Workshops, Conferences, or pursuing Advanced Degrees, Municipal Government jobs provide a gateway to constantly expand your skill set and remain up-to-date with emerging trends and best practices. These experiences not only enhance your professional value but also contribute to personal growth, transforming you into a well-rounded individual. Choosing a Career in Municipal Government is a decision fueled by purpose, community engagement, and the unwavering desire to make a difference. The opportunities presented in the Public Sector are vast and varied, offering Stability, Job Security, and the chance to contribute to Society in profound ways. If you yearn for a career that seamlessly combines professional growth, ethical leadership, and a direct impact on people's lives, it's time to consider applying for a Municipal Government job. Embrace the transformative power of Public Service and unlock an experience that is truly fulfilling and rewarding. Here are a few of the job opportunities currently open to apply for The City of Aventura: Records Clerk Full-Time - $39,000.00 Annually Department: Police The City of Aventura is accepting applications for a Full-Time Records Clerk position with the Aventura Police Department. The purpose of the Records Clerk position is to perform a variety of Administrative Activities to support Law Enforcement Personnel and the public, under the Administrative Division. Classification and entry of reports in compliance with Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS/FIBRS) with the Records Division of the Aventura Police Department. Duties include entering, querying, retrieving, validating and/or processing data in various database systems. Incumbents accomplish unit functions through rotating assigned work areas, and participate in cross training to ensure satisfactory performance in all Records functions. Park Attendant 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. Police Communications Officer Full-Time - $44,500.00 - $72,500.00 Annually Department: Police A Police Communications Officer is 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. Crime Prevention Coordinator Full-Time - $51,000.00 - $71,500.00 Annually Department: Police Responsibilities for the position include, but are not limited to developing, implementing and coordinating various Programs, Events, Seminars and Classes related to Crime Prevention, Community Education, and Homeland Security. Certified Police Officer Full-Time - $67,820.47 - $103,708.75 Annually Department: Police The position will require an officer to perform Police Patrols, conduct 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. 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 >

Hallandale Beach VPK - Give Your Child A Great Start For This Fall’s School Year October 21, 2021 Share The City Of Hallandale Beach's Hepburn Center is located at 1000 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 The City Of Hallandale Beach’s Hepburn Center is currently accepting enrollments for the Fall Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Education Program (VPK) and is located at 1000 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. Every child who turns 4 by Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 may be eligible for the FREE VPK. The daily, 4-hour program includes breakfast and lunch, with the option of an extended wrap care for a ONE TIME Annual Fee of $200 for Hallandale Residents and $400 for Non-Hallandale Residents. The full-day learning experience enhances your child’s school readiness. VPK enrolled participants will discover: • Safe, secure school environment • Experienced, credentialed teachers • Customized curriculum, lesson plans and learning experiences • VPK Star Program, which enhances VPK’s students with technology • Technology in the VPK classrooms help your child’s learning experience by featuring early math and literacy skills This is a FREE Pre-Kindergarten for all 4-year-olds, regardless of family income. The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Education Program -- or VPK -- prepares early learners for success in Kindergarten and beyond. This program is funded by the State of Florida. VPK certificate must be obtained to apply. To be eligible, children must live in Florida and must be 4 years old on or before, Wednesday, September 1st, 2021, of the current school year. Effective July 1st, 2016, a new law lets parents whose children are born between February 2nd and September 1st of the calendar year, postpone enrolling their 4-year-old, until the following year when their child is 5 years old. The early childhood education team have created a program to provide a safe and enriched learning environment. Learn more about the City Of Hallandale Beach’s Hepburn Center’s VPK (4-Year-Old) Program by visiting our website today, at: https://cohb.org/34/Youth-Services Or call: (954) 479-1460. < Previous News Next News >

