Pembroke Pines & West Park Named 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award Winners South Florida Sun Times Apr 30, 2026 The Florida League Of Cities (FLC), The United Voice For Florida’s Municipal Governments, Announced The City of Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board And The City Of West Park Youth Council As Two Of Three Winners Of The 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award. The Annual Competition Recognizes Exceptional Youth Council Initiatives Or Projects That Have Made Significant Contributions To Their Local Municipalities. Municipal youth councils are special councils that typically serve as advisory boards to the local governments. They are composed of high school students within the city and are sometimes referred to as youth corps, teen advisory boards, or mayor’s youth councils. The Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board earned the 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award for its Career Fair & Life Skills Event, a citywide initiative developed in direct response to students' questions about life after high school. Now in its second year, the event connected high school students in grades 10-12 with nine local businesses, including the Pembroke Pines Police Department, Dade County Federal Credit Union, and Craig Zinn Automotive Group, through an interactive rotation model covering career exploration, financial literacy, vehicle safety, resume writing, mental health awareness, and more. Organized in partnership with the Miramar/Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce and city leadership, Youth Advisory Board members played a central role in designing, coordinating, and executing the event from concept to completion, gaining firsthand experience in civic leadership while equipping their peers with the practical tools and confidence needed to navigate adulthood successfully. "The Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board has set a remarkable example of what is possible when young leaders take initiative and invest in their future,” said FLC President Holly D. Smith, Vice Mayor of Sanibel. “By bridging the gap between education, city government, and the business community, these students created an experience that equips the next generation with the real-world skills and confidence they need to thrive. I am incredibly proud of the Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board for demonstrating that youth-led civic action has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities for years to come.” The City of West Park Youth Council earned the 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award for its Love Baskets initiative, a community service project that brought comfort to children hospitalized at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. All 12 Youth Council members actively planned, promoted, and assembled 24 curated baskets filled with age-appropriate items, including coloring books, stuffed animals, blankets, and fidget toys. Through a donation drive with collection boxes at City Hall, Mary Saunders Park, and McTyre Park, the Council gathered nearly 300 donated items — a testament to the power of youth-led civic action and community compassion. "The City of West Park Youth Council has shown us that compassion and leadership know no age limit,” said Smith. “Through their Love Baskets initiative, these remarkable students went above and beyond to ensure that children facing the challenges of hospitalization felt seen, valued, and supported by their community. I am incredibly proud of the West Park Youth Council for proving that even the simplest gestures can leave a lasting and meaningful impact when young leaders act with purpose and heart. With young leaders like these championing meaningful initiatives in their communities, the future of Florida’s cities is bright.” The Riviera Beach Youth Council was also named a winner in the statewide competition. Contest winners will receive a monetary award of $500, a trophy, and be featured online in the League’s Quality Cities (QC) magazine as well as on the League’s website and Social Media outlets. For more information on the winning projects, visit: www.flcities.com/youth-councils . City of Pembroke Pines The Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board City of West Park The City of West Park Youth Council Previous Next

