South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 28th Season Ignites With Electrifying Compositions South Florida Sun Times Oct 15, 2025 South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s (SFSO) 28th Season, “Juxtapositions,” Ignites With A Powerful Reminder That Even In Darkness, Light Will Always Find Its Way. Led By Award-Winning Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, SFSO Launches The Electrifying Evening With Beethoven's Freedom-Fighting Egmont Overture Followed By Saint-Saëns’ Fiery Cello Concerto No. 1 And Massenet’s Hushed “Méditation” From Thaïs Featuring GRAMMY®-Winning Cellist Virtuoso Zuill Bailey. Capping The Evening Is Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 – A profound Work That Took The Composer Decades To Complete, Beautifully Articulating One’s Journey From Darkness To Triumph. The Concert Will Take Place On Wednesday, November 5th At 7:30 p.m., At The Parker, Located At 707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Enjoy A Pre-Concert Chat With Dr. Alan Mason 30 Minutes Before The Concert, Featuring In-Depth Conversation And Insights About The Works And Composers. “Each of the works we are presenting beautifully expresses challenges we can all relate to – when struggle becomes triumph, and the perseverance it takes to get there,” said Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso. “As we enter our 28th Season, I reflect on the resilience, grit, and dedication that South Florida Symphony has demonstrated throughout our history – and what has sustained us: the gift of performing live for our audiences. It is with pure joy that we share these profound, defiant, and utterly sublime works with you – music that acknowledges hardship and suffering, yet at its core fills you with hope, love, and optimism.” A work of extraordinary triumph that took decades to complete, Brahms’ First Symphony is an epic, deeply human piece reflecting the composer’s battles with self-doubt and perfectionism under the weight of Beethoven’s omnipresent shadow. From its brooding, stormy opening to the life-affirming finale, Brahms beautifully traces one’s journey from darkness to light. A signature of this work is the candescent French horn, brilliantly illuminating the path from despair to victory. Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 is a whirlwind of movement—elegant yet fiery, delicate yet commanding. With no pause from start to finish, the music flows in an unbroken surge of passion and virtuosity. Audience favorite cellist Zuill Bailey returns to SFSO bringing his signature artistry to this expressive work. Beethoven’s freedom-fighting Egmont Overture portrays the tragic heroism of a man who makes the ultimate sacrifice in defiance of oppression and tyranny. Originally composed for violin, Massenet’s “Méditation” from Thaïs takes on new depth in this interpretation for cello—an SFSO first. A hushed prayer amid the opera’s high drama, this sublime interlude floats with quiet longing. Guest artist Zuill Bailey, who performed at SFSO’s inaugural concert and has returned many times since, is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier cellists. An award-winning, internationally renowned soloist, recitalist, artistic director, and teacher, Bailey combines celebrated artistry, technical mastery, and an engaging presence, making him one of the most sought-after and active cellists today. A prolific recording artist with over 20 albums, he won a GRAMMY Award in 2017 for Best Solo Performance for his live recording of Michael Daugherty’s Tales of Hemingway with the Nashville Symphony. The South Florida Symphony Orchestra was part of the consortium that commissioned the work, and Bailey has performed it multiple times with SFSO, highlighting the orchestra’s ongoing connection to this celebrated composition. The album also won GRAMMY Awards for Best Composition and Best Compendium. SFSO’s 28th Season of “Juxtapositions” explores beauty in contrasts, where the bold and the sublime intersect, and timeless masterpieces share the stage with today’s most compelling and celebrated musical voices. From Mozart’s vivacious “Haffner” symphony to the sun-drenched skies of Mendelssohn’s “Italian” and the sweeping emotion of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto — performances burst with color and power. Beethoven’s luminous Piano Concerto No. 4 and Dvořák’s Bohemian Eighth deepen the journey, while Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnol whirls with Spanish flair. SFSO is also proud to present upcoming orchestra firsts by GRAMMY-nominated composers, including the Florida premiere of Had to Be by Haitian American Nathalie Joachim, featuring breakout cellist Seth Parker Woods, and Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances. Five Masterworks concerts will be held at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale from November 2025 through April 2026. Three Masterworks concerts will be held at New World Center in Miami Beach and at Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West from January through March 2026. From sold-out masterworks performances to accompanying today’s musicians such as Natalie Merchant and performing modern musical scores including Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and Back to the Future, featuring the iconic films screened live with audio and musical accompaniment, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages and musical genres. Tickets are on sale now beginning at $35 (plus ticketing fees). Buy tickets online at: www.southfloridasymphony.org - Or: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222, press 1. And in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Season subscriptions are available for the Fort Lauderdale Season at The Parker, the Miami Season at New World Center and Key West Season at the Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys. Discounted subscription packages may be purchased by visiting: www.southfloridasymphony.org/2025-26-season - Or by calling: (954) 522-8445. Subscribers save up to 20% off single ticket prices and have first access to the best seats in the house. Five-concert packages in Fort Lauderdale are available from $180*; three-concert packages from $84* in Miami; and three-concert packages in Key West from $90* (*Prices do not include ticketing fees or Handel’s Messiah tickets.). For additional information, visit: www.southfloridasymphony.org - Call: (954) 522-8445. Or email: info@southfloridasymphony.org . About South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) Founded in 1997 in Key West by Music Director Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, the Fort Lauderdale-based South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is celebrating its 28th Season. SFSO is dedicated to providing enriching cultural music experiences to residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communities, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innovative programming and transformative educational initiatives. A pioneer in its commitment to symphonic music for underserved communities, its Symphony in the Schools program has touched the lives of over 130,000 students since its inception in 1997. SFSO was recently named the first Partner in the Arts for The Parker by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and has been recognized by the Broward County Cultural Division as a “Major Cultural Institution,” one of only a handful of organizations to be so honored. For a performance schedule and season tickets, call: (954) 522-8445. Or visit: www.southfloridasymphony.org . Major support for South Florida Symphony Orchestra is provided by PNC Private Bank; Nicklaus Children’s Health System; the Gerald L. Laskey Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward; the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners; Aviah Flagler Village; The Maval Foundation; and Marand Builders. Additional sponsorship is provided, in part, by Funding Arts Broward; Ver Ploeg & Marino; City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Previous Next

Outshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival: Never-Before-Seen International Feature Premieres, Documentaries And Shorts September 20, 2024 Share OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival, internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural festivals in the world, is excited to announce its 42nd edition fall dates, preview of featured films and a new format designed to unite cinema enthusiasts from South Florida and beyond! For the first time in its event history, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival will offer 62 acclaimed features and shorts including premieres and documentaries from 25 countries that inspire, entertain and educate to theaters and audiences in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties during one run. This year’s fall festival will open in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, October 17th at Regal Dania Pointe, 128 Sunset Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 and will run through Thursday, October 24th, at Paradigm Cinemas: Gateway Fort Lauderdale, 1820 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 and Savor Cinema, 503 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. From Friday, October 25th through Sunday, October 27th, the festival will move to Silverspot Cinema Miami, 300 Southeast 3rd Street, Suite#: 100, Miami, Florida 33131 and Regal South Beach, 1120 Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 followed by select screenings available from Monday, October 28th, to Sunday, November 3rd, during the OUTshine AT HOME extension. “We are thrilled to introduce the newly reimagined OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival to South Florida,” said Allen Martello, Festival Co-Director, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. “Film is better with friends and our vision is to bring our community together to celebrate inspiring LGBTQ+ cinema with a fall and a spring festival in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. We’re also thrilled to welcome back FREE Uber rides to and from select film screenings in Miami making it easier for our Fort Lauderdale neighbors to travel to Downtown Miami via rail. By connecting our community, we’re also adding on extra viewings, parties and special events, increasing the festival’s run dates in theaters and at home.” Young Hearts (Belgium/Netherlands, 2023) will open this year’s fall festival on Thursday, October 17th at 7:00 p.m., at Regal Dania Pointe. Written and directed by Anthony Schatteman in his feature debut, the film explores first love as 14-year-old Elias (Lou Goossens, in a breakthrough performance) contends with his feelings for Alex, a cool new neighbor. Exquisitely filmed in the Belgian countryside, this profound story resonates on multiple levels: a balm for those whose initial queer experiences were traumatic, a mirror for today’s LGBTQ+ youth, and a hopeful message for parents of future generations. An afterparty at the Dania Improv will take place immediately following the screening. This year’s Centerpiece Film screening at 7:30 p.m. on October 24th at Savor Cinema will be the East Coast premiere of Hammarskjöld - Fight For Peace (Sweden, 2024), a speculative biopic about Swedish UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, the anti-colonialist, allegedly queer diplomat who died under mysterious circumstances during the Cold War while trying to bring peace to The Congo. The film is directed by Per Fly. Back by popular demand is the festival’s Latin Spotlight featuring critically acclaimed men’s and women’s films set to take place on October 25th at Silverspot Cinema Miami. The fall edition’s selections are The Astronaut Lovers (Los Amantes Astronautas) (Argentina/Spain, 2024) and the North American premiere of The Muleteer (La Arriera) (Mexico, 2024). Directed by Marco Berger, The Astronaut Lovers is a breezy comedy about Pedro and Maxi, childhood friends reuniting as young men who fall in love and comically try to hide it from family and friends. In The Muleteer, Director Isabel Cristina Fregoso presents a compelling 1930’s narrative about daring teenage Emilia who ventures from the ranch where she grew up to find her biological father. Riding her horse through the mountains, where she pretends to be a young muleteer, she discovers a different world that leads her to find her destiny. Additional selections of note include High Tide (United States, 2024) featuring Brazilian star Marco Pigossi at the heart of a moving tale of a gay immigrant in Provincetown navigating the gig economy after an unexpected breakup. The film also stars Marisa Tomei, Mya Taylor, and Bill Irwin; Drive Back Home (Canada, 2024), a brotherly road trip drama taking place in 1970 starring Alan Cumming; All Shall Be Well (Hong Kong, 2024), Director Ray Yueng’s Teddy Award-Winning film exploring family dynamics, unraveling relationships and the complexities of Hong Kong’s inheritance laws; the Award-Winning Pet Shop Days (USA/Italy/Mexico/UK, 2023), Director Olmo Schnabel’s gritty throwback to American independent cinema with a riveting portrait of lost young men seeking connection featuring fantastic performances (including Willem Dafoe), raw emotion, and propulsive pacing; and the documentaries Linda Perry: Let It Die Here (United States, 2024) and Sapir (Israel, 2024), an engrossing portrait of the world’s first Professional League Transgender Football Referee, Sapir Berman. Focusing on local LGBTQ+ filmmaking talent, OUTshine has curated a new South Florida Shorts program and will present its Filmmaker Panel during the festival run. “Film lovers can expect a lineup of international, North American, U.S. and East Coast premieres stacked with notable award-winning and up-and-coming directors, actors and writers sharing creative visions and personal experiences that excite, exhilarate and uplift the human spirit,” said Joe Bilancio, Director Of Programming, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. “At a time when diversity and acceptance is in the spotlight, it’s paramount for us to present films and programs with balanced viewpoints that promote tolerance, equality, understanding and empathy.” OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival’s fall edition closes at 6:00 p.m. at Regal Cinemas South Beach with the film LAYLA (UK, 2024), a love letter to the queer community. Written and directed by Amrou Al-Kadhi, the film focuses on Layla, a struggling Arab non-binary drag queen whose confident façade hides their desperate desire for love. When Layla’s performance at a belittling corporate Pride event turns into a transgressive takedown, they are surprised to catch the eye of marketing executive Max, whose attentions sweep Layla off their feet. As Layla starts to alter who they are in order to keep Max’s interest, they both must face uncomfortable truths. Immediately following, a celebratory Closing Night Party will take place on historic Lincoln Road. "The OUTshine staff, leadership, and board of directors are all incredibly excited to bring this new approach to OUTshine in BOTH cities this fall,” said Owen Carhart, Festival Co-Director, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. “Paired with new sponsors, opportunities, and a revamped community partner program, we can't wait to show you just where OUTshine is headed, not only this fall, but for the years to come!" OUTrageous, OUTspoken, and OUTstanding, this year’s OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival fall edition is sponsored, in part, by Twist Night Club, Lexi Goza State Farm, Funding Arts Broward, Broward County Cultural Division, The Our Fund Foundation, OutClique, HotSpots and It’s Happening Out, OUTSFL, Skirt Magazine, Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami Beach, Prevention 305 and Gilead. A full schedule for the 42nd edition of the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival will be announced on September 27th with ticket subscription packages and individual tickets on sale. OUTshine passholders and Producer Circle members receive priority advance ticket purchase opportunities. For more information, visit: https://outshinefilm.com/. OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival, celebrating its 42nd edition, is a bi-annual film festival with a mission to inspire, entertain, and educate; encouraging a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that offer historical, contemporary and entertaining perspectives on the LGBTQ+ experience. Launched separately - in 1998, as The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and in 2008, as the Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival - both were brought together under one brand to become OUTshine Film Festival, underscoring its brightness, broad appeal and dynamic multicultural locations, the nonprofit festival is critically and internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural arts happenings in the world. OUTrageous. OUTspoken. And OUTstanding in what we deliver. For more information and tickets, visit: https://outshinefilm.com/ - And follow us on Facebook at: @OUTshineFilmFestival. On Twitter at: @OUTshineFilm. And on Instagram at: @OUTshineFilm. < Previous News Next News >

“The King Of Lovers Rock” Beres Hammond Returns To The Broward Center For Two Shows Thu Aug 11 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Reserve A Victorian Christmas Tour: A Wonderful Way At Any Age to Celebrate The Holiday Spirit November 18, 2021 Share The Stranahan House is the oldest and most historically significant surviving structure in Broward County and will be decked in spectacular, picture-perfect Victorian Era Décor The Historic Stranahan House Museum will light up the holidays this season with Victorian Christmas Tours scheduled from Saturday, December 18th, 2021 through Thursday, December 23rd, 2021. This is a favorite Broward County holiday tradition! The Historic Stranahan House will be decked in spectacular, picture-perfect Victorian Era Décor and tours will be led by costumed tour guides who will explain the origin of many holiday traditions and how the pioneers celebrated in the early days of Fort Lauderdale. “This is a very picturesque time of year at The Stranahan House and these tours are a wonderful way for everyone at any age to celebrate the holiday spirit,” said The Stranahan House Executive Director April Kirk. “Colorful wreaths and twinkling lights decorate the exterior, the interior comes to life with festive fully decorated trees, wreaths, gifts and other antique and vintage holiday décor. Our volunteers do an amazing job preparing the house for this magical time of year.” Holiday tours are scheduled in timed increments beginning at 7:00 p.m. December 18th, 2021 - December 23rd, 2021 with a maximum of 10 visitors per tour. Tickets are $30 for non-members and $25 for museum members. Event tickets can be purchased on-line at: www.stranahanhouse.org/events. The museum’s gift shop will also be open featuring unique locally created and commemorative items, perfect for every person on a holiday gift list. Face coverings are required inside all of The Stranahan House buildings. Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, The Stranahan House is open for daily guided tours and offers virtual experiences and in-person events throughout the year. To stay updated with events, visit: https://stranahanhouse.org/ For any additional information, please call: (954) 524-4736. Or e-mail: director@stranahanhouse.org About The Historic Stranahan House Museum Built in 1901, The Stranahan House is the oldest and most historically significant surviving structure in Broward County, Florida. Built by founding father of Fort Lauderdale, Frank Stranahan, the structure served as the pioneer wilderness' trading post, post office, bank and gathering place. After marrying the area's first school teacher, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the building became their home, later a boarding house, restaurant and now finally, a museum. Sitting on its original location in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, The Historic Stranahan House Museum remains a connection to the past while operating as an educational center, cultural destination and community event space. The museum is open 7 days a week for tours and is located at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit: www.stranahanhouse.org . Or call: (954) 524-4736. < Previous News Next News >

Only In Florida: A Winter Wonderland Tour Through the Venice of the Americas December 8, 2022 Share Popular, festive and fun, a South Florida tradition via Water Taxi offers Holiday Light Cruises that are a must for visiting friends and family, and a great way to Kick-off the Season for locals as well! Running Thursday, December 1, 2022 through Saturday, December 31, cruises leave daily at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. and tour the waterways of the Venice of the Americas. Spectacular lights and decorated designs, from some of the city’s wealthy and creative entrepreneurs showcase this very special, time-honored tradition. Water Taxi’s watery, wonderland night-time Holiday Light Cruises offer a unique blend of land, water and lights. Passing under bridges, and along the shores, sighting buildings and local landmarks, passengers can relax while boating through the downtown core of Fort Lauderdale. Views of this impressive seasonal show are only available on the water; and with Water Taxi, the audiences also enjoy live music, holiday cocktails and tales of the tides delivered by commentary from the Water Taxi crew. Owner and Marine Executive Bill Walker offers this service all year long with a fleet of thirteen boats that serve the waterways of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, reaching as far north as Bokampers/Shooters, east along the Fort Lauderdale Beach and west to Downtown/Las Olas and south to Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. All routes vary but include stops at a wide variety of restaurants, shops, malls, parks and many other points of interest. However, it is the Holiday Lights Cruise that creates the Annual Centerpiece for this local establishment. To reserve a spot for the Holiday Cruise, book your tickets online at: https://watertaxi.com/holiday-lights-cruises/. Tickets are Adults: $40 per person; Children (Ages 3 – 11): $20; Under 3 ride FREE. All Cruises Depart from 335 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale (Between Stranahan House and Riverside Hotel). Metered parking within walking distance available at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard Garage and Street metered parking on Las Olas. < Previous News Next News >

ZOA Issues Qualified Support For Trump Gaza Plan, With Concerns By ZOA.org Oct 23, 2025 Zionist Organization Of America (ZOA) National President Morton A. Klein Released The Following Statement: The Zionist Organization of America issues qualified support for President Trump’s Gaza plan, with concerns. ZOA is thrilled at the prospect that – at the outset of the plan – all the remaining innocent Jewish hostages will be freed from the blood-soaked hands of the evil Arab-Islamic Hamas monsters, who committed unspeakable atrocities, and whose Charter calls for the murder of every Jew and Israel’s destruction. ZOA is grateful that the war against Arab/Islamic Hamas and their supporters will have achieved its primary goals and therefore may come to a successful end. ZOA strongly thanks President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu for their unceasing efforts to help release our brothers from captivity. And we profoundly thank President Trump for supporting any and all of Israel’s actions if Hamas rejects this plan, or if the Palestinian Arabs and the Palestinian Authority do not fulfill their obligations of reformation and deradicalization required under this plan. As we entered Yom Kippur, we were also hopeful that the plan will enhance Jewish unity and help usher in a year that sees better days for all of Israel and the Jewish people. We are greatly concerned that the deal includes releasing 1,950 Arab/Islamist terrorists, including 250 who were convicted for murdering Jews, and similar capital crimes. In the past, many of these released Arab terrorists went back to murdering Jews. Forty of them became leaders of Hamas. It also increases and inspires the likelihood of more kidnappings of Jews. We are also concerned about hostile-to-Israel Tony Blair having an important oversight role, and the prospect that untrustworthy non-neutral Palestinian Arabs could aid in running Gaza. So-called Palestinian technocrats have historically and invariably been terrorists. We are upset that Hamas leaders will not be held accountable for their Nazi-like barbarism and atrocities and will be given the right to remain in Gaza. We very much appreciate the plan’s statement that Gaza will be deradicalized. However, it is unclear to us if this will include the strenuous, drastic, long-term programs and efforts needed to re-educate an entire population brought up from infancy to hate and aspire to murder Jews and Christians. If such serious efforts will indeed be made, that would be a historic game-changer, and could bring real peace. At a minimum, deradicalization must also include the Palestinian Authority ending pay-to-slay; and all Palestinian Arab regimes changing their antisemitic, Israel-bashing textbooks and daily indoctrination of antisemitic and anti-Israel hatred; removing the names of Jew-killers from schools, streets, sports teams and children’s camps; removing Imams and media that preach hatred and violence against Jews; publicly accepting Israel as a Jewish state; deleting the Fatah and Hamas charters’ demands to murder Jews and destroy Israel; changing emblems, such as the Fatah (PA ruling party)’s emblem, showing all of Israel as Palestine with a rifle and Arafat, and the Palestinian Authority logo showing all of Israel as Palestine; sincerely accepting the Jewish state; and placing Israel on all their maps. We are concerned that mere interfaith dialogue and improving the economic situation of Gazan Arabs will not change the Gazan population’s Islam-inspired commitment to hate and kill Jews and destroy the Jewish state. This has been a religious/Koranic war against Israel’s very existence. It has not been about economics or a state. It is about destroying Israel and murdering Jews. Improving Palestinian Arabs’ material lives doesn’t impact their Islamist hatred of and violence against Jews. The Palestinian Arabs’ refusal to give up their overriding Islamic goal of destroying Israel is why the Palestinian Arabs rejected numerous offers of a “side-by-side” state accompanied with billions of dollars in aid. Remember, the Arabs rejected the British Peel Commission’s two-state offer in 1937, the UN’s non-binding partition recommendation in 1947, and numerous other rejected offers for a state, and instead went to war to annihilate the Jewish state. The economic improvements offered here unfortunately also reward terror. We believe that the provision limiting Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza (e.g., “save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat”) needs to be broadly interpreted to make the perimeter of Israeli control permanent. Israel needs to retain and control a significant buffer zone in Gaza to assure Israel’s safety, and to make it safe for Israelis to rebuild the communities in southern Israel that Hamas and Gazan civilians destroyed on October 7th. It must also be made clear that Israel must continue to control the Philadelphi border with Egypt so that no weapons can enter Gaza via Egypt. We must never forget that Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 was a disaster that resulted in over 30,000 rockets launched at Israel, repeated wars, and brutal terror attacks. We also want to make sure that the clause about non-interference with aid is not (mis)interpreted so broadly as to prevent Israel from inspecting trucks delivering aid into Gaza. Israeli inspections for weapons are essential for Israel’s security and should not be deemed to be interference. Current Israeli inspections have not interfered with aid deliveries. Indeed, as of this past Sunday (Sept. 28, 2025), Israel has facilitated 2,097,488 tons of aid on 107,828 trucks and 13,209 pallets into Gaza. We are also concerned about the statement giving UN agencies aid distribution roles – and hope that this provision is not used to revitalize UNRWA – the Hamas-infested UN organization that participated in October 7th, hid weapons and communications centers for Hamas, and teaches unmitigated hatred for Jews and Israel in its schools. We also hope that the aid provisions are not interpreted to bar the U.S.-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) from its work: As of Monday, September 19th, 2025, the GHF has distributed 176 million meals in Gaza. We are very relieved that the plan does not include an agreement to a Palestinian terror state. But we are somewhat uneasy about even the mention of a state in the vague provision: “While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.” As ZOA has explained repeatedly, a Palestinian state would be a terror enclave and a mortal danger to Israel, and is overwhelmingly opposed by the Israeli people, officials, and the Knesset. “Reforming” the efficiency of the bloodthirsty Palestinian Authority will not justify taking away lands guaranteed to Israel under international law to form a Palestinian state. The aspiration of the Palestinian Arabs is not a state; it is Israel’s destruction, as their charter, their repeated rejection of side-by-side offers, their speeches and sermons, and textbooks and media all confirm. ZOA is also unconvinced that Hamas and the Palestinian regime will fulfill their obligations under the plan. Can we trust Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and others to do what’s promised and what’s right? Nevertheless, given the present international and Mideast circumstances and the frightening surge of Jew-hatred and Israel-hatred everywhere, we believe it is now best to move forward and give the Palestinian Arabs yet another chance for peace. And if the plan is properly interpreted, properly carried out and properly monitored, and truly fulfilled, it has the potential to dramatically change the landscape and increase the safety and security of Israel and its people, and improve the lives of Jews, Arabs, Muslims, and Christians in the Middle East. Previous Next

The Police State Has A New Playbook - Martial Law, One City At A Time John & Nisha Whitehead Aug 27, 2025 Let’s Not Mince Words: Every American Should Be Alarmed By President Trump’s “Liberation Day” Tactics, Theatrics And Threats. What is unfolding in the nation’s capital is a hostile takeover of our constitutional republic. This is no longer about partisan politics, wag-the-dog distractions from the Epstein debacle, or even genuine national security concerns. This is martial law disguised as law-and-order—the oldest trick in the authoritarian playbook. We have been traveling this slippery slope toward a police state for some time, but under Trump 2.0, the descent towards outright tyranny is accelerating. Building on the expanded emergency powers he has claimed to wage war on immigration, wokeness and the economy, Trump is taking aim at yet another so-called “crisis”—this time, by waging war on crime in the nation’s capital, despite the fact that crime is at a 30-year low. Under the guise of “restoring order” and “cleaning up” the streets, Trump has called in the National Guard, dispatched the FBI, and federalized the local police in order to take control of Washington, D.C. This is how the Emergency State operates in the open. A real but manageable problem—crime, homelessness, public disorder—is inflated into an existential threat. Fear is manufactured, then exploited to seize more power. Whether the trigger is terrorism, civil unrest, economic instability, or public health, the aim remains the same: expand the reach of federal authority, justify more militarized policing, and condition the public to accept the suspension of rights in the name of national security. Once these powers are taken, they are never willingly relinquished. Each time, Trump pushes the envelope a little, relying on military optics meant to intimidate. At each stage, the scope of who could be targeted by these executive orders and emergency power operations grows wider. These are not isolated decisions; they are part of a coordinated playbook for bringing local jurisdictions under direct federal control, one crisis at a time. This is mission creep in action—by breaking the police state’s hostile takeover of the country and our Constitution into a series of incremental moves, the administration sidesteps the broad public backlash that a single, sweeping declaration of martial law would provoke. Once the federal government claims the authority to override local control, put boots on the ground, and target a designated “dangerous class,” that authority inevitably broadens to sweep in new targets. What begins by targeting violent criminals quickly expands to hardworking immigrants, then the homeless. Tomorrow those targeted could be protesters, journalists, or anyone deemed undesirable. These executive orders constitute a war on the American people without a formal declaration of war. Once the definitions of “criminal,” “threat,” and “danger” are used interchangeably to advance political needs, there is no limit to who can be targeted next. What begins with a narrow claim of emergency power is quickly normalized and made permanent. We have seen this pattern before. The difference today is that the slippery slope has become steeper and the slide faster. What once took years to creep into everyday life now happens in a matter of months. Every crisis becomes a test: of our willingness to let the government sidestep the Constitution, of our tolerance for militarized “solutions” to social problems, of whether the public will resist or comply, of whether those in authority can get away with moving the line yet again. The players change—Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden, and now Trump again—but the game remains the same: permanent crisis management, permanent power grabs, permanent erosion of liberty. This is how constitutional limits die—not in one dramatic coup, but in a series of incremental “emergencies” that accustom us to living under permanent federal occupation. By that measure, the takeover of Washington, D.C., is a chilling case study. The issue is not whether Trump can seize control of DC. Under section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, the president may do so for 48 hours without congressional approval and up to 30 days with notice to Congress. So the question we must ask as the symbolic heart of the republic is transformed into a constitution-free zone is: Why? Why now—when crime is at its lowest level in three decades? And where do we go from here? The federal takeover of Washington, D.C., is not the end of that slippery slope. It is merely the latest drop, and nothing in our present political climate suggests it will be the last. The police state will always need another manufactured crisis. Given the rate at which the government keeps devising new ways to establish itself as the “solution” to all of our worldly problems at taxpayer expense, each subsequent crisis ushers in ever larger expansions of government power and fewer individual liberties. Once the government acquires authoritarian powers—to spy, surveil, militarize police, seize funds, wage endless wars, censor speech, detain without due process, etc.—it does not willingly relinquish them. The lesson for the ages is this: once any government is allowed to overreach and expand its powers, it’s almost impossible to put the genie back in the bottle. History bears this out: as the government expands, liberty contracts. If the president can federalize the policing of the capital, override local control, and treat entire populations as security threats without meaningful resistance from Congress, the courts, or the public, then there is nothing to stop that same template from being applied to any city in America in the name of “security.” What is happening in Washington today will be the model for what happens nationwide tomorrow. Case in point: at Trump’s direction, the Pentagon—the military branch of the government—is looking to establish a “Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force,” made up of National Guard troops kept on standby at all times, which could be rapidly deployed to American cities “facing protests or other unrest.” Indeed, Trump has already hinted that he plans to target Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Oakland next. This is straight out of the playbook used in that Pentagon training video created by the Army for U.S. Special Operations Command. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, if we do not stop this dangerous trajectory now, the question will not be whether martial law comes to your city—it will be when, under what pretext, and whether we will have the courage and the wherewithal to resist. 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

2021 Year in Review: Madness, Mayhem and Tyranny Thu Dec 30 2021 05:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Beware Of These Financial Myths And Misconceptions About Retirement June 3, 2021 Share Godlewski points to three key areas where myths and misconceptions can cost you in retirement: taxes, asset diversification and annuities. Many people look forward to retirement and all of the enjoyment, it can bring after having worked so hard for decades. But from a distance, whether a few years or many years away from retirement, it’s not easy to clearly see what retirement will look like. It’s a bit misty, because, after all, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future, and how much money someone will need during retirement and have on hand is subject to numerous, variables. But, in the process of looking ahead, some people miscalculate, in part because they are not fully informed, says Dariusz Godlewski (www.financialwealthalliance.com ), a licensed investment advisor representative and President of the Financial Wealth Alliance. “Some of the things people assume to be true about money matters in retirement actually are not and some financial points they think they grasp instead, require a deeper dive,” Godlewski says. “Misconceptions and myths can develop and those can be harmful to one’s retirement and their enjoyment of it.” Godlewski points to three key areas where myths and misconceptions can cost you in retirement: Godlewski says that one of the biggest misconceptions people have is that they will pay less in taxes in retirement, but for many, that’s not true. “For one thing, they won’t have many deductions anymore,” he says. “If they were itemizing, a lot of those deductions, would go away. Most of the money, Americans have, is in tax-deferred accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s, they’re going to pay taxes on those distributions. Therefore, they need to strategize to lower their tax bill in the future.” Taxes: One strategy, Godlewski says, is doing partial Roth conversions on their IRAs and 401(k)s. “Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth on both the contributions and the earnings that accrue over the years, the other big benefit in retirement is that you won’t pay taxes, when you take the money out,” he says. “When current tax rates are relatively low, it’s a good window of opportunity to partially convert to a Roth.” Godlewski says tax diversification also is important – having a portion in taxable accounts, another amount in tax-free accounts and some in tax-deferred accounts. Asset Diversification: Proper diversification across non-correlated asset classes is the key to protecting one from too much volatility in the markets, Godlewski says. A non-correlated asset is an asset whose value isn’t tied to larger fluctuations in the traditional markets. “Many people think they are very diversified because they have different stocks and mutual funds, but that is not being diversified,” he says. “Stocks and mutual funds are just one asset class. Non-correlated assets such as real estate, commodities, municipal bonds can help you diversify.” Annuities: “They all sound similar, but, they all work differently,” Godlewski says. “Some have high fees, some have low fees. Some are safe, some have risks. Annuities can get complicated and it’s wise to have a fiduciary, that explains, the differences. “Annuities, supplement other retirement income, such as Social Security and pensions. Fixed annuities, make sense for people who don’t want much of a risk. An insurance company guarantees a specific payment by a certain date, in the interim period the insurer, invests in safe vehicles, such as, highly-rated corporate bonds and U.S. Treasury securities. In a variable annuity, more risk is involved as investors aim for bigger profits. The insurer invests in a portfolio of mutual funds, which are chosen by the buyer.” “Misconceptions about some financial elements of retirement can lead you down the wrong path and bring stress at a time, when, you’re supposed to be relaxing,” Godlewski says. “Gain the knowledge you need to bring clarity to your plan and the enjoyment that you deserve.” About Dariusz Godlewski, RFC: Dariusz Godlewski (www.financialwealthalliance.com ) is President of the Financial Wealth Alliance and is, a licensed investment adviser representative with Brookstone Capital Management. He holds a life insurance license and has passed the Series 65 securities exam. < Previous News Next News >

2023 Hyundai Air & Sea Show: Memorial Day Weekend National Salute To America's Heroes May 24, 2023 Share The Hyundai Air & Sea Show, the Greatest Show Above the Earth returns to Miami Beach Memorial Day weekend (May 27-28, 2023). The Hyundai Air & Sea Show begins each day at 12 p.m. with sea demonstrations by professional jet skiers, ThunderCats boat racing exhibition and the Cigarette Offshore Powerboat Racing Demonstration. After the sea portion, look to the sky for our country’s state of the art military technology including Parachute teams, jet demonstrations, air and sea search and rescue exercises, and more. Families can enjoy the Florida Power and Light Display Village east of Lummus Park (Ocean Drive, 11th - 14th Street), which is over four-city-blocks long. The Florida Power and Light Display Village includes incredible flight and navigation simulators, tactical training equipment, rifle range simulators along with interactive displays from all branches of the U.S. Military including a U.S. Army M1A2 tank. Guests can meet the men and women of our armed forces and experience displays and booths from the Hyundai Air & Sea Show corporate sponsors including USA Boxing Exhibition, a Kid Zone, and the Monster Energy Action Zone, showcasing Keith Sayer’s FMX (Freestyle Motocross) demonstration team. On Saturday, May 27, the U.S. Army SaluteFest, will feature three concerts including platinum-selling country music star Chris Janson, viral singing sensation JVKE, and country music artist BRELAND. The U.S. Army SaluteFest will be hosted by former football player Rob "Gronk" Gronkowski, a four-time All-Pro tight end. The U.S. Army SaluteFest also includes an interactive Display Village, a mesmerizing 500 drone aerial show, and a fireworks extravaganza. Attendees can also expect to see the U.S. Army's top equipment, innovations, and career opportunities on display. On Sunday, May 28, the event will reach its grand finale with a captivating performance by country music duo Big & Rich, known for their high-energy shows and chart-topping hits at the Music Explosion, presented by Hyundai. Attendees can expect a memorable evening filled with their signature blend of country rock and engaging stage presence. To culminate the festivities, the event will conclude with the spectacular Veteran's Florida Fireworks Extravaganza. This awe-inspiring fireworks display will illuminate the night sky with a dazzling array of colors and patterns, paying tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. The Hyundai Air & Sea Show is certain to please veterans, patriotic Americans and people of all ages. Packed with action in the sky and on the water, the Hyundai Air & Sea Show will have crowds cheering from 11th to 14th Streets along the shores of Miami Beach. The family-friendly event has something for everyone. Saturday, May 27: U.S. ARMY SaluteFest™ (1:00PM -10:00PM) • MUSIC ACTS: Chris Janson, BRELAND, JVKE and more! • U.S. Army Golden Knights Nighttime Pyro Parachute Demonstration • U.S. Army 82nd Airborne “All American” Chorus • The U.S. Army Band, mesmerizing 500 Drone Aerial Show, Interactive Army Display Village and Fireworks extravaganza • Attendees can also expect to see the U.S. Army's top equipment, innovations, and career opportunities on display. Sunday, May 28: Music Explosion® presented by Hyundai (6:30PM - 9:00PM) • Featuring Country Music Stars Big & Rich • U.S. Air Force Band • Veterans Florida Fireworks Extravaganza Sea Events Demonstrations: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM • “Thundercat” Boat Exhibition • Cigarette Offshore Powerboat Exhibition • Flyboard Demonstration • Jet Ski Freestyle Exhibition AIR EVENTS: 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM • Demonstrations and Fly-bys, USAF F-35 Lightning ll, USAF F-15 Eagle, USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon, USAF A-10 Thunderbolt, USAF T-6’s, USAF B-52 Bomber, USAF B-1 Bomber, USAF, B-2 Bomber, USAF Heritage Flight, USAF C-17 Global Master III, USAF C-130J Hercules, USAF KC-135 Stratotanker, USAF C-5 Galaxy, US ARMY AH-64 Apache Helicopter, US NAVY Legacy Flight Team Demonstrations • U.S. ARMY Golden Knights Parachute Team • U.S. NAVY Leap Frogs Parachute Team • British Army Red Devils Parachute Regiment • USAF Honor Guard Drill Team Precision Exercises • USAF 920th Combat Search & Rescue Demo • U.S. Army Special Operations Demo • USCG Air Sea Rescue Demo • U.S. Customs Border Protection Drug Interdiction Demo (All aircraft are subject to operational availability and all aircraft listed may not be available on days of event. Demonstrations consist of multiple aircraft exhibiting capabilities of military and governmental agencies personnel and equipment) “There is no better time than Memorial Day weekend to pay tribute to our military, First Responders, and those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our freedom,” said Mickey Markoff, National Salute to America’s Heroes Executive Producer. Tickets for the Hyundai Air & Sea Show LiquorSplit Beach Club at Show Center are available at: www.USAsalute.com starting at $65. General admission, VIP, Cabana Club, Sky Suites, and corporate chalets are also available. For more information and to view the promotional video, please visit: www.USAsalute.com < Previous News Next News >

