Celebrating A New Season By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Nov 26, 2025 As We Kick Off The Holiday Season It Is Great To See Many Of Our Friends Back In Hallandale Beach And The Surrounding Area. We Know That Many Of Our Businesses, Old And New, Have Been Looking Forward To The Winter Season. We encourage our residents to check out the many restaurants and entertainment venues. In the North area of our city we had many new restaurants open in Atlantic Village. Roasters N’ Toasters has opened in the old Mo’s Deli location. Further east along the Dixie corridor District 8 also has new additions that also include art studios, karate, new coffee spots with more to come. During construction, we have set up free parking along with a shuttle. Just last week, I attended a ribbon cutting by our very own Hallandale Beach Chamber for a brand new restaurant on Foster Road. We have not had a new restaurant open in the neighborhood for quite a long time. Poochellos Savory Soul Restaurant located at 889 Foster Road. The owner and his fiance have chosen Hallandale Beach as their new home. With dishes named like Hallandale High Sweet Ham and Carver Ranches Get Down the restaurant beacons back to the owner’s High School days and a homage to a new chapter in their lives with a vision to the future of Foster Road. In addition, their ribs and Mac and Cheese are amazing. During our last commission meeting Commissioner Butler brought up our Uber partnership. For our readers that are unaware we have a program that provides a free 10 dollar Voucher for any ride originating in Hallandale Beach to our local Hallandale Beach business. Many cities offer Freebee. We did a pilot for a few months but there were not many takers. This made the cost per trip too high. We ended up doing the program which has been somewhat successful. We have agreed to have staff continue the program but have expanded it for trips outside of the city that is coming to one of our businesses. Patrons that want to leave the driving to us can sign up on our website for the voucher. Dr. Earle also added that we will be going out again for an RFP for more micro transit options. We are also looking to reinstate a Bike Share program. Dr. Shen, our Director of the Transportation & Mobility Department has been researching the contract that Aventura just entered into but we felt it was too expensive per ride. I suggested we look to possibly do a pilot program with Hollywood and Dania along A1A. With the amount of condominiums, the cost per ride could be spread out making it a more viable program. I wanted to thank our Staff at the Hepburn Center for the Annual Thanksgiving lunch on November 26th for our seniors and other community members. A special mention goes out to Fenstersheib Law Group for their continued support to those in need. They hosted a turkey giveaway at Lanier James alongside our Police Athletic League (PAL) of Hallandale Beach and South Broward Ministerial Alliance. The Ahmidiyya Muslim Community of our Bait-un-Naseer Mosque also gave out free turkeys. Giving many of our residents even more to be thankful for. PAL is hosting the Annual Shop with a COP. They are always looking for donations to help the children in our city. Visit them on Facebook at Hallande Beach PAL. Hope for the Holidays is always a great way to help those in need. On Wednesday, December 10th, I will be hosting alongside Smatt’s Tennis, a Round Robin Tournament and Bagel brunch. Admission is a minimum donation of $30 dollars and an unwrapped toy. You can sign up at Golden Isles Tennis Center or reach out to me. 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

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Financial Literacy Workshop, Book Discussion And Much More Fri May 06 2022 04:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Midnight Menus - Miami Beach Restaurant Named Florida's Best After-Midnight Food Spot South Florida Sun Times Apr 2, 2026 There’s A Special Kind Of Hunger That Only Hits After Midnight - The Moment When The Fridge Is Empty, The Delivery Apps Have Tapped Out, And Every Sensible Person Is Asleep. Yet Across The Country, There’s A Parallel Universe Still Wide Awake: The 1 am Burger Joints Keeping The Lights On, The Taco Trucks That Never Blink, The 24-Hour Diners Quietly Fueling The Country’s Night-Shift Economy, Gamers, Students, Bartenders Packing Down After Service, And Everyone Else Who Simply Doesn’t Keep Daylight Hours. To map this after-hours ecosystem, ACE.com surveyed 3,018 self-identified night owls and asked them to identify the best places in America to eat when everything else is closed. Florida had 3 of the best late night eats in the country: #2. 11th Street Diner, Miami Beach This piece of American history traveled 1,200 miles to reach you. Built in 1948 by the Paramount Dining Car Company of Haledon, New Jersey, the 11th Street Diner served Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for 44 years before it was dismantled, shipped to South Beach, and reassembled in the Art Deco District. It reopened September 11, 1992, and has been feeding Miami Beach's wildest nights ever since. Guy Fieri came for the pork chops. Locals come for thick burgers, milkshakes, and the feeling of stepping into a time machine. The Blueberry Ghost Burger - habanero ghost pepper Monterey jack, onion rings, homemade blueberry marmalade on a potato bun - is not your grandmother's diner fare. The Famous Fried Chicken Sandwich, buttermilk battered thigh with pickled dill aioli, might be the best thing at 3 am. Open Sunday through Thursday until 11:55 pm, 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. #10. Havana Restaurant (Havana Cuban Food), West Palm Beach When Hurricane Andrew blew Roberto Reyes and his family from Miami to West Palm Beach in 1992, they brought their recipes with them. Thirty years later, Havana is a landmark, and the 24-hour walk-up window - what Cubans call the ventanita - is the most famous in Palm Beach County. USA Today named their Cuban sandwich one of the ten best in America. Cars line up at all hours, hoods serving as makeshift tables while drivers unwrap sandwiches still warm from the press. The Tamal Cubano Especial is homestyle cornmeal laced with seasoned pork, wrapped in a corn