A Hometown Olympian: City Of Pembroke Pines Honors Kendall Ellis With Key To The City September 20, 2024 Share In a heartfelt tribute to local athletic excellence, the city of Pembroke Pines will celebrate one of its own as Mayor Angelo Castillo presents the Key to the City to Kendall Ellis, a distinguished two-time Olympian, during a special City Commission Meeting. The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, at 6:30 pm in Commission Chambers at 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33025. The Key to the City is a prestigious honor that symbolizes the highest level of civic recognition. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the community or achieved remarkable feats in their respective fields. Kendall Ellis, a Pembroke Pines native and Track And Field Athlete, is set to receive this honor in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in athletics and her role as a global ambassador for her hometown. Born on March 8, 1996, Kendall Ellis grew up in Pembroke Pines, a city she has proudly represented on the world stage. Her athletic journey began in the local schools, with a strong foundation laid at Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School (PPCES) and Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School West (PPCM West). She continued her education and athletic career at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where her potential began to shine brightly. After graduating in 2014, Ellis went on to the University of Southern California (USC), where she continued to excel both academically and athletically. At USC, she was a standout in Track And Field, showcasing the talent that would later earn her a place among the elite athletes in the world. Ellis graduated from USC in 2017 with a degree that set the stage for her future successes. Ellis's accomplishments in Track And Field are nothing short of remarkable. Her career took a significant leap forward at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she was a crucial member of the U.S. Women's 4x400m Relay team that clinched a Gold Medal. Additionally, she earned a Bronze Medal in the Mixed 4x400m Relay, further demonstrating her versatility and skill on the track. The pinnacle of her recent achievements came in 2024 when she won the 400m at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. This victory not only made her a National Champion but also secured her place in the Paris Olympics, where she will compete in the open 400m. This achievement underscores Ellis's dedication, perseverance, and exceptional talent. In addition to her athletic prowess, Ellis has pursued academic excellence with equal determination. She earned a Master’s Degree in Business from DeVry Keller Graduate School in 2021, demonstrating her commitment to personal and professional growth beyond the track. Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo expressed his admiration and pride in Ellis's achievements. “Kendall has shown to the world what Pembroke Pines residents are capable of and we are so very proud of her,” said Castillo. “A Key to the City not only represents civic recognition but also gratitude reserved for individuals such as Kendall whose service to the public and common good rises to the highest level of achievement.” The Key to the City Ceremony will be a moment of celebration and reflection for the community. Ellis's journey from a local student to an international sports star is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and the supportive environment of Pembroke Pines. The city’s recognition of her achievements is not just a ceremonial gesture but a meaningful acknowledgment of her role in inspiring others and representing her hometown with distinction. As Ellis prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics, her story continues to resonate with many. Her success has become a source of inspiration for young athletes and residents of Pembroke Pines alike. The city's gesture of awarding her the Key to the City highlights the deep appreciation and respect that the community holds for her contributions and accomplishments. The City Commission Meeting, where the award presentation will take place, is open to the public. Residents and supporters are encouraged to attend and join in the celebration of Kendall Ellis's remarkable achievements. The event promises to be a memorable occasion, marking not only a significant moment in Ellis's career but also a proud moment for Pembroke Pines. In addition to the formal presentation of the Key to the City, the evening will feature tributes from local dignitaries and community leaders who have been inspired by Ellis's journey. The celebration will underscore the impact of her achievements on the local community and the broader world of athletics. As the city of Pembroke Pines honors Kendall Ellis, it also reflects on the values of determination, excellence, and community support that her story embodies. Her accomplishments serve as a beacon of what is possible through hard work and dedication, and the Key to the City is a fitting tribute to her outstanding contributions both on and off the track. For more information about the City Commission Meeting and the Key to the City presentation, residents are encouraged to visit the Pembroke Pines city website at: www.ppines.com - Or contact the City Clerk’s office at: (954) 450-1050. City officials look forward to celebrating this special occasion with Kendall Ellis and the entire community, as they come together to honor a true local hero. < Previous News Next News >

What Happens To Your Deposit When Getting A Mortgage? A Clear Strong Offer Could Make The Difference Between Being Accepted Or Declined By Christopher Carter: Real Estate Broker Associate February 8, 2024 Share Many buyers wonder where their deposits end up as they progress from a seller accepting their offer, to applying for mortgage financing, to handling all the other details involved with buying a house or condo. The answer to our question turns out to be rather simple, though is not that straightforward when you first think about it. Some buyers may ask: Does the seller hold our deposit? Is it sent to our mortgage lender? Do we get it back at closing? Nope, none of the above. Residential real estate contracts used to submit offers to sellers include lines for the following entries: purchase price, initial deposit (accompanying the offer), additional deposit (and date due), mortgage loan proceeds (loan amount) and balance of purchase price (due at closing). (The filled-in amounts only relate to the offered purchase price, not including closing costs.) Money that buyers use to pay deposits and closing costs must be readily available cash (not financed), verified during the mortgage application process. (Note - We use the word "cash," though green paper money and personal checks are never used in modern real estate transactions. For security, all funds must be wire transfers directly from the buyer's bank to the transaction's escrow and closing agents.) Deposits are wired from the buyer's bank to a third-party escrow agent identified in the accepted contract who holds the money in a protected, secure bank account until closing. At this point, the money's intended use is not specified. It is being held in escrow to express the buyer's sincerity in making the offer and intent to continue forward as detailed in the contract. The application of deposit money is not