Who's Responsible At Your Condo? Fiduciary Duty Is Mandatory for Condominium & HOA Board Members By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate June 6, 2024 Share When Florida residential Condominium and HOA Board members are elected or appointed, they automatically and immediately enter into fiduciary relationships with all property owners in the building or community. This means the Association's Directors and Officers are obligated to put the interests of property owners (Association members) above any personal motivations or views. Words used to describe fiduciary relationships include Trust, Honesty, Loyalty, and Integrity. The fiduciary responsibility of Board members is clearly established by both the Florida Condominium Act (Florida Statutes Chapter 718) and the Homeowners Association Act (FS Chapter 720). That's the mandatory part. Fiduciary Duty is defined as such: fi•du•ci•ar•y du•ty - noun phrase - 1. A fiduciary duty is a legal or ethical relationship of trust wherein a fiduciary is obligated to act in the best interests of one or more other parties (person or group of persons), often known as the principle or beneficiary. Typically, a fiduciary duty occurs in the context of prudently managing money or other assets on the behalf of another. While fiduciary duty is difficult to strictly or legally define, nor can a precise list of specific duties be compiled, the responsibilities addressed and actions performed by fiduciaries are understood by both parties in the relationship. A person acting as a fiduciary (similar to a Trustee) has the responsibility to act and make decisions that are prudent and well-informed while also being financially, legally, and ethically sound. A fiduciary's behavior and actions are expected to produce the best possible outcome for the person or people who will benefit from those actions (similar to Beneficiaries). In very basic terms, the goal of residential Owners Association governance is to protect, maintain, and potentially increase the value of property in it. Responsible Board administration is an important part of achieving this. Fiduciary duty is an ethical and moral concept rather than an easily defined set of tasks or actions, and usually involves making sound financial decisions for others. In practice, it is often easier to notice a violation of fiduciary duty than to describe behaviors that fulfill it. The responsibilities that go along with being on a Board of Directors cannot be waived, paused, rejected, or abandoned. Accepting a seat on the Board doesn't come with a “trial period” to see if newly-elected Directors really want to be fiduciaries to all Association owner/members. The relationship starts as soon as they are elected or appointed. For their entire terms as Directors and Officers, Board members are obligated to put all Association member/owners' interests above their own. The primary ways for serving Directors to be released from fiduciary responsibility are to: • Resign from the Board • Finish an elected term without seeking re-election • Sell their property and move out of the building or community (most Governing Docs require Directors to be property owners) • Be removed from office by an Association recall vote Fiduciary duty is understood and offered to all Association members when a property owner volunteers to run for a seat on the Board of Directors. That offer is acknowledged and accepted by the other owners when they elect a candidate into office as a Director of the Association. Owners who are appointed to temporarily fill a vacant seat and become Board members before the next election also accept full fiduciary responsibility to the owner/members. Association elections are closely regulated in Florida because the outcome results in an acknowledged, trusted relationship between new Board members and every owner/member in the Association, not just the ones who voted for that new Director because they share a particular viewpoint or opinion. Because ALL members of the Association have entrusted Board members to act and make decisions on their collective behalf, Directors cannot give favoritism to any individual member or special interest group within the Association. They must evaluate the well-being of the entire Association as a whole and make decisions accordingly. The most vocal members/owners cannot be given greater influence when it comes to Board decisions. What might be examples of a Condo or HOA Director breaching (violating) his or her fiduciary responsibility to Association? In Florida, it could involve one or more of the following: • Mismanagement of Association funds • Intentionally under-budgeting for common expenses or reserves • Not maintaining the property's common elements/areas • Selectively enforcing Association rules and regulations • Making decisions without seeking expert or legal input when needed • Making decisions outside of a properly-noticed Board meeting that owners can attend • Conflicts of interest (personal benefit from a Board decision) Note that some of the above actions can also be violations of Florida's Condominium or Homeowners Association Act and/or an Association's own Governing Documents. The accepted standard for Board member behavior is full, accurate, good-faith compliance with Florida Statutes and the Association’s own Governing Documents. Florida residential Owners Associations and their Boards often lose sight of how significantly fiduciary responsibility guides the group's decisions, governance, and internal politics. When Board members might be seen as straying from (or openly disregarding) their fiduciary duties, it is up to the rest of the Association to remind them and get things back on track. Unfortunately, unless there is accompanying criminal behavior or direct violation of Florida Statutes, the only remedy usually available for breach of fiduciary duty is civil litigation (a lawsuit against suspected or accused Directors). Neither Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) nor its Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, & Mobile Homes (CTMH) will pursue claims of fiduciary breach unless the behavior also violates specific Sections of the Condominium Act (FS Chapter 718). HOAs are not regulated by the DBPR, so improper acts by HOA Board members often remain unchecked. Reported criminal behavior by Association Boards can be prosecuted by local and State law enforcement agencies if there is enough evidence. While it may be somewhat difficult to specifically define Fiduciary Duty, you will definitely recognize a breach of it when one happens, so pay attention and participate in the business of running your residential Owners Association. 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 >

