Mother's Day: How Did This Special Day Come To Be? Thu May 04 2023 16:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Toula Amanna Uniting Communities Through Collaboration And Contributions By Erika Cartwright February 6, 2023 Share As an owner of multiple operating businesses, mostly restaurants and Real Estate in downtown areas, Toula Amanna currently employs over 200 people in south Florida. Among her businesses are the Deerfield Beach Café, which she received through the RFP Award of the Pier Restaurant, an honor for which Toula is grateful. She is the owner of the Flashback Diner Chain, with three locations in Boca Raton, Davie and Hallandale Beach. Flashback Diner has been named one of Florida’s top restaurants for over 30 years. Toula, daughter of a Greek emigrant family, began waitressing when she was 17 at LUMS Restaurant, where the first unit of the original Flashback Diner is currently located in Hallandale Beach. Through hard work and determination, Toula later bought the LUMS Restaurant she was working at and opened it in 1990, as the first Flashback Diner location in Hallandale Beach. Toula credits her success to the efforts of all the good people who helped her achieve her dreams. Mentors, Staff and Family who helped her research, plan and execute with courage, integrity and especially, hard work. Finding herself in a Post-Pandemic World as the owner of Real Estate and operating businesses in Boca Raton, Davie, Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale Beach, Toula states, ”I'm also very grateful to the many people who are devoted to the community in which they serve. I truly credit them with my success in the past and during the Pandemic, for my survival in business: Mayors, Commissioners, CRA Directors, Town Council, City Staff, Planners, Resident Volunteers and SBA Officers. All those people that through the years saw the merit in taking old, decrepit buildings and renovating them into something new and exciting, while also creating jobs. During the Pandemic, these people were the beacon which we all followed to get us out of hardship and illness.” Toula expresses her gratitude to everyone who was instrumental in putting together grants and special programs to keep the businesses viable and to thrive after reopening. She credits Dr. Jeremy Earle, for his insight and concern, which resulted in the City of Hallandale Beach moving forward and thriving with new development. As well as Eli Khazzam in Business Development, Christy Dominguez and Mayor Cooper. She states,” In the Town of Davie, the entire Council just celebrated the Re-Election of their Team as it was, including Mayor Judy Paul and Councilmember Caryl Hattan, a testament from the people of Davie that everyone is happy with the work they are doing. Credit goes to the Town Administrator, Rick Lemack and the Head of the CRA, Philip Holste.” Her gratitude extends to Mayor Scott Singer, as well as the amazing City Staff, in Boca Raton, for their assistance in putting together grants and advertising campaigns to bring back to life the businesses in that City which are now booming again. In Deerfield Beach, the quick response of David Santucci, City Manager, Mayor Ganz and Commissioners allowed for expansion of the exterior patio for social distancing through the crisis and extended us credit. Toula is thankful to Mayor Dean Trantalis in Fort Lauderdale, who navigated through a series of hardships for the City, during its exponential growth, as well as City Manager, Greg Chavarria for their integrity and professionalism. “During the past two years, Managers and Staff worked diligently to sustain these businesses,” Toula stated. “Santos Melendez, Julio Izaguirre, Jamal Qazi, Karen Denike, Pepper Parker, June Perrino, Joseph Bienaime, Louis Poulias, Jorge Almeida, Costas Koubis, and Eduardo Alonso-Morales. Also, my daughters, Mariella Amanna and Elizabeth Amanna, as well as many other employees, each of whom put their best self forward with amazing results. "Special thanks go to my decades-long friend and business partner, Rochelle Matza, our CPA, for her amazing professional acumen as she navigated through the complexities of the SBA relief programs and taxation with the utmost patience and support in very challenging times. For the 25+ years I have had the privilege to work with her, she has constantly volunteered her time to the support of major Community and Charitable causes that have enhanced and raised living standards extending benefits to people beyond the boundaries of our State and supporting causes of National importance." Some will be missed for their presence and efforts as they have moved away from the area such as Rose Bishop, our previous Controller and George Thiakos, who left our company and started a new venture.” In the future, Toula sees herself doing what inspires her more than anything else, which is to return the incredible gifts she has received back to the Communities. She plans on the continuation of building and renovating buildings, in which people live, work and play, on a grander scale. She wishes to pass on the knowledge and the thought process that created them, to the younger generations, Toula states: “Working in this direction, the time has come for me to send invitations to other business people, landowners and influencers to connect and plan how to best thrive in the new world of Technology-dominated services, employment challenges, rising costs, changing culture through Social Media, lack of credible information and complicated political climate.” An advocate for business owners, Toula states, “As I work in two distinct industries, in Commercial Real Estate and in the Restaurant Business, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss causes that will make our lives better, for which I have undertaken the initiative to work towards and invite others to join me, she continues, “The $3.02 Tip Credit in Wages, unchanged since 2003, must be increased. The FLRA and NRA must help Restaurateurs that they represent to increase the tip credit accordingly, as now servers have greater income than the managers while the cooks and dishwashers work just as hard and the income distribution for restaurant workers is unfair. We also need the SBA to develop specialized programs for the Restaurant Industry. An incentive to Banks to start loaning to Restaurants again, through guarantees of those loans and incentives to the Lending Institutions: Banks would rather stay away from lending to Restaurants in a Post-Pandemic World and we are in an industry the Nation needs very much for the jobs we create. In the development of our cities, we must find common ground between Landowners, Developers, Politicians and City Government. I understand all sides, the developer’s and the landowner’s but most importantly, I understand the diversity and needs of the Community. I believe only clear and direct communication can bring results, as well as respect. We can partner up only with a person we trust and respect.” Toula Amanna, a remarkable business woman, a pillar in her communities, with integrity and vision. To connect, please contact her at: Toula.Amanna@RegulusAllianceCorp.com < Previous News Next News >

