Every Resident’s Hard-Earned Dollar Is Important By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper September 28, 2023 Share Over the past months, I have been writing this column informing the residents about our Budget. Our Staff begins the Budget Cycle in early March, and it culminates in a final reading of Ordinances adopting the Tax Rate and Budget at a Formal Public Hearing. On Tuesday, we Adopted the 2023-2024 Budget. I authored this article before the Final Vote. With great certainty I can say we did Adopt “a Budget” the question remains what passed? Either, it passed at the current Tax Rate of 8.2466 including the Expansion of Road Paving to from 1 million to 500,000 and adding a Project to Clean and Paint the west side of the Hallandale Beach Bridge on A1A or 7.9998 Millage Reduction with or without the projects. At the last Budget Hearing we had a longer debate over the Rate and these items. The debate after months of forecasts planning and budgeting with a set plan to support that body of work was spurred after two landlords asked for us to remain sensitive to cost increases. While nobody likes to pay Taxes and politicians would love to say they cut Taxes, the devil is always in the details. I must without hesitation say there is not one commissioner including myself that does not care deeply about every resident’s hard-earned dollar. We make sure we watch every Tax Dollar and execute our Services with deep consideration and respect for the trust that is put in our Service. I need to share information about Taxes before discussing this debate. Our City Tax is only one part of the Tax Bill. One Mill in Tax Rate raises approximately $9 Million in Revenues in our community based on our values. In a $200-Million-Dollar Budget, Property Taxes are only a portion of City Revenues. $94 Million Dollars are generated in Revenue annually, all in. So, we need to look at the whole picture. Any changes in the Budget can offset all Budget Projections. Less Revenue means more Deficits, which in turn means cuts that impact Service Levels. So, one increase or decrease can change the course of many parts of the Overall Budget. We also never look at just one year. This year if the Rate were reduced by the suggested amount the Deficit would need to be accounted for through use of Reserves or Budgeted items and would need to be cut to an equal amount. The added projections also would need to come out of Future Budgets as a Deficit. Currently, the Hallandale Beach Budget is balanced without the use of any Reserves. In addition, we have approved over $80 Million Dollars in Overdue Infrastructure Projects that will be implemented. This is a Good Budget and addresses many needs that if not implemented would directly impact on our community and our ability to provide Services. I must share that we all have truly been collaborating as a unified Commission with our Staff to bring Fiscal Stability to our City. Since 2021 when we were faced with only $14-Million Dollars in Reserves and Fiscal Insolvency we implemented a strategic five-year plan to stabilize the Budget while planning for many Infrastructure Projects. This year we are still working on what has been a successful plan. Projects have been right on point. This year has been an outlier with a large Property Value Increase. On average projections are at 3 percent not 17. We have been focused on every component of government. We have made many tough decisions to make sure that we can maintain and deliver Services to our community. We were down to the bones but still the City Manager went in with the goal of Reducing Costs where they could be reduced. We have maintained and in some cases increased the Level Of Service in Departments. We have added programs to generate other revenues. In June, the City Commission set a Tentative Millage Rate and had vetted many necessary Budget Items and Projects. For years we have not played games with the Millage Rate. Many cities will set a higher Tentative Rate than reduce it later. While setting the Tentative Millage Rate I asked about setting it to 8 Mills. I had two reasons. At that point in time, we had Unaudited Reserves well over the 16% target with General Fund Reserves of over $24 Million Dollars. If we had rolled back to 8 we would have ended up well over our targeted amount. The other main issue that I considered before suggesting a Millage Rate Reduction was the Current Tax Rate prevents both Safe Neighborhood Districts from utilizing their Max Rate of 2 Mills to borrow Capital for Improvements. The suggestion, while not a large Reduction, did not garner support from my colleagues. Fast forward to August with Property Values released. Reserve increase to almost $28 Million. So, one has the right to ask the same question I raised in June. Do we lower the Tax Rate? The catch is we still have a Pending Lawsuit for over $4.5 Million from the firing of City Manager Rosemond. What will next year look like? Increase in Values? Decrease due to Economic Conditions? Increases in GPI Governmental Cost of doing business? We still have room. The major question is do we say the course? Last week we held a workshop for two hours with the same question being asked on. Do we stay on the course or go to 7.9998 Mills? To be continued……. As always, please feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place. I am available at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or at: joycooper@aol.com . On my Office Number at: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. You can always visit my Facebook and follow me at: Mayor Joy Cooper. < Previous News Next News >

The Hollywood Beach Half Marathon & 5K: Sun, Surf, Sand & A Premium Running Experience Fri Aug 23 2024 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Enjoy the New Year at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center Wed Dec 18 2024 19:45:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Melissa Errico Crowns The Season: Aventura Broadway Concert Series Finale Thu Mar 07 2024 17:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Complimentary Yoga Every Friday: Connection To Nature In This Tranquil Oasis Tue May 16 2023 16:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Celebrate Hollywood's History: At The Liberia 100th Anniversary Celebration This Weekend Thu Nov 02 2023 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hurricane Season is Around the Corner: Now’s the Time to Get Your Emergency Plan In Place May 12, 2022 Share With the June 1st start of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season just three weeks away, now is the time to get ready. Reduce your stress during an emergency by having your family’s plan in place in advance. A hurricane can cause major disruptions to your family, the power grid and the supply chain. The best way to minimize these and many other problems is to be prepared. Sit down with your family and determine essentials such as how much water your family needs, where you will go if you need to evacuate and how you will stay in contact with loved ones. You will also need to be able to be self-sufficient for at least 7 days after a storm hits our area. To help you prepare, here are some tips from the Florida Department of Health: • Your emergency plan should include: a) All members of your household, b) Special medical conditions, c) When and where to evacuate, d) Special transportation needs, e) Emergency meeting place, f) An out-of-town contact who everyone can call to stay in touch, and g) Pet plan. • Gather emergency supplies: a) A gallon of water per person for 7 days, b) Non-perishable foods such as canned meat, fish, veggies, fruits and nuts, c) Can opener, disposable plates and utensils, and d) Matches and cooking gel. • Stock up on medical needs: a) 30 day supply of prescription medications from your doctor, b) Over the counter pain reliever, antacids, anti-diarrhea medicine and children’s medicine, c) List of all medications and essential medical devices, d) Physician contact number, and e) Blood type and allergies for all household members. • Assemble a first-aid kit with sterile bandages, cleansing agent, safety pins, gauze pads, scissors, sewing needle, moist towelettes and tape. • Collect essential data in a waterproof container: a) Contact information for property insurer, official emergency agencies, family and friends, b) Credit card and bank information, c) Portable computer storage device with electronic copies of mortgage, home deed, car title, etc. d) Instructions for shutting off utilities, and e) Pet health records. • List your major home belongings and back it up with photos. Sign Up for New "Alert Hollywood" Emergency Notifications The City of Hollywood has launched a new emergency notification system called Alert Hollywood. Used by many government agencies throughout Florida, Alert Hollywood notifies residents through phone calls, e-mails and/or text messages to mobile phones of an emergency in the community such as a hurricane watch or warning, flash flood warning, tornado warning, serious police situations and other critical incidents. To register, visit www.hollywoodfl.org and click on the Alert Hollywood graphic under “Hollywood Happenings.” On the registration page, click on the "Sign Up" link located just below the login fields. After you submit your information, you will receive Alert Hollywood notifications whenever an alert is issued. Alerts may be received by phone and/or email address. Severe weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service are automatically issued through the Alert Hollywood system if you elect to receive those notifications. The Alert Hollywood service is free to the public. Text message fees by your wireless carrier may apply depending on your mobile phone plan. Already Have An Alert Hollywood Account? If you already have created an Alert Hollywood account, simply type your username and password in the appropriate fields on the Alert Hollywood registration page and click on the "Sign In" button to log into your account. Important Note For Hollywood CodeRED Subscribers The City of Hollywood no longer uses the CodeRED emergency alert system. If you would like to receive emergency notifications from the City of Hollywood, you must register for the Alert Hollywood service. Alert Hollywood is powered by the Everbridge critical event management software platform. Stay informed - register for Alert Hollywood today at: http://www.hollywoodfl.org/725/Alert-Hollywood For more information, the City of Hollywood’s 2022 Hurricane Preparedness Guide, shelter information and more, please visit the City’s website at www.HollywoodFL.org/Hurricane < Previous News Next News >

November Performances At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center October 21, 2021 Share The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center’s performances this November feature an array of musical, dance and international film presentations The Aventura International Film Series continues with There is No Evil on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. After being banned from filmmaking for life and sentenced to jail, Iranian Director, Mohammad Rosoulof returned with There is No Evil, winner of more than a dozen awards at film festivals in the U.S. and abroad including the Golden Bear Award for best film at the Berlin Film Festival. The film offers four tales of those given death penalties by the state and those ordered to carry it out. According to Variety, “‘There Is No Evil’ comes across as four films for the price of one, none of its segment’s anemic, and each contributing fresh insights to the paradoxes of capital punishment in Iran.” The Aventura International Film Series presented by the City of Aventura is hosted by Shelly Isaacs who introduces the film and leads a post-screening discussion. Not rated, this film is in Farsi with English subtitles and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Tickets are $12.00. The New World School Of Arts presents The New World Dance Ensemble on Friday, November 5th, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. This varied and uplifting program of dance works are performed with passion and skill by the talented New World School Of The Art’s dancers and professional alumni. The performance will include an excerpt of the renowned Ronald K. Brown's work, Dancing Spirit, created as a tribute to former Alvin Ailey dancer Judith Jamison and a solo excerpt of Robert Battle's Channels. This lush and lyrical solo work is set to Brahms’ beautiful work, Immer Leiser Wird Mein Schlummer, Opus: 105, Number: 2. The program also includes a mini-event staged by choreographer/dancer Silas Riener of the work of Merce Cunningham as well as Uri Sands' undulating and mysterious work, Something Amber. Finally, the audience will be treated to Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's witty and lively short dance film, Zootcase, this program is appropriate for audiences of all ages and tickets are $12.00. Choreographed by Artistic Director, Vladimir Issaev, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: Viva España takes the stage on Saturday November 13th, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. with the exhilarating music by Massenet and based on the epic story of El Cid, Issaev delivers pure bravura in the Spanish style to South Florida audiences. Included in the program are: Tchaikovsky; Pas de Deux with choreography by Vladimir Issaev based on the original by Dolgushin and most recently performed at the International Ballet Festival Of Miami by Moegi Matsuzawa and Remina Tanaka. Suite of Waltzes, also choreographed by Vladimir Issaev with music by Venezuelan pianist and composer, Teresa Carreño follows. Plus, a recent, contemporary piece by nouvelle choreographer Lusian Hernandez, CORPUS with music by Frederik Chopin and tickets are $35.00. The Miami International Piano Festival presents Kemal Gekic on Sunday, November 21st, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Flamboyant, daring, provocative, exciting, seductive and sensitive are some of the words used to describe one of today’s most formidable pianists. Gekic’s playing has been acclaimed worldwide by public and critics alike. “Gekic rides the charismatic edge of genius.” said R. Dyer of the Boston Globe. As a recording artist, he’s won accolades in Europe, America and Japan for insightful and original music. This program includes interpretations of works by Handel, Liszt, Schubert, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Schumann and more. This performance is not appropriate for children under the age of 12 and tickets are $45.00 - $55.00. Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has implemented a number of changes to ensure an enjoyable experience. Health & safety guidelines have been developed in conjunction with its management company, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic and have been informed by the guidance of public health officials including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These guidelines will be continuing to evolve as the environment changes and may be accessed on the venue’s web-site. Click here to access print quality images of select performances from the upcoming season, representing all genres. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets on-line at: www.aventuracenter.org . By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or by phone at: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center’s Box Office Tuesday through Saturday from noon 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura Florida 33180. Join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at: @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter < Previous News Next News >

Tips to Help Reduce Health Care Costs By BPT April 18, 2024 Share Do you fully understand what your doctor tells you during a checkup? If you don't, you're not alone. A recent UnitedHealthcare study found that two out of three people don't understand all their doctor's instructions, diagnoses and recommendations. If that's the case for you, it may not just affect your health - it could also impact your bank account. The Center for Health Policy Research at George Washington University found "inadequate health literacy" - not quite getting health-related information or what your doctor is telling you - can cost up to $238 Billion annually in higher health care costs. "Empowering yourself with knowledge about your health is key to maintaining or improving your well-being - and managing your health care costs," said Dr. Rhonda Randall, Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealthcare's commercial business. "Better understanding your conditions and treatments can help you make more informed decisions, which can support your physical, mental and financial health." Dr. Randall offers these tips to help bridge the knowledge gap and help you save money on health care. • Make the most of your yearly checkup. Regular preventive visits are generally covered by your health insurance plan and can play a crucial role in early disease detection. That can be a win-win for your health and your pocketbook. That's because identifying issues as early as possible may lead to more effective treatments and can also help avoid more costly services in the future. But here's part of where that "understanding" piece is critical. Come to your doctor visit with a list of questions and let him or her know if you have any health concerns. Take notes to make sure you're getting all the information you need and review them once you return home. • Make sure you understand your plan and health care costs. Many health plans offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising, or avoiding nicotine. It's also important to understand your deductible, your out-of-pocket expenses, and other specifics of your health insurance plan, and budgeting for medical expenses. This glossary ( www.justplainclear.com ) defines thousands of health care terms to help you make informed decisions. In addition, some health plans offer ways to help you comparison shop for care. For instance, millions of UnitedHealthcare members can comparison shop for care based on quality and cost information for more than 19,000 services, including online, via a mobile app or by calling a customer care advocate. • Shop around for pharmacies. First make sure your pharmacy is in your insurance plan's network; otherwise you might have to pay more for your prescriptions. Then, do some comparison shopping. You may be surprised at how much variance you'll find from one pharmacy to another in terms of prices of the medications you may need. Also, investigate generic options for those prescriptions, which are usually less expensive than brand-name versions. And look into online pharmacies, which ship nationally and, because they have less overhead than brick-and-mortar stores, may offer better prices. The FDA has an online search tool to assist in finding a state-licensed online pharmacy that might be able to help reduce your prescription cost, visit: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/besaferx-your-source-online-pharmacy-information/locate-state-licensed-online-pharmacy • Take advantage of your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These programs typically offer confidential services that relatively few employees take advantage of. For example, people who get UnitedHealthcare insurance through their employer can call in to speak with a master's level behavioral health clinician to receive support as many times as needed, in real time, and around the clock - even if it's 2 a.m. on a Saturday. Depending on your situation, you may not need to seek additional behavioral health support with a care provider if your EAP offers personalized guidance. Many EAPs also offer financial resources and tools, which may include guidance for tax planning, student loans, debt management, home purchases, and savings and insurance coverage. • Use telehealth. Virtual visits have emerged as a go-to option to remotely access medical services, including primary, urgent and specialist care. Not only are these visits typically more convenient than in-person options, but they may also be available through your health plan. Virtual visits can help with the treatment of Allergies, Urinary Tract Infections, Flu, Rashes and more, from the comfort of your home without the hassle of sitting in an urgent care waiting room. Of course, there are times when an in-person visit is necessary, especially for chronic or complex conditions, emergencies or issues requiring hands-on exams, lab tests or X-rays. Check your health plan to determine what kinds of virtual care resources may be available to you. It all boils down to gaining a greater awareness of your options and understanding your own health. Using that knowledge may help improve health outcomes and enable you to save on health care costs, creating a true win-win! < Previous News Next News >

What's All The Hoopla? Broward & Miami-Dade County Libraries At Your Fingertips, Digitally August 18, 2022 Share Libraries are an important part of every community, they are a great resource for a growing young mind and those looking to expand their horizons with more knowledge, plus much of the content is FREE. Over time technology has changed and so has the way we utilize the services the library has to offer. During the past few years due to the Pandemic much of this change has sped up from need, due to lockdowns. We have all looked for new ways to use services from a distance, such as online shopping or working from home, the library is no different. With your library card comes a whole host of services that are FREE and just a click away. One of those services is Hoopla a digital service to use on all your devices. So what is all the Hoopla about? Hoopla is a service that allows you to borrow and enjoy audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, or music everywhere you have a screen - your computer, your phone, your car, even your TV. All you need is a library card. Hoopla syncs across all your devices, so you can stream titles immediately or whenever you're in the mood. Most titles can also be downloaded to your phone or tablet. Hoopla offers more content, in more places, than any other digital library platform and it's all FREE thanks to your public library! Hoopla digital partners with libraries across the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to provide online and mobile access to items that you would normally check out at the library: eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and TV. With hoopla and a valid library card, you will be able to borrow, instantly stream, and download dynamic content via hoopla’s mobile app or www.hoopladigital.com . It's simple to access and use, with no waiting and no hassles, Hoopla digital is a service of Midwest Tape – a trusted partner of public libraries for over 25 years. All you need to get started is your library card and a web browser, smart phone, or tablet. To sign up for hoopla, you will need a valid library card from a library that offers hoopla. The Broward County Library, The Plantation Library, North Miami Public Library, Miami-Dade Public Library and others are already participating with the service. Some libraries do assign a PIN for your account as well. This is needed for registration if your library requires one. During registration, Hoopla will ask you to enter an email address. This will be your username to log into our service. At this time, you are able to set a password for your account as well. Before you are able to borrow, you will need to create a Hoopla account. When you register for Hoopla, they will use your current location to find Hoopla partners in your area. Once you are signed in, you can borrow titles though the Hoopla digital mobile app or the website. Once you select a title you can click on the Borrow button on the title details page. Once a title is borrowed, it is accessible by clicking on "My hoopla" on the website or in the app and you must remain logged in to view the downloaded content. Where Can I Find The Hoopla Mobile App? The Hoopla Digital mobile app can be found in the Play Store on your Android device, the Amazon app store on your Kindle Fire tablet, and in the App Store on your iOS device. Search for "Hoopla Digital" to find and download the app. If the app is unavailable for your device, it will not show up in the store. For a list of supported browsers and mobile operating systems, please click on the "supported devices" tab in the help section: https://www.hoopladigital.com/help To sign up for Hoopla go to www.hoopladigital.com/register and follow the instructions, you might just find out what all the Hoopla is about. < Previous News Next News >

Lost Illusions: The Aventura International Film Series Continues Mon Dec 12 2022 17:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

21st Century Dating: Don’t Pull Your Hair Out, Predictive Dating's Fun August 24, 2023 Share In a world where finding meaningful connections seems like an uphill battle, one company is revolutionizing the dating landscape. Attraxion, with its newly awarded U.S Utility Patent, promises to transform the way people connect with potential partners. By combining cutting-edge technology, immersive experiences, and a unique matchmaking algorithm, Attraxion offers a refreshing approach to dating in the 21st Century. Gone are the days of swiping mindlessly through dating Apps or relying on traditional matchmakers. Attraxion stands out by providing white-glove dating services that prioritize the customer's experience. They go above and beyond by offering in-office saliva swab drug-tests, meticulously proofreading, optimizing "Love-Profiles" and employing proprietary techniques to craft captivating life-stories that truly reflect their customers. With Attraxion, you won't find generic phrases like "down to earth" or "easy going" on profiles. Instead, the focus is on creating a concise yet compelling narrative that piques curiosity and leaves you wanting to know more about your potential match. At the heart of Attraxion is their mission to deliver a unique dating experience through mathematical prediction. Their patented software combines stunning 4k video, captivating soundtracks, and an immersive "Love-Quiz" to help users dive deep into self-analysis. The quiz takes users on a journey of self-discovery, asking 99 thought-provoking questions where they choose between options "a" or "b." Once completed, users receive a personalized "Love-Book" on their phone, containing their answers. The software then pairs them with someone who shares the highest majority of matching opinions, calculated on a percentage basis. It's an innovative approach that allows for a deeper and more meaningful connection right from the start. What sets Attraxion apart from the rest is their commitment to filling a void in the dating world. They are neither a dating App nor a traditional matchmaker but offer a combination of both. Their white-glove services cater to individuals seeking a more personalized and thoughtful approach to finding love. By using their proprietary technology, Attraxion creates an emotional connection with users through image and audio analysis. It's an all-encompassing experience designed to help individuals connect with compatible or even opposite partners. Headquartered in Sarasota, Attraxion was founded in October 2021 and has already made waves in the industry. Chief Marketing Officer, Debbie Carson, exudes confidence as she describes the company's mission to innovate for American singles continually. Carson says, "We intend to persistently pursue new frontiers in connecting people faster than ever before, coming to the aid of those who seek to build a future together." She further reveals that Attraxion is already developing three other products, expanding on their immersive experience. One of these upcoming products is the Stress-Number, which aims to connect individuals based on their relationship with stress and coping mechanisms. When we find someone who truly understands our struggles, we instinctively relax and feel a genuine connection. At Attraxion, they believe that opinions can bring us together or push us apart, and they position themselves as the ultimate connector. Attraxion.org is the go-to destination for more information about this groundbreaking company. With their unique approach to dating, Attraxion aims to make finding love a fun and exciting journey of self-discovery. By combining immersive experiences, innovative technology, and a commitment to personalization, they are redefining the way we connect in the 21st Century. So why pull your hair out in frustration? Embrace the future of dating with Attraxion and let the power of predictive matchmaking guide you to a more meaningful connection. < Previous News Next News >