Flipping Through History: The Broward County Library Helps Us Learn From Our Past December 30, 2021 Share “Those that do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” Those words were first spoken by George Santayana and they are still very relevant today because of how true they are. History gives us the opportunity to learn from past mistakes. It helps us understand the many reasons why people may behave the way they do. As a result, it helps us become more compassionate as people and more impartial as decision makers. It goes without saying that change can be a difficult concept to understand and in today's world change is happening at a rapid pace. Each of us has a different experience than the rest of our fellow citizens – an experience shaped by societal norms, cultural differences, personal experiences and more. History helps us better understand how, when and why change occurs on a larger scale. Good citizens are always informed citizens, and no one can consider himself to be an informed citizen without a working knowledge of history. This is the case whether we’re talking about our role in our local community or in regards to our nation on the whole. History helps us become better voters and more effective members of any type of society. It helps put us in a position to better inform others as well. It is in this spirit that The Broward County Library is working to help residents learn from the past with the Broward County Library Digital Archives project. The BCL Digital Archives project supports community-based and scholarly research on a variety of topics that range from a global scope to the scale of local neighborhoods. The BCL Digital Archives collections contain thousands of select image, audio, and video files that represent just a small portion of the material holdings in the three Special Collections areas. Here are a few of the collections available online. Broward Legacy at Florida Online Journals The Broward Legacy is published online in a collaborative partnership between Florida Atlantic University Digital Library and the Broward County Libraries Division. This historical journal, published by the Broward County Historical Commission between 1976 and 2013, is a significant resource for discovering Florida heritage. The Broward Legacy can be read for free at: https://journals.flvc.org/browardlegacy/issue/archive The Broward County Library maintains an in-house Digitization Team. The Digitization Team works with metadata specialists and the Special Collections staff to digitize the unique and rare materials in BCL Special Collections available online in digital formats. The Digitization Team has also partnered with local organizations such as the Hollywood Historical Society in order to digitize and make available research materials. One part of this project is digitizing past publications such as the Hollywood Sun-Tattler. Hollywood Sun-Tattler Collection The Hollywood Sun-Tattler’s history began with the 1932 publication of the South Broward Tattler. Just three years later in 1935, a competing weekly, the Hollywood Sun, started distribution. With the purchase of the City’s first newspaper, the Hollywood News (established in 1924), Wallace Stevens, the owner of the South Broward Tattler, stopped printing the Hollywood News and orchestrated a merge of the South Broward Tattler and the Hollywood Sun. He then produced the new weekly, the Hollywood Sun-Tattler, in 1942. In 1952 the Hollywood Sun-Tattler became a twice-weekly newspaper. By 1957 it was published three times a week. E. W. Scripps Co. purchased the paper in 1965 and in 1983 renamed it the Sun-Tattler. In 1989, the Sun-Tattler became the Hollywood Sun upon its acquisition by DTH Media Inc. The paper ceased publication in 1991. Even though the publication is no longer in print with efforts from the Broward County Library Digital Archives project these decades of local history can now live again and found on-line. So no matter the reason, if you are interested in a bit of local history or just to see how much a supermarket item cost in the past you can check out the digitization site the Broward County Library has put together. Here are a few links for some of the resources they have created to save some of the past from being forgotten. All Collections: https://digitalarchives.broward.org Broward Legacy: https://journals.flvc.org/browardlegacy/issue/archive Hollywood Sun-Tattler Collection: https://digitalarchives.broward.org/digital/collection/p16146coll7/search < Previous News Next News >

Swing Into The Jungle This Summer - Area Stage Presents An Immersive Adventure - Disney's Tarzan South Florida Sun Times Jun 26, 2025 Following The Sold-Out Success Of Disney’s The Little Mermaid And Beauty And The Beast In 2024, Area Stage Proudly Announces Its Latest Immersive Theatrical Experience: Disney’s Tarzan. This Thrilling Reimagining Of The Tony-Nominated Broadway Musical Will Preview Thursday, July 17th, 2025 Through Saturday, July 19th, 2025, With An Official Opening Night On Saturday, July 19th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. And Performances Running Through Sunday, August 3rd, 2025. Audiences will once again step into a fully transformed space inside South Miami’s Sunset Place, where explorers and hunters gather to recount the legendary tale of Tarzan and Jane. Under the creative vision of Artistic Director Giancarlo Rodaz, the production will plunge theatergoers into a jungle world of heart-pounding rhythm, vine-swinging adventure, and deep emotional discovery. With Area Stage’s signature immersive staging, audience members will move through the world of the show, surrounded by live music, atmospheric design, and interactive storytelling. Based on the Disney animated film and inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel, Tarzan features music and lyrics by Grammy and Oscar-winning Artist Phil Collins and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang. The original Broadway score—featuring iconic songs like “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “Two Worlds”—will be reimagined for this bold new production. The show marks another ambitious chapter in Area Stage’s commitment to creating boundary-pushing immersive theatre experiences. Award-winning Director Giancarlo Rodaz, recently named Best Director by Miami New Times in 2024, returns to lead the creative team, including Raquel Dwight (Set Design), Joe Naftal (Lighting Design), Maria Banda-Rodaz and Sofia Ortega (Costume Design), and Katie Duerr (Music Director). For more information and tickets, visit: www.areastage.org/tarzan . About Area Stage Area Stage is a Non-Profit theatre company founded in 1989 on principles of artistic innovation, education and accessibility. Throughout its 35 year history, this award winning organization has striven to bring extraordinary theatrical experiences to its audiences, establishing itself as one of South Florida’s most influential cultural institutions. In addition to its acclaimed mainstage productions, Area Stage houses a world-class Conservatory, which provides professional training to hundreds of young aspiring artists each year, as well as the Inspire Theatre Project, a program that offers similar opportunities to neurodiverse participants. Previous Next

Annual Back To School Supply Drive: Help Students In Need In Broward County Public Schools August 31, 2023 Share Now that kids are back in school, it is estimated that teachers will spend more than $820 on classroom supplies this year including books, snacks, pencils, paper and cleaning products. To help ease that burden for teachers and families, Broward Education Foundation, the only 501(c)3 charitable organization solely dedicated to serving students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools, has launched its Annual School Supply Drive which equips students with essential supplies and the necessities for success. Last year, Broward Education Foundation provided school supplies to 130,000 under-resourced students in nearly 200 Broward County Title I Schools and classroom supplies for 12,000 teachers in Broward County Public Schools. “A little change can make a big impact,” said Jean McIntyre, Board Chair Of Broward Education Foundation. “For these students, school supplies are a luxury, and we are so grateful for the community’s help in getting our students off to a great start this fall.” According to 90% of teachers surveyed by the national Non-Profit Kids in Need Foundation, three out of four students arrive to class without the requisite school supplies necessary for learning. “More than 200,000 students in Broward County live in poverty which makes our School Supply Drive so important,” said Shea Ciriago, CEO Of Broward Education Foundation. “We all want the best for our students, and we want to give them what they need to succeed. This past fiscal year, the school supplies we donated were valued at more than $2 Million, and with the help of the companies and individuals in our community, we can surpass that amount this year.” How To Help • Donate monetarily to: www.browardedfoundation.org/drive • Collect school supplies at your business or organization. Donations can be dropped off at the Broward Education Foundation School Supply Center at 2300 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, Florida 33069. Or call to have them picked up: (754) 321-2030. • Interested in hosting a Supply Drive? Call the Broward Education Foundation School Supply Center at: (754) 321-9020. Or email: mari-lee.baxter@browardschools.com . • Host a virtual drive within your organization: $10 can supply 200 pencils to help support student learning, $35 can provide a student with a backpack filled with essential school supplies, $100 can support a teacher with essential classroom tools and resources, and $250 can provide art supplies for an entire classroom. The school supplies needed most include backpacks, compositions books (black), crayons, erasers (pink rectangular), folders (2 pocket), glue, glue sticks, hand sanitizer (individual), highlighters, hole punchers (single), index cards (3”x5”), markers, notebook paper (3-hole), pencil pouches, pencil sharpeners, pencils (#2 with erasers), pencils (mechanical), pens (black and blue ink), rulers, scissors (children’s), spiral notebooks (wide-ruled) and tape (clear). About Broward Education Foundation: The NonProfit Broward Education Foundation aligns with Broward County Public Schools by providing Grants for teachers who develop innovative curriculum that increases student outcomes; vitally needed school supplies for students and teachers in Title I Schools; scholarships for qualified high school seniors; and support for programs and initiatives like Debate, TurnAround Arts, STEM and more. Each year, Broward Education Foundation contributes nearly $4 Million to Broward County Schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence. In 2018, and responding to the Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, Broward Education Foundation initiated a GoFundMe, established the Official Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund and raised $10.5 Million for victims’ families, survivors and those impacted. Broward Education Foundation is proven agile, adept and responsive to shifting needs in education and our community. For more information visit: www.BEFDrive.com Or email: BEFInfo@browardschools.com . < Previous News Next News >