Broward's 'Wynwood': The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project Is A Huge Success July 28, 2022 Share The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project was launched by the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency in 2012 and it has become a huge success. The Mural Project is one of the largest Walkable Mural Projects in Broward County and features Renowned Local, National and International Artists. The Mural Project is a key element in the CRA's initiative to enhance the diversity, culture and vibrancy of Downtown Hollywood. Just like the way the "Wynwood Walls" helped to redevelop the Wynwood area of Miami with innovative Street Art as an Outdoor Museum to attract redevelopment. The Wynwood Walls has become an International phenomenon, spurring the creation of Murals throughout the Wynwood District. That area is now one of the best venues in the World to see the work of leading Street Artists and attracts over 3 million visitors each year. About 20 miles north of Wynwood during your commute through the Downtown Hollywood area you may have noticed Murals popping up over the years on various facades and wonder about the inspiration for such creations. Just like Wynwood, Downtown Hollywood also has a Mural Tour with some great works to view. To learn more about these works you can take part in a guided Mural Walking Tour every third Saturday of the month. You'll spend a leisurely evening enriched by unique Art & Culture in Hollywood during the Walking Tour. So stroll through the streets of Downtown Hollywood on this guided tour and learn about this unique Project in the City of Hollywood. Leave with a greater impression and appreciation for Artists. Here are some of the Artists and their works you may have a chance to visit. KEY DETAIL 1948 HARRISON STREET Key Detail is a Belarusian Artist who works with painting, drawing and illustrations. He studied Architecture in Minsk, Belarus and currently lives and works in New York City. Growing up in Minsk, Key Detail has been active on the Street Art Scene since 2000 and has worked consistently towards developing his unique style and his skills on the streets. Today, Key Detail is one of the best Belarusian Artists who began his Art Career with Street Art and successfully continued it as an Internationally-Known Mural Artist. His Art is a balanced concentration of emotional reflections on reality transformed by the prism of surreal interpretation. Every one of his characters has charisma, an outstanding personality and lives in its own environment rich with elaborate details. NATE DEE 307 SOUTH 21ST AVENUE Born and raised in South Florida, Nathan Delinois (Nate Dee) has numerous influences, this includes his Haitian background and the use of color in a lot of Haitian Art, as well as in Street Art. The design quality of the Art Nouveau movement and the drama of Greek Art from the Hellenistic. These elements can be seen in his work. Additionally, he takes some influences from the Pop-Surrealists. He has been featured in Magazines such as: Delve, Making Waves, WeMerge, DUO & The Miami New Times. In 2014 The New Times listed him as one of the 10 Miami Artists to follow on Instagram. In 2013 he was also given an Honorable mention by the Magazine for their 2013 Miami Masterminds Awards. He’s been featured on multiple Blogs and has displayed his work in Exhibits throughout South Florida. JOEL BLENZ 211 NORTH 21ST AVENUE The 60-by-20-foot mural, which depicts a waving American Flag with a soldier proudly saluting, fittingly covers the main façade of the American Legion Post 92 building at 211 North 21st Avenue. The Artist, Joel Blenz, is a Navy Veteran. Blenz crafted the mural with wire, metal and paint to create a 3-D illusion of a real flag. “As a Navy Veteran, I think the idea of a realistic flag is symbolically powerful to show allegiance and strength for the United States,” said Blenz, a Queens, New York native who served as a Navy Aviation Technician for six years out of High School. A self-taught Artist, he began his Career close to 40 years ago and transitioned to studio work about 10 years ago. While Blenz has created 40 to 50 murals, the patriotic piece presented unique challenges because of the construction aspect, which required a staple gun and concrete staples to affix the wire and metal. “That’s what makes it fun,” he said, “It’s challenging. I’m taking my work to another level!” ALICE MIZRACHI 2032 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD Alice Mizrachi is a New York based Interdisciplinary Artist and Educator working in the mediums of painting, murals and installation. Her work explores the interconnectedness of individuals and community through the dual lens of compassion and empathy. Through figurative work that reinforces both personal and community-oriented identity, Alice aims to inspire creative expression and a sense of shared humanity through Art. Alice's mural and installation work has been constructed in Galleries and as a part of site-specific Arts Education and Community Development Projects. Her work often engages local communities and reflects positive visual responses to social issues affecting neighborhood residents. Her process activates a shared space of love, hope, optimism and healing as a means to connect with participants. Frequent topics include the sacred feminine, identity and migration. FABIO ONRACK 2050 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD Originally from Brazil, Fabio Onrack is a Fine Art Painter and Muralist with a passion for transforming urban spaces. Since completing his MFA in Visual Arts and Painting from the University of São Paulo, he has collaborated extensively with the Department of Education in Brazil, completing large-scale murals in over 40 schools throughout São Paulo. Fabio's work combines photorealistic portraiture with 3-dimensional effects and colorful geometric shapes. His introduction to painting came through a near death experience in his early teens and has given his work a subtle undertone of gratitude, peace and unity. Onrack's DHMP mural features realistic black-and-white portraits of renowned Artists Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Onrack's work reflects his artistic passion for painting people and places and his exploratory style of painting three-dimensional elements with expressive movement and emotion. EDDIE MENDIETA & JAY BELLICCHI 2014 HARRISON STREET Eddie Mendieta is a West Palm Beach based Artist who not only creates murals in the Tri-County area, but was also featured at the Super Bowl XLVI Indianapolis Mural Project. Also from South Florida, Jay Bellicchi has adorned canvases, walls and Fine Art pieces with his Artwork for more than 20 years. A creator of abstract reflections of urban decay and layered chaos juxtaposed with crisp lines and shapes, Jay's work is unplanned and a spontaneous process that is directly influenced by his mental and spiritual state. "Art is what you make of