Kay Rico Opens Another Location in Hollywood Thu Aug 12 2021 04:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Magical Disney Experience In Fort Lauderdale’s: Port Everglades Will Be Disney Cruise Lines Second Home Starting In 2023 April 28, 2022 Share The Broward County Commission gave the green light to transform Port Everglades' Cruise Terminal 4 and the adjacent berth into a second home for Disney Cruise Line. Transforming Port Everglades' Cruise Terminal 4 into a second home for Disney Cruise Line received the green light today as The Broward County Commission approved Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, Inc. for design and consulting services. "Disney is known for its remarkable creativity worldwide. I'm sure this new terminal will reflect the Magical Disney experience for travelers. We are certainly very happy and complimented that Disney Cruise Line will be sailing from our Port Everglades," said Broward County Mayor Michael Udine. Improvements to Cruise Terminal 4 and the adjacent berth will begin once the interior and exterior designs are complete. The entire project must be completed by Fall of 2023 when Disney Cruise Line sails for the first time from Port Everglades. "Our Seaport Construction Staff has been working closely with teams of Imagineers and other creative groups to brainstorm designs and ideas to maximize guest flow and efficiency. I am excited to see the final product," said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Jonathan Daniels. Adding Port Everglades as a second homeport gives Disney a dedicated terminal in a market with direct highway access and one of the Nation's fastest growing airports, The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Disney's original homeport is Port Canaveral, located in Central Florida. "We continue to make progress on our specially-designed Disney Cruise Line terminal, which will allow us to provide the outstanding experience our guests have come to expect from us, along with that special touch of Disney magic," said Disney Cruise Line SVP and General Manager Sharon Siskie. The family-favorite cruise line is bringing its magic to Broward County's cruise port under a 15-year partnership that includes one ship to be homeported in Port Everglades year-round beginning Fall 2023, joined by a second, seasonal ship in 2025. The agreement supports an estimated 1,111 direct local jobs generating $31.6 Million in wages and $12.3 Million in state and local taxes, according to a study by nationally recognized maritime research company Martin Associates. Port Everglades offers "everything under the sun" from Caribbean cruises to world voyages to fast ferry getaways ̵ all from the vacation paradise of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Port Everglades' enviable location in the heart of South Florida and the neighboring Caribbean, makes it one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world, typically hosting nearly 4 million passengers annually. View details on the latest cruise offerings At: porteverglades.net Or Contact Us By E-mailing To: PortEverglades@broward.org < Previous News Next News >

Shishi Shuk Returns To Davie With Israeli Community Market Jewish Connection News Sep 10, 2026 The Shishi Shuk, A Popular Israeli Community Marketplace, Is Returning To Davie This Fall, Bringing Together Local Vendors, Artisans, Food Makers And Shoppers For A Festive Morning Of Commerce And Community. The next Shishi Shuk is scheduled for Friday, October 9th, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center on the Nina & Louis Silverman Campus, 5850 South Pine Island Road, Davie, Florida 33328. Free and open to the community, the Shuk offers visitors an opportunity to browse a wide range of products while enjoying the atmosphere of an Israeli-style marketplace. Organizers say the event is designed to provide something for everyone, whether shoppers are looking for a special gift, a handcrafted item or simply a place to gather with friends and neighbors. Visitors can expect to find Israeli vendors alongside local artisans, with merchandise ranging from Judaica and handcrafted gifts to distinctive specialty items and other unique finds. Food will also be a major part of the experience, giving attendees the chance to enjoy delicious offerings while shopping. More than a traditional market, the Shishi Shuk aims to create a sense of community. The combination of shopping, food and social interaction provides an inviting setting for people of all ages to spend part of their Friday morning. The October event is the first of several Shishi Shuk dates planned for the coming months. Additional markets are scheduled for Friday, October 9th, 2026; Friday, December 4th, 2026; Friday, January 29th, 2027; Friday, March 12th, 2027; and Friday, April 9th, 2027. Each market will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The series gives shoppers multiple opportunities to support independent vendors and artisans while discovering new products. For those preparing for holidays, celebrations or special occasions, the Shuk can also serve as a source of distinctive gifts and Judaica. The marketplace also offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs and makers to introduce their businesses to the community. Vendors interested in participating in an upcoming Shuk are encouraged to contact Maya Sharon at: msharon@dpjcc.org. Or by phone at: (954) 434-0499, Extension#: 1109. For the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, the event reflects the center’s broader role as a gathering place for Jewish life and community activities in South Florida. By bringing vendors, shoppers, families and community members together, the Shishi Shuk offers a lively way to connect while celebrating Israeli culture and local creativity. Organizers are inviting residents and visitors to mark their calendars for the Friday, October 9th, 2026 market and come ready to shop, eat and explore. With Israeli vendors, local artisans, Judaica, handcrafted merchandise, food and one-of-a-kind discoveries, the Shuk promises a morning built around both shopping and connection. The Shishi Shuk will take place on Friday, October 9th, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, 5850 South Pine Island Road, Davie, Florida 33328. Admission is free, making the marketplace an accessible opportunity for the community to enjoy a day of shopping, food and fellowship. Credit: https://www.dpjcc.org/events/2026/10/09/special-events/shishi-shuk-israeli-community-market/ Previous Next

