Make Family Memories This Summer: The Best Part Of A Road Trip Is That Quality Time Is Built Into It Wed May 31 2023 16:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

2021 SPARK Hollywood, FL Pitch Competition Thu Oct 14 2021 13:42:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Go Green Recognition: City Of Aventura Invites Aventura Property Owners To Apply Fri Feb 03 2023 17:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In-Person Summer Art Camp Programs Are Back: At The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) Thu Mar 17 2022 04:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

South Florida Symphony Orchestra Embraces Seasonal Tradition With Its Beloved And Joyous Performance Of Handel’s Messiah And Holiday Pops South Florida Sun Times Nov 12, 2025 South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO), Led By Sebrina Maria Alfonso, Returns To Illuminate And Inspire Joy This Holiday Season With Its Beloved Performances Of Handel’s Glorious Messiah (Part 1, The Christmas Portion) Culminating In The Iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus And Modern Holiday Pops Favorites On Saturday, December 6th, 2025 At 7:30 p.m., At The Parker In Fort Lauderdale And On Sunday, December 7th, 2025 At 4:00 p.m., At Barry University In Miami. SFSO Will Be Joined By Vocal Soloists Katherine Henly (Soprano), Maggie Reneé (Mezzo-Soprano), Christopher W. Waite (Tenor), Neil Nelson (Bass-Baritone) And The South Florida Symphony Chorus. Enjoy A Pre-Concert Chat With Dr. Alan Mason 30 Minutes Before The Concerts, Featuring In-Depth Conversation And Insights About The Works And Composer. Each season, orchestras the world over delight in performing one of classical music’s most well-known and uplifting masterworks. Jonathan Kandell of Smithsonian magazine writes, “A musical rite of the holiday season, the Baroque-era oratorio still awes listeners 250 years after the composer’s death.” In 1789, Mozart posthumously paid Handel the supreme compliment of reorchestrating Messiah but even Mozart confessed himself to be humble in the face of Handel's genius describing his orchestrations: "When he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt." In 1823, Beethoven proclaimed Handel to be the ‘greatest’ composer that ever lived. “South Florida Symphony Orchestra is delighted to reprise its annual Messiah and Holiday Pops performances,” said Jacqueline Lorber, President and CEO of South Florida Symphony Orchestra. “Music is the universal language that unites us all. Now, more than ever, we are pleased to lift our voices in song and share the timeless holiday spirit of joy and peace with audiences of all ages. Hallelujah!” SFSO’s 2025 holiday program will open with a selection of Holiday Pops festive favorites including “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “The Prayer” (as made popular by Andrea Bocelli), “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” (as made popular by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani), “Christmas Canon” (made popular by Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and “Festive Sounds of Hanukkah.” Audiences are also invited to sing along to a special medley of cherished classics - "Jingle, Bells," "Silent Night," "Joy to the World" and more. Per tradition, SFSO will close the joyous evening with Part I of Handel’s Messiah culminating with the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus as sung by the South Florida Symphony Chorus, made-up of seasoned chorale singers and community talent, directed by Dr. Giselle Elgarresta Rios. Rios and Maestra Alfonso collaborated to create the South Florida Symphony Chorus in 2019, which made its debut at the Beethoven 250th celebration in February of 2020. SFSO’s 28th Season of “Juxtapositions” explores beauty in contrasts, where the bold and the sublime intersect, and timeless masterpieces share the stage with today’s most compelling and celebrated musical voices. From Mozart’s vivacious “Haffner” symphony to the sun-drenched skies of Mendelssohn’s “Italian” and the sweeping emotion of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto — performances burst with color and power. Beethoven’s luminous Piano Concerto No. 4 and Dvorak’s Bohemian Eighth deepen the journey, while Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnol whirls with Spanish flair. SFSO is also proud to present upcoming orchestra firsts by GRAMMY-nominated composers, including the Florida premiere of Had to Be by Haitian American Nathalie Joachim, featuring breakout cellist Seth Parker Woods, and Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances. Five Masterworks concerts will be held at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale from November 2025 through April 2026. Three Masterworks concerts will be held at New World Center in Miami Beach and at Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West from January through March 2026. From sold-out masterworks performances to accompanying today’s musicians such as Natalie Merchant and performing modern musical scores including Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and Back to the Future, featuring the iconic films screened live with audio and musical accompaniment, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages and musical genres. Back by popular demand, SFSO will accompany ARRIVAL from Sweden: The Music of ABBA on Thursday, February 26th, 206 at the Broward Center. Tickets for Handel’s Messiah are on sale now beginning at $35. For the December 6 performance at The Parker, buy tickets online at: https://southfloridasymphony.org - Or: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222, press 1. And in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. For the Sunday, December 7th performance at Barry University’s Shepard & Ruth K. Broad Performing Arts Center located at 11300 