A History Maker: Mayor Larisa Svechin Of Sunny Isles Beach December 28, 2023 Share It's been a little over a year since Mayor Svechin was elected Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach on December 6th, 2022. She made history as the first Woman Mayor in Sunny Isles Beach, first Duly Elected Belorussian-Born Mayor in the U.S. and first Russian Speaking Mayor in the U.S. As a Jewish Immigrant from the Former USSR, her family suffered greatly during Communism, WWI and WWII, losing family to Famine, Deportations to Siberia, and her grandfather and uncle dying in action. The Mayor’s mother was born in a Prison Camp and her father hid from the Nazis together with his four siblings, while his two eldest brothers were at the front. During this time, her grandmother and great aunt risked their lives to bake and deliver Matzah on Passover for the Soviet Jewish Soldiers. Despite both grandmothers not being able to read or write, and one being left a widow, both of the Mayor’s parents and all of their siblings managed to finish school. In 1979 during the second wave of Immigration from the Soviet Union, Mayor Svechin’s parents and sisters arrived at a Religious Asylum in Miami Beach. Mayor Svechin grew up in what is now Sunny Isles Beach, attended Highland Oaks Junior High School and graduated from North Miami Beach Senior High School. Upon graduation she moved to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute Of Technology, studying: Painting, Drawing and Toy Design. She went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree Of Science with a concentration in Philosophy and Ethics from the New School University in New York City. Upon graduation Mayor Svechin remained in New York City, first Managing Restaurants in Greenwich Village, and then deciding on a Career in Advertising. It was during this time that she quickly rose the ranks to become Senior Vice President Director Of Print, Managing over $300M in Advertising Spending, of what is today one of the three leading global advertising companies. This is when she learned Critical Negotiating Skills, Budgeting Million-Dollar Contracts and mastering managing a large staff across five offices in the U.S. and in Canada. At the turn of the century, Mayor Svechin met her husband and started a family, settling in Tribeca, New York City. As her family grew and her parents in Sunny Isles Beach aged, the Mayor and her husband decided to move back to Sunny Isles Beach permanently in 2009. With the birth of their fourth child, the Mayor and her husband became increasingly more involved in the community. Mayor Svechin joined the boards of: The Sunny Isles Beach PTSA, Friends Of Oleta Park, Citizen’s Coalition For Public Education, Critical Supports For Holocaust Survivors, multiple state legislative committees, Human Trafficking Task Force, EESAC and also launched the Sunny Isles Beach Women’s Club. This was the beginning of her commitment to serve the City of Sunny Isles Beach. Mayor Svechin is the Vice President of YG Institute, a NonProfit Think Tank and Legislative Policy Organization whose mission is to assist families, children and those reentering society to be contributing members of society. This passion and dedication to serve led to the Mayor earning a Master’s Degree from Harvard University in Government Extension Studies in 2022, as well as a certificate from Harvard University in Philosophy and Ethics in 2020. She was first elected as a Commissioner in 2016, then appointed to Vice Mayor in 2018, and Re-Elected in 2020 before taking over as Mayor in 2021 prior to the Special Election. Mayor Svechin was elected Mayor in December 2022 and is overjoyed to work with the Commission. She is excited to complete her vision centered around listening, advocating and executing for the residents, visitors and friends of Sunny Isles Beach. Mayor Svechin has an Open-Door Policy as she is dedicated to accessibility and transparency. < Previous News Next News >

Aging Gracefully At Home: 'Stylish' Safety Accessories Is One Way To Go Fri Nov 17 2023 17:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Medicaid Buy Down: Learn How To Legally Protect Your Assets From Confiscation Thu Aug 05 2021 04:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Have You Ever Wondered How Your Family Ended Up Where You Were Born? Jewish Connection News Jul 9, 2025 Do You Know Where Your Grandparents Were Living And How They Raised Their Children? Someday, When You Become A Parent And Your Children Ask You About Family History, What Will You Be Able To Tell Them? The search for one’s roots is a hobby. Most hobbies require one to learn new skills and improve those by practice. A hobby requires the investment of time, and as much money as one could comfortably spend. What are the returns from these investments? Discovery of people who came before you and others with whom your family lost contact. In the old days most people lived and died within a small area where they were born. A child grew up knowing all of their aunts, uncles, cousins and of course, their grandparents. Discovery is a gradual process. Those whose hobby is Genealogy, often feel victorious and happy each time they find something new and interesting. It is a joyful series of breakthroughs. In our time, families are often scattered all over the country or even globally. “America is a nation of immigrants.” Native Americans kept their stories either through word-of-mouth, or by recording it through art and other permanent recordings. Those who are descendants of immigrants, often had lost contact with relatives left behind in a generation or two. Not only the distance becomes a barrier, but the language as well. Good news: with modern tools, such as the internet and various archives much of the history of a family can be recovered. Have you heard of the Television Program: “Finding Your Roots!”