Empowering Educators: Governor Ron DeSantis Approves Record Increase in Teacher Pay & Package of Legislation to Support Teachers May 11, 2023 Share Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a landmark package of legislation to support and empower Florida’s teachers, reign in out-of-control unions and school boards, get TikTok out of schools, and protect the integrity of the classroom. Governor DeSantis also announced that he will approve more than $1 billion for teacher pay in this year’s budget, a $252 million increase over the current record. Overall, Florida has invested more than $3.3 billion for teacher salary increases and bonuses over the last five years. For more information visit: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bill-Signing-5.8.pdf “We have delivered another record boost to teacher pay and we have coupled salary increases with positive reforms. For far too long, unions and rogue school boards have pushed around our teachers, misused government funds for political purposes, taken money from teachers’ pockets to steer it for purposes other than representation of teachers, and sheltered their true political goals from the educators they purport to represent,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today, I want to thank our legislative leaders and the many bill sponsors for working with us to empower our teachers and ushering in a new era of accountability to the people. No longer will politically motivated school boards and special interests wield their power over Florida’s teachers.” “Once again, Governor DeSantis has reaffirmed our commitment to empowering teachers and reinforcing the pillars of respect and support for Florida’s educators. Through these pieces of legislation, we are providing educators competitive compensation, professional development and instructional supports, flexible pathways into the profession, and the tools for our teachers to maintain order in the classroom,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “As a mom, I’m particularly grateful for the Governor and Legislature’s focus on getting social media out of the classroom and giving teachers the benefit of the doubt when maintaining safety in the classroom. This is a clear recognition that the voices and concerns of Florida’s teachers were heard and addressed in the 2023 Session.” “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, this has been a historic year for education in our state,” said Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. “We are investing over $1 billion in teacher raises and also increasing per student funding to an unprecedented level as we work to provide Florida parents with a transformational opportunity to direct funding for their children’s education. This tremendous level of funding ensures traditional, neighborhood public schools that have been the backbone of our K-12 education system have the resources they need. Through the legislation signed into law today, and HB 1, which the Governor signed earlier this year, we are also working to reduce red tape that burdens our traditional public schools so that these institutions, which have served our communities for generations, will have a meaningful chance to compete right alongside other school choice options.” “We have prioritized giving Florida students the tools they need to succeed in the classroom by emphasizing the importance of learning, removing distractions from the classroom, and giving their teachers the tools they need to prepare our children to compete in a global economy,” said House Speaker Paul Renner. “Providing a pathway for new voices to enter the education arena by enacting term limits to local school boards will usher in a new wave of student-focused leadership. And, by empowering teachers with quality preparation programs, providing them the support they need in the classroom, and by eliminating access to harmful social media, we will fulfill Florida’s constitutional responsibility to educate our children." “Senate Bill (SB) 256, House Bill (HB) 477, HB 1537, HB 1035 and HB 379 represent the most comprehensive package of pro-educator bills in Florida’s history, and probably the nation’s," said Commissioner of Education Manny Díaz, Jr. “In particular, I want to thank the personal stories of courageous educators who came forward over the last couple years to both elevate our understanding of how truly divisive unions and school boards can so often be in hiding their true purposes. And moreover I want to thank those same educators and school leaders for continuing to show our state leaders the best ways forward to support and elevate the teaching profession so that our teachers can do what they do best – uplift the lives of our children and families.” In total, the Governor signed five bills and announced his intent to sign major funding for teachers included in the General Appropriations Act for the most historic package of teacher policy in the nation: General Appropriations Act $252+ million increase for the teacher salary increase categorical, which will stand at more than $1 billion for school year 2023–2024. Additionally, the Governor will sign: • $10 million for the Heroes in the Classroom Bonus Program (HB 1035). • $3.5 million for the Dual Enrollment Teacher Scholarship Program (HB 1035). • $4.0 million for the Teacher Apprenticeship Program and Mentor Bonus (HB 1035). • $5.0 million for the Grow Your Own Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program Expansion. Senate Bill 256 • Prohibits teachers’ unions from using government resources to have dues deducted directly from employee