Get Ready For The Solar Eclipse: Visit The Library For A FREE Pair Of Glasses For This Rare Celestial Event Thu Sep 14 2023 16:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Collaboration Thu Sep 21 2023 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Three Hidden Florida Gems - Under-The-Radar Towns With Stunning Scenery Or Fascinating Histories South Florida Sun Times Sep 17, 2026 America’s Tourist Hotspots Seldom Have To Work Hard To Attract Visitors. But Journey A Little Off The Well-Trodden Paths, You Will Find Under-The-Radar Towns With Stunning Scenery Or Fascinating Histories, With Independent Businesses That Are Worth Far More Attention Than They Get. Some sit in the shadow of a flashier neighbor, whereas others have become places you pass through. However, if you give them the right investment, a bit of promotion, or just a shift in where people choose to stop, plenty of them could be the destinations everyone's talking about a few years from now. AI-powered business growth platform Hostinger surveyed 3,000 travelers to identify the towns they think have the most untapped tourism potential. The top 10 were: #1. Lake Placid, Florida The top spot nationally went to Lake Placid in tourism-heavy Florida. Bright murals and an easy lakeside pace give Lake Placid a character all its own, a world away from Florida's big resorts. The compact center acts as an open-air gallery, with public artworks tracing local history, wildlife and daily life. The town is also caladium country, a growing heritage it celebrates through local displays and events. If you head beyond downtown, you can find a handful of freshwater lakes made for fishing, boating or just relaxing. Marketed together, its murals, independent stores and waterfront could turn the town into a leading day-trip destination in its own right. #2. Eastport, Maine Right at the far eastern edge of the country, Eastport has a rugged, working waterfront that feels nothing like Maine's busier coastal stops. The town is marked by historic buildings, fishing boats, and beautiful views over Passamaquoddy Bay. The Tides Institute & Museum of Art anchors it culturally, and the surrounding waters open up whale watching, scenic boat trips, and those famously powerful tides. Its isolation has kept its profile low, but that's also what's kept it quiet and distinctive. For day trippers open to travel that extra distance up the coast will result in an experience that is less commercial and more intimate than other parts of maritime Maine. #3. Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina Sitting right on I-95, Roanoke Rapids already sees plenty of travelers, most of whom never make it past the exit ramps. However, attractions such as the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail are a genuinely rewarding introduction to the area: river scenery, engineering history and a walking route that follows a canal once used to skirt the rapids on the Roanoke River. The wooded stretches are good for walking and cycling, and the museum fills in how the canal shaped the place. Add in the old neighborhoods and locally owned businesses, and there's a real town here, not just a convenient break in a long drive. #4. Amsterdam, New York The Mohawk River passes straight through Amsterdam, and this former mill city is slowly making it the centerpiece of the town’s nascent tourism industry. The Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook connects both banks with a raised walkway and wide views over the water and the city beyond. Amsterdam Castle has breathed new life into one of the most striking old buildings in town, while the surviving factories and commercial blocks keep its industrial past visible. There's a varied local food scene too, which is reason enough to wander past the riverfront into the surrounding neighborhoods. Lean into what's already here, and Amsterdam could become one of the Mohawk Valley's more interesting stops. #5. Turners Falls, Massachusetts On the banks of the Connecticut River, Turners Falls combines industrial history with a genuinely artsy, independent streak you won't find in more established New England tourist towns. The Great Falls Discovery Center walks you through the natural, cultural and industrial story of the river's watershed, while the old canals and mill buildings nearby make the manufacturing past hard to miss. Downtown, galleries, cafes and creative businesses have given the place a modern edge without papering over its roots. With river views, walking routes and easy access to the countryside, you have the ingredients of a New England getaway that feels a little rougher around the edges in the best way. #6. Lake Arthur, Louisiana In Lake Arthur, everything comes back to the water. The lakeside park, the open views, and the quiet shoreline make an easy setting for fishing, boating, or a slow weekend. The whole place comes alive at sunset or when the community gathers by the lake. Regatta Seafood and Steakhouse lets you eat right by the water and taste the seafood and Cajun cooking that define the area. Out past the town, the wetlands and rural backroads are good for spotting wildlife or just a scenic drive. It's laid-back and small in the best sense, a gentler alternative to Louisiana's busier coastal spots. #7. Big Spring, Texas Big Spring State Park rises over the West Texas plains, and the views go on seemingly forever. Its scenic road, trails, and overlooks give you the sheer scale of the region without having to stray far from town. Downtown, the restored Hotel Settles brings a touch of old grandeur, and Settles Grill offers tasty meals inside one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The