Fear Of Self-Driving Cars On The Rise: Drivers Increasingly Anxious As Autonomous Technology Advances March 16, 2023 Share Concerns about self-driving cars are significantly higher than last year, according to an annual automated vehicle survey just released by AAA. The survey reveals 68% of drivers are afraid of riding in a self-driving vehicle. That’s up from 55% in 2022 and the largest annual increase since 2020. “We did not expect such a dramatic shift in consumer concerns from previous years,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA - The Auto Club Group. “Though it isn’t entirely surprising, given the number of high-profile crashes that have recently occurred from over-reliance on current vehicle technologies.” Dispelling Confusion Around Automated Vehicles Even with advancements made in recent years, these findings suggest the need to dispel confusion around automated vehicles. AAA’s survey found that nearly one in ten drivers believe they can buy a vehicle that drives itself while they sleep. That is not true. While this perception could stem from social media videos of drivers apparently misusing driver assistance technology, our survey shows that the names manufacturers have given their vehicle systems are confusing consumers. AAA found that 22% of Americans expect driver support systems, with names like Autopilot, ProPILOT or Pilot Assist to have the ability to drive the car by itself without any supervision, indicating a gap in consumer understanding. “Most new vehicles are equipped with some level of advanced driver assistance technology, which can enhance the safety of motorists if used properly,” Jenkins continued. “However, it’s important to clarify that there are currently no vehicles available for purchase that allow someone to fully disengage from the task of driving.” What Are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)? Consumers are not entirely opposed to advanced vehicle technology. In fact, six in ten U.S. drivers would “definitely” or “probably” want these systems in their next car purchase. Examples of ADA’S include: blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Check out AAA’s, Clearing The Confusion, which provides naming and descriptions of ADA’S in a consistent, easy-to-understand manner. Active Driving Assistance (ADA) combines the tasks of braking, accelerating and steering through a combined use of adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. ADA is classified as Level 2 automation - the highest level of vehicle automation available for purchase by the public. This technology is not meant to replace the driver. Recent AAA research has found inconsistencies with ADA performance, reinforcing the need for a driver to remain fully engaged. What Is A Fully Self-Driving Vehicle? A vehicle capable of operating without human involvement. A human driver is not required to control the vehicle at any time, nor required to be present in the vehicle while moving. These vehicles are not available for purchase by consumers and are classified as Level 5 automation as defined by the Society Of Automotive Engineers. “AAA seeks to partner with automakers to create greater consistency across the industry,” said Greg Brannon, Director Of Automotive Research for AAA. “Together, we can help consumers understand the type of technology their vehicle has along with how, when and where to use these systems, which will ultimately build trust in the vehicles of the future.” < Previous News Next News >

BCT Supports Panthers Championship Celebration With Express Bus Rides - Your Parade Day Transportation Solution! By BCT Jun 20, 2025 In Celebration Of The Florida Panthers' National Hockey League Championship Win, Broward County Transit (BCT) Will Offer Free Express Bus Service Exclusively From The Heron Parking Garage To Harbor Drive For Parade-Goers On Sunday, June 22nd, 2025. The complimentary Park and Ride service will run continuously from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ahead of the noon parade, and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for return trips. This express service is designed to help fans avoid traffic and arrive conveniently at the celebration site along A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Parking at the Heron Garage is free, while additional parking is available at the adjacent Broward County Convention Center (parking fees apply). Please note: Regular BCT bus service will operate as scheduled with standard fares. Only the Park and Ride express bus between Heron Garage and Harbor Drive is free. "We are proud to support the Florida Panthers and our Broward County community by offering this special service to celebrate a truly historic moment," said BCT CEO/General Manager Coree Cuff Lonergan. "This win speaks to the strength and unity of our region, and we're excited to help fans get to the festivities safely and easily." For more details on the Parade Day express shuttle, visit: www.Broward.org/BCT - Or call: (954) 357-8400. Previous Next

