Beat the Heat, Hollywood: Stay Cool and Stay Safe Jul 30, 2025 Summer heat is here, and it’s no joke. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to serious health risks, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Staying safe during these sweltering days takes a bit of planning and attention. Here are some ideas: • Stay indoors or in shaded areas during peak sun hours • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing • Apply sunscreen when outdoors • Drink water often, even before feeling thirsty • Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles • Watch for signs of heat-related illness like dizziness, nausea, or confusion Hydration and Cooling Strategies Most people need about three-quarters of a gallon of water each day, and more when sweating heavily. One way to check hydration is by monitoring urine color: dark yellow may be a sign of dehydration. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks. When sweating a lot, pair water with a salty snack or a sports drink to replace lost minerals. When temperatures hit the high 90s, fans alone may not be enough. A cool shower, an air-conditioned space, or time in a designated cooling center is more effective for lowering body temperature. Cooling Centers in Hollywood Armory Community Center at Dowdy Sport Fields 906 North Dixie Highway Monday through Saturday, 12 to 3 p.m. 754.226.7588 Boulevard Heights Community Center 6770 Garfield Street Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 954.967.4235 Fred Lippman Multi-Purpose Center 2030 Polk Street Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 954.921.3408 Stay Connected Sign up for free emergency alerts from the City by going to www.hollywoodfl.org/725/Alert-Hollywood. Click the Alert Hollywood logo, then select "Sign Up" to get started. For weather updates, follow reliable sources like the US National Weather Service Miami. For more tips and an extreme heat safety checklist, visit the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org/heat. Taking steps to prepare and protect against heat-related illness can make a big difference. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check in on those who may need extra support. Previous Next

Broward County Transit Bus Operator Recognized for Helping Visually Impaired Resident Across Busy Intersection December 25, 2024 Share In the bustling rhythm of Broward County, where nearly two million residents and visitors weave through their daily routines, extraordinary moments often unfold quietly, unnoticed by the masses. These moments, however, have the power to inspire and remind us of the incredible people who make our community thrive. One such moment happened at one of Broward's busiest intersections, Flamingo Avenue and Pines Boulevard—a place where traffic seldom pauses. On what seemed like an ordinary day, Jean Marcelin, a three-year Broward County Transit (BCT) bus operator, turned it into something extraordinary. While completing his bus route, Marcelin noticed a visually impaired gentleman struggling to navigate the chaotic eight lane intersection. Recognizing the man’s difficulty, Marcelin didn’t hesitate. He stopped his bus, stepped out, and guided the man safely across the bustling roadway to the correct bus stop, ensuring his safety and comfort. This act of kindness didn’t just impact the passenger; it caught the attention of a Broward County resident who witnessed the entire scene. The community rallied to commend Marcelin for his selfless action. “I just thought about what I’d want someone to do for me,” Marcelin later shared. “There’s always an opportunity to help people.” Service Beyond Driving Marcelin’s extraordinary deed reflects the deeply rooted values that guide public service professionals like him. More than just a bus operator, Marcelin embodies the compassion and commitment that form the heart of Broward County Transit. This moment, amplified by the community’s appreciation recently led to Marcelin receiving the prestigious County Administrator’s Shining Star Award. The award honors his exceptional service and the lasting impact he’s made on the community. Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO/General Manager of Broward County Transit, praised Marcelin: “Jean represents the very best of what it means to be a transit professional. His empathy, quick thinking, and dedication to our community are inspiring. He’s a shining example of how one small act can leave a lasting impact.” From Struggles to Strength Marcelin’s story of resilience adds even more depth to his character. Growing up in one of Miami’s toughest neighborhoods, he faced the unimaginable loss of both parents at a young age. Despite these challenges, Marcelin found his way forward, eventually becoming a trusted and respected BCT bus operator. His journey is chronicled in his book, The Good Guy, where he shares his experiences navigating