FREE Performance By The Voice Season Winner Adam David Aventura Digest Feb 17, 2026 Following A Successful Launch Last Month, ICON Live Is Returning On Thursday, February 19 At 7:00 p.m., In Partnership With KISS Country And NBC’s The Voice Season 27 Winner, Adam David. A South Florida Native, Adam David Is Best Known For His Talented Songwriting And Singing, Emerging As A Rising Contemporary Music Artist. During His Time On The Voice, David Captivated Fans Nationwide With Soulful, Emotional Performances, Earning A Victory For Coach Michael Bublé. Fusing Smooth Soul, Raw Blues, And Exceptional Guitar Skills, Adam Channels Inspiration From Icons Such As Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, And Stevie Wonder To Craft A Sound That’s Distinctly His Own. Celebrated For Powerful, Genre-Crossing Live Shows, He Has Cultivated A Devoted Fan Base Through Sold-Out Venues And Appearances At Major Festivals Including SXSW And SunFest. With His The Voice Win Marking A Pivotal Career Moment, Adam David Is Emerging As A Standout Force In Today’s Soul And Roots Music Scene. Designed to celebrate Miami’s vibrant local music scene, InterContinental Miam’s ICON Live: A Monthly Music Series invites locals and visitors to enjoy live performances on the downtown luxury property’s newly built Picante Terrace, an open-air performance venue offering views of Biscayne Bay. On every third Thursday of every month from 7PM to 9PM, ICON Live unites music lovers for an evening of vibrant live entertainment featuring local to national rising musical stars, served up with crafted cocktails and snacks. This event is free and open to the public, and will feature exclusive giveaways from KISS Country 99.9. A cash bar will be available for guests. Doors open at 6:30PM; all attendees must be 21+. To reserve tickets to the event, visit – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/icon-live-free-music-on-picante-terrace-with-adam-david-tickets-1981079072836?aff=erelexpmlt The QR code on the Eventbrite ticket must be presented at the door. Guests can look forward to more memorable ICON Live performances, including an unbeatable experience on Thursday, March 19. InterContinental Miami is located at: 100 Chopin Plaza in Downtown Miami. For more information and to reserve a ticket, visit: www.icmiamihotel.com/IconLive . Facebook: www.facebook.com/intercontinentalMiami/ ; www.facebook.com/ToroToroMiami Instagram: www.instagram.com/interconmiami/ ; www.instagram.com/torotoromiami/ About The InterContinental Miami An iconic fixture on the Downtown Miami skyline for more than 40 years, InterContinental Miami boasts a waterfront location on Biscayne Bay, just steps away from Miami’s downtown Brickell neighborhood. A beacon for business and leisure travelers alike, the hotel rises 34 stories with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami. The hotel features 652 updated luxury guest rooms, including 22 suites and two presidential suites that offer the ultimate in luxury living high above Miami; 33 meeting rooms with over 135,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including a spectacular Grand Ballroom; and multiple restaurants and bars including signature steakhouse, Toro Toro, private kitchen dining at Table 40, and Freddy’s - an intimate hidden speakeasy. The hotel offers mySpa, a full-service fitness center and spa consistently ranked as the #1 TripAdvisor rated spa in Miami, and bay view DayLife Cabanas on the rooftop pool deck and greenspace, SkyLawn. The InterContinental® Miami is a proud corporate citizen of the Miami-Dade community, invested through its annual InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Ball, and its corporate social responsibility program. Among the award-winning hotel’s accolades and certifications, InterContinental® Miami was recently awarded IHG Luxury & Lifestyle America’s Hotel of the Year; and a 2025 recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award; and Sun Sentinel’s Top Workplace, and is Three Palm certified by Florida’s Green Lodging Program, Pink Flamingo certified by Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and a member of Miami-Dade County’s Plastic Free 305. InterContinental Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza in Miami. For more information or reservations, call: 305-577-1000 or visit: www.icmiamihotel.com . NBC’s The Voice Season 27 Winner, Adam David. Previous Next

Chanukah Sandwich By Rabbi Moishe Kievman Chabad Chayil November 25, 2021 Share Chanukah, which is known as the Festival of Lights, begins this year on the evening of Sunday, November 28th, 2021 Sandwiched between Thanksgiving and Chanukah, we have a day that will be the cream of the cookie! Allow me to explain. Thanksgiving is all about thanking God for all of the things he’s constantly blessing us with. Chanukah is known for the miracle of the Menorah that took place in the Temple, but the holiday was called Chanukah from the word Chanukat Habayit (lit Dedication of House), because it was the rededication of the Temple, after being occupied by the Greeks. Chanukah also comes from the word Chinuch, which means education. During this holiday we are supposed to gather our families together and educate our children and ourselves, about the miracles done for us on a constant basis. Together with recalling the original Chanukah miracles, we remind our families about the personal family stories that we each have, that brought us to where we are today. It’s by no coincidence then, that the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Chabad Educational Center is scheduled for Sunday, November 28th, sandwiched by Thanksgiving & Chanukah! Chanukah (Hanukkah or Hanuka), which is known as the Festival of Lights, begins this year on the evening of Sunday, November 28th, 2021 and concludes the evening of Monday, December 6th. It recalls the victory of a militarily weak Jewish people who defeated the Syrian Greeks who had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life and prohibit religious freedom. They also desecrated and defiled the Temple and the oils prepared for the lighting of the Menorah, which was part of the daily service. Upon recapturing the Temple only one jar of undefiled oil was found, enough to burn only one day, but it lasted miraculously for eight. In commemoration, Jews celebrate Chanukah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched candelabrum known as a Menorah. Today, people of all faiths consider the holiday a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness. Additional information about the holiday is available at: https://www.chabadchayil.org/holidays/default_cdo/jewish/holidays.htm This year’s Menorah lighting is done with the recognition of the crucial need for a message of hope during a time that is so difficult for so many. The Menorah serves as a symbol of light and hope for us today amidst the challenges of the Pandemic, as it did for generations before us. The flames of the Menorah shine out into the night, reminding us that even when confronted with much darkness, a tiny light can dispel it all. An additional act of goodness and kindness, another act of light, can make all of the difference. Uniquely, at the core of Chanuka’s observance is sharing the light with others who may not be experiencing it. What better time or place to celebrate, than at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Chabad Educational Center in North Dade? The free family-friendly event will begin at 2:30 p.m. with an Obstacle Course, Laser Tag, Bounce House and other fun activities, with the groundbreaking taking place at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Menorah Lighting and free fresh donuts at 5:30 p.m. There will also be a food court, holiday boutique with music and lots of surprises throughout the day. As a family man who is deeply involved in the community, I must say that there is no better way to spend that Sunday. Adults and children alike, are welcomed to join the many dignitaries and community leaders for an enjoyable and a meaningfully fun time for everyone. To ensure everyone is safe, the day’s events will all take place outdoors, with enough room for participants to be socially distanced. The event will also be broadcast live via: JewishFlorida.news so that anyone who can’t make it to the actual event, can still share in the celebration from the safety of their home. This year, Chabad-organized Menorah parades will see over 7,000 Chanukah Menorah-topped cars hit the road, bringing the Chanukah message of hope and joy through the city and into residential neighborhoods, allowing families to safely share the joy and light of Chanukah with pride. Chabad centers worldwide have prepared over 32 million Chanukah candles, more than 700,000 Menorah kits and 2.5 million holiday guides in 17 languages. Throughout the State of Florida, Chabad will be organizing scores of giant menorah displays of all sorts, including a grand celebration with the Miami Heat at the FTX Arena on December 1st (Tickets available at https://www.chabadchayil.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/5313668/jewish/JHN-HEAT-Game.htm ). To find a local event here in Florida, or anywhere throughout the world, visit the international Chanukah event directory at: https://www.chabadchayil.org/holidays/chanukah/default_cdo/jewish/Hanukkah.htm Large display Menorahs are available at many online sources and can still get to you in time for the holiday. If you need a Menorah, candles for yourself, or need any help celebrating the holiday or finding a large Menorah to display at your place of work, please call your local Chabad or my office at: (305) 770-1919. We can also help you plan your own Chanukah event, Menorah lighting or Latke party. We wish you and your family a very happy Chaunkah. May our days be filled with light, warmth, joy, positive energy and always increasing, just like the Menorah lights that increase with each day. To join us for the annual beautiful Chanukah event or help cover the cost, call: (305) 770-1919. Or visit: ChabadChayil.org/fair. To learn about the new Chabad Educational Center or the available dedications, visit: https://www.chabadchayil.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/1461129/jewish/Building-Campaign.htm About the author: Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, Florida. They are the founders of CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or at: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org < Previous News Next News >

Zumba & Yoga in the Park Continue April 8, 2022 Share Zumba in the park continues to be a popular event, so the City will continue to offer complimentary Zumba classes to Aventura residents of all ages. The Zumba program will include a certified Zumba instructor teaching this fun fitness class involving aerobic movement and Latin dance. Participants should be ready to bring a positive mood, have fun and bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. These FREE classes will be held on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Founders Park, 3105 NE 190 Street. If Yoga is more your thing, the popular series of complimentary yoga classes at Founders Park is still happening for yogis of all skill levels to enjoy. Held outdoors in the City’s beautiful Founders Park, these classes offer the perfect atmosphere to relax, breath and stretch together with the help of a certified instructor. The duration of the class is approximately one hour, classes start at 9:00 a.m. every Friday. Students must bring their own Yoga mats, a small towel and water for convenience. Please plan to be in class for approximately one hour. Registration is open and spots are limited. All participants must be registered prior to attending. Registration can be completed exclusively online only with a valid and existing account at https://secure.rec1.com/FL/aventura-fl/catalog For more information about this fun filled event please email: parksrec@cityofaventura.com or call 305-466-0183. < Previous News Next News >

Savor The Flavor For A Worthy Cause: Feeding South Florida To Host "Wine And Bourbon Experience" Thu Jul 20 2023 16:13:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Bondi, Amsterdam Providence, And Continued Violence Against The Jewish People. Now What? By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Dec 25, 2025 Our Generation Now Has Now Become Witness To The Most Extreme Antisemitism Since Our Fathers And Mothers Of The Greatest Generation Of World War II. The Planned Attacks From Gaza On Israeli Civilians Two Years Ago On October 7th Took Over 1,200 Lives, 46 Who Were Americans. Peaceful Individuals Like You And Me Were Starting Their Day Only To Be Gunned Down, Murdered, Hunted, Tortured, Raped, Beheaded And Taken As Hostages. It Was The Worst Massacre Since The Nazis Took Over Germany. The fragile peace began and agreements to release “all” hostages alive and dead, has been underway with one hostage left. Staff Sergeant Gvilli is a Police Special Patrol Officer that rescued over 100 Nova civilians and fought the battle near Alumim, killing 14 Hamas terrorists. My belief is that many thought it was the end of the war and there was a peaceful path forward. But now we have seen it was a bell toll for the sleeper cells and lone wolves to set out their twisted plans in a wave of global terror. Fact matters truly matter. Israelis have lived with attacks for over 3,000 years. Since Gaza was established, over 2,000 bombs have been sent onto her borders. Thanks to the Iron Dome, the majority have not made their way through. Israel knows that without the destruction of Hamas, Hezbollah, Isis and all terrorists there will be continued attacks. With the Abraham Accords: America, Arab Nations and the world also know there needs to be a path to peace. At the recent Combating Antisemitism Movement Summit an Arab reporter told me how the leaders in the Arab world during this time are working towards peace but on the other hand balancing the real threats of assassination from the terrorists as well. There is no two-state solution. Gaza is proof. Also, facts always matter. The Romans conquered Judea. Like many other areas they attacked and took many out of Judea as slaves. The Romans called the area Palestine. Before this, the area was composed of nomads that came to be known as Canaanites. Tribes split and wandered and one group became the Jews. This act of war was well planned and took the lives of innocent babies, children, teens, women, elderly, and men. We have known since attacks on American soil with the horrific events of September 11th, 2001, that the radicalized Islamic and Jihadist ideology was real. The extreme ideology's main goal is no Jews and then no Christians with rule under only Sharia Law. Going against Islamists is not an attack against Muslims. Sharia law is extremism. While based on the Quran the words are translated back to ancient concepts and practices. The extreme result for the lack of adherence to the laws is dealt with barbaric and inhumane treatment particularly against women who are considered half the value of a man. Control over everything women do. What still is mind boggling to me is how can these young modern people support a cause totally contrary to our civilized society especially LGBTQ+ Community. LGBTQ+ individuals face death. What can we do now? First, we cannot look away. We all need to lean in. We all cannot simply forget and go about our lives. If we ignore these threats, events like the ones this past week will continue. We need to support our fellow Jewish neighbors. We need to stand up and speak out against all forms of hatred. Do not stand idly by allowing the dehumanization of a person or group to go unchecked. We need to support Israel. We need to support our President on this issue. We need to remain vigilant when it comes to our community and neighbors. As we celebrate the holidays let us all join together in peace. Whether it is the light of the Menorah or the lights on the Christmas tree, take this moment to thank God for all our blessings. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

A Cultural Icon: Bob Dylan Rough & Rowdy Ways Tour Comes To Broward February 8, 2024 Share Bob Dylan is one of our culture’s most influential and groundbreaking artists. In the decades since he first burst into the public’s consciousness via New York City’s Greenwich Village folk music scene in the early 1960s, Bob Dylan has sold more than 125 million records around the world and amassed a singular body of work that includes some of the greatest and most popular songs the world has ever known. This March Bob Dylan will bring his legendary music to the Broward Center. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, on May 24, 1941, most of Dylan’s childhood was spent in the iron-mining town of Hibbing. Dylan taught himself piano and guitar and played in several bands, attending the University of Minnesota for one year in 1959. He moved to New York in 1961 — heavily influenced by Woody Guthrie and other American folk artists — and began to play at various clubs in the burgeoning folk music scene of Greenwich Village. Signed to Columbia Records by renowned A&R Executive John Hammond in 1961, he released his self-titled debut album in 1962. Many of Dylan’s early songs were made famous by other artists, such as Joan Baez and Peter, Paul & Mary, whose versions of his classic compositions “Blowin’ In The Wind” and “The Times They Are A Changin’” helped bring the young artist to a larger audience. From his earliest performances in Greenwich Village coffee houses, folk festivals and rallies in the early 1960s to his stadium rock concerts of the 1970s and subsequent annual international tours, Dylan established an enduring reputation as one of the world’s great live performers. He has released more than 50 albums and has written more than 600 songs, some of the most famous being the aforementioned “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Like A Rolling Stone,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Make You Feel My Love.” His songs have been covered more than 6,000 times by artists as diverse as Duke Ellington, Jimi Hendrix, Guns N’ Roses, Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, the Staple Singers, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Marley, Pearl Jam, Neil Young, Adele and U2. Dylan’s contributions to worldwide culture have been recognized and honored numerous times. He received an honorary doctorate of music from Princeton University, New Jersey, in 1970 and another from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, in 2004. President Clinton presented him with a Kennedy Center Honor at the White House in 1997, recognizing the excellence of his contribution to American culture. In October 2016, Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature by the Swedish Academy “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” In 2012, he was awarded America’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Barack Obama. In addition to winning 11 Grammy Awards, Dylan has achieved six entries in the Grammy Hall of Fame, which honors recordings of “qualitative or historical significance” at least 25-years-old. Rough & Rowdy Ways Tour As Dylan prepares to take the stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, anticipation reaches a fever pitch. The Rough & Rowdy Ways Tour promises to be a spectacle like no other, a celebration of music, poetry, and the enduring spirit of one of America's greatest cultural icons. With tickets now on sale, fans have the opportunity to witness history in the making, to experience firsthand the magic and mystique of a living legend. This event will be a phone-free experience. Use of phones, smart watches, and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space. Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches, and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. The Rough & Rowdy Ways Tour will come to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Friday March 1st at 8th and Saturday, March 2nd at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and range from $59.50-$139.50. Ticket prices subject to change based on seat location and availability. All ticket prices are subject to a ticket processing fee. Additional terms and conditions may apply. For tickets visit: https://www.bobdylan.com/ - At: https://www.browardcenter.org/ - Or: https://www.ticketmaster.com/ As the lights dim and the first chords reverberate through the auditorium, audiences will be transported on a journey through the annals of American music, guided by the singular voice and vision of Bob Dylan. In a world that is constantly evolving, his music remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and unite hearts and minds. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at: (954) 462-0222. Or in-person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at: 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information visit: www.BrowardCenter.org < Previous News Next News >

It’s PAW Patrol: Adventure Play To The Rescue - Learn To Collaborate And Save The Day With The Heroic PAW-Some Pups South Florida Sun Times Sep 3, 2025 Children And Families Can Now Play And Save The Day With The Heroic PAW Patrol Pups At The Brand-New PAW Patrol: Adventure Play Traveling Exhibit Presented By Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital And Sponsored By Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan And Chewy VetCare, Opening Friday, September 12th At The Museum Of Discovery And Science (MODS). Based On The Hit Preschool Series PAW Patrol, Produced By Spin Master Entertainment, Airing On Nickelodeon And Streaming On Paramount+, This Interactive Exhibit Gives Kids And Their Grown-ups An Opportunity To Run Rescue Missions And Work Together To Overcome Challenges In A Fun And Immersive Environment. The Exhibit Runs Through Sunday, January 11th, 2026. “At MODS, we’re always looking for innovative ways to ignite curiosity and learning through play,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science. “PAW Patrol: Adventure Play is a joyful, hands-on experience that empowers our youngest learners to develop problem-solving and teamwork skills while connecting imaginative rescue missions to the real-life heroes in their communities.” Through the exhibit, families will visit Adventure Bay and meet the PAW Patrol, a pack of rescue pups - each inspired by a real-world job like a police officer (Chase), a firefighter (Marshall), a construction worker (Rubble), a fearless pilot (Skye) and more. Just as the heroic pups, who believe "no job is too big, no pup is too small," work together to protect their community in the show, families will work together to save the day with a can-do attitude. In the process, kids can learn about different jobs within a community and how those real-life professionals coordinate to keep people safe and happy. “Play has the power to heal, inspire and teach,” said Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “That’s why we’re proud to present PAW Patrol: Adventure Play at MODS. Experiences like this create moments of joy and learning that benefit a child’s emotional and social development - whether in a hospital room or at a museum. We’re committed to supporting healthy, happy childhoods in every way we can.” Each of the PAW Patrol pups has special skills, gadgets and vehicles to help them on their rescue missions. In the exhibit, families are invited to pop on a pup pack containing their own imaginary tools and check out the lay of the land from the lookout tower. They can head to Jake’s Mountain and scope things out near the snowy slide to see if anyone is in trouble. They can also board the PAW Patroller, push buttons, and drive it up the mountain to help Rubble and Everest rescue a snowboarder stuck in the snow. Those with a taste for foodie adventures can whip up tasty treats in Porter’s Café and help Adventure Bay win the Tallest Cake Competition by stacking cake layers as high as they can. Families can also cruise Adventure Bay aboard the Sea Patroller, steering it to rescue baby seagulls and turtles. “A strong future begins with early inspiration,” said Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan. “This exhibit allows children to explore the world around them and start thinking about the many roles they can play in it. Whether they dream of being firefighters, scientists or community helpers, PAW Patrol: Adventure Play sparks the kind of curiosity that drives lifelong learning - and that’s a mission we’re proud to champion, and to support families in saving for.” The hands-on, immersive PAW Patrol: Adventure Play exhibit is a fun way for the whole family to learn about bravery and heroism. The whole family will learn how to combine their skills to problem-solve together and save the day. Celebrate Real-Life Heroes! On select days and times from September - December, families will have the opportunity to meet the brave individuals - both human and furry - who help keep our communities safe and healthy. Activities will include: Meet & Greet: Connect with local police officers, firefighters, pilots, first responders and more. Touch-a-Truck Zone: Explore real emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, police cruisers and rescue mobiles. K-9 Demonstrations: Watch trained service dogs in action and learn about their vital roles. For a complete list of dates, times and activities visit: https://mods.org/exhibit/paw-patrol-adventure-play . Wanna Be Weekends in October and November: No Job Too Big! MODS will extend the PAW Patrol: Adventure Play experience with Wanna Be Weekends, taking place every Saturday and Sunday in October and November. These themed weekends feature engaging, hands-on activities highlighting real-life community heroes and STEAM-based careers. From designing rescue vehicles and building homes to meeting local police officers, firefighters, first responders and even learning how to be a pilot, families will discover how teamwork, compassion and problem-solving shape the world around us. Thanks to support from the JetBlue Foundation, young aviators will have the chance to explore flight science and aviation careers through special programming and guest speakers. On select days, Chewy VetCare will also host an interactive Vet Clinic, where children can step into the role of animal caretakers by practicing empathy and learning how to care for pets and other animals in need. Each weekend brings new partners, fresh adventures and opportunities for children to imagine how they can make a difference just like the heroic pups of Adventure Bay. PAW Patrol: Adventure Play was produced by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in partnership with Nickelodeon and Paramount Location-Based Entertainment & Experiences. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. “The big takeaway for children and their grownups is that every team member's skills are valued and serve an important purpose to help the whole team accomplish important goals,” said Dr. Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO of the museum that produced the exhibit, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “We want little ones to learn about citizenship, helpfulness and solving problems with the assistance of these rescue pups, who team up to help their neighbors who are in trouble.” PAW Patrol: Adventure Play is included with admission to MODS. For more information about the exhibit, visit: https://mods.org/exhibit/paw-patrol-adventure-play . About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one trauma center, the hospital, part of Memorial Healthcare System, combines advanced technology, the expertise of one of the largest and most diverse groups of board-certified pediatric specialists in the region, and a focus on patient and family-centered care to heal the body, mind and spirit. To learn more, visit: www.jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram. About the Florida Prepaid College Board: The Florida Prepaid College Board manages the Florida Prepaid 529 Plan (Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program) and the Florida Investment 529 Plan. Both are tax-favored 529 college savings plans authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. In 1987 the Florida Prepaid College Program was created by the Florida Legislature and the commitment and dedication of Mr. Stanley G. Tate to provide Florida families with an affordable means to save for their children’s future college education. The first Florida Prepaid College Plans were sold in 1988 and were augmented with the addition of the Florida 529 Savings Plan in 2002. The Board also oversees two direct-support organizations – The Florida Prepaid College Foundation and Florida ABLE, Inc., d/b/a ABLE United. Florida Prepaid is the largest, longest running and most successful prepaid plan program in the nation, with more than 2 million Florida Prepaid College Plans purchased and more than $15 Billion in assets. The Investment 529 Plan has more than 176,000 active accounts, with a market value of more than $1.7 Billion. For more information, please visit: www.MyFloridaPrepaid.com . About the Museum of Discovery and Science Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service. The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Now through Friday, August 8th, the Museum will remain open one hour later - until 6:00 p.m. - on Fridays and Saturdays. MODS is located downtown at 401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: https://mods.org - Or call: (954) 467-MODS. Call: (954) 467-6637. Like us or follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/modsftl X (formerly Twitter): www.x.com/modsftl Instagram: www.instagram.com/modsftl Previous Next

Mutra To Bring A Melting Pot Of Flavors To Miami - First Miami Restaurant From Chef Raz Shabtai To Open In North Miami In January 2025 January 8, 2025 Share Mutra – named for Executive Chef/Owner Raz Shabtai’s beloved grandmother and his culinary inspiration – will open its doors at 2188 Northeast 123rd Street, North Miami, Florida 33181 in January 2025. Mutra, which translates to “rain of blessings,” is an innovative dining concept from the talented Israeli-born chef which will feature a menu that defies easy categorization. Featuring a farm-to-table ethos and respect for local farmers and purveyors, Shabtai draws from great culinary traditions from around the globe, many of which can be found in his hometown of Jerusalem. One of the world’s true melting pots, Israel is also home to the flavors and traditions these immigrants brought with them – a Mecca for spices, homegrown ingredients, and a true blending of Old World recipes in a modern setting. Indeed, when asked to define his own cuisine, Chef Shabtai credits Levantine, Galilean/North Israel, and Baladi influences. Shabtai, whose mantra for Mutra is “food is holy,” is excited to bring these diverse flavors to Miami and add a twist to beloved dishes for savvy diners hungry for something different. Says the chef, “For Mutra, we’re taking the traditional dishes that we grew up on, food that my grandmother made and we ate as kids and making something new from it. For example, my grandmother grew up in Tunisia, where fricassee was a very popular sandwich, served on fried bread like a donut and stuffed with harissa, lemon, potatoes, tuna from the can, cooked carrots, and chopped salad. What we will do at Mutra is honor the past but cook forward, if you like. For my version of this dish, I sub in the fresh catch of the day, as we work with local fishermen, and will use special techniques to elevate it.” Mutra will be open from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering a modern upscale street food experience. Everything will be made in-house in the scratch kitchen, with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. Twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, the restaurant will offer the street food experience and then stay open for full-service dinner. Adding a third layer to its mutable culinary concept, Shabati plans to host a special Chef’s Tasting for up to 18 guests, with guests seated at the bar surrounding the open kitchen with a bird’s eye view of all the action. A specially designed seven-course menu will be paired with exquisite highly allocated wines and liquors, with music curated by Shabtai to match the cuisine, lending to an overall sensory experience. Special tableware for these dinners will include handmade plates imported from Spain, Italy, and Turkey. A Sunday Brunch is in the works. The dynamic and delectable menu will feature such dishes as Chraime San – slow-cooked for eight hours, Mutra's rich tomato base is transformed into a velvety cream, complemented by tender chickpeas and fingerling potatoes and served with the day's fresh catch, seared on the plancha and finished over an open-flame Japanese clay grill, accompanied by a crisp fennel salad dressed in a tangy sumac vinaigrette; One Thousand Layer Skewer – delicate slices of beef steak are layered and grilled to perfection on a traditional mangal, served alongside Campari tomato foam, tahini sourced from the Samarian