Looking For A Job? The First Annual "State Of The Workforce" Can Change Your Life January 26, 2024 Share CareerSource Broward (CSBD) and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Tamarac North Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce jointly present the “State of the Workforce” inaugural event on Wednesday, January 24, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Broward County Convention Center located at 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316. This event will unite all sectors of the business community seeking to learn about vital labor trends, services, and new business technologies such as A.I. that are impacting the Broward economy. This three-part professional growth opportunity includes a networking Business Breakfast, an Employer Marketplace, and a Job Fair that will bring a ready-to-work, motivated workforce to community employers. “This conference will give employers information about resources, emerging technology and accessing available talent, all keys to achieving economic success,” said Heiko Dobrikow, CSBD Board Chair. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. for the 8 a.m. Business Breakfast. City of Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy, CSBD Council of Elected Officials Chair, and Adrienne Johnston, President of CareerSource Florida, will address the attendees and share the state’s predictions for the 2024 local economy. Rob Petrosino, Head of the Emerging Tech & Innovation Division of PeakActivity, will discuss the future of A.I. as a tool for increasing business revenues. Following the Business Breakfast, attendees will have an opportunity to talk one-on-one with the speakers and staffing companies, workforce management, technology solutions experts, and training providers and get exclusive access to information about funding options for employee upskilling and onboarding in the Employer Marketplace. “Giving business leaders the information to access FREE Training so they can grow and promote their Labor Force, meet the challenge of today’s labor shortages, and boost their bottom line is what CSBD is all about,” added Carol Hylton, CSBD President and CEO. In promoting the event, Levy commented, “Economic development, and the attraction, retention, and growth of businesses, are top priorities for all of the cities in Broward County, and CareerSource Broward has the workforce solutions those employers need. So, partnering with the chambers and their business membership is a win-win.” For a trifecta morning, CSBD is hosting a FREE Job Fair, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., to assist employers needing to fill vacancies. Broward County Transit will be providing complimentary transportation to job seekers. Parking for “State of the Workforce” event registrants and jobseekers is also complimentary, courtesy of Visit Lauderdale. CareerSource Broward CSBD serves as the publicly funded workforce agency for Broward County, FL. CSBD was created in 1973 by the CSBD Council of Elected Officials (Council) formed through an inter-local agreement between the Cities of Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale and the Board of Board of Broward County Commissioners. The Council, together with the Broward Workforce Development Board, Inc., whose members are appointed by the CSBD Council, set policy and determine resource investments for CSBD which implements the county-wide workforce development system including services to employers and job seekers. For more information, please visit: www.careersourcebroward.com - at: www.facebook.com/CareerSourceBroward - Or follow: @CareerSourceBD on Instagram and X. Businesses and Jobseekers can Register at any of the participating Chambers’ Websites or by visiting: www.careersourcebroward.com < Previous News Next News >

Musical Blockbusters: Coming To Reignite The Theatrical Scene September 16, 2021 Share Slow Burn Theatre Company is ready to reignite the theatrical scene after a forced pandemic shutdown with a scorching 2021/2022 Season that features five red hot musical blockbusters as kindling The Florida premieres of recent Broadway hits Once on This Island and Head Over Heels, Broadway fan favorites Kinky Boots and Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, and Songs for a New World from one of Broadway’s hitmakers. The season is presented by American National Bank, South Florida’s premier community bank. “We’re coming back from a year when stages were dark with renewed passion to answer the question, ‘Why do we tell the story?’,” said Slow Burn co-founder Patrick Fitzwater. “The answer is that with this season we are centered on bringing hope, acceptance, love, perseverance and pride and delivering it with the work of some of today’s greatest talents including Jason Robert Brown, Harvey Fierstein, Cyndi Lauper, Tim Minchin, the Go-Go’s and Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.” The season begins with Songs for a New World, on stage from Tuesday, October 12th through Sunday, October 24th, 2021. Before creating the acclaimed Broadway musicals Parade and Bridges of Madison County, Tony Award®-winner Jason Robert Brown produced this moving collection of powerful songs that examine life, love and the choices we make in that one moment whether to take a stand or turn around and go back, do what’s safe or follow an adventure. Each song tells a story with a full orchestra behind it. In a review of a 2005 production, the Sun Sentinel reported, “A decade after the debut of Songs for a New World, the