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A Look Back Hallandale Beach: On The Past Year Of 2023 We Hit Some Great Milestones By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper December 28, 2023 Share I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. As we look back over the past year in Hallandale Beach we have all gone through some challenges and also have plenty we have accomplished. Last year we hit some great milestones. This would not have been possible without a unified Commission, strong City Management and the hard work of all our Staff. This year marks the first full year Chief Michel has served as our Chief. He was originally appointed as our Chief back in June 2022. He continues to lead our department into the future along with his command staff. Over the earlier part of the year, we had witnessed an increase in Gang Violence that has been taking place between Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, Hollywood and West Park. The incidents that have taken place are all active investigations. Crime Rate Statistics are lagging. So, if you go online you are going to find figures that are before 2023. Our overall Crime Rate has dropped in Hallandale over the past year under his leadership. When he started there were many vacant positions. At one point we were down 20. This year the Chief has been working to fill all positions. Just like other agencies, officers retire, so he has many in the pipeline in the academy. They continue to roll out technologies including expanded License Plate Readers, Spot Shotter and this past year’s Drone Program. They are also working on expanding CCTV throughout the city. While the overall rate is lowered there is an increase in Property Crimes and Thefts. Our City Budget for the first time in a year is stable. I have shared that in 2019 our Budget was dismal. The previous leadership used one-time Revenues and Reserves to balance the budget. The 2023-2024 Budget was balanced without the use of Reserves. To date our budget of $200 Million includes over $80 Million in Capital Projects and many new Management Projects that will move our City forward. They include replacing all of our Water Meters, upgrading our technology to enhance security and streamline Service Delivery to name a few. This year was the first year we debated reducing the Tax Rate in 5 years. This year, we have seen Revitalized Investments by many Developers. Hallandale Beach hit the $1,200 Dollar Per Square Foot in the Residential Real Estate Market. 2000 Ocean opened and in less than 6 months the price went from $2.6 Million to $3.5 Plus Million. Slate, a Luxury Rental Building opened. The Diplomat Golf Course Reopened with a Membership Fee of $1 Million Dollars. They have also opened up sales for their Residential/Hotel. Other Projects that are Under Construction or opened around the City include Workforce and Affordable Housing. The most recent building to open is Solaris right next to Bluesten Park. It has a mix of Units from One to Three Bedrooms. Their Three-bedroom Unit is $1,785 Per Month. I had a chance to visit and take a tour. The Units, Amenities and Buildings are truly remarkable! Affordable Housing is no longer the project of the past. Next year we are proud to say many more units will be on their way and provide much needed housing relief. The Office Market continues to thrive. Atlantic III Opened and Atlantic IV is getting ready to be opened to Tenants. Optima Tower opened on Federal Highway and boasts Luxury Office Spaces with a Pool and Work-Out Facilities for their Tenants. Oasis has also Opened its first Office Building and has just received its Temporary Certificate on the Second Office Building facing Hallandale Beach Boulevard. This means that their tenants will begin their build out. 2023 also brought with it many challenges. The 1,000-Year Rain Event created havoc and Floods. This year I fought, and we placed another Major Drainage Pumping Project on the books for the Northeast Area. We continued to have strange weather with Storms that had Strong Winds and Heavy Rain. Thankfully, we had no Major Hurricanes! With the Ukraine War still raging we as a society were faced with the horrific events in Israel. Our City was put on Alert and remains vigilant in protecting our many Jewish Temples and Schools. As the war continues, we as a commission have stood firm against Antisemitism. We are the first City in the U.S. to adopt Strong Criminal Penalties for Acts Of Antisemitism for Removing Flags, Posters Of Kidnapped Hostages and Acts Of Hate. Our Gulfstream Academy K-8 School was rocked by the loss of Principal Campbell in November. Our schools have been struggling since the COVID-19 Pandemic. He brought back to the school a great vision and had already reduced Discipline Issues by 28%. Both Gulfstream K-8 and High School have a C Grade. WE all need to work together to improve these grades! In January they will be selecting a new principal and will be asking the community to weigh in. There will be a meeting for all partners on Thursday, January 11th, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. This will be to have a conversation about the future Principal. As we look to 2024 I will also be looking towards next year. We have much to be thankful for. We all know that many in our City are still struggling. We will continue to support programs at the Hepburn Center and our CRA to provide a hand up and assistance to those in need. 