Tomas Lopez September 22, 1929 - May 30, 2025 Aventura Digest Jun 18, 2025 Tomas Lopez, Devoted Husband, Loving Father, Grandfather And Great Grandfather, Passed Away Peacefully At His Home On Friday, May 30, 2025, At The Age Of 95. Born In Havana, Cuba, On September 22, 1929, Tomas Was The Fourth And Youngest Son Of Josefa And Celestino Lopez. Always a curious child with a strong intellect, Tomas ventured to Venezuela in his early 20s to visit his older brother. Upon his return to Cuba, he met Haydee Arencibia. They married on February 27, 1953. Tomas and Haydee and their four children left Cuba and immigrated to America in 1969 for a better life. With his engaging personality and witty sense of humor, Tomas made many friends in New Jersey and later in Florida. Through hard work and diligence, he owned his own business for many years. His greatest joy was spending time with his growing family. After 71 years of marriage, Tomas lost his beloved wife, Haydee in 2024. His parents predeceased him, as did his brothers, Celestino, Manuel and Ramon. Tomas is survived by his adoring children, daughter Rosa (Jesus) Ruiz, son Tomas (Stacey) Lopez, daughter Susana (Darryl) Farquhar, son Juan Lopez. He leaves behind grandchildren Jennifer (Martin) Mennicke, Jessica (Ryan) Chalmers, Jaclyn (Andrew) Witmer, Julia (Adam) Finkelstein, Isabel (Mac) Ahsler, Joshua Lopez, Stephanie (Hunter) Mills, Benjamin Farquhar, Sabrina Lopez. Tomas will be missed by his eight great grandchildren, Riley, Mason, Hadley, Anderson, Layla, Parker, Stella, Rowan. A private family service was held to honor Tomas. He will be dearly missed but his legacy will live on in his growing family and they will hold his loving memory in their hearts. Services were held at All Faiths Memorial Park 1390 Park Drive, Casselberry, Florida 32707. Tomas Lopez - September 22, 1929 - May 30, 2025 Previous Next

Keeping An Eye On Tallahassee - The Biggest Threat To Our Communities The Notion Of Reducing Or Eliminating Property Taxes By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Feb 11, 2026 It Is Official, We Are In The Middle Of Florida’s Legislative Session. Over The Years, As A Municipal Elected Official, I Have Learned To Wait To See What Bills Will Pass And What Will Fail. I Learned A Good Lesson From A Former State Legislator Who Worked Hard To Kill Bad Bills. So Many Ideas Brought Forward That Simply Do Not Help Create A Stronger Florida. They Erode Home Rules And Create Unfunded Mandates. This year, over 1,200 Bills have been filed. I can think of many in the past years that should have never made it out of committee let alone become law. Deregulation of Vacation Rentals is a big one. It is not that they are bad, they simply do not belong everywhere. Local control was removed and now we are all dealing with the fallout. Another is allowing at home businesses that bring customers into residential neighborhoods. While people may think what a great idea. This has to be great for businesses, but not for neighbors with a business next door with employees and customers coming and going. The state also continues to remove local control when it comes to Development and Redevelopment. Live Local is a big one. It has changed the landscape of our communities. Property owners can build up to 90 units per acre so long as 40% is affordable. It also provides the height can be as high as the closest building within 3/4 of a mile or capped at 10 stories. The other side of this is there is a need for affordable housing to be created. This year, the biggest threat to our communities is the notion of reducing or eliminating Property Taxes. There are to date over 8 Bills proposed on this issue alone. The reality is the state does not collect Property Taxes. Property Taxes are collected by local governments to provide services. Cities around the state rely on property taxes for vital services. The false narrative being created for political points and future runs for higher office will adversely impact every community. Some communities more than others. The reality is nothing is free. If you want safe livable communities, it costs money. These are a few Bills to watch. AI Bill moving that will protect minors but also does not allow local government renewal of some AI contracts. There is a Bill for Drug Price Transparency, but it does not seem to touch or cap prices. There is a Bill to regulate certain Medical and Paramedic Licensing. There is another proposal to further erode local control over land use. Of particular interest is cutting our ability for Impact Fees and Denial of Applications. There is a proposal once again to repeal some No-Fault Insurance Coverage. I call these Insurance Company Relief Bills guised as help for motorists. There is a Bill to allow Medicare Provider Networks to negotiate mutually accepted rates for payments and reimbursement under Medicaid, it also provides for rate payments to dentists. So, while we are halfway through, you can see what takes place in Tallahassee will have overreaching implications. We will be following the Property Tax Issue very closely. In the coming weeks, we will be hosting a Town Hall to share how these various proposals could impact our City. We will also discuss how the Lost Revenues may be made up in the form of Direct Fees. Again, there is not one thing that is FREE! We must provide Police, Fire, EMS, Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Services. Code Enforcement and Building Safety are also vital. The free trip to parks may end up being all fee-based as well. 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

