Welcome To A New School Year: Exciting Announcements For Sunny Isles Beach NSE/SIB K-8 School By Larisa Svechin, SIB Mayor August 31, 2023 Share School at Norman S. Edelcup Sunny Isles Beach K-8 has started and with that comes many exciting announcements. To start, I would like to welcome our new Principal, Mr. Marc W. Schwam, to the City of Sunny Isles Beach. I got the opportunity to sit with Mr. Schwam to learn about his lovely children and wife. He is a lifelong educator, who is passionate about providing an inclusive and supportive environment for our resident’s children. I am confident that with his leadership, our school children will thrive, our school will be safe, and our parents will be proud to send their children to NSE SIB K-8. To support these efforts, SIBPD will be supporting the school’s Police, by bringing back our beloved Sergeant Gonzalez as a Full-Time School Resource Officer. Sgt. Gonzalez first started at the school as the Founding SRO, has deep and meaningful relationships with the teachers, staff, students, and parents. I have known Sgt. Gonzalez for over 12 years—she is fiercely devoted to the Safety and Well-Being of our youngest residents. The expectation is that with these changes, our school will once again lead the District in Student Scores, Athletics, Mathematics, Science, and the Arts. I am confident that Mr. Schwam will be a valued collaborator and innovator, adding to the richness of the fabric of our community. Lastly, I want to acknowledge the years of dedication of our Founding Assistant Principal, Ms. Tapia, who regrettably is moving on to another school. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Tapia and seeing her unwavering commitment to our community. She has been an integral part of SIB, instrumental in helping to bring the highest standards of education, a loving mentor to the teachers, a warm and inviting presence for our parents, and a true friend to many. With the deepest respect, may she be successful and happy in her next position. We will miss her terribly. Please join me in a warm and hospitable welcome to Mr. Schwam, welcome back to Sgt. Gonzalez, and best wishes to Ms. Tapia. < Previous News Next News >

Soul, Comedy & That Girl Come To Broward Thu Jul 04 2024 16:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Heart-Body Connection - How Other Organ Systems Affect Heart Health By Family Features Mar 26, 2026 Heart Health Is About More Than Just The Heart Itself. It's A Two-Way Street Between The Heart And The Rest Of The Body. However, Many U.S. Adults Aren't Aware Of The Connection Between Organs. According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, 42% of U.S. adults do not understand how the heart can be impacted by other organ systems. Health issues in other organ systems, like the Kidneys or Metabolic System - which includes how the body manages weight and Blood Glucose - can lead to Heart trouble. The close relationship between Heart Health, Kidney health and Metabolic health is known as Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic health, or CKM Health, and it is the focus of an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness of how the systems function together. When one system is affected, it can make the others worse - creating a condition called CKM Syndrome. Close to 9 in 10 U.S. adults have at least one component of CKM Syndrome, according to a study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." Components include High Blood Pressure, abnormal Cholesterol or other Lipids, High Blood Glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced Kidney Function. The interplay of these risk factors increases the risk for Heart Attack, Stroke and Heart Failure more than any one of them alone. The survey also found that while only 12% of U.S. adults have heard of CKM Health or CKM Syndrome, 72% said they're interested in learning more and 79% agreed that it is important that they understand more about CKM Health. "What we want people to know is it's really common to have Heart Disease, Diabetes or Metabolic Disease and reduced Kidney Function at the same time," said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association's Chief Medical Officer for prevention. "It's reassuring to hear that once the CKM Connection was defined around three-quarters of respondents understood that it was important and wanted to learn more." Highlighting the two-way street of the heart-body connection, the "2 Truths and No Lie" video offers a simplified visual: 1. The heart pumps blood to the body. 2. The Metabolic System turns Glucose (sugar) in the blood into energy. 3. The process of metabolism dumps waste back into the blood. 4. The Kidneys filter waste from the blood and balance fluids, which helps with Blood Pressure. 5. Blood pressure affects how the heart pumps blood to the body. While providing resources to help people understand how heart, Kidney and Metabolic Health are connected, the American Heart Association's CKM Health Initiative is also working with health care teams across the country to improve collaboration among health care professionals who care for patients living with multiple health conditions. Better awareness and improved screening can help people take action early to prevent a Heart Attack, Heart Failure or Stroke. The initiative is made possible by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita. Learn more about CKM health by visiting: www.heart.org/myCKMhealth . Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Source: American Heart Association Previous Next

Calling All Parents: Disney Is Coming To Broward For A Fun Year Ahead Thu Sep 29 2022 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Art of Drag Fundraiser: The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood Raises over $10,000 November 18, 2021 Share Art and Culture Center/Hollywood Executive Director Joy A. Satterlee, APR (Center) with performers at the Art of Drag fundraiser at Lips Fort Lauderdale The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood raised over $10,000 at its annual The Art of Drag fundraiser at Lips Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, October 28th, 2021. Board Members John Mabry, Randy Gilbert and Elena Hershey, performed for the lively crowd alongside special guest Michael Dean as Cher. Funds were raised through ticket sales, a chance drawing and tips that were received during the engaging performances. This was Mabry’s encore appearance and he wooed the crowd with an entertaining Donna Summer set. Gilbert and Hershey made their debut at this year’s event with crowd-pleasing performances too! Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner and drinks plus performances by the ladies of Lips and special friend to the Center, Michael Dean as Cher. The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood presents contemporary gallery exhibitions and high-quality education programs for adults and children. The Center cultivates creativity and the support of the arts in our community through education, innovation and collaboration. Free Arts! Family Day Enjoy free admission from noon to 4 pm on the third Sunday of every month! Each monthly Free Arts! Family Days explores a new theme through a S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering art and math) lens, giving families time to interact and create something inspiring by that month’s topic. All activities are designed to be accessible for young visitors while also engaging the young at heart. Free Arts! Family Days use each monthly focus to encourage creativity and collaboration among families and friends. November Theme: Feel The Beat! If you listen closely, you can hear unique rhythms made from the sounds all around you. We walk to the beat of our own drum every day so let’s come together to create unique percussion instruments inspired by the Japanese Den-Den Daiko Drum. November's Activity will be held at 1626 Harrison Street, the Arts School located just east of the main building. Downtown Hollywood Arts District Extend your visit to the Center by experiencing Hollywood Beach and the outdoor murals, indie films, art galleries, ArtsPark and dozens of restaurants just blocks away in Historic Downtown Hollywood. For more information about Hollywood, visit: www.FloridasHollywood.org . Historic Downtown Hollywood offers a growing arts and culture hub that includes outdoor murals, art installments, galleries and the 10-acre ArtsPark at Young Circle, which hosts weekly activities for families, foodies, art enthusiasts, locals and visitors alike. Looking for delicious food? Downtown Hollywood has numerous options for any budget and taste. A free, electric golf cart service called the Sun Shuttle is available to take you from Hollywood Beach to Downtown Hollywood and back. Just download the “Ride Circuit” app to arrange for your pick-up or flag one passing by. The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is located one block south of Hollywood Boulevard at the corner of South 17th Avenue and Harrison Street, across from ArtsPark at Young Circle, Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is located at 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020. There is ample free parking in two lots on the east and west sides of the Art and Culture Center. For directions, call Visitor Services at: (954) 921-3274. About the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported in part by its members, admissions, private entities, the City of Hollywood, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council; and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; the David and Francie Horvitz Family Foundation; and the Josephine S. Leiser Foundation. We welcome donations from all members of the community who wish to support our work. < Previous News Next News >

A Pioneer In Modern Stand-Up Comedy - Robert Klein's Comic Genius Comes To Aventura This January Aventura Digest December 18, 2024 Share Robert Klein has entertained audiences for more than forty years and continues to have an acclaimed career in comedy, on Broadway, on television, and in film. Klein is a pioneer in Modern Stand-Up Comedy inspiring heavyweights like Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld. He brings his genius to Aventura in a one-man variety showcase of his comedy, musical and theatrical talents! His career is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. In the 1970’s, he released a series of influential comedy albums that resonated with audiences and critics alike. Albums like "Child of the Fifties" and "Mind Over Matter" not only showcased his comedic genius but also earned him Grammy nominations for "Best Comedy Album of the Year." Klein's talents extend beyond the realm of comedy albums. His performance in the 1979 Broadway Musical "They're Playing Our Song" earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical, highlighting his theatrical chops. His talents have led him to be a fixture on television talk shows, with over 100 appearances on iconic programs like "The Tonight Show" and "The Late Show." His quick wit and engaging personality have made him a beloved guest, bringing humor to late-night audiences for decades. Klein's contributions to comedy have not gone unnoticed. In addition to his Grammy nominations, he has received two Emmy Award nominations for his HBO comedy specials, solidifying his status as a master of the craft. Aventura Welcomes Klein On January 9th, 2025, at 8:00 p.m., Robert Klein will take the stage at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center for a night of laughter. This highly anticipated event will feature a blend of Klein's classic comedy routines. Attendees can expect an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia, and the unparalleled entertainment that Klein is known for. Klein's performance Thursday, January 9th, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. in Aventura is more than just a comedy show; it's a celebration of his storied career and the joy he has brought to countless fans over the years. For those familiar with his work, the evening promises a delightful trip down memory lane. For newcomers, it offers a chance to experience the charm and talent of a true comedy legend. This is a must-see event for anyone who appreciates the art of comedy and the legacy of one of its most influential figures. Tickets Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. You can purchase tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. Parking FREE parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of Excellence School. Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in the circular drive. There is a convenient drop-off area in front of the building. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. For more information, visit: www.aventuracenter.org < Previous News Next News >

True Holiday Spirit - The Impact of Giving Isn't Limited to Just the Holiday Season Thu Dec 19 2024 19:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Summer Arts Camp: Sharpen Your Skills And Showcase Your Talents Thu Mar 30 2023 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Tragic Event of Champlain Towers Is Still Resonating Around The Globe By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper July 1, 2021 Share CADENA Israel is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assist in emergencies and prevention of natural disasters around the world. ( Cadena Israel Facebook Photo June 26th Surfside Fl - www.facebook.com/cadenaenisrael/ ) Words cannot express the deep sadness many of us felt when we heard the news. As of Monday, there was still hope and officials continued search and rescue operations. Our prayers need to continue. I am so proud of our City and the help that we are providing to assist Mayor Burkett and their staff. A special prayer also goes out to all of the first responders that have been working around the clock. A special thank you goes to Cadena Israel, a special search and recovery team from Israel and there are others from around the state that came to help. The speculation and theories that have been presented over the building failure, is now on all of our minds. I want to inform our Residents and Our Staff, that on Thursday, when we went to work to evaluate all of our condominium's statuses and audits of those that have or have not filed building inspections. In 2005, Broward County adopted the 40 Year Building Safety Inspection Program. It was created after a tragic building collapse in Miami. In 1974, there was a garage collapse that killed seven people, as well as numerous balcony collapses. Ironically, Dade County, has had a program since the 1970’s, which provides mandatory inspections of structural, integral and electrical of all buildings that are 40 years old, except for single family homes. We are different from Dade County, which has set a threshold 6 stories or more. There is an annual schedule that has been established by the County. Every June, The Property Appraiser, sends a list to the Board of Rules and Appeals. BORA is a separate, statewide agency that has individual boards in each County which regulates building codes and standards. Each BORA, sends the city building departments their list of buildings due for inspections. Each building official, in turn, sends written notifications to each building by August. Upon receipt of the notice, building boards have 90 days to hire an engineer, provide the completed building's inspections check list and if there are findings, then the building has 180 days to complete all of the repairs. As with any regulations, there are some interpretations that impact repairs that are dependent on the engineer’s report. Repairs that are deemed eminent or life threatening are prioritized, those that are not are handled differently. These decisions are the building official’s responsibility. There is a point in which the official report can reveal any unsafe building structures. The building officials can also deem emergency closures of the buildings. Over the years, I have heard complaints from so many unit owners about condo boards and having to pay assessments for repairs. Sadly, due to this event, hopefully it has driven home, that the fact of living in a condo, your responsibly does not stop when you shut your front door. Monthly maintenance payments do not mean, that you have paid for everything to maintain your building's safety structures. Just like a single-family home, you need to replace the roof, the paint, sealant and repairing of structural issues. On the other hand, we also have boards that do not do their jobs in ensuring their buildings are maintained. Many buildings waive reserves that result in large lump sum assessments and then many unit owners cannot pay. I blame our state legislators for this issue and those that lobbied for this waiver. As we have heard, out of Surfside, there are two buildings that were built the same way, at the same time, but they were maintained differently and they are in different conditions. Even putting off painting and sealing, can have adverse impacts and the worse impact structural integrity, which can lead to failure, as we have witnessed with this grave tragedy. Even though our Commission takes a break over the 4th Of July holiday, I along with my colleagues are following up on these issues. I am sure, that we will be working with Broward County and other cities, who are evaluating the current programs, to see if there is a need of much more rigorous inspections, particularly for those along the coast. I want to thank our City Manager Earle and Assistant City Manager Sandoval for being very proactive by doing an audit of our buildings. I also want to recognize the hard work of Commissioner Lima Taub. We joined together, to make sure the Condominium Transparency Act was passed in our City. Each Condo is required to register on-line with our City. Included in the registry is: Whether or not, the building has had its forty year inspection, current projects, budgets and other critical information, this will assure residents of what is, or is not taking place in their respective buildings. This program has been endorsed by realtors in Broward County, Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County, I am sure we will be looking at it again. Wishing you all, a very safe and blessed 4th of July! As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas on how to make our City, a great place to live, work and play! I am available on my phone or by text at: (954) 632-5700. You can e-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or visit my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Or you can visit, my web-site at: www.MayorJoyCooper.com < Previous News Next News >

Only In Florida: A Winter Wonderland Tour Through the Venice of the Americas December 8, 2022 Share Popular, festive and fun, a South Florida tradition via Water Taxi offers Holiday Light Cruises that are a must for visiting friends and family, and a great way to Kick-off the Season for locals as well! Running Thursday, December 1, 2022 through Saturday, December 31, cruises leave daily at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. and tour the waterways of the Venice of the Americas. Spectacular lights and decorated designs, from some of the city’s wealthy and creative entrepreneurs showcase this very special, time-honored tradition. Water Taxi’s watery, wonderland night-time Holiday Light Cruises offer a unique blend of land, water and lights. Passing under bridges, and along the shores, sighting buildings and local landmarks, passengers can relax while boating through the downtown core of Fort Lauderdale. Views of this impressive seasonal show are only available on the water; and with Water Taxi, the audiences also enjoy live music, holiday cocktails and tales of the tides delivered by commentary from the Water Taxi crew. Owner and Marine Executive Bill Walker offers this service all year long with a fleet of thirteen boats that serve the waterways of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, reaching as far north as Bokampers/Shooters, east along the Fort Lauderdale Beach and west to Downtown/Las Olas and south to Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. All routes vary but include stops at a wide variety of restaurants, shops, malls, parks and many other points of interest. However, it is the Holiday Lights Cruise that creates the Annual Centerpiece for this local establishment. To reserve a spot for the Holiday Cruise, book your tickets online at: https://watertaxi.com/holiday-lights-cruises/. Tickets are Adults: $40 per person; Children (Ages 3 – 11): $20; Under 3 ride FREE. All Cruises Depart from 335 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale (Between Stranahan House and Riverside Hotel). Metered parking within walking distance available at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard Garage and Street metered parking on Las Olas. < Previous News Next News >

Shavuot Is A Cheesy Jewish Holiday: The Crossroads Between Religion & Cuisine Thu Jun 13 2024 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

One Size Does Not Fit All - Property Tax Update By Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper By Hallandale Beach, Mayor Joy Cooper Jun 11, 2026 We Finally Know What Will Be On The Ballot In November When It Comes To Property Taxes. Some Are Calling For A Defund Local Government Amendment. Others Are Calling It Defund The Police Amendment. Ambiguous Language In Amendment Appears To Be Protecting Public Safety. The Issue Is, One Size Does Not Fit All. There are many cities, particularly smaller rural cities and those that have limited commercial property that will not be able to afford public safety let alone other basic services. Actually, many police and fire agencies made the trek to Tallahassee to vocally speak against it. Even Tax Watch spoke against the bill for being rushed and not sufficiently vetted. So what does it do? It provides, if it passes in 2027, all homesteaded properties that owners declared residency by January 2027 will have an exemption of 150,000 and in 2028: 250,000. If residency is declared after 2027, they will have to be a resident for five full years for the 250,000 exemption. Those residents will be able to receive a 25,000 exemption for school taxes and up to 50,000 for other taxes. Currently, there is an over 10 percent cap of non-homestead now it will be reduced to 5 percent. It does not apply to school taxes. Not paying taxes always sounds great. The issue is that this revenue is the major revenue that local governments depend on to serve our residents. Cities and counties and special taxing districts, hospitals, children’s services, water and flood control to name a few. It also defines that government can only spend money for core public “needs” including public safety, education and schools, Infrastructure and natural resources. There is language also referencing existing pension obligations. Obviously, this is pretty ambiguous language. Are parks core needs? Community centers? Senior Centers? Broward County Property Appraiser has done an evaluation of every city and our county impacts. Last week, the projection was at 10.4 percent reduction which equated to 4.7 million for Hallandale Beach annually. I do not have updated figures at the time of writing this article. It has been an interesting proposition. We are fortunate to have a good mix of commercial and non-homestead properties. The issue becomes what happened in the year where pension obligations increase due to lack of investment returns. In that year, we have to pay the obligation but may not have the revenue to pay. All money for tax must provide for services what gets cuts. While the state budget and property taxes were the main focus of special session. There was an additional bill passed that further mandates how local governments can change the millage rate. The Florida law allows cities to apply up to 10 mills overall. The new law requires that if local governments want to increase the millage rate by over 110% of the roll back rate to fund their budget it will require a super majority vote. This may sound reasonable, but it does mean in years where government cost index are high and we are required to find basic services there could be a stalemate of on the dais. When cities or counties cannot pass a budget, a city could go in default with agencies including the state. I've been posting lately in different Social Media accounts about this issue. One of the first responses was from a homesteaded resident that said “if it sounds too good to be true it is” and “the devil is in the details” others are “yeah, we should cut taxes.” To flip the coin on the question to ask people what in fact if we have to cut services what they want cut? Are the details people don't want to talk about? What will happen to response times? Do you want your streets paved sooner or later? Do you want public spaces maintained? Do you want quicker turnarounds with services? What will the fees be for parks, libraries, and community centers? 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: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next