Pedestrian And Bicycle Safety: Sunny Isles Beach PD Participates In High Visibility Enforcement Program www.sibfl.net/2023-hve/ March 9, 2023 Share Miami-Dade County ranks in the top 25 counties in Florida for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. To help reverse this trend, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department is participating in the Florida Department Of Transportation High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) Program aimed at educating motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians on Florida’s Traffic Laws to improve safety on our roads. All through the month of May 2023, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department will have additional officers on patrol at specific corridors with a high occurrence of pedestrians and bicyclists’ crashes. Special attention will be directed towards increasing awareness of the dangerous behaviors that are contributing to serious and fatal injuries at these locations. Officers will look for drivers speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, conducting improper turns or signal violations and using hand-held devices while driving. Officers also will watch for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to motorists who have right-of-way. Bicyclists will be stopped for riding against traffic, riding at night without lights or not abiding by the same laws as motor vehicles. Officers will issue warnings and citations only when appropriate. “Whether you are on foot, behind the wheel, or on a bike, you have a responsibility to share the road safely,” said Chief Edward Santiago. “Understanding the rules of the road helps ensure we all arrive at our destination safely and makes our streets safer for everyone.” Funding for this program is provided through a contract with the University Of North Florida’s Institute Of Police Technology And Management (IPTM) funded by the Florida Department Of Transportation. The Sunny Isles Beach Police Department will receive funds for overtime hours for officers to conduct operations and for special training on Florida’s bicycle and pedestrian laws, procedures and best practices. To keep the public safe, the Sunny Isles Beach PD offers the following tips when biking, driving or walking: • Drivers: Obey speed limits, never drive impaired and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. • Bicyclists: Obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic and use lights when riding at night. • Pedestrians: Cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Focused Initiative The Florida Department Of Transportation (FDOT) developed Florida’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Focused Initiative in 2011 to lead all efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in the state. The public education campaign was branded “Alert Today Florida.” The goal of this initiative is to eliminate traffic crashes on Florida’s roads that result in serious or fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. Objectives include: advancing data collection, analysis and evaluation to guide the implementation of comprehensive safety strategies directed towards areas with the highest representation of traffic crashes resulting in serious or fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. Additional information about pedestrian and bicycle safety is available at: www.alerttodayflorida.com < Previous News Next News >

ManateeFest: 9th Anniversary Celebration - Experience The Wonders Of Manatee Lagoon This Cool Weather Season Wed Jan 22 2025 18:45:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Together We Can Outrun Hunger: Feeding South Florida® To Host 12th Annual Outrun Hunger 5K March 9, 2023 Share On Saturday, April 8th, 2023, Feeding South Florida®, the leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida, will host its 12th Annual Outrun Hunger 5K. Runners, walkers, families and community leaders of all ages will come together to take steps to raise funds and awareness to end hunger in South Florida at the scenic Charnow Beachfront Park overlooking the ocean. Currently in South Florida, there are over 1.1 million food insecure individuals and 1 in 9 individuals in South Florida remain uncertain about where they will get their next meal. Registration is currently open to all four counties that Feeding South Florida serves including Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe at: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/runFLL Feeding South Florida, the sole Feeding America® Food Bank serving South Florida, rescues and distributes more than 44 million pounds of food each year, through direct service programs and a network of nonprofit partner agencies. It serves 25 percent of the state’s food insecure population throughout Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. In South Florida, 784,110 individuals are food insecure and one in five children go to bed hungry. “This signature event has grown year after year,” said Feeding South Florida President and CEO Paco Vélez. “The Outrun Hunger 5K is a great way to help our local neighbors in need of food assistance. Feeding South Florida is the largest, most efficient food bank serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. More than 98% of all donations are put back into the community. Through innovative direct-service programs and a network of nonprofit partner agencies, Feeding South Florida distributed nearly 176 million pounds of food (146 million meals) last year to over 1.4 million individuals. For every $1 donated, Feeding South Florida can provide 9 meals. Hunger does not discriminate. It knows no race, religion or age. In fact, the faces of hunger may surprise you. Over 60 percent of the 706,000 individuals they serve have at least one working adult in the household. Many families are underemployed, supporting multiple generations or may have fallen on hard times and need a little help to get by. Outrun Hunger 5K Runners and walkers not only can participate in the race, but also fundraise to help end hunger in South Florida, by creating a custom fundraising Web page. Even those who