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 >

Teen Gun Violence: A Safe Place For Hurting And Troubled Teens February 23, 2023 Share Unfortunately, gun violence among teen communities is only on the rise. Due to the increase in gun homicides among children and teenagers during 2020, gun deaths have surpassed vehicle-related deaths as the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 17. School shootings are becoming frequent across the country. Since the Columbine High School Massacre in 1999, 311,000 students have experienced gun violence at 331 schools, resulting in the deaths of at least 185 children and educators as well as another 369 injured by nonfatal gun wounds. One such tragedy was the Parkland School Shooting in South Florida on February 14th, 2018. The community was horrified at the loss of 17 innocent lives. The shooter pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison without parole in November 2022, but those impacted by this act of senseless violence are still reeling from the sudden loss of loved ones five years later. Youth For Christ’s (YFC, www.yfc.net ) Miami Chapter has been invested in the Miami area schools since 1948. Miami Youth for Christ works together with other like-minded partners to help young people make good choices, establish a solid foundation for life and positively impact the world around them. Miami YFC is committed to empowering the children, youth and families in the community by providing faith-based services that enhance their emotional, spiritual, physical and educational well-being through educational and outreach programs. When it comes to gun violence in the community, Miami YFC Executive Director Tia Diaz-Balart and the rest of the staff and volunteers work to create a safe space for youth struggling within a community where violence is commonplace. “After the Parkland Shooting, our whole community was heartbroken,” said Diaz-Balart. “We at YFC began to wonder what might have happened if the troubled teens who commit these tragic acts had people in their lives who would love them and care for them the way YFC does. It really created this urgency to reach youth everywhere with the love of Christ before it’s too late. “Unfortunately, gun violence still happens in this area. Recently, one of the students in our juvenile justice ministry had his home shot at in a drive-by shooting. Thankfully, he and his mother are safe and YFC had the resources from the community to ensure their safety, including providing them with alternative shelter and helping expedite his legal proceedings to transfer him to a safer area.” In the face of such turmoil, Miami YFC has many unique resources to foster a safe community for teens in the area. Catalyst Hip-Hop, part of YFC’s City Life Ministry, provides a safe and positive venue for youth involved in the Hip-Hop culture to breakdance, create positive graphic art, DJ and emcee, while connecting to the positive message of Jesus Christ. Catalyst Director David Arnaez has witnessed firsthand the influence a comforting, positive outreach can have in the lives of troubled youth. “Recently, we had a 12-year-old boy join Catalyst who seemed very confident and sure of himself,” said Arnaez. “There was nothing out of the ordinary about him and he seemed to fit in well with the other kids. After almost three weeks in our community, he reached out to a girl in our group and sent her a video of what looked like someone committing suicide with a gun. The girl immediately told her father, who told her to cut off communication with the boy. When she told our team later, she also mentioned to us that the boy bragged to her in school about having a gun at home. We immediately contacted the school and law enforcement, they investigated the issue. It turns out that while there was no gun in the home, his uncle was kidnapped and held at gunpoint just a few years prior and he was in intense therapy to get over the incident.” “These situations are incredibly serious and while the schools and families are doing everything they can, these kids enmeshed in gun culture here need more,” said Diaz-Balart. “They need someone to confide in who they know has their best interests at heart. Having a safe, loving, nurturing, caring environment where they know that they’re heard and can trust the leaders with important and sensitive information is vital for the safety of the community — and can even save lives.” YFC Chapters impact thousands of communities across the nation, seeking out and serving youth from all walks of life. Young people are silently struggling through a wide variety of challenging issues and through the YFC Ministry, God empowers them and they see the living power of a loving God. YFC trains its leaders in a proven, relational ministry model called 3Story®, which encourages staff and volunteers to be good, while also sharing the stories of the Good News of Jesus. It involves building relationships through the ups and downs of everyday life to lead people to Christ. YFC has been a pillar of missional ministry since 1944, when Dr. Billy Graham served as YFC’s first full-time staff member. Since then, Youth For Christ has continued to be both a rural and urban ministry on mission and it is always about the message of Jesus. Youth For Christ operates in over 100 nations and has over 130 Chapters that impact communities across America. Learn more about YFC at its website: www.yfc.net Or on their Facebook and Instagram Pages: Twitter feed @yfcusa or on Vimeo. < Previous News Next News >

