Small Business, Big Dreams: Women Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders Can Enter To Win $15,000 September 14, 2023 Share One woman-owned small business will walk away from BankUnited’s Small Business, Big Dreams: Women in Business Summit with a $15,000 Grand Prize to help grow their business as part of BankUnited’s Annual Celebration Of National Women’s Small Business Month in October. The annual gathering, attended by leaders of business and industry, women business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs and featuring inspirational talks, tips and networking opportunities, will take place on Tuesday, October 17th, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale, 1 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. “Our Annual Summit in honor of businesswomen is one of the most inspiring and uplifting aspects of the work we do at BankUnited,” said Lisa Shim, BankUnited Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer and Small Business Banking. “BankUnited is in the business of building relationships and helping business owners thrive as they strive for and reach new goals. The fact that we can gather together with some of the most inspiring women in the country is both personally and professionally meaningful to me. I always come away feeling empowered and energized listening to the journeys of boss ladies overcoming very unique challenges to creatively benefit their businesses and communities.” The Summit will feature a keynote address by Rachel Sapoznik, Founder, President, and CEO of World Insurance Associates, and a panel discussion moderated by Shim and featuring last year’s Grand Prize Winner, Ivelices Linares Thomas, Founder & CEO, HR & Beyond; Ramola Motwani, Chairwoman, Merrimac Ventures; Marie Gill, Founder and CEO, M. Gill & Associates; and Durée Ross, President/Founder, Durée & Company, Inc. Enter To Win In addition to inspiring talks and networking opportunities, the Summit is a culmination of the Small Business, Big Dreams Challenge, which is now open and encourages Small Business owner women to upload a video-recorded three-minute pitch that addresses how their business would benefit from the $15,000 Grand Prize that is awarded to one of three finalists during the live-pitch portion of the October Summit. Ten semi-finalists will be notified in September and will receive a free ticket to the event. Following one-on-one presentations to BankUnited Executives, three finalists will move on to the live-pitch round before a panel of judges and Summit attendees. Cash prizes will be awarded to the Grand Prize Winner: $15,000, First Runner-Up: $5,000 and Second Runner-Up: $2,500. The contest closes September 15. To enter, eligible business owners must complete an application and submit an original “elevator pitch” video of up to three minutes. Businesses must be based in Florida or New York, and must be at least 51 percent women-owned. For official contest rules and entry forms, please visit: https://www.bankunited.com/small-business/small-business-big-dreams-challenge Tickets to attend the Summit are $25 per person and include continental breakfast and a grab & go lunch. Advance Registration is Required. For more information and to Register, please visit: https://bankunited.eventbrite.com < Previous News Next News >

Changes Are Coming: The Supreme Court, Foster Park & Golden Isles In Hallandale Beach By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper March 24, 2022 Share This week marks a historic time for both women and women of color in all of Florida. I have been so excited watching the confirmation hearings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Her credentials and background are simply the best of any other Judge that has been nominated and confirmed. I am simply impressed that she has served in all capacities as a prosecutor, a public defender and a judge. She is not only brilliant but has been confirmed three times by the Senate. Her background as an attorney, the daughter of an attorney and public-school teacher here in Miami is inspirational. I am pleased that she has a family in law enforcement which is a major plus. She understands all sides of the human impacts of our judicial system and how important the rule of law is. As with any nomination the political circus has sadly begun to try and overshadow the facts. On Tuesday, there was a presentation made by Senator Whitehouse about how “Dark Money” has continued to focus on stocking the Supreme Court by (or, should I say “buying”) funding campaigns and elections to make the courts conservative? The amount alone is over $200 Million and much of the property is coming from the same organization. I was intrigued by the point many of us think of the Supreme Court as a judge of social constitution issues. While social issues, religion, control over our bodies and who we can and cannot love are of major importance, the court also decides on many other issues. One such issue is the current challenge to EPA Regulations. Basically, this is an attack on Clean Air and Water. It seems to me that the super majority of the American Public want and deserve clean air and water. Corporations under the guise of free enterprise are stacking the court for their benefit and control. I hope this dialogue does not get lost and congress can reach an agreement to rid the process of “dark money” or at least make it more transparent and easier to pierce the veil over them. In City Business, we have many issues finally coming forward. Over the past months, our City Staff under the direction of the Commission have released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the best use of Foster Park. For our readers, Foster Park was redeveloped in 2016 in partnership with our Community Re-development Agency. The park formerly had a dilapidated building and basketball court. It became our first LEED Certified building complete with a multipurpose room, three smaller meeting rooms, a micro–African American Library, Historic Hall and Displays, large play area and walking track with equipment. For years, we have been trying to truly activate the park. To do so under a staffing budget restraint, it has been decided to issue the RFP to find a group or entity that can provide the programming. The RFP was sent out and on Tuesday, the respondents made a presentation to the Selection Committee. Due to state laws impacting RFP’s, our City Commission is not on the Selection Committee. We do sit as the final vote of approval to award contracts. As a Mayor, the Commissioners and I can attend this presentation, but the law requires us not to speak or interfere with the process. I chose not to attend, as I would not want my presence to create any conflict. The meeting on Tuesday was recorded, so I am looking forward to seeing the presentations. Residents interested should visit our website at: http://www.cohb.org/ for information and to view the recording of the public hearing. Another long-awaited project has been the Master Plan for the Golden Isles Safe Neighborhood District. GISND is a separate taxing district. The residents within the district pay an added ad valorem tax to provide additional safety improvements and security services. This neighborhood has very limited lighting and the sidewalks have received very little improvement over the years. The GISND approved a contract for Stannic Engineering to develop plans to redevelop the area. There will be a Public Meeting to review the three proposed designs for Layne Boulevard south of the Guard House. The meeting is scheduled for Monday April 4th, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Golden Isles Tennis Center. While this is part of the GISND, it is still a public street and what is placed on the south side may mirror what is placed on the north side of Layne Boulevard. The City will be starting to dig and replace underground pipes starting in the fall, Please be prepared. As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas on how to make our City a great place to live, work and play! I am available by phone or text at: (954) 632-5700. E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or visit my Facebook & Web-site at: http://www.mayorjoycooper.com/ < Previous News Next News >

Who’s Shaking The Jar...and Why? Whether You Live in a Small Town or a Big City, the Government Is Still Out to Get You By John & Nisha Whitehead August 10, 2023 Share There’s a meme that circulated on social media a while back that perfectly sums up the polarized, manipulated mayhem, madness and tyranny that is life in the American police state today: “If you catch 100 red fire ants as well as 100 large black ants, and put them in a jar, at first, nothing will happen. However, if you violently shake the jar and dump them back on the ground the ants will fight until they eventually kill each other. The thing is, the red ants think the black ants are the enemy and vice versa, when in reality, the real enemy is the person who shook the jar. This is exactly what’s happening in society today. Liberal vs. Conservative. Black vs. White. Pro Mask vs. Anti Mask. The real question we need to be asking ourselves is who’s shaking the jar ... and why?” Whether red ants will really fight black ants to the death is a question for the biologists, but it’s an apt analogy of what’s playing out before us on the political scene and a chilling lesson in social engineering that keeps us fixated on circus politics and conveniently timed spectacles, distracted from focusing too closely on the government’s power grabs, and incapable of focusing on who’s really shaking the jar. This controversy over Jason Aldean’s country music video, “Try That In a Small Town,” which is little more than authoritarian propaganda pretending to be respect for law and order, is just more of the same. The music video, riddled with images of militarized police facing off against rioters, implies that there are only two types of people in this country: those who stand with the government and those who oppose it. Yet the song gets it wrong. You see, it makes no difference whether you live in a small town or a big city, or whether you stand with the government or mobilize against it: either way, the government is still out to get you. Indeed, the government’s prosecution of the Jan. 6 protesters (part of a demographic that might relate to the frontier justice sentiments in Aldean’s song) is a powerful reminder that the police state doesn’t discriminate when it comes to hammering away at those who challenge its authority. It also serves to underscore the government’s tone-deaf hypocrisy in the face of its own double-crossing, double-dealing, double standards. Imagine: the very same government that violates the rights of its citizenry at almost every turn is considering charging President Trump with conspiring against the rights of the American people. It’s so ludicrous as to be Kafkaesque. If President Trump is indicted over the events that culminated in the Capitol riots of Jan. 6, 2021, the government could hinge part of their case on Section 241 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, which makes it a crime for two or more people to “conspire to injure, oppress, threaten or intimidate” anyone “with intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege” the person enjoys under the U.S. Constitution. That the government, which now constitutes the greatest threat to our freedoms, would appoint itself the so-called defender of our freedoms shows exactly how