Historic Home Re-Opens: The Newly Renovated Home Is Now The Historical Society and Museum Of Dania Beach South Florida Sun Times Feb 27, 2025 The extensive renovation of Dania Beach’s historic 20th century Colonial Revival Nyberg-Swanson house is complete. The re-opening ceremony held this past Tuesday, February 25th, at 5:00 p.m., located at 102 West Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, Florida, 33004, in the city’s downtown arts district. The historic home has a new and /or improved roof, masonry, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, landscaping, paint, windows and doors, HVAC, floors, and information technology Infrastructure. The $1,245,053.18 renovation cost was covered by funds made available through the American Rescue Plan. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Nyberg-Swanson house once stood at the corner of U.S. 1 and Stirling Road. It served as the multigenerational home of Dania Beach settlers until 1975 when it was adapted as a hair salon. To save the house from destruction in the 1990s, the homeowner and the City of Dania Beach cooperated to relocate the structure to its present location at 102 West Dania Beach Boulevard. The home was the temporary home of city administrative offices and the Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce over the years, while undergoing several repairs. The recent renovation was the most significant and brought the home up to today’s building standards. Historical Significance The Nyberg-Swanson House was constructed in the Park Hill subdivision, a ten-acre tract that had been acquired about 1905 by Jena and Kjerstine Eskilsen, residents of Cook County, Illinois, and representatives of the Dania Beach Brotherhood of America. The Eskilsens apparently did not reside in Dania Beach. As early investors and developers of Dania Beach real estate, they opened Eskilsen’s Addition to Dania Beach ca. 1904 on the north end of Henry Flagler’s Modelo town plan. In August 1911, they sold their ten-acre tract in section three to settlers Charles and Olive Nelson. In May 1912, Charles Nelson hired Civil Engineer Charles Pratt to subdivide the ten acres for residential development. The subdivision lay at the south end of the Dania Beach town plan and west of South Federal Highway. Nelson recorded the plat, named Park Hill, on October 12, 1912. It consisted of nearly 100 building lots and a small central park. Shortly after plating the subdivision, Nelson constructed the masonry dwellings, which originally faced Chicago Avenue, now called Federal Highway. Immediately to the north lay Denmark Street, now Southeast 2 Street. By 1924, three additional masonry houses had been built in the Park Hill subdivision, none of which remain standing. Nelson had immigrated to the United States from Denmark in 1896. He was among the first Scandinavian settlers in Dania Beach. Between 1904 and 1917 he acquired numerous town lots and farm parcels and operated a truck farm. He was elected to the Dania Beach town council, serving one term (1914-1915). His wife, Olive, helped organize the Dania Beach Civic Improvement Club in 1913 and served as its first secretary. In 1917 the Nelsons sold their home to Carl Gustaf and Emmy Nyberg for $4,700 and apparently left the area. Carl Gustaf Nyberg, known popularly as “Gust,” arrived in Dania Beach around 1901 and was joined by Emmy in 1907. Between 1907 and 1911, Gust acquired approximately 100 acres of farmland surrounding Dania Beach and town lots in the city from the Florida East Coast Railway’s Model Land Company and from several early Dania Beach settlers. In 1906, he acquired a two-story house at 125 South Federal Highway in lot 16, block 25 of the Modelo town plan, where they resided for approximately a decade. He became a successful farmer and in 1911 leased a fourteen-foot by sixty-foot lot next to the Florida East Coast Railway tracks. On the site, he built a packing house, which was one of eleven packing houses located on the east side of the tracks between Dania Beach Boulevard and Northwest 2nd Street. He served one term (1912-1913) on the Dania Beach town council. In December 1918, about eighteen months after acquiring the house, Gust was killed when his automobile was struck by a Florida East Coast Railway train at the Stirling Road crossing, just two blocks west of his home. The Ft. Lauderdale Sentinel reported that the car was completely wrecked and Nyberg died within minutes of the crash. Nyberg was survived by his wife and two children, five-year-old Ellen and two-year-old Viola. His estate was appraised at $18,500, including 400 acres of farmland. Emmy continued to operate the truck farm and packing house. About 1921 she married Richard Swanson, a native of Sweden who had immigrated to the United States in 1906 and had been naturalized as a citizen in 1915, about the time of his arrival in Dania Beach. Richard and Emmy Swanson continued to operate the truck farm and packing house. Swanson developed a partnership with Ira C. Williams and operated the farm and packing house under the name Swanson and Williams Company. During the 1920’s, Richard and Emmy speculated in real estate. About 1923, Emmy and her daughter, Ellen Stoinoff, developed Nyberg Apartments, a two-story masonry building located at 107 North Federal Highway in Dania Beach. Ellen managed the property. Richard Swanson opened a real estate business about 1926. Swanson’s success as a farmer and businessman spilled over into politics. In November 1929 he won a seat on the town council and was re-elected several times, serving one-year terms between 1931 and 1935. During this period, Swanson expanded his family interest with Ira Williams, and by 1940 the partners had added a fruit packing house along the railroad tracks. Emmy prospered from her investments and farm operations. She died in May 1945, leaving an estate of $97,229.27, including $35,000 in cash, bonds, and certificates. Richard Swanson and his descendants continued to reside in the dwelling until 1975. The building was then adapted for use as a hair styling salon, a purpose it served until the 1990’s when the property was purchased for the construction of a new commercial building. To save the house from destruction, the owner and the City of Dania Beach cooperated to relocate the structure to its present location. The LaPlant-Adair Company of Boynton Beach, recipient of an award from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation for its part in preserving Sea Gull Cottage in Palm Beach, moved the Nyberg-Swanson House to its present site in 1994. For several years, the City used it as city administrative offices. In 2000, it became the temporary home of the Greater Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce. In the late 1990’s, a grant from the Florida Bureau of Historic Resources helped pay for the restoration of the exterior; another such grant provided funds for the interior restoration that were completed in July of 2004. In 2025, a major restoration was completed that included a roof, electrical, plumbing, and technology Infrastructure. Architectural Significance The Nyberg-Swanson House is a good, local example of early 20th century Colonial Revival architecture in Dania Beach and Broward County. The Building, a rectangular structure with a hipped-roof, consists of 1-1/2 stories, with a one-story, fully width veranda supported by classical columns. It is unusual in its use of rusticated concrete blocks instead of the more familiar brick or weatherboard characteristic of Colonial Revival architecture. Colonial Revival features include wooden Tuscan columns on the veranda and the small pedimented entrance portico. Other defining features are the classical serliana that separates the foyer from the dining room, the oval-shaped, beveled glass light in the main entrance door, and the delicate spindle balusters of the staircase found in the foyer. The Nyberg-Swanson House is one of two surviving examples of the use of rusticated concrete block construction in the City of Dania Beach. The house is also notable for its large, hipped dormers and for its use of metal shingles as a roofing material, which was popular in South Florida during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The 18+1/1-light windows are another unusual detail, probably derived from the vocabulary of Queen Anne architecture. The next historic Dania Beach structure to undergo renovations will be the Dania Beach Woman’s Club, which is next door to the Nyberg-Swanson house. Previous Next

An Exciting Three Months Ahead At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center South Florida Sun Times Aug 20, 2025 The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center (AACC) Kicks Off Its 15th Anniversary Season, Celebrating A Legacy Of Enriching The Vibrant Community Of Aventura, Known As The City Of Excellence. Since Opening Its Doors, The Aacc Has Welcomed More Than 375,000 Guests And Presented 437 Sold-Out Performances, Becoming A Cultural Cornerstone In South Florida. With A Commitment To Inclusivity And Diversity, Its Programming Has Included Sensory-Friendly Experiences And Multilingual Performances In Spanish, French, Arabic, Turkish And Haitian Creole. As It Enters This Milestone Year, The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Continues To Elevate Aventura’s Cultural, Educational, Institutional And Artistic Landscape, Promising A Season Filled With Exciting, Unforgettable Moments In One Of The City’s Most Cherished Spaces. Havana Night with Salsabor All Stars Saturday, September 13th at 8:00 p.m. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center concludes the 2024/2025 Season with the final show in the Aventura Summer Concert Series with Havana Night with Salsabor All Stars presented by the City of Aventura on Saturday, September 13th at 8:00 p.m. It will be an electrifying night of live Cuban music as Salsabor All Stars ignite the stage with the spirit of Havana. This dynamic, 15-piece South Florida based ensemble delivers an unforgettable tribute to Cuba's rich and vibrant musical heritage. The audience will be swept away by the infectious rhythms of salsa, son Cubano, mambo and more as 12 talented musicians and three powerhouse vocalists bring the golden era of Latin music to life. "Havana Night" is an exhilarating celebration of Cuban passion, culture and rhythm. Doctor My Eyes - A Tribute to Jackson Browne Friday, October 10th at 8:00 p.m. Hayden Greyson presents Doctor My Eyes - A Tribute to Jackson Browne on Friday, October 10th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Don’t miss the world's most passionate salute to the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with a lead singer who not only looks like Jackson Browne did in the '70s but sounds and emotes just like Browne. Audience toes will tap into earthshaking hits including “Doctor My Eyes,” “The Pretender,” “Running on Empty,” “Here Come Those Tears Again,” “Somebody's Baby, Take It Easy,” “That Girl Could Sing,” “Tender is the Night,” “Stay” and more, and hearts will melt to beloved ballads like “Late for the Sky.” Doctor My Eyes – A Tribute to Jackson Browne includes a full all-star band with a Latin Grammy-winning producer, harmony vocals a la Rosemary Butler and Bonnie Raitt, and the sounds of the lap steel and slide guitar made famous by David Lindley. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: Program I: Firebird - Classical and Neoclassical Ballets Saturday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida opens its 2025-2026 Season with a dynamic evening of classical and neoclassical works, ABT Program I: Firebird - Classical and Neoclassical Ballets on Saturday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The program begins with “Glinka Suite Fantastique” by Vladimir Issaev, a stylish neoclassical piece for a small ensemble that showcases technical brilliance and musicality. Next is the elegant “Talisman Pas de Deux,” a classical gem set in mythological India, followed by Vicente Nebrada’s vibrant “Double Clef,” where 13 couples—each representing a different musical instrument or orchestra section—bring Benjamin Britten’s score to life. The evening culminates with Issaev’s spectacular “Firebird,” a magical tale of love and triumph set to Stravinsky’s thrilling music. Featuring dazzling costumes, new sets, and special effects, Firebird is a feast for the senses and a triumphant finale to a remarkable performance. This performance also features a free 30-minute pre-show discussion for all patrons inside the theater. VIP tickets are also available for this show, which include preferred seating and one drink voucher per ticket. Arts Ballet Theatre maintains a very strict late seating policy. Please arrive early as latecomers will not be admitted until intermission. Migguel Anggelo's Icons: Celia Cruz Saturday, October 18th at 8:00 p.m. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center kicks off its 15th Anniversary Season as the City of Aventura presents the second installment of Migguel Anggelo’s episodic concert series, Icons, highlighting artists who break barriers, challenge norms and inspire the audience to see themselves and the world in new ways and also celebrate the legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz in honor of her 100th birthday year. Migguel Anggelo's Icons: Celia Cruz lights up the stage at the Aventura Arts & Culture Center on Saturday, October 18th at 8:00 p.m. Directed The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center kicks off its 15th Anniversary Season as the City of Aventura presents the second installment of Migguel Anggelo’s episodic concert series, Icons, highlighting artists who break barriers, challenge norms and inspire the audience to see themselves and the world in new ways and also celebrate the legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz in honor of her 100th birthday year. Migguel Anggelo's Icons: Celia Cruz lights up the stage at the Aventura Arts & Culture Center on Saturday, October 18th at 8:00 p.m. Directed and developed by Adrian Alea, led by Musical Director Jaime Lozano and backed by an all-star lineup of live musicians and local special guest performers, this concert pays tribute to the “Queen of Salsa” and delves into themes of Latin cultural identity, resilience and the transformative power of music. Joshua Kane performs: Gothic at Midnight: An Evening of Hilarity and Horror! Friday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m. Get in the spooky spirit just in time for Halloween with this one-man show as Joshua Kane performs: Gothic at Midnight: An Evening of Hilarity and Horror!, presented by the City of Aventura, on Friday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The Demons of Darkness have come to Aventura for an evening of ghostly and ghastly tales. Experience a roller coaster ride of terror and laughter as New York City-based actor Joshua Kane populates the stage with unforgettable characters. Inspired by the old-time radio dramas of Orson Welles and Vincent Price, Kane bewitches audiences with a devilish sense of fun and whimsy. Drawing from the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, Ambrose Bierce and other classic creepsters, Kane "amuses you with his antics, frightens you with his intensity and charms you with his tales of the fantastic," according to The Charleston City Paper. This show is recommended for audiences ages 10 and older. Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute featuring Debbie Taylor Saturday, October 25th at 8:00 p.m. Back by popular demand, Debbie Taylor and her seven-piece band bring “It’s Yesterday Once More” with the unforgettable, exquisite music of The Carpenters when Debbie Taylor and Paul Stewart present Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute featuring Debbie Taylor in this return engagement at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday, October 25th at 8:00 p.m. This very talented and accomplished group of musicians brings to life the most authentic versions of the songs. The warmth and tone of Taylor’s vocals are so reminiscent of Karen Carpenter, audiences will think they're listening to Karen herself. The ensemble performs many memorable hits including "We've Only Just Begun," "Close to You" and "Rainy Days and Mondays" and is a must see for any and all Carpenters fans. This show sold out seven times since 2017, only missing 2020 due to the pandemic. Cronica de un suceso (Chronicle of a Time that Was) Saturday, November 1st at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 p.m. The City of Aventura is proud to partner with FUNDarte to bring the dynamic dance performance of Crónica de un suceso (Chronicle of a Time that Was) to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center as part of FUNDarte's annual FL.Flamencos series, co-presented with the Miami-Dade County Auditorium, on Saturday, November 1st at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 p.m. Produced by Spain Flamenco Arts and created and choreographed by Rafael Ramírez, Crónica de un suceso is an examination and celebration of famed flamenco dancer and choreographer Antonio Gades who lived from 1936 to 2004. Gades stands out as an artist, a beacon, a unifying thread and an undeniable protagonist. Now his dedicated observers aspire to draw him closer in each one of their performances. Gades is revered for evolving flamenco into what it is today. He is the personification of a time that was Crónica de un suceso. However, this production is not a biographical account nor an attempt to imitate Antonio Gades. Rather, it evokes key turning points along his remarkable path, where the language of flamenco dance transcends boundaries and evolves into a powerful expression of the avant-garde. Rafael Ramírez has performed with many dance companies including Antonia Andrade, Carmen Mota, David Coria, Rafaela Carrasco and María Pagés. He is also a featured artist at tablaos (flamenco venues) throughout Spain such as the El Corral de la Morería in Madrid. New World Dance Ensemble Friday, November 7th at 8:00 p.m. This year's performance by the outstanding New World Dance Ensemble on Friday, November 7th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is a dynamic program of the work of today's most interesting and evocative choreographers. This annual performance of dance is one audiences won't want to miss! South Florida Legends: Absolute Queen, The Tribute Sunday, November 9th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. South Florida Legends presents a rocking performance of Absolute Queen, The Tribute on Sunday, November 9th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Featuring all of the songs from the Oscar winning movie “Bohemian Rhapsody” plus additional hits, the band has spent hundreds of hours in the studio studying Queen's many layered harmony vocals and instrumentation to deliver an authentