The Experts: 1st Priority Restoration - The Mold & Water Damage Company That Work Directly With Your Insurance May 19, 2022 Share If your home has been damaged by water from a leaking pipe, intruding water from all the current rains or mold damage from moisture over time. How are you going to address these problems in your home? A Restoration Company such as 1st Priority Restoration is usually the first company to call following significant damage to a home from floods, water damage, sewage backup and other major water events. The job of a restoration company is to clean up the mess and to preserve the home, protect the home and its contents so that further damage will not occur. Flood damage can be found in any geographical area, regardless of elevation. The causes of flooding can range from natural disasters, burst pipes, leaking pipes, rain storms or sewer lines that are backing up. Even in a condo, you could have a water leak in your wall, under a toilet or behind a kitchen cabinet creating mold that can cause damage to your property and your health. 1st Priority Restoration can find the source of the leak, fix it, restore your property and work directly with your insurance. Regardless of the cause, restoration professionals are called upon to repair water damage, mold damage and restore flooded properties. The water damage restoration process is highly regulated in order to ensure that properties damaged by flood or sewer events, can be effectively restored to a safe space for a homeowner to remain safe during the cleanup. You need a company such as 1st Priority Restoration who you can trust to do the job correctly. The process is simple, when 1st Priority Restoration arrives, they will thoroughly walk through your home and discuss the areas that need to be cleaned & restored to their original condition. Your insurance company adjuster or claim representative may recommend what and how your home should be cleaned, but in the end, it is your decision to make. In the past year, we have all heard the word “Mitigation” more times than we can count, but with water damage, that is exactly what needs to be done. Water damage restoration does not stop at restoring your real estate back to proper functioning. The professionals at 1st Priority will inspect the underlying causes that have caused the water damage in the first place and make sure there won’t be a reoccurrence. They will repair all of the damaged structures and replace the materials to make your property safe, for years to come. If your property has been exposed to water damage, you may have to do water mitigation. Strict actions are required in water mitigation, such as: removal of damaged materials such as drywall and flooring. Molds and mildew that have accumulated in areas in your property will be disinfected and deodorized to restore a healthy environment. Further cleaning and deodorizing should be done to make sure that your real estate is back in tip-top shape. Water damage mitigation should happen immediately after flooding or water buildup. Take action immediately, because letting your property sit in water can cause further damages and expenses. Materials soaking in water collect microbes and spread water-borne diseases. Furniture, wood flooring and walls will crack, sag and collect fungi after prolonged exposure to moisture. If your property is particularly old, it may be time to replace materials such as pipes to prevent a reoccurrence of water damage. If pipes are behind walls, it may require more extensive repairs. The water mitigation process will depend on how long your property has been exposed to water. Air humidifiers and drying equipment must be turned on around the clock in areas with severe water damage. Mold spores are especially dangerous to health and thorough cleaning and disinfecting should be done as part of the water damage mitigation. It is advisable to get the temperature, humidity and moisture of your property tested to see if it has been restored to normal standards, 1st Priority professionals can handle the entire process. After 1st Priority Restoration evaluates the work and equipment needed to clean your home, they will provide you QUICKLY with an estimate or contract/services. LEAK DETECTION: One tiny water leak can create huge problems. An undetected water pipe leak will not only dramatically increase your utility bills, but it can also lead to even more expensive water damage and mold. If you’ve had higher than average water bills, constantly have to refill your pool or hear running water, it’s time to call the leak detection specialists at 1st Priority Restoration! Is water pipe leak detection possible if the pipes are behind a wall? Yes, using the newest state-of-the-art detection tools, highly trained technicians are able to locate water pipe leaks that are hidden behind walls. They can even provide water plumbing leak detection within concrete slab foundations. Will insurance cover the cost of plumbing leak detection services? That all depends on your home's insurance plan. In many situations, when there is a need for water damage restoration, many insurance companies will cover the related costs. 1st Priority Restoration representatives can work directly with your homeowners insurance to verify the need for the plumbing leak detection service, cause of the problem and the repairs that will be required to fix the situation. NEVER FOOL AROUND WITH MOLD & MILDEW: When it comes to mold and mildew, we cannot take those potential hazards lightly. A mold problem can cause you to experience dizziness, anxiety, depression and even hallucinations. If you have been experiencing a diminished attention span or problems with your memory, it might be a good idea to have your home inspected for black mold by a mold remediation crew. For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath. At 1st Priority Restoration, this is what they do 365 days a year, nobody knows how to prevent potential dangers like they do. By dialing: 1 (800) 617-1112 – you can save financially and your health as well! MOLD AND YOUR HOME: Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the outside air can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags and pets, which can be carried indoors. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, pipes or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric and upholstery. With all of the rain and storms we have been having these past months, you can see a pattern of mold growth that will last. From leaks, flooding / driving rain, mold growth is a certainty in South Florida. If you are concerned that you might have a mold or mildew problem, it is best to call the professionals. Your health is your most important asset, so just like you go see a doctor for tests, your home needs tests too. VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION: There are some important ways that we can prevent the spread of mold and what you can do to get rid of it. Keep an eye out for hidden leaks: Wet spots on your ceiling, the baseboards or on the floor are a telltale sign of a leaky pipe or roof. Your home's pipes are behind drywall, which can leave a small leak unnoticed. Mold can grow behind those walls and filter into the air through ducts or pipes. At 1st Priority, they can come in and assess the situation before it gets worse. Did you know that many air conditioner systems/ducts are susceptible to mold growth? They often trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for spores. Bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms create a lot of excess heat and humidity, especially here in south Florida – whether it is from a shower, stove or even a dryer, all of these areas should be well ventilated. Education is key to anything – when our health is at stake – knowing that mold spores can lay dormant for years after they are produced and could begin growing again at any time, it is extremely important to know. Because of this, regular cleanings and having 1st Priority Restoration to depend on, will certainly make our lives much easier. Ever wonder why you or your children wake up coughing and sneezing on a regular basis? The CDC may have the answer. According to the CDC, in 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found that there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, sneezing and wheezing in otherwise healthy people and in individuals susceptible with compromised immune conditions. Mold or mold spores may cause asthma attacks in people who have asthma and are allergic to mold. Even in some nonallergic individuals, mold can cause symptoms of irritation in the eyes, skin and airways. For example, the "black mold" Stachybotrys, along with some other types of mold, produce toxins known as mycotoxins that can cause irritation of the skin and airways in susceptible individuals. Some-times, people may develop severe reactions to mold exposure, but cleaning and sanitizing by professionals you can trust. EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING: With decades in the business, 1st Priority Restoration is a reputable company with over 20 employees that are licensed and insured. They have been doing all types of cleaning, sanitizing, leak/mold detection and water damage restoration for more than a decade. "We use the most efficient cleaning and water re-moval equipment to make sure that our customers are satisfied with the job we do for them. We try to use nontoxic (Green) safe chemicals for all mildew treatments. In all of the years that we have been helping our customers with water damage, they have always been pleased with the work that we do and we have never received a single complaint!” YEAR ROUND SERVICE: If you have lived in south Florida for any period of time, you already know that the weather is ever changing, for that reason, the rainy season can happen at any time. It doesn’t have to be a tropical system to cause flooding and everything that goes along with it, a leak or burst pipe can happen at any time of year, 1st Priority Restoration is available to help get your home back to a healthy environment for you and your family. What continues to separate them from anyone else is that they can take care of all of your water damage problems - as well as conducting leak and mold detections, working with your insurance company and your adjuster. By calling 1st Priority Restoration, you are getting a business that understands it all and is ready to spring into action 12 months a year. From ceiling repair, drywall replacement, structural damage, roof leaks, floor repair, furniture cleaning, mold removal and treatments. CUSTOMERS ARE ALWAYS SATISFIED: "If a customer calls and is not completely satisfied with any of the work, the crew will return promptly to your property. We strive to make our customers 100% satisfied with our work." Proud member of the Better Business Bureau. $25 OFF MOLD TESTING! 1st Priority Restoration 1-800-617-1112 1-800-996-7919 Closed Saturday & Jewish Holidays. < Previous News Next News >

