William “Bill” Julian: Funeral Services Will Be This Saturday Thu Sep 30 2021 04:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Making College A Reality: Broward, Hallandale Beach & Aventura Have Scholarships Available Thu Feb 24 2022 05:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Broadway Gets A Hilarious Twist With Spamilton: An American Parody - The Side-Splitting Musical Satire Lights Up The Stage At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Wed Jan 22 2025 19:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Why ‘Waiting Until It Breaks’ Can Be An Expensive HVAC Strategy By Feature Impact Sep 24, 2026 For Many Homeowners, Heating And Cooling Systems Fall Into The “Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind” Category. However, Even If The Air Is Flowing And The Temperature Feels Right, Taking An “If It’s Still Running, It’s Still Fine” Approach To Your HVAC System Today Can Lead To Higher Repair Bills, Rising Energy Costs, Uncomfortable Downtime And Rushed Replacement Decisions Tomorrow. While it may seem cost-effective in the short-term, the experts at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS) suggest proactive maintenance and planned upgrades as the smarter financial move in many cases. The Hidden Costs of Waiting HVAC systems rarely fail without warning. Instead, they decline gradually, becoming less efficient and more prone to breakdowns over time. They commonly fail during extreme summer heat or winter cold when demand is highest. A broken air conditioner during the peak of summer doesn’t just create discomfort; it often comes with longer service wait times and higher emergency repair costs, while also leaving you with less time to compare equipment options, take advantage of rebates or make a convenient installation appointment. Small issues – like a dirty filter restricting airflow or worn components adding stress to other parts of the system – can also snowball into bigger, more expensive repairs. Similarly, inefficient systems, especially older or poorly maintained ones, can drive up monthly energy costs, using more energy and putting additional stress on the components to maintain the same comfort level. Signs Your HVAC System Needs Attention Even if your HVAC system hasn’t broken down, it may already be showing signs of trouble. Consider these warning signs that your HVAC system may be due for replacement: • Rooms cooling unevenly • Rising utility bills with no clear cause • Strange noises or unusual odors • Weak airflow or reduced comfort • Frequent service calls • System age approaching 10-15 years or older The Value of Preventive Maintenance Routine maintenance can help catch small issues early before they become costly repairs while extending system lifespan and maintaining performance. Regularly replacing or cleaning filters helps maintain airflow and efficiency while keeping vents clear and outdoor units free of debris ensures your system can operate at its best. Professional seasonal tune-ups can also help catch small issues early and extend the lifespan of your equipment. How Planning Ahead Can Pay Off Replacing an aging HVAC system before it fails gives homeowners an invaluable asset: time. Instead of making a rushed decision in extreme temperatures, you can make thoughtful decisions based on comfort goals, budget and home needs. It also allows for evaluating newer technologies that can improve everyday comfort and lower operating costs. Today’s systems offer features that weren’t available a decade ago, allowing for customization of indoor environments that were once out of reach. Benefits of Modern HVAC Upgrades Upgrading your system isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns – it’s about enhancing your everyday comfort and improving efficiency and control. Modern HVAC solutions, like Zoned Comfort Solutions from Mitsubishi Electric, allow for personalized temperatures in different rooms or areas of the home. Using energy-efficient heat pump technology, they provide heating and cooling in one efficient system for better temperature consistency and control in every season. Newer systems – both ducted and ductless – tend to run more quietly and offer flexible installation. They can be used with existing ductwork or installed in homes without it, making them a strong option for room additions, garages, sunrooms or spaces that are traditionally difficult to heat or cool. Long-Term Benefits of Upgrading When you shift to proactive HVAC maintenance, the benefits can add up and you can gain confidence your home is prepared, regardless of what the seasons have to offer. Upgrading your system ahead of a total failure reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, lowers energy costs and provides more consistent comfort throughout the year. There’s also the added bonus of increasing your home’s appeal and value for future buyers. According to FPL up to 50% of your energy bill comes from heating and cooling. Newer A/C units tend to be more energy-efficient and cool your home faster. You can also receive an instant $200 rebate as a credit on your invoice by using one of their qualified contractors as a credit on your invoice. While waiting until it breaks might feel like the easy choice, it may also be the most expensive one. Visit: www.mitsubishicomfort.com to explore your options and learn more. Previous Next

Back to School Safety: Tips from the Hollywood Police Department Thu Aug 25 2022 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Cheers To 30 Years - Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Returns South Florida Sun Times Apr 9, 2026 The Iconic Las Olas Wine And Food Festival Is Turning 30, And It’s Throwing The Ultimate Birthday Bash On Las Olas Boulevard Between Southeast 6th Avenue And Southeast 11th Avenues From 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. With VIP Experiences Beginning At 5:30 p.m. On Friday, April 24th, 2026, South Florida’s most stylish street transforms once again into a culinary playground, packed with elevated experiences, next‑level entertainment, and flavors that have made this festival a can’t‑miss tradition for three decades. This year, the festival pays tribute to its roots with a 90’s‑themed anniversary celebration, transporting guests back to 1996; the year the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival’s magic began. Attendees can expect nostalgic vibes with a modern twist, complete with specialty cocktails, and VIPs will have access to a dedicated retro‑chic lounge where guests can sip, snack, relax, and vibe to throwback beats. And that’s just the beginning! Wine lovers, prepare yourselves: the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Premium Wine Garden sponsored by Ombelle Fort Lauderdale returns with its most impressive lineup yet. Partiers will sip their way through exclusive pours, wines from around the world, and limited‑release bottles, plus enjoy elevated bites from Shooters Waterfront. More than 200 domestic and international wines and spirits from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will be featured at onsite tasting pavilions at the venue; and festival foodies will find more than 40 of your favorite South Florida restaurants in the festival’s 30th‑anniversary lineup. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic mix of signature bites, new flavors, and crowd-favorites that all bring something bold and delicious to the Boulevard. Festivalgoers will also be treated to a VR golf experience. Attendees will get to compete with friends, and enjoy immersive, tech‑driven play. The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival has been Fort Lauderdale’s signature celebration of food, wine, culture, and community since 1996; supporting the American Lung Association through every pour and every bite. This year’s event features two ticket tiers: a general admission ticket for $175 and a VIP Grand Cru ticket for $300. General admission ticket: • $150 with Discount Code: SIPANDSAVOR for $25 off • Access to three main tasting pavilions and all-inclusive food and beverage • All access to the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Premium Wine Garden hosted by Ombelle Fort Lauderdale after 9:00 p.m. VIP Grand Cru Ticket: • Cost $300 • All-access pass to VIP Kick-Off Pre-party at the Riverside Hotel from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., presented by Florida Power & Light and Amerant Bank • 30-minute early admission to festival • All-Access to Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Premium Wine Garden with elevated wine pours, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., hosted by Ombelle Fort Lauderdale. • Access to 90s themed VIP Party featuring specialty cocktails, private lounge, and more! 100% of the proceeds from the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival will help support Lung Association programs and research to help nearly 2.8 million Floridians living with lung disease. Visit: www.LasOlasWFF.com for more information on tickets and the festival, and remember if you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. If you’re interested in scheduling an interview or segment that showcases the fun and flavor of the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival, please email: Janye.Killelea@Lung.org . Or call: (312) 940-7624. The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival is sponsored by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Ombelle Fort Lauderdale, Memorial Cancer Institute, The Las Olas Company, The Swezy Foundation, Florida Power & Light, Demesmin and Dover Law Firm, Cadillac, Amerant Bank, Abiaka at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Shooters Waterfront, LaCroix and Evian. The festival’s Title Sponsors are Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Espolon Tequila, Aperol, Jim Beam, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and LALO Tequila. The Riverside Hotel is the official hotel of The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival.  Sun Sentinel Media Group and Greater Fort Lauderdale TravelHost Media Group are the festival’s media partners. About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy, and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call: 1 (800) LUNGUSA. Call: 1 (800) 586-4872. Or visit: www.Lung.org . To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at: www.Lung.org/events . Previous Next

Avoid Falling For Fraudulent Tax Schemes: Attorney General Moody Launches 2024 Tax Season Scam Series To Help Floridians April 4, 2024 Share As Tax Day approaches, Attorney General Ashley Moody is launching the 2024 Tax Season Scam Series to help Floridians avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes. In 2022, Internal Revenue Service data revealed that consumers lost $5.7 Billion to Tax Scams and Fraud. As part of the series this Tax Season, Attorney General Moody will be issuing warnings about Pre-Filing Scams, Tax Debt Relief Scams and Direct Deposit Refund Scams. Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Tax Season is upon us, and as Floridians prepare their taxes ahead of the April 15th Deadline, I am launching the 2024 Tax Season Scam Series. Scammers may look to exploit the stress many may feel when preparing their taxes to steal Personal and Financial Information. It is crucial to stay on guard against potential schemes—so I am releasing this series to help Floridians avoid falling prey to fraudsters.” One of the best ways to prevent getting caught in a scam during Tax Season is to file early to prevent fraudsters from stealing Tax Refunds. Between 2021 and 2022, the amount of fraudulent Tax Refunds identified by the IRS increased from about $16 Million to more than $800 Million, commonly occurring through Pre-Filing Schemes. In Pre-Filing Tax Schemes, scammers target taxpayers by first acquiring a victim’s name and SSN. Schemers then file returns in the target’s name to collect refunds. When taxpayers wait to file returns, it allows scammers more time to exploit potential victims. Throughout the 2024 Tax Season Scam Series, Attorney General Moody will also highlight the following schemes: Tax Debt Relief Scams: Scammers may claim to be a representative of a company offering to settle tax obligations for pennies on the dollar. The schemers request upfront payments, and then disappear. Direct Deposit Refund Scams: Scammers may call, text or email potential victims posing as IRS Agents claiming a mistake was made with the person's Tax Return. The fraudsters then demand that the victim must refund the money immediately, usually in the form of a Wire Transfer or Gift Cards. Report Tax Scams or other Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at: www.ReportFraud.FTC.gov . The IRS has online tools to help track Tax Refunds. You can use the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ webtool at: https://sa.www4.irs.gov/wmr/ - Or download the IRS2Go Mobile App to check the Status of a Refund. To watch the Attorney General's "Consumer Alert" video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_y-TYpNRns < Previous News Next News >

Making A Lasting Impact On Those In Need In South Florida South Florida Sun Times Sep 10, 2026 Community-Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI), A NonProfit Organization Dedicated To Delivering Youth Development, Family Strengthening, And Community Empowerment Services To Underserved Populations, Has Announced Local 10 Anchor/Reporter Aaron Maybin As Emcee And Has Added Two New Honorees For Its Fifth Annual Green Blazer Awards Gala & Celebration. FPL (Florida Power & Light) Will Be Honored As The Organization’s Corporate Partner Of The Year And The GEO Group Foundation Will Be Recognized As Corporate Education Partner Of The Year At 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 At The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Located At 321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. These Two New Honorees Will Join Previously Announced Distinguished Leaders Kirk Brown, CEO Of Handy; Carol Hylton, President And CEO Of CareerSource Broward; Brian C. Johnson, Founder Of Community-Based Connections, Inc. And President And CEO Of The Minority Builders Coalition; And Newton Sanon, President And CEO Of OIC Of South Florida Who Will Each Receive A Commemorative And Branded Green Blazer For Their Contributions To Help Improve The Quality Of Life For Local Children And Families. “Community-Based Connections is indebted to our many funders, partners and sponsors including FPL and The GEO Foundation,” said Mikelange Olbel, President and CEO of Community Based Connections, Inc. “It is an honor to recognize them along with a number of dedicated individuals at our annual event which shines the spotlight on those who make an impact on so many lives in our community.” FPL is America’s largest electric utility, delivering reliable power to more than six million customer accounts — serving approximately 12 million people across Florida. It is committed to making a positive difference in our communities through its FPL Care To Share program. Founded in 1994, the program helps individuals and families who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties, such as sudden illness, unexpected unemployment, or another emergency or personal crisis, keep their lights on when they need it most. Each year, the program helps thousands of families by providing emergency bill payment assistance to eligible customers in need. Contributions are distributed to the community through a network of NonProfit Human-Service Agencies. The GEO Group Foundation supports charities, schools, community organizations, and higher learning for students across the country. One of The GEO Group Foundation’s main goals is to help deserving students within its local communities achieve their education and career goals through higher education scholarships. This charitable group is revered for making Charitable Grants to NonProfit Organizations, schools, and public entities to help them meet their philanthropic goals and public purposes. This year’s honorees join a prestigious roster of past individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact on those in need in South Florida. These include Tim Curtin, Memorial Healthcare System; Rosalyn Frazier, Broward Community & Family Health Centers; Kathy Salerno, Broward Health; Ken Walters, Community Care Plan; Anna Fusco, Broward Teachers Union; Kenneth Jones, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital; Sandy Michael McDonald, Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development; Jasmin D. Shirley, Broward Health Regional Planning Council; Dion Smith, Children’s Services Council of Broward and Khalil Zeinieh, community advocate. In the last year, CBCI served nearly 4,000 people and almost 2,000 families, provided over nearly 15,000 hours of in-home case management and support services to keep families intact and conducted 68 fatherhood group session meetings to improve fathers’ relationships with their children and help them secure employment. Additionally, the organization expanded services to Palm Beach County with an office in Riviera Beach. Proceeds from the event will benefit CBCI’s Awesome Dads Awesome Men (A.D.A.M.) fatherhood mentoring program, The Beacon of HOPE-Intact Family Navigation Program, Family Strengthening Program, and S.M.A.R.T. monitoring safety plans, as well as its vital initiatives such as Early Achievers at Markham Elementary, Young Believers, Club Elevate, Haven and Healing Space. The evening of celebration will include a cocktail reception, a seated three-course dinner with an open bar, live musical entertainment, dancing and the impactful awards ceremony, which includes the presentation of the branded green blazers. Tickets are $150 per person; a table is $2,500. To attend, please reserve seats at: https://communitybasedconnections.com/green-blazer-awards/ . Community-Based Connections, Inc.’s Fifth Annual Green Blazer Awards Gala & Celebration is sponsored by FPL, Kirk Brown, Homes, Inc., Pompano Beach Hosing Authority, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, GPR | Goodman Public Relations and The Spritz Group. About Community-Based Connections, Inc. Community-Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI) is a NonProfit Human Services Organization with more than 16 years of expertise in delivering youth development advocacy and family resilience strengthening programs, plus health and community empowerment initiatives to underserved populations in Broward County. CBCI was founded upon the belief that service providers who have natural ties to the community are in the best position to help improve the odds of youth and family success. The CBCI mission is to expand the options available to children – from cradle to college - that promote their social and academic growth, equipping them with the skills they need to overcome challenges and thrive in adulthood. CBCI programs services that engage, encourage and motivate include the Young Believers Program, Family Strengthening Program, S.M.A.R.T. Team, New Day Diversion, and the Early Achievers Program. For more information about programs in Broward and Palm Beach counties, visit: https://communitybasedconnections.com . 2025 CBCI Green Blazer Awards Gala & Celebration Honorees (from l. to r.): Ken Walters, Rosalyn Frazier, Community-Based Connections Inc. CEO Mikelange Olbel, Kathy Salerno, and Tim Curtin (Photo credit: Michael Murphy Photography) Local 10 Anchor/Reporter Aaron Maybin has been announced as the emcee (Photo courtesy of Local 10) Previous Next

Chrissy I-EECE Unveils “Frente A Frente” - A New Tropical Single Marking A New Chapter In Her Artistic Evolution South Florida Sun Times Jul 23, 2026 Media Force Global — Singer-Songwriter Chrissy I-EECE Announces The Release Of “Frente A Frente,” A New Tropical Single That Places Salsa At The Heart Of A Defining New Chapter In Her Career. Rooted In The Emotional Language Of Romantic Salsa And Shaped With A Contemporary Sensibility, The Track Marks A Return To Her Musical Foundations While Introducing A Fresh, Refined Sound For Today’s Latin Music Audience. Written by Chrissy Peña and produced by Adan Perez, “Frente a Frente” brings together a seasoned team of musicians and production professionals. The track was mixed and mastered by Eric Maldonado at Paris Studios, with background vocals by Madeline Benitez and Jancy Santiago. Percussion by Chino Ramos, brass arrangements by Charles Garcia, and trumpets by David Zabala give the single an elegant, fully realized tropical sound that