farcical, topsy-turvy, and downright perverse life in the American police state has become. Unfortunately, “we the people” are partially to blame for allowing this double standard to persist. While we may claim to value freedom, privacy, individuality, equality, diversity, accountability, and government transparency, our actions and those of our government rulers contradict these much-vaunted principles at every turn. Even though the government continues to betray our trust, invade our privacy, and abuse our rights, we just keep going back for more. For instance, we claim to disdain the jaded mindset of the Washington elite, and yet we continue to re-elect politicians who lie, cheat and steal. We claim to disapprove of the endless wars that drain our resources and spread thin our military, and yet we repeatedly buy into the idea that patriotism equals supporting the military. We claim to chafe at taxpayer-funded pork barrel legislation for roads to nowhere, documentaries on food fights, and studies of mountain lions running on treadmills, and yet we pay our taxes meekly and without raising a fuss of any kind. We claim to object to the militarization of our local police forces and their increasingly battlefield mindset, and yet we do little more than shrug our shoulders over SWAT team raids and police shootings of unarmed citizens. And then there’s our supposed love-hate affair with technology, which sees us bristling at the government’s efforts to monitor our internet activities, listen in on our phone calls, read our emails, track our every movement, and punish us for what we say on social media, and yet we keep using these very same technologies all the while doing nothing about the government’s encroachments on our rights. By tacitly allowing these violations to continue and legitimizing a government that has long since ceased to operate within the framework of the Constitution, we not only empower the tyrant but we feed the monster. This is exactly how incremental encroachments on our rights, justified in the name of greater safety, become routine, wide-ranging abuses so entrenched as to make reform all but impossible. The tactics follow the same script: first, the government lures us in with a scheme to make our lives better, our families safer, and our communities more secure, and then once we take the bait, they slam the trap closed and turn “we the people” into Enemy Number One. Despite how evident it is that we are mere tools to be used and abused and manipulated for the power elite’s own diabolical purposes, we somehow fail to see their machinations for what they truly are: thinly veiled attempts to expand their power and wealth at our expense. So here we are, caught in a vicious cycle of in-fighting and partisan politics, all the while the government—which never stops shaking the jar—is advancing its agenda to lockdown the nation. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, until we can face up to that truth and forge our own path back to a world in which freedom means something again, we’re going to be stuck in this wormhole of populist anger, petty politics and destruction that is pitting us one against the other. In that scenario, no one wins, whether you live in a small town or big city. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

Medicare Open Enrollment Period Is Here! Get In Touch With The Team At Hallandale Medical Center To Prepare Thu Jan 05 2023 17:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ahoy, Mateys: It’s Time For The City Of Hollywood Cardboard Boat Race September 14, 2023 Share Sailors, start your paddles, gather your mates and grab your duct tape to construct a sloop made entirely of cardboard! The City Of Hollywood’s Annual Cardboard Boat Race sets sail on Hollywood’s North Lake on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 at the Hollywood Marina at 700 Polk Street, Hollywood, Florida 33019. Landlubbers will gather to cheer as the cardboard boat crews paddle in head-to-head competition for the coveted trophies in categories such as: “People’s Choice,” “Fastest Vessel,” “Most Creative Design” and “Most Spectacular Sinking.” All boats must be built off-site and in advance. Check in begins at 8:00 a.m. and the races begin at 10:00 a.m. and continues until the last boat docks. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. See the innovative designs and witness the sheer will to win all the racers share. Be amazed and amused as they speed across the water in their quest for the ultimate prize -- the coveted trophy. For event registration and additional information, please call the City of Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at: (954) 921-3404. Or visit: www.hollywoodfl.org/specialevents Operation Paintbrush The City of Hollywood Department of Public Works is holding Operation Paintbrush this Saturday, September 16th, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Noon. Operation Paintbrush provides up to 20 gallons of High-Quality Exterior Latex Paint for FREE to Single-Family Homeowners and Non-Profit Organizations in Hollywood. 100% of the Latex Paint collected through the Broward County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program is Recycled into New, High-Quality Exterior Latex Paint which is then provided to participating cities at no cost. Paint can be picked up at the Department of Public Works, 1600 South Park Road, Hollywood, Florida 33021 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis while the City's supply lasts. To participate, you MUST provide your Current Driver’s License with Hollywood address and a Current Utility Bill as Proof of Hollywood Residency. The paint colors offered are: Off-White, Beige, Terracotta, Gray and Turquoise. Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk Come to the ArtWalk this weekend, Saturday, September 16th, 2023. Visit restaurants, galleries, and shops, while enjoying Art, Music, Murals, Outdoor Markets, and more! The Artisan Market will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and there will be Live Music at 6:00 p.m. at 8:00 p.m. The Mural Tour will be from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., as well as a Gallery Tour from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and from 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and a Magic Show from 10:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. < Previous News Next News >