work remains a testament to Brown's innate talent and promise. The music and lyrics are stylish and alternately clever, dramatic and funny.” Just in time for the holidays, Slow Burn gifts the stage with the winner of a Grammy® Award, six Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards and awards from the Drama Desk and Drama League, Kinky Boots from Friday, December 17th, 2021 through Sunday, January 2nd, 2022. With songs by Grammy and Tony winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, Broadway's huge-hearted, high-heeled hit takes you from a gentlemen's shoe factory in Northampton, England to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Kinky Boots is the perfect way to celebrate the season with performances on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Once on This Island delivers a timeless testament to theater's limitless possibilities from Friday, February 4th, 2022 through Sunday, February 20th, 2022. This 2018 Tony Award-Winner for Best Revival of a Musical is a Caribbean-infused tribute to the resilience of the human heart and to life's extraordinary power to tear down walls and transform lives. The mighty island gods of the French Antilles guide a fearless peasant girl on a quest to find her place in the world and reunite with a boy who has captured her heart. Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the Tony Award-winning songwriting team behind Anastasia and Ragtime, have created this musical fable that follows the couple’s pursuit of love as it changes the lives of their island and their families forever. The Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, inspired by the genius who created the tales of James and the Giant Peach and Willie Wonka, now brings the story of a special little girl with an extraordinary imagination to the stage from Friday, March 25th, 2022 through Sunday, April 10th, 2022. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, the musical revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With the book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, this captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. The season culminates with Head Over Heels from Friday, June 10th, 2022 through Sunday, June 26th, 2022. This bold new musical comedy from the visionaries that rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, is a laugh-out-loud love story featuring the music of the iconic 1980s all-female rock band The Go-Go's with hit their songs, "We Got the Beat," "Our Lips Are Sealed," "Vacation," Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven is a Place on Earth" and "Mad About You." In this modern musical fairy tale where once-upon-a-time is right now, a royal family sets out on a journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction in what New York Magazine called "a clever, delightful, bubbly, exuberant party!" Each production includes one Sunday 1 p.m. matinee offering open captioning for the hearing impaired. Generously underwritten by the Amaturo Family Foundation, open captioned performances feature a digital screen that scrolls spoken dialogue as the action occurs on stage. American National Bank first recognized Slow Burn’s theatrical work in 2018 and is now taking a lead in presenting its 2021/2022 Season. “We believe in investing in the community,” said Ginger Martin, president and CEO of American National Bank. “Slow Burn Theatre Company’s contribution to the arts continues to engage audiences in new ways, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to play our part in helping them deliver their heart and art through the professional productions they produce in our hometown.” The Broward Center is following health & safety guidelines developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic and that have been informed by guidance of public health officials including the Centers for Disease Control. These health & safety guidelines are available at: www.BrowardCenter.org and will continue to evolve as the environment changes. Five-show season subscriptions start at $196, offering a savings of 20% over single ticket prices, and patrons can save 10% on individual tickets when they design their own three-or-four show subscriptions. Single tickets ranging from $49-$65 are also on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and Parker Playhouse. 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 for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. For more information visit: BrowardCenter.org, like us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/browardcenter/ and https://www.facebook.com/browardcentereducation/ follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @BrowardCenter, subscribe to our channel at Youtube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with: #BrowardCenter. Slow Burn Theatre Company’s 2021/2022 season is supported in part by the Broward County Cultural Division. The Broward Center 2021/2022 season is generously underwritten by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Bank of America, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, MasterCard 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 and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. < Previous News Next News >

