The Shortest Race On the Track - Corgis Set To Dash At Gulfstream Park At The Inaugural Coastal Corgi Classic South Florida Sun Times Feb 25, 2026 Known For The Thunder Of Hooves And The Flash Of Silks Streaking Down Its Storied Dirt Track, Gulfstream Park Is Preparing For A Very Different Kind Of Horsepower On Saturday, March 14th, 2026. In Place Of Sleek Thoroughbreds, The Spotlight Will Shine On A Field Of Short-Legged, Big-Eared Competitors For The Inaugural Coastal Corgi Classic — A Family-Friendly spectacle That Promises Maximum Cuteness And Surprisingly Fierce Competition. For one afternoon, the iconic South Florida Racetrack will transform into a playground for registered Corgis, as the beloved breed takes part in a series of short, controlled sprint races. While the competitors may stand under a foot tall the excitement will measure up to any stakes race on the calendar. The Coastal Corgi Classic is designed as both a lighthearted entertainment event and a carefully managed competition. The races will be conducted under strict safety, operational, and Animal-Welfare guidelines. The goal is to deliver a joyful, community-focused experience without compromising the professional standards that define Gulfstream Park’s racing operations. Four Heats, One Champion The format mirrors traditional racing in structure, if not in stride length. The day will feature four qualifying heats. The top three finishers in each heat will advance to the Championship race, where the finalists will compete for top honors. Medals and trophies will be awarded to the three fastest Corgis in the final showdown. All entrants, regardless of how far they advance, will leave with swag bags filled with canine-friendly prizes, including dog bowls, tennis balls, and other goodies. The take-home treats ensure that every participant feels like a winner — even if they get distracted mid-race by a squeaky toy or the roar of the crowd. Registration is open exclusively to Corgis, and officials are clear about the rules: no other breeds will be allowed on the property for this event. Owners must submit American Kennel Club Registration Documentation, Current Vaccination Records, and any additional required health or identification paperwork upon check-in. The final day to enter a Corgi into the competition is Sunday, March 1st, 2026. Check-in on race day will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Carousel Club Garden, giving owners time to prepare their pint-sized sprinters for their moment in the spotlight. Serious Safety For Serious Fun While the atmosphere is expected to be festive, organizers emphasize that safety is paramount. All dogs must remain on a leash at all times before and after their races. Owners and handlers are responsible for their dogs throughout the event, including cleanup duties and compliance with all instructions from Gulfstream Park Staff. The venue reserves the right to expel any dog if necessary, underscoring its commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly environment. Public address announcements, participant recognition and designated photo opportunities will be incorporated into the day’s programming, adding to the celebratory feel. The event represents a creative expansion of Gulfstream Park Racing’s entertainment offerings. Traditionally associated with premier Thoroughbred meets and high-profile stakes races, the track has increasingly embraced community-oriented programming that appeals to families and younger audiences. By introducing the Coastal Corgi Classic, Gulfstream Park aims to blend its rich racing heritage with a dose of Social-Media-ready charm. The sight of dozens of Corgis sprinting down the dirt track — ears flapping, tails wagging — is expected to draw enthusiastic crowds and generate plenty of shareable moments. A Perfect Fit For South Florida Corgis, with their compact builds and animated personalities, have become internet sensations in recent years. From viral videos to dedicated fan accounts, the breed commands a devoted following. Hosting a Corgi Race in South Florida taps into that popularity while offering a novel attraction for local families and visitors alike. Gulfstream Park, located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 and is uniquely positioned to stage such an event. The venue not only boasts a World-Class racing facility but also anchors a broader entertainment and lifestyle destination that includes dining, shopping and open-air gathering spaces. That combination makes it well-suited to accommodate both canine competitors and the crowds eager to cheer them on. Organizers expect a mix of seasoned Corgi owners and first-time participants. For some, the race will be a playful test of their dog’s speed and focus. For others, it will simply be an opportunity to enjoy a memorable day out with fellow dog lovers. Community, Creativity And Competition The Coastal Corgi Classic reflects a broader trend within sports and entertainment venues: diversifying programming to create year-round engagement. By hosting breed-specific races under controlled conditions, racetracks can introduce new audiences to their facilities while maintaining high operational standards. Gulfstream Park is always focusing on innovative