They Fought for This Country. They Shouldn't Have to Leave It to Heal. By Aaron Seibert Jul 24, 2026 Veterans With Severe PTSD And Depression Are Increasingly Traveling Overseas For Treatments They Cannot Legally Access In The United States. After exhausting medications and conventional treatments, many are traveling to clinics in countries like Mexico to pursue psychedelic-assisted treatments. Others are seeking underground providers outside any regulated medical system. That should concern everyone -- not because these treatments are necessarily unsafe, but because Veterans are being pushed outside the safeguards of the American healthcare system to access them. If promising medicines exist, the United States has a responsibility to study them and, if they prove safe and effective, make them available through a regulated system here at home. Today, too many Veterans have nowhere safe to turn. Seventeen Veterans die by suicide each day in the United States. Many more live with PTSD and depression that existing treatments fail to address. These are stubborn, complex conditions. Many Veterans spend years cycling through medications, therapy programs, and referrals with little meaningful relief. It has been more than 25 years since the United States has approved a new treatment for PTSD. With conventional treatments failing, some Veterans are traveling overseas to access psychedelic-assisted treatments being used abroad. Veterans are navigating unfamiliar providers and inconsistent standards because they believe these treatments may offer their best chance at recovery. But seeking care abroad comes with a lot of risks. For starters, it's harder to verify if a provider has a legitimate medical license or credentials. Many of these clinics operate outside the oversight and safeguards of the U.S. medical system. As CBS News has reported, there are no standardized health screenings before treatment, required monitoring protocols, or requirements to track adverse effects. That wouldn't be the case on American soil. It is time to create a safe, regulated pathway for Veterans to access these medicines within the protections of the American medical system. For decades, skepticism surrounding psychedelic compounds largely shut down research in the United States. But over the past twenty years, that has begun to change. Major academic institutions have restarted carefully controlled clinical studies. Governments and regulators are beginning to respond. In 2023, Australia became the first country to permit limited clinical use of MDMA and psilocybin under strict psychiatric supervision. U.S. policymakers have recently shown greater openness to expanding psychedelic research. The clinical evidence continues to grow. Psilocybin medicine has produced rapid reductions in symptoms of major depression. MDMA-assisted treatment has shown substantial reductions in PTSD symptoms. In one trial, 67% of participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after treatment. These treatments are being held to the same scientific and regulatory standards applied to any other medicine seeking approval. Nothing should move forward without rigorous FDA review. But if research continues to demonstrate strong results, Veterans should not be forced to leave the country to access care that may help them heal. Veterans are already seeking these treatments. The real question is where -- and under what conditions -- they receive them. They deserve the safest option. Aaron Q. Seibert serves as a Wounded Warrior Liaison, host of the "Combat Vet Vision" podcast, Vice President of the Warrior Built Foundation, and heads the West Coast offices of the PTSD Foundation of America. He served three combat tours as a Navy Corpsman and is the recipient of a Purple Heart. A version of this piece originally ran in Townhall. Previous Next

Spread Holiday Cheer - City Of Sunny Isles Beach To Hold Annual Toy Drive Thu Nov 21 2024 19:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Shelter Pets Need You: Give Them A Home For The Holidays December 13, 2023 Share Shelter pets should not have to spend the holidays alone, so the Humane Society of Broward County is hoping you’ll open your heart and home and give a furry friend in need a cozy place to spend the holidays. According to Cherie Wachter, VP of Marketing, “for the holidays, select adult dogs, cats and rabbits will be available for holiday sleepovers for two weeks starting December 20th! This gives the pets a break from being in the shelter and lets them get spoiled. Of course, the ultimate goal is for the pet to spend not just this holiday season in their temporary home, but many more future holidays as well.” Pets available for the extended sleepovers include several who have been passed by for no apparent reason. Once in a home environment they relax and just want to be part of the family. To view the furry friends who are in need of homes, visit: www.humanebroward.com - Complete the Pre-Adoption Application on the website and then stop by. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 and opens daily at 11:00 a.m. Call: (954) 989-3977 Extension#: 6 with questions. Whatever holiday you celebrate, a holiday sleepover could be what you and a shelter pet need to make this special time of year sparkle. Up For Adoption Are you slowing down a little bit? Enjoy taking an afternoon nap? If so, there are 2 little dogs that fit this profile too, and they would love to go home with you. Seven-year-old Opec looks like a black, Yorkie Mix and his BFF Poppy is a nine-year-old, tan, and white Shih-Tzu Mix and this pair are looking for a home where they can stay together. After having a home their entire lives, the duo was given up because their owner no longer wanted the responsibility of taking care of them. The boys will sometimes play with toys, are crate-trained, and enjoy being with adults. (They are not fans of little kids). Their profiles say they are good with felines, but a slow introduction would be recommended. Do you have room in your heart and home for these cuties? If you’re looking for a different type of pet, then Gnocchi (ID 674433) could be the perfect Guinea pig for you. This fellow needs to be the only fur baby in the home, he doesn’t play nice with others. While he might be shy at first, he does squeak at his food and enjoys nose rubs and the top of his ears massaged. Can he go home with you? To meet me, Poppy (ID 675295) and Opec (ID 675294) or any other pet, please visit www.humanebroward.com and fill out the pre-adoption application. 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 >

Bollywood Comes To Hollywood: A Musical Journey From An Artist Hailed As The “Mozart of Madras” August 11, 2022 Share Legendary Indian composer and one of the highest grossing performing artists in the world, A.R. Rahman, takes the stage in Hollywood this month. This is just one stop along his 23-date tour which hits every major market in the U.S. and Canada with most dates selling out including this show which is nearing 80% capacity. “A Night With A.R. Rahman” is a musical journey through the career of an artist hailed as the “Mozart of Madras” and one of the World's most influential people according to Time Magazine. Having already acquired two Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, four National Film Awards, fifteen Filmfare Awards and thirteen Filmfare Awards this talented artist will delight his fans with songs from his musical career which spans three decades and more than 150 film compositions. “We are very excited to have A.R. Rahman played at the Hard Rock Live,” says Kash Patel, CEO of Kash Patel Productions, a Bollywood promotion and production company based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “This venue is one of the best in the world and the production, staging and lighting were incredible for the Neha Kakkar show we did there a few weeks ago.” “A.R. Rahman Live in Concert” heads through all major markets, including Oakland, California, Hollywood, California, South Florida, Chicago, Illinois and Detroit, Michigan. In addition, special dates include: Tampa, Florida, Nashville, Tennessee, Charlotte, North Carolina, Atlanta, Georgia, and of course Hollywood, Florida. “We are very excited to be working with A.R. Rahman,” says Jason Shaw, CEO of Round Table Marketing Group and partner with Kash Patel Productions. “South Florida has been looking forward to this for a few years now and we are thrilled the time has finally come to witness one of the best musicians in the world.” To purchase tickets to “A.R. Rahman Live in Concert” in Hollywood visit: https://kashpatelproductions.com/events/ar-rahman-live-in-concert-hollywood-fl/ and for additional information on this show and all future shows, please visit: https://kashpatelproductions.com/ A.R. Rahman Grammy and Academy Award-Winning musician A.R. Rahman is best known as an Indian film composer, singer-songwriter, music producer and multi-instrumentalist who works predominantly in Indian and international cinema. With an early start in jingle writing from an at-home studio, he has grown through the decades into one of the highest-paid composers in the motion picture industry and one of the world’s all-time top-selling recording artists. Named by Times Magazine as one of the World’s Most Influential People this two-time Academy Award winner and two-time Grammy Award and winner of a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, four National Film Awards, fifteen Filmfare Awards, and thirteen Filmfare Awards, is appropriately described as the “Mozart of Madras." Some of his most notable awards were from Slumdog Millionaire (2008) where he earned an Academy Award for Best Original Score and Best Original Song and his BMI Award for his very first Hollywood film, the comedy Couples Retreat (2009.) Now in 2022, he expands in his craft to writer and director for a new film titled, Le Musk, an Indian virtual reality film. For more information on A.R. Rahman, please visit his website at: https://www.arrahman.com/ Kash Patel Productions Officially founded in 2016 and led by Kash Patel, Kash Patel Productions has redefined the U.S. Bollywood Concert Industry with a six-year series of back-to-back sold-out shows featuring: Mika Singh, Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, Neha Kakkar, Atif Aslam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Badshah, Aastha Gill, Sonu Nigam and A.R. Rahman. This unrivaled accomplishment has earned Kash Patel Productions recognition throughout the Indian Community, both overseas and in the United States, for promoting an elevated Bollywood cultural experience. Over the last several years, KPP has produced events with the biggest names in the Bollywood world and with a recent expansion into Nashville 'The Music City' bringing the first-ever major Bollywood production to that region and with a massive national expansion that includes: Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Kansas City, Phoenix, Boston, Charlotte, Austin, Oakland, Seattle and Chicago, the best is yet to come! To follow along with Kash Patel Productions please visit their website at: https://kashpatelproductions.com/ < Previous News Next News >

