Happy New Year And Reflections On Cuba Part 2 By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper December 30, 2024 Share Many of you may be conducting your year in review, making New Year's Resolutions or simply taking part in annual New Year traditions, whatever they may be 2024 is coming to a close. Enjoy your New Year celebrations responsibly. My hope as your Mayor and neighbor is that you enter into the New Year with peace, love, hope and joy. Welcome 2025! As we reflect, I continue with my reflections of my trip to Cuba. Once we left the revolutionary square we went straight to Havana’s seaside and what is called the Malecon. This is a famous 5-mile seawall and roadway along the Havana Harbour area of Cuba. It was built in 1902. There is a mix of crumbled buildings with Spanish marble fronts left standing and shabby homes. Mixed between are inhabitable buildings that are unkempt. There are modern styled buildings built in the 1960’s with help from Russia. It was explained that the government owns everything. Many apartment buildings are unkempt as the many owners cannot afford to care for the outside or simply are not motivated since they are government controlled. There are some homes that still are family owned and continue upkeep with earned money or outside sources. Even these homes lack painting and maintenance. Eighty-five percent of the Cuban population lives in poverty. Ownership is controlled by proof of family deeds. They can be passed on, but the government can step in to take property over. When the revolution came many wealthy families kept their homes and commercial properties. While the U.S. placed sanctions on Cuba for over 50 years other countries continued trade. The most recent Trump sanctions are now impacting those ties. Properties that are collapsing, people leave or kicked out with no guarantee of a replacement. The building debris has been left in place. In one area on the Malecon a building was left and a plaza with a sculpture was put in its place. While it was beautiful to me it showed the contrast and the deep propaganda that suggests all is well. We are informed some people wait for up to ten years or more for a place to live. There are hotels mixed in along the Malecon. Tourism is one of their biggest industries. The Government is allowing the building of new hotels alongside new apartment buildings. We were told that the building has taken years and still is not complete. While United States citizens cannot freely go as tourists, other countries can and do. Still the communist government controls everything. So, what they give they can take away. We were all amazed by the Spanish architect that was still in place. It takes you back to a time when Cuba was a major gateway to the Americas. The Spanish influence on architecture is from years of Spanish control dating back from Columbus, from 1492 until 1868. 1868-1878 the people began to rise against Spain in revolt of taxation and slavery. The first led to a truce with Spain and the abolition of slavery but fell short of the promised reforms. The second was led and inspired by Jose Marti 1895 -98. Jose Marti, as I explained, is considered the father of the country that never supported Socialism or Communism. His ideology felt close to the Independence of America. The United States assisted and led the Spanish- American and in 1898 occupied the country until the Platt amendment in 1902. The country was free and developed its own constitution including the right to work and healthcare. Sadly, it was never stable. The first President Machado became a dictator. There were multiple revolts and coupes of presidents. Batista was the most infamous. Even though he lost his reelection bid he became one of the most notorious cruel Dictators using his military control and remained having profound influence until Castro led the next revolution. As they say, the rest is history. In this case, a dark history of Communism. The irony in it all was that our government supported Batista since he was opposed to Communism. They withdrew that support when the rebels led by Guevara took the upper hand in a decisive blow against Batista. Castro took over and set up a provisional government. Rather than elections he took full control over everything. He rounded up Batista to support many who were tried and executed. He created a Communist government with ties to the Soviet Union. Many Cubans fled the country. Some went to Spain. Other refugees went to South and Central America. Many fled to Miami and others to New Jersey. You read right. New Jersey’s Union City became Havana on the Hudson. Cubans always have and will remain to have ties to the United States. Many Cubans strive for a Cuba Libre. As we drove on our way to visit The National Hotel we passed the closed American Embassy. As I shared before the Embassy was reopened when Obama was in office. With the opening there was renewed hope in Havana and the country due to tourism. Directly across the courtyard of the Embassy of a propagandizing statue of Jose Marti holding Elian Gonzalez. Irony is that Elian’s mother, like many Cubans, died to bring him here. Jose Marti never supported communism. He is standing pointing a finger at the embassy and shielding Elian from the United States. The National Hotel is a magnificent building overlooking the Malecon. It resembles Hotels like Biltmore and Breakers. It also has just as much if not more history. It has been visited by many dignitaries, stars, and world-renowned musical talents, over the past one hundred years. It is a World Heritage site. It is owned by the government and sadly like many other buildings not maintained. The hotel is also well known from the movie Godfather where the famous scene was shot about the Italian Mob. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (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 News Next News >

The Parker Delivers An Amazing April March 28, 2024 Share Music, magic and a look into the mind of serial killers are among the captivating, heart pounding events at Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker this April. Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox “The ‘10’ Tour” comes to The Parker as part of the TD Jazz Series sponsored by TD Bank for two shows on Monday, April 1st at 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, April 2nd at 8:00 p.m. Returning to a style that embodies the music of past generations, these famed musicians pair the right talent with the right material to create an unforgettable experience for fans. They deliver the most sensational '20’s party this side of The Great Gatsby with Jazz covers of Pop hits from artists such as Sia, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. The group features an ensemble of multi-talented singers and musicians bringing Bradlee's generation-spanning arrangements alive night after night. The core ensemble is often joined by surprise guests to make each concert unique and unpredictable – making for one of the most thrilling live music experiences of this and any other time period. www.MusicInsight.com put it quite simply in the Before Times: “Go see Postmodern Jukebox. Stop whatever you're doing, right now, and go see them!” The Truist Comedy Series brings Aries Spears to The Parker on Friday, April 5th at 8:00 p.m. Spears is now starring with the iconoclastic Damon Wayans in Showtime’s The Underground Comedy Series following his eight years as a regular on the popular sketch show MADtv. His quick wit, charisma and ferociously aggressive style of comedy have earned him critical acclaim. His film appearances include Home of Angels starring Abe Vigoda and Sherman Helmsley, Out-of-Sync, and portraying the role of Red Foxx in Why Do Fools Fall In Love. This event contains adult language or content. Spend an intimate evening with the entertainer Time magazine called “one of the three most fun people in show business,” as Alan Cumming: Uncut comes to The Parker as part of the Broadway Concert Series on Saturday, April 6th at 8:00 p.m. Cumming has performed in concert halls across the globe, including the Sydney Opera House, the London Palladium, the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall. In his eclectic career, he's played the Emcee in Cabaret in the West End and on Broadway, God, the Devil, Hitler, the Pope, a teleporting superhero, Hamlet and all the parts in Macbeth. His most recent projects include creating a dance theater piece about the Scottish bard Robert Burns, lip-synching the protagonist in a documentary, directing a podcast series about a sperm bank heist, playing a gangster opposite Liam Neeson in a Neil Jordan film, curating a cabaret festival in Australia and recording a duet with a Gaelic rapper. This event contains adult language or content. The Guess Who comes to The Parker as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series on Sunday, April 7th at 7:00 p.m. Top 40 hits include “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” “Clap For the Wolfman,” “Hand Me Down World,” “No Time,” “Star Baby” and “Share the Land.” The Canadian-bred stateside conquerors are among rock music’s most indelible treasures, eternally etched within the very fabric of pop culture history. The most recent and up-to-date version of the band has mastered a wildly entertaining romp through the early hits mixed in with their current creations, while managing to take the whole experience to a new level. Guess Who founding member and current Drummer-Songwriter Garry Peterson is joined by Derek Sharp with Lead Vocals and Guitar, Michael Staertow on Guitar, Greg Smith on Bass Guitar and Teddy Andreadis on Keyboards. Los Lonely Boys, the Texan trio of brothers who blend elements of Blues, Tex-Mex, Rock and Chicano Music to create their own signature sound, comes to The Parker as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series on Thursday, April 11th at 8:00 p.m. The group’s popularity soared with the 2004 release of their debut single “Heaven,” a song that rocketed to #1 on the adult contemporary music charts and earned them a Grammy® Award. Since then, Los Lonely Boys has blazed the concert trail with their Chicano Rock power and amassed a legion of loyal fans. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents bring Leonid & Friends to The Parker as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series on Friday, April 12th at 8:00 p.m. This incredible 11-piece band has blown the minds of legions of fans with their uncanny ability to capture the spirit, musicality, and fire of American supergroup Chicago. They have since expanded their repertoire to include Earth Wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ides of March, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan and Deep Purple as well as new original material. The band has over 600,000 followers across Social Media, an astonishing 120 million+ video views and has played more than 200 successful U.S. Shows. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Savelive present the Grammy Award Winning Duo Rodrigo y Gabriela on Friday, April 19th at 8:00 p.m. The musicians grew up on an eclectic mix of Classic Rock, Heavy Metal and Flamenco, a rare alchemy of influences that still informs their work today. With their Grammy-Winning Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Mettavolution, the duo has cemented their status as a globally renowned live act. Among their many successes: performing at The White House, headlining the Jazz World stage at Glastonbury and selling out major venues including Hollywood Bowl, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, London's Royal Albert Hall, Radio City Music Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Their study of Advaita Vedanta inspired their latest release, In Between Thoughts...A New World, which features their signature dual guitar attack augmented by a full orchestra. The Cleveland Clinic Rock Series brings a double bill of Saxon and Uriah Heep in the “Hell, Fire & Chaos” Tour to The Parker on Tuesday, April 23rd at 7:30 p.m. One of the early leaders of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Saxon outdistanced Iron Maiden and Def Leppard at the onset finding commercial success with the release of Wheels of Steel, which went platinum in the United Kingdom. Taking their name from the scheming, parasitic lawyer in Charles Dickens' novel David Copperfield, Uriah Heep is a progressive rock institution that, alongside bands like Deep Purple, Queen, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, helped lay the foundation for the United Kingdom's vibrant Hard Rock/Heavy Metal scene. Called “one of the great magicians of our time” by The New York Times, Asi Wind performs as part of The Allegro Fort Lauderdale Mosaic Series on Friday, April 26th at 8:00 p.m. The famous Magic Castle in Hollywood awarded him Magician of the Year and recently he concluded his sold-out off-Broadway show, Inner Circle, which ran for 448 performances. Believing that true magic can only happen when people are brought together and made to feel like part of the show, Wind pushes the limits of magic even further with unbelievable mind-reading and astonishing magic in this new show, Incredibly Human. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents present Dr. Rachel Toles in The Psychology of Serial Killers on Sunday, April 28th at 7:30 p.m. Promising to give even the most dedicated true crime fan new insights to the phenomenon of serial homicide, Dr. Toles will help them be able to identify the difference between categories of serial killers, the type of crimes each typically commits and the type of crime scene they are likely to leave behind. She discusses why some people become serial killers, how they are categorized and more by examining statistics and case studies. This event contains mature content. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents bring Grammy Award-Winning Saxophonist Kenny G to The Parker as part of the TD Jazz Series on Tuesday, April 30th at 8:00 p.m. In a recording career that spans almost three decades and 23 albums, this king of Smooth Jazz has sold more than 75 million records worldwide with more than a dozen hits topping Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart. Also at The Parker in April are: MusicWorks presents Beginnings - The Ultimate Chicago Tribute on April 4th, Joanne Shaw Taylor on April 9th, MusicWorks presents Eaglemania on April 10th, South Florida Symphony: Masterworks V on April 17th, Four By Four on April 18th and Abstraction Media presents Max Amini Live! on April 27th. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com - And: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222. And in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The performance season at The Parker is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. < Previous News Next News >

Third Annual Visit Lauderdale Science Festival Returns To Museum Of Discovery And Science South Florida Sun Times Feb 19, 2026 The Third Annual Visit Lauderdale Science Festival returns to the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, offering a full day of hands-on, interactive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) exploration, experiments and learning through play for all ages. The free indoor and outdoor festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Designed to make science fun, accessible, relevant and unforgettable, the annual festival brings families, educators and science enthusiasts from across the region to explore interactive exhibits, live shows and emerging technologies that reveal how science shapes everyday life. The festival also highlights how STEM connects to real-world careers, environmental challenges and everyday problem-solving, making science relevant, approachable and fun for learners of all ages. “Science has the power to spark imagination, build confidence and bring people together through shared discovery,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival invites everyone to explore and experiment side-by-side, connecting them to inspiring, hands-on STEM experiments that make learning feel like play.” Throughout the day, MODS and the surrounding outdoor festival areas will come alive with live science shows, high-energy demonstrations and hands-on activities designed to engage curious minds of all ages. “The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival reflects our destination’s commitment to education, innovation and family-friendly experiences,” said Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “Supporting events like this helps showcase Greater Fort Lauderdale to visitors as a place where curiosity, creativity and discovery come together.” Some of the Festival highlights include: Amazon: Prime Air - Get up close with Amazon’s electric Rivian vans and celebrate the future of green transportation. Families can help create a large, collaborative community mural that brings art, sustainability and innovation together in one colorful experience. International Game Fish Association: Learn to Fish Like a Pro - Little learners can cast into science with this hands-on fishing clinic featuring knot-tying, tackle basics, conservation, and safety stations. It’s a fun, interactive way to explore outdoor science, stewardship and skills that last a lifetime. Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans: Microscope Flower Lab - Explore the hidden structure of flowers in this hands-on microscope experience. Visitors can examine petals, pollen and other flower parts up close while learning how each piece plays an important role in plant growth and reproduction. Math Happens: Play Your Way Into Math - Math comes alive with open-ended play using pattern blocks, bubble tiles and Geometiles. Guests can explore hands-on math challenges, turning problem-solving into an engaging, playful experience for all ages. Environmental Documentaries in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater – Experience a breathtaking, FREE IMAX® documentary screening of Lost Wolves of Yellowstone, made possible by IMAX®. This powerful film explores wildlife conservation, ecosystem balance and the science behind restoring nature. Festival Headliners Bring the Science to Life These featured performers are just a few of the many interactive experiences guests can enjoy throughout the day. Science Bob - YouTube star, science teacher and maker “Science Bob” Pflugfelder brings fast-paced experiments, big reactions and plenty of wow moments. He turns everyday science into unforgettable, laugh-out-loud discoveries that inspire children and adults to try science. Chemistry Colleen: Black Marker Ate a Rainbow - A quick, colorful demo with Dr. Colleen Kelley reveals the hidden rainbow inside a black marker. Using paper chromatography, families discover how colors separate and mix, turning everyday materials into a wow-worthy science moment. School of Rock - Students from School of Rock bring the energy with a live performance that blends rhythm, sound science and teamwork, proving that learning hits harder when you turn up the volume. WeFlip Science Acrobats - This high-energy duo turns physics into a full-body experience, flipping, climbing and testing gravity in real time. It’s part science lesson, part stunt show and all wow. In addition to festival programming, MODS is seeking student showcases, exhibitors, sponsors, food trucks and volunteers to help make this community celebration unforgettable. The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival is expected to attract more than 11,000 attendees, including families, educators and science enthusiasts from across the region. Students with STEM projects, local organizations interested in exhibiting, food vendors and volunteers are encouraged to participate. Sponsors of the Third Annual Visit Lauderdale Science Festival are Visit Lauderdale (Presenting Sponsor); Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans (Platinum Sponsor); Amazon (Gold Sponsor); Centuric Technology Solutions, Save Our Seas Foundation and UKG (Silver Sponsors); Broward MPO and CTS Engines (Copper Sponsors); AARP and BankUnited (Krypton Sponsors); ABA Centers of Florida and Walmart (Titanium Sponsors); 4ocean Foundation, Allini Water Filters of Florida, Blue Frontier, IKEA, JetBlue, Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, Universal Waste and Xpress Entertainment (In-Kind Sponsors). The festival is rain or shine, with activities located both indoors and outdoors at MODS. For more information and to reserve free tickets, visit: https://mods.org/sciencefest . Questions may be directed to: sciencefest@mods.org . About the Visit Lauderdale Science Festival The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival brings together STEM leaders, educators and families to celebrate science, showcase innovation across the region’s major industries. Powered by the Museum of Discovery and Science, the free, one-day festival features live shows, films, exhibits and demonstrations designed to make science interactive and accessible for all ages. Learn more at: https://mods.org/sciencefest . About the Museum of Discovery and Science Opened in 1977 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 Square Foot 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. 