Reliable Air Conditioning Services of South Florida By Felipe Castilla March 2, 2022 Share Putting the Customer Above All Else for 18 Years Reliable Air Conditioning Services of South Florida’s dedication to quality and service is what separates it from other air conditioning companies. For over 18 years they have provided air conditioning services, repairs, sales and installations to clients across South Florida with unrivaled professionalism, care and dedication, building up a company that has stood the test of time. Reggie Bernhardt and Orlando Castro, the founders of Reliable A.C., met at another air conditioning company, where they both realized they wanted to branch off and do something together. They weren’t satisfied with simply installing air conditioners and collecting a paycheck. “With installations you’re just there, you go in you have a mission you have to take out the unit and put in a new one, said Bernhardt. “There’s no time to get to know the client.” Bernhardt and Castro grew their company by building life-long relationships with their clients and focusing on truly exceptional and personalized services that are always prompt and on time. Their same day installations services ensures that no one is left without a working air conditioner because they understand that client comfort is everything. “A person without air conditioning is not a happy person,” Bernhardt said. “So we do everything we can to get people the units they need as soon as they need it, especially in South Florida where it can get really hot in the summertime.” Reliable Air Conditioning Services of South Florida has great contractor relationships with most of the popular AC manufacturers in the industry. That’s how they are able to get the best air conditioning units for the best prices. These brands include Rheem, Bosch, Trane, Carrier, Ruud, York, Goodman, and many others, resulting in dependable, quality units for all of their customers. But they go much further than that. Using their expert, certified technicians they replace existing systems and install a brand new system in the most efficient way possible guaranteeing customer satisfaction each and every time. Another truly remarkable fact about this company is their commitment to innovation. Using advanced germicidal UV light technology, Reliable A.C. sanitizes and purifies the air ducts of all the AC units they install. In fact, they perform regular duct cleaning, which is proven to help alleviate allergies, chronic headaches, respiratory ailments, and even the common cold. This technology protects the customer while making certain the air quality of the unit remains excellent and up to standard. They also perform regularly scheduled AC maintenance and repairs. But what sets them apart from other air conditioning companies is their commitment to their customer. When an AC unit breaks down, customers are given a label warranty. So, whether the repair is scheduled or an absolute emergency, you can depend on Reliable A.C. to get your unit started again immediately, effectively and in a timely fashion. “It’s not just about going over there and installing the unit or getting the money,” Bernhardt said. “Even if we’re not making money going back we go and resolve any issue because we want long term relationships with our client's.” If a customer cannot afford a new unit, that is not a problem. Reliable A.C. has a facility where they host many refurbished air conditioning units for purchase at competitive prices. But their commitment to customer satisfaction does not end there. They provide same-day installation services on any unit that is sold to a customer. “Anybody at any time when someone needs to come over we’ll gladly show them our inventory,” Bernhardt said. “We give same day service be-cause we understand customers just don’t want to wait.” If you decide you need a new air conditioning unit in your home or commercial office, you call Reliable A.C. and they will give you an estimate of pricing completely free. If you choose to proceed with their services you can expect a quick turn around for a brand new or refurbished unit. Bernhardt and Castro have certified and experienced technicians providing air conditioning service, air conditioning repairs, air conditioning sales and installations in Aventura, Sunny Isles, North Miami, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Hallandale, Hollywood and all of the surrounding cities. Their main focus and passion, however, is service and troubleshooting. “I love to do service because when you do service you get to really speak with the clients,” Bernhardt said. “With service work you get that interaction with the client and as well as being able to qualify the client for what you think they need and don’t need.” Bernhardt and Castro’s passion for their clients stems from their 18 years of cultivating and nurturing relationships with people across South Florida. When they started Reliable Air Conditioning Services of South Florida, they were heavily reliant on word-of-mouth marketing to support their new business. It was due to this reliance on the good word of their customers that they learned the value of doing right by the people they were servicing. As the business grew, the clients they depended on in the beginning stayed with them and their loyalty has motivated Reliable A.C. to stay true to their principles of customer satisfaction. “We have the same clients calling us back 10, 12 years later just because they want to change their unit for something more efficient,” Bernhardt said. “We’ve had clients that we’ve known for 18 years that love us because we’re not just in and out. Customer service is number one.” You can contact them at: (954)629-4232 or visit them online at: www.reliableairconditioningfl.com for more information. < Previous News Next News >

Exploration of Human Connection, January 15th, Free at Nova University Library By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 LoveJewish.org in association with NSU Florida’s Alvin Sherman Library and the University of Miami Sue and Leonard Miller Center will present a FREE reading of award-winning playwright Debbie Slevin’s critically acclaimed play Gate B23: Carry-On Baggage. The reading will take place at 1:00 pm on January 15th in the Sherman Library. This ‘dramedy’, directed by Avi Hoffman, is a witty and compelling exploration of human connection amid uproarious chaos. It follows a diverse cast of travelers, each wrestling with personal challenges, as they are stranded at Gate B23 at Palm Beach International Airport whilst enduring an increasingly prolonged flight delay. The play promises to deliver a unique theatrical experience that blends humor, tension, and profound human insights. The reading of Gate B23: Carry-On Baggage will feature some of South Florida’s most prominent actors, including Brandon Campbell, Rayner Gabriel, Harriet Oser, Emma Garcia Seeger, Devra Seidel, Barbara Sloan, and Troy Stanley. Dave Corey will take on the role of the progressively disturbed Gate Attendant. Debbie Slevin, an award-winning essayist and author is a writer, producer/director, and teacher. She conceived and co-produced The Apron Strings Project in Riverhead, NY, produced and directed The Last Five Years at Guild Hall in East Hampton, and the first NYC revival of Songs for a New World. Her play Gate B23: Carry-On Baggage was a best-selling selection of NYC International Fringe Festival and Manhattan Repertory Theater's Winterfest. Now a well-read blogger for Huffpo50, Debbie’s writing has also appeared in Essence Magazine, Woman’s World, and Reform Judaism. She was also a staff writer for the Jewish Standard. Tickets for Gate B23: Carry-On Baggage are FREE. Reservations can be made online at: www.YILoveJewish.org/Events - or at The Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University, located at 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Boulevard, Davie, Florida 33314. Previous Next

Artist Roberto Lugo: Street Shrines Debuting At Miami Art Week Thu Oct 20 2022 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

School Is Out & Fun Is In: At The Museum Of Discovery And Science This Summer Thu Jul 11 2024 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

An Extraordinary Valentine’s Dining Experience Wed Jan 22 2025 17:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Biden Administration's Digital Dollar: Could This Possible Change Have Ramifications To Your Retirement June 29, 2023 Share The Biden Administration has recently proposed the implementation of a digital dollar (U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as part of their efforts to modernize the financial system. While this initiative may seem like a positive step forward, it is crucial to examine how the introduction of a digital currency could potentially impact your retirement savings. The implications of the digital dollar and how it might affect your ability to maintain your standard of living during retirement need to be taken seriously as it could cost us all in the future. Understanding The Digital Dollar The concept of a digital dollar entails the creation of a government-backed virtual currency that operates on a decentralized network. This digital currency would be stored electronically and could potentially replace physical cash. The key objective behind this proposal is to enhance financial accessibility and efficiency while reducing transaction costs. However, the transition to a digital dollar could have far-reaching consequences for your retirement savings. Devaluation Concerns One of the primary concerns associated with the introduction of a digital dollar is the potential devaluation of savings. As the government gains greater control over the digital currency, it can manipulate the money supply more easily. This increased control could result in inflationary pressures, leading to a decrease in the value of your retirement savings over time. The erosion of purchasing power can have a detrimental impact on your ability to maintain your desired lifestyle during retirement. Security And Privacy Considerations Another critical aspect to ponder is the security and privacy of a digital dollar. While proponents argue that a digital currency can offer enhanced security features, it also raises concerns about privacy breaches and cyber threats. With all transactions being tracked digitally, it becomes easier for authorities to monitor and regulate financial activities. The potential compromise of personal financial information could have serious implications for your retirement savings, including identity theft and unauthorized access to funds. Impact on Traditional Banking The introduction of a digital dollar may also disrupt the traditional banking system. As the use of physical cash diminishes, banks may face challenges in adapting their infrastructure to support a digital currency. This transition could lead to additional fees or service charges imposed on customers, affecting your retirement savings through higher banking costs. Moreover, the displacement of traditional banks by digital currency platforms could limit your options for managing and investing your retirement funds. Technological Barriers And Inclusion While digitalization can offer numerous advantages, it is essential to consider the potential technological barriers that may arise with the introduction of a digital dollar. Not all individuals may have access to the necessary technology or possess the required digital literacy skills to navigate