defined until a preliminary Settlement Statement is prepared much later in the deal's timeline. Deposit money still belongs to the buyer while in an escrow account, though can be subject to forfeiture if the buyer defaults on a contract provision. If a buyer decides to terminate the deal within the designated Inspection period, under the applicable contract terms, and gives proper notice to the seller, the initial deposit can be returned/refunded by the escrow agent. The escrow agent may also be the closing agent for a transaction. Closing (settlement) agents handle the legal transfer and recording of ownership along with disbursement of all money exchanged between buyer and seller (and lender when mortgage financing is used). They also make sure that required transfer taxes, transaction charges, and service provider fees are paid. In Florida, many sellers and buyers prefer to have their own separate closing/settlement agents who cooperate to close the transaction for each side of the deal. (Personally, I prefer this arrangement of seller and buyer each having their own closing agent.) In Florida, escrow and settlement agents can be either attorneys and law firms or licensed title companies. Let's take a moment to discuss why there are usually 2 separate deposits made at 2 different points in the transaction timeline. The initial deposit accompanies the offer as a show of the buyer's good faith and intent to proceed. In escrow and closing agent language, buyer deposits are called Earnest Money Deposits (EMDs). Because sellers are more comfortable with higher deposit amounts, a 2nd deposit is usually scheduled to be paid after the Inspection (Due Diligence) period has ended and the buyer decides to continue with the deal. Contract language also details how buyers can terminate the offer/contract if they don't like something in the Inspection Report, get back their initial deposits, and not have to pay 2nd deposits if they give proper notice to the seller within the required timeframe. Speak with a Florida-licensed attorney for specifics on offer/contract termination and release of deposits. In answering today's headline question, we need to touch on a basic part of mortgage financing, the Loan-To-Value ratio (LTV). This is the relationship between a property's market value and the amount loaned to purchase it. The buyer's down payment amount determines the initial (qualifying) LTV for any given mortgage loan. 10% down payment = 90% initial LTV. Every loan program has its maximum LTV ratio that the lender is willing to accept when making the loan. As part of their risk management, lenders only provide a certain percentage of any property's value, the rest has to be put up by the buyer. Without enough down payment to meet a specific loan program's required LTV, the buyer will not be approved. A fairly common buyer misconception when using mortgage financing is that the down payment is paid to the lender. No, the lender only needs dependable verification that the buyer has paid enough money toward the purchase price to meet the loan's required maximum LTV. Proof of buyer payments is provided by deposit receipts from the escrow agent and the final Settlement Statement provided to all parties just before closing. At some point before closing and the legal transfer of ownership, the buyer has to get all money for the purchase and transaction costs to the escrow/closing agent. Buyer debit (-) and credit (+) line items are on one side of a Settlement Statement, seller debits and credits are on the other side. Settlement Statements show all the money a buyer has paid (or will be paying) into the deal, including: deposits/earnest money, loan amount from the lender and the net amount due from buyer at closing. The Due from Buyer line is where buyers usually end up paying the remainder of their down payments at closing. Lenders coordinate with closing agents to tell them the remaining amount due to satisfy the loan's LTV requirement after deposit amounts have been applied. Purchase price minus loan amount = down payment amount. Buyer deposits (and the balance due at closing) pay the required mortgage down payment, along with any other buyer costs due. Remember that higher deposits increase seller comfort and confidence, especially when considering an offer which includes mortgage financing. In order for offers to be seen more favorably by sellers (and to compete with all-cash offers), some buyers including a Financing Contingency in their offer have been known to pay total deposits equal to their full mortgage down payment amounts. This means that if they are applying for 90% financing on a purchase (90% LTV), total deposits to the escrow agent will equal 10% of the purchase price. The point here is to pay the full down payment in the 2 deposits well before any lump sum balance due at closing. When using this strategy, be sure the seller is aware of your strong deposits, and include a written explanation in the offer. It could make the difference between your offer being accepted or declined. (Of course, only do this if you are completely sure you really want to buy that property!) Look for a future article expanding on Financing Contingencies and successful strategies when including them in an offer. There we are, a bit of clarification to help buyers understand how their deposits are applied, and maybe a touch of strategy to have those deposits better stand out to sellers. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com < Previous News Next News >

Seasonal Residents: Stay Involved With Your Owners Associations By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate June 29, 2023 Share Seasonal residents of Florida have long been referred to as "Snowbirds" because they come here during the winter months to enjoy our warm weather, beaches, and tropical lifestyle, then around this time of year they head back "up north" until next winter. For this article, we are talking about owners of Florida properties in Association - Governed buildings or communities who only occupy their residences during winter months. This can be either a Condominium Owners Association (COA) building or a Homeowners Association (HOA) Community. Staying informed while you are away is just as important as making sure the A/C is set properly, the water is turned off, lighting timers are in place, and all the other things you do when you won't be in your Florida residence for the summertime off-season. One of the main reasons people buy properties in COA’s and HOA’s is so they can be away for extended periods while built-in security and shared common area maintenance continue during the time they are gone. This provides great peace of mind when owners will be away from their Florida residences for part of the year. Property owners automatically become Association members when they buy into a Condominium Building or HOA Community. Each Association elects a Board of Directors to oversee the business of the Association, representing and protecting the owners' collective interests. It is VERY important for seasonal residents of Florida Condo Buildings and organized communities to stay well-informed and current about what is going on year-round, not just during the time they spend here. Maintenance projects, administrative matters, and planning sessions come up in the summertime while things are slower than the busy winter season when more owners are living in their properties. Some winter-only residents may not be aware that during July and August, parts of South Florida receive torrential rains just about every afternoon. Summer rains can cause water intrusion to houses and condos, along with localized flooding of yards, streets, common areas, community ponds and lakes. On top of that, Florida's Hurricane Season runs from June through November, the months when most Snowbirds are not occupying their Florida residences. Storms can hit anywhere in Florida, from the Keys to the Panhandle, so it is very important to know how your Association prepares for (and cleans up after) rainy season and summertime storms. You have a sizable investment in your Association-Governed building or community, so be aware of what happens when you are not there. Here are a few ways seasonal residents can stay engaged with their Associations while away from their Florida houses or condos: • Request that your Board and Manager communicate Association business with you via email in addition to any statutory notification requirements. This will include dates and times for periodic meetings. You will have to opt-in to electronic notices. • Attend Board and member (owner) meetings remotely via Zoom or other live video platform • Speak with your individual Board members regularly, asking questions and commenting on Association operations, your Board of Directors needs owner feedback • Become relatively familiar with your Association's Governing Documents, especially the Rules for Residents • Read the online edition of a local newspaper to follow what happens in your Florida town or city • Open and read every Association newsletter you receive • Communicate regularly with other owners to discuss Association and property issues • Understand the difference between a ballot and a proxy when voting on Association matters, and how each one is used Condominium and Homeowners Association Boards have the ability to make certain decisions on their own without an owner vote. On the other hand, some decisions do require an owner vote, and just about ALL topics that come before the Board benefit from owner input and viewpoint. Here is one of the most important reasons for seasonal residents to stay well-informed and participate in Association business: For some topics that require an owner vote, COA’s and HOA’s are allowed to only count the number of ballots cast and proxies returned ("members present and voting") when calculating voting results. For other topics, the Association must use the total number of owners eligible to vote ("total voting interests") when calculating the number of owners in favor of that topic. Depending on the matter being decided, it could take either a simple majority (51+%), or a 2/3 (66+%) majority for approval, two common standards for measuring voting results in Florida Associations. Those percentages can result in very different outcomes when they are applied to either all eligible owners or just the ones who felt like voting. By not voting at all because you are a seasonal resident, you could be indirectly approving of something with which you strongly disagree. Here are some hypothetical scenarios for seasonal residents to consider: • What if your Board wants to spend Association money (owners' money) on something that you feel may not be in the best interest of all owners? Will you express a viewpoint or wait to find out the money has already been spent when you return next winter? • Do you feel that some maintenance or repair needs of the building or community are being overlooked or postponed? Rainy summer weather in Florida can magnify all sorts of maintenance issues. • Would you want to know that the possibility of a Special Assessment is being discussed because there may not be enough money in a Reserve account to pay for a large maintenance or replacement item? • What if your Board is starting to discuss amending the Association's Governing Documents or changing some Rules for Residents? You will want to express your viewpoint and have as much time as possible to research the issues before a vote is scheduled. Seasonal residents own their individual condo units or single-family houses just as much as full-timers own theirs. They have the same rights and are required to pay their Association's scheduled Assessments (dues or fees) whether or not they happen to be in Florida when the payment is due. The main takeaway today is for seasonal residents to do everything they can to stay well-informed and participate in the operation of their Owners Associations, even in the off-season. You are the year-round owner of your Florida Condo or HOA residence. Don't think of it as just a vacation timeshare. Stay involved with your Owners Associations. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. < Previous News Next News >

Credit Card Bill vs Bathroom Scale: Would You Rather Lose 20 Pounds of Weight or $2,000 of Debt? June 16, 2022 Share As we steadily make it half way into 2022, the resolutions we made a few months earlier - to spend and eat less – begin to fade from our collective memory. Many of us will be left to ponder two frustratingly large figures: the one that shows up in our Credit Card Bill and the one that appears on the bathroom scale… But which would the average Floridian prefer to lose most? A bulging waistline or a Hefty Debt? It's a hypothetical question which www.BarBend.com the World's leading Strength Training Resource and News Outlet, sought to find the answer to when they questioned 5,337 (18+) Respondents. They asked: Would you rather lose 20 Pounds of Weight, or $2,000 of Debt? It turns out that Floridians are more concerned about their Fitness Debt than their Financial Debt. 65% concluded that losing Weight is more important to them - this is broadly in line with the National Average. Indeed, when it comes to Fitness, many Floridians haven’t been doing nearly as much as the recommended amount per week. Fitness Debt, or Fitness Deficit, can be defined as the difference between how much exercise you should be doing (according to CDC Recommended Guidelines of 150 minutes Per Week) and the amount of exercise you actually do on a regular basis. If you’re exercising your body for fewer hours than it needs to function optimally, you have a Fitness Debt, which can be measured as a Percentage. Over time, a Fitness Deficit can add up and Negatively Impact one’s Health, leading to things like Weight Gain and an Increased Risk of Certain Health Factors – much like how a Poor Credit Score can affect Finances. Another Study By www.BarBend.com revealed that overall, Floridians have an average Fitness Debt of 19.5 Hours Per Year (-15%), as compared to the CDC Recommended amount of 130 Hours Per Year (which is 150 Minutes Per Week). When these Figures were broken down across the States, it was discovered that the two Dakotas were actually in an Overall Fitness Credit to themselves! South Dakota had a Fitness Credit of 7.3%, working out for 7.3 Hours More Per Year than the CDC Recommended amount of 130 Hours. North Dakota also had a Fitness Credit, but of 3.7%; as people here worked out for 3.7 Hours More Per Year than the Recommended Guidelines. Comparatively, the State that had the Overall Highest Fitness Deficit was Wyoming at 35.6 Hours (-35.6%). Many of us are finding ourselves sitting down more throughout the day, especially since the Pandemic started and more of us are working from home, or using the Office/Home Hybrid System. It may sound innocuous to think about the number of hours per day you are sitting down, but sitting has even been referred to as the ‘New Smoking’ based on the number of Health Issues it can trigger. Research shows that those who spend extended periods of time sitting down have Higher Rates of Certain Cancers, as well as Heart Problems, as compared to those who don’t. It can also lead to Poor Circulation and Weight Gain, both of which are Risk Factors for Heart Disease. ‘For some of us, 150 Minutes sounds like a lot of time to allocate towards exercising, but when you break it down into more manageable chunks, it becomes far easier to meet your fitness goals for the week,’ says Max Whiteside for Barbend. ‘This could be Half an Hour Per Day, 5 Days of the week, or you could even split up your workout into two parts – one in the Morning and one in the Afternoon. It’s not about becoming a Triathlete overnight, but it’s important to make sure that your body is getting the movement that it needs in order to give you maximum output – both Physically and Mentally!’ *The difference between the amount of exercise an individual should be doing (according to CDC Recommended Guidelines: 150 Minutes Per Week) and how much exercise they actually do on a Weekly Basis! < Previous News Next News >

FREE Tree Giveaway: Changing The Canopy of Hallandale Beach November 30, 2023 Share The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) is excited to announce a partnership with Community Greening to host a series of free tree giveaways in Hallandale Beach. The HBCRA has set an ambitious goal to increase the City's tree canopy coverage over the next few years to combat having one of the lowest canopy coverages in Broward County. The upcoming tree giveaways hosted by the HBCRA will allow Hallandale Beach residents to receive a limit of two trees per household (1 fruit tree maximum), on a first-come, first-served basis. The species offered include Avocado, Gumbo limbo, June plum, Mango, Nance, Paradise tree, and Short-leaf fig. Please note species are based on availability and are subject to change. Proof of Hallandale Beach residency is required. The first giveaway will occur at the Holiday in the Park event at Peter Bluesten Park on Friday, December 1st, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The second giveaway at the Dr. MLK Jr. Day Parade and Celebration will be on Monday, January 15th, 2024, at OB Johnson Park. These trees are aesthetically pleasing and contribute to the development of a vibrant and diverse tree canopy in the Hallandale Beach area. "By planting more trees, including bioswales, we aim to reduce the heat island effect and mitigate flooding issues, aligning with our comprehensive vision for a sustainable and resilient future," said Executive Director Dr. Jeremy Earle, Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and City Manager of Hallandale Beach. The HBCRA recognizes trees' vital role in improving the community's and the environment's overall well-being. According to a report done by Community Greening, trees can provide a wide range of benefits to a community, such as cooler temperatures, cleaner air, reductions in energy usage, increased property value, and much more. The HBCRA continually strives to make Hallandale Beach a city that values and nurtures its natural surroundings, fostering a sustainable and equitable future for all. Through the tree giveaways and partnership with Community Greening, the HBCRA is taking a significant step towards achieving its goal by encouraging community engagement and creating environmentally friendly spaces. The HBCRA invites everyone to join in these tree giveaways and play a role in creating a greener, more beautiful Hallandale Beach. Scheduled Tree Giveaway Dates Friday, December 1st, 2023 - Peter Bluesten Park located at 501 Southeast 1st Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm. Monday, January 15th, 2024 - OB Johnson Park located at 1000 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. About the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency The Hallandale Beach CRA aims to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Their unwavering commitment to eliminating and preventing blighted conditions is achieved through facilitating community partnerships, fostering business growth, creating job opportunities, and undertaking neighborhood rehabilitation projects. With a vision to build a thriving and dynamic city, the Hallandale Beach CRA continually strives to make Hallandale Beach a prime destination for both business and leisure. For more information about the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and its initiatives, please visit: www.cohbcra.org < Previous News Next News >

Alternative Prom & Beach Cleaning By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper June 8, 2021 Share Beach cleaning is a very important job in every beach front community. I (Mayor, Joy Cooper) along with my colleagues have received many calls regarding beach cleaning and I want to apologize on behalf of our city for the recent problems we have encountered. This past Friday, Gulfstream Park hosted an Alternative Prom for our 2021 Graduates, along with many sponsors. The event was put together by Eve Paul of Chateau De Everose, an amazing and creative Hallandale Beach event planner. She put on, an amazing event. I want to thank the sponsors and donors; Gulfstream Park, Rodrigues Charities, Big Easy, Stephanie Grutman, Esq., Tell Robert Foundation, Burkhardt Construction, Dr. Lev Randius, Synalovski Romaninik Saye, Vice Mayor Butler, Commissioners; Javellana, Lazarow and Lima-Taub, Mayor Cooper and vendors; Renew Salads and Smoothies, Dunn’s River Island Café, Amare Balloons and Her Dreams Creations. Beach cleaning is a very important job in every beachfront community. I, along with my colleagues, have received many calls regarding beach cleaning and I wanted to apologize, on behalf of our City, for the recent problems that we have encountered. Over the past months, there have been two major issues. One failure is directly in response, due to our Public Works Department's Directors for not renewing our beach cleaning permit, which is regulated by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission. Many of our residents that live on the beach and our environmentalists, are aware that we have turtle nesting that occurs on our small stretch of beach. Every day, the beach during turtle season must be inspected for nests, before cleaning. The inspection is done by a Marine Permit Holder authorized by the FWC. If we do not renew the permits, we cannot clean for 65 days, during the season. This was one of the reasons that we were held up over the past months, but, most importantly, our beach cleaning equipment kept breaking down. We have equipment that rakes and another piece that rolls our beach. The rack equipment broke down to the extent, that it could not be repaired, however, the rolling equipment was working and then, the tractor that pulls it broke down as well. Equipment on the beach, has a short life for the obvious reason of exposure to sea salt. At a recent meeting, we approved an emergency purchase for a new beach cleaner that can rake the beach. In the meantime, we have been using, the roller. I do need to thank the City of Hollywood for partnering with us, as a backup, when our equipment was down. In years past, we had partnered with them, I then informed the staff of this possibility and it worked out. When everything is in place, permits and equipment, there are still strict guidelines. Only equipment with 10-PSI tire pressure, can operate on the beach and cleaning equipment, must not penetrate more than two inches into the beach's surface. All materials collected, must then, be removed from the beach and we must also keep equipment, 10 feet from plantings. The FWC statement, when it comes to cleaning, is as follows. “Beach cleaning, involves the removal of material left by the tides or beach goers, on Florida's sandy shorelines. Stranded seaweed provides an important food source for beach and near-shore food chains and should be left in place when possible. Human debris can pose a hazard to humans and animals and should be removed.