The State Of The City Part VI: We Have Stopped “Kicking The Cans Down The Road” By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper July 13, 2023 Share Over the weeks, I have shared The State of the City Series. This is Part VI and the Final Portion. It covers the threats our City is facing in the coming years. While we are very proud, our city’s fiscal situation is stable due to the hard work of our City Manager, Commission and Staff. We have stopped “Kicking the cans down the road” and are addressing the most vital parts of our City’s Infrastructure. We still have plenty of work to do. So, what threats can unbalance this stability? There is always the threat of Hurricanes, Economic Instability, Supply Chain Issues, Workforce Issues, Pension and Labor Costs and God forbid, another Pandemic! But we do have current threats that we have already geared up for and are working with our neighboring cities. Seaweed. Yes I did say Seaweed. The Sargassum Bloom is coming and we have seen some bands from it already. We had to invest in new tractors and are keeping up with cleaning. We all are extremely concerned about the large cost of disposal. Our Staff has even set up a specific landing page to inform our residents. The other threat is not a surprise, Housing Costs. While many people have migrated here our population has not really grown significantly. Recent figures show that the majority of growth is North and to the West due to the Cost Of Living. The rent for two-bedroom one bath apartments is going upwards to $2,000 - $3000 Dollars. The other side of that sword. We continue to focus on creating more units that are affordable. Our Sustainable Development Department under the Leadership of Director Vanesa Leroy has already requested and received five hundred units to be utilized for housing. We are also laying the groundwork to apply for an additional four thousand to be built within our Regional Activity Center. This is the area between Federal Highway and the FEC. If these units are applied for, there must be a percentage of inclusionary units. While many developers prefer to pay as you go, that model simply has not worked. I mentioned the City Center but there are also many infill developments including Solaris which will be affordable units. This would not be possible without the County and the CRA. In addition, our CRA has been helping residents with Rental Assistance. We created a program where if someone’s rent has increased over 20% we will help pay the difference to the property owner for 12 months up to $6,000 dollars in assistance until renters can catch up financially or find other housing. We all know about the astronomical insurance costs but that is a job for our Legislators. This year, though, we approved restarting our Hurricane Window and Retrofit Program East of the CRA. This was possible due to cost savings measures and will help reduce Windstorm Costs for those and make our City safer. The other issue, while certainly not new, seems to have resulted from a combination of COVID-19, the Cost Of Living and the Opioid Crisis. Increases in the Homeless population. It is truly tragic, but it is something every city is dealing with. We are trying to do what we can with these needy individuals, but we cannot force them to get help. Some things to know. It is illegal to Loiter on Private Property that is posted “No Trespassing.” On Private Property we can make the homeless leave and share with them where to get help. It is illegal to sleep in public right away. We can ask individuals if they want help or ask them to move along. Now there is an added issue, it is now legal for people to Panhandle on public property. The Supreme Court ruled that is a form of Free Speech. Our City Attorney is reviewing our current Law that regulates Safety and the Blocking Of Traffic to see if it can still be Enforced. But for now, anyone on our Sidewalks or at our Parks is FREE to Panhandle. To address this issue in an empathic manner we have hired a Community Service Officer, Iman Sandman in the Police Department. Please call the Police Non-Emergency Number to report the homeless person and he will collaborate with you at: (954) 764-4357. You can always call me as well at: (954) 632-5700. I have been studying this issue and while some people are simply down on their luck, but many homeless are Mentally Ill or have Addictions. Not everyone has a family, a support group, or resources to get help. And some are so entrenched in their reality they simply refuse help. This does not mean we cannot avoid tough decisions to address this quality-of-life issue for all our residents. Mental Health actually for everyone has become an issue. We do not always talk about it, but it has gotten to unbearable proportions. Even the U.S. Conference Of Mayors began a Mental Health Task Force. It is not just about the homeless but all of us. Since COVID-19 many of us, whether it's family, school or business Stress, adapting back into the new routine has not been easy. In Florida, the lack of Gun Regulations has made Stress even more deadly. For our children we held the opening of the new home of our Police Activities League. Children can go there and enjoy after school activities, sports, the arts, or simple quiet time in the library. Our partner’s at Memorial have also partnered with PAL. “One City At A Time:” Offering FREE Health Checkups, Testing and Assistance to all ages every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for the next year this includes a Woman’s Health and a Mental Health Component. I have one thing to ask you. On your tables are cards and information about PAL. Readers can get involved too! Visit PAL Facebook for more information. Please consider supporting their efforts. You don’t have to commit full time as they want to work with your desires to help our students within your availability. 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 . < Previous News Next News >