husk, topped with tender roast pork, sauteed onions, and Havana's signature mojo sauce. The Media Noche - hot-pressed sweet bread, stacked with ham, pork and swiss cheese - offers the same filling as a Cubano with a subtle sweetness that sets it apart. Inside the dining room or at the ventanita, Havana delivers timeless dishes and Miami-meets-Havana energy around the clock. #14. The Floridian Diner, Fort Lauderdale Since 1937, the Floridian has been serving "Food That Pleases" on Las Olas Boulevard - and somehow, through wars and hurricanes and the endless churn of Florida real estate, it never stopped. This 24-hour institution is as much a time capsule as it is a restaurant - brightly painted rooms filled with photos of celebrities, funky chandeliers, and a menu vast enough to get lost in. Rachael Ray stopped by. So did generations of Fort Lauderdale families, plus every late-night reveler who stumbled off the beach looking for pancakes. The Combo Platter - coconut shrimp, onion rings, jalapeno poppers - is diner indulgence at its finest. Open 24 hours, every day, the Floridian is where Fort Lauderdale remembers itself. The top 10 nationwide were: #1. Crispy Burger, Burlington, Vermont Opened in 2024 in Burlington's Old North End, Crispy Burger has quickly become the late-night lifeline for anyone stumbling out of the bars on North Winooski Avenue. This BIPOK- owned fast-food spot keeps it simple: fried chicken and burgers, made fresh on-site, served until 1:30 am most nights (2 am on weekends). Locals are already calling the fried chicken the best in Vermont, and the honey mustard has developed its own following. Clean, friendly, and exactly what you need when the craving hits after midnight. The Crispy Chicken Burger delivers the signature crunch that gives the place its name. The Fried Chicken Wings Combo with Fries is the move when you need more than a sandwich can provide. Open until 1:30 am Sunday through Thursday, 2 am Friday and Saturday. #2. 11th Street Diner, Miami Beach, Florida This piece of American history traveled 1,200 miles to reach you. Built in 1948 by the Paramount Dining Car Company of Haledon, New Jersey, the 11th Street Diner served Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for 44 years before it was dismantled, shipped to South Beach, and reassembled in the Art Deco District. It reopened September 11, 1992, and has been feeding Miami Beach's wildest nights ever since. Guy Fieri came for the pork chops. Locals come for thick burgers, milkshakes, and the feeling of stepping into a time machine. The Blueberry Ghost Burger - habanero ghost pepper Monterey jack, onion rings, homemade blueberry marmalade on a potato bun - is not your grandmother's diner fare. The Famous Fried Chicken Sandwich, buttermilk battered thigh with pickled dill aioli, might be the best thing at 3 am. Open Sunday through Thursday until 11:55 pm, 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. #3. Taco Bus, Albuquerque, New Mexico Yes, it’s literally a bus – and yes, it’s one of Albuquerque’s essential late-night stops. Parked at Central Avenue, Taco Bus serves massive burgers, tortas, tacos, and loaded plates until 1:30 am on weekends, drawing college students, night-shift workers, and bar-hoppers with equal force. The Taco Bus Burger is stacked to chaos: house-made patties, bacon, cheese, grilled onions, pineapple, jalapeños, tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, ketchup, and mustard. The Adobada Torta – marinated pork, tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, onions, ham, cheese, mayo, beans – is a handheld feast. Open until 11:30 pm most nights, 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. #4. Diner’s by Upscale Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii The name is a little tongue-in-cheek. Diner’s by Upscale Hawaii is a Kalihi landmark-a straightforward little place and a kitchen that never closes. What makes it "upscale" is the quality – steaks cooked to order, garlic butter lobster tails, fresh ahi, all served on styrofoam at prices that defy Honolulu's reputation. Locals discovered it years ago and kept it to themselves; tourists stumble in at 3 am and wonder why they've never heard of it. The Burger Combo with fries and a drink is the entry point. The Bento #3 – Teri beef, meat jun, Spam, breaded fish with rice and furikake – is a greatest hits of Hawaiian plate lunch. Open 24/7, Upscale Hawaii proves that comfort food doesn't need walls or tablecloths to hit the spot. #5. Round the Clock Diner, York, Pennsylvania A true 24-hour institution, Round the Clock is where York’s night-shift workers, road-trippers, and post-bar crowds gather for bottomless coffee and diner classics served with no fuss. Chrome booths, huge menus, and plates that hit the table fast - it’s everything a Pennsylvania diner should be. Out of the many kinds of Triple Decker Club Sandwiches, the Charbroiled Chicken Breast sandwich is the stack that powers most late-night visits – made with American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo – it leaves nothing more to ask for. The Charbroiled Chicken Breast - lemon pepper, Cajun, BBQ, or original – offers a cleaner, protein-forward option. Open 24/7. #6. Good Time Charli’s, Chandler, Arizona Some bars play music. Good Time Charli's lives it. This Chandler craft pub pulses with live funk, Latin, country, and blues most nights of the week, the kind of place where you might walk in for wings and stay to dance. The menu runs deep - hand-crafted burgers, rustic tacos, stone-fired pizza – but when midnight approaches and the kitchen scales back to appetizers, regulars know exactly what to order. The Nachos arrive with house-made tortilla chips, topped with queso blanco, jalapeños, Roma tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and a drizzle of cilantro lime crema. The Buffalo Wings come bone-in or boneless with a dizzying range of flavors and heat levels, from honey BBQ to mango habanero to keto-friendly dry rubs. The full menu runs until 11 pm, but they'll keep feeding you appetizers until 2 am every night of the week. #7. Midnight Diner, Charlotte, North Carolina A gleaming retro rail-car diner in Uptown, Midnight Diner lives up to its name by serving Charlotte around the clock. It’s