family friendly events as part of an ongoing community-focused entertainment. Even as the track continues to host elite Thoroughbred Racing, it is exploring ways to make the venue accessible and appealing to a wider demographic. The Corgi-only requirement, though strict, ensures a level playing field and simplifies logistical planning. With dogs of similar size and temperament competing against one another, the races can be structured safely and fairly. Owners who believe they have the fastest Corgi in South Florida are encouraged to register before the March 1st, 2026 Deadline. Detailed registration instructions and additional information are available through Gulfstream Park’s official website: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/coastal-corgi-classic-mar-14/ From Thoroughbreds to Tiny Sprinters Though the competitors may be smaller than usual, the energy on March 14th, 2026 is expected to rival that of any major race day. Spectators will trade binoculars for smartphones as they capture the action, and the cheers that typically accompany a photo finish are likely to erupt when a determined Corgi charges across the line. In a sport defined by tradition, the Coastal Corgi Classic offers a playful reminder that racing, at its heart, is about shared excitement. Whether it’s a champion Thoroughbred chasing glory or a pint-sized Corgi sprinting toward a squeaky toy at the finish, the thrill of the dash remains the same. As Gulfstream Park prepares to host what may be the shortest race on its track, one thing is certain: on March 14th, 2026, the smallest competitors will command the biggest applause. Gulfstream Park is located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 Instagram: @gulfstreampark For more information about Gulfstream Park & The Village at Gulfstream Park, please visit: www.gulfstreampark.com Previous Next

Broward County Public Schools And Acceleration Academies Open A Second Tuition-Free Public High School For Students Seeking An Alternative Path To Graduation South Florida Sun Times Oct 8, 2026 Students In Broward County, Florida, Who Need A Different Path To A High School Diploma Now Have Another Option To Continue Their Education And Work Toward Graduation. Broward County Acceleration Academies, in partnership with Broward County Public Schools, recently opened a second location in Deerfield Beach. The new academy serves students who may benefit from greater flexibility and personalized support, helping them reconnect with their education and continue working toward a Florida high school diploma. With a mission to remove academic and non-academic barriers that have historically made earning a high school diploma challenging for some students, Broward County Acceleration Academies operates on a year-round calendar with a hybrid learning model that blends in-person academic coaching at the academy with an online curriculum that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “Broward County Acceleration Academies is proud to be part of a community that believes every student deserves a meaningful opportunity to earn a high school diploma,” said Liset Cruz, Interim Academy Director of Broward County Acceleration Academies. “Our partnership with Broward County Public Schools allows us to connect with students who may need a different approach to education and provide the flexibility, relationships and personalized support they need to keep working toward graduation. Opening our second location in Deerfield Beach means we can bring that support closer to even more students and families across Broward County. We’re excited to grow our partnership and our reach so more young people have access to the opportunity we provide.” Students take one class at a time and each course is designed to be completed in 2-4 weeks. For those who once felt overwhelmed by the traditional school day and juggling multiple subjects at once, taking one course at a time allows them to stay focused, build momentum and make clear progress toward graduation. Each student receives a personalized learning plan designed to track their progress and map a path toward graduation. A strong emphasis on authentic relationships between students, teachers, and mentors helps learners rebuild confidence, find encouragement, and stay on track academically. “Too many students begin to believe that graduating isn’t possible for them,” said Kelli Campbell, the CEO of Acceleration Academies who is a proud first-generation high school and college graduate. “We’re here to change that story. Broward County Acceleration Academies provides a supportive, flexible environment where students can overcome obstacles, rediscover their strengths and make meaningful progress toward graduation. As part of a nationwide network, we know what’s possible when students are given the support and opportunities they need to succeed. Every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of success, and we’re proud to help Broward County students build brighter futures.” The first Broward County Acceleration Academies location opened last year at 725 Progresso Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Deerfield Beach was selected for Broward County Acceleration Academies’ second site