Justice Skatepark Ribbon Cutting South Florida Sun Times Aug 20, 2025 The City of Hollywood will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the $790,000 renovation of Justice Skate Park at Stan Goldman Park, located at 800 Knights Road, Hollywood, Florida 33020. The event is scheduled for this Friday, August 22nd at 5:00 p.m. and the public is encouraged to attend. The skatepark recently reopened following a series of upgrades that have quickly become popular with local skaters. New features include quarter pipes, double-sided curbs, ledges, and other enhancements that have brought new energy to the park. Since reopening, the skatepark has seen steady use from skaters eager to enjoy the improvements. The facility is named in memory of Justice Chin, a beloved community advocate who dedicated his time and passion to supporting the skateboarding community and championing improvements at the park. His efforts left a lasting mark on Hollywood and continue to inspire skaters and residents alike. The ceremony will include light refreshments and an opportunity to celebrate both the completed renovations and Justice Chin’s enduring legacy in the community. Adult 7-on-7 Flag Football League Looking for some Flag Football fun come to the Washington Park Community Center Football Fields at 5199 Pembroke Road, Hollywood, Florida 33023 every Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The league runs September 3rd through November 5th, you must register by September 1st - call: (954) 967-4240. Previous Next

Call To Artists And NonProfit Organizations - This Two-Day Live Mural Festival Celebrates Art, Culture And Community In Fort Lauderdale South Florida Sun Times Oct 22, 2025 Business For The Arts Broward (BFA), In Partnership With The Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Invites Local Artists And Arts And Culture Non-Profit Organizations To Participate In The Inaugural BFA Art Walls Mural Fest, A Two-Day, Community-Driven Celebration Of Art, Collaboration And Impact On Saturday, February 28th, 2026 And Sunday, March 1st, 2026 From 10:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. At History Fort Lauderdale. This exciting event will pair 10 local art and culture Non-Profits with 10 established and emerging artists who will each create an eight-foot-by-eight-foot mural inspired by the Non-Profit’s mission. The festivities kick off with a special BFA Art & Spirits celebration on Monday, February 16th, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the BBX Capital Gallery that showcases participating artists and organizations with an exclusive liquor tasting and art exhibit with BFA’s sponsors and supporters. Artists and Non-Profit Organizations are encouraged to apply and participate. Artist applications for the Art Walls Mural Fest open Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 and close on Monday, November 10th, 2025. Muralists must be residents of Florida, with preference given to South Florida artists. Both established artists with 10 or more public works and emerging artists with up to 10 public works are encouraged to apply. The selected artists will be notified on Thursday, November 20th, 2025. To enter, artists must indicate whether they are an emerging or established artist, submit their artist bio and 10-15 images of previous murals or large-scale works and provide a brief statement on why they are interested in participating. Artists should be open to collaborating with an arts and cultural non-profit partner and incorporating the non-profit’s mission or values into the mural design, while staying true to their own creative aesthetic. Artists must apply through the CAFÉ website: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=16215 Established artists will receive a $2,000 mural honorarium and a $200 stipend to display artwork in BBX Capital while emerging artists will receive a $1,000 mural honorarium and a $200 stipend to display artwork in BBX Capital. Additional benefits include live mural creation during the public high-profile event, as well as a four-month exhibition and sales opportunity at BBX Capital and the Art & Spirits pre-event. Artists will also have the chance to build meaningful connections with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, fellow muralists, art collectors, business professionals and potential collaborators. Artists also will earn lasting visibility through the donation of completed murals to partner arts and cultural non-profits. All artwork will be offered for sale with proceeds split between the artist (75%) and BFA (25%). All selected artists will be required to provide proof of general liability insurance covering the duration of the festival. Insurance must list Business for the Arts Broward (BFA) and History Fort Lauderdale as additionally insured. Each artist must sign a Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) waiver acknowledging that the temporary nature of the mural panels and festival may result in the eventual relocation, alteration or removal of the artwork. Murals created during the festival will be donated to partnering art and cultural non-profit organizations. Artists grant permission for BFA and partner nonprofits to photograph, reproduce and use images of the artwork for promotional, educational and fundraising purposes, with credit to the artist whenever possible. They are also expected to comply with all festival guidelines, deadlines and on-site safety requirements. Applications for local arts and cultural non-profit organizations open on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 and close on Monday, November 10th, 2025. Selected organizations will be announced on Thursday, November 20th, 2025. Participation in this event provides a non-profit organization with the opportunity to showcase itself over two days and partner with a professional artist who will create a mural inspired by its mission. They also gain visibility, recruit volunteers and engage the community through a free vendor table at the event. This experience highlights their impact, builds lasting connections and allows them to be part of a free community arts event designed to foster collaboration, creativity and awareness. More information and non-profit applications are availabe at: https://bfabroward.org/programs/bfa-art-walls-mural-fest/call-to-arts-and-cultural-nonprofits/ Selected non-profits will receive a $1,000 stipend and receive the artists’ completed mural after the event to display at their location. There is also an optional opportunity for Non-Profits to perform during the festival. To apply, NonProfits must provide the name of the organization, mission statement and contact information for one staff member to serve as the primary point of contact. Non-Profits will be scored on established arts and cultural organizations in Broward County, ability to help promote the event via social media and email campaigns, community impact and reach and youth programs offered. If applicable, five youth-oriented non-profits will be selected. This year’s sponsors include BBX Capital, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). For additional information, contact BFA’s Executive Director Robyn Vegas at: (954) 940-4933. Or: rvegas@bfabroward.org . Full event details are available at: https://bfabroward.org/programs/bfa-art-walls-mural-fest/ . About Business for the Arts Broward Business for the Arts Broward is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more, visit: www.Facebook.com/BFABroward - Or: www.bfabroward.org . Previous Next