Don’t Miss Out On All the Summer Fun at Gulfstream Park Village! Thu May 26 2022 04:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Governor DeSantis Deploys Additional Personnel, Assets to Southern Florida and the Keys March 22, 2024 Share In anticipation of a potential influx of illegal immigrants from Haiti, Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered additional state assets to the Keys and southern waters of the State of Florida. “For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to combat illegal vessels coming to Florida from countries such as Haiti," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Given the circumstances in Haiti, I have directed the Division of Emergency Management, the Florida State Guard, and state law enforcement agencies to deploy over 250 additional officers and soldiers and over a dozen air and sea craft to the southern coast of Florida to protect our state. No state has done more to supplement the (under-resourced) U.S. Coast Guard’s interdiction efforts; we cannot have illegal aliens coming to Florida." Currently, state agencies have security and surveillance assets in South Florida and the Keys as a part of Operation Vigilant Sentry to stop illegal immigration at sea. The governor’s directive today will send additional personnel and assets from the following agencies: • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 39 additional officers. • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: 23 additional officers with eight additional seacraft. • The Florida National Guard: 48 additional Guardsmen with four additional helicopters. • The Florida Highway Patrol: 30 additional officers with an additional aircraft and drones for surveillance. Governor DeSantis will also today authorize a deployment of the Florida State Guard to the Keys to assist in the operation. This deployment includes up to 133 soldiers. Illegal immigrants feel empowered to enter the sovereign territory of the United States because of the federal government's refusal to diligently enforce our immigration laws and protect the integrity of the border. When a state faces the possibility of invasion, it has the right and duty to defend its territory and people. Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida will act. < Previous News Next News >

City of Hollywood Awarded Over $16.2 Million: The State Is Providing Funds For Sustainable Projects Through Resilient Florida Grant City of Hollywood February 17, 2022 Share The City of Hollywood has been awarded over $16.2 million in matching grant funding for three environmental resilience projects in the City to help address the impacts of sea level rise, tidal flooding and storm surge. As part of the $404 million Resilient Florida Grant Program spearheaded by Governor Ron DeSantis, Hollywood will combine the award with existing funding from the City to enhance and harden its public infrastructure in an effort to protect inland and coastal neighborhoods. “The City of Hollywood appreciates the commitment by Governor DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for this substantial grant funding. $16 million of these matching grants are made possible due to the local match that Hollywood residents made possible through the 2019 voter-approved General Obligation Bond,” says Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy. “Thanks to the State, we now have twice the money to work with to do twice as much good as what we would have been able to do.” Through the Resilient Florida Grant Program, 113 environmental resilience projects across the state will help prepare coastal and inland communities for the adverse impacts of flooding and storm surge. “For the first time ever, Florida has strategic coordination of statewide efforts to protect our coastal and inland infrastructure, and the dedicated funding to support these projects,” said Governor DeSantis. “My administration will continue to support our communities’ resilience efforts across the state.” In Hollywood, grant funding of $16,263,650 will be directed to three high-priority projects: • Tidal Flooding Mitigation and Sea Walls • A1A Pump Station Project • Swale Restoration Pilot Project Tidal Flooding Mitigation and Sea Walls As part of the voter-approved General Obligation Bond, Tidal Flooding mitigation projects have included design and planning for the installation of tidal flooding barriers on public property where no current shoreline protection exists. Additional funding of $14 million will allow for a total of $28 million in improvements in more areas and areas where inadequate shoreline protection is existing. A1A Pump Station Project Pump stations are used by the City to move storm water from one area to another. Along low-lying sections of A1A on the barrier island, pumps are used to move sea water back into the Intracoastal Waterway to help alleviate street-level flooding. The A1A Pump Station Project will entail installing four stormwater pump stations along A1A at Bouganvilla Terrace, Franklin, Sherman, and Van Buren Streets. This project is a joint effort of the Department of Public Utilities, the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency Beach District, Broward County and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This grant of $1.825 million will fund a portion of the design and construction cost. Swale Restoration Project The City is embarking on an ambitious Recapture the Swale program that is focused on restoring the usefulness of swales as a green stormwater infrastructure solution across the City. This grant will support the development of a feasibility study for a City-wide restoration of swales as part of the overall stormwater management system. Restored swales will collect, store, treat infiltrate, and convey stormwater in the public right-of-way, and will help to provide flood mitigation, enhance aquifer recharging, and improved water quality. The program will also seek to educate residents and businesses on the important role they play in stormwater management. The project cost is estimated at $695,000 of which approximately 50% ($360,650) will be funded by this grant. • Governor DeSantis Official Media Release - https://www.flgov.com/2022/02/01/governor-ron-desantis-announces-award-of-more-than-404-million-for-113-projects-through-the-resilient-florida-grant-program/ • Resilient Florida Grant Program - https://floridadep.gov/rcp/florida-resilient-coastlines-program/content/florida-resilient-coastlines-program-funded • City of Hollywood Tidal Flooding Mitigation General Obligation Bond Projects - https://www.hollywoodfl.org/1214/General-Obligation-Bond-Projects For more information visit https://www.hollywoodfl.org < Previous News Next News >

Unwavering Dedication To Keeping The Community Safe: Sunny Isles Beach Police Are Awarded Accreditation Status October 26, 2023 Share In a heartening development for the residents and visitors of Sunny Isles Beach, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department (SIBPD) recently achieved a remarkable milestone – accreditation by the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). This accolade, conferred officially on a bright Thursday morning in Fort Myers, Florida, symbolizes the department's commitment to excellence, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to keeping the community safe. The journey to accreditation was no cakewalk. In August 2023, a team of impartial assessors descended upon SIBPD to scrutinize every facet of its operations, from policies and procedures to day-to-day practices and training protocols. The comprehensive assessment laid bare the department's adherence to all applicable standards, shining a bright light on a team that takes its role in the community very seriously. "We are honored to have earned this prestigious distinction," announced Chief Edward Santiago with a sense of pride that resonated throughout the department. "I will do everything I can to continue to offer the community a well-trained and professional police force." The path to accreditation was paved with diligence, ensuring that every "i" was dotted, and every "t" crossed. SIBPD's commitment to professionalism and the relentless pursuit of excellence became evident as assessors scrutinized every facet of the department. The CFA standards covered a wide range of areas, from routine patrol operations to the intricacies of criminal investigations. Traffic enforcement, conduct and discipline, evidence handling – each aspect was carefully examined, with the assurance that the department met or exceeded the required standards in each category. Accreditation isn't just about achieving a title; it's about what it means for the community. It's about the assurance that the police force dedicated to safeguarding your community is trained to the highest standards. It's about ensuring that the officers entrusted with your safety are well-equipped to respond to emergencies and uphold the law with utmost professionalism. One of the most significant benefits of this accreditation is the boost it offers to the police department's ability to prevent and control crime effectively. Through adherence to the highest standards and best practices, SIBPD is poised to deliver Law Enforcement services more efficiently and capably. With modern Law Enforcement trends continually evolving, this accreditation ensures that SIBPD stays at the forefront, ready to meet the challenges of the day while keeping the community secure. For those wondering about the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA), it's an organization that plays a pivotal role in setting and maintaining standards for Law Enforcement Agencies in the state of Florida. Their website: www.flaccreditation.org - offers valuable insights into their work, goals, and the significance of accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Sunny Isles Beach is known for its stunning coastline, vibrant culture, and diverse community. The residents and visitors deserve nothing less than a police department that operates at the highest level of professionalism. With this accreditation, SIBPD has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to providing top-tier Law Enforcement services, enhancing the Safety and Security of the community. Accreditation, while being a prestigious recognition, also signifies a commitment to continual improvement. It's an acknowledgment of the dedication and hard work of the police department, from officers on the beat to administrative staff behind the scenes. It's a reminder that the community's trust is well-placed in the capable hands of the men and women of the SIBPD. As the SIBPD moves forward with this well-deserved accreditation, Chief Edward Santiago and his team remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. The community can rest assured that they are served by a department that is not only committed to excellence but also ready to adapt and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the Sunny Isles Beach community. While accreditation brings the spotlight to the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, it also shines a light on the community itself. It's a reflection of the values and expectations that the community holds for its police force – a dedication to professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to safeguarding the Well-Being of all residents and visitors. This significant achievement is not just a momentary triumph; it's a long-term commitment to the community's safety and security. It's a promise that the officers of the SIBPD will continue to work tirelessly, day and night, to ensure that Sunny Isles Beach remains a haven of safety, and its residents can rest easy knowing that their police force operates with the highest level of professionalism. The accreditation of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department is a cause for celebration not only for the department but for the entire Sunny Isles Beach community. It signifies a commitment to excellence and professionalism that extends beyond words, into the everyday actions of the dedicated officers who tirelessly work to keep the community safe. < Previous News Next News >