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, Florida 33161 order online at: https://southfloridasymphony.org/handels-messiah - Or via phone at: (954) 522-8445. Student tickets and group rates are also available by calling: (954) 522-8445. Or emailing: info@southfloridasymphony.org . About South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) Founded in 1997 in Key West by Music Director Maestra Sebrina Maria Alfonso, the Fort Lauderdale-based South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is celebrating its 28th Season. SFSO is dedicated to providing enriching cultural music experiences to residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communities, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innovative programming and transformative educational initiatives. A pioneer in its commitment to symphonic music for underserved communities, its Symphony in the Schools program has touched the lives of over 130,000 students since its inception in 1997. SFSO was recently named the first Partner in the Arts for The Parker by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and has been recognized by the Broward County Cultural Division as a “Major Cultural Institution,” one of only a handful of organizations to be so honored. For a performance schedule and season tickets, call: (954) 522-8445. Or visit: https://southfloridasymphony.org . Major support for South Florida Symphony Orchestra is provided by PNC Private Bank; Nicklaus Children’s Health System; the Gerald L. Laskey Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward; the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners; Aviah Flagler Village; The Maval Foundation; and Marand Builders. Additional sponsorship is provided, in part, by Funding Arts Broward; Ver Ploeg & Marino; City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Previous Next

Divine Dramatic Divas Dishing: 20th Anniversary Season of CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben February 14, 2025 Share Dave Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County today touted the second of three fun and fascinating programs during the 20th and final season of the popular series: CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben. “Cheers to 20 Years! The Cultural Council is proud to present two more CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversations this season featuring some exciting personalities from the worlds of entertainment,” says Lawrence. “We are thrilled to continue to highlight the very best of Palm Beach County's cultural scene through this popular series. The audience is in for a real treat.” CULTURE & COCKTAILS is held in the gorgeous rooftop ballroom of The Ben, located at 251 North Narcissus Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. Free valet parking will be provided. Monday, February 24th – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm DIVINE DRAMATIC DIVAS Dishing with Andrew Kato and Three Celebrated Actors: Elizabeth Dimon, Angie Radosh, Karen Stephens Andrew Kato is celebrating his 20th season at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre as the Producing Artistic Director/Chief Executive. During his tenure, he has produced over 95 productions and subscriptions have grown to over 7,000 patrons. Overall attendance has grown to nearly 100,000 guests annually, securing the Theatre to be one of the most successful regional theatres in the southeast. He was the Creative Consultant/Coordinating Producer on the Tony Awards® for 13 years, and his Broadway credits include Jelly’s Last Jam, Angels in America and the off-Broadway production of Cryptogram. In addition, he conceived and developed several musicals, including Switch!, Academy, 1001 Nights, Street Songs, Diva Diaries, Through the Looking Glass, and Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, which made its off-Broadway debut in September 2023. Elizabeth Dimon has been part of South Florida’s theatre community for more than 30 years. She is a member of Actors Equity, SAG, and is a multiple Carbonell Award winner. Recent credits include Family Tree (Ronnie Larsen Presents/Plays of Wilton), Rooted (Theatre Lab at FAU), A Christmas Carol (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Into the Woods (Slow Burn Theatre Company), and A Doll’s House, Part II (GableStage). She has also performed at Palm Beach Dramaworks, Florida Stage, The Wick Theatre, Florida Stage, and more. Angie Radosh recently had starring roles in Hello Dolly (Broadway at LPAC), the world premiere of La Shonda (Ronnie Larsen Presents/Plays of Wilton), and Boeing Boeing (Boca Stage at Delray Beach Playhouse). A three-time Carbonell Award winner and recipient of a Silver Palm Award, she also appeared in Exit The King (Palm Beach Dramaworks), Cabaret (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Suddenly Last Summer (Island City Stage) Mothers and Sons (GableStage), and Funny Girl, Beauty and the Beast, and The Music Man, all at The Wick. Karen Stephens, a longtime member of the South Florida theatre community, has played pivotal roles in several productions over the last few seasons including Clyde’s at Zoetic Stage, The Cancellation of Laura Fein (Palm Beach Dramaworks), Time Alone (Boca Stage), Matilda (Slow Burn Theatre Company), and Dorothy’s Dictionary (Theatre Lab). A multiple Carbonell Award nominee and Best Actress winner for Fear Up Harsh (Zoetic Stage), she has received five Silver Palm Awards and is a longtime member of Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA. This season’s final CULTURE & COCKTAILS event will be: April 14. THE ULTIMATE MUSICAL FINALE with Rob Russell, Avery Sommers & Special Surprise Guests. The 20th Anniversary Season of CULTURE & COCKTAILS is generously sponsored by The Roe Green Foundation, Roe Green, Founder; Donald M. Ephraim Family Foundation; Scott Teich, Senior Vice