Arbor Day Success Tue May 16 2023 16:22:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

An Educational Send-Up Of Epic Laughs Awaits - Audiences Are Embracing The Needle-Sharp Satirical Look At Parenting, Privilege, And The Minefield Of Modern Communication South Florida Sun Times Sep 3, 2026 All Voices Matter. But Do Some Matter More Than Others? Throw Yourself Into The Debate As Inclusion, Equality And Education Are Comedically Put To The Test In Island City Stage’s Production Of The 2025 Tony Award-Winning Play, Eureka Day By Jonathan Spector. Tickets Are On Sale Now For This Needle-Sharp Satirical Look At Parenting, Privilege, And The Minefield Of Modern Communication That Runs Through Sunday, September 13th, 2026. The Show Closes Out Island City Stage’s 14th Successful Season Of Bold, Inventive Storytelling. “You can always spot a Eureka Day kid because at soccer games, they’re the ones who cheer when the other team scores.” In this ultra-progressive private school in California, every voice matters—until a mumps outbreak turns harmony into hysteria. In this, a well-meaning board of directors prides itself on consensus and inclusion. But when public health collides with personal beliefs, even the most open-minded parents find themselves at odds. As tensions rise and Zoom meetings spiral into chaos, the community must confront the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, doing the right thing means not pleasing everyone. Although penned prior to COVID-19 but after California’s infamous measles outbreak at Disneyland, the timely, relevant play diagnoses the rapid social decay that can occur when even like-minded people can’t agree. “Eureka Day” has a certain straightforwardness to its tightly drawn plot that belies its sophistication. It’s satirical — and billed as such — in poking fun at Bay Area liberals, and yet it also has a kindness and sensitivity in the way it approaches its characters, including its anti-vaxxers (who are also Bay Area liberals!). Yes, Spector clearly takes sides here in the debate over vaccines, but he makes sure that, in progressive parlance, everyone is “heard.” – Chicago Sun Times. Local theater critics and audiences are already embracing the thoughtfully staged production. “Spector’s strong script receives strong staging from Andy Rogow, who is Island City’s Artistic Director. Rogow’s smooth hand keeps the comedy infused with the play’s serious aspects. Rogow has assembled a solid cast, molded to his vision, to close out Island City’s 14th Season. Michael McClain’s colorful scenic design sets the tone of “Eureka Day,” with its artfully arranged books, naturally color-coordinated, and a poster with diverse hands reaching toward each other and the saying ‘All stories matter.’” – Oline Cogdill, Sun-Sentinel and Florida Theater On Stage "Saw the Tony-Award Winning Play Eureka Day at the iconic Island City Stage. Next-level acting. Brilliant rapid-fire dialogue. Funny. Poignant. Timely." - Matt Tesoriero "I have to say that Eureka Day is an incredible final play for Season 14. I truly loved it and enjoyed it. Keep on presenting great performances for Season 15." - Richard Paul "This is a great show. Triggering. Brilliant." - Baris Ipeker Eureka Day premiered at Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley, California in April 2018 then moved to New York at Walkerspace the following year. Its European premiere at The Old Vic in September 2022 featured Mark McKinney, Helen Hunt, Susan Kelechi Watson, Kirsten Foster and Ben Schnetzer. In 2024, Eureka Day premiered on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre starring Bill Irwin, Amber Gray, Jessica Hecht, Thomas Middleditch, Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz and Eboni Flowers. Island City Stage’s production of Eureka Day is helmed by Artistic Director Andy Rogow and stars Brandon Campbell (Eli), Jen Chia (Meiko), Rita Cole (Carina), Ted DeChatelet (Don), and Maribeth Graham (Suzanne). “When I first read Eureka Day more than five years ago, I knew we had to produce it,” said Rogow. “Through searing comedy and heartfelt storytelling, this explosive play confronts us individually and as a community to question what inclusion for all really means and what we're willing to sacrifice to be inclusive.” Eureka Day Lights and Sound Sponsor is Scott Bennett and Costume Sponsor is Howard Kurzweil. Additional funding is provided by the following: The Our Fund Foundation, The Schubert Foundation Inc., the SHS Foundation, the Warten Foundation, and OutClique. Individual show tickets start at $45. As part of its commitment to the community, Island City Stage is offering South Florida educators a $5 off per ticket discount with the code EDTEACH5. A Women’s Night at the Theater with a pre-show reception sponsored by PJ Hitchins will take place on September 4th. The show runs for one hour and 50 minutes with an intermission. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.islandcitystage.org . Call: (954) 928-9800. Or email: boxoffice@islandcitystage.org . Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/IslandCityStage . And on Instagram at: @islandcitystage. About Island City Stage Founded in 2012, Island City Stage is a professional regional theater committed to sharing classic and contemporary stories, engaging audiences with entertaining, challenging, and inspiring productions and programs. These shows are brought to life on stage through the talents of professional artists whose credits include Broadway, Off Broadway, national tours, major regional theaters, film and television. Island City Stage offers an intimate setting with six rows of stadium seating to foster a feeling of inclusion and participation at each theatrical event. Island City Stage is a 501 (c) 3 NonProfit Organization. It is located at 2304 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305. For tickets and more information, please call: (954) 928-9800. Or visit: www.islandcitystage.org . Rita Cole (Carina), Jen Chia (Meiko), Ted DeChatelet (Don) and Maribeth Graham (Suzanne) Ted DeChatelet as Don Rita Cole as Carina and Maribeth Graham as Suzanne Brandon Campbell as Eli and Jen Chia as Meiko Island City Stage closes out its 14th season of bold storytelling with the Tony Award-winning comedy Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector running now through September 13, 2026. Photos credit: Matthew Tippins for Island City Stage Previous Next

Celebrate the Holidays at Gulfstream Park Village: Symphony in Lights is Back for Another Dazzling Holiday Season December 8, 2023 Share As South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination located on the border of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, Gulfstream Park Village is decorated for a holiday to remember. The stunning Symphony in Lights event is on full display this holiday season, featuring interactive lights that dance in tune with classic holiday music. The show runs for 10 minutes at the top of every hour from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. every night through December 31st. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Featuring over 250,000 LED lights, Symphony in Lights is a holiday experience like no other. Viewers can revel in the festive décor, including a new Christmas tree, regal Santa chair and archway, elegant street light post ornaments, LED entrance lighting and a show-stopping tree topper. An expanded music program includes new remixes of holiday classics and today’s top hits. Throughout the holiday season, Santa will be making scheduled visits to Gulfstream Park Village. Available on a first come, first serve basis from 6–9 p.m., Santa will be stationed in the ground level Village Center on select dates through Dec. 24, 2023. Families can enjoy the ambiance of Symphony in Lights while sharing their wish lists with Santa. The remaining holiday dates include Saturday, Dec. 9; Dec. 16; Wednesday, Dec. 20; Saturday, Dec. 23 and Sunday, Dec. 24. More information on Symphony in Lights and Santa visits can be viewed online here: bit.ly/3SBBvvb Make Gulfstream Park Village your destination for holiday shopping! When it comes to gift-giving, the Village offers an array of shops and boutiques for everyone on the list. Williams-Sonoma offers professional-grade cookware that will delight home chefs, along with gourmet foods, small kitchen appliances, cooking utensils and seasonal décor at all price points. The Container Store, known for expert storage solutions and custom closet designs, offers organization solutions for the festivities. The store’s holiday gift wrap shop is not to be missed! For those who love to decorate and create an inviting holiday atmosphere, Pottery Barn, West Elm and Crate & Barrel offer an array of stylish furniture and decor pieces designed by talented artisans from around the world, making them fantastic sources for holiday home inspiration. The holiday season is the perfect time to make a stylish entrance at holiday parties and celebrations. The Rene Ruiz Collection offers opulent designs that seamlessly blend Miami's glamour with luxury craftsmanship, radiating festive charm. Allure offers indulgent luxury shopping for all budgets and styles, ensuring a holiday wardrobe that is extraordinary. Shopping is not complete without a stop at one of Gulfstream Park Village’s many dining options. Yard House offers an extensive tap beer selection while Christine Lee's features some of South Florida’s best Asian-inspired delights. For heartier options, Bissaleh is a modern, kosher steakhouse offering the finest cuts of meat and Texas de Brazil is known for its authentic churrascaria experience. Some room for something sweet! Haagen Dazs’ unique holiday ice cream flavors, including the ever-popular peppermint bark, are sure to satisfy. Looking to gather with friends, colleagues or family this holiday season? Strike 10 Bowling & Sports Lounge and PlugIn Karaoke offer the perfect setting to catch up and have a good time. “As South Florida’s top entertainment and event destination, we are excited to again host our Symphony in Lights holiday lights display,” said Alex Schreer, Director of Experiential Marketing for Gulfstream Park Village. “Families, friends and colleagues are invited to enjoy a festive atmosphere and make lasting memories this holiday season.” About Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining, and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events, and additional information, visit www.gulfstreampark.com or call 954-454-7000. < Previous News Next News >

June Is Family Pride Month: Join In The Celebration at The Museum of Discovery and Science June 21, 2024 Share You belong here! Enjoy an inclusive day of colorful exploration during the Museum of Discovery and Science’s (MODS) Sixth Annual Family Pride Day Celebration on Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is FREE for families at this all-ages special event, sponsored by Bank of America, BBX Capital, The Our Fund Foundation and UKG. “The Museum of Discovery and Science is proud to offer inclusive programming and a welcoming environment to explore, create and investigate the wonders of science on Family Pride Day,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “We invite the community to this free admission day to experience our new exhibits, IMAX® films, lab-based STEAM activities and animal ambassadors in an accepting and nurturing space designed to ignite the imagination.” Families enjoying the special programming can: • Participate in a Rainbow Science Lab, make-and-take Pride flags, create colors with prisms and design rainbow tie-dyed T-shirts. • Experience an explosion of colors with a Pride KaBOOM! Show. • Meet MODS’ resident animal ambassadors. • Meet partners and friends of the LGBTQ+ community in action. • Join the Baby’s First Pride celebration, where the littlest revelers can grow their own rainbows, engineer 3D rainbows with colorful MAGNA-TILES® and explore rainbow monotype printmaking. “Bank of America joyfully partners with MODS for another colorful Family Pride Day to celebrate diversity and inclusion in our community,” said Lori Chevy, President of Bank of America Fort Lauderdale. “As a sponsor of this annual event, we are committed to supporting all of South Florida’s diverse families.” “BBX Capital is proud to partner with MODS for its upcoming Pride Day at the Museum,” said Lois Marino, Executive Director of BBX Capital Foundation and Director of Community Engagement, BBX Capital Inc. “Celebrating Pride means standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing the progress made towards equality, and remembering the work that still needs to be done.” MODS is known as a family-friendly community connector, with inclusivity being at the forefront of the Museum’s everyday experiences. For more information about MODS’ Family Pride Day, please visit: https://mods.org/event/sixth-annual-family-pride-day/. “The Our Fund Foundation is proud to partner with MODS to celebrate the diversity of our region and the acceptance of the tapestry of families that make South Florida the accepting community that it is,” said David Jobin, President and CEO of The Our Fund Foundation. “At UKG, we believe in the power of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and social impact to drive innovation and community growth,” said Heather Geronemus, Senior Director of Social Equity, Opportunity and Impact at UKG. “Partnering with the Museum of Discovery and Science for Family Pride Day allows us to celebrate and support the vibrant, diverse families in South Florida, fostering a sense of belonging and allyship that aligns with our core values.” The Museum of Discovery and Science Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. In the past year, MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 15 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service. The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: www.mods.org - Or call: 954.467.MODS (6637). Like or follow them on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/modsftl - Twitter: www.twitter.com/modsftl - Instagram: www.instagram.com/modsftl < Previous News Next News >