bright, bustling, and exactly the kind of place where the club crowd and the night-shift workers end up side by side over bottomless coffee. The Country Fried Steak - an 8oz breaded steak smothered in sausage gravy with two sides and a biscuit – is a 2 am classic. The Cool Ranch Wrap, packed with seasoned grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and house ranch, hits lighter but still satisfies. Open 24 hours. #8. South Street Diner, Boston, Massachusetts Built in 1947 by the Worcester Dining Company to serve local factory workers, the South Street Diner is one of Boston's incredibly few 24-hour full-service restaurants and a landmark in the Leather District. Esquire named it "The Best Late Night Food in the U.S.," which was featured on The Food Network, and several films have used it as a set, from Hiding Out to The Equalizer. Owner Sol Sidell has kept it running for over two decades, adding eggs Benedict, craft beer, and vegan options alongside the milkshakes and banana waffles. The Texas Burger – with bacon, BBQ sauce, grilled onions, and cheddar - is a half-pound Angus beef staple, layered with crispy bacon, house-grilled onions, and tangy BBQ sauce. The Subs & Wraps – served with fries or salad. For a lighter late-night option, the Mediterranean Wrap features grilled chicken or steak tips tossed with feta, olives, and house-made Greek dressing. Open 24 hours, every day. #9. Al’s Deli & Grill, Birmingham, Alabama UAB students speak of Al's in reverent tones usually reserved for championship games. This Mediterranean hole-in-the-wall on 10th Avenue South has been feeding Birmingham's night owls for years - small inside, with a courtyard out back where the fountain burbles alongside your late-night conversation. Al's is famous for its obscenely generous loaded baked potatoes, the kind locals stretch across four meals. The Shrimp Kabob arrives with jumbo shrimp glossed in homemade special sauce, while the Large Baked Potato - blanketed in butter, sour cream, and cheese - is carb-loaded salvation when the bars close and the rest of the city has gone dark. Open until midnight early in the week, Al's pushes to 2 am Thursday and Saturday, and keeps the lights on until 3 am on Fridays. #10. Havana Restaurant (Havana Cuban Food), West Palm Beach, Florida “Late-night food is more than a meal - it’s a moment. Whether you’re clocking out, dancing out, gaming, studying late, or just awake when the rest of the world isn’t, these spots become little anchors in the night,” says a spokesperson of ACE.com. “What stood out in the survey is how personal these places are to people. They are not just restaurants; they’re rituals, lifelines, and sometimes the only warm light on an empty street. Everyone remembers their 2 am favorite.” Previous Next

Miami New Drama Announces A World Premiere - Bad Dog, A Bold & Hilarious New Play Exploring Art, Identity, and Power Aventura Digest January 22, 2025 Share Miami New Drama is thrilled to announce the world premiere of Bad Dog, a provocative play written by Harley Elias and directed by Miami New Drama’s Artistic Director, Michel Hausmann. The production will open at the historic Colony Theatre on January 23rd, 2025, offering audiences a darkly comedic look at the high-stakes contemporary art world. Bad Dog unfolds in a Miami art gallery, where a performance artist embarks on a bizarre and boundary-pushing project: living as a dog for an entire month. As the artist's intentions emerge, the outrageous experiment sparks chaos, exposing deadly workplace betrayals, a gallerina uprising, sharp commentary on identity politics in art, and the levels at which a Miami gallerist would go to achieve Art Basel Banana notoriety. At the heart of Bad Dog is the artist David, played by Caleb Scott, whose audacious performance piece transforms him into “Buddy,” a dog who takes up residency in the gallery. For a month, Buddy bites visitors, sleeps, eats, and undergoes training and domestication—all in full view of the public. The play’s provocative nature intentionally unsettles audiences as it explores the line between art and absurdity, forcing us to confront our discomfort, judgments, and the nature of performance itself. “Harley Elias is nothing short of a genius,” says Michel Hausmann, Artistic Director. “This play is wildly entertaining and deeply thought-provoking, a perfect fit for our mission of creating socially impactful theater that resonates with our community.” Playwright Harley Elias adds, “I’m fascinated by how we use art to question identity, power, and truth. With Bad Dog, I wanted to craft a story as absurd and hilarious as it is uncomfortably human.” Set against the backdrop of a Miami art gallery, each actor masterfully brings their character to life. Liba Vaynberg shines as the poised and enigmatic Gallerina, embodying the allure and sophistication of the gallery's public face. Mia Matthews portrays the Gallerist with gravitas, perfectly capturing the air of an established gallery owner whose every gesture suggests a life immersed in art and commerce. Caleb Scott delivers a riveting performance as David, an artist who transforms himself into "Buddy," offering a thought-provoking and visceral portrayal of his final, provocative performance art piece. Meanwhile, Krystal Millie Valdes breathes urgency and ambition into the role of the Assistant, skillfully depicting a young woman eager to escape the grunt work of carrying boxes and seize her shot at success, no matter the cost. Together, the cast creates a dynamic interplay of ambition, creativity, and the peculiarities of the art world. CREATIVE TEAM: ● Harley Elias, Playwright ● Michelle Hausmann, Director ● Karen Eskenazi, Assistant Director ● Jeni Hacker, Intimacy Director ● Christina Alexander, Director of Social Responsibility ● Lee Soroko, Fight Choreography ● Christopher & Justin Swader, Scenic Designers ● Kirk Bookman, Lighting Design ● Salamon Learner, Sound Designer ● Chris Vergara, Costume Design ● Victoria Mejia, Stage Manager ● Brynn Lilah Sklar, Assistant Stage Manager DETAILS: • Run Dates: January 23rd, 2025 - February 16th, 2025 • Location: Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 • Box Office: (305) 674-1040 | boxoffice@miaminewdrama.org • Tickets: Available at: https://miaminewdrama.org