a digital currency system. This lack of inclusivity could disproportionately affect older adults, potentially hampering their ability to effectively manage their retirement savings. Mitigating The Risks While the implications of a digital dollar on your retirement savings may seem concerning, there are steps you can take to mitigate the associated risks. Diversifying your retirement portfolio by including assets that historically hedge against inflation, such as real estate or commodities, can help protect the value of your savings. Additionally, staying informed and seeking advice from financial experts can aid in making informed decisions about investment strategies and retirement planning amidst the changing financial landscape. The Biden Administration's proposal to introduce a digital dollar reflects ongoing efforts to modernize the financial system. However, it is crucial to consider the potential ramifications this digital currency may have on your retirement savings. From concerns regarding devaluation and privacy to the potential disruption of traditional banking, understanding the implications and taking proactive measures can help safeguard your retirement funds. As the digital dollar moves from proposal to implementation, staying informed and adapting your financial strategies accordingly will be paramount in ensuring a secure and stable retirement future. As of last week, it seems U.S. authorities do not like digital currencies. But a central bank digital currency (CBDC)? That has not been ruled out yet. At least, that's what Graham Steele, assistant secretary for financial institutions, said recently at the Transform Payments USA 2023 conference. Steele, representing the Treasury Department, was clear in the fact that the United States “has not yet determined whether it will pursue a CBDC.” He did say, however, that the Treasury is leading an interagency working group to study a “potential” U.S. CBDC. For more information about the Biden Administration's position on CBDC, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2022/09/16/technical-possibilities-for-a-u-s-central-bank-digital-currency/ - And visit: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1314 < Previous News Next News >

Concrete Ways to Prepare Kids for a Rapidly Changing World June 6, 2024 Share Young people face an increasing medley of challenges as they pursue higher education — rising tuition costs, daunting prospective student debt, and a talented and competitive applicant pool. After a decade of preparing students for the ever more difficult admissions process, college counselor Greg Kaplan wishes parents would stop thinking, “What should I do to get my kid into a good college?” and instead ask, “How can I best prepare my child for what comes next?” Having practiced law and worked in investment banking early in his career before pivoting to working with students, parents and educators, Kaplan knows what the world — and its population of college admissions officers — is looking for in today’s youth and tomorrow's leaders. In his new book, The Journey: How to Prepare Kids for a Competitive and Changing World, Kaplan goes beyond the well-chronicled college admissions madness and cuts to the core of parental angst, delivering a definitive guide that shares what parents can do now to help their children make the most of the opportunities they will encounter in the future. Emphasizing these fundamental tenets of successful adulthood — grit, leadership and passion — The Journey paints a realistic picture of the lack of preparedness among today’s youth. Using stories of parents and students who have struggled and succeeded, Kaplan pushes students to consider: What do you want to get out of your college and work career? How can you jumpstart your journey into the real world? He asks parents: Are you preparing your children to attain a life of health, happiness and financial independence? “Greg Kaplan’s The Journey reframes and reimagines the stressful college application process into a powerful journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and leadership development.” — Matthew Breitfelder, Partner and Global Head of Human Capital, Apollo Global Management Rooted in humorous stories sprinkled with bits of brutally honest advice, The Journey provides valuable information for parents, empowers young people and encourages families to work together in healthy ways to prepare kids for their next steps. Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Prepare-Competitive-Changing-World/dp/0757325041/ < Previous News Next News >

SPARK Tank Competition & Hollywood Salsa Fest South Florida Sun Times Apr 3, 2025 Are You An Aspiring Entrepreneur With A Game-Changing Idea? The SPARK Tank Pitch Competition Is Your Opportunity To Bring Your Vision To Life! Hosted By The City Of Hollywood And The Greater Hollywood Chamber Of Commerce, This Shark Tank-Style Event Offers Cash Prizes, In-Kind Support, And Invaluable Industry Connections To Help Launch Your Business. Why Apply? This is more than just a competition—it’s your chance to pitch your idea to a panel of local investors and business leaders who can help turn your startup dream into reality. Whether you win or not, the networking and exposure alone could open doors to future opportunities! Save the Date! Even if you’re not competing, you won’t want to miss the excitement. Spectators can watch Hollywood’s brightest entrepreneurs battle it out in a high-energy pitch showdown. Event Date: May 22th at 6:00 p.m. Location: Invicta Watch Headquarters, 3069 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33021 Stay Updated: www.sparkhollywoodfl.com Apply Now – Don’t Miss Your Chance! The deadline to apply is April 4th, 2025. Seize this opportunity to take your business idea to the next level! Ready to make your pitch? Apply today! Hollywood Salsa Fest Saturday, April 5th: from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Enjoy the largest free Salsa Music Festival in South Florida. The Hollywood Salsa Festival at the ArtsPark at Young Circle celebrates salsa music in all its forms. At Hollywood Salsa Fest, their mission is to bring people together through the power of live salsa music. They believe that salsa music has the ability to connect people from all walks of life and create a sense of community. Visit the event website for more information: https://hollywoodsalsafest.net Previous Next