older architecture and local businesses round out the character. Between the big scenery and that landmark hotel, Big Spring has a lot more personality than most people expect, one that many consider no more than a highway stop. #8. Arcadia, Florida Arcadia is a window into old Florida with a historic downtown, antique stores, and a ranching culture that runs deep. The streets are lined with independent shops, which has made it a favorite for anyone chasing antiques and collectibles rather than the usual resort fare. The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo pulls in the crowds when it's on, but the town's Western identity and farming heritage are on show all year round. Nearby rivers and open country add paddling, wildlife watching and rural day trips to the mix. Build out the visitor experience around all that, and there's every reason for people to stay the night rather than just show up for the big events. #9. Paris, Idaho Nestled into the Bear Lake Valley, Paris pairs pioneer history with quick access to one of Idaho's prettiest recreation areas. The Paris Tabernacle is a striking architectural landmark and a direct link back to the settlers who built the valley. A short drive away, Bear Lake draws people for boating, swimming, fishing and summer vacations, which keeps a steady flow of traffic through the wider area. Paris offers the quieter, historical counterpoint to all that shoreline activity, though right now, most people breeze through without really stopping. Connect the heritage sites, the local businesses, and the lake a bit better, and it could be far more than a stop on the way to the water. #10. Ontario, Oregon On the Snake River, right where Oregon meets Idaho, Ontario has a cultural mix and farming identity that set it apart from towns further west. The Four Rivers Cultural Center digs into the Native American, Japanese American, Basque, Hispanic and European communities that shaped the western Treasure Valley with a museum, art spaces and a Japanese garden all in one spot. Downtown, the murals, shops and restaurants reflect that same diversity, and the nearby Ontario State Recreation Site adds river access, wildlife and a peaceful place to break up a drive. As Oregon's eastern gateway, it could easily be a town people explore rather than just a practical roadside pause. 1 other small Florida town has also been named among America’s overlooked travel gems: #20. Perry Forests, small-town streets and access to Florida’s quieter Nature Coast shape Perry’s sense of place. The restored railroad depot and annual Florida Forest Festival reflect the timber, transport and community traditions that have helped define the town. Perry can also serve as a practical base for trips toward the Gulf Coast, nearby wildlife areas and the less developed landscapes of northern Florida. Its appeal lies less in a single headline attraction than in the combination of regional history, outdoor access and an unhurried atmosphere. With stronger links between these elements and its local businesses, Perry could become a more natural stopping point for travelers seeking a less commercial side of the state. Why Great Towns Still Get Passed By The frustrating thing for many of these under-the-radar towns is that they already have the scenery, the history, and the independent businesses travelers say they want. What they are usually missing is the one thing that turns a highway exit into an actual decision to stop: a presence online that people can find. Hostinger asked travelers how discovery really works on the road, and the answers go a long way toward explaining why so many deserving places stay off the radar. The first hurdle is just being noticed. Nearly a third of respondents (32%) said that in the past year, a good local business website had convinced them to stop somewhere they would have otherwise driven right past. And losing them is easy. The turn-offs are strikingly ordinary: no photos (14%), out-of-date information (11%), no website at all (11%), and no clear way to tell whether a business is even still open (10%). Travelers are not necessarily demanding drone footage or a virtual tour. They just want to see what a place actually looks like, confirm it's open, and get the practical details to plan a visit. When people do go looking, they still start where they always have. More than a third (35%) find these lesser-known towns through Google or another search engine, with word of mouth close behind at 28%, a good reminder that a personal recommendation still counts for a lot. Social Media takes 15%, and AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini now sit at 6%, already ahead of travel blogs, Tripadvisor and forums, if still well behind search and friends. Getting someone to stop for lunch is a win. Getting them to stay the night is a much bigger one for the local economy, and it turns out a single business can be enough to swing it. Asked what would turn a drive-through into an overnight stay, respondents put strong reviews and photos first (26%), with a standout local hotel, restaurant or shop just behind (25%). You don't necessarily need a long list of attractions. Sometimes one memorable inn or one genuinely odd independent store is the whole hook, as long as people can find real proof of it before they arrive. The good news for smaller places is that none of this takes a big budget or a fancy agency. Travelers surveyed say they are not concerned with how a website got built: in fact, 1 in 3 say they would trust one made with AI. "Most of these towns don't have a character problem, they have a visibility problem," says Gabriele Racaityte-Krasauske, Global Public Relations Lead at Hostinger. "Travelers decide where to stop long before they arrive, and that decision happens on a phone screen. A simple website with clear opening hours, a few good photos, and directions is often the difference between someone driving through and someone booking a room. The towns in our research already have what travelers want. It just isn't easy to find online." For more information, visit: https://www.hostinger.com/blog/most-underrated-us-travel-destinations/ Lake Placid, Florida Arcadia, Florida Perry, Florida Previous Next