“ This leaves some leeway, when it comes to the removal of seaweed. I need to note, due to the active beach, here, in our City, we will get seaweed and in some cases, an abundance. We also do not want to lose equipment or have it stranded going too far east of the high tide line? It is a balance that, as of the writing of this article, the equipment came in and is now, in service. Over the past year, many items and projects were approved but due to lack of oversight and turnover, these projects had languished. I am happy to report, that under the leadership of our new City Manager, Dr. Jeremy Earle, Assistant City Manager, Naomi Sandoval and Director of Public Works, Jeff Odom’s many projects, are now being designed and queued up, for construction. Back in 2015, the Commission embarked on evaluating our entire City’s infrastructure, through a Basis of Design Report, it had mapped out everything in our City, made suggestions as to what needed to be addressed, it also included the water systems, the drainage systems, the wastewater systems, the roadways and the sidewalks. The Commission started to discuss these projects, but, the CRA picked up, the above ground projects in the CRA, as they had the ability to fund the projects. The City focused on sidewalks with a plan to repair, replace and add ADA crosswalks and this plan is moving forward with help, from Broward County. At the last Commission Meeting, we had approved many other projects to move into the designs phase. Water distribution, water connection to North Maimi Beach, the addition of a new water production skid to our water plant, Layne Boulevard Water Line Replacement, Stormwater Master Plan System, two Lift station replacements and a force main replacement. In these cases, there have been funds in our water and wastewater accounts, that are earmarked. The BODR, contains hundred of millions of dollars of infrastructure, that is at end of its life and is in need of, replacement. While we continue to work on grants and other funding sources, within the next year and half, we will be developing a proposal for a Government Obligation Bond. Many cities are in the process or have already, done the same. Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale have passed bonds recently and we as a City, will need to come together and make these improvements. Our City Manager, said it best. In summary, he stressed that we do not want to be like Fort Lauderdale with failing pipes that impact our environment, which lead to fines, we have seen this begin to happen with many water main breaks and the recent sewer leak in the Three Islands area. I will continue to update our readers, as these projects move forward. As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas on how to make our City, a great place to live, work and play! I am available on my phone or text at: (954) 632-5700. E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or visit my Facebook Mayor Joy Cooper. You can also go to my web-site at: www.MayorJoyCooper.com . < Previous News Next News >

Every Resident’s Hard-Earned Dollar Is Important By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper September 28, 2023 Share Over the past months, I have been writing this column informing the residents about our Budget. Our Staff begins the Budget Cycle in early March, and it culminates in a final reading of Ordinances adopting the Tax Rate and Budget at a Formal Public Hearing. On Tuesday, we Adopted the 2023-2024 Budget. I authored this article before the Final Vote. With great certainty I can say we did Adopt “a Budget” the question remains what passed? Either, it passed at the current Tax Rate of 8.2466 including the Expansion of Road Paving to from 1 million to 500,000 and adding a Project to Clean and Paint the west side of the Hallandale Beach Bridge on A1A or 7.9998 Millage Reduction with or without the projects. At the last Budget Hearing we had a longer debate over the Rate and these items. The debate after months of forecasts planning and budgeting with a set plan to support that body of work was spurred after two landlords asked for us to remain sensitive to cost increases. While nobody likes to pay Taxes and politicians would love to say they cut Taxes, the devil is always in the details. I must without hesitation say there is not one commissioner including myself that does not care deeply about every resident’s hard-earned dollar. We make sure we watch every Tax Dollar and execute our Services with deep consideration and respect for the trust that is put in our Service. I need to share information about Taxes before discussing this debate. Our City Tax is only one part of the Tax Bill. One Mill in Tax Rate raises approximately $9 Million in Revenues in our community based on our values. In a $200-Million-Dollar Budget, Property Taxes are only a portion of City Revenues. $94 Million Dollars are generated in Revenue annually, all in. So, we need to look at the whole picture. Any changes in the Budget can offset all Budget Projections. Less Revenue means more Deficits, which in turn means cuts that impact Service Levels. So, one increase or decrease can change the course of many parts of the Overall Budget. We also never look at just one year. This year if the Rate were reduced by the suggested amount the Deficit would need to be accounted for through use of Reserves or Budgeted items and would need to be cut to an equal amount. The added projections also would need to come out of Future Budgets as a Deficit. Currently, the Hallandale Beach Budget is balanced without the use of any Reserves. In addition, we have approved over $80 Million Dollars in Overdue Infrastructure Projects that will be implemented. This is a Good Budget and addresses many needs that if not implemented would directly impact on our community and our ability to provide Services. I must share that we all have truly been collaborating as a unified Commission with our Staff to bring Fiscal Stability to our City. Since 2021 when we were faced with only $14-Million Dollars in Reserves and Fiscal Insolvency we implemented a strategic five-year plan to stabilize the Budget while planning for many Infrastructure Projects. This year we are still working on what has been a successful plan. Projects have been right on point. This year has been an outlier with a large Property Value Increase. On average projections are at 3 percent not 17. We have been focused on every component of government. We have made many tough decisions to make sure that we can maintain and deliver Services to our community. We were down to the bones but still the City Manager went in with the goal of Reducing Costs where they could be reduced. We have maintained and