Decade Of Dessert Supremacy: Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop Celebrates 10 Years Of Making South Florida Sweet July 25, 2024 Share Dreamt up by former firefighter turned baking extraordinaire/entrepreneur Derek Kaplan, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop is the homegrown success story of a self-taught baker who squeezed limes by hand at age 15 to create his famous rendition of Florida’s most famous dessert delicacy – Key Lime Pie – and turned his passion for baking into a household name. What started out on four wheels as a food truck before the opening of the OG Wynwood shop in 2014, Fireman Derek’s has evolved over the last decade into a dessert dominion where Kaplan and his talented team of bakers whisk up over 50 uniquely decadent pies, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, ice cream and more across three thriving storefronts in Wynwood, Coconut Grove and Fort Lauderdale, with new outposts on the horizon. To commemorate its first decadent decade since the brick-and-mortar opening, and to thank those who have supported the brand over the last 10 years, Fireman Derek’s has unveiled a spectacular new mural by artist Carlos Solano at its flagship location in Wynwood, and is celebrating its first double-digit birthday with several limited-time specials for fans to join in on the festivities! “We are so excited to be celebrating 10 years of business here in Wynwood. It’s a tremendous milestone that we will continue to build upon every day. Thank you to all of our customers for believing in our brand and desserts over the years; we are so grateful and can’t wait to celebrate this weekend.” Kicking off on Saturday, July 13th and running through Sunday, July 14th, Fireman Derek’s is giving back to the Wynwood arts community with prints of the new mural signed by the artist and Fireman Derek himself, available for purchase for $30 and will be donating proceeds to a local arts organization. FDBS fans who purchase a mural print will receive a specialty Fireman Derek’s Birthday Box of treats which includes a choice of a slice of cake, a slice of pie, and a cookie. The signed mural print and Birthday Box promotion is exclusive to in-store purchases at the Wynwood location. The bake shop’s Coconut Grove and Fort Lauderdale outposts are also getting in on the fun with the limited-time return of a nostalgic item from Fireman Derek’s food truck days. Available while supplies last on Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th, at all three FDBS locations, customers can score a slice of Chocolate Dipped Key Lime Pie on a stick for $5. Fireman Derek’s – Wynwood is located at 2545 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida 33127; Telephone: (786) 703-3623; Fireman Derek’s – Coconut Grove is located at 3435 Main Highway, Miami, Florida 33133; Telephone: (786) 502-2396. Fireman Derek’s – Fort Lauderdale is located at 250 North Federal Highway, Suite#: 1, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301; Telephone: (954) 533-0810. For more information, visit: www.firemandereks.com - Follow on Instagram at: @FDPies. < Previous News Next News >

Your Family's Heritage: Knowing Your past Can Help Build A Better Future Thu Sep 01 2022 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Miss Saturday Night - Leslie Jones: A Trailblazer And A Symbol Of Resilience And Determination Tue May 16 2023 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Teens And Girls With Disabilities Gain Friendships, Confidence While Preparing For 13th Annual Miss Arc Broward Pageant This May South Florida Sun Times Apr 30, 2026 Sixteen Teens And Girls With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities Have More To Gain Than A Sash And Crown When They Take The Stage At This Year’s Family And Sensory-Friendly 13th Annual Miss Arc Broward Pageant On Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. At The Parker In Fort Lauderdale. Proceeds From Tickets, On Sale Now, Support Arc Broward’s 24 Programs Across Broward County That Serve Individuals With Disabilities, From Preschool Children To Adults And Seniors. “The Miss Arc Broward Pageant is so much more than a competition. For contestants, it is a culmination of four months of creating meaningful connections and feeling a true sense of belonging,” said Julie Price, Arc Broward President and CEO. “The events leading up to the pageant help build confidence, foster self-expression and present a platform where girls and young women with disabilities can discover their strengths in an environment that celebrates who they are.” The contestants are from across Broward and Palm Beach counties and range in age from 6 to 17 years old: Coral Springs / Tamarac Hailey