Pompano Beach Cultural Center Unveils Floripalmae (FLOR-ih-PAHL-may) South Florida Sun Times Jul 23, 2026 The City Of Pompano Beach Invites The Public To The Unveiling And Dedication Of Floripalmae, A Striking New Public Artwork By Artist, Architect, Engineer, And Fabricator David Eaton, Founder Of Partwise Design And Art. The Monumental Sculptural Mural Will Be Unveiled On Monday, August 3rd, 2026, From 10:00 a.m. To 11:00 a.m. At The Front Entrance Of The Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 West Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060. Installation Of The Artwork Is Scheduled For Monday, July 27th, 2026 – Friday, 31st, 2026. "Floripalmae is much more than an entrance mural—it is a powerful welcome to everyone who visits the Pompano Beach Cultural Center," said Ty Tabing, Cultural Affairs Director for the City of Pompano Beach. "David Eaton has created a work that beautifully captures the vitality of South Florida's natural landscape while expressing the energy, creativity, and growth that define our community. As visitors approach the Cultural Center, they'll experience an artwork that evolves with perspective, inviting them to see the extraordinary patterns found in nature up close and from a distance; while reminding us that art has the power to connect people to place. We are proud to add this remarkable installation to our growing collection of public art and to continue strengthening Pompano Beach's reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.” Designed specifically for the Cultural Center, Floripalmae is a monumental sculptural mural fabricated from 1/8-inch epoxy-painted aluminum in six colors, with riveted and anchored construction engineered for durability, longevity, and resilience. The title Floripalmae derives from Latin, combining flos, floris, meaning flower, bloom, or blossom, with palmae, the plural or possessive form of palma, meaning palm tree while also symbolizing victory, peace, and the open hand. Together, the name evokes a surreal, Edenic landscape—an elegant, lush hybrid species that is feminine, vibrant, and alive with bloom. Inspired by South Florida's distinctive flora and fauna, Floripalmae explores the concept of emergent order in natural systems—how simple rules generate dynamic, complex forms. Through an intricate geometric composition, the artwork evokes a palm grove in bloom, unfolding through layered shapes that symbolize growth, movement, energy, and a deep connection to place. Three primary color groupings reflect the City of Pompano Beach's branding palette, while a fourth green is represented by the surrounding landscape itself, completing the visual identity. As the mural ascends, its filigree becomes increasingly delicate and ephemeral, creating a dramatic fading effect through forced perspective. Engineered for both beauty and resilience, Floripalmae features three structural layers that provide redundancy and storm resistance. Approximately 30 standard 4-foot by 8-foot aluminum sheets were used to fabricate the sculpture, with individual components riveted together and labeled by location, layer, and color before being pre-assembled in Seattle and shipped to Florida. The installation has been designed for efficiency, with panelized sections that slot together and attach to the building façade using structural anchors or adhesive systems. Using a scissor lift or scaffolding, installation is expected to be completed within several days. About the Artist David Eaton is the Founder of Partwise Design and Art, a multidisciplinary practice that merges art, architecture, engineering, computation, and fabrication to create innovative public art inspired by the structural intelligence of nature. His work explores how complex forms emerge from simple systems, transforming natural patterns into immersive civic landmarks. "With Floripalmae*, I wanted to create a work that feels as though it has grown from the landscape itself," said David Eaton. "The sculpture is inspired by the remarkable flora and fauna of South Florida and by the idea that simple patterns in nature can give rise to extraordinary complexity. As visitors move toward the Cultural Center, the composition continually changes, revealing new relationships between form, color, and light. My hope is that the artwork invites people to pause, look more closely, and experience the beauty, energy, and interconnectedness that exist all around us."* Throughout his career, Eaton has collaborated on internationally recognized cultural and architectural projects with some of the industry's leading designers. At THEVERYMANY, he helped develop groundbreaking public art installations, including The Chrysalis, the community-funded annex amphitheater at Frank Gehry's Merriweather Post Pavilion. He also served as Geometry Specialist in the New York office of Santiago Calatrava, contributing to the UAE Pavilion at Expo Dubai and other public art initiatives, and later led Geometry and Computation for the visionary Amazon Helix project at NBBJ Architects. Through Partwise Design and Art, Eaton continues to create sculptural works that unite advanced fabrication techniques with the beauty and efficiency found in nature, producing memorable public spaces that inspire connection, discovery, and wonder. Floripalmae Unveiling & Dedication Monday, August 3rd, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pompano Beach Cultural Center Front Entrance 50 West Atlantic Boulevard Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 The public is invited to attend this special unveiling celebrating the addition of Floripalmae to the City's growing public art collection. The monumental artwork reflects the beauty, resilience, and natural character of South Florida while welcoming visitors to one of the region's premier cultural destinations. About Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts, is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance, and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City’s premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City’s Public Art Program and the Artists in Residence (AiR) initiative. Artist, architect, engineer, and fabricator David Eaton, Founder of Partwise Design and Art. Floripalmae, a striking new public artwork. Floripalmae, a striking new public artwork. Previous Next