in some cases increased the Level Of Service in Departments. We have added programs to generate other revenues. In June, the City Commission set a Tentative Millage Rate and had vetted many necessary Budget Items and Projects. For years we have not played games with the Millage Rate. Many cities will set a higher Tentative Rate than reduce it later. While setting the Tentative Millage Rate I asked about setting it to 8 Mills. I had two reasons. At that point in time, we had Unaudited Reserves well over the 16% target with General Fund Reserves of over $24 Million Dollars. If we had rolled back to 8 we would have ended up well over our targeted amount. The other main issue that I considered before suggesting a Millage Rate Reduction was the Current Tax Rate prevents both Safe Neighborhood Districts from utilizing their Max Rate of 2 Mills to borrow Capital for Improvements. The suggestion, while not a large Reduction, did not garner support from my colleagues. Fast forward to August with Property Values released. Reserve increase to almost $28 Million. So, one has the right to ask the same question I raised in June. Do we lower the Tax Rate? The catch is we still have a Pending Lawsuit for over $4.5 Million from the firing of City Manager Rosemond. What will next year look like? Increase in Values? Decrease due to Economic Conditions? Increases in GPI Governmental Cost of doing business? We still have room. The major question is do we say the course? Last week we held a workshop for two hours with the same question being asked on. Do we stay on the course or go to 7.9998 Mills? To be continued……. As always, please feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place. I am available at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or at: joycooper@aol.com . On my Office Number at: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. You can always visit my Facebook and follow me at: Mayor Joy Cooper. < Previous News Next News >

Jumpstart Busy School Mornings With Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos By Feature Impact Sep 17, 2026 Hectic School Mornings Get Much Easier When Breakfast Is Already Waiting In The Fridge Or Freezer. These Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos Can Be Assembled In Advance, Frozen Individually And Easily Reheated For Quick, Filling Meals To Keep Your Family Going Through The Day. Eggs, cheese and black beans supply protein to fuel kids for gym class or sports, while vegetables, beans and whole-grain tortillas add complex carbohydrates and fiber to stave off hunger until lunch. Breakfast burritos also make for a hearty, grab-and-go option for adults heading off to work. One of the best things about homemade breakfast burritos is how easily they can be customized to fit each family member's unique nutritional needs and preferences. If you're making a batch for the whole family, prepare a basic filling and let everyone choose their own combination of ingredients. Spice fiends might want to add jalapenos or hot sauce, while vegetable lovers can pack in sauteed broccoli or diced roasted sweet potatoes. Just remember to label the different varieties separately before storing, e.g. "Mild" and "Spicy." Although it's best to avoid mixing in ingredients that don't freeze well - like avocado or fresh tomatoes - you can always serve the reheated burritos with a side of guacamole or pico de gallo for even more flavor and nutrition. Find more school-year meal prep inspiration at: www.Culinary.net . Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos Recipe adapted from The Gracious Pantry Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 2 Teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil 1 Small of red onion, diced 1 Large red bell pepper, diced 2 Cloves of garlic, minced 1 Cup of chopped fresh spinach 1 Cup of cooked black beans 1/2 Teaspoon of ground cumin 1/2 Teaspoon of smoked paprika 4 Tablespoons of salsa Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste 6 Large eggs 2 Tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk, water or dairy milk 4 Large whole-grain tortillas 1/2 Cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend In a pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Saute the onion, the bell pepper and the garlic until soft, for 4-5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the cooked black beans, the cumin, the smoked paprika, the salsa and the salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat. Whisk the eggs with the milk or the water. In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, scramble until just set; avoid overcooking. Season lightly with the salt and pepper, to taste. Lay the tortillas flat. Divide the eggs, the veggie-bean mixture and cheese across each. Roll them into burritos then toast them, seam side down, in a dry skillet to seal. Remove from the pan and let them cool. Wrap in the parchment then foil. Freeze up to 2 months. To reheat, remove the foil and the parchment. In a microwave or oven, heat until warmed through. Notes: To prevent tortillas from becoming soggy, let filling cool to room temperature before assembling burritos. Burritos can be warmed from frozen or, for best results, thawed overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Photo courtesy of Unsplash Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos Previous Next

Artificial Reef Modules Delivered to Hollywood June 23, 2022 Share 1000 Mermaids has delivered the artificial reef modules that are now on display at four locations around the City. The displays give the public a chance to see the structures up close, learn about the project, and how they can protect our offshore reefs before they are deployed in the waters off the coast of Hollywood. The modules are on display at the following locations through the month of June: • Hollywood Beach Broadwalk at Johnson Street • ArtsPark at Young Circle (Grove Area) • City Hall Circle (East-side Memorial area) • Driftwood Community Center The Ocean Rescue Alliance (ORA) in partnership with the City of Hollywood’s Community Redevelopment Agency, is preparing to create its second 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project site off the coast of Hollywood Beach with 20 ocean-friendly artificial reef modules. The Hollywood site will bring the total number of artificial reef structures deployed in the ocean off South Florida's coast to over 100 since the project was originally launched 5 years ago. The 1000 Mermaids Project is a monumental public eco-art project in the form of an artificial reef installation that also serves as an underwater eco-friendly destination for coral restoration, eco-tourism & research. The artificial reef sculptures, weighing between 2200-3300 lbs each, come outfitted with the patented "Coral Lok" system allowing coral to be out-planted directly to the artificial reefs. Of the 20 artificial reef structures being deployed, 5 feature artistic sculptures such as mermaids, a swim up selfie mermaid tail, and an industrial diver suit. The remaining 15 structures, built by Reef Cells in Boynton Beach, have biological bases specifically engineered to support fish habitat and provide coral restoration opportunities. "The city is excited to work with Ocean Rescue Alliance to continue to expand this project and offer additional underwater sites that beachgoers can swim to from shore," says Mayor Josh Levy. "The Ocean Rescue Alliance is looking forward to deploying this artificial reef in partnership with the City of Hollywood to make a reef site that truly connects the community back to the marine environment." says Shelby Thomas, Co-Founder and CEO of Ocean Rescue Alliance. "More importantly, this reef site will continuously host and protect marine life while facilitating unique opportunities that will serve the community for generations to come.” Reef Cells uses eco-friendly materials including limestone concrete & calcium carbonate that encourage corals and other sea creatures to attach themselves to the reef with reef shapes that are strategically designed to provide a home to thousands of fish and invertebrates. Reef Cells are a proven solution for building new reef communities while providing destinations for divers to experience the thrill of exploring these unique underwater sculpture gardens. Mermaids have long been a symbol of humans’ connection to the ocean. Sculptures for this installation were created by using 3D scans of real people to create the mermaids that are artistically crafted onto the modules. Learn more about the 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project: http://www.1000mermaids.com/ < Previous News Next News >

FIU Researchers Developed an Algorithm: That Can Diagnose a Stroke with 83 Percent Accuracy April 7, 2023 Share Research from Florida International University’s College of Business (FIU Business) found that a machine learning (ML) Algorithm that uses hospital data and social determinants of health data can help diagnose a Stroke quickly – before the results of laboratory tests or diagnostic images are available – with 83 percent accuracy. The findings suggest that there may be a way to reduce Stroke misdiagnosis in patients and enhance patient monitoring. The discovery will allow medical personnel to identify a Stroke patient or patients at risk of a Stroke sooner, improving the patients’ medical outcome. Stroke is among the most common and dangerous misdiagnosed medical conditions, and timely detection is key to effective management and improved outcomes. Patients who are treated within an hour of the onset of symptoms have a much greater chance of surviving and avoiding long-term brain damage. This is known as the “golden hour.” Data indicates that Blacks, Hispanics, women, older adults on Medicare and residents of rural areas are less likely to be diagnosed during this crucial window. Currently used pre-hospital Stroke scales miss approximately 30 percent of cases. The ML Algorithm that helps better diagnose Strokes was developed using data of suspected Stroke patients such as age, race and number of underlying conditions. The Algorithm “learns” and improves the more data it analyzes. Social determinants of health (SDoH) are non-medical factors, such as income and housing stability, access to transportation, race and social isolation, that affect a wide range of health outcomes. Using all of this information, the ML Algorithm helps to quickly diagnose a potential Stroke patient. “As we add more data it’s learning data,” said Min Chen, Associate Professor Of Information Systems and Business Analytics at FIU Business and one of the researchers. “Our Algorithm can incorporate a lot of variables to analyze and interpret complex patterns, which will allow Emergency Department care teams to make better and faster decisions. This data-driven approach will help make it easier to identify Stroke patients and ensure that they get the care they need in a timely manner.” Published in the January 2023 issue of the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the study outlines how researchers developed the ML Stroke Prediction Algorithm using the Emergency Department and hospitalization records from hospitals in the State of Florida from 2012 to 2014, merged with the SDoH data from the American Community Survey. Their analysis included 143,203 hospital visits of unique patients. Patients who ended up being diagnosed with Stroke tended to be older, have more chronic conditions and have Medicare as the primary payer. If a hospital is using the researchers’ ML Algorithm, when a patient arrives with Stroke or Stroke-like symptoms, an automated, computer-assisted screening tool will quickly analyze all the patient’s information. If it predicts that the patient is at a high risk for Stroke, a pop-up will be triggered to alert the Emergency Department Team. This study fills a critical gap in the current efforts to support Stroke triage. Current ML methods developed to assist in detecting a Stroke have focused on interpreting clinical notes and diagnostic imaging results, which may not be available when a patient arrives at a hospital, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This type of technology is undergoing pilot testing in the ERs of several prominent healthcare systems. To facilitate the widespread implementation of this kind of ML-Enabled decision support systems, it is important to have widespread health information exchange that enables patients' data to flow seamlessly across providers and also a standardized way to collect the granular SDoH data. Chen conducted the study with Professors Xuan Tan of Clara University and Rema Padman of Carnegie Mellon University. < Previous News Next News >

YMR Beauty Salon: Where Beauty Comes From A Genuine Connection With Customers By Felipe Castilla October 6, 2021 Share For Jahir Jimenez at YMR Beauty Salon, what makes a salon beautiful is the customers and their smiling faces. Like every salon YMR offers all the standard services you would expect in from a beauty salon like hair cutting, coloring highlighting and styling as well as hair and scalp treatments. However, if you take a closer look inside YMR you will find happy customers laughing, smiling and enjoying every minute of their time with Jimenez and the other stylist as they give them something many salons do not have: friendship. “I love my profession,” Jimenez said. “I love making connections with my customers before and after I work with them.” YMR Beauty Salon was opened by Yolanda Martinez in 2019 and Jimenez began working there in February or March of 2020 after shelter-in-place mandates were lifted as a result of the pandemic. It was there that he began to develop close bonds with the men and women who walked through their doors. Whether it’s a new haircut or a complete makeover Jimenez is happy to oblige anyone looking to make a change. As a professionally trained beautician and hair stylist, Jimenez works incredibly hard at understanding the customer's fundamental needs as a customer because he knows full well that the atmosphere is just as important as the results. The hair salon offers haircuts for men, women and children. The beauticians and stylists are able and willing to cut all types of hair. Drying and styling the hair before the customer leaves the salon is also a standard service at YMR. Hair coloring is another of the most popular services offered at YMR. The hair coloring process may include all-over color, highlights, lowlights, touch-ups, grey cover and more. The salon itself opened in 2019 but Jimenez has been working in hair for decades. Although he has moved around from salon to salon, no matter where he goes, his client's follow because of his excellent attention to detail and responsiveness to client needs. “As a stylist, I’ve moved around a lot,” Jimenez said. I’ve been to Brow-ard, to Dade, but I’ve tried to accom-modate all of my client's.” But another interesting aspect of this beauty salon is that it has an in-house esthetician to provide skin care treat-ments as well. The esthetician provides a variety of skin treatments facials, hair removal and makeup application. Facial services include massaging and treating the face with lotions, creams and oils. The esthetician’s duties include: waxing, peeling, cleansing and the application of skin-care products both in store and at home. At YMR it’s about a holistic approach to beauty, not just the cutting and styling of hair. And it’s in YMR beauty salon that Jimenez is able to communicate his passion for his profession to all of his client's. One of the things that makes Jimenez such a brilliant stylist, however, is not just his understanding what to do as a stylist but also what to avoid doing. For Jimenez, the problem with many beauty salons he has been to is the impersonal treatment customers receive. As a stylist and a person, he is looking to change that. “When you walk into a lot of salons the cashier doesn’t look at you, doesn’t even say hello,” Jimenez said. “I want to give people something different.” The most important thing for Jimenez is that a customer feels like they are speaking to a friend. “Here, it’s about grabbing a coffee, relaxing and letting the customers know they’re in good hands,” Jimenez said. “ I don’t want people to sit there thinking they’re just speaking to a hairstylist. I want more for them than that.” When you walk in to YMR Beauty Salon, you will be greeted by Jimenez and the rest of the YMR team. The warm sunlight enters from the long windows and you find yourself surrounded by people who truly care about your experience. They will go through a painstaking effort to make sure you feel right at home. However, for Jimenez, the most satisfying part of the process is the look on a customer's face when he turns them towards the mirror. “When I see the surprised look on their faces it makes everything worth it for me,” Jimenez said. “It’s this look like ‘Oh my gosh, this is what I look like now? I love it.’” Jimenez hopes to one day open up his own beauty salon and work with more of his customers, but he is willing to wait it out and see how things unfold. What he does know, however, is that when he does open his own salon he will not be afraid of the competition. “I’m very confident in myself,” Jimenez said. I know what I offer, I know who I am and I know how much my customer's believe in me. So if someone else has three locations or four, it doesn’t matter because it’s about the customer experience.” Jimenez aims to provide only the most excellent customer service, pro-viding the best service to everyone that sits in his chair. “If my customer's say, even joking around, that they want champagne I’ll give them champagne, “ Jimenez said. “ Because I know that if the customer is happy they will come back again and again.” YMR Beauty Salon is located at 960 W hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach, FL 33309. For more information you may call them at: (954) 927-4827 or (954) 669-7637. < Previous News Next News >

A Musical Spring: Music & Culture Have Been A Part of Hollywood Since It's Founding March 24, 2022 Share The Hollywood Beach Bandshell has a long history in Hollywood. Joseph W. Young (Hollywoods founder) built the Broadwalk's first bandshell in 1924 to provide entertainment for visitors, that wooden bandstand, called "Theater under the Stars," was destroyed in the hurricane of 1926. The current bandshell appears to have been built in the 1970s and recently redeveloped as part of the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. The Hollywood Beach Bandshell that’s located on the Boardwalk just outside of the resort, offers free live entertainment continuing the tradition of entertaining visitors and locals to this day, it features live musical entertainment five nights a week (Wednesday - Sunday) from 7 to 9 p.m. This gem directly on Hollywood Beach (200 Johnson St, Hollywood) features local acts from throughout South Florida, the bandshell and resort is home to over 30 live bands. Resort guests and locals alike can enjoy a variety of music including rock, country, Top 40, reggae, latin and much more! All programming for the Hollywood Beach Bandshell is provided by the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. Here is the list of local entertainment they have scheduled for March: March 24th | 30HZ (Classic Rock, and 80s pop) - 30 Hertz is a South Florida based cover band playing a variety of popular music ranging from classic rock to pop, country, reggae and more. March 25th | Mason Pace (Rock through the ages) - Mason Pace addresses the mysteries of humanity and exposes the vastness between light and dark in everyday life through his driving guitar riffs, sacred choruses, and wide musicality. He takes listeners on a journey to confront the fears of vulnerability as well as restore common human decency and connectivity. March 26th | Vam Band (Pop and Top 40s) - VAM BAND is a Funk Tribute Dance Band serving all of South Florida, performing Pop/Top 40, Soul, R&B, Motown, Latin, Reggae & More! March 27th | Marcus Amaya (Beach Rock & Reggae) - South Florida's Marcus Amaya is an acoustic singer-songwriter based in Fort Lauderdale; fusing rock, pop, reggae, and hip-hop. March 30th | Michael Marotta (Rock through the ages) - Rock out with up and coming artist, Michael Marotta, playing all your favorite 70's rock songs and original music. March 31st | La Cuarta (Latin pop) - La Cuarta is a Latin-Alternative musical group which finds its sound at the intersection of Latin genres such as salsa, West Indian music, Colombian folklore and reggae, with rock and nuances of electronic environments. ArtsPark at Young Circle The ArtsPark at Young Circle is located in a 10-acre circle named after the City's founder, Joseph Wesley Young at US 1 and Hollywood Boulevard in downtown Hollywood. Dedicated in March 2007. The mission of the ArtsPark at Young Circle is to offer residents and visitors a wide array of educational, recreational, musical and entertainment activities. Many of them are free. As part of continuing this mission to the community organizers invite you on April 2 to bring your friends and family to the Hollywood ArtsPark for a joyous Brazilian celebration with authentic carnaval music and performers! This free, family friendly event will feature Gafieira Rio Miami, an 11-piece Brazilian big band led by Latin GRAMMY winner Diogo Brown, playing high-energy hits to get everyone dancing; joining them on stage will be very special guests from Brazil, singers Jair Oliviera and Baia! Opening set by Gabi Lacombe who will electrify the stage with her enchanting vocals and pulsating rhythms. The night will end in grand fashion with the thunderous drums and sensational dancers of Bateria Unidos de Miami, a real samba school that will transport the audience to the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Arrive early at 6pm and join drum ensemble Miamibloco for a samba percussion workshop and interactive performance. For information call 954-924-2980. Downtown Hollywood offers on-street metered parking for $1.50 per hour, as well as municipal garage parking for $1 per hour. Municipal garage locations are: 251 S. 20th Avenue (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street) and 251 N. 19th Avenue Municipal Garage (between Tyler Street & Polk Street). < Previous News Next News >