to make its flexible, supportive high school model accessible to more students across the county. Broward County Acceleration Academies - Deerfield Beach is located inside the Hillsboro Community Center at 50 Hillsboro Technology Drive, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441. Broward County Acceleration Academies is tuition-free and enrolls eligible students ages 14-20 in grades 9-12. Interested families can learn more and apply at: https://accelerationacademies.org/our-locations/florida/broward-county/ About Acceleration Academies: As a leading school district partner in student-centered alternative education, Acceleration Academies provides students a second chance at a high school diploma by offering a hybrid learning model blending in-person academic coaching with engaging online coursework, flexible scheduling, and personalized support from teachers and mentors. Find more information at: https://accelerationacademies.org . Victoria Lopez, student speaker at the Broward County Acceleration Academies (Fort Lauderdale) graduation ceremony. June 2026. Photo credit: Acceleration Academies. The first Broward County Acceleration Academies location opened last year at 725 Progresso Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Photo credit: Acceleration Academies. Students take one class at a time and each course is designed to be completed in 2-4 weeks. Eighty-two students from Broward County Acceleration Academies in Fort Lauderdale walked across the stage at their first-ever graduation ceremony to receive their high school diplomas in June 2026. Photo credit: Acceleration Academies. Previous Next

Thanksgiving Traditions and Memory-Making Meals Tue Nov 08 2022 17:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

“Studio 54 Rewind” At Daer Nightclub: The Hottest Dance Ticket In Town Makes A Dazzling Encore May 17, 2024 Share Turn back time and dance, dance, dance at "STUDIO 54 Rewind" presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on Saturday, May 18th, from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., at DAER Nightclub located at 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Florida 33314. The ultimate lavish disco party to benefit FLITE Center has added new entertainment and sponsors to its dazzling lineup. All proceeds benefit FLITE Center programs and services, which provide young adults with resources and support to help them transition to independent living. FLITE Center is a one-stop resource center offering all supportive services to youth aging out of foster care, chronically homeless youth, human trafficking survivors, and LGBTQ+ youth. Party-goers will step back in time to relive the glitz and glamour of the legendary Studio 54 with food, the hottest grooves and live performances courtesy of nationally renowned entertainers Velvet Lenore performing Donna Summer and Michael Dean as Cher. “Last year’s STUDIO 54 fundraiser was a smashing success so we are rewinding back and planning another amazing event,” said Christine Frederick, FLITE Center CEO. “ We can’t wait to collaborate with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood to create this next chapter which will raise much needed funds for the important work that we do at FLITE Center.” From the moment guests step inside, they will be transported to a hypnotizing party atmosphere with popular hits, pulsating lights, champagne toasts, open bar, and gourmet bites. In addition, guests will leave the event with coveted prizes from a balloon pop and luxury auction. Once the event concludes, guests may continue the party at DAER Nightclub, or choose to explore the many amenities of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. “STUDIO 54 Rewind" Co-Chairs are Susan Renneisen, Vice President of Community Affairs and Special Events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Julie Williamson-Bresset, Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor with Bank of America. Frederick added, “On behalf of all of us at FLITE Center, we offer our sincere thanks to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and our committed partners, both companies and individuals, for their ongoing support. “STUDIO 54 Rewind" is presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and sponsored by Memorial Healthcare System, Bank of America, Broward Health, Waterfall Bank, Walgreens, SouthState Bank, Synovus, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, OUTClique, Coldwell Banker Realty Cares Foundation, Dex Imaging, GrayRobinson, Premiere Aircraft Sales, Strategic Benefits and Tower Club. Media sponsors are Lifestyle Media Group and South Florida Business & Wealth. In-kind sponsors include Muscle Vodka, Funky Buddha Brewery, Lyres Prosecco, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Papa’s Pilar Rum Ernest Hemingway, Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits, Todd’s Catering and Covar Global Marketing. General admission tickets start at $150; VIP tickets are $250 each and can be purchased at: http://flitecenter.org/Rewind54. Follow FLITE Center at: http://flitecenter.org - and on Social Media at: On Facebook at: www.facebook.com/FLITECenterBroward - On Instagram at: @flitecenter - On LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/company/the-flite-center - and on Youtube at: @flitecenter6274. FLITE Center FLITE Center (Fort Lauderdale Independence, Training & Education) Center was created in 2009 through a partnership of the Community Foundation of Broward, the United Way of Broward and the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale, with the intent of offering comprehensive access to services for youth aging out of foster care. A not-for-profit organization, FLITE Center has become the hub of all support services for transitioning youth to become successful adults within a safe, nurturing environment that promotes personal growth while developing practical life skills. Based on community need, FLITE Center has expanded its reach to serve Palm Beach County at 816 Ninth Street, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. For more information, visit: http://flitecenter.org . < Previous News Next News >

A Drink A Day Keeps The Doctor Away? Half Of Floridians, Believe In The Perceived Health Benefits Of Alcohol Thu Sep 09 2021 04:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Puddles Pity Party: The “Sad Clown With The Golden Voice” January 13, 2022 Share It sounds like a start to a joke, a 7-foot clown walks into a bar, but it’s not. He motions for a soda water and sits there staring at his drink. The year was 1998 and Puddles had wandered into the Star Community Bar in Atlanta, GA where bartender Big Mike Geier first laid eyes on the sad, silent clown. “There was a heaviness about him,” says Geier. “I could tell he wasn’t in the mood to chat, so I pretty much left him alone except to pass him the mustard when he pulled an onion and a heel of bread out of his pocket. A couple weeks later, he came by the bar and gave me a flyer to a show he was doing at a flea market. The sound system at that flea market was crap, but his voice was something else. I’ve been in my share of bands and wasn’t expecting much from a clown singing karaoke from a boombox. But I’ll be damned if his singing didn’t get me all choked up.” The two soon became close friends, with Big Mike acting somewhat as a confidant, and the pair travel all over with Puddles Pity Party, Mike speaking on behalf of Puddles since the clown chooses to stay silent. Originally from River City before kicking around Atlanta, the sulking serenader gained momentum after hitting the road as guest performer on the 2010 Aqua Teen Hunger Force Live tour and 2013 Eels tour and making special appearances at Seattle’s Teatro ZinZanni and NYC’s Sleep No More. It was Halloween 2013 when Puddles then collaborated with Postmodern Jukebox to record an epic version of Lorde’s hit song “Royals,” which instantly went viral on YouTube, having received over 29 million views so far. You may also recognize Puddles as quarter-finalist from Season 12 of America’s Got Talent and most recently on AGT’s The Champions 2020. The “sad clown with the golden voice” has captivated audiences and media from around the world, building a fan base of more than 425,000 on Facebook and nearly 800,000 subscribers to the Puddles Pity Party YouTube channel. Puddles has since performed all over the planet, garnering rave reviews at festivals like Edinburgh Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, Perth Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Fest, Belgium’s Gent Fest, Outside Lands and the Kennedy Center’s District of Comedy Festival. He was a feature performer in La Soiree’s 2014 Southbank show in London, which won the Olivier Award. He was handpicked by Neil Patrick Harris to perform Just for Laugh’s “Circus Awesomeus,” gala filmed for HBO Canada, and Jack Black selected Puddles for multiple performances at Festival Supreme. And he recently enjoyed a Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace. “Puddles gives an emotive performance that resonates with all kinds of folks,” says Geier. “The crowd really responds to him. There’s something about a giant sad singing clown that comforts us, let’s us know it’s ok to feel, to show our feelings. It’s a sad and beautiful world, and we’re all in it together, even when we’re totally alone.” Puddles Pity Party: Unsequestered In 2020, with touring cancelled, Puddles holed up in his studio and produced 12 episodes of his “Still Sequestered” show which featured a variety of special guests like Jack Black, Penn Jillette, Howie Mandel, E (from Eels), Weird Al, Sid Krofft, Michael Stipe, Patton Oswalt, Cait O’Riordan, Neil Hamburger, David Dastmalchian, Mastodon, Tim Heidecker and artist Mark Ryden. Puddles also developed a line of coffee. All that was tremendous fun, and kept Puddles from feeling too lonely. But nothing makes Puddles less dejected than performing in front of a live audience of the best fans any sad clown could ask for. He is beyond excited to get back on the road and bring his all new “Unsequestered Show” to his favorite venues! A veritable “Pagliacci by way of Pee-Wee Herman and David Lynch” (The AJC), Puddles Pity Party has over 790K YouTube subscribers and almost 300 million views for indelible interpretations of classics by the likes of ABBA, Bowie, Britney, Cheap Trick, SIA, Tom Waits and Queen along with his unforgettable rendition of the smoosh-up “Pinball Wizard/Folsom Prison Blues.” “It seems like a parody. But when Puddles opens his mouth to sing, it’s beautiful. Operatic.” - The Boston Globe “Fantastically brilliant…originality at its best.” - Simon Cowell “His special effect is a textured voice laced with melancholy…what makes him transcend the trope is his vulnerability.” - The New York Times In these strange times Puddles may be just the ticket to give us all an escape for an hour or two. For ticket information visit, https://www.ticketmaster.com/puddles-pity-party-tickets/artist/2039164 < Previous News Next News >