City of Hollywood Charter Review Committee Members Needed December 22, 2022 Share The City of Hollywood has a Charter Review process established by the City Commission that includes a Charter Review Committee made up of nine members with a representative from each District and two appointed at large. Every six years, a committee is formed to review the City Charter, make recommendations as to whether a provision should be changed, remain the same, be deleted, or new provisions added. Charter amendments would then go before voters. In anticipation of the next vote in 2024, Committee appointments will be made March 2023, dependent upon number of qualified applicants. The committee will meet monthly to form recommendations which will be presented to the City Commission by June 2024. • Board and Committee meetings may require day or evening attendance. By accepting appointment to a Board or Committee, you are affirming your ability to attend meetings as scheduled. • Some positions require City of Hollywood residency. Once received, all application materials become the property of the City of Hollywood. Carefully read the handbook for the opening you are applying for: http://www.hollywoodfl.org/DocumentCenter/View/13247/03-004-Boards-and-Committees-Book-2022-with-new-logo?bidId= • The Board and Committee members serve on a voluntary basis. Annual appointments are done at a Special Commission meeting in May of each year. A Message From The Mayor For Applicants Dear Fellow Residents and Volunteers, Thank you for your interest in the City’s Advisory Boards and Committees. The volunteers who serve on these boards contribute to the success of the City of Hollywood in countless ways both big and small. Prior to being elected Mayor, it was my pleasure to be appointed to one of these boards and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people, gain a better understanding of City government and play a part as a resident and business owner in moving the City of Hollywood forward. People volunteer for an endless variety of reasons. Some want to gain experience, acquire new skills, expand their network of contacts or simply give back to their community. One thing you almost always hear from people who volunteer is that it “feels good” to help others, promote worthwhile causes or make the community a better place to live. Whatever your interest, the City of Hollywood welcomes you to consider applying to be a part of one of the advisory boards and committees established by the City Commission. By getting involved, you’ll have a chance to provide new insights and expertise that can help guide the policy-making process. As someone who grew up in Hollywood and is deeply invested in the community, I want you to know that I am committed to ensuring our City lives up to the vision of its founder, Joseph Young, who wanted to create a “dream city by the sea” for everyone to enjoy. Since its incorporation in 1925, Hollywood has grown into one of the largest cities in Florida and has become a sought after destination for visitors from around the globe. With our diverse and distinctive neighborhoods, our historic beach Broadwalk, a vibrant downtown with numerous cultural attractions and year-round special events, Hollywood offers a hometown vibe in the heart of South Florida. I, along with my fellow Commission members, sincerely appreciate your interest in exploring opportunities to put your talent and skills to work for the betterment of the City. We believe the ideas and energy our residents bring to bear on topics that impact their lives results in better government and better public policy. Sincerely, Josh Levy - Mayor of Hollywood If you are interested in serving on the Charter Review Committee, please apply online by going to the Boards and Committees page of the City’s website, http://www.hollywoodfl.org/155/Boards-Committees. Deadline to submit application is Thursday, February 2, 2023. For more information, please contact Patricia A. Cerny, City Clerk at: (954) 921-3211. Or: pcerny@hollywoodfl.org < Previous News Next News >

2021 SPARK Hollywood, FL Pitch Competition Thu Oct 14 2021 13:42:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Tis The Season For Holiday Safety & Fun - The City of Hollywood Has Something Hot To Tell You December 19, 2024 Share The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and warmth. Families gather around festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the comforting glow of candles and in some areas fireplaces. It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire. As you deck the halls this holiday season, the Department of Fire Rescue & Beach Safety has some tips to ensure your holidays are not only festive but also fire-safe. Candle Caution: Almost half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles, with Christmas Day as the peak day for candle fires. Think about using battery-operated flameless candles. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. Mindful Lighting: Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or any signs of damage before hanging them. Replace damaged lights immediately. Be sure to turn off holiday lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving the house. Consider using a timer to automate this process, ensuring your home is not unnecessarily exposed to electrical risks. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect. Tree Safety: A dry Christmas tree can burn very hot and very fast. Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure your tree does not block exits. More than one in every five Christmas tree fires were caused by a heat source too close to the tree. Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry. (See below for tree recycling locations in Hollywood). For more information on how to prevent winter fires, visit: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/holiday/ - And at: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/put-a-freeze-on-winter-fires Chip-a-Tree After the holidays, Broward County Parks & Recreation is offering the annual Chip-a-Tree tree recycling program, where you can bring your tree to one of multiple Broward County parks to be recycled for free. Hollywood Location: West Lake Park, 1200 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, Florida 33019; (954) 357-5161. This season's program runs daily from Thursday, December 26th, 2024, through Monday, January 20th, 2025. Hours vary; call the park of your choice for details. Visit: www.broward.org/Parks/Pages/ChipATreeProgram.aspx for additional information. Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk Check out this weekend’s Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk - Saturday, December 21st, visit restaurants, galleries, and shops, while enjoying art, music, murals, outdoor markets, and more! For more information, list: http://www.hollywoodartwalk.com ArtWalk Schedule • Artisan Market: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. • Live Music: 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. • Mural Tour: 6:00 p.m. • Gallery Tour: 7:00 p.m. • Magic Show: 9:00 p.m. SalsaFest is coming to Boulevard Heights The Hollywood Salsa Festival is almost here and one of its founders Melina Almodovar is on mission to keep Salsa Music alive and well in our society by dedicating one day a year in the beautiful city of Hollywood, enjoying salsa music in all its forms. She welcomes all of you Salsa fans to the world of Rumba, Clave, and Guaguanco for the Hollywood West Salsa Fest - Celebrating Three Kings Day on January 4th, 2025 - 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Boulevard Heights Community Center Amphitheater 6770 Garfield Street, Hollywood, Florida 33924. This event is free for all that want to enjoy the wonders of Salsa Music in all its forms Orchestras, dance performances, DJ’s and more. For more information, call: (954) 399-0151. < Previous News Next News >

Hollywood Beach Sweep Keeps Coastline Clean By City Of Hollywood Oct 8, 2025 The City Of Hollywood Is Inviting Volunteers To Roll Up Their Sleeves And Take Part In The Monthly Hollywood Beach Sweep Clean-Up, Held On The Second Saturday Of Each Month From 7:00 a.m. To 11:00 a.m. Participants Meet At Charnow Park, Located At Garfield Street And A1A, Before Heading Out To Collect Litter Along The Shoreline. The Event Aims To Keep The City’s Coastline Clean While Fostering Community Pride And Environmental Stewardship. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, though participants must be at least eight years old, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Proper attire is required, including closed-toe shoes, and volunteers are encouraged to wear hats, apply sunscreen, and bring water and snacks. City staff will provide cleanup and safety instructions, as well as trash bags and gloves. Parking for participants is available at the Garfield Parking Garage, located at 300 Connecticut Street, Hollywood, Florida 33019 but space is limited. Carpooling is encouraged. Free parking is provided through a virtual parking pass system, which is issued electronically based on the information submitted on the registration form. Each vehicle is eligible for one temporary pass valid during event hours. Passes will not be issued on the day of the event, and free parking is not guaranteed for all volunteers. Registration forms must be submitted by the Wednesday before each cleanup to qualify for waived parking fees. Because City of Hollywood offices are closed on Fridays, forms submitted that day will not be processed. Hollywood Beach Sweep offers residents and visitors a chance to give back to the community while helping protect the natural beauty of Hollywood Beach. Those interested in participating can access the registration form online and bring it with them on cleanup day. For more information, visit: www.hollywoodfl.org and search for “Beach Sweep.” Art & Java Join in the fun this Saturday, October 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Art & Java at the Fred Lippman Multi-Purpose Center, 2030 Polk Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020. This is a Free coloring event with Art Enthusiast Sonja Ivey. Previous Next

A Slice of Little Italy in Hallandale Beach March 17, 2022 Share Gulfstream Park Village to Host San Gennaro Feast, March 17-20 The Annual San Gennaro Feast is back for another delicious year at Gulfstream Park Village. Taking place at Pegasus Park, the food and music festival will feature a variety of food vendors, amusement rides, arts and crafts and live entertainment. Italian food lovers can enjoy some of the best Italian sausage and peppers, linguini and clams, fried calamari, pizza, shrimp scampi, zeppoles, cannolis and plenty of pasta! Taking place March 17-20, the festival welcomes both locals and visitors alike to enjoy the best Italian eats in the open-air setting of Gulfstream’s Iconic Pegasus Park. On opening night only, the festival will be offering one free parent wristband with the purchase of a child’s unlimited ride wristband. Tickets will be available at the door or for advance purchase. To learn more and purchase tickets, please visit: sangennarofeast.com. The ticket cost is $12 for adults and seniors, $5 for children 3 to 15 plus tax, free for children under 2. When: March 17-20, 2022 Thurs., March 17: 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm Fri., March 18: 11:00 am to midnight Sat., March 19: 11:00 am to midnight Sun., March 20: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Where: Pegasus Park at Gulfstream Park Village 901 South Federal Highway Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 History of San Gennaro Saint Gennaro was Bishop of Benevento, Italy and died a martyr in 305 AD during the persecution spearheaded by Emperor Diocletian. He signed his death warrant when he visited the deacons, Sosso and Proculo and the laymen, Eutichete and Acuzio, in jail. The Proconsul, Timothy, had Gennaro arrested. He underwent torture without wavering in his resolution to remain loyal to Christ. He was thrown headlong into a furnace, but by the grace of God, he came through unscathed. Furious, the agents beheaded him. His body and the severed head still dripping blood were gathered up by an old man who wrapped them reverently in a cloth. An old Neapolitan lady collected the blood with a sponge and filled a phial with the precious liquid. San Gennaro eventually became the patron saint of Naples, in whose cathedral two ampoules are preserved with a liquid in the solid state, which tradition says was the saint's blood and that melts three times a year. According to legend, the blood of San Gennaro liquefied for the first time in the fourth century A.D. during the transfer of the Saint's remains to Naples, but the first documented report of the ampoule containing the blood relic dates only from 1389. The Chronicon Siculum mentioned that during the celebrations for the feast of the Assumption, there was a public display of the phials containing the "blood of San Gennaro" and on the 17th of August, during the procession, the liquid in the ampoule melted. The body of Saint Gennaro is preserved in Naples, where he is honored as the city's principal patron. The Neapolitans pray to him for protection from fires, earthquakes, plagues, droughts and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. In every emergency Saint Gennaro is their powerful champion and universal helper. History of Feast of San Gennaro in the United States The Feast of San Gennaro is a fair held in mid-September in Little Italy, New York. The heart of the festival is on Mulberry Street and is characterized by parades, games and the typical sellers of sausages and donuts. The celebration begins with a religious procession that starts from the oldest church in the Italian neighborhood. At the same time, a similar festival begins in the Italian neighborhood of the Bronx. The festivities begin early in the morning and continue until late at night, ending 11 days later. If you would like to experience the San Gennaro Feast tradition for yourself, you will not have to travel to Little Italy or Naples. Fortunately, The San Gennaro Feast is coming to South Florida at Pegasus Park at Gulfstream Park Village. The Feast will be held March 17-20. For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, visit: www.sangennarofeast.com About Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Tho-roughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events and additional info, visit: www.gulfstreampark.com or call: 954-454-7000. < Previous News Next News >

2025 The Year The Government Stopped Pretending It Cared About Freedom By John & Nisha Whitehead Jan 7, 2026 Some Years Chip Away At Freedom. Others Tear The Mask Off. 2025 was the year the government stopped pretending it was constrained by the Constitution—when executive power expanded openly and unapologetically, surveillance became ambient, dissent became dangerous, and the machinery of militarized government embedded itself into daily life. Under Trump 2.0, the erosion of civil liberties gave way to something more brazen: the dismantling of constitutional government itself. What made 2025 different was not any single abuse of power, but the relentless accumulation of them. The losses mounted week by week, crisis by crisis, executive order by executive order, until exhaustion itself became a political condition. Outrage no longer led to accountability; it simply rolled into the next emergency. What follows is not a list of grievances or a catalogue of partisan disputes. It is a record of the year freedom lost its guardrails—and of a nation torn apart from within by the very individuals and institutions entrusted with preventing such tyranny. Donald J. Trump entered his second term promising revenge, retribution, and sweeping transformation. In that regard, he has been utterly successful. Where he has failed—spectacularly—is in honoring his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution. From the outset, Trump treated the Constitution not as a governing framework but as an obstacle—something to be maneuvered around, ignored, or rewritten by executive fiat. Indeed, he signed more executive orders in his first month than any other president had signed in their first 100 days. The warning signs appeared immediately. Within days of his inauguration, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights disappeared from the White House website. While the administration later insisted the documents would be restored, the timing and symbolism were impossible to ignore—especially as executive orders poured out at a pace designed to bypass the very rule of law those documents exist to preserve. Almost immediately thereafter, Trump declared two national states of emergency, announced his intention to disregard the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of birthright citizenship, established new federal agencies without congressional authorization, and pushed for an expansion of the death penalty. Constitutional boundaries were not merely tested; they were treated as optional. At the same time, the presidential pardon—intended as a tool of mercy—was transformed into a currency of loyalty. Political allies and insiders were shielded from accountability, signaling that allegiance to the president now mattered more than fidelity to the law. Economic governance followed the same pattern. Trump unilaterally launched tariff wars against longstanding trade partners, seizing Congress’s power of the purse and throwing already fragile markets into turmoil. Constitutional process was no longer a prerequisite for national policy; presidential will was sufficient. Immigration enforcement soon revealed just how far the rule of law had eroded. Despite campaign promises to target violent offenders, Immigration and Customs Enforcement expanded dragnet-style raids that swept up undocumented immigrants with no criminal history. In a calculated effort to evade judicial review and human rights obligations, detainees were secretly flown out of the country to foreign prisons beyond the reach of U.S. courts. As public opposition mounted, the government’s response was not restraint but force. The National Guard was deployed first to Washington, D.C., and then increasingly to states across the country, under the pretext of addressing crime and unrest. Civil liberties organizations warned that the line between civilian law enforcement and military occupation was rapidly disappearing. The administration pressed on regardless. By this point, the nation was teetering on the brink of a constitutional crisis. The president openly embraced the notion that “I have the right to do whatever I want as president.” Abroad, constitutional limits collapsed just as readily. The United States carried out preemptive military strikes against Iranian nuclear sites without congressional authorization. Drone strikes escalated in Yemen. Civilian boats were targeted under the banner of counterterrorism and drug interdiction. Trump openly threatened land invasions of Venezuela. The Founders’ fear of a standing army turned inward—and war powers exercised without consent—was no longer theoretical. It had become standard operating procedure. Domestic tragedy did nothing to slow this consolidation of power. Crisis after crisis was folded into an ever-expanding rationale for centralized control, rather than prompting accountability, restraint, or reflection. By midyear, even the machinery of government itself was being dismantled. Under the banner of “efficiency,” the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) began shuttering agencies and hacking away at public services. In practice, the initiative cost taxpayers more than it saved, hollowed out institutional expertise, and left Americans with fewer protections and fewer remedies. The government became less capable of serving the public—and more capable of policing it. At the same time, the surveillance state reached a new level of sophistication and reach. Government agencies consolidated financial records, biometric identifiers, communications metadata, travel histories, and online behavior into centralized intelligence systems, often facilitated by private contractors. Artificial intelligence tools generated risk scores and predictive profiles, flagging individuals not for crimes committed, but for behaviors, associations, and speech deemed suspicious. The presumption of innocence gave way to the logic of pre-crime. Due process eroded accordingly. Habeas corpus—the oldest safeguard of liberty—lost meaning as Americans were detained first and forced to justify their innocence later. Political speech itself was increasingly treated as a public-safety risk. Incarceration, meanwhile, became national infrastructure. Predictive policing systems fed people into the system at the front end, while bureaucratic cruelty defined life inside it. Justice became mechanical, impersonal, and deliberately unforgiving. Federalism collapsed in parallel. Local police forces were federalized in practice if not in name. National Guard units were commandeered. Federal enforcement authority expanded into states and cities once shielded from centralized power. The balance between local self-governance and federal authority—one of the Constitution’s most important safeguards—was steadily erased. Oversight mechanisms fared no better. Inspectors General were sidelined. Congressional subpoenas were ignored. Whistleblowers were punished rather than protected. Transparency collapsed as Freedom of Information Act requests were delayed, denied, or buried. Routine documents were classified. Internal communications vanished. None of this happened overnight. That is the point. The damage was cumulative, calculated, and exhausting by design. The goal of 2025 was not merely to expand power, but as I make clear in Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, to normalize its abuse, to wear the public down until resistance felt futile. The question for 2026 is not whether this trajectory will continue, but whether the American people will reassert the constitutional limits that make freedom possible—before those limits disappear entirely. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an attorney and author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of constitutional law, human rights and popular culture. John Whitehead's commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org Previous Next