Gulfstream Park Village to Host Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience on February 26 Thu Feb 24 2022 05:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Shavuot Is A Cheesy Jewish Holiday: The Crossroads Between Religion & Cuisine Thu Jun 13 2024 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Evermist Cleaning & Concierge: South Florida’s Premier Cleaning Service June 9, 2023 Share In the world of cleanliness, where standards often vary, one name stands out for its consistent pursuit of perfection: Evermist Cleaning & Concierge. Born from the vision of Steven Milewicz, a former advisor to CEOs, Boards, and Executive Leadership teams, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge is built on a solid foundation of trust, professionalism, and superior service. After a distinguished career in advisory roles, Steven chose to enter the cleaning industry, driven by his dissatisfaction with existing services. Steven is equipped with a degree in law and an MBA, qualifications that further lend credibility to his business acumen. Anticipatory and adept, Steven has a keen eye for ensuring excellent results while valuing both personnel and the image of the organization. With his robust background in law, economics, and business, he leads Evermist Cleaning & Concierge with the confidence and skill to exceed even the most challenging client expectations. The backbone of Evermist Cleaning & Concierge is its highly trained, professional staff. Each employee is provided with the tools and knowledge to surpass client expectations. By placing significant importance on personnel development, Evermist fosters trust and professionalism that is evident in the high-quality service provided to its clients. Evermist Cleaning & Concierge employees are trained to understand expectations and are provided with the tools and resources to exceed those expectations. Each employee is also screened through a third-party, and Evermist Cleaning & Concierge is fully insured and bonded. Equipped with state-of-the-art steam cleaning devices and environmentally-friendly cleaning products, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge stands by its commitment to being a “green” business. The company prides itself on using leading-edge equipment that ensures intensive and quality cleaning, with an emphasis on sanitization and disinfection beyond typical cleaning standards. Situated in South Florida, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge caters to the Broward, Miami Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. It offers a vast array of services tailored to meet the client's schedule and unique needs. Recognizing the sensitivity of inviting a cleaning service into one's personal space, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge respects and appreciates the trust placed in them. The professionals at Evermist Cleaning & Concierge go above and beyond the call of duty to manage your home on a weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis, whether it is a primary, secondary, vacation, or investment property. Not only does Evermist Cleaning & Concierge give you an immaculately clean home, but it also affords you the luxury of time to enjoy life, family, and friends. Evermist Cleaning & Concierge provides a holistic cleaning service that covers every corner of your home. In the kitchen, their professionals work meticulously on cabinet and drawer exteriors, appliance exteriors, range, outside of the range hood, refrigerator exterior and interior, microwave, dishwasher, countertop and backsplash, and faucets. Deep scrubbing and sanitization of sinks are performed, ensuring optimal hygiene. Floor steaming and vacuuming are done with meticulous precision to render a pristine finish. Marks from woodwork, door-frames, and switch plates are expertly removed, leaving your kitchen spotless and gleaming. In the bathroom, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge’s skilled team conducts a thorough cleaning and sanitizing of tile walls, bathtubs, and showers. This includes grout scrubbing, toilet scrubbing and sanitizing, and baseboard dusting. Their professionals shine your sinks and faucets, leaving them gleaming as though they were new. The team also neatly folds and hangs your towels, adding an additional touch of elegance to your pristine bathroom. In the bedroom, their professionals handle general straightening, lamp and lampshade cleaning and dusting, carpet and closet vacuuming, as well as furniture dusting. Evermist Cleaning & Concierge extend their exceptional cleaning services to other living areas, including hallways and stairs, steaming and vacuuming hardwood and tile floors, vacuuming upholstered furniture, and sanitizing all trash cans. Evermist Cleaning & Concierge's meticulous attention to detail even includes removing cobwebs, leaving your home immaculate and comfortable. Our comprehensive service reflects our commitment to