Make Waves For Water Safety At The YMCA Of South Florida's Beach Ball 2025 South Florida Sun Times Oct 1, 2025 The YMCA Of South Florida Is Making Waves This Fall With Its Annual Beach Ball Gala, Themed Olympian Tides, On Saturday, October 4th Beginning With The Gathering At 6:30 p.m., Followed By The Feast And Continuing With The Bacchanalia At The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel And Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Davie, Florida 33314 To Support The Y’s Water Safety And Drowning Prevention Initiatives. Title Sponsor Is The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino And Presenting Sponsor Is Nicklaus Children’s. The Beach Ball Gala brings together more than 600 passionate community leaders, advocates, and supporters to raise critical funds that help save lives. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, live musical entertainment, dancing and a live and silent auction during this enchanting evening filled with inspiration, entertainment and purpose. All proceeds support financial assistance for the Y’s aquatics programs, which include free and subsidized swim lessons for underserved youth, wet and dry safety lessons, Swim for Jenny and resources for families to prevent drowning tragedies. With Florida still leading the nation in child drownings, the Y is committed to making sure every child and family has access to swim lessons, education and safe aquatic experiences, regardless of their background or ability to pay. The YMCA also highlights underwater hypoxic blackout which occurs when someone who is playing breath holding games experiences accidental blackout, leading to rapid drowning. This can happen to anyone of any age and is an even bigger risk for strong swimmers. “Because every life saved is a victory we all share, we must keep funding and improving our programs to continue providing swim lessons and water safety education to more children and their families,” said YMCA of South Florida CEO Sheryl A. Woods. “We appreciate the support of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Nicklaus Children’s and all our amazing sponsors. We couldn’t do what we do without them.” Select sponsorships and early bird tickets for Beach Ball 2025 are now available, including Diamond for $25,000, Platinum Plus for $15,000, Platinum for $10,000, Ruby for $7,500, Gold for $5,000 and Silver for $3,000. For more information on Beach Ball 2025, including sponsorships and tickets, please visit: https://ymcasouthflorida.org/beach-ball/ . For sponsorship opportunities or additional questions, please contact Aimee Fretwell at: AFretwell@YMCASouthFlorida.org . Or at: (954) 334-9622. Extension#: 1045. Florida leads the country in child drownings of all ages, with Broward and Miami-Dade counties reporting the most drowning deaths in the state. At least 40% of children have little or no swimming ability, a figure which rises to 64% among some minority groups. In addition, for every child who loses their life to drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. The Y’s swimming programs are paramount because formal swimming lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%. Annually, more than 50,000 children and adults are taught drowning prevention and water safety techniques at the YMCA of South Florida. Many of these lessons are funded through the Y’s Aquatic Financial Assistance Program, making them accessible to all. The Y has an eight-lesson drowning prevention program, where children learn to be safe in and around the water. The Y’s Mobile Aquatics program also travels to low-income neighborhoods to teach water safety to children and their caregivers. In addition to title sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children’s, Beach Ball 2025 is supported by Brown & Brown Insurance, Bacardi USA, Publix Super Markets Charities, Related Group, Milner, Spirit Airlines, Ryder, Club Med, ANF, Matrix, Gulf Building, JM Family Enterprises and Royal Caribbean Group, among others. About the YMCA of South Florida For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As a leading NonProfit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Or: https://YMCASouthFlorida.org . Previous Next

State of the City, Part 1: The First In-Person State of Hallandale Beach Speech In 3 Years By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper May 12, 2022 Share It was great being able to deliver my first In-Person State of the City Speech after 3 years. In the next couple of articles, I will share the address. Before that I want to share some information with our readers about what we as a City can and cannot do as Elected Officials when it comes to Condominiums. Those new to Condominium living may not understand that Condominiums are a separate Non-Profit Corporation. They are regulated by the State. As a City Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub worked hard on what is called the Condo Transparency Act. When I got back on the Dais, I helped to get it passed. It requires that all Condominiums submit certain documents to the City, so we can post them On-Line At: cohb.org. I had touched on this topic during my speech. This Act provides at least access to documents that Condominium owners were not getting without legal action. It definitely helps. What the Act does not do is change the fact that the daily operations of the Condominiums are just that. The Elected Condominium Boards are in charge of the operations. The Condo Documents and By-Laws provide their guide. They can hire professionals to implement operational tasks. Typically depending on size, they oversee the passing of Budgets, Hires, Managers, Attorneys, Accountants, approve maintenance on the buildings and large assessments that are required to be voted on by the unit owners. I along with my colleagues hear pleas from frustrated owners and understand your frustrations. It is a real issue when buildings do not get needed repairs. Our City takes 40-Year Inspections seriously. We have over the past two years tackled these issues. We cannot force buildings to make repairs. We can if the building is deemed eminently unsafe to live in, we send a notice to the building and give them time to comply. If they do not, our Building Official has the power to require owners to move out. This is the worst-case scenario. As Mayor I assure you that we understand the issues and have been working within our legal boundaries to do everything in our power to help. Thankfully, there will be a special session and we hope unlike the session they will give owners relief. What the owner can do now is become initiative-taking. It is a shared responsibility. Bringing building issues to your boards. If they are not corrected, report them to our Code Enforcement. Run for your board. If not, get to understand your role in making sure Special Assessments for major repair work is done and not being kicked down the road. Here is an except from my State of the City Speech, please note the following is in speech form: Thank you to Gulfstream Park for hosting this, our first In-Person State of the City in over three years. Since Miami will be hosting the Grand Prix tomorrow, I wanted to kick this speech off with a quote that is from one of the greatest Entrepreneurs and drivers in history. “We cannot describe passion; we have to live it!” Many of us are fortunate to live our passion and I am one of them! There is another business story that started the lesson of the customer is always right and how not to treat customers had started with Enzo Ferrari. In a village in Italy, Ferrari was making his cars. A local tractor manufacturer went to him to complain about the clutch in Enzo cars. Rather than agreeing, Ferrari said “Let me make cars. You stick to making tractors. “That man happened to be Ferruccio Lamborghini. It was the beginning of one the biggest rivalries. Like Ferrari and Lamborghini, I get to do what I love. Helping people and hopefully you will agree to make our City a better place to Live, Work and Play. The last time I addressed the Chamber in person I shared a story about a book I had read “Regeneration” by Rebecca Ryan? Her analysis discussed history in seasonal cycles that come from tragic events and generational change. Who would have known back in 2019 how right she was and that 2020 would change that? A long winter with COVID-19. In 2021, COVID-19 continued. It was like a nightmarish version of Groundhog Day. We were all living in uncertainty and with racial unrest. Spring emerged with the world in turmoil. 2022 started with the January 6th Insurrection. We have had the worst recessions since WWII. And sadly, the War in Ukraine. Even while we are still dealing with the uncertainty of COVID-19 and its multiple threats, it is great to be back in person. Like your businesses we as a City are dealing with similar challenges: budget, increased costs and personnel issues. As our economy was shut down during COVID-19, our City’s bottom line suffered too. Recently at our US Conference of Mayor Leadership meeting, Mayors gathered for the first time in person. Our shared stories across the nation were the same. We all realized that while businesses received Relief Dollars, the cities did not. Working on Capitol Hill, cities fought for CARES Funding, Our City did not receive direct funding from the Feds. We were fortunate that Broward County distributed funding to cities based on the same formula based on County Development Block Grants on when other Government Agencies did not. Our City received $143,091 Dollars which was used for Senior Meals and Rental Assistance. It was not until last year that every city received the American Rescue Plan Act, which we call ARPA Funding. This money was utilized to offset specific impacts of COVID-19 on our City Budgets. Had it not been for this relief, our City would have utilized all of our reserves and looked at declaring financial urgency. Over $20 Million Dollars will be spread over the next three budgets. $1.5 Million Dollars was used last year and this year a projected $8 Million Dollars will be used. This is great news but is not the end, it is only the beginning of recovery. Next week Part II. 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 by Phone or Text At: (954) 632-5700. E-mail me At: jcooper@cohb.org . Or visit my Facebook & Web-site At: www.MayorJoyCooper.com . < Previous News Next News >