Robo Cop-Car: Largest Tesla Electric Police Fleet Rolled Out By The City of Hallandale Beach City of Hallandale Beach July 21, 2022 Share Thirteen (13) new Tesla Model Y vehicles join the City of Hallandale Beach Police Department’s fleet of vehicles. Twelve (12) of which will be utilized by Detectives and one (1) is being tested out as a Patrol vehicle. “With this purchase, we’re taking a step into the future of Hallandale Beach, which is sustainable both financially and environmentally. We’re thrilled to be rolling out the largest deployment of electric Police Vehicles in the state of Florida - we believe the largest deployment in the United States, and to get these EVs on the road.” said City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle. Police departments, from coast-to-coast, have been adding Tesla’s to their patrol fleets for several years. With agencies from New York to San Francisco adding one or more Electric Vehicles to their fleet, Hallandale Beach’s purchase may make it the largest roll-out of full-size Electric Vehicles for Police use in the United States. The City utilized a mix of funds, including federal dollars provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to make this purchase possible. The vehicles will ultimately save the City money. While the upfront cost to purchase electric vehicles is higher than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles show reduced energy costs when compared to the gas costs ($2,750 vs. $12,000). The resale value also came into play with the City’s decision to go electric in which these Teslas will be almost 1.8 times as valuable as the gas option when the City auctions them off at their end of life with the Police Department. “These Tesla Police Vehicles represent a win-win-win for our police officers, for the City’s residents, and for the environment. Our officers are getting an ideal vehicle for their work. Our residents are saving money over traditional Police Vehicles and can be proud that Hallandale Beach is one of the first Police Departments in the Country to go electric. And finally, as a beach community directly affected by rising sea levels, these cars will reduce the City’s contribution to climate change.” said Vice Mayor Butler. In addition to saving money, replacing existing Police Vehicles with hybrids and EVs was included in the City’s 50 by 30 Climate Action Plan. The City joined the Race to Zero in 2021 by committing to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and becoming Net-Zero by 2050. The City of Hallandale Beach’s first Climate Action Plan outlines the ways we can all work together to become a cleaner, safer, and healthier community. Hallandale Beach has committed to being an active part of the solution in terms of taking the steps to reducing local emissions, embracing sustainability, and bringing to the forefront the impacts of climate change. This purchase, as well as the purchase of forty-nine (49) Hybrid Police vehicles made in 2022, will help the City reduce their fleet related emissions by approximately 600 metric tons annually. That is equivalent to 117 homes worth of annual electricity each year. “As Mayor, I understand how important each and every step we take to reduce our carbon footprint is in addressing global warming. Adding Police cars to our green vehicle fleet with the goal to fully go green is in progress! We have worked with our Chief and officers to ensure these vehicles are not only green but will provide the performance needed to protect our officers and community.” said Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper. These vehicles will be charged utilizing chargers installed in the Police Station parking lot. Through a partnership with Florida Power and Light, four (4) dual-port Level 2 Charging stations are being installed to support these EVs at no construction/ installation cost to the City. The chargers are connected to existing back-up power, ensuring that the vehicles can be operational even in the event of a power outage or hurricane. Currently the City has nine (9) other Level 2 charge ports on City properties which these and the City fleet’s other four (4) EVs can also utilize. To account for emergency fast-charging needs and/or take-home charging, the City is planning to allow Police Officers to utilize the Tesla Supercharger network to charge their vehicles up to a certain dollar amount per fiscal year. About the City of Hallandale Beach The City of Hallandale Beach is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the community in a fiscally responsible manner by providing superior services that meet the needs of our community as well as plan for their future needs through continued communication. Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | www.coHB.org About the Police Department The Hallandale Beach Police Department is a fully accredited, proactive police agency which is dedicated to the concept of community policing. We partner with our community and businesses to provide a safe, clean environment which will instill confidence in our citizens, thereby promoting growth and community advancement. We envision Hallandale Beach as a modern, cohesive community offering the highest quality of life and thereby everyone’s “City of Choice.” For more information on our services, contact us at or visit www.coHB.org/Police or Follow us on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram About the City’s 50by30 Climate Action Plan In June, 2021 the City of Hallandale Beach approved the City’s first Climate action Plan which outlines the ways the City is working to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating a more vibrant and prosperous place to live, work and Play. Read the City’s Plan at www.coHB.org/50by30 B.org/ < Previous News Next News >

Costa Bella Realty Group a Concierge Luxury Realty Group March 20, 2023 Share Florida is world renowned for its amusement parks, beach resorts, and warm sunny climate. Add to the abundance of restaurants, retail stores and water activities and its clear why many choose Florida as their home. Purchasing a home or property should be a joyful experience after all; you are following your dreams by making this purchase. This is when you need a professional that understands your needs and takes the stress and headache usually associated with buying a home and transforms it into an enjoyable and happy experience. Add to that, concierge service and you have Costa Bella Realty Group, an established, trusted south Florida business. Founded in 2016 by Real Estate Broker, Lonna Spitaleri, Costa Bella Realty Group offers one-of-a-kind concierge service. Located inside The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at 330 N. Federal Highway, Suite 200, Hollywood, Florida 33020. Where she serves as a proud member. Lonna has been a Florida resident for over 50 years. Having raised her three children here and now watching her grandchildren grow up in the idyllic, Florida paradise. Lonna knows Southeast Florida well and understands the needs of families. Families go through stages as children grow, and eventually set out on their own. Her understanding of the changing needs of growing families, allows her to help her clients find exactly what they are looking for. With her experience and knowledge, she serves clients throughout south Florida. With over 20 years of real estate experience, and her vast knowledge of the ever-changing real estate market, Lonna is one of the most sought-after real estate professionals. With her expertise and experience, she will get the most out of your investment property for you. Lonna stays abreast of changes in the market, as well as any new programs made available to home buyers. Costa Bella Realty Group provides services throughout Florida. Including working with developers and handling commercial transactions. Whether you’re a first time homebuyer looking for a single family home, have multiple properties or searching for a condo, Costa Bella Realty Group is there to serve you with experienced trained professional agents ready to meet your needs. All of her agents receive sensitivity training to meet client’s individual needs, in order to provide the best customer service experience along with multiple languages. Having a staff of multilingual agents, is a wonderful convenience, which eases communications with potential buyers and sellers, allowing clients to feel heard and at ease. Lonna serves as a South Broward Regional Board Member for the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtor Association with over 40,000 members. She is also a Florida Realtor Director. Being involved with the Realtor Association also has its perks. Being a member of a Realtor Association allows access to a large trading platform and network of realtors, as well as access to the most recent continuing education. To be a member of a Realtor Association, you must first pass the NAR’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice test. Being a Licensed Realtor, Lonna always has the best interest of her clients in mind. It shows in the exceptional client services Costa Bella Realty provides. There are various new programs available to assist homebuyers. A recent program was just proposed in Florida from the Florida Legislature called’ The Hometown Hero Program’. This program seeks to reflect the Sunshine State’s deep sense of gratitude and obligation towards its essential workers. Those who put the needs of the state first in the wake of the pandemic. Such professionals as Nurses, paramedics, educators, home health aides, law enforcement and firefighters. They were among the most affected residents while serving on the frontlines of the pandemic. The purpose of this program is to give assistance with down payment and closing costs. Often, first time home buyers are overwhelmed with the down payment and closing costs. It can feel discouraging, that’s when you need a knowledgeable professional to explain the different programs available to new homebuyers. By being well versed on the new programs available, it allows Lonna to find the best match to fit her clients needs. To find out more information, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call Lonna for details. Lonna was selected as Business Woman of the Year in 2021 by the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. She is an inspiration to many aspiring realtors and entrepreneurs. The motto for Costa Bella Realty is “Realtors Committed to Fulfilling the Personalized needs of Our Clients” this is reflected by the outstanding services provided by caring, knowledgeable professionals. With numerous five-star reviews, and exceptional customer service, Costa Bella Realty Group is a company you can trust to meet your needs. Whether you’re buying your first luxury home, or a vacation home, Lonna will attentively listen to your needs and concerns, to find your dream home. Maybe you’re ready to sell and downsize or have an investment property that you would like to list. Regardless of the situation, Costa Bella Realty is there to serve you. Contact: 954-921-2800 to receive a free market analysis of any property. The user-friendly website makes finding your next property a breeze. http://www.costabellarealtygroup.net < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Seeks Local Talent: For Its Annual Aventura STAR Competition Mon Oct 17 2022 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek To Host Spectacular Independence Day Celebration Honoring America's 250th Anniversary South Florida Sun Times Jul 2, 2026 Seminole Casino Coconut Creek Will Honor America's 250th Anniversary With A Spectacular Independence Day Celebration On Saturday, July 4th, 2026. The Free, Family-Friendly Event Is Open To The Public And Will Feature An Immersive Drone Show, Fireworks By World-Famous Grucci Of New York, Live Entertainment, Family Activities And Exciting Casino Promotions. Guests are invited to enjoy a patriotic evening filled with entertainment, food and celebration beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event will culminate with a breathtaking drone and fireworks show at 10:00 p.m., featuring stunning aerial visuals and a unique fireworks experience by the world-famous Fireworks by Grucci of New York. The celebration will also feature live entertainment throughout the evening, a live broadcast experience, a high-impact laser light show, water screen projections, gourmet food trucks, cash bars and a family-friendly Kids Zone. "America's 250th Anniversary is a historic milestone, and we're excited to bring our community together for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration," said Larry Buck, President of Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. "From world-class entertainment and spectacular visual displays to exciting promotions and family-friendly activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy." Unity by Hard Rock members can continue the celebration with the $50,000 Independence Day Drawings beginning at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th, 2026. Drawings will take place every 30 minutes through 1:00 a.m., awarding three winners $1,000 in Free Play and one winner $5,000 in Free Play during each drawing period. At 1:15 a.m., one lucky grand prize winner will receive $10,000 cash. The excitement continues on Sunday, July 5th, 2026 when guests will have the chance to win a 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 RST Patriot Edition. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., five winners will be selected every 30 minutes to receive $1,000 in Free Play, with one winner from each drawing securing a finalist entry for the grand prize. At 9:45 p.m., two additional X Unity by Hard Rock members will each win $5,000 and earn a finalist entry. The grand prize reveal will take place at 10 p.m. All remaining finalists will receive $1,000. For more information about events, promotions and updates, visit: https://casino.hardrock.com/coconut-creek . About Seminole Casino Coconut Creek Seminole Casino Coconut Creek offers an energized and upscale local casino experience featuring over 2,300 Las Vegas-style slot machines and over 80 live Table Games with real dealers and real cards, including Blackjack, Baccarat, 3-card Poker, and more along with 30 tables of live and tournament Poker. For the full Vegas experience, play at one of our four Craps or six Roulette tables. Place cash bets on sports with the Hard Rock Sportsbook kiosks available only at Seminole Casinos in Florida. For guests who prefer a non-smoking environment, Coco’s Smoke-Free Pavilion offers over 300 smoke-free Slots, including high-limit favorites, as well as eight live Table Games with convenient access via the west parking entrance. High Limit areas offer 200 premium slots and 13 live Table Games for guests who prefer an elevated gaming experience. Coco also offers world-class dining, including its award-winning steakhouse, NYY Steak, as well as a variety of other dining options, such as the New York-style 1st Street Deli, Italian bistro-inspired Sorrisi, and breezy Sunset Grill. Live entertainment can be found several nights a week at Sunset Grill, Legends Lounge, Nectar, and Sound Bar (located in the Smoke-Free Pavilion). Open 24/7, 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is located at the corner of U.S. 441 (State Road 7) and Sample Road in Coconut Creek, Florida. For more information, call: (954) 977-6700. Or visit our website at: https://casino.hardrock.com/coconut-creek . Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/seminolecasinocococreek . And follow us Instagram: @seminolecasinocococreek. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek will honor America's 250th Anniversary with a spectacular Independence Day celebration featuring an immersive drone show, fireworks by Grucci of New York, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and exciting casino promotions. (Courtesy: Seminole Casino Coconut Creek) Previous Next