Music and Comedy: Are King This May At The Parker May 5, 2022 Share Hannah Gadsby, Garrison Keillor and Doktor Kaboom bring the laughs to The Parker this May as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Tommy Emmanuel, Madeleine Peyroux and Sophie B. Hawkins rock the house while audiences in the Lillian S. Wells Hall relive the best of rock with One Night of Queen Performed by Gary Mullen and The Works, The British: They Came, They Saw, They Conquered and Leonid & Friends. The Smart Stage Matinee Series, generously underwritten by JM Family Enterprises, Inc., concludes at The Parker with Doktor Kaboom: Look Out! Science is Coming! on Thursday, May 5th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The original Doktor Kaboom takes his audience on an educational tour of the modern scientific method, using humor and comedy while demonstrating spectacular applications of the physical sciences. The creation of Actor/Comedian David Epley, Doktor Kaboom is a captivating character who creatively blends theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration in this interactive one-man science variety show. The performance is recommended for grades 4-8 and supports lessons in science, math and theater. Each Smart Stage Matinee ticket purchase includes access to a pre-show workshop video and a standard-aligned study guide. Tickets are priced at $8.48 with $3 lap seats available for infants 12 months old or younger. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets for $7 each by E-mailing to: groups@BrowardCenter.org . Or submitting a Group Sales Request Form. Madeleine Peyroux performs her “Careless Love Forever World Tour” with a special guest Sophie B. Hawkins on Friday, May 6th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Much like songbird Edith Piaf, Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Thirty years later, she is the proud Curator of nine beguiling Albums and an Accomplished Performer with sold-out Worldwide Tours under her belt. Her atmospheric version of Serge Gainsborough's “La Javanaise” was used in the Soundtrack of Oscar Winner The Shape of Water and her countless accolades include the Coveted BBC International Artist Of The Year Honor. For Hawkins, the last three decades have brought multiple awards, sold out concerts, film and TV appearances, performances with some of the best known names in the business, a documentary feature, a critically-lauded Tour-De-Force Performance as Janis Joplin in the nationally-touring Play Room 105 and Albums including Whaler, which featured the record-breaking longest-running single in Billboard Adult Contemporary chart history, “As I Lay Me Down.” Tickets are $27-$57. Together for over 25 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs Wednesday, May 11th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Celebrating and revitalizing Jazz and Swing Music, the band has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records and had their music appear in hundreds of Movies and Television Shows. Famously named after an autograph by Blues Legend Albert Collins, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has enjoyed sold-out Concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country's finest symphony orchestras and television appearances ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Super Bowl XXXIII. Tickets are $28-$58. Back by popular demand, One Night of Queen Performed by Gary Mullen and The Works performs Thursday, May 12th, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of Queen and its Flamboyant Frontman Freddie Mercury, this amazing concert showcases Rock Royalty's greatest hits with amazing authenticity. This complete two-hour Queen Concert features such hits as: "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Killer Queen," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and "We Are the Champions." This performance is generously underwritten by Mary and Dean Middleton and The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation. Tickets are $48 - $63. The Broward Center and AEG Presents a Concert with Tommy Emmanuel and Special Guest Gareth Pearson on Friday, May 13th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. With six strings, ten fingers and a whole lot of tricks, this world-renowned Virtuosic Guitarist creates an orchestra of sound as he explores the bounds of what a single instrument can do. From playing down-and-dirty Blues to Classic Americana, this Australian performer can make his guitar roar, coo, hiss and sing while playing solo as a virtual one-man band. Emmanuel is one of the few people ever named a Certified Guitar Player by his Idol and Music Icon, Chet Atkins. Referred to as “The Welsh Tornado,” Pearson is one of the most exciting acoustic musicians touring today as he combines fingerstyle pyrotechnics with explosive lead runs. Tickets are $29.50-$59.50 and additional VIP Packages are offered. On Saturday, May 14th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. The Parker audiences will experience The British Invasion: They Came, They Sang, They Conquered. Featuring an all-live band with huge projection period photos along with original film footage, the show