The City Of Aventura Is Hiring: There Are Many Opportunities To Impact The Lives of Citizens June 20, 2024 Share Working for the Municipal Government opens doors to a unique opportunity – the ability to directly impact the lives of citizens. Municipalities play a vital role in delivering essential services, ranging from: Education and Healthcare to Transportation and Public Safety. By becoming part of the Public Sector, you become an integral force in a system that constantly strives to enhance the Well-Being and Quality Of Life for your fellow community members. Municipal Government Jobs offer the rock-solid stability that many crave. Regardless of Economic Fluctuations, governments prioritize essential services, ensuring a sense of security for those employed in the Public Sector. Municipalities often provide Competitive Salaries, Comprehensive Benefits Packages, and Retirement Plans, paving the way for Financial Stability for you and your loved ones. Municipal Governments encompass a vast array of Departments and Functions, offering an expansive canvas on which to paint your career dreams. Whether your passion lies in: Urban Planning, Environmental Sustainability, Public Health, Finance, or Law Enforcement, the Public Sector offers abundant opportunities to find your niche. Furthermore, these jobs often come with the potential for growth and upward mobility through Specialized Training Programs and Professional Development Opportunities. Here are a few of the Job Opportunities currently open to apply for The City of Aventura: Driver/Community Ambassador Full-Time Category: Drivers Department: External Partner - Not City Department Description: Freebee is an Electric Vehicle Transportation Company that brings Free and comfortable transportation to different cities within Florida and Virginia. They’re an Eco-Friendly and hospitality company that takes pride in being there for the people of the communities which they serve. Freebee is a leading Electric Vehicle Transportation Company dedicated to providing Free and convenient transportation services in various cities. Our primary mission is to empower and support local communities by offering a reliable and timely mode of transportation. Founders Park Attendant Full-Time - $31,500.00 Annually Category: Community Services Department: Community and Social Services Description: This Full Time Position performs routine work assisting in the Operation and Maintenance of Parks And Recreational Facilities, including interactive water feature play areas. Duties include: Light Manual and Clerical Work relating to Revenue Collection, General Park Maintenance and Control of Assigned Areas. Under supervision, plans and implements a broad variety of recreational programs and park activities and services to meet the various needs of the public. Community Recreation Center Park Attendant Part-Time - $14.50 Hourly Category: Community Services Department: Community and Social Services Description: This Part Time Position performs routine work assisting in the Operation and Maintenance of Parks And Recreational Facilities. Duties include: Light Manual and Clerical Work relating to Revenue Collection, General Park Maintenance and Control of Assigned Areas. Under supervision, plans and implements a broad variety of recreational programs and park activities and services to meet the various needs of the public. Police Communications Officer Full-Time - $46,500.00 - $63,500.00 Annually Category: Public Safety Department: Police Description: Responsible for carrying out Two-Way Communications with Law Enforcement Personnel. Work involves: Screening Routine and Emergency Telephone Requests for Police Services and relaying that information to Police Personnel in the field. Duties also include, but are not limited to: Performing Record Checks for Officers in the field, Keeping Records of all Police Units available, and Responding to Requests. Position Reports to the Communications Supervisor. Records Clerk New Full-Time - $40,500.00 Annually Category: Clerical & Data Entry Department: Police Description: The purpose of the Records Clerk Position is to: Perform a variety of Administrative Activities to support Law Enforcement Personnel and the public, under the Administrative Division. Classification and Entry of Reports in compliance with Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS/FIBRS) with the Records Division of the Aventura Police Department. Duties include: Entering, Querying, Retrieving, Validating and/or Processing Data in various Database Systems. Incumbents Accomplish Unit Functions through Rotating Assigned Work Areas, and participate in Cross Training to Ensure Satisfactory Performance in all Records Functions. For complete job requirements and to review what positions are available, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/aventurafl? You can now apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link! After viewing the Job posting, click the "Apply" tab. If this is the first time you are using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can manually enter your personal information. The job posting will indicate the manner in which additional documents must be submitted. Failure to submit required documents may result in your application being rejected. It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess and applications will be rejected if they are incomplete. If you experience technical difficulties applying, you can contact: www.governmentjobs.com - Or Call Customer Support at: 1 (855) 524-5627. Their hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. < Previous News Next News >

City of Hollywood Memorial Day Event – Salute to the Fallen May 24, 2024 Share Memorial Day honors America's military men and women who lost their lives in service to their country. Many Americans observe the holiday by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades or other memorial events. But how did it all begin? Reflecting on the origins of Memorial Day takes us back to the aftermath of the American Civil War, a pivotal point in our history. During this time, communities independently began hosting tributes to the fallen soldiers. They decorated their graves with flowers and flags. These humble acts would blossom into a national tradition. This annual observance, formally known as Decoration Day and later Memorial Day, offers a sacred time for us all. Veterans, families of Veterans, and the general public pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a day to show our gratitude and remember their selflessness and unwavering courage. The City of Hollywood continues this tradition and honors the sacrifice of these brave men and woman, as well as all military service personnel with an event called "Salute to the Fallen." The uplifting event features a DJ and musical performance on the outdoor amphitheater stage at the Boulevard Heights Community Center. Join the City of Hollywood on Saturday, May 27th for an uplifting celebration to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Salute to the Fallen will be held on Saturday, May 25th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Boulevard Heights Community Center Amphitheater. The event will feature a musical performance by the Viva on the outdoor amphitheater stage. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from food trucks on site. The Boulevard Heights Community Center is located at: 6770 Garfield Street and ample free parking is available. Please bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating. Single-use plastics are prohibited at this Boulevard Heights, so please consider bringing a reusable bottle of water instead. For additional information on the event, call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Special Events team at: 954.921.3404. Traffic Update A full closure is planned beginning Tuesday, May 28 - Hollywood Blvd Eastbound Between Dixie Hwy/21st Ave. intersection and 20th Avenue. Eastbound Hollywood Boulevard will be closed in the area while the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency’s contractor (Burkhardt Construction) prepares to begin the final phase of construction in the Downtown Streetscape Project. Learn more about these closures and how they will affect your commute at: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1480 < Previous News Next News >

Comedy Is King: Randy Rainbow, Eddie B and David Spade Perform In The Coming Weeks Thu Jul 14 2022 04:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Mortgage Rates: What Are They Really Telling Us By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate November 29, 2023 Share Mortgage Interest Rates you hear about on the evening news or read in an online Real Estate article are actually an average of rates gathered for the Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS) published every week by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, one of the major participants in the U.S. Secondary Mortgage Market. Let's start with some background... "Freddie Mac" (as the FHLMC is called) does not provide Mortgage Financing directly to buyers, nor do they set Interest Rates. They buy Individual Mortgages from Lenders, then bundle them into Mortgage Backed Securities for sale to Institutional Investors who receive cash flow from borrowers making their Monthly Mortgage Payments. Selling Loans on the Secondary Market provides liquidity to Lenders by returning money back to them so they can continue making Mortgage Loans to other Homebuyers. Most Residential Mortgages in the U.S. are sold to large Investors in the Secondary Market. Freddie Mac is just one of the Government-Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) companies and other large Investors participating in the U.S. Secondary Residential Mortgage Market, yet they are the only ones publishing weekly average rates as the widely-watched PMMS. If a Loan does not meet the Qualifying Requirements for sale to Freddie, it will be sold to another Secondary Market Investor or held in the Lender's own Portfolio of Investments. Different Secondary Investors prefer (and even specialize in) different types of Mortgages for various types of Properties and Purchase Transaction Details. Primary Mortgage Market - Banks, Credit Unions, Mortgage Companies, and other Lenders who originate Loans directly to Homebuyers. Individual Lenders set their own Mortgage Interest Rates. Secondary Mortgage Market - Marketplace in which Mortgage Loans and Servicing Rights are sold by Primary Market Lenders to GSEs, Aggregators, and Institutional Investors such as Insurance Companies, Pension Funds, Hedge Funds, and Securities Brokers. So what does all this have to do with Headline Interest Rates? Each week, Freddie Mac reviews Lenders' Loan Applications submitted on their Proprietary Loan Origination and Underwriting Standards Platform. This software evaluates Borrower, Property, and Transaction Details to determine whether or not a Loan will be eligible for sale to Freddie Mac in the Secondary Market after it is approved and Funded by the Lender. Because Freddie Mac interacts with many Primary Market Lenders, they are in a good position to report Market Details and Trends. The average of Lenders' Interest Rates from a very specific group of Loan Applications submitted on Freddie's Eligibility Platform becomes that week's PMMS number and is often presented to the Public in Media Headlines such as: "Mortgage Rates Rise (drop) to X.X%, up (down) from last week..." For some historical perspective, it is interesting to note that ever since the PMMS started monitoring Residential Mortgage Interest Rates in April 1971, for 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgages: • The Average is 7.74% (average of weekly headline rates) • The Median is 7.41% (median of weekly headline rates) • The High was 18.63% in October 1981 • The Low was 3.31% in November 2012 Despite the many comments we now hear about higher rates (7.44% in the November 16, 2023 Report), current 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates are VERY close to the PMMS 50-Year Average. Freddie Mac buys a wide range of Mortgage Loans with different Qualifying Standards from many Lenders. For the Primary Mortgage Market Survey®, some of the specific criteria used to select Loan Applications whose Interest Rates will be included in the Averages are: • Owner-Occupied Primary Residence • Purchase, not Refinance • 30-Year or 15-Year Fixed Rate Loans • Located in lower 48 States and D.C. (not A.K., H.I., or Territories) • Single-Family Home (not Condominium) • 75-80% Loan-To-Value Ratio (20-25% Down Payment) • FICO Credit Score 740 or higher • Conventional Financing (not FHA, VA, USDA) Based on these Qualifying Standards, the PMMS includes rates offered to prime Borrowers, those who present the least risk of default to the Lender so they are offered more attractive Interest Rates. Obviously, not all Buyers/Borrowers and their Home Purchases fit into these Lower-Risk Standards, so headline Interest Rates are not available to all Homebuyers. The Interest Rate a Buyer/Borrower receives from a Lender may start with a Market (headline) Rate, then is adjusted to reflect Individual Borrower Qualifying Specifics (like Credit Score and Debt-To-Income Ratio) and the combination of variables mentioned below. It's all about Lenders' Risk Management. Higher Risk = Higher Rate. Remember that Lenders set their own Interest Rates. However, until more is known about the Buyer, the Property, and the Transaction - Interest Rates are just random numbers being tossed around. Here are some of the factors that Lenders consider in addition to a Borrower's Income, Assets, and Credit that have a direct bearing on the Interest Rate they receive: Loan Program Variables: • Fixed or Adjustable Interest Rate • Government-Insured or Conventional • Purchase or Refinance • Loan-To-Value Ratio (LTV) • Loan Amount (Conforming, High-Balance, or Jumbo) • Term (Payback Period) in years Property Variables: • Single Family Detached • Condominium (Low Rise, High Rise) • Planned Unit Development with HOA • Geographic Location Use and Occupancy Variables: • Owner Occupied Primary Residence • Second/Vacation Home • Investment Property - not Owner Occupied; Short-Term or Annual Rental offered to others Any one of these variables has the potential to directly affect the Interest Rate a Borrower is offered by a Lender. Each Real Estate Transaction is unique, so the variables change with each buyer and each property. The closer buyers can get to the PMMS Criteria outlined above, the better their chances for receiving an Interest Rate closer to the headline rate they heard about in a news story. Bottom line - Individual Borrowers cannot be given an appropriate Mortgage Interest Rate until they submit Personal, Financial, Transaction, and Property-Related Information to a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com < Previous News Next News >