“Claws For Kids”: Boys & Girls Clubs Of Miami-Dade To Host 13th Annual Fundraiser March 28, 2024 Share Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach will once again host Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s 13th Annual “Claws for Kids” in memory of Judy Kramer on Tuesday, May 7th. The event will kick off with a cocktail reception at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch at noon. Guests will enjoy delicious Stone Crabs and Joe’s other signature items without the wait. The fundraising lunch is one of the last chances to enjoy Stone Crabs before Stone Crab Season ends. Mother and daughter duo, Lisa Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson, are co-chairing this year’s event once again. Olga Guilarte is the Special Event Chair. “Claws for Kids” is held in memory of Judy Kramer, a longtime Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board Member, who helped create the event and chaired it, since it’s inception until her passing in 2021. Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s crucial programs and services at its six Clubs and sites combined including its educational After School Programs, Tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, recreation, dance, arts and crafts, mentoring and summer and athletic programs. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. “Our 13th Annual ‘Claws For Kids’ Lunch and Awards Ceremony wouldn’t be possible without the support of our long-time partner Joe’s Stone Crab, our returning Co-chairs Lisa Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson, our Board Members, Sponsors and Donors who are committed to providing great futures for Miami-Dade area youth,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “The annual event helps us raise funds to serve the Clubs’ many positive programs, support the Capital Campaign to completely rebuild the Northwest Club into a state-of-the-art facility and expand the new sixth Club.” Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade supporters who cannot attend the event can still enjoy Joe’s famous Stone Crabs at home or on a date of their choice with the purchase of a gift card, just in time for Mother’s Day. To participate, guests must purchase sponsorship gift cards on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s website to benefit “Claws For Kids.” The Claws For Kids host committee includes Lily Pardo, Rae Stein and Virginia Vich. “Claws For Kids” sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $500 to $30,000. Individual tickets are available to purchase for $350. To purchase sponsorships, please visit: https://bgcmia.org/event/13th-annual-claws-for-kids-in-memory-of-judy-kramer/. For more information, please contact Rhia Hunter at: (305) 446-9910. Extension#: 108. Or via email at: rhunter@bgcmia.org . The Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to six Clubs and sites combined serving thousands of boys and girls year-round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable area youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please call: (305) 446-9910. Or visit: www.bgcmia.org And: www.facebook.com/BoysGirlsClubsMiamiDade. Joe’s Stone Crab Joe's Stone Crab, which celebrated its 107th anniversary in 2020, was established when Joseph Weiss came to Miami for a change of climate to help his asthma. Weiss opened a lunch stand, originally offering fish and fries, on Miami Beach, which eventually evolved into today's establishment. It is located at 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. For more information, visit: www.joesstonecrab.com . < Previous News Next News >

Bringing Tradition To Every Table - Cafe Avanti Celebrate's 35 Years Of Timeless Italian Flavors and Community December 12, 2024 Share In a city that thrives on reinvention, one restaurant, Cafe Avanti, has remained steadfast, serving authentic Italian cuisine with heart and soul for 35 years. In 1989, Cafe Avanti opened its doors at 732 West 41st Street, bringing authentic Northern Italian cuisine to a neighborhood hungry for something heartfelt and timeless. Cafe Avanti, the third-longest-standing restaurant in Miami Beach to operate in its original location (trailing only the iconic Joe’s Stone Crab and Toni’s Sushi), has been a pillar of the community. Cafe Avanti seamlessly blends rustic charm, elegance, and vibrancy to create a dining experience that feels both timeless and inviting. The lively backdrop of an authentic Italian kitchen fills the air with the vibrant energy of great food and warm hospitality. At its