These Are Florida’s 3 Most Envied Places For First-Time Buyers South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2026 For Many Americans, Buying A First Home Is No Longer About Finding The Perfect Neighborhood. Increasingly, It Is About Finding A Place Where The Numbers Actually Work. Higher home prices, elevated borrowing costs and limited housing supply have pushed the traditional starter home further out of reach, leaving would-be buyers to make choices that previous generations may not have faced quite so sharply: a smaller house, a longer commute, a less fashionable ZIP code or a move to somewhere entirely different. To find out where first-time buyers would most like to put down roots, www.PortlandRealEstate.com polled 3,034 prospective first-time buyers, asking them to identify the location in their state they most envy as a place to buy their first home. The top 3 most envied locations among Florida first-time buyers are: #1. Lakeland Located between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland gives first-time buyers access to two major employment regions while maintaining an identity of its own. The city’s lakes, established neighborhoods and growing downtown add lifestyle appeal, while prices can still compare favorably with those in either larger metro. That central location can also mean long commutes and increasing competition as more buyers look inland for value. Lakeland stands out as a practical middle ground for those seeking opportunity without paying full Tampa or Orlando prices. #2. Melbourne Space Coast employment and an established coastal lifestyle make Melbourne an attractive option for buyers thinking about both quality of life and long-term value. Aerospace, defense and technology jobs support the local economy, while beaches and everyday amenities add to the city’s appeal. First-time buyers may need to stretch their budgets, accept rising insurance costs or look farther inland for a suitable property. Despite those pressures, Melbourne continues to offer a compelling blend of career opportunity and Florida coastal living. #3. Lake City For buyers trying to avoid the steep prices found in Florida’s larger metros and coastal markets, Lake City offers a more attainable place to begin. Its position near the junction of Interstates 75 and 10 gives residents useful regional access, while housing costs can remain comparatively manageable. The trade-off is a smaller local job market and fewer big-city amenities. Even so, Lake City appeals to first-time buyers willing to exchange metropolitan convenience for affordability and a slower pace. Across the country, top choices in other states included... Riverfront scenery, outdoor recreation and a revitalized downtown make Chattanooga Tennessee first-time buyers’ most envied location. The city’s growing technology, manufacturing and tourism sectors strengthen its long-term prospects, while its neighborhoods offer more character and variety than many conventional suburban markets. Rising demand has made well-located starter homes increasingly competitive, however, and buyers may need to settle for a smaller property or look farther from downtown. Chattanooga remains coveted because it combines natural beauty, economic momentum and a lively urban core. Over in nearby South Carolina, the Charleston metro has made Summerville a popular choice for local buyers seeking more space and better value than they may find closer to the coast. Its historic center, walkable neighborhoods and access to major employment corridors strengthen both its lifestyle and investment appeal. The compromise is often a lengthy commute, heavy traffic and rising prices as demand spreads outward from Charleston. Even so, Summerville offers a practical foothold in one of South Carolina’s most competitive regions. Texas first-time buyers named New Braunfels as their most coveted location. Hill Country scenery, river recreation and a lively historic center make New Braunfels one of Texas’ most appealing lifestyle markets. Its position between Austin and San Antonio also gives buyers access to two major employment regions while retaining a strong identity of its own. That popularity has driven prices higher, however, and first-time buyers may need to accept a smaller home, a longer commute, or a location farther from the city center. New Braunfels remains coveted because it combines small-city character with strong long-term demand. In a state where affordable starter homes are increasingly difficult to find, Bakersfield in California emerged as the top choice in the state - it remains one of the more accessible options within a major metropolitan area. Buyers can often secure more space for their money than they would in California’s coastal markets, making the city especially attractive to those focused on getting into the housing market sooner. The trade-off is distance from many of the state’s biggest job centers, along with intense summer heat. For first-time buyers willing to look inland, Bakersfield shows how California affordability has increasingly become a Central Valley story. Kingston in New York emerged as a surprise choice among first-time buyers in the state. Hudson Valley character, a growing arts scene, and access to both the Catskills and New York City have made Kingston increasingly desirable. Its historic districts, independent businesses and walkable pockets offer the kind of lifestyle appeal that draws buyers looking beyond conventional suburbs. That popularity has pushed prices higher, however, and first-time buyers may need to consider a smaller home, renovation work, or a location farther from the most sought-after areas. Kingston remains coveted because it combines cultural energy with a distinctive upstate setting. Among Colorado’s larger cities, Pueblo remains one of the most attainable places for first-time buyers, and it came in as the top pick there. Housing costs are generally lower than in Denver and Colorado Springs, allowing purchasers to secure more space without stretching their finances quite as far. The trade-off is a weaker local job market and greater distance from the state’s biggest employment centers. Even so, Pueblo offers a realistic foothold in Colorado for buyers willing to exchange metro momentum for affordability. Affordability Matters When respondents were asked for the single biggest factor that would make a ZIP code appealing for their first home, price came first, at 30%. The remaining priorities were: • 15% - Being close to family and friends • 10% – Good schools • 9% – Attractive homes or neighborhood character • 9% – A short commute or access to jobs • 7% – Walkability • 7% – Restaurants, shops, and entertainment • 7% – Potential for property values to rise • 6% – Parks and outdoor spaces The findings suggest that the first-home calculation is dominated by two fairly basic questions: Can I afford to live here, and will I feel comfortable living here? Traditional markers of a “desirable” neighborhood. Restaurants, walkability, good schools, and attractive streets still matter. Buyers Are Prepared to Give Up Space Getting onto the market also appears to require some prioritizing. Asked what they would sacrifice to make their first home affordable, 17% said property size, making square footage the most expendable feature on the list. Lifestyle amenities were not far behind. 12% would give up easy access to restaurants and entertainment, while another 12% would accept a longer commute. Other compromises included: • 12% - Living farther from family and friends • 10% - Having fewer bedrooms • 9% - Giving up walkability • 8% - Having less yard or outdoor space • 8% - Compromising on the quality of local schools • 7% - Buying in a less desirable neighborhood • 7% - Accepting a property in worse condition In other words, the dream has not disappeared, but it is getting smaller, sometimes quite literally. For many buyers, the first home is increasingly viewed as exactly that: a first home, rather than the property expected to tick every box for the next 20 years. Smaller Towns Are Winning the Reality Check Perhaps the clearest sign of how the market has changed came when prospective buyers were asked what kind of location they would realistically consider. The most popular response was not an urban neighborhood or a traditional suburb. Instead, 27% said they would consider buying in a smaller town or rural area. Another 23% would choose a smaller property if it meant securing a home in a desirable neighborhood, while 19% would move to a suburb farther from the city. Other options attracted smaller shares: • 10% would buy a fixer-upper in a better location. • 9% would choose a condo or apartment instead of a house. • 6% would buy in an up-and-coming neighborhood. • 6% would accept a larger property in a less desirable neighborhood. “Buying a first home is still one of the most important financial milestones people can reach, and what these results show is that buyers are becoming much more open-minded about where that first step might happen,” says a spokesperson from: www.PortlandRealEstate.com . “There are fantastic places to buy across the country that may not always be the obvious names. For first-time buyers, the key is not necessarily finding a home that ticks every box on day one. It is finding somewhere that works for your budget, gives you a lifestyle you can enjoy and allows you to start building equity. A first home is a starting point, and getting onto the market can open up far more choices in the years ahead.” For more information, visit: https://www.portlandrealestate.com/blog/starter-home-survey/ To find out where first-time buyers would most like to put down roots, a recent survey polled 3,034 prospective first-time buyers. Previous Next