Enjoy The Holiday But Keep Safety in Mind: Thanksgiving Is The Leading Day Of The Year For Home Cooking Fires November 23, 2023 Share As families look forward to their Thanksgiving feast, Fire Safety is not often their first concern. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity, people at home and children involved in holiday preparations. The City of Hollywood Department of Fire Rescue and Beach Safety would like to pass along these safety tips from the NFPA to help families keep their loved ones safe as they enjoy the day. • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food. • When cooking your Turkey, stay in the home and check on it frequently. • Keep children at least three feet away from hot stoves. • Use caution around hot foods and liquids. Steam or splashing from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. • Keep floors clear of tripping hazards like toys, pocketbooks or bags. • Keep knives and electric cords from kitchen appliances, matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children. • Never leave lit candles unattended. • Ensure your smoke alarms are working. Take a moment to test them by pushing the test button. Dangers Of Frying A Turkey: Cooking is one of the leading causes of house fires, with 44% of house fires between 2017 and 2021 attributed to cooking incidents. Thanksgiving, a day known for extensive cooking, particularly raises this risk due to Turkey frying, significantly increasing the potential for fires. However, rather than dampening the holiday spirit, it's crucial to ensure safety during these festivities, especially when handling Turkey fryers. Here are essential tips to safely fry your Turkey: Outdoor Setup: Experts recommend using Turkey fryers outside on a stable, level surface, away from anything flammable. Keep children and pets at least three feet away to prevent accidental burns. Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and never leave the cooking unattended, as this is a prime cause of cooking-related fires. Stay focused on the frying process and avoid multitasking. Oil Quantity: Do not overfill the pot with oil, as this can cause spillage. Fill the pot with water beforehand and add the Turkey to determine the right oil quantity. Thaw Completely: Ensure the Turkey is completely thawed and dried to avoid oil splatter when frying. Monitor Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to prevent overheating of the oil, a common cause of fryer fires. Protect Yourself: Handle the fryer with long cooking gloves to avoid burns from hot surfaces. Clear Surroundings: Keep combustible items, such as aprons and towels, away from the fryer to prevent accidental ignition. Clothing Safety: Tuck in loose clothing to avoid any chance of it catching fire. Preparation Matters: Clean the cooking area and equipment thoroughly before using the fryer, as unclean surfaces contribute to cooking fires. Fire Safety Equipment: Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of Emergencies, and be aware that Homeowners' Insurance typically covers Fire-Related Damages. By following these safety measures, you can enjoy a festive and delicious Thanksgiving without the risk of a Turkey fryer fire putting a damper on the celebration. You can also watch a US Consumer Product Safety Commission Turkey Frying informational video at: https://youtu.be/HYvMWIvghnQ?si=3I5MbrH-WPonzYui For more information on holiday fire safety tips, visit: www.nfpa.org/Thanksgiving - And at: https://www.fema.gov/blog/10-ways-prevent-home-fires-thanksgiving Shop Small This Holiday Season: In the spirit of supporting the vibrant local community, Hollywood residents are encouraged to embrace the essence of the upcoming Small Business Saturday on November 25th. Initiated by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday was established to champion Small Businesses and prompt individuals to shop at independent retailers and restaurants after Thanksgiving. The impact of this initiative reverberates profoundly, with reported spending among consumers at independent establishments reaching an impressive $17.9 Billion, as revealed by the 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey. These small businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy, constituting over 89% of Broward County's business community. Supporting Local Businesses: Holiday Season Pledge: Consider supporting your favorite local Small Businesses not just on Small Business Saturday but throughout the entire Holiday Season. The contribution of Small Businesses is invaluable, as they infuse the community with uniqueness, character, and economic vitality. Join the movement and pledge to Shop Small in Hollywood this Holiday Season. Your patronage directly nurtures the growth and resilience of these cherished establishments. < Previous News Next News >