it. It's all about how you personally relate to a piece and what you take from it," explains Mendieta about their concept. KENNY SCHARF 2019 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD The works of Internationally-Known, Los Angeles based Kenny Scharf consist of Pop-Culture Icons in a Science Fiction setting. He is best known for his work in the East Village, Manhattan Art Scene of the 1980’s before seeing his work embraced by Museums, with featured exhibits at the Monterrey Museum of Contemporary Art, Miami Center for the Fine Arts and Queens Museum of Art. Scharf also did the cover art for The B-52's 1986 Album Bouncing off the Satellites. "One very important and guiding principle to my work is to reach out beyond the elitist boundaries of Fine Art and connect to Popular Culture through my art." says Scharf. ERNESTO MARANJE 1926 HARRISON STREET Miami native Ernesto Maranje uses animal imagery to visualize and create his characters and narratives. He references myths, history and his own experiences. He notes that "many of my creatures resemble fish and birds, their actions may often be parallel to our own human behavior. I also use bird imagery because I am hopeful that our evolution will take us from land to the skies. Unfortunately, in this life we are confined to crawling on earth in two dimensions. However, in my imaginary universe I have freed us from these constraints using color and form to give us another identity." This is Maranje's largest mural to date and was created with Exterior Latex and Spray Paint. These are just a few of the inspirations you can view along the monthly tour. This free Guided Tour lets you learn the stories behind the Art and the Artists of the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. To be a part of the tour, meet at the Visitor Center’s Information Booth at 20th Avenue & Harrison Street in Downtown Hollywood, the third Saturday of the month. For more information about the next tour, please call: (954) 924-2980. Or visit: www.facebook.com/DowntownHollywoodMuralProject Parking Information 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 South 20th Avenue (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street) and 251 North 19th Avenue Municipal Garage (between Tyler Street & Polk Street). The collection of Curated Outdoor Murals is presented by the CRA of Hollywood. < 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 >

Make the Holidays Easy with Seamless Travel Thu Dec 05 2024 18:45:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Embrace The Spirit Of Community: Join Aventura’s Winter Adult Softball Season January 11, 2024 Share As the air gets a bit cooler, the City of Aventura beckons all Softball enthusiasts to gear up for an exciting and invigorating season ahead. The much-awaited Coed Adult Softball Winter Season is officially open for registration, offering an opportunity for individuals aged 18 and above to indulge in the thrill of the game while fostering a strong sense of community. Scheduled to kick off from January and extend through April 2024, the season promises an array of action-packed moments at Waterways Park. It's not just about sports; it's about creating connections, embracing teamwork, and reaping the benefits of physical activity in a supportive and encouraging environment. Participation isn't limited to expertise on the field; it's about bringing a positive attitude and a commitment to nurturing a sense of camaraderie among fellow players. Whether you're a seasoned player or a novice eager to explore the joys of Softball, this season invites everyone willing to contribute to a vibrant community spirit while staying active and healthy. To join the League, Teams can easily Register Online through the City’s Online Registration System (ORS) available at: www.cityofaventura.com/ors - The Registration Fee stands at $729 Per Team, ensuring access to an enriching sporting experience. Moreover, teams composed solely of Aventura Residents can benefit from a Discounted Fee of $540, incentivizing local participation and reinforcing Community Engagement. Waterways Park is the picturesque venue for this spirited sporting extravaganza, awaits players and spectators alike at: 3301 Northeast 213th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Its beautiful fields and Well-Equipped Facilities provide the perfect backdrop for fostering connections and enjoying the thrill of the game. The Adult Softball Winter Season not only offers a platform to showcase athletic prowess but also serves as a hub for social interaction and forging lasting friendships. Beyond the competitive aspect, it's about bonding over shared passions and celebrating the joy of healthy competition within a supportive environment. The importance of Physical Activity for Overall Well-Being cannot be understated. Engaging in sports like Softball not only promotes Physical Fitness but also contributes to Mental Agility and Emotional Well-Being. This season serves as an avenue for individuals to stay active, unwind from the stresses of daily life, and relish moments of pure enjoyment on the field. For those interested in becoming part of this thrilling endeavor, further information and assistance are readily available by contacting the organizers at: (305) 466-0183. Whether it's inquiries about Team Formations, clarifications regarding the Registration Process, or any other related queries, the organizers are dedicated to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. Aventura’s Adult Softball Winter Season isn't merely about playing a game; it's a celebration of unity, sportsmanship, and the vibrant spirit of the community. It's an opportunity to lace up those cleats, swing those bats, and, most importantly, become a part of a close-knit network of individuals united by their love for the game and a shared commitment to fostering a thriving community. So, seize this chance to be part of something bigger than the game itself. Register now, gather your team, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and wholesome fun at the heart of Aventura's sporting landscape. Waterways Park is located at: 3301 Northeast 213th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. For more information, contact us at: (305) 466-0183. < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale Beach Resident Leads The Way: At The 2022 National Senior Games In Fort Lauderdale May 19, 2022 Share If you are over 50 years of age and feel like you can’t exercise, Hallandale Beach resident JoAnn Sampson has a few words for you. “Just bend down and try to touch your toes!” She says, “As we get older, we think exercise is not for us. But as seniors, we are generation of champions.” The 81-year-old track and field enthusiast knows the joy of being a champion, and hopes to win even more medals when she competes in the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana. The Games, the largest qualified multi-sport medal event in the world for seniors age 50 plus, held at venues throughout Broward County from May 10-23. A former elementary school teacher, Sampson retired after 35 years in the profession, but knew she had to do something to keep from being bored and missing her students. Although she was never an athlete, an article she read in 2002 about the Senior Games provided the motivation to register for her first race and begin training. Twenty years later, she hasn’t slowed down. Becoming an athlete at age 62 became her new calling. Sampson started walking and training seven days a week rain or shine. As she likes to say, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Being a competitor also revived her passion for teaching, motivating other seniors to participate in sports. She delivers inspiring speeches to churches and schoolchildren in poor neighborhoods. "Stand up for who you are and don't let anyone tell you you're too old or can’t do something. Age has nothing to do with it. You can do whatever is in your heart.” The wealth of gold, silver and bronze medals Sampson has won at state, national and international competitions reflect her shining spirit and determination. She enjoys the 50, 100 and even 200-meter races, but has also excelled in the 400 and 800 meter events and also in the shot put. Her best time in the 100 meters is 14.78 seconds. But her greatest time will be at the National Senior Games, as she was selected to be the female flag bearer for Florida at the ‘Celebration of Athletes’ Olympic-style ceremony. ‘I am so proud to be an athlete and ambassador for Florida, and our Greater Fort Lauderdale community, as we host the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana. It is also nice to not have to travel and that this major event is happening right in our backyard.” JoAnn Sampson Nearly 12,000 athletes will be competing in The Games, with sports ranging from archery to volleyball. But to those who know JoAnn Sampson, she is truly one in a million. A Competition For the Ages Competitions are held in five-year age brackets from 50 to 100+ to allow athletes to compete with their peers for medals. The oldest athlete this year is 103-year-old golfer Lindsay Tise from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The oldest Floridian will be Stanley Corwin, a 97-year-old bowler from Boynton Beach in Broward County. “Everyone always asks about the oldest athletes, and they are truly inspiring,” Riker commented. “But we have amazing athletes and examples of healthy, active aging at every age level of The Games. All of our events are free for the public and we hope people of all ages in South Florida will come out to experience the atmosphere of fitness, fun and fellowship that makes us so unique.” The 21 sports offered range from Triathlon to Shuffleboard, and two new sports were added for 2022 – Beach Volleyball and Cornhole. “The response has been tremendous for both, but especially for Beach Volleyball,” Riker noted. “A large number of our indoor players were eager for the chance to also play outdoors on the pristine Fort Lauderdale beach.” For more information on the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana, please race over to the National Senior Games Association’s website, www.nsga.com . For volunteer opportunities, go to www.nsga.com/volunteer < Previous News Next News >

Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months Returns - Celebrate The Cultural Richness Of Greater Miami And Miami Beach Culture December 19, 2024 Share The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) announces the return of Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months. From December 1st to January 31st, this two-month celebration invites locals and visitors to discover and experience the cultural depth of Greater Miami and Miami Beach. The arts and culture scene in Greater Miami & Miami Beach has experienced transformative growth, catalyzed by the introduction of Art Basel Miami Beach in 2002. Each neighborhood – whether the vibrant Miami Design District, the historically rich Opa-locka, or the spirited streets of Little Havana – has nurtured distinct and lively communities centered around art and cultural heritage. These vibrant neighborhoods are the heart of Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s art scene, contributing significantly to the local economy with an impressive $2.1 Billion in economic activity and supporting over 31,500 local jobs. "Greater Miami & Miami Beach stands as a beacon of creativity and self-expression, drawing artists and cultural enthusiasts from around the world year-round,” said David Whitaker, President & CEO of the GMCVB. “With its world-class art galleries, cultural institutions, historic landmarks, and vibrant heritage neighborhoods, our destination has firmly established itself as a global arts and culture capital. Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months celebrate the rich stories, enduring traditions, and groundbreaking innovations that define and inspire our community." With Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months, special offers extend well beyond Art Week, featuring exclusive deals, experiences, and special events across museums, art tours, and cultural attractions throughout December and January. Whether you’re drawn to Wynwood’s vibrant murals, interactive arts in Doral, or South Beach’s Art Deco charm, every corner of Greater Miami & Miami Beach has something unique to offer everyone, providing the perfect opportunity for a winter getaway filled with cultural discovery. Highlights include: • The Magic of Live Performances: Listen to the musical excellence of Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons with 20% off admission to the award-winning musical The Jersey Boys at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Enjoy special holiday discounts on unique performances at GableStage at The Biltmore and select performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center, bringing the magic of live theater to your season’s celebrations • Discover Greater Miami’s Historical Gems: Dive into the rich history of Coral Gables at the Coral Gables Museum and enjoy 25% off admission as you uncover the origins of this iconic neighborhood. Step back in time at The Ancient Spanish Monastery, one of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere, with buy-one-get-one-free admissions for an unforgettable historical experience. • Heritage Hotspots: Wander over to Wynwood Walls for a first look at its newest Art Week collection, “Street Art Icons,” featuring new murals, sculptures, and glass works from eight international artists. Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Little Havana and Little Haiti to see how Latin and Caribbean influences have shaped these vibrant communities. Don’t miss The Historic Hampton House, one of the few remaining Green Book sites from the Jim Crow era, to delve deeper into Greater Miami’s history. • Holiday Extravaganza: Brighten your holiday season with 20% off select seating at the Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights, offering breathtaking views and festive cheer. Immerse yourself in Downtown Doral’s The World of Nutcracker, the first interactive Nutcracker experience in the U.S., reimagining this beloved holiday classic in a way you’ve never seen before. • Celebrate Greater Miami’s Vibrant Art Scene: Organized by the GMCVB’s Multicultural Tourism & Development Department, the annual Art of Black Miami program returns to celebrate artists and exhibits inspired by Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond. Explore No Vacancy Miami Beach, a juried art competition showcasing site-specific works from 12 local artists across 12 hotels, presented by the City of Miami Beach and the GMCVB. For a complete list of special offers available from the GMCVB’s Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months, visit: www.miamiandbeaches.com/deals/arts-heritage-months < Previous News Next News >

Hurricane Protection Update: What Does All This Mean For Owners Of Florida Condominiums May 9, 2024 Share In this week's article let's get into considerations and details of Hurricane Protection for condominium buildings and communities. Some Florida COAs install Hurricane Shutters or storm-rated windows and sliding glass doors on the entire building, including all individual units. In other Associations and buildings, storm protection on individual unit windows and doors is the separate responsibility of each owner. The decision to do one or the other depends on the recorded Governing Documents, available funds, insurance considerations, and the desires of the Association as a whole. When the Association pays for the installation of Hurricane Shutters or storm-rated windows and doors on the entire building, the COA may also be responsible for maintaining, repairing, and replacing them as needed. Keep in mind that when the Association pays, it is using money collected from all owners. You may want to review my introduction to Hurricane Protection and products before continuing. Here is a direct link: https://thefloridarealestateblog.com/f/an-introduction-to-hurricane-protection-for-single-family-homes - An Introduction to Hurricane Protection for Single-Family Homes (thefloridarealestateblog.com). Florida's Condominium Act (Florida Statutes Chapter 718) specifically addresses COA Board authority and responsibility as they relate to storm protection for common elements (areas) and individual residence units. In fact, the Condo Act requires Boards to establish color, type, and style standards for any Hurricane Shutter or protection product to be installed on the building(s). Standards and specifications adopted by a COA must comply with County or City building codes and product approvals in effect at the time of installation. Building specifications apply to shutters and/or storm-rated windows and doors paid for by either individual owners or by the Association. The Condominium Act states in part: "Notwithstanding any other provision in the residential condominium documents, if approval is required by the documents, a board may not refuse to approve the installation or replacement of Hurricane Shutters, impact glass, code-compliant windows or doors, or other types of Code-Compliant Hurricane Protection by a unit owner conforming to the specifications adopted by the board." Attorneys tell us this means that the COA Board may not refuse owners' requests to install (at their own cost) Hurricane Shutters over their individual unit's windows and sliding glass doors, or to replace existing windows and doors with new-code rated ones. All condominium Governing Documents that I have ever read include a requirement for owners to get Board approval before installing windows, doors, or storm shutters. (Be sure to get written approval and save it in your files.) Recently-constructed condominium buildings in Florida already have Code-Compliant and storm-rated windows and doors, so this discussion applies to existing buildings more than about 12 years old. Specified Hurricane Protection for a condominium building states the type, style, and color of products approved by the Association and may include language like: • White accordion shutters, stacking equally to both sides of windows • Tan accordion shutters mounted floor-to-ceiling at the outside edge of balconies/lanais, inside the hand rail • Manually-operated (from inside the unit) white roll-down shutters over fixed exterior windows; white accordion shutters covering balcony sliding glass doors (SGDs) • Wind-rated, fixed (non-opening) windows in exterior building walls; left-opening wind-rated SGDs with dark bronze extruded aluminum frames The reasons for an Association having specifications for Hurricane Shutters and storm-rated windows go far beyond just the building's appearance and all units looking the same from the outside. Any type of storm protection will be installed on/in the building's exterior structural walls which are common elements shared by all owners. Under just about all Florida COAs' Governing Documents, unit owners are prohibited from modifying (or installing anything on) common elements. Since the Condominium Act allows storm protection on individual units, and any shutter product or storm-rated window must be installed on/in a building's exterior walls, the Board has the authority to require that all products comply with the building's specification and be installed according to current local building codes. It is very important for condominium unit owners to know whether their windows, sliding glass doors, and entry doors are maintained by unit owners or the Association. Either arrangement is possible, depending on what the Governing Documents have to say. Speak with your Board of Directors for clarification. High-rise condo buildings have their own storm protection considerations, especially when they are on (or close to) the coast. In a recent article, we discussed how impact from flying debris is the main concern when protecting Single-Family Home window and door openings, which also applies to the lower floors of condo buildings. In high-rises, the main consideration is wind loads, both positive and negative. The lower floors of taller condo buildings have to deal with impact from flying debris and some wind load. The upper floors of the same building won't usually be subjected to flying debris, though will have to resist MUCH higher wind loads than lower floors. This is why Product Approval letters contain wind pressure tables for various building heights (elevations), and building permit applications for installation contain engineering calculations for expected wind loads on a specific building. Shutter and window/door products are tested and rated for wind pressures (PSF), not for wind speeds (MPH). Fast-moving wind reacts to a tall building in its way being similar to an airplane wing. As wind approaches a building, it flows up and around, exerting both positive (pressure) and negative (suction) wind loads on different surfaces of the same building and everything attached to it. The upper floors of taller buildings are subjected to stronger and faster wind than lower floors because higher level winds do not have to deal with the "friction" of structures, trees, and other obstructions at ground level. For this same reason, coastal high-rises are exposed to higher wind loads than similar buildings farther inland. Wind coming across open water does not encounter much friction to slow it down. Product approval laboratory testing measures both impact resistance and the ability to withstand positive and negative wind pressures. Keep in mind that as a hurricane travels, wind direction can change multiple times so buildings must be able to resist changing wind loads coming from different directions. Interesting note - Negative pressures on a building are usually higher than positive pressures from the same wind. During hurricanes, unprotected and/or improperly installed windows and their frames are often pulled out of taller buildings' exterior walls from negative pressure, ending up on the ground below rather than being blown into the building. Remember the "building envelope" concept from my past article. What does all this mean for owners of Florida condominiums who want to protect their individual unit's openings? If you already have shutters or storm-rated windows and doors, you're likely in good shape. Be sure to inspect storm shutters at the start of hurricane season to clean, lubricate, adjust any moving parts, and check the proper function of roll down shutter electric motors. Many reputable shutter companies provide this maintenance service at a reasonable charge. If you do not yet have window and door protection for your own condominium unit and it is up to owners (not the Association) to install any protection product, check to see what your building's shutter specification is, then get estimates for installing them. At the same time, get estimates for replacing your windows and doors with storm-rated ones that meet the building's specs. See last week's article for descriptions, benefits, and limitations of different storm protection products. My personal opinion is that low-rise (1-2 floors) condo buildings should have storm protection. It is each owner's responsibility to protect their individual unit's openings. Conversely, I feel mid and high-rise buildings are better served when the Association protects the entire building's windows and doors with code-approved products. (After Hurricane Andrew in Miami, I spent much of the 1990s involved with product testing and approvals, insurance considerations, and new building codes as they related to storm protection for Single-Family Homes and condominium buildings. Part of that work included riding swing-stages up the outsides of high-rise condo buildings in Miami, Key Biscayne, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale, installing some of the very first Dade County - approved Hurricane Shutters.) The decision on whether to do full-building protection or leave it to individual unit owners is complicated, requiring input from many sources and an Association vote. If Operating or Contingency funds are not available, a full-building installation may have to be funded with a Special Assessment or bank loan. Reserve funds cannot be used for this purpose. Important - HB-1029, the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was passed during the 2024 legislative session which makes State financial grants available to Florida Condominium Owners Associations for storm damage mitigation measures, including new-code windows and SGDs. The program is not yet fully active, and requires very specific (and complicated, in my opinion) inspection and application procedures in order to be considered for grant funding. Stay tuned for updates. Here are a few reasons why installing storm protection on the entire building might make sense for some Florida COAs, especially those in high-rises: • A unit on the 5th floor has Hurricane Shutters or storm-rated windows and SGDs installed, yet the unit just above on the 6th floor has no protection. A storm blows out a couple windows in that 6th floor unit, allowing wind-blown rain to enter and leak down into the protected 5th floor unit from the inside. Installing storm-rated windows and doors in the entire building could have significantly reduced the possibility of this scenario. • Hurricanes hit Florida in the summer and early fall, when many seasonal residents are "up north." Owners are supposed to secure their units when they leave, though that doesn't always happen. If all units have the same shutters, management can see from the ground which units they may still have to secure as a storm approaches. If all units have storm-rated windows and doors, management time and effort to secure individual units are significantly reduced. • New code storm-rated windows and doors in a building (especially an older one) can make all units in it more attractive to potential buyers, supporting property values in the building. • An Association's insurance premiums for common element windstorm protection may be reduced because risk of damage and loss is lower. That's it for this week, a quick overview of hurricane protection for Florida Condominium Associations and buildings. Use discussion points from this article when addressing your building's storm protection and damage resistance with your Board, management company, and other owners. 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 >

Infrastructure Update: Where Does The Money Come From & How Is It Used? By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper January 12, 2023 Share In my last article, I reviewed the process we are going through in our City to address our Infrastructure. City Infrastructure includes everything in our public right of way and everything that is underground up to the property lines. They also include: our buildings, park systems and transportation systems. Obviously, these assets are very expensive to maintain and replace. In Hallandale Beach’s case, we are looking for hundreds of millions of dollars. I received a question after the article was published on what funding we are receiving through other government agencies particularly the Federal Government. As a medium-sized City with a population of 40,000 people as of the Census, we are not a direct recipient of Federal Funding. Cities with populations of 50,000 or more are. Those Cities and Counties are called entitlement communities. Being located in Broward County, we are very fortunate to have a willing partnership to have dollars allocated from the Federal Government as part of formula grants. These funds include: Annual Community Development Block Grants, Area Council on Aging and Early Learning Coalition. We use these pass through dollars for our Hepburn Center, After School Program, Food Relief and some of our Public Works Infrastructure. On average these funds run between $200,000 to $300,000 depending on what is approved by the Federal Government. Recently under President Biden, the Federal Government issued the Cares Relief and American Recovery Act Funding. These funds were also distributed by the State and County on a formula basis. The COVID-19 Relief Dollars were spent addressing the costs associated with COVID-19. Some direct funding was received by the Hepburn Center but the other funding for rental assistance was handled by the County. This was approximately $100,000. Our CRA actually did a program for assistance during that time to help renters. The ARRP Dollars were the largest amount that was passed through the State. This was $19 Million Dollars. The U.S. Conference of Mayors, Nation League of Cities and Nation Association of Counties lobbied for months to ensure that every government agency was at the table and received relief. Our City spread the allocation over three years to address operational costs as well as staffing costs. This budget year will be the last allocation of relief. People may ask, “Well doesn’t the City still get property taxes? Why would they use this for Infrastructure? During COVID-19 all revenues were down. Property taxes are just a portion of our revenues. They pay for our Police, Fire and General Employees. During COVID-19, our City was still operating. City Hall was only closed at one point for 2 months. Even then we had remote work. The City had to harden all our facilities and set up remote working systems. In addition, the building was never shut down during the Pandemic, so we still had development services fully operational. We were also tasked with additional Code Inspections and the enforcement of COVID-19 Restrictions. Without ARRP many cities would have gone bankrupt, including ours. So, every penny of this relief fund was used to address what it was intended for. The next question is, what about all the new Build America Programs? We have applied for and received dollars from the Federal Government. When elected officials use the platform against these types of programs they are doing a great injustice to their constituents. These dollars are our tax dollars. They should be distributed to address needs throughout our country and community. The transposition Program alone will transform our country. As an elected official, I have been fighting alongside my colleagues for years for a transportation bill. To date, we have received over $1.5 Million in funding for our EV Charging Station for our Fleet. We have submitted and are anticipating $5 Million for the overall project through various agencies as a pass through. Next week, I will go further into what we have applied for and are working hard to receive to offset the cost to our taxpayers. It needs to be noted that many of the Federal Programs had taken some time for rules promulgating these programs. Energy Development Block Grants are one such program. They have released a program for residential improvements that include tax credits. Cites too will be able to retrofit older Infrastructure. I will continue in my next article with our Grants and pipes, pumps and roadways. I look forward to continuing to serve and keeping our residents informed. As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out to my office at: (954) 457-1318. On my cell/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Meditation, Talk, Read, Sing For Toddlers, Health Care For Homeless Veterans And Much More July 19, 2024 Share The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be Talk, Read, Sing for Preschoolers, a book discussion group, Chess/Checkers Club and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register At: Branch Northeast Dade – Aventura - Miami-Dade Public Library System or for more information prior to attending the event, Call: (305) 931-5512. College Planning For High School Students: Thursday, July 18th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Online Event: Are you a high school student getting ready for college? Join college expert Valarie R. Austin as she guides students through their college planning checklist. Registration is required. Zoom Link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. 12 Years of age and up. Homework Help And Tutoring: Saturday, July 20th & Saturday, July 27th, 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. Learn To Speak Haitian Creole: Saturday, July 20th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join us for Immersive Language classes and learn how to speak Haitian Creole. Classes are suitable for beginning to intermediate learners and are a great way to acquire basic language proficiency for workplace use or to enhance conversational skills. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 12 Years of age and up. Introduction To Computers: Saturday, July 20th & Saturday, July 27th, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Learn computer basics, including how to use a mouse, get on the internet, set up and use an email account and more! Use one of our laptops or feel free to bring your own device. Taught by instructors from Collective Sistahood. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Talking Is Teaching - Talk, Read, Sing For Toddlers: Monday, July 22nd, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join us with stories, songs and activities for toddlers and their caregivers. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 18 Months - 3 Years of age. Online Class: Reading Circle: Monday, July 22nd, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Practice your English-Language Reading Skills while improving your Listening Comprehension. Participants will take turns reading parts of a selected story aloud and then discuss it with other learners. Registration is required. Zoom Link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Chess Club: Monday, July 22nd, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sharpen your Chess skills by playing with others! Fun for beginners and more advanced players alike. Meets in the auditorium. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 8 Years of age and up. Learn With Shakespeare: Tuesday, July 23rd, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. William Shakespeare famously contributed more memorable phrases and sayings to the English Language than any other author. Join Dr. Lillian Schanfield, Professor Emerita of English at Barry University, to explore and discuss the wisdom and poetry of Shakespeare. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. One-To-One Tech Help - Device Help From AARP's Senior Planet: Tuesday, July 23rd, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. A representative from AARP's Senior Planet will be on-hand to give technical support on computer and mobile device issues. Learn about apps and how to get the most out of them. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Online Event: Falun Gong Meditation & Exercises: Wednesday, July 24th & Wednesday, July 31st, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Falun Gong is an ancient, high level Chinese practice that uses gentle movements and meditation to cultivate the body, mind and spirit. Space is limited for this online event. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years and up. Overcoming Stress & Anxiety With Meditation: Wednesday, July 24th & Wednesday, July 31st, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join experienced Meditation Instructor Steve Pollack to learn simple Meditation techniques and apply them during a brief guided session. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Teens & Tweens Writing Club: Wednesday, July 24th & Wednesday, July 31st, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Do you enjoy writing stories, essays or poems? Join our vibrant and supportive community for aspiring writers. Share insights, learn valuable tips and engage in open discussions. For more information, please contact: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 8 - 18 Years of age. Lunar Meditation With Romie: Thursday, July 25th, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Meditation brings about greater happiness, focus, and sleep quality. Help support your Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being with these Lunar Meditation Sessions. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Didgeridoo Down Under - Adventure Begins At Your Library: Friday, July 26th, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join us for an interactive and high-energy show featuring Australian music, culture, comedy, character building, and storytelling! For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . All ages. Lion's Club Eye Screenings: Thursday, August 1st, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Free Eye Screening offered by Lion's Club International in collaboration with Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . All ages. Department Of Veterans Affairs: Health Care For Homeless Veterans (HCHV): Wednesday, August 7th, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The Health Care for Homeless Veteran’s (HCHV) Outreach Program administered by the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) serves as the hub for a myriad of housing and other services that provide Veteran’s with a way to reach and assist homeless Veteran’s by offering them entry to VA Care, including those who are most vulnerable and not currently receiving services. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age 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 News Next News >

Underwater Adventure Awaits: New Artificial Reef Coming to Hollywood Beach Thu Mar 31 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Pediatric Patients Get A Special Delivery - Surprise Gifts Get Delivered To Patients At Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital South Florida Sun Times Jun 19, 2025 Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar’s Outreach Program In Partnership With Rita Case, President CEO Of The Rick Case Automotive Group, Golfer Paul Azinger’s Family Compassion Center And One More Child, In Partnership With Bealls Department Stores, Made A Special Delivery To Pediatric Patients At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital In Hollywood, Florida. “When I got the call about where I thought these donations would have the most impact, I immediately thought of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital,” said Rita Case. “For children, coming to the hospital can be very frightening for them. We want them to feel at home and be comforted while they are here. That’s what makes this donation so important.” Patients received toys, puzzles, shoes and blankets, along with beautiful, colorful handmade quilts. Students throughout the country submitted artwork for the quilts that were then made by the loving hands of women throughout the U.S. who weaved the artwork into the quilts, which were donated by One More Child. “Rita has been an invaluable partner, dedicating her time and resources to making people’s lives better,” said Ron Cacciatore, Director of Professional Standards and Compliance, Broward County Property Appraiser’s office. “It is through Rita that we were connected with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.” Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and members of her team graciously accepted the donations. “We are deeply grateful to Rita, Ron, Marty, the Outreach Program and all of our generous partners,” she said. “These donations will bring comfort and joy to our patients and families while they are here.” The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Outreach Program aims to provide joy to the most vulnerable population during their most difficult times, support local communities and make a positive difference in the lives of all who call South Florida their home. "I am incredibly proud of the work our team does to serve the residents of Broward County, and our community outreach, including this delivery to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, is a critical part of that," added Kiar. About The Rick Case Automotive Group Founded in 1962, the Rick Case Automotive Group has been honored by Automotive News as the National All-Star Dealer and President and CEO Rita Case was named the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year. Rick Case Automotive Group is the nation’s largest female owned and operated automotive dealer group in America, offering Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, Ioniq, Volkswagen, Kia, Acura, Audi, Mazda, Maserati, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Honda Motorcycles and E-Z-Go golf carts. Celebrating more than 60 years in business, the Rick Case Automotive Group has 12 dealerships in South Florida and Georgia. The South Florida dealerships are known for holding national sales records, consistently ranking among the top performers in markets they serve. Rick Case Automotive Group is headquartered at 14500 West Sunrise Boulevard, Sunrise, Florida 33323. For more information, visit: www.RickCase.com . Previous Next