Feeling Overwhelmed By Bryan Golden March 22, 2024 Share Although life has its ups and downs, at times of prolonged or intense down periods there is the potential of feeling overwhelmed. When this happens, it can create a cascading effect. Your attitude turns negative, you feel distressed, your patience is worn thin, you become frustrated, your energy level drops, and you become discouraged. When you get into this mode, you feel powerless to extricate yourself. It seems that whatever you try is ineffectual. Nothing you do makes any difference. Although you desperately need a break, problems keep piling up. You feel like a victim with no ability to make any positive changes. You are perplexed as to why these things are happening to you. Being a good person, you don’t deserve what is happening and it’s just not fair. Why do bad things happen? Why are we faced with unfortunate situations? People have pondered these questions since the beginning of time without discovering any meaningful answers. We have little or no control over some of the circumstances that we face. There are many circumstances that are potentially overwhelming. They include natural disasters, economic misfortune, crime, loss of a loved one, failed or troubled relationships, family problems, and physical ailments. Whereas you can’t control what happens to you, you do have control over how you respond. Getting through an overwhelming period is challenging but it is doable. The bottom line is that you have no choice but to persevere. It will be a struggle, but giving up will only exacerbate your predicament. The way to make it through tough times is one day at a time. When even that seems overwhelming, take it one hour at a time. Give yourself a mental reprieve by changing your focus to what is OK in your life. You want to develop an attitude of gratitude. When you go through a list of what you have to be grateful for it helps break the negative thought cycle. The trap is that a negative attitude and bitterness repels what you want while attracting what you don’t want. When you are overwhelmed, it is very hard to alter your attitude. You don’t see any light and everything appears tainted. You become caught in a downward spiral. Developing your attitude of gratitude will break the negative cycle. At first, you may not think there is anything to be grateful for. However, you will find things. No positive aspect is too small or insignificant. The more you think about what is good in your life, the more of a positive impact it will have. Next, give yourself credit for any successes you have had, regardless of how small or insignificant you consider them. Even the things you tried that didn’t work as planned are accomplishments. It indicates you are being proactive. Unfortunately, many people take a passive role, just waiting for circumstances to improve. Since you never know how close you are to discovering solutions that work, you must persist. Take inspiration from those people throughout history who have overcome situations far more extreme that what you are facing. If they can do it, so can you. Your thoughts control your feelings. Even in dire circumstances, your thoughts are under your command. Your mind works nonstop to bring your thoughts to reality. When you believe that you will make it through, this is what your mind will work toward. Conversely, if you don’t feel there is any way out, you mind will actually work to keep you where you are. When you are overwhelmed, you can and will overcome the challenges facing you. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Take small steps, develop a strong attitude of gratitude, take one day at a time, and don’t give up. Others have succeeded and so will you. Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Contact Bryan at: Bryan@columnist.com . Or visit: www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2024 Bryan Golden. < Previous News Next News >

15th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation Hero’s Pride Move With MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale South Florida Sun Times Jan 28, 2026 Two Out Of Three People Will Be Impacted By Drunk Driving In Their Lifetime. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Southeast Florida Is Kicking Off Its 15th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation Hero’s Pride Move With MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K, Presented By The Florida Panthers & Sheriff’s Foundation Of Broward County, With A Meaningful 2026 VIP Kick-Off Party Presented By Craig Zinn Automotive Group On Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 At BBX Capital In Fort Lauderdale. Celebrating its 15th Anniversary, the annual event will debut its rebrand as Move With MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K in 2026, reflecting expanded momentum in the fight against impaired driving and deepened community engagement. Move With MADD & MADDDash Fort Lauderdale 5K is a community-driven 5K that raises awareness about drunk and drugged driving and underage drinking while uniting community members around MADD’s mission. Since it was established in 2011, Move With MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K has raised more than $4.2 Million that stays in the South Florida community to save lives and support victims of drunk driving, making it the most successful grassroots fundraiser in the history of MADD. Drunk driving deaths have increased by 31% over the past decade, with someone being killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 78 seconds. Drunk driving is a 100 percent preventable crime, and MADD’s goal is to end impaired driving. During the VIP Kick-Off Party, attendees will enjoy light bites and mocktails and a variety of raffle and silent auction items donated by local MADD supporters. Money raised stays in the South Florida community to save lives and support victims of drunk driving. Special guests include Move With MADD and MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K Founder and Chairperson Heather Geronemus, Honorary Chairperson Broward Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Nichole Anderson, local dignitaries, among others. WTVJ-NBC 6 and Telemundo 51 Community