Six Ways to Stretch Your Medicare Dollars: Look For a Plan That Gives You a Monthly Allowance To Spend on Groceries and More By Bruno Piquin, President CarePlus Health Plans October 27, 2022 Share If you’re eligible for Medicare, selecting a 2023 Medicare plan that helps you maximize your healthcare dollars is especially important during the current economically challenging times. The good news is that it is possible to stretch your healthcare dollars by finding a Medicare Advantage plan that offers extra benefits and services. According to the Better Medicare Alliance, members of Medicare Advantage plans reported saving nearly $2,000 a year, while experiencing better health outcomes. And the time to shop is now. During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period from Saturday, October 15th, 2022 to Wednesday, December 7th, 2022, people eligible for Medicare select a plan for coverage taking effect on Sunday, January 1st, 2023. If you want to save money and still get quality healthcare, consider these options when shopping for your 2023 Medicare Advantage plan: Plans that put money back in your pocket – Did you know you may be able to add money to your Social Security check by selecting a Medicare plan that offers a premium giveback? You can also save money on select over-the-counter products, such as cold medicines, if the plan offers a monthly allowance. Help paying for groceries, rent, utilities, and more – If you’re eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, look for a plan that gives you a monthly allowance to spend on groceries, rent, utilities and even pet care. Dental, hearing and vision coverage – Taking care of your dental, hearing and vision needs is important to your overall health. When researching plans, be sure to ask: What are the copays for going to the dentist and the eye doctor? Is there an allowance to buy dentures, hearing aids and eyeglasses? Transportation – Does the plan offer free rides to medical appointments? There are plans available that provide rides to see your primary care doctor, specialists, and to have lab work done. Fitness and wellness benefits – Once you identify your basic health needs, think about what else is important to your overall health and well-being. For example, if you like to exercise, look for a plan that includes a fitness benefit. For example, many Medicare Advantage plans include gym memberships. Some plans also offer in-person and virtual health and wellness classes, and even reward you with gift cards for completing certain healthy activities. Extra features for individual needs - If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease, you may find a plan specifically designed to care for that condition, while adding dollars back to your Social Security check. And, if you’re a Veteran, look for a plan designed to complement VA health care by covering services at non-VA facilities, including dental coverage, transportation and fitness classes. As you shop for your Medicare plan, I encourage you to look for ways to maximize your healthcare coverage, while minimizing your costs, to help ensure the healthiest you in 2023. To learn more about your options, visit: www.Medicare.gov Or call: 1 (800) MEDICARE (800) 633-4227; TTY Or TDD users should call: 1 (877) 486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For information about CarePlus Medicare Advantage plans, visit: www.careplushealthplans.com , visit: es-www.careplushealthplans.com (SP) or speak with a licensed CarePlus sales agent by calling: 1 (855) 450-1352 (TTY: 711). Hours of operation: Saturday, October 1st, 2022 - Friday, March 31st, 2022 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. April 1 - September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You may leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. < Previous News Next News >

Making Strides Walk-A-Thon To Thwart Breast Cancer Thu Nov 03 2022 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Calling All Big Dog Lovers: You'll Fall In Love With These Big Boys November 17, 2023 Share Calling all big dog lovers...can Bella (ID 674393) or Scrappy (ID 672002) go home with you? Beautiful Bella would love to go home with you! This sandy, blonde beauty is 73 pounds, 11 months-old and still has some growing to do. Sadly, she was given up because she got too big. Bella is good with other dogs and enjoys playing with dogs her size. Her profile says she is also good with cats, so please do a slow introduction if you have a resident feline. Older kids might be best, we wouldn’t want her to knock down any little ones by accident. Bella can be a little shy at first but give her a few minutes and she warms up and wants to play. Would she be a good fit for your family? Scrappy is an adorable fellow and can’t wait to meet you at the Humane Society of Broward County. Scrappy is a friendly, five-year-old, 72-pound fellow who loves to be petted and hang out with people. The volunteers and staff at the Humane Society of Broward County say he is affectionate, curious, and calm. If you’re looking for a walking partner… he could be perfect for you. A family with older kids might be best, he wouldn’t want to accidentally knock over any little kids. If you have a dog at home, a dog meet would be recommended. It appears Scrappy is not that into toys, he prefers to be where you are and rest his head in your lap. Thanks to our friends at Buy Fire Alarm Parts, they have kindly paid Scrappy’s adoption fee. Could you be the perfect family for Scrappy? If a big feline is your thing than five-year-old Kimura (Kimmy) ID 674446 is a BIG lap cat, who loves attention and pets. She is good with well-mannered dogs, is talkative when she sees you, and she will do best in a home with kids ages 8 and up. Kimura is front declawed. Preparing to Adopt If you lease your home, check with your landlord before adopting to be sure you are allowed to have a pet and can afford all required pet deposits. Pets are sometimes returned because of lease restrictions and/or landlord’s disapproval of the pet chosen. This can be an expensive lesson since the adoption fees are non-refundable and being returned to the shelter can be a stressful experience for the animal. Adopting a pet is not a one person decision. Make sure other members of your household are aware you want to add a pet and should meet the pet before you decide to adopt. Also consider: • Does anyone have allergies? • Are other members of the household, including children, afraid of animals? • Are you expecting other members of the household to share in the care of the pet? Another factor to consider is cost. The initial and on-going costs of a new pet can add up. These costs include: Adoption fees, Food, Grooming, Obedience training, Pet supplies, and Licensing. Additional veterinary care such as diagnostic testing and preventative medication can add up in the future, so make sure to take this all under consideration prior to adopting. These costs can easily be $200-400 or more within the first few weeks of adoption. Other Pets The Humane Society of Broward County recommends that you do not immediately expose your existing pets to a new pet. Consider how you will manage an isolation period and be sure all existing pets are up to date on vaccinations and other routine health care before bringing a new pet home. Facilitating positive pet-to-pet introductions will require some management on your part too. Not all pets are instant friends and may require temporary or intermittent separation to ensure a smooth transition. Some pets are happy to share their home within a week or two, others may take a month or longer to adjust. Our adoption staff will be happy to review steps to properly introduce your new pet to your resident pets. Time commitment All dogs and cats making the transition to a new home will need time to adjust to a new family and may require house training and behavior training to correct problem behavior. If you aren’t prepared to invest your time to teach your new pet appropriate behavior and help the animal adjust, you should not consider adopting a pet at this time. Positive reinforcement-based training is recommended for all newly adopted dogs and puppies. Please make a lifetime commitment to your pet. Remember that the animal you choose has already been abandoned or unwanted at least once in its life. Dogs and cats may live 12 to 15 years or more. Your thoughtful consideration, preparation and commitment will help ensure a lifelong placement. Supplies Before bringing your dog, cat, or critter home, make sure you have the supplies to properly care for the newest member of your household. From toys and leashes to treats and litter pans, the adoption centers have a wide variety of merchandise available for purchase. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the right products for your pet during the adoption interview process. To meet Bella, Scrappy, Kimura, or any other pet and fill out the Pre-Adoption Application, please visit: www.humanebroward.com - Appointments are not necessary, so stop by the Humane Society of Broward County located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. The Adoption Department opens daily at 11:00 a.m. If you have questions, call: (954) 989-3977. Extension#: 6. < Previous News Next News >

SplashPad Is Open Fri Apr 08 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Don't Be An April Fool: The Parker Has A Lot In Store For You This Month April 13, 2023 Share Comic Sarah Millican, Musical Production Icons Don Felder and Brazil’s Djavan, Inspirational Medium James Van Praagh and Musical Fan Favorites Live, Postmodern Jukebox and Leonid and Friends and are all coming to Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker this April. One of the most innovative, riff-generating songwriters of the modern Rock Era arrives at The Parker when Don Felder performs on Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Renowned as the Former Lead Guitarist of The Eagles, Felder is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum and the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. He continues to build upon his rich legacy while continuing his growth as a featured touring and recording solo artist. This concert is presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents. Tickets are $45-$80. Get ready for the most sensational '20s party this side of The Great Gatsby with Jazz covers of Pop hits from artists like: Sia, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga when Postmodern Jukebox brings its “Life In The Past Lane Tour” to The Parker on Friday, April 14th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. The group features an ensemble of multi-talented singers and musicians who bring Scott Bradlee's generation-spanning arrangements to life. Returning to a style that embodies the music of past generations, the famed musicians pair the right talent with the right material to create an unforgettable experience for fans. The core ensemble is often joined by surprise guests to make each concert unique, unpredictable and one of the most thrilling live music experiences of this and any other time period. This concert is presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents. Tickets are $34.50-$99.50 with $160 and $210 VIP Packages offering premium seating and other exclusives. James Van Praagh, a pioneer of the Mediumship Movement and considered one of the most widely recognized and accurate Spiritual Mediums working today, comes to Lillian S. Wells Hall in The Parker on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. A “Survival Evidence Medium,” he provides evidential proof of life after death through highly detailed messages from the Spiritual Realm. He is recognized annually on Watkins List of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People – a prestigious list of spiritual teachers, activists, authors and thinkers. He has worked with international heads of state, religious world leaders and Celebrities including: Cher, Goldie Hawn, Shirley Maclaine, Ellen DeGeneres, Joan Rivers, Katie Couric, Loretta Lynn, Chelsea Handler, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Wesley Snipes. The Number 1 New York Times Best-Selling Author of over a dozen International Best-Sellers, including his debut, Talking To Heaven, Van Praagh’s book titles include: Reaching To Heaven, Healing Grief, Heaven And Earth, Looking Beyond, Meditations, Ghosts Among Us, Unfinished Business, Growing Up In Heaven, Adventures of The Soul, How to Heal A Grieving Heart And The Power Of Love. Tickets are $45-$75 with $125 VIP Tickets that offer a Meet and Greet with the artist. Leonid & Friends return in a concert presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents on Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. With the help of YouTube, this 11-piece miracle band has blown the minds of legions of fans with their uncanny ability to capture the spirit, musicality and fire of the American Supergroup Chicago. What is even more stunning is that Leonid & Friends haven't seen Chicago perform live yet replicates the band's complex arrangements amazingly note for note. They became an internet phenomenon with more than one million followers hooked by the group's 20 spot-on versions of beloved hits by Chicago that have received over 40 million views worldwide. This concert is generously underwritten by AARP. Tickets are $39.50-$69.50 with $149.50 VIP Tickets that include a Meet and Greet with the artists. He may be calling it “The D Tour” but fans will want to head straight to The Parker with no detours to see four-time Latin Grammy®-Winner Djavan on Friday, April 28th, 2023 and Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. After a 14-year hiatus, one of the greatest icons of Brazilian music makes his return to the U.S. Djavan will present a brand-new show with his full band featuring songs from his 25th studio album entitled D, as well as major hits from his 45-year career. Aside from new hit songs such as "Iluminado" and "Num Mundo de Paz," the set list will also include classics from Djavan's legendary career, such as "Se," "Flor de Lis," "Eu te Devoro" and "Samurai,” among others. Tickets are $65-$100. Also in April, audiences can enjoy HITS! Earth, Wind and Fire Alumni presented by Substantial Music Group on Thursday, April 13th, 2023 SFL Legends Presents Martin & Lewis on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023; Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida’s 25th Anniversary Gala on Sunday, April 23rd 2023; South Florida Symphony: Masterworks V on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 and Arbat, Inc. Presents Carmen by Balleto di Milano on Sunday, April 30th, 2023. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com and at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222 Or in person at The Parker box office and the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The performance season at The Parker is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. For more information, visit: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com < Previous News Next News >

Mermaids, Sisters And Spongebob: Slow Burn Theatre Company Has An Entertaining Year Ahead January 26, 2023 Share Filled with epic fairytales that will take audiences into the woods and under the sea and poignant stories of faith, love and acceptance, Slow Burn Theatre Company announces its 2023/2024 season of five Broadway musicals in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The five musicals are Into the Woods, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, The Prom and Spongebob The Musical. Into the Woods The season begins with Into the Woods from Saturday, October 14 through Sunday, October 29 with an open-captioned performance on Sunday, October 22 at 2 p.m. The original 1988 Broadway blockbuster brought home Tony Awards® for Stephen Sondheim for his score and James Lapine for his book, only to be followed by a 2002 run that took home the award for “Best Revival of a Musical” and a current Broadway production. Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, the Baker and his wife and Jack and the beanstalk are caught up in an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. This modern classic weaves together a fantastical fairytale of mystery and enchantment with a euphoric score creating a sophisticated musical twist on beloved childhood fables. This production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Into the Woods was originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine with orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. The Little Mermaid Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid delivers a theatrical holiday treat from Saturday, December 16 through Sunday, December 31 with an open captioned performance Sunday, December 24 at 2 p.m. This splashy musical extravaganza put the “sea” in the holiday season with a love story for the ages. When Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, she bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs, but the bargain is not what it seems. With music by eight-time Academy Award® winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, the musical features irresistible songs including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World." This production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Sister Act Brace yourself Sister for a divine feel-good musical comedy smash hit musical which is joyous and uplifting in equal measures as the Slow Burn Theatre season continues with Sister Act from Saturday, February 3 through Sunday, February 18 including an open captioned performance on Sunday, February 11at 2 p.m. Based on the hit 1992 film and featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar® winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this heavenly hit is filled with the sounds of Motown, soul and disco, and was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Sister Act has lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner and additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. Based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture, Sister Act, written by Joseph Howard, this production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. The Prom The Prom, the musical about which Variety raved, “It’s so full of happiness that you think your heart is about to burst,” is presented from Saturday, March 23 through Sunday, April 7 with an open captioned performance on Sunday, March 31 at 2 p.m. Winner of The Drama Desk Award for Best New Musical, The Prom follows four eccentric Broadway stars who are on a mission to transform lives when they discover the plight of a student who just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom and soon her entire town has a date with destiny. Expertly capturing all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever, The Prom features a book by Tony Award winner Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (Aladdin), music by Tony Award nominee Matthew Sklar (Elf) and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin. This production is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. Spongebob The Musical A legendary roster of Grammy® Award winners including Sara Bareillas, Cyndi Lauper and John Legend help bring one of the world’s most beloved characters to the stage as the 2023/2024 Slow Burn Theatre Season culminates with the bold, original musical Spongebob The Musical Saturday, June 8 through Sunday, June 23 with an open captioned performance on Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m. Adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series, SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and all of Bikini Bottom face total annihilation — until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage and the power of optimism saves the world. Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg with musical production conceived by Tina Landau, the musical has a book by Kyle Jarrow and original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I. The score also features songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton with additional music by Tom Kitt. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. This show is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. Season subscriptions start at $216 and reflect a 20% discount compared to single ticket prices. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and Parker Playhouse. Buy tickets online at: https://www.browardcenter.org/ or: https://www.ticketmaster.com/; By phone at: (954) 462-0222 or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: https://www.browardcenter.org/ < Previous News Next News >

Need A Doctor? Selecting A Health Care Provider Is A Few Clicks Away April 20, 2023 Share Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you are starting with Medicare, need services like: Nursing Home Care, have to find a new doctor or get Home Health Care. Using online tools like "Find Care Providers" on: www.Medicare.gov can make it easier to make comparisons and help choose doctors, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and more for you or the person you are helping provide care to. Consider these benefits of using the comparison tools. A Resource For Research The website provides a simple search and compare experience that allows you to find providers near you. Simply put in a Zip Code and the type of provider to receive a list of providers, their contact information and a map of locations. The information even includes "star ratings" and services provided. Using a laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile device, you can see how patients rate their care experiences at the Hospitals in your area and find Home Health Agencies that offer the services you might need, like: Nursing Care, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Contact information for local Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities or Long-Term Care Hospitals is available, as well as Hospice Quality Care ratings and specific care details, such as: which Dialysis Facilities offer Home Dialysis Training. Finding Health Care Services Whether you have referrals or are starting from scratch, you can compare health care providers near you using the: www.Medicare.gov tool, pinpointing which category of services you need, whether it's doctors and clinicians, Hospitals, Hospice and Home Health Agencies, Dialysis Facilities, Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers or Nursing Homes. In addition to searching by your location using your address or a combination of city, state or Zip Code, you can search by provider type using a keyword to generate a list of providers that could fit your needs. Finding A Doctor Who Fits When you're looking for a new doctor and not sure where to start, the tool makes it quick and easy to find and compare doctors in your area. You can find contact information, practice locations, specialty and Hospital affiliation as well as Hospital ratings. Selecting the "compare" button allows you to compare up to three different health care providers at once. When you're ready to schedule a visit with a new provider, be sure to take time during your scheduling call to verify general information. Comparing Nursing Homes Whether you're planning ahead or need to make an unexpected decision, there's a lot to think about when choosing the right Nursing Home for you or someone else. Many family members and caregivers prioritize location so they're able to check in and visit frequently, but there are many other important factors you may want to consider, too. The comparison tool at: www.Medicare.gov provides filtering options that allow you to personalize your results by sifting through the criteria that matter most to you, such as inspection results, number of beds, staffing data and more. You'll be able to check out the Nursing Home's overall "star ratings." The information can serve as a guide of a provider's track record to help assist you with finding a home that best suits the person's needs. Caregiver Guide Making decisions as a caregiver can be challenging but taking advantage of available resources can help you feel more confident in your choices. For example, when you visit: www.Medicare.gov this allows you to find information about health care providers, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Hospice, Home Health Agencies, Dialysis Facilities, Inpatient Rehab and Long Term Care Hospitals near you. The website also provides quality ratings, so you can see the provider or facility’s history of service, among other details that help you make the most informed decision on behalf of the person you’re helping. To access the tool and find health care providers and services in your area that fit your needs, visit: www.Medicare.gov/care-compare < Previous News Next News >

Let It Snow: At The Museum of Discovery & Science's Winter Wonderland December 7, 2023 Share Winter is almost here and the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) aims to spark imaginations with the coolest kids’ science and technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities in South Florida. During December, families can cozy up in style with Kids Adventures After Dark: Winter Wonder Night at the Museum, a North Pole Pajama Party, a four-day STEAMology Camp, Winter Wonderlabs and more. Then, on December 31, join MODS for a POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance! special performance and meet and greet followed by a special Noon Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Party. “Winter is one of our favorite creative programming times of the year,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “We invite residents and visitors to embrace the seasonal spirit and let it snow by immersing themselves in our winter wonderland filled with imaginative STEM-based adventures for the whole family.” Snow, sleet and ice take over MODS Winter Wonderlab Science Weekends in December on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Sundays, from 12:00 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Experience the weather ingredients that make crazy winter storms. Explore how water changes states from gas to liquid to ice. Find out why the Florida climate is drastically different from many other places around the world. Practice your aim with Science Park “snowball” target shooting and experience a liquid nitrogen show. Meet the MODS animals that don’t have to hibernate like many others do to survive the cold winter temperatures. Explore careers in technology, environmental science and more! Young explorers (ages 0-6) will observe how snowstorms can appear in a jar, experience misty bubbles, create snowball paintings and winter magic watercolors. Watch an IMAX film on the GIANT Screen: Deep Sky, Arctic: Our Frozen Planet, Dinosaurs of Antarctica, Ireland and more! The North Pole Pajama Party, South Florida’s favorite winter family tradition, returns to MODS on Saturdays, December 9th and December 16th, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.! Comfy patterned pajamas and elf costumes are encouraged for this festive event! Enjoy a holiday science show, test your aim at our tropical “snowball” throwing station, make-and-take your own snow globe and build your own snowman. Admission includes an invitation to see The Polar Express in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater. The film will start at 10:00 a.m. Activity highlights include penning a letter to Santa, popping bubbles in our bubble zone, viewing a snowy liquid nitrogen show and enjoying marshmallows frozen in liquid nitrogen swimming in hot chocolate! Early Learners (ages 0-6) can hunker down for holiday story time! Admission is $30 per person (adult or child) for members; $40 per person (adult or child) for non-members. Price includes all activities, Museum exploration, the IMAX film and a commemorative bell. To register, visit: www.mods.org/polarpajamaparty Wondering what else to do over winter break? School is out but Camp STEAMology is in! Children ages 5 – 10 can travel “Around the World in December” from December 26th – December 29th, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. In this four-day program, campers will learn about the different continents of the world diving into the science of Zoology, Migration and Behavioral Patterns, weather models and more. They’ll even engineer a Coral Nursery that is resilient to weather fluctuations. Children will explore different cultures around the world and create an art piece with diverse cultural influences. Presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, STEAMology camp admission is $240 per child for MODS members and $280 per child for non-members. Aftercare tuition is $45 per child. Registration is required at: www.mods.org/camp On December 31st, the Museum is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., experience an exciting and magical holiday time with POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance! Adapted from the Award-Winning Book and Telly Award-Winning Holiday Film, POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance! takes audiences on an exhilarating journey alongside three best friends who master music, magic and circus skills for the holiday season at a secret university before sharing their talents with the world. Then, dance in the New Year at our Noon Year’s Eve ball drop! Included with Museum admission and sponsored by Dunkin.’ “Sleigh” the Season with Cool Gifting! Looking for the perfect year-round gift? MODS is offering a scientastic holiday membership sale. Family memberships are $20 off until December 25th with Code: modsfriday23. Membership levels with full benefits can be viewed at: www.mods.org/member MODS will be open during normal operating hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: www.mods.org - Or call: (954) 467-MODS: (954) 457-6637. For more information about MODS’ December programs and special events, please visit: www.mods.org < Previous News Next News >

City of Hollywood Updates: Express Permitting & The Salsa Fest Are Happening This Week April 11, 2024 Share The City of Hollywood recently launched a new Express Permitting Service that allows applicants the ability to submit certain Building permit types electronically for same day review. The submission window is from 6:00 p.m. Tuesday up until 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. Currently, this program applies to select residential permits listed below. Permit types available at this time are limited to: • Mechanical: Residential A/C Replacement Checklist • Plumbing: Residential Water Heater Checklist • Structural: Residential Reroof Checklist • Electrical: Residential Service Change Checklist Please note, this service is for stand-alone permits only. It does not include sub permits to a Master Permit. Up to 10 submittals are allowed per applicant. Applications in a Historic District may be delayed as additional review may be required. The following requirements are necessary to be eligible to participate in the Express Permitting Service: • Contractor must be registered and up-to-date with verified insurance, workman's comp and contractor license prior to submittal • Same day plan review guaranteed; If approved, payment must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday for permit to be issued electronically • Submissions must include completed permit checklist provided in the links above • Completed Express Permit Service Request Form. Download the form here. These requirements are necessary to be eligible to participate in the Express Permitting Service:. • Submissions must be emailed to: expresspermit@hollywoodfl.org between 6:00 p.m. Tuesday up until 9:00 a.m. Wednesday For inquiries or additional information related to Express Permitting reviews, please call or text Jessica Mesadieu at: (954) 802-1590. Calls or text messages on this line will be returned on Wednesday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. You may also call the Building Division during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at: (954) 921-3335. Hollywood Salsa Fest For the past eight years The Hollywood Salsa Festival and its founders Melina Almodovar and Cristina Moinelo have dedicated themselves to the mission of keeping Salsa Music alive and well in our society by dedicating one day a year in the beautiful city of Hollywood, Florida at ArtsPark at Young Circle to celebrating and enjoying salsa music in all its forms. We welcome all of you salsa fans to our world of rumba, clave, and guaguanco for our 9th anniversary festival on Saturday April 13th 2024 at 2:00 pm at ArtsPark at Young Circle, Hollywood Florida. This event is free for all that want to enjoy the wonders of Salsa Music in all its forms Orchestras, dance performances, djs and more. The ArtsPark @ Young Circle is located at: 1 North Young Circle, Hollywood, Florida 33020. For more information visit: www.hollywoodsalsafestival.com < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale Beach Financial Plan for 2022-2025: This Is The Final Segment on Our City Managers Budget Message By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper August 26, 2021 Share The recommended Hallandale Beach budget includes opportunities to strategically address the City’s financial position, service offerings, and goals over the long-term As a part of its expenditure reduction strategies over the past 7-10 years, the City did not make significant investments to maintain or upgrade its I.T. infrastructure. Due to that lack of investment in basic maintenance and upgrades, I.T. infrastructure is facing several operational issues, including systems which are no longer working, equipment which is failing (computers that are over 10 years old in some instances), major organizational software which has not been updated in years, and critical systems for City operations such as servers that need to be replaced because they are no longer being supported by vendors or covered by warranties. Additionally, one of our major concerns specifically relates to the security of our critical systems, as other municipalities have been faced with ransomware attacks. In order to address these issues, and plan for future ones such as our security requirements from both a software and a hardware perspective, over the next 4-5 years, there will be a cost to the General Fund in the amount of approximately $1.5 million. Fleet Replacement Contributions The required annual contribution by the General Fund to the Fleet Fund to fund vehicles, including Police vehicles, has not been made over the last three fiscal years. This is the result of poor planning and one-time cost savings of approximately $900,000 each year to balance the budget without having a plan for the future. Each year this investment is not made, the cost to maintain these vehicles continues to rise and equipment becomes more unreliable for public safety and operations in general. As stated, approximately 3 fiscal years ago, as a way to balance the budget through the use of one-time revenue sources, a decision was made to utilize funding used for replacing vehicles, and to remove all future contributions by the General Fund for the replacement of vehicles. One of the most pressing needs is to replace Police vehicles. Currently, the Police Fleet (cars and SUV’s only) consists of approximately 118. Of that, 60 have exceeded their useful life of 8 years and are due for replacement. While using reserves to address this dire need is not feasible, Administration is working on a plan of action to re-start contributions to the Fleet Fund starting in FY2022-2023. Calculations were made using the proposed contribution for FY2021/2022 of $952,730. The percentages noted below represent a gradual return to full funding for General Fund vehicles in FY2025/2026, allowing the Fund to slowly recover and build reserves to then start the replacement cycle again in FY2028/2029 when the FY2020/2021 batch becomes due for replacement again. Replacement of Fire Equipment Similar to delayed vehicle replacements, the replacement of a pumper truck has been put on hold for 8 years. The pumper truck, currently used as a spare, is 23 years old and should have been replaced when it exceeded its useful life of 15 years. This investment is now a requirement since the truck is no longer operational and it has been included in the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) cost proposal for funding in FY2021/2022. Administration is working on a strategy which would allow us to pay for the pumper truck. The recommended budget includes opportunities to strategically address the City’s financial position, service offerings, and goals over the long-term. Transparency and engagement with the Community and the City Commission over the next several weeks will be key to the adoption of the FY2021/2022 budget. To that end, a series of public workshops were scheduled in the months of May, June, and August. Public meetings will continue as follows: 09/13/21 First Public Hearing / City Hall Commission Chambers 09/27/21 Final Public Hearing / City Hall Commission Chambers Acknowledgements I would like to thank the members of the public, the City Commission, and all City Employees for going above and beyond in providing services to our community despite the unsurmountable challenges of this past year. It is the resiliency of this team that has allowed us to navigate the challenges of a global pandemic. Together we must take action to address the long-lasting effects of the health and financial crisis to better position the City in meeting the needs of the community today and long-term. Specials thanks to the Budget Department for their dedication and commitment to move the City forward. This year’s budget document is the result of an extraordinary effort to complete the City’s first electronic budget book. This is a testament to our desire to provide modern, transparent, and interactive budget data to the Community and Stakeholders alike. I hope you enjoyed reading Dr Earle ‘s message. The City Commission has held our last budget workshop and will be holding the official hearings to adopt the budget for this coming year. Please note the commission has formally adopted the Parking Plan all other proposals are plans that have not been acted on yet. I encourage our residents to get involved to understand the complexities of our budget. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City, a better place, on my phone/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can e-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit my Facebook Page: MayorJoyCooper. Like It! Friend It! Share It! < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Salutes America’s Veterans November 3, 2022 Share Calling all veterans and military personnel from every generation! The City of Aventura will remember and recognize all the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces at Our Annual Veteran's Day Ceremony on Friday, November 11th, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The Ceremony will take place at the Government Center located at 19200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida 33180. If you or anyone in your family would like to be recognized, please email the City of Aventura Community Services Department at: crcenter@cityofaventura.com with that person’s name, rank, branch of service and when they served. For more information, contact the Community Recreation Center at: (305) 466-3883. < Previous News Next News >