? Professor Henry Louis Gates of Harvard interviews two or three guests in each episode on public television, and then presents each one with the guest’s family tree along with stories discovered from various sources. A few examples from past programs: A Cuban born Fashion Designer learned about his centuries old roots from the Canary Islands, the ancestry of an African-American celebrity, a football star turned tv host, was traced to Charlemagne (748-814), the first emperor of Western Europe. The hostess of “Fresh Air” on public radio had no idea about her relatives who perished in the Holocaust; a well-known television news anchor discovered his roots both in Africa and in Western Europe. How is it done and who can do it? 1. Interview your elders, record it, or take lots of notes. 2. Ask and search for your family’s records, e.g., Birth, Marriage and Death Documents, Diplomas, Immigration Records, Union Cards, even Criminal Records. 3. Ask for photos and search both the albums and the shoeboxes. 4. The internet seems to be a bottomless well of family data. Census Records are free, the Mormon Church Records are accessible, Public Records of family events Are open to all. 5. Genealogy websites; such as: Myheritage, Ancestry, etc. charge a fee but are often accessible for free at Public Libraries. 6. DNA Analysis is a powerful tool and its cost has declined considerably over the years. 7. Newspaper Archives are a rich source of Birth, Marriage, and Death Announcements. What to do with all the data you find: Some people focus on building a family tree, others collect stories and produce a family log. Some write a history of the family. Others use the research results to connect with distant relatives. Along with learning about people, most Genealogists also learn a lot of history, geography, politics, etc. One of the joys is to travel to places where one’s ancestors lived and visit their former homes, Schools, Cemeteries, etc. One may get to connect with lost relatives. Genealogy Is Like A Sport: The more you search, the better you get at it. Join a group or club. Learn from experienced members. Ask your school to offer a class. It is not only about research, but a social activity, where people with similar interests become your friends and helpers. Let me introduce my two groups: the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami and the Genealogy Society of Greater Miami, Inc. The JGSGM Had been meeting monthly at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, North of Downtown Miami, but since the epidemic started, we Zoom. The GSGM had been meeting at the Pinecrest Branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library. Visitors are welcome at both groups! Activities of the JGSGM: At each meeting there is a speaker. The topics range from “How to…?” to “How I found my xyz.” There are interesting presentations about specific national or social groups, their history, traditions, customs, etc. There are workshops for beginners and for anyone interested in specific tools. There is an active “cemetery group” Who photograph, catalog and map cemeteries. Activities of the JGSGM: Excellent training sessions about “How to…?” Both for beginners and advanced researchers’ talks by visiting speakers about a wide variety of topics. National And International Meetings There are many Genealogy groups and subgroups with special interests. For instance, there are groups interested in a country or area of origin, or in a period of history, such as the American Civil War, or the World Wars, etc. These meetings take place at different places and they are very interesting, But quite expensive considering the cost of travel, accommodations, registration and the temptation to buy “stuff,” souvenirs, tools, books and so on… The speakers and group events are very high quality and provide the opportunity to meet and consult with world class experts. On behalf of both societies, we invite you to test the waters by coming to meet our members who would be happy to discuss any subject in relation to Genealogy research. Thanks for listening! Any questions? Paulette Bronstein - President Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami Member For more information, view our website at: https://www.jgs-miami.org Previous Next