President, Teich Wealth Management of Raymond James; The Gardens Mall; Lesser Landy Smith & Siegel, PLLC; Seacoast Bank; Palm Beach Media Group; Palm Beach Daily News; Legends Radio; and PR-BS, a Boca-based public relations firm. Admission to each CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben is $125 per person, and $165 for VIP Seating. To purchase tickets, please call: (561) 471-2901. Or visit: https://www.palmbeachculture.com/council-events/council-special-events/culture-cocktails/. All proceeds from CULTURE & COCKTAILS support the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s mission to nurture, promote, and support a healthy, diverse, and inclusive cultural sector. Topics and speakers are subject to change depending upon the availability of scheduled participants. About the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®. Headquartered in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Building in downtown Lake Worth Beach, the Council presents exciting year-round exhibitions and performances featuring artists who live or work in Palm Beach County. The Council features spectacular work by Palm Beach County-based professional artists in its Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store and offers complimentary resources for visitors in its Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center. The Cultural Council is located at 601 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach, Florida 33460 and is currently open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 .pm. For more information and a comprehensive calendar of cultural events in The Palm Beaches, visit: www.palmbeachculture.com . < Previous News Next News >

The City of Hollywood Celebrates Black History Month Thu Feb 10 2022 05:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Argentina's Pigerai Ristorante: Highly-Acclaimed, Opens First U.S. Location In Wynwood Fri Jul 19 2024 16:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

ArtServe Presents “Florida Opulence” Member’s Show Celebrating The Gilded Age Of Florida Aventura Digest Nov 20, 2025 Artserve Will Present “Florida Opulence,” Exploring Florida’s Gilded Age Aesthetics Through The Works Of Local Artists. The Annual Member’s Show Will Be Running Through Friday December 12th, 2025, At ArtServe, 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard,Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Inspired by Florida’s late 19th- and early 20th-Century architectural grandeur, from Vizcaya to the Ringling Museum, “Florida Opulence” invites members to interpret the beauty, wealth and cultural influence of the state’s past through a wide range of artistic mediums. “We’re excited to close out the season with Florida Opulence, a show that truly celebrates the incredible talent within our member community,” said ArtServe President and CEO Jason Hughes. “Providing a platform for local artists to share their work and connect with new audiences is at the heart of ArtServe’s mission, and this exhibition is a perfect example of how creativity continues to thrive when artists are given the space to shine.” The exhibition is expected to feature more than 20 works, spanning painting, sculpture, photography, fiber art and mixed media. ArtServe visitors will also enjoy two concurrent solo exhibitions awarded through the Broward County Cultural Division: “Please Touch” by Interdisciplinary Fiber Artist Cary Dunlap Daly, is a multimedia exploration of aging, femininity and identity through humor and fabric-based storytelling. “Marking the Moments” by Multimedia Artist LuRu, is inspired by explorations of cultural heritage and features multilayered, LED-reactive paintings and immersive lighting design that reflect our community’s diverse experiences of seasonal change and the passage of time. ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily admission is free. For more information about these events, or to become a member, volunteer or support ArtServe’s mission, please visit: www.artserve.org - Or email: membership@artserve.org . Or call: (954) 462-8190. About ArtServe Named a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonProfits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and NonProfits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Now in its 36th year, ArtServe has won multiple awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Community Foundation of Broward. In 2025, ArtServe was named Non-Profit Organization of the Year: The Arts by 211 Broward. Each year, ArtServe helps 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses and connect with the community through exhibitions, education and events. Previous Next

Aventura Branch Library Happenings - LEGO At The Library, Chess Club, Overcoming Stress & Discover Your Jewish Genealogical Roots And Much More Aventura Digest Jun 18, 2025 The Aventura Branch Library Has A Wide Variety Of On-line And In-Person Events. There Will Be Furry Tales, Renaissance Dance, E-Device Advice And Much More. Some Events May Require You To Rsvp, So, Please Go On-Line To Register At: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura - Or For More Information Prior To Attending The Event, Call: (305) 931-5512. Summer Homework Help And Tutoring: Saturday, June 21st, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Certified teachers meet with small groups of students in one-hour sessions to provide Homework Help and Tutoring in Reading, Math, and Science. Students are encouraged to bring Homework Material or School Assignments for assistance in specific subject areas. This free service is available to all students in grades K-12. For more information, contact: tutoring@mdpls.org . Call: (305) 375-1413. Or visit: www.mdpls.org/tutor . Funded in part by The Children's Trust. Furry Tales: Saturday, June 21st, 2025 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Read your favorite stories alongside a friendly dog! Help your child improve their literacy skills and boost confidence by reading to a Therapy Dog. Bring your own book or choose from the library's collection. Presented by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 0 - 12 years of age. Introduction To Computers: Saturday, June 21st, 2025 - 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Learn the basics of computers, including how to use a mouse and keyboard, write in a Word document, browse the internet, use email and more! Taught by instructors from Collective Sistahood. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Monthly Book Club: Saturday, June 21st, 2025 - 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join your peers for a lively book discussion. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Talking Is Teaching - Talk, Read, Sing For Toddlers: Monday, June 23rd, 2025 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join us for stories, songs and activities for toddlers and their caregivers. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 18 months - 3 years of age. Chess Club: Monday, June 23rd, 2025 - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sharpen your Chess skills by playing with others! Fun for beginners and more advanced players alike. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 8 years and up. Lunar Meditation With Romie: Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Meditation brings greater happiness, focus and sleep quality. Help support your emotional and spiritual wellbeing with these lunar Meditation sessions. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Overcoming Stress & Anxiety with Meditation: Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Let your mind's cares and tensions melt away during this unique session of deep, progressive relaxation and gentle breathing exercises. Enjoy an uplifting, guided meditation and "mind massage" from a highly experienced meditation instructor. Steve Pollack's soothing voice supports you in opening your heart, focusing your mind, clearing chakras, and uplifting your energy. For more information, please contact: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Senior Medicare Patrol Program - Medicare Fraud Information Table: Thursday, June 26th, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Learn tips to protect, detect, and report suspected scams and fraud. Join Lilliana Rey, Senior Medicare Patrol Specialist, as she delivers an information session on Medicare and addresses any questions related to Medicare Fraud. Presented by Alliance for Aging. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Tai Chi: Thursday, June 26th, 2025 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Enjoy the benefits of this ancient Chinese practice that includes breathing techniques, posture correction and gentle, fluid movements. Led by certified instructor Laura Flagel. Please wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 12 years and up. Discover Your Jewish Genealogical Roots: Thursday, June 26th, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Discover your family history with expert guidance from Paulette Bronstein, President of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami. Whether you're new to genealogy research or have some experience, this workshop is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to trace your roots and uncover your ancestral stories. For more information, contact: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. LEGO At The Library: Thursday, June 26th, 2025 - 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Bring your creativity and have fun building with LEGO blocks! Adult supervision recommended for younger children. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 6 - 12 years of age. Parkinson's Support Group: Friday, June 27th, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. This one-hour support group is designed for those suffering with Parkinson's Disease and their loved ones. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Summer Homework Help And Tutoring: Saturday, June 28th, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Certified teachers meet with small groups of students in one-hour sessions to provide Homework Help and Tutoring in Reading, Math, and Science. Students are encouraged to bring Homework Material or School Assignments for assistance in specific subject areas. This free service is available to all students in grades K-12. For more information, contact: tutoring@mdpls.org . Call: (305) 375-1413. Or visit: www.mdpls.org/tutor . Funded in part by The Children's Trust. Applause For Words - A Workshop For Writers: Saturday, June 28th, 2025 - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. This monthly workshop is for anyone interested in writing fiction or non-fiction with the hope of one day publishing their work! Facilitated by Author Elaine B. Johnson, each session will provide a safe and fun environment for participants to learn about the process of becoming a successful writer. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Some of the above events are On-line. To register, go to: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura For more information, feel free to contact the Aventura Branch At: (305) 931-5512. The Aventura Branch Library is located at 2930 Aventura Boulevard, Aventura, Florida 33180. Previous Next

