Fall Into Fun: Third Annual Pumpkins & Palm Trees Fall Fest Thu Sep 21 2023 16:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

It's Time To LOL Again: Three Great Performances This Season In Aventura December 12, 2022 Share Comedy is returning to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, the Stand-Up Comedy Series presented by the city of Aventura features three great performances this season! The series will include the comedy of Bobby Collins, Modi and Henry Cho. Bobby Collins - January 19, 2023 Comedian Bobby Collins has distinguished himself as one of the Premier Comedians in our country. He has an ability to truthfully translate the human condition. Audiences across the country relate to his comedic characterizations as he exposes the humor of day-to-day situations as well as serving up resplendent rants on world events. Through precise physical timing and impeccable audience insight, he has honed his talents while performing from hole in the wall clubs to sold out theaters. Bobby Collins’ rise to top headlining, comedic master was inevitable. His true dedication to his craft is what keeps his vibrant shows consistently sold out. A native New Yorker, Collins possesses a confidence and genuine everyman likability that can only be earned. He knows what it’s like to work a day job, in order to pursue a dream. He’s flipped his share of burgers, as well as signing on as a substitute high school history teacher, to pay the bills – all the while performing in comedy clubs at night. Modi - February 8 - 9, 2023 Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs. Henry Cho - March 23, 2023 Henry’s TV credits include appearances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, CBS’s The Late, Late, Show, and NBC’s Young Comedians Special. He served two years as host of NBC’s Friday Night Videos and had many guest roles on various network sitcoms. Henry was co-creator, co-producer and co-writer of “The Henry Cho Show” on GAC. Henry’s one hour Comedy Central Special, “What’s That Clickin Noise?” is currently running and on Netflix. Henry can also be heard daily on Sirrus, XM, Blue Collar Radio and Pandora. He’s also a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry. Some of Henry’s film credits include Universal’s McHale’s Navy with Tom Arnold and David Allen Greer; Say It Isn’t So with Heather Graham and Sally Field; and Material Girls with Hilary Duff and Angelica Houston produced by Madonna. Tickets Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. You can purchase tickets online at www.aventuracenter.org - by phone at: 877.311.7469 or 954.462.0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: 954.660.6307. Parking Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of Excellence School. Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, in the circular drive. There is a convenient drop-off area in front of the building. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura. < Previous News Next News >

Step Afrika! To Wow Audiences At The Parker January 15, 2025 Share Audiences won’t want to miss the opportunity to see Step Afrika!, the world’s first professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping and one of the top 10 African American dance companies in the U.S. Step Afrika! will kick off Black History Month, performing in the Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker on January 29th at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Broward Center’s Mosaic Series. Step Afrika! is comprised of 17 full-time dancers—all college graduates—many who attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and are members of Historically Black Greek Fraternities and Sororities. Founded in 1994, as an exchange program with the Soweto Dance Theatre of Johannesburg, Step Afrika! is the first professional dance company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping and is the largest African American-led arts organization in Washington, DC, and Washington, DC’s only cultural ambassador. As part of the world’s first interactive stepping exhibit, thousands experience Step Afrika! at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture each day as part of the museum’s Explore More! interactive gallery. In addition, Step Afrika! engages 50,000 college students across the nation, teaches teamwork and discipline to 100 kids as part of the Summer Steps with Step Afrika! summer camp, and expands culture-based arts education for more than 20,000 Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia school students each year. The company engages tens of thousands each year through a 50-city tour of American colleges and theaters and performs globally as an official U.S. Cultural Ambassador. In 2023, Step Afrika! was inducted into the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Hall of Fame, the first dance company to earn this honor. Step Afrika! Founder C. Brian Williams was named a 2022 National Heritage Fellow and is featured in Roots of American Culture: A Cross-Country Visit with Living Treasures of the Folk and Traditional Arts (2022). Step Afrika!’s most recent international tours have promoted cultural dialogue and exchange in Jordan (2018), Ghana (2018). Croatia (2019), Ukraine (2019), Zambia (2019), Angola (2019), South Africa (2019), Dubai (2020), Poland (2022), Slovenia (2022), Bolivia (2022), and Kuwait (2023). There will be a free community workshop with members of Step Afirka! company on Tuesday, January 28th at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, 1409 Northwest 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311. For information about this workshop and details on registration, please email Gustavo Padrino at: gpadrino@browardcenter.org . Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com - And at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222. And in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The Broward Center 2024/2025 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the main campus of Nova Southeastern University, and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County, The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org . The Parker The Parker is Fort Lauderdale’s iconic, heritage theater presenting concerts, comedy, dance, family fare and more. Beautifully renovated in 2021, The Parker offers audiences enhanced entertainment and hospitality experiences. The neo-classical Lillian S. Wells Hall features outstanding acoustics, unobstructed sightlines, wide rows and continental seating. The grand S. Donald Sussman Lobby, Bernie Peck’s Bar, the intimate Haller Club, and the private members’ lounge, The Place To Be, provide ample opportunities for audiences to enjoy culture, cocktails and conversation with every visit to the theater. For more information, visit: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com < Previous News Next News >

The Grand Klezmer Concert: For many retirees and seniors, this is THE EVENT OF THE YEAR January 26, 2024 Share Zevy Steiger and Aryeh Leib Hurwitz, two world-renowned chazzanim and the Miami Klezmer Band will delight South Florida with authentic Klezmer, Yiddish and other great Jewish music! These two cantors, together with beyond amazing musicians will rock the house with their magnificent voices, and beyond amazing musicians. United Jewish Generations, a Chabad organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for the Jewish senior citizen population, is proud to present this “out-of-this-world” concert which is a true delicacy for seniors.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy this beautiful music with the highest caliber musicians and cantors, and we therefore provide the most incredible entertainment and yet we offer tickets at a price everyone can afford,” says Rabbi Menachem Smith, Director of United Jewish Generations.
The performance will take place on Sunday, February 4th at 2:00 p.m. at the Julius Littman Performing Arts Theatre at 17011 Northeast 19th Avenue in North Miami Beach. 
Tickets are priced at $10, $15, $20, $25, $36, $50, and $100. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.unitedjewishgenerations.com - the link is at the end of this article - or in North Miami Beach/Aventura at Aspaclaria Judaica (Ticket Sales from 10AM-2PM ONLY) at 18240 West Dixie Highway. Tickets can also be purchased in Miami Beach at Torah Treasures at 524 W. 41st Street, If you need transportation or help purchasing tickets, please call: (954) 458-6000.

This group of exceptional Klezmerists includes internationally acclaimed Clarinetist Jaime Bronsztein from the Jaime Bronsztein Klezmer Band, Accordianist Pinchus Sadkhin originally the director of the Tumba Lalaika Band in Chicago, Violinist Dr Steffen Zeichner from FIU School of Music, and other incredible Klezmerists. Attendees are encouraged to buy tickets early to attain the best seats, and also keep in mind that this event has sold out in the past! For more info, please email: admin@unitedjewishgenerations.com. Or call: (954) 458-6000. You can purchase tickets at: https://www.unitedjewishgenerations.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/6264704/jewish/Grand-Klezmer-Concert.htm < Previous News Next News >

5 Things To Know About the Delta Variant: The Predominant COVID-19 Strain Has Put The Focus Back On Prevention By Kathy Katella - Yale Medicine August 19, 2021 Share Even as people began to feel some hope - or at least, have some cautious optimism, early this summer, that the Pandemic, could recede to the background, there was still the threat that new mutations, of the COVID-19 Virus, could bring it back and it might be, even stronger. A major worry right now is Delta, a highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 Virus Strain, which, was first identified in India, in December. It swept rapidly through that country and Great Britain, before, reaching the U.S., where it is now, The Predominant Variant. The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), described The Delta Variant, as more transmissible, than the Common Cold, Influenza, as well as the Viruses that cause: Smallpox, MERS, SARS, Ebola and even called it, as contagious as Chickenpox, in an internal document, a copy of which, was obtained by and reported on, in The New York Times. The highest spread of Cases and severe outcomes, is happening in places with Low Vaccination Rates, virtually all hospitalizations and deaths, have been among the Unvaccinated, The CDC says. But, The CDC released data in July, that showed, Vaccinated People, can also transmit The Delta Variant, which officials, did not believe to be the case with other Variants, which led the agency to make a prompt revision, to its masking guidelines. Inci Yildirim, M.D., Ph.D., a Yale Medicine Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist and a Vaccinologist, isn’t surprised by what’s happening. “All viruses evolve over time and undergo changes, as they spread and replicate,” she says. From what we know so far, people who are fully Vaccinated against the COVID-19, continue to have strong protection against COVID-19, compared to those, who aren’t. But anyone who is Unvaccinated and not practicing preventive strategies, is at high risk for infection, by the new Variant, doctors say. Here are five things you need to know about the Delta Variant. 1. The Delta Variant, Is More Contagious Than, The Other Virus Strains Are: One thing that is unique about The Delta Variant, is how quickly, it is spreading, says F. Perry Wilson, M.D., a Yale Medicine Epidemiologist. Around the world, he says, “Delta, will certainly accelerate the Pandemic.” The first Delta Variant Case, was identified in December 2020, The Delta Variant, soon became the Predominant Strain of the Virus, in both India and Great Britain. By the end of July, The Delta Variant, was the cause, of more than 80% of new U.S. COVID-19 Cases, according to The CDC's estimates. The July 2021 CDC report, on The Delta Variant's transmissibility, came after an outbreak that occurred in Provincetown, Massachusetts, after a crowded July 4th Weekend, which, quickly turned into a cluster of at least 470 Cases. While the number of reported Breakthrough Cases in general, has been very low in the U.S., three quarters of those infected in Provincetown, were people who had been immunized. According to The CDC, even people with “Breakthrough Cases,” carry tremendous amounts of Virus in their nose and throat, according to preliminary reports, it can spread the Virus to others, whether they have symptoms or not. The CDC has labeled Delta as, “A Variant Of Concern,” using a designation, also given to The Alpha Strain, that had first appeared, in Great Britain, The Beta Strain, first surfaced in South Africa and The Gamma Strain, was identified in Brazil. (The new naming conventions for the Variants, were established by the WHO as an alternative, to numerical names. “It’s actually quite dramatic, how the growth rate will change,” says Dr. Wilson, commenting on The Delta Variant's spread in the U.S., in June. The Delta Variant, was spreading 50% faster than Alpha, which was 50% more contagious, than the Original Strain of SARS-CoV-2, he says. “In a completely unmitigated environment, where no one is Vaccinated or wearing masks, it’s estimated, that the average person, infected with the original COVID-19 Strain, will infect 2.5 other people,” Dr. Wilson says. “In the same environment, The Delta Variant, would spread from one person to maybe, 3.5 or 4, other people.” “Because of the math, it grows exponentially and more quickly,” he says. “So, what seems like a fairly modest rate of infectivity, can cause a Virus, to dominate very quickly.” 2. Unvaccinated People Are At Risk: People who have not been fully Vaccinated against COVID-19 are the most, at risk. In the U.S., there is a disproportionate number of Unvaccinated people in Southern and Appalachian states including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri and West Virginia, where Vaccination rates are low. (In some of these states, the number of Cases is on the rise and even as, some other states are lifting restrictions, because, their cases are going down). Kids and young people, are a concern as well. “A recent study from the United Kingdom, showed that children and adults under 50, were 2.5 times more likely, to become infected with The Delta Variant,” says Dr. Yildirim and so far, no Vaccine has been approved, for children 5 to 12 in the U.S., although the U.S. and a number of other countries, have either authorized Vaccines for adolescents and young children, or are, considering them. “As older age groups get Vaccinated, those who are younger and Unvaccinated, will be at a higher risk of getting COVID-19 with any Variant,” says Dr. Yildirim. “But The Delta Variant, seems to be impacting younger age groups, more than Previous Variants did.” 3. The Delta Variant, could lead to 'Hyperlocal Outbreaks': If The Delta Variant, continues to move fast enough, to accelerate the Pandemic, Dr. Wilson, says that the biggest questions will be, about the heightened transmissibility, on how many people will get The Delta Variant and then, how fast, will it spread? The answers could depend, in part, on where you live and how many people, in your location, are vaccinated, he says. “I call it ‘Patchwork Vaccination,’ where you have these pockets, that are highly Vaccinated, that are adjacent to places, that only have, a 20% Vaccination,” Dr. Wilson says. “The problem is, that this allows the virus to hop, skip and jump, from one poorly Vaccinated area, to another one.” In some cases, a Low-Vaccination Town, that is surrounded by High Vaccination Areas, could end up with the Virus, contained within its borders and the result could be, “Hyperlocal Outbreaks,” he says. “Then, the Pandemic, could look different, than what we’ve seen before, where, there are real hotspots, around the country.” Some experts say the U.S., is in a good position, because of its relatively, High Vaccination Rates—or that conquering The Delta Variant, will take a race between Vaccination Rates and The Variant. But if The Delta Variant keeps moving fast, multiplying infections in the U.S., could steepen, an upward COVID-19 Curve, Dr. Wilson says. So, instead of a three or four year Pandemic, that peters out, once enough people are Vaccinated or are Naturally Immune, (because they have had the Virus), an uptick in Cases, would be compressed into a shorter period of time. “That sounds almost like a good thing,” Dr. Wilson says. “It’s not.” If too many people are infected at once in a particular area, the local health care system will become overwhelmed and more people, will die, he says. While that might be less likely to happen in the U.S., it will be the case in other parts of the world, he adds. “That’s something, we have to worry about, a lot.” 4. There Is Still More To Learn About The Delta Variant: One important question is, whether or not, The Delta Variant's Strain, will make you sicker, than the Original Virus would. But many scientists say, they don’t know yet. Early information about the severity of The Delta Variant's Study, included a Study from Scotland, that showed The Delta Variant, was about twice as likely as, The Alpha Variant, to result in hospitalization, in Unvaccinated Individuals, but, other data has shown, no significant differences. Another question focuses on, how The Delta Variant, affects the body. There have been reports of symptoms, that are different, than those associated, with the Original COVID-19 Strain, Dr. Yildirim says. “It seems like cough and loss of smell, are less common, headache, sore throat, runny nose and fever, are present, based on the most recent surveys in the U.K., where more than 90%, of the Cases, are due to the Delta Variant's Strain,” she says. It’s unclear, whether The Delta Variant, could cause more Breakthrough Cases with infections, in people who have been Vaccinated or have A Natural Immunity, from a prior COVID-19 Infection. This question is being revisited, after the Provincetown Outbreak. “Breakthrough is a big question,” Dr. Wilson says. “At least with Immunity, from the MRNA Vaccines, it doesn’t look, like it will be a problem.” A Public Health England Analysis (In a preprint, that has not yet been peer-reviewed) and shown that, at least two Vaccines are effective, against The Delta Variant. The Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine was 88% effective, against symptomatic diseases and 96% effective, against hospitalizations, from The Delta Variant, in the studies, while Oxford AstraZeneca, (which is not an MRNA Vaccine) was 60% effective, against symptomatic disease and 93% effective against hospitalizations. The studies tracked participants, who were fully Vaccinated, with both of the recommended doses. Moderna, has also reported on studies (not yet peer-reviewed) that showed, its Vaccine, to be effective, against The Delta Variant and from Several Other Mutations, (researchers noted, only a ”modest reduction in Neutralizing Titers,” against The Delta Variant, when compared to its effectiveness against the Original COVID-19). “So, your risk is significantly lower, than someone who has not been Vaccinated and you are safer than you were, before you got your vaccines,” Dr. Yildirim says. Will Vaccinated People need Booster Shots to protect against The Delta Variant? Some experts say, it’s too soon to know, whether we will need a Booster modified to target The Delta Variant or to bolster protection against the Original COVID-19. But both Pfizer and Moderna, are working on boosters, although, they would still face the hurdle, of getting FDA Authorization for them. While the Biden Administration Officials have not made a commitment to boosters, in July, it said a third shot of the two MRNA Vaccines, might be necessary for people over 65 years of age and those with Compromised Immune Systems. Johnson & Johnson also has reported that its Vaccine, is effective against The Delta Variant, but one recent study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal, suggests that its Vaccine, is less effective against The Delta Variant, which has prompted discussion, over whether or not, J&J Recipients, might also, need a Booster. There are additional questions and concerns about The Delta Variant, including The Delta Variant Plus, A Sub-Variant Of The Delta Variant, that has been found in the U.S., the U.K. and in, other countries. “The Delta Variant Plus, has one additional mutation, to what The Delta Variant has,” says Dr. Yildirim. This mutation, called K417N, affects the Spike Protein, that The COVID-19 Virus, needs to infect cells and that is the main target, for the MRNA and other Vaccines, she says. “Delta Plus Variant, has been reported first in India, but, the type of mutation, was reported in Variants, such as: The Beta Variant, that emerged earlier. More data is needed to determine, the actual rate of spread and impact of this New Variant on Disease Burdens and Outcomes,” Dr. Yildirim adds. 5. Vaccination Is The Best Protection Against The Delta Variant: The most important thing you can do to protect yourself, from The Delta Variant, is to get fully Vaccinated, the doctors say. At this point, that means, if you get a Two-Dose Vaccine, like The Pfizer or The Moderna, for example, you must get both shots and then wait, the recommended two-week period, for those shots to take full effect. Whether or not you are Vaccinated, it’s also important, to follow the CDC's Prevention Guidelines, that are available for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated People. “Like everything in life, this is an ongoing risk assessment,” says Dr. Yildirim. “If it is sunny and you’ll be outdoors, you put on, sunscreen. If you are in a crowded gathering, potentially with Unvaccinated People, you put your mask on and keep Social Distancing. If you are Unvaccinated and eligible for the Vaccine, the best thing you can do is, to get, Vaccinated.” Face masks can provide additional protection and the WHO, has encouraged mask-wearing even among, Vaccinated People. The CDC updated its Guidance, in July to recommend that both Vaccinated and Unvaccinated individuals, wear masks in public, indoor settings, in areas of high transmission to help prevent The Delta Variant’s spread and to protect others, especially those who are Immunocompromised, Unvaccinated, or at risk for severe disease. The agency is also recommending that universal, indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools. Of course, there are many people who cannot get the Vaccine, because their doctor has advised them against it, for health reasons or because personal logistics or difficulties, have created roadblocks or they may choose, not to get it. Will The Delta Variant, be enough to encourage those who can get Vaccinated, to do so? No one knows for sure, but it’s possible, says Dr. Wilson, who encourages anyone, who has questions about Vaccinations, to talk to their family doctor. “When there are Local Outbreaks, Vaccine Rates go up,” Dr. Wilson says. “We know, that if someone you know, gets really sick and goes to the hospital, it can change your risk calculus, a little bit. That could start happening more. I’m hopeful that we will see, The Vaccine Rates, go up.” Katella, Kathy. “5 Things To Know About the Delta Variant.” Yale Medicine. Originally published: June 28th, 2021. Updated: August 3rd, 2021. Please see: www.yalemedicine.org/news/5-things-to-know-delta-variant-covid ” < Previous News Next News >

Room-By-Room Tips For Clutter-Free Spaces By Feature Impact Sep 17, 2026 A Well-Organized Home Isn't About Perfection. It's About Creating Systems That Make Everyday Life Easier. When Everything Has A Place, It's Simpler To Maintain And Keep Clutter From Creeping Back In. Experts often recommend tackling organization one room at a time, sorting items into categories like keep, donate or discard before finding the right storage solutions. If your home could use a refresh, start small and work your way through each space with these organization tips. Entryway A dedicated "drop zone" ensures items used daily don't end up scattered throughout the house. However, the entryway is also one of the easiest places for clutter to pile up. To keep it tidy: • Install wall hooks for coats, bags and backpacks • Use a small bench or basket for shoes • Add a tray or bowl for keys, sunglasses and everyday essentials Kitchen One of the most-used rooms in nearly every home, kitchen organization is key to making daily routines smoother. To stay organized: • Clear unnecessary items off countertops • Group pantry items by category, such as snacks, baking supplies and canned goods • Store rarely used appliances in cabinets or a pantry Living Room Living rooms often serve many purposes, from relaxing and entertaining to working or studying. The key is creating storage that blends seamlessly with your decor: • Use decorative baskets for blankets, magazines and toys • Choose furniture with hidden storage like ottomans or coffee tables • Keep remotes and small electronics in a designated tray or organizer Bedroom Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. Too much clutter can make it harder to relax and unwind. To maintain order: • Keep only essential items on nightstands • Rotate seasonal clothing to free up closet space • Use under-bed storage bins for extra linens or off-season clothes Bathroom Bathrooms often have limited space, so smart storage solutions are essential: • Keep countertops clear except for frequently used products • Separate backup supplies from daily-use items, which should be stored for quick access • Use over-the-door organizers for towels or extra storage Home Office Whether you work remotely or simply manage household tasks, an organized office helps you stay focused. To improve productivity and reduce distractions: • Digitize or recycle unnecessary paperwork • Use desk trays and organizers for supplies • Create labeled folders or a filing system for important documents Storage Areas Garages, basements and storage rooms can quickly become catch-all spaces. A little planning can make them much easier to manage: • Label bins for seasonal decorations, tools or sports equipment • Use shelving and wall storage to maximize vertical space • Keep an inventory list for larger storage areas With a little planning and the right habits, a well-organized home becomes easier to maintain. Find more ideas at: www.eLivingtoday.com . Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Previous Next

A Fresh Taste of Creativity: Hallandale Beach's New Shipping Container Restaurant Brings Unique Dining Concept to Broward County May 16, 2023 Share The City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is thrilled to welcome the first shipping container restaurant in Broward County, KAO Bar & Grill, to the newly rebranded District 8, formerly the Fashion and Art District (FAAD). The grand opening of KAO Bar & Grill will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, from Noon to 11:00 pm, located at 11 NE 1st Avenue. KAO Bar & Grill is a two-story unique concept of a shipping container restaurant that perfectly adds to Hallandale Beach's vibrant and diverse community. The restaurant is a 5,000-square-foot design hand-painted by artist Falopapas. KAO offers indoor dining with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor patio, and a 14-seat full bar. Customers can expect an immersive dining experience with Argentine grill-inspired cuisine. "The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) is excited to have KAO Bar & Grill in Hallandale Beach and District 8," said City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle. The HBCRA has invested over half a million dollars to position KAO in the heart of our community, District 8, confident that this restaurant will be a great addition to our city." District 8, where KAO Bar & Grill restaurant is located, has been undergoing significant redevelopment in recent years, transforming into a thriving design district focusing on innovative concepts and businesses. Adding KAO Bar & Grill to the district is a testament to the City of Hallandale Beach's and HBCRA's commitment to creating a unique, diverse, and progressive community for residents and visitors. The grand opening of KAO Bar & Grill promises an unforgettable experience with a chance to sample some of their delectable menu items. There will also be chalk artists and possibly a live mural painting during the event. Surrounding businesses in District 8 will show their support for the launch of KAO Bar & Grill by activating their space with light refreshments. The City of Hallandale Beach encourages everyone to come out and celebrate the opening. Parking will be available in the FEC Parking lot on NE 1st Avenue and 3rd Street. A free bus shuttle service called the “Freebee” is provided by the HBCRA and will transport guests to and from KAO Bar & Grill. The HBCRA is also offering an exclusive 30-day promotion on Uber and Lyft for “D8 Night.” Receive $25 off per ride for two rides to and from KAO. Take advantage of this offer using the links and codes below: Uber: https://r.uber.com/rMVboiIteeK Code: rMVboiIteeK Lyft: https://lyft.com/lp/HBD8NITE Code: HBD8NITE MORE INFORMATION: For more information on KAO Bar & Grill, District 8, and the D8 Night ride promotion, please visit: https://cohbcra.org/BeLocal/ Or contact Public Information Officer, Kisha Eugene at: keugene@cohb.org About the City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency: The mission of the Hallandale Beach CRA is to promote economic development and enhance quality of life by eliminating and preventing blighted conditions through the facilitation of community partnerships, business growth, job creation, and neighborhood rehabilitation. Learn more: https://cohbcra.org/about/ < Previous News Next News >

Who Owns The Beach In Florida? And Why Does It Matter? By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate July 26, 2023 Share I last sent this article about a year ago, though for the benefit of the thousands of new Florida property owners and residents, here it is again today. Florida has over 1,300 miles of coastline and over 650 miles of sandy beaches, according to the Florida Department of State. Some of that beachfront is privately owned (about 60%), while the rest is State, County, or City controlled. For decades, there have been ongoing questions over who can use certain stretches of beach along Florida's Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. We will be discussing the ownership of beachfront property and what might be considered "using" a certain stretch of beach. Keep in mind that ownership, allowed use, and enforcement can be VERY different considerations. Let's start with a definition of the Mean High Water Line (MHWL), an important measurement when it comes to beachfront property lines. Florida Statutes 177.27(14) and (15) establish the MHWL as the average height (elevation) of high tide saltwater at a specific location on the shore over a 19-year period. Most of us who go to Florida beaches think of a high-tide mark as how far water comes onto the beach (distance) at high tide on any given day. Same basic concept, just different ways to look at it. The MHWL measurement uses an average because beach sand and bottom contours change every time the tide goes in or out, and definitely whenever a Hurricane makes landfall. It is usually just surveyors who deal with the technical MHWL, which can be very difficult and involved to precisely locate. The simpler version of this has become the "wet sand / dry sand" public interpretation of beach access and use. Why is this important? Because the State of Florida holds all land seaward of the MHWL ("high tide line") in trust for use by Florida residents and visitors - the public. Remember that during low tides, some of the dry sand close to the water was wet during the last high tide so the "wet sand / dry sand" rule isn't literal to circumstances all the time. It is the average high tide line (MHWL) that always applies whether that stretch of beach is currently experiencing a low or high tide. On coastal Florida beaches, sand that has been wet from normal Ocean or Gulf waves and tide action is always public access and use, dry sand can be either public or private. Though it's not quite that simple. It depends entirely on how far a recorded private property line extends toward the water. Privately-owned beachfront property can extend to the MHWL, including all the dry sand. Though not all beachfront private property lines extend all the way to that average high tide line. The recorded Deed has to be examined to see if they do or not. A quick informal reference can be the County's aerial photo with lot line overlays, usually available on the County Appraiser's Office website. In the Appraiser's Office aerials to the right, the upper property extends all the way to the MHWL, while the lower one does not. In VERY simple terms, the owners of the upper property may be able to prevent the public from walking along the dry sand between their house and the high tide line, which is deeded private property in this case. The owners of the lower property do not have the same right to exclude public use because their private property does not extend all the way to the water. In addition to individual residential owners, other entities may be able to enforce private beachfront rights when their properties extend to the MHWL: • Hotels and other lodging, food, and recreational businesses • Condominium Associations • Private Clubs • HOA Master Associations The County (and/or incorporated City) in which a property is located has the authority to charge owners property taxes. They also establish, recognize, and provide enforcement procedures for individual owners' property rights...including the rights of beachfront property owners to control who can walk or sit on the dry sand beach in front of their houses. Counties and Cities also own and maintain large stretches of beach for public use and enjoyment. Everyone can walk, sit, play, and swim wherever they like. In these areas, private beachfront lots end at the vegetation line between dry sand and the property's private yard, "upland" from the public beach. There are many areas where you may have to cross private dry sand in order to reach the public wet sand. How does that work? Is there an easement for the public to get to "their" wet sand? And Then There's "Customary Use" In 1974, Florida's Supreme Court openly recognized the concept of Customary Use of privately-owned beachfront by stating "if the recreational use of the sandy area adjacent to the mean high tide has been ancient, reasonable, without interruption and free from dispute, such use as a matter of custom, should not be interfered with by the owner." Attorneys tell us that "...the sandy area adjacent to the mean high tide..." means the dry sand beach, and the use of "ancient" is legally interpreted and considered to be 50 to 70 years. Pretty good chance that people have been walking along any given stretch of Florida's sandy shoreline since at least the 1960’s and 1970’s. Note that Customary Use only applies to private beachfront properties that extend all the way to the MHWL. Those properties that do NOT extend onto and include the beach sand are not affected by Customary Use because they do not own the dry sand. Under this published legal opinion, local Cities and Counties established Customary Use ordinances for stretches of beach that included private property, acknowledging previous public use and protecting future public use. If beachfront private property owners disputed the public's Customary Use on "their" beach, they had to challenge that use in court. However in 2018, Florida Statute 163.035 was signed into law, significantly changing the procedure to challenge Customary Use. Now it is much more involved for local governments to affirm and support Customary Use, and easier for beachfront property owners to dispute it. Attorneys have described this change as switching the "burden of proof" from the property owner to the local municipality that established Customary Use. Disputes over Customary Use are now considered on a case-by-case basis, supposedly without reference to previously allowed use. Here's an important point - when ownership or control of beachfront private property changes through a sale, inheritance, or new trustee, the new person in charge may want to enforce private property rights more than the previous one. Walking across a certain stretch of dry sand may be allowed one day, and challenged the next day if owners decide to start exercising their private property rights. Previous owners may have gladly allowed public Customary Use while the new ones want to keep the public from walking across their dry sand. Under the newer application of Customary Use, an owner can dispute and challenge public access at any time, compelling the local municipality to go through the legal system to support City or County reasons for recognizing Customary Use. Some owners of beachfront property throughout Florida have been known to put up "Private Beach / No Trespassing" signs and fences or rope barriers to prevent the public from walking across their dry sand beaches. There are even cases of property owners calling local police or hiring private security to keep the public off their section of beach. (I am not making this up.) Now that we know a little bit about the MHWL, wet sand/dry sand, lot lines, and Customary Use...how does all of that relate to things in actual practice? • When walking onto a beach from the land side, always look for signs indicating who has authority over the beach. This could be the State, County, City, or some private entity. When there is no sign, try to find out whose beach it really is. • If you are walking along the shore and come to a "Private Beach" sign or barrier across the dry sand, walk across that stretch close to the water. Respect the sign, then later you may want to verify its claim with local authorities. • Don't even think about planting your beach chairs, towels, and umbrella on a beach you know is private. It is most often beachfront hotels, owners associations, and membership clubs that will actively enforce their private beaches. • In real life, when a private property extends all the way down the dry sand to the high tide line, many (if not most) residential owners understand and accept Customary Use by the public. Often, they don't mind people walking across their private dry sand, though they may prefer that you don't bring your beach gear, plant your umbrella, and hang out for the day. Beachfront hotels and owners associations don't usually mind beachgoers walking along the shore, though only allow hotel guests and members to sit and relax on their dry sand. Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. East Coast beaches are different from West Coast beaches; Northern Florida beaches are different from those in South Florida. Enjoy, appreciate, and respect them all. 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 >

Free Family Fun At The Loop Fort Lauderdale Beach This Summer South Florida Sun Times Jun 26, 2025 Celebrate The Summer At The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park), Where Sun-Soaked Weekends And Starry Nights Are Filled With Music, Movement, Markets And Movies. Presented By The Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Community, Which Makes Up The City Of Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Improvement District (BBID), These Free Events Are Open To Everyone Under The Sun. This month's journey through the heart and soul of the Caribbean at The LOOP’s Third Annual Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration. From island beats to culinary delights, the weekend-long celebration honors the vibrant cultures, rich traditions and lasting contributions of Caribbean Americans with music, dance, art and a screening of Vivo. Whether they’re here for a stroll at the MKT, a stretch, or just to soak it all in, The LOOP is where the community comes to take a breath and take in the best of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The Highlights will include: Third Annual Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration | Friday, June 27th, 2025 through Sunday, June 29th, 2025 Celebrate the vibrant culture, creativity and contributions of Caribbean Americans during a weekend of art, music and community at The LOOP, from Friday, June 27th, 2025 through Sunday, June 29th, 2025. Presented in recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month, this three-day experience brings the sounds, flavors and energy of the islands to Fort Lauderdale Beach. The weekend kicks off on Friday, June 27th, 2025 with a Movies by Moonlight screening of Vivo, Sony Pictures’ animated love letter to Cuban music and culture. Ahead of the film, guests can enjoy live Cuban music with a performance by the band Oriente, kids' music-themed crafts and a taste of tradition with Cuban snacks under the stars. On Saturday, June 28th, 2025 start the day with Free Yoga with Lisa Pumper from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a high-energy performance from Sabor Latino, an eight-piece orchestra playing live from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The celebration continues Sunday, June 29th, 2025 with a lineup that blends movement and music. Enjoy Yoga with Nzingah, followed by a Soca Aerobics fitness dance session sponsored by FIT Fort Lauderdale. Caribbean rhythms will fill the park with a special edition of Reggae Sundays hosted by Tanto Irie, with a performance by Lee Kelly and the Allstars from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Throughout the weekend, The LOOP’s MKT will feature vendors, art installations and interactive experiences curated in collaboration with the Hollywood Arts Committee, The Space Monkeys and Fabienne Claude, spotlighting handmade cultural crafts and live art demonstrations. Free and open to all ages, Caribbean American Heritage Month Weekend at The LOOP unfolds during the weekend MKT; a joyful celebration of heritage, expression and the community that continues to make Fort Lauderdale a colorful and connected cultural destination. For more information, visit: https://theloopflb.com/events/categories/cahm/ The full weekend lineup includes: Friday, June 27th, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Movie starts at 8:15 p.m.: Movies by Moonlight Series | Vivo: Vivo is a vibrant animated adventure that celebrates the power of music, love and cultural connection. The film follows Vivo, a music-loving kinkajou (a rainforest mammal affectionately known as a “honey bear”), who lives in Havana with his beloved owner and musical partner, Andrés. When fate intervenes, Vivo sets off on a journey from Cuba to Miami to deliver a love song that was never sung. Blending the rhythms of Caribbean culture with the colorful spirit of Miami, Vivo is both a joyful tribute to Latin musical traditions and a touching story about friendship, memory, and honoring those we’ve lost. It’s a heartwarming reminder that music can be a bridge between generations — and that it’s never too late to follow your own rhythm. Saturday, June 28th, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Caribbean Flair Marketplace, with vendors from Caribbean countries 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Hollywood Arts Committee Colors of the Caribbean Artist Showcase 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Beans and Blooms, Community Art Project with The Space Monkeys 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.: Community by donation Yoga Class with Lisa Pumper 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Flowers for Women Pilates class, Free with donation of hygiene products to benefit young girls in Trinidad and Tobago 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Orquesta Sabor Latino Band Sunday, June 29th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Yoga with Haitian American instructor, Nzingah 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: Soca Step with Kamal, presented by FITFort Lauderdale 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Caribbean Flair Marketplace, with vendors from Caribbean countries 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Hollywood Arts Committee Colors of the Caribbean Artist Showcase 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Beans and Blooms, Community Art Project with The Space Monkeys 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Reggae Sunday with Tanto Irie, featuring Lee Kelly and the Allstars Seaside Sessions | Every Saturday and Sunday in June, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join The LOOP every Saturday and Sunday in June for a delightful afternoon of live music at the MKT. From 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., talented solo musicians will be performing soulful tunes against the backdrop of the beautiful park and ocean views. Whether strolling through the market, enjoying delicious food from local vendors, or simply soaking up the sunshine, the live music adds the perfect soundtrack to the weekend. Unwind, shop local and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere to celebrate community, culture and music at Las Olas Oceanside Park. The full lineup includes past, present and future performances: Saturday, June 28th, 2025: Caribbean American Heritage Month featuring Sabor Latino – 8-piece Orquesta (Puerto Rico) Sunday, June 29th, 2025: Caribbean American Heritage Month featuring Reggae Sunday with Tanto Irie presenting Lee Kelly and the Allstars (Jamaica) Details: https://theloopflb.com/events/categories/live-music/ Cost: Free ONGOING ACTIVITIES: THE MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park, Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Immerse in the serene beauty of Fort Lauderdale Beach at The MKT, where breathtaking views and refreshing ocean breezes complement an eclectic array of homemade and handmade fare. From fresh produce and fruit to global flavors and unique items perfect for the home or wardrobe, the market is open every weekend, year-round. Pull up a chair and enjoy live music, participate in fitness classes or join in seasonal “More at The MKT” specialty events, all designed to enhance wellness and enjoyment. For more information, visit: https://theloopflb.com/events/categories/market/ Yoga on the Main Lawn | Saturdays, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Leading Yoga Educator of the Yoga Community of Florida and Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga, Lisa Pumper, will lead an all-levels Yoga flow for everybody on the main lawn at The LOOP every Saturday, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Yogis can expect good vibes and music to move and groove, and a cool-down aromatherapy treat for a deep rest and weekend recharge while enjoying the ocean breeze, sunshine rays and shady palm trees. Participants should bring a mat, towel or sheet, sunglasses, sunblock, water and friends. A complimentary bottle of Smartwater will be available for all attendees. Details/Registration: https://theloopflb.com/events/categories/loop-fit/ Cost: Free Where: Las Olas Oceanside Park: 3000 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316. The most convenient place to park to access the event is the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, where the PayByPhone payment option can be used, and parking can be extended from anywhere using the mobile PayByPhone APP. Cost: All The LOOP’s events are free and open to the public. How: For more information, visit: https://theloopflb.com/ About The LOOP A cornerstone of activity, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) is the central hub of the $65 Million greenspace investment at the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The public green spaces, including the Intracoastal Promenade and DC Alexander Park, aim to provide infinite experiences for everyone under the sun and year-round activity in Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront backyard. Through its four pillars, “FAME,” The LOOP offers a variety of special events, activities, and unique local experiences for all, including free concerts, holiday happenings, farmer’s markets, community workouts, and more. The LOOP was voted for six accolades in Fort Lauderdale Magazine’s “The Best of Fort Lauderdale 2024” readers’ poll, including Best Outdoor Space, gold; Best Park, silver; Best Place to Take Kids, silver; Best Farmers Market, silver; Best Event: Fur the Love Pet Fest, silver; and Best Event: Arts & Crafts Festival, bronze. For more information, visit: https://theloopflb.com - Or contact: info@theloopflb.com . Follow The LOOP on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/theloopflb - And Instagram at: www.instagram.com/theloopflb/ . Previous Next

Medicare Fraud: Beware of Scammers Offering Older Americans In-Home Perks By Family Features September 19, 2024 Share Every day, criminals target older Americans with one goal - to steal their Medicare numbers and other protected health information. To fraudsters, this information is just as valuable as credit card information. These criminals steal Medicare numbers and unlawfully bill Medicare for medical services that were never provided to the patient or overbill for provided services. When criminals commit fraud, and falsely bill Medicare, people's medical records may become inaccurate and they can suffer delayed or even be denied care. In the end, Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year. Each dollar lost to fraud takes away resources intended for people with Medicare. Protect Yourself Fraudsters are getting creative and new scams are continually emerging. The best thing you can do is beware of people who contact you for your Medicare number or other personal information. You may be contacted by phone, text or email by someone posing as a Medicare representative, a health care provider or even a medical equipment company. If someone you don't know asks for your Medicare number, hang up or delete the message - this is a scam. Consider these tips to help protect yourself against Medicare fraud and stay one step ahead of fraudsters: • Guard your Medicare card & information just like your Social Security card and credit card. • Only share your Medicare information with your trusted health care providers. • Be skeptical of free gifts, free medical services, discount packages or any offer that sounds too good to be true. • Always check your Medicare claims statements to make sure they are accurate. Call 1-800-MEDICARE if you suspect you or Medicare has been billed for a service you did not receive. Watch Out for Medicare Hospice Fraud Beware of scammers offering older Americans in-home perks, like free cooking, cleaning and home health services, while they are unknowingly being signed up for hospice services. The scammers then unlawfully bill Medicare for these services in your name. Criminals are using every avenue they can to sign you up including door-to-door visits, false advertising, phone, text and email. Hospice care is for people who are terminally ill and only you and your doctor can make this serious decision if you need end-of-life care. Remember this advice to avoid hospice scams: • Your doctor is the only one who can certify you're terminally ill (with a life expectancy of 6 months or less). If you are not terminally ill, you should not receive hospice care. • Never accept perks or gifts in return for signing up for hospice services. • Medicare will never provide "free" services like housekeeping. • Be suspicious if someone offers you free services like housekeeping or cooking in return for your Medicare number. • Medicare will never come to your home. Report Medicare Fraud Reporting Medicare fraud protects you and millions of other people with Medicare and those with disabilities. If you or someone you know has experienced Medicare fraud or suspect an offer you've received is a scam, report it as soon as possible. You will never be in trouble for reporting fraud. To learn more, visit: www.Medicare.gov/fraud - To report potential fraud, call: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). < Previous News Next News >

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FREE Microchips Available: This Could Mean The Difference For You & Your Pet Thu Oct 20 2022 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)