Acevedo, 17, Coral Springs Kori Armstrong, 12, Tamarac Jordyn Butler, 6, Coral Springs Azariah Clarke, 7, Tamarac Anna Forde, 6, Coral Springs Weston / Davie Cassandra Baken, 6, Davie Rebecca Baken, 7, Davie Daniela Maldonado-Pineda, 17, Weston Hollywood / Fort Lauderdale Halia Allen, 15, Hollywood Kiely Vassar, 8, Fort Lauderdale Pembroke Pines / Miramar Katie Lorenzo, 12, Pembroke Pines Giana Patino, 13, Pembroke Pines Nola Schader, 17, Miramar Pompano Beach Samantha Bellot, 7 Jupiter / West Palm Beach Paritta Darncharnjitt, 17, West Palm Beach Nevaeh Myers, 17, Jupiter As part of the pageant experience, each contestant is paired with a teen ambassador from one of more than a dozen local high schools who serve as a mentor and cheerleader throughout the pageant journey. Together, contestants and ambassadors learn and practice the pageant opening number and participate in a series of social events and activities designed to build self-esteem. Community members, school groups and organizations are invited to purchase tickets and form cheer squads to support participants from the audience. Students can earn community service hours for their participation. Anyone interested in forming a cheer squad can register at: https://arcbroward.com/miss-arc-broward/ . The Miss Arc Broward Pageant is sponsored by: UKG, Amazon, Memorial Healthcare System, Miller Construction, Right Management, Holland & Knight, Closets By Design, AvevoRx, Southstate Bank, Marsh McLennan, Parkshore Pharmacon, Universal Property, Publix, Florida Girls Giving Back, WFP Law P.A., Holman, Centennial Bank, Rebel Motor Company, Banesco, AK Building Services, Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, TZMO USA, Inc., Disability Advocates Group, Pompano Beach Elks Lodge 1898, City & Shore Magazine, Hubbard Radio, Modern Luxury, The Pelican, Diario Las Americas, and Broward Health. Individual tickets are $22.13 and may be purchased online at: https://arcbroward.com/miss-arc-broward/ . Or call: (954) 746-9400. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $18 and may be purchased by calling: (954) 660-6307 Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Or online at: https://www.browardcenter.org/group-contact-form. The Parker is located at 707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. About Arc Broward In 2026, Arc Broward proudly celebrates 70 years as a leading provider of services that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to thrive. Today, Arc Broward is focused on opening doors, creating pathways and expanding opportunities through 24 programs at 16 locations across Broward County, serving individuals with disabilities from preschool children to adults and seniors. Its two social enterprises, Arc Educates and Arc Culinary, help people with disabilities and various employment barriers gain education, experience and employment. For more information about Arc Broward, visit: https://arcbroward.com . Or call: (954) 746-9400. Follow Arc Broward on Social Media: @arcbroward. (Photos courtesy of Arc Broward) (Individual headshots courtesy of Heather Coronel Photography) Arc Broward introduces the 2026 Miss Arc Broward Pageant contestants. Contestants participate in activities leading up to the 2026 Miss Arc Broward Pageant. Teen ambassadors representing more than a dozen Broward-area high schools help mentor Miss Arc Broward Pageant contestants. Daniella Maldonado-Pineda of Weston, and Cassandra and Rebecca Baken, sisters from Davie, are among this year's contestants in the 2026 Miss Arc Broward Pageant taking place Sunday, May 17, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale. Paritta Darncharnjitt of West Palm Beach and Nevaeh Myers of Jupiter. Jordyn Butler of Coral Springs participates in a professional photo session. Teen ambassador Kiley Opsal (center) participates in pageant activities with sisters Palmer (left) and Kiely Vassar (right). Kiely is a returning contestant in the 2026 Miss Arc Broward Pageant. Kori Armstrong of Tamarac and Jordyn Butler of Coral Springs are among this year's contestants in the 2026 Miss Arc Broward Pageant taking place Sunday, May 17, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale. Pompano Beach resident Samantha Bellot participates in fun-filled pageant activities designed to foster confidence, friendship and belonging. Previous Next

Protein To Fuel Everyday Adventures In the Kitchen And Beyond Thu Jul 18 2024 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Memorial Bringing Healthcare To Hollywood Communities ‘One City At A Time' Thu Jan 25 2024 17:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