A Whole New World: Disney’s Aladdin JR Performed By The Hochberg Lower School Tue May 16 2023 16:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hallandale Beach Police Department: Would like to congratulate Officer John Cameron on his retirement Thu Jul 15 2021 05:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Cannabis Straight Talk from Miracle Leaf Sun Apr 24 2022 04:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Slow Burn Theatre Company Presents “Parade,” at The Broward Center For The Performing Arts January 29, 2025 Share Slow Burn Theatre Company presents “Parade,” a powerful and poignant musical revival based on the true story of the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, as part of its 2024/2025 Season supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale Saturday, February 8 – Sunday, February 23 in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, including an open captioned performance on Sunday, February 16 at 2 p.m. and a series of post-performance chats with an ADL representative on Saturday, February 15, at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 16, at 2 p.m. Winner of the 1999 Tony Awards for Best Score (Jason Robert Brown, who also wrote the lyrics) and Best Book of a Musical (Alfred Uhry) as well as the 2023 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, “Parade,” co-conceived and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince, follows a newlywed Jewish couple, Leo and Lucille Frank, who are struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice and devotion. Hailed as an “an essential American musical” by Variety, “Parade” is a “phenomenal production that feels more poignant and powerful than ever,” according to Entertainment Weekly. Time Out New York writes, “What you hear at this Parade…will echo for a long time to come.” Directed by Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director and Carbonell Award winner Patrick Fitzwater and presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), Slow Burn’s riveting and gloriously hopeful production features lead actors Justin Albinder* (Leo Frank) and Mikayla Cohen (Lucille Frank) joined by Kevin Patrick Martin* (Hugh Dorsey), Michael Hunsaker* (Britt Craig), Erik Schark* (Judge Roan/Old Soldier), Jessica Balton (Mary Phagan), Joel Hunt (Frankie Epps), Kareema Khouri* (Minola “Minnie” McKnight/Angela), Chaz Rose* (Newt Lee/Jim Conley/Riley), Michael Materdomini (Governor John Slanton), Landon Summers (Tom Watson/Detective Starnes), Ana Marie Calise (Mrs. Phagan), Nolan Montgomery (Young Soldier/Fiddlin John/others), Bridget Rose Pirrota (Iola Stover), Erica Gouldthorpe (Monteen/others), Sofie Poliakoff (Essie/others), Allyson Rosenblum (Sally Slanton), Steven Ross-Dybash (Mr. Peavy), Eli Jacobson (Officer Ivey/others), Austin Gladstone (Luther Rosser/others), Elizabeth Sackett (Nurse/others), Sam Hoffman (Mr. Turner/others) and Sara Sun Park (Nina Formby/others). The creative team features direction and musical staging by Fitzwater joined by Music Director Travis Smith, Lighting Designer Eric Norbury, Scenic Designer Nikolas Serrano, Costume Designer Rick Peña, Technical Director Timothy Dickey, Production Stage Manager Jeffry George* and Assistant Stage Manager Jolie Rubinchik*. Performance times vary with an open captioned performance on Sunday, February 16 at 2:00 p.m. Following the performances on Saturday, February 15, at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 16, at 2:00 p.m., an ADL representative will present a 15-minute talk with a Q&A. Single tickets to Slow Burn Theatre’s 2024/2025 Season are on sale now. Supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale, the season continues in the new year with “Something Rotten!” (March 29 – April 13) and “The Bodyguard The Musical” (June 7 – 22). Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter - And: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @BrowardCenter. Subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter - And join the conversation with: #BrowardCenter. Major support of Slow Burn Theatre Company is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Sponsored in part by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale. Student and community complimentary tickets are subsidized and underwritten by the Salah Foundation and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation. The Broward Center 2024/2025 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System. * Member of the Actors' Equity Association (AEA). The Broward Center for the Performing Arts One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University, and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org < Previous News Next News >