celebrates British music that dominated the charts and the airwaves in the early 1960’s with bands such as: The Rolling Stones, Dave Clark 5, The Animals, The Kinks, Dusty Springfield, Manfred Mann, The Searchers, Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Zombies, Freddie & The Dreamers and Herman's Hermits. From the Producers of The Simon & Garfunkel Story, the Concert showcases the music and how it impacted Art, Fashion and Literature, changing the very essence of Pop Culture and redirecting History. Tickets are $38-$63. Leonid & Friends perform on Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. In just a few short years, the 11-Piece Miracle Band from Moscow has blown the minds of legions of fans with their uncanny ability to capture the spirit, musicality and fire of the American Supergroup, Chicago replicating the band's complex arrangements amazingly note for note. They became an internet phenomenon with over one million followers hooked by the group's 20 spot-on versions of beloved hits by Chicago that have received over 40 million views worldwide. Tickets for this Concert presented by the Broward Center and AEG Presents are $37.50-$67.50 with $147.50 VIP Tickets which include a meet and greet. Keillor & Company is an evening of stand-up, storytelling, audience songs and poetry starring Garrison Keillor, featuring Pianist Dan Chouinard and Vocalist Prudence Johnson on Tuesday, May 24th, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. There are sung sonnets, limericks, musical jokes and the thread that runs through it is the beauty of growing old. There is the News from Lake Wobegon, a town booming with new entrepreneurs, makers of artisanal firewood and gourmet meatloaf, breeders of composting worms and dogs trained to do childcare. But some things endure, such as the formation of the Living Flag on Main Street with citizens in tight formation wearing red, white or blue caps and Mr. Keillor among them, standing close to old neighbors, Myrtle Krebsbach ("Truckstop") and Julie Christensen ("Bruno, The Fishing Dog") and Clint Bunsen. The evening includes an A Cappella Sing-Along of Patriotic Songs, Pop Standards and Hymns ending with the National Anthem. This performance is not appropriate for children under 12 years. Tickets are $35-$69.50. Also in May at the Parker Playhouse are Brazilian Nites Presents Melim (Sunday, May 8th, 2022) and South Florida Legends Presents Bee Gees Now (Friday, May 20th, 2022). Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. Buy Tickets On-line At: https://www.parkerplayhouse.com/ And At: https://www.ticketmaster.com/ By Phone At: (954) 462-0222; In person at The Parker Box Office and the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Parker, located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304, which is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The Performance Season at The Parker is supported by The Broward Performing Arts Foundation. < Previous News Next News >

February is American Heart Month: Understanding the Impacts of LDL Cholesterol Fri Feb 23 2024 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

What's At Stake? This Election Many Issues Are On The Ballot For Hallandale Beach Thu Oct 13 2022 04:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Empire At 250: Can The Principles Of 1776 Survive The American Police State? By John & Nisha Whitehead Jul 2, 2026 This Is A Year Of Strange Anniversaries. Two hundred and fifty years ago, a band of revolutionaries declared their independence from a king. America’s founders rejected concentrated power. They denounced standing armies. They distrusted government secrecy. They risked their lives to escape a ruler who could tax without consent, wage war without accountability, and govern without meaningful restraint. Twenty-five years ago, after the attacks of September 11, 2001, America embarked on a very different journey. The federal government claimed extraordinary emergency powers. Surveillance expanded. Wars multiplied. Executive authority grew. Constitutional safeguards were weakened in the name of security. One anniversary marked a revolt against empire. The other marked the normalization of it. Now, as America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, we are confronted with a bitter irony: the republic born in rebellion against empire has become an empire in everything but name. Worse, the U.S. government is violating the very principles that justified the American Revolution. Graft, grift and corruption. Endless wars. Profiteering. Trillions squandered abroad while the nation sinks deeper into debt at home. A government that governs increasingly by executive order and emergency decree. A government that wastes taxpayer money with impunity, rewards political loyalty over constitutional fidelity, installs loyalists in positions meant to serve the public, dismantles safeguards against corruption, shields insiders from scrutiny, and treats accountability as an inconvenience. National states of emergency that never seem to end. Efforts to nullify constitutional guarantees such as birthright citizenship. Expanded death penalty powers. A growing willingness to bypass Congress, sidestep constitutional restraints and