“Stars and Strings” The Biggest Country Show is Coming to South Florida August 25, 2022 Share An unforgettable evening filled with music by some of your favorite Country stars is headed to Hollywood. Audacy, one of the leading Multi-Platform audio content and entertainment companies just announced the return of “Stars and Strings,” hosted by KISS Country 99.9 (WKIS-FM). The Annual Country Music Concert Event will take place in Hollywood on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. The “Stars and Strings” line-up includes Multi-Platinum Entertainer Jason Aldean, ACM Award-Winning Singer Kane Brown, ACM Award-Winning Band Old Dominion, Multi-Platinum Entertainer Randy Houser, Grammy Award-Nominated Singer/Songwriter Elle King and Eight-Time Chart-Topper, Dustin Lynch. “We are excited to be returning to the Seminole Hard Rock to bring a night of Country stardom to fans in the South Florida area,” said Michael Martin, Senior Vice President of Programming and Music Initiatives, Audacy. “‘It’s a bonus to partner with Wounded Warrior Project to expand our I'm Listening commitment to mental health conversations and supporting the well-being of our beloved Veterans.” “We are thrilled to host this star-studded event featuring some of the biggest names in Country music at the Hard Rock Live of our flagship property in Hollywood,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment for Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. “The event highlights Hard Rock’s commitment to showcasing the best artists across all genres of music and demonstrates the strength of our ongoing partnership with Audacy.” For this event, Audacy’s mental health initiative I’m Listening will team up with Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to support Veterans' mental health. WWP offers interactive programs, rehabilitative retreats, professional services to help veterans address the invisible wounds of service and build resilience. “Stars and Strings” will benefit WWP Programs like Project Odyssey, which allows Veterans and their family support members to take part in group-based adventure-based learning and build skills to help manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, or simply feeling overwhelmed, know that you are not alone, help is available. Call, text, or chat 988 to connect with trained counselors from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network who will listen, understand, provide support and connect callers to resources. Featured Artists Jason Aldean Multi-Platinum Entertainer Jason Aldean has learned a thing or two about the music he has made over the past 16 years, but as far as he’s come, Aldean always looks back home to Macon, Georgia. Both where he is from and how far he has taken his signature sound is reflected throughout his 10th studio album MACON, GEORGIA. As the expansive release “kicks off his career’s next era” (Tennessean) with 20 new tunes and 10 unheard live tracks showcasing everything he does. Aldean has bolstered 27 Number One Hits, 15 billion streams and has sold more than 20 million albums. Notably, seven of Aldean’s previous studio albums have been certified PLATINUM or more and he has the most Top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart, more than any other artists, since making his chart debut in 2005. Kane Brown Kane Brown is an American Country Music Singer who is best known for his hit singles ‘What Ifs’, ‘Heaven’ and ‘Used to Love You Sober.’ Despite his young age, he is already a popular name in the Country Music Scene. He became interested in music as a little boy and was initially an R&B enthusiast. Kane later began focusing on Country Music after he won a contest when he was in the 11th grade. He realized the potential his rich voice possessed and instinctively knew that he was destined for success in the Country Music Genre. He soon started posting videos of his covers online. It didn’t take him long to earn a loyal fan following and he released his first EP titled ‘Closer’ in June 2015. It was a huge success and featured in the top ten on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. Following this, he released a few singles which also became hits. Motivated by his initial success, Kane signed with RCA Nashville and released his first full-length album titled ‘Kane Brown.’ This album too was a major success and established him as an upcoming talent in the Country Music Genre. He has been nominated for several awards and is the first ever Country Musician to have simultaneous Number One Singles listed on all Five Top Country Charts. Old Dominion Old Dominion has emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands out of Nashville, fusing clever lyrics and an infectious sound. Their lyrical wit and hook heavy songwriting has certainly proved a winning method: since breaking onto the music scene in 2014, the band has notched eight Number 1 Singles on Country Radio, surpassed one billion on-demand streams, earned several Platinum and Gold Single certifications and headlined arenas and amphitheaters around the globe. Old Dominion are currently the reigning CMA and ACM “Group of the Year.” The band recently took home awards for “Song of The Year” for their hit single “One Man Band,” and “Group of the Year” at the 2020 ACM Awards. These wins mark the band’s 4th and 5th ACM Awards and third consecutive win in the “Group of The Year” Category. Over the course of their career, the band has also been notably named ACM “New Group of the Year,” ACCA “Breakthrough Group of the Year,” AIMP “Songwriter Artist of the Year” and Music Row “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” and in 2017, Front Man Matthew Ramsey was ASCAP’s “Artist of the Year.” The band has also received nominations for CMT Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Awards and iHeart Radio Awards. This year, the band received their first two GRAMMY Nominations for “Best Country Duo/Group Performance” and “Best Country Song” for their hit single “Some People Do” which is featured on their self-titled third studio album. Most recently, the band scored 2021 ACM Nominations for “Group of the Year” and “Song of the Year” for “Some People Do.” Randy Houser Shawn Randolph Houser signed to Universal South Records in 2008, he charted the single “Anything Goes.” It was a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Country Singles Chart and the title track to his debut album of the same name, which also produced his first Top 5 Hit, “Boots On.” In 2012, he moved to Broken Bow Records imprint