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. (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 About Greater Fort Lauderdale With 24 miles of beaches and more than 300 miles of navigable waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America and the Yachting Capital of the World. The destination is home to 31 municipalities and a diverse population representing more than 170 countries. Visitors enjoy arts and culture, dining, shopping, outdoor recreation and easy access from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. About Visit Lauderdale Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area to leisure and business travelers worldwide and supports convention and group travel. Learn more at: https://visitlauderdale.com . Photos courtesy of the Museum of Discovery and Science. Previous Next

A Fabulous Fall At The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa South Florida Sun Times Oct 29, 2025 The Fall Season Has Arrived At JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa With A Host Of Exciting New Offers And Experiences. Tidal Cove Will Be Transformed Into A Live Ghostbusters Experience As Well As Transform Into A Halloween Destination For Guests And Visitors Alike. Tidal Cove Is Also Extending Special Savings For First Responders, Teachers, And Active Military Guests Throughout The Month Of October As Well As Exclusive Rates Starting At $40 Through The Website. The Resort Has Also Launched The Planning Ahead Pays Off Package For Guests To Unlock Savings On Stays Through October 2025 Through February 2026. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa Discover luxury services, modern amenities and a stylish setting at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. Elegantly designed spacious rooms and suites provide relaxing comfort with marble bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the resort's tropical grounds. The resort features Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, serving signature cuts of prime meat, local seafood and a fine selection of over 1,000 wines. For casual fare, visit CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar, Surf House Bar & Grill or Freestyle. Let little ones join in the fun at Tidal Cove Water Park while lounging poolside in a private luxury cabana. Golf enthusiasts can vie for under par scores at the property’s two 18-hole championship courses, while the exquisite full-service spa is a tranquil haven for beauty and wellness. Ushering in a new era of meeting style and sophistication, the 120,000 square foot conference center features 40 flexible meeting rooms, two grand ballrooms and vast outdoor terraces and venues, while delivering the luxury expected, along with JW Marriott’s world-class event services and amenities. Events: Live Ghostbusters Experience – Friday, October 31st, 2025 and Saturday, November 1st, 2025 This fall the Celebration Lawn at Tidal Cove is transformed into the Live Ghostbusters Experience. Ticket holders will enter Mayhem Park and Headquarters to help the command center find the most dangerous species until the Ghostbusters arrive. The cafe will offer a spaghetti lunch for purchase with the option of adult beverages for those 21 and older. Fun activities include slime making, face painting, Day of the Dead mask making, a s’mores station and a photo opportunity in the Ecto 1. Tickets can be purchased in person at Tidal Cove. Resort Offers: Spook and Splash Experience Package Guests are invited to celebrate the magic of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos with spook'tacular daytime activations, indulgent relaxation, festive movie screenings, and spirited adventures at Tidal Cove Waterpark. Book a stay on Friday, October 31st, 2025 or Saturday, November 1st, 2025 and receive complimentary self-parking, movie screenings at the Cascata Pool with Puff s’mores, and candy bingo. This package is available to book online using code: 11P. Or by calling: +1 (855) 999-0493. Advanced Purchase Offer Plan ahead and save up to 15% on stays booked seven or more days prior to arrival. Payment is required at the time of booking to receive this offer. This package is available to book online using code: ADP. Or by calling: +1 (855) 999-0493. Stay in the Moment Package Escape to warmer weather this winter and enjoy two welcome drinks at SOFF’s Lounge. Guests also receive one 50-minute Signature Massage at Ame Spa & Wellness Center per evening stayed. This package is available to book online using code: E6771. Or by calling: +1 (855) 999-0493. Planning Ahead Pays Off Enjoy additional savings on your next vacation when you plan ahead. This package is available to book online using code: ADP. Or by calling: +1 (800) 999-0493. Stay for Breakfast Book with this offer and enjoy a daily exceptional breakfast buffet for two, at CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar. Children 3-and-under dine complimentary at CORSAIR for all daily meals. To reserve, use promo code: S4B. Or call: +1 855-999-0493 to book today. Resort Retreats Guests are invited to book a vacation and earn up to a $100 credit per night on stays three or more nights. This package is available to book online. Or by calling: 1 (800) 228-9290. Fore the Love of Golf For stays of three or more nights, guests are invited to take advantage of complimentary daily golf for two guests on the championship Miller or Soffer Courses, daily complimentary replay golf, unlimited use of the resort's golf practices facilities, and complimentary club and bag storage. Also included in this offer is daily breakfast for two guests at CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar, a "19th Hole" complimentary cocktail, a late checkout at 1 p.m., a 10% discount at the golf pro shop and Turnberry News Retail, and a 20% discount at Ship Sticks when guests send their golf clubs and luggage ahead. This package is available to book online using the offer code: ZJ4. Or by calling: +1 (855) 999-0493. Stay Longer and Save Guests are invited to get rewarded for an extended stay. Book three or more nights with this special offer and receive up to 15% off room rates plus $25 per night in Resort Credit. Guests can book now online using offer code: ZX0. Or by calling: +1 (855) 999-0493. âme-azing Getaway Package Redefine "ultimate relaxation" with this special package offer that includes: One 80-minute aromatherapy massage for two guests daily at Ame Spa & Wellness Center, two complimentary glasses of Prosecco prior to the spa services, complimentary daily access to the spa's wellness circuit including aromatherapy, a steam room, and the Himalayan Salt Therapy Suite; complimentary access to group fitness classes and a 10% discount at the Ame Spa retail store. A $25 nightly resort credit, a one-category room upgrade and a 1:00 p.m. late checkouts are also included. Guests can book now online. Florida and Georgia Residents Exclusively discounted rate for Florida and Georgia Residents. Dive into the epitome of southern comfort and hospitality with up to 15% off of rooms plus complimentary overnight parking. Guests can book now online using offer code: 8LG. Or by calling: +1 (855) 999-0493. JW Turnberry Heroes Offer To honor the heroes that make the world a better place, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is extending a specially discounted room rate for active-duty military, teachers, nurses, doctors and first responders with access to all of the resort’s amenities starting at $199 per night. Additionally, guests booking this package will receive a 10% discount on dining and drinks at CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar and Freestyle Restaurant during their stay. Guests can book now online using the offer code: SUM. Or by calling: +1 (855) 999- 0493. CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar An American-inspired kitchen and bar, Corsair’s contemporary cuisine attracts those looking for lighter comfort food prepared with regionally sourced, wholly natural ingredients. CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar is now offering family style dining. Dishes include Penne Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, grilled chicken, and broccoli, served with garlic bread and chopped mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for $29 per person; and Peruvian Chicken ala Brasso with cilantro chicken soup, yucca croquettes, white rice and assorted dipping sauces for $32 per person. Enjoy a mid-week special every Wednesday at CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar with 40% off select bottles of wine. The offer includes varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau d’Esclans, Chardonnay, and more. Guests are invited to enjoy a bottle while sampling the Seafood Platter with a jumbo shrimp cocktail, snow crab claws, octopus salad, classic louis and cocktail sauces for the ideal happy hour. For dinner, elevate a meal with a choice of wine while indulging in entrees such as the New England Lobster Roll or CORSAIR smash burger and sides including truffle fries, loaded tater tots, and more. Reservations can be made online. Every Sunday at CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar from 6:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy a Ribeye dinner special for $58 per person. Ribeye Sundays include a choice of roasted tomato soup or Caesar salad, a 12- ounce Ribeye with mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, roasted mushrooms, and beef jus, and key lime pie with coconut sorbet for dessert. Advance reservations are required and can be made online. Bourbon Steak Located in the stunning JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa in Miami, Bourbon Steak Miami welcomes guests to savor the sophisticated flavors and meticulous service that define the Michael Mina dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers alike. Bourbon Steak is continuing Martini Mondays in October, where guests can choose from Bourbon Steak’s Ketel One vodka martinis: Dirty, Espresso or French for $17. Truffle Arancini will be complimentary to pair with the martini. Bourbon Steak continues Tomahawk Tuesdays by offering guests the chance to order a dry-aged, 34-ounce Tomahawk steak and choice of two market sides for $250. Side dishes include options such as Broccolini and Cheese, Grilled Asparagus, Black Truffle Mac & Cheese, Creamed Spinach, Potato Purée, or a Baked Potato. Reservations are available online. Ame Spa & Wellness Collective Expertly trained staff and a menu of innovative, rejuvenating services set ame Spa & Wellness Collective apart among Miami’s premier health and wellness facilities. spanning three floors, ame Spa features a full-service spa and beauty salon, a 3,600 Square Foot Fitness Center, and the Holistic Rejuvenation Center. Fitness Group Exercise Classes Ame Spa & Wellness Collective proudly hosts over 60 on-site group fitness classes a week. Registration is required and can be made via phone at: (305) 933-6930 or at the Spa Reception Desk. Hours: • Monday - Friday - 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Sunday - 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Kids Jr. Fitness Classes Guests ages 5 through 12 are invited to join ame Spa & Wellness Collective for Jr. Fitness in September. Enjoy classes such as Ninja Warrior Obstacles, Sports Fusion, Adventure Yoga, and Zumba Kids. All classes are complimentary and located in the Aerobics Room. Call: (305) 933-6930. Or visit the Spa Reception Desk to register. Class times are: • Monday - 4:30 p.m. Kids Movement • Wednesday - 4:30 p.m. Kids Movement • Saturday - 9:00 a.m. Kids Yoga Ame Spa & Wellness Collective Wellness Circuit This three-step journey to wellness includes an aroma & chroma therapy steam room, followed by the Himalayan salt room, and finally the center’s new Cold Plunge, incorporated into your Spa or Salon visit, to receive maximum benefits. Ame Spa & Wellness Collective October Specials Reveal radiant, glowing skin with our Light to Medium Pressure Hydrating Body Polish & Massage. This rejuvenating service begins with a customized exfoliation using coconut and natural sugar cane to smooth and brighten the skin, followed by a full-body Swedish massage that blends traditional techniques to relax, hydrate, and restore balance. 80 Minutes | $229 Ame-azing Facial - Experience a perfect balance between total relaxation, combining unique European massage techniques with customized products for your skin’s individual needs. Skin health is restored leaving a fresh, glowing complexion. 50 Minutes | $179 Detox, Reboot, and Rejuvenate Body Treatment - This transformational experience uses Electro-sound Lymphatic Drainage Therapy to relax and detox the body and Infrared cocoon with gemstones, Red light and PEMF-designed to boost the immune system and circulation, lose inches, so you can recharge, calm the mind, reduce pain and inflammation. 50 Minutes | $139 Lymphatic Autumn Reset - This Assisted Lymphatic drainage treatment helps to detoxify the body, boost your immune system, combat sluggish circulation, reduce cellulite and lose inches. Great post-surgery treatment to reduce inflammation, swelling and water retention. 50 Minutes | $159 Tropical Massage - Escape to the South Seas with our Light to Medium Pressure Tropical Massage, featuring your choice of coconut, guava, or mango body butter. This soothing treatment nourishes the skin, boosts circulation, and calms the mind for a complete island-inspired refresh. 50 Minutes | $179 Perfect Day - The Perfect Day is exactly just that. An instant gratification treatment that includes a full body customized massage to unwind the body, reboot the mind and transform stress into balance. Followed by an Express Facial treatment that combines antioxidants and vitamins to work with your facial muscle memory promoting elasticity and improving the look of fine lines for a more youthful appearance. 80 Minutes | $229 Non-surgical Facelift and Jawline Contouring - This Non-invasive Radiofrequency Facelift diminishes wrinkles, boosts collagen, lifts and tightens the skin while helping you maintain a youthful, glowing complexion. Visible results with more defined jawline are seen after only one treatment. 80 Minutes | $249 Detox and Glow Experience - This well-being combo elevates your wellness game and transforms your health and beauty from the inside out. Start unwinding in our cutting-edge Infrared Sauna, designed to melt away stress and detoxify your body then recharge with our Red-Light Therapy Pod, boosting your energy, enhancing circulation, and elevating your cellular health. Enjoy full access to our luxurious steam salt room and cold plunge and unwind in our serene relaxation lounge. 80 Minutes | $199 Tidal Cove Award-winning Tidal Cove Waterpark features a 60-foot tower with seven water slides, a 4,000 Square Foot kids pool with an aquatic play structure, the first-ever FlowRider® Triple simulator in the nation, 25 private cabanas and an additional VIP pool, Oasis Pool. Guests of JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa enjoy complimentary exclusive access. Halloween – Friday, October 31, 2025 & Saturday, November 1st, 2025 Splash into Halloween celebrations at Tidal Cove, where the entire family can stay cool with a vibrant lineup of special activities all weekend long. Step into the spooky season with candy bingo, face painting, Day of the Dead mask making and more exciting activities. Guests are invited to enjoy a day of fun with their friends and elevate their tastebuds at Tidal Cove Free Style Dining with the exclusive Splash & Snack Pass. Guests are invited to visit Freestyle every 90-minutes between 10:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and enjoy offerings such as Mezza Platters, Fresh Salads, Chicken Wings, Sandwiches, Chicken Tenders, Brick-oven Pizza and Sushi. Included in the package is either a Pepsi fountain drink or a scoop of homemade Gelato. Children’s meals are also available. The exclusive Splash & Snack Pass is priced at $84 for adults, and $62 for children. Tidal Cove Arcade is the go-to spot for family-friendly entertainment. Located within Tidal Cove, the arcade features Claw and Halo machines, Cruisin’ Blast, Pac Man and Key Master. The Tidal Cove arcade is open from 10:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. daily. Golf Nestled amidst lush tropical landscapes at JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa are two world-class 18 hole golf courses, meticulously designed by the renowned Raymond Floyd, offering exclusive experiences. At this beautiful sporting escape, privacy reigns supreme, as the indigenous flora creates a natural barrier, giving each golfer the sensation of having the course entirely to themselves. Membership is available and provides members unlimited access to JW Marriott Miami Turnberry. The on-site Country Club offers unrivaled amenities to enhance each visit. Golf memberships include year-round preferred access to practice facilities and ranges, unlimited golf year-round for cart fee only and much more. For more information, please visit: www.turnberryislecountryclub.com . JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa offer private golf lessons from top 25 US-ranked National golf instructors, starting at $250. The Ray Boone Golf Academy has options for everyone, including corporate clinic rates. Indoor and outdoor sessions are available, along with Trackman and Video Analysis. For more information, please contact: jteetimes@jwturnberry.com . Or: (305) 933-6929. About JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa: Tucked away on 300 acres between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is a tropical oasis with a culture of accessible luxury and enriching experiences. The resort is renowned for its two championship golf courses redesigned by Raymond Floyd, the state-of-the-art âme Spa & Wellness Collective waterpark Tidal Cove, Celebrity Chef Michael Mina’s award-winning Bourbon Steak Restaurant, CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar, 121,000 Square Feet of meeting space and the engaging Turnberry Kids Camp all within reach of 685 spacious guest rooms and suites. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is a part of Marriott’s exclusive JW Marriott portfolio. The resort has been a multi-time recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award and US News & World Report's Best Hotels; and was named to Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best in 2023. Notice: Turnberry Development, LLC is the owner of the Turnberry® trademark but has no affiliation or involvement with the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa and the Turnberry Isle Country Club other than the licensor of the Turnberry Trademark. Previous Next