paychecks. • Requires unions to notify members of the costs of membership. • Requires a union to represent at least 60% of employees – increasing from the current 50%. • Allows state investigations into unions suspected of fraud, waste, and abuse. • Requires annual audits and financial disclosures for unions. • Prohibits any union from offering anything of value to a public official in collective bargaining negotiations. House Bill 477 • Reduces term limits from 12 to 8 years for school board members – the same term limits the Governor, Cabinet, and the entire Legislature are subject to. • The Legislature also passed Joint Resolution 31, which will go directly onto the November 2024 General Election ballot, to return school board elections to transparent, partisan elections. District school board members have been elected in nonpartisan elections since 2000 but were elected in partisan elections prior to that year. House Bill 1537 • Extends temporary teaching certificates from three years to five years. • Improves the overall quality of Florida’s teacher preparation programs by eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic requirements from certification and alternative certification programs. • Requires a system-wide shift from professional development to professional learning, including requiring the Department of Education to create a high-quality programs web-based marketplace. • Expands eligibility for temporary teaching certification to candidates who are currently enrolled in state-approved teacher preparation programs. • Additional provisions in the bill include: - Declares September 11th to be “9/11 Heroes’ Day” and requires 45 minutes of instruction for middle school and high school students on the events of 9/11. - Makes Florida the first state in the nation to formally adopt the Classical Learning Test as an alternative to SAT and ACT for schools to offer to students to earn postsecondary scholarship funding to state colleges and universities (Bright Futures) and establish concordant scores for graduation. House Bill 1035 • Creates Chapter 1015 in Florida Statutes to codify the “Teachers’ Bill of Rights.” • Takes a stand for teachers’ efforts to preserve safety and order in their classrooms by giving teaches the benefit of the doubt when breaking up fights, preventing assaults, and giving teachers the presumption of acting lawfully, acting on behalf of their personal safety, and the safety of their students. • Gives Florida teachers an avenue to report if they have been directed to break the law by their administration or school board. • Establishes the Heroes in the Classroom Bonus Program to provide a one-time sign-on bonus to retired first responders and veterans who become a full-time classroom teacher. • Establishes the Teacher Apprenticeship Program and Mentor Bonus as an alternative pathway for individuals to enter the teaching profession and authorizes a temporary apprenticeship certificate. • Establishes the Dual Enrollment Educator Scholarship Program to assist Florida public high school teachers in obtaining the graduate degree and credentials necessary to provide dual enrollment coursework directly to students on high school campuses. House Bill 379 • Takes social media out of the classroom and TikTok out of our schools. • Gives teachers the authority to establish classroom rules on cell phone use during instructional times and allows them to withhold a student’s phone if it is a disruption in the classroom. • Requires district school boards to implement website filtering to prevent students from connecting to social media sites while using a district owned computer or server. • Prohibits the use of TikTok on district owned devices. • Requires schools to give instruction on the harmful effects of social media. For more information visit: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bill-Signing-5.8.pdf < Previous News Next News >

A Summer Of Smiles: Gulfstream Park Village Has It All Thu Jun 02 2022 04:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Reasons to Consider Adopting a Pet February 23, 2023 Share More than 23 million American households added a four-legged family member over the last three years, according to data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Through these trying times, pets have been a key source of comfort and joy – even improving pet parents’ overall wellbeing. It’s no wonder that – according to Mars Petcare’s “Pets for Better Wellbeing” report – more than one-third of non-pet owners are considering adopting a pet in the next 3-5 years, and 61% of them said they’ll turn to shelters or rescues. It’s a major decision for families, but also for pets, as there are still hundreds of thousands of cats and dogs waiting in shelters to find their forever homes. If you’re still deciding whether to add a four-legged family member, consider these four benefits: Improve Your Wellbeing Few things compare to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. Whether it’s a dog greeting you at the door or a cat purring contently in your lap, your pet is there to offer unconditional love. In fact, the survey revealed 92% of pet owners feel their relationship with their pets have improved both their mental and physical wellbeing over the last three years. Serve as Your Social Sidekick More pet owners are including their pets in their everyday routines, whether at work or during their leisure time. In fact, 85% of pet owners working from home all or part of the time said it’s important to spend at least part of their workday at home with their pets. People are also looking to hit the road with their pets by their side as 52% said they’re likely to bring their pets while traveling. Provide Companionship for the Whole Family A dog is more than just “man’s best friend.” The research indicated more than 9 in 10 pet owners agree their pets complete their families or households and they are a key part of how the family spends quality time together. When it comes to children, adults said they feel pets make a positive impact by providing companionship (75%) and teaching children about responsibility (69%). Support Your Local Shelter If you’re ready to add a pet to your family, consider adopting from the Humane Society of Broward County. Eighty-four percent of pet parents who adopted from shelters felt a boost in mental wellbeing from doing so. Adding a pet to your home can also support shelters in your community that are struggling to care for all the cats and dogs in need of forever homes. Pet Spotlight Twelve-week-old Kaluha (ID 664985) is looking for a family to love. Can you make her wish come true? This cutie has a lot of growing to do, so be sure you’re ready to devote the time needed to raise a puppy. While we are not sure what she is mixed with, we do know she is adorable, bubbly and would love lots of toys to play with. She is just one of many cute dogs hoping to be adopted at the Humane Society of Broward County. Tony (ID A664918) is three years old and was abandoned by his owner when they moved away and left him behind. He loves to be pet, but like all felines, will need some time to adjust to a new home. We believe he would be ok in a home with another well-mannered feline but are not sure how he is with dogs. Thanks to a cat lover his adoption fee has been underwritten. To meet Kaluha, Tony or any other pet, complete the pre-adoption application at www.humanebroward.com and then stop by the Humane Society of Broward County. The adoption kennels open daily at 11:00 a.m. and if you have questions call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I95 in Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-989-3977 ext. 6 with any questions. If you can’t adopt but want to help the VCA Walk for the Animals is March 4. Learn more on the website: https://humanebroward.com < Previous News Next News >

Robert Egert: 15 Exquisite Years Catering to SoFlo’s Many Tastes By Hugo Ottolenghi April 24, 2022 Share Like baseball stars with a storied career, Robert Egert puts on a uniform for the love of the game. For the past 15 years, he has been doing that at Exquisite Catering by Robert. But unlike those ballplayers, his game is catering, and his uniform includes an apron and chef’s hat. Egert founded and continues to manage hands on one of the premier catering companies in South Florida. This year, it received WeddingWire’s Couples Choice Award and a Best Catering Companies in Miami award from Expertise.com. From corporate and social gatherings, weddings and birthday parties, the catering service based in North Miami has been preparing its best dishes for special occasions. On any given day, you can find 25 cooks, many of whom Egert trained, hard at work in a 15,000-square-foot facility in North Miami. They make a bit of a racket as they cut, slice and dice, stir, season, and fry. Supporting them are 25 more people who make up the service staff, dishwashers, delivery drivers and support desk. Egert’s career began when he was hired at age 13 to be a dishwasher at the legendary Mario the Baker on West Dixie Highway in North Miami. He worked his way up to pizza maker before going off to college. There, a job as a prep cook led to promotion to kitchen manager that included running the catering business. While working for John the Baker, he honed his catering skills and broadened his menu knowledge well beyond Italian dishes and school lunches. Then, in 2007, Egert went out on his own. The next year, the Great Recession hit, and the business struggled as companies cut out events and consumers cut back on spending. Egert persevered and grew steadily, doubling, then tripling his kitchen from its original 3,000 square feet. He faced a second severe business challenge when the pandemic started in 2020. It all but eliminated corporate and social events. Again, Egert survived, fed the National Guard and other first responders such as health care workers and is back stronger than ever. He and his staff are working on expanding the North Miami location to create a comfortable tasting room for those putting on big events like weddings. Those clients can select from the Exquisite Catering menu that ranges from American, Italian, Asian, Latin and Caribbean to good-old barbecue. The kitchen produces breakfasts, lunches and dinners to suit every taste. "We make our menu to match what you want, and we want to make you look good doing it," Egert tells clients. Companies call on Exquisite Catering for office meetings and sponsorships. Among the favorite morning treats are scrambled eggs with crispy bacon or sausage, waffles and a cheesy hash brown casserole. For lunch, the most popular items are over-stuffed gourmet deli sandwiches made with roast beef, turkey, Italian combo, or ham and Swiss. Other top choices are grilled chicken served on homemade bread and tortilla wraps. All come with homemade side dishes such as potato salad, creamy cole slaw and garden-fresh pasta salad. Families contact Egert and his team for extraordinary events in their lives such as weddings, black-tie galas, graduation dinners, quinceañeras and bar/bat mitzvahs. An event planner takes care of all the details, down to servers and bartenders. They can request anything and everything: Fajitas, brisket, Dad's Famous Meatloaf, beef stew and New York strip steak for meat lovers. Baked ziti, lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, jumbo meatballs, and chicken parmigiana or chicken marsala for Italian food fans Cuban-style roast pork, grilled chicken breast and Cuban-style shredded flank steak served with white rice and black beans and sweet plantains for a taste for Latin food. Beef stir-fry, teriyaki jumbo shrimp stir-fry, fire roasted orange chicken, kung pow chicken and house recipe curry chicken for Asian foodies. And for dessert, the catering company bakes its own goods such as chocolate and almond cookies, berry cake, key lime pie, pastries and more. While the catering business gives Egert entrée into the worlds of major corporations, wealthy individuals and luxury locations, he stays close to home and family. He grew up in North Miami, went to high school there, studied hospitality at the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University in that city and opened his business just a few miles from his alma mater. And while Egert rubs elbows with Miami’s elite, his favorite way to spend time is with his wife Kristina and their children, Hannah and Sophia. They understand that because of his love for catering, most days they don’t see too much of him. Egert and his employees are in the kitchen starting at 4 a.m. Monday through Sunday. When do they go home? “When we are done,” he says. If Exquisite Catering by Robert can assist you with any of your catering needs, please call: 305-622-FOOD (3663) or email: info@exquisitecatering.com < Previous News Next News >

It's Time To LOL Again: Three Great Performances This Season In Aventura Mon Dec 12 2022 17:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Research Is Crucial To The Improvement Of Breast Care: Holy Cross Medical Group Welcomes Breast Surgical Oncologist Anouchka Coste, D.O. September 26, 2024 Share Breast Surgical Oncologist Anouchka Coste, D.O. has joined Holy Cross Medical Group, a multi-specialty physician employed group of more than 130 physicians providing services throughout Broward County. She focuses on Breast Cancer, Benign Breast Disease and providing care to women who are at high-risk for developing Breast Cancer. With advanced expertise in techniques such as hidden Scar Lumpectomies utilizing Oncoplastic Techniques, Nipple-and Skin-Sparing Mastectomies, Nipple Delay Procedures, Aesthetic Flat Closure Mastectomy, Goldilocks Mastectomy and Axillary Surgery, Dr. Coste is committed to achieving the best possible cosmetic outcomes for her patients while ensuring comprehensive care. She has a particular interest in treating women with Pathogenetic Mutations, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and performing Oncoplastic Surgery for Breast Conservation. She is passionate about addressing healthcare disparities affecting Black and Hispanic women in Breast Cancer Care. Her approach includes preventative measures, emphasizing the importance of Exercise and Stress Relief. Additionally, she is well-versed in the use of various localization techniques and is well versed on performing Breast-Conserving Measures for Breast Cancer Surgeries, which allow comfort and convenience for the patient and more precision in the operating room. Prior to joining Holy Cross Health, Dr. Coste was a Breast Surgical Oncologist at Minimally Invasive Center for Women in Boca Raton, Florida. A Florida native, Dr. Coste graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Central Florida in Orlando with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Microbiology. She continued her education at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Mesa, Arizona where she graduated as a member of the Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Society. She completed her General Surgery Training at New York Medical College Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn. During her Residency, she was awarded a T-32 Research Grant and completed a Research Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Montefiore Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York. There, she conducted Vivo Research with a Multi-Photon Microscope to study Metastatic Breast and Melanoma Cancer and performed Thoracic Survival Surgeries for murine models. She completed her Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the University of California Los Angeles. Dr. Coste believes that Continuing Education and Research are crucial to the improvement of Breast Care. She has authored several peer-reviewed articles on the Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer and has presented her Research on the topic of Metastatic Breast Cancer at several national meetings. She’s contributed to several published articles on topics including Occult Breast Cancer and surgical outcomes in patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer treated with Immunotherapy and Surgeon-Performed US-Guided Localization for Breast Conservation Procedures. Her Clinical Research interests include improving outcomes in underserved populations and improving surgical outcomes on those who receive Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy. Dr. Coste is an active member of various professional organizations including the National Consortium of Breast Centers, American Society of Breast Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology, Association of Academic Surgeons and Association of Women Surgeons. In her free time, Dr. Coste enjoys practicing Vinyasa Yoga and spending time with her husband and son. Multi-lingual in English, Creole/French and Spanish, her office is located on the first floor of the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross Health, 4725 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308. To schedule an appointment, call: (954) 542-6700. Or visit: www.holy-cross.com for more information. < Previous News Next News >

Why More Floridians Are Rethinking ‘Tax-Free Retirement’ By Dennis Tubbergen May 28, 2026 Moving To Florida Can Solve One Tax Problem. It Does Not Solve Every Tax Problem. That may sound obvious, but it is one of the most important distinctions affluent retirees, executives, and business owners need to understand. Florida’s lack of a State Income Tax is a real advantage. For many successful families, relocating to Florida is a smart decision. But residency is not a plan. Here is the problem: many people confuse a tax-friendly state with a tax-free retirement. They sell a business, move to Tampa, Ft. Myers, Jacksonville, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Orlando, or Miami, and assume the heavy tax work is behind them. They no longer have the State Income Tax burden they had in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California, or Connecticut. That feels like progress, and in many cases it is. But the Federal Tax System did not move away. Retirement account distributions may still be taxable. Capital gains still matter. Concentrated stock positions still need planning. Deferred compensation can create income at inconvenient times. A business sale can produce a large tax event. Appreciated Real Estate can create gain. A surviving spouse may face a very different tax picture. Families with substantial wealth may still have Federal Estate Tax Exposure. That creates a false sense of security. The family believes the tax problem has been solved when only one part of it has been reduced. The real problem often shows up later. Required distributions begin. A spouse dies. A family sells a property. A business exit closes. A charitable gift is made in the wrong year or with the wrong asset. A portfolio produces gains when cash flow is not needed. The family has money, but the income, estate, and liquidity plan are not coordinated. Let me explain why this matters. A retirement plan is not just an investment account. It is a sequence of decisions. Which assets are used first? When should retirement accounts be drawn down? Should Roth conversions be considered in lower-income years? Should appreciated assets be sold, gifted, or used for charitable purposes? How will one spouse be protected if the other dies first? If most of the family’s net worth is tied up in real estate or a business, where will liquidity come from? These questions become more important for wealthy Floridians because the state tax advantage can mask the need for deeper planning. A family may be in a better tax environment and still have inefficient income sequencing, avoidable estate friction, poor charitable timing, or a liquidity shortfall. One mistake I see is assuming that investment management and tax planning are the same thing. They are not. A portfolio can perform well and still be tax-inefficient if distributions, gains, charitable gifts, estate planning, and income needs are not considered together. Another mistake is waiting for a major event before reviewing the plan. By the time a business is sold, a health problem appears, a required distribution begins, or a spouse passes away, the family may still have options, but usually fewer than before. The solution is not to avoid Florida. Quite the opposite. Florida can be an excellent place for affluent families to live, retire, give, invest, and preserve wealth. The solution is to stop thinking of Florida residency as the finish line. A serious retirement tax strategy should coordinate Federal Income Taxes, retirement account distributions, capital gains, charitable planning, estate exposure, liquidity, and family goals. It should also consider timing. The best tax decision in one year may not be the best decision over ten years. For wealthy Floridians, the question is not, “Do I live in a tax-friendly state?” The better question is, “Does my plan still work after the move?” Florida may reduce one layer of taxation. It does not eliminate the need for structure. And for families with substantial wealth, structure is what helps preserve control. Author Bio: Dennis Tubbergen is a Financial Strategist, Commentator, Best-Selling Author, and Host of Retirement Lifestyle Advocates. Florida may reduce one layer of taxation. It does not eliminate the need for structure. Previous Next

Comedy & Community: The Mission Of The City of Hallandale Beach Is To Promote Economic Development And Enhance The Quality Of Life Thu Feb 13 2025 19:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hollywood Arts Hub Ribbon Cutting – Sunday, November 2nd City Of Hollywood Oct 29, 2025 A New Era For The Arts In Downtown Hollywood Is About To Begin. On Sunday, November 2nd, The Community Will Gather For The Official Ribbon Cutting Of The New Hollywood Art And Culture Center Arts Hub, located At 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020. The Celebration Takes Place From 12:00 p.m. Noon To 4:00 p.m. And Will Feature Performances, Art Making, Film Screenings, Gallery Tours, And A First Look At The Center’s 2025–2026 Programs And Events. Visitors will explore a vibrant new complex that includes the Arts Auditorium, Digital Media Lab, Create More Art Studio and Imagine Courtyard. These additions were made possible through the 2019 City of Hollywood General Obligation Bond approved by residents. The event marks the completion of the expanded Art and Culture Center and celebrates 50 years of creative impact in Hollywood. The project was managed by the City of Hollywood’s Department of Design and Construction Management and includes a multipurpose room, visual arts classroom, distance learning broadcast studio, and a meeting and reception space designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Blending the character of the original building with a bold, modern design, the renovated Center reflects Hollywood’s growth and artistic spirit. The sweeping architecture stands as a symbol of the City’s continued investment in creativity, culture and community. Jamaica Hurricane Relief Effort The City of Hollywood has organized a Hurricane Relief Effort for the people of Jamaica who have been impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Through Friday, November 7th, the City's Fire Rescue Stations will be accepting donations. For more information and a list of suggested items, visit: www.hollywoodfl.org . Donation Sites: • Station 5, 1819 North 21st Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020 • Station 31, 3401 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33021 • Station 40, 707 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33019 • Station 45, 1810 North 64th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33024 • Station 74, 2741 Stirling Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 • Station 105, 1511 South Federal Highway, Hollywood, Florida 33020 At these donation sites: First Responders are on active duty and are responding to emergency calls at all times. If you go to one of these drop off locations and find it empty, you may leave your donation at the door, and it will be collected when Firefighters return from the emergency calls. Donations accepted at these locations only from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Previous Next

Police Department Deploys Drone As First Responder Program By www.sibfl.gov Sep 5, 2025 The City Of Sunny Isles Beach Police Department Is Proud To Announce That It Is The First Law Enforcement Agency In The State Of Florida To Implement A Fully Operational, Non-Beta Drone As First Responder (DFR) Program In Partnership With Skydio And Axon – Leaders In Autonomous Drone And Public Safety Technology. Through this cutting-edge program, the Department is deploying NDAA-compliant American-made Skydio X10 drones to enhance emergency response and improve situational awareness in real time. In addition, drone charging and deployment hives, known as “Docks,” will be strategically placed to enable officers to respond to most calls in less than 2 minutes, at any time, and in most weather conditions. The drones will be used in a variety of critical scenarios, including: • Searching for missing persons • Locating fleeing suspects and stolen vehicles • Monitoring large crowds and traffic • Assisting in medical emergency response Unlike traditional drone programs, the Skydio X10 can launch within 20 seconds, reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour, and provide live aerial footage directly to officers’ phones or computers – even beyond the line of sight, thanks to advanced autonomy and FAA authorization. The drones are equipped with thermal and infrared imaging, enabling officers to operate effectively in low visibility and at night. The program will be operated by the Department’s newly formed Drone Unit, whose members have all earned FAA Part 107 remote pilot certifications. The unit was created in line with strict compliance to federal regulations and city policy to ensure the ethical and safe use of drone technology in public safety. “This is an incredible addition to our public safety efforts,” said Chief Edward Santiago. "This new technology allows us to respond to emergencies faster, gain critical information before officers arrive on scene, and ultimately protect both the public and our officers more effectively.” The implementation of this program aligns with the City’s broader commitment to innovation, transparency, and community safety. Sunny Isles Beach leads a growing number of municipalities nationwide embracing drone technology as a force multiplier in modern policing. Previous Next

Small Businesses Can Receive Up To $5,000: Commissioner Micky Steinberg Announces Mom And Pop Small Business Grant Program February 16, 2023 Share Small business owners in Miami-Dade's District 4 are invited to apply for Commissioner Micky Steinberg's Annual Mom And Pop Small Business Grant Program. Applicants may be eligible to receive up to $5,000, depending on the number of applicants, which can be used for purchasing equipment, supplies, inventory, commercial liability insurance, security systems, advertising, marketing, making minor renovations, salaries/wages and rent/mortgage. The Mom And Pop Small Business Grant Program was created to provide financial and technical assistance to qualified small businesses that are approved for funding. This program has allowed small owned and operated businesses the opportunity to interact with local government under favorable conditions ultimately bridging the gap between the two entities. The program is offered countywide. This grant package is only for District 4 Businesses. Deadlines and application forms for each district may differ. Please be sure to use the appropriate application. Applications will be accepted through Friday, February 24th, 2023, by 12:00 p.m. Business owners interested in applying for the 2023 District 4 Mom And Pop Small Business Grant Program must meet the following criteria: • Existed for at least two year(s) • Employ no more than seven employees • Currently not in default or non-compliance with any County loan or grant program • Is not affiliated with a national chain • Does not own more than two businesses • Does not engage in illegal activity at the stated business location Completed original applications can be mailed, hand delivered and emailed. Only one application per business will be accepted. Mailed and Hand Delivered to: (Hand delivery ONLY on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Commissioner Micky Steinberg, District 4 Satellite Office 19200 West Country Club Drive, Suite#: 417 Aventura, Florida 33180. Emailed to: d4grants@miamidade.gov Non-Profit Agencies are not eligible for funding. Home-Based Businesses are welcome to apply. Businesses that received funding less than two times in the past can apply. Applications may be typed or printed. Illegible, incomplete, or faxed applications will be disqualified. Guidelines for The Mom And Pop Small Business Grant Program require that each approved recipient attend a mandatory business training workshop to be scheduled at a later date. To see if your Business is located within District 4 or for more information, call: (305) 787-5999. Applications are available at: www.miamidade.gov/district04 < Previous News Next News >

Hurricane Season Begins This Weekend - Now's The Time To Get Prepared South Florida Sun Times May 29, 2025 This Sunday, June 1st, Marks The Start Of The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Now Is The Time To Get Ready. Reduce Your Stress During An Emergency By Having Your Family’s Plan In Place In Advance. A Hurricane Can Cause Major Disruptions To Your Family, The Power Grid And The Supply Chain. The Best Way To Minimize These And Many Other Problems Is To Be Prepared. Sit Down With Your Family And Determine Essentials Such As How Much Water Your Family Needs, Where You Will Go If You Need To Evacuate And How You Will Stay In Contact With Loved Ones. You Will Also Need To Be Able To Be Self-Sufficient For At Least 7 Days After A Storm Hits Our Area. To help you prepare, here are some tips from the Florida Department of Health: Your emergency plan should include: a) All members of your household, b) Special medical conditions, c) When and where to evacuate, d) Special transportation needs, e) Emergency meeting place, f) An out-of-town contact who everyone can call to stay in touch, and g) Pet plan. Gather emergency supplies: a) A gallon of water per person for 7 days, b) Non-perishable foods such as canned meat, fish, veggies, fruits and nuts, c) Non-electric can opener, disposable plates and utensils, and d) Matches and cooking gel. Stock up on medical needs: a) 30-day supply of prescription medications from your doctor, b) Over the counter pain reliever, antacids, anti-diarrhea medicine and children’s medicine, c) List of all medications and essential medical devices, d) Physician contact number, and e) Blood type and allergies for all household members. Assemble a first-aid kit with sterile bandages, cleansing agent, safety pins, gauze pads, scissors, sewing needle, moist towelettes and tape. Collect essential data in a waterproof container: a) Contact information for property insurer, official emergency agencies, family and friends, b) Credit card and bank information, c) Portable computer storage device with electronic copies of Mortgage, Home Deed, Car Title, etc. d) Instructions for shutting off utilities, and e) Pet health records. List your major home belongings and back it up with photos. IMPORTANT NOTICE: 2025 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday – pending State Budget Negotiations The Annual Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is currently in limbo as State Legislators continue with state budget negotiations. This annual incentive allows Floridians to stock up on essential disaster preparedness supplies. Please check the Florida Department of Revenue website frequently as they will be updating their website on the status of this year’s tax holiday: https://floridarevenue.com/Pages/SalesTaxHolidays.aspx Sign Up for "Alert Hollywood" Emergency Notifications: Alert Hollywood is the City of Hollywood’s Emergency Notification System. Used by many government agencies throughout Florida, Alert Hollywood notifies residents through phone calls, e-mails and/or text messages to mobile phones of an emergency in the community such as a Hurricane Watch or Warning, Flash Flood Warning, Tornado Warning, serious Police situations and other critical incidents. To register, visit: www.hollywoodfl.org/725/Alert-Hollywood and click on the Alert Hollywood logo to get to the registration page. Register by clicking on the "Sign Up" link located just below the login fields. After you submit your information, you will receive Alert Hollywood notifications whenever an alert is issued. Alerts may be received by phone and/or email address. Severe weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service are automatically issued through the Alert Hollywood system if you elect to receive those notifications. The Alert Hollywood service is free to the public. Text message fees by your wireless carrier may apply depending on your mobile phone plan. You are also encouraged to sign up for the City’s Notify Me “News and Announcements” general and emergency messaging tool. Register here: https://hollywoodfl.org/list.aspx For more information, including Storm Surge and Evacuation Zones, Shelter Information and more, please visit the City’s website at: www.HollywoodFL.org/Hurricane . Previous Next