Interactive Culinary Activations: Cocktail Classes, Secret Dishes & Seasonal Highlights In Aventura August 15, 2024 Share Bourbon Steak Miami, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant, is proud to announce a lineup of delicious and interactive culinary activations and offers, available for the next several months. Guests are invited to delight their taste buds with an array of decadent burgers during Burger Month; sip and shake at a monthly cocktail class led by top mixologists; and experience exclusive chef collaborations during the Local Eats Series. Enjoy all this plus a top-secret menu and more at the iconic Aventura modern steakhouse from acclaimed Celebrity Chef Michael Mina. Here’s what’s coming to Miami: Bourbon Steak’s Burger Month August 1st, August 8th, August 15th, August 22nd and August 29th Ramp up your tastebuds and experience Bourbon Steak Miami like never before this August with specialty Wagyu Burgers (starting at $40++) on offer exclusively at the bar. Usually restricted to the secret menu, these indulgent handhelds will change every Thursday, making it possible to try a different Wagyu Burger each week throughout the month. Up first, the ultimate Bourbon Smash Burger featuring Neuski’s Bacon Jam, Grilled Onions, and Bread and Butter Pickles, served with Paprika Fries and BBQ Sauce. Week two will showcase a Bourbon Truffle Burger with Fontina Cheese and Black Summer Truffles with Rosemary Fries and Truffle Aioli; followed by the Bourbon Southern Burger with Fried Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese, and served with Onion Fries with Onion Crema during week three. Close out Burger Month on August 29th with a Bourbon Smoked Brisket Burger with Aged Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeño Coleslaw, served with Pastrami-Spiced Fries and Thousand Island Hollandaise. For more information, please visit the website. Sip ‘N Stir Cocktail Class Thursday, August 15th, September 19th, October 17th Guests are invited to stir their creativity and shake up their night with Bourbon Steak’s new monthly cocktail class. Beginning on Thursday, August 15th, and occurring on the third Thursday of every month thereafter, guests will learn the art of crafting cocktails from expert mixologists, while also enjoying Bourbon Steak’s signature Duck Fat Fries. Priced at $50++, this memorable experience will include two complimentary libations (including one handcrafted by guests), Duck Fat Fries and an additional 20 percent off food and beverage purchases for the duration of the evening. The Cocktail Class will take place every third Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required and can be made on the website. Local Eats Series: Smoke 'N Spirits Dinner Thursday, August 15th An evening of culinary delight awaits on Thursday, August 15th, with Smoke 'n Spirits, which marks the return of Bourbon Steak Miami’s Local Eats Series. Throughout the year, Bourbon Steak’s Executive Chef Mario Beabraut will collaborate with top local chefs for one-night-only exclusive private dining experiences. For the inaugural event, there will be a four-course dinner with an innovative selection of savory, Smoked BBQ Dishes developed by Chef Beabraut and JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa Executive Chef William Gideon. Priced at $285++ per person, each course will be perfectly paired with Old Forester Bourbon cocktails. The following dinner will take place on Thursday, October 10 with Chef Cesar Zapata and Ani Meinhold of Phuc Yea, a Miami style modern Vietnamese restaurant. This collaborative event will feature a paired, four-course collaboration celebrating creativity and bold flavors. Advance reservations are required and can be made via Open Table. Summer Prix Fixe August, September Enjoy a summer treat with an exclusive prix fixe dining experience at Bourbon Steak. Available daily during August and September, guests can enjoy an array of Chef Michael Mina favorites for $98 (excluding tax and gratuity). Start the evening with the restaurant’s classic trio of Fries, continuing with a choice of starter including Coconut and Curry Lobster Bisque, Kale Salad, or Mushroom Risotto. Entree options include: Prime Filet Mignon, Blackened Ora King Salmon, or Amish Roasted Chicken. Top the evening off with either Tropical Key Lime Pie or Valrhona Chocolate Devil’s Food Cake, and it’s the perfect night out. Advance reservations are required and can be made on the website. Secret Menu Offerings Bourbon Steak Miami’s exclusive off-menu offerings are an indulgent delight for “in the know” guests. Diners can embark on an exclusive culinary adventure; the only caveat is that they must ask for them. The secret menu concept was developed by Executive Chef Mario Beabraut to reflect Bourbon Steak’s vibrant atmosphere and modern aesthetic. The innovative menu can be ordered by asking for the “secret menu” item at any time and is available at the bar. BOURBON Steak James Beard Award-Winning Chef Michael Mina's, modern, American Steakhouse at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, BOURBON Steak offers a timeless dining experience that accomplishes all the traditions expected of a steakhouse with whimsical twists. The restaurant celebrates over ten years of wowing diners with its All-Natural, Organic, and Hormone Free cuts of Beef Tempered in Herb-Infused Butter, then grilled over wood to order. Guests can have their choice of prime cuts ranging from Japanese A5 and American Wagyu Beef or a selection of Dry-Age Meats. A Wine Spectator Award-Winning Cellar offers more than 850 select wines, while the bar highlights classic American cocktails. Imagined by designer Tony Chi, the restaurant offers refined, private dining rooms and the stylish Tasting Room for parties of up to 40 guests. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa Tucked away on 300 acres between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is a tropical oasis with a culture of accessible luxury and enriching experiences. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is a part of Marriott’s exclusive JW Marriott portfolio. The resort has been a multi-time recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award and US News & World Report's Best Hotels; and was named to Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best in 2023. Bourbon Steak is located inside the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa at: 19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida 33180. For more information, please visit: www.bourbonsteakmia.com < Previous News Next News >

Solo Travel Tips: Recommendations For Venturing Out Alone Fri Mar 10 2023 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Americans Should Not Be Silenced: To The Founders, All of America Was A Free Speech Zone By John & Nisha Whitehead September 29, 2022 Share “We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” — Abraham Lincoln. In America today, the government does whatever it wants, freedom be damned. “We the people” have been terrorized, traumatized, and tricked into a semi-permanent state of compliance by a government that cares nothing for our lives or our liberties. The bogeyman’s names and faces have changed over time, but the end result remains the same: in the so-called name of national security, the Constitution has been steadily chipped away at, undermined, eroded, whittled down, and generally discarded with the support of Congress, the White House, and the courts. What we are left with today is but a shadow of the robust document adopted more than two centuries ago. Sadly, most of the damage has been inflicted upon the Bill of Rights. Here is what it means to live under the Constitution, twenty-plus years after 9/11 and with the nation just emerging from two years of COVID-19 lockdowns and mandates. The First Amendment is supposed to protect the freedom to speak your mind, assemble and protest nonviolently without being bridled by the government. It also protects the freedom of the media, as well as the right to worship and pray without interference. In other words, Americans should not be silenced by the government. To the founders, all of America was a free speech zone. Despite these clear protections, Americans are being persecuted for challenging government corruption. The Second Amendment was intended to give the citizenry the means to resist tyrannical government. Yet while gun ownership has been recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court as an individual citizen right, Americans remain powerless to defend themselves against red flag gun laws, militarized police, SWAT team raids, and government agencies armed to the teeth with military weapons better suited to the battlefield. The Third Amendment prohibits the military from entering any home without “the consent of the owner.” With the police increasingly training like the military, acting like the military, and posing as military forces—complete with heavily armed SWAT teams, military weapons, assault vehicles, etc. - it is clear that we now have what the founders feared most - a standing army on American soil. The Fourth Amendment ensures privacy and bodily integrity. Unfortunately, the Fourth Amendment has been all but eviscerated by an unwarranted expansion of governmental police and surveillance powers. The Fifth Amendment and the Sixth Amendment work in tandem. These amendments supposedly ensure that you are innocent until proven guilty, and government authorities cannot deprive you of your life, your liberty or your property without the right to an attorney and a fair trial before a civilian judge. However, in the new suspect society in which we live, where surveillance is the norm, these fundamental principles have been upended. Certainly, if the government can arbitrarily freeze, seize or lay claim to your property (money, land or possessions) under government asset forfeiture schemes, you have no true rights. The Seventh Amendment guarantees citizens the right to a jury trial. Yet when the populace has no idea of what’s in the Constitution, that inevitably translates to an ignorant jury incapable of distinguishing justice and the law from their own preconceived notions and fears. However, as a growing number of citizens are coming to realize, the power of the jury to nullify the government’s actions - and thereby help balance the scales of justice - is not to be underestimated. Jury nullification reminds the government that “we the people” retain the power to ultimately determine what laws are just. The Eighth Amendment is supposed to protect the rights of the accused and forbid the use of cruel and unusual punishment. However, the Supreme Court’s determination that what constitutes “cruel and unusual” should be dependent on the “evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society” leaves us with little protection in the face of a society lacking in morals altogether. The Ninth Amendment provides that other rights not enumerated in the Constitution are nonetheless retained by the people. Popular sovereignty - the belief that the power to govern flows upward from the people rather than downward from the rulers - is clearly evident in this amendment. However, it has since been turned on its head by a centralized federal government that sees itself as supreme and which continues to pass more and more laws that restrict our freedoms under the pretext that it has an “important government interest” in doing so. As for the Tenth Amendment’s reminder that the people and the states retain every authority that is not otherwise mentioned in the Constitution, that assurance of a system of government in which power is divided among local, state and national entities has long since been rendered moot by the centralized Washington, DC, power elite—the president, Congress and the courts. Thus, if there is any sense to be made from this recitation of freedoms lost, it is simply this: our individual freedoms have been eviscerated so that the government’s powers could be expanded. It was no idle happenstance that the Constitution opens with these three powerful words: “We the people.” As the Preamble proclaims: We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for the United States of America. In other words, it’s our job to make the government play by the rules of the Constitution. Here’s an idea to get educated and take a stand for freedom: anyone who signs up to become a member of The Rutherford Institute gets a wallet-sized Bill of Rights card and a Know Your Rights card. Use this card to teach your children the freedoms found in the Bill of Rights. As I point out in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, “we the people” have the power to make and break the government. Imagine what we could accomplish if we actually worked together, presented a united front, and spoke with one voice. Tyranny wouldn’t stand a chance. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

Torah Championship: Coming to South Florida For Children Grades 3 Through 7 Tue Nov 08 2022 17:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Radio Personality That Survived A Massive Brain Aneurysm Now Using Her Voice To Help Others Aventura Digest Nov 20, 2025 “Jada Kiss” May Have Sounded Like The Life-Of-The-Party On 103.5 FM The Beat’s Nighttime Radio Show, But The Real-Life Jada Williams Was Scared. A Single Mother With Two Kids, She Had Crippling Headaches Every Day For Three Months And Was Losing The Ability To Do The Job She Had Done For The Past Four Years. “My brain was hurting, I was nauseous and I could barely see out of one eye,” said Williams, the Producer of DJ Bulletproof’s show/podcast. “I couldn’t keep up with the pace of live radio and was barely making it through my shifts.” Given her history of migraine headaches, it would have been reasonable to assume Williams’ issues stemmed from that, but the 42-year-old, North Miami resident knew this was a different kind of pain. At her wit’s end, she went to the ER at Memorial Hospital Pembroke where a CT scan revealed a giant brain Aneurysm, the type that when it ruptures kills nearly 50% of its victims. Among the half that manage to survive the brain bleed, nearly 70% are left with cognitive deficits that affect memory, attention, reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making. “Jada had one of the largest Aneurysms I’ve ever seen,” said Dr. Brijesh P. Mehta, Chief of Adult & Pediatric Neurointerventional Surgery and Medical Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Program at Memorial Healthcare System. “We performed a minimally-invasive endovascular procedure in the cath lab to cut off blood supply to the Aneurysm using a flow diverting device and coils.” Memorial Neuroscience Institute Neurointerventionalists care for more than 200 brain aneurysm patients each year, making it one of the largest treatment centers in South Florida. One in every 50 people has the potentially deadly condition, with High Blood Pressure, smoking and family history being the most significant contributors to Brain Aneurysm formation. Worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness are the most common symptoms. While both her grandfather and his sister died from Brain Aneurysms, Williams is now about four months post procedure and on the road to a full recovery. She is once again driving, taking care of her children, ages 11 and 14, and contributing to the radio show. But she’s also being cautious to avoid setbacks, with the memories of 10 days of bed rest and six weeks without leaving her home too fresh to forget. What was once, according to Dr. Mehta, “a ticking time bomb,” is now a new lease on life for Jada Williams. A Brain Aneurysm that could have easily ruptured never did and Williams believes that means she was meant to serve a bigger purpose. “I hope I can be an example to others,” she said. “Your lifestyle matters and you don’t have to be a superwoman. Listen to your body, advocate for yourself and if you think something isn’t right, get it checked before another day goes by.” Memorial Neuroscience Institute: www.mhs.net/services/neuroscience which offers advanced diagnoses, comprehensive treatment, compassionate care, and rehabilitation for complex neurological conditions. Few centers can match the depth of its neurological expertise or the wide range of available services. Part of the Memorial Healthcare System and recognized for its quality and safety, the Comprehensive Stroke Program treats conditions of the Brain that include Acute Strokes, Vascular Malformations, Carotid Stenosis and Arteriovenous Fistulas of the Spine. To learn more about the complete continuum of Neurological Care Memorial provides, visit: www.mhs.net/services/neuroscience . Jada Williams with Dr. Brijesh Mehta “Jada had one of the largest Aneurysms I’ve ever seen,” said Dr. Brijesh P. Mehta Previous Next

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Thu Dec 01 2022 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Consumer Alert: Attorney General Moody Warns of Payment App Hack Attacks Thu Nov 11 2021 05:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Help Control Invasive Iguanas In The City Of Hollywood By City of Hollywood Jul 23, 2026 Green Iguanas Have Become A Growing Problem Throughout South Florida, Including The City Of Hollywood. As An Invasive Species, They Can Damage Seawalls, Docks, Sidewalks, Landscaping, And Other Property. They Also Burrow Beneath Structures, Creating Safety Concerns, And Compete With Native Wildlife For Habitat. In response to the growing iguana population and an increase in resident complaints, the City of Hollywood has contracted with a licensed wildlife trapping company to humanely remove iguanas from City-owned properties, parks, rights-of-way, and other public areas. This proactive effort helps protect public infrastructure, improve safety, and reduce the impact of invasive wildlife throughout the community. Private property owners are also encouraged to take steps to help control the invasive population. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends making properties less attractive to iguanas by removing food sources, eliminating potential nesting areas, filling burrows, and using humane trapping or removal methods when appropriate. Residents may notice licensed wildlife trappers working throughout Hollywood. Trappers contracted by the City can be identified by bright orange shirts marked "Wildlife Trapper" and are authorized to conduct removal activities on public property. For more information about iguana control or to report concerns, contact the City of Hollywood Department of Public Works at: (954) 967-4526. Or visit the City's website at: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/1059/Public-Works . Tamara James Day Saturday, July 25th, 2026 - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center 2400 Charleston Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33020 Basketball, FREE school supplies and more! Previous Next