loss, independence, and the complexities of life. It’s a story that mirrors his daily work—connecting with people, helping them find their way, and always striving to do good. A Community Hero Jean Marcelin’s story is a powerful reminder that the people behind the wheel of Broward County Transit are much more than drivers; they are connectors, caregivers, and, sometimes, lifesavers. As the community reflects on his remarkable act, Marcelin stands as a symbol of what makes Broward County Transit more than just a service—it’s a meaningful connection. For those yet to experience the impact of Broward County Transit, let Marcelin’s story serve as an inspiration. Whether you’re a passenger seeking dependable transportation service or a professional looking to join Broward County’s workforce rooted in purpose and service, visit: www.Broward.org/BCT. To apply for positions with BCT, visit: www.BCTJobs.org . < Previous News Next News >

Dollars And Cents Of Property Taxes By Hallandale Beach, Mayor Joy Cooper Mar 13, 2025 As the legislative session commences, we are once again hearing calls to eliminate Property Tax in our state. While the idea of cutting taxes may seem appealing, it is essential to understand what these taxes fund. Voters need a reality check regarding the state's financial landscape. Florida already has limited taxation, and both voters and legislators who lack experience in public office, municipal or county government must comprehend the significance of property tax. For cities, property taxes are the primary source of revenue, funding crucial services such as Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services. On average, these services constitute 55-60% of our budget. The remaining 40% is typically allocated across various departments that provide essential services to our citizens. These day-to-day services include water supply, sanitary sewer systems, stormwater management, sanitation, street maintenance and park maintenance. Additionally, we are responsible for providing state-mandated services, often referred to as unfunded mandates. Cities also undertake building planning and inspections, a burden that has increased with the introduction of 40-50 Year Building Safety Inspections and Milestone Inspections. Fire Code Inspections and Code Enforcement are mandated to ensure Public Safety. It is important to remember that staffing is required to deliver these services effectively. Some cities opt to contract private providers for these services. In these cases, the devil is in the details. Many contracts incur built in cost escalation clauses that taxpayers end up being stuck with. Our City uses a hybrid of services in different departments. Public Safety is our top priority. Police Services are vital to our community and we provide this directly. The in-house department gives us closer control of resources and the ability to tailor them to our community needs. Fire and Emergency Service is contracted by BSO. BSO provides excellent staffing services. Our citizens still must pay to maintain all the equipment and stations. The Fire Fee helps relieve the pressure on our General Fund, which comprises the main portion of Property Tax revenues. Without the ability to have these blended financial resources we would have to increase property tax or cut service levels. Day-to-day services including Solid Waste Removal, Water, Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater Management are funded through a combination of Revenue Funds. The combination of Fees for Service, General Funds and Grants when they are awarded helps to Fund these services. There are many other services a City like Hallandale Beach provides. Public Right of Ways, City Roads, Park and Beach Maintenance all fall on our City’s Taxpayers. We also must fund the staffing necessary to run day-to-day operations. As the saying goes “There is not a one size fits all” when it comes to governments. Local governments depend on Property Taxes. We as cities must balance our Budgets annually. We are subject to the most transparent and accessible government. So, when individuals or the State pushes to cut revenues, it has a serious impact on daily operations. In turn these impacts in the form of cuts will have a direct impact on the levels of services in cities and the quality of life in our communities. I welcome the state and most importantly our residents to visit our Budget Transparency Portal at and access our budget tools: www.cohb.org - You will have the opportunity to utilize the interactive tool to see where every penny is spent. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Invitation From The Consul General Of Israel In Miami To Go On A Mission To Israel With European And North American Mayors - Part V By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Aug 13, 2026 After The Old City, We Headed South Towards The Negev The Next Day. The Negev Is Where The Southern Desert Begins. It Is Home To Ben-Gurion University And The Location Of The Israeli Space Agency. Be’er Sheva Is A Growing, Vibrant Community. It Continued To Grow As A Major Hub For Innovation And Breakthroughs Not Just In Technology But In Infrastructure. It was quite interesting to hear a lecture on new methods in water desalination. As mayor, here in Hallandale Beach, I have been keenly focused on desalination and have fought to ensure that we preserved our own water plant. Obviously, water is the key to everything, and Israel has learned to harness it, grow, and become self-sufficient in this area. Negev is almost like our breadbasket. Multiple farms and covered areas that continually grow. I was very intrigued when we were briefed on the new technology addressing desalination. Our water plant was designed for nanofiltration. That is what we do now, and we still do lime softening for the regular water from the county. We are currently adding another skid, so we will be able to produce over 9,000,000 gallons. We have a stable water supply from Broward County and partner with North Miami Beach in the event of an emergency. To address future growth, we are reevaluating our plant. We will be looking at desalinating water. The next part of this tour was probably the most difficult. I personally had not been back to Israel since October 7th and dreaded this necessary visit. The Negev is where the Nova festival was held. Many people, including Israelis, do not realize that they have established a Tkuma Car Wall Memorial. Tkuma is one of the first kibbutzim founded in 1946. They are along the Gaza border. Kibbutzim are small villages focused on farming. This area is rich in agriculture even though it is at the beginning of the desert. The fact that all these farm villages and farms are located in the desert is proof of the strength, ingenuity, and resiliency of the Israeli people. We did not have time to tour any of the sites of attacks. Tkuma area is a few kilometers from Nova and was on a stretch of a road that became known as a horrific kill zone. On arrival at the site, we were met by a wonderful IDF soldier who had returned to Israel with his family before October 7th. Immediately after the 7th, he enlisted again as a volunteer. He did not realize at the time that he would be assigned to Tkuma, which had become a recovery site. To explain the site in simple terms, it was a field that was converted into a yard that now held 1,600 destroyed and abandoned cars. 400 were salvaged; the rest are sitting in what is now a memorial site, with 250 that were totally burned out. We found out that over 6,500 Gazans led by Hamas came in and invaded Israel, brutally killing, torturing, and kidnapping innocent Israelis. Nova was not part of their original battle plan. A battalion was to be sent to Sderot, our sister city. That battalion was divided once the manned gliders flew over the concert site and reported it. They split up and, in doing so, closed the access road on both ends. This was one of the main routes. Those entering had no idea they were being led to a trap. This road became a kill zone. People who were fleeing from Nova were not only gunned down, but their cars were also burnt with the occupants. These cars were towed to the vacant field in Tkuma, where they literally had to be vacuumed out and tested for DNA. The burned cars were then stacked in a wall to make room for more vehicles. Some of the cars seen in various news reports were preserved. In honor of those who had fallen, the memorial was established. Visitors can tour the site as we did. They also had two Hamas vehicles that many of us saw on news reports. You could clearly see how they were all outfitted and stripped down to accommodate weapons and ammunition. The other notable vehicle was an ambulance from Nova. People trying to take cover presumed they would not attack the vehicle. It had turned out that 18 bodies were crammed into one truck. It was riddled with bullets, but they also exploded and flipped it over. No matter what they say about Gaza, many, many people were culpable of knowing these attacks were going to take place and did nothing. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: MayorJoyCooperHB. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Women In Distress Raises Record-Breaking Funds - At 2025 Starfish Gala And Announces $15 Million Capital Campaign South Florida Sun Times Jun 5, 2025 Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc. (WID) Celebrated A Milestone Moment At Its 50th Anniversary Starfish Gala On May 3rd At Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, Raising More Than $500,000, A Record-Breaking Amount, To Support Domestic Violence Survivors And Their Families. The unforgettable evening was emceed by Padmini Pandya and featured a keynote speech by Tanya Brown, a nationally recognized advocate of domestic violence and mental health awareness. Her sister Nicole Brown Simpson, the former wife of O.J. Simpson was tragically murdered in 1994. The evening, presented by Legacy Healing Center, entailed a gourmet dinner, live entertainment from Gypsy Lane Band, and an impressive silent auction all in support of Women In Distress’ critical programs. The night’s impact was underscored by two extraordinary live gifts of $50,000 each, announced during the program. In addition to presenting sponsor Legacy Healing Center, sponsors included The Kelsey Group Inc., Arlene Casper, The Thomas Family Foundation, JM Family Enterprises, UKG, Leo Goodwin Foundation, Rick Case Automotive Group, UBS, The Faith Center Women’s Ministry, Bank United, Harrah’s Pompano Beach, Memorial Healthcare System, Karen & Paul Leikert, Holman, Loretta & Roland Malins-Smith, FHE Health, Elite Agency, NSU Florida, Wilton Manor’s Police Department, Brown & Brown, Fritch Foundation, Linda Garrett, and Sandy & Kenny Tate. During the event, WID Board Member Phyllis Thomas announced the launch of a bold new initiative: a $15 Million capital campaign to expand transitional housing in Broward County for victims of domestic violence. The campaign will support the creation of a new housing campus designed to provide longer-term stability for survivors and their children, as well as their pets, as they rebuild their lives in safety. “This Gala was not only a celebration of how far we’ve come, but a call to action for where we must go next,” said Linda L. Parker, Ph.D., President and CEO of Women In Distress. “We are deeply grateful to our supporters, donors, and partners who made this night such a success and are making this vision possible.” All proceeds from the Starfish Gala support Women In Distress’ lifesaving services, including its 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling and therapeutic services, and prevention education. Women In Distress remains the only state-certified, nationally accredited domestic violence center in Broward County, serving thousands of survivors annually. In its 50-year history, WID has: Provided over one million nights of emergency shelter; answered more than 500,000 emergency hotline calls. Delivered more than one million hours of counseling and advocacy services Trained hundreds of thousands of community members on healthy relationships. To learn more or contribute to the capital campaign, please visit: https://widbroward.org/50thanniversarycampaign/ - Or contact Jeff Metcalf, Chief Development Officer at: jmetcalf@womenindistress.org . Or call: (954) 760-9800. Extension#: 1280. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at: (954) 761-1133. About Women In Distress Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc. (WID) is the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full-service domestic violence center serving Broward County, Florida. For over 50 years, we have been providing lifesaving services to survivors of domestic violence and their families. Our mission is to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education, and advocacy. We strive to accomplish this mission through a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, individual counseling, support groups, and professional training that educate the community and promote safety, healing, and prevention. For more information, visit: https://widbroward.org . Previous Next

Toyota Of Hollywood And CBS Miami Team Up To Host Open Casting Call For The Price Is Right South Florida Sun Times Aug 20, 2025 Come On Down For An Amazinn Opportunity! Toyota Of Hollywood And CBS Miami (WFOR-TV) Are Teaming Up To Host An Open Casting Call For The Price Is Right. Hosted By Drew Carey, The Price Is Right Is Television’s Longest-Running Game Show Where Audience Members Try To Win Cash And Prizes. The contestant search will take place inside the Toyota of Hollywood showroom on Friday, August 29th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Price Is Right is seeking two enthusiastic semi-finalists who will have an opportunity to be selected as contestants on the show and be flown to Los Angeles, California to see the show live and have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to “come on down.” Audition Process: Each participant will get one minute to audition in front of a camera. For casting tips and audition advice, please visit: https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/the-price-is-right-contestant-search-miami-aug-29-25/ . Entrance: Complimentary admission will be provided to contestants at the Price Is Right table outside of the taping area at the Toyota of Hollywood showroom. All participants must check in at the registration table before being eligible for taping. No purchase is necessary. Registration: All participants will need to register before they can audition. To ensure a timely process, participants are encouraged to download and fill