Monster Mash Bash: Where Halloween Magic Comes To Life Thu Oct 26 2023 16:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Michael Kessler & Melinda Jackson “BROADWAY WITH HEART” - Song, Dance & Pizazz January 26, 2023 Share Friday February 3rd, 2023 At 7:30 p.m. At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center - Tickets Are Available At The Box Office 305-466-8002 On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 90 Minutes Prior To Show This Ticketmaster Link is The Best Way To Get Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D005D63BC01C6EE?brand=aventuraacc&camefrom=cfc_aventura_web BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Beloved husband and wife, song and dance team Michael Kessler & Melinda Jackson return to the beautiful Aventura Arts & Cultural Center with Broadway with Heart, a funny, optimistic and touching love story. It is the story of a veteran showbiz couple who travel back in time to relive their favorite moments from every Broadway show they have seen or done, while revealing personal, backstage stories of their work and experiences with some of the giants of musical theatre. In this new musical celebration of the best of Broadway, M&M and their dynamic cast from New York and Las Vegas, sing and dance their way through a history of classic musical numbers from hit Broadway shows like West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Hair and many more, while revealing personal, backstage stories of their work and experiences with some of the giants of musical theatre like famed Directors, Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, Joe Layton and Actor, Writer, Lyricist Jim Rado. Native New Yorkers, Jackson and Kessler, affectionately known as M&M, share more than 30 years of producing, directing, writing, composing, choreographing and performing internationally from ballet to Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, the Las Vegas Strip to theatres and opera houses worldwide. In addition to decades of international tours of their original shows, the couple have performed in Tommy Tune’s Broadway show, Grand Hotel, choreographed the Winter Olympics, the U.S. Pro Gymnastics tour and directed and choreographed the 30th Anniversary tour of the Hit Rock Musical Hair and many more. Their career is a show business fairy tale that began in a professional ballet class in New York City. Melinda remembers, “Michael showed up in ballet class in boxing trunks, wristbands and basketball socks, walking on his hands with a bevy of females around him. At first, I wouldn’t give him the time of day. But it quickly became clear that we were so enchanted with one another, that Maggie Black, our teacher, would separate us at the ballet barre.” Michael adds, “Once we began working together, singing, dancing and acting, we realized what a perfect fit we were. Our first show was at the humble 14th Street in New York City. Three months later, after a short winning streak on the TV show Star Search, we got married. We decided that from that point forward we would only accept work where we would be together. Ten months later we were playing sold out theatres and Opera Houses in our first of many European tours.” Melinda is proud to be the great-granddaughter of United States President Theodore Roosevelt. Bully! Michael is proud to be the great-grandson of Russian Cantor Yacov Sanzofsky. Shalom! Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit M&M’s nonprofit M&M American Dance Theatre Works dedicated to promoting artistic collaboration, educational and cultural enrichment through exposure, mentorship and involvement in musical dance theatre. Tickets are $40, $50 and $60. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D005D63BC01C6EE?brand=aventuraacc&camefrom=cfc_aventura_web The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street in Aventura, Florida 33180. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-square-foot, 330-seat waterfront complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram at: @aventuracenter Or at: #aventuracenter Facebook: MandMAmericanDanceTheatre Twitter: @michaelmelinda Instagram: @m2mdancetheatre Or: #mandmamericandancetheatre < Previous News Next News >

A Different Kind of Love: Stop Swiping Left Or Right And Adopt A Shelter Pet Instead Thu Feb 16 2023 17:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Navigating Hollywood: Understanding The City's Transportation Services South Florida Sun Times Apr 17, 2025 Hollywood Residents And Visitors Have Access To Two Key Transit Options Designed To Improve Mobility: The Holly-Go Community Shuttle And The Sun Shuttle On-Demand Service. While Both Services Aim To Make Getting Around Easier, They Cater To Different Travel Needs. Understanding How They Operate And What Makes Each Unique Can Help People Choose The Best Option For Their Daily Commute Or Leisure Trips. The Holly-Go Community Shuttle, launched in October 2024, follows a fixed-route system. This service is entirely FREE and runs on a set schedule, offering a structured and predictable transportation experience. With five 18-passenger vans and four color-coded routes—Red, Orange, Blue and Green—the Holly-Go efficiently connects different parts of the City. It is particularly useful for those who prefer a reliable service with predetermined stops, ensuring they can plan their trips with confidence. Managed by the City and funded by the Broward County Surtax, Holly-Go is designed to support daily errands and other essential journeys within Hollywood. The Holly-Go vans are white with a Holly-Go logo located on each side. On the other hand, the Sun Shuttle offers a more flexible, on-demand transportation alternative. Unlike the Holly-Go Shuttle, which adheres to a fixed schedule, the Sun Shuttle allows riders to request rides via the "Ride Circuit" app, picking them up and dropping them off within designated operating locations. The service is not free, but remains affordable at just $2 per ride. The Sun Shuttle has two locations: Hollywood East, which has been operational for years and is funded by both the City and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Hollywood West, a newer location launched in September 2023 that is solely funded by the City. This service is best suited for those who value flexibility and convenience, offering door-to-door transportation without the need to follow a strict schedule. The service uses an all-electric fleet of vehicles that are colorfully wrapped. Hollywood’s dual transit system, a combination of structured, free community shuttles and flexible, on-demand electric vehicles, has provided critical mobility for thousands of residents. As the City refines these services, improvements will focus on optimizing vehicle availability, reducing wait times, improved connectivity with other transit options such as Tri-Rail, Broward County Transit and enhancing the overall rider experience. With these adjustments, Hollywood aims to maintain a transit system that is not only efficient and affordable, but also responsive to the evolving needs of its residents. For more information about these services please visit: www.hollywoodfl.org/transit - Or send an email to: transit@hollywoodfl.org . Operation Paintbrush Operation Paintbrush, Saturday, April 19th, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Noon will provide up to 20 gallons of high-quality exterior latex paint for FREE to single-family homeowners and Non-Profit Organizations in Hollywood. All of the latex paint collected through the Broward County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program is recycled into new, high-quality exterior paint which is then provided to participating cities at no cost. Paint can be picked up at the Department of Public Works, located at 1600 South Park Road, Hollywood, Florida 33021 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis while the City's supply lasts! To participate, you must provide your current Driver’s License with Hollywood address and a current Utility Bill as Proof of Hollywood Residency. The paint colors offered are Off-White, Beige, Terracotta, Gray and Turquoise. Give your house a makeover with FREE Recycled Paint from the City of Hollywood! Previous Next

South Florida Goes Green - Broward And Miami-Dade Hotspots Hosting Lively St. Patrick’s Day Bashes By John Bernardo Mar 16, 2026 Saint Patrick’s Day Is Almost Here. An Occasion When South Florida Residents And Visitors Will Wear Green And Claim To Be Irish While They’re Dining, Drinking, Dancing, And Feeling Lucky. Hence, The Green-Themed Holiday Is Just A Few Three-Leaf Clovers Away. Once It Arrives, People Will Mingle In Pubs, Overhear Irish Bagpipers, And Munch On Corned Beef And Other Irish Delicacies While They Drink Green Beer And Other Irish Drinks. Below is a list of places in Broward and Miami-Dade counties that plan to commemorate the March 17 holiday with their guests. In Deerfield Beach, Tipperary Pub, 1540 Southeast 3rd Court, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441 Deerfield’s oldest Irish pub, is organizing a festive St. Paddy Party. The party’s theme is “Get your Irish On” and features live music, green beer, Irish breakfast including bangers and blood pudding, and popular dishes like shepherd’s pie and Irish Dip sandwiches. The bar also offers Irish staples like Guinness, Harp, Jameson, Baileys, and Irish Car Bombs. For more information, please call: (954) 421-9769. In Lighthouse Point, Packy’s Sports Pub, 4480 North Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, Florida 33064 will celebrate its big St. Paddy Party from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. serving corned beef & cabbage, fish n’ chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, Guinness, and more, with bagpipers performing from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call: (954) 657-8423. In Pompano Beach, Briny Irish Pub, 3440 East Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062, a neighborhood beachside tavern founded in 1945, is hosting its St. Paddy Bash from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., featuring live music, cold pints, green beer, traditional Irish food, and Irish cheer. For more information, please call: (954) 942-3159. Another Pompano Beach bar welcoming St. Patrick’s Day is Galuppi’s, 1103 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., folks will experience Irish step dancers, bagpipers, and fiddlers. They also can enjoy Irish dishes, green beer, drink specials, and holiday activities. For more information, please call: (954) 785-0226. In Coral