honors the genre’s tradition while feeling distinctly current. Chrissy I-EECE first emerged in the late 1980s freestyle scene, building a catalog that established her as a distinctive voice within the Latin dance movement. She later expanded into salsa and tropical music, recording several productions that showcased her versatility. Her repertoire includes salsa interpretations of songs such as “Se Acabo,” made popular by La Lupe, as well as Latin reinterpretations of “Superstar,” “I Miss You,” and “Tonight I Celebrate My Love for You.” With “Frente a Frente,” Chrissy I-EECE enters a more introspective and artistically mature phase, guided by a deeper emotional connection with her audience. The song draws from love in its many dimensions: the joy of being in love, the ache of loss, and the longing to be loved. “I am always inspired by love in all its forms: being in love, losing love, or longing to be loved,” the artist said. “Frente a Frente comes from that profound feeling of loving and missing someone, from the desire to feel close to someone special again, even if only for a moment.” Over the course of her career, Chrissy I-EECE has collaborated with and shared stages alongside leading names in Latin music, including Marc Anthony and La India, as well as genre icons Tito Nieves, Tito Puente, and Tony Vega. She also recorded a bolero with American recording artist Christopher Williams, further underscoring the range and adaptability that have defined her musical path. Her professional connection with Marc Anthony dates back to the late 1980s, when both artists were represented by the same management company. During that period, they spent time in the studio and collaborated on various musical projects. In 1991, Anthony wrote and appeared on a track she recorded for Atlantic Records, which also featured background vocals by La India and George Lamond. The two later shared the stage in multiple performances and appeared in the film An East Side Story, alongside Danny Rivera and Iris Chacon. They would later become part of RMM Records, where in 1994 they were introduced as members of a new generation of salsa artists, a milestone moment in both of their careers. With the release of “Frente a Frente,” Chrissy I-EECE reaffirms her commitment to musical excellence and continues to position herself as a versatile artist whose work crosses genres and resonates with international audiences through authenticity, emotion, and craft. As part of this new chapter, she also completed a media tour in Puerto Rico, introducing the single across several media platforms and sharing the inspiration behind the project with key outlets and audiences on the island. About Chrissy I-EECE Chrissy I-EECE is a Latina singer and songwriter of Puerto Rican descent, born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx, with a career spanning more than three decades. She began in freestyle in the late 1980s, earning recognition for her powerful voice and emotionally driven performances. Over time, she evolved into tropical music, particularly salsa, developing a signature style that bridges classic influences with a contemporary point of view. Throughout her career, she has worked with influential figures in Latin music and has been part of key moments in the genre’s evolution, including her time with RMM Records, one of the labels instrumental in expanding salsa’s international reach during the 1990s. Her artistry is defined by authenticity, versatility, and a strong emotional connection with listeners. Today, Chrissy I-EECE continues to reinvent herself through projects that honor her roots while exploring new musical territory, reaffirming her place as a relevant and enduring voice in Latin music. Chrissy I-EECE Previous Next

Florida Attorney General Fights To Protect Women And Girls May 17, 2024 Share Attorney General Ashley Moody today led a coalition challenging the Biden Administration’s newly announced Title IX rule. Biden’s Department of Education recently unveiled new changes to Title IX seeking in part to redefine “sex” to include “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” despite decades of legal precedent stating otherwise. “We will not comply, and we will fight back. We are not going to let Joe Biden try to inject men into women’s activities. We are not going to let Joe Biden undermine the rights of parents and we are not going to let Joe Biden abuse his constitutional authority to try to impose these policies on us here in Florida,” vowed Gov. Ron DeSantis last week. Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Biden’s new Title IX rules shred protections for women—that so many fought for over decades. The idea that young girls can now legally be forced to undress in the same room with males in what is supposed to be a safe space like a locker room, that a young woman could be randomly assigned a roommate that is a biological male with little to no say over the matter, or that biological men would be eligible for women’s scholarships is ludicrous. To ensure safety and fairness, Florida will aggressively fight Biden who refuses to think through the real-world consequences before overhauling regulations.” Enacted in 1972, Title IX states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” As Attorney General Moody and the coalition referenced in the complaint, “At the time of enactment, no one doubted that the law’s use of ‘sex’ referred to biological sex. And all relevant indicators confirmed what everyone understood: ‘sex,’ as used in Title IX, means biological sex and does not include gender identity or sexual orientation.” The new rule references “limited circumstances” where sex discrimination is allowed. Noticeably absent from the list of “limited circumstances” is the regulation on separate bathrooms and locker rooms stated in 34 C.F.R. §106.33. The rules could also force female college students to share dorm rooms with biological males. The coalition, in reference to this absence, states, “Though the rule doesn’t expressly rescind §106.33, the Department says that its regulation is null and void. That regulation is not backed by a ‘statutory exception,’ the Department claims, and the Department ‘declines to adopt the Eleventh Circuit’s reasoning in Adams that the statutory carve out for living facilities’ justifies it… In other words, the rule declares §106.33 invalid without formally rescinding it and proclaims that excluding transgender or nonbinary students from using the bathroom or locker room of the opposite sex is illegal…” The coalition concludes in part by stating, “The challenged rule’s redefinition of 'sex' under 20 U.S.C. §1681 to include ‘gender identity’ and ‘sexual orientation’ is illegal. Courts must interpret a statute’s ‘words consistent with their ordinary meaning at the time Congress enacted the statute.’ There is no evidence from the time of Title IX’s enactment - and the Department offers none - to indicate that 'sex' referred to anything other than biological differences between males and females.” This would make sense in consideration of safety and fairness. The coalition is asking for the following relief: A declaration that the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act; vacatur; a stay of the rule’s effective date; a preliminary and permanent injunction barring enforcement of the rule in the plaintiff states; and any other relief that the court deems just and proper. Joining Attorney General Moody in the lawsuit are the attorneys general from Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. The attorneys general are also joined by the Independent Women’s Law Center, the Independent Women’s Network, Parents Defending Education and Speech First Inc. Read the full lawsuit at: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/title-ix-complaint-as-filed.pdf < Previous News Next News >

Police Department Deploys Drone As First Responder Program By www.sibfl.gov Sep 5, 2025 The City Of Sunny Isles Beach Police Department Is Proud To Announce That It Is The First Law Enforcement Agency In The State Of Florida To Implement A Fully Operational, Non-Beta Drone As First Responder (DFR) Program In Partnership With Skydio And Axon – Leaders In Autonomous Drone And Public Safety Technology. Through this cutting-edge program, the Department is deploying NDAA-compliant American-made Skydio X10 drones to enhance emergency response and improve situational awareness in real time. In addition, drone charging and deployment hives, known as “Docks,” will be strategically placed to enable officers to respond to most calls in less than 2 minutes, at any time, and in most weather conditions. The drones will be used in a variety of critical scenarios, including: • Searching for missing persons • Locating fleeing suspects and stolen vehicles • Monitoring large crowds and traffic • Assisting in medical emergency response Unlike traditional drone programs, the Skydio X10 can launch within 20 seconds, reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour, and provide live aerial footage directly to officers’ phones or computers – even beyond the line of sight, thanks to advanced autonomy and FAA authorization. The drones are equipped with thermal and infrared imaging, enabling officers to operate effectively in low visibility and at night. The program will be operated by the Department’s newly formed Drone Unit, whose members have all earned FAA Part 107 remote pilot certifications. The unit was created in line with strict compliance to federal regulations and city policy to ensure the ethical and safe use of drone technology in public safety. “This is an incredible addition to our public safety efforts,” said Chief Edward Santiago. "This new technology allows us to respond to emergencies faster, gain critical information before officers arrive on scene, and ultimately protect both the public and our officers more effectively.” The implementation of this program aligns with the City’s broader commitment to innovation, transparency, and community safety. Sunny Isles Beach leads a growing number of municipalities nationwide embracing drone technology as a force multiplier in modern policing. Previous Next

Neighbors say "Ole!": To Mermaid Queen Fine Mexican Dining on Hollywood Beach Wed May 31 2023 16:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)