Toula Amanna: Chapter 3 Reinvention…. May 17, 2023 Share There is an old Greek Proverb: “People make plans and God is laughing and amused..” The business plans that Toula Amanna made Before COVID-19 (BC for short as they refer to the changing world in Toula’s Company), has now adapted to a new world full of opportunity and reinvention. She is still a student at NSU, in her Master’s class, she has been going to College for 42 years, just as long as she has lived in the USA since she arrived at the age of 17 from Athens, Greece. And just like the saga in the movie (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), there is a next Chapter more thrilling than the previous one: Recently she wears a Construction hard hat when before she wore a different hat for the many different life roles she had: Entrepreneur, Mother, Wife, Student, Mentor, Teacher, Chef, Restaurateur, Landowner. Over the past few decades, the dynamic Toula Amanna has been all of these things, and many more. The rags to riches story of a poor, young immigrant girl who came here from Greece in 1979 has changed to include a number of lucrative Real Estate Parcels in the four major Downtown areas of Hallandale Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, all Hospitality related and over 250 current Employees. The legendary 24-hour Flashback Diner chain in three locations has survived 33 years of financial cycles, Hurricanes, COVID-19 and now Reinvention. “I have a surplus of vision and ambition,” explained Toula, “and I’ve never been afraid of a hard day’s work. I still get jamming on the cook’s line and serve customers just for the fun of it because of the customer and employee interaction that I enjoy so much.” With a staff of hundreds, however, the need never does. In fact, her role as a job creator in her beloved adopted country is among her proudest achievements. “It takes a large team to make this operation work,” said Toula. “I put a lot of faith in my employees, from servers to executives. I’m delighted to say that they reward that faith with outstanding performance.” The company’s strength was put to the test during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which saw local restaurants failing left and right. As Toula said, “Very few locally-owned chains survived those first two years. Thanks to great planning, attention to detail, and the ability to rapidly adapt, and the help of the USA Government moving fast to fund businesses, we not only made it through the Pandemic – we thrived.” In partnership with the Town of Davie and the local CRA, beloved Mayor Judy Paul, the Visionary Council members, Town Administrator the brilliant Rick Lemack and CRA Director Philip Holste, Toula transformed two more buildings into renovated workable restaurants, now 3 in a row, spanning 3.5 Acres, former LUMS into the area’s premier Diner, attracting throngs of devoted customers ranging from old-time locals to the ambitious young students who make up an ever-increasing percentage of the Davie community. Two more projects are her own: What was once a McDonald’s has been transformed into Sweet Alchemy Confectionery, a from-scratch bakery; and a former Wendy’s will soon be reborn as Bótano, a quick service Mediterranean restaurant. “Bótano reflects my deep love for the food of my homeland, although the menu goes well beyond Greek,” said Toula. ”Our development team has come up with something really special, and I’m excited to bring a touch of Mediterranean flavor to downtown Davie.” “The Hospitality Industry has evolved dramatically to fit an active, healthier lifestyle that caters to an audience that wishes to host events everywhere and anywhere: At their Home, at the Parks, in the streets as well as other private venues. The All American Diner is transforming and we are redefining it,” she said. “Palates evolve along with society. Meatloaf and gravy now sit side-by-side on the menu with free-range chicken with Roasted Veggies and quinoa, and eggs and bacon are being replaced by more Vegan and Gluten-Friendly dishes like veggie-filled power omelets, Avocado Toast and yogurt-Berry Granola bowls.” But the allure of a 24-hour restaurant never fades. Said Toula, “No matter what, people still want comfort food and a taste of home and they want pancakes at 4 AM.” These days, Flashback Diner Davie shares the street with a host of fresh, mixed-use developments and new businesses that popped up in the wake of Toula’s innovation. She says: “Block Party, get ready!” In the current red-hot South Florida Real Estate Market recent years this highly valuable Real Estate that Toula owns have become part of each City’s Downtown vision plan and very much sought after by Developers and Equity Firms and the pressure is mounting for Toula to come up with a new plan for her land in favor of what each City wants to see: “Town and City Governments want to create, for the benefit of the residents, walkable Downtown areas that not only are comprised of brand new buildings with common areas and gathering spots, but also fill the need for more Affordable Housing utilizing the new directives and incentives set by the State of Florida for example, via the newly signed SB 102 Bill. Each City wants to keep costs and taxes down for its residents and to replace the old infrastructure of sewer systems, electricity etc., with new, cutting-edge underground utilities while encouraging Green, LEED Certified Construction Elements in the new mixed use buildings. Toula is in alignment with the vision of each City and is currently working on proposals and discussions to team up with credible, good companies and to find good solutions as to how to accomplish the relocation of the existing restaurants so that no jobs are lost, and no downtime of the existing decades-old restaurants. She will not stand in the way of growth, but the search is difficult and the proposed plans vary greatly. “The current recession and high interest rates have created a volatile market that few credible developers can now navigate and complete projects successfully. The downtown properties I own in Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, and Boca Raton have now become the target of developers from all over the United States,” said Toula. “In their quest to acquire land, some of their practices have been rather covert and underhanded, rather than the direct communication we enjoyed in times past.” Toula is not against selling or partnering up with a credible developer, if that is the right thing for the local community. “I would never stand in the way of progress,” she said. “At the same time, I will always be a businessperson, and if we ever leave a location we need to be compensated in a way that would allow us to relocate our business and employees.” Some of Toula’s properties are listed on LoopNet in