A Theatrical Extravaganza: Magic & Mayhem Live Will Leave You Spellbound and Gasping for Breath Fri Nov 10 2023 17:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hollywood Celebrates Opening Of New Police Headquarters By City of Hollywood Aug 20, 2026 The City Of Hollywood’s New Police Headquarters Is Officially Opening Its Doors, Marking The Completion Of One Of The City’s Largest Investments In Public Safety In Recent Years. Police Department Personnel Have Relocated To The New Headquarters At 401 South Park Road, Hollywood, Florida 33021 And The Facility Is Welcoming Visitors This Week As Part Of A Soft Opening Ahead Of A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony On Thursday, August 27th, 2026. Funded through the voter-approved 2019 General Obligation Bond (GOB), the new headquarters was designed to provide Hollywood’s Police Department with a modern, secure and resilient facility equipped to meet the community’s public safety needs for decades to come. The State-Of-The-Art building includes updated office and operational space, advanced technology systems, dedicated training areas, evidence storage and emergency operations capabilities. The facility also provides enhanced resources for officers and staff while creating a more efficient and welcoming environment for members of the public conducting business with the Police Department. The new headquarters replaces the Police Department’s longtime facility on Hollywood Boulevard and represents a major step forward in modernizing the City’s public safety infrastructure. Its design takes into account both the department’s current operations and future needs, providing space and technology that can adapt as policing and public safety services evolve. The project is part of the $165 Million General Obligation Bond approved by Hollywood voters in March 2019 to fund improvements to public safety facilities, parks, recreation and cultural facilities, neighborhoods and infrastructure throughout the City. Residents are invited to join City officials and members of the Hollywood Police Department for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27th, 2026 at the new headquarters, 401 South Park Road, Hollywood, Florida 33021. The celebration will commemorate the completion of the new facility and a major GOB project that will serve Hollywood residents and the Police Department for years to come. Previous Next

State Of The City Of Hallandale Beach Part 3 By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Jun 19, 2025 The State Of The City Of Hallandale Beach Continued, In The President’s Memo He Believes Private Industry Is Best Suited, When It Comes To Stations. We Certainly Hope So. Community Development Block Grants Have Been Totally Eliminated. These Grants Are Formula Based Depending On The Size Of The City. Big City Means A Big Fund. As A Non-Entitlement City With A Population Under 50,000 Last Year We Received $330,000. These Funds Were Used Partly For The Hepburn Senior Center And For A Smaller Drainage Improvement. Cuts to FEMA from what I could gather are not tied to Preparedness and Disaster Response. They had many other programs that were not purely Emergency Disaster related. They are now focused on their core mission with much of the responsibility passed on to the states. What will be interesting is how States in turn will be able to deal with the added Tax burden. Interestingly, a debate has begun in Florida about cutting Property Taxes. As a note the State of Florida Government does not collect Property Taxes. They receive limited real estate transactional costs. Their biggest revenue? You guessed it, Sales Tax. So you can see why it is so easy for the Governor legislators to make these promises. Here is a brief explanation. The top three ways to generate tax dollars are: Property Tax, Sales Tax and Income tax. Florida does not even have Income tax. Florida is not even in the top ten of Tax Burden states that is why people have flocked here. According to the Tax Foundation it is actually number 4 overall as the lowest Tax Burden state. Wyoming is number 1. Early predictions suggest the state's Sales Tax of 6% would need to be increased well over 12% to fund their needs. Do not be fooled, tourists will not be paying a majority, Tourism accounts for 15% of State Tax Revenues. The increase will be felt by all. I have also heard 22% and up will be needed to fill the cities’ GAP based on the essential services provided. On average 45-60% of cities' budgets go towards Public Safety. We are now rightfully calling this whole push as a “Defund the Police Bill.” How ironic in a Republican controlled state. This issue is one we are already following extremely close along with all of our partners. I will leave you with this: Every city is bound by a cap of 10 Mills. So whether you are homesteaded or not, that's the highest we can set the Tax Rate. One could argue that this cap is actually artificially low taking into consideration the costs of the services we provide. The variation comes with the taxable values. The greater value = greater the tax. Homestead values are capped by 3%. Not a perfect system for new owners or part time owners but loved by full-time residents. There is a reason it is called Save Our Homes. SO again how does this all affect our budget? Surprisingly not much in the current year. But with possible Property Tax cuts, inflation, market changes and Tariffs we will need to take a very long term strategic approach on how we address paying for our services and Infrastructure when it comes to our Millage Rate. For our city we create our budget not expecting anything from the Federal Government or the State. Grants do matter. If there are any available we go after them. Since 2018, we have received over $49 Million in various Grants through the federal and state. These funds allowed us to move more projects forward on our list of needs. How is our Budget? We have a core mission to provide vital essential services. Police, Fire, Emergency Services, Sanitation Services, Water, Wastewater, Stormwater and maintain Public Assets like city roads and Parks. We can provide services directly with our own employees or contract out. In our City we have a combination. Our Budget Team Lead by Budget Director Natasha Mazzie has put together a great brochure on our Budget. We have a $205 Million Dollar projected Budget. $113 of which designated the General Fund whose revenue source is Property Taxes. $55 Million Enterprise fund which includes Sanitation and all Utilities and paid mainly through user Fees. Over $60 Million in projects. We like to take a zero based Budget approach but we have operational obligations when it comes to debt, employee contracts and retirement benefits. And unlike your business we do not get to choose what services to cut, we must deliver them one way or another. Public Safety is and always will be the biggest expenditure. Hallandale Beach Police Department is one of the finest with the best response times nationally. We have been State Accredited for five years and have just gone through our new Five Year Accreditation. We have been recommended once again for Full Accreditation without any recommended findings. We continue to invest in technology. As promised last year. We are on schedule with building out our Crime Prevention Systems. Dig Baby Dig! By this year’s end, we will have every single entrance point covered with License Plate Readers. CCTVs cameras will run the entirety of Hallandale Beach Boulevard which are real time manned at the BSO Center. This year we will continue to add additional manning. Spotshooter sensors will cover the entire city. Promises Made, Kept and Delivered! Fire and EMS are contracted out to BSO. We still pay for all the costs including staffing, facilities and equipment. I had not been a fan of this contract as it did not include an emergency coordinator which used to be the Fire Chief that worked citywide. There were built in cost increases ranging upward to 10% and management of the department runs over $1 Million a year. With Chief Fucci coming on board it has made a vast difference. He brought with him a wealth of field and Budget experience. His leadership has also brought stability and renewed community involvement. We recently found out that BSO is actually having their own difficulty with staff retention and recruitment due to competitive salaries at other agencies. Due to these issues they performed a Salary Compensation Study. In order to compete with Palm Beach and Dade County’s salaries. They have proposed a 20% increase over the next five year contract. At this time, Dr. Earle is proposing a strategic financial plan to smooth out the increase over the next 5 years. The contract still needs to be completed and brought to the commission. The Fire Fee is a means to cover Fire Services, EMS, however, is not covered. Current Revenue from the Fire Fee is $12 Million. This is combined with other revenues including $1.1 Million in collected Ambulance Fees and $2 Million from the State Insurance Pension contributions to help pay for this vital service but our BSO contract is for $24 Million. You heard me, a $9 Million Dollar Gap that falls on the General Fund. At current levels it is an unsustainable burden on our General Fund. 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

Audiences Are In For A Treat: This October 4th Music, Comedy And More On Stage At The Parker September 12, 2024 Share Audiences are in for a treat this October when The Parker ushers in an exciting new season of music, comedy and more featuring, among others, funny people David Sedaris and Ms. Pat, music from jazz vocalist Samara Joy, Saxophonist Boney James, R&B Great Billy Ocean, Broadway’s Jeremy Jordan, Jethro Tull's Martin Barre and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert in the Lillian S. Wells Hall. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Outback Presents bring Ms. Pat: The Hot and Flashy Tour to The Parker on Friday, October 4th at 7:00 p.m. Declared by The Washington Post as "unforgiving and darkly hilarious" and The Huffington Post as "the real hero of sitcom TV," Patricia Williams (a.k.a. Ms. Pat) is a Comedian, Author, Radio Host, Podcaster and Actress who can currently be seen on her critically acclaimed, multiple Emmy®-Nominated Series, The Ms. Pat Show, streaming on BET+ and Paramount+. She recently debuted the weekly court show, Ms. Pat Settles It, on BET, and her hour-long standup special, Y'All Wanna Hear Something Crazy?, directed by Robert Townsend and executive produced by Wanda Sykes, is currently streaming on Netflix. She serves as co-host on The Morning Culture with Big Tigger on V103.5 in Atlanta and hosts her own wildly popular podcast, The Patdown. This event contains adult language or content. Fresh from his Broadway leading role as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, Jeremy Jordan comes to The Parker as part of the Red Carpet Series in a concert presented by the Broward Center and Mark Cortale on Sunday, October 6th at 7:00 p.m. The stage, film and TV star earned a 2012 Tony® Award Nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Jack Kelly in Disney's Newsies and a Theatre World Award for his portrayal of Clyde Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde. He has also been seen in Waitress, Rock of Ages, West Side Story, American Son, Finding Neverland and Little Shop of Horrors. On television, he's portrayed Jimmy Collins in NBC's Smash and Winn Schott on the CW series Supergirl. He also starred in the film adaptation of The Last Five Years opposite Anna Kendrick. He made his solo Carnegie Hall debut in October 2019 and performs with his band, Age of Madness. Jordan’s many honors include nominations from the Grammy® Awards, Drama Desk Awards, Drama League Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards and The Astaire Awards. A VIP package is available. An Evening with David Sedaris, presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Innovation Arts, brings the best-selling humorist and regular National Public Radio contributor to The Parker on Thursday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, Sedaris slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness as a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. He recently released A Carnival of Snackery and Pretty Ugly following his previous bestsellers Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. Sedaris will be offering a selection of all-new readings and recollections, as well as a Q&A session and book signing. This event contains adult language or content. After having rocked Broadway with more than 10,000 performances in the five-time Tony® Award-Nominated show Rock of Ages, Broadway's Rock of Ages Band takes the stage as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series on Friday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m. Rock of Ages is known as "Broadway's Best Party," and Broadway's Rock of Ages Band was the force behind the party. Playing the greatest rock hits from the glam metal bands of the '80s, this show delivers songs by Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Styx and Pat Benatar. In addition to performing on Broadway, many of the musicians and lead singers in the band have played with several of these original artists as well. Four-time Grammy® Award Nominee Boney James comes to The Parker as part of the TD Bank Jazz Series on Wednesday, October 16th at 7:30 p.m. After touring as the sax and keyboard player for Morris Day, the Isley Brothers and many others, James launched a solo career that has delivered 18 studio albums, including 2022’s Detour, with a dozen reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart. This saxophonist's honors include a Soul Train Award and two NAACP Image Award nominations. This concert is presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents. As part of the Red Carpet Series, Billy Ocean performs on Thursday, October 17th at 7:30 p.m. Britain's top-selling Black recording artist, Ocean has seen his chart-topping hits span the globe, including the U.S., Australia, Germany, Holland and the UK. Winner of the Grammy® Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance (Male) for the single "Love Zone," he also saw his singles "Caribbean Queen" and "Get Outta My Dreams; Get Into My Car" soar to the top of the charts. After a hiatus, this multiple Gold and Platinum recording artist returned with a bang, touring extensively and releasing albums including Because I Love You, Here You Are and One World. A VIP Package is available. Presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Outback Presents, the Girls Gone Bible Live Tour is guaranteed to make audiences laugh and cry at the same time when faith-based podcasters Angela and Arielle take the stage on Friday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m. Girls Gone Bible is the beloved and quickly growing hit podcast that is accepted and loved by any and all people no matter their religion. These two cover all topics from faith to mental health, relationships and life in general, and they bring it all back to Jesus. The Girls Gone Bible ministry has grown rapidly because of the heavy-hitting conversations. Angela and Arielle double as hardcore Jesus freaks and a ridiculous comedic dynamic duo. Celtic Thunder: Odyssey comes to The Parker as part of the Allegro Fort Lauderdale Mosaic Series in a concert presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents on Saturday, October 19th at 8:00 p.m. Not simply a concert, Odyssey weaves music, storytelling and atmospheric stagecraft into a rich tapestry of emotional and musical tones to deliver a powerful theatrical experience that honors Celtic Thunder's rich musical legacy and simultaneously blazes new trails. Through innovative, original arrangements that are emblematic of the ensemble's unique sound, Celtic Thunder invites audiences on a sweeping voyage through the heartlands of traditional Irish music and the rhythmic pulse of contemporary Irish music. Their expert musicianship underscores the music's Irish roots, while the band's versatility ensures that every song, regardless of genre, is treated with the respect and creativity it deserves. Three-time Grammy® Award Winner Samara Joy performs as part of the TD Bank Jazz Series on Wednesday, October 23th at 8:00 p.m. Her Verve Records debut, Linger Awhile, made a case for her addition to the ranks of that label's artists Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. That release won the Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards, the same year Joy won the prize for Best New Artist and one year before she took home the award for Best Jazz Performance. With a rich and velvety voice, she has earned millions of likes on TikTok and fans like Anita Baker and Regina King. She has also been seen on Today, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CBS Mornings and Kelly Clarkson. Jethro Tull's Martin Barre: A Brief History of Tull is presented on Thursday, October 24th at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series. The heart of the legendary Jethro Tull band that sold over 65 million records, this guitarist is known for his historic riffs, power chords and melodic solos. His celebration of Jethro Tull's music features a visual presentation highlighting Tull's 50-year career, with classic hits from albums including Thick as a Brick, Aqualung and Stand Up. Performing with Barre will be Dan Crisp on lead vocals, Alan Thomson on bass and Darby Todd on drums. A VIP package may be added to any ticket. Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert invites audiences to experience Jim Henson and David Bowie's original masterpiece as never before on Sunday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. at The Parker as part of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Imagination Series. The full movie will be shown on a massive HD screen accompanied by a combination of live rock band, synth, percussion and fantastic lighting effects. This journey to Goblin City brings beloved characters, epic music and breathtaking visuals from the Labyrinth universe to life in a heartwarming fusion of film and live music. This event is presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents. Also at The Parker this October, The Sinatra Experience (October 5th); Yesterday Once More! A Musical Tribute (October 7th); and MRC Productions/60s Rock ‘n Roll Revival (October 26th). Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The performance season at The Parker is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com - And: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; and in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. < Previous News Next News >

Celebrating Love At First Bite: Valentine’s Day "Foody" Options To Express Your Heartfelt Sentiments Thu Jan 25 2024 17:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Work Life Balance: Floridians Could Tolerate A 44.4 Hour Work Week, Study Reveals May 11, 2023 Share In today's fast-paced world, many of us struggle to find balance between our work lives and personal lives. The demands of our jobs often leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out. However, with the right strategies and mindset, achieving work-life balance is possible. Achieving work-life balance is crucial for maintaining our Mental and Physical Health. Studies have shown that excessive work hours can lead to Stress, Depression, and burnout, which can negatively impact our overall well being. On the other hand, spending time with family and engaging in hobbies and other leisure activities can increase our happiness and sense of fulfillment. One of the most important steps in achieving work-life balance is prioritizing self-care. This means making time for activities that promote our Physical and Mental Health, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time outdoors. By taking care of ourselves, we are better equipped to handle the demands of our jobs and personal lives. In South Korea, a country known for its strong work ethic, a recent proposal to raise the maximum workweek from 52 to 69 hours has sparked a heated controversy between younger workers and the government over work-life balance. Despite the government's claim that the increase in overtime would provide workers with more freedom, better quality of life, and increased family time, the proposal has faced significant opposition. It prompted Law Firm Bisnar Chase to gauge American workers’ appetite for longer working hours. The firm commissioned QuestionPro to carry out a Survey of 3,000 employees to determine their willingness to work longer hours. Interestingly, the average worker in Florida said they could tolerate a 44.4 hour standard work week. This is 4.4 hours more than the current average work week of 40 hours. Nationally, Americans said they would be prepared to work 44.4 hours. Workers in Delaware have the highest working thresholds, saying they could handle a 47.5 hour work week. On the other end of the scale, Montanan’s would reluctantly accept an increase of 1 hour, taking them up to 41 hours in total. Bisnar Chase sought to delve deeper into people’s attitudes about working hours and more specifically, how they would react to potential government changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Survey results showed that two-thirds of respondents believe that the government has struck an appropriate balance with the current system. When presented with a hypothetical scenario in which they could retire earlier in life by working a longer work week, 60% indicated their willingness to make such a trade-off. Although an increase in the workweek may initially cause shock, some Survey respondents recognized potential benefits. Specifically, 83% cited increased pay as the biggest advantage, with 13% believing that they would be better able to achieve their professional goals, and a small minority of 4% stating that they could improve relationships with their colleagues. However, 45% said the biggest downside to working more hours would be the risk to their Mental and Physical Health. Over one-third would worry about the reduced time they could spend with family & friends, and 12% would be concerned about not being able to pursue hobbies and interests away from work. Finally, the Survey found that a significant portion would strongly oppose any increase in the nation's working hours, with over half stating that they would participate in street protests to demonstrate their opposition to the new Law. "Extending the 40-hour workweek would undoubtedly trigger an intense backlash from employees. Not only would they be forced to spend more time at work, but they would also have less time to devote to their families, hobbies, and other pursuits outside of work. This could lead to increased Stress, burnout, and other Mental Health Issues, ultimately eroding both employee well-being and organizational productivity. Employers must recognize that work-life balance is not a luxury but a necessity, and that respecting employees' time and energy is critical to creating a healthy and sustainable workplace culture" says Brian Chase of Bisnar Chase. < Previous News Next News >

O' What A Weekend Ahead In Hollywood: St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival With World Famous Budweiser Clydesdale Thu Mar 09 2023 17:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Annual Tree Lighting & Outdoor Movie Night: The Grinch - Kick Off the Holiday Season in Downtown Hollywood This Friday Thu Nov 21 2024 17:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Back To School: Supporting Teachers Helps Your Child's Education Thu Aug 11 2022 04:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Forks Up, SoFlo! Why SOBEWFF® 2025 Is A Festival Like No Other • 15 Reasons The 2025 South Beach Wine & Food Festival Is A Can’t-Miss Epicurean Event February 14, 2025 Share The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) is back for its 24th year, and if you’re not already blocking off February 20th - February 23rd on your calendar, you just might miss out on the most epic epicurean event of 2025. This four-day extravaganza of flavor, fun, and famous faces is Miami Beach’s ultimate celebration of all things food and drink. This gastronomic spectacle isn’t just another food festival; it’s THE SoFlo Food Festival. Picture over 500 world-class chefs, winemakers, and mixologists, cooking up stellar bites served with a side of beachside bliss. Add to that some of the biggest Food Network stars, Grammy-winning artists, and interactive culinary experiences, and you’ve got an event so packed with flair that skipping it would be a crime against good taste. From epic late-night bashes and celebrity-hosted cooking battles to exclusive master classes, SOBEWFF® 2025 is shaping up to be the most electrifying yet. Whether you’re in for the unlimited food and drinks, the A-list culinary talent, or just an excuse to sip champagne, fine wine and craft cocktails on the sand, here are 15 reasons this year’s festival in the Magic City is absolutely unmissable. 1. A Star-Studded Culinary Lineup Where else can you rub elbows with Food Network royalty like Rachael Ray, Guy Fieri, Alex Guarnaschelli, Aarón Sánchez, Duff Goldman, and Tyler Florence—all in one weekend? These culinary icons will be hosting various events throughout the fest, adding their star power to make the breadth of sumptuous fare that much tastier. Master classes, dinners and brunches and other events hosted by the likes of Bobby Flay, Andrew Zimmern and Michael Schwartz amp up the fest’s lineup of culinary A-listers. 2. More Than 500 Chefs, Winemakers & Spirit Producers This isn’t just a festival; it’s a who’s who of the food and beverage world. With talent spanning the globe, expect a smorgasbord of flavors and innovative culinary delights from over 500 experts who know their way around a kitchen and a cocktail shaker. To complement all of the gastronomic masterpieces attendees will taste over two days and four nights, each event will also feature a curated selection of premium wines and spirits from the Festival’s exclusive provider, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. The sheer volume of high caliber F&B availed to attendees sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience. 3. Hands-On Master Classes Ever wanted to master Vietnamese cuisine, become a BBQ master or learn the secrets of croissant-making? The fest offers numerous intimate workshops and offers a rare chance to learn these cooking skills from culinary legends in a hands-on setting. The SOBEWFF® 2025 Master Class Series is designed to sharpen your skills, elevate your home cooking, and give you an insider’s perspective on the techniques that make top chefs stand out. It’s not just about watching—it’s about rolling up your sleeves, getting hands-on and leaving with skills (and flavors) to impress. 4. Burger Bash Returns with Rachael Ray This isn’t just any burger showdown—it’s the Mike’s Amazing Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons, where top chefs battle to serve up the best burger of the year. Emmy-winning television personality, celebrity chef, author and entrepreneur Rachael Ray hosts the carnivorous madness, ensuring it’s as entertaining as it is delicious. This legendary burger battle pits top chefs against one another in the ultimate quest for burger supremacy. Expect juicy, flavor-packed creations, from classic smashburgers to over-the-top, chef-driven masterpieces—all vying for the title of best burger of the year. With endless bites, cold drinks, and a sizzling atmosphere, this isn’t just a competition—it’s a carnivorous celebration that’ll have you craving more. Grab a napkin (or five) and get ready to sink your teeth into burger heaven! 5. Tacos & Tequila, Need We Say More? James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and TV personality Aarón Sánchez takes the helm of this ultimate fiesta, where chefs showcase their most creative taco creations, all paired with endless pours of Tequila Cazadores. Tacos & Tequila is where bold flavors, top-tier tequila, and vibrant energy collide! This lively music and dance-filled event brings together some of the most innovative chefs in the game to serve up their best and most creative taco creations—from classic carnitas to unexpected, flavor-packed surprises. And, of course, no taco party is complete without endless pours of tequila to keep the celebration going. Get ready to sip, savor, and salsa the night away. Arriba! 6. Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions: Miami Beach Edition If you’ve ever dreamed of watching culinary gladiators battle it, this is your moment. Hosted by chef celebrity Guy Fieri—a restaurateur and TV personality best known for the hit Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives—hosts this entertaining culinary showdown. Here, four teams, led by past Tournament of Champions winners, will throw down in an epic cook-off on the sands of Miami Beach while being cheered on by the crowd. 7. Fire, Meat & Mastery with Tyler Florence The Masters of Fire event celebrates the primal art of grilling, hosted by the one and only Tyler Florence, renowned chef, restaurateur and Food Network star revered for his expertise in modern American cuisine. If you love the sound of sizzling meat and the aroma of open-flame cooking, this is your spot. 8. Over-the-Top VIP Dinners, Brunches & Lunches From a Table of Ten dinner hosted by the one and only Bobby Flay to a Sushi Omakase Collective featuring some of the country’s top sushi chefs, these exclusive gatherings offer the ultimate fine-dining experiences. This year’s Festival will also feature a variety of seated Brunches & Lunches where attendees will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the art of gastronomy, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with their favorite chefs, local restaurateurs, vintners and mixologists. 9. A Late-Night Dessert Party Hosted by Duff Goldman Imagine a sugar-fueled bash where famed pastry chef and TV personality Duff Goldman, well-known for his elaborate cake designs, serves up decadent desserts alongside a comedy show. This is the sweetest way to close out a night in Miami with belly laughs and a full belly, alike. 10. The Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village: A Culinary Playground The Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village at SOBEWFF® is the ultimate culinary playground with over 135,000 square feet of open-air tent sampling space, more than 45 restaurants, and 1,200+ products to taste, this epicurean extravaganza is basically Disneyland for foodies. Over two days, the beachfront venue is packed with live cooking demonstrations from Food Network stars, over 1,200 food and beverage products for sampling and multiple dozens of the city’s most popular restaurants serving up delicious bites. This signature event offers an immersive experience where guests can sip, savor, and stroll while enjoying premium wines, craft cocktails, and gourmet creations, all set against the stunning backdrop of South Beach. 11. Guy Fieri’s Cigars & Spirits Part In addition to hosting the festival’s Tournament of Champions, Guy Fieri will also helm Cigars & Spirits presented by Cigar Aficionado. This unforgettable evening atop the Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach rooftop, is late-night revelry replete with premium cigars and a selection of rich bourbons, whiskies, and scotches. The combination of Fieri’s signature energy and charm, highly distinctive cigars and spirits, and the opportunity to socialize under the Miami Beach night sky, makes this an evening of refined indulgence and good vibes. 12. Drag Brunch With Athena Dion Sashay your way to the Drag Brunch extravaganza featuring Mistress of Ceremonies Athena Dion where the mimosas flow freely, handheld fans jive with the music, and the performances are as fabulous as the food. This high-energy celebration blends over-the-top performances from some of South Florida’s fiercest drag queens with a decadent brunch spread, bottomless cocktails and a lively atmosphere. 13. A Grand Finale with Rev Run at the Asian Night Market At this brand new fest event, culinary icons Andrew Zimmern, Jet Tila, and Aarti Sequeira team up to bring you an Asian-inspired feast sure to blow your taste buds away, complete with a special performance by hip-hop legend Rev Run. This vibrant celebration will showcase an array of mouthwatering Asian-inspired dishes crafted by top chefs, while Rev Run will take the stage for a special live performance—all ensuring the festival closes out with a perfect fusion of incredible food, music, and culture. 14. The Festival Supports Future Culinary Leaders All proceeds benefit Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, helping shape the next generation of chefs, restaurateurs, and food entrepreneurs. To date, the SOBEWFF® has reportedly raised more than $40 Million in support of its educational mission “to provide an invaluable real-world experience and an interactive educational platform for future leaders of the hospitality industry.” Additionally, between SOBEWFF® and its sister NYCWFF, more than $53 Million has reportedly been raised to benefit the respective charities of each fest. So yes, stuffing your face is technically for a worthy charitable cause. 15. It’s Miami Beach in February! Do you really need another reason? Gorgeous weather, white sandy beaches and an excuse to sip cocktails while mingling with culinary greats? Pack your bags, book your tickets and head over to SOBEWFF® 2025. “The Festival not only celebrates the vibrant spirit of South Florida but also highlights the incredible food and beverage that has put Miami on the map as a premier culinary destination,” says Lee Brian Schrager, Festival Founder & Director. “Miami’s unique setting makes it an ideal host for the annual Festival, attracting amazing local, national, and international talent, which keeps fans coming back every year. It’s incredible to see how far the Festival has come—from its beginnings on the FIU campus to now being a global event that supports the next generation of hospitality leaders.” With over 100+ events, legendary chefs, insane food battles and convivial dining experiences, SOBEWFF® 2025 is pulling out all the stops. Whether you desire to devour burgers with Rachael Ray, sip tequila with Aarón Sánchez, or watch Guy Fieri host an epic culinary showdown, this festival has something for every kind of foodie. And let’s not forget—every bite, sip, and laugh supports the next generation of hospitality leaders. So what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets now at: www.sobewff.org , pack your appetite, and get ready for four unforgettable days and nights to eat, drink and educate. See you on the sand! Photos Courtesy and/or Copyright of Carma Connected, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Florida International University, GALDOPHOTO. < Previous News Next News >

An Evening Of The Impossible: A Great Way to Introduce The Whole Family to Live Theater March 10, 2023 Share The City of Aventura Presents an evening of the impossible with Mike Super Magic & Illusion: Third Time’s a Charm! on Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This bigger and better show features some all new, never before seen magic, along with a few new twists on some old favorites. Super’s imaginary friend Desmond is again summoned and this time causes a table to float out over the audiences' heads and around the audience. Audiences should be careful what they text as Super impossibly predicts information on their cellphones. Except for one bewildered spectator, Super turns the entire audience into magicians by letting them in on the secret of having the power to read minds. Called “truly unbelievable” by Ellen DeGeneres, Super has been seen on her show as well as America's Got Talent, NBC's Phenomenon and Penn & Teller's Fool Us. A great way to introduce the whole family to live theater, his show can be described as a great Broadway play meets a rock concert, meets the hilarity of a headline comedian, immersed in original, eye popping visual deception. Mike began his magic at age six. He used to do shows in his backyard every week and he'd wear his black Dracula Cape from Halloween while performing. He says "It was pretty embarrassing. I charged a nickel per person at those performances." Today, Mike has amazed Howie Mandel, Kim Kardashian, Louie Anderson, Howard Stern, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Ariana Grande, Tina Fey, Heidi Klum, Nick Cannon, Penn & Teller, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Criss Angel, Raven-Symone, Train, Kenny Chesney and Ellen DeGeneres to name but a few! Mike's ever-growing popularity has garnered him many prestigious awards and honors, including being the only magician in history to win a LIVE magic competition on primetime US network television. In addition, his other accomplishments include being named Entertainer of the Year, Best Performing Artist of the Year, Best Novelty Performer of the Year AND he was voted America's Favorite Mystifier on NBC's hit TV Show PHENOMENON. He has pioneered a new form of magic with his own inimitable, down-to-earth style and personality. Mike has brought the art of magic back to the people. He transcends the "trick" and connects personally with his audience on a level they can relate to. Whether it's through television, stage or simply one-on-one, Mike Super's personality and humor reaches out and enchants the public. His appeal to both young and old has made him one of the most sought after mystifiers in the world! Despite all of this, Mike humbly insists, it is the loyalty of his fan base that has been most rewarding. His legions of fans call themselves "THE SUPERFREAKS" and they number in the millions. Tickets Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy 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 noon to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. Tickets are $42-$47 with $25 student tickets for 18 and under and $5 lap tickets for children 12 months and younger. 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. < Previous News Next News >

Cashing In On Self-Care: $10,000 New Year Weight-Loss Challenge - HealthyWage Launches Nationwide Free-To-Enter 40-day "Love Your Body Weight Loss Challenge" January 23, 2025 Share To help individuals, couples and groups kick off the New Year by embracing healthier habits while also celebrating self-love while working towards fitness goals, HealthyWage—the industry innovating pioneer in weight loss and wellness motivation and incentive programs—today announced the launch of its free-to-enter "$10,000 Love Your Body Weight Loss Challenge "—a 40-day wellness initiative with sign-ups now underway for the January 6th challenge start. The program is designed to not only inspire and encourage participants to stick with the effort and reach their weight loss goals (via any method of their choice) and be financially rewarded in kind, but also simultaneously experience a transformative journey that goes beyond dieting; one incorporating a more holistic lifestyle shift improving nutrition, fitness and mental well-being overall for the long-run. Having paid out more than $68 Million cash rewards for a collective 4+ million pounds lost since launching in 2009, HealthyWage has maintained its position as the world’s leading purveyor of money-driven diet contests and challenges for individuals, teams and corporate wellness groups. The company’s extensive track record of inspiring success is exemplified by throngs of Success Stories showcasing both women and men who’ve achieved life-changing transformations through HealthyWage Challenges—many with weight loss excess of 100 pounds and winnings over $10,000. A Body Positivity Approach to Weight Loss Unlike traditional weight loss initiatives that focus solely on the scale, HealthyWage’s challenge is rooted in body positivity. The campaign emphasizes self-acceptance, body care and personal transformation. It’s designed to inspire participants to prioritize self-care, celebrate their bodies, and invest in their overall well-being. "The Love Your Body Challenge” is about more than just shedding pounds; it promotes self-acceptance and celebrates diversity in all body shapes and sizes," said David Roddenberry, HealthyWage Co-Founder "It’s also about embracing the weight-loss journey, practicing self-care and recognizing the strength and beauty within at every stage the process. This challenge aligns with numerous 2024 studies highlighting the importance of body positivity and mental health, including research finding that taking breaks from social media can significantly enhance self-esteem and body image. Other study findings confirmed that exposure to body-positive imagery boosts satisfaction and reduces weight concerns. We embrace these mindsets and practices, which can reduce angst during one’s weight-loss journey and make the experience over much more joyful…not to mention lucrative.” Challenge Details The "$10,000 Love Your Body Weight Loss Challenge" is completely free to join and is entirely funded by HealthyWage, itself. Participants have 40 days, from January 6th, 2025 to February 14th, 2025 to lose 4% of their individual body weight. Those who achieve this goal will equally split the $10,000 Prize Pot. To keep participants motivated, HealthyWage will host weekly online activities, including fitness tips, nutrition guidance, and mental health exercises like journaling and meditation. Weekly swag giveaways will provide additional opportunities for participants to win prizes and stay on track. Participants can quickly and easily register to partake in this challenge online at: https://www.healthywage.com/fastrack/free-10000-challenge/ Upping the Ante with the ‘HealthyWager’ In addition to the group challenge, HealthyWage also offers the HealthyWager Challenge—a customizable weight loss program that allows individuals to set personal weight loss goals and bet on their success—all using parameters they set for themselves. Participants can win up to $10,000 for achieving their targets. HealthyWage is founded on substantive research and "double-incentivization" methodology that proves competition and rewards—especially the cash variety—can as much as triple the effectiveness of weight loss programs. And, the proof is in the performance in the form of quantifiable and undeniable metrics that behavioral economics-based gamification works when it comes to weight loss. “Studies continue to show that monetary incentives serve to enhance the effectiveness of, and duly complement, weight-loss programs of any and all sorts, especially when paid out quickly like our various programs,” said Roddenberry. “The average HealthyWager participant more than doubles their investment if they are successful at achieving their goal. The financial upside potential is impressive.” So effective is this diet gamification method, famous personalities have joined HealthyWage in the fight to get America fit including global health and fitness expert Jillian Michaels, as well as actress and talk show host Sherri Shepherd, to name a few. About HealthyWage™ Industry-leading health and wellness purveyor HealthyWage provides cash incentives, social and expert-based support, tools and resources, and goal-setting and tracking technologies to address our nation’s obesity epidemic and improve America’s collective health. HealthyWage is at the forefront of the weight wagering movement, having formally created competitive, cash-fueled programs for more than 90 Fortune 500 and other companies, hospitals, health systems, insurers, school systems, municipal governments and other organizations throughout the U.S., and their program has been more informally run at more than 3,000 companies and organizations. The company was founded in response to academic research that proves even small cash rewards triple the effectiveness of weight-loss programs; that people are more effective at losing weight when their own money is at risk; and that social networks play a large role in the spread of obesity, and will likely play a large role in reversing obesity. Learn more at: www.HealthyWage.com < Previous News Next News >