Stoney Creek. He reached Number One with “How Country Feels,” the title track to his third album and with “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” in 2013. The follow up Singles from the same album were “Goodnight Kiss,” which reached Number One on the Mediabase Country Chart and number two on the Country Airplay Chart and “Like a Cowboy,” which reached Number 3 on the Country Airplay Chart in March 2015 and received a 2015 Country Music Association Awards Song of the Year Nomination. Prior to his success as an Artist, Houser lived as a Songwriter, Co-Writing Singles including: “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” by Trace Adkins, “Back That Thing Up” by Justin Moore and “My Cowboy” by Country Pop Artist, Jessie James. Elle King Tanner Elle Schneider, more popular by her stage name Elle King, is an American Singer, Songwriter and actress. Born in Los Angeles, she is the daughter of popular celebrities London King and Rob Schneider. She grew up in Ohio and was inspired to pursue a career in singing after she heard ‘The Donnas,’ an all-girl pop-punk band. Her interest in music also led her to learn several musical instruments such as the guitar and the banjo. Her career began with the release of her debut EP ‘The Elle King EP,’ in which she experimented with various styles of music. The EP was well-received and it effectively launched her career. She eventually released her debut studio album, ‘Love Stuff,’ which reached the 26th position on the US Billboard 200. Her song ‘Ex’s and Oh’s’ was Nominated for two Grammy Awards as well. As an actress, she has acted in a few films such as ‘Wild Cherry,’ where she played a supporting role. She has also appeared in two Documentary films named ‘Legends of La La’ and ‘The Last Playlist,’ Dustin Lynch “Tullahoma is the town that made me the man I am,” says Dustin Lynch. “So, as a Songwriter now, I can’t help but go back and jump in my boots as a kid or a teenager in high school and write from that frame of mind.” Lynch has already scored Seven #1 Singles, Four Top 5 Albums, Eight GOLD and PLATINUM Certifications and a membership in the Historic Grand Ole Opry. But his current Album, TULLAHOMA, marks a true moment of arrival, a leap from rising star to career artist. TULLAHOMA is Lynch’s most personal and ambitious statement to date, depicting the lives and feelings of small-town America. “There wasn’t an intention to write an album inspired by my hometown,” he explains, “but there was an idea to aim at the character of who that small town boy is and to write an album that that guy would like, that he would want to play in his truck and try to impress his girl with. Every single song had to check all those boxes or we just tossed it out. It was a very small bull’s-eye, but it was fun.” Since his debut with his 2012 self-titled, #1 Album, and PLATINUM breakout “Cowboys and Angels,” Lynch has, in the words of Billboard, “steadily built one of the most consistent recording careers in Modern Country Music.” He has toured with the likes of Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley and Thomas Rhett. With over 2.22 BILLION total career streams, Lynch has earned industry recognition with Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards and CMT Music Awards Nominations. Tickets Tickets for “Stars and Strings” went on sale Friday, August 19th, 2022 and started at $57. Tickets are available via: https://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/entertainment/hard-rock-live At: https://www.ticketmaster.com/ Or: https://eventsplus.audacy.com/corp/national/e/stars-and-strings-2022 Presale tickets for Kiss Country 99.9 (WKIS-FM) club members go on sale Wednesday, August 17th, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Additionally, fans can access venue presale on Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. via Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Doors open one hour prior to show time. Additional fees may apply. < Previous News Next News >

The Sterling Aventura Holds An Open House: A Glimpse Into A Life Of Joy And Purpose Jewish Connection News Jun 4, 2025 Nestled In The Heart Of Aventura, The Sterling Aventura Is A Vibrant And Welcoming Rental Assisted Living And Memory Care Community, Where Residents Can Thrive In A Stimulating And Supportive Environment. Recently, The Sterling Aventura Opened Its Doors To The Public With A Special Open House Event, Inviting Friends, Families, And The Community To Experience Firsthand The Warmth And Care That Defines This Remarkable Facility. A New Look for a New Chapter During the open house, attendees were given an exclusive tour of the newly remodeled Assisted Living. These updated living spaces, including charming studio apartments and the spacious one-bedroom Assisted Living & Memory Care apartments, offer residents a place to call home. The Sterling Aventura also introduced brand-new Penthouse Suites, which provide luxury living in a setting designed for comfort and safety. One of the standout features of these newly remodeled spaces is the opportunity for personalization. Residents have the ability to decorate and arrange their apartments to match their individual preferences, ensuring that their living environment feels like a true extension of themselves. In addition to the apartments, the community boasts a range of services and amenities designed to cater to every need. Whether it’s assistance with daily activities, engaging in arts and crafts, or enjoying gourmet meals prepared by the community’s talented chef, The Sterling Aventura is dedicated to offering its residents the best in both care and comfort. The Importance of Memory Care Communities As we age, the need for specialized care becomes increasingly important. For those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia, in-home care may not be the ideal solution. While many seniors express a desire to remain in their homes as long as possible—according to a survey by AARP, over 95% of seniors share this sentiment—the reality is that managing the needs of a loved one with cognitive challenges can be overwhelming. This is where memory care communities like The Sterling Aventura shine. Unlike traditional in-home care, which can be difficult to navigate for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other Dementias, The Sterling Aventura offers an environment designed to meet the unique needs of these residents. With around-the-clock staffing, personalized care programs, and a safe, secure environment, residents receive the specialized attention they require to lead a fulfilling life. For families considering care options for loved ones, the decision between in-home care and memory care can be daunting. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each choice, and The Sterling Aventura provides a compelling case for community living. Cost: While the average cost of 24/7 in-home care can range from $8,000 to $12,000 per month, depending on the level of care required, these expenses do not include the additional costs of homeownership or renting, such as taxes, utilities, and upkeep. In contrast, monthly costs at The Sterling Aventura range from $3,900 (for assisted Living) and from $5750 for (Memory care). Socialization & Activities: At home, seniors can often feel isolated, particularly if family members are unable to provide constant companionship. In a community setting like The Sterling Aventura, residents enjoy numerous opportunities to engage with others. The community features a large, open-concept dining room, kitchen, and living areas designed to foster interaction. There is also an arts and crafts studio, where residents can explore their creative side, as well as a full lineup of social, educational, and recreational activities tailored to their interests. Dining & Nutrition: One of the most significant advantages of life at The Sterling Aventura is the dining experience. While in-home care often involves pre-packaged meals or eating alone, The Sterling Aventura offers residents a family-style dining experience where they can enjoy freshly prepared, nutritious meals. The community’s gourmet chef works with locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that not only satisfy the palate but also provide essential nutrients that support overall well-being. Staffing & Secured Setting: In-home care requires constant oversight from family members to ensure caregivers are qualified and show up as scheduled. This can lead to anxiety about the quality of care and whether help will be available in an emergency. At The Sterling Aventura, residents are supported by an on-site team of skilled memory caregivers and a nurse available 24/7. In the intimate memory care neighborhoods, residents are cared for in a secured environment where they feel safe, valued, and understood. A Memory Care Program That Makes a Difference For individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia, The Sterling Aventura offers the Heartfelt CONNECTIONS memory care program. This specialized program promotes physical and emotional well-being while supporting daily functioning and maintaining a sense of dignity and purpose. The program is designed to foster connections—between residents, staff, and the community—helping each individual find joy in even the smallest moments. The Heartfelt CONNECTIONS program is more than just care—it’s a philosophy of compassion that emphasizes the importance of emotional support, sensory engagement, and social interaction. By focusing on the person rather than just their condition, this program helps individuals maintain a high quality of life, no matter where they are on their journey. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living or memory care, The Sterling Aventura invites you to experience all that it has to offer. The team is available to answer questions, provide further details about the services and amenities, and help you schedule a personal tour. To learn more or to schedule a visit, call The Sterling Aventura at: (305) 918-0000. Take the first step toward discovering a community that’s more than just a place to live—it's a place to thrive. Previous Next

AI Technology Puts a Target on Your Back: It Could Be A Matter of Time Before You Find Yourself Wrongly Accused By John W. Whitehead & Nisha Whitehead May 26, 2022 Share “The Government solution to a problem is usually as bad as the problem and very often makes the problem worse.” — Milton Friedman You’ve been flagged as a threat. Before long, every household in America will be similarly flagged and assigned a threat score. Without having ever knowingly committed a crime or been convicted of one, you and your fellow citizens have likely been assessed for behaviors the Government might consider devious, dangerous or concerning; assigned a threat score based on your associations, activities and viewpoints; and cataloged in a Government database according to how you should be approached by Police and other Government Agencies based on your particular threat level. If you’re not unnerved over the ramifications of how such a program could be used and abused, keep reading. It’s just a matter of time before you find yourself wrongly accused, investigated and confronted by police based on a data-driven algorithm or risk assessment culled together by a computer program run by artificial intelligence. Consider the case of Michael Williams, who spent almost a year in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Williams was behind the wheel when a passing car fired at his vehicle, killing his 25-year-old passenger Safarian Herring, who had hitched a ride. Despite the fact that there were no eyewitnesses to the shooting and no gun was found in the car, Police charged the 65-year-old man with first-degree murder based on ShotSpotter, a Gunshot Detection Program that had picked up a loud bang on its network of surveillance microphones and triangulated the noise to correspond with a noiseless security video showing Williams’ car driving through an intersection. The case was eventually dismissed for lack of evidence. Although the Gunshot Detection Program like ShotSpotter are gaining popularity with Law Enforcement Agencies, Prosecutors and Courts alike, they are riddled with flaws, mistaking “dumpsters, trucks, motorcycles, helicopters, fireworks, construction, trash pickup and church bells…for gunshots.” As an Associated Press investigation found, “the system can miss live gunfire right under its microphones or misclassify the sounds of fireworks or cars backfiring as gunshots.” In one community, ShotSpotter worked less than 50% of the time. The same company that owns ShotSpotter also owns a Predictive Policing Program that aims to use Gunshot Detection Data to “predict” crime before it happens. Both Presidents Biden and Trump have pushed for greater use of these predictive programs to combat gun violence in communities, despite the fact that they have not been found to reduce gun violence or increase community safety. The rationale behind this fusion of widespread surveillance, behavior prediction technologies, data mining, precognitive technology, neighborhood and family snitch programs is purportedly to enable the Government to take preemptive steps to combat crime (or whatever the Government has chosen to outlaw at any given time). This is precrime, straight out of the realm of dystopian science fiction movies such as Minority Report, which aims to prevent crimes before they happen, but in fact, it’s just another means of getting the citizenry in the Government’s crosshairs in order to lock down the nation. Even Social Services are getting in on the action, with computer algorithms attempting to predict which households might be guilty of child abuse and neglect. All it takes is an AI Bot flagging a household for potential neglect for a family to be investigated, found guilty and the children placed in Foster Care. Mind you, potential neglect can include everything from inadequate housing to poor hygiene. According to an investigative report by the Associated Press, once incidents of potential neglect are reported to a Child Protection Hotline, the reports are run through a screening process that pulls together “personal data collected from birth, Medicaid, substance abuse, mental health, jail and probation records, among other Government data sets.” The algorithm then calculates the child’s potential risk and assigns a score of 1 to 20 to predict the risk that a child will be placed in Foster Care within two years after they are investigated. “The higher the number, the greater the risk. Social workers then use their discretion to decide whether to investigate.” This Technology is also far from infallible. Whether fallible or not, the AI Predictive Screening Program is being used widely across the country by Government Agencies to surveil, targeting families for investigation. The impact of these kinds of AI Predictive Tools are being felt in almost every area of life. Under the pretext of helping overwhelmed Government Agencies work more efficiently, AI Predictive and Surveillance Technologies are being used to classify, segregate and flag the populace with little concern for privacy rights or due process. All of this sorting, sifting and calculating is being done swiftly, secretly and incessantly with the help of AI Technology and a surveillance state that monitors your every move. Where this becomes particularly dangerous is when the government takes preemptive steps to combat crime or abuse, or whatever the Government has chosen to outlaw at any given time. With the advent of Government-Funded AI Predictive Policing Programs that surveil, flag someone as a potential threat to be investigated and treated as dangerous, there can be no assurance of due process: you have already been turned into a suspect. To disentangle yourself from the fallout of such a threat assessment, the burden of proof rests on you to prove your innocence. You see the problem? It used to be that every person had the right to be assumed innocent until proven guilty and the burden of proof rested with one’s accusers. That assumption of innocence has since been turned on its head by a surveillance state that renders us all suspects and overcriminalization which renders us all potentially guilty of some wrongdoing or other. Combine Predictive AI Technology with surveillance and overcriminalization, then add militarized Police crashing through doors in the middle of the night to serve a routine Warrant and you’ll be lucky to escape with your life. 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 you’re not scared yet, you should be. Editor’s Note: For more information about the case of Michael Williams, Visit: https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-algorithm-technology-police-crime-7e3345485aa668c97606d4b54f9b6220 Many local communities are using ShotSpotter Technology, such as Hallandale Beach, West Palm Beach, Miami and others. Time will tell the reliability of this new technology. 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 >

Aventura Celebrates Its 27th Annual Founders Day Thu Nov 03 2022 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Reducing Caregiver Stress: Advice For Family Caregivers from The Alzheimer’s Foundation Fri Apr 07 2023 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The State of Hallandale Beach - Part III: The City is Humming with Back Hoes, Forklifts, Dump Trucks and Even Dredging By Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper May 30, 2024 Share Todays article is the continuation of my State of The City Address Part III. It is written in speech form and was delivered recently at the Chamber of Commerce State of City luncheon. It covers many projects and important infrastructure projects that we are constructing around the community. It will be continued in the next couple of weeks, and I do hope our readers enjoy it. We have implemented the new on street parking program. It was a tough program to implement and seemed counterintuitive, but it freed up on street parking for our residents. No more commercial storage of vehicles outside individuals storing trailers and personal recreation vehicles. The added new revenue helps to offset vehicle replacement costs. This year we amended the program to help residents and businesses by providing a discount to home care workers and commercial employees. Promise Made Promise Kept! We expanded our code enforcement and have created a robust campaign to clean up our neighborhoods and corridors. Code enforcement is not just about beauty. It is about crime safety and everyone’s property values. Code enforcement has also become a vital tool for controlling vacation rentals and businesses that are now allowed in residential areas. We are doing what we can since the state has tied our hands. Promises Made Promises Kept. We also have continued working on addressing our overburdened building department by adding staff and contracting with multiple outside vendors. I have spoken to many Mayors, and all are seeing the same difficulties with hiring and keeping qualified employees. Our state legislators are working to amend laws to provide the ability for professional’s from outside of Florida to do plans and reviews online. This past year I worked to amend a Broward Board of Rules and Appeals Policy that does not allow licensed contractors who are doing business to perform plan reviews and inspections for our cities. This change is what other counties have now. It needed to be changed and BORA is committed to it. While they will not be able to work in Broward this is a start to adding much needed resources. While we know the system is difficult to navigate we are doing what we can within the restraints and demands of the industry. Promise Made Promise Kept! I dubbed last year the Year of the Shovel. There are still challenges with materials and staffing but if you have driven around the city lately every part of the city is humming with back hoes, forklifts, dump trucks and even dredging. We are replacing water pipes and valves throughout the city. Replacing lift stations and sanitary sewer lines. We programmed a $10 million capital project to replace the gravity drainage system in the lowest part of our city, which is the Northeast Section. This area sees the worst flooding and was underwater during the 1000 - year storm. Our city, due to proper planning and the hard work of the Department of Public Works did not stay flooded like many cities. While the project will not be done quickly, I am excited to announce our city engineers are developing a temporary project to interconnect 2nd Avenue between 8th and 10th to the 14th Avenue system. Also, Halladale Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway are slated for resurfacing. While we cannot fully expand the scope of these projects. I along with our staff met with FDOT to discuss their responsibility to address flooding. It was found they have not cleaned their system in years. They are now incorporating this into the project. We continue to do our own cleaning and maintenance. The major system from Federal Highway to Three Island on Atlantic shores was cleaned. Promise Made Promise kept! We will be continuing the State of The City in next week's article. I can be reached at: jcooper@cohb.org Or: joycooper@aol.com or Facebook Mayor Joy Cooper. You can always call me on my office number at: (954) 457-1318. Or Call/Text me at: (954) 632-5700 Working for you! Always have! Always will! < Previous News Next News >

Pay For Your Vacation By Renting Your Home While Away (BPT) December 13, 2021 Share Travelers want to stay at places that align with their lifestyle and meet their needs. Many travelers will want amenities like wireless internet and fun local places to explore, like the Aventura Mall. Traveling is part of the human experience. Whether you prefer meandering road trips to small towns, focused explorations of top tourist destinations or fast flights to energetic big city escapes, traveling is one of the things people missed most during the Pandemic. Now that travel is rebounding, people are eagerly planning trips and crunching the costs. The reality is that vacations may be fun, but they can also be expensive. One potential solution is renting your home while you are out of town to help pay for your vacation costs. Private Rentals Are In High Demand Private residential rentals are a hot commodity that have flourished in the last year. Not only do these places often provide a more unique, integrated experience compared to hotels and resorts, they also offer comfort and amenities that modern travelers desire. Additionally, during times of heightened health awareness, many people appreciate the space and solitude that private rentals provide. You may have wondered about renting your home out but it has stopped because you assume that it requires a full-time commitment. However, people are finding flexibility in renting their spaces part time while they're out of town to add to their income. As of April 2021, the average annual earnings per host who had welcomed at least one guest in the previous 12 months was $9,600 and according to Airbnb, a travel community and vacation rental platform. Of those hosts, those new to hosting are experiencing early success with half of the new listings that were both activated and booked in early 2021 by getting a reservation request within four days and new hosts with only one listing have earned more than $1.2 Billion globally from March 2020 to March 2021 on Airbnb. What does that equate to when covering your travel expenses? A host in Los Angeles can earn nearly $4,100 per month by sharing an entire home with four guests. A week-long stay at their place will pay for a three-night stay at a quiet Red Rock retreat. Another example: When hosts list their entire home in Philadelphia for four guests, they can earn over $2,600 per month. A week's stay will cover a weekend at the Jersey Shore in an elegant Victorian Suite in Cape May. So how much could you make in Aventura or Downtown Miami to pay for your next vacation? How to start sharing your space while on vacation: Rentals of all types in all locations are in demand, thanks to an increase in travel as well as remote work that can inspire a more nomadic lifestyle. If you want to start renting your property, consider these tips: Evaluate your space: At a minimum, guests expect a clean, comfortable sleeping space and access to a restroom. Not all listings have access to a kitchen, but it's important to indicate to guests as to whether or not they will have access to a cooking space. Define the rental: It may be a whole house, a condo or unique spaces like an RV or sailboat. Define your property and decide what guests can access, whether it's the entire space, a private room or shared spaces with others. Create a listing: Help travelers decide if your space meets their needs by providing attractive pictures, clear information and must-know details in the listing. Strive to provide good customer service by responding to inquiries within 24 hours. Convey pros and cons: When listing your space and answering questions, convey the pros and cons clearly. For instance, a downtown condo might be conveniently located to attractions, but may also be noisier. Assess amenities: Travelers want to stay at places that align with their lifestyles and meet their needs. Budget-minded travelers might be OK with minimal extras, but others will want amenities like wireless internet and kitchen basics for cooking. Price right: For new hosts, start with a price that's a bit lower than your goal. This will help you attract guests and once you've received some great reviews, you can always re-evaluate any price increases. Currently 4 million hosts have welcomed more than 900 million guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe on Airbnb. Learn more at: www.Airbnb.com/Host < Previous News Next News >