search of just such a partnership. “There is a way for everyone to get what they want,” she said. “All it takes is HONEST and DIRECT COMMUNICATION, the right deal for the right location, resulting in progress, increased business, and community-building. It’s the American way.” These past three years there were a lot of false rumors regarding Toula Amanna and her businesses that no one can explain how they originated. She said, “Inexplicably, during the COVID-19 years, as all kinds of rumors surfaced, I was subject to 12 different government and regulatory audits, mostly originating from the State of Florida.” For example, two missing digits from the Federal I.D. Number for Flashback Diner Hallandale triggered an eight-month long Workman’s Comp Insurance State Audit covering 11 companies and 265 employees. Labor Audits, an IRS Audit for the Fort Lauderdale property that the IRS agent could not reply as to why they generated neither a random or for-cause audit, 40 violation notices for the same property that had such incredible details as missing two inches from the back yard grass and the list went on and on. Toula continues: “In the beginning of COVID-19 my Social Security Number was changed at the National SBA Level (I used to be a spokesperson and small Business recipient for many years of SBA loans teaching others how to use these great 504 programs to renovate buildings and put people to work). Since two digits of my SS number was in discrepancy with the National SBA Database, I could not get emergency funding EIDL Loans for the first 3 months of COVID-19 until a great, honorable person at the SBA found the problem and fixed it.” Three years of audits proved that Toula kept impeccable records, with no changes found at the end. “It was three years of a complete waste of time for my staff, my employees, and the government, not to mention taxpayers’ money, hard to believe all this was coincidental, and very sad to see it happening,” said Toula. Among these restaurants there is a favorite spot, a restaurant she leases and she does not own: The Deerfield Beach Café at the International Fishing Pier. She went all-in on the Deerfield Beach Café, part of a massive overhaul of the city-owned property adjacent to the historic International Fishing Pier. In 2013 Toula was awarded the lease of the restaurant at the International Fishing Pier. Since then, the Deerfield Beach Café has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike, with more than a thousand Google reviews praising the “great” service and “super delicious” food served at “the most beautiful spot.” In turn, Toula praises the restaurant staff, led by General Manager Santos Melendez, as well as the community leaders who have supported the café over the years. “When it opened, the Deerfield Beach Café represented the greatest partnership between public, private, and community organizations of my career,” she said. “In the 10 years since, I’m proud to say that Santos and many other staff members have become more like family than employees, both to me personally and to the people of Deerfield Beach.” There are other benefits to owning a business in such a beautiful location. “All of my other restaurants are land-locked. Every time I’m at the Café it is literally a breath of fresh sea air,” said Toula. She is even house-hunting in the area. Do you know of a place with a boat dock? Deerfield Beach as a future home best reflects Toula’s new lifestyle: BBF: Beach, Boat, Friends. Toula’s kids are all in College, might as well go for the South Florida lifestyle as reflected by the slogan of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in which she continues to be a Board Member and a Business Member: “Live in the Sun, Work in the Cloud.” Toula has traveled a long, successful road over the past decades, with help from countless people. “I couldn’t have made it without friends like Rochelle Matza, a business director and guiding light for so many of my efforts, and Julio Izaguirre, my top chef for 25 years. Together we participated in multiple Community events through direct and indirect contributions for catering and gift giving. This past weekend we participated in the annual Lauren’s Kids Foundation at the Hard Rock with Senator Lauren Book and her father, Ron Book, both great motivational speakers that have brought awareness and light to so many issues that people could not talk about before. These events had simply stopped during COVID-19 and it was a welcome opening to the new era of bringing Communities together for the benefit of all. “There are so many more people I want to mention, but that would be a whole book!” Toula’s work is far from over. Even now, the next exciting chapter in the life of Deerfield Beach Café is about to be written. As a city-owned property, the restaurant has been reopened to bids from interested parties, as required by the original contract. Of course, Toula’s hat is in the ring – and it’s a very big hat. While the detailed plans are under a “cone of silence,” another favorite Toula phrase, she did say this: “We have a truly outstanding concept that we can’t wait to share with the people of Deerfield Beach.” If it is anything like the many other projects Toula has shepherded over the decades, it’s something to look forward to. Fresh ideas came from the Greek Islands and Athens where Toula will be for about ten days this summer. On July 27, 2023 in Downtown Athens Greece she will receive the award for achievement for Immigrants, women, who have excelled in the International arena both in business and as Community contributors. Stay tuned, there will be a next Chapter…. < Previous News Next News >

Make Family Memories This Summer: The Best Part Of A Road Trip Is That Quality Time Is Built Into It May 31, 2023 Share There's a reason summer is a popular time to vacation. With the kids out of school, and the weather warming up, take advantage of the sunshine and your family's more flexible schedule to share experiences and strengthen your family bonds. Yes, I know, we live in a vacation destination, but what if you want something different. This year will be an especially popular year for vacations. Do you crave an escape from your daily routine - 64% of people say they do - if even for a few days? In a recent study conducted by Mintel, in partnership with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, nearly 62% of parents intend to take more family vacations in 2023 than they did in 2022, and 77% said their goal was to make memories and 74% to have fun. Are you ready to start planning your vacation? Check out these three family vacation ideas that are perfect for having fun and making memories together this summer. 1. Explore A New City Exploring a new city together can be a fun and exciting adventure for the whole family! Choose a destination and make a list of must-see spots and activities so you can plan accordingly. Your list should include restaurants for the foodies in your family, amusement parks and attractions for the thrill seekers, shops for the fashionistas and a spa visit for those who want to relax. Don't overload your itinerary! Remember, your family should come back from vacation feeling refreshed. Build in downtime in between events and outings, too. Quiet, relaxing moments together allow everyone to recharge for the next activity and allow you to reflect on the memories you're making. 2. Take A Road Trip A family road trip is the quintessential American vacation experience and for good reason. According to the Mintel study, 50% of parents prefer to drive and 72% of parents say it's important to pick a destination they can drive to. No two road trips are alike. Even if you're taking the same route as others, when and where you decide to stop is completely up to your family, making each road trip a unique experience. When planning a road trip, you can pick one or several destinations and plan for pit stops along the way. Also, the flexibility of a road trip means you can stop and explore a town or attraction on your route that piques your interest with minimal disruption to your planned itinerary. The best part of a family road trip is that quality time is built into it. Spending time together in the car gives you plenty of opportunities to connect and talk about what you're most excited to see and experience. 3. Stay At A Resort A family vacation at a resort is a great way to have fun while taking the stress out of trip planning. Instead of going out to several locations in one city, you can adventure, shop, eat and relax all in one place. A destination like Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has something for everyone, all under one roof! Home to America's largest indoor water parks, kids of all ages will make memories and are sure to have fun at both the indoor and outdoor waterslides, pools and lazy rivers. Stop by the family entertainment center and play some games as a family or try an escape room. The resort's signature dining options have dishes and drinks to delight everyone's palate. There's also a full-service spa experience for prime pampering in between activities. Don't forget to stop at the unique retail shops to pick up souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your trip. You can choose from one of four conveniently located resorts Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; Sandusky, Ohio; Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania and Round Rock, Texas, pick a route and enjoy a road trip to your resort vacation. And no need to worry about the weather! Mintel found that 81% of parents say it is important to pick a location they can enjoy that is not dependent on the weather. That's not a problem because it's always sunny and 84 degrees inside Kalahari, so you can enjoy a true summer vacation no matter what it's doing outside. To learn more, visit: www.KalahariResorts.com Don't let this summer slip by getting lost in your day-to-day routine. Let these three ideas inspire your family vacation so you can start planning your trip to make memories and have fun together this summer. < Previous News Next News >

We Need To Be Vigilant: If You See Something Say Something By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper April 6, 2023 Share Over the past few months there has been a rash of smash and grabs in our City. This is where a car with an individual or more will drive into an area, hop out, break into cars and then leave. The two main areas this has occurred was along Golden Isles Drive and recently on Diplomat Parkway. The criminals have been coming in during the early morning hours. In one incident they damaged more than 30 cars. For the victims of these crimes the crime rate went up 100 percent. All in all, for a city of almost 40,000 people our crime rate is low. These days it seems like a lot of crime due to the speed in which we all receive information. The constant news cycle adds to this awareness. Crime is certainly not new. A few years back we had a rash of these crimes in Three Islands. This means we all cannot let our guards down and need to be vigilant when it comes to our property and surroundings. In some cases, there are some measures we can take, but there is not much that can be done with these types of crimes. We as elected officials receive incident reports from crimes that occur. This policy was reestablished a few years ago when Chief Michel took over as Chief. It ensures that we are aware of what crime is taking place. These incidents thankfully have not involved bodily harm but do come with them the cost of mental distress and worry. Last month, I attended a meeting at one of the condominiums that fell victim to trespass and vandalism. Our Chief and two other LEOs attended the meeting to address concerns. I need to note while in some cases there are cameras there are not always clear shots of the perpetrators or the vehicle tags. In addition, many items in these cases when stolen are not marked with serial numbers. This makes solving the crime extremely difficult. I want our readers to know that our department takes all crime seriously and do pursue all possible leads. When discussing these crimes residents always ask where the police are. We have patrol vehicles out in what are called zones. In the City, we have five. In addition to patrols there are other supervisors and detectives that are on the road. Officers obliviously move around their respective zones. They will take breaks and / or stop to fill out reports. There is not any city that can have police on every corner at all times during the day. This is where residents can help. I know many of us have heard time and time again. “If you see something, say something.” You can help by calling in suspicious activity right away. If you have cameras let our police know. Also, there are ways to help deter crime. Fencing, gates, cameras and not leaving items in the cars. Even with these countermeasures there is no guarantee that crime will not happen. In a recent meeting I was asked about the Safe Neighborhood Districts. SNDs are geographical areas that are established by the voters in the area to add an additional layer of security protection. Some are private and others are not. The two in our City are public roads. This means vehicles cannot be stopped and questioned. In Golden Isles, the vehicles are stopped at a stop sign and their tags are read. There is a guard but they cannot ask people where they are headed. In Three islands there are no guards. In addition to the gatehouses there is roaving patrol. I have to tell readers there is still crime in the SNDs. They are only deterrents. There will never be 100 percent reduction in crime. These types of districts still can be established but it is a process. Owners within the district upon approval of the City Government must hold a vote to tax themselves for the additional costs. An advisory board is set up and the City becomes the Board Of Directors. The costs to run the district depends on what type of improvements the residents want put in place. It can be additional lighting, cameras, security guards, additional patrols or all of the above. Some like to debate the effectiveness of these measures. Some argue they are a waste of money. I could not disagree more. We all need to do what is possible to deter crime. If it gives any criminal pause to think about not perpetrating a crime it's worth it. I am so sorry that many of our residents have had to suffer the fall out of these crimes. They not only cost mental distress but time and money. Our police and I will welcome the opportunity to come out and discuss these issues. Our Police Department will also evaluate properties to make recommendations on better security free of charge. As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out to me at my Office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Wishing all our readers a Blessed Passover and Easter! < Previous News Next News >

Miami, Florida: Great Opportunity for Retirees! November 19, 2021 Share The Senior Academy is now accepting applicants for its new semester Want to be more productive? Make life more meaningful? Get extra money? Know more about your Jewish heritage? All without leaving your home? The Levi Yitzchok Senior Academy gives retired (or semi-retired) adults a unique opportunity to stimulate your mind, share thoughts, learn about your heritage and feel accomplished. You can even receive a monthly stipend for writing a short weekly essay. No travel necessary! “This is an ideal program for those who are ambitious to advance their wisdom with Judaic courses that are both intellectual and inspirational. Everyone should have the opportunity to know their history and heritage,” says Rabbi Menachem Smith, their Director. The Senior Academy is now accepting applicants for its new semester. Choose between the TWO daily classes from: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with Talmud and Jewish inspiration. Or from: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., on a variety of Jewish topics. All classes are live on Zoom (accessible to everyone) – join from any device or regular telephone, even without internet access. The Levi Yitzchok Senior Academy is a project of United Jewish Generations, a Chabad Organization that provides many services for senior citizens. To apply, or for more information, call: (954) 458-6000. Or visit us on-line at: www.UnitedJewishGenerations.com/SeniorAcademy < Previous News Next News >

Stabilization Efforts Have Truly Paid Off Thu Sep 12 2024 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Underwater Adventure Awaits: New Artificial Reef Coming to Hollywood Beach March 31, 2022 Share Those who experience the excitement of the underwater world, with its colorful fish and beautiful coral formations, know the thrill of seeing amazing marine life or discovering a unique formation. Divers to Hollywood Beach boast of the incredible biodiversity found just beyond the sandy shores. The word is out in the dive community on the 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project that is heading to Hollywood Beach this Spring. The Ocean Rescue Alliance (ORA), a Marine Conservation and Restoration Non-Profit Organization that specializes in eco-art artificial reef structures that vary by biological purpose. Some structures create fish habitats or enable the restoration of oysters, mangroves and corals. Some protect coastlines and others become dive destinations. The goal of the Alliance’s “1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project” is to create Unique Art Themed Reefs in South Florida, including off of Hollywood Beach. Their very first Reef Structure is scheduled for deployment in 40 feet of water in the Central Beach area. This first site will be accessible only by boat, however future near shore snorkel sites are planned for easier access by all. ORA Artificial Reef Structures are made of eco-friendly materials that encourage natural Coral and benthic growth to create micro and macro habitats. Each structure weighs anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 pounds to ensure that they stay in place, even through a Hurricane. The ORA Team uses a large barge to set it in place where it is expected to stay for 50 years or more. Approximately $300,000 is already invested to construct the Artificial Reef Structure and install it in the Ocean, as well as to create and support Educational Programming, on-going Reef Restoration and new Research Initiatives. Unlike most Artificial Reef Structures, The ORA’s Reefs range from high to low profile to mimic those found in the natural world. The Reef Structures include shelves and spaces that a variety of sizes and Species of Marine Life can use during the different stages of their life. The more artistic structures will also offer divers and snorkelers a destination to visit and explore. Each structure will also be “seeded” with coral fragments to help encourage coral growth. In addition to diving, the Reef Project will be an opportunity for the Public to learn about the importance of Conservation and Restoration Efforts. Programs are planned to include: Research, Education, Citizen Science, Dive/Beach Clean-Ups, Monitoring and more. Eco-Tourism opportunities are also planned and may include visits to the Reef and the ability to “outplant” Corals at the site. Prior to the Reef Structure being deployed off of Hollywood Beach, the Public will have an opportunity for an up close viewing. Visit the City’s Web-Site at: www.HollywoodFL.org for information on where to view the new structure. Once deployed, Reef Coordinates can be found on the Ocean Rescue Alliance’s Web-Site at: www.oceanrescuealliance.org . Dive Hollywood’s Reefs Did you know that….the Florida Reef Tract stretches from the Dry Tortugas all the way to the St. Lucie Inlet for nearly 360 linear miles making it the fifth largest Coral Reef Ecosystem in the World? But what exactly are Coral Reef Ecosystems and why should you check them out? Coral Reefs are large Underwater Ecosystems that have been formed over hundreds of years by Invertebrates called Coral Polyps! These Coral Polyps come in all shapes, colors and sizes but they join in colonies to form the Iconic Reefs you might recognize; they are living animals but when they pass away their exoskeletons form Stony Limestone support for the Coral formations which are how they grow over centuries! They are