Capturing The Magic: FREE Pet Photos With Santa At VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital November 2, 2023 Share 'Tis the season to be jolly, and what could be jollier than having your beloved pets pose with Santa Claus himself? The big bearded one never misses a chance to visit the VCA Hollywood but this year he is excited to be back on the 'red carpet' and capturing photos with your fiery felines and cuddly canines during our FREE pet photo event. VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital, a cornerstone of the Hollywood community, is all set to host its annual "Pet Photos with Santa" event on Saturday, December 16th, 2023. It's a festive celebration that brings joy to pet owners and their furry companions. Now in its 11th year, this event promises to be even more enchanting than ever. The event is all about giving back to the community and spreading holiday cheer. And what better way to do that than by offering FREE pet photos with Santa? Your four-legged family members can have their special moment with the big bearded guy himself. The excitement is infectious, and the memories are priceless. Participating in this furry festive gathering is a breeze. You can RSVP in advance, or if you're feeling spontaneous, just drop by with your pets on the day of the event. It's absolutely FREE! This is an opportunity you won't want to miss, and your pets will thank you for it. A professional photographer will be on-site to capture these heartwarming moments and provide you with printed photos to cherish. If you can't get enough, you can also check out their Facebook page for a peek at some of the furry faces from previous years. It's a real hoot to see Santa surrounded by so many wonderful animals. Supporting A Noble Cause This event isn't just about adorable photos; it's about giving back to the community. VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is proud to support Meals on Wheels of South Florida’s Companion Pet Program. This program ensures that the pets of homebound seniors receive the food and care they need. By participating in the "Pet Photos with Santa" event, you can make a difference. While the event is free, any donation you make will go towards supporting Meals on Wheels of South Florida’s Companion Pet Program. Any donations made will go to support Meals on Wheels of South Florida Companion Pet Program: https://www.mowsoflo.org/pets We also encourage you to explore other ways to help this commendable organization. Your generosity can make a world of difference to those who rely on the companionship of their pets. This year, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is celebrating 75 years of providing top-tier veterinary medicine and the latest technological advancements in pet care. Founded in 1947, this institution has become an integral part of the local pet community. Their commitment to giving back to those who have supported them over the years is evident through events like "Pet Photos with Santa." When And Where Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 16th, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The venue for this delightful experience is none other than VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital, located at 2864 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020. For more information about the event, their services and contributions to the community, you can visit their website at: www.vcahollywood.com - Or give them a call at: (954) 920-3556. You can also visit their check out our their Facebook Event Page: https://fb.me/e/3eZBTP27Q This holiday season, make a date with Santa for your furry friends at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital. It's a wonderful opportunity to capture precious moments and support a great cause. Remember, 'tis the season of giving, and there's no better way to give than to share the joy with your beloved pets and those in need. So, let your pets' tails wag with glee, and let the festivities begin at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital. < Previous News Next News >

IGNITE Broward Returns February 13th - February 22nd With Bigger And Brighter Light, Art And Tech Experiences By City of Hollywood Feb 4, 2026 South Florida’s Immersive Light And Sound Art Festival Returns To Broward County This February, And Hollywood’s ArtsPark At Young Circle Will Once Again Be One Of Its Featured Destinations. From Friday, February 13th, 2026 through Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, IGNITE Broward brings ten nights of cutting-edge, technology-driven art to four locations across the county. Now in its fifth year, the 2026 festival is the most ambitious yet, featuring more than 25 large-scale installations, projection mapping experiences, interactive sculptures, sound-based works and live performances created by local, national and international artists. More than 80,000 visitors attended last year’s festival, drawn by the opportunity to experience art in a way that transforms familiar public spaces into immersive nighttime environments. This year also highlights emerging local talent through a showcase from the MAD Art & Tech Studio Program, where young artists will debut original works as part of the festival. ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood Address: 1 North Young Circle, Hollywood, Florida 33022 Hours: Friday and Saturday - 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Sunday through Thursday - 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Through the City of Hollywood’s public art initiative, an immersive art circuit will wind through the park, inviting visitors to explore six installations by internationally recognized artists including Loop, Artur Grycuk, Onda Studio, Pneuhaus, Studio McGuire and ITHACA Studio. The setting of the park itself becomes part of the experience as light, motion and sound interact with the landscape and surrounding architecture. Hollywood will also host a free live concert at ArtsPark on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., featuring performances by Spam Allstars and Dav Julca. Find out more at: https://the.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-broward-2026-live-spam-allstars-dav-julca-tickets-1981391253577?aff=oddtdtcreator . IGNITE Broward is presented by the Broward County Cultural Division and produced by MAD Arts, with support from Visit Lauderdale, the City of Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Broward County Parks and Recreation and the City of Dania Beach. The festival is free and open to the public as part of its mission to make art accessible to all. For a full schedule, participating artists and event details, visit: www.ignitebroward.com . Event schedule and artist participation are subject to change. Previous Next