About Miami New Drama Miami New Drama (MiND), founded by visionary Playwright and Director Michel Hausmann, is the largest bilingual professional theater company in the U.S., dedicated to creating socially impactful and artistically innovative works. Since 2016, MiND has been in residence at the historic Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, producing new plays and musicals that reflect Miami’s diverse, multilingual community. Notable productions include 7 Deadly Sins, winner of the 2021 Drama League Award, the world premiere of A Wonderful World about Louis Armstrong, Las Aventuras de Juan Planchard by Moisés Kaufman, Papá Cuatro by Juan Souki, the 20th-anniversary production of Anna in the Tropics by Nilo Cruz, The Cuban Vote by Carmen Pelaez, and the first-ever multilingual adaptation of Our Town. MiND’s innovative work has earned numerous accolades, including the Thornton Wilder Prize, Knight Arts Challenge Awards, and the Silver Palm Award. With its upcoming Broadway debut of A Wonderful World in 2024, Miami New Drama continues to be a vital force in theater, pushing boundaries and representing the vibrant stories of its community. For more information, visit: https://miaminewdrama.org - Or call the box office at: (305) 674-1040. < Previous News Next News >

Water Management Part 1 By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Oct 15, 2026 Over The Past Two Weeks, We Have All Witnessed A Tremendous Amount Of Rain Combined With King Tides. This Combination Has Created Challenges For Every Community In South Florida. The Florida Peninsula Is Not Only Surrounded By Water, But The Water Table Itself Is Underneath The Ground, And Water Comes From Other Natural Sources. Over the years, I have been extremely focused on water management issues. I actually chaired the U.S. Mayors' Water Council, which is a national organization that works with municipalities, water agencies, and the national government. We also work collectively with international agencies. Managing this natural resource is vital. Not only is it needed to sustain life, but we also need to ensure that we have clean drinking water, that wastewater is treated efficiently, and that flood waters are controlled to the extent possible. Over the last month, our area has received 25% of the average per year. I, along with the Commission and every resident, become extremely anxious every time it rains. Over the past three years, we have seen what are considered 100- to 1,000-year storm events, which have damaged homes and cars unlike anything anyone has seen before. Once our ground is saturated, rainwater will take longer to be absorbed into the system. King Tides compound the challenge of water absorption since we are at Sea Level. Due to the alignment of the moon and its gravitational pull, these tides occur four times a year, each lasting three days. It's already affecting drainage systems built in the mid-19th century via ocean outfalls. Once the tide rises above the pipes, water has nowhere to go and piles up until the tide goes out. Being surrounded by water and having the section of our City a little over 1 foot above Sea Level creates ponding underwater, particularly in the northeast. These events are very different from Hurricanes, since we do not have much warning. Our City Commission and Staff have been keenly focused on addressing the new reality of microbursts and sunny day flooding. The most recent storm events were particularly impactful on East Hallandale Beach Boulevard. End locations West of 12th Avenue and Federal Highway. The other impacted area was Golden Isles Drive. In anticipation of Hurricane and Rainy Season, residents and visitors may have noticed that we have put emergency response barricades and protocols in place. They were deployed instantly, which helped prevent cut-through traffic and vehicle loss. Our drainage system in the area, after being cleaned and monitored, actually allowed the water to pass through in one area off of 12, which is 2 feet high, and it was gone within 4 hours. This was also evident in other areas of the community. King tides had a greater impact on Golden Isles Drive. This issue in itself is extremely complex. While we are looking at our bridges throughout the city, this area is actually an island. We need to begin to discuss how to implement a citywide requirement for seawalls. Some condominiums have begun their replacement, and others have not. Without a uniform seawall around the entire island, water will never be contained. Our city also experienced two sewer backups caused by contractors. 1 was in Hollywood and hid their sewer project, and the other one here in the city was tied to one of our lift stations. I will discuss sanitary sewer in next week's article, but encourage everyone to check out the link below from our last City Commission Meeting. We all had inquired about flooding and these incidents. Following Commission Vice Mayor Lazaro's remarks, we had an approximately 10-minute presentation by our Director of Public Works. Please visit: www.cohb.org and click on the link to agendas. 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

Knead, Braid And Connect: The Braiding Bunch Brings Women Together For Challah Baking Jewish Connection News Sep 10, 2026 This Fall, Women In The Community Are Invited To Gather, Bake And Connect Through A New Three-Part Culinary And Spiritual Experience: The Braiding Bunch, A Women-Only Challah-Baking Series Designed To Celebrate Tradition, Friendship And The Joy Of Preparing For Shabbath. Taking place at Owen’s Place at the DPJCC, the series will meet on Thursday, October 15th, 2026, Thursday, November 19th, 2026 and Thursday, December 17th, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Open to women ages 18 and up and welcoming participants from throughout the community, the program offers an opportunity to learn the art of challah making while exploring the deeper meaning behind one of Judaism’s cherished mitzvot. Challah is more than a loaf of bread. For generations, the process of preparing and braiding challah has been intertwined with Jewish tradition, family gatherings and the anticipation of Shabbath. The Braiding Bunch aims to bring that tradition to life in a warm, intimate setting where participants can learn, create and share the experience with others. Each session promises plenty of hands-on baking. Participants will make four challahs per session and receive a complete baking kit to help make the experience both enjoyable and accessible. Attendees will also receive a Braiding Bunch tote bag as a keepsake from the series. But organizers say the program is about more than learning how to braid dough. It is an opportunity to build community, nourish the soul and create meaningful connections. The intimate format is designed to encourage conversation and camaraderie, giving participants a chance to meet others while enjoying the simple pleasure of baking together. The series also offers a chance to pause from the pace of everyday life and prepare for Shabbath with intention. Kneading dough, shaping loaves and sharing the results can become a meaningful ritual—one that connects participants to Jewish heritage while creating new memories in the present. Registration for all three fall sessions is offered at two rates. The fee for those new to the Braiding Bunch is $180, while returning participants can join the full series for $90. Fees include all three sessions, along with the materials and experiences provided throughout the program. Because the series is designed as an intimate experience, space is limited. Community members interested in participating are encouraged to register early. For questions or additional information, contact Maya Sharon at: msharon@dpjcc.org . Or by phone at: (954) 434-0499, Extension#: 1109. With its combination of baking, Jewish tradition and community connection, The Braiding Bunch offers women an inviting way to spend three fall evenings together. Whether participants are experienced bakers or simply curious about making challah, the series promises an opportunity to learn something new, meet others and embrace the spirit of Shabbat. The David Posnack Jewish Community Center on the Nina & Louis Silverman Campus is located at: 5850 South Pine Island Road, Davie, Florida 33328. The invitation is simple: knead, braid and connect. Previous Next

Business For The Arts Broward To Host Inaugural Art Walls Mural Fest South Florida Sun Times Feb 19, 2026 Business For The Arts Broward (BFA), In Partnership With The Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Hosts The Inaugural BFA Art Walls Mural Fest, Presented By Wayne And Lucretia Weiner, A Free Two-Day, Community-Driven Celebration Of Art, Collaboration And Impact On Saturday, February 28th, 2026 And Sunday, March 1st, 2026 From 10:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. At History Fort Lauderdale, 231 Southwest Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. Twelve local NonProfits will be paired with one of 12 established and emerging artists to create 8-foot-by-8-foot murals inspired by each organization’s mission. Additionally, youth from the participating nonprofits will paint their own murals as an interactive experience designed to foster creativity and artistic self-expression. The festivities kick off with a special BFA Art & Spirits presented by BBX Capital celebration on Thursday, February 26th, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the BBX Capital Gallery, a showcase of participating artists and organizations, with an exclusive liquor tasting and art exhibition with BFA’s sponsors and supporters. Tickets are available at: https://www.bfabroward.org/programs/art-and-spirits/ . “The BFA Art Walls Mural Fest is more than just an art show. It’s a platform where artistic expression intersects with community service,” said BFA Executive Director Robyn Vegas. “In a rapidly changing society, there is a vital need to expand access to the arts. By pairing talented artists with our local nonprofits, we are not only creating beautiful public art but also amplifying the missions of the organizations that make Fort Lauderdale thrive.” The selected NonProfits and artists are: • Art and Culture Center/Hollywood with Surge (Sergio Quinonez) • Art Prevails Project with Ashlee Sanford • Developing Dreams Foundation with Stefan Smith • Florida Children’s Theatre with BK Foxx • Inside Out Theatre Company with Luis Valle aka El Chan Guri • Museum of Discovery Science with Stephanie McMillan • New City Players with Private Murals • Old Davie School Museum with Gabby Shepherd • South Florida Pride Band with Mongo Art (Michael Andress) • South Florida Chamber Ensemble with Samara Ash • Stonewall National Museum & Archives with Nate Dee (Nathan Delinois) • Pompano Beach Arts Foundation with Ivan Roque In addition to the presenting sponsor, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, BBX Capital, Crown Residential, Cathy and James Donnelly Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, FPL, Broward Health Hospital, Transworld Business Advisors, Fort Lauderdale DDA, History Fort Lauderdale, Leadership Broward, MAD ARTS and Hoffman’s Chocolates are all sponsors. Participating artists will gain increased visibility and opportunities for professional growth, and participating organizations will be on hand to share information and opportunities to volunteer. For additional information, contact BFA’s Executive Director Robyn Vegas at: (954) 940-4933. Or: rvegas@bfabroward.org . Full event details are available at: https://bfabroward.org/programs/bfa-art-walls-mural-fest/ . About Business for the Arts Broward Business for the Arts Broward is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more visit: www.Facebook.com/BFABroward . Or: www.bfabroward.org . Previous Next

Rome Saladino’s Salute To Michael Bublé Returns South Florida Sun Times Jul 16, 2025 Multi-Talented Singer/Actor/Choreographer Rome Saladino Will Once Again Celebrate The Stylings Of International Super-Star (And The Voice Coach) Michael Bublé When He Returns To The Boca Black Box Center On Sunday, July 20Th With Feelin’ Good: A Tribute To Michael Bublé. The ‘One Night Only’ Performance Will Take Place At 7:00 p.m. Saladino’s Bublé Tribute Sold Out At The Venue When He Performed It In January. Saladino will sing the songs that made the American Music, Juno, and multiple Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter a world-renowned phenomenon. He will be accompanied by a seven-piece band, talented back-up dancers, and special guest star Jean Caze, Bublé’s own solo trumpet player. This engagement celebrates the ten-year anniversary of Saladino’s Bublé tribute act, which he has performed throughout the United States, internationally, and on cruise ships around the world. Inspired by Bublé’s Jazzy Big Band style, Saladino will perform the hits that put the Canadian superstar on the charts. He will also channel ‘Frank, Dean, Ray, and Ella’ with classics such as “Feeling Good,” “Come Fly With Me,” “Cry Me a River,” “Haven’t Met You Yet,” “Home” and “Sway. The evening will also include numbers from The Great American songbook as well as music from the ‘60s, 70s, and 80s. “Tributing Michael Bublé has been one of the greatest journeys of my life!” Saladino says.” His dedication to The Great American Songbook, his evolution as an artist and as a human being helped give me amazing opportunities to grow vocally and artistically. And, not to mention the travel! Seriously, it's been an honor to have paid tribute to him for 10 years and counting! “The American Songbook feeds the soul in a way that I think we need now more than ever," says Jean Caze. "I can't wait to perform again with Rome and share this music with everyone.” Rome Saladino was born and raised in Miami, Florida. His extensive theatrical career – he has a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Florida Atlantic University - has included such roles as Curly in Oklahoma, John the Baptist in Godspell, Caleb in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Charles Dalrymple in Brigadoon. He has also appeared in Annie, A Chorus Line, Camelot, Fiddler on the Roof, and West Side Story, and he was one of the leads in Encore! The American Theatre in Tokyo Disney, Japan. During his ballet career he performed with the Sacramento Ballet, Icelandic Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. Renowned Jazz trumpet artist, composer, and educator Jean Caze has performed alongside such icons as Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Al Jarreau, Roy Hargrove, Arturo Sandoval, and George Duke. He currently serves as the featured soloist for Michael Bublé worldwide. Caze holds a bachelor's degree from Manhattan School of Music and a Master’s Degree from Florida International University. Noteworthy achievements include securing second place in the 2007 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition and claiming victory in both the 2004 National Trumpet Jazz Competition and the 2006 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition. Currently, Jean is preparing to release a new album in 2025, which will be preceded by the release of several singles. Tickets for Feelin’ Good: A Tribute to Michael Bublé at the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts range in price from $52 to $62 and are on sale now. The Boca Black Box Center for the Arts is located at 8221 Glades Road, Suite#: 10, Boca Raton, Florida 33434. Rome Saladino Tribute to Michael Bublé Previous Next

Feel The 'LOVE': Artist Cey Adams Commissioned To Paint Public Art Piece February 15, 2024 Share The writing’s on the wall, and it’s all about Love. Business for the Arts of Broward (BFA), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), commissioned globally recognized Artist Cey Adams to paint his famous LOVE mural that will officially be unveiled this month on the western exterior wall of Hof’s House of Sweets at 601 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 33301, facing the new Tunnel Top Park. LOVE by Cey Adams is sure to become one of Fort Lauderdale’s most popular Instagrammable spots and the perfect backdrop for proposals and engagement photos. Adams previously painted “LOVE” murals in Detroit and Jackson, Michigan; New Bedford and Chelsea, Massachusetts; St. Paul, Minnesota; Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York; and North Omaha, Nebraska. “Our mural program is designed to bring art to the local community,” said Jarett Levan, Board Chair of BFA, which educates businesses about the importance of Broward County’s arts and cultural community and engages them in building connections between cultural vitality, creative success and economic development. “Sometimes murals are long term, and some are short term or seasonal. In either case, public murals bring joy to the local community, inspire conversation and enhance the neighborhood.” LOVE by Cey Adams was curated by BFA with the support of Sponsors: Community Foundation of Broward, BBX Capital Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, Dara and Jarett Levan Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, Banyan Tree Companies, BBI, Cathy & James Donnelly Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Hudson Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, Las Olas Capital Arts, The Las Olas Company, Lori and Seth Wise, New River Fine Art, Shutts, Starmark, The Frank Family, The Royal Barnes Family, UNCS and Yes We Are Mad. LOVE by Cey Adams is the latest addition to BFA’s mural program. It joins Las Olas by Lori Pratico, Steven Teller’s mural that was previously on Las Olas and was commissioned through a BFA partnership, the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority’s mural by Lori Pratico and Habitat for Humanity’s mural by EVOCA1. More murals are planned for the future. BFA offers the public art program to curate and facilitate interior and exterior murals and sculptures. Arts improve the image and identity of communities, attract new visitors and integrate the vision of both community and business leaders. Businesses and organizations in Broward County interested in having a mural painted can learn more here. The program supports local artists and creatives and reinforces the culture of community, connectivity, unity and engagement across diverse populations. Business for the Arts of Broward is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that engages businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success and economic development. The organization’s Public Art Committee’s mural program is modeled after Wynwood Walls in Miami, Yorkville Murals in Toronto, Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Baltimore Mural Program, among others. For more