Success With One Click: A 16-year-old's First Job At Chick-fil-A Saves Operators An Estimated $35 Million April 18, 2024 Share In the bustling world of fast-food service, efficiency is key. Every minute spent on administrative tasks is a minute taken away from serving customers and ensuring a smooth operation. This reality was not lost on James Finlinson, a teenager with a knack for problem-solving, whose simple idea revolutionized how Chick-fil-A Restaurants managed their workforce. Back in 2017, James was just a regular high school student in Ammon, Idaho. Like many teenagers, he sought to earn some pocket money and gain work experience, so he landed his first job at the local Chick-fil-A Restaurant. Little did he know that this seemingly ordinary job would set him on a path towards entrepreneurial success. While working at Chick-fil-A, James observed a common problem faced by his director, Jessica. Every day, she spent hours manually transcribing schedules from her computer to paper, a tedious and time-consuming task. Recognizing an opportunity to help, James offered to develop a solution to streamline this process. And thus, OneClickApp(TM) was born. Encouraged by his father, Jan Finlinson, to delve into software programming, James began coding after school, during evenings, and weekends to address Jessica's scheduling issue. In exchange for his efforts, Jessica paid James a modest sum of $75 per month—a testament to his early entrepreneurial spirit. Despite his initial success in solving Jessica's problem, James faced uncertainty about how to turn his solution into a viable business. With just one paying customer and lacking entrepreneurial experience, he found himself at a crossroads. However, fate intervened when James and his father visited the Chick-fil-A Support Center in Atlanta, Georgia, where they met two software engineers who recognized James's potential and encouraged him to persevere. The turning point came when James was introduced to Michael Alvarez, a seasoned entrepreneur known for his success in the mobile app industry. With Michael's guidance, James's vision for OneClickApp(TM) gained traction. Michael wasted no time in organizing a webinar and launching a website to showcase James's innovative solution. The response was overwhelming, with leaders from 50 Chick-fil-A Restaurants expressing interest in the product. Despite facing the challenge of being away on a service mission for his church, James's commitment to his venture never wavered. Upon his return, he found his fledgling business had flourished under Michael's leadership, with over 80 Chick-fil-A Restaurants utilizing OneClickApp(TM) to streamline their workforce management. Today, the impact of OneClickApp(TM) on Chick-fil-A operators is nothing short of remarkable. With an estimated value of over $35 Million, the app has revolutionized employee retention, communication, and operational efficiency. Serving over 40,000 team members and leaders daily, OneClickApp(TM) has become an indispensable tool for nearly one in five standalone Chick-fil-A operators. Reflecting on his journey, James Finlinson remains humble and grateful for the opportunity to serve the company that shaped his success. "I feel blessed to be able to serve so many of the great team members and leaders for the company that I owe my success to, Chick-fil-A," he remarked. At its core, OneClickApp(TM) is more than just a scheduling tool—it's a comprehensive workforce management solution designed to simplify the complexities of running a fast-paced restaurant operation. From shift management to training, from breaks to accountability metrics, the app offers a suite of features aimed at optimizing efficiency and enhancing employee satisfaction. With its VendorBridge approval and widespread adoption within the Chick-fil-A community, www.OneClickApp.com stands as a testament to James Finlinson's ingenuity and determination. What began as a teenager's simple idea has blossomed into a leading workforce management platform, transforming the way Chick-fil-A operators nationwide manage their teams. James Finlinson's journey from a teenage Chick-fil-A employee to the CEO of a multimillion-dollar software company serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of innovation and perseverance. His story exemplifies how a single idea, fueled by passion and dedication, can revolutionize an industry and create lasting impact. As we navigate an ever-evolving business landscape, let us draw inspiration from James's success and embrace the power of one click to drive positive change. To learn more about James Finlinson story, visit: https://www.oneclickapp.com/team < Previous News Next News >