want to help Feeding South Florida Outrun Hunger, but don’t want to run or walk, can support the organization as a virtual runner by creating a personalized fundraising page. To create a customized fundraising page, visit: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/events/ When: Saturday, April 8th, 2023 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration begins: 6:30 a.m. Outrun Hunger 5K start: 7:30 a.m. Where: Charnow Park 300 Connecticut Street, Hollywood, Florida 33019 Cost: Registration: $25 Registration + T-shirt: $40 Hunger Hero: $250 For more information and to register, participants can visit: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/runFLL Event sponsorships and in-kind donations are available. For more information, contact Kimberly Heimiller at: (954) 518-1818 Extension#: 1856. Or: kheimiller@feedingsouthflorida.org About Feeding South Florida®: Feeding South Florida is a member of the Feeding America® Network of food banks and the leading domestic hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. Providing support for 25 percent of the state’s food insecure population, its mission is to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger and poverty advocacy efforts and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. Feeding South Florida® served more than *1.1 million individuals through direct-service programs and a local network of more than 350 nonprofit and community partners. Visit: www.feedingsouthflorida.org Or call: (954) 518-1818. < Previous News Next News >

Expanding & Attracting New Business: The Hallandale Beach CRA Has Innovative Programs To Assist You May 12, 2022 Share The Hallandale Beach CRA is committed to helping businesses succeed and grow. Their team works to bring a vibrant, innovative, local competitive economy in the HBCRA Area by creating an environment that promotes the retention, expansion and attraction of businesses and by incentivizing new commercial and mixed use developments in the area. The City of Hallandale Beach has been ranked as Platinum City by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in which they have adopted a streamlined permitting ordinance and are available to assist in fast tracking your permit. The CRA staff continue to work diligently to improve the HBCRA’s overall business climate and market Hallandale Beach as an excellent location for business, shopping, dining and entertainment. Over the years the Hallandale Beach CRA has created many innovative programs, here are some that might help you with your current business or maybe give you the entrepreneurial spirit to start your own. Commercial Business Grant Program The Commercial Business Grant Program program is designed to accelerate the expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new start-up businesses in the CRA, with an emphasis on attracting the availability of new goods/services, creating job opportunities, and improving the quality of life in the CRA. The program guarantees a portion of the loan to reduce borrower equity requirements and/or reduce interest rates. It also subsidizes a portion of the monthly interest cost to provide a lower effective interest rate to the borrower. Interior Renovation Grant Program The Commercial Interior Renovation Grant (CIRG) is an incentive program available to businesses throughout the Community Redevelopment Area. Throughout the CRA there are also Priority Areas of focus in which have varying levels of funding availability. The goal of the program is to eliminate functional obsolescence, remove deterioration, and improve the “energy efficiency” of existing buildings in the CRA, with an emphasis on bringing these buildings up to current building codes and making them more viable for occupancy. Economic Development Incentives Program The goal of the Economic Development Incentives program is to accelerate the attraction of new major businesses within the CRA and to reduce the risk of developing/constructing speculative commercial space in the CRA. Director Cash/Job Creation Program: The Direct Cash/Job Creation incentive is an incentive program paid solely by the HBCRA. Through this program HBCRA may provide direct cash payments of up to $2,000 per new Job created, to a maximum of $200,000, to companies starting, relocating, or expanding within the CRA. Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund Incentive: The QTI Refund Incentive Program is a tax refund program wherein eligible companies may receive refunds of taxes paid to the State of Florida on corporate income, sales, and insurance premiums, as well as certain other taxes paid to the State of Florida. Neighborhood Amenity Incentive Program The Neighborhood Amenity Incentive program is designed to accelerate the availability of desirable goods and services needed by residents, businesses, and employees in the CRA. Facade Improvement Grant The Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program (CFIG) is an incentive program available to businesses throughout the Community Redevelopment Area. Throughout the CRA there are also Priority Areas of focus in which they have varying levels of funding availability. The goal of the program is to eliminate functional obsolescence, remove deterioration, and update the exteriors of existing buildings, with an emphasis on improving the viability of healthy retail uses and generally increasing the “curb appeal” of the business corridors in the CRA. View the featured video for the CFIG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdOexTDThq4 Commercial Business Mural Program