heart, Cafe Avanti is a family-owned and operated restaurant where personal connections are as integral to the experience as the food itself. This month, Cafe Avanti celebrates its 35th anniversary, marking a milestone not only for its dedication to culinary excellence but also for its unwavering connection to the families and community it serves. The founding of Cafe Avanti began as a dream for Luis Fuentes, a Cuban immigrant who found his passion for the business in the bustling kitchens of Boston’s North End. There, he fell in love with the simplicity and tradition of the Italian way. When Luis relocated to Miami, he envisioned a space where food, family, and community could come together — a place where every meal felt like a celebration of life’s most important connections. Not long after, he turned that vision into reality. “For me, Cafe Avanti represents the true American dream,” says Luis Fuentes. “Starting with a vision and a lot of hard work, we built a place that has become a home for the community. To see generations of families continue to dine with us is the greatest reward.” At its heart, Cafe Avanti is a family-owned and operated restaurant, where personal connection is as integral to the experience as the food itself. Since joining the team in 2010, Jessica Fuentes, who spent eight years in the restaurant business in Boston, has brought her passion for hospitality and family tradition to every aspect of the business. This summer, Jessica’s brother, Nicolas Fuentes, joined the team fresh out of college, eager to learn the business and continue the family legacy. “One of us is always at the restaurant,” Jessica explains. “Being greeted by my dad is part of the experience. We want our guests to feel like they’re visiting family when they walk through our doors.” My dad has always said, “If I make a friend a day, that’s 365 friends at the end of the year.” As one of the city’s most enduring landmarks, Cafe Avanti is one of the original Italian restaurants in Miami’s culinary scene. The Proof Is in the Parm, Cafe Avanti’s menu is one for the Ages, a love letter to Northern Italian cuisine crafted with care and tradition. The Chicken Parmigiana, a golden, cheesy masterpiece, on the menu since day one, remains the most beloved dish. It’s the comfort food that transcends time, offering a bite of nostalgia with every forkful. The favorites list is long; a few standouts include: Veal Meatballs, delicious over pasta, Caesar Salad or on their own, Branzino: Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass in a Lemon, White Wine and Butter Sauce, topped with Capers and Mushrooms, Linguine Carbonara: In a decadent Cream Sauce with Pancetta and Onions. Every dish tells a story of tradition, evoking the warmth of an Italian kitchen and the memories of meals shared with loved ones. Adding to its allure is a cozy bar, where guests love to gather, share stories, and enjoy some of the best Martinis in town alongside selections from an extensive Wine List. Whether indulging in a classic Dry Martini, a rich Espresso Martini, or an after-dinner Limoncello, the bar offers the perfect setting for unwinding and connecting. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate highlights like Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta (Italy), a sparkling favorite for celebrations; Chianti, Marchesi Antinori (Toscana), a bold red perfect with hearty pasta dishes; Brunello, IL Poggione (Montalcino), a smooth and elegant choice for Veal and Beef; and Sauvignon Blanc, Cakebread (Napa), a refreshing white ideal for Seafood dishes. Whether enjoying a perfectly mixed Martini or savoring a carefully selected wine, the bar at Cafe Avanti is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the Italian dining experience. Over the years, Cafe Avanti has become more than just a restaurant—it’s a living piece of Miami Beach history. Generations of families have dined here, turning first dates into anniversaries and introducing their children—and now grandchildren—to its welcoming charm and signature dishes. To accommodate guests celebrating life’s special moments, Cafe Avanti expanded to include an intimate bar and private dining spaces designed for gatherings of 12, 35, or 80 guests. These spaces seamlessly blend warmth and elegance, featuring exposed brick walls for a cozy, homey feel and glittering chandeliers paired with Greco-Roman stained glass for a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance, perfect for everything from intimate dinners to grand celebrations. “Cafe Avanti is the Cheers of Miami Beach,” says Jessica Fuentes.“On any given day, you’re sure to run into someone you know.” The staff has worked here for years, and their unwavering dedication and consistency make this place so special. “It’s where locals hang out, families connect, and memories are made — one plate of Chicken Parm, one Martini, and one glass of wine at a time.” This December, Cafe Avanti turns 35 and invites everyone to join the celebration with a special “Early Bird Anniversary Menu.”Available from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Three-Course Meal includes: a choice of Soup or Salad, The Signature Chicken Parmigiana, and a sweet finish with Tiramisu; priced at $35, it’s a nostalgic nod to the restaurant’s opening year and a heartfelt thank-you to the community that has supported it through the decades. Together, the Fuentes family ensures that Cafe Avanti remains authentic to what has made them a staple. With every visit, bite, and sip, Cafe Avanti feels like coming home. Cafe Avanti is open, Sunday - Thursday: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Friday - Saturday: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. located 732 West 41st Street Miami Beach, Florida 33140. For more information, visit: https://www.cafeavanti.com/ - Or call: (305) 538-4400. < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale Beach CRA: Launches Free Car Ride Service to Boost Local Businesses October 19, 2023 Share The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is thrilled to announce its latest initiative to promote local exploration and enhance the city's vibrant community. As part of their ongoing commitment to providing residents and visitors with every opportunity to experience the best that Hallandale Beach offers, the CRA proudly announces Freebee. Freebee is a ride service available in Hallandale Beach at zero user cost. It transforms how people experience the community by providing free rides to many destinations. This fully electric option will give the riders a more comfortable and enjoyable experience while reducing transportation's environmental impact. By downloading the app and scheduling a ride, individuals can venture freely around set destinations in the city without worrying about transportation costs. Whether you're a local looking to rediscover the wonders of Hallandale Beach or a visitor eager to explore the charm of this coastal paradise, this service provides the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories in Hallandale Beach. "We are excited to bring this service to Hallandale Beach to connect our community further and encourage exploration of the city and our local businesses," said Dr. Jeremy Earle, City Manager and Executive Director of the Hallandale Beach CRA. "Hallandale Beach boasts many cultural, culinary, and recreational locations, and Freebee will facilitate access to our city treasures. We invite everyone to take advantage of this fantastic service." With over 60 businesses already registered to participate, residents and visitors can take the Freebee out for an afternoon of shopping or a night on the town. Many of these businesses are in District 8, Atlantic Village, and Gulfstream Park. Restaurants like KAO Bar & Grill and Icebox Cafe are included and there are more new businesses signing up every day. The current service hours are 12pm - 9pm Sunday to Thursday and 12pm - 12am Friday and Saturday. Download and use the Freebee app to begin or end your rides within District 8, Atlantic Village, or Gulfstream Park and enjoy the convenience of getting dropped off right at your favorite local businesses. About the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency The Hallandale Beach CRA aims to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Their unwavering commitment to eliminating and preventing blighted conditions is achieved through facilitating community partnerships, fostering business growth, creating job opportunities, and undertaking neighborhood rehabilitation projects. With a vision to build a thriving and dynamic city, the Hallandale Beach CRA continually strives to make Hallandale Beach a prime destination for both business and leisure. For more information about the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and its initiatives, please visit: www.cohbcra.org < Previous News Next News >

Tacology Wynwood Is Now Open: Bringing A Fresh Taste Of Mexico To Miami’s Artistic Hub February 14, 2025 Share Tacology Wynwood has officially opened its doors, bringing a vibrant and authentic Mexican dining experience to one of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Located in the heart of Wynwood, the new venue builds on the success of its Brickell location, offering the same signature culinary excellence and lively atmosphere that has made Tacology a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Tacology Wynwood combines the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine with Wynwood’s eclectic artistic energy, creating a destination that’s as visually captivating as it is delicious. Its exterior features expansive windows that flood the space with natural light, seamlessly connecting the restaurant’s interior to the colorful streetscape of Wynwood. Inside, the restaurant showcases bold, Mexican-inspired art, open dining spaces, and a vibrant color palette, with strategic ambient lighting that sets the perfect tone for any occasion. Adding to the visual allure, Tacology Wynwood features artist mural interventions by Ubiera, a renowned Miami-based artist, and Uneg, a talented Mexican artist, celebrating the fusion of cultures that defines the neighborhood. The menu at Tacology Wynwood offers a diverse range of options to satisfy every palate. Guests can enjoy appetizers, specialties, salads, tacos, tostadas, ceviches, desserts, and an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails, margaritas, and shakes. Signature dishes like the Al Pastor Tacos, Rib Eye Tacos, and Gobernador Tacos are complemented by other highlights, such as Octopus Tacos, Rock Shrimp Tostadas, and indulgent Churros served with cajeta. New creations inspired by Wynwood’s eclectic vibe promise to elevate the culinary experience further. The beverage menu features a wide array of margaritas, including the Margarita Tradicional, No Mames Margarita, Coconut Margarita, and La Oaxaqueña prepared with Mezcal Joven, triple sec, lime, and agave. Signature cocktails include the 'Build Your Own' Paloma, the spicy Diablo Rojo made with Mezcal Joven, Campari, Jalapeño, Angostura bitters, ancho reyes chile, orange, lime, and agave, and the slushy Catrina. The restaurant also offers a curated list of wines and a selection of Mexican beers to complement the meal. In addition to its mouthwatering menu, Tacology Wynwood will offer exciting weekly promotions, including: Happy Hour, Taco Tuesday, Margaritas Night, Mariachi Night, and DJ Night. These events create a lively, communal atmosphere, making Tacology the perfect spot to gather with friends and family and experience the best of Mexican cuisine in Wynwood. Tacology Wynwood is now open and ready to welcome guests for an unforgettable dining experience. For more information and updates, visit: www.tacology.us - Or: follow @tacology_taqueria on Social Media. < Previous News Next News >

Closing Costs: What They Include, And What They Might Not By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate July 25, 2024 Share "Closing Costs" is often regarded as a vague, catch-all term that raises questions from both Buyers and Sellers. Different parties to a residential real estate deal can identify transaction costs in different ways, so it's very important to have an accurate and complete idea of what's involved in closing the sale of a Florida House or Condo, and how much it is going to cost. Closing (also called settlement) is the final step in a Real Estate Transaction. At closing, money is paid from Buyer to Seller, ownership is legally transferred from Seller to Buyer, various transaction charges and fees are paid, and documents related to the sale and Mortgage are recorded with the local County. The phrase "Closing Costs" refers to charges and fees that buyers and sellers pay either as a settlement statement debit or out-of-pocket which are NOT included in the Purchase Price, Deposit, Down Payment, or Mortgage Loan Amount. Depending on who you're asking, some charges paid in relation to a Real Estate Sale are included in Closing Costs and some are not. This is the source of much confusion because most of the charges are third party pass-throughs and can be categorized differently by various service providers to the transaction. As you read this article, keep in mind that whether or not a Transaction-Related cost is openly called a Closing Cost, any charge or fee outside the contract's sale price is still additional money either the Buyer or Seller has to pay. Let's look at some of the charges associated with closing a real estate transaction, categorized by who receives them: Lender Charges (Buyer paid when using Mortgage Financing) • Origination, Processing, Underwriting Charges • Credit Report (POC - see below*) • Points - used to "buy down" an Interest Rate • Per Diem Interest (charged for the days after closing, yet before the first scheduled Mortgage Payment) Third-Party Service Provider Charges (Buyer and/or Seller separately paid) • Property Appraisal • Survey and Elevation Certificate • Property Insurance - Hazard, Flood, Windstorm (POC*) • Attorney or Title Company fees for conducting settlement • Title Search, Title Insurance • Open Building Permits / Code Violations Search • Inspections - Home, Pest, Flood Certifcate, Wind Mitigation (POC*) • Real Estate Sales Commissions • HOA / COA Application and Transfer Fees (POC*) • Association Estoppel Fees • HOA / COA Assessments (prorated per closing date) Government and Municipal Charges (Buyer and/or Seller separately paid) • Property Taxes (prorated per closing date - County) • Documentary Stamps (Transfer Taxes) on Deed (.7% of Sale Price - State) • Doc Stamps on Mortgage (.35% of Mortgage Amount - State) • Intangible tax on mortgage (.2% of Mortgage Amount - State) • Public Records Recording Charges (County) • Transfer Taxes to incorporated town or City • CDD or MSTU pro-rations and payoffs (local special-purpose taxing areas) Escrow Funding (Buyer paid) When Mortgage financing is used for the purchase, partial Homeowners Insurance and Property Tax Payments are collected with the Monthly Mortgage Payments and held in an Escrow Account by the Mortgage Servicer. This is so enough of the Buyer/Borrower's own money is available to pay the next Insurance and Tax Bills when they are due. Failure to pay either one can place the Loan in Default, and Escrowing reduces the chance of non-payment. Depending on the closing date and when the bills are due, 2 to 6 months of Property Tax and Insurance Payments may need to be paid into Escrow at closing. Important - Insurance is paid in advance (for the coming year), while Taxes are paid in arrears (for the past year). Because of this, lenders require proof of the first full year's Property Insurance Premium having been paid before closing. This is in addition to Initial Escrow Funding. Some out-of-pocket Buyer costs are Paid Outside Closing (POC) and may not show up on either the Preliminary or Final Settlement Statement. POCs can include: Property Appraisal, Credit Report for Financing, First year's Insurance Premium, HOA / COA Application Fees, & Home inspections (not required, highly recommended). Here in Florida, the choice of contract (and which boxes are checked) used to document and control the transaction indicates whether the Buyer or Seller pays certain negotiable costs. However, just about everything in a Florida Real Estate Deal is open to negotiation between the Buyer and the Seller. There we are, a quick outline of Closing Costs aimed at helping Buyers and Sellers better understand what it takes to close a Residential Real Estate Transaction in Florida. Your closing Title Company or Attorney will be happy to provide details and projected costs for your purchase or sale. 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 >

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Fresh Fish Hot Off The Grates Tips For Perfectly Grilled Seafood By Family Features Apr 24, 2025 Whether You're A Seasoned Grilling Expert Or New To Backyard Barbecuing, Expanding Your Menu With Seafood Offers A Fun, Flavorful Way To Bring Life To Outdoor Entertaining. Grilling fish is different from traditional fare like burgers and steaks, however. One method capturing the attention of chefs and amateur barbecue enthusiasts alike is electric grilling. With technology innovations that enable higher heat and more precise control, along with easy-to-use, guided cooking delivered via smartphone apps, grilling seafood can be simpler than ever. Master the art of grilled seafood with these tips from Trimell Hawkins, Executive Chef and Culinary Adviser to Current Backyard. Not all fish are the same. There's a common misconception that all fish can be grilled, but not all fish is created equally. Avoid flaky fish like Trout and instead turn to a firm fish when grilling, such as Branzino in this Grilled Whole Branzino with Fresh Herb Sauce recipe from Celebrity Chef Alton Brown. Moisture is not your friend. While you're likely aiming for a fresh, moist flavor when eating fish, that doesn't mean it should be wet when it goes on the grill. For beautiful, crisp skin and grill marks, pat fish dry to absorb the moisture before grilling. Temperature is key. There's a sweet spot for grilling fish, whether it's 400˚ F for thinner fish or slightly above 400˚ F for thicker cuts, which is why electric grilling is gaining steam. An option like the Current Backyard Electric Grill precisely monitors and controls temperature at the grate level, ensuring accurate cooking where it truly matters, unlike gas grills measuring chamber heat or charcoal grills requiring guesswork. Ready to cook in 10 minutes, it's a convenient solution that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet, meaning there's no heavy propane tanks or messy charcoal standing between you and delicious grilled seafood. Plus, electric grilling reduces fire risks, harmful fumes and cleanup time. There's a "right" way to cook fish. If you're cooking fish with skin, cook the skin side down first as it's more forgiving and durable than the inside. This gives the finished dish more stability and structure, lessening the chances of the fish falling apart. Be careful with sugar. Sugary marinades require keeping a close watch on the grill since sugar can burn. If cooked properly, sugars help create a crispy Maillard reaction while acting as a tenderizer, too. Grilled Whole Branzino with Fresh Herb Sauce Recipe courtesy of Chef Alton Brown on behalf of Current Backyard Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 Fresh Herb Sauce: 2 Tablespoons of Chopped Dill 1/4 Cup of chopped Parsley 2 Tablespoons of chopped Chives 1 Small Garlic Clove, minced 1/2 Teaspoon of Kosher Salt 1/4 Teaspoon of Red Pepper Flakes 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Zest 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice 3/4 Cup of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Branzino: 2 Head-on Whole Branzinos (about 1 pound each), cleaned and scaled 2 Teaspoons of Kosher Salt 1 Lemon, sliced into six rounds 6-8 Sprigs of Dill 6-8 Sprigs of Parsley 2 Teaspoons of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil To make the fresh Herb Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Dill, the Parsley, the Chives, the Garlic, the Salt, the Red Pepper Flakes, the Lemon Zest, the Lemon Juice and the Olive Oil; then set them aside. Set both sides of the grill to 650˚ F (high) and close the lid. To prepare the Branzino: Season the Fish inside and out with the Kosher Salt. Fill the cavity of each Fish with the Lemon Slices, the Dill Sprigs and the Parsley Sprigs then tie them with kitchen twine to secure them and refrigerate them until they are ready to be grilled. Evenly coat the skin of both Fish with the Olive Oil. Insert the temperature probe into the thickest part of flesh of each Fish, parallel to the dorsal fin, then place them on the grill with the belly sides toward you. Close the lid and cook them for 5 minutes. Open the lid and gently turn the Fish over with a thin metal spatula or two forks. Close the lid and cook them for 5 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145˚ F. Transfer the Fish to a platter and remove the twine. Serve the Fish topped with the Fresh Herb Sauce. Find more recipes and electric grilling advice at: https://currentbackyard.com/ Previous Next