information about BFA and its programs, contact Robyn Vegas at: (954) 940-4933. Or: rvegas@bfabroward.org . About Business for the Arts of Broward Business for the Arts of Broward is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more visit: www.Facebook.com/BFABroward - Or: www.bfabroward.org About Cey Adams Adams is a New York City native who emerged from the downtown graffiti movement to exhibit alongside fellow artists Jean-Michael Basquiat and Keith Haring. He appeared in the historic 1983 PBS Documentary “Style Wars” about New York’s graffiti culture. As the founding Creative Director of Hip-Hop’s Def Jam Recordings, Adams Co-founded the Drawing Board, the label’s in-house visual design firm where he created visual identities, album covers, logos and advertising campaigns for Run DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Notorious B.I.G., Maroon 5 and Jay-Z. Adams draws inspiration from 60’s pop art, sign painting, comic books and popular culture. He lectures and teaches at MoMA, Brooklyn Museum, Museum of the City of New York, New York University, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Walker Art Center, MoCA Los Angeles, Pratt Institute, Stamford University, Howard University, Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, High Museum, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Mount Royal University and the University of Winnipeg, Canada. He Co-authored “DEFinition: The Art and Design of Hip-Hop” and designed “Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years Of The Last Great Record Label.” To learn more, go to: www.ceyadams.com < Previous News Next News >

Jewish Family Home Care Once Again Awarded With Three 2026 Best Of Home Care Awards South Florida Sun Times Mar 4, 2026 Jewish Family Home Care (JFHC) – A Not-For-Profit Agency – Is Honored To Announce That It Once Again Received Three 2026 Best Of Home Care Awards From Activated Insights, Formerly Home Care Pulse, The Leading Firm In Experience Management For Post-Acute Care. The Awards Include The Leader In Experience, Provider Of Choice And Employer Of Choice. JFHC Received All Three Awards In 2025 And 2024, And Both The Best Of Home Care® – Provider Of Choice And Employer of Choice Awards From Activated Insights In 2023. JFHC provides multi-reach, non-medical home quality home health care for Broward County, Florida seniors from all reaches of life and any faith. JFHC is one of the largest providers of home health care, providing assistance to Holocaust survivors and anyone in Broward County needing in-home care. Providing service to more than 400 clients, including over 300 Holocaust survivors, JFHC offers services such as home health aides, companions, housekeepers and certified nursing assistants. It delivers tailor-made home health care plans, with special consideration to patients’ physical and emotional needs, as well as their family’s budgets. As a Leader in Experience award recipient, Jewish Family Home Care ranks among the top 10% of home care providers nationwide participating in the Activated Insights Experience Management program. This recognition reflects the organization’s sustained commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for both clients and caregivers. This accomplishment demonstrates JFHC’s long-term dedication to excellent care and quality improvement. To qualify for this award, 10% of JFHC’s clients and caregivers were interviewed each month by Activated Insights. Over 12 months, JFHC received high client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility and more. Using feedback from clients and employees, as well as quality benchmarks from Activated Insights, the JFHC management team set goals to reach the highest level of experience possible. The Best of Home Care® – Leader in Experience Award highlights the top-performing home care businesses in the nation. Activated Insights believes that by honoring these providers, families looking for in-home care for a loved one will be able to recognize and choose a trusted home care provider. The Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards are granted only to the top-ranking home care providers, based on client and employee satisfaction scores gathered by Activated Insights. JFHC is now ranked among a small handful of home care providers across the country who have proven their ability to provide an exceptional working experience to employees and the highest quality care to clients. Best of Home Care providers have contracted with Activated Insights to gather feedback from their clients and caregivers via live phone interviews each month. Because Activated Insights is an independent company, it can collect honest and unbiased feedback. “We are incredibly proud to once again receive the 2026 Best of Home Care® awards for Leader in Experience, Employer, and Provider of Choice from Activated Insights,” said JFHC CEO Robin Miller. “Earning these recognitions year after year speaks to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional in-home care. What makes this honor especially meaningful is that the awards are based on real testimonials from both our clients and caregivers. This continued achievement belongs to our extraordinary team, whose dedication and compassion make a tangible difference in the lives of the families we serve every single day.” “At Activated Insights, our mission is to help post-acute care organizations create experiences that exceed expectations for both clients and caregivers,” said Bud Meadows, Chief Executive Officer of Activated Insights. “When agencies like Jewish Family Home Care consistently use feedback to improve and elevate care, it demonstrates a deep commitment to excellence. We’re proud to recognize their achievements and celebrate this milestone.” To find out more about JFHC’s commitment to excellence, please visit: JFCares.org . Or call: (954) 908-5677. About Jewish Family Home Care, Inc.: Jewish Family Home Care (JFHC) is a Not-For-Profit Agency providing quality home care for Broward County seniors from all reaches of life, enabling them to continue living at home and have the best level of wellness, dignity and independence throughout life. Such services are often a welcomed alternative to moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. JFHC is dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening older adults and families, and protecting the vulnerable and frail by providing direct home care and personal care services guided by Jewish values, social responsibility, compassion and respect. JFHC is an affiliated agency of Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward. JFHC is located at 5890 South Pine Island Road, Suite#: 200, Davie, Florida 33328. For more information, visit JFHC at: www.jfcares.org . Contact: (954) 908-5677. Or visit: Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. JFHC received three 2024, 2025 and 2026 Best of Home Care Awards® from Activated Insights, formerly Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in experience management for post-acute care, including the Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice awards. JFHC received both the Best of Home Care® – Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards from HCP in 2023. About Activated Insights: Activated Insights helps long-term and post-acute care providers strengthen workforce performance, regulatory compliance, and care quality. Through recruitment, compliance-focused education and training, retention, and experience management tools, along with the industry’s leading benchmarking and recognition programs, Activated Insights enables providers to reduce risk, improve satisfaction, lower turnover, and achieve operational excellence across senior living, post-acute and home-based care. Learn more at: https://activatedinsights.com . Previous Next

Aventura Updates: Advisory Board Applications, Park Hours & Aventura Police Reaccreditation November 19, 2021 Share The City of Aventura is accepting applications for a limited number of member positions available on the Arts and Cultural Center’s Advisory Board from Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 through Wednesday, December 8th, 2021. Potential board members should have an interest and/or experience in the performing arts and relevant cultural programming. The Mission of the Board is to assist the City in maintaining a facility that offers a wide range of quality entertainment year-round and cultivates partnerships with other local and regional organizations to enhance the quality of life for Aventura by providing a variety of performing arts and relevant cultural programming for audiences of all ages. The downloadable application is available on-line at: www.cityofaventura.com . All completed applications and resumés can be submitted by mail to: Office Of The City Manager 19200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida 33180. By fax to: (305) 466-8919. Or by e-mail to: wassonr@cityofaventura.com . Aventura Park Hours Change for the Upcoming Season The City changed its parks hours of operation for the upcoming winter season as of Sunday, November 7th, 2021. Founders Park, Peace Park and Veterans Park, will be open daily (excluding Tuesdays) from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Waterways Park will be open Monday through Friday (excluding Tuesdays) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On the weekday(s) when the neighboring Don Soffer Aventura High School is not in session, the park will be open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Waterways Dog Park will be open daily (excluding Wednesdays) from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Get outdoors and enjoy Aventura’s City Parks! For more information, contact the City of Aventura Community Services Department at: (305) 466-0183. Or via e-mail at: parksrec@cityofaventura.com . Aventura Police Department Reaccreditation The Aventura Police Department is scheduled for a virtual assessment as part of a program to achieve reaccreditation by verifying it meets professional standards. The assessment will occur Monday, November 15th, 2021, Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 and Wednesday, November 17th, 2021. Administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with the state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services. As part of the virtual assessment, agency personnel and members of the community are invited to offer comments during a call-in session and public hearing. The call-in session and public hearing provide a venue for members of the public to interact with the assessors, ask questions about the accreditation process, or comment on the Department's compliance with accreditation standards. Anyone wishing to offer comments to the Assessment Team can call: (305) 466-8070. On Monday, November 15th, 2021 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. A Public Hearing will be conducted virtually via Zoom. To join the session, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86223693467 Webinar ID: 862 2369 3467 Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Telephone comments, as well as appearances at the public information session, are limited to ten minutes and must address the agency's ability to comply with CALEA's standards. A copy of the standards is available at the Aventura Police Department, located at 19200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida 33180. For more information, call The Aventura Police Department’s Captain, Cosimo Castronovo at: (305) 466-8047. Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Aventura Police Department's ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them by mail to: The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (GALEA), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia 20155. Or by e-mail to: calea@calea.org with "Aventura Police" listed in the subject line. This information session is open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in the information session because of that disability should contact the office of the City Clerk no later than two days prior to such proceedings, by calling: (305) 466-8901. Please be advised that one or more members of the Aventura City Commission and Advisory Boards of the City may attend and participate in this public information session. < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Meditation, Exercises, Celebrating Thanksgiving And Much More Fri Nov 19 2021 05:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)