Dania Beach Oktoberfest Brings German Tradition, Live Music And More To Downtown South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2026 German Tradition, Live Entertainment And Plenty Of Festive Fun Will Take Over Dania Beach On Saturday, October 10th, 2026 When The City Hosts Its 2026 Oktoberfest Beerfest As Part Of The Popular Dania After Dark Series. The free community event will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., inviting residents and visitors to gather for an evening of music, food, vendors, family activities and Oktoberfest-inspired entertainment. For adults age 21 and older, the centerpiece will be an unlimited sampling experience featuring dozens of beer, wine and spirits brands. Organizers describe the celebration as a place “where German tradition meets modern excitement,” combining the familiar sights and sounds of Oktoberfest with the laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere of Dania After Dark. Admission to the festival grounds is free. Guests do not need to purchase a ticket to enjoy the live music, activities, vendors, food or other general entertainment. However, anyone wishing to participate in the unlimited alcohol sampling must purchase a sampling ticket and be 21 or older. The general admission sampling package is priced at $45 and includes unlimited sampling from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and a souvenir glass. Organizers say guests will have the opportunity to sample offerings from more than 50 breweries, wineries and spirit brands, although event materials also describe the beer portion as featuring more than 40 breweries. For those looking for an upgraded experience, a $65 VIP sampling ticket will include unlimited sampling, access to a VIP area, special VIP beers, a souvenir glass and food samples. The VIP tent will be restricted to guests 21 and older. A four-pack of general admission sampling tickets is also planned, with pricing to be announced. The package will include unlimited sampling for four people and souvenir glasses. While beer is a major attraction, organizers are emphasizing that Oktoberfest is designed to be more than a drinking event. Families are encouraged to attend, and children will have access to free activities including face painting. A pumpkin patch will also offer free pumpkins while supplies last, adding a seasonal touch to the celebration. Pets are welcome as well. Organizers ask that attendees bring friendly, well-behaved animals, provide them with water and clean up after them. Pet owners are also encouraged to embrace the Oktoberfest spirit by dressing their companions in costume. Costumes will be a major part of the evening. A costume contest is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and will feature categories for children, adults and pets. The pet costume contest will be presented by the Humane Society of Broward County. Entry is free, and prizes will be awarded to winners. For adults 21 and older, another traditional Oktoberfest competition will take place at 7:00 p.m.: the stein-holding contest. Participants can test their endurance in the classic challenge, with prizes available for the winners. Like the costume contest, entry is free. Live entertainment will provide the soundtrack throughout the evening. Bands and DJs are expected to keep the festival atmosphere lively from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., giving attendees plenty of opportunities to enjoy the event whether or not they participate in the beer sampling. Food will also be a big part of the celebration. More than 10 food trucks and at least five restaurants are expected to participate, offering a variety of choices for festivalgoers. Two bars will also be available for guests who prefer to purchase drinks individually rather than participate in the sampling program. The event's combination of food, music, games, contests and family activities is intended to make Oktoberfest accessible to a broad audience. Adults can explore the sampling options while families can enjoy the entertainment, pumpkin patch and children's activities. Transportation and parking have also been planned to accommodate the expected crowd. A complimentary parking shuttle will operate continuously from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., providing transportation to and from the Dania Beach Casino and Dania Beach City Hall. Guests using the casino parking area are directed to the northwest parking lot at the Casino at Dania Beach, located at 301 East Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, Florida 33004. Drivers approaching from Stirling Road should note that Southwest 1st Avenue will be closed for the event. Organizers instruct motorists to use Southwest 3rd Avenue to enter the City Hall parking garage. Limited onsite VIP parking will also be available for advance purchase beginning Tuesday, September 1st, 2026. The cost will be $25 per vehicle. Organizers caution that spaces will be limited and could sell out quickly. Importantly, purchasing onsite parking does not require an Oktoberfest sampling ticket. The event reflects the broader appeal of Dania After Dark, a community gathering concept that brings entertainment and activities into the heart of the city. The Oktoberfest edition adds a seasonal celebration to the series, giving residents an opportunity to enjoy an autumn-themed evening without an admission charge. For visitors interested in the beerfest experience, organizers recommend purchasing sampling tickets in advance. The sampling component is separate from general admission, meaning guests can attend the festival for free even if they choose not to drink. That distinction is central to the event's family-friendly approach. Parents can bring children to enjoy the music, contests and activities, while adults who are legally permitted to consume alcohol can purchase tickets for unlimited sampling. With its mix of German-inspired festivities, live entertainment, food trucks, local restaurants, vendors and seasonal activities, the Dania Beach Oktoberfest is positioned as a community celebration rather than simply a beer festival. The event will take place Saturday, October 10th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission to the festival is free, while alcohol sampling requires a paid ticket and is limited to guests 21 and older. With free activities for children, a pumpkin patch, a pet-friendly atmosphere, costume contests, live music and an extensive selection of beverages, organizers are inviting residents and visitors to bring their families, friends and four-legged companions for an evening of Oktoberfest fun in Dania Beach. For more information, visit: https://daniabeachoktoberfest.com/ The general admission sampling package is priced at $45 and includes unlimited sampling from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and a souvenir glass. The stein-holding contest. Participants can test their endurance in the classic challenge. A costume contest is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and will feature categories for children, adults and pets. Previous Next

Havana Harry's Returns - Preserving A Miami Tradition: Fresh New Look, Same Cuban Soul South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2026 Miami's Beloved Cuban Comfort-Food Destination Returns To Coral Gables This Fall, Welcoming Back The Recipes, Generous Portions And Warm Hospitality That Have Defined It For More Than Three Decades. After more than a year behind closed doors, Havana Harry's is preparing to welcome Miami back. Located at 4612 South LeJeune Road, the sprawling Coral Gables landmark returns with a fresh, relaxed look that brings more color, culture and subtle tropical influences into the space, from green leather booths to lush greenery, mosaic tiling and traditional Cuban-inspired art. But the spirit of the place hasn't changed: the same approachable prices and neighborhood warmth that guests have loved for years remain untouched. “Our responsibility was never to reinvent Havana Harry's,” said Carlos Centurion, Founder of Centurion Restaurant Group. “It was to protect what generations of guests have loved, while building a restaurant that will serve this community for many years to come.” Founded in 1995, Havana Harry's has earned a reputation as one of Miami's premier destinations for authentic Cuban comfort food, recognized by the Michelin Guide and repeatedly named one of Miami's “Best Cuban Restaurants.” It has been the setting for birthdays, graduations, business