Hop on The Bus or Bike: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Around Aventura July 20, 2022 Share Explore the City of Aventura and connect to both Miami-Dade and Broward Transit Services with the convenient Aventura Express Shuttle Bus Service. The Aventura Express serves the Aventura Community within its boundaries to major points of interest like the Aventura Mall, the Aventura Community Recreation Center, the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center and the North East Branch of the Miami-Dade County Library to name a few. The Aventura Express serves its passengers with six routes connecting them to great shopping and easier transfers to any Miami-Dade Transportation or Broward County Transit Route at the Aventura Mall. The hourly schedules reduce wait and transfer times while you relax in air-conditioned comfort. All buses are ADA Accessible and the Service is FREE and open to the Public. The routes cover the following areas: Blue serves Northern Aventura, Green, Red and Silver serve Central Aventura, Purple and Yellow serve Southern Aventura. All buses stop at the new ‎Aventura Mall Transit Terminal Garage by Nordstrom and JCPenney. Real-Time Tracking: Track the Buses Locate buses in real-time and get approximate time of arrival to any stop along a Route with the FREE, User-Friendly App. Search for Aventura Express on iTunes or Google Play, download and start tracking. Aventura Express Schedule Monday - Friday Time: 6:45 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Route: Blue, Green, Red, Silver, Purple Time: 7:45 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Route: Yellow Saturday 7:45 a.m. - 9:15 p.m. No Bus Service: Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, & Daily from 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. For further information about services on the Aventura Express Shuttle Bus, you can call: (305) 932-1BUS (1287). Aventura BCycle First of all, what is it? BCycle Bike Sharing is a way of getting around your neighborhood and city. It’s affordable, clean and simple. Plus it’s good for your health, your pocket and the environment. Imagine a network of bike stations located within a few blocks of one another throughout your community for you to hop on and off. Luckily for you we don't have to imagine that anymore, it's been a reality in Aventura. As a BCycle Member, you can unlock any of the 35 specially designed bikes at any station and ride it to any other bike station. Fast, simple, inexpensive. It’s no wonder Bike Sharing has exploded in popularity all over the World! What is and Who is BCycle? BCycle is a Next-Next-Generation Bike-Sharing Program. It is a Zero-Hassle, Zero-Emissions way to get around the city. It’s a Bike-Sharing Program that meets the transportation, health and environmental needs of Aventura residents. BCycle is the future of Bike Sharing and it’s available now throughout Aventura! To join BCycle and start using this Service, you can download the App on iTunes, Google Play or visit: https://aventura.bcycle.com/top-nav-pages/join-now < Previous News Next News >

Attitude of Gratitude: Each Day Is a Special Opportunity For a New Start Thu Aug 04 2022 04:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

From Trash To Treasure: Sculptures Made From Trash Found on Hollywood & Fort Lauderdale Beaches On Display Thu May 26 2022 04:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

This Thanksgiving: It Is Time To Be Very Thankful & Careful Thu Nov 25 2021 05:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Joseph A. Scarano Funeral Homes: “Once You Walk Through Those Doors, You Are Family” Mon Feb 06 2023 17:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Supreme Court Makes The President A Dictator For Life Thu Jul 11 2024 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

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

“The Art Of Drag” Fundraiser Returns - Star-Studded Performances And Culinary Delights Come Together To Support Arts And Culture Programs South Florida Sun Times Oct 29, 2025 An Evening Of Glamour And Entertainment Awaits As The Hollywood Art And Culture Center Presents “The Art Of Drag” Fundraiser On Thursday, November 20th At 7:00 p.m., At Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale, Located 1421 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334. Guests Will Enjoy Dazzling Performances By The Aquanettes Alongside Celebrity Guest Performers John Mabry, Dey Gonzales Lopez And Erick Eldridge, With Proceeds Benefiting The Center’s Mission To Inspire And Elevate The Arts In South Florida. "’The Art of Drag’ is a community favorite that sells out each year because it is such a fun event,” said Jennifer Homan, Executive Director of the Hollywood Art and Culture Center. "This is a night where creativity, community, and performance come together to support the arts. The team at Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale puts on a phenomenal show helping the Center raise much needed funds for our arts programs." This year’s event will highlight performances by the Aquanettes, joined by Celebrity Guests Dey Gonzales Lopez, Founder of The FIT Gallery and Erick Eldridge, Director of Special Events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood and Board Member of The Center. The evening will also welcome back crowd favorite John Mabry, community arts advocate and board secretary, who will take the stage for his sixth consecutive appearance at this fundraiser. Guests will also have the chance to participate in a raffle and silent auction featuring exclusive items and experiences. Highlights include a Hard Rock Spa Basket, Wine & Dine package with dinner for two at a Hard Rock fine dining restaurant, and the ultimate Bora Bora Cabana Experience for up to 10 guests at the Guitar Hotel pool, valued at more than $2,500. Proceeds from “The Art of Drag” will directly benefit the Hollywood Art and Culture Center’s programs, which include contemporary gallery exhibitions, live stage performances, and enriching educational initiatives for children and adults. The Center remains committed to fostering creativity, innovation, and artistic collaboration throughout the South Florida community. Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale will provide the perfect backdrop for this vibrant evening, with a three-course dinner and show included in the ticket price. Tickets are limited, with general admission priced at $100, which includes an entrée, dessert and a complimentary beverage: choice of cocktail, wine, or domestic beer. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, VIP Booths are available for $1,000 or VIP Tables for $1,500. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with tiers including Diva Sponsor for $2,500, Champagne Sponsor for $5,000, and Presenting Sponsor for $10,000. To purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://bit.ly/artofdrag2025 . About Hollywood Art and Culture Center Founded in 1975, the Hollywood Art and Culture Center (known as The Center) provides a central space that unites the community and serves as an inclusive catalyst and incubator for South Florida artists and performers to activate and elevate their work. The purpose is to help people connect, create and communicate to improve well-being and strengthen our community through art and cultural experiences for residents and visitors. The Center is celebrating its 50th Anniversary as the county's third oldest arts nonprofit and serves over 55,000 guests each year. The campus includes the new Hollywood Arts Hub that adjoins the current Main Galleries in the historic 1924 Kagey Home in downtown Hollywood, which features a 110-seat Arts Auditorium, Create More Art Studio, Digital Media Lab, and the Imagine Courtyard. The Center presents year-round programs and venues that make numerous art forms accessible to all ages. In addition to the contemporary galleries in the Kagey Home, The Center operates the Artist In Residence Studios in the Art School on campus, manages facilities and delivers performances at the 500-seat Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, and festivals and screenings at Cinema Paradiso Hollywood for independent, foreign language and first-run films. The Center is located at 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020. For more information, call: (954) 921-3274. Or visit: www.artandculturecenter.org . Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale, formerly Lips Fort Lauderdale, continues the tradition of offering an immersive and interactive entertainment experience with leading drag entertainers. Sold out audiences indulge in a variety of show concepts performed by the Aquanettes and an elevated bar and dining menu. Aquaplex is open Tuesday through Sunday nights with weekend brunch shows. Happy hours are Tuesdays through Fridays starting at 5 p.m. Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale is located at 1421 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Oakland Park, Florida 33334 about one-mile east of I-95. For more information, call: (954) 567-0987. Or visit: aquaplexftl.com . It is the sister property to Aquaplex Key West at 711 Duval Street, Key West, Florida 33040 which has gained the reputation as the leading entertainment destination on the southernmost tip island with a multitude of experiences all under one roof including the Aqua Theater & Bar, Back Bar, 22& Co. Bar and the Aquabelle Fusion Food Truck. The Birdcage Cabaret Show, a Las Vegas style production hosted by internationally recognized entertainer, Christopher Peterson, is featured on select nights. Dey Gonzales Lopez Erick Eldrige John Mabry Previous Next

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Father's Day Crafts, Furry Tales - Reading With Kahlua, Color Your Cares Away And Much More June 9, 2023 Share The Aventura Branch Library has a wide variety of On-line and In-Person events. There will be Homework Help and Tutoring, Building Blocks Club, Introduction to Computers and much more. Some events may require you to RSVP, so, please go On-Line to register at: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura Or for more information prior to attending the event, call: (305) 931-5512. Father's Day Craft: Photo Frame: Thursday, June 15th, 2023 - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Create a thoughtful one-of-a-kind photo frame using craft sticks. If possible, please bring a 4"x4" photo to complete your frame. Materials will be provided. For more information, please contact the branch at: 305-931-5512 Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 3 - 8 Years of Age. Reading Circle: Friday, June 16th, 2023 - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Practice your English reading skills while improving your listening comprehension. Each participant will take turns reading parts of a selected story aloud and then discuss it with other learners. Registration is required. For more information, please contact the branch at: 305-931-5512 Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of Age and up. Homework Help And Tutoring: Saturday, June 17th, 2023 & Saturday June 24th, 2023 - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Certified teachers meet with small groups of students in one-hour sessions to provide homework help and tutoring in Reading, Math, and Science. Students are encouraged to bring Homework Material or School Assignments for assistance in specific subject areas. This free service is available to all students in grades K-12. For more information, email: tutoring@mdpls.org . Call: (305) 375-1413. Or visit: www.mdpls.org/tutor - Funded in part by The Children's Trust. Summer Adventures: A Student Musical Recital: Saturday, June 17th, 2023 - 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Enjoy performances in a wide range of musical genres from the students of A.B.A. Music Studio. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . All ages. Talking is Teaching - Talk, Read, Sing For Preschoolers: Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 - 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Join us for stories, songs and activities for preschoolers and their caregivers. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 3 - 5 Years of Age. Online Event: Falun Gong Meditation & Exercises: Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 & Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Falun Gong is an ancient, high level Chinese practice that uses gentle movements and meditation to cultivate the body, mind and spirit. Space is limited for this online event. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For more information, please contact: (305) 931-5512. 19 Years of Age and up. Toddlers And Tantrums: What Every Parent Should Know - Children's Trust Parent Club: Friday, June 23rd, 2023 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Parents will learn about toddlers, how to understand and support them during challenging times, such as when they have tantrums. Parents will learn what tantrums are, what causes them and get tips for how to handle tantrums. For more information, contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of Age and up. Furry Tales - Reading With Kahlua: Saturday, June 24th, 2023 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Read your favorite stories alongside Kahlua a Golden Retriever! Reading aloud to a Registered Therapy Dog may help improve literacy skills and boost confidence. Bring your own book or choose from the library's collection. Presented by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-931-5512 or lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 6 - 11 yrs. Talking Is Teaching - Talk, Read, Sing For Toddlers: Monday, June 26th, 2023 - 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Enjoy stories, music, and playtime for toddlers and their caregivers. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-931-5512 or lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 18 mos. - 3 yrs. Color Your Cares Away: Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Relax and relieve stress while coloring and listening to the soft sounds of relaxing music. Choose from a variety of coloring sheets, crayons, colored pencils and other supplies. Registration is required. For more information, please contact: (305) 931-5512. Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of Age and up. Knitting Basics For Beginners: Friday, June 30th, 2023 - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Join us for knitting 101! Bring your knitting needles and a project to work on or come prepared to learn from our experienced knitters. Please bring your materials. Registration is required. For more information, please contact: (305) 931-5512. Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 12 Years of Age and up. Renaissance Dance: Saturday, July 1st, 2023 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Let's dance! Join us and the Society of Creative Anachronism in person for a bit of history through Renaissance Dance. Learn the traditional dances of Italy, France, and England - the building blocks of American Square Dancing. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 12 Years of Age and up. Chess Club: Monday July 3rd, 2023 - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sharpen your chess skills by playing with others! Fun for beginners and more advanced players alike. Meets in the auditorium. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 8 Years of Age and up. Color Me Happy: Thursday, July 6th, 2023 - 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Join us for fun and simple coloring activities. Materials will be provided. Art works will be assembled into one large art piece. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or email: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 0 - 8 Years of Age. Some of the above events require pre-registration. To register, go to: https://mdpls.org/branch-northeast-dade-aventura For more information, feel free to contact the Aventura Branch at: (305) 931-5512. The Aventura Branch Library is located at 2930 Aventura Boulevard, Aventura, Florida 33180. < Previous News Next News >

Take A Drive This Labor Day: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Voted As The Top Pick For Labor Day Fun Thu Aug 31 2023 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Warren Wolf Quintet Is Weaving Wonders With The Vibraphone South Florida Sun Times Mar 6, 2025 The Warren Wolf Quintet takes the stage at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Amaturo Theater on March 12th, 2025, at 7:45 p.m. for a spellbinding evening of jazz, presented as part of the 2024-2025 Gold Coast Jazz Society (GCJS) Concert Series. Led by Vibraphone virtuoso Warren Wolf—whom "All About Jazz" calls a vibes wizard—this Quintet showcases the brilliance of one of today’s most accomplished vibraharpists. Warren is an international touring musician and has performed throughout the United States of America, South America, Canada, Italy, Spain, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Scotland, London, Greece, Singapore, Thailand, Jakarta, Bangkok, Tokyo, Paris, Moscow and many other countries. He has made ten recordings, most notably for Mack Ave Records and is a member of the SFJAZZ Collective and Christian McBride and “Inside Straight.” He is also a faculty member at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in San Francisco, California. Wolf’s musical journey began at the age of three, when he started training on the vibraphone, marimba, drums, and piano under the guidance of his father, Warren Wolf, Sr. This early start fostered a deep love for music and an exceptional level of skill that would shape his illustrious career. Over the years, he has become a sought-after collaborator, currently serving as the drummer of choice for saxophonist Tia Fuller, a longtime member of Beyoncé’s touring band. Wolf is also a key member of the Donal Fox Group, performing alongside bassist John Lockwood and drummers Dafnis Prieto and Terri Lyne Carrington. Described as a musician who has “maintained a beautiful melodicism in his playing that would seem obvious for his instrument but surpasses such expectations again and again” (Nextbop Jazz), Wolf’s mastery of the vibraphone, or vibraharp, blends technical brilliance with deep emotional impact. Often referred to as the vibraharp, this unique instrument produces ethereal, bell-like tones that can shimmer or resonate with soulful depth. Wolf’s approach has redefined its role in modern jazz, combining rhythmic complexity with breathtaking artistry. Joining Wolf is a lineup of masterful musicians: Tim Green on alto saxophone, whose sound blends hard bop, gospel, and modern jazz; the provocative young bassist and composer, Blake Meister; Alex Brown on piano/keyboard bringing vibrant innovation to every note; and Grammy-nominated McClenty Hunter on drums. Together, the Quintet creates a synergy that transforms Wolf’s compositions into thrilling, dynamic experiences. Presented by the Gold Coast Jazz Society, this performance is a centerpiece of the 2025 season. Known for curating exceptional performances, the GCJS continues its tradition of bringing world-class talent to South Florida. Set in the intimate and acoustically superb Amaturo Theater, this concert promises an evening of captivating talent and dazzling interplay. You can purchase tickets for the show here: https://goldcoastjazz.org/2024/07/01/warren-wolf-quintet/ The Gold Coast Jazz Society is a Not-For-Profit Organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of jazz music through a mainstage concert series, free community concerts, educational programs, a jazz scholarship program and musical services provided by the Gold Coast Jazz Society Band. For more information, visit: www.goldcoastjazz.org Previous Next