mountains, and smoky Romanian eggplant salsa. Also on tap, Yemenite Street Taco – freshly made Lachuch (traditional Yemenite bread) filled with tender, slow-cooked lamb breast, root vegetables, schug, charred tomatoes, red onions, raw tahini, and a vibrant mix of freshly picked herbs. Spanning 2,150 square feet, with seating for sixty in a spacious dining room surrounding a big open kitchen, guests get to enjoy all of the action whether seated at the bar, in the dining room, or at an elegant large family table perfect for larger groups, nestled behind a wall. Chef Shabtai (40) has no formal kitchen education, learning his way by watching his grandmother – first, seated on the kitchen counter as a young boy inhaling the smells and watching her work, and then by her side as he got older – his love for her and the food and nourishment she provided became one and the same. Starting as a young teenager, he has worked in every aspect of the restaurant industry, working his way up the ranks, both in the front and the back of the house – dishwasher, busboy, server, cold line, hot line, bartender, and liquor salesman. That translated into high-level culinary positions in Israel and New York, – invited by Meir Adoni, a well-renowned Israeli chef, to open Nur, an instant sensation in the city’s Flatiron District in 2018, followed by stints at Alenbi, Basta, Raphael, Le Relais Jaffa and other cutting edge restaurants between New York and Israel. A stint as a private chef, servicing well-known celebrities and high net-worth figures, followed and prompted a move to Miami, where Shabtai saw the food landscape as ripe for innovation. He spent a year searching for the perfect location and found it with the assistance of Noa Figari, a realtor who became so enthralled with Shabtai’s vision. Figari now runs the operation and business development of Gourmet Hospitality Group, Mutra’s parent company. Another integral piece of the puzzle is Michael Werzberger, a businessman from New York who initially hired Raz as a private chef and became such a fan of his culinary creations that he decided to invest. Michael is deeply passionate about transforming the kosher dining experience while redefining an upscale yet approachable hospitality environment. Mutra aims to deliver an unparalleled dining experience with the freshest farm-to-table ingredients. With a focus on sustainability and creativity, Mutra is where the old meets the new, creating a truly unique dining atmosphere and redefining the concept of kosher as more about healthy eating than anything else. There is only one picture hanging in the restaurant – of Mutra herself from her wedding day. “By putting my grandmother’s name on this restaurant I am ensuring that there is no compromise, and I must perform at my best to deliver the most incredible experience I can – to live up to her memory and her cooking.” Mutra is located at 2188 Northeast 123rd Street, North Miami, Florida 33181. Website: www.mutramiami.com - Telephone: (786) 860-1213. Photo Credit: Chef Raz Shabtai (@chefrazs) < Previous News Next News >

Dania Beach Arts & Seafood Celebration: Live Performance Art, Fine Art, Music, Family Activities And Seafood Galore March 24, 2022 Share The Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (DBCRA) proudly presents the Award Winning Dania Beach Arts & Seafood Celebration. Our main event features live music from your favorite local & regional bands, live performance art, a juried fine art vendors and crafters showcase, family activities and seafood galore. The Eighth Annual Dania Beach Arts And Seafood Celebration is a Free cornucopia for the senses. The two-day festival is in the Heart of Downtown Dania Beach and offers a generous mix of visual, musical, culinary and performance arts. The event will be held Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 3rd, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Frost Park, 300 Northeast 2nd Street, Dania Beach, Florida 33004. There is free admission and free parking at the Casino at Dania Beach & City Center Garage. The schedule of events includes: live music concerts, chef showcase, live performance art, over 75 artists, crafters / vendors, delicious seafood, craft beer + cocktails, food trucks and kids Activities. The main stage comes alive with a dazzling line-up of entertainers in a variety of scheduled performances you won’t want to miss! Plan to stay for the day – bring your lawn chairs and blankets; relax and enjoy exciting entertainment and great food; and stroll through the Fine Arts Treasure Cove and Crafters Island. Live Concert Schedule Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 Whipping Post (Rock) 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Are you looking for Blues & Boogie and Southern Rock than the Whipping Post Band is for you. Catabella Music (Latin) 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Catabella Music offers live entertainment for all types of events, looking for an exciting sound from this group. Paul Anthony and the Reggae Souljahs (Reggae) 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Reggae Souljahs is a group of young, seasoned artists/musicians who bring excitement to audiences across South Florida. The band blends Popular Reggae & Top 40 in an innovative way that sets them apart from most traditional Reggae bands. 4NR2: Foreigner & Aerosmith Tribute (Rock) 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 4NR2 brings great music to life, rockin’ the southeast and beyond with the best of the best of Foreigner, bringing passion and not a little reverence for one of the world’s greatest rock bands. Also get yourself ready for the latest addition, a tribute to America’s Greatest Rock Band, AEROSMITH! Sunday, April 3rd, 2022 Kedash Cornelius (R&B) 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Vocalist Kedash Cornelius will have you singing along and shaking your booty with her R&B sound. Big City Dogs (Rock & Blues) 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Big City Dogs are a South Florida based classic rock and blues band performing throughout Florida paying "Tribute" to many of the great bands of the 60's thru the 2000's. Queen International Tribute Show (Rock) 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Although the world will never again see Queen perform with the great Freddie Mercury, this tribute group will, with breath-taking accuracy, reproduce the same high energy show that became the trade-mark of the world’s greatest rock band. Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 & Sunday, April 3rd, 2022 School of Rock 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Performance is the core of School of Rock's educational approach. As such, we create additional opportunities for students to perform on stages throughout their community. The House Band music program allows each school's most talented students the opportunity to join a band and play routinely in front of live audiences. Once a member, students will gain real music experience associated with gigging musicians, and will become leaders and mentors inside the School of Rock community. Festive Food As guitar strings tune in the background and music fills the air the sweet aroma of garlic and other spices will get your taste buds going. You know something good is cooking at the award-winning Dania Beach Arts and Seafood Celebration so bring an appetite. The Culinary Chef Showcase, sponsored by Dania Pointe Avery Residential will have a mix of culinary creations, including some organic grown ingredients provided by the Dania Beach PATCH, city’s urban community farm. Chef Showcase Chef Johnny Alarcon A native of Lima, Peru, Johnny Alarcon Ruiz was destined to communicate his passions, through the language of fine cuisine. Coming from a family of food-lovers within the culinary rich country of Peru, set him on course to hone his culinary skill at the prestigious Laureate International University. There, he was certified with the “Seal of the Blue Cord.” Emigrating to the dynamic country of Panama heightened his inspiration and brought opportunity as he was hand chosen to oversee the food and beverage program at the most luxurious casino in Central America, the Ocean Sun Casino. He later opened four restaurants, with the highlight being the “Panaviera,” an acclaimed high-end fine dining restaurant in the Trump Hotel. Panaviera is also known as the “Highest Restaurant in Panama” as it sits on the 66th floor of the Trump International Hotel & Tower Panama. During his time in Panama, Chef Johnny was a professor at prestigious universities including Ganexa Art University, Panama Hotel School, and his alma mater, Laureate International University. He now resides in South Florida as the head Chef at The Casino @ Dania Beach. Chef Findler Charles Chef Fin’s Kitchen is bringing a new twist to original Haitian cuisine. Sharing creative dishes and unique flavors, he also specializes in various Caribbean and Latin American recipes. According to Chef Fin, “My interest in being a Chef began at the age of 19. While working in the food and beverage industry I noticed that I had a passion for cooking. Coming from a Haitian family I always watched and helped my mother in the kitchen preparing dinner for us. That’s when I learned more about the flavors of the Haitian Culture. Eleven years later I decided to open Fin’s Kitchen food truck. Founded in 2019 I have been cooking for amazing people and sharing my twist on the traditional flavors. My menu integrates the love for my passion with a deep appreciation for great food. I incorporate various methods, aromas and tastes for a truly unique experience.” Chef Tahnee Chef Tahnee is a Haitian-American Private Chef and Owner of Pretty Yummy By Chef Tahnee. After Graduating at the top of her class from Le Cordon Bleu Miami, she earned an internship at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida. She then went on to work at Disney’s Signature Dining Restaurant “Flying Fish Cafe,” learning the ins and outs of Fine Dining. After moving back to South Florida, Chef Tahnee worked her way up from line cook to Sous Chef at Hard Rock Hollywood’s Plum Lounge. Chef Tahnee is currently working as a Private Chef, creating beautiful and flavorful dishes for her Clients and Customers. Chef Mark Cameron Mark Cameron is an Artist, who’s early education started at Jamaica College, from 1973 to 1979, the Jamaica School of Art, and the school of Visual Arts in New York, after he migrated. Mark Cameron is known internationally, as an abstract artist, but is also well known for his landscape art, and impressionistic pieces that define the kind of artist he happens to be. Mark Cameron is also the former owner and operator of the San Diego Based Caribbean grill from 2001 to 2015, and manufactured his own brand of seasonings that found their way into over four hundred stores across America. Mark’s international culinary background includes his fusion of Cajun, Vegan, and Jamaican dishes, that stimulates your palate, as well as your mind, with his emphasis on healthy, and tasty dining, that landed him cooking spots on FOX, NBC, CBS and the reggae Sunsplash north American tour. Chef Cameron is also very involved in building restaurants, such as the Avocado Vegan Café restaurant, in Deluth Atlanta 2013, the Dukunoo Jamaica Kitchen in Wynwood Miami, 2018 and recently Woodstock Negril, where he implemented procedures in promoting healthy dining, as well as conducting several workshops with the Women’s Resource center in Oceanside California and the NAACP. Chef Cameron presently operates a catering company, called Mark’s Chill Grill out of Plantation acres. Sunday Featured Chefs 1:00 p.m. Shanna Benson, Benson’s Bakeshop 2:30 p.m. Mark Cameron 4:00 p.m. Johnny Alarcon Street Art & Live Performance Theater Watch and interact with local professional artists as they take center stage at the live street art performance stage as they bring a blank canvas to life with their own masterpieces throughout the two-day event. Andrew Moschburg Moschburg is a fine art painter from around the globe. Born and raised on US Military bases, Moschburg has traveled around the world more than once. Living in over six different countries and visiting many exotic lands. All his collected experiences overseas reflect different cultures in his work. Moschburg uses bold mediums to capture the image of his travels. Though Moschburg is no stranger to mental health, Moschburg transcribes these emotional struggles onto canvas. He is known for creating pieces with deep passionate intensity. Marcos Conde Marcos is a visual artist in South Florida focusing on painting and public art projects. He has been highly influenced by the impact of public art in his life and spent the last few years using his experience and creative ability to design and install artwork that integrates a unique perspective in public spaces. IVO (Ivan Yanez) Originally from Peru, Ivo has been painting for over 10 years. He has painted many murals within the Miami area along with several murals in various parts of the world. It has always been a dream of his to be a world known artist, showcasing art on walls around the world. Each time he paints a new mural, whether it’s in a school, hotel, or restaurant he is one step closer to making that dream come true. RESQ 77 RESQ 77 is a Graff-Surrealist Contemporary Artist from South Florida with over 10 years of experience. His go to mediums is spray paint, acrylics, and other illustrative tools. His style developed from drawing as a child, doing graffiti in his youth, then mastering his craft into a surrealistic blend. The mask he wears live represents his artist identity as most of his content is symbolic narrative too. For more information, visit: www.daniabeachartsandseafoodcelebration.com Or Call: (954) 924-6801. < Previous News Next News >