perfection, ensuring that your home is not just clean, but Evermist Cleaning & Concierge clean. Evermist Cleaning & Concierge also offers post-construction cleaning. By employing air scrubbers to collect construction dust, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge ensures a thorough and intense cleanup of your space. Moreover, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge is renowned for its steam cleaning services, an Eco-Friendly alternative to harsh chemicals. The steam method is highly effective for both soft and hard surfaces, eliminating germs, dust mites, and unpleasant odors. At a temperature of 300 degrees, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge's steamers ensure optimal sanitation, killing 99.9% of Microbes including E. coli and Salmonella, without leaving any toxic residue. From regular cleaning routines to deep cleanings and even disaster response, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge provides an array of services tailored to suit your needs. "Our offerings extend to residential routine cleaning, deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and condominium and multi-unit common space cleaning." says Steven Milewicz. Whether you've just completed a remodeling project or are preparing to sell your property, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge's professional team is equipped to handle every challenge. They also offer gift certificates, a thoughtful and practical gift for those who value a spotless home. However, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge’s services extend beyond just cleaning. Evermist Cleaning & Concierge's services are designed to make your life easier and more organized. Imagine never having to worry about grocery shopping or waiting for deliveries and contractors. They offer an extra set of eyes, ears, and hands to take care of your day-to-day chores. From retrieving packages and returns to helping with parties, their team is ready to assist you. Need someone to do your personal shopping? Evermist Cleaning & Concierge has you covered. With their team by your side, you can reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters to you. Their mission is to provide a lifestyle of convenience and cleanliness, all under one roof. With Evermist Cleaning & Concierge, you can truly experience the luxury of a clean and well-managed home. Ultimately, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge is not just about cleaning; it's about offering peace of mind and enhancing the quality of life. With Steve Milewicz at the helm, Evermist Cleaning & Concierge's commitment to professionalism, Eco-Friendly practices, and exceptional service ensures that your search for the perfect cleaning service ends here. Embrace the Evermist Cleaning & Concierge difference today, because you deserve nothing but the best. For more information, you can visit their website at: www.evermistcleaning.com You can reach Evermist Cleaning & Concierge at: (305) 965-4338. Or: (305) 974-0474. Evermist Cleaning & Concierge can also be reached by email at: steven@evermistcleaning.com . They are located at 19201 Collins Avenue, Suite#: CU134 Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160. < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale Beach Student Awarded National STEAM Scholarship South Florida Sun Times Jul 3, 2025 The Role Tech Plays In Our Daily Lives Is Growing, And Stem Fields Are Providing More Opportunities Than Ever For People Of All Ages. For Her Contributions To The Field, Anna Zavadski, An NSU University School Senior From Hallandale Beach, Florida, Was Awarded The Steam Scholarship By National Society Of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Anna started a chapter of Girls Who Code at her school. She visited low-income schools to teach elementary students how to make games in Scratch and use Wonder Dash robots, spoke with pioneering women in STEM for a speaker series she launched, and coded an extensive portfolio of projects ranging from fun birthday cards to programs advocating for social issues. In addition to computer science, Anna is also passionate about environmental issues. Seeing harmful algal blooms blanket the shores of the beaches she lives near inspired her to dedicate her school research project to learning how to predict algal blooms on Florida’s west coast. She also completed a Mapping Justice program, writing a capstone on the impact hurricanes have on vulnerable Florida communities and creating maps that display a correlation between regions frequently hit by hurricanes and low-income counties. In college, Anna is excited to study computer science with the goal to become an AI Engineer. She aims to humanize technology, advocating for the ethical development of new software and AI. Anna says, "I embrace the challenge that computer science and environmental science bring to my creativity, logic, and advocacy, and am certain that I’ll be part of the movement shaping the future of technology and society at the speed of light." About National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) NSHSS is the premier honors and scholarship program co-founded by Claes Nobel of the Nobel Prize family and James Lewis. NSHSS offers a lifetime of benefits, pairing the highest performing students worldwide with college scholarships, events, connections, internships, and career opportunities that begin in high school and carry on through college and career. For more information, visit: https://www.nshss.org/ . Previous Next

What's Medicare Supplement Insurance - Medigap Thu Oct 10 2024 18:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Are Americans Safe from ‘the Law’? By Jane M. Orient, M.D. April 27, 2023 Share The triumphant anti-Trump crowd loves to say, “No one is above the law.” Most Americans have, however, felt safe from the dreaded knock on the door from the Gestapo or the KGB, from the “show me the man, and I’ll find you the crime” principle of Lavrentiy Beria, Stalin’s secret police chief. Law-abiding Americans assume that since they have not assaulted or robbed anyone or deliberately disobeyed a regulation they will never come in contact with the criminal justice system. After all, a mens rea - criminal intent - is required, they are presumed innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and they have a right to a prompt trial before an unbiased judge and jury. But those are constitutional rights, and our “archaic” Constitution is being rewritten. Ordinary Americans, especially doctors who prescribe pain relief, have experienced the reality of politicized prosecutions for many years. But the Russian proverb has applied: “You’ll know it’s true when it happens to you.” Now that a former President has been criminally charged, the sordid process is at the top of the news. President Trump has been subjected to intensive investigation since he was elected and even before. At last, Alvin Bragg, a New York district attorney who campaigned on a promise to “get Trump,” has indicted him on felony charges carrying a maximum prison sentence of 136 years. The “34 counts” consist of three misdemeanors, for which the statute of limitations has already expired. Each is then cut and pasted 11 times to match the monthly reimbursement checks to attorney Michael Cohen for payments he made to women based on alleged events two decades earlier, David Stockman explains. These three repetitive “books and records” violations include Cohen’s invoice for reimbursement, its entry into the Trump Organization’s general ledger, and the latter’s receipt of a check from Trump to cover the payments. These minutiae are transformed into felonies by the allegation of an intent to hide another crime, which the indictment does not specify. We’re supposed to find it out by the time of the trial. It probably has to do with an alleged dalliance with a “porn star,” who signed a non-disclosure agreement, which she violated. Neither the alleged behavior nor the payment is a crime but might be turned into one if the expenditure is thought to have aided Trump’s political campaign. Progressives deplore the stigmatization of “sex work,” and approve of some materials in public school libraries that are described as “pornographic” by “bigoted” parents. So, progressives shouldn’t mind (and evidently don’t) if their candidate is connected to such things, but Trump’s base might turn against him for it. Although Bragg’s case is extremely weak, attorney Alan Dershowitz predicts that Trump will be convicted unless there is a change of venue, because of the intense hostility to Trump in the jury pool. A New York City judge would not dismiss this case “because that New York City judge’s life would be over,” Dershowitz states, although he thinks that a conviction would be overturned on appeal. Trump was not subjected to a 5:00 a.m. arrest in his pajamas in front of cameras by a heavily armed SWAT team. Nor did the media show him doing a perp walk in handcuffs. Nor will he be held in solitary confinement in a filthy jail for two years awaiting trial. Such honors are reserved for his supporters. What a great way to drive principled people out of politics and keep them from supporting a candidate who will strongly oppose the uniparty and the deep state! Trump’s poll numbers got a big boost after the indictment. It might assure his nomination at the Republican Convention. So why have Democrats, the media, and establishment Republicans not cried foul over this charade? Stockman writes that the deep state fears that Trump may have learned enough to actually threaten their rule should he pull a Grover Cleveland. “So there is literally nothing they will not do to keep him out of the White House.” Perhaps the Left wants Trump to win the primary, keeping out a younger person without the baggage, especially from the COVID debacle. Other indictments may come down, lawfare and other attacks will continue, and electoral fraud has not been fixed, so Trump could well lose. Bragg’s actions might stem from pure hatred, without strategic considerations. In any event, the theatrics are drowning out concerns such as deteriorating foreign policy and the destruction of the dollar. Whether you love Trump or hate him, the weaponization and politicization of the criminal justice system and the shredding of the Constitution affects you too. Editor’s Note: Jane M. Orient, M.D. obtained her undergraduate degrees in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1974. She is the editor of AAPS News, the Doctors for Disaster Preparedness Newsletter, and Civil Defense Perspectives, and is the managing editor of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Orient's Commentary are her views and she is open for discussion, she can be contacted at: https://www.drjaneorient.com < Previous News Next News >

Gas or Electric: Filling-Up a Standard Vehicle VS Charging an Electric Vehicle July 28, 2022 Share A new national survey shows that a quarter of consumers plan to go electric for their next vehicle purchase (a fully electric, not hybrid vehicle). The most common factor for those interested in buying an electric vehicle (77%) is a strong desire to save on fuel costs. However, AAA notes that there are still those who are hesitant to make the switch, due to lingering concerns relating to range, purchase price and availability of public charging options. “Consumers who are fed up with the wild price swings at the pump, may be more willing than ever to make the switch to an electric vehicle,” said Mark Jenkins, Spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Record-high gas prices have brought the cost of owning an EV more in line with a standard gasoline-powered vehicle. Although it may cost more money up front, EVs cost less to charge, maintain and are more efficient.” EV Sales continue to steadily rise within the United States. In 2021 alone (through October), almost 450,000 EVs were sold – an 88% increase year over year. Despite rapid growth, EVs account for less than 1% of light vehicles (cars and trucks) in operation today. However, industry analysts forecast the share of EVs on the road will reach 15% by 2030, and 50% by 2050. Fueling costs can vary greatly for electricity costs and gas prices, depending on vehicle type. AAA determined the cost of charging an EV is 2-4 times less than fueling a gasoline powered vehicle. When comparing two popular EV sedans against popular gasoline powered vehicles, AAA found: EVs Charged at Home – Based on the current national average rate, you’ll spend about 3.5 cents per mile charging at home (around $10 per full charge). EV at Public Charger – You can expect to spend about 7 cents per mile (around $20 per full charge). However, costs at public chargers can vary by location and the type of charger you use. Gas Vehicles – Based on a national average price of $4.66 per gallon, drivers spend about 15 cents per mile (about $70 for a full tank). This is nearly twice as expensive as charging an EV at a public station and about four times more than charging an EV at home. In addition to fuel savings, electric vehicles cost less to maintain, because they don’t have spark plugs, need oil changes or air-filter replacements. However, upon the conclusion of a federally-mandated 100,000 mile vehicle warranty, EV owners may need to cover the cost of a new battery, which ranges in price from $2,500 to over $10,000. Charging Options & Concerns While EV owners do 75% of their charging at home, there are a variety of public options to choose from in the area. Depending upon where you live you will be able to choose from different charging levels that fit your lifestyle and commute time. Level 1, Level 2 and DC Fast Charging Equipment each will impact the amount of time it takes to recharge your vehicle and the cost. Level 1 Charging provides 2-5 miles of range per hour (40 miles for 8 hours of charge), which is adequate for a typical U.S. driver who averages about 30 miles daily. Level 1 chargers can plug directly into a standard household electrical outlet without any modifications. Level 2 Charging can add 25 miles of range per 1 hour (depending on the size of the vehicle and power setting). EV owners commonly install this for home charging, because it can fully charge an EV overnight. As of 2021, over 80% of public EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) ports in the United States are Level 2 chargers. DC Fast Charging equipment provides approximately 100 to 200+ miles of range per 30 minutes of charging. As of 2021, over 15% of public EVSE ports in the U.S. were direct-current fast chargers and availability is forecast to increase each year. Data from the U.S. Department of Energy suggests there are nearly 55,674 charging stations throughout the nation. Most new charging stations have been installed at hotels, car dealerships, office buildings and Federal Government facilities. Even as more Americans lean into electric options, AAA found lingering consumer hesitation surrounding price, range and accessibility to charging. The top EV concerns consumers cited were: • Higher purchase price – 60% • Worries there are not enough places to charge – 60% • Concern about running out of charge when driving – 58% • Unsuitable for long-distance travel – 55% • High cost of battery repair or replacement – 55% • Unable to install a charging station where they live – 31% Driving Range for Electric Vehicles Researchers found that consumers have a reasonably accurate understanding of current electric vehicle range. Six in ten (60%) Americans think electric vehicles can travel between 100 to 350 miles before running out of charge. This aligns with today’s electric vehicle capabilities. These findings suggest that while automakers have made great strides to improve range, consumer anxiety over it remains a barrier to adoption. “The anxiety surrounding range for consumers is often more of a perceived issue, until they learn more about it,” Jenkins continued. “Many EV owners cite range as one of the things that concerned them before purchasing the vehicle. Yet those concerns disappeared as they learned to integrate their electric vehicle into their lives.” Education Can Ease EV Anxiety Having a better understanding of the following aspects of electric vehicle ownership will help consumers overcome their concerns. Today's electric vehicles are more efficient in stop-and-go traffic because the car can recapture energy from braking to charge the battery when decelerating. Charger accessibility has increased the number of public charging stations that have more than tripled in the past five years. While charging infrastructure has improved, more work is needed to support greater consumer adoption in the coming years. In February, the United States Department of Transportation dedicated $5 Billion over 5 years to help States create a network of EV charging stations along designated fuel corridors, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Though it’s unclear how many charging stations this will add. According to previous AAA Research, most owners of electric vehicles (78%) usually have one or more gas-powered or non-plug-in hybrid vehicles in the household in addition to their electric vehicles. The benefits of using an electric vehicle for shorter commutes while using their gas-powered vehicle for longer trips may go a long way in addressing range anxiety while also highlighting the benefits. Currently, there is only one active Federal Tax Credit for EVs. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) purchased in or after 2010 are eligible for a Federal Income Tax Credit of up to $7,500 for EVs with larger battery capacity eligible for more significant Tax Credits. However, this Credit will phase out to 50% of the total Credit amount once a manufacturer has reached 200,000 units sold. Only two manufacturers, Tesla and General Motors, have completely phased out their Credits. “Simply improving the range of electric vehicles will not be enough to calm consumer anxiety and encourage them to give these vehicles a chance,” said Jenkins. “However, with continuous education on electric vehicle ownership, coupled with more consumers seeing their neighbors convert, the popularity surrounding electric vehicles will grow.” For those interested in learning more or needing help with selecting an electric vehicle, check out the AAA Car Guide. This resource provides consumers with reviews highlighting how many Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are included in the vehicle, along with other criteria and information. All category winners for 2022 are electric, plug-in electric hybrid, or hybrid vehicles. For more information on selecting an electric vehicle, check out the AAA Car Guide at: http://www.aaa.com/carguide/ < Previous News Next News >

February is American Heart Month: Understanding the Impacts of LDL Cholesterol By Family Features February 23, 2024 Share About 38% of American adults have high Cholesterol, which can be caused by poor lifestyle habits or genetics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Having a high Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol number - considered "bad" Cholesterol - can contribute to fatty buildups (plaque) and narrowing of the arteries. LDL Cholesterol is also the type of total Cholesterol most closely associated with an increased risk for a Heart Attack or Stroke. In fact, 75% of Heart Attack and Stroke survivors reported having high Cholesterol, according to a Harris Poll survey conducted on behalf of the American Heart Association, yet less than half (49%) prioritize lowering their Cholesterol. "There's a pervasive lack of public awareness and understanding around bad Cholesterol and its impact on your Cardiovascular Health," said Joseph C. Wu, MD, PHD, FAHA, American Heart Association Volunteer President and Director, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Simon H. Stertzer, MD, Professor of Medicine and Radiology at Stanford School of Medicine. "As bad Cholesterol usually has no symptoms, we often find that many patients are walking around without knowing they're at risk or how to mitigate it." To learn about LDL Cholesterol, its impact on heart health and the steps you can take to maintain a healthy number, consider this information from the Lower Your LDL Cholesterol Now initiative, nationally sponsored by Amgen. Get to Know Your LDL Number According to the survey, nearly half (47%) of Heart Attack and Stroke survivors are unaware of their LDL numbers. While Cholesterol levels can vary by race and ethnicity, with higher levels of LDL seen most often among Asian men and Hispanic women, various research studies on LDL have shown "lower is better." For healthy adults an LDL at or below 100 mg/dL is ideal for good health. If you have a history of Heart Attack or Stroke and are already on a Cholesterol-lowering medication, your doctor may aim for 70 mg/dL or lower. In addition to race and ethnicity, family history, age, sex, Tobacco use or exposure to secondhand smoke, eating habits, lack of physical activity, heavy alcohol usage and obesity can impact LDL numbers. Understand How Often to Check Your Numbers Because high LDL does not typically cause symptoms, it's important to have your number checked by your health care professional. Ask your doctor for the right frequency for you. Generally, healthy adults ages 20-39 should have their Cholesterol checked every 4-6 years. Adults over age 40, or those who have heart disease (including prior Heart Attack) or other risk factors, may need their number checked more often. Learn Risks Associated with LDL Too much LDL Cholesterol can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits inside your arteries - a condition known as Atherosclerosis - which can narrow arteries and reduce blood flow. If a piece of the plaque breaks free, it might travel into the bloodstream and block a blood vessel to the heart or brain, causing a Heart Attack or Stroke. This narrowing also elevates the risk of Peripheral Artery Disease. Take Steps to Manage High LDL Managing high Cholesterol is not one size fits all. Talk with your health care professional to map out the right treatment plan for you. According to American Heart Association guidelines, lifestyle habits can help control your Cholesterol, including: • Eating a healthy and balanced diet (emphasizing fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, lean protein and fish) • Staying active and aiming to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week (such as brisk walking) • Managing Stress • Eliminating Tobacco use However, some individuals, especially Heart Attack and Stroke survivors, should have a conversation with their doctor about Cholesterol-lowering medications. Talk to your doctor about getting your cholesterol tested and visit: www.heart.org/LDL for more information. < Previous News Next News >