The Most Wonderful Time of the Year… For Criminals Wed Dec 01 2021 05:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Next Years Holiday Playlist Is Here: Enjoy Some New Releases & Long Time Classics Before The Holiday Season Is Over Thu Dec 28 2023 17:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Aventura Park Hours Change For The Upcoming Season Fri Mar 10 2023 17:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Broward County Public Schools Needs You: Back-to-School Career Fair Takes Place Saturday, July 22 July 20, 2023 Share Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is hosting a Back-To-School Career Fair on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023, to help fill approximately 1,300 Job Openings across the District, including Teachers, School Counselors, Speech-Language Pathologists, Classroom/Teacher Assistants, Bus Drivers, Security Staff, Custodians, Food Service Workers and other positions. The Back-To-School Career Fair provides opportunities to meet with School Principals and District Staff to discover the many Career Paths available in BCPS. Qualified Candidates may be hired on the spot and offered Immediate Positions. The Back-To-School Career Fair takes place at Western High School, 1200 Southwest 136th Avenue, Davie, Florida 33325. Attendees should register online at: https://www.browardschools.com/Page/40958 and should also: bring multiple copies of their Resumé, prepare a list of questions to ask Principals, Supervisors and Human Resources Staff and be ready to discuss their Career Path Interests. School Representatives and District Departments will conduct interviews from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Positions will be offered on the spot, so applicants are encouraged to arrive early. Compensation & Benefits Not only do we offer a variety of Career Paths and Growth Opportunities, but Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) boasts a Robust Compensation Package in order to Recruit, Employ, Develop and retain a Highly Qualified Workforce. BCPS offers a variety of benefits to its employees including but not limited to: • Comprehensive Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability) with 100% of Employee ONLY Health Care paid by BCPS • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Free Professional Development • Education Incentives for Continuing Education and Professional Development • Florida State Pension Plan • Collective Bargaining & Union Membership • Sick Leave Bank • Perfect Attendance Incentives • For detailed information, visit the BCPS Benefits Website and BCPS Compensation Website Requirements Prior to beginning the Application Process, review the required information and documents you will need: dates of College attendance and Degree conferred, Transcripts confirming a Bachelor’s Degree or higher with a Graduation date (Official Transcripts may be required at time of hire), former Employers’/Principals’ names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and dates of employment, your Salary for each employer, a minimum of two (2) References, Professional Licensure and Credentials, current Resumé must be up-to-date and include all Work Experience with any gaps in employment indicated on the Application and DD-214 Form if claiming Veteran’s Preference. Learn more about the Back-to-School Career Fair at https://careers.browardschools.com About Broward County Public Schools Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest School District in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first Fully Accredited School System since 1962, serving more than 254,000 students and approximately 110,000 adult learners in 240 schools, centers and technical colleges, as well as 90 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 170 different countries and speaking 147 Languages. Learn more about the Back-to-School Career Fair at: www.careers.browardschools.com Or visit: www.browardschools.com “Educating all students to reach their highest potential.” < Previous News Next News >

A Dynamic Day Of Innovation In South Florida - Connecting The Brightest Minds In Startups, Technology And Investment South Florida Sun Times Apr 10, 2025 The World Of Startups And Technology Is Buzzing With New Ideas, Bold Visions And Relentless Innovation! As Industries Rapidly Evolve, There’s An Urgent Need To Connect The Brightest Minds—Founders, Investors And Professionals—To Foster Collaboration, Spark Creativity And Drive Growth. One Of The Most Highly Anticipated Events Of 2025 Is Poised To Do Just That: The 1st Annual Tech + Startups Community Conference. Set For May 1st, 2025, At The Miami Dade College Auditorium In Downtown Miami, This Landmark Gathering Will Bring Together Over 500 Entrepreneurs, Venture Capitalists And Tech Professionals For A Day Full Of Insightful Discussions, Networking Opportunities And Inspiration. It’s A Conference Designed To Spark New Ideas, Forge Game-Changing Partnerships And Elevate The Startup Ecosystem To New Heights. Since its inception in August 2023, the Tech + Startups Community has seen rapid growth. Born in the vibrant city of Miami, this community has expanded to over 12,000 members across 24 cities in 8 countries. Its mission is simple yet ambitious: to connect the brightest minds in startups, technology, and investment, creating a global ecosystem where innovation thrives. The conference on May 1st marks a major milestone for this fast-growing organization, providing a unique platform for the exchange of knowledge, strategies, and insights that will shape the future of the industry. “Miami is fast becoming a global hub for startups, technology and this conference reflects that shift,” said Denis Hiller, Founder and CEO of the Tech + Startups Community. “We’re bringing together innovators, investors and founders who are driving change in industries ranging from AI to FinTech. This event isn’t just about learning—it’s about making meaningful connections that can accelerate growth and spark the next big idea.” Cutting-Edge Insights From Industry Leaders One of the highlights of the Tech + Startups Community Conference is the opportunity to hear from industry trailblazers who have successfully scaled startups and revolutionized the tech landscape. With a focus on real, implementable strategies, the conference promises to deliver invaluable insights into what it takes to go from idea to success. Attendees will have the chance to hear from top venture capitalists and founders who’ve navigated the highs and lows of growing a business. These speakers have scaled companies from $0 to $10 Million and from $10 Million to $100 Million and they’re ready to share their secrets for success. Whether you're a startup founder looking to take your company to the next level or an investor searching for the next big opportunity, this event will offer practical advice that you can apply to your own journey. Fireside Chats with Leading Experts A key feature of the conference is its series of fireside chats, where top industry leaders will engage in candid, in-depth discussions on the most pressing topics in the world of startups, technology and investment. These sessions are designed to be highly interactive, offering attendees the chance to ask questions and gain deeper insights into the strategies that have shaped some of the most successful companies today. Sarah Pichardo, Corporate Venture Capitalist at PepsiCo, will lead a fireside chat on corporate venture capital opportunities. With corporate venture capital playing an increasingly important role in the startup ecosystem, Sarah’s experience in navigating the intersection of startups and large corporations will be invaluable for both entrepreneurs and investors looking to explore this avenue. Ryan Pruitt, Managing Director of Ocean Azul Partners and Richard Lavina, CEO & Co-Founder of Taxfyle, will engage in a discussion on FinTech innovation. As one of the most dynamic sectors in the tech world, FinTech is revolutionizing industries from banking to insurance and Ryan and Richard’s insights will shed light on how startups can leverage technology to disrupt traditional financial services. Another exciting fireside chat will feature Steve Mock, Head of Growth at Blumberg Capital, who will be joined by Nicolas Toro, Head of LatAm at Silicon Valley Bank, to discuss AI-driven Enterprise SaaS. The potential of artificial intelligence to drive enterprise software solutions is enormous, and this session will explore how startups can harness AI to scale their operations. Zach Rubin, Head of Growth at Traded, will delve into growth hacking trends, sharing insights into how startups can use innovative growth strategies to quickly scale their businesses in today’s competitive landscape. Lastly, Michaeljohn Green, Chief of Economic Development & Strategy at the Miami Downtown Development Authority, will be joined by Keeyan Ravanshid, Co-Founder of HODL Markets, to discuss why Miami is the place to be for startups. As a city that is rapidly becoming a global startup hub, Miami offers unique opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive and this session will provide valuable information for anyone considering setting up shop in the Magic City. $5,000 Startup Pitch Competition In addition to the rich content of the conference, attendees will also have the chance to witness the excitement of the $5,000 Startup Pitch Competition. Five lucky startups will present their projects to a panel of esteemed judges, with the winner taking home a grand prize of $5,000. This competition offers early-stage companies the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas in front of investors, potential partners and industry experts, giving them the exposure they need to take their business to the next level. Startups interested in participating in the pitch competition must submit their applications by April 11th, 2025. It’s a chance to gain invaluable feedback, secure funding and elevate your brand in front of a global audience. Networking Powerhouse One of the most powerful aspects of any conference is the opportunity to network and the Tech + Startups Community Conference offers an unparalleled chance to connect with the most influential people in the startup, tech and investment sectors. Whether you’re looking to forge partnerships, meet potential investors, or find collaborators for your next big project, this conference will provide the space to meet like-minded professionals who share your vision for the future. To add a little extra excitement, attendees will also have the chance to win a $500 prize drawing, courtesy of the event’s Gold Sponsors, Delta Airlines and LATAM Airlines. One lucky attendee will walk away with $500 in travel credit to use on their next adventure—whether that’s for business or pleasure. Previous Next

Puttshack Lights Up The Holidays Wed Dec 18 2024 17:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A New Era Begins At Chaya Aydel Seminary (CAS) Jewish Connection News Apr 23, 2026 A New Era Is Set To Begin At Chaya Aydel Seminary (CAS), With Mrs. Shana Wolf And Rabbi Shalom Wolf Serving As Its Directors. As Chaya Aydel Seminary of Hallandale, Florida prepares for its 25th year of excellence, exciting changes are underway. Rabbi Yossi Lebovics, Principal of CAS, has announced that beginning this fall—marking the start of the seminary’s 25th year—Mrs. Shana Wolf and Rabbi Shalom Wolf will assume their new roles as directors of the seminary. For the past six years, Mrs. Wolf has served as Assistant Principal, while Rabbi Wolf has been the Director of Development. Moving forward, they will take on a significantly expanded leadership role as directors of the seminary. “This is big news and an important milestone,” said Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus, Dean of the seminary and Head Shliach of Chabad of South Broward. “Shana was just a young girl when CAS opened its doors in 2002 and knows firsthand the impact the seminary has had on its students and the community.” “The next generation of CAS students will benefit from the fresh, youthful energy that Rabbi and Mrs. Wolf bring,” added Rabbi Moshe Schwartz, longtime Administrator of Chabad of South Broward and CAS. “Working with Shana and Shalom over the past six years has been a delight and has contributed greatly to the success of CAS,” said Rabbi Lebovics. “It is time for the Wolfs to take on an even greater leadership role as we enter the next stage of Chaya Aydel Seminary. I look forward to partnering with them for many years to come.” Mrs. Shana Wolf has contributed tremendously to the success of the seminary in recent years. She is available to students to discuss their progress and personal growth, both during their time in seminary and beyond, while ensuring that their physical and spiritual needs are met during this critical year of development and transformation. The Wolfs’ involvement has further strengthened the well-earned reputation of Chaya Aydel Seminary, which has, for decades, provided a wholesome seminary experience and an excellent education in a warm and caring environment. The CAS curriculum focuses on developing strong middos and essential life skills needed to lead a successful life as a Bas Chabad and a Jewish woman. Courses include Chumash, Sichos, Bayis Yehudi, daily Tanya, Maamorim, Inyonei Moshiach U’Geulah, Da Ma Shetashiv, Haftorah, Halacha, Jewish history, JLI, communication in life and marriage, educational psychology, and Shaar HaBitachon. Students receive seminary credits that can be applied toward college at the institution of their choice. The teachers at Chaya Aydel Seminary are exceptional, and students consistently look forward to their engaging and thoughtfully prepared lessons. Classes present Torah and Chassidus in a way that highlights the beauty of each concept, inspiring students to grow into proud Jewish women and Chabad chassidim. Care and attention extend beyond the classroom as well. Teachers, staff, and dedicated dorm counselors invest time and energy to support each student, offering guidance and assistance whenever needed. In addition to its outstanding academic program, Chaya Aydel Seminary offers meaningful extracurricular opportunities. Students participate in a special chesed program, assisting families and individuals in the rapidly growing Hallandale Beach Jewish community. The students also volunteer in the local Ben Gamla Charter School after-school program, as well as with Friendship Circle and CTeen, and have opportunities to teach in Hebrew schools, sharing the beauty of Torah and Chassidus with younger children. The seminary also offers exciting trips and activities, including visits to Universal Studios, the Everglades, and Key West, as well as programs featuring renowned guest speakers and interactive shiurim. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and develop their unique talents in service of their school and community. Rabbi Yossi Lebovics, Principal of Chaya Aydel Seminary, brings over 30 years of experience in education. He is a knowledgeable, honest, and compassionate mechanech who ensures that every student feels comfortable and supported at CAS. Rabbi Lebovics dedicates tremendous time and effort to ensuring the seminary runs smoothly and efficiently. The seminary is named after the late Mrs. Chaya Aydel Lebovics, a”h, a renowned and talented mechaneches from Montreal. She was the mother of Rabbi Lebovics and the older sister of Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus, Dean of the Seminary and Director of Chabad of South Broward. A limited number of spaces are still available for the 2026–2027 school year. For more information, visit: www.ChayaAydelSeminary.com . Or contact Rabbi Lebovics at: (954) 826-7979. Or Mrs. Shana Wolf at: (954) 589-8658. Previous Next

Get Motivated: Deive Leonardo Brings A Message Of Empowerment And Positivity May 16, 2023 Share Deive Leonardo is a Brazilian Writer, Speaker, and Influencer who has been making waves in the world of motivational speaking and self-improvement. On Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents will bring Leonardo to The Parker in Fort Lauderdale for a special event performed entirely in Portuguese. Leonardo's rise to fame began in 2013, when he started a YouTube Channel dedicated to sharing his thoughts on faith, personal growth, and spirituality. His honest, down-to-earth approach resonated with viewers, and soon his videos were receiving millions of views. Since then, Leonardo has become one of the most popular motivational speakers in Brazil, with a devoted following of fans who look to him for guidance and inspiration. His message is one of empowerment and positivity, and he encourages his listeners to take control of their lives and pursue their dreams with passion and determination. Leonardo's appearance at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale is a rare opportunity for Portuguese speakers in the area to see him live and in person. The event promises to be a dynamic and engaging evening, filled with insights and inspiration from one of Brazil's most popular and influential voices. For those who may not be familiar with Leonardo's work, the event is also a chance to learn more about the power of positive thinking and self-improvement. Leonardo's message is universal, and his appeal transcends language barriers and cultural differences. In addition to his work as a motivational speaker, Leonardo is also an accomplished Writer. He has authored several books on personal growth and spirituality, including "Live Lightly," "The Power of Words," and "The Path to Happiness." His writing is characterized by its straightforward, practical approach, and he offers readers practical tools and strategies for achieving their goals and living their best lives. Overall, the event featuring Deive Leonardo at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale promises to be a transformative and inspiring experience for all who attend. Whether you are a longtime fan of Leonardo's work or simply interested in learning more about personal growth and self-improvement, this is a unique opportunity to connect with one of Brazil's most dynamic and influential speakers. The event is sure to be a sell-out, so be sure to get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. And if you are a Portuguese speaker looking for a night of inspiration and motivation, there is no better place to be on Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 than The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, where Deive Leonardo will take the stage to share his wisdom and insights with all who are ready to hear them. Tickets Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com Or: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; in person at The Parker’s Box Office and The Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Tickets are $28.50-$39.50. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of The Broward Center For The Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The Performance Season at The Parker is supported by The Broward Performing Arts Foundation. < Previous News Next News >

KC and the Sunshine Band: It All Started Out As a "Dream" in Hialeah January 5, 2023 Share Whose music has been featured at EVERY major sporting event in the world including the Super Bowl, World Series, Conference Championships, The NBA, Collegiate Bowl Games National Championship Games, the NASCAR racing circuit and championships, The World Cup, The Indianapolis 500, The Kentucky Derby, EVERY Holiday Parade include the famous Macys Thanksgiving Day parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade, Political Party Conventions, Presidential Campaigns, and nearly EVERY wedding, confirmation, and bar mitzvah in the world? Whose music has been featured on more than 200 motion picture film soundtracks? The answer is, Harry Wayne Casey, better known as the founder and leader of KC and The Sunshine Band. The music that got people out of their seats and onto the dance floor originated with humble beginnings in Hialeah, Florida. KC has never moved farther than 10 miles away from his birthplace and the birthplace of his legendary music underlines the fact that he is proud that his "Sunshine Sound" has flourished continuously for over 37 years. "I remember that I always wanted to do something that would make people forget about their problems and be happy,” recalls KC. “I always loved music and I was fortunate enough to grow up in a multi-ethnic area that exposed me to a lot of different cultures and music...from Pop to Reggae to Latin. I experimented at trying to put all three types of music together and the Sunshine Sound was born. Why move from an area that not only do I love, but owe so much to?' Let's "rewind" back to 1973. The price of an average home was $32,500. The price of an average automobile was $2,900. The price of a gallon of gasoline was 40 cents a gallon. The United States was still involved in the Vietnam conflict, Richard Nixon was the target of the Watergate investigation, University Students were protesting and rioting, and there was discontent all over the world with rising unemployment and inflation. People were looking for something that would divert their attention from the negative aspects of everyday life surrounding them. During this time, young Harry Casey did anything and everything that he could do to further his passion for music. He worked at a local record store, opened boxes at Tone Record Distributors and hung around a local recording studio just hoping that somebody would give him a chance to fulfill his biggest dream...to record a record. That "dream" was answered by a man named Henry Stone who owned both Tone Distributors and TK Recording Studios. KC recalls the early days of TK Records: "It was like a big family and Henry was our Dad." Stone had recorded Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker and James Brown at the TK Recording Studios and took a liking to the energetic and optimistic Harry Casey and decided to give him a chance to make his dream come true...a chance to record. Nobody would have thought that Henry Stone's insight and Harry Casey's talent and enthusiasm would make history and make Miami, Florida the hottest music city on the planet. The "birth" of KC and the Sunshine band was about to happen and nobody knew that its birth would not only bring the world legendary music, but influence a whole generation. From clothing to hairstyles to dance styles to new acceptable words in the English language, KC and the Sunshine Band had arrived! And what an arrival! Four Number one Records in a row, Grammy Awards, Peoples Choice Awards, American Music Awards, and the focus of the music world became Miami, Florida. Things have changed drastically since 1973. One thing hasn't changed, though. The infectious, feel good happy music of KC and the Sunshine Band. What started out as a "dream" is now "legend." Their first record, BLOW YOUR WHISTLE, made the top 15 on the R&B chart. Their second album, KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND, was released in 1975, went triple platinum and contained the #1 hits GET DOWN TONIGHT, THAT’S THE WAY (I LIKE IT), BOOGIE SHOES and ROCK YOUR BABY. Also in 1975 he won the American Music Award for Best R&B Artist. KC & The Sunshine Band became the first act to score four #1 pop singles in one 12-month period since the Beatles in 1964. Three of those singles crossed over to become #1 R&B, as well. KC’s third album, PART 3, released in 1976, also went triple platinum and contained the #1 singles I’M YOUR BOOGIE MAN, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY and KEEP IT COMIN’ LOVE. The band’s string of hit singles continued with BOOGIE SHOES, which was included on the SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER soundtrack, PLEASE DON’T GO, and YES, I’M READY, a duet with high school friend Teri DeSario. He also received Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, as well as Producer of the Year in 1978 for his work on the SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER soundtrack. Harry Wayne Casey, a true icon of so many generations, gets people up and dancing, making everyone happy. His place at the top in the music world is secure and that is as it should be. KC and the Sunshine Band have been entertaining audiences around the world for over 37 years, and have sold in excess of 100 million records and "That's The Way They Like It" uh-huh uh-huh! KC and The Sunshine Band are still as widely popular today as they were when they first danced into the music scene so many years ago. KC and The Sunshine Band play more than 100 live shows annually, circling the country and playing dates regularly throughout Europe, Australia and South America. In 2008, KC celebrated 35 years of entertaining, writing songs, performing around the world and he has no intention of stopping. In 2002 KC received the coveted Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Dick Clark and music producer Michael Lloyd turned out to honor him. This particular honor represents the passion that KC has in writing music, implementing elements of various eras with his songs being a powerful signature from a passionate veteran craftsman. KC's music is now being sampled by rappers, and whole new generations of fans have been introduced to his music. So if you like to hear hear these hits, put in your BOOGIE SHOES because KC and The Sunshine Band are coming to Hollywood on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at: www.myhrl.com . Doors open one hour before show time. < Previous News Next News >

All Real Estate Is Local: Real Estate Market Indicators The Public Rarely Gets To See By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate November 23, 2023 Share Regularly, we see National Real Estate Media Coverage and hear the popular catchphrases of low inventory and high demand. Today we are outlining 3 "stealth" indicators of underlying local Real Estate market activity that are not readily available to the public. They may help provide a more local context and perspective to the generalized comments we hear almost daily about National Real Estate market conditions. Remember - All Real Estate is local. The 3 most revealing (in my opinion) indicators are actually sub-categories of Listing History: Days-On-Market (DOM), Price Changes (reductions and increases) and Listing Status changes. You have to ask your Real Estate Agent to provide Listing History details because they don't automatically show up on consumer-facing listings from the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or syndicated sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and others. Taking a look at Listing History can pull back the curtain on whether individual property listings are... • Selling relatively quickly or taking longer to go under contract • Closing near the original or the most recent asking price • Expiring without selling • Selling on the first accepted offer or going back to Active after having been Pending or Pending with Contingencies • Being relisted after Expired or Terminated status Why does any of this matter? Because it is very important for potential buyers (and existing property owners) to understand the dynamics that affect local market conditions and anticipated property values. National market observations may or may not apply to your neighborhood or community. Not only is all Real Estate local, it is also dependent on a specific time window of market activity. Conclusions drawn from what happened a month or 2 ago may no longer be valid for a specific area, neighborhood, or community's current market conditions. Looking at Listing History provides insights that may not be available from the usual sources of market information. Days-On-Market (DOM) This is the number of days since the listing first went Active in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Shorter DOM indicates a fresher listing, longer DOM might indicate reduced interest, too high of an asking price, or just a general slowing of the local market. An individual property's DOM is most useful when viewed relative to that of other properties or communities. When looking at market comps, be sure to ask for their Listing History too. Local DOM numbers can either reinforce or contradict National Real Estate Media Commentary. Price Reductions Taking a look at a property's asking price reductions since it first hit the market can give a hint as to whether it was originally priced too high, or maybe the sellers are becoming more "motivated" the longer it sits on the market. Sometimes a reduced asking price is featured in marketing to attract more potential buyers, sometimes price drops are not mentioned because it might cause potential buyers to feel the property was over-priced to begin with. There are even times when you will see price increases for properties that have been on the market awhile. (I am not making this up.) The motivation and logic for this are unclear, though it always sends the wrong message when potential buyers see price increases in Listing History. Listing Status Changes The different MLS categories for Listing Status are usually: • Active - available for purchase • Pending - under contract to a specific buyer • Pending with Contingencies - under contract subject to Inspection, Financing, Appraisal, or other Contingency • Expired - listing period has ended without a sale, property is no longer shown as available on MLS or syndicated sites • Withdrawn - temporarily removed from Active status, may return at a later date • Back-on-market - Active again after being Pending or Withdrawn • Terminated - no longer offered for sale through the MLS • Closed/Sold - a completed and recorded sale to a new owner When viewing Listing History, it is a good idea to notice where in the DOM calendar any status changes occurred. Even more important is to notice "backward" changes from one status to another. Examples of backward transaction progress might be: • Pending back to Active (was under contract, then something changed) • Pending with Contingencies back to Active (ask what the contingency was) • Expired back to relisted Active (by the same or a different agent) • Terminated back to relisted Active (by the same or a different agent) There is even a 4th part of Listing History that is important to watch on Closed sales. That is the relationship between initial (original) asking price and eventual Sold price. You can also take a look at the Sold price compared to the most recent (possibly reduced) asking price. As a buyer, when you find a property that interests you enough to submit an offer, ask your Real Estate Agent to show you the property's Listing History and discuss the details with you. Compare the individual property's Listing History with that of similar properties in the surrounding area, neighborhood, or community. And when a property comes through as a "New Listing," be sure to check previous Listing History. Expired and Terminated listings are often categorized as New when re-listed in the MLS. As a seller considering putting your house or condo on the market, ask your Listing Agent to prepare an overview of your neighborhood, area, or community's Listing History details for the past few months from the MLS. Doing this can help establish reasonable expectations for your own upcoming sale. The details in a property's Listing History provide the best insight when viewed in relation to those of comparable properties in the local area or community. When doing a Listing History study for comps, include all Listing Status categories in order to get the full picture. Reviewing The Basics In Today's Article Listing History provides another layer of information to all the other research buyers should be doing when considering making an offer on a house or condo they like. It can also give sellers more market background when deciding on a realistic asking price and how long they might expect their sale to take. Listing History details do not automatically appear on feeds you receive from a local MLS or when viewing listings on syndicated real estate sites. You have to ask your Real Estate a Agent to provide them for you. Remember - All Real Estate is local. Don't assume that national Real Estate Trends and statistics you see on the evening news automatically apply to your local town, neighborhood, or community. Real Estate activity in your own little corner of the world is best analyzed and interpreted through local indicators, trends, and comparable property sales. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com < Previous News Next News >

Do Condo Board Presidents Have More Power Than Vice-Presidents? By Christopher Carter - Real Estate Broker Associate May 2, 2024 Share This question represents one of the more misunderstood topics in Florida Condo and Homeowners Associations. Residential Associations elect Boards of Directors to represent the property owners in overseeing and managing the Association's operation, finances, and maintenance of its common areas. Owners are often unsure about the authority, duties, and responsibilities that attach to individual Directors. Quite often, the actions and behavior of the Board members themselves raise even more questions among owners in the building or community. In Florida, there are 2 separate entities involved when organizing residential Condominium Associations and HOAs: Association - All individual unit/property owners are members Corporation - a not-for-profit entity created so the Association can conduct business, enter into contracts, maintain financial accounts, pay bills The Association's Board of Directors is elected by owner-members at a properly-conducted election, while the Corporation's Officers are decided by the Board of Directors themselves without an owner vote. The annual election in your Association is to elect candidates to open seats on the Board, NOT to a position within the Board. In Florida, COA and HOA Boards must follow what is in the Condominium Act (FS 718) or the Homeowners Association Act (FS 720), Chapter 617 (Corporations Not for Profit) AND their own Governing Documents. The ByLaws section of Governing Documents covers Officer authorities and duties. As the Association's "Executive Branch," the Board collectively votes on all decisions pertaining to Association business. Some legal and financial matters require an owner vote, though most operational decisions can be made with just a Board vote. A simpler way to understand the difference might be: Director is an elected position which includes overseeing operation of the Association. Each Director has the exact same authority and "power" when it comes to Association business operations. The Board of Directors makes decisions as a group for the benefit of the entire Association. Officer refers to a job description within the Board. Effectively operating a residential Owners Association requires the distribution and delegation of administrative duties. In most Florida COAs and HOAs, Directors are also Officers, though an Officer's job description cannot conflict with (or expand) her or his shared authority as a Director. Many Florida COAs and HOAs run into trouble when an Officer assumes that her or his position on the Board confers more power than it really does. Accepting an Association Officer position places specific duties on an elected Director, without adding any additional authority or power. Deciding which Director will take which Officer job occurs at the organizational Board meeting held immediately after an election. When a Board of Directors seat becomes vacant due to a resignation mid-term, the Board is empowered to appoint a new Director to serve out the resigned Director's remaining term. In this case, the newly appointed Director's duties as an Officer are usually decided at the next scheduled Board meeting. In a Florida residential COA or HOA, a property owner can be an Association Member, Director, and Officer - all at the same time. Keep in mind that immediately upon taking a position on the Board, each Director accepts a fiduciary duty and responsibility to all Association members. Fiduciary duty applies to that person's activities as a Director and an Officer. My previous article on fiduciary duty goes further on this: Fiduciary Duty - Mandatory For Florida Condo & HOA Board Members (thefloridarealestateblog.com) Florida residential Owners Association Boards usually include these Officers: President - leader of the Board and spokesperson for the Association; conducts Board meetings as chairperson; signs Association checks and contracts with vendors; direct contact person for the Association's management company. Some Board Presidents are considered CEOs (Chief Executive Officers), meaning they make sure the Board's collective decisions are executed properly. Vice-President - steps in when the President is not present or unable to participate; assists the President and Board by handling a wide variety of duties contributing to Association operation Treasurer - monitors monthly financial statements, income and expenses; prepares initial draft of the Association's annual budget for Board discussion and eventual approval; keeps track of YTD expenses in relation to budgeted amounts; delivers a financial report at Board meetings; makes sure the annual Deferred Maintenance Schedule is financially on track with the most recent Reserve Study. Secretary - records the proceedings (minutes) of Board and Owners meetings; submits them to the entire Board for approval; supervises communication with all owners. Director At-Large - a Director who does not hold one of the above jobs. Many Florida COA and HOA Boards have 5 Directors, though only 4 named Officer positions. Most Governing Docs contain provisions that with Board approval, another Director may perform another Officer's duties when needed. Example - a Director-At-Large may take over the duties of a Treasurer who is undergoing medical treatment. Remember the difference between a Director and an Officer. All Directors have the same level of authority and power. All decisions must be made by the Board as a group. Unfortunately for the affected owner-members, some Directors of Florida residential COAs and HOAs have attempted to increase Officers' powers within the Association. This has usually been accomplished through owners allowing questionable or improper Board behavior to become accepted practice. Boards have even been known to pursue amending Governing Docs to give Directors and/or Officers more power, which can be pushed through when not enough owners get involved with Association business. That's it for this week, a quick outline and overview of how Owners Association Boards are structured and how they distribute the workload among themselves. To answer our headline question: No, Condo and HOA Board Presidents do not have any more power than the other Officers. They have a different job than the others, though no more power. Remember - the keys to owning and living in a Florida residential Owners Association are education and participation. Learn all you can about your Association so you can participate in the business of running it. Editor's Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney. Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com < Previous News Next News >

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