Reporter Miriam Tapia will emcee the event. The host committee for the 2026 VIP Kick-Off Party presented by Craig Zinn Automotive Group includes Patrick Daoud of Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, Alexa Diaz of be better together, Maggie Gunther of Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Gene Harvey of Amerant Bank, Lois Marino of BBX Capital, Jessica Rodriguez of Cloud Nine Nonprofit Advisors, Duree Ross of Duree & Company, Avesta Shaygannik of Newfront, Samantha Strouse of Neighbors 4 Neighbors and George Taylor of Brinkley Morgan. The 15th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation Hero’s Pride Move With MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K, presented by the Florida Panthers and the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County, will take place on Sunday, April 26th, 2026. Thousands of walkers, runners, strollers, wheelchairs and supporters of all ages will come together in downtown Fort Lauderdale to raise awareness and funds to end impaired driving for good. The in-person race will start near Huizenga Plaza at 7:30 a.m. or supporters can also participate in a virtual option. For more information or to register for the 15th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation Hero’s Pride Move With MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K, presented by the Florida Panthers and the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County, visit: https://give.madd.org/movefortlauderdale Event sponsors include Signature Sponsors UKG and Salah Foundation; Title Sponsor Hero’s Pride, a World Emblem Brand; Presenting Sponsors Florida Panthers and Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County; Road Guardian Sponsor Craig Zinn Automotive Group; Corporate Champion Sponsors Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Durée & Company, Florida Highway Patrol, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission; and Spotlight Sponsors Aetna and Broward College; and MADD Milestone Sponsor Holman Motorcars. Previous Next

Hollywood Historical Society: Historic Preservation Grant Initiative February 28, 2024 Share The Hollywood Historical Society is introducing its new Historic Preservation Grant Initiative, which will award modest Grants to homeowners for the Preservation, Protection, and/or Restoration of Historic Elements of the homeowners' Historic Residences. For 2024, up to $75,000 will be awarded to Hollywood homeowners, with a maximum of $15,000 to any individual Grant. Grants will be project-based, and Grant Applicants must be members in good standing of the HHS. The membership may be initiated with the application. HHS Grant Committee Members and their families are not eligible. A committee from the Historical Society will review the Grants to determine who receives the Grant Money. The Committee includes Board Members, Preservation Experts, as well as current City of Hollywood Historic Preservation Board Members. To be eligible for an HHS Historical Preservation Grant, a structure must meet the following requirements: 1. The structure must be at least 50 years old. 2. The structure must be within Hollywood city limits. 3. Grants may be used for exterior or interior projects that Preserve the “Historical Structure” and nature of the design. 4. Your acceptance of any Grant Awards will include permission to use “before and after” photos of your project for HHS Promotions. Your name and address will not be shared without your express permission. “Before” photos are required for consideration. If the Grant is awarded, the Grant recipient must also provide “after” photos upon completion of the project. 5. Contractor and/or material cost estimates will be required. 6. If there are Code Violations on your structure, please include these in the Grant Application. 7. The applicant is responsible for any Building Permits required by the City. 8. Please submit a copy of the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA), if applicable. If you meet these eligibility requirements and would like to find out more information, or submit an application, please email the Hollywood Historical Society at: hollywoodflhistory@att.net . Applications may be submitted via email to: hollywoodflhistory@att.net , or printed and mailed to Hollywood Historical Society, P.O. Box 222755, Hollywood Florida, 33022. Complete applications for 2023 Grants, with photos and receipts, must be received by February 29th, 2024. The Historic Preservation Grant Initiative and other programs are just a part of the Hollywood Historical Society’s agenda of activities and events supporting its mission to keep the City’s history alive for current and future generations. Please visit the Historical Society's website at: www.hollywoodhistoricalsociety.org for more information on the Historic Preservation Grant Initiative and other upcoming events and exhibitions. (Credit: City of Hollywood & The Hollywood Historical Society) To join the Hollywood Historical Society visit: http://www.hollywoodhistoricalsociety.org/join.html < Previous News Next News >

Calling all Hollywood Entrepreneurs: Save the Date for FastTrac Application Portal Opens: January 8-31 January 4, 2024 Share The City of Hollywood is launching the 5th cohort of its free FastTrac Start-Up Program to assist entrepreneurs and business owners in Hollywood. Designed to guide early-stage entrepreneurs to launch a business, the FastTrac Start-Up Program also helps existing businesses develop a plan around new product lines and services. The program culminates on Graduation Day with an exciting Pitch Competition. The FastTrac Start-Up Program is in-person at no cost to participants. Participants will develop a clear business concept and learn how to: Identify market needs, Explore risk and success factors, Build a solid business plan, Create an elevator pitch, Understand business fundamentals, Network with entrepreneur professionals, Access business, financial and human resources. A past participant expressed their gratitude for the program and Economic Development team. “I am humbled and honored with having been selected as one of the three finalists. I wanted to thank the Economic Development team for the guidance and advice throughout the FastTrac course, and equally important, you are providing me (and my