meetings and Sunday family lunches, the countless everyday moments that became lifelong memories for generations of South Florida families. Havana Harry's has been under the Centurion Restaurant Group umbrella (Bulla Gastrobar, Pisco y Nazca and Beehive Kitchen) since 2022, and the group has taken great care to preserve the original recipes and community spirit that have long defined it. Rather than a quick refresh, ownership chose to build a restaurant designed to serve the community for decades to come. Reopening for daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, Havana Harry's will once again serve the menu guests love, from tostones and croquetas to Cuban sandwiches and main plates like the bestselling Ropa Vieja, Arroz con Pollo and Lechoncita. Topping the list is the Chicken Vaca Frita, the restaurant's signature dish of shredded chicken sauteed with onions, garlic and a proprietary blend of seasonings until crispy. Mornings bring classic Cuban breakfasts and coffee specialties like cafe con leche, cortadito and colada, while the dessert menu spans traditional flan, cakes and tres leches to the signature “Overdose” milkshakes. “We can’t wait to welcome our guests back,” Centurion added. “Families have been asking us every week when they can return, and now we are finally ready for them.” Havana Harry’s is located at 4612 South LeJeune Road, Coral Gables, Florida 33146. Telephone: (305) 661-2622; www.havanaharrys.com . Follow Havana Harry’s on Social Media: @havanaharrys About Centurion Restaurant Group Centurion Restaurant Group is a company created by food enthusiasts and founded on four pillars: Share, Passion, Discover and Soul. From the inviting ambiance and thoughtful design of each restaurant to world-class cuisine infused with authentic flavors, the group delivers a distinct experience for its guests. Under the leadership of seasoned restaurateurs, Centurion Restaurant Group is committed to delivering the highest level of hospitality and guest experience across each of its restaurant brands. The group’s core values and mission include nurturing its communities by creating unique environments, timeless concepts, and outstanding food. Centurion Restaurant Group operates Bulla Gastrobar, a Spanish concept inspired by Spain’s tapas scene, with locations in Miami, Winter Park and Tampa, Florida, as well as Plano, Texas. The group also owns and operates Pisco y Nazca Gastrobar, a Peruvian concept with locations in Kendall and Doral in South Florida, Reston, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.; the iconic, Michelin-recognized Havana Harry’s, a Cuban restaurant in Coral Gables, Florida; and Beehive Kitchen, a fast-casual bowl concept in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Expansion plans are in the works for all brands throughout Florida and across the United States. Previous Next

God Of Carnage By Yasmina Reza - Tony Award-Winning Dark Comedy Examines The Fragile Veneer Of Civility In American Society South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2026 The Adrienne Arsht Center For The Performing Arts Of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) And Zoetic Stage (@zoeticstagemia) Are Proud To Kick Off The 2026 - 2027 Season Of Theater Up Close With God Of Carnage By Yasmina Reza. Described As A “Comedy Of Manners…Without The Manners,” This Hysterical Satire Holds A Mirror To Modern Society, Dealing With The Fragility Of Social Etiquette, Political Polarization And The Constant, Distracting Nature Of Modern Technology. Cast Completely With Local Actors And Designers, Zoetic’s First Play Of The Season Runs In The Intimate Carnival Studio Theater From Thursday, November 5th, 2026 - Sunday, November 22nd, 2026. Tickets to God of Carnage are $67-$73* and may be purchased now at: www.ArshtCenter.org . Or at the Arsht box office by calling: (305) 949-6722. For guests with accessibility needs, the Arsht provides accessible seating and complimentary assistive listening devices for all performances, along with sign language interpretation, open captioning, and audio description at select shows to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests. “Zoetic Stage is proud to kick off its 17th Season at the Adrienne Arsht Center with Yazmina Reza's scathing and hysterical commentary on the breakdown of civilized society. God of Carnage is simply one of the funniest plays of this century - and one of the most revered,” said Zoetic Stage Artistic Director Stuart Meltzer. “Yazmina Reza is a playwright who creates a rich tapestry of human foibles mixed with modern societal comedy and bubbly poignancy. “ God of Carnage centers on two sets of well-to-do parents who meet in a Brooklyn apartment to discuss a playground altercation between their 11-year-old sons, one of whom hit the other with a stick, knocking out two teeth. What begins as a polite, civilized conversation to resolve the situation quickly devolves into a night of name-calling, physical altercations and alcohol-fueled hysteria. Originally written in French, the play was translated by Christopher Hampton, whose version enjoyed critically acclaimed productions in the West End and Broadway. The play won an Olivier Award for Best Play, as well as three Tony Awards (Best Play, Best Actress in a Play and Best Director of a Play). Zoetic Stage’s production features an all-local cast, including Carbonell Award-winner Iain Batchelor, Jordyn Moone, Justin Packard and Sarah Rome Guerra. For cast bios and headshots, visit: https://arshtcenter.canto.com/v/NF87KQJ3OS/album/Q8U55?viewIndex=0 . *All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Tickets shown include taxes and fees. Visit: www.ArshtCenter.org for up-to-date information. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, and the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from individuals, corporations and local, state and national foundations. About the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County Since opening in 2006 in the heart of downtown, the Arsht proudly serves as the cultural pulse of Miami – the heart of magical live arts experiences that spark the imagination and connect people to one another. Whether on our stages or in your neighborhood, the Arsht is alive year-round with international artists, innovative programming from resident companies and local arts partners, free community events that reflect Miami’s unique identity and more than 100 culturally diverse and impactful learning experiences for 80,000 children every year. The Arsht, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, has been recognized as a leader in the Miami’s cultural transformation, producing more than 400 annual events that generate 11,500 local jobs and $125 Million in economic impact. The Arsht is home to a robust series of touring Broadway musicals, star-studded jazz and classical music concerts curated for South Florida, an award-winning Miami-based theater program and numerous historic and televised events. Free annual Arsht events, such as Gospel Fest Miami, Art + Mind Day, Heritage Fest and our LGBTQ+ Pride celebration bring together people from all corners of our community. For more information, visit: www.ArshtCenter.org . About Zoetic Stage Zoetic Stage was founded in 2010 to create fresh, bold interpretations of contemporary plays and musicals, and is dedicated to enhancing South Florida’s national artistic profile by producing regional premieres and developing new works to become part of the American stage repertoire. In 2020, Zoetic Stage was named the Best Theater Company by the Miami New Times. The theater has been nominated for an impressive 160 Carbonell Awards (of which 14 were for Best Production of the Year) and won 46, including six for Best New Work and four for Best Production of a Play or Musical. Zoetic Stage productions have received 48 Silver Palm Awards for Outstanding Achievement. Zoetic Stage is an Associate Member of the National New Play Network, a member of Theatre Communications Group and the South Florida Theater League. Visit https://www.zoeticstage.org/ for more information. Iain Batchelor - Photo by Wolf Marloh Jordyn Moone - Photo by Jeffrey Mosier Justin Packard - Photo by Tim Goodwin Sarah Rome Guerra - Photo by Bachi Frost Previous Next