The Curtain Is Set To Rise: A New Arts Season Starts This October September 14, 2023 Share Comedy, music and the best of Broadway opens the new arts season at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in October. With her win of the Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy Special for Welcome to Buteaupia on Netflix, Michelle Buteau brings her “Full Heart, Tight Jeans'' tour to the Amaturo Theater on Friday, October 6th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. She returns to Netflix as the Creator/Writer/Star of the upcoming series Survival of the Thickest, inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name. Buteau is also the host of two popular reality competition shows: The Circle and Barbecue Showdown also on Netflix. Other film and TV credits include Marry Me, First Wives Club, Always Be My Maybe, Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, Russian Doll, and Someone Great. She is also known for writing the Modern Manners column for Real Simple and hosting the popular podcast Adulting. The Wheeland Brothers deliver their laid-back beachy vibes in the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center on Sunday, October 8th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. These two California surfers who grew up where the concrete meets the sand have crafted a sound that combines elements of Reggae, Acoustic Rock, Ukulele Lullabies and Flip-Flop Hip Hop. Their playful pursuit of life, as they blend infectious and catchy melodies with honest, down-to-earth lyrics, is the perfect accompaniment for beach bonfires, surfing sessions and embracing the carefree spirit that embodies the coastal lifestyle. Broadway in Fort Lauderdale presents Annie in the Au-Rene Theater Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 - Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. Directed by Jenn Thompson and featuring the iconic book and score written by Tony® Award-Winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, this celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way. Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production–just as you remember it and just when we need it most. The Bank Of America Broadway In Fort Lauderdale 2023/2024 Season is made possible with the generous support of title sponsor Bank of America and presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale is presented by Florida Theatrical Association in partnership with Broadway Across America and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Performance times vary. Slow Burn Theatre Company’s 2023/2024 Season in the Amaturo Theater presented by American National Bank begins with Into the Woods from Saturday, October 14th, 2023 through Sunday, October 29th, 2023 with an open-captioned performance on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. The original 1988 Broadway blockbuster brought home Tony Awards® for Stephen Sondheim for his score and James Lapine for his book, only to be followed by a 2002 run that took home the award for “Best Revival Of A Musical” and a Current Broadway Production. This modern classic weaves together a fantastical fairytale of mystery and enchantment with a euphoric score creating a sophisticated musical twist on beloved childhood fables. Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Baker And His Wife, and Jack And The Beanstalk are caught up in an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. This production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Into the Woods was originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine with orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. Performance times vary. South Florida’s treasured regional companies open their 2023/2024 Seasons with performances by Symphony Of The Americas: Curtain Up! The Music of John Williams on Sunday, October 1st, 2023 and on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: Program I - Classical and Neo-Classical Ballets on Saturday, October 7th, 2023, Miami City Ballet: Fall Mix 1 on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 and Sunday, October 29th, 2023 and Symphony of the Americas: Symphonic Fireworks on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 and Wednesday, November 1st, 2023. Also in September, La Oveja Negra Productions and Brazil in Concert Present Seu Jorge and Daniel Jobim Perform Tom Jobim on Thursday, October 5th, 2023, QuickThePoet Presents #FLOtheLoveOfMusic on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 and Vienna Trend Events, LLC Presents Fire Of Anatolia on Thursday, October 26th, 2023. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter And: https://www.facebook.com/browardcentereducation/ and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at: @BrowardCenter, subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with: #BrowardCenter. The Broward Center 2023/2024 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and UHealth University of Miami Health System. Programs are also sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. 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 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center 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 Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org < Previous News Next News >