Park Participation: Hollywood Earns Recertification As Community Wildlife Habitat By The National Wildlife Federation September 28, 2023 Share The City of Hollywood has been recertified for the seventh year in a row as a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). The Community Wildlife Habitat Program is designed to encourage property owners to create a habitat suitable for Native Species. Community-wide certification is earned by certifying individual properties (homes, parks, schools, businesses and others), through Education and Outreach. Points are earned by engaging community members in Habitat Restoration Projects, providing resources like Native Plant Lists and communicating through websites and Social Media. In addition to points earned for new private properties in Hollywood that have gotten Certified as Wildlife Habitats, this year the City earned points for its Outreach Efforts on Turtle Lighting Compliance, completing Phase I of our City-Wide Tree Inventory, and partnering with the Youth Environmental Alliance to maintain the dunes in Hollywood North Beach Park. These collective efforts provide: food, shelter and safe nesting places for Birds, Butterflies, Endangered Sea Turtles and everything in between. But the City cannot earn this certification alone, we need residents to certify their own yard as a Backyard Habitat. A big thank you to everyone who is already providing host plants for our native Butterflies, nectar for pollinators, berries and seeds for spring and fall migrants and places to raise young for our year-round residents and seasonal breeders! If you want to welcome Butterflies and Birds onto your property, you can find information on how to get started at NWF’s Garden For Wildlife page. For those interested in certifying their property, it’s simple and you don’t even have to have a yard. A container garden on your patio or balcony can support pollinators and other Native Wildlife. To certify your Wildlife Habitat, you need to provide: food, water, cover, places to raise young (Butterfly host plants count!) and use sustainable practices. For more details and to see the National Wildlife Federation’s certification checklist, go to National Wildlife Federation - Certify. Sunset Park Master Planning Public Meetings The City of Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts is hosting several Public Meetings across the City to gather input on the Master Planning of Sunset Park. Planned improvements include: Nature Preserve & Trails, Wetlands & Overlooks, Passive Recreation and supporting amenities. Meetings will be held at these locations on the following dates: • Tuesday, October 3rd - Hollywood Branch Library Multi-purpose Room – 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020. • Monday, October 16th - Boulevard Heights Community Center – 6770 Garfield Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024. • Tuesday, October 17th - Kay Gaither Community Center – 6291 Funston Street, Hollywood, Florida 33023. • Thursday, October 19th - Oak Lake Community Center – 3190 North 56th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33021. • Tuesday, October 24th - Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center – 1301 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33019. • Wednesday, October 25th - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center – 2400 Charleston Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020. • Thursday, November 16th - Virtual Meeting - Meeting link on City Calendar at: www.hollywoodfl.org For additional information, please visit: www.hollywoodfl.org - Or call the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts at: (954) 921-3404. As a reminder: City of Hollywood facilities are Plastic and Foam FREE. Single-Use Plastics like water bottles and plastic bags are NOT permitted. < Previous News Next News >

Business Of The Arts Broward: The Arts Mean Business Speaker Series Featuring Choreographer Pablo Malco September 12, 2024 Share Business for the Arts of Broward’s (BFA) is thrilled to announce the next installment of the Arts Mean Business Speaker Series (AMB), featuring the Highly Acclaimed Choreographer, Dancer and Visionary Producer Pablo Malco on Wednesday, September 25th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at General Provision, 300 Southwest 1st Avenue, Suite#: 155, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Presented by the Cathy and James Donnelly Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward and Crown Residential, the Arts Mean Business Speaker Series is free and open to the public. Guests who wish to attend must email their RSVP by September 23rd to: rvegas@bfabroward.org . For more information, visit: https://bfabroward.org/programs/arts-means-business/ Pablo Malco’s journey through the world of dance and entertainment began as a street dancer and evolved into a celebrated career. His passion led him to study Jazz in high school and further his training in Ballet, acting and movement theory in college. Since stepping onto the professional stage in 1991, Pablo has performed in music videos, commercials, concerts and tours for top brands like Levi’s, Coca Cola, Pepsi and Appleton Rum, as well for Renowned Artists: Jason Derulo, Ricky Martin, Will Smith and Lil Wayne. Pablo’s influence in the industry is significant. His expertise in choreography has left an indelible mark on commercials, music videos and concerts both nationally and internationally. His influence extends beyond performing. In 2007, Pablo founded the Developing Dreams Foundation, a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to supporting urban performing artists. With over 100 shows produced worldwide, Pablo continues to inspire and uplift artists as a choreographer, dancer, published author and producer. Join us for an evening with Pablo Malco as he shares his journey, insights and expertise. This event offers a unique opportunity for business professionals and art enthusiasts to explore the intersection of arts and business. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.bfabroward.org - Or contact Robyn Vegas at: (954) 940-4933. Or: rvegas@bfabroward.org < Previous News Next News >