Beach Construction To Begin Again: Dania, Hallandale Beach & Hollywood Residents Will Be Affected Thu Oct 12 2023 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hallandale Beach Updates: Hemispheres Condo Update, Beach Cleaning & Condo Law Changes By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper June 30, 2022 Share After a long 9 days, the Air Conditioning was finally back on at the Hemispheres Condo on Sunday. The final fix is still ongoing. The Staff at The Hemispheres Condo, the City Staff and FPL are working on plans to redo the Electrical Panels and Access. During this time they will be running Heavy Diesel Generators to supply enough power to the Plant Pumping Stations to keep the Air Conditioning running. While this is not ideal due to the exhaust and the noise, it is necessary. While this Crisis was taking place I received some calls and E-Mails complaining about the Board Of Directors, I still stand that President Yvette Suluco and Board Member Barbara Drabkin along with all of the Staff have worked tirelessly under an Extreme Emergency. They were fully accessible during the entire Event and worked around the clock. I certainly did not want to get into Condo Politics; it was not the time nor the place. My goal is to work to make sure we can address the needs of all of the Residents. We have been working with the Management to make sure that all of the Permits are submitted correctly. On another note, to date, the Pool Permit is awaiting Shoring Plans from the Contractor. The Window Permits will be final after having the Contractor not addressing Deficient Plans for almost a year, they are mostly finalized. I continue to stress that while we are extremely busy, our Staff needs Contractors to follow the State Regulations and File Complete and Accurate plans. If they do not, it only delays the Process further. Beach Cleaning Every once and awhile I get calls about our Beach Cleaning. We clean our beaches daily and I do need to remind Residents that it is still Turtle Nesting Season. Typically, Volunteers go onto our Beach and make sure that any Turtle Nests are found and protected. Then we go and clean. This takes place around 7:00 a.m. and takes 2.0 to 2.5 hours. We drag and bury the Sargassum, this has been our Practice for decades. Sargassum season is in full effect in Hallandale Beach. The amount of Sargassum that we do find on the area Beaches is Seasonal with much more being present during the Spring and the Summer. When visiting the beach, please remember, Sargassum is not harmful to people and is a habitat for a lot of animals. Please use caution when crossing the seaweed to access the water. For more information on Sargassum visit www.coHB.org/Sargassum As it relates to what other Cities do, it is my understanding that the City of Fort Lauderdale drags, picks up and removes the Sargassum. I believe that the City of Hollywood may perform the work in the same manner. In both cases a Vendor is used to perform that work at a considerable expense. I know we were involved in a Pilot Program to Research this Practice. I will be researching this issue further for our Residents. Our Beach is also much different than Dade-County’s Beaches. We have Hot-Spots that are created by how our Port was designed. The Army Corps Of Engineers has been in the process of addressing this problem and have finally passed Environmental Permitting Concerns. This will help allow sand to flow from the North to the South without scooping inwards to our Beach and pulling the sand out to the Sea. Condo Law Changes The new Law that was enacted will now require Condos to set aside Reserves. It was found that typically 50% Percent of Florida Condos do not plan nor set aside Reserves. This may be a hard pill to swallow but in light of the Champlain Towers Tragedy it is absolutely the right thing to do! By 2025 all Condos will be required to have set aside Reserves for Structural Repairs. For Buildings with Certificates of Occupancy issued prior to July 1st, 1992, the Initial Milestone Inspection is due by December 31st, 2024. The Inspections must Include: Windows, Roof, Load-Bearing Walls or other Primary Structural Members, Floors, Foundation, Fireproofing and Fire Protection Systems, Plumbing, Electrical Systems, Waterproofing and Exterior Painting. In next week's article I will review the new Law, but I encourage every Condo to speak with their Attorneys and to hire Architects and or Engineers to start the Process. Congressman Charlie Crist and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz Introduce Bill To Help with Costs U.S. Representatives Charlie Crist and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) recently introduced H.R.7532, the Securing Access to Financing for Exterior Repairs (SAFER) in Condos Act. The Bill will make it easier for Condo Owners to afford Special Assessments assigned by expanding access to two Loan Programs guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help cover the cost of Special Assessments for Structural and Safety Related Repairs. “As Floridians remain focused on Safety and Structural integrity of their Condominiums, more and more Owners are facing Unaffordable Special Assessments. When Associations have to make Critical Repairs to keep Residents Safe, the Special Assessments that fund the Repairs can be a significant financial burden, especially for Seniors on Fixed Incomes and working Floridians,” said Representative Charlie Crist. I spoke with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz this past weekend and they are working hard to make sure that Congress acts to Amend the Regulations. The Act Amends the 203(K) Program to allow Loans to be used on Special Assessments for Structural Repairs, expands the Title I Property Improvement Loans Program to insure Private Lenders against losses when lending to Individual Condo Owners or Condo Associations for Special Assessments. It also increases the maximum insured Loan amount to $55,000, to be adjusted with inflation. It also streamlines the process of applying. As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas on how to make our City a great place to live, work and play! I am available by Phone or Text At: (954) 632-5700. E-mail me At: jcooper@cohb.org . Or visit my Facebook & Web-Site At: www.MayorJoyCooper.com . < Previous News Next News >