Attention Condo Owners & Board Members: Changes to HOA Laws are Different from the Condominium Law Changes By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate August 8, 2024 Share The Florida Legislature had a very busy session earlier this year, passing some far-reaching Bills related to residential Owners Associations, HB-1203 for HOAs and HB-1021 for Condominiums. The Governor signed them into law in time for their effective date of July 1st, so we now have notable changes in the laws regulating HOAs and Condominiums in our State. In the short time these new laws have been in place, multiple news outlets, property owners, Association Boards, and Social Media "experts" have made sweeping statements about how the changes no longer allow (something) or must now allow (something else). Many of these statements are based on incomplete information or hopeful assumptions. Even Florida attorneys can't fully determine to what degree the changes may affect a residential Owners Association without first interpreting that Association's Governing Documents in relation to the new laws. It is quite likely that for the same Association some Statute changes may apply, yet others may not. Yes, really. Important - changes to HOA Laws are different from the Condominium Law changes. Know which one may apply to your Owners Association! Every Homeowners Association (HOA) or Condominium Owners Association (COA) must comply with the appropriate Chapter of Florida Statutes and their own Governing Documents which are recorded in Public Records of the County where the property is located. HB-1203 became law that amended the Homeowners Association Act (FS Chapter 720), and HB-1021 became law that amended the Condominium Act (FS Chapter 718). Governing Documents cannot conflict with the applicable Florida Statute, so what happens when a Statute is amended? Here are some Discussion Points related to our headline question: • An Association's Governing Documents may or may not contain what is called Kaufman Language ("...as amended from time to time") referring to the Homeowners Association Act or the Condominium Act. If similar language is in an HOA's Declaration of Covenants or a COA's Declaration of Condominium, the Governing Docs automatically stay in agreement with any amended Statutes. Kaufman Language keeps an Association's Governing Docs in step with Chapter 720 or Chapter 718 as the Acts may be amended over the years. Best practices suggest that Boards send notices to all Association members/property owners explaining any changes when they occur. • The language is called Kaufman because it comes from a 1977 Florida Civil Lawsuit in which judgment was made in favor of the Lead Plaintiff, Mr. Kaufman. The suit was filed over Florida Statute Application in a North Miami Condominium Association and has become often referred-to case law which is part of this discussion. • Things get much more complex when an HOA or COA Declaration does NOT contain this Kaufman Language. Without some version of "...as amended from time to time" referring to the Homeowners Act or Condominium Act, periodic Statute Amendments by State Legislators may not apply to that Association. Governing Docs without Kaufman are often considered frozen in time to the version of Chapter 720 or 718 that was in place when the Docs were drafted and recorded in County Public Records. Though it is not quite that simple... • Attorneys mention the difference between substantive (affecting owners' rights) changes in the law, and procedural (administrative) changes. Changes affecting owners' existing rights are handled very differently from procedural changes. This is one of the areas in which some parts of the new laws may apply, and some may not. The Association's Attorney has to make that call, not the Board of Directors or Management Company. (Procedural changes usually apply without dispute, substantive changes can be challenged when there is no Kaufman language in an Association's Declaration.) • Neither of the Bills (nor the resulting Statute Amendments) appear to say they apply retroactively. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Florida Statutes are presumed to apply prospectively (going forward from their effective dates). What does this suggest for application to existing Governing Docs? Do the changes apply to all existing Governing Docs or just those drafted or amended after July 1st, 2024? Without specific language, we will likely have to wait for a few civil lawsuits to create case law. • Attorneys also tell us that Governing Documents (in particular, Declarations) create a contract between an Association and its members (property owners). Florida's Constitution includes a section establishing a general rule that amended or new State Legislation cannot interfere with existing contracts between parties. This can include impairing vested rights granted under a Declaration, according to attorneys I asked when researching this article. Does this have any bearing on how the new HOA and Condominium Act Amendments are applied to Associations without Kaufman Language in their Declarations? Only your Association's Attorney can accurately answer that question. • The Florida Legislature's intent when considering and enacting changes in the HOA and Condominium Acts was to protect property owners' rights while promoting proper administration and management of Residential Owners Associations. If Boards do not apply certain parts of the new laws, could that be construed as breach of Fiduciary Duty? We have already heard rumors of Boards selectively deciding which parts of the Amended Statutes they want to enforce, and which they do not. Some Directors and owners are allowing their own Confirmation Bias to influence their interpretations of what the new laws say. This means that parts of the Amended Statutes supporting their points of view could be taken as applicable and enforceable, while those clauses that conflict with their own opinions could be disregarded. Scenario 1: A property owner in a Florida HOA Community wants to park her pickup truck in her driveway, not in the garage as the community's Governing Docs have required since the original Declaration was recorded back in the late 1990’s. She tells the Board they can no longer issue a Violation if she parks her pickup in the driveway because she saw on the evening news that the Recently-Amended HOA Act says so. Not exactly... To determine applicability and enforcement, interpretation and legal advice from the Association's Attorney is needed. This situation may affect an owner's rights (a substantive issue), yet the existing Governing Docs requiring trucks to be parked in a property's garage are part of all owners' contracts with the HOA. Does the Declaration include "...as amended from time to time..." language? Are the posted and distributed Rules & Regulations for residents sufficient basis for continued enforcement? Scenario 2: A Condominium building has a high percentage of seasonal residents. Not many owners occupy their individual units during the summer months from May to October, so Board meetings are not held during those months. And for many years the Board has been comfortable with newly-elected Directors just signing a self-certification saying they read the Governing Docs rather than attending a State-Approved Certification Class presented by a law firm specializing in COA Governance. A well-informed owner brings it to the Board's attention that recently Amended FS Chapter 718 (The Condominium Act) now requires properly-noticed Board meetings to be held at least once each calendar quarter, and that Director self-certification is no longer an option, class attendance is mandatory and retroactive to sitting Directors. The Board President quickly responds that their Declaration does not include "...as amended from time to time" (Kaufman) Language, so none of the new clauses apply to them. The owner reminds the President that the sections on quarterly meetings and Mandatory Director Certification Classes are procedural and do not affect owners' rights, so they DO apply to their Association. Who is right? Only an attorney can answer that question after closely reviewing the Association's Governing Documents and interpreting the Statute Amendments in relation to them. Are you starting to see some of the complications with applying and enforcing the changes? (Note - Procedural changes usually do apply, even without Kaufman Language.) All property owners in Condominium Buildings and HOA Communities should be aware of the significant changes made in Florida Statutes that regulate their Associations. I suggest Boards of Directors consult with the Association's Attorney for clarification on applicability and enforcement, then schedule a Board meeting (with the attorney attending) to present the changes to all owners. Since it is now summer and many owners are "up north," it is a good idea to arrange real-time video of the meeting (Zoom or similar platform) to present the changes within the context of your own Governing Docs and encourage owner questions. Announce the meeting well in advance and multiple times in order to promote owner participation. Be sure your Association Attorney is involved from the start to help explain the changes. Any legal fees for this purpose are money well-spent. Best practices regarding these changes to the HOA and Condominium Acts will take time to sort out. The Florida Legislature has a long history of passing legislation before receiving sufficient input from non-government individuals trained and experienced in the matter being considered, reviewed, and debated. As mentioned above, future civil lawsuits may create case law on which to base more reliable application of these new Statute changes. After all, Kaufman Language itself is based on the outcome of a civil lawsuit that became very significant Florida case law. Until then, only your Association's Attorney can provide dependable, actionable interpretation and guidance. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com < Previous News Next News >

Insectos y Bicharracos: Presented in Spanish As Part of The ZunZún Children's Fest 2023 Thu Sep 28 2023 16:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

CityPlace Doral To Host Bunny Trail Easter Bash Event On March 14th South Florida Sun Times Mar 11, 2026 The Free Event Will Provide An Opportunity For The Whole Family To Enjoy A Day Of Egg-Cellent Activities At The Fountain Plaza, Including An Easter Egg Trail, Live Music, Arts And Crafts, Games And Activities, Free Digital Photos With The Easter Bunny, A K-Pop Performance And Story Time With Michelle Martinez-Salom, The Author Of “Where Are You, Butterfly? A Beautiful Journey.” Gitanillas Dance Studio Will Present A Youth Flamenco Performance. Hop on over to the Bunny Trail! Families will receive a special trail map highlighting all the egg-citing stops throughout CityPlace Doral. As guests visit each location to collect their Easter eggs, they’ll earn a stamp along the way. Once their map is fully stamped, they can hippity-hop back to the registration table to turn it in for a chance to win an Easter basket bursting with prizes and gift cards from CityPlace Doral retailers. It’s a hop-filled adventure with sweet surprises around every corner. The Oasis experience at CityPlace Doral’s Fountain Plaza features a relaxing, open-air atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy grab-and-go bites from CityPlace Doral’s restaurants and enjoy South Florida’s weather. The Oasis incorporates Adirondack chairs, tables, umbrellas and oversized games such as Chess, Cornhole, Connect Four and more. Martinez-Salom is a Miami-born performer, author, educator, and ACSM-certified Exercise Physiologist. She studied musical theater at PAVAC (now New World School of the Arts) and has appeared in local commercials and films. She is the author of “Where Are You, Butterfly? A Beautiful Journey,” a children’s book following a monarch butterfly’s migration. Visitors are encouraged to tag @CityPlaceDoral for a chance to be featured on the Center’s Social Media channels. When: Saturday, March 14th, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where: CityPlace Doral 8300 Northwest 36th Street Doral, Florida 33166 Cost: Bunny Trail Easter Bash Event is free and open to the community. Parking at CityPlace Doral is available for an additional charge in the parking garage. Valet service is also available. How: For more information, please visit: https://cityplacedoral.com/events . About CityPlace Doral: CityPlace Doral is an attractive leisure destination offering a collection of memorable dining, shopping, wellness and entertainment experiences. Featuring 250,000 Square Feet of retail space, CityPlace Doral is a master-planned, mixed-use development nestled in the dynamic employment center of Doral in the heart of Miami-Dade County. CityPlace Doral combines the vision of world-renowned architects, designers and artists creating the next crown jewel of prosperous dining, entertainment and upscale shopping in one of South Florida’s growing cities. CityPlace Doral includes more than 40 dining, shopping and entertainment destinations for all palates and walks of life, and the property’s entertainment retail component is anchored by a roster of first-class tenants from all over the country. For more information, visit: www.cityplacedoral.com . Or call: (786) 693-1849. Join the conversation and follow CityPlace Doral on Instagram, Facebook and X at: @CityPlaceDoral. Previous Next

Open Swim: At BF James Pool in Hallandale Beach July 20, 2023 Share Come on in, the water’s fine! Are you looking for a refreshing and fun way to beat the summer heat? Look no further than BF James Pool, conveniently located at 111 Northwest 1st Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. This fantastic community pool offers a wide range of activities and amenities that are perfect for individuals and families alike. With its temperature-controlled water and welcoming atmosphere, BF James Pool is the ultimate destination for those seeking relaxation and aquatic adventures. One of the highlights of BF James Pool is the Open Swim sessions. From Monday to Saturday, between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., you can dive into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a leisurely swim. Open Swim is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal activity for families and friends to bond over. Whether you're looking to perfect your strokes or simply float lazily on the water, BF James Pool has something for everyone. In addition to Open Swim, BF James Pool also offers Learn to Swim Group Lessons and Learn to Swim Private Lessons. If you or your children are interested in acquiring essential swimming skills or improving existing ones, these lessons provide a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced instructors. From beginners to advanced swimmers, the lessons cater to individuals of all abilities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for learning and growth. To gain access to BF James Pool, make sure to Register In-Person. Resident Day Visit Fees are $1.50 per adult and $1.00 per youth, offering an affordable way for locals to enjoy the pool. Non-residents are also welcome to join the fun with a Day Visit Fee of $5.00 for all ages. If you plan on bringing a larger group, such as a camp or an outside organization with more than 10 participants, it is necessary to Preregister to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. At BF James Pool, your Health and Safety are of utmost importance. Therefore, it is essential to observe ALL Pool Rules and Regulations for the well-being of all guests. These guidelines are in place to create a secure and enjoyable environment, so everyone can make the most of their time in the water. If you're a regular visitor or plan on frequenting BF James Pool, ask about their Discounted Annual Pool Passes. These passes provide excellent value and give you unlimited access to the pool throughout the year. It's a fantastic way to stay active, have fun, and make the most of the wonderful facilities offered by BF James Pool. For individuals requiring ADA or mobility assistance, BF James Pool is committed to ensuring a pleasant and inclusive experience for all. Simply contact them and they will be more than happy to assist you at: (954) 457-1321. By Registering for any Program or Activity at BF James Pool, you are agreeing to adhere to ALL Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines that are in place at the time of your visit. These measures are put in place to guarantee the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. For more information, including our Pool Rules and Regulations, visit our website at: www.cohb.org/swimhb There, you can also find additional details about the various Programs and Services offered at BF James Pool. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the excitement and embrace the joy of swimming at BF James Pool. With its inviting waters, friendly staff, and engaging activities, it's the perfect place to create lasting memories and make a splash this summer. Cool Off at the Open Swim at the BF James Pool! < Previous News Next News >

Festive Fun for St. Patrick's Day Family Features March 17, 2022 Share Turn your St. Patrick's Day celebration into a chance to enjoy Irish heritage with hearty foods and a lively atmosphere. When it's the one day each year it's acceptable to pinch non-conforming friends and family, it'd be a shame not to go all out. • These few simple tips can help you put together the perfect party to revel in all things green - and tasty. • Decorate with purpose. Everyone knows that green is the color of the day, but go one step further by incorporating it into different items. Banners and streamers work fine, but setting out green candles or even adorning your light fixtures with green bulbs can help you take an extra step forward. • Create active fun. Instead of limiting your guests to dining and conversation, plan some simple activities to help the fun flow. Games like a "treasure hunt" for gold coins, limerick-writing competitions or even just turning up Irish-themed music can help get the party started. • Eat festively. Turn your party's food and drinks into true Irish dining with some delicious recipes like this American Irish Stew, which includes beef, onion, carrots and potatoes for a tasty cultural meal to fill all of your hungry guests. For more hosting tips and the perfect themed recipes for any occasion, visit www.culinary.net American Irish Stew Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research Servings: 6 • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • 1 1/4 pounds beef, top round, cut into 3/4-inch pieces • 3 cloves garlic, minced • salt, to taste • pepper, to taste • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces • 2 medium parsnips, cut into large chunks (optional) • 3 cups low-fat, reduced-sodium beef broth • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary • 1 leek, coarsely chopped • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley In large pot over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add beef and garlic. Cook, gently stirring until meat is evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper. Add onion, carrots and parsnips. Cook 3-4 minutes. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 75 minutes, or until meat is tender. Stir in potatoes and simmer another 30 minutes. Add rosemary and leeks. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender. To avoid potatoes falling apart, do not overcook. Serve hot and garnish with parsley, if desired. Nutritional information per serving: 370 calories, 8 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 43 g carbohydrate, 32 g protein, 6 g dietary fiber, 427 mg sodium. < Previous News Next News >