Stranahan House To Celebrate Fort Lauderdale’s Founding Families At Fourth Annual Fall Festival South Florida Sun Times Sep 17, 2026 More Than A Century After Fort Lauderdale Was Taking Shape Along The New River, The City’s History Will Once Again Come Alive At One Of Its Most Important Historic landmarks. The Historic Stranahan House Museum will host its Fourth Annual Founding Families Fall Festival on Friday, September 25th, 2026, bringing residents, families and visitors together for an evening of music, food, games and history on the banks of the New River. The festival will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stranahan House, 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. A special ceremony honoring Fort Lauderdale’s founding families is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, while children will be admitted free. Organizers describe the annual festival as a celebration of the families who helped establish Fort Lauderdale and shape the community that would eventually become one of South Florida’s best-known cities. The event also serves an important purpose for the museum: All proceeds will support the Historic Stranahan House Museum’s year-round historic preservation and educational programs. For an evening, the oldest surviving house in Fort Lauderdale will serve not simply as a museum, but as a gathering place where the community can celebrate its past while supporting the preservation of that history for future generations. The festival will feature food trucks, beer and wine vendors, games, live music and activities designed for guests of all ages. Complimentary Water Taxi rides will also be provided, offering festivalgoers a uniquely Fort Lauderdale way to arrive at the event and experience the city from the water. With the New River as the backdrop, the setting is particularly fitting. Long before Fort Lauderdale became a city known for its beaches, waterways, tourism and downtown skyline, the New River was central to the development of the small settlement that would eventually become the city. Stranahan House stands as one of the most tangible reminders of that early history. Built in 1901, Stranahan House is widely recognized as the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale. The building was originally constructed as a trading post and later served as a post office, town hall and residence for Frank Stranahan and his wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan. Frank Stranahan is remembered as Fort Lauderdale’s first businessman and one of the community’s most respected pioneers. Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, meanwhile, became the area’s first schoolteacher and an influential advocate for civic, educational, social service and environmental causes. Their lives were closely intertwined with the development of the early community, and their home became a gathering place and important institution during Fort Lauderdale’s formative years. That history is central to the museum’s mission today. The Historic Stranahan House Museum seeks to tell the story of the birth of the community through the lives of Frank and Ivy Stranahan and the homestead they created. The museum also works to preserve, interpret and promote the house, its historic site and the broader story of Fort Lauderdale’s founding family. The Founding Families Fall Festival provides a natural extension of that mission. Rather than presenting history solely through exhibits, artifacts and guided tours, the festival gives the community an opportunity to experience the historic property as a living part of Fort Lauderdale. The event is also an important fundraiser for the museum, helping support programs that operate throughout the year. Stranahan House opened as a museum in 1984. Since then, it has become one of Fort Lauderdale’s leading cultural attractions and an important destination for both tourists and local residents interested in learning more about the city’s origins. Each year, more than 3,000 fourth-grade schoolchildren visit the historic site as part of educational programming, while approximately 30,000 tourists and locals visit the House and museum. For those students, Stranahan House can provide a tangible connection to lessons about local history. Instead of learning about Fort Lauderdale’s early development only from textbooks, they can walk through the same historic structure where some of the community’s earliest civic and commercial activities took place. For tourists and longtime residents alike, the property offers a glimpse of a Fort Lauderdale that existed long before the modern skyline, high-rise buildings and busy downtown streets became familiar features of the city. That connection between the past and present is expected to be a central theme of this year’s festival. The Founding Families Fall Festival is particularly focused on honoring the people and families who played a role in establishing the community. Their contributions helped create the civic institutions, schools, businesses and traditions that would become the foundation of modern Fort Lauderdale. While the city has changed dramatically since the early 1900s, the stories of those early residents remain part of its identity. Frank Stranahan’s role in the community began with his trading post along the New River. His business became an important meeting point in a developing settlement, and his work placed him at the center of the community’s early commercial life. Ivy Stranahan’s influence extended into education and civic engagement. As the area’s first schoolteacher, she played an important role in the education of local children. Her later involvement in environmental, social service and civic causes further established her as a significant figure in the region’s history. Together, the Stranahans represent two important dimensions of Fort Lauderdale’s beginnings: the practical work of building a community and the civic commitment required to help that community grow. Their legacy is one reason the museum continues to place education and preservation at the center of its work. The festival’s fundraising component will help ensure that the historic property remains available to future generations. Preserving an early structure such as Stranahan House involves more than maintaining an old building. It also requires preserving the stories, traditions and historical context associated with the site. The museum’s programs allow visitors to understand not only what the House looks like, but why it matters. The September festival will give the public another opportunity to support that work while enjoying an evening of community entertainment. Sponsors are also playing an important role in the event. The Historic Stranahan House Museum has expressed its appreciation to its generous sponsors, including Amazon and Tripp Scott. Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in supporting the festival can also participate through sponsorship and underwriting opportunities. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $5,000. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Executive Director Jennifer Belt by email at: director@stranahanhouse.org. Or email: director@stranahanhouse.org. Or by telephone at: (954) 524-4736. For festival attendees, however, the evening will be about more than fundraising. The combination of food trucks, live music, games and vendors is intended to make the event accessible to the entire community. Families can attend together, children can participate in activities and adults can enjoy food and beverages while taking in the atmosphere of the historic property and waterfront. The complimentary Water Taxi rides add another distinctly local element to the celebration. Fort Lauderdale’s waterways have always been central to its identity, and the Water Taxi offers visitors an opportunity to experience the city from the same network of waterways that played such an important role in its early development. The New River, in particular, has been a defining feature of Fort Lauderdale’s history. Its waters provided transportation and helped connect the community during the city’s earliest years. Today, the river remains one of the most recognizable elements of the downtown landscape. Having the festival on the riverfront therefore creates a physical connection between the event and the history being celebrated. The 6:15 p.m. ceremony will provide the evening’s most formal moment, when founding families are honored for their contributions to the development of Fort Lauderdale. The ceremony is expected to highlight the individuals and families whose efforts helped transform the area from a small settlement into the thriving community it is today. For a city that has experienced extraordinary growth, such recognition serves as a reminder that Fort Lauderdale’s history was built by generations of residents whose contributions may otherwise be forgotten. The museum’s role is to make sure those stories remain part of the community’s collective memory. That responsibility has become increasingly significant as Fort Lauderdale continues to grow and change. New development has transformed the city’s neighborhoods and downtown, while an expanding population and tourism industry have brought new generations of residents and visitors to the area. Historic landmarks such as Stranahan House provide a link between that rapidly changing present and the community’s earliest days. The museum’s work ensures that the history of Fort Lauderdale is not simply something that belongs in the past. It remains a resource for understanding how the city developed and why the community looks the way it does today. The Founding Families Fall Festival reflects that philosophy by bringing history into a community celebration. The event will be held at Stranahan House, located at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Complimentary parking will be available at the Riverside Hotel, located at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Visitors should plan to arrive between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., with the special founding families ceremony taking place at 6:15 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, and children can attend free of charge. Additional information and tickets are available through the Historic Stranahan House Museum’s website at: https://stranahanhouse.org/ffff/ . The museum itself is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., giving visitors who want to learn more about the site an opportunity to explore it outside of the festival. The September event is also an invitation to residents who may have lived in Fort Lauderdale for years but have never visited the historic property. It can be easy for people who live near a historic landmark to take it for granted. Stranahan House, however, is not simply an old building sitting among modern Fort Lauderdale. It is a surviving piece of the city’s earliest history and a place where the story of the community can be experienced firsthand. The House has witnessed generations of change. When it was built in 1901, Fort Lauderdale was a very different place. The city that residents know today—with its major tourism industry, extensive canal system, downtown development and international reputation—was still decades away. The Stranahan family was part of the small community that laid the groundwork for that future. Today, the House stands as a reminder of their work and of the many other families whose contributions helped shape the city. That is the significance behind the Founding Families Fall Festival. It is a celebration, but it is also an act of preservation. By bringing people together at the historic site, the museum hopes to strengthen the community’s connection to its past and generate support for the programs that keep that history accessible. The festival also illustrates how historic preservation can be a community experience rather than simply an academic pursuit. A child playing a game on the grounds, a family arriving by Water Taxi, a visitor listening to live music beside the New River or a longtime resident attending the founding families ceremony may all experience the historic site differently. Yet each is participating in the continued life of a place that has been part of Fort Lauderdale for more than 120 years. For the museum, those experiences are part of the preservation effort. The goal is not only to maintain the physical structure, but to ensure that future generations understand why it matters. The Fourth Annual Founding Families Fall Festival will provide another opportunity to do exactly that. As the sun begins to set over the New River on Friday, September 25th, 2026 Fort Lauderdale residents and visitors will gather at the city’s oldest house for an evening that combines the past with the present. There will be food, music, games and festivities. There will be a ceremony honoring the people who helped build the community. And there will be the historic Stranahan House itself—a reminder of the people, businesses, schools and civic institutions that formed the foundation of modern Fort Lauderdale. For a community whose identity is so closely tied to its waterways and its history, the setting could hardly be more appropriate. The Founding Families Fall Festival is ultimately an invitation to remember where Fort Lauderdale began while helping ensure that its earliest stories remain available to those who will call the city home in the years ahead. When: Friday, September 25th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ceremony: 6:15 p.m. Where: Stranahan House 335 Southeast 6th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Cost: Adults: $5 Children: Free How: For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://stranahanhouse.org/ffff/ . Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available and range from $500 to $5,00. For more information, please contact Executive Director Jennifer Belt by email at: director@stranahanhouse.org . Or call: (954) 524-4736. Complimentary parking is available at the Riverside Hotel, located at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The Historic Stranahan House Museum is located at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information about the museum, its history, programs and upcoming events is available at: https://stranahanhouse.org . The Stranahan House is recognized as the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale. Photo by Kahlil O Connor 1915 (courtesy of FLHS) 1930s (courtesy of FLHS) 1972 1984 Previous Next

Gulfstream Park Village is Beating the Summer Heat with Freedom Fest and Fireworks Show, Music in the Park and New Experiences for All to Enjoy! Thu Jun 30 2022 04:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Sense Of Normalcy For One Night - For South Florida Teens Facing Serious Illness, Dunkin’ Prom Was A Night Of Unforgettable Fun South Florida Sun Times Jun 18, 2026 Prom Night Dreams Came True For Dozens Of South Florida Teens Eager To Experience A Sense Of Normalcy When The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation (JDCH), With Support From Dunkin’ Joy In Childhood Foundation, Rolled Out The Red Carpet For A Hollywood-Inspired Milestone Celebration. For teen patients who are unable to attend their own school dances due to illness and treatment, this milestone event, now in its 11th year, brought even more meaning to an event that is often considered an adolescent rite of passage. “Prom is one of those moments every teenager imagines for themselves. When a serious illness enters a teenager's life, it has a way of taking away the ordinary moments everyone else takes for granted,” said Kelley Morris, President, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Each year, I’m touched by how quickly these teens transform the moment they walk through the door, excited just to dance and be with their friends. At the heart of our mission at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation is making sure our patients and their families have opportunities like this to experience moments of pure joy.” With friends, family and caregivers there to support and uplift prom goers, teens and their guests arrived dressed to celebrate in “Old Hollywood: Glitz and Glam” style, matching the prom’s theme. Many wore dresses and formal wear generously donated by hospital staff and members of the local community. Throughout the joy-filled evening, a DJ entertained everyone on the dance floor, teens posed for photos in the photo booth and shared lighthearted fun that included magic tricks, caricatures, cotton candy, airbrush tattoos, art tables, games and raffle prizes. This year’s Dunkin’ Prom was made possible in part by a Grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, which supports various programs at JDCH and has contributed a total of more than $390,000 over the past 13 years. “The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation believes every teen deserves the chance to feel celebrated, make lasting memories and enjoy the moments that make being a teenager so special,” said Kendra Salito, Field Marketing Manager. “We’re incredibly proud to partner with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to create a prom experience filled with joy, laughter and connection, giving these teens a night to simply have fun, be themselves and feel truly special.” Additional support was provided by JetBlue, EntertainmentResource.net , Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, Margaritaville Beach Resort Hollywood, Men’s Warehouse, Live Like Bella, Joan’s Flowers, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Lollipop Theater Network, Universal Pictures, Miami Dolphins, Jazwares, Hooters, Kendra Scott, and S.T.A.G. To learn more about the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and its impact in communities nationwide, visit: www.bringjoy.org . Or follow: @joyinchildhood on Social Media. To support Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital through donations or volunteer opportunities, visit: www.jdch.com/give-back/foundation . The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation helps ensure access to high-quality, compassionate care for all children regardless of their ability to pay, while advancing the hospital’s mission to improve community health. 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. The Level One Pediatric Trauma Center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a Comprehensive Cardiac Care Floor, an Intraoperative MRI, an Inpatient Rehabilitation Gym, family and staff support areas, and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings. The hospital’s NonProfit Foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission. To learn more, visit: www.jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram. About the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin’, provides the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. The Foundation partners with food banks, children’s hospitals, and NonProfit Organizations to fund joyful environments and joyful experiences for kids when they need it most. Since 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $70 Million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country thanks to the generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees. To learn more about the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, visit : www.bringjoy.org . And follow on:  Facebook,  Instagram and  LinkedIn. Abigail, Olivia, and Ali Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital child life and creative arts teams Prom queen and king, Kayla and Justin Rebecca and Jai’Hairus Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Memorial Healthcare staff Gabriella and Daniella pose with animal assisted therapy dogs Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital member and Faith Emma and Angelina Goldie and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation staff Isabella, Lynne and Chloe Jai’Hairus, Rebecca and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital staff member Previous Next