Ronnie Lukshinski's New Hocke Shoppe: Provides Fast Cash For Pawn & Unique Jewelry & Watches For Collectors By Marylynne Newmark August 22, 2024 Share Ronnie Lukshinski is a great guy with a positive outlook. His interests are eclectic and his personality sparkles like the jewelry and watches that surround him in his Pawn and Jewelry Shop on Northeast 167th Street in North Miami Beach. Even the name of his business, A New Hocke Shoppe, is an indication of his creativity and humor. Actually, an upscale Pawn Shop where shoppers from all Socio-Economic Levels come for fast cash or to peruse the diamonds, Gold and Silver under glass and other rare and collectible items. Ronnie says he also takes pride in specializing in new and used Designer Handbags like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Chanel. Ronnie has been at this same location for more than 30 years. His step-daughter, Olga Mena, has been managing and interacting with customers for 20 of those 27 years, and Ronnie says “She runs the business. I don’t know what I would do without her!” Actually, Ronnie is not new to the jewelry business. Many old-timers to the area may remember him as owner of two Fine Jewelry Stores in the old Diplomat Mall on Hallandale Beach Boulevard almost three decades ago. Always intrigued by Jewelry and Watches, Ronnie spent a lot of his early years attending shows, frequenting Estate Sales, and visiting Pawn Shops as a collector and for resale. After selling his Jewelry business in Hallandale, he returned to that pasttime until he met the previous owner of the shop he now owns. “After all,” he said, “this is what I love, so why not buy it?” So, Ronnie became a Pawn Broker, a professional who offers Secured Loans to people with items of personal property used as collateral, much like collateral used in banking for personal loans. Lending money for collateral or pawn can be traced to the earliest ancient cultures when individuals could acquire flexible currency quickly in exchange for cattle, produce and home grown goods, but would be able to retrieve back their belongings at pre-agreed terms. Assyrian, Babylonian and Hebrew laws were written thousands of years ago to create ethical codes for the exchange of goods for currency, involving charging interest. Pawn Loans, however, involved temporarily trading valuables for funds that could be purchased back by a pre-agreed later date. Interestingly, the origins of Pawn Shops have roots in China about 3000 years ago. Working independently, Pawn Brokers would offer short term credit to peasants. Ancient Greeks and Romans continued the tradition and created business entities serving the mainstream communities, using goods as collateral that could later be retrieved. These loans assisted business owners to purchase Stock, meet Payroll, and Finance extravagances for the wealthy. Recognized as a legitimate enterprise, back in the 14th Century, it was known that King Edward III of England was a frequent browser of Pawn Shops throughout Europe. Even Queen Isabella of Spain pawned her Jewels to finance Christopher Columbus’ voyages. During the 1800's with the growth of manufacturing and the influx of immigrants, people flocked to Pawn Shops to help them through the week. At one time, it was noted that there was at least one item in Pawn Shops for every man, woman and child in New York City. They would pawn clothing, tools, quilts and anything of value, only to retrieve them as soon as they could, often on a payout basis. But the New Hocke Shoppe is more than a Pawn Shop. Ronnie Lukshinski does appraisals for Insurance, and buys jewelry that customers are ready to trade. When values on hold for Pawn are not retrieved by the agreed time, he is able to place them into stock. Customers love coming in on a regular basis just to browse his unique items, often offered at amazing prices. Pawn customers in need of fast cash appreciate the considerate services of his staff. Last year, Wilmar M. wrote in the Local Guide, “Best place ever. Very helpful and friendly staff. They are not just (here) to make money. They really do help you out of a jam.” Ronnie also buys Gold and Silver for scrap at competitive rates. As for Fine Jewelry and Watches, he offers sellers the highest dollar market value. Collectible items move quickly, especially if Ronnie or Olga are aware of customers’ interests. Musical instruments, Estate Jewelry and collector pieces are of particular interest to regular customers. And… those regulars bring others. One reviewer on Yelp (Roseanne M.) sized it up perfectly by writing “This Pawn Store is addictive. Whether you are there to buy, sell or just peruse their wares, the delightful staff is always happy to assist.” She added a thumbs up and rated the New Hocke Shoppe as 5-star. Ronnie’s affable, easy-going and accommodating personality may be rooted in his early years in the Hospitality Field after arriving in New York from Israel in 1980. After visiting friends in South Florida, he fell in love with Miami. “What’s not to love?” he asks. “It’s paradise on earth, and the people are great.” With many international friends and customers, Ronnie speaks English, Spanish, Hebrew and quoting him, “un peu Francais.” Whatever language he uses, twenty-seven years in the same location certainly speaks for itself. In fact, it shouts out good service, loyalty and trust. The New Hocke Shoppe 754 Northeast 167th Street, North Miami Beach, Florida 33162 Phone: (305) 945-4999 < Previous News Next News >

The Water Damage & Mold Solution Experts: 1st Priority Restoration Can Work Directly With Your Insurance Thu Apr 07 2022 04:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Kick Off Hollywood's Centennial Celebration - The Beginning Of A Year-Long Celebration To Honor The City's Storied Past December 30, 2024 Share The City of Hollywood invites residents and visitors to come together for a momentous occasion as it launches its Centennial Celebration. On Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., City Hall will serve as the heart of this historic event, located on the South side at 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020. This special evening will feature the unveiling of a commemorative display that pays homage to Hollywood’s 100-year journey. The unveiling marks the beginning of a year-long celebration filled with events and activities to honor the City's storied past, vibrant present, and promising future. Attendees will witness a dazzling moment as the display is brought to life, symbolizing a century of community spirit, growth, and shared achievements. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a newcomer, or a visitor, this kickoff event promises to be a memorable way to join in the celebration and reflect on the city’s legacy. History of Hollywood & It's Founder A coastal city of over 153,000 residents located in Broward County, Hollywood is nestled between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport abuts the city, while Port Everglades, the second busiest cruise port in the world, is partially within its municipal boundaries. Interstate 95, the Florida Turnpike, Tri-County Commuter Rail, and two major railroads cut through the city in a north-south direction. Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami are less than twenty-five miles away, providing further opportunities for Hollywood residents and companies to have access to the global marketplace. The region is served by a substantial post-secondary educational Infrastructure, including Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, the University of Miami, a number of smaller private universities and colleges, and a community college system. From its formal incorporation by adoption of a municipal charter on November 28, 1925, the City of Hollywood has transformed itself. Beginning as an undeveloped tract of pine forests, palmetto plants, and tangled undergrowth interspersed with tomato farms and low lying marshland, it has become the second-most populated city in Broward County and the ninth largest city in the State of Florida. Founded by the planning visionary Joseph Wesley Young, a Washington state native and former resident of California and Indiana, the original one square mile of farmland has grown to over 28.87 square miles with a gross taxable value of real and personal property of over $25 Billion. Joseph Young first arrived in South Florida in January 1920 to survey several parcels of land that would be suitable for the site of his "Dream City in Florida." His initial vision included a wide boulevard extending from the ocean westward to the edge of the Everglades with man-made lakes paralleling each side of the roadway. One end of each lake would empty into the Intracoastal Waterway and the other would serve as a twin turning basin for private yachts. Also included in Young's vision was the sectioning of Hollywood into districts, a precursor of present day zoning regulations, with a centrally located business district, large park spaces, a golf course, schools, and churches. Hollywood, in Joseph Young's vision, "will be a city for everyone - from the opulent at the top of the industrial and social ladder to the most humble of working people." Unique in Young's city plan was the incorporation of three large circles of land located along his planned principal boulevard. These circles became the sites of a ten-acre park (originally named Harding Circle and later renamed Young Circle), the City Hall complex (originally named City Hall Circle and later renamed Watson Circle), and a military academy (Academy Circle.) Academy Circle, now Presidential Circle, is the current site of a focal commercial structure. Having formerly lived in California, Young chose as the name of his "Dream City" the name of the Southern California town that had once been so attractive to him. With the formation of the Hollywood Land and Water Company, composed of twenty-six departments covering every aspect of city-building, Joseph Young began earnestly bringing to reality his vision of Hollywood. In February 1921 Young purchased at approximately $175 per acre the first parcel of land that would evolve into present-day Hollywood. Young was successful in attracting numerous potential Hollywood residents to visit and eventually purchase property in Hollywood. By 1925, the Florida real estate market had reached all-time highs with speculators constantly bidding up Hollywood real estate in a frenzy of buying. Construction continued at a rapid pace with the building of the Hollywood Boulevard Bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway at the cost of $110,000. By January 1926, Hollywood numbered approximately 2,420 dwellings with approximately 18,000 people, thirty-six apartment buildings, 252 business buildings and nine hotels either completed or under construction. The city had grown to include 18,000 acres, six-and-a-half miles of oceanfront and an assessed value of $20,000,000. With this phenomenal growth, residents from the neighboring communities of Hallandale to the south and Dania to the north petitioned the legislature and the Hollywood City Commission to permit their annexation into Hollywood. During this period, construction along Hollywood Beach was rapidly transforming the coastline. Construction was underway on the Hollywood Broadwalk, a unique cement promenade, thirty feet wide, stretching along the shoreline for a distance of one-and-a-half miles and patterned after Atlantic City's famed boardwalk. Hollywood Beach also boasted Florida's largest and best appointed bathing pavilion, the Hollywood Beach Casino located on the Broadwalk, built at a cost of $250,000 and complete with 824 dressing rooms, eighty shower baths, a shopping arcade and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The "Atlantic City of the South" added more allure with the opening in February 1926 of the Hollywood Beach Hotel, which was situated on an 800-foot expanse of oceanfront property at the eastern end of Hollywood Boulevard. The Hollywood Beach Hotel would rise seven stories in height, include 500 rooms with private baths, contain the world's largest solarium, and boast a private wire connection direct to the New York Stock Exchange for use by hotel guests. It was built at a cost of more than $3,000,000. The hotel quickly became the winter home of many northern industrialists, visiting celebrities, and the site of several of Hollywood's fanciest social affairs. On September 18, 1926, disaster struck Joseph Young's "Dream City." A vicious hurricane slammed into the South Florida Atlantic coast with Hollywood among its targets. The city was devastated by the hurricane's high winds and surging floodwaters. It claimed thirty-seven lives, uprooted trees, ripped electrical wires down, tore roofs off buildings, and flattened signboards and houses alike. Millions of dollars in property losses were incurred and the seemingly unlimited growth of Hollywood stopped overnight without warning. Again, Joseph Young took up the challenge and led in the rebuilding of Hollywood as head of the Hollywood Relief Committee. During this time of despair, the Hollywood Municipal Band would assemble on Hollywood Boulevard to play rousing marches and other inspirational music as the rebuilding was undertaken. However, the huge task of rebuilding and the financial losses inflicted by the hurricane were enormous and caused thousands of Hollywood's residents to abandon their new found homes and return to northern cities. The population of Hollywood declined precipitously from 18,000 to approximately 2,500 and property values plummeted as former residents sold properties for whatever the real estate market would yield. As a result of the turmoil, the residents of the communities of Hallandale and Dania seceded from Hollywood, refusing to pay municipal taxes to what was now, in essence, a bankrupt municipality. During this period, Hollywood had also been expanding its residential stock of homes by building new residences in the western reaches of Hollywood in an area that would become the Hollywood Hills section. Young had contracted with the Highway Construction Company of Ohio and its founder, Samuel Horvitz, to begin construction in this area. By February 1927, in the aftermath of the hurricane and the ensuing collapse of the real estate market, construction had ceased as Young found himself unable to meet financial commitments to Horvitz and other lenders. Undeterred, Joseph Young's vision of his "Dream City" included one last inspiration. While grounded in a speedboat on a mudflat in shallow Lake Mabel one afternoon, Young developed his visionary concept while awaiting rescue from his predicament. His idea was to dredge a deep-water seaport from the shallow lake north of Hollywood to the Atlantic Ocean, so that ships from around the world could dock and disembark eager visitors and tourists to Hollywood. In February 1928, Young's vision became a reality. From that initial predicament, the present day Port Everglades grew from a shallow lake into one of the busiest seaports in Florida. By the end of the decade, Hollywood's population had risen from 2,689 in 1930 to 4,500 in 1935 and to 6,239 in 1940. In the 1940s World War II came to Hollywood. The military academy site was taken over and converted into the United States Naval Air Gunners' School; the Hollywood Beach Hotel became the United States Naval Indoctrination and Training School; and the Hollywood Golf and Country Club became an entertainment and recreation center for U.S. servicemen. With the end of the war in 1945, new management was installed at the Hollywood Beach Hotel; the hotel was repainted and refurbished and building permits were secured to build the largest swimming pool and cabana club in the United States. The city's population continued to grow, reaching over 7,500 in 1945 and almost doubling to 14,351 by 1950. Even two hurricanes in the fall of 1947 failed to deter the city's renewed growth. Despite his best efforts to promote the new seaport and the City of Hollywood, Young's precarious financial situation caused him to ultimately lose control of his vast Hollywood holdings to a sheriff's auction on the steps of a Fort Lauderdale courthouse in 1930. Young continued to live in his beloved city until April 1934, when he collapsed in his Hollywood Boulevard home and died of heart failure at the age of 51. The new millennium began with nearly 20,000 new residents choosing the City of Hollywood as their new home over the previous decade. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history and experience the excitement firsthand. Let’s light up the night and illuminate the next chapter of Hollywood’s story! For more information on the year-long Centennial celebration, visit the City's official website at: www.hollywoodfl.org/100 < Previous News Next News >

Brushstrokes For History Wed Dec 13 2023 17:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 'Medical Home' in Hollywood: A Game-Changer For Patients With Sickle Cell Disease September 29, 2022 Share Samantha Miller is one of an estimated 200,000 Americans that live with sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder where normally round red blood cells contort into a sickle shape and die, leaving a shortage of healthy cells and potentially blocking blood flow to the body’s organs. “You can be fine one moment and the next moment have pain all over your body. The pain feels as if an ice pick is constantly jabbing into your bones,” said Miller, who was diagnosed at just three weeks old. The pain results from tissues not getting enough oxygen and can immediately put patients into crisis. So, while medication, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplants (in the most severe cases) can help manage symptoms, sickle cell patients require a more comprehensive approach to enable them to maintain their quality of life. That’s why Memorial has created a medical home for sickle cell patients that will soon be housed in a recently-renovated primary care location across the street from Memorial Regional Hospital’s emergency department in Hollywood. “We’ve combined all the resources of our day hospital, primary care, hematology, and social services in one location to ensure we meet all the needs of our patients that battle sickle cell disease,” said Melida Akiti, vice president of the Ambulatory Program and Community Services at Memorial Primary Care. The medical home includes infusion suites, equipment, and furniture that will be utilized by patients coping with the effects of the disease. A $300,000 contribution from the nonprofit Memorial Foundation made it possible to relocate and expand the former day hospital. “It’s a game-changer to be able to provide our patients, community, advocates, and team with world-class education, medical care, lifestyle, and life care in one place,” said Dr. Jennifer Goldman, chief of Memorial Primary Care. “We’re especially thankful for the generosity of donors and the vision of our foundation leadership that contributed to the new medical home for this disease.” A benefit to having the sickle cell day hospital within the primary care facility is an innovative addition to the patient’s electronic medical records that account for all the factors that can affect an individual’s disease and treatment. Called “social determinants of health,” these include having access to affordable, nutritious food, transportation, stable housing, the means to afford prescriptions, and more. These problems are now prominently noted alongside their disease diagnosis, ensuring clinicians and support staff are aware of the challenges a patient might be facing and know to connect them to whatever resources or assistance might be available. Additionally, Memorial Healthcare System has established a Health Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (HEDI) Council to address health inequities and identify innovative solutions to improving patient outcomes. The creation of a medical home to provide comprehensive care to sickle cell patients is a prime example of Memorial’s HEDI initiatives to innovate and advance health equity. To learn more about Memorial’s approach to treating sickle cell patients, visit https://www.mhs.net/services/cancer/types/sickle-cell < Previous News Next News >

Free FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets For Veterans, Current Military And First Responders South Florida Sun Times Jun 11, 2026 Bank Of America, The Official Bank Of FIFA World Cup 2026™, Vet Tix And FIFA Today Announced A Partnership To Provide $2.25 Million In Free World Cup 2026 Tickets To Military Veterans, Current Military And First Responders, And Their Families, Who Live In Or Near FIFA World Cup Host Cities. The tickets will be available through Vet Tix starting with the second match played in the U.S. and will include all stages of the tournament. The effort is just one way the bank is honoring America’s 250th birthday celebration and those who serve. “We are deeply grateful to partner with Bank of America and FIFA to help make 4,547 FIFA World Cup tickets available to the Veteran, Military and First Responder communities we proudly serve,” said Vet Tix Founder, CEO, and U.S. Navy veteran Michael A. Focareto III. “The opportunity for our members and their families to experience the energy, pride, and global celebration surrounding the World Cup in all 11 cities across the United States represents far more than attending a sporting event. It’s an opportunity to create unforgettable family memories and honor those who continue to serve our nation and communities every day.” As part of the initiative, BofA will contribute $2 million to Vet Tix to support the purchase and distribution of match tickets across all 11 Host Cities in the United States to add to the $250,000 also being provided by Vet Tix. Tickets will be available from the group stage to the final, with 250 tickets being set aside for U.S. Men’s National Team matches during the tournament in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. To be eligible for the tickets, Honorably Discharged Veterans and currently serving military members can sign up for an account at the Vet Tix website. Current and Retired First Responders — including Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Registered Nurses, and 911 Dispatchers — can register at the 1st Tix website. Both platforms are free to sign up. Eligibility for both programs is securely verified through ID.me. Once the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets are available, Vet Tix and 1st Tix members will receive an email alert to secure free tickets to a match in their area. “Bank of America has hired thousands of Veterans and Military Family Members, donated thousands of homes to Wounded Warriors and First Responders, and served the Military with specialized products and services for more than a century. We feel privileged to support Vet Tix in making tickets to the great games of the World Cup available to thousands more,” said Larry Di Rita, Bank of America President of Greater Washington D.C. “We also look forward to welcoming visitors to the National Mall for a great experience at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone here in our nation’s capital.” “At FIFA, we believe football is far more than just a game – it is a powerful force for good,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “As the United States marks its 250th Anniversary during this historic tournament, we are proud to work alongside Bank of America, the Official Bank Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and Vet Tix to help ensure veterans and military families across the country can be part of the greatest global sports tournament ever.” As part of its America 250 celebration, the bank will also open its signature BofA Fan Experience on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The fan experience will be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone, which is being organized by FIFA and Freedom 250 to be a free, family-friendly experience with live match viewing, youth programming, interactive exhibits, cultural showcases, food and music. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Washington D.C. will be open June 11 – July 19, the entire length of the FIFA World Cup. The BofA Fan Experience will feature FIFA World Cup 2026™ memorabilia and a demonstration of Soccer at Schools, an initiative with U.S. Soccer through the Soccer Forward Foundation designed to make soccer accessible to every school across the country by 2030. Frequently asked questions How is Bank of America involved with FIFA World Cup 2026™? Bank of America is the Official Bank of FIFA World Cup 2026™, one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. As an official sponsor, the bank is activating across all 11 U.S. host cities with fan experiences and community initiatives designed to celebrate the tournament and build a lasting legacy for soccer in the United States. How are Bank of America and FIFA providing free tickets to Veterans, Current Military and First Responders? Bank of America and FIFA have partnered with Vet Tix to provide thousands of free tickets to Veterans, current military and first responders who live in or near the 11 FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities. The number of tickets varies by venue. Tickets will be available for all stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026, from the group stage to the final, with 250 tickets being set aside for US Men’s National Team matches during the tournament in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary. How can people get these tickets? Honorably Discharged Veterans and currently serving Military Members can sign up for an account at: www.vettix.org . Current and Retired First Responders — including Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Registered Nurses, and 911 Dispatchers — can register for free at: 1sttix.org . Eligibility for both programs is securely verified through ID.me. What else is Bank of America doing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday? As part of its celebration of America 250, the bank will also open its signature BofA Fan Experience on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.The fan experience will be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone, which is being organized by FIFA and Freedom 250 to be a free, family-friendly experience with live match viewing, youth programming, interactive exhibits, cultural showcases, food and music. The bank also announced it provided a $5 million founding gift to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and is assessing and conserving 110 historic presidential portraits through sponsorship of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. FIFA FIFA exists to govern football and to develop the game around the world. Since 2016, the organization has been fast evolving into a body that can more effectively serve the game for the benefit of the entire world. As a not-for-profit organization, FIFA – which organizes the FIFA World Cup™️, FIFA Women’s World Cup™️, and FIFA Club World Cup™️, among many other international competitions – reinvests its revenues into a wide range of football development programs, providing funds, infrastructure and know-how to its member associations. Veteran Tickets Foundation Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free event tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, and family activities to currently serving military members, veterans of all eras, and the immediate family of those killed in action. Vet Tix is the largest veteran service organization in the United States. Since 2008, Vet Tix has provided more than 37 million free event tickets to more than 2.6 million members. In 2018, Vet Tix launched 1st Tix, which provides the same benefit to our nation’s First Responders, including Current and Retired Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, EMTs, and 911 Dispatchers. These events help Service Members, Veterans, and First Responders reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build lifelong memories, and stay engaged with American life and their local communities. Vet Tix spends over 99 percent of its revenue on its programs, ensuring we give back to those who have given so much. Visit: www.VetTix.org and the 1st Tix website to learn more. Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million clients with approximately 3,500 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. As the #1 small business lender in the United States (FDIC), Bank of America offers industry leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. $2.25 Million in free World Cup 2026 tickets to Military Veterans, Current Military and First Responders, and their families, who live in or near FIFA World Cup host cities. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. Previous Next

Celebrating Musical Nostalgia: Friday Night Sound Waves Returns With Fan-Favorite Bands Thu Apr 18 2024 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Trickle in History: Pembroke Pines Resident Wins International Writing Contest October 20, 2022 Share Pembroke Pines, Florida resident Elaine Midcoh is a winner in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest earning her a trip to Hollywood, a week-long master-class workshop and her winning story will be published in the international bestselling anthology, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39. Elaine Midcoh (the pen name for Elaine Cohen) lives in Pembroke Pines, Florida. She is an attorney and, before retiring, served as an Associate Dean and Professor at Broward College where she spent many happy years teaching Law and Criminal Justice to undergraduates. She has been a life-long fan of science fiction since watching the original Star Trek at age seven. By age ten she was avidly consuming the paperbacks of Heinlein, Asimov and other sci-fi greats. In time she came to love history too and majored in that in college. Her winning story, "A Trickle in History," combines Elaine's love for both sci-fi and history, and is also about family, loyalty and the fight to maintain one's identity in terrible circumstances. This is Elaine's second time appearing in "The Writers of the Future." She was a published finalist in WotF v. 37 with her story, "The Battle of Donasi." Elaine's science fiction has also appeared in the magazines Galaxy's Edge and Daily Science Fiction and in the anthology "Compelling Science Fiction" (Flame Tree Press, Oct. 2022). Her story "Man on the Moon" was named the winner of the 2022 Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award ( read it at: www.baen.com/man-on-the-moon ). Her historical fiction has appeared in the literary journals, Jewish Fiction.net and The Sunlight Press. The Contest, one of the most prestigious writing and illustrating competitions in the world, is currently in its 39th year and is judged by some of the premier names in speculative fiction. The Writers of the Future Contest judges include, Tim Powers (author of On Stranger Tides), Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert (Dune prequel series), Robert J. Sawyer (Quantum Night), Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn series, The Stormlight Archive), Larry Niven (Ringworld), Orson Scott Card (Ender’s Game), Nnedi Okorafor (Who Fears Death), David Farland (Runelords), and Katherine Kurtz (Deryni series) to name a few. The Illustrators of the Future Contest judges include, Bob Eggleton (11 Chesley Awards and 7 Hugo Awards), Larry Elmore (Dungeons & Dragons book covers), Echo Chernik (graphic designs for major corporations including Celestial Seasonings tea packaging), Rob Prior (art for Spawn, Heavy Metal comics and Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Ciruelo (Eragon Coloring Book). Following the 1982 release of his internationally acclaimed bestselling science fiction novel, Battlefield Earth, written in celebration of 50 years as a professional writer, L. Ron Hubbard created the Writers of the Future (writersofthefuture.com) in 1983 to provide a means for aspiring writers of speculative fiction to get that much-needed break. Due to the success of the Writers of the Future Contest, the companion Illustrators of the Future Contest was inaugurated five years later. The intensive mentoring process has proven very successful. The 382 past winners of the Illustrating Contest have produced over 6,000 illustrations, 360 comic books, graced 624 books and albums with their art and visually contributed to 68 TV shows, and 40 major movies. The 452 past winners of the Writing Contest have published 1,150 novels and nearly 4,500 short stories. They have produced 32 New York Times bestsellers and their works have sold over 60 million copies. The Writers and Illustrators of the Future Award is the genre’s most prestigious award of its kind and has now become the largest, most successful and demonstrably most influential vehicle for budding creative talent in the world of contemporary fiction. Since inception, the Writers and Illustrators of the Future contests have produced 38 anthology volumes and awarded over $1,000,000 cumulatively in prize moneys and royalties. For more information about the Contests, go to www.WritersoftheFuture.com < Previous News Next News >

COVID-19 Omicron Variant: When & If You Need To Seek Treatment For You & Your Pet January 20, 2022 Share As the highly contagious COVID-19 omicron variant continues to spread across the nation, it’s important to understand what to do next if you suspect you have COVID-19 or test positive for the virus. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or suspect you might have contracted the virus, you can find a community testing site near you by visiting https://www.browardhealth.org/pages/being-healthy-testing Broward Health’s Emergency Departments are not COVID-19 testing sites. Although omicron is more infectious, the good news is that it appears to have milder symptoms compared to previous variants. If you do test positive for COVID-19 and you’re experiencing mild symptoms, it’s best to stay home to recover instead of visiting the Emergency Department. “There’s no need to seek emergency treatment if you are experiencing mild symptoms,” said Joshua Lenchus, D.O., interim chief medical officer at Broward Health. “Stay home, sleep, stay hydrated and take traditional over-the-counter medications to treat your symptoms.” Please seek emergency medical care if you or your loved one is experiencing more severe COVID-19 symptoms, such as: • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath. • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. • New confusion. • Inability to wake or stay awake. As we continue fighting new variants of COVID-19, there are effective ways to protect you and your loved ones from serious illness and hospitalization, Dr. Lenchus said. “The most powerful tool to fight this virus is for everyone to get vaccinated and receive the recommended booster shot,” he said. “Wear your mask indoors, wash your hands and practice physical distancing when necessary to help prevent the spread of this disease.” For more information about how to treat COVID-19, consult your physician or call the free, 24/7 Nurse Connect line at 954-320-5730. For additional information visit https://www.browardhealth.org/pages/being-healthy-testing Does The COVID-19 Omicron Variant Spread Affect Pets? COVID-19 cases are spiking across the country. As pet owners quarantine, questions of pet safety against this disease and the quickly spreading omicron variant continue to arise as well. Drs. Sarah Hamer and Lori Teller, both associate professors at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, offer insight on how the spread of the omicron variant may affect pets and the precautions owners should take. Hamer, who has been leading a research team in examining how COVID-19 is impacting our pets since summer 2020, said she anticipates dogs and cats will continue to be exposed to the same strains of COVID-19 that are circulating in humans. “In our study here at Texas A&M University, we have sampled more than 580 household pets that all live where at least one person was infected with COVID-19, and we confirmed infections in about 100 animals,” Hamer said. “As far as we know, pet infections result from spillover from humans; infected people who share space with their pets can infect their pets, just as humans can infect other people.” Hamer’s research team has discovered that some of the variants that have circulated among humans have also been present in their animals; because omicron is transmitted among humans much easier than other variants, researchers suspect it is likely to transmit easier among pets as well. “Our team was the first to find the alpha variant of concern in a pet dog and cat that had mild symptoms of disease — just some sneezing that resolved after several days,” Hamer said. “Fortunately, our active surveillance is revealing that COVID infections in animals are generally not major concerns for the health of dogs and cats, as only about one-quarter of the infected animals were reported to have signs of disease by their owner, and in all cases, they were mild. “However, considering these high rates of omicron variant transmission, it is important that pet owners realize animals are susceptible to infection, just like other humans, so that they can isolate from their animals if they develop symptoms, are awaiting test results, or get a positive result,” Hamer said. Pets with COVID-19 typically exhibit mild upper respiratory signs, according to Teller; any pet suspected to have COVID-19 should be examined by their veterinarian. “Most pets will not be symptomatic, but if a pet has been exposed to someone with COVID, and the pet exhibits signs of a respiratory infection, then testing for a variety of pathogens that cause respiratory disease can be checked,” Teller said. “Your veterinarian can request that COVID be included in the respiratory panel. “Generally, if an animal is symptomatic, the symptoms are mild, and the pet can be treated with supportive care,” Teller said. “This includes plenty of rest and fluids and, on occasion, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce any discomfort.” Teller said that because avoiding all contact with a pet while isolating may be difficult for some pet owners, it is OK if owners need to keep their pets at home with them. “Pets are a tremendous source of comfort, especially when we are sick, and we understand that you may want share a brief snuggle with your pet,” Teller said. “Talk to your veterinarian–if your pet is healthy and your veterinarian agrees, take appropriate precautions and enjoy a short time of togetherness.” Around the world, many mammal species in zoos have been confirmed as infected with COVID-19. While many of these animals are now being vaccinated, these vaccines currently are not being considered for household pets. Although COVID-19 continues, medical teams and researchers, alike, are learning new ways to better protect both human beings and those around us, including our furry friends, from this disease. By continuing to get tested and self-isolating when needed, together, we can work to prevent the spread of COVID-19. < Previous News Next News >