40 Year Safety Inspections: What We Are Doing At The State & Local Level By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper November 18, 2021 Share A task force recently met in South Florida. Miami-Dade County had a task force as well, the Florida Bar and Board of Rules and Appeals have all convened to evaluate what policies could be changed to improve building safety. Last week I had the opportunity to host a meeting to discuss what cities can do in light of Broward County’s recommendations to address the 40 Year Safety Inspection Program. The task force established by Mayor Steve Geller had a chance to work alongside State Representatives Gottlieb, LaMarca, Senator Book, engineers, condo board members, property managers, attorneys and other elected officials. Our group was not the only group that met in South Florida. Miami-Dade County had a task force, the Florida Bar and Board of Rules and Appeals have all convened to evaluate what policies could be changed to improve building safety. All these recommendations are headed to Tallahassee where we are all hoping that the laws will be adopted to address building inspections and regulations governing condominiums. The big question is, do they have the political will to make changes? I invited Hollywood City Commissioner Caryl Schumann who also served on the county's task force to our city to discuss next steps. Her Building Official and Director of Development Services joined with our Building Official Jackson, Director LeRoy, City Manager Earle, Assistant City Manager Ragunoon, Commissioner Anabelle Taub and Vice Mayor Butler to discuss the county's recommendations but to specifically see what policies and municipalities may be able to adopt in the case that the state does not make any changes. One big change is not waiting every 10 years for building inspections. Right now, it is 40 and 50. This is a very long time for buildings particularly along the coast. In many cases buildings also do not perform regular maintenance and put off repairs since they are not done. Hollywood has already reached out to the Board of Rules and Appeals who said they can do 5 but still must follow BORA's 10 year. Hollywood’s philosophy I believe is sound since it will not matter what they need to do in ten years on a building, which coincides with every 5 years. While buildings will have an added cost of inspection their residents and the city will have more ability to make sure the building is safe. We also spoke about how to address what has been dubbed as “engineer shopping." This is where a building hires an engineer but does not like the report that was delivered. It may be more conservative and the work requires more than the building wants to pay for in repairs. They hire another engineer in hopes that it comes in with less rigid requirements to do those repairs. The concern is as a City without the reports we can only take the one that is submitted and sealed. Which one is right? The answer is both so long as they are both sealed by an engineer. Both staffs will be researching this, but the consensus was requiring every report to be submitted and may subject cities to more liability. It was discussed that we can post the state specialists lists that show who the licensed engineers are in the state. Architects cannot submit safety reports; they must be licensed in engineering and electrical specialties. The other item that came up is the utilization of our Code Enforcement Departments. Hollywood is developing a self-inspection model. Condos are being encouraged to perform an annual visual inspection. This is in line with the County Task Force recommendations that each building does reserved studies and funds them. It also ties to the recommendation that condo managers must report concerns to the cities and condo owners. In addition, I preferred the idea that the board of Rules and Appeals Checklist must be sent out to every condo along with every unit owner's tax bill. One issue that we heard about were extension requests. BORA is frowning on them. They believe that condos have had plenty of time to get the inspections done. They are ending up in the special magistrate's courts and fines are being levied at $1,000 dollars a day. The meeting was both informative and useful to move forward with it. Our Staff will be working on these ideas and suggestions. I will continue to update our readers when changes are made. With COVID-19, it has still been a bit hard to make holiday plans. There will not be an annual Turkey Giveaway at the Cheetah that is also hosted by Rodriguez Charities. They are still spreading the cheer. Mr. Rodriguez has graciously donated money toward a Thanksgiving Give Away for those families in need at our local schools and for our “Drive By Turkey Dinner” at the Hepburn Center. For more information visit our web-site. PAL will be doing Shop With COP and I along with many sponsors including sponsors from the City of Dania will be doing Hope for The Holidays. These events are both by invitation only. We gather names from our local schools and PAL to ensure that the neediest are served. I would like to wish everyone a blessed Holiday Season! As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place, on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit my Facebook Page: MayorJoyCooper. Like It! Friend It! Share It! < Previous News Next News >