Stop the Paid Parking Plan Thu Jul 22 2021 04:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Florida Property Taxes: A Quick Introduction For New Owners Fri Nov 17 2023 17:16:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The State of the City: An Eye to The Future of Hallandale Beach By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper June 8, 2023 Share This past Tuesday, I had the honor to deliver “The State of the City Address,” I want to thank the Hallandale Beach Area Chamber for their honor and the many stakeholders that joined in the event. I will be sharing my speech over the next few weeks. Please note it is in speech form. Over the past year, I think we have all moved out of COVID-19 with an eye to the future. Obviously, we are still faced with many social and economic problems. Insurance Costs, Housing Costs, the Stock Market, the War in Ukraine, Gun Violence, just to name a few. What will the future look like? All of these issues have a direct or indirect impact on the way we run our cities, how you run your businesses and how our residents go through their daily lives. But as we move forward, I believe we all are striving and working towards stability and hopefully growth, the state of our City in one word: Stable, I do not want to go too far back in our past. As it is said that we cannot change it, but we can learn from it. A little over 5 years ago, I came back as Mayor. At that time, the City was in financial dire straits. As a matter of fact, the reserves had dropped to $11 Million Dollars, They were projected to dip to $8 Million then Financial Insolvency. As a rule of thumb, our City’s goal is to have a minimum of 16% percent of General Fund Reserves in case of an Emergency. Currently, due to the hard work of our City and sacrifices of our taxpayers we have over $24 Million in Unaudited Reserves as of last month. That sounds fantastic, right? Well, it is but there are still past issues that are a threat to the stability of our Budget. We are still facing a $6 Million Dollar Judgment for the firing of Former City Manager Daniel Rosemond. The Case is on Appeal, so we need to ensure we have savings if the Appeal Court supports the ruling. Even with that large use of reserves to pay this unfortunate debt, we will not go back to where we began five years ago. I do not want to place blame on any one thing or person, but this situation reinforces that leadership truly matters and the buck stops with the Commission! To those of you that are new to our community, this history explains why and where we are today. In 2016, the City Commission changed due to Elections. The silver lining at that time was the recruitment of Dr. Jeremy Earle from Fort Lauderdale to Hallandale Beach to become Executive Director of the CRA. You see, Dr. Jeremy Earle has Public Service in his DNA. I first met Dr. Jeremy Earle as a Board Member of the Florida Redevelopment Association where we both served. He became President, turned the organization around and made it solvent. This is proof of his strong leadership, financial knowledge, strategic vision and most of all integrity. We all know that ethics and morals are part of one’s character, but the “reporting of true facts” is actually integrity. This one thing my Dad taught me: you should never allow anyone to take away from you. That is why I fought my biggest battle. I believe that Dr. Jeremy Earle was also raised with those values and never forgets them no matter what position he holds. So, he deserves the super majority of credit and recognition of why we are stable. W. Clement Stone, an entrepreneur who was born into poverty during 1902 worked tirelessly and turned one hundred dollars into a billion-dollar insurance company. He believed in some truths when it comes to business practices. One is doing things and being happy doing them. It makes the difference between good and great. He must have been right and happy as he lived to be one hundred years old. He also authored a book on leadership. I found this particular quote of his very apropos. “Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” To me this summarizes not only leadership, but the qualities that Dr. Jeremy Earle has brought to our table. He is not a “YES MAN.” Too often City Managers are more worried about job security and counting to three rather than doing the right thing for their cities. I do believe that if stars had not aligned with the hiring of the right City Manager, and the right City Commission was not on the Dais, our City would be in Chapter Nine Bankruptcy. This is not to spread fear but truth. You have heard it and it is true. A city, like all businesses, if it is not run properly, can go Bankrupt. Even before COVID-19 there were 69 Government Bankruptcies filed since 2010. Detroit, being the most notable. Dr. Jeremy Earle was tasked once again to right a ship and make our City solvent to avoid fiscal collapse. This City Commission, free from drama and united, embraced the no nonsense straight forward approach of Dr. Jeremy Earle. I must say. Do not mistake his “by the book manor” as a sign of indifference or lack of empathy. Quite the contrary. He is an analytical person, protector of the City, creative and genuinely cares for what is best for everyone that is concerned. And yes, he does listen to his bosses and to our community. He does what is right because it is right! Since he came on board, he has added new Staff Members to our City. This amazing group of public servants have created a five-year stability plan to rebuild. He led with the Motto “NO MORE KICKED CANS.” I joke once in a while and say “Kicked Cans down the road do not disappear, they just stack up at the end. Well, we were at the end of that road and started to address not one can, but all of them.” The journey began. A year later, we all were faced with the uncertainty of COVID-19. Next week, I will continue my State Of The City Address. 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 me at my Office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or Email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >