We All Have a Shared Role: Many Are Unaware of What Cities Can & Cannot Do To Address Flooding By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper August 3, 2023 Share Over the past few weeks of rain everyone has flooded their minds. I have been following many chats on various Social Media Networks and many residents are frustrated and some are unaware of what cities can and cannot do to address flooding. We all have a shared role when it comes to Flooding and the government must work together with all stakeholders. Cities obviously can do a better job of managing Emergency Incidents. Shutting down many side roads is one that we can do better. Even when closed, there are still those knuckle heads that simply cannot get through their heads the damage they will do to their cars and worse someone’s home or business. Sitting in your home watching the water rise and praying the driver does not create a wake is horrible. If there is Flooding, stay home or pull off to safe higher ground and stay put. Hardening our communities against Floods is a shared responsibility. Governments can build Drainage Projects for Roadways and Government Assets. We do not have the ability to fix everyone’s home or condominium. Private property owners need to understand that they need to harden their homes. There are some Local, State, and National Programs that can assist, but it is still up to the owners. Many are putting in Shutters, Hurricane Windows and New Roofs. Residents need to know they can do more. There are also new technologies and products to help prevent Flood Water from coming into your homes and buildings. A while back we made that decision not to distribute Sandbags any longer. I was apprehensive about the decisions, so I did some research to reassure myself there were better alternatives. Currently online you can find an array of products. Now you can even buy Reusable Water Barriers of all types and sizes. These can be as low as 2 for $25 Dollars. This makes sense. Not only can they be reused, it cuts the time and Stress of waiting in line and then trying to carry two bags of sand to your home. There was always a limit of two per car. While there is a focus on homes many condominiums have had issues. Many residents are unaware that even though you do not always hear about it there are many condo parking lots that Flood into our community and along our beaches. Some of the ground floor units along 12th and other areas have been damaged. It was good to hear that FEMA came through and helped these unit owners. Along the beach it is a different issue. Many of our older buildings have issues with their parking lots. For many years these lots have been draining into the Ocean. In 2008, State Legislators passed a Law eliminating these Ocean Outfalls. The date to come in compliance is 2025. There were some changes to the Law, but all the Drains still need to come into compliance. The biggest offenders were the large Outfalls from Wastewater Plants. They were pumping Pretreated Wastewater right off our shore. Drainage Pipes from condos also put their runoff into the Ocean. Broward County regulates the removal of these Drains. All Condominiums that have Parking Lots or Property Drains that tie into the Ocean must now remove them and install Drainage Wells. The question becomes where in the property can these Wells be placed? Our City has four Beach Access Points plus North and South Beach. The Beach access between the condos is not owned by the City but was established by Right of Way ROW Agreements. They provide the ability for the City to Improve, Maintain and Utilize the areas. One condominium has already contracted to place their Well on Beach Access 4. We were unaware until recently that construction began since the County issued the Permit without the City being notified. The Walkway was closed, and the Well was to be completed by July 31st. As of August 1st, the Well was still not completed and our Parks Director is working with our Building Department to further understand the Construction Process and time frames. It is important to note that Beach Access 1 between Malaga and La Mer will also be shut down for the same type of work. Now that we are aware there will be better coordination and time frames. We know that this will be an inconvenience to our residents to access the Beach from the Westside of A1A. Currently we do have a FREE MiniBus that may be of help. The issue is just new, and I have already spoken to our City Manager about possible solutions particularly for our Handicapped and Senior beach goers. Until we have a better handle on how many Projects will need to take place and how long they will take we ask those impacted to be patient for further information. 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: joycooper@aol.com . You can reach me at my Office number: (954) 457-1318. Or Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. You can always visit my Facebook and follow me at Mayor Joy Cooper. < Previous News Next News >

Paddleboard on Hollywood Beach: New Rental Kiosk Locations Have Been Added Thu Jun 16 2022 04:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Food And Wine Festival At Sea Returns - Chefs Making Waves Promises A One-Of-A-Kind Voyage For Foodies Of All Kinds South Florida Sun Times Apr 17, 2025 Following Its Inaugural Year, The Chefs Making Waves (CMW) Food And Wine Festival At Sea – Presented By Sixthman, Agency 21 Consulting (A21) And EBG – Is Back With An Unparalleled Lineup For The 2025 Voyage. Sixthman, Known For Curating Unforgettable Experiences On Land And Sea Since 2001 With Festivals Such As The Rock Boat, Cayamo And Many Others, Has Carefully Curated A Generous Serving Of Culinary Endeavors For This Four-Night All-Inclusive Culinary Cruise Featuring The Top Celebrity Chefs, Personalities, Authors And More. Setting Sail From The Port Of Miami On Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) To Cozumel, Mexico, On Monday, May 5th, 2025 – Friday, May 9th, 2025, Chefs Making Waves Promises A One-Of-A-Kind Voyage For Foodies Of All Kinds. “We are thrilled to be partnering with A21 and EBG once again to bring our second Chefs Making Waves food cruise to life," said Jeff Cuellar, Vice President of Sixthman Partnerships. “With the first sailing, we came out of the gates with a bang, blowing foodies away with a stellar lineup of talent and programming that we actually broke the record for the fastest-selling themed cruise in our portfolio. Our goal for 2025 is to continue to elevate the sailing experience and take the cruise to the next level. The biggest additions we’ve made would have to be the introduction of the restaurant take-overs that provide more flexibility for the guests and overall engagement from the chefs as well as the buffet spotlights to provide a more immersive experience.” This intimate culinary expedition is the ultimate getaway for those with an appetite for unique opportunities to taste and learn from some of the industry's most acclaimed culinary talents. Chefs Making Waves will welcome aboard many of the world’s best chefs, wine and spirit producers to offer passengers a premier gastronomic celebration at sea. The Chefs Making Waves culinary cruise will feature walk-around tastings, cooking demonstrations, curated dinners, late-night themed parties, live mixology experiences and more, all led by award-winning Food Network chefs, TV personalities, cookbook authors, food activists and restaurateurs including: Richard Blais, Robert Irvine, Maneet Chauhan, Tom Colicchio, Scott Conant, Antonia Lofaso, Jonathan Waxman, Geoffrey Zakarian, Claudette Zepeda, Lindsay Autry, Giorgio Rapicavoli, Michael Schwartz, Nyesha Arrington and more. Passengers eager to enhance their skills in the kitchen can grab a seat at one of the live culinary demos on board and watch as celebrity chefs dish out their secrets and tricks. Recipes shared during demos will be available following the demonstration so that guests can tackle them in their own kitchens. Those looking to learn a thing or two about a great cocktail can sit in on live mixology demos presented by Bacardi that will be led by Gio Gutierrez. The voyage will also feature several onboard experiences, such as The Secret Sauce Speakeasy, presented by Justin’s House of Bourbon, offering guests spectacular onboard tasting experiences where the buzz of bourbon and the elegance of wine collide in an intimate, immersive setting. Available for purchase, Justin’s House of Bourbon has carefully blended a limited edition small batch for the 2025 Chefs Making Cruise; pre-orders of the special batch can be made: https://bourbonoutfitter.com/products/chefs-making-waves-limited-edition-small-batch-pre-order - Onboard experiences available for purchase also include guided and self-guided wine tastings featuring the finest offerings from Sosie Wines, McKinney Family Vineyards & Red Car Wine. The fun doesn't stop there! Post-dinner events include interactive culinary games for the entire group to enjoy, including Robert Irvine Live: Culinary Chaos, where guests will be given the opportunity to throw their name in the Culinary Chaos lottery and be chosen to join Robert on stage! For the fitness enthusiasts on board, there will be many wellness opportunities for passengers to partake in such as high-intensity fitness classes with Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, including a Neon Dash sunset fun run and a Chops-Fit class; plus refreshing morning Yoga sessions, Pickleball and dance classes. Guests who prefer to opt out of the fitness routine and sleep in will have the choice to attend Bloody Mary Bingo presented by Bacardi for refreshing beverages and breakfast fun. In addition to vacationing beside your favorite chefs, there will be at least one Autograph session, allowing guests to have face-to-face time with these pros and snap some photos. The ship will also host late-night takeover events with live entertainment, themed parties, a Silent Disco presented by San Bernardo and more. New to this year’s culinary cruise, guests can look forward to restaurant takeovers at any of the ship's four restaurants and two dining rooms onboard – La Cucina, Orchid Garden, Cagney’s, Le Bistro, Magenta Dining Room and Grand Pacific Dining Room. Each restaurant will be paired with a celebrity chef (or chefs) and have its own specially curated menus with various course options. All restaurant takeovers are included with the purchase of each boarding pass. Each cabin will have the opportunity to make a select number of reservations before sailing and then have the option to make additional reservations onboard. The lineup of chef collaborations can be found: https://www.chefsmakingwaves.com/talent/ - Additional dining includes an outdoor buffet, Great Outdoors; O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill which will be open all day and late-night and the Garden Cafe, an indoor buffet where guests can exclusively partake in buffet spotlights. At the Buffet Spotlights, all of the dishes prepared will be curated by the onboard chefs; perfect for bites throughout the day. Enhanced private dining experiences will be available for purchase – more details forthcoming. Unlike other food events and festivals, the purchase of your stateroom includes all programming, excluding select premium experiences and a complimentary Premium Plus Beverage Package that includes top-shelf cocktails, spirits, beer, champagne, wine by the glass, unlimited soft drinks and juices, unlimited still and sparkling bottled water, all Starbucks® coffee, specialty drinks and energy drinks. The cruise takes place on Norwegian’s Gem, a 965-foot-long award-winning Jewel class vessel with just over 1,000 cabins, making it one of the most exclusive ships on the sea. This ocean liner provides guests with concierge service, a world-class tranquil spa, a dazzling casino, unforgettable nightlife and countless bars and lounges. Beyond the onboard experience, Chefs Making Waves guests will have the chance to enjoy an unforgettable shore excursion in Cozumel, Mexico, renowned for fantastic fishing, snorkeling, diving opportunities and exploring historic Mayan ruins. Please note: Shore excursions will not be available until 4-6 weeks before sailing. Cruisers will be able to book an excursion upon receipt of their official booking number. In addition to shore excursions guests will also have the opportunity to plan culinary shore excursions, which include cooking classes, chocolate experiences and Mexican cuisine workshops. The itinerary for Chefs Making Waves is as follows: Monday, May 5th, 2025 – Depart Port of Miami Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 – Day at Sea Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 – Cozumel, Mexico Thursday, May 8th, 2025 – Day at Sea Friday, May 9th, 2025 – Arrive at Port of Miami For more information, visit: www.chefsmakingwaves.com - And stay up to date all year long by following along with @ChefsMakingWaves on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Previous Next

How To Tackle ‘Adulting' Milestones (BPT) July 22, 2021 Share "Developing confidence as an adult has a lot to do with learning to handle your finances," said Karen Orosco So, you're in your 20s, and everything's changing - you finish college, start working, rent an apartment - and the list goes on. Becoming an adult means accomplishing many milestones, without a manual. "Adulting" often means learning to manage your finances as you make your way through life. Here's a guide to some key "adulting" milestones. Transitioning health insurance If you're 26 or younger, you may still be on your parents' health insurance. But if you're not, especially for those over 26 or with a job that offers benefits, there are some key things to consider: • Premiums, HSAs and FSAs, oh my! Consult your HR department about health insurance options, and don't be afraid to ask questions. They can help you crunch numbers about monthly premiums and deductibles. They can also explain additional benefits like a Health Savings Account (HSA) and healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which may help you cover medical expenses. • Gig worker or unemployed? If you're working part-time, freelancing or between jobs, visit Healthcare.gov for healthcare options in your state. Filling out a W-4 It is important to understand that you pay income taxes in two ways: through withholding on your paychecks and when you file your taxes each year. Most people focus on the refund, but you don't want to forget about your paycheck. It's a personal decision if you want the most amount of money in your paycheck throughout the year or if you want a big refund in one lump sum. The information you put on your W-4 and share with your employer determines your withholdings during the year. You can use H&R Block's W-4 calculator to see how adjustments to your withholdings can impact the refund you want at tax time - or put more money in your pocket now. H&R Block tax professionals also provide W-4 assistance for their clients. Because a W-4 form requires a lot of the same information that goes on a tax return, and because updating a W-4 at the start of the year stretches out the changes over a longer period, tax filing is the perfect time to update your W-4. Filing your taxes The first time you file your taxes can seem intimidating. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools to make filing easier, and to ensure it is done correctly. Here are some key questions to consider before you start. • Are you a dependent? Generally, a parent can claim you as dependent until age 19, but if you're still a full-time student, they can claim you as a dependent until age 24. There are other requirements, including how much your parents provide for your expenses during the year. • How do you want to file? Even if you plan to file on your own, you may want professional advice. Tax pros at H&R Block can help get you every credit and deduction you deserve, with or without an office visit. Drop documents off at a local office or send pics of your documents, and when they finish, you can approve the returns online. No matter how you want to do taxes - whether in-person or virtually - H&R Block has you covered. "Developing confidence as an adult has a lot to do with learning to handle your finances," said Karen Orosco, senior vice president at H&R Block. "Taxes can play a big part in how you'll feel about your finances for the year. At H&R Block, we know you have a unique tax situation. So, whether you have us file for you or you file your taxes yourself, you can decide how much help you need from one of our tax pros and you can access that help online or in-person." Gaining financial independence Along with doing your taxes comes developing financial independence. Key strategies to becoming more financially stable is learning how to budget, paying down debt, and establishing an emergency fund - so you're not living paycheck to paycheck. Budgeting means calculating (and writing down) how much money you've got coming in, and how much is going out. You should list out all necessary expenses, such as: • Rent and utilities • Transportation • Food • Insurance • Loan payments You should then determine which of your expenses are discretionary, like: • Entertainment • Clothing • Gifts Compare your monthly expenses against your income. If your "outgo" exceeds your income, you'll need to earn more and/or spend less. Consider a side hustle for additional income or determine where to trim unnecessary expenses. Getting hitched Getting married? Congratula-tions! Wedded bliss brings an influx of decisions, like where to live and how to handle your money. Do you want individual bank accounts or a joint account? When it's time to file taxes, should you file separately or jointly? Every person and every married couple has a unique tax situation. There may be many reasons to file taxes jointly, and some to file separately (like if your spouse has defaulted on student loans or owes back taxes). Talk to an H&R Block tax pro to see what options are best for you. "Every step of adulting brings change, generates many questions and creates uncertainty," said Orosco. "The good news is you can choose to work with H&R Block year after year. We get to know you and your own personal tax situation, plus understand the milestones in life. We can help find every credit and deduction you're entitled to with each new milestone." < Previous News Next News >

Celebrate Love, Soccer And Dads This June At Olive & Sea - Score Big With Soccer-Themed Cocktails, And Toast To Dads On Father’s Day South Florida Sun Times Jun 11, 2026 Olive & Sea, A Stunning Rooftop Mediterranean Restaurant On The Intracoastal, Is Offering An Impressive Calendar Of Specials This June Celebrating Pride Month, Kicking Things Off With Soccer-Themed Fun And Honoring Dads This Father’s Day With A Delicious Prime Rib Special. Drink with Pride Olive & Sea is proud to announce the Rainbow Paradise cocktail in honor of Pride Month. Made with Absolut vodka, Malibu coconut rum and pineapple and orange juices, and finished with cranberry and a touch of sparkling citrus, this lively cocktail has a refreshing-island-inspired finish. It will be available throughout June, with $1 from each cocktail sold being donated to The Pride Center at Equality Park. Kick Off Soccer Celebrations Olive & Sea is excited to announce it will be celebrating this summer’s soccer festivities with two soccer-themed cocktails available from Friday, June 19th, 2026 through Sunday, July 19th, 2026: the Golden Goal Sangria and the Red Card Paloma. The Golden Goal Sangria is a rich and fruit-forward blend of red wine, fresh seasonal fruits and warm cinnamon notes, crafted for a crisp and cool finish worthy of celebration. The Red Card Paloma is a vibrant blend of juicy pineapple, bright citrus and premium tequila, elevated with a subtle kick of spice for a refreshing yet bold finish. All three Pride and soccer cocktails will be featured during happy hour daily at Olive & Sea from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. They will be available at the main bar, on the waterfront patio and in the main dining room, as well as at the pool bar of the adjacent Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina hotel. A Prime Plan for Father’s Day Executive Chef Will Garcia has created a Father’s Day dinner special sure to please any dad. On Sunday, June 21st, 2026 from 5:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m., all guests are welcome to enjoy the Roasted Prime Rib with an onion au jus and horseradish cream and a selection of two of the following sides: crispy fingerling potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, charred broccolini with harissa chili crunch and crispy brussels sprouts with bacon lardon tossed in a garlic aioli. Olive & Sea’s complete menu of breads, spreads, skewers, pizzas and more will also be available. For dinner reservations, visit: www.OpenTable.com . Or call: (954) 527-6716. Complimentary valet parking is available to all Olive & Sea guests. For more information, visit: www.oliveandseaftl.com . About Olive & Sea Olive & Sea is a rooftop Intracoastal waterfront restaurant serving colorful and bold Mediterranean-style dishes, livened by fresh flavors, locally sourced seafood specials and authentic seasonings and rubs. Olive & Sea is open for breakfast daily from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; happy hour daily from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and dinner service Sunday – Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Olive & Sea is located northwest of the famed 17th Street Causeway bridge and Intracoastal at 1881 Southeast 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33316 adjacent to the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. For reservations, visit: www.OpenTable.com . Or call: (954) 527-6716. And for more information, visit: www.oliveandseaftl.com . Follow us: @OliveandSeaFTL on Facebook and Instagram. Executive Chef Will Garcia has created a Father’s Day dinner special sure to please any dad. Olive & Sea is excited to announce it will be celebrating this summer’s soccer festivities with two soccer-themed cocktails. Previous Next

Mania & Rhapsody In Aventura: The ABBA Tribute & First Class Comedy At The Cultural Center February 21, 2024 Share Sing along to timeless classics including: "Mamma Mia," "Voulez Vous," "Dancing Queen," "Winner Takes It All," "Super Trouper" and many more as The City of Aventura presents Mania: The ABBA Tribute on Saturday, February 17th at 3:00 p.m. and 8 p.m. Celebrating the music and style of ABBA in a respectful and enjoyable way, the concert revives special memories of when ABBA ruled the airwaves. Mania: The ABBA Tribute has been delighting audiences of all ages since its formation in 1999 including an 18-week engagement at the Strand Theatre in London. In a review of the concert in England, BroadwayWorld applauded the show reporting it, “rewards you splendidly - if you rock 'n' roll with the flow. And I do, I do, I do, I do, I do.” Mania: The ABBA Tribute was presented with a prestigious Radio Regenbogen Media Award from Baden-Württemberg for the Best Musical of 2002 in a year with fellow winners Tom Jones and Meatloaf. The show has toured to Venezuela, North America, Tahiti, Mexico, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Denmark, Sweden and Luxembourg, among other locations. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon 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, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-square-foot, 330-seat waterfront complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. The Second City The City of Aventura presents The Second City: Comedian Rhapsody on Friday, February 23rd at 8:00 p.m. This brand new revue features the best sketch comedy and songs from the troupe’s history as well as new classics and trademark improvisation. In a review, BroadwayWorld reported, “The 90-minute show was a hybrid of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Saturday Night Live . . . this group’s forte seemed to be the sketch material, a series of quick hitting, less than three-minute skits that invoked more laughter than entire episodes of SNL.” Renowned for performing social and political satire with scripted scenes, music and improvisation, this legendary comedy troupe has been the training ground for such comics as Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Jane Lynch, Aidy Bryant, Steven Yeun, Keegan-Michael Key and Jason Sudeikis. Tickets Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. You can purchase tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. Parking FREE parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of Excellence School. Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in the circular drive. There is a convenient drop-off area in front of the building. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. For more information, visit: www.aventuracenter.org < Previous News Next News >

Top of The World: A Carpenters Tribute: Featuring Debbie Taylor August 16, 2021 Share This very talented and accomplished group of musicians, brings to life, the most authentic versions of the songs By popular demand...It's "Yesterday Once More," when Debbie Taylor and her 7 piece band bring the unforgettable, exquisite music of The Carpenters, in this return engagement! Special for this year, this program will include, all of the classic Carpenters hits, plus your HOLIDAY FAVORITES, to kick the season off, early! The warmth and tone of Debbie's vocals are so reminiscent of Karen Carpenter's, at times, you'll think that you're listening to Karen, herself! This very talented and accomplished group of musicians, brings to life, the most authentic versions of the songs. Performing many memorable hits like "We've Only Just Begun," "Close to You," "Rainy Days And Mondays." This show is a MUST SEE for any & all Carpenters fans. Showing: Saturday, October 23rd - 8:00 p.m. Venue: Aventura Arts & Culture Center 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180 Tickets: https://www.aventuracenter.org This event was sold out in 2017, in 2018 & in 2019! Do not miss your chance to get tickets, NOW! This performance is on sale at full capacity, without physical distancing limitations. Ticket purchasers will be notified of up-to-date Health & Safety Guidelines prior to each individual performance. Health & Safety Guidelines As the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center prepares to reopen our venue, the health & safety of our guests, artists, staff and volunteers, are our top priorities. With this in mind, we are implementing a number of changes, to ensure an outstanding experience, when you visit. Our health & safety guidelines have been developed in collaboration with The Broward Center For The Performing Arts, The Cleveland Clinic and following guidance of Local and State Health Officials and The Centers For Disease Control (CDC). Thank you for your cooperation, in helping us to create, a safe and enjoyable experience, for everyone. < Previous News Next News >

Puerto Rican Flavors: A Chocolate, Wine And A Lively Ladies Night August 1, 2024 Share Arc Culinary presents three distinct culinary experiences in August featuring the tropical flavors of Puerto Rico, a chocolate and wine event and a lively ladies night full of tapas, music and drinks at the State-Of-The-Art Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen in Sunrise. Proceeds from ticket sales support Arc Broward’s mission of providing opportunities for Children and Adults with Disabilities and other Life Challenges to realize their full potential. “Arc Culinary’s talented chefs continue to impress guests with creative menus and expertly-prepared dishes that South Florida diners aren’t going to find anywhere else,” said Craig Zeleznik, Director of Culinary Enterprises. “Tickets have been selling out quickly for these unique dining experiences that are a fun night out for a good cause.” A burst of tropical Puerto Rican Flavors kicks off a four-course culinary journey on Friday, August 16th at 7:00 p.m., beginning with a Savory, Rich and Creamy Plantain Soup; mouthwatering Sweet Plantain Lasagna featuring layers of Sweet Plantains, Mascarpone Cheese, Sofrito-Marinated Ground Beef and a Manchego Bechamel Sauce; Carne Frita Encebollada, a dish of Fried Pork Chunks with Pickled Onion Escabeche served over Mamposteao Rice; and a dreamy Flan De Queso with Pink Peppercorn-Infused Caramel to finish the meal. Tickets are $99 for the chef’s table or $89 for communal seating and include gratuity and alcoholic beverages. Chocolate lovers won’t want to miss the Sip & Dip chocolate and wine pairing class on Saturday, August 24th at 4:00 pm. Guests will enjoy sipping wine while dipping sweet and savory treats in Milk, Dark and White Chocolates, including Potato Chips, Cookies, Marshmallows, Pretzels and more. At the end of the session, guests will be able to package their treats to bring home for sharing or savoring. Tickets are $60. It’s Ladies Night Out on Friday, August 30th at 7:00 p.m., and time to enjoy a lively evening of wine and cocktails, tasty tapas, music, shopping and networking while supporting a great cause. A DJ will be spinning tunes while guests eat, drink, mingle and shop from local vendors selling handbags, candles, jewelry, clothing, lingerie, chocolates and more. Tickets are $55. Arc Culinary's Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen offers a blend of mid-century classic and modern elegance, featuring a Chef’s Table, refined décor, and an outdoor patio. Beyond Chef Experiences, the catering venue hosts private cooking classes, corporate meetings and events, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, small weddings and more for seated guests up to 49 and buffet or cocktail-style events up to 125 guests, and provides full-service off-site catering. Arc Culinary and Arc Educates are revenue-generating social enterprises of Arc Broward that directly support programming for 1,200 Children and Adults with Disabilities. Chef Experiences are sponsored by Amazon. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen at Arc Culinary is located at 10250 Northwest 53rd Street, Sunrise, Florida 33351. For tickets and more information, please visit: https://arcculinary.com/chef-experience-dinners/ - Or call: (954) 299-7515. < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Introduction to computers, Knitting 101 For Beginners, Color Your Cares Away And Much More July 18, 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 info prior to attending the event, call: (305) 931-5512. Homework Help And Tutoring Saturday, July 29th, 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, contact: tutoring@mdpls.org . Call: (305) 375-1413. Or visit: www.mdpls.org/tutor Online Event: Teen Advisory Board Thursday, August 10th, 2023 - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Northeast-Dade Aventura Virtual Programs Room Earn community service hours while helping us make the library an even better place for you and your friends! Participate in planning and implementing events and providing feedback about books, movies, video games and more. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512 or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 16 - 18 years of age. Introduction To Computers Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 & Saturday, July 29th, 2023 - 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Learn the basics of computers, including how to use a mouse and keyboard, write a Word document, browse the internet, use email and more! Use one of our laptops, or feel free to bring your own device. Taught by instructors from Collective Sistahood. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Online Class: Reading Circle Monday, July 24th, 2023 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Practice your English-language reading skills while improving your listening comprehension. Participants will take turns reading parts of a selected story aloud and then discuss it with other learners. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. For info contact: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 19 Years of age and up. Knitting 101 For Beginners Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Bring your knitting needles and yarn to learn the basics from our experienced instructor. Bring your own project to work on or follow along as we guide you through the essentials. Registration is required. For more information, please contact: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 12 Years of age and up. All Together Now: Color Me Happy Thursday, August 03rd, 2023 - 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Join us for fun and simple coloring activities. Artwork will be combined into one large art piece. Materials will be provided. For more info, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 0 - 8 Years of age. Let's Get Crafty! - Flower Bookmark Thursday, August 10th, 2023 - 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Create a flower bookmark - a colorful way to encourage reading! Materials will be provided. For more information, please contact the branch at: (305) 931-5512. Or: lefrakp@mdpls.org . 3 - 8 Years of age. Homework Help and Tutoring Saturday, August 12th, 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, contact tutoring@mdpls.org , call 305-375-1413, or visit www.mdpls.org/tutor Funded in part by The Children's Trust. Furry Tales Saturday, August 12th, 2023 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Reading aloud to a registered therapy dog helps to improve literacy skills and boosts confidence. 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 years. Introduction to Computers Saturday, August 12th, 2023 - 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Learn computer basics, including how to use a mouse get on the internet, set up and use an email account and more! Use one of our laptops or feel free to bring your own device. Taught by instructors from Collective Sistahood. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-931-5512 or lefrakp@mdpls.org . Ages 19 years and up. 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, FL 33180. < Previous News Next News >

The Cost of the Nation’s Endless Wars: In An Ongoing Effort to Police The Globe, War spending is Bankrupting America By John & Nisha Whitehead March 2, 2023 Share “Autocrats only understand one word: no, no, no. No you will not take my country, no you will not take my freedom, no you will not take my future... A dictator bent on rebuilding an empire will never be able to ease the people’s love of liberty. Brutality will never grind down the will of the free.” President Biden Oh, the hypocrisy. To hear President Biden talk about Russia's aggression against Ukraine, you might imagine that Putin is the only dictator bent on expanding his military empire through the use of occupation, aggression and oppression. Yet the United States is no better, having spent much of the past half-century policing the globe, occupying other countries and waging endless wars. What most Americans fail to recognize is that these ongoing wars have little to do with keeping the country safe and everything to do with propping up a military industrial complex that has its sights set on world domination. War has become a huge money-making venture, and the U.S. Government, with its vast military empire, is one of its best buyers and sellers. America’s part in the showdown between Russia and the Ukraine has already cost taxpayers more than $112 Billion and shows no signs of abating. Clearly, it’s time for the U.S. Government to stop policing the globe. The U.S. military reportedly has more than 1.3 million men and women on active duty, with more than 200,000 of them stationed overseas in nearly every country in the world. Incredibly, America’s military forces aren’t being deployed abroad to protect our freedoms here at home. Rather, they’re being used to guard oil fields, build foreign infrastructure and protect the financial interests of the corporate elite. In fact, the United States military spends about $81 Billion a year just to protect oil supplies around the world. The reach of America’s military empire includes close to 800 bases in as many as 160 countries, operated at a cost of more than $156 Billion annually. As investigative journalist David Vine reports, “Even US military resorts and recreation areas in places like the Bavarian Alps and Seoul, South Korea, are bases of a kind. Worldwide, the military runs more than 170 golf courses.” This is how a military empire occupies the globe. After 20 years of propping up Afghanistan to the tune of trillions of dollars and thousands of lives lost, the U.S. military may have finally been forced out, but those troops represent just a fraction of our military presence worldwide. In an ongoing effort to police the globe, American military service-people continue to be deployed to far-flung places in the Middle East and elsewhere. This is how the military industrial complex, aided and abetted by the likes of Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and others, continues to get rich at taxpayer expense. Yet while the rationale may keep changing for why American military forces are policing the globe, these wars abroad aren’t making America—or the rest of the world—any safer, are certainly not making America great again, and are undeniably digging the U.S. deeper into debt. War spending is bankrupting America. Although the U.S. constitutes only 5% of the world's population, America boasts almost 50% of the world's total military expenditure, spending more on the military than the next 19 biggest spending nations combined. In fact, the Pentagon spends more on war than all 50 states combined spend on health, education, welfare, and safety. The American military-industrial complex has erected an empire unsurpassed in history in its breadth and scope, one dedicated to conducting perpetual warfare throughout the earth. Since 2001, the U.S. Government has spent more than $4.7 Trillion waging its endless wars. Having been co-opted by greedy defense contractors, corrupt politicians and incompetent government officials, America’s expanding military empire is bleeding the country dry at a rate of more than $32 million per hour. In fact, the U.S. Government has spent more money every five seconds in Iraq than the average American earns in a year. Future wars and military exercises waged around the globe are expected to push the total bill upwards of $12 Trillion by 2053. Talk about fiscally irresponsible: the U.S. Government is spending money it doesn’t have on a military empire it can’t afford. Unfortunately, even if we were to put an end to all of the government’s military meddling and bring all of the troops home today, it would take decades to pay down the price of these wars and get the government’s creditors off our backs. As Investigative Journalist Uri Friedman puts it, for more than 15 years now, the United States has been fighting terrorism with a credit card, “essentially bankrolling the wars with debt, in the form of purchases of U.S. Treasury bonds by U.S.-based entities like pension funds and state and local governments and by countries like China and Japan.” Americans have thus far allowed themselves to be spoon-fed a steady diet of pro-war propaganda that keeps them content to wave flags with patriotic fervor and less inclined to look too closely at the mounting body counts, the ruined lives, the ravaged countries, the blowback arising from ill-advised targeted-drone killings and bombing campaigns in foreign lands, or the transformation of our own homeland into a warzone. That needs to change. James Madison was right: “No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.” As Madison explained, “Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceeds debts and taxes… known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few.” We are seeing this play out before our eyes. The government is destabilizing the economy, destroying the national infrastructure through neglect and a lack of resources, and turning taxpayer dollars into blood money with its endless wars, drone strikes and mounting death tolls. Clearly, our national priorities are in desperate need of an overhauling. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, war is the enemy of freedom. As long as America’s politicians continue to involve us in wars that bankrupt the nation, jeopardize our servicemen and women, increase the chances of terrorism and blowback domestically and push the nation that much closer to eventual collapse, “we the people” will find ourselves in a perpetual state of tyranny. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

The Wave Lounge October 14, 2021 Share Professional Figure Skating Stars Open New Venture in Downtown Hollywood Wave Lounge, a new restaurant/bar/lounge open at 115 S. 20th Avenue in Downtown Hollywood, promises to enhance the city's multi-national aura with food, music and dance that echoes the passions and international travels of its owners, a family of Eastern European professional figure skating stars. Andrey Baka and his wife Victoriya Glichenko were both Ukrainian national figure skating champions, and daughter Antonina Rusetskaya, who came up with the idea for an international lounge, skated in the US Nationals. The family has traveled the world working for such varied entertainment venues as Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Broadway on Ice. "We are excited to be finally staying in one place, together," said Baka. The large, softly-lit space has been beautifully redesigned to create smaller, more intimate areas for patrons to eat, drink and talk. It features a large screen TV, a DJ and dance floor, and a stage, keeping open the possibility of live entertainment in the future. Menu highlights for the Wave restaurant include a hot appetizer of baked mussels under a cheese cap with Teriyaki sauce for $15.99; a cold appetizer of liver terrine on toast with tangerine marmalade for $18.00; and a seafood salad with shrimp, baby octopus, mussels and scallops served in seashells for $19.99. For the main course, there’s a hot skillet with four types of meat and vegetables at $29.00; and fried scallops with pumpkin puree and ginger at $21.00. The most popular dish so far has been the grilled octopus at $20.00. There are also a full range of desserts and a full children's menu. The Wave is designed to attract a multi-national market, with music and dancing ranging from Russian to Spanish to American classic. It features a full bar, a full dinner menu with French/Italian contemporary food, a hookah bar, and Karaoke on Tuesdays and Sundays. "We decided to open in Hollywood mostly because there is a big Russian-speaking community here and nearby," said Rusetskaya. "We are going for a mixed crowd." Added her father, "We feel that Hollywood is perfect for attracting both tourists and locals." The Wave Lounge is open from 8 pm - 2 am, Tuesday - Sunday. For more information, please contact 954-367-5644, waveloungehollywood@gmail.com , or at www.instagram.com/waveloungehollywood Downtown Hollywood offers on-street metered parking for $1.50 per hour, as well as municipal garage parking for $1 per hour. Municipal garage locations are 251 S. 20th Avenue (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street) and 251 N. 19th Avenue (between Tyler Street and Polk Street). For more information about redevelopment projects, businesses and events in Hollywood's Downtown and Beach Districts, call the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at 954-924-2980 or visit www.HollywoodCRA.org < Previous News Next News >

Aventura's Fine Dining: An Emporium of World Fare Emerges Amid Scorching Summer Temperatures By Joyce R. Forchion - LOVE Aventura July 18, 2023 Share The City of Aventura has grown accustomed to bringing the heat to its residents and tourists in a myriad of ways. This year’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration and Drone Light Show capped off an evening of blazing-hot visuals that inspired families to lean into the festive laziness of summertime leisure. For once, parents and children took a well-deserved moment to pause and marvel at the spectacular array of sparkling lights and towering, illuminated imagery in the sky. Preceding the aerial array of lights was an afternoon of sweltering, off-the-charts heat, marking the hottest day on Earth ever recorded. Now, Aventura’s burgeoning reputation for introducing innovative culinary arts concepts and world cuisine to the market has set the local fine dining scene ablaze with fiery, unrivaled vitality. In need of venue recommendations for a power lunch or celebratory dinner? Listed below are a few restaurants that have recently opened their doors to not only satiate your taste buds this summer, but to elevate your expectations of the traditional meal experience. Gala Restaurant & Muse Bar - 2885 Northeast 181st Street, Aventura, Florida 33180 Gala Diakonova, wife and surrealist muse of incomparable 20th Century Artist Salvador Dali, serves as the namesake of this restaurant known for serving flavorful, Latin fusion dishes capturing the essence of South America. Visitors of the establishment– which is located in the Four Diamond Hilton Aventura Miami– have the opportunity to admire her artistic contributions adorning the dining room while perusing a menu offering Crispy Skin Red Snapper, Pan-Seared Chicken Bistecca, and Beef Barbacoa Short Rib. Mixologists at the Muse Bar await guests seeking a more chic, intimate atmosphere and classic cocktails such as Martinis, Margaritas, and a Sparkling Rosé coined the “Aventura Sky.” Motek Cafe - Aventura Mall, Lower Level, 19565 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite # 946, Aventura, Florida 33180 Motek means “sweetheart” in Hebrew, which describes the nature of the visitor experience available to diners ready to taste the quintessential flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean and Israel. Robust, Kosher-Style menu items are served family-style and sharing is encouraged at each table. Fresh ingredients are used to create thoughtful, original dishes bursting with flavors reminiscent of Tel Aviv, Lebanon, Turkey, Yemen, and Morocco. Originally opened in Downtown Miami in 2020, the Aventura location of the family-operated business opened last summer in the outside dining area of Aventura Mall. JOEY Aventura Esplanade at Aventura - 19505 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite # A150, Aventura, Florida 33180 Opening on July 13th, the Aventura location of the Canadian-Based JOEY Restaurants Brand will begin offering its “globally inspired cuisine” in the newly constructed Esplanade at Aventura. Characterized by a refined, dignified dining experience in a dining room boasting 241 seats enclosed by stunning window walls, the establishment evokes the colorful spirit of Miami while promoting an international menu of Sushi, Premium Steak Cuts, Eclectic Bowls, and summer-inspired bar menu. Toku Modern Asian Aventura Mall, Upper Level - 19575 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite # 1109, Aventura, Florida 33180 Known for capturing the hearts– and palates– of devoted foodies and fine dining critics in Long Island, New York, Toku opened this June 2023 and assimilates Japanese and Chinese fare to create a NeoClassical menu of Chutoro Carpaccio, King Crab Tempura, and Charred Filet of Beef. Located on the Upper Level of Aventura Mall, this Aventura restaurant location steps away from its Specialty Seafood, Steak, and Italian dishes to customize a sleek, sexy South Florida experience tailor-made for dish-sharing fare and prime people-watching. LOVE, AVENTURA. A column celebrating the heart, soul and culture of our community. < Previous News Next News >