The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) Commercial Business Mural Program goal is to curate contemporary outdoor murals at key locations to enhance and enrich the existing cultural fabric of our community to attract more art related activities, increase business retention and events. A mural is defined as a large-scale artwork, painting or mosaic applied to or mounted directly to an exterior surface of a building, construction fence or other structure and that is visible to the public right-of-way. Its primary intent is to be artistic in nature, rather than purely information, creative signage or commercial signage. A mural shall not indicate or describe in narrative, the form of commercial activity that happens inside a building. All proposed murals containing and signage elements, will be directed to apply to the Planning and Zoning Department. Priority will be given to the FADD District based on the direction given from the HBCRA Board. Fashion, Art and Design District Priority Area Incentives The Fashion, Art and Design District (FADD) has been deemed a Priority Area (designation allows the CRA to create incentives that are specifically designed to implement the objectives outlined in the application) for the purposes of promoting the renovation of building facades, and encouraging the development of such uses including but not limited to: Microbreweries/ Wine Bars, Specialty Coffee shops, Trendy urban restaurants, Specialty Donut shops, Family oriented restaurants, Music Venues and Art Galleries. A Success Story Icebox Cafe, a culinary community leader on Miami Beach for more than two decades along with investment from the Hallandale Beach CRA opened a location in Hallandale Beach in October of 2020. The restaurant is located at 219 NE 3rd Street in the (FADD) Fashion Arts and Design District, it has been a big success and draw to the area. The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) made a large investment into making Ice Box possible, and in doing so Ice Box was able to acquire that location to attract even more customers. The HBCRA and Ice Box partnership has benefited the City of Hallandale Beach in many ways. Property Tax Reimbursement Program The Property Tax Reimbursement program was created to eliminate functional obsolescence, remove deterioration, update existing buildings, and encourage new investment/development with an emphasis on enhancing the overall CRA, improving the quality of existing buildings within the CRA, and attracting new construction to the CRA. All properties within the CRA are eligible including all commercial, multifamily, or mixed-use (residential/commercial) buildings with uses permitted by applicable land use codes or approved conditional uses that have had substantial capital improvements or new construction. Commercial Kitchen Grant Program The Commercial Kitchen Grant (CKG) is an incentive program to encourage restaurant development within the Fashion, Art and Design District (FADD), and along Foster Road. The HBCRA desires to improve the operating efficiency of existing restaurants in the CRA and attract new restaurants to the CRA, with an emphasis on creating a dining destination within the City. Funding priorities for the CKG will apply specifically to the following types of businesses: Microbreweries/ Wine Bars, Specialty Coffee shops, Trendy urban restaurants (including health food), Specialty Donut shops and Family oriented restaurants. Commercial Signage Grant Program The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) Commercial Signage Grant Program (CSGP) is an incentive program available to businesses throughout the Community Redevelopment Area. The goal of the program is to eliminate functional obsolescence, remove deterioration, and update the exteriors of existing buildings, with an emphasis on improving the viability of healthy retail uses and generally increasing the “curb appeal” of the business corridors in the CRA. Property Tax Reimbursement The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) Commercial Signage Grant Program (CSGP) is an incentive program available to businesses throughout the Community Redevelopment Area. The goal of the program is to eliminate functional obsolescence, remove deterioration, and update the exteriors of existing buildings, with an emphasis on improving the viability of healthy retail uses and generally increasing the “curb appeal” of the business corridors in the CRA. Commercial Film Incentive Grant Program The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) Commercial Film Incentive Program is designed to promote economic development; attract more film producers to the city and by extension motivate more investors to open business in the City of Hallandale Beach. Tenant Lease Surety / Tenant Rent Subsidy Accelerate the attraction of new start-up businesses and reduce the vacancy of commercial space in the CRA, with an emphasis on energizing ground-floor space and creating job opportunities in the CRA. An additional objective is to reduce the risk of developing / constructing speculative commercial space in the CRA. To locate possible investment property and development sites within the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Zone, view the map at: https://cohbcra.org/cra-maps/ To determine if you qualify for any of these programs and to apply visit: https://cohbcra.org/programs/business-programs-incentives/ or call: (954) 457-2228. < Previous News Next News >

Water, Wastewater And Stormwater: Hallandale Beach Needs Over $230 Million Dollars For Its Projects Thu Jan 26 2023 17:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Protein To Fuel Everyday Adventures In the Kitchen And Beyond By Family Features July 18, 2024 Share Achieving your goals each day starts with your own Health and Well-Being, both Physically and Mentally. To ensure you've got the energy needed to take on that to-do list and enjoy your favorite activities, turn to familiar ingredients and recipes that pack the Protein your body craves. To help reach nutrition goals and fuel your everyday adventures, Chicken of the Sea Tuna and Salmon Packets can follow you anywhere you go and make healthy eating a delicious endeavor. Everything you love about your favorite Tuna and Salmon products now fits into your busy lifestyle and unique dietary needs - Keto, Paleo or Mediterranean. They're flavorful, convenient and fit seamlessly into your daily routine, making them a perfect solution no matter your mood, cravings or occasion. Whether you're bringing Tuna along as an afternoon snack or incorporating Salmon into a tasty meal, the responsibly sourced Protein allows you to eat healthy and live happily without compromise. For example, you can rethink lunchtime routines with a colorful twist on the viral Social Media Salmon Rice Bowl. Bring together the lively flavors of the Everything Bagel-Seasoned Pink Salmon with your favorite toppings like Carrots, Radishes, Sriracha Mayo and more for a simple yet flavorful afternoon Protein-packed pick-me-up. Long days away from home can lead to meal complacency when you walk through the door. However, keeping high-quality, responsibly sourced Protein options on hand can help you avoid takeout cravings and a desire to leave the cooking to someone else. It doesn't get much easier than these Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers for an appetizer or low-carb snack that takes just 20 minutes to prepare a handful of everyday ingredients. When you find the right solutions for you, it's time to stock the pantry. Try all the flavors Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna and Alaskan Pink Salmon Packets offers, from creamy or citrus to spicy and beyond. Everything Bagel Salmon Brown Rice Bowl Total time: 10 minutes Servings: 1 • 1 2 1/2 Ounce Packet of Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Alaskan Pink Salmon with Everything Bagel Seasoning • 1 Cup of Cooked Brown Rice • Roasted Nori Seaweed Sheets or Pieces, crushed • 1 Small Avocado, sliced • 2 Tablespoons of Shredded Carrots • 2 Tablespoons of Shredded Radishes • 2 Tablespoons of Minced Cilantro • 2 Teaspoons of Furikake Seasoning, Japanese Rice Seasoning • 2 Tablespoons of Sriracha Mayo In a bowl, top the cooked Brown Rice with the Crushed Seaweed Sheets. Add the sliced Avocado and top it with the Salmon. Add the Carrots, the Radishes and the Cilantro. Sprinkle it with the Furikake Seasoning and drizzle it with the Sriracha Mayo. Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers Total time: 20 minutes Servings: 2-3 • 1 2 1/2 Ounce Packet of Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Lightly Seasoned by McCormick, Lemon Garlic • 3 Mini Sweet Peppers, halved, seeds removed • 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil • 1/4 Cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese • 1/2 Cup of Sliced Green Onions • Fresh Cracked Black Pepper, to taste Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Lay the parchment or the foil over the baking pan. Place the halved Mini Sweet Peppers on a prepared baking pan and lightly brush both sides of the Peppers with the Oil. Divide the Lemon Garlic Tuna evenly between the six Mini Pepper halves. Top them with the Cheese and bake them for 8-10 minutes, or until the Peppers are tender and the Cheese is melted. Allow them to cool and top them with the Sliced Green Onions and the Fresh Cracked Black Pepper, to taste. Visit: http://chickenofthesea.com to find more nutritious recipe inspirations < Previous News Next News >

Imagine It’s You: Gulfstream Academy Students Attend Anti Bullying Event By Steve Cummings December 1, 2021 Share Gulfstream Academy recently hosted a weeklong Anti-Bullying Event where students participated interactively through essays and drawings depicting this insidious epidemic that permeates in the schools and in the homes. Ken Cohan created this magnificent program with assistance from his colleague Ty Coleman. Ken is a board member with the Hallandale Beach Police Athletic and Activities League and is an active member with the Kiwanis Club of Hallandale Beach. Ty Coleman is a gifted graphic designer who also excels in making videos. Cohan received funding from several sponsors so the participants could wear t-shirts bearing the event’s mantra, IMAGINE IT’S YOU. These three powerful words were echoed throughout the sessions involving students grades K through eight and kudos to the school’s Principal, Tarshe Freeman who realized the benefits of sharing these ideas with her students. I was fortunate to attend three of the sessions and reaped information about the subject matter from the adults and the students regarding the various forms of Bullying. Firstly, it was addressed, why do people bully? The most salient point was that bullies were often bullied themselves and are insecure and this activity projects power when in reality, they are weak and timid. Students pointed out that the stronger, more powerful prey on the weak because they offer little resistance physically intimidating them by stalking, threatening or even getting physical. Mr. Cohan repeatedly challenged the students by saying “Imagine it’s you.” What actions should you take? Don’t stand idle. Tell your teacher, an adult, the principal, or a police officer working on the school grounds. Doing nothing by standing idle is fueling the dilemma. Cyber bullying is another method utilized via social media. Unflattering photos can be posted through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and texting. Children are vulnerable and threats or intimidations should not be treated lightly. Parents must get involved and report these incidents to the authorities. I was so impressed by the way that the middle school students expressed themselves through their essays. Many speak and write at levels far above their age. A modest accolade to their teachers who have endured increased stress and responsibilities during the pandemic. Students can feel isolated if they are not able to afford the designer clothes that some wear and are belittled by the bullies or if they sit alone in the cafeteria and no one joins them at their table. These are all factors that the students must recognize and amend. Bullying can extend within the household as well. Too often the parents or guardians are the culprits. Children should not be compared to other students who receive higher grades by making them feel inferior. Not everyone is an academic and many will become successful, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and entrepreneurs. In closing, I echo the theme of Ken’s conference, Imagine it’s you. How would you feel if you were the victim? Students and adults must conquer this plague collectively and Mr. Cohan had all of the students pledge their loyalty to a bill of rights which he crafted that includes; I will not be a bully I will assist those who are being bullied I will be kind to students who seem excluded. I will not be a bystander I will report incidents of bullying to authority figures. I will confront bullies and ask them how they would feel if someone bullied them. IMAGINE IT’S YOU. The weeklong festivities culminated with an award and recognition ceremony attended by our venerable City Of Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper as well as City Commissioners Sabrina Javellana and Michelle Lazarow who all shared inspiring words of wisdom. If you are interested in learning more about this impressive presentation, contact Ken Cohan at: kennycohan@yahoo.com . Or Hallandale Beach Police and Activities Program Director, Jonathan Carrillo at: jcarrillo@hallandalebeachfl.gov . Steve Cummings is a Past LT. Governor with Kiwanis International and can be reached at: (954) 907-2392. < Previous News Next News >

Veterans: Have The Conversation: Relieve Stress & Inform Your Family About Your VA Benefits September 12, 2024 Share More than 6 million Americans receive earned benefits for Military Service - including Disability Compensation, Education Benefits, Caregiver Assistance, Burial Benefits and more. It is critical for Spouses and Caregivers to know how Veteran’s Benefits are accessed and what could happen when or if a Veteran dies. Consider this scenario. A Veteran has not told his Spouse much about his Veteran’s Benefits. The Veteran dies suddenly. His Spouse grieves and plans a funeral, which she pays for Out Of Pocket. The $2,500 Tax-FREE Payment from the VA for her husband’s Disability Compensation has stopped being deposited into their bank account, which her Spouse managed. Now she struggles to meet her Expenses and is afraid she will have to sell their home. Ultimately, she realizes she must connect with the VA to try to access Survivor Benefits. As she works her way through the bureaucracy, she struggles to understand what she may be eligible for and knows little about what her husband was receiving. This can be overwhelming during the best of times, but during this period of loss, it adds more Stress. Surviving Spouses facing this situation are often approached by agents who offer to help them with VA Benefits in return for payment. Faced with what feels like an insurmountable situation, some agree, even though paying for help is not necessary as many free resources are available to assist them. Here are some tips to help Veteran’s prevent this type of scenario from befalling their loved ones. Organizing Veterans Benefits Paperwork and information in a binder, and/or in a special digital folder that you share with your family. Carefully organize all the documentation related to your Military Service, your Application For Benefits, and the Decision Letters describing Service Connection. Store Paper Copies in a Fireproof Cabinet or Safe. It is ideal to scan or Photograph Paper Documentation and to also store it digitally on a Computer or Thumb Drive. Explain your Current Veteran’s Benefits to your family. Schedule a day and time to talk one-on-one with your family about the benefits you receive. Get out your Binder and Digital Files and explain to them how the information is organized. Help them understand the situation as it is today. Discuss what happens to these benefits after you die and what additional benefits the family may receive. Disability Compensation Payments stop after a Veteran dies. Additional Survivor and Burial Benefits may be available after a Veteran’s passing. You can learn more by checking online at: https://www.va.gov/ - or with a Veteran’s Service Officer (VSO). Plan ahead for possible financial shortfalls. Even if a Survivor Benefit is awarded to a widow or widower by the VA, the payment for this benefit will typically be lower than the Disability Compensation the Veteran received while alive. One way to address this income shortfall before the Veteran dies is to purchase life insurance that will provide additional income for the Spouse. Give your family contact information for your VSO. Ideally, your Spouse should be introduced to the VSO, so the Spouse knows who can assist with applying for Survivor and Burial Benefits after the Veteran dies. While these conversations can be tough for many, they can better inform and relieve Stress for our families in the future. You want for the people you love to be taken care of after you are gone, so do not delay having these conversations. Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., served as Under Secretary for Benefits at the U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs from May 2018 to January 2021. He is the author of “Veterans Benefits for You: Get what You Deserve,” published in 2023. < Previous News Next News >

Darryl Worley’s Awful Beautiful Life Tiny Home Resort Breaks Ground In Enterprise, Alabama Aventura Digest Feb 17, 2026 Tiny Living…It’s The Hot New Trend That Many People Are Embracing! It’s Also A Good Alternative To Overnight Hotel Stays With More Amenities. Now, In Enterprise, Alabama, Which Is Located In The Middle Of A 75-Mile Corridor Where 12 Million Cars Pass Through Annually On Their Way To The Florida Panhandle, Darryl Worley’s “Awful Beautiful Life” Luxury Tiny Home Resort Has Broken Ground And Is Scheduled To Open In Late Spring 2026. Located within miles of Fort Rucker, Darryl Worley’s “Awful Beautiful Life” Luxury Tiny Home Resort will offer short-term/convenient lodging for government contractors, flight graduation class family members and guests, as well as those visiting the Army Aviation Museum. “I won’t forget getting that phone call from my dear friend Ronnie Gilley as he shared this incredible vision with me last year. I’ve done lots of good things with Ronnie, but this one sparked something in me as I knew we could help the families of those stationed at Fort Rucker,” says country music star Darryl Worley. “We’re building a project that’s a two-for-one for the military. One, there is a constant need for short-term lodging due to the constant in and out flow to and from the base and, two, we are building a lifestyle community with 5 star amenities, while also delivering a home option for the military at an incredibly affordable price.” Darryl Worley’s “Awful Beautiful Life” Luxury Tiny Home Resort will include 75 tiny homes, a resort lagoon pool, dog walking park, and more! Though the floor plans are compact, guests won’t have to sacrifice having friends over or entertaining. The unit is designed for comfort with a bedroom downstairs, kitchen, sitting area and a covered porch with large overhang meaning guests can utilize outdoor living spaces during different weather conditions. Other specific amenities will include an event center, fully equipped fitness center, pickle ball court, cornhole court, a clubhouse and a chill lounge. The entire area will have a 24/7 security gate entrance for privacy and safety. “You know, the previous administration drove home prices and interest rates through the roof. That prompted Ronnie to come up with a very special, unique and different product that is going to be a perfect fit for our military!,” adds Worley. “I might also add, the lifestyle Awful Beautiful Life Resort is creating will also be very inviting to the massive migration of retirees that are moving south in record breaking numbers!” For more information or investment opportunities, visit: www.darrylworleyawfulbeautifulliferesort.com About Darryl Worley: Worley debuted on the country charts with a trio of top-15 hits in 2000-01, “When You Need My Love,” “A Good Day to Run” and “Second Wind.” His breakthrough year was 2002 when Worley’s touching ballad “I Miss My Friend,” the title tune to his second CD, became his first No. 1 hit. After he spent Christmas 2002 entertaining America’s troops in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Uzbekistan, he came home and wrote the patriotic anthem “Have You Forgotten?,” which became his second No. 1 song and remained at the top of the charts for six weeks. In the summer of 2004, “Awful Beautiful Life” was released and soon rocketed up the country music charts to become a multi-week No. 1. Darryl has continued to release albums and participate in philanthropic endeavors. Previous Next

Hurricane Season Begins This Week: Stay Informed And Be Prepared May 31, 2023 Share Thursday, June 1st marks the start of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season. A hurricane can cause major headaches for you and your family - power outages, long lines at gasoline stations and supermarkets, limited medical supplies, not being able to stay informed, etc. The best way to minimize these and many other problems is to be prepared. Don't wait until a hurricane threatens our region to think about what you need to safeguard you and your family. Families should be finalizing plans now to determine essentials such as how much water your family needs, where you will go if you need to evacuate before a storm hits and how you will stay in contact with loved ones. Some important points to consider when preparing your hurricane plan and gathering supplies: • Self Sufficiency: Plan on being self-sufficient for at least seven days after a hurricane hits your area. Emergency crews and government agencies will likely be tending to the hardest hit areas, so you should not rely on their assistance immediately following a storm. Organize your hurricane kit at: https://www.ready.gov/kit • Evacuations: Do you live in an evacuation zone? If so, do you know where you will go if an evacuation order is issued for your area? Only go as far as you need to get to a safe location. Leaving the county and driving long distances is not advisable. A storm may change direction at any time, and debris scattered by a storm may make returning extremely difficult. • Don't Plan on Evacuating? Help Us Notify Your Loved Ones If You Don't Survive: If you live in an evacuation zone but do not plan on heading to a safe location following an evacuation order, the City of Hollywood respectfully requests to help first responders identify you and notify a loved one if you do not survive the storm that you submit a Next of Kin Information Form by visiting: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/FormCenter/Emergency-Management-Next-of-Kin-Informa-28/Next-of-Kin-Information-Form-308 • Shelters: Going to a hurricane evacuation shelter should be considered a last resort. They can get full and do not have the comforts of a friend's or relative's home. • Evacuation routes and zone map visit: https://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/EvacuationRoutes.aspx • Evacuation shelter information visit: https://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Documents/PI201867423EmergencyMapA.pdf • Emergency Contacts: Establish reliable emergency contacts inside and outside our region to ensure that your loved ones know the status of you and your family. • Special Medical Needs: Have a relative with special medical needs? Be sure to make appropriate arrangements for them. You also can register them for accommodation at a Special Medical Needs Shelter, visit: https://www.broward.org/AtRisk/pages/specialneeds.aspx To request or obtain an application for a Special Needs Shelter and/or Paratransit evacuation transportation, including applications in alternative formats, call Broward County Emergency Management at: (954) 831-3902 Or TTY at: (954) 831-3940. Need prescription medication following a hurricane/emergency? Learn what pharmacies are open in your area during an emergency by visiting: http://www.rxopen.org/ • Pets: Don't forget your pets! Make sure you have enough food and water for them and you keep them indoors with you during a storm. If you have to evacuate and would like to inquire about placing your pet in a pet-friendly shelter, please call the Humane Society of Broward County at: (954) 989-3977. Broward County Emergency Management Hurricane Hotline Have a question about government services before, during and after a hurricane? Call the Broward County Emergency Management Hurricane Hotline at: (954) 831-4000. Or by dialing: 311. Florida Power & Light (FPL) Storm Readiness Information Power outages are common during a hurricane. FPL offers a comprehensive storm plan that focuses on readiness, restoration and recovery to respond safely and quickly to electrical infrastructure damaged by a tropical storm or hurricane. To learn more about FPL's storm readiness and what you can do to be prepared, visit: www.fpl.com/storm Frequently Asked Questions Download a list of storm related questions and answers, the City has compiled to assist you before, during and after a storm at: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/DocumentCenter/View/13689/Storm-FAQs-July-2018 Important Phone Numbers Emergency: 911 Hollywood Police Department Non-Emergency: (954) 764-4357 Hollywood Department of Public Utilities: (954) 967-4455 Hollywood Storm Water Issues: (954) 921-3046 Broward American Red Cross: (954) 797-3800 Broward County Emergency Management Hurricane Hotline: (954) 831-4000 Or at: 311 Broward County Special Needs Registry: (954) 831-3902 Or TTY at: (954) 831-3940 Humane Society of Broward County Pet Hotline: (954) 989-3977 FEMA Hotline: (800) 621-3362 State Attorney General's Office Price Gouging Hotline: (866) 966-7226 Florida Division of Insurance Consumer Hotline: (800) 342-2762 AT&T / Bellsouth, Repairs: (877) 737-2478 Florida Power & Light: (800) 468-8243 Sign Up for "Alert Hollywood" Emergency Notifications Alert Hollywood is the City of Hollywood’s emergency notification system. Used by many government agencies throughout Florida, Alert Hollywood notifies residents through phone calls, e-mails and/or text messages to mobile phones of an emergency in the community such as a hurricane watch or warning, flash flood warning, tornado warning, serious police situations and other critical incidents. To register, visit: www.hollywoodfl.org/725/Alert-Hollywood and click on the Alert Hollywood logo to get to the registration page. Register by clicking on the "Sign Up" link located just below the login fields. After you submit your information, you will receive Alert Hollywood notifications whenever an alert is issued. Alerts may be received by phone and/or email address. Severe weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service are automatically issued through the Alert Hollywood system if you elect to receive those notifications. The Alert Hollywood service is FREE to the public. Text message fees by your wireless carrier may apply depending on your mobile phone plan. Stay informed at: http://www.hollywoodfl.org/725/Alert-Hollywood For more information, including storm surge and evacuation zones, shelter information and more, please visit the City’s website at: www.HollywoodFL.org/Hurricane News Alert! Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy has a message regarding the incident that took place on Memorial Day on Hollywood Beach. Please visit: www.hollywoodfl.org to read the Mayor’s message. < Previous News Next News >