often called the “Rainforests Of The Sea” because although they only occupy 1% of the Ocean Floor, they are a crucial habitat for about 25% of all Ocean Species! Coral Reefs are home to thousands of different Plants and Animal Species! To learn more about our Coral Reefs, Visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Informational Page At: www.noaa.gov . The Florida Reef Tract is the only Coral Reef Ecosystem in the Continental United States and is divided into the Inner Reef, which is 20-30 feet deep, the Middle Reef, which is 40-60 feet deep and the Outer Reef, which is 50-100 feet deep! When diving in our Reefs, you can expect to see colorful Parrotfish, Angelfish, Barracuda, Nurse Sharks, Stingrays, Delicate Corals, Turtles and more! However, Coral Reefs are Sensitive Ecosystems that are sadly being threatened by a variety of factors like: Climate Change, Coral Bleaching, Overfishing, Boat Anchoring, etc. Visit NOAA's Coral Reef Ecosystem to learn more about the dangers that our Reefs are facing and what you can do to help! One way that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is getting involved and protecting our Oceans and everything that lives in them is by administering a State-Wide Artificial Reef Program that provides Financial and Technical Assistance to Local Coastal Governments, Non-profit Corporations and State Universities to construct, monitor and assess the Artificial Reefs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has an Interactive Map where you can view all of the Artificial Reefs along Hollywood’s Coast! Visit: https://myfwc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=4675e1db32ac43a9a4308e757965d17d < Previous News Next News >

How We Can Fight Global Warming As A City Thu Oct 28 2021 06:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) 11th Annual 5K Thu Apr 21 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Message From The City Manager: The Sunny Isles Beach Proposed Budget And Capital Improvement Program By Stan Morris, Sunny Isles Beach City Manager - www.sibfl.net October 20, 2022 Share In accordance with Article IV Section 4.5 of the Charter of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, I am pleased to present to you the Proposed Comprehensive Budget and 5-Year Capital Improvement Program for FY 2022-2023. When we started this process, I had four main goals to accomplish. The first goal was to involve the City Commission in the development of the priorities for this next Fiscal Year. Through Individual Meetings with the Commission and our Administrative Team, we were able to freely discuss what the goals were for the future of our City. A special thank you to the Commission for their guidance and open dialogue to discuss what the vision and goals are for this upcoming year. Their message was clear and the recurring theme included Public Safety and reducing our Millage Rate. The second goal was to thoroughly involve the Staff in this process. As it is, the Department Heads and their team that must execute the work that this Budget represents, they need to be involved at every step. After they heard your vision, they were tasked with doing the research to provide a Professional Assessment of what was possible, how to do it and what it would cost. Simultaneously, our Assistant City Manager, Audra Curts-Whann performed a full 5-Year Review, line by line, of the actual expenditure for each Department. Working with our Finance Director Tiffany Neely, every Department met individually with them and my Office for a thorough review of what they had spent historically to identify where surplus may be cut. Every Department was directed to look at their Budget from a fresh perspective, prioritizing needs over wants. Every Department Head was provided the tools they needed to get to work and submit a comprehensive, responsible Budget. This was followed by one-on-one Meetings with each Department and my Office to review their submissions. We scrutinized each division and cut where it was possible and added where necessary to meet the vision you provided. I thank our Finance Team and our Department Heads who took on this challenge and made the hard decisions to provide this Balanced Budget that asked to do more with less. The third goal was to develop a Budget that remained fiscally responsible, could lower the Millage Rate and ensure that our residents continue to receive the high-quality services that they expect while fulfilling the initiatives set by the Commission. This Budget achieves these goals. The filing of the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Budget reflects an assessed value that has increased by $1.1 Billion from last year and we have a Budget that reduces the Millage Rate to 2.0 Mills per $1,000 of Assessed Value. This has resulted in an unprecedented tenth year that our City has lowered the Tax Rate. In 2021, our Budget was 9.5% higher than the prior year, then, in 2022 our Budget was 7.6% higher as compared to this Proposed Operating Budget which is only 4.0% more than Last Year’s Operating Budget. Between the supply chain issues, the extraordinary increase in CPI of over 10.6% from June 2021 to June 2022, and the “Great Resignation” of 2021 that continues to affect every corner of our Country in both the Public and Private Sectors, we developed a Budget that keeps us competitive in the Employment Market. This is critical to recruit and retain qualified personnel to maintain the quality of life for our residents. Fiscal Responsibility is at the forefront of our entire Management Team. The phrase “do more with less” has been felt by every Department these past few years where they had to do more work with less staff (for less pay than their counterparts in other cities). We are fortunate to have the Dedicated Team that we have that has kept the wheels turning throughout the Pandemic and the aftermath that has left us all working in unprecedented times and conditions. As we continue to navigate this Post-Pandemic World, we developed a Budget that is conservative on our Revenues and hopeful in our Expenses. We hope to be able to fill every vacant position. We hope to purchase every Budgeted Item. We hope to fulfill every Commission Goal. Finally, the fourth and to me, most important Goal remains to be fully transparent. When I took this position, I promised to be fully transparent in my decisions and actions. I hide nothing and welcome your questions and comments. I worked closely with the Commission, The Finance Department and City Staff to present an honest and Manageable Budget. This Budget advances our initiatives in sustainability, innovation, safety and quality. We also met with members of our Public with expertise in Finance who provided additional insight. We listened to the residents through Public Outreach, Surveys and worked closely with our Commission and Dedicated Staff to deliver this fully transparent, thorough and Comprehensive Budget that fulfills several initiatives as proposed by our community in a cost-effective and fiscally responsible manner. General Fund As stated, The Budget provides for a reduction in the Property Tax Rate, reflecting a Millage Rate of 2.0 Mills per $1,000 of Assessed Value. This is achievable even with only a 11.32% increase in our Taxable Value of all property within the City. It is important to note that this includes $255 Million of Property Value Decrease due to reassessments, $1.2 Billion increase of Property Values and over $197 Million of New Construction added to the Tax Rolls in our City this year. Our City’s Assessed Value will slowly increase over the next few Fiscal Years as New Construction continues at a slower pace than previous years. There are currently seven approved development projects, four of which are under construction. There was also one project completed, which added 320 residential units. All these projects contribute to our Increased Revenue from such sources as Building Department Fees, Bonus Payments, Funds from Transferable Development Rights (TDR), Impact Fees and ultimately Property Tax Revenue. The Revenue for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 General Fund is $47,899,558, which represents an increase of $7,289,215, or 17.9%, from the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Adopted Budget. The changes in various Revenue Categories are outlined below: Property Tax Revenues reflect an increase of $976,905 due to the increase in Property Values offset by the 1/10 reduction in the Millage Rate. The City’s Assessed Value as reported by the Property Appraiser is $13,781,795,040, which is a $1,145,952,354 increase over 2021-2022. The recent history of the City’s Taxable Values are provided below. Franchise Fees are estimated to increase by $575,000. The City entered into an Agreement with Florida Power & Light for Franchise Fees to be paid monthly effective as of May 2020. Due to the New Construction being added to the Tax Roll, higher Proposed Revenues are anticipated. Utility Tax Revenues are estimated to increase by $50,000 due to New Construction being added to the Tax Roll. Communications Services Tax Revenues are expected to decrease slightly by $20,000. Revenues from Licenses/Permits are expected to decrease by $2,000 primarily related to the reduction in the Vacant Property Registry. Intergovernmental Revenues for State Revenue Sharing are projected to increase by $79,812 and Local Government Half-Cent Sales Taxes are expected to increase by $165,116 over the prior year. Charges for Services are expected to increase by $202,500 over the prior year. This is primarily due to the Parking Fee Collections of $31,000, Recreational Programs of $166,500 and Police Overtime Reimbursements from the Federal Government of $5,000. Fines and Forfeitures are estimated to increase by $335,000 due to Increased Parking Fines and Code Compliance Citations. Miscellaneous Revenues are expected to increase by $366,575 primarily due to Rental Income from The Navarro Property. Transfers are estimated to increase by $4,560,307 due to the American Rescue Plan Act Funds being transferred to the General Fund and utilized for the provision of Governmental Services. The Proposed General Fund Budget expenditures (not including Transfers out to other Funds) increased to $44,461,238, which represents an increase of $1,875,658, or 4.4%, from Fiscal Year 2021-2022. Expenditures have increased primarily due to: (1) Compensation Adjustments, Retirement System Contributions and Health Insurance ($1,821,063), (2) Additional Departmental needs ($456,874) offset by (3) a reduction in Debt Payments due to Lower Principal Payments (-$8,868) and a reduction in Capital Outlay Needs (-$333,411) and a reduction in other disbursements for Election Expenses (-$60,000). Street Maintenance And Construction Fund Major revenue sources in the Street Maintenance and Construction Fund include Intergovernmental Revenues such as State Revenue Sharing, Transportation Surtax and Local Option Fuel Tax. This fund was developed for the benefit of segregating the uses of this Revenue Source. The Fund Accounts for the costs related to Transportation, Street Construction and Maintenance Programs. The total budget is $3,294,572. Building Fund Major Revenue Sources in the Building Fund include: Fees Generated from Building Permits and Inspections. This Fund was developed for the benefit of segregating the uses of this Revenue Source. This Fund Accounts for the costs related to the Administration and Enforcement of the Building Code. This coming year, we are gearing up for the New Legislation recently passed, Senate Bill 4-D, requiring Proactive Milestone Inspections of Condominiums. Revenues, not including Appropriated Fund Balance, are $3,598,762, a decrease of $1,454,238 from the prior year and expenditures are $5,252,959, an increase of $1,122,200 from the Prior Year. The excess of expenditures over Revenues this Fiscal Year are funded by the Carryover (Fund Balance) of previous Years Revenues. Public Art Trust Fund This Fund was created in 2014-2015 for the benefit of segregating the use of Public Art Trust Fund Revenues to purchase and maintain Art within the City. The Total Budget is $1,417,887, a decrease of $205,955 from the prior year. The Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC) Public Art Program was approved and Commission Adopted in 2020. The Program contains a Five-Year Strategic Work Plan with one of the first Projects involving a Meditation Garden located in the western area of Town Center Park. This Project is fully funded for and construction is expected to begin this year! Sunny Spaces was developed in Celebration of The City’s 25th Anniversary and under the initiative of the Public Art Program. The Sunny Spaces Art Contest launched in May 2022 and received over 78 eligible submissions from 59 different Artists. The community was asked to paint, or hand draw an original piece incorporating the theme of a sun. Up to 25 submissions will be recreated as a public art installation within the City. Sunny Spaces aims to bring the community together through the Visual Arts by co-creating artistic spaces curated by our residents. The goal is to shed light on our talented Artists while increasing accessibility to the Arts in our community. Sunny Spaces aspires to be the premier showcase of Local Art for our community. Sunny Spaces and Gateway Artway will be unveiled in Winter 2023 and will be publicly accessible for residents and visitors to enjoy, including Art Activations at City Events. American Rescue Plan Act Of 2021 Fund This fund was created to Segregate Fiscal Recovery Funds as a result of the United States Congress passing the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”). It was signed into the Law creating the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the purpose of providing funds to Local Governments in order to facilitate the Ongoing Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic (“Fiscal Recovery Funds”). ARPA allocated over $7 Billion for making payments to metropolitan cities. The City entered into an Agreement in September 2021 with The State Of Florida, Division Of Emergency Management as a Non-Entitlement Unit to receive its allocation of $10,920,613 from the State. The first half of the allocation was received in October 2021 and the second half was received in August 2022. The total allocation will be utilized for the provision of Government Services and Necessary Investments in Water and Sewer Infrastructure. Enterprise Funds The City has a Stormwater Operating Fund and a Stormwater Capital Projects Fund. The Stormwater Operating Fund is primarily self-supporting and has Budgeted Revenues of $1,002,000, which is primarily the same as the prior year. This Fund incurs costs to ensure Compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit. Stormwater Capital Projects are funded by the Local Option Fuel Tax and Transfers in from the Stormwater Operating Fund, as available. Accumulated Fund Balance (Carryover) will be utilized for Drainage. The City is in the Design Phase of the Central Island Drainage Project to improve its Stormwater Pumping Capacity. Capital Improvement Program The Capital Improvement Program concentrates on the Development of Parks, Infrastructure and Rehabilitation of our Facilities including: Major Road Resurfacing, Sidewalk Improvements and Pedestrian Safety. A Capital Improvement Project generally exceeds $25,000 and has a useful life of five years or more. The City has been successful in leveraging City Dollars to obtain Grant Awards and Legislative Appropriations for some Capital Projects and will continue to seek these where possible. The City has one Capital Projects Fund, The Capital Improvement Program Fund, which is funded by a Transfer from the General Fund, Grants, Impact Fees, Other Development Fees and Contributions/Donations. The Capital Projects, which total $26,726,614 (including $19,316,614 Carryover from the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year), are recommended and funded by The Capital Improvement Program Fund. All of The Capital Improvement Projects requested and proposed for this year are fully detailed in our Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) located in the CIP section of this document. Please note that many Capital Projects are Multi-Year Endeavors. Conclusion In conclusion, our 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Budget is one that is presented with transparency and represents our Meetings with Elected Officials both individually and as a group, as well as, Meeting with members of the Public to ensure that their needs and requests were heard. Our goal is to maintain Fiscal Responsibility while providing the utmost level of High-Quality Services our residents and visitors have come to expect. This work could not have been accomplished without the input and vision of The Mayor, Vice Mayor and Commissioners, the direction of our Finance Director, Tiffany Neely and the Finance Department Team and our Department Directors. On behalf of Deputy City Manager Susan Simpson and Assistant City Manager Audra Curts-Whann, we express our sincere thanks and gratitude. Respectfully submitted, Stan Morris - City Manager < Previous News Next News >

Get Ready for King Tides Hollywood October 20, 2022 Share Unusually High Tides, also known as King Tides, are expected periodically through early December. Flooding in low-lying areas is more likely during this time of the year due to the close proximity of the moon which creates King Tides. These Seasonal High Tides, combined with Rising Sea Levels and Inclement Weather Conditions, exacerbate flooding risks. Rainfall and Wind Strength and direction also have a significant impact on the height of the Tides causing them to come in higher or lower than predicted. With seven miles of shoreline, 7.9 miles of canals and a Flat Topography, Hollywood is vulnerable to the effects of Sea Level Rise and Tidal Flooding. Most of the King Tide impacts are felt along the coast and in very low-lying areas near other water bodies. Residents who want to know which areas are impacted by the King Tides are encouraged to use the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Sea Level Rise Viewer: https://coast.noaa.gov/slr/ On this map, you can Zoom into Broward & Miami-Dade County or your neighborhood. When you click on the “Flood Frequency Tab” you will see areas in red that are vulnerable to King Tide Flooding. King Tides can be observed 1.5 – 2 hours before and after peak times. Based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Tide Predictions, above Average High Tides are expected: • October 24th - October 30th, 2022 • November 6th - November 9th, 2022 • November 23rd - November 27th, 2022 Above Average High Tides are also expected again, on both the New Moon and the Full Moon, additional dates to watch for Tidal Impacts include: December 23rd - December 24th, 2022 High Seasonal Tides can cause Low-Lying Coastal Areas to Flood. Motorists are urged to use caution and seek Alternate Routes to avoid traveling on Flooded Streets. Coastal Roads, Parking Lots and Docks in vulnerable areas could Flood during the times of High Tide. Seasonal Tides could raise the water level by more than 2 and a half feet during High Tide. The City is working on both Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions to minimize the impacts of Tidal Flooding and has completed the installation of Flap Gates in The Stormwater System to help prevent Tidal Water from flowing back through The Stormwater Drains. Additionally, Auxiliary Pumps are stationed in High Risk Areas to help clear Flooded Streets as quickly as possible. To report Street-Level Flooding caused by seasonal King Tides, please call: (954) 764-4357. < Previous News Next News >

New Hours In Hollywood: Hollywood Sun Shuttle West On-Demand “Fixed Stop” Shuttle Service April 13, 2023 Share The City of Hollywood recently expanded the Sun Shuttle Micro-Transit Service to West Hollywood with a two-month pilot community shuttle service operated by Circuit. The trial period runs through Wednesday, May 31st, 2023. Due to user feedback, the operation hours have been changed to 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Upon request, a 12-person passenger van picks up and drops off passengers at any of the 18 predetermined high-volume locations in Hollywood, West of I-95 between Johnson and Washington Streets to the Florida Turnpike. The Sun Shuttle West is an on-demand service, meaning shuttles will only visit designated pick-up/drop-off locations when a ride has been requested for that location. Riders are discouraged from waiting at a location without first making a request via the mobile application. Riders can download the “Ride Circuit” application to request a ride. Fares are set at $2 per person per ride, however if space is available, a person can ride to wherever the shuttle is already going free of charge. Here Is How It Works Download the Ride Circuit mobile application from Google Play or the App Store and request a “Sun Shuttle West” ride via the application. Non-smartphone users may request a ride by calling: (954) 303-9057. next go to your designated pick-up/drop-off location and wait for the shuttle to arrive. Designated Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations • Hollywood Tri-Rail Station, 3001 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Target, 3251 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Publix, 3251 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Memorial Regional Hospital, Internal Medicine, 1150 North 35th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • CVS, 4400 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Walmart, 301 South State Road 7, Hollywood, Florida 33023. • Miramar Bakery, 370 South State Road 7, Hollywood, Florida 33023. • New England Mobile Park, 600 South 62nd Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Bravo Supermarket, 6767 Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023. • Kay Gaither Community Center, 6291 Funston Street, Hollywood, Florida 33023. • Burlington, 755 South State Road 7, Hollywood, Florida 33023. • Zinkil Park, 5451 Washington Street, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Hillcrest No. 2, 5100 Washington Street, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Hillcrest Court Building 8, 1101 Hillcrest Court, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Arrow Wood, 1500 Tallwood Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Hillcrest Building 20, 919 Hillcrest Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Hillcrest Building 21, 4400 Hillcrest Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Hillcrest Building 23, 4330 Hillcrest Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Hillcrest Building 25, 3800 Hillcrest Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33021. Ridership continues to be evaluated during this pilot program and will be used for a feasibility study for a permanent community shuttle service in Hollywood. Reggae Star Protoje Come see the ArtsPark Experience Concert with Headliner, Reggae Star Protoje, this Sunday, April 16th, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Protoje is at the forefront of the exciting resurgence of conscious, organic music in Jamaica, dubbed the “Reggae Revival.” The Grammy-Nominated Artist is among the most popular Caribbean Artists recording and touring today. Protoje is known for his balanced musicianship and collaborations, fueled by his Resident Beatsmith and collaborations with top hit-makers. Dubwise warmup set. < Previous News Next News >

Welcome Back June 11, 2021 Share To The Aventura Community Recreation Center The City of Aventura reopens the Community Recreation Center (CRC) on Thursday, July 1st, 2021 for Miami-Dade County residents with an active and current Community Recreation Center membership only. The Community Recreation Center welcomes its members to enjoy the reopened facility while adhering to safety guidelines. As a member of the CRC, you will have the ability to reserve time for use of the fitness room and the basketball gymnasium when school and City programs are not in session. The facility is closed on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Facility Membership Prices Member prices include usage of the fitness room for people, aged 18 years and older, the full court basketball gymnasium when ACES and City programs are not in session. One-month, 6-month and annual memberships are available. Visit the City's Online Registration System (ORS) for membership prices at: https://secure.rec1.com/FL/aventura-fl/catalog Purchase CRC Membership & Make a Reservation An account on the City’s Online Registration System (ORS) is necessary to purchase a CRC membership and make a reservation (as a member) to use the fitness room or basketball gymnasium. To create an account on the ORS by following these steps and visit at: www.cityofaventura.com/ors • Click the Create Account button. • Follow the instructions to set up an account and be sure to include family members, when prompted, to do so. • Upload picture(s) to be used for identification. • Verify address and residency. Purchase a CRC membership with a valid account on the ORS. A membership can be purchased exclusively on-line only. In person membership purchases will be available on an as needed basis, must have prior approval by a City employee and follow these steps, to purchase a membership on-line: • Click on Community Recreation Center Membership. • Select the correct age group of the person that the membership is being purchased for a child, adult, senior citizen and/or, a family. • Select the membership time frame, 1-month, 6-months or annually. • Upon completion, to request ID card(s) and confirm membership, please e-mail the CRC at: crcenter@cityofaventura.com . Make a reservation with an existing CRC membership by following these steps: • Click on Community Recreation Center Reservations. • Select the desired amenity to be used (Fitness Room or Gymnasium). • Select the desired date and time. • Select the member(s) who will be using the facility during the scheduled time. • Review and sign all waivers to complete the transaction. All memberships purchased prior to the re-opening date of Thursday July 1st, 2021, you will have an active start date as of, Thursday, July 1st, 2021 and be valid for the duration of the selected membership's time frame. Any membership purchased after Thursday, July 1st, 2021 will have an active start date on the date of the purchase and it will be valid for the duration of the selected membership's time frame. We ask that members who would like to cancel any existing reservations, so we can provide the canceled time slot to another member, please e-mail us at: crcenter@cityofaventura.com . The Community Recreation Center is located at 3375 Northeast 188th Street in Aventura. The center's hours are: Monday - Friday - 7:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Saturday - 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Sunday - 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more information, please call: (305) 466-3883. < Previous News Next News >