The City of Hollywood Rewards Customers for Saving Water September 1, 2022 Share For more than 12 years, the City of Hollywood has been providing qualified water customers up to $100 with the Toilet Rebate Program. Toilets are the third highest water use item in your home, behind showers and washing machines. To help customers conserve water, the City of Hollywood Department of Public Services offers this rebate program to customers who purchase and install new, more efficient toilet fixtures. More than 5,000 toilets have been distributed since the rebate program began more than 12 years ago. That’s more than 400 toilets each year! Public Utilities is a proud partner in helping customers achieve lower water usage by encouraging the installation of new fixtures that use less water. Water customers who participate in the rebate program receive a credit of up to $100 towards the cost of a new toilet, plus they save on future bills while conserving water. That conservation also saves energy that is used in the water production process, thereby reducing the City’s overall carbon footprint. If you are a City of Hollywood water customer, getting a rebate is as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Qualify by having a toilet that uses 1.6 or more gallons per flush that you want to replace and a City of Hollywood Water Account* 2. Replace the water-wasting toilet with a new EPA-approved toilet of your choice. Look for the “WaterSense” label (below). 3. Complete your rebate application (including signed form, water bill, itemized toilet receipt and photo of toilet showing it has been installed) and submit by emailing to: H2Oprogram@hollywoodfl.org . Once your application is approved you will receive a water bill credit for up to $100 of the pre-tax cost of the toilet on a future water bill. To download an application or for more information, please visit: www.hollywoodfl.org/404/Toilet-Rebates *Applicants under third party water billing (e.g. Condo/HOA) may still apply. However, the bill recipient must provide a copy of the water bill to be credited and sign the rebate application stating that they will reimburse the toilet purchaser (you) for the credit via monthly maintenance or other fees. < Previous News Next News >

One Person’s Trash Is Another’s Treasure: American Pickers To Film In Florida And They Are Looking For Their Next Find September 22, 2022 Share The American Pickers are excited to return to Florida! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel Hit Television series throughout the area in December 2022. For those of you that don’t follow the show, American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them. This isn’t your grandmother’s antiquing. The American Pickers, Mike Wolfe, Robbie Wolfe and Danielle Colby are on a mission to recycle America, even if it means diving into countless piles of grimy junk or getting chased off a gun-wielding homeowner’s land. Hitting back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers earn a living by restoring forgotten relics to their former glory, transforming one person’s trash into another’s treasure. The show follows the team as they scour the country for hidden gems in junkyards, basements, garages and barns, meeting quirky characters and hearing their amazing stories. If you think the antique business is all about upscale boutiques and buttoned-up dealers, this show may change your mind – and teach you a thing or two about American history along the way. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. Mike Wolfe A lifelong American picker, Mike Wolfe has been searching for hidden treasures since he was four years old. Over the years, he’s earned a reputation as one of the country’s foremost foragers, traveling coast to coast in search of rusty gold. Where other people see dilapidated barns and overgrown yards, Wolfe sees the beauty of long-lost things and the stories of the people who made them, used them and somehow saved them. Wolfe spends as much time as he can on the road, “A picker’s kind of like a nomad,” he explains and for Wolfe, the people he meets and the tales they tell are an integral part of the journey—ultimately as valuable as the rare finds he unearths in their barns, attics and sheds. What exactly does Wolfe look for? “Anything I can make a buck on,” he laughs. But truly, he looks for things with a story; things that fill in some of the blanks in the everyday history of America. That could be anything from antique baby carriages and vintage jukeboxes to old cars and peeling metal advertising signs. Both locations of "Antique Archaeology," his specialty shop that sells antiques, vintage items and folk art, have become top tourist destinations in Le Claire, Iowa and Nashville, Tennessee. But after his family, his full-time passion is preserving as much of small-town America as he can, finding old buildings throughout the Midwest and the Mid-South that can be reclaimed, restored and reinvigorated, breathing new life into the main streets where he grew up. Robbie Wolfe Ever since Robbie Wolfe can remember, he’s lived by the famous words, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!” Since the age of eight, Robbie has been rummaging through garages and old barns to find what he calls “unknown treasures.” His life’s passion focuses on the fact that “people throw away untold history every day” and he finds “joy in restoring what once was a part of someone else’s life story.” Over the years, Robbie has accumulated a wide collection of old Americana, vintage cars and advertising memorabilia. On “American Pickers,” he enjoys discovering one-of-a-kind relics and sharing their untold stories with viewers. Danielle Colby Best known as the Shop Manager on HISTORY’s “American Pickers,” Danielle Colby is a lover and collector of all things vintage. You can find Danielle overseeing the Antique Archaeology stores in Iowa and Nashville, scouting new, exciting picks and as always, keeping Mike in line! An Iowa native, Danielle currently spends her free time in Puerto Rico, continuing to aid in the rebuilding of the island while dedicating her time to orphanages, animal shelters and raising awareness on the human-trafficking crisis. Danielle has amassed an extensive Vintage Costume Collection ranging from Circus Costumes to early 1800’s Burlesque Costumes. She continues to unearth forgotten histories of people and objects from all over the world. Danielle is drawn to anything that tells a story! Be A Part Producers at American Pickers continue to take the Pandemic very seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the State and the CDC. Nevertheless, they are excited to continue reaching the many collectors in the area to discuss their years of picking and are eager to hear their memorable stories! The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasures. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, they would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums or anything open to the public. If you are interested, please send them your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com . Or call: (646) 493-2184. < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale & the Beaches Patriots Roaring Into 2022 Elections By HABPRC May 26, 2022 Share If enthusiasm and positive actions are the keys to turning Broward RED in this coming election, the HABPRC (Hallandale & the Beaches Patriots Club) have it well underway! From the Executive Board Members’ attendance at the enormously successful Lincoln Day Dinner on Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 headlined by Governor Ron DeSantis - #TheFreedomGovernor who has lead Florida to be the envy of the Nation standing up to the Biden Administration’s Unconstitutional Mandates, bussing of unvetted and unscreened Illegal Immigrants into U.S. neighborhoods to local community activities and campaigning, this Club exhibits a commitment to our neighbors, local community and our Country. Held at “Alligator Ron” Bergeron’s West Broward Everglades Ranch, the $300 to $1,500 a plate Event focused on winning in 2022 and rewarding the Broward County Volunteers who have excelled in the past year. DeSantis’ Policies like Republican Lead School Choice, Parents’ Right To Participate In Education, welcoming Free Enterprise, NO Mandates, saving the life sustaining Everglades, secure and fair Elections, etc. will lead to his Re-Election. Hallandale Beach is now represented by 6 Precinct Committee persons up from only 2 a year ago! The goal of 2 for each of the 8 precincts could include YOU! Inquire to volunteer. Help us to win in 2022. The Club is excited to present a Movie and Dinner Night on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 at Las Vegas Restaurant in Hallandale. Arrive by 6:30 p.m. The informative eye opening '2000 Mules' detailing digital trails of Vote Harvesting in 2020 will be shown. A $30 Ticket will Include: appetizer, choice of entrée and sangria or soft beverage, flan while the movie airs! Reservations are necessary for the event headcount. You can send payment for the event the following two ways: Zelle: From your Personal Bank Account to: habprctreasurer@gmail.com Venmo: From your Venmo Account to: habprctreasurer@gmail.com . If you will be attending the Movie and Dinner Night, please notify the club of your name via E-Mail: HABPRCtreasurer@gmail.com . If you have any questions about reservations and payment, please email: HABPRCtreasurer@gmail.com . This special event is $30 for each person or only $60 for this event and the Annual Membership to the club (usually $45.00), so that a $15.00 savings for both. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at Las Vegas Restaurant (1727 E Hallandale Beach Blvd. Hallandale Beach, Fl. 33009), every month. Please arrive at 6:30 p.m. the festivities start at 7:15 p.m. For club information please e-mail: HallandaleandBeachesPatriots@gmail.com < Previous News Next News >