team) the opportunity to receive access to a cadre of knowledge that will help our fledgling endeavor reach its potential.” – Adam Sugarman – Palmiche Healthcare Business owners with the top three business plans will compete for seed grants to launch their business! Space is limited; the application window opens on January 8th. For more information, visit: www.ChooseHollywoodFL.com/FastTrac or call the City of Hollywood Office of Communications, Marketing & Economic Development at: 954.921.3620. How We Can The City Help You Improve Your Business? Nationally, over 70% of employment growth in a community comes from the retention and expansion of existing businesses and Hollywood wants to hear from you! This annual survey and visitation program seeks to enhance communication between the City of Hollywood and the business community, introduce the community to contacts, and create opportunities for business owners to voice concerns and discuss future collaboration toward business retention and growth. Business owners are encouraged to take a brief survey and will have the opportunity to request an in-person visit with City staff. Take the survey at: www.hollywoodfl.org/FormCenter/CMED-6/Business-Visitation-Program-Survey-321 < Previous News Next News >

Hollywood's New Virtual Parking Permit Program September 29, 2022 Share The City’s new virtual parking permit system launches on Monday, October 3rd. This new virtual system will use a vehicle owner’s license plate as their parking permit, thereby eliminating the need for physical paper permits to be issued or displayed. From resident permits to business or guest, all types of parking permit categories will be virtual via a customers’ plate. Current permit holders will be automatically transferred into the new system. The online permit application process will remain largely unchanged; however permits will now be issued via the online portal. New customers will be able to create an online account and submit all their documents to the portal. Once documents have been vetted, the permit immediately becomes active. Additional benefits of the new Virtual Parking Permit System include: • Faster issuance, post vetting • Streamlined application process • Ease of use for customers • Improved program efficiencies • Reduction of waste A $1.50 convenience fee will be charged for use of the online portal. The fee is waived for in-person office visits or parking kiosk use. Permitted parking locations remain unchanged. For more information on the virtual permit program or other parking initiatives underway, please contact the Parking Division at 954-921-3535. We Want to Hear From You! Take the Business Visitation Program Survey! The Business Visitation Program is underway and we want to hear from you! The City, in partnership with the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, has launched a joint venture to survey business owners and stop by to visit businesses Citywide. The goal of the program is to strengthen the partnership between the City, local Chamber and the business community, enhance communication, Identify retention and growth opportunities for businesses, introduce the community to contacts, and create opportunities to voice concerns and discuss how the City and Chamber can work more closely with Hollywood business owners. Business owners are encouraged to take a brief survey and will have the opportunity to request a in person visit with City staff. The invitation is available now through Wednesday, October 12th. Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PXWCC2J < Previous News Next News >

EV Charging In Condos: Balancing Convenience With Compliance By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate September 19, 2023 Share Recently, I wrote about the basics of installing an Electric Vehicle charging outlet in the garage of a Single-Family house. Today we are doing an overview of Florida Condominium Owners Associations (COA’s) allowing unit owners to install a dedicated charging outlet at their individual parking spaces, and/or the Association installing a shared charging station on the property for all owners to use. As mentioned in my recent article, EV charging in Florida condo buildings and communities is much more involved than having a charging outlet installed in your own garage. Since 2018, Florida's Condominium Act (FS Chapter 718) has addressed EV charging considerations for COA’s, adding another couple levels of regulation to the installation of charging outlets and stations on Association property. We will be building on the basics presented in my recent article, so it may be good to re-familiarize yourself with Level 1 (120-volt), Level 2 (240-volt), and Level 3 (DC Fast Charging). Here is the link: EV Charging - An Overview Of Residential Installations: www.thefloridarealestateblog.com Due to the differences in how COA’s and HOA’s function and are regulated in Florida, this discussion only applies to Condominium properties and Associations, not HOA-Governed communities. There are 2 ways for Condominium Boards to address requests for Electric Vehicle charging on Association Property: • An electrical service outlet at an individual owner's deeded or assigned parking space in the building's garage, carport, or open parking area • A freestanding charging station installed in a shared, paved area for the use of all owners Florida Statute 718.113(8) is already in place to address individual owners wanting to install electrical service for EV charging at their assigned parking spaces. Here is a link: Chapter 718 Section 113 - 2022 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate: www.flsenate.gov The main points include: • An Association cannot prohibit owners from installing EV charging outlets at their assigned parking spaces • Installation cannot cause irreparable damage to any common element/area • Electrical service to the individual outlet must be separately metered for that owner to pay for electricity used • The unit owner must pay ALL installation, operation, maintenance, repair, and future removal costs • Installation must comply with all Federal, State, and local regulations and permitting requirements The Association can require an individual owner to: • Comply with any building or property architectural and appearance standards • Use a licensed contractor