rule by fiat. Surveillance programs that track where we go, what we buy, who we know, what we say and what we believe. Fusion centers, facial recognition, license plate readers, AI-assisted monitoring, financial tracking, intelligence-sharing agreements and a sprawling security apparatus that treats privacy as a loophole and dissent as a threat. Military action undertaken without congressional authorization. National Guard deployments that blur the line between civilian government and military authority. The militarization of policing. Federal agents arresting people at courthouses. Protesters treated as security threats. Legal residents threatened with deportation because of their political speech and associations. Immigrants and asylum seekers swept up in raids, detained, deported or disappeared into a bureaucratic maze before courts can fully review the legality of what has been done. Whistleblowers, journalists, activists and critics targeted for speaking truth to power. Expanding “extremist” classifications that increasingly encompass lawful speech, political dissent and ideological opposition rather than criminal conduct. This is not freedom. This is the architecture of a police state. The American Revolution was not fought over minor policy disagreements. It was fought over the danger of unaccountable power. The colonists objected to a king who could deploy troops, impose taxes, conduct searches, punish dissent and wage war without meaningful consent of the governed. The Declaration of Independence was not merely a list of grievances. It was an indictment. The founders understood that power is inherently expansive. Given enough time, every government seeks more authority, more secrecy and more control. That is why they created a constitutional system in which power was divided. The branches were intended to restrain one another. No person was to be trusted with too much authority. Yet history shows how quickly constitutional restraints weaken in times of fear. John Adams signed the Alien and Sedition Acts and criminalized political dissent. Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus. Woodrow Wilson prosecuted anti-war activists. Franklin Roosevelt ordered the internment of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans. Richard Nixon weaponized federal agencies against political opponents. Each expansion of executive power was justified as necessary. Each left constitutional scars. Then came September 11, 2001. In the months and years that followed, Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act, vastly expanding government surveillance powers. The Department of Homeland Security was created. Military tribunals were revived. Warrantless surveillance became commonplace. Watchlists multiplied. Fusion centers spread across the country. Indefinite detention became normalized. War abroad justified surveillance at home. Terror threats justified government secrecy. National crises justified executive emergency powers. What began as a response to a terrorist attack gradually became a governing philosophy. Twenty-five years later, the emergency state has become embedded in the architecture of government. The result is a government that often functions by executive decree rather than representative self-government. The presidency has evolved into something the framers would scarcely recognize. What Donald Trump has done is expose the fatal flaw in the system Americans allowed to be built after 9/11: once government is handed the machinery of permanent emergency, all that remains is for the wrong person to seize the controls. This is how tyranny rises and freedom falls. The lesson is the same one the founders learned from bitter experience: power granted in the name of necessity rarely remains confined to necessity. Every emergency becomes a precedent. Every precedent becomes a power. Every power becomes permanent. The uncomfortable truth is that many of the abuses that sparked the American Revolution have returned, only this time they arrive wrapped in the language of national security, public safety, emergency management and administrative necessity. The faces have changed. The technology has changed. The rhetoric has changed. The danger remains the same. Which brings us back to this strange anniversary year. The 250th anniversary of American independence should have been an opportunity to renew our commitment to limited government, constitutional accountability and the principle that no one is above the law. Instead, the lesson of 9/11 is being repeated in a different form. Twenty-five years ago, fear became the pretext for permanent emergency. Today, patriotism is becoming the backdrop for presidential spectacle, military pageantry and the celebration of the very concentration of power the American Revolution was fought to resist. Yet the founders did not launch a revolution so Americans could celebrate authoritarian power. They launched a revolution to remind future generations that power is dangerous, liberty is fragile and no ruler should ever be elevated above the Constitution. For 250 years, Americans have treated the Declaration of Independence as the nation’s birth certificate. What we have failed to recognize is that the Declaration of Independence was also a warning: freedom is fragile, power is relentless, and no generation remains free simply because a previous generation fought for liberty. As America approaches its 250th Anniversary, the most important question is not whether the nation survived. The real question, as I make clear in Battlefield America: The War on the American People and its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, is whether the principles of 1776 can survive the American police state. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an attorney and author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of constitutional law, human rights and popular culture. John Whitehead's commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org . Photo Credit - The Rutherford Institute Previous Next

The Cost Of Running A City: The Hallandale Beach Commission Is Very Sensitive To Increasing Taxes and Fees By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper October 20, 2022 Share I wrote in my column about Taxes and Fees a few weeks ago. I feel it would be helpful to discuss these topics again to help residents understand the services we provide and the costs (taxes) involved. As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place: (954) 457-1318. In September Counties, School Boards, Special Taxing Districts and cities formally adopted their budgets. In Hallandale Beach we did increase our Tax Rate which was to maintain our level of services and in some cases increase them. In addition to the Tax Rate Increase many residents saw a huge jump in their Taxable Values due to the Current Housing Market and the Taxing Structure here in Florida. Our Property Tax System in Florida is different compared to other states. Typically, there is Flat Tax assessed on the value of a property. In Florida, years ago, the State Legislators passed what is called, "Save Our Homes." In the seventies there was what one would call a land rush. Many developers flocked to the Sunshine State and began building. Many Condominiums were built. Since there is not very much land between the Seagrass and Sawgrass, Property Prices Rose. Many year-round residents and seniors were being Taxed out of their homes. The Save Our Homes Law was passed so that no matter what the Tax Rate was set at, Homesteaded Properties would not have to pay over a 3% increase in Tax annually. Obviously, the seniors and families that lived here were relieved. The biggest problem with the Law was the actual cost to live in our cities, towns, villages and counties that were paid for by the Non-Homesteaded and Commercial Properties equating to higher Taxes. Over the years, this imbalance has been exacerbated by additional Exemptions. With $50,000, plus another $25,000, plus the $75,000 in Taxable Value, some properties in Hallandale Beach were paying no Taxes. A good example of these properties are on Layne Boulevard. 20 years ago, many of these units were valued at $50,000. Florida has now seen another land rush since COVID-19. Property Values have increased almost 40% across the board. As part of Save Our Homes, owners receive a statement that breaks down Market Value, Taxable Value and SOH Values. The Tax Statement is called Truth In Millage. It also shows the increase in Value of what the Tax Rate is, to generate the same exact Revenue as last year, called the Roll Back Rate. What it does not show is the fact that governments, just like other businesses, still have costs that are not fixed. In other words, it does not account for the cost of living nor for the inflation. It also creates the misconception that like other businesses, we can simply cut costs. I would like to share this concept. I may produce a line of products. Items P E and F which all cost money to produce but P does not generate revenues. As a company, if I decide to cut P, lay off the workers and streamline manufacturing. Now what if items P, E and F were city services: Police, EMS and Fire. We just cannot stop providing these life sustaining services. Over the past three years, Former Commissioners and Mayors did just that and cut the services. Our Police Department was down 20 positions. We now only have 5 vacancies. So, do we cut the Police? Not on my watch! Cities do not have the luxury to simply not provide services. We can look at ways to streamline operations, but this too comes often with a price tag of reduced level of services or worse having hidden costs. Here are two good examples of why moving away from the best tested practices, does not always work. Over the past four to five years there were hiring freezes and layoffs. One Department that truly was gutted was our Building Department. Cities must enforce Building Codes and are required to provide Permitting and Code Services. Due to vacant positions and turnover our Permits were delayed and Code Enforcement officers were inundated. This directly impacts the quality of life around our community. Many people think why not contract out for services? There are major issues with this concept. When you contract out for a service there is a loss of control, automatic increases in fees and they are difficult to get out of. People often forget cities are not for profit entities. Since