South Florida Pride Concert Band Kicks Off 41st Season With Waves And Wanderers South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2026 The South Florida Pride Concert Band Will Take The Audience On An Evocative Musical Journey Through Rain, Rivers, Oceans And The Spirit Of Exploration With Waves And Wanderers, Presented By The Bears Of South Florida, On Saturday, November 7th, 2026 At 7:00 p.m. At The Parker In Fort Lauderdale. In Waves and Wanderers, water becomes both landscape and storyteller as the South Florida Pride Concert Band explores music inspired by the power, beauty and mystery of the natural world. The program will move between moments of tranquility and celebration, taking audiences from familiar shores to faraway places while inviting them to reflect, dream and wander. The concert will also mark an exciting new chapter for the South Florida Pride Concert Band under the leadership of Sara Cowley, the organization’s new Artistic Director. Cowley succeeds Dan Bassett, who served as the band’s Artistic Director for 20 years. A longtime member of the South Florida Pride Concert Band, Cowley has served as Assistant Artistic Director for the past nine years and joined the organization in 2012. “I am honored to lead the South Florida Pride Concert Band into this exciting new chapter,” said Cowley. “This organization has an incredible legacy built on music, community and pride, and I look forward to honoring that history while continuing to expand our outreach and create programming that reflects the diversity and spirit of South Florida.” A Miami native, Cowley is a trumpet and percussion player who earned both her Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees in music from the Frost School of Music. With women representing fewer than 10% of Band Directors, her appointment represents a significant milestone as she takes the helm of one of Florida’s longest-standing LGBTQ arts organizations. “For a Pride arts organization, visibility and belonging are at the core of our mission, but I also want us to be known for artistic excellence,” Cowley said. “I don’t think inclusion and excellence are competing ideas. I think they make each other stronger.” With music capturing the calm of gentle waters, the force of crashing waves and the excitement of setting out toward the unknown, Waves and Wanderers promises an evening of powerful performances and imaginative storytelling. The program celebrates both the beauty of the natural world and the universal desire to explore what lies beyond the horizon. The South Florida Pride Concert Band is the oldest LGBTQ Arts Organization in the state of Florida and has spent more than four decades bringing music, pride and community to audiences throughout South Florida. Tickets are $45-50. For tickets, visit: www.parkerplayhouse.com/events/detail/sf-pride-waves-and-wanderers-2026 . For more information, contact: (954) 667-9228. Or: info@southfloridapridebands.org . About South Florida Pride Bands The South Florida Pride Band consists of more than 80 musicians of all skill levels who present three annual concerts for the LGBTQ community and its allies in South Florida. Now in its 41st Season, South Florida Pride Bands, Inc. and its component ensembles provide a safe and educational environment where LGBTQ musicians, youth and allies can perform quality music for the LGBTQ and greater South Florida communities. Previous Next

From Poolside To Purpose - YMCA Of South Florida’s Beach Ball Gala Celebrates A Decade Of Saving Lives Through Water Safety South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2026 For 10 Years, The YMCA Of South Florida’s Beach Ball Gala Has Brought Together Community Leaders, Philanthropists And Advocates For An Evening With A Purpose That Reaches Far Beyond The Dance Floor: Keeping South Florida Children Safe In And Around The Water. The 10th Annual Beach Ball Gala will take place Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, dancing and a closer look at the YMCA’s ongoing efforts to prevent drowning and expand access to lifesaving water-safety education. More than 600 guests are expected to attend the milestone celebration. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino returns as Title Sponsor, with Nicklaus Children’s Health System serving as Presenting Sponsor. But the heart of the evening is not simply the celebration—it is what the event makes possible for children and families across South Florida. A Mission Measured in Lives All proceeds from the Beach Ball Gala support financial assistance for the YMCA of South Florida’s aquatics programs, including free and subsidized swim lessons for underserved youth, wet and dry water-safety instruction, Swim for Jenny and resources designed to help families prevent child drownings. For YMCA of South Florida CEO Sheryl A. Woods, this year’s event represents two significant milestones: a decade of fundraising through the Beach Ball and a major development in the region’s fight against drowning. “This year’s Beach Ball Gala is very special to us, as we celebrate two major milestones,” Woods said. “In addition to commemorating 10 years of gathering community leaders to raise funds in support of the Y’s aquatics programs, we are also happy to announce that Broward and Miami-Dade Counties no longer lead the nation in drowning deaths, which is a very important step in our mission.” The progress, she emphasized, is a community achievement. “It is because of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Nicklaus Children’s Health System, and all our sponsors and supporters that we are saving lives,” Woods said. “Let’s keep it up.” Building Water-Safe Kids In a region surrounded by pools, canals, beaches and waterways, water safety is not simply an extracurricular skill. For many South Florida families, it is a fundamental part of keeping children safe. The YMCA’s approach combines swimming instruction with practical drowning-prevention education. Its eight-lesson drowning prevention course costs just $125 per child and is designed to give children the skills and confidence they need to swim and respond safely in the water. For families who might otherwise face financial barriers to swim instruction, assistance supported by the Beach Ball can make those lessons accessible. That access is particularly important because drowning prevention begins well before an emergency. Teaching children how to swim, helping families understand water hazards and reinforcing safe behaviors can give children tools that remain with them for years. The YMCA’s aquatics initiatives reflect that broader philosophy. From Swim for Jenny to wet and dry safety lessons, the programs are designed not only to teach children to swim but also to create a culture of prevention throughout the community. Ten Years, One Purpose Over the past decade, the Beach Ball has evolved into one of the YMCA of South Florida’s signature fundraising events, using an elegant evening of food, entertainment and philanthropy to address an urgent community need. The 2026 gala offers guests an opportunity to celebrate the progress already made while helping sustain the work ahead. Early-bird tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Sponsorship levels range from Silver at $3,500 to Emerald at $50,000, with additional opportunities at Gold, Ruby, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Diamond levels. For an organization whose work touches South Florida residents from infancy through adulthood, aquatics is just one part of a much larger mission. The YMCA of South Florida has served the community for more than a century and today offers more than 200 programs, from fitness and health and wellness initiatives to camps, afterschool care, community events and aquatics. Yet water safety carries a particular urgency in a community where the water is woven into everyday life. The Beach Ball Gala turns that urgency into action—helping ensure that a child’s first experience in the pool can be the beginning of confidence and joy, rather than a preventable tragedy. Ten years after the first Beach Ball, the message remains clear: learning to swim can be life-changing. And, in South Florida, it can be lifesaving. For more information on Beach Ball 2026, including sponsorships and tickets, please visit: https://ymcasouthflorida.org/beach-ball/ . For sponsorship opportunities or additional questions, please contact Aimee Fretwell at: AFretwell@YMCASouthFlorida.org . Or at: (954) 334-9622, Extension#: 1045. About the YMCA of South Florida For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As a leading NonProfit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Or: https://YMCASouthFlorida.org . Previous Next

Credit Isn't A Backup Plan. For Millions Of Americans, It's How They Buy Groceries. By Sheeka Sanahori Sep 24, 2026 Sixty-Six Percent Of Americans Carrying At Least $10,000 In Unsecured Debt Used A Credit Card To Buy Groceries In The Last Year, More Than Any Other Essential Expense, According To A New Survey. Credit Cards Were Once Reserved For Expensive Purchases Or For Added Security In Buying Online. For Households Managing Debt, They Have Become A Way To Cover Everyday Purchases Like Groceries. Accredited Debt Relief, a company specializing in debt relief, commissioned Atomik Research in May 2026 to survey 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt. Along with groceries, 47% say they've used credit for gas or transportation, 45% for utilities and 33% for rent or housing costs. For people struggling with cost-of-living pressures, using unsecured debt can begin as a quick solution to cover household needs for the moment. At first, it's just milk and eggs. But then an unexpected expense happens: a flat tire, an unusually high electricity bill, a medical cost that was not in the budget. The balance adds up and, according to the survey data, this also creates stress for consumers. This isn't discretionary spending. The data reflects a growing reliance on consumer debt to cover basic cost-of-living needs. However, relying on borrowed money without an executable plan for repaying it could mean that one day, the runway for taking care of such expenses runs out. A significant share of respondents report relying on credit as a routine part of managing their personal finances. This routine could become a long-term debt cycle for many households. Nearly three in ten say that they rely on credit or borrowing to get through a typical month. This reliance appears to be growing, with a third saying they depend on credit more than they did a year ago. For those consumers, what may have once been a stopgap has become an increasingly common and ongoing financial strategy. The growing debt cycle by unsecured borrowing is taking an emotional toll on these consumers, too. A quarter of respondents are concerned about their financial future and 12% feel a stronger concern that they're at risk of long-term financial instability. A lack of savings makes the cycle harder to break. Only 28% of respondents say they can both cover expenses and save. When there is little room between income and expenses, every disruption becomes harder to absorb. Unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs, lead 19% of respondents to take on additional debt every time, and 27% most of the time. These kinds of costs households are often told to prepare for, but preparation requires room. For many consumers, that room does not exist. Debt builds over time when credit becomes part of monthly operations. Some of these consumers say they don't earn enough to make meaningful changes to their current financial situation. Among those surveyed, 45% report that their income is enough to get by but not get ahead. Many report that their financial situation has caused them to put off taking a vacation or begin building savings. When asked about the biggest barrier to reducing debt, 29% of respondents listed the same obstacle: the cost of everyday expenses. That number connects how debt builds with why it persists. When everyday expenses become part of ongoing credit card debt, the balance can grow without notice. Even when a consumer gets their next paycheck, if it's already accounted for, they may not be able to make much progress in paying down their debts. A few recurring costs, spread across months, can become a greater financial weight. The result is debt that builds, because it's tied to the basic cost of living. It also can create a stressful way to live; more than three in ten people say their current debt situation has affected their mental well-being. Without meaningful changes, whether through increased income, debt relief or other financial support, these households may continue to rely on consumer debt and unsecured credit as a daily necessity rather than a strategic financial tool or occasional supplement. The risk is that life's most basic needs become harder to maintain in the long run. Methodology Accredited Debt Relief commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt. The margin of error is plus or minus 2 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level. Fieldwork was conducted between May 11-14, 2026. Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (tap to pay) For people struggling with cost-of-living pressures, using unsecured debt can begin as a quick solution to cover household needs for the moment. Previous Next

Big Things Are Accomplished In Small Steps By Bryan Golden Sep 24, 2026 The Largest Brick Building Is Constructed One Brick At A Time. A Long Journey By Foot Is Completed One Step At A Time. A Home Is Built One Board At A Time. The Most Monumental Accomplishments Are Achieved Through A Series Of Small, Manageable Steps. Any goal is achieved by taking enough small steps. You start where you are and then take just one step. Taking action initiates your forward progress. If you want a new job, begin by applying to one job posting. If you want to get a college degree, sign up for one course. If you want to become a chef, cook one meal. All successful journeys consist of small steps. Smaller steps are more manageable. A common strategic error is attempting steps which are too big. This leads to frustration, and possible abandonment of a goal which then seems unattainable. For example, a person sets a goal of losing 20 pounds in one week. Accomplishing this goal is virtually impossible. The inability to lose the desired weight in one week has the strong potential of having someone abandon their weight loss objectives altogether. Motivation grows with success. Developing the necessary skills enhances success. Setting and achieving small goals builds both motivation and skills. For someone embarking on a diet, a starting goal might be eating a quality breakfast each day. Once this goal is accomplished, lunch could be the next meal improved. For someone who wants to engage in more reading, an initial goal could be reading one page a day from a book they have been putting off. Success at this reachable objective would lead to one or more books being completed within a year. The progress would be easily doubled by only reading two pages a day. A person who wants to engage in more exercise can start small with one 15 minute walk each week. Although this alone would have minimal impact on one’s physical conditioning, it will get someone successfully started. With the accomplishment of the initial goal, the frequency and distance can then be increased. Doing something is always preferable to doing nothing. Incorporating the action steps needed for each small goal into your daily routine is another effective strategy. You could read one page in your book before or after a meal or before going to bed. When food shopping, avoid those foods you don’t want to be eating. Get up 15 minutes earlier to go for a walk. Take the stairs instead of an elevator. When going to a store, park away from the entrance. These examples demonstrate how you can adapt new behaviors into your normal routine. Goal achievement does not require a major revamping of your lifestyle. Accomplishing small goals builds confidence while moving you forward. Achieving a small goal is significant. It’s much more effective than failing to reach a large goal. Once you have reached one small goal, set another one. If reaching the completed goal was too easy, make your next one a little bigger. Success is what matters, not the size of the goal. While working on a goal, consistency matters more than speed. It doesn’t matter if arriving at your goal takes longer than planned. Taking longer than expected to become successful is always preferable to failing quickly. Set at least one small goal today. Don’t put it off. Procrastination is a goal killer. Start from where you are right now. Even small goals may require several restarts. Since quitting ensures failure, never ever give up. Achieving each goal is an exhilarating experience. Bryan is the Author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Contact Bryan at: Bryan@columnist.com . Or visit: www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2026 Bryan Golden Previous Next

Life Insurance Is On The To-Do List. Right Under Cleaning Out The Garage. By Sheeka Sanahori Sep 24, 2026 Being An Adult Comes With A Never-Ending List Of Responsibilities: Cook Dinner. Scrub The Bathroom. File Taxes. The Tasks Grow Even Longer When Sharing A Household With A Partner, Building A Family, Or Taking Care Of Others. No Matter How You Define "Adulting," Getting Life Insurance Tends To Be One Part Of The To-Do List That Keeps Getting Set On A Procrastination Loop. New survey data backs that up: there are plenty of other tasks adults would rather focus on first. The Adulting Task Americans Keep Avoiding According to the 2026 Life Happens Life Insurance Survey, a financial literacy NonProfit Organization, 39% of U.S. adults would rather clean out their email inbox than figure out their Life Insurance needs. Another 31% would rather clean out the garage or basement. One in five U.S. adults would be willing to sit on hold with customer service for three hours before Life Insurance planning. Even though many adults have it somewhere on their list, nearly half (46%) say they'll either deal with it later or not at all. They Know It Matters Nearly a third of adults have already figured out a life insurance plan, and they feel good about their decision. Others are feeling more conflicted: 14% have a policy, but they're not sure if they have enough. Another 12% say they either don't know where to start or they think it'll be too expensive. It's no wonder people are putting it off: Navigating a new-to-them form of financial planning can come with a lot of complicated emotions. Four in 10 feel either overwhelmed, anxious, or some combination of both. Sixteen percent of U.S. adults feel guilty for putting it off, but when the outcome is more procrastination, that feeling lingers. Why Later Keeps Winning If you've ever faced an important decision without having enough information to make an informed choice, you know how stressful it can be. While the generations have different takes on making major decisions with a gut feeling or "pure vibes," most of the time, people want to feel like they're making an informed choice. Forty-five percent of U.S. adults say cost concerns, confusion or procrastination are the main reasons they have delayed or would delay looking into Life Insurance. For more than one in five, the plan is to seriously look at it when they feel more financially stable. For 12%, they say they'll do it when they're older. Men tend to feel more confident about their Life Insurance decisions to date; 53% of men vs. 41% of women feel confident their family would be financially protected. The First Step Feels Bigger Than It Is Learning more about Life Insurance, how it's priced and how it works could help get many consumers out of their procrastination loop. A quarter of people say they'd make a decision if they learned it was easier to get than they previously thought. Thirty percent would make the purchase if they learned it was more affordable than they believed it to be. Others need an experienced professional to talk to or an online calculator tool to give them guidance. Methodology: Life Happens commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,000 adults, including 700 Gen Z respondents, 700 millennials, and 600 Gen X respondents throughout the United States. The margin of error for the overall sample is +/- 2 percentage points and +/- 4 percentage points for each generational sample, with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between July 14 and July 20, 2026. Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (couple using computer) Nearly a third of adults have already figured out a life insurance plan, and they feel good about their decision. Previous Next

Hallandale Beach State Of The City Part 5 By City of Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Sep 24, 2026 Last Week Was Part 4 Of My State Of The City Address Hosted By The Hallandale Beach Chamber Of Commerce. This Week In Part 5, I Explore Water, Wastewater And Securing Our Future Supply. Water is another critical part of our future. Hallandale Beach has invested heavily in its Water Infrastructure, and we are ahead of many communities because our treatment process already utilizes advanced nanofiltration technology. Our system was designed to move toward desalination as future conditions require. We are now planning what our water demands will look like years from now by adding another 3-million-gallon skid. Wastewater presents another challenge. The City previously closed its wastewater treatment operation and entered into a large-user agreement. That removed certain operational responsibilities from the City, but it also means we must continue negotiating for sufficient treatment capacity as Hallandale Beach grows. That capacity does exist, we continue to partner with other communities to leverage that. It is our responsibility to ensure Hallandale Beach has access to resources as future demand grows. The third issue residents consistently identify is what I call curb appeal. Curb appeal means different things to different people. It means landscaping, clean streets, attractive commercial corridors, sidewalks that aren't cluttered, and Code Compliance. It also means creating a community where people are proud to live, work, and invest. One example is our bus shelters. Over time, different benches and shelters have been installed throughout Hallandale Beach, creating an inconsistent and sometimes cluttered appearance. We are going out to contract to replace more than 27 bus shelters, with the long-term goal of creating a more consistent appearance throughout our community. Like communities throughout South Florida, we are also confronting homelessness. Homelessness is not new, but it has become increasingly visible. We have a task force working on this issue, and our Police Department continues working with property owners regarding trespassing on private property. If you own a business and have not worked with our Police Department regarding Trespass Enforcement, I encourage you to do so. At the same time, we recognize that homelessness is a human issue. We want people connected with shelters, treatment, and services. But some individuals repeatedly decline those services. Our responsibility is to balance compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness with our responsibility to maintain safe public spaces and protect residents and businesses. We need everyone to do their part. I call Code Enforcement a love-hate relationship. We continue with robust code enforcement. We can only control certain aspects of the City: our public right-way, parks, beaches, and facilities. Once the sidewalk ends and you step onto private property, the owner's responsibility begins. We all need to do our part. We do know many businesses and residents are struggling, so we have been looking at various programs to help our local residents and business owners. Economic Development will take us from CRA to a citywide strategy. Our CRA has played an important role in transforming Hallandale Beach. Through Facade Grants, business assistance, and property improvement programs, we have helped businesses reinvest in our community. Although the CRA will sunset, that doesn't mean economic development stops. We intend to establish an Office of Economic Development that can continue many of our successful initiatives. One significant difference is that future programs may be implemented citywide rather than being limited to the CRA boundaries. Programs supporting facade improvements, windows, doors, and property improvements can help businesses and neighborhoods throughout Hallandale Beach. Code Enforcement remains an important tool to improve our curb appeal. I encourage people to visit our city's website as we have an interactive site that will show you exactly what our code violations are and how to remedy them. 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 email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: MayorJoyCooperHB. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Basic First Aid For Pets: What To Know As A Pet Owner South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2026 When A Pet Is Injured Or Suddenly Becomes Ill, The First Few Minutes Can Make A Difference. While Basic First Aid Is Not A Replacement For Veterinary Care, It Can Help Prevent Further Harm Until A Veterinarian Can Provide Treatment. Dr. Christine Rutter, a Clinical Associate Professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, shares what every owner should know about basic first aid for pets and preparing for an emergency. When Should A Pet Owner Use First Aid? First aid at home should be used when a pet experiences a non-emergent (non-life-threatening) accident, injury, illness, or intoxication. Understanding the difference between when an injury is non-emergent, urgent, or an emergency can benefit you, your pet, and veterinarian. Rutter suggests owners seek immediate veterinary attention for: • Any laceration or significant wound • Bite wounds • Stings that cause pain and significant swelling • Ingestion of unknown substance or foreign bodies • Suspected or witnessed intoxication • Suspected or witnessed envenomation • Sudden weakness, collapse, or lameness • Body temperature over 104°F • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea “Recognizing the signs of an urgent situation and seeking veterinary care can make all the difference in a pet’s outcome,” Rutter said. Building A Pet First Aid Kit For injuries that can be treated at home, preparing a simple, well-organized pet first aid kit is one of the easiest ways owners can be proactive. Rutter recommends keeping these essential items on hand: • Thermometer (designated for use on the pet) • E-collar (of appropriate size to prevent licking/chewing) • Soft muzzle • Non-adherent wound dressing • Rolled gauze • Cohesive bandage • Bandage scissors • Sterile gauze pads • Hemostats, a surgical tool (clamp) used to help stop bleeding Sterile water, saline, or a commercial wound rinse is the safest way to flush wounds, and any of these would be important additions to any pet first aid kit. “You never want to flush or treat wounds with alcohol or peroxide, which can not only hurt but also inhibit healing,” Rutter said. First aid kits can also help owners respond quickly and safely when emergencies happen, providing temporary care to help stabilize a pet and prevent further harm until they can reach a veterinarian. What To Do If Your Pet Has A Wound When an animal is wounded, owners may need to assess the open cut to determine whether it is minor or should be seen by a veterinarian. Any questions should prompt a visit to your veterinarian, according to Rutter. Before assessing a wound, owners should remember that any injured pet may bite and, therefore, should always use caution when approaching an injured animal. Pets should be properly restrained with an E-collar or muzzle, when possible, to protect both the animal and the person providing first aid. “Because animals may be fearful, defensive, or aggressive after a serious injury, it is always best to prioritize your safety and then their comfort,” Rutter said. “An E-collar, blanket, leash, or muzzle can help keep both you and your pet safe while you prepare to seek veterinary care. Preventing bites and protecting human safety should always come first.” These kinds of restraints can also prevent wound licking, which is a common instinct pets use to comfort and clean themselves. Excessive licking can cause additional trauma, delay healing, and introduce bacteria into the wound. After the pet is restrained, owners should examine the wound. If the fur around the wound is long, it may be carefully trimmed with bandage scissors, taking care to avoid the skin. To prevent nicking any skin, trim slowly and carefully— only using bandage scissors, Rutter said. Next, the wound should be rinsed with sterile water, saline, or commercial wound rinse before being covered with non-adherent dressing, soft gauze, and cohesive wrap. Owners should then seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Wounds such as animal bites, lacerations, or fractures should be treated immediately by a veterinarian. Before administering any medication, talk to a veterinarian, or schedule an appointment if the wound appears less severe. “Some medications that you may have at home can interfere with what your veterinarian needs to prescribe, so please don’t administer medications without a veterinarian’s direct supervision,” Rutter said. What To Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned Another common emergency pet owners may encounter is suspected poisoning when a pet eats something toxic; in these cases, owners should take a photo of any remaining material and contact ASPCA Poison Control at: 1 (888) 426-4435. Or go directly to a veterinarian. In these moments, quick action paired with clear information is critical. “Take a photo or get samples of any ingested plants or mushrooms,” Rutter said. “I don’t recommend inducing vomiting at home. Your veterinarian has a lot safer ways to induce vomiting (if indicated) than what is available at home.” Any substance ingested should be documented: accurate information such as how many pills were in the bottle, how many are missing, or if a substance was accidentally dropped allows the veterinary team to determine the safest and most effective treatment. “We see accidental recreational medication ingestion all the time. We won’t report you. We just treat your pet," Rutter said. Additionally, if an animal is bitten or stung by a snake or insect, taking a photo of the reptile or bug can also help veterinarians determine care for the pet. You don’t need to bring the offending creature that stung or bit your pet into the ER. A photo will do just fine. “When in doubt, call Poison Control, take photos, and be honest,” Rutter said. “Preparation and awareness can help your veterinarian respond more effectively.” Handling An Injured Pet Safely transporting an injured pet means keeping them in a secure, controlled space where they cannot fall or sustain additional injuries. It’s also important to consider any other animals in the household. Rutter says it is best to leave other pets at home while going to the veterinarian’s office to reduce stress and avoid potential complications. By combining safe handling, calm transport, and the right protective tools, you can stabilize your pet while you seek professional help. Ultimately, Rutter reminds pet parents that the best first aid is preparation. Keeping essential supplies on hand and talking with your veterinarian about emergency care before a crisis occurs can help ensure you are ready to act quickly when your pet needs you most. Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk . Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu . Previous Next

Stranahan House To Celebrate Fort Lauderdale’s Founding Families At Fourth Annual Fall Festival South Florida Sun Times Sep 17, 2026 More Than A Century After Fort Lauderdale Was Taking Shape Along The New River, The City’s History Will Once Again Come Alive At One Of Its Most Important Historic landmarks. The Historic Stranahan House Museum will host its Fourth Annual Founding Families Fall Festival on Friday, September 25th, 2026, bringing residents, families and visitors together for an evening of music, food, games and history on the banks of the New River. The festival will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stranahan House, 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. A special ceremony honoring Fort Lauderdale’s founding families is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, while children will be admitted free. Organizers describe the annual festival as a celebration of the families who helped establish Fort Lauderdale and shape the community that would eventually become one of South Florida’s best-known cities. The event also serves an important purpose for the museum: All proceeds will support the Historic Stranahan House Museum’s year-round historic preservation and educational programs. For an evening, the oldest surviving house in Fort Lauderdale will serve not simply as a museum, but as a gathering place where the community can celebrate its past while supporting the preservation of that history for future generations. The festival will feature food trucks, beer and wine vendors, games, live music and activities designed for guests of all ages. Complimentary Water Taxi rides will also be provided, offering festivalgoers a uniquely Fort Lauderdale way to arrive at the event and experience the city from the water. With the New River as the backdrop, the setting is particularly fitting. Long before Fort Lauderdale became a city known for its beaches, waterways, tourism and downtown skyline, the New River was central to the development of the small settlement that would eventually become the city. Stranahan House stands as one of the most tangible reminders of that early history. Built in 1901, Stranahan House is widely recognized as the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale. The building was originally constructed as a trading post and later served as a post office, town hall and residence for Frank Stranahan and his wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan. Frank Stranahan is remembered as Fort Lauderdale’s first businessman and one of the community’s most respected pioneers. Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, meanwhile, became the area’s first schoolteacher and an influential advocate for civic, educational, social service and environmental causes. Their lives were closely intertwined with the development of the early community, and their home became a gathering place and important institution during Fort Lauderdale’s formative years. That history is central to the museum’s mission today. The Historic Stranahan House Museum seeks to tell the story of the birth of the community through the lives of Frank and Ivy Stranahan and the homestead they created. The museum also works to preserve, interpret and promote the house, its historic site and the broader story of Fort Lauderdale’s founding family. The Founding Families Fall Festival provides a natural extension of that mission. Rather than presenting history solely through exhibits, artifacts and guided tours, the festival gives the community an opportunity to experience the historic property as a living part of Fort Lauderdale. The event is also an important fundraiser for the museum, helping support programs that operate throughout the year. Stranahan House opened as a museum in 1984. Since then, it has become one of Fort Lauderdale’s leading cultural attractions and an important destination for both tourists and local residents interested in learning more about the city’s origins. Each year, more than 3,000 fourth-grade schoolchildren visit the historic site as part of educational programming, while approximately 30,000 tourists and locals visit the House and museum. For those students, Stranahan House can provide a tangible connection to lessons about local history. Instead of learning about Fort Lauderdale’s early development only from textbooks, they can walk through the same historic structure where some of the community’s earliest civic and commercial activities took place. For tourists and longtime residents alike, the property offers a glimpse of a Fort Lauderdale that existed long before the modern skyline, high-rise buildings and busy downtown streets became familiar features of the city. That connection between the past and present is expected to be a central theme of this year’s festival. The Founding Families Fall Festival is particularly focused on honoring the people and families who played a role in establishing the community. Their contributions helped create the civic institutions, schools, businesses and traditions that would become the foundation of modern Fort Lauderdale. While the city has changed dramatically since the early 1900s, the stories of those early residents remain part of its identity. Frank Stranahan’s role in the community began with his trading post along the New River. His business became an important meeting point in a developing settlement, and his work placed him at the center of the community’s early commercial life. Ivy Stranahan’s influence extended into education and civic engagement. As the area’s first schoolteacher, she played an important role in the education of local children. Her later involvement in environmental, social service and civic causes further established her as a significant figure in the region’s history. Together, the Stranahans represent two important dimensions of Fort Lauderdale’s beginnings: the practical work of building a community and the civic commitment required to help that community grow. Their legacy is one reason the museum continues to place education and preservation at the center of its work. The festival’s fundraising component will help ensure that the historic property remains available to future generations. Preserving an early structure such as Stranahan House involves more than maintaining an old building. It also requires preserving the stories, traditions and historical context associated with the site. The museum’s programs allow visitors to understand not only what the House looks like, but why it matters. The September festival will give the public another opportunity to support that work while enjoying an evening of community entertainment. Sponsors are also playing an important role in the event. The Historic Stranahan House Museum has expressed its appreciation to its generous sponsors, including Amazon and Tripp Scott. Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in supporting the festival can also participate through sponsorship and underwriting opportunities. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $5,000. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Executive Director Jennifer Belt by email at: director@stranahanhouse.org. Or email: director@stranahanhouse.org. Or by telephone at: (954) 524-4736. For festival attendees, however, the evening will be about more than fundraising. The combination of food trucks, live music, games and vendors is intended to make the event accessible to the entire community. Families can attend together, children can participate in activities and adults can enjoy food and beverages while taking in the atmosphere of the historic property and waterfront. The complimentary Water Taxi rides add another distinctly local element to the celebration. Fort Lauderdale’s waterways have always been central to its identity, and the Water Taxi offers visitors an opportunity to experience the city from the same network of waterways that played such an important role in its early development. The New River, in particular, has been a defining feature of Fort Lauderdale’s history. Its waters provided transportation and helped connect the community during the city’s earliest years. Today, the river remains one of the most recognizable elements of the downtown landscape. Having the festival on the riverfront therefore creates a physical connection between the event and the history being celebrated. The 6:15 p.m. ceremony will provide the evening’s most formal moment, when founding families are honored for their contributions to the development of Fort Lauderdale. The ceremony is expected to highlight the individuals and families whose efforts helped transform the area from a small settlement into the thriving community it is today. For a city that has experienced extraordinary growth, such recognition serves as a reminder that Fort Lauderdale’s history was built by generations of residents whose contributions may otherwise be forgotten. The museum’s role is to make sure those stories remain part of the community’s collective memory. That responsibility has become increasingly significant as Fort Lauderdale continues to grow and change. New development has transformed the city’s neighborhoods and downtown, while an expanding population and tourism industry have brought new generations of residents and visitors to the area. Historic landmarks such as Stranahan House provide a link between that rapidly changing present and the community’s earliest days. The museum’s work ensures that the history of Fort Lauderdale is not simply something that belongs in the past. It remains a resource for understanding how the city developed and why the community looks the way it does today. The Founding Families Fall Festival reflects that philosophy by bringing history into a community celebration. The event will be held at Stranahan House, located at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Complimentary parking will be available at the Riverside Hotel, located at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Visitors should plan to arrive between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., with the special founding families ceremony taking place at 6:15 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, and children can attend free of charge. Additional information and tickets are available through the Historic Stranahan House Museum’s website at: https://stranahanhouse.org/ffff/ . The museum itself is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., giving visitors who want to learn more about the site an opportunity to explore it outside of the festival. The September event is also an invitation to residents who may have lived in Fort Lauderdale for years but have never visited the historic property. It can be easy for people who live near a historic landmark to take it for granted. Stranahan House, however, is not simply an old building sitting among modern Fort Lauderdale. It is a surviving piece of the city’s earliest history and a place where the story of the community can be experienced firsthand. The House has witnessed generations of change. When it was built in 1901, Fort Lauderdale was a very different place. The city that residents know today—with its major tourism industry, extensive canal system, downtown development and international reputation—was still decades away. The Stranahan family was part of the small community that laid the groundwork for that future. Today, the House stands as a reminder of their work and of the many other families whose contributions helped shape the city. That is the significance behind the Founding Families Fall Festival. It is a celebration, but it is also an act of preservation. By bringing people together at the historic site, the museum hopes to strengthen the community’s connection to its past and generate support for the programs that keep that history accessible. The festival also illustrates how historic preservation can be a community experience rather than simply an academic pursuit. A child playing a game on the grounds, a family arriving by Water Taxi, a visitor listening to live music beside the New River or a longtime resident attending the founding families ceremony may all experience the historic site differently. Yet each is participating in the continued life of a place that has been part of Fort Lauderdale for more than 120 years. For the museum, those experiences are part of the preservation effort. The goal is not only to maintain the physical structure, but to ensure that future generations understand why it matters. The Fourth Annual Founding Families Fall Festival will provide another opportunity to do exactly that. As the sun begins to set over the New River on Friday, September 25th, 2026 Fort Lauderdale residents and visitors will gather at the city’s oldest house for an evening that combines the past with the present. There will be food, music, games and festivities. There will be a ceremony honoring the people who helped build the community. And there will be the historic Stranahan House itself—a reminder of the people, businesses, schools and civic institutions that formed the foundation of modern Fort Lauderdale. For a community whose identity is so closely tied to its waterways and its history, the setting could hardly be more appropriate. The Founding Families Fall Festival is ultimately an invitation to remember where Fort Lauderdale began while helping ensure that its earliest stories remain available to those who will call the city home in the years ahead. When: Friday, September 25th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ceremony: 6:15 p.m. Where: Stranahan House 335 Southeast 6th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Cost: Adults: $5 Children: Free How: For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://stranahanhouse.org/ffff/ . Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available and range from $500 to $5,00. For more information, please contact Executive Director Jennifer Belt by email at: director@stranahanhouse.org . Or call: (954) 524-4736. Complimentary parking is available at the Riverside Hotel, located at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The Historic Stranahan House Museum is located at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information about the museum, its history, programs and upcoming events is available at: https://stranahanhouse.org . The Stranahan House is recognized as the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale. Photo by Kahlil O Connor 1915 (courtesy of FLHS) 1930s (courtesy of FLHS) 1972 1984 Previous Next