It's Time To Register Sunny Isles Beach: There Are New Rules To Scoot Safe Throughout The City March 21, 2024 Share Do you ride a motorized scooter in Sunny Isles Beach? If so, there’s a new requirement. The city has a new Motorized Scooter Registration Program to enhance your Safety and Security in Sunny Isles Beach. The new City Ordinance requires that all motorized scooters be registered with the City of Sunny Isles Beach. In addition, this Ordinance requires that all scooter riders follow traffic safety rules, including no tandem riding and wearing a helmet if under 16 years of age. If you plan to operate your motorized scooter within city limits, it is now required to complete the Registration Process under Ordinance 2023-609. But here’s the good news – this registration is not just about following the rules; it’s about safeguarding your scooter. In the unfortunate event of theft and other security concerns, having your scooter registered can make all the difference. Registering your scooter is easy as 1-2-3. Your can register your scooter in person March 23 at the Egg Scramble at Pelican Community Park - 18115 North Bay Road in Sunny Isles Beach. If you prefer to register online visit: https://www.sibfl.net/scootsafe/ - After completing the Online Registration Form, applicants will be mailed a Registration Decal. The Decal must be affixed to the scooter in a visible location. This Decal is like your scooter’s very own badge – simply pop it on the front of your scooter (we recommend within 12 inches from the top), and you’re ready to hit the road! Decals are NOT transferable from one scooter to another. However, a Decal is transferable from one person to another when there has been a change in ownership of the scooter and in accordance with a change in the registration of the motorized scooter. In addition to registration, this ordinance outlines some important rules for safe scooter operation. Here’s the scoop: Follow Traffic Signals: Just like any other vehicle, riders must obey official traffic-control signals and signs. It’s all about keeping everyone safe and sound. Speed Limit: Motorized scooters should not exceed 15 miles per hour on sidewalks and should not exceed 20 miles per hour on the roadway. It’s a fun ride, but let’s keep it safe. Safety First: If you’re under 16, don’t forget to wear your helmet. We’ve got your noggin covered! Solo Ride: Scooters are meant for one person at a time, so it’s all about your solo adventure. Ride With Traffic: Scooters must ride with the flow of traffic and follow traffic signals, using extra caution around intersections and driveways. Stay in Line: If you are riding alongside another scooter rider, you must ride in a single file line. Ears Open: While cruising, ditch the cell phone, headset, headphone, or listening device, except for a hearing aid. We need you to stay aware of your surroundings. Be Visible: Your scooter should sport a reflective front white light, visible from 500 feet away, and a reflective rear red light, visible from 600 feet away. Safety first, even in the dark! In addition to registration, all who operate a motorized scooter within the City of Sunny Isles Beach must adhere to the rules set forth in Ordinance 2023-609. Failure to do so may result in a citation. For the first violation you will receive a written warning, for the second violation you will receive a minimum fine of $25. For the third and Subsequent Violations there will be a minimum fine of $50, with a maximum penalty of $500 for a single violation. Violators may face non-criminal traffic or pedestrian infractions and officers have the authority to confiscate the scooter. For more information about Ordinance 2023-609, please call Code: Compliance at: (305) 792-1760. Or visit: www.sibfl.net/scootsafe < Previous News Next News >

Taste At The Track Returns To Gulfstream Park! South Florida’s Ultimate Home Store, entertainment And Restaurant Destination Welcomes Back A Special Edition Of This Food-Focused Event on Saturday, April 1st, 2023. March 16, 2023 Share Food and wine lovers, get ready to indulge! “Taste at the Track” is returning to Gulfstream Park. The next installment of this fan-favorite series returns on Saturday, April 1 from 1-4 p.m. with a “Wine & Dine” theme. Taste at the Track combines the best of both worlds: food and drink and horse racing. Taking place in the third floor Flamingo Room overlooking the racetrack, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat food and drink stations. After the tasting, guests can stay in the Flamingo Room to watch the exciting Florida Derby at 6:45 p.m. This gourmet wine-tasting experience will feature an array of top wine producers including Conundrum Sauvignon Blanc, Bonanza Cabernet, Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay and Merlot, Simi Chardonnay, Meiomi Pinot Noir, Brancott Sauvignon Blanc, Pink Flamingo Rosé, Acrobat Pinot Noir, Ferrari Carano Fumé Blanc, Trinchero Family Wines, Boen Pinot Noir, Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvee, Newton Chardonnay and Cabernet and many others. Guests can enjoy a variety of charcuterie, cheeses and gourmet tapas paired with their favorite premium Red, Rosé and Sparkling Wines. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early as this event is sure to sell out! General admission tickets for 1-4 p.m. are $100; VIP tickets for 12-4 p.m. can be purchased for $125. Guests must be 21 and over to attend the event. For more information on Taste at the Track and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/events/ Discover top entertainment all season long at Gulfstream Park. Get ready to sing and dance with the Voices of Classic Soul and Raydio featuring Arnell Carmichael. On Thursday, March 23, the groups will perform at the Sport of Kings Theater, located on the second floor of the Gulfstream Park Clubhouse. The Sport of Kings Theater is the perfect venue for an intimate concert experience, with only four levels of seating for 550 guests. Guests can also see the show in style from the VIP section, where food and beverages can be enjoyed at cocktail tables. The Voices of Classic Soul consists of former lead vocalists of The Temptations, The Platters, The Drifters and The Four Tops. They will be performing everyone’s favorite Motown hits including “The Great Pretender,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” and more. Raydio, founded by Ray Parker Jr. and Arnell Carmichael, will be bringing 70’s and 80’s Funk, Pop and R&B to the stage. It is guaranteed to be a night to remember! For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/voices-of-classic-soul-with-raydio Music in the Park, Gulfstream Park Village’s favorite live entertainment series, continues its weekly performances with the area’s favorite musical talent. Taking place Wednesday through Sunday nights from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Music in the Park is sure to get audiences dancing. These open-air performances take place on the center stage and feature rotating bands on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights. Saturdays are DJ/Family Nights. Free to attend, Music in the Park has proven to be one of Gulfstream’s most popular ongoing events. For additional live music, the Casino Stage features a DJ on Friday nights from 7-11 p.m. and a live band on Saturday nights from 7-11 p.m. The Breezeway Stage features rotating DJs on Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. and the Carousel Club features live music Friday-Sunday during all open hours. “We are excited to welcome food and wine lovers to this special edition of Taste at the Track,” said Alex Schreer, Director of Experiential Marketing at Gulfstream Park Village. “Guests can experience one of the biggest races of the year at the track while enjoying a variety of wine and tapas with dynamic views from our signature Flamingo Room.” About Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events and additional information, visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/ Or call: (954) 454-7000. < Previous News Next News >

Outshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival: Never-Before-Seen International Feature Premieres, Documentaries And Shorts Fri Sep 20 2024 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

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Summer Travel: Shake Off The Stress & Travel For Less Thu Jun 02 2022 04:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

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FREE Microchips Available: This Could Mean The Difference For You & Your Pet October 20, 2022 Share Thanks to a recent Grant from the ASPCA and Subaru, The Humane Society Of Broward County will be providing 200 FREE Microchips to pet owners who visit the shelter’s Vaccine Clinic and purchase a Vaccine Package. The clinic is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. The hours are: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with no appointment necessary and it is closed daily from 11:40 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thanks to technology, a Microchip is the size of a grain of rice and administered under the skin between a pet’s shoulder blades. When a Chip is properly registered it contains the owner’s contact information. Should your pet become lost and taken to a vet’s office or shelter, a scanner is used to see if the animal has a chip and then the owner can be contacted. It is important to understand that a Microchip is not a tracking device. It is also imperative that if you move or change your phone number, that you update the contact information with the Microchip Company. Microchipped pets are reunited with their owners frequently. In April 2019, a 2 1/2 year old German Shepherd named Cedar was reunited with her Southwest Ranches family after being stolen from her home at the age of four months. Found injured in a ditch by law enforcement in Colorado, Cedar was taken to a vet office where a Registered Chip was located by the scanner. She was flown home after she recovered. Should your pet become lost, a Microchip could mean the difference between being reunited quickly or waiting for days, weeks or months in a shelter, rescue or someone’s home hoping you will find your lost pet. According to the AVMA – American Veterinary Medical Association’s website, “A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters showed that dogs without Microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, whereas Microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time. Cats without Microchips were reunited with their owners only 1.8% of the time, whereas Microchipped cats went back home 38.5% of the time. Lord et al, JAVMA, July 15, 2009” For Microchipped animals that weren't returned to their owners, most of the time it was due to incorrect owner information or no owner information in the Microchip Registry Database – so don't forget to register and keep your information updated. Microchipping is crucial to your pet’s well-being. In addition, a collar and ID Tag are a visible sign of identification and should be kept on your pet at all times. That way, if your dog or cat wanders from home and is found, you can be reunited quickly. The Humane Society of Broward County is a private, Non-Profit Organization that is not affiliated with any national or local group with a similar name. The shelter’s programs and services are made possible by the generosity of those that want to make a difference for animals and people. To learn more, view pets waiting to meet you, or to make a donation, visit: www.humanebroward.com Or call: (954) 989-3977. Extension#: 6. < Previous News Next News >

Stop Making Cancer: A Raw Vegan Recipe Book for Empowering a Holistic Return to Health Thu Feb 15 2024 17:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)