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 . On my Office Number at: (954) 457-1318. Or on my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. You can always visit my Facebook and follow me at: Mayor Joy Cooper! < Previous News Next News >

Fight Hunger, Serve Hope: Selfless Ways To Support Community Members In Need Thu Aug 24 2023 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

How Small Businesses Can Help Employees Prepare For Retirement By Family Features Jul 9, 2025 A Comfortable Retirement Is Something Most People Aspire To, And There Are Many Paths To Plan For That Phase Of Life. While Many Employers Offer Retirement Savings Plans As A Workplace Benefit, Small Business Owners, Whose Time And Resources Are Already At A Premium, Often Face Barriers - Including Hours Of Administrative Work, Additional Costs And Compliance Liabilities - When Setting Up These Plans For Their Employees. Today, many small business owners understand the power of offering a retirement plan, such as a 401(K), to attract and retain top talent and provide additional financial security for their employees. In fact, a retirement plan is the benefit most wanted by workers after health insurance, according to a survey commissioned by 401(K) provider Human Interest. Many states have passed or enacted laws requiring most employers to offer retirement plans for employees. Currently, 20 states have passed legislation for state-mandated retirement programs and 13 states have active programs. Legislation is currently being considered in an additional 28 states. Employers can opt out of state-mandated retirement programs by offering a 401(K) plan, simplifying compliance for business owners. Federal regulations, such as SECURE 2.0, introduced incentives and requirements for business owners who offer 401(K)s, which make it easier for employees to save and access their funds. If you're a small business owner setting up a retirement plan, these considerations can simplify the process while helping employees save for retirement. Add Auto-Enroll to Your 401(K) Plan Many people intend to save for retirement, but don't take the necessary steps to enroll in a plan. Plans that include an automatic enrollment feature help overcome this inertia by automatically collecting deferrals from employees' compensation each pay period unless they opt out of participation. SECURE 2.0 mandates auto-enroll for most 401(K) plans established after December 29th, 2022. If your plan is not subject to the requirement, consider adding it voluntarily. Ultimately, auto-enroll can help contribute to a more financially secure workforce by encouraging consistent savings habits. Take Advantage of Match Contributions Programs While the primary benefit of a 401(K) plan is to help employees save for retirement, offering an employer match encourages employees to participate, as employees may consider the match "free" money. In addition, employers can take a tax deduction for their matching contributions, up to 25% of the total compensation paid to eligible employees for the year. SECURE 2.0 also introduced a tax credit for matching contributions for small employers with new plans. Employers should be aware the tax credit is an alternative to the deduction; the employer can't claim both in the same year. Pick a Platform Designed for Small Businesses The administrative burden of setting up retirement plans can be overwhelming for some business owners. Choosing a tech-enabled 401(K) platform like Human Interest - which offers a fast online setup in a few clicks; transparent pricing; and attentive, human support - can help employers navigate the shifting landscape of state-specific regulations and mandates. When choosing a provider, also consider the upfront fees you'll pay (both as an employer and for the employees participating in the plan), if the platform integrates with your payroll provider, customer service response times and how the 401(K) provider can help answer questions about compliance from regulatory bodies to set your employees up for long-term success. Find additional information to help provide a more secure financial future for your employees at https://humaninterest.com . (Photos courtesy of Shutterstock) Previous Next

Ann Storck Center Expands Its Services With Three New Programs South Florida Sun Times Mar 13, 2025 Ann Storck Center (ASC) – a Fort Lauderdale-based private NonProfit Organization dedicated to enriching lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – is proud to announce it has expanded its services with three new programs: Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP), In-Home Respite and Family Strengthening. ASC accommodates 96 permanent residents and serves more than 300 clients daily through an array of critical care, learning and ability-focused programs. Throughout all its programs and services, the Center intends for individuals to discover ability and build independence so that individuals live happier, more independent, fulfilling lives. Aligned with Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, observed annually in March, ASC continues its mission to bring people of all abilities into a supportive community where each is inspired to realize a fulfilling life of purpose, possibility and love. The month-long observance champions individuals with developmental disabilities for their achievements, advocates for their rights and promotes understanding and inclusivity within society. Developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior areas, and include: Autism Spectrum Disorders; Cerebral Palsy; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); learning or intellectual disabilities; hearing loss; vision impairment and other developmental delays. ASC opened the doors to its brand-new Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP). This program is designed to give young adults with disabilities, aged 15-21, the opportunity to get a step up in their adult life. STEP offers its participants the chance to explore career paths, learn about community service, gain social and employability skills, receive individualized support, participate in non-school day activities including field trips and afterschool programs and take paid summer internships. STEP is a year-round program offered Monday through Thursday. ASC believes families need an opportunity to take a much-needed break from caregiving with support. ASC’s new In-Home Respite program is designed to provide temporary at-home care by trained professionals who specialize in the individualized needs of each child they serve. Eligible families can receive up to 200 hours of care from ASC’s professional caregivers. Families can expect safe and nurturing care in their own home by trained professionals who cater to the individual needs of each child through specialized care and engaging activities. ASC introduced its new Family Strengthening Program to families in the community with children born through 12 with special needs. The goal of the program is to empower parents to enhance their positive parenting abilities, discipline techniques and teaching methods. This program offers insight into coping strategies for reducing behaviors and stressors, addressing the expectations and fears associated with raising children with special needs, including in-home services, group sessions, case management and financial assistance. To sign up for the Family Strengthening program, please visit: https://annstorckcenter.jotform.com/240256712529153 “We are proud to expand our services and offer the South Florida community three new programs including our Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP), In-Home Respite and Family Strengthening Program,” said ASC CEO Patricia (Pat) Murphy. “The expansion of our programs will not only allow us to serve more individuals with developmental disabilities in the community but further support and strengthen their families. We are looking forward to seeing the progress of those who participate!” Additionally, in 2024, ASC completed a $1.5 Million renovation to its Adult Day Training Program Facility, aimed to revitalize and enhance the facilities dedicated to serving adults with developmental disabilities. ASC’s Adult Day Training Program is an on-site facility where residents go to participate in a diverse range of activities, fostering social interaction and skill development for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The center-based program cultivates an atmosphere of structure and excitement, where participants eagerly anticipate reuniting with friends and staff members each day. Community involvement is a key focus, and ASC provides a variety of engaging activities to support individuals in achieving their goals while exploring new interests and hobbies. Depending on each participant's individualized plan, they may engage in goal-oriented classes or activities such as music therapy, art therapy, computer training, physical fitness, cooking and daily living skills. The renovation project consisted of several key components designed to improve the functionality, accessibility and overall quality of the Adult Day Training Program, including facility upgrades, technology integration and program expansion. With the renovated facilities, the Adult Day Training Program can now accommodate 70 participants and offer a wider range of activities and services. For more information about ASC, please visit: www.annstorckcenter.org - Or contact: info@annstorckcenter.org . About Ann Storck Center: The Ann Storck Center, a 501(c)(3) NonProfit organization, is the heart of uncompromising care, supporting children and adults of all abilities with developmental, educational and residential programs that foster lives of discovery and fulfillment. The center is building a village of love and purpose, changing how those with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included as inspiring, valuable members of our communities. ASC has been serving the community for more than 65 years, originally known as the Pediatric Care Center, then in 1981 becoming ASC. Today, ASC accommodates 300 children and adults on six separate sites including a school/therapy center, adult day training program, two intermediate care facilities offering specialized residential services, as well as ten group homes embedded in the community offering a more independent lifestyle. For more information, visit: www.annstorckcenter.org - Or on social media visit Facebook or Instagram. Previous Next

South Florida’s Kids Got Talent: Free Family Fun Day to Feature Gifted Young Stars February 10, 2022 Share Tri-Rail’s Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Rail Fun Day will return to the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Station at Dania Beach on Saturday, February 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees of the 12th annual outdoor free family fun day will enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts, interactive games, cookie decorating, photos with Tri-Rail’s mascot Conductor George Green and popular costume characters, face painting, giveaways, food trucks and the “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” singing competition. “Tri-Rail is thrilled to bring back this signature event for South Florida families,” said Steven Abrams, executive director of SFRTA/Tri-Rail. “We invite the community to come share this wonderful event with easy access by train, where we get to showcase how Tri-Rail is a convenient and affordable north-south transportation alternative.” Families who attend will enjoy interactive games, activities and samplings from popular South Florida businesses and organizations including the Florida Panthers, Broward County Transit, Stranahan House, Art and Culture Center Hollywood and Humane Society of Broward County plus event sponsor Dania Dermatology. Popular food trucks Battle Rig BBQ, Jake’s Drive-in Burgers, Tony Waffles and Bona Bona Ice Cream will offer delicious food for sale. Attendees will also enjoy live stage entertainment during Tri-Rail’s “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” show where young singers will show-off their singing abilities. The first-place winner will receive $500, a one-year contract inclusive of a photo shoot with composite cards courtesy of Posche Models & Talent and professional studio recording session with Mike Soper Music. The 12 talented singers selected to compete are: Annabelle Calles, Miami Lakes, Sofia Casares, Cooper City, Gina Conte, Coral Springs, Heather Durand, Loxahatchee, Victoria Johnson, Boca Raton, Zachary Kopelman, Plantation, Naliyah Pacheco, Hollywood, Morgan Siegel, Boca Raton, Sky-Lynn Silver, Delray Beach, Sebastian Spiegel, Boca Raton, Ilan Tarrab, Hollywood and Morgan Brooke Wilder of Coral Springs. “Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is excited to participate in this successful event that offers families a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together,” said Caitlin Stella, chief executive officer, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “We pride ourselves on our commitment to the community and this is one way that we are able to connect with families and viable partners like Tri-Rail.” Event-goers are encouraged to ride the train to the event with round-trip fares just $5 and free for kids 12 and under on this day, only. Plus, the first 200 ticketed riders to visit the Tri-Rail booth and present a valid Tri-Rail ticket dated February 19, 2022, will receive a free gift. To learn more about Tri-Rail’s Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Rail Fun Day and for train schedules and fare information, visit www.tri-rail.com or call 1-800-TRI-RAIL. About Tri-Rail Tri-Rail, South Florida’s premier commuter rail system, serves Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties with train service every day of the year, 18 conveniently located train stations and affordable fares plus bus, Metrorail and other connections. For more information about Tri-Rail, visit www.tri-rail.com or call 1-800-TRI-RAIL. About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (www.jdch.com ) is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one trauma center, it combines advanced technology, the expertise of board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered approach to heal the body, mind, and spirit of those it touches. To learn more about Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, visit https://www.jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. < Previous News Next News >

Eddie & Vinny’s Coastal Italian - The Exquisite, Italian-Inspired Menu Is Led by Award-Winning Chef Jeff Tunks South Florida Sun Times Apr 3, 2025 The Wait Is Finally Over! Eddie & Vinny’s Coastal Italian Is Now Open For Dinner In The Heart Of Coral Springs. The Hotly-Anticipated New Restaurant, Taking Over The Former Tavolino Della Notte Space, Is The Passion Project Of Eddie And Christina Pozzuoli, Alongside Partner Paul Greenberg (Formerly Of American Social), The Talented Owners Behind P Hospitality Management (Which Also Includes The Popular Corvina Seafood Grill And Prezzo Restaurants). Located at 10181 West Sample Road, Coral Springs, Florida 33065, Eddie & Vinny’s brings a taste of culinary excellence with fresh, seasonal cuisine inspired by the Italian seaside, along with an array of Italian classics, an exceptional wine list, sophisticated cocktails, a chic and sophisticated design and a lively ambiance. “This is a family business if ever there was one,” says Eddie, who’s father opened and operated Tavolino. “This space is where we fell in love with the restaurant business and introducing something new and exciting in a place overflowing with so many good memories is amazing. Opening our newest restaurant in this community is a dream come true.” The 230-seat, indoor-outdoor space, designed by Anna Woodman and built by Cannatelli Builders, features a completely reimagined look that melds Mediterranean touches with contemporary elegance. Dark blues, caramel wood tones, brassy gold, black and white touches create an atmosphere of opulence and sophistication. Views into the kitchen, spacious and airy dining area, a swanky new bar and lounge meld seamlessly into one another to create a bustling and convivial atmosphere. The restaurant boasts a sleek, sexy design, plush bar stools and banquette seating, all perfect for enjoying a stellar lineup of live entertainment. Layered gold pendant lighting, black canvas exposed ceilings and personal wine lockers – reflecting the bespoke wine membership that will be available – complete the look. A bustling bar welcomes guests as they step through the front door, setting a scintillating tone for an evening well-spent in Coral Springs. Perfect for private parties of all kinds are two private spaces, Eddie’s Room and Vinny’s Room, each named after the Pozzuoli children and the restaurant’s namesakes. The exquisite, Italian-inspired menu is led by award-winning Chef Jeff Tunks, the talent behind the Corvina concept in Boca Raton and Chef David Garcia, Corporate Executive Chef for Prezzo Restaurants. Garcia has now taken on the role of Executive Chef at Eddie & Vinny’s. The menu features a variety of Raw & Cold Starters, Warm Appetizers, Salads, Fresh Pasta, Chicken, Fish, Prime Cuts, Sides and Desserts, promising a memorable dining experience for all. Dishes include starters such as Blue Crab Bruschetta – jumbo lump crab, Campari tomatoes, Stracciatella and grilled ciabatta; “Black & Blue” Seared Beef Carpaccio – black truffle aioli, charred cipollini onions, arugula and blue cheese; The Wagyu Meatball - crispy cheese polenta, marinara and basil ricotta cheese; Chargrilled Octopus - Heirloom tomato, cannellini beans, panzanella, tomato pesto and Ricotta Salata and Steamed PEI Mussels “Sorrento” – sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, Limoncello cream and grilled focaccia. House-made pastas are plentiful with dishes like Spicy Rigatoni Vodka; Malfadine Cacio E Pepe; Lobster Linguine Fra Diavolo and Lasagna “Timballo Teramo” – Abruzzo-style layered Crepe Lasagna, Wagyu Bolognese and Four Cheese Mornay. Entrees run the gamut from steaks to seafood such as Local Yellowtail Livornese with olives, capers, tomato and Pinot Grigio and Tuscan Cowboy Ribeye Steak with rosemary & balsamic glazed cipollini onions. Of course, diners craving beloved classics (chicken parmigiana anybody?) will not be disappointed. Freshly made desserts, an Italian-influenced wine list, various classic and creative cocktails are also available. The backstory: With its soulful Italian fare, ambitious cocktail program, and live entertainment, back in the day Tavolino, the brainchild of Ed Pozzuoli Sr., Eddie’s father, was the place to be in Coral Springs. Tavolino premiered in 2007 by Pozzuoli Sr. and partner Thomas Genduso. For more than a dozen years the restaurant was a beloved neighborhood destination for diners seeking meticulously executed Italian cuisine and a bustling lounge scene with live music. Eddie and Christina had been with the iconic restaurant since 2012, helping it grow into what it ultimately became. The restaurant changed ownership in June 2019 and ultimately closed in March 2024, although the property remained owned by the Pozzuoli family. Eddie & Vinny’s is located at 10181 West Sample Road, Coral Springs, Florida 33065. The restaurant serves dinner daily from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. For additional information, please visit: www.eddieandvinnys.com and follow Eddie & Vinny’s on Instagram at: @eddieandvinnys. Previous Next

2023 “Art On The Plaza”: MOCA North Miami Announces Four New Public Art Installations Thu Mar 23 2023 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

FREE Tree Giveaway: Changing The Canopy of Hallandale Beach November 30, 2023 Share The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) is excited to announce a partnership with Community Greening to host a series of free tree giveaways in Hallandale Beach. The HBCRA has set an ambitious goal to increase the City's tree canopy coverage over the next few years to combat having one of the lowest canopy coverages in Broward County. The upcoming tree giveaways hosted by the HBCRA will allow Hallandale Beach residents to receive a limit of two trees per household (1 fruit tree maximum), on a first-come, first-served basis. The species offered include Avocado, Gumbo limbo, June plum, Mango, Nance, Paradise tree, and Short-leaf fig. Please note species are based on availability and are subject to change. Proof of Hallandale Beach residency is required. The first giveaway will occur at the Holiday in the Park event at Peter Bluesten Park on Friday, December 1st, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The second giveaway at the Dr. MLK Jr. Day Parade and Celebration will be on Monday, January 15th, 2024, at OB Johnson Park. These trees are aesthetically pleasing and contribute to the development of a vibrant and diverse tree canopy in the Hallandale Beach area. "By planting more trees, including bioswales, we aim to reduce the heat island effect and mitigate flooding issues, aligning with our comprehensive vision for a sustainable and resilient future," said Executive Director Dr. Jeremy Earle, Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and City Manager of Hallandale Beach. The HBCRA recognizes trees' vital role in improving the community's and the environment's overall well-being. According to a report done by Community Greening, trees can provide a wide range of benefits to a community, such as cooler temperatures, cleaner air, reductions in energy usage, increased property value, and much more. The HBCRA continually strives to make Hallandale Beach a city that values and nurtures its natural surroundings, fostering a sustainable and equitable future for all. Through the tree giveaways and partnership with Community Greening, the HBCRA is taking a significant step towards achieving its goal by encouraging community engagement and creating environmentally friendly spaces. The HBCRA invites everyone to join in these tree giveaways and play a role in creating a greener, more beautiful Hallandale Beach. Scheduled Tree Giveaway Dates Friday, December 1st, 2023 - Peter Bluesten Park located at 501 Southeast 1st Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm. Monday, January 15th, 2024 - OB Johnson Park located at 1000 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. About the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency The Hallandale Beach CRA aims to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Their unwavering commitment to eliminating and preventing blighted conditions is achieved through facilitating community partnerships, fostering business growth, creating job opportunities, and undertaking neighborhood rehabilitation projects. With a vision to build a thriving and dynamic city, the Hallandale Beach CRA continually strives to make Hallandale Beach a prime destination for both business and leisure. For more information about the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and its initiatives, please visit: www.cohbcra.org < Previous News Next News >