For Our Kids By Nicole Carter - City Of Hallandale Bch June 3, 2021 Share We Need To Get This Summer Right Even under normal circumstances – pre-pandemic, that is – research showed that students in afterschool and summer learning programs get better grades For students and educators alike, this school year has been a seemingly endless grind, presenting one trauma-inducing challenge, after another. School schedules have been in flux, safety protocols have been an adjustment, screen time has been on overload and throughout, this specter, of a horrible disease has loomed over us. Many students have felt isolated, some haven't done as well with on-line learning – either for reasons of access or simply, because, it just didn't click for them. Others have been entirely left behind and in short, we have a lot of ground to make up. So, as summer approaches, our schools and families face painful challenges, as they work to bring students back together. Our children need the chance to make up any lost ground and reconnect with classmates. But, we need that to happen in a way that doesn't burn out students and teachers, all of whom, have been through the ringer, this past year. With a boost from the American Rescue Plan, the latest COVID relief bill from Washing-ton, many children and families will find that summer learning programs are the solution, if we ensure, that they are structured to meet at the moment. Now more than ever, we need to pay attention to the full range of our children's needs. Getting back on track academically, is surely part of the puzzle, but, it's not the only part. We also want them to reconnect with classmates and educators, create forums for them to talk about their Pandemic experiences, do hands-on, team-based learning, get some exercise and experience as much normalcy, as it can be found. Come fall, the status of the Pandemic, permitting, we want the children to be ready to resume, to a normal school schedule and not to be burnt out, on the first day of school. That's why, summer learning programs have such a vital role to play. They mix learning and fun in exactly the ways our kids need it, in this most unusual time. In addition to help with academics, they give students the chance to learn new skills: Creating Web-sites, Com-puter Coding, Making Videos, Planting, Maintaining Community Gardens, Learning Photography, Building Robots and so much more. They make sure students have plenty of time to run around and be kids – playing individual and team sports, splashing in swimming pools, shooting baskets or playing volleyball. They connect children with community organizations for service projects, take them to visit local businesses, science centers, libraries, museums, colleges, parks and more. Our summer learning program at the City of Hallandale Beach After School Tutorial and Enrich-ment Program will include project-based learning, activities in science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics (STEAM), cultural and performing arts activities, swimming lessons and field trips. We have 180 students enrolled and are staffed with seven certified teachers, seven teacher assistants, five teacher aides and seven summer youth aides. Even under normal circumstances – Pre-Pandemic, that is – research has shown, that students in after school and summer learning programs get better grades, are more excited about learning and participate more, in school. That's not just because of the specific information they learn in summer and after school programs, but because of the skills they build, including teamwork and problem-solving, for example. In recent years, one significant reason that many children did not participate in summer programs, was that there weren't programs to be found. The American Rescue Plan provides significant funding to states that can be used to support summer learning programs. As a result, school districts and state education agencies can support summer learning programs, after school programs that will supplement classroom education, serving more kids, in more places, for longer periods of time and by using the best evidence-based, practices. It's been a hard year for everyone and we've got a lot of ground to make up. We'll need every player in our children's learning ecosystem – schools, summer learning programs, youth-serving organizations, parents and families – to play a part in the recovery process. New resources make that possible, thank goodness and now, we need to make sure that we bring everyone to the table! Nicole Carter Is The Youth Services Supervisor For The City of Hallandale Beach and serves as an After School Ambassador For Florida For The After School Alliance. < Previous News Next News >

Stage 954: One Of The Hottest Concert Venues In Broward County For Live Music Thu Dec 01 2022 17:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Calling All Big Dog Lovers: You'll Fall In Love With These Big Boys November 17, 2023 Share Calling all big dog lovers...can Bella (ID 674393) or Scrappy (ID 672002) go home with you? Beautiful Bella would love to go home with you! This sandy, blonde beauty is 73 pounds, 11 months-old and still has some growing to do. Sadly, she was given up because she got too big. Bella is good with other dogs and enjoys playing with dogs her size. Her profile says she is also good with cats, so please do a slow introduction if you have a resident feline. Older kids might be best, we wouldn’t want her to knock down any little ones by accident. Bella can be a little shy at first but give her a few minutes and she warms up and wants to play. Would she be a good fit for your family? Scrappy is an adorable fellow and can’t wait to meet you at the Humane Society of Broward County. Scrappy is a friendly, five-year-old, 72-pound fellow who loves to be petted and hang out with people. The volunteers and staff at the Humane Society of Broward County say he is affectionate, curious, and calm. If you’re looking for a walking partner… he could be perfect for you. A family with older kids might be best, he wouldn’t want to accidentally knock over any little kids. If you have a dog at home, a dog meet would be recommended. It appears Scrappy is not that into toys, he prefers to be where you are and rest his head in your lap. Thanks to our friends at Buy Fire Alarm Parts, they have kindly paid Scrappy’s adoption fee. Could you be the perfect family for Scrappy? If a big feline is your thing than five-year-old Kimura (Kimmy) ID 674446 is a BIG lap cat, who loves attention and pets. She is good with well-mannered dogs, is talkative when she sees you, and she will do best in a home with kids ages 8 and up. Kimura is front declawed. Preparing to Adopt If you lease your home, check with your landlord before adopting to be sure you are allowed to have a pet and can afford all required pet deposits. Pets are sometimes returned because of lease restrictions and/or landlord’s disapproval of the pet chosen. This can be an expensive lesson since the adoption fees are non-refundable and being returned to the shelter can be a stressful experience for the animal. Adopting a pet is not a one person decision. Make sure other members of your household are aware you want to add a pet and should meet the pet before you decide to adopt. Also consider: • Does anyone have allergies? • Are other members of the household, including children, afraid of animals? • Are you expecting other members of the household to share in the care of the pet? Another factor to consider is cost. The initial and on-going costs of a new pet can add up. These costs include: Adoption fees, Food, Grooming, Obedience training, Pet supplies, and Licensing. Additional veterinary care such as diagnostic testing and preventative medication can add up in the future, so make sure to take this all under consideration prior to adopting. These costs can easily be $200-400 or more within the first few weeks of adoption. Other Pets The Humane Society of Broward County recommends that you do not immediately expose your existing pets to a new pet. Consider how you will manage an isolation period and be sure all existing pets are up to date on vaccinations and other routine health care before bringing a new pet home. Facilitating positive pet-to-pet introductions will require some management on your part too. Not all pets are instant friends and may require temporary or intermittent separation to ensure a smooth transition. Some pets are happy to share their home within a week or two, others may take a month or longer to adjust. Our adoption staff will be happy to review steps to properly introduce your new pet to your resident pets. Time commitment All dogs and cats making the transition to a new home will need time to adjust to a new family and may require house training and behavior training to correct problem behavior. If you aren’t prepared to invest your time to teach your new pet appropriate behavior and help the animal adjust, you should not consider adopting a pet at this time. Positive reinforcement-based training is recommended for all newly adopted dogs and puppies. Please make a lifetime commitment to your pet. Remember that the animal you choose has already been abandoned or unwanted at least once in its life. Dogs and cats may live 12 to 15 years or more. Your thoughtful consideration, preparation and commitment will help ensure a lifelong placement. Supplies Before bringing your dog, cat, or critter home, make sure you have the supplies to properly care for the newest member of your household. From toys and leashes to treats and litter pans, the adoption centers have a wide variety of merchandise available for purchase. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the right products for your pet during the adoption interview process. To meet Bella, Scrappy, Kimura, or any other pet and fill out the Pre-Adoption Application, please visit: www.humanebroward.com - Appointments are not necessary, so stop by the Humane Society of Broward County located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. The Adoption Department opens daily at 11:00 a.m. If you have questions, call: (954) 989-3977. Extension#: 6. < Previous News Next News >

Smooth Jazz Pioneer: The Timeless Sound Of Kenny G Are Coming To Broward April 25, 2024 Share In the vast landscape of contemporary music, few figures have left as indelible a mark as Kenny G. With his signature Smooth Jazz sound, he has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. His melodies evoke a sense of tranquility, nostalgia, and pure musical bliss. In this article, we delve into the life, career, and enduring legacy of this iconic musician. Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, better known as Kenny G, was born on June 5th, 1956, in Seattle, Washington. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable aptitude for music, particularly the Saxophone. His interest was sparked by his father, who played the instrument as a hobby. By the age of 10, Kenny was already proficient on the Saxophone and showed signs of extraordinary talent. His dedication to music led him to study at the University of Washington, where he joined the jazz band. It was during these formative years that he honed his skills and developed his unique style. Influenced by Jazz Legends such as Grover Washington Jr. and David Sanborn, Kenny began to shape his sound, blending elements of Jazz, Pop, and R&B into a seamless fusion. Kenny G's breakthrough came in the 1980’s when he signed with Arista Records and released his self-titled debut album in 1982. The album garnered widespread acclaim and laid the foundation for his meteoric rise to fame. His smooth, melodic Saxophone lines resonated with audiences, establishing him as a leading figure in the burgeoning Smooth Jazz Genre. Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, Kenny G released a string of successful albums, including” "Duotones," "Breathless," and "Miracles." His singles consistently topped the charts, earning him Grammy Awards and cementing his status as a household name. Songs like: "Songbird," "Forever in Love," and "Silhouette" became iconic anthems of the era, beloved by fans around the world. At the heart of Kenny G's music is his unparalleled mastery of the Saxophone. His smooth, velvety tone and impeccable phrasing set him apart as a virtuoso of his instrument. He has the rare ability to convey emotion and tell a story through his music, whether it's a tender ballad or an upbeat groove. While some critics have dismissed his music as overly commercial or formulaic, there's no denying the sincerity and artistry behind Kenny G's work. His melodies have a timeless quality that transcends trends and genres, appealing to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Moreover, his influence extends far beyond the realm of Smooth Jazz, inspiring countless musicians across various genres to explore the expressive potential of the Saxophone. His impact on the music world cannot be overstated. He has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Moreover, his influence extends beyond album sales, as he continues to tour extensively and perform to sold-out crowds around the globe. Beyond his commercial success, Kenny G has also made significant contributions to charitable causes and music education. He is actively involved in promoting music programs in schools and supporting organizations that provide access to music education for underserved communities. In an industry often characterized by fleeting trends and superficiality, Kenny G's enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of his music. His melodies have provided the soundtrack to countless moments of joy, romance, and relaxation, earning him a special place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere. In a career spanning over four decades, Kenny G has remained a steadfast beacon of musical excellence. His Smooth Jazz Sound has transcended generations, offering solace and inspiration to listeners around the world. Whether he's performing in sold-out arenas or recording in the studio, Kenny G continues to enchant audiences with his incomparable talent and unwavering passion for music. As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the timeless sound of Kenny G will endure for generations to come, reminding us of the power of music to uplift the soul and touch the heart. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents is bringing Grammy Award-Winning Saxophonist Kenny G to The Parker as part of the TD Jazz Series on Tuesday, April 30th at 8:00 p.m. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com - And at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; and in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The performance season at The Parker is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Branch Library Happenings - Creative Kids, Eye Screenings, Painting Fun With Sandi And Much More Aventura Digest December 18, 2024 Share The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be e-Device Advice, a Monthly Book Club, Parenting Class and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register At: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura - Or for more information prior to attending the event, Call: (305) 931-5512. Creative Kids: Thursday, December 19th, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a dynamic art program designed to help kids explore their inner creativity, from painting to collage. Presented by local art magnet student instructors. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 6 - 11 years. e-Device Advice: Thursday, December 19th & Thursday, December 26th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Need help with your electronic device? Instructors from Generation Technology will be available to assist you. Please bring your device for hands-on learning. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Overdose Prevention Training: Thursday, December 19th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Learn how to recognize an overdose and save a life using Narcan (Naloxone). Free Narcan Kit and Fentanyl test strips for attendees. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 12 and up. Introduction To Computers: Saturday, December 21st & Saturday, December 28th, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Learn the basics of computers, including how to use a mouse and keyboard, write in a Word document, browse the internet, use email and more! Taught by instructors from Collective Sistahood. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Monthly Book Club: Saturday, December 21st, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Join your peers for a lively book discussion. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Chess Club: Monday, December 23rd & Monday, December 30th, 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 . Ages 8 years and up. Kids Learn Tech - Presented By Tech 4 Now: Saturday, December 28th, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Be prepared for success in today's digital world! Learn essential skills in coding, computer navigation, safe internet usage and how to conduct research. Please bring your own laptop or tablet. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 8 - 12 years. Parenting Class - Learn The Emotional Needs Of Your Children: Friday, January 3rd, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Weekly advice sessions for parents of children ages 0-6 offered by Cayuga Centers in conjunction with The Children's Trust. Topics covered include positive discipline, attachment, communication, setting limits, and more led by Maria Soledad Lizarraga, B.A. Psychology and Developmental Specialist, PACE Program. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Painting Fun With Sandi!: Tuesday, January 7th, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Join Artist Sandi Levy for a series of hands-on sessions where you'll learn about various mixed media, including acrylics, watercolor and collage. Students will go home with their finished work of art! For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Overcoming Stress & Anxiety with Meditation: Wednesday, January 8th, 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 . Ages 19 years and up. Take & Make Crafts: Wednesday, January 8th, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Come to the library to pick up supplies to create an awesome craft at home! Available while supplies last. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 6 - 11 years. Lion's Club Eye Screenings: Thursday, January 9th, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Receive free eye screenings offered by Lion's Club International in collaboration with the Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . All ages. Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group - Presented by the Alzheimer's Association: Thursday, January 9th, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Build a support system with others who understand your journey as a caregiver to a loved one with Dementia. Join this Alzheimer's support group to exchange information on challenges, possible solutions, coping strategies and available community resources. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. Some of the above events are On-line. To register, go to: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura For more information, feel free to contact the Aventura Branch At: (305) 931-5512. The Aventura Branch Library is located at 2930 Aventura Boulevard, Aventura, Florida 33180. < Previous News Next News >