Open Call To Artists: Business For The Arts Of Broward Announces Paid Public Art Mentorship Opportunity July 25, 2024 Share Business For The Arts Of Broward (BFA) in partnership with Broward Health is offering five South Florida-based emerging muralists the opportunity to work with Professional Lead Artist Lori Pratico in the commission of a highly visible mural at Broward Health Medical Center. Funding for the mural is provided by The Wayne and Lucretia Weiner Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward and the Cathy and James Donnelly Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward and Crown Residential. All entries must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday, July 31st, via Call for Entries (CaFÉ). Applicants are required to fill out the submission form to be considered: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=13734. Artists must submit 8 to 10 images of any previous work and provide a written one-page letter of interest that informs the committee about themselves and their art practice to date and include any themes noticed in their work and the materials used, as well as explaining why they are interested in this opportunity or pursuing a career in creating murals. Business For The Arts Of Broward requests applicants to be at least 18 years of age at the time of submission, be based in South Florida and possess reliable transportation to the job site. Artists should have previously completed one to five murals or large artworks. “This is an incredible opportunity for these artists to be part of a signature mural at Broward Health Medical Center,” said Broward Health President & CEO Shane Strum. “We look forward to sharing their inspiring work with the community as part of the beautification of our downtown medical campus.” Pratico will design the mural's overall look and have the final say in its design and execution, and the final design will be pre-approved by Broward Health. Selected artists will have the opportunity to add their style to designated sections of the mural at Pratico's sole discretion. A professional artist with more than 35 years of experience, Pratico started her arts career in Philadelphia as a billboard painter and has executed over 100 murals in 16 states. Her specialties include community engagement, hand lettering and surface design. Through this mentorship with Pratico, each of the five selected emerging artists will receive hands-on experience in designing and scaling and working on large scale murals; up to a $5,000 Stipend with a maximum of 100 painting hours at $50 Per Hour; $30 Per Day Lunch Stipend; General Liability Insurance Coverage for $200-$300 Value; name included on the mural; appropriate ownership of the project; visibility through a documentary style presentation of the mural creation and process that educates and promotes future artists; team Zoom meetings to review creating a proposal, applying for insurance, best practices, pricing, creating a budget, selecting materials and anti-graffiti coatings; and continued career support available after the completion of this project. “Mural artists require training and experience to transition from small paintings to large scale work and often struggle with applying for public art commissions and building their portfolio, so we are thrilled to give them this opportunity with such a high profile location,” Business For The Arts Executive Director Robyn Vegas said. If selected, artists must be able to work outside on site for at least 70 hours and maximum 100 hours painting. Artists will work consecutively for five to seven days per week and anywhere from seven to 7.5 hours per day given weather conditions. Start date TBD. The program is broken up between two phases: Phase 1 – Artist Selection Timeline: June 28th, 2024: *Virtual Information Session; July 31st, 2024: Deadline for submissions; August 8th, 2024: Artist notifications. Phase 2 – Mentorship Timeline: August 12th, 2024: Selected artists will meet via Zoom to review the project, requirements and answer questions; August 26th, 2024: Meet via Zoom for information session about beginning the mural process. Date TBD For additional information, visit: https://bfabroward.org/programs/public-art/. Artists must submit through the CaFE website, here is how: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/how-to-apply-artists/. BFA offers its public art program to curate and facilitate interior and exterior murals and sculptures. Arts improve the image and identity of communities, attract new visitors and integrate the vision of both community and business leaders. The program supports local artists and creatives and reinforces the culture of community, connectivity, unity and engagement across diverse populations. Business For The Arts Of Broward’s Public Art Committee’s mural program is modeled after Wynwood Walls in Miami, Yorkville Murals in Toronto, Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Baltimore Mural Program, among others. Business For The Arts Of Broward is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more, visit: www.facebook.com/BFABroward - Or: https://bfabroward.org/. For more information about BFA and its programs, contact Robyn Vegas at: (954) 940-4933. Or email: rvegas@bfabroward.org . < Previous News Next News >

Insectos y Bicharracos: Presented in Spanish As Part of The ZunZún Children's Fest 2023 September 28, 2023 Share The City of Aventura and FUNDarte present the children’s musical Insectos y Bicharracos by Singer-Songwriter Rita Rosa Ruesga on Friday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m. Performed in Spanish, this Musical is inspired by the beloved album of the same name, which Ruesga produced. Accompanied by her band of local musicians, she weaves a story full of Caribbean rhythms and colorful bicharracos, or creepy crawly insects. The story follows Rosa, who has baked a delicious tartlet to celebrate cleaning the patio with her friends. Musicians and insects have been invited to the party, but… the tart has disappeared. The investigation to find it features songs that provide clues to finding the culprit. Reaching thousands of children around the world, Ruesga is a Four-Time Grammy® Award Nominee for her Afro-Caribbean and Latin American Musical projects for young people from Cuba, Mexico, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Germany, Sweden, Panama and the U.S. Internationally recognized for the production of several recordings of children's music, she has worked with Renowned Artists such as: Celia Cruz and Ricky Martin, among others. Ruesga is the author of three children’s books published by Scholastic Books. She graduated in Choral Direction from the National School of Art in Havana. The Production features Costume and Set Design by Celia Ledón, Artistic Direction by Eddy Díaz Souza and General Production by FUNDarte. Insectos y Bicharracos is presented as part of The ZunZún Children's Fest, a FUNDarte series that annually celebrates with families and younger audiences a varied program of bilingual projects that brings together local and visiting artists. The festival seeks to promote the appreciation of universal culture and the values of "Hispanidad." FUNDarte is a multidisciplinary Non-Profit Organization dedicated to producing, presenting, and promoting music, theater, dance, film, and visual arts that speak to Miami’s diverse cultures, emphasizing Hispanic/Latino arts and culture. FUNDarte mainly works to nurture emerging artists and those with little or no exposure to South Florida audiences; facilitate intercultural and international exchanges; and provide local audiences and artists with educational opportunities that expand their creative, critical, and social perspectives. More information is available at: http://fundarte.us/ 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 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @aventuracenter. Or at: #aventuracenter. < Previous News Next News >

Auto Tags of Hallandale: Serving The Community For Almost 40 Years By Austin Torres May 17, 2024 Share Among the many businesses in South Florida, few can say that they have been open for over 30 years. Thanks to the committed and outstanding customer service of Founder, Randy Giunto, Auto Tags of Hallandale is one of those few exceptional businesses that are able to celebrate that milestone. Through their unwavering dedication to delivering customer satisfaction and their “old school” approach to business, Auto Tags of Hallandale can proudly say they have been around since 1987 and are showing no signs of slowing down. Randy, whose family roots in the area can be traced back over a half-century, attended elementary and middle school right here in the city. As a young man, he enjoyed playing many sports like baseball and football at City Park (Bluesten Park) and since then, not much has changed. Randy is a still a major sports fanatic and his outgoing attitude and love of people have continued to make him a pillar of the community. Randy has built a remarkable reputation through his various relationships in the community. His love of people and desire to always give back to the community he grew up in, has garnered him an enormous and varying network of clientele from far and wide. Few can say that they have had the privilege of being in business for as a long as Randy has. “I never left,” says Randy. “To be a part of this community for so long has really meant so much to me and our family. Through the years, even though we were based in Hallandale, we started to pick up new customers from all over.” Randy’s experience assisting customers with a title, tag, renewal or the proper motor vehicle documents has helped establish Auto Tags of Hallandale as a premier business in South Florida. They offer a variety of services that include assistance in registering your vehicle, updating your decal, or replacing it if it has been lost or stolen. If you are a new resident to Florida and the city of Hallandale and need to register your vehicle, then Auto Tags of Hallandale can assist you in this process. Bring in your vehicle's title from the state from which you are moving, proof of Florida insurance and a valid driver's license or passport. For those of you who have lost your plate or decal, you can come in with your valid driver's license and your signature on the replacement form, which can be found via a link on their website: www.autotagsofhallandale.com - and apply for a new one. If your plate or decal was stolen, then you can come with the same form and your license and the team at Auto Tags of Hallandale will also assist you in the application process. However, Auto Tags of Hallandale not only assists customers with tags, titles and renewals for automobiles, but they can also assist you with trucks, boats, motorcycles, mobile homes, trailers and they will even provide notary service. If you have just moved to the state, Welcome to Florida! Bring Randy your vehicle's title from the state from which you are moving, proof of Florida insurance and a valid driver's license or passport and he can take care of everything. Whatever the issue is, you can certainly always count on Randy and the team at Auto Tags of Hallandale to take care of your needs with a warm attention to detail and a commitment, that truly makes them stand out in a way that keeps clients coming back for more. Auto Tags of Hallandale’s client list include businesses such as: Total Appliance, Wind Chill, LLC, Cusano’s Bakery and Lee’s Locksmith & Bicycle Shop. “The only way to stay in business in South Florida, is through building long lasting relationships with our customers. That’s why so many of our customers and clients will tell you that they won’t go anywhere else for their vehicle registration needs,” says Randy. Little has changed at Auto Tags of Hallandale since they opened their doors to customers back in 1987. You can still expect the same warm welcome and authenticity from Randy that has made him such a popular figure in the area. In October of 2022, Auto Tags of Hallandale celebrated their fourth year at their new location in the popular 7th Avenue Village Shops. “What a great location, our loyal customers will find us quickly, but we are also excited about the new business that will walk in daily. We are right behind Marco’s Pizza and next to World Of Hearing,” said Randy. For those of you interested in visiting Auto Tags of Hallandale you can check out their location at 701 West Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Suite 106, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. You can also contact Randy directly at: 954.456.5771. Additionally, you can visit their website at: www.autotagsofhallandale.com < Previous News Next News >

It's Time To LOL Again: Three Great Performances This Season In Aventura December 12, 2022 Share Comedy is returning to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, the Stand-Up Comedy Series presented by the city of Aventura features three great performances this season! The series will include the comedy of Bobby Collins, Modi and Henry Cho. Bobby Collins - January 19, 2023 Comedian Bobby Collins has distinguished himself as one of the Premier Comedians in our country. He has an ability to truthfully translate the human condition. Audiences across the country relate to his comedic characterizations as he exposes the humor of day-to-day situations as well as serving up resplendent rants on world events. Through precise physical timing and impeccable audience insight, he has honed his talents while performing from hole in the wall clubs to sold out theaters. Bobby Collins’ rise to top headlining, comedic master was inevitable. His true dedication to his craft is what keeps his vibrant shows consistently sold out. A native New Yorker, Collins possesses a confidence and genuine everyman likability that can only be earned. He knows what it’s like to work a day job, in order to pursue a dream. He’s flipped his share of burgers, as well as signing on as a substitute high school history teacher, to pay the bills – all the while performing in comedy clubs at night. Modi - February 8 - 9, 2023 Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs. Henry Cho - March 23, 2023 Henry’s TV credits include appearances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, CBS’s The Late, Late, Show, and NBC’s Young Comedians Special. He served two years as host of NBC’s Friday Night Videos and had many guest roles on various network sitcoms. Henry was co-creator, co-producer and co-writer of “The Henry Cho Show” on GAC. Henry’s one hour Comedy Central Special, “What’s That Clickin Noise?” is currently running and on Netflix. Henry can also be heard daily on Sirrus, XM, Blue Collar Radio and Pandora. He’s also a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry. Some of Henry’s film credits include Universal’s McHale’s Navy with Tom Arnold and David Allen Greer; Say It Isn’t So with Heather Graham and Sally Field; and Material Girls with Hilary Duff and Angelica Houston produced by Madonna. Tickets Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. You can purchase tickets online at www.aventuracenter.org - by phone at: 877.311.7469 or 954.462.0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: 954.660.6307. Parking Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of Excellence School. Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, in the circular drive. There is a convenient drop-off area in front of the building. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura. < Previous News Next News >

Discover the Arts Day: Gasper Arts Center and WMODA Join Forces In Dania Beach on Saturday, May 14th, 2022 May 5, 2022 Share WMODA is partnering with Gasper Arts to promote creativity in our community. On Saturday, May 14th, 2022, at the two locations on South Federal Highway, visitors can enjoy artist demonstrations and exhibitions for selling ceramics and glass art. The WMODA Museum creates cultural experiences and provides life-long learning opportunities to build the Dania Beach Arts Community. The new Gasper Arts Center expands this experience as an incubator for creativity with hand-on facilities for making ceramics and glass art. Gasper Arts will be open FREE to the public from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with tours of the new studios and shared workspaces plus demonstrations of pottery making, glass mosaics, painting and more. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony with commissioners from Dania Beach at 1:00 p.m. to formally open the new facility. 22 newly renovated spaces are now available for artists and creative professionals to lease. Gasper Arts has three new state of the art ceramics kilns and 12 pottery wheels that can support professional artists making ceramics and students learning at scheduled classes. WMODA will be open FREE to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with family-friendly activities including “play with clay” sessions and scavenger hunts around the museum. WMODA features an extraordinary collection of pottery, porcelain and glass art spanning design and social history from the 1800’s to Present day. Popular exhibits include an enchanting Lladró Porcelain Chandelier and radiant glass art by Dale Chihuly. The Museum shop’s Studio Collection features unique works of art made by artists working in our community. “This is not your grandma’s china cabinet,” says Louise Irvine, the Executive Director & Curator of WMODA. “Glass is hot and ceramics are cool at WMODA!” A full schedule of events will be published on the following websites: www.GasperArts.com & www.WMODA.com Gasper Arts & WMODA Gasper Arts offers a creative environment for artists, students and lovers of art. Gasper Arts has individual studios and shared workspaces available for working artists, creative professionals, students and art lovers to work and thrive. Studio workspace is available to create beautiful art, learn new art skills, as well as host unique events. The Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts (WMODA) is a world-class Museum in South Florida celebrating the Fired Arts of ceramics and glass. The Museum features thousands of works from the world’s most renowned ceramic and glass artists. In addition to a vast collection of 19th and 20th Century British pottery and porcelain from factories such as Wedgwood and Royal Doulton, the Wiener Museum displays works by contemporary glass artists, including Dale Chihuly. < Previous News Next News >

The Art of Tim Forman: Florida Everglades Opens July 3rd through September 26th June 15, 2021 Share “When outdoors, I am drawn to light and the horizon,” said Forman. “My work is influenced by A. E. Backus, who helped me to discover the simple beauty of Florida. I have been painting it ever since.” History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, will present “The Art of Tim Forman: Florida Everglades” from Saturday, July 3 through Sunday, September 26. Forman’s colorful impressionist environmentally inspired works will be on display at the New River Inn (231 Southwest Second Avenue). “Tim Forman’s summer exhibitions are one of our largest draws and we’re looking forward to showcasing his masterful landscape oil paintings,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale. “As a paintbrush historian, he excels at capturing the timeless beauty and serenity of Florida’s hidden treasures. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience one of our region’s true talents.” Tim Forman is the third generation of Formans to have been born and reared in South Florida. He first picked-up the brush at nine years old under the instruction of Peter Olsen. By 17, Forman was receiving commissions. Primarily a self-taught artist, Forman’s work is the result of dedicated practice. He uses field sketches, plein air paintings, and photographs to compose his pieces that are painted in layers with both knife and brush. He creates his landscapes to portray the splendor and simplicity of the natural world around us. Through his work, Tim seeks to lift the spirits and inspire awe above our day-to-day lives. “When outdoors, I am drawn to light and the horizon,” said Forman. “My work is influenced by A. E. Backus, who helped me to discover the simple beauty of Florida. I have been painting it ever since.” Entry to the exhibit is free with general admission - $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is always free for members, military and children ages six and under. Tickets are available online at http://bit.ly/HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets. History Fort Lauderdale is proud to showcase a variety of annual multicultural exhibits highlighting local, African American, Caribbean and Latin artists sharing their views of history. Permanent exhibits include “The Bryans of Fort Lauderdale” which allows guests to experience the story of the City of Fort Lauderdale as told through the pioneer family that shaped its development from an agricultural outpost in 1896 to a bustling city in the 1920s to its current status as a leading Metropolis, “Juliette Lange: A Portrait of a Mezzo Soprano,” a fashion and lifestyle glimpse of the socially prominent Fort Lauderdale resident with a lauded career as a star vocalist of musical comedy, plus “Archaeology of the New River” and a multitude of narratives and photos sharing the history of other founding families of Fort Lauderdale. For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit us online at https://historyfortlauderdale.org/museum/. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ftlhistory on Instagram @ftlhistory and on Twitter @FTLHistory. < Previous News Next News >

Keeping Our Children Safe By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Mar 26, 2026 Spring Break Is A Reminder That It Is Essential To Prioritize The Safety Of Our Children, Particularly Regarding Water Safety. Our City Collaborated With Broward Fire Rescue And Rotary, Alongside The YMCA, To Host A VIP Reception In Support Of Swim For Jenny Week. This Initiative Honors Jenny, A 12-Year-Old Who Tragically Lost Her Life In A Drowning Incident At A Pool Party. I Remain Committed To Advocating That Swimming Be Recognized As A Fundamental Life Skill Taught To Every Child. Given Florida's Abundance Of Water Environments, Including Pools, Lakes, Canals, Drainage Areas, And Oceans, This Education Is Vital. Last year, swimming deaths increased to double digits. The YMCA is now offering free swimming lessons for everyone aged six months and up. It is always possible to learn—years ago, I paid for a woman to take lessons when she could not swim. Additionally, it is essential not only to teach children how to swim but also to commit us to be Water Watchers. Accidents can occur within seconds—a child may unexpectedly fall into a pool. One guest speaker shared an incident with a pool party where everyone assumed that two fathers were supervising the children. Unfortunately, their attention was diverted, resulting in a tragic loss in mere moments. At every event, multiple individuals should be designated to monitor the water vigilantly. Statistics indicate that one in six children may die from drowning, while others are fortunate enough to be rescued. Every minute is critical. The increase in motorized scooters and bikes is a safety concern. Current law prohibits bikes, scooters, and skateboards in parks. At the last meeting, the commission agreed to enforce this policy. Children caught violating the ordinance will be fined, and if their parents are present, they will also be fined. These violations are classified as municipal ordinance notices, not moving violations. As far as on our sidewalks and streets. Hallandale Beach Police Department will be enforcing the law. All self-propelled vehicles must be driven on the street. Just like any other moving violation the operators will be fined, and the motorized vehicles will be impounded just like cars. Minors operating the vehicle will be held until an adult is present. To clarify, if you have bicycles that require pedaling to start, this is considered distinct from other types of vehicles. The same distinction applies to skateboards and push scooters. While enforcing sidewalk regulations presents challenges, our Police Department will be monitoring and addressing instances where individuals are recklessly endangering pedestrians. We encourage everyone to enjoy our city responsibly and, most importantly, to prioritize safety. It is essential that all members of the community learn to share the road. Drivers are reminded to avoid distractions such as mobile phones and to operate vehicles safely at all times. 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

Pembroke Pines & West Park Named 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award Winners South Florida Sun Times Apr 30, 2026 The Florida League Of Cities (FLC), The United Voice For Florida’s Municipal Governments, Announced The City of Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board And The City Of West Park Youth Council As Two Of Three Winners Of The 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award. The Annual Competition Recognizes Exceptional Youth Council Initiatives Or Projects That Have Made Significant Contributions To Their Local Municipalities. Municipal youth councils are special councils that typically serve as advisory boards to the local governments. They are composed of high school students within the city and are sometimes referred to as youth corps, teen advisory boards, or mayor’s youth councils. The Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board earned the 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award for its Career Fair & Life Skills Event, a citywide initiative developed in direct response to students' questions about life after high school. Now in its second year, the event connected high school students in grades 10-12 with nine local businesses, including the Pembroke Pines Police Department, Dade County Federal Credit Union, and Craig Zinn Automotive Group, through an interactive rotation model covering career exploration, financial literacy, vehicle safety, resume writing, mental health awareness, and more. Organized in partnership with the Miramar/Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce and city leadership, Youth Advisory Board members played a central role in designing, coordinating, and executing the event from concept to completion, gaining firsthand experience in civic leadership while equipping their peers with the practical tools and confidence needed to navigate adulthood successfully. "The Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board has set a remarkable example of what is possible when young leaders take initiative and invest in their future,” said FLC President Holly D. Smith, Vice Mayor of Sanibel. “By bridging the gap between education, city government, and the business community, these students created an experience that equips the next generation with the real-world skills and confidence they need to thrive. I am incredibly proud of the Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board for demonstrating that youth-led civic action has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities for years to come.” The City of West Park Youth Council earned the 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award for its Love Baskets initiative, a community service project that brought comfort to children hospitalized at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. All 12 Youth Council members actively planned, promoted, and assembled 24 curated baskets filled with age-appropriate items, including coloring books, stuffed animals, blankets, and fidget toys. Through a donation drive with collection boxes at City Hall, Mary Saunders Park, and McTyre Park, the Council gathered nearly 300 donated items — a testament to the power of youth-led civic action and community compassion. "The City of West Park Youth Council has shown us that compassion and leadership know no age limit,” said Smith. “Through their Love Baskets initiative, these remarkable students went above and beyond to ensure that children facing the challenges of hospitalization felt seen, valued, and supported by their community. I am incredibly proud of the West Park Youth Council for proving that even the simplest gestures can leave a lasting and meaningful impact when young leaders act with purpose and heart. With young leaders like these championing meaningful initiatives in their communities, the future of Florida’s cities is bright.” The Riviera Beach Youth Council was also named a winner in the statewide competition. Contest winners will receive a monetary award of $500, a trophy, and be featured online in the League’s Quality Cities (QC) magazine as well as on the League’s website and Social Media outlets. For more information on the winning projects, visit: www.flcities.com/youth-councils . City of Pembroke Pines The Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board City of West Park The City of West Park Youth Council Previous Next

AAA Warns: The “100 Deadliest Days” Have Begun - Eight People Are Killed Each Summer Day In Crashes Involving A Teen Driver South Florida Sun Times Jun 11, 2025 The Stretch Between Memorial Day And Labor Day Is Known As The 100 Deadliest Days For Teen Drivers—A Period When Crashes Involving Teen Drivers Spike, Leading To Tragic Consequences. As Teens Hit The Road With Newfound Freedom, Many Underestimate The Dangers Of Distraction, Speeding, And Risky Driving Behaviors. AAA’s review of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a 30% increase in deadly crashes involving teen drivers during summer compared to the rest of the year. On average, eight people lose their lives every day in a teen-related crash between Memorial Day and Labor Day. "During the summer, teen drivers are on the road more often, usually with friends, which increases the risk of distraction and dangerous driving habits,” said Rachel Wilson, Director of Driver Education for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Many feel invincible behind the wheel, underestimating the dangers of speeding, distractions, and not wearing a seatbelt. But crashes hit different when they happen to you —and by then, it’s too late." Key Risk Factors for Teen Drivers New teen drivers (ages 16-17) are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to adults. The biggest contributing factors include: Distraction: Nearly six out of ten teen crashes involve some form of distraction. Teen passengers are the leading distraction, followed by cell phones and infotainment systems. Speeding: Almost 30% of fatal teen crashes involve excessive speed. Driving with teen passengers: Studies show that the risk of a fatal crash increases with each additional teen passenger (NHTSA). Failure to wear a seatbelt: Seatbelt use significantly reduces the likelihood of serious injury or death. "Teens are inexperienced behind the wheel, and that lack of experience combined with risky behaviors is a dangerous mix,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “More teens die in car crashes during summer than any other season. Parents must take an active role in coaching their teens and reinforcing safe driving habits.” AAA’s Advice for Parents AAA urges parents to take proactive steps to ensure their teens are driving safely: • Lead by example. Model good driving behavior by avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, and always buckling up. • Provide at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice. Give teens experience driving in diverse conditions—nighttime, inclement weather, highways, and busy streets. • Teach defensive driving skills. Encourage teens to anticipate hazards, stay alert, and maintain a safe following distance. • Create a parent-teen driving agreement. Establish clear rules about when, where, and with whom your teen can drive. Clearly outline the consequences for breaking the rules and rewards for driving safe. AAA’s Driver Education Resources AAA offers educational tools to help teens develop safe driving habits: How to Drive Online: A self-paced 25-hour online course featuring interactive exercises, videos, and simulations. AAA Approved Driving School Network: Identifies high-quality driving schools that meet AAA’s standards. For more information, visit: www.AAA.com/Drive , Contact: DriverTraining2@acg.aaa.com . Or call: (888) 222-7108. “Crashes Hit Different’ This Summer The key risk factors for teen drivers also happen to be the four leading contributors to traffic injuries and fatalities for all drivers. On average, someone is killed in a car crash every 12 minutes on our nation’s roads, primarily due to four factors: impaired driving, distractions, not buckling up and speed. This is the focus of AAA’s new “Crashes Hit Different” campaign. The Auto Club Group is partnering with roadway safety organizations, community groups, and drivers themselves in an effort to end these senseless tragedies. About AAA - The Auto Club Group The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 65 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit: www.AAA.com , and follow us on social media. Previous Next

The Breast Cancer Journey to “HOPE!” By Robert B. Donoway, MD, FACS October 6, 2022 Share October begins a very busy time of year filled with meetings and my usual surgical schedule but also from the beginning to the end with Community Outreach Lectures on the advances we’ve made in Breast Cancer during the past year or so. It is aimed at showing the importance a single voice, whether a survivor or healthcare provider, can make in our community and that above all, there are exciting new discoveries being made each day, which gives a reason to be HOPEFUL. This Saturday I will participate in the Annual Hepburn Women’s Cancer Event in Hallandale Beach which I have done since it’s inception. It’s an all day fun event for Survivors, families and the Community alike to get together one on one with our local Oncologists and in my case I get to see many women, who as patients have become friends. October 2022 will represent the 38th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month which first started in 1985 to focus awareness on early detection and Breast Cancer Prevention; highlighting the important role of Mammography in early detection first proven by Dr. Philip Strax, a former Broward resident. During the mid 1980s and early 1990s less than 5% of the NCI budget was dedicated to Breast Cancer, its early detection and methods of prevention. Through the efforts of leading organizations, such as Estée Lauder, Avon, the Komen foundation and the American Cancer Society recruiting a “pink” army of thousands of survivors and their families the necessary attention to Breast Cancer finally became a matter for discussion at every major cancer center. We in Broward were no exception. As a recent transplant from New York’s Sloan Kettering in 1990 to the Memorial Regional Cancer Center (now the Memorial Cancer Institute) here in Hollywood/Hallandale Beach, I remember the great excitement that surrounded all of our early Breast Cancer events to support fundraising that went on long after October had passed. Funding from Komen and ACS resulted in our community having a strong investment in Community Outreach Programs and Mobile Mammography Units. As a Surgical Oncologist we also were among the first to adopt techniques of minimal Lymph Node sampling of Breast Cancer in 1993; which did not become popular for over 10 more years. There have been many such advances in our community that our residents have benefitted from. We had the first Breast MRI in 1995 and for many years women from all over South Florida came to be tested at Memorial, even from the University of Miami. Targeted Breast Irradiation, both internally and externally, has long been a staple among the options patients have been offered for over 22 years. And as support through community activism has grown and provided much necessary funding so too has the many Alliances with leading National Cancer Programs that has enabled patients to receive State-Of-The-Art Therapies, whether Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Radiation, CryoAblation or surgery, all without leaving their community. For over 32 years we have been truly able to make the best Cancer Care available anywhere, available to all within 5 miles of their home. During these 30+ years over 50,000 women and about 500 men with Breast Cancer have been treated in Broward County. Diagnostics, Treatment and Social support services that were all stretched to their limits during the Pandemic are at last returning with great vigor and with renewed vitality to their Pre-Pandemic levels. They say “it takes a village” and nowhere is it more apparent than in Cancer Care where the role every person and organization builds ever stronger the ties that bind us together as members of the human race, who can come together despite all, to build a healthier community, where one can find all the necessary supports in place to help everyone regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or sexual alignment. Myself and my staff at the Donoway Center are very proud of the role we have played in our community and want to thank all those who entrusted their and their families lives’ to us these past 32 years. It has always been our goal to ensure every patient receives the most advanced treatment while never forgetting the human touch of compassion that enables one to understand that HOPE is the Answer. Through our Donoway Center Foundation we are offering Hope to those with advanced cancers who are often written off and have presented our research at National meetings of the successful options many have available simply by living here and if you’d like to contribute and this is only the beginning, you can log onto: www.DonowayCenterfoundation.com We look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming Annual Women’s Breast Cancer Event at the Hepburn Center in Hallandale Beach on Saturday, October 8th, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Look on-line to see the events. We are a proud supporter of it since its earliest beginnings. Robert B. Donoway, MD, FACS The Donoway Center For Cancer Treatment The Donoway Center Foundation www.AtlasOncology.com 954-986-6366 < Previous News Next News >

Education is Failing America's Future By Forgetting its Past By Jamie Gass and Chris Sinacola January 31, 2024 Share In 2022, eighth grade test scores in civics and U.S. history hit record lows. The decline didn't start with pandemic school closings. But they made it worse and revealed its extent. Less than half of adults can name the three branches of the U.S. government. Another 25% can't name even one. And just over one-third of Americans can pass the U.S. citizenship test. These sad facts are a reminder that the future success of our nation is far from guaranteed. We must acknowledge the imperfections of our current system and work to reform them -- a challenging but hardly impossible task. For starters, history curricula should be based on the United States' founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers. Some states have prioritized reading primary sources and writing assignments so that students develop background knowledge, vocabulary, and the ability to advance evidence-based arguments. The 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act, for example, prioritized the study of U.S. history through primary documents in each grade and required passing a U.S. history exam for high school graduation. South Carolina, California, Alabama, Indiana, and New York have also previously adopted rigorous state standards for history and social science. In some cases, these reforms were repealed in favor of trendier classes in "social studies." But the principles underlying the 1993 Massachusetts law and others like it got the fundamental questions right. They are worthy of revival. All states should also require a passing mark on a civics test or the U.S. citizenship exam for a high-school diploma. Today, only eight states do so. If we're to truly become the educated society the Founders envisioned, we'll have to invest in better training for teachers as well. Most states have dropped even basic requirements for people entering the teaching profession, blaming a shortage of qualified labor. Finally, the institutes of higher learning that train teachers must convey the centrality of civics and history in a curriculum geared toward producing good citizens. Education is the responsibility of state and local actors. Rather than retaining the top-down approach that has led to our current failures, school systems should engage with parents to understand their educational priorities for their children. Expanded school-choice programs can provide the means for parents to go elsewhere when they are dissatisfied with available public education options. The importance of a nonpartisan, fact-based U.S. history and civics education cannot be overstated. Without one, students will not be able to take their place as informed and engaged citizens dedicated to preserving the legacy of America's Founders. We know how to provide that sort of education. We just need the will to make it happen. The future of our great country depends on it. Jamie Gass is Director for the Center for School Reform at Pioneer Institute, where Chris Sinacola is Director of Communications. They are co-editors of Restoring the City on a Hill: U.S. History and Civics in America's Schools. A longer version of this piece was originally published in the Miami Herald. Editors note: For information about school choice in Broward visit: https://www.browardschools.com/schoolchoice and for Miami dade visit: https://yourchoicemiami.org < Previous News Next News >

Post-Passover Pizzas Prepared With Panache At A Local Hallandale Restaurant By Ira Liebowitz Apr 23, 2026 Pizzas Are Served Alongside Other Popular Dishes At Imaleh Grill, A Not-Yet-Famous Eatery In Hallandale Beach Offering Mediterranean-Style Fare. The restaurant opened in 2024 in a location long known for ice cream. The space once drew loyal customers for frozen treats popularized by New York entrepreneur Tom Carvel, whose soft-serve “custard” became a well-known rival to Dairy Queen. Now, in the present day, Imaleh Grill has taken on a different identity. It is just after midnight on a Thursday turning into Friday. An unusual hour, perhaps, to find a restaurant bustling with activity and a “clamoring clientele.” But following the conclusion of the eight-day Jewish holiday of Passover—during which observant tradition prohibits leavened bread—the demand for freshly made pizza returns almost immediately. Inside the back section of Imaleh Grill, a crowd of roughly 50 customers waits eagerly as pizzas are prepared five at a time and placed into a steel oven. The pace is relentless. Dough is continuously shaped, portioned, and placed on the counter, then quickly transformed into round bases ready for sauce and cheese. Next to him, the owner, Eric Huziza, moves with equal speed, spreading tomato sauce and cheese across each uncooked base as they arrive. These pizzas are prepared in accordance with dietary observance for the holiday transition, emphasizing simple, meatless preparations. Only two staff members handle the pizza station that night, yet their speed keeps the line moving without pause. Some customers order four or five pizzas at once, along with garlic rolls and other items. Despite the intensity of the rush, neither worker appears to stop for breaks or even a sip of water. At one point, Eric calls out, “Grab a water for me, please,” as the nonstop rhythm of preparation continues. By estimating the pace—about five pizzas every few minutes—it becomes clear how quickly the output adds up. Over the course of several hours, hundreds of pizzas are produced and served. If service begins around 9:00 p.m. and continues past midnight, it is reasonable to estimate that several hundred pizzas are prepared during the night, alongside additional dishes such as shawarma wraps made in the front section of the restaurant. In total, more than 200 customers—families, groups, and late-night diners—are served and satisfied as the post-holiday rush winds down. Imaleh Grill 300 West Hallandale Beach Boulevard Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 (305) 735-4565 Everything they make, from their famous skewers, Shawarma Meat Pitas, to their fresh salads, they use the best ingredients and traditional recipes. Pizzas Fresh out of the oven. Your reporter, Ira Liebowitz. Imaleh Grill is located at 300 W Hallandale Beach Blvd. To view their menu, visit: https://imaleh.com Previous Next