Springs, Sharkey’s Bar and Grill, 10365 Royal Palm Boulevard, Coral Springs, Florida 33065 will begin its March 17th event at 9:00 a.m., serving corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash. Drink specials include Guinness, Jameson, and Irish Car Bomb shots. Attendees can listen to live music there too. For more information, please call: (954) 341-9990. In Fort Lauderdale, Waxy’s Irish Pub, 1095 Southeast 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316, will throw its St. Paddy Fest, March 17th, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. with an Irish breakfast, live music, green beer, pints of Guinness, and authentic Irish fare. Guests can also party outside at its beer garden. For more information, call: (954) 525-9299. Another Irish spot in Fort Lauderdale, Kelly Brothers Irish Pub, 3045 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33306 will have live music, drink specials, Irish-themed festivities, and Irish pub fare including: bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, corned beef sliders, and fish n’ chips. For more information, please call: (954) 630-2856. In Dania Beach, The Field Irish Pub & Eatery, 3281 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312, will “paint the town green” with an all-day, all-night shamrock-like party on March 17th. The Field offers folks Irish cuisine including: Irish breakfast, fish & chips, and shepherd’s pie, traditional Irish music, Irish dancers, and a wide range of Irish drinks, including Guinness on tap and Jameson Irish Whiskey. For more information, call: (954) 964-5979. Also in Dania Beach, Shenanigans Sports Pub, 1300 South Federal Highway, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 will salute St. Patrick’s Day with bagpipers and a wide assortment of Irish food and drinks. For more information, call: (954) 923-3008. In Hollywood, Walsh’s Pub, an Irish bar and local hangout on 2217 North Federal Highway, Hollywood, Florida 33020 will launch its St. Patrick celebration on March 17th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. and offer customers a good mix of Irish food, Irish drinks, and entertainment. For more information, call: (954) 920-5479. In Miami-Dade County, John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 will arrange a huge St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 17th, starting at 4:00 p.m. Partyers can enjoy a place with an Irish atmosphere, live music, and classic Irish food and drinks. For more information, call: (305) 209-0609. In Virginia Gardens, a village near Miami Springs, Bryson’s Irish Pub, a longtime roadside tavern on 3790 Curtiss Parkway, Virginia Gardens, Florida 33166 will have its big green party beginning at 10:00 a.m. Once its kicks off, guests can hear Irish tunes while feasting on corned beef & cabbage and shepherd’s pie. Some of Bryson’s traditional holiday drinks include Smithwick’s Irish Ale and Irish Car Bombs. For more information, call: (305) 871-9534. In Doral, The Doral Yard, 8455 Northwest 53rd Street, Suite 106, Lauderhill, Florida 33351 will “go green” on St. Pat’s Day from noon to 11:30 p.m. offering lucky guests live music, delicious cuisine from culinary vendors, and handcrafted cocktails. Holiday drink specials include $7 green tea shots, $7 beer and a $12 shot-and-beer combo showcasing Teeling Whiskey. For more information, please call: (786) 843-5106. Meanwhile, for over four decades, Duffy’s Tavern on 2108 Southwest 57th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33155 another neighborhood Irish pub in Miami, is highlighting an “Irish green scene” on March 17th. Duffy’s will offer patrons live music, food specials including: Irish Pub Sliders & loaded pub fries and drink specials including: Duffy’s Ale, Irish Car Bombs, and Jameson Whiskey. For more information, call: (305) 264-6580. In Miami-Dade County’s Wynwood community, St. Pat’s Wynwood, located at The Wynwood Marketplace on 2250 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33127 is throwing a huge, shamrock-like block party on Tuesday, March 17th. 2026 with DJs, green beer, food vendors, and nonstop dancing; the affair runs from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. For more information, please call: (305) 461-2700. Come St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Miami, The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub, 91 Northwest 1st Street, Miami, Florida 33128, will be serving classic Irish food; including an Irish breakfast, fish n’ chips, shepherd’s pie, and a special Chelsea burger with Irish bacon and a fried egg. An array of popular Irish drinks will also be available. For more information, please call: (786) 353-2339. Another downtown Miami meeting place worth mentioning is Pier 5 at Bayside Marketplace. Pier 5 will soon coordinate a multi-day St. Paddy celebration from Saturday, March 14th, 2026 - Tuesday, March 17th, 2026. And for each of the three days, Pier 5 will throw its bash from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. The “Pier Party” comes with live music, dancing, Irish beer, traditional Irish dishes including: such as corned beef n’ cabbage and pub fare including: shepherd’s