A Real-Life “Lion King” Story - Broward Performing Arts Foundation Kicked off the 2024-2025 Season Thu Nov 28 2024 17:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Teeing Up Opportunities: Get Your Clubs Out For A Great Cause March 21, 2024 Share In a world where Youth Empowerment and Crime Prevention merge seamlessly, the North Miami Beach Police Athletic League (NMB PAL) stands tall as a beacon of hope and opportunity. For seven years, the NMB PAL Golf Tournament has been a cornerstone event, rallying support for the organization's noble cause: enriching the lives of children and adolescents in Economically Disadvantaged Neighborhoods. The NMB PAL isn't just another Youth Program; it's a lifeline for youngsters navigating the complexities of their environment. Through a blend of: Athletics, Education and Mentorship, PAL offers children avenues to rise above circumstances, side by side with Police Officers, Counselors, and Dedicated Volunteers. The program's ethos centers on: Instilling Values like: Fair Play, Respect and Community Engagement, Fostering Character, Integrity, and Physical Well-Being among its participants. On Friday, April 5th, 2024, the North Miami Beach Police Department invites enthusiasts and Philanthropists alike to the Miami Shores Country Club for the 7th Annual PAL Golf Tournament & Fundraiser. This event isn't just about teeing off; it's about teeing up opportunities for the next generation. The day kicks off with registration from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., followed by a Shotgun Scramble starting at 8:00 a.m. Golfers will navigate the picturesque greens of the Miami Shores Country Club, knowing that each swing supports a cause greater than themselves. After the last putt is sunk, participants will gather for a celebratory luncheon, where camaraderie and compassion merge. However, the tournament isn't just about hitting birdies and sinking putts; it's about raising crucial funds for the NMB PAL Program. The entry fees and sponsorship contributions directly fuel PAL's mission to provide educational support, athletic opportunities, and mentorship for children aged 5 through 18. There are various sponsorship tiers available, ensuring that individuals and businesses alike can contribute meaningfully to the cause. From individual golfers to corporate foursomes, every participant becomes a vital cog in the wheel of positive change. Those who can't swing a club but want to swing the odds in favor of Disadvantaged Youth can opt for the Sergeant Sponsorship Tier, offering a non-golfer avenue to support. For those interested in Sponsorship or looking to learn more about contributing, Lynda Roberts, FCP, FCPP, is just a call or email away. Every dollar donated goes towards Fostering Educational Excellence, Building Leadership Skills, and Nurturing Healthy Choices among the Youth of North Miami Beach. The heartbeat of the PAL Program echoes with a diverse array of activities, from Academic Tutoring to Leadership Development and from Arts and Crafts to Vocational Guidance. PAL doesn't just offer After-School Programs; it provides a sanctuary where potential blossoms and dreams take flight. The 7th Annual PAL Golf Tournament isn't merely a fundraising event; it's a testament to the power of community and collective action in shaping brighter futures. The theme of "Cops Helping Kids Succeed" underscores the essence of the tournament. It's a reminder that when Law Enforcement and community members unite behind a common cause, transformative change becomes not just possible but inevitable. Moreover, all contributions to the PAL Program are Tax-Deductible, making it an investment not just in children's lives but in the community's future. The 7th Annual PAL Golf Tournament isn't just an event; it's a testament to the unwavering spirit of generosity and compassion that defines North Miami Beach. For more information call Lynda Roberts, FCP, FCPP at: (305) 949-5500 Extension#: 2532. Or via email: Lynda.Roberts@nmbpd.org . < Previous News Next News >

In Memory Of My Beloved Kind, Loving, Irreplaceable Doggie, Daisy Thu Nov 17 2022 17:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Real Estate Insurance: Catastrophic Weather Will Continue To Impact Rates By Elizabeth Fiegehen January 13, 2022 Share It wasn’t just COVID-19 that shaped the risky 2021 real estate market. The continuous and growing impact of climate change has played a key role in many property owner’s risk profiles over the last decade are hitting the U.S. harder than ever before. Wildfires, coupled with an unexpected deep freeze in Texas, ate up a significant portion of property insurance capacity. Hurricane Ida alone packed a $25 billion punch. Unfortunately, a “return to normal” for the real estate industry is not yet in sight. And who knows what the “new normal” may be. Instead, the upcoming year looks to be more of the same — a challenging environment that will require real estate owners and operators to use experience and tools to take as much control of their risk as possible and shape their risk story to worried insurance carriers. As they take on this challenge, here is what real estate owners and operators in South Florida can expect in 2022. Catastrophic weather will continue to impact insurance rates. Extreme natural catastrophes are no longer rare. Nearly one third of Americans live in a county impacted by a weather disaster in 2021, and this year’s Atlantic tropical season brought 21 named storms to Florida alone. In 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) started the process of reevaluating property flood risk lines in all areas for the first time in almost 50 years, with FEMA 2.0. Previously, only basic statistics such as a property’s elevation were taken into consideration, but now FEMA is factoring in rainfall, storm surge and how much it costs to rebuild to determine risk level. The enlarged flood zones in some counties will force thousands to buy flood insurance, and it’s predicted that over 75% of existing policyholders will see an increase in premiums. This new attention to risk is causing many portfolio owners to evaluate property coverage costs and exclusions before buying. Reinsurers are exiting the market at a higher rate, drying up capacity and rates and consequently leaving fewer coverage options and higher rates for real estate owners and operators in the area. While potentially unsettling, this is projected to be the new normal as climate change continues to bring frequent and extreme storms to coastal regions. Catastrophic modeling will be even more important. Global catastrophic losses in the first half of 2021 exceeded $40 billion. Insurance providers have taken notice and are reevaluating their application requirements. Catastrophe (CAT) models, which simulate potential catastrophic events and estimate the potential loss, are already heavily used across the real estate sector. However, it will become more and more critical to help property owners understand the extent of their risk moving forward, as well as estimating necessary policy limits and even securing coverages. In fact, some underwriters now require CAT modeling for large real estate portfolios. For the remainder of the 2020s, a strategic combination of CAT modeling, water mitigation and disaster recovery planning will be required for portfolio owners to secure the right coverage in high-risk areas. More scrutiny for multi-family housing owners is expected. Insurance companies have been tightening conditions for insuring multi-family housing properties in recent years in response to worsening weather conditions. Recent headline-making disasters such as the collapse of a Surfside condo building have only intensified these concerns, leading many insurance providers to require proof of passed inspections before coverage. At the same time, the market has experienced a long-standing rise in claims frequency which has led many mainstream carriers to only offer coverage with reduced limits for residential properties, forcing layers of policies on property owners in order to meet even baseline coverage needs. Unfortunately, multi-family housing owners and operators can expect more scrutiny in 2022 as underwriters continue to put loss history, previous damage and updates to electrical, plumbing and roof structures under a microscope. A clear risk management plan will be vital to paint an accurate picture of controls to prevent high-cost claims. Opportunities in repurposing. Losses and vacancies due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses large and small have brought new opportunities to every local market and South Florida is no exception. Big box stores and anchor mall tenants are finding new life as warehouses, office space is being repurposed as restaurants and entertainment venues, and vice versa. Luckily for real estate owners, the low interest rates that helped push repurposing along in 2021 are expected to remain relatively stable through the end of 2022. From an insurance standpoint, owners will need to remember that when a building’s purpose changes, so does its risk. Evaluating new risks and coverage with a broker will be an absolute must as they take on these new opportunities. Owners who want to reduce their exposure and increase resiliency will need to engage both new tech and traditional proactive controls across their portfolio in South Florida and beyond. About the author: Elizabeth “Liz” Fiegehen is the Area Executive Vice President of the Fort Lauderdale/Davie area for HUB International Florida. In this role she oversees agency operations and is responsible for new business development throughout the region. Liz specializes in Real Estate with a focus on Condominiums. Liz joined the insurance industry in 2006 as Branch Manager with Phoenix Insurance Group (Alberta, Canada) and not long after became a partner in the firm. Phoenix Insurance Group was acquired by HUB International on January 1, 2011. Liz was promoted to Vice President of Operations in 2013. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lakehead University (Ontario, Canada) and has achieved designations as a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). Liz holds a 2-20 General Lines Insurance license. She transferred from HUB Barton (Canada) to HUB Florida in 2019 as the Vice President of Operations. < Previous News Next News >