who is familiar with (and capable of) installing EV charging stations • Provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the Association as an additional insured party • Reimburse the Association for any increase in the property's insurance premium which is directly attributable to EV charging station installation and use For interpretation and application to specific circumstances, you must speak with a Florida-licensed attorney. For individual parking space installations, the primary consideration is where to tap into the Association's existing electrical service. EV experts universally support individual EV outlets on dedicated separate circuits and breakers from a main service panel so as not to overload an existing circuit. This applies to outlets for either Level 1 (120 volt) or Level 2 (240 volt) charging. Be aware that running power from a property's common panel all the way to an individual parking space can be very expensive. Safety considerations, code requirements, and Association approval will depend on whether assigned individual owner parking is open-air, light duty carport, masonry constructed carport with structural roof, the building's garage, or separate individual garage. If you are an EV driver and Florida Condo Owner who would like to install a charging outlet at your assigned parking space, start by contacting your Board of Directors to ask them how to proceed. They will likely have you go through the Management Office for permit and installation details, though always start with the Board. There we are - a quick introduction to the basics of Condo Owners installing EV charging outlets at their own assigned parking spaces. FS Chapter 718 gives them the right to do it, though there are multiple regulatory, administrative, and safety considerations that must be met. When a Condominium Association decides to install a charging station for the shared benefit and use of all owners, things work a bit differently. To start, an onsite charging station becomes another common element with undivided ownership by all Association members (unit owners). In this case, COA money will be used to purchase the equipment and pay for installation, maintenance, repairs, and future upgrades of the Association-owned EV charging station. The Condominium Act already states that installing a charging station on COA common property "...does not constitute a material alteration or substantial addition to the common elements or association property." Attorneys tell us this means an owner vote is not required before Board approval and onsite installation of a charging station. However, a shared charging station for the use of all owners cannot be paid for with accumulated Reserve funds. The money must come from an Operating or Contingency Account, Special Assessment to all owners, or bank loan. It is important to note that it doesn't make much sense to install a Level 1 (120-volt) station for shared use by multiple owners. Level 2 (240-volt) charging which provides faster charge rates and can have 2 simultaneous users is definitely preferred and recommended. Level 3 charging on Residential Condominium property is probably far too expensive to be a reasonable option since it is mostly used in commercial and for-profit locations. The decision on whether to have EV owners install charging outlets at their own parking spaces, or for the Association to install a shared higher-capacity charging station for the use of all owners is one that involves quite a few "moving parts" and requires well-informed evaluation before proceeding. Here are some questions and discussion points for Boards and Associations to consider when thinking about a charging station on the property: • How many current owners are EV drivers? • How many future owners might be EV drivers? • Where will the COA's shared charging station be located? Will some guest parking be changed to charging-only spaces? • Will guests and visitors be allowed to use it? • How will the Association pay for the purchase and installation? (In Florida, Reserve funds cannot be used to pay for a new amenity like a charging station) • Ongoing maintenance will be a budgeted cost to all owners. A service contract with the charging station manufacturer is the best way to handle maintenance and repairs. • Can the Association's not-for-profit corporation make any money from user fees? • What is the best way for individual owners to pay for the electricity used per charge? "Smart" charging stations with cell phone App, credit card links, and login access are advised. Billing through a unit owner's Association Assessment (dues, fees) payment account is definitely NOT recommended. • If the COA installs a shared charging station for all owners, will individual charging outlets at owners' parking spaces also be allowed? EV charging capacity is an increasingly sought-after amenity by Florida condo buyers. In time, it is possible that having onsite charging capability will become a "must have" feature for any buying decision. Though as mentioned above, the initial installation involves many layers of approval - Board Administration, County or City permitting, safety considerations, and location planning. Florida Condominium Boards should already be addressing EV charging capability and capacity in their parking garages, lots, and paved common areas. Good business practice suggests that they gather as much information as possible prior to making a decision and starting installation. Boards need to ask questions and receive input from the property manager (or Management Company), individual owners, charging station manufacturers, local licensed electrical contractors, and City or County permitting departments. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. < Previous News Next News >

Free Dental Clinic - Coming To South Florida To Address Limited Access To Care South Florida Sun Times Apr 10, 2025 Access To Dental Care Is One Of The Most Significant Health Challenges In The United States Today. According To The American Dental Association, Nearly One In Four Americans Struggles To Access Basic Dental Care Due To Various Factors Such As Geographic Barriers, Financial Constraints And Lack Of Insurance. As A Result, Millions Of Americans Go Without Necessary Dental Services, Leading To Pain, Infections And Worsening Health Conditions. In Miami Gardens, Florida, This Issue Is Particularly Pressing For Many Residents, Where Economic Challenges And Limited Healthcare Access Leave A Significant Portion Of The Community Underserved. To address this pressing need, Remote Area Medical (RAM), a leading nonprofit organization focused on providing free healthcare services to underserved communities, is bringing its renowned dental clinic to Miami Gardens. The event will take place on April 26th - April 27th, 2025, at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, located at 3000 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056. This free clinic will provide essential dental services to residents of Miami Gardens and surrounding areas who may otherwise not have access to care. Breaking Down Barriers to Dental Care The lack of access to dental care is a multi-faceted problem. For many people, particularly those without insurance, paying for even routine dental procedures can be prohibitively expensive. According to a 2022 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 45% of U.S. adults said they did not visit the dentist in the past year due to cost concerns. Moreover, in areas like Miami Gardens, access to care is further hampered by transportation issues, economic challenges, and a lack of available providers. To help address these barriers, RAM's free dental clinic in Miami Gardens will offer a range of services at no charge. These services include general dental cleanings, extractions and x-rays, all provided by a team of volunteer dental professionals. The clinic aims to reach as many people as possible, regardless of their ability to pay or their insurance status. The event is open to all, with no identification or insurance required for treatment. This makes it one of the most accessible healthcare events in the area, offering essential services to those in need. "Too often, people in underserved communities simply cannot access the dental care they need. RAM's clinic in Miami Gardens is an important opportunity for residents to get the care they deserve," said a local representative. "By providing free, high-quality care, we hope to alleviate some of the pain and stress that many people in our community are facing when it comes to their dental health." A Collaborative Effort This clinic is a collaborative effort between RAM, the City of Miami Gardens, Councilwoman Katrina Baskin, The Golden Foundation, Miami-Dade County Dental Society and the National Dental Association. Each partner plays an essential role in organizing and facilitating the clinic, ensuring that it runs smoothly and can serve as many people as possible. One of the most important aspects of RAM's work is its ability to bring together volunteers from different backgrounds to address critical healthcare needs. The clinic in Miami Gardens will be staffed by a dedicated team of dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists and dental assistants, all of whom are donating their time and expertise to serve the community. The partnership with local organizations and volunteers is essential to the success of RAM's clinics. It's because of their commitment and generosity that RAM is able to provide free dental services to those who need them most. What to Expect at the Clinic The clinic will open its doors at 6:00 a.m. on both Saturday, April 26th and Sunday, April 27th, with services provided on a first-come, first-served basis. As demand for these free services is expected to be high, RAM encourages individuals to arrive early. The parking lot at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex will open at 4:00 a.m. on both days and the clinic doors will open at 6:00 a.m. For those planning to attend, it's recommended to come early to secure a spot, as the clinic may reach its daily capacity before closing time. On Saturday, the clinic will operate throughout the day, while Sunday's operations will be slightly abbreviated, so patients are encouraged to arrive early to receive treatment. RAM also advises attendees to be aware that, in the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, there may be changes to the schedule, such as earlier opening times or a reduced number of patients being seen. Since its founding in 1985, Remote Area Medical has been committed to delivering high-quality healthcare to underserved populations across the country. With a focus on rural and underserved urban areas, RAM organizes free healthcare clinics that offer a wide range of services, including dental, vision and medical care. Over the years, RAM has hosted more than 1,500 clinics across the United States, providing over $215 Million in free healthcare services to nearly a million people. RAM's approach to healthcare is unique in that it addresses immediate, essential needs while also fostering long-term improvements in public health. By eliminating barriers like cost and distance, RAM allows individuals to access care that may otherwise be out of reach. This helps prevent more serious health issues down the road and improves quality of life for those who are most vulnerable. The Miami Gardens dental clinic is an excellent opportunity to receive free care, but it is also an opportunity for local residents to get involved. RAM relies heavily on the support of volunteers and donors to make its clinics possible. If you're interested in volunteering or donating, you can find more information on RAM's website at: www.ramusa.org. For those who wish to attend the clinic, the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/ram-free-clinic-miami-gardens-/956952649714116 is another resource for up-to-date information on the clinic schedule and other details. With the help of local organizations, volunteers and donors, RAM is able to bring free dental care to those who need it most. By providing essential services, RAM is improving lives and making a tangible difference in the fight for equitable healthcare access. In a world where millions still struggle with limited access to dental care, RAM's free clinics offer a much-needed solution, bringing healthcare directly to those in need and offering hope for a brighter, healthier future. For more information about the upcoming clinic, including how to volunteer or donate, visit: www.ramusa.org - Or call: (865) 579-1530. Previous Next