Aristo Sham Has Dazzled Audiences On Five Continents February 21, 2024 Share Hailed by The New York Times as a pianist “who's playing combines clarity, elegance and abundant technique” and by The Washington Post as a young artist with “boundless potential” who can “already hold his own with the best,” Pianist Aristo Sham has dazzled audiences on five continents. In 2009, Aristo was featured in the documentary ‘The World’s Greatest Musical Prodigies’ in the UK. Aristo has performed as a soloist with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Edo de Waart, the London Symphony Orchestra with Sir Simon Rattle, the English Chamber Orchestra under Raymond Leppard, the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra. In addition, he has given recitals for the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts in Chicago and the Salle Cortot in Paris, and performed for royalty and dignitaries such as Prince Charles, the Queen of Belgium, and Ex-President Hu of China. Aristo first gained international recognition when he won First Prize in the Ettlingen International Piano Competition in Germany in 2006, and First Prize in the Gina Bachauer International Junior Piano Competition in 2008. In 2023, he won the Grand Prix at the Monte-Carlo Music Masters. He is the First Prize Winner of the 2018 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsowrth International Auditions and more recently, the recipient of top prizes at the Casagrande, Gina Bachauer, Vendome Prize at Verbier Festival, Dublin, Clara Haskil, New York, Saint-Priest and Viotti International Piano Competitions. Aristo holds a Bachelors in Economics from Harvard University and a Masters in Piano Performance from New England Conservatory. He is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at the Juilliard School under Robert McDonald and Orli Shaham. His Principal Teachers include: Eleanor Wong, Colin Stone, Victor Rosenbaum, and Julia Mustonen-Dahlkvist, and has been Mentored by Gabriela Montero. In his free time, Aristo enjoys Traveling, Languages, Gastronomy and Oenology. So mark your calendars for Sunday, February 25th, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., as Aristo takes the stage at The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The venue's intimate setting will create an immersive experience, allowing audiences to capture the magic as it unfolds on stage. Tickets Tickets start at $45.00, 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. < Previous News Next News >

A Miracle of Faith: Heleni Ezra’s Incredible Journey Fri Feb 14 2025 17:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Natural Skin & Wound Care Solutions: Save Time & Money With "Clean" Alternatives June 15, 2023 Share Many people look for natural products with "clean" ingredients, especially in the Food, Beverage, Skin Care and Beauty Categories. In fact, the market for clean label ingredients is projected to reach $64.1 Billion by 2026, according to Allied Market Research. For many common ailments or minor injuries, there's a natural treatment that can be used in place of hard-to-pronounce ingredients and preservatives. "This same kind of clean ingredient demand is migrating to the First-Aid space with many of these natural alternatives being used to treat anything from scrapes and bug bites to wound odor and pulled or sore muscles," said Dr. Billy Goldberg, a "New York Times" Best-Selling Author and Emergency Room Physician. "In fact, some companies are beginning to incorporate these kinds of natural and efficacious ingredients right into their products." Goldberg and the First-Aid experts at CURAD, which have made adhesive bandages since 1951, offer these suggestions for natural ingredients you can use at home to treat common ailments: Epsom Salt - Named for a bitter Saline Spring at Epsom in Surrey, England, Epsom Salt is not actually Salt but a naturally occurring Mineral Compound of Magnesium Sulfate. Long known as a natural remedy for several ailments, Epsom Salt can be used to relax Muscles and Relieve Pain in the shoulders, neck and back. It can also be applied to sunburns or dissolved in the bath to help relieve Sore Muscles or Detox. Aloe Vera - Few things soothe sunburn like Aloe Vera. With analgesic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that ease the healing process, Aloe Vera Gel contains Phytochemicals that help reduce pain and inflammation. Also helpful in the healing process of cuts and scrapes, the CURAD Naturals line of adhesive bandages are infused with Aloe Vera in the wound pad and surface of the bandage, which is enriched with the Antioxidant Vitamin E to help soothe and moisturize skin. Hydrogen Peroxide - A mild antiseptic that can be used to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes and burns, Hydrogen Peroxide is often used for the initial cleaning of wounds. Simply apply a small amount on the affected area - alternating with water to avoid killing good bacteria - to help release oxygen, which causes foaming that aids in cleaning and the removal of dead skin. Baking Soda - Bicarbonate of soda, commonly known as Baking Soda, can be used for more than baking. From removing stains to cleaning teeth and more, it can also be used to help treat a variety of wounds. In addition to being an odor absorber, it can be applied to insect stings and bites, such as those from bees or mosquitoes. Whether making a paste using Baking Soda and water then applying to the bite or using an option like CURAD Naturals adhesive bandages featuring baking soda, the chemical compound can help soothe the skin. In addition to absorbing wound odor, the bandages provide skin-friendly comfort and stretch with a four-sided seal to keep dirt and germs out. Manuka Honey - A Honey native to New Zealand, Manuka Honey contains Methylglyoxal as an active ingredient and has unique antibacterial properties that speed healing and help prevent and fight infections when applied as a topical wound treatment. It may also help soothe coughs and sore throats, prevent tooth decay and improve digestive issues. Learn more about natural first-aid products at: www.CURAD.com < Previous News Next News >

Hollywood Responds: Hurricane Relief Effort for Jamaica July 18, 2024 Share In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl's devastating impact on Jamaica, the City of Hollywood has rallied together to provide essential aid to those affected. Organized by the City's Fire Department, a comprehensive relief effort is underway, appealing to the generosity of the community to support the recovery of our Caribbean neighbors. The call for donations spans a range of critical items urgently needed by the Jamaican government. These include new blankets, sheets, sleeping bags, cots, yard waste bags, work gloves, industrial sponges, solar-powered lights, flashlights with D-size batteries, tarps, towels, washcloths, personal hygiene kits, professional first-aid kits, and diapers with baby wipes. The emphasis is on new and unopened items to ensure their suitability and safety for those receiving aid, opened and used items are not accepted. To facilitate donations, the primary site for drop-offs is the Fire Training Facility located at 3400 N. 56th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33021. Donations are accepted Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For added convenience, secondary donation sites include Station 5 at 1819 N. 21st Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020, open Monday through Saturday during the same hours. Please note that First Responders are on active duty and are responding to emergency calls at this location. If no one is there at the time of your arrival, you may leave your donation at the door, and it will be collected when the Firefighters return. The response from Hollywood residents has been resoundingly positive, reflecting a community united in compassion and action. Residents are encouraged to contribute generously, knowing that each item donated will directly benefit those grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. This collective effort underscores Hollywood's commitment to global solidarity and humanitarian aid in times of crisis. Celebrating Community Spirit Amidst the relief efforts, Hollywood continues to celebrate its vibrant community spirit with a series of family-friendly events scheduled for the coming weekend. On Friday, July 19th, ArtsPark Summer Fun promises an evening of food, music, inflatables, games, and entertainment for all ages from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festivities culminate with ArtsPark Movie Night featuring the beloved film "Kung Fu Panda 4." On Saturday, July 20th, Downtown Hollywood comes alive with the monthly ArtWalk, inviting visitors to explore local restaurants, galleries, and shops. From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., attendees can enjoy an Artisan Market, live music performances at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., a mural tour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., gallery tours at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and a captivating magic show at 10 p.m. The ArtWalk serves as a testament to Hollywood's rich cultural tapestry and vibrant artistic community. As Hollywood residents engage in both relief efforts and community celebrations, the city stands as a beacon of hope and support for those affected by Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica. Through collective action and unwavering community spirit, Hollywood continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping others in times of need, both locally and globally. For those looking to contribute or participate in upcoming events, detailed information can be found on the City of Hollywood's official website: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1513 Together, we can make a meaningful difference and embody the spirit of compassion that defines our community. < Previous News Next News >

Sick of Feeling Like a Helpless Bystander? People Feel Powerless and Hopeless, But We Aren’t Thu Sep 30 2021 04:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)