American Pickers To Film In Florida: Unearthing History One Treasure At A Time October 12, 2023 Share The Sunshine State has always been a hotspot for hidden treasures, and the American Pickers are gearing up to make their triumphant return to Florida in January 2024. Fans of the hit History Channel show are in for a treat as Mike Wolfe and the Pickers Team embark on another thrilling adventure through the state's nooks and crannies in search of historical artifacts and captivating stories. The Art Of Picking For those who may not be familiar with the show, American Pickers is a documentary series that delves into the world of antique picking. It's a captivating journey where the art of discovering, restoring, and repurposing vintage items takes center stage. The Pickers are not just seeking any old trinkets; they are on a mission to find America's most valuable and historically significant antiques. Their quest takes them along the winding back roads of the country, from coast to coast. Along the way, they meet an array of fascinating characters with unique collections that have been accumulated over years, sometimes generations. These collections often consist of quirky, nostalgic, and occasionally bizarre items that tell a story of America's rich past. Rescuing Forgotten Relics One of the central themes of American Pickers is the preservation of history. The Pickers are not merely on a treasure hunt; they are also dedicated to recycling and rescuing forgotten relics. Each episode showcases their determination to give these pieces of history a new lease on life, often revealing the hidden beauty in seemingly ordinary items. While unearthing rusty gold and discovering the unexpected is par for the course, what truly sets American Pickers apart is their passion for the stories behind the items. They believe that every artifact has a tale to tell, and they are eager to listen and share these fascinating narratives with their viewers. Filming Safely In A Post-Pandemic World The ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way we approach many aspects of life, including television production. American Pickers takes health and safety seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols outlined by the state and the CDC to ensure a safe filming experience. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the American Pickers team remains committed to connecting with collectors in the Florida area. They're eager to hear about the unique items and memorable stories that have been tucked away in local homes and barns, waiting to be discovered. Calling All Treasure Hunters If you or someone you know has a hidden treasure trove and a story to share, this is your chance to be a part of television history. American Pickers is actively seeking leads and invites you to reach out if you have a unique item that might pique their interest. However, please note that they do not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. As American Pickers makes its way back to Florida, anticipation is building among fans and collectors alike. The show's unique blend of history, nostalgia, and the thrill of the hunt continues to captivate audiences across the nation. With their commitment to preserving the past and unearthing remarkable treasures, Mike Wolfe and the team are poised to bring another season of excitement and wonder to the Sunshine State. So, who knows what hidden gems they'll uncover this time? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: American Pickers is back, and it's bound to be an unforgettable ride through Florida's history and heritage! To get in touch with the American Pickers team, you can send your name, phone number, location, and a description of your collection along with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com . Or call: (646) 493-2184. You can also connect with them on Facebook: @GotAPick. < Previous News Next News >

Paper Cut By Andrew Rosendorf - A Dramatic Look At The Emotional Toll Of War Aventura Digest Aug 27, 2026 Island City Stage, An Award-Winning South Florida Theater Company, Is Mounting A Nationwide Lead Actor Search For Its 15th Anniversary Season Production Of Paper Cut By Andrew Rosendorf, A Dramatic Look At The Emotional Toll Of War. The Award-Winning Theater Company Is Seeking Male Applicants, Aged 25 – 40, Of Any Ethnicity, Who Embody True Authentic Disability Representation. Performers With Lower Limb Amputations (Left, Right, Or Bilateral) Are Encouraged To Apply For The Role Of Kyle, A Veteran Dealing With The Emotional Cost Of War Long After The Battlefield Has Been Left Behind. The Show Will Run Thursday, March 11th, 2027 - Sunday, April 4th, 2027, With Rehearsals From Tuesday, February 16th, 2027 - Wednesday, March 10th, 2027. “Paper Cut is a powerful and intimate story about courage, love, and resilience that challenges perceptions of what it means to be a hero,” said Andy Rogow, Artistic Director for Island City Stage. “While this is not the first time that we have looked outside of our local area for actors and directors for specialty roles, it is the first production that requires an actor with a true physical disability. Authenticity is key. To best honor the playwright and his work, we are committed to finding the best and most genuine actor possible for this role.” After rehabbing at Walter Reed from injuries caused by an IED explosion, Kyle, now an amputee, finds himself navigating the personal and emotional minefield of returning home. Paper Cut is a raw exploration of the physical and emotional toll of our returning soldiers as well as the signature wound of the war in Afghanistan: the loss of limbs. And in Kyle's case, far more. Kyle, an amputee (leg), is a 26-year-old male Afghan war Veteran; rugged and attractive but weathered from major injuries and PTSD. He is gay, but not comfortably out, especially due to his military service. The role will require instances of same-sex intimacy, and an intimacy coordinator will be present. Union and non-union talent will be considered. The contract is an AEA Single Engagement - Tier 1, Category B. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Actors who live outside of a 50-mile radius from the theater will be offered round trip travel and local housing. No per diem or car is being offered at this time. For more information about submitting an audition, please visit: https://www.islandcitystage.org/auditions . The deadline to submit is Sunday, August 30th, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Noon EDT. For information about Island City Stage, visit: www.islandcitystage.org . Island City Stage Founded in 2012, Island City Stage is a professional regional theater committed to sharing classic and contemporary stories, engaging audiences with entertaining, challenging, and inspiring productions and programs. These shows are brought to life on stage through the talents of professional artists whose credits include Broadway, Off Broadway, national tours, major regional theaters, film and television. Island City Stage offers an intimate setting with six rows of stadium seating to foster a feeling of inclusion and participation at each theatrical event. Island City Stage is a 501 (c) 3 NonProfit Organization. It is located at 2304 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305. For tickets and more information, please call: (954) 928-9800. Or visit: www.islandcitystage.org . Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/IslandCityStage . And on Instagram at: @islandcitystage. Previous Next

New Sensory-Inclusive Performances: Live and In-Person Shows For The Whole Family To Enjoy Thu Apr 28 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Power Without Principle - The Rise Of The Bully Presidency By John & Nisha Whitehead Apr 2, 2026 It’s Been 20 Years Since Donald Trump Bragged That, As A Star, He Could Do Anything—Even Assault Women—And Get Away With It. Two decades later, what once sounded like crude bravado has become a governing philosophy: might makes right, power excuses everything, and accountability is for other people—not this president. Despite the Access Hollywood recording—and everything it revealed about his character—Trump was elected to the White House twice. And ever since, he has governed exactly as he promised: as a man who believes he is unaccountable, entitled, and free to act without limits. The same mindset that once bragged about being able to “stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters” has now been scaled up and weaponized through the presidency. With a core MAGA following that seems unwilling to hold him accountable for any wrongdoing, Trump has justifiably earned his nickname as “Teflon Don.” He can be accused of sexually assaulting young girls, and he won’t lose any voters. He can, as Commander-In-Chief, sanction the bombing of a girls’ school in Iran—killing young girls, their mothers and teachers—and he won’t lose any voters. He can torpedo a thriving economy, sending inflation and gas prices soaring, and he won’t lose any voters. He can dismantle a government structure that has been in place for over 200 years, and he won’t lose any voters. He can be a walking—talking—living contradiction of everything Christians claim to stand for, and he won’t lose any voters. He can send Americans servicemen and women to die in wars that the U.S. had no business starting, and he won’t lose any voters. This is the mindset now shaping American policy. Trump’s acts of aggression against other nations—Venezuela. Iran. Greenland. Canada. Now Cuba—are