out the video release form by visiting: https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/the-price-is-right-contestant-search-miami-aug-29-25/ . Eligibility: All contestants must be United States citizens and living in the United States. Contestants must be 18 years or older at the time of the application and meet additional eligibility requirements as outlined in the registration form. When: Friday, August 29th, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - CBS Miami has the right to close the registration line at any time to ensure everyone in line has the chance to try out before 3:00 p.m. Where: Toyota of Hollywood 1841 North State Road 7, Hollywood, Florida 33021 How: For more details and to download and print the registration form, please visit: https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/the-price-is-right-contestant-search-miami-aug-29-25/ . Cost: Free About Craig Zinn Automotive Group As president and CEO of Craig Zinn Automotive Group, Craig Zinn owns and operates Lexus of Pembroke Pines, Toyota of Hollywood, Subaru of Pembroke Pines, Lexus of North Miami, Acura of Pembroke Pines, and the recently expanded and upgraded Toyota of Hollywood’s Pre-Owned supercenter, Amazinn Used Cars, offering new and used makes and models. Additionally, a new dealership in Kendall is on the way, further expanding the group's presence in South Florida. The company’s mission is to be South Florida’s finest automobile dealership group, known for superior products, community involvement, and for helpful, courteous, and caring associates dedicated to delivering the ultimate client service experience. It is also passionate about community service as evident by its philanthropic endeavors. Over the course of 40+ years, it has made charitable contributions to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, theHumane Society of Broward County, Nicklaus Children's Hospital Spread Joy Toy Drive, CBS’ Neighbors 4 Neighbors Adopt A Family 4 theHolidays Operation Elf Program, Subaru's annual Share the Love event, and Light-Up the Harbor for Children's Harbor, to name a few. Headquartered out of Hollywood, Florida, the corporate team can be found at Toyota of Hollywood located at 1841 North State Road 7, Hollywood, Florida 33021 - Or: https://www.czgroup.com/ . It can also be found on Facebook at: @zinnautogroup. Previous Next

Black Furrday Is Back At The Humane Society Of Broward County South Florida Sun Times Nov 26, 2025 Skip The Chaos Of Crowded Malls And Long Lines On Black Friday And Instead, Find Your Purr-Fect Match At The Humane Society Of Broward County’s “Black Furrday” Adoption Extravaganza! It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year… To Bring Home A Furry Bundle Of Joy. On Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th, we’re rolling out the red carpet for our beloved “Cuddle Busters” – select pets whose adoption fees will be waived! Plus, if you fall head over paws for a dog or cat one year or older, their adoption fee will be half off. That’s right – twice the love for half the price! That’s a $100 savings for dogs and $40 savings for cats. Note there is a $25 administrative fee for fee-waived adoptions. Whether you’re dreaming of a dashing doggy or a quirky kitty, purebred or a one-of-a-kind mix, we’ve got a furry friend waiting to make your holidays extra special. Already have a four-legged family member? The HSBC Vaccine Clinic is open during the event! Get a FREE microchip when you purchase a vaccine package or flea/tick preventative – pets must be present. Friday, November 28th & Saturday, November 29th only, no appointment needed! Vaccine clinic hours are: 8:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Adoption Perks That’ll Make You Wag Your Tail Because Every Pet Comes With: • Spay or neuter surgery • Vaccinations & Microchip • Heartworm test for dogs over 7 months • Feline leukemia test for cats • Bag of Purina One pet food limited supply • Limited 14-day health care plan from VCA Animal Hospitals Before you visit, be sure to fill out our pre-adoption application at: www.humanebroward.com – and take a peek at the adorable faces waiting to meet you! Location: 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 - just a block west of I-95 Adoption Kennels Open: 11:00 a.m. Daily Questions? Call: (954) 989-3977. Or visit: www.humanebroward.com . Featured Pets: My name is Poppy; ID#: 705879 and I’m oh so cute! So, you know a little more about me, I arrived at the shelter as a stray, so my past is a mystery, but boy does my future look bright! Not only am I super adorable, but I'm super sweet, too! I'm very affectionate, but not in an overbearing way. Just enough. I do know some commands, and my superpower is I can catch treats. Why wouldn't I? I get to eat them after that. When I arrived, I was unable to use my back legs. The vet thinks I may have been hit by a car. After several weeks of physical therapy, acupuncture and TLC from my foster family, I’m ready to find my forever family. I’m a three-year-old, 62-pound, bully breed mix and I love people of all ages - in my foster home there were kids 3 and 6 years old. I get along with other dogs, but a meet and greet is always recommended. I’m a bit too interested in felines, so best I go to a kitty-free home. Anyway, come meet me and you'll fall in love. Calling all cat lovers…can I go home with you? My name is Benji; ID#: 708284 and I’m a handsome, five-year-old, brown tiger kitty with expressive, golden eyes. I have quickly become a shelter favorite with the staff and volunteers. I’m a playful, curious fellow, who likes to snuggle under a blanket and chase feathers and balls. I might tell you stories by meowing and will purr to let you know I’m happy. I’m a fan of treats, and my former owner said I’m good with other cats and dogs. Thanks to #9 Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers, he has kindly paid my adoption fee. Every time Sam scores a goal, another pet at the Humane Society of Broward County benefits. To meet a pet at the shelter, visit: www.humanebroward.com - And complete the pre-adoption application...then stop by. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312, and the adoption kennels open daily at 11 a.m. If you have any questions, call: (954) 989-3977. See you soon! The Humane Society of Broward County is a private, Non-Profit Organization that is not affiliated with any other similarly named groups and receives no funding from the state. Make a difference today…your new best friend is waiting. Previous Next

Time To Join The BIG League - Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Broward County Recruiting Young Professionals To Join The Newly Formed BIG League South Florida Sun Times Mar 19, 2026 Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Of Broward County Is Recruiting Young Professionals To Join The BIG League. Members Will Come Together To Build Community, Grow Professionally And Change The Game For Broward’s Youth Through Mentorship And Service. “This is not just about joining a group, it’s about leadership, community and impact,” said Sabrina Maday, BIG League Co-Chair. “The relationships formed here, the work we take on together and the impact that we create will influence the future of BBBS of Broward County for generations to come.” The BIG League is hosting a “draft party” to recruit new members on Thursday, April 16th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bar Betty speakeasy in The Sunness Supper Club at 2465 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Admission is complimentary, but advance RSVP is required. “The BIG League is where passionate young professionals come together to make a real impact in our community and expand their networking opportunities. It's a professional connection with purpose,” added Ryan Allison, Co-Chair. “Join the BIG League today to create awareness, recruit BIGs and change the lives of Littles across Broward County.” The BIG League is designed to strengthen the future of BBBS of Broward while building meaningful connections with emerging leaders across the county. Through mission-driven events, hands-on service experiences and personal and professional growth with like-minded individuals, the BIG League introduces young professionals to the BBBS mission of cultivating a community committed to changing the lives of youth. “It is so important for the next generation of leaders to be involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters. As young professionals, they know firsthand how essential mentorship has been in their education, careers and lives,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of BBBS of Broward County. “As they pay it forward to the youth of today and tomorrow, they will make a major impact on our organization not only through their own contributions, but by inspiring their peers to join our mission as well.” Each member of the BIG League serves as an ambassador, connector and champion of the BBBS mission. Their leadership and hard work will increase funding and decrease the number of youth on the waitlist as BBBS of Broward County paves the path to matching 3,000 Littles and Bigs. Dollars raised through BIG League membership help support matches, providing youth with positive role models to help them reach their full potential as students, professionals and community leaders. “The BIG League is on a completely different level,” said Jocelyn Cardentey, MFA, Development & Grant Specialist for BBBS of Broward County and BIG League founding member. “Through our Big for a Day events, we’re rallying young professionals and directly serving the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission. Our efforts ignite the potential in every child we serve.” To learn more about what membership includes and to sign up, visit: www.bbbsbroward.org/bigleague/ . About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has offered unprecedented access to resources to empower youth to reach their full potential through meaningful mentoring relationships. These mentoring relationships build self-confidence and emotional well-being, encourage young people to stay on a path to graduation and higher education, and help them establish a plan for a successful future. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County is to ignite the power and promise of youth. For more information, visit: www.bbbsbroward.org . Previous Next

Common AI Travel Scams & How To Avoid Them South Florida Sun Times Aug 13, 2025 It’s An Unfortunate Truth That The Travel Industry Has Always Been A Prime Target For Scammers. And With The Rapid Advancement Of AI Technology, Con Artists Have Found New, More Sophisticated Ways To Deceive Unsuspecting Travelers. Through The Use Of AI, Scammers Are Now Able To Create Highly Convincing Fake Travel Booking Websites, Phishing Emails, And Even Voice Impersonations, All Designed To Steal Travelers’ Personal And Financial Information. If you are planning an upcoming trip, it’s crucial to understand the latest AI-powered travel scams and how to protect yourself. As the Chief Information Officer at SlickTrip (a platform that instantly compares top travel sites and alerts of flight price drops), I have seen firsthand how rapidly these scams are evolving and how much they can wreak havoc on travelers’ lives. Below are 4 of the most common AI-driven threats targeting travelers today, the red flags to watch for, and what to do if you find yourself caught in one. AI-Generated Deepfake Customer Service Agents One of the most alarming scams is the use of AI-generated voices to create deepfake customer service representatives. Scammers use advanced voice synthesis to mimic the voices of real airline or hotel employees. They call unsuspecting travelers posing as legitimate customer support agents, often using publicly available information or previous data breaches to make their calls seem authentic. The goal? To trick travelers into divulging sensitive information such as booking references, credit card numbers, or even login credentials to loyalty programs. Because these AI voices sound incredibly realistic, many victims do not suspect a thing until it’s too late. To protect yourself, first always verify the caller’s identity by asking for their official employee ID or calling back through official contact numbers found on verified websites. Also, never share payment information or passwords over the phone unless you initiated the call and are certain of the recipient’s identity. Finally, use two-factor authentication (2FA) on your travel and payment accounts to add an extra layer of security. AI-Generated Phishing Emails Mimicking Booking Confirmations Email phishing attacks have become much more sophisticated with the help of AI. For example, scammers now use AI to generate emails that are almost indistinguishable from legitimate booking confirmations or notifications from airlines, hotels, or travel agencies. These emails can include the company’s actual logos, brand colors, and writing styles, making them seem incredibly trustworthy at a glance. However, they contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal your credit card details, install malware on your device, and more. To prevent an AI-generated phishing email scam, there are several main warning signs to keep in mind. First, look out for any slight grammatical errors or sentences that are phrased awkwardly in an email or SMS message, even if the rest of the message looks polished. Legitimate emails and messages from real travel booking companies will be free of these kinds of errors. Another red flag is a request to click on links or download attachments unexpectedly. On top of this, another red flag is the email urging immediate action or threatening consequences to provoke a quick, unthinking response. To stay safe from these kinds of scams, make sure to cross-check booking details by logging into the airline or hotel’s official website directly, rather than clicking links in an email. Also, hover over links to verify the URL before clicking. Does it lead to the company’s real domain? If not, it can be a scam. Finally, use email spam filters and security software to detect phishing attempts. Fake Booking Websites Created by AI One widespread AI-enabled scam in the travel industry is the creation of fake booking websites for hotels, car rentals, flights, and travel packages. By leveraging AI, con artists can quickly build and launch these sites with realistic images, reviews, and pricing designed to lure travelers into making bookings. These websites look so professional and convincing that many travelers believe they’re legitimate. And once payment is made, the scammer disappears with the