we can run like a business, we should be able to do it better and for less because we can save and pass the savings onto the residents. The Former Mayor and Commission contracted out the Management of our EMS and Fire. I need to note our Department was operationally sound and on its way to being certified. It was pushed as a way to increase the level of services and put more boots on the ground. In actuality, the increase in staffing came from a Federal SAFER Grant. The level of service is less and it is costing us more! We lost our Emergency Management position as the BSO Division Director does not provide this position. Many of our staff left, as they could transfer out to other BSO cities. We are now a training ground. The contract costs us over $1 Million Dollars annually that we are aware of since we cannot audit The BSO. We still pay for our Fire and EMS Trucks, Building Maintenance, Equipment and still have Legacy Pension Costs. I do know that people are struggling and our Commission is very sensitive to increasing Taxes and Fees. Our readers need to understand that we live in the City too. What we do on the Dais directly impacts us. Our costs to operate are not fixed. Your Commissioners and I along with staff are working hard to provide services in the most cost effective way. 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 at my office: (954) 457-1318. On my cell/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >

Public Adjuster PICC has settled 50,000 homeowners claims since 2001 Mon Dec 13 2021 05:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ukrainians Under Siege By Joy Cooper Hallandale Beach Mayor March 2, 2022 Share We need to be sending more resources to help fight off Putin’s invasion and help the people of Ukraine This week it seems odd to be writing an article about our city issues when Ukrainians are under siege. I like many individuals are very upset and frustrated we have not done more. I understand there is a level of politics that must play out due to the rules of engagement however how long do we sit by and listen to reports of the invasion and children and civilians hiding in the basement. We need to be sending more resources to help fight off Putin’s invasion and help the people of Ukraine. We know now the politics did not work. We all listened to reports of military build-up for days. Of course, they were not doing a military exercise. Russia has also set its eye on expanding their socialist agenda and control of territories and people. Let us not forget that the USSR represented the control over peoples freedoms of religion and rights of free expression. Since 1954 Ukraine broke away from Russia but was still controlled by a political socialist agenda. Since 1991 the Soviet Union dissolved but Ukraine and other countries like Crimea suffered recessions. These fledgling economies were suffering unrest and civil war between Russian mercenaries and Russians opposed to the government for years. The question becomes what can we do when countries like Ukraine do not strong economies or the military strength to stand up against an invasion. The constitution of Ukraine is different than our constitution and the powers are split between the President and the Prime Minister, who is head of parliament. The country does strive to be independent and part of the European Union. They do not want to be taken over. In my opinion they simply are in a weak position, when it comes to military strength and resources. It’s heart wrenching but also amazing to see them take up arms and fight. We need to be helping them and now even more so, partnering with their surrounding friendly neighbors and helping to strengthen them. This week I had a chance to speak with my daughter Christina's family (by marriage) that lives in Belgium and their thoughts on what is happening. They have begun to hold clothing drives for refuges that have fled. They also spoke to us about how there are still very conservative citizens and their thoughts about getting involved. So, just as in our country some people seem to think, it’s their war, not ours. Boy, is that is such a wrong ideology. Did we not learn a thing form WWII? As we go along in our daily lives, we all feel secure and safe. Many of the Ukrainians we are hearing from felt the same way until the unimaginable happened bombs dropped on their cities. We need to help these citizens. Keep the pressure on our President and Congress to send support, not just sanctions. Russia has been known to simply not care and let people starve and suffer. They have done it before and there is no sign they have changed or can be trusted. Local food banks are working on food drives. I will be proposing, in the next city meeting, setting up drop off locations for residents to drop off goods for donation. Most importantly I send my prayers to Ukraine and all our residents and neighbor who have loved ones in harms way. As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas on how to make our City a great place to live, work and play! I am available by phone or text at: (954) 632-5700. E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or visit my Facebook and web-site at: www.MayorJoyCooper.com . < Previous News Next News >