expansions of the same worldview, only this time backed by the full force of the U.S. military and funded by American taxpayers. It is the logic of the schoolyard bully: Take what you want. Dare others to stop you. Punish anyone who resists. Trump wanted Venezuela’s oil, so he used the military to get it—and then bullied the country’s leaders into letting him keep it and its profits. The tactics—swaggering, arrogant, and always prepared to browbeat and mow over anyone and anything in his way—have become all too familiar. Trump wants a new ballroom? Tear down the old one and build another. Trump wants to be in charge of global peace? Seize the U.S. Institute of Peace and rename it. Trump wants to prove his economic prowess? Levy tariffs against any nations who refuse to fall in line. Trump wants to be seen as the one who solved Iran? Launch a preemptive war that kills civilians, destabilizes regions, and threatens the global economy—then turn to the same allies he once disparaged to bail him out. The pattern is unmistakable: Power without restraint. Action without accountability. Force without principle. This is not constitutional governance. This is how a bully operates: rules are for other people, constitutional prohibitions are inconveniences, and the law becomes whatever the one in power says it is. The same egomaniacal traits are evident in how Trump treats dissent. Criticism is not tolerated—it is punished. Media outlets that report unfavorably are threatened with government retaliation. The FCC is weaponized to intimidate broadcasters. “Fake news” is redefined to mean anything that challenges the narrative. Truth, in Trump’s America, is whatever serves power. And those who challenge that power are ridiculed, demeaned, and dehumanized. This is not behavior that should be brushed off as a personality quirk. It is a reflection of character. And when that character is paired with unchecked power, it becomes dangerous. In a constitutional republic, no one is supposed to be above the law. A bully—an autocrat—a dictator—believes he is the law. “Peace through strength” has become the Trump Administration’s rhetorical cover for preemptive violence, military incursions, and acts of aggression that bypass Congress and ignore constitutional limits. Yet abuse of power is not leadership. America deserves better. Because in the end, this is what it comes down to: we have put a schoolyard bully on the world stage, and we are pretending it is leadership. A man who measures strength by how much he can dominate others. A man who confuses cruelty with leadership. A man who believes that power means never having to say no—to himself. The bully doesn’t follow rules—he rewrites or ignores them. And like all bullies, this particular bully thrives not just on aggression, but on silence, fear, and complicity. The bully’s code—might makes right—has replaced the Constitution’s promise of equal justice under law. But history warns us that power without restraint is just another name for a King. This nation was born in defiance of a bully. Two hundred and fifty years ago, a king who believed himself untouchable used force, intimidation, and unchecked power to bend a people to his will. The colonists refused. They stood their ground—not because they were the strongest, but because they believed they were right. They understood something we seem to be forgetting: Power without principle is tyranny. And tyranny, no matter how loud or forceful, is not invincible. The question now is whether we still believe that. Whether we will continue to reward the bully—or finally refuse to be ruled by one. Because the example we tolerate is the example we become. And right now, the lesson we are teaching our children, our country, and the world is this: the bully wins—unless someone finally refuses to play by his rules. We’ve seen this script before. As I’ve warned in Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, the collapse of a country starts the moment we decide that the bully is the hero. We may already be in the final act of that story. But we can still change the ending—if we remember that in America, the law is king, and the citizenry are supposed to be the masters, not the servants. 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 Next

Taste at the Track is Back at Gulfstream Park! South Florida’s ultimate home store, entertainment and restaurant destination welcomes back a special winter edition of Tacos & Tequila on Saturday, March 4 Thu Mar 02 2023 17:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A City of Beauty And Business: Aventura Ranks Among America’s Top 30 Suburban Cities For Corporate Headquarters Tue Sep 19 2023 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)