money, leaving the traveler without a reservation or any way to contact customer service. To avoid falling victim to a fake booking website, first ensure that you always book directly through well-known official websites or trusted travel platforms. Also, double-check the website URL for minor misspellings or unusual domain names. For example, a fake website might end in .net instead of .com. Also, look for secure connections (https://) and trust seals, but be aware these can sometimes be faked. As an added precaution, search for reviews or complaints about the website on independent forums or consumer review sites. AI-Generated WhatsApp or SMS “Urgent Alerts” Travelers are also being targeted via AI-generated text messages sent through WhatsApp, SMS, or other messaging platforms. These messages appear to be urgent airline or travel updates, such as flight delays, cancellations, or gate changes. Scammers use these fake alerts to trick travelers into clicking on malicious links that can lead to phishing sites or malware downloads. And because these alerts create a sense of urgency, travelers may act without thinking, which puts their sensitive information or devices at risk.To prevent this scam, first look out for unexpected messages from unknown numbers or contacts. Also, check to see if the messages contain spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing. It is also a scam if a link in the message does not lead to the official airline or travel company’s site. Avoid clicking on any links in messages unless you are certain of the sender’s authenticity. Make sure to also verify any urgent travel information directly on the airline’s official app or website. Finally, enable message filtering on your phone to block spam or suspicious messages. What Red Flags Should Consumers Watch For? Spotting scams early can save you a lot of trouble. As stated above, one key warning sign to be alert for is grammatical errors or awkward phrasing in a message. Even if the email or message looks polished, small mistakes can indicate a scam. It is also a scam if you are faced with unusual payment requests. For example, are you asked to pay via gift cards, direct bank transfers, or cryptocurrency? Legitimate companies won’t ask for payment via these methods. Another big red flag is an inability to verify a booking on the official airline or hotel website after providing confirmation details. Other red flags are chatbots asking for private info too soon. Real companies typically avoid requesting sensitive information through automated chat systems and will connect you to a human agent if needed. Finally, assess whether an email or message is using pressure tactics and urgent language, because Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to rush victims into making mistakes. What Should You Do If You’re Fooled by an AI Travel Scam? The first thing to do is immediately contact your bank to freeze and/or dispute the transactions. It is also important to report the scam to your local consumer protection agency and the FTC (in the U.S.). Filing a report will help protect other travelers, support investigations, and prevent con artists from targeting more victims. Also, make sure to change your passwords if you were tricked into sharing your login credentials for your bank account, email account, etc. I also recommend contacting the real airline/hotel you wanted to book with to alert them of the scam that is taking place and to confirm your actual booking status. After taking these steps, continue to monitor your financial and travel accounts for any unusual activity. Final Thoughts AI technology is a powerful tool that con artists are exploiting in increasingly clever ways to scam travelers. Being aware of common AI scams and practicing preventative habits when booking and communicating can greatly reduce your risk. Always verify information through official channels, protect your personal data, and stay skeptical of unsolicited requests for sensitive information. By staying informed and vigilant, you can help ensure your travel plans go smoothly and avoid falling prey to the growing threat of AI-enabled travel scams. Jeremy Greenburg is the Chief Information Officer at SlickTrip, an online platform that instantly compares top travel sites and alerts you the moment flight prices drop. In his role, Greenburg educates others on travel trends, travel tech innovation, and real-time data systems. Your smart travel companion, SlickTrip helps you never miss out on the best deals on flights. Airline ticket prices can change multiple times a day, but with realtime price alerts, you’ll always stay ahead. Explore flexible flight combinations, spot the cheapest travel dates with colorcoded calendars, and view detailed seat maps to pick the best spot on the plane. Learn more at: https://slicktrip.com/ Previous Next

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