pie, Irish bangers, and fish n’ chips. Additionally, partyers can buy a shot of any Irish whiskey and get a free Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Michelob Light or Stella. For more information, please call: (305) 209-0090. Or email: hello@pier5.com . Moreover, in South Beach, Finnegan’s Way, 1344 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 has poured patrons pints of Guinness and Irish whiskey shots for decades. On St. Paddy’s Day, the scenery at Finnegan’s is absolutely green as visitors can enjoy traditional Irish food and drinks while dining outdoors. More information, call (305) 672-7747. Finally, in downtown Homestead, on St. Paddy’s Day, there’ll be a gathering called the Leprechaun Pub Crawl, which begins at 4:00 p.m. and will be held at the Seminole Theatre, 18 North Krome Avenue, Homestead, Florida 33030. This celebration includes a tour of multiple downtown Homestead bars and includes drink specials ($3 beers, $3 cocktails, $3 shots, and more). This “harp and clover-like party” concludes at 8:00 p.m. with an “Irish Comedy Show” at the Seminole Theatre Pub. More information, please call (786) 650-2073. Previous Next

From Tail Gate To Touchdown - Bokamper's Sports Bar & Grill Is The Front-Row Seat To All The Gridiron Action This Football Season South Florida Sun Times Aug 13, 2025 Bokamper's Sports Bar & Grill Is Calling The Plays This Football Season! From A Football Kick-Off Tailgate Party To Fantasy Football Draft Packages And Weekly Specials, Bokamper’s Is The Front-Row Seat To All The Gridiron Action. Kick off football season in full blitz mode with a full day of festivities at Bokamper’s in Fort Lauderdale with its Football Kick-off Tailgate Party on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, where the game-day energy starts before the coin toss. This pre-game celebration brings the tailgate to the fans with a live DJ, a cornhole tossing contest for the chance to win a $250 bar tab, spin the wheel raffle prizes, game day grub specials and more. With TVs covering every wall of the restaurant, fans won’t miss the start of the college football season or the final weekend of NFL preseason. Fans can huddle up for guest appearances by gridiron greats at 12:00 p.m., including Bokamper’s own Kim “Bo” Bokamper and the powerhouse Pouncey Twins: Mike Pouncey (Florida Gators, Miami Dolphins and the LA Chargers) and Maurkice Pouncey (Florida Gators and Pittsburgh Steelers). Expect a stacked lineup of additional surprise appearances from fellow athletes and sports personalities throughout the day. Guests will be the first to get an exclusive taste of the Pouncey Twins’ brand-new whiskey, Twin P Whiskey. The Pouncey Twins believe a strong family foundation is essential in creating a winning legacy. That belief goes into every handcrafted bottle of Twin P Whiskey, where a blend of strength and flavor combine to create a premium whiskey worthy of the Pouncey family legacy. During the event, end zone-worthy food specials for $10 include small Killer B Wings, Kimberly's Grilled Chicken Quesadilla, sliders and fries, hot dog and fries, chicken tenders and fries, loaded fries, and a giant Bavarian pretzel. Twin P Whiskey specials all day, $15 domestic buckets and $20 import buckets. Bokamper’s is offering a Fantasy Football Draft package. For just $99, fans will score a reserved space, 50 Killer B Wings, two buckets of domestic beer, and their own private TV or draft board, everything needed to build a dream team in true MVP style. Bokamper’s also offers weekly specials at its Fort Lauderdale location, including: Monday through Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: Happy Hour specials, at the bar only. Sunday through Thursday, from 9:00 p.m. to close: Late-night happy hour specials, at the bar only. Mondays, from open to close: $12 small wings (with the purchase of a beverage), $22 large wings (with the purchase of a beverage) and $15 buckets of Budweiser or Bud Light. Tuesdays, from open to close: $22 full rack of BBQ ribs served with coleslaw and fries (with the purchase of a beverage). Wednesdays, from open to close: 2x MVP points, $12 burger and fries (with the purchase of a beverage), and kids eat half off (with the purchase of an adult entrée) Thursdays, from open to close: $12 small wings (with the purchase of a beverage), $22 large wings (with the purchase of a beverage) and $15 buckets of Budweiser or Bud Light. Ditch Fridays, from 2 to 7 p.m.: Extended happy hour specials at the bar only. Happy hour specials include $4 domestic draft and bottles of beer; $5 import drafts and bottles of beer; $6 well drinks; $7 house wines and $9.99 bar bites including chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, Kimberly's Grilled Chicken Quesadilla, house pico and chips, spinach and artichoke dip and guacamole with chips. For over 15 years, Bokamper’s has been known for its high-energy sports bar atmosphere and as a local hot spot for its Killer B wings and Bo’s Brew Pale Ale. Boasting TVs covering every wall for maximum sports enjoyment, Bokamper’s is the perfect place for sports fans of all ages to cheer on their favorite teams. Bokamper’s is celebrated for its deep roots in the Fort Lauderdale community and its commitment to being “The Best Game in Town” by providing exceptional service, great food and an unparalleled, fun-filled atmosphere for sports fans of all ages. Founded in 2008 by former Miami Dolphins legend Kim Bokamper, the restaurant is owned and operated by PDKN Restaurant Group, of which Bokamper is a Co-Founder. For more information about Bokamper’s, please visit: https://bokampers.com . Where: Bokamper’s Fort Lauderdale 3115 Northeast 32nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 When: Football Kick-off Tailgate Party: Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to midnight. About Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill: Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill was founded in 2008 by former Miami Dolphins player Kim Bokamper. Its mission is to be “The Best Game in Town” by providing exceptional service, great food, and an unparalleled atmosphere for friends, families and sports fans of all ages and to create a rewarding and friendly environment for employees to work in. Bokamper’s is proud to be named Fort Lauderdale Magazine’s Best Sports Bar of 2024 in the gold category for five consecutive years from 2019 to 2024, and in the bronze category in 2025. It was named “Best Sports Bar” in the Sun Sentinel’s 2017 “Best of South Florida.” Bokamper’s is located at 3115 Northeast 32nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308. For more information, visit: www.bokampers.com - Or call: (954) 900-5584. About PDKN Restaurant Group: PDKN Restaurant Group was founded by former Miami Dolphins player Kim Bokamper and his three partners, P.J. Kavanagh, Damon DeSantis and Noel Cullen, in 2008. Following Bokamper’s successful sports and broadcasting career, he was approached by current partner Kavanagh about furthering his brand through a restaurant. The first Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill was founded in 2008. Bokamper’s is dedicated to providing exceptional service, great food, and an unparalleled atmosphere for friends, families and sports fans of all ages. PDKN Restaurant Group’s Bo’s Beach features fresh seafood and stunning ocean views on Fort Lauderdale Beach, and La Playa Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Fort Lauderdale's hidden gem, atop Bo's Beach. 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Miami Native & Krop High School Graduate: Serves The Country Aboard A Navy Warship In The Pacific Northwest By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office Of Community Outreach September 5, 2024 Share Petty Officer 1st Class Yngrid Castaneda, a native of Miami, Florida, serves aboard USS Barry, a U.S. Navy Warship homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington. The ship is currently in a Seattle shipyard undergoing routine maintenance. Castaneda graduated from Dr. Michael Krop High School in 2008. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Miami. “Growing up, I learned the importance of hard work, dedication and an optimistic attitude,” said Castaneda. “My parents taught me to remember my main goal in life.” Castaneda joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Castaneda serves as a Ggas Turbine Systems Technician (electrical). “I tried college but wasn’t sure it was the right path for me,” said Castaneda. “My mom suggested that I join the military.” A Navy Destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with Tomahawk Missiles, Torpedoes, Guns and a Phalanx Close-In Weapons System. More than 300 sailors serve aboard Barry. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy Officials. With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of Undersea Fiber Optic Cables, Navy Officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America. “We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.” Castaneda has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. “I was named Sailor of the Year in 2019 at Assault Craft Unit (ACU) Four, which was my first command,” said Castaneda. Castaneda serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security. “Serving in the Navy has helped me grow as an individual and allows me to be part of something bigger to help my community and country,” said Castaneda. Castaneda is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I want to thank my mom, dad and sister for always being there for me,” added Castaneda. < Previous News Next News >

South Florida Resident Shares How Father Inspired Him At FPL South Florida Sun Times Jun 25, 2026 For Nick Campbell, The Moment Everything Went Dark Still Stands Out. He was 19, driving through Detroit when the streetlights suddenly went out. Traffic stalled. Radios went silent. Phone lines jammed. The Northeast blackout of 2003 had begun and like millions across the region, Campbell was trying to make sense of what was happening in real time. But he knew one thing almost immediately. “I knew I probably wouldn’t see my father for a few days,” he recalls. His father, an engineering technician at the local electric utility for more than 40 years, had been called in to help restore power. For the next three and a half days, he worked around the clock to help bring the region back online. It’s a moment that still shapes how Campbell thinks about the work. “You understand now it’s a 24/7, 365 business,” Campbell says. “We have a duty to our customers to provide reliable power at all times.” At the time, it was easy to take electricity for granted. It wasn’t until later—after entering the industry himself—that Campbell fully understood what moments like that required. From families relying on air conditioning during extreme heat to customers with critical medical needs, the need for reliable electricity never stops. Campbell didn’t initially plan to follow in his father’s footsteps. Growing up in Michigan, he expected to pursue a career in the automotive industry. But over time, that path shifted. An internship in the energy industry gave him a clearer view of the role utilities play in everyday life and the responsibility that comes with keeping communities powered. He chose to build his career at Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), drawn to its strong commitment to safety, innovation and continuous improvement, and the opportunity to grow within the organization. Today, as a regional plant manager in FPL’s power generation division, Campbell leads teams at facilities across Broward and Miami‑Dade Counties, helping deliver reliable electricity in one of the most critical areas of Florida’s energy grid. That responsibility comes into sharper focus during the Atlantic hurricane season, something FPL prepares for year-round. Each year, ahead of Hurricane Season, FPL teams conduct a comprehensive storm drill to test the company’s readiness. The drill brings together thousands of employees across the company, many stepping into emergency response roles alongside their day‑to‑day responsibilities. For Campbell and his team, it’s not a tabletop exercise—it’s a full‑scale test of readiness. Preparation begins well before the first forecast. Teams walk through scenarios as if they were real events, focusing on response and restoration operations, workforce coordination and communication, ensuring that every role and decision is understood before it’s put to the test. “We don’t take those drills lightly,” Campbell says. “We expect everyone to prepare like it’s a real storm.” As a storm approaches, that preparation shifts into execution. Detailed checklists guide each step—from securing equipment and testing backup systems to preparing facilities to operate through severe conditions. Designated teams remain on site to operate plants through the storm, making real‑time decisions to keep units running safely and reliably. It’s a level of preparation designed to ensure teams are ready to respond and restore service as soon as it is safe when severe weather impacts customers. The work requires constant focus, anticipating risks, maintaining equipment and making disciplined decisions so facilities perform when demand is highest. “We’re solving complex challenges every day behind the scenes, so our customers never have to think about it,” Campbell says. Across Florida, that daily discipline shows up not just during storms, but in the steady performance of FPL’s generating fleet, one of the most fuel‑ and cost‑efficient in the country, designed to run reliably day in and day out. Through it all, Campbell leads with the same values he learned from his father—doing the right thing, being present and supporting others. “I always try to lead as a mentor and a coach,” he says. “We have a lot of newer teammates, and it’s important to guide them so they’re making the right decisions and growing in their careers.” It’s an approach rooted in the example he saw growing up by a father who answered weekend calls and interrupted holidays but never lost sight of being present at home. Even with the demands of the job, he made time—something Campbell didn’t fully understand until he entered the industry himself. “I can call him at any point, day or night,” Campbell says. “Nothing’s ever changed.” Now retired, his father remains a sounding board, offering advice, perspective and the same steady presence that shaped Campbell’s early years. Their conversations center on leadership, challenges and shared experiences across generations in the energy industry. This Father’s Day, that connection feels especially meaningful. From a young man watching the lights go out across a city to a leader helping keep them on for millions, Campbell understands what the job demands. Most days, nothing happens. The lights turn on. Air conditioners hum. Families go about their lives without a second thought. Campbell sees those uneventful days as the ultimate measure of success—proof that preparation, discipline and people doing the right thing behind the scenes are working exactly as they should. In 2025, that consistency helped deliver FPL’s strongest reliability performance on record with the fewest outages in company history. It’s the same work his father once did and work Campbell is now proud to do. Campbell didn’t initially plan to follow in his father’s footsteps. Each year, ahead of Hurricane Season, FPL teams conduct a comprehensive storm drill to test the company’s readiness. Previous Next