Tax Season: There Is A Misconception That We Can Simply Cut Costs By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper September 8, 2022 Share It's September and counties, school boards, special taxing districts and cities are formally adopting our budgets. Over July, property tax statements all went out. In Hallandale Beach we did increase our tax rate which was to maintain our level of services and in some cases increase them. In addition to the tax rate increase many residents saw a huge jump in their taxable values due to the current housing market and the taxing structure here in Florida. Our property tax system in Florida is different compared other states. Typically, there is flat tax assessed on the value of a property. In Florida, years ago, the State Legislators passed what is called, "Save Our Homes." In the seventies there was what one would call a land rush. Many developers flocked to the Sunshine State and began building. Many condominiums were built. Since there is not very much land between the seagrass and sawgrass, property prices rose. Many year-round residents and seniors were being taxed out of their homes. The Save Our Homes Law was passed so that no matter what the tax rate was set at, homesteaded properties would not have to pay over a 3% increase in tax annually. Obviously, the seniors and families that lived here were relieved. The biggest problem with the law was the actual cost to live in our cities, towns, villages and counties that were paid for by the non homesteaded and commercial properties equating to higher taxes. Over the years, this imbalance has been exacerbated by additional exemptions. With $50,000, plus another $25,000, plus the $75,000 in taxable value, some properties in Hallandale Beach were paying no taxes. A good example of these properties are on Layne Boulevard. 20 years ago, many of these units were valued at $50,000. Florida has now seen another land rush since COVID-19. Property values have increased almost 40% across the board. As part of Save Our Homes, owners receive a statement that breaks down market value, taxable value and SOH Values. The tax statement is called Truth In Millage. It also shows the increase in value of what the tax rate is, to generate the same exact revenue as last year, called the roll back rate. What it does not show is the fact that governments, just like other businesses still have costs that are not fixed. In other words, it does not account for the cost of living nor for the inflation. It also creates the misconception that like other businesses, we can simply cut costs. I would like to share this concept. I may produce a line of products. Items P E and F which all cost money to produce but P does not generate revenues. As a company, if I decide to cut P, lay off the workers and streamline manufacturing. Now what if items P, E and F were city services: Police, EMS and Fire. We just cannot stop providing these life sustaining services. Over the past three years, former commissioners and Mayors did just that and cut the services. Our Police Department was down 20 positions. We now only have 5 vacancies. So, do we cut the police? Not on my watch! Cities do not have the luxury to simply not provide services. We can look at ways to streamline operations, but this too comes often with a price tag of reduced level of services or worse having hidden costs. Here are two good examples of why moving away from the best tested practices, does not always work. Over the past 4 to five years there were hiring freezes and layoffs. One Department that truly was gutted was our Building Department. Cities must enforce building codes and are required to provide permitting and code services. Due to vacant positions and turnover our permits were delayed and code enforcement officers were inundated. This directly impacts the quality of life around our community. Many people think why not contract out for services. There are major issues with this concept. When you contract out for a service there is a loss of control, automatic increases in fees and they are difficult to get out of. People often forget cities are not for profit entities. Since we can run like a business, we should be able to do it better and for less because we can save and pass the savings onto the residents. The former mayor and commission contracted out the management of our EMS and Fire. I need to note our Department was operationally sound and on its way to be certified. It was pushed as a way to increase the level of services and put more boots on the ground. In actuality, the increase in staffing came from a federal SAFER grant. The level of service is less and it is costing us more! We lost our emergency management position as the BSO division director does not provide this position. Many of our staff left, as they could transfer out to other BSO cities. We are now a training ground. The contract costs us over a million dollars annually that we are aware of since we cannot audit the BSO. We still pay for our fire and EMS trucks, building maintenance, equipment and still have legacy pension costs. I do know that people are struggling and our commission is very sensitive to increasing taxes and fees. Our readers need to understand that we live in the City too. What we do on the dais directly impacts us. Our costs to operate are not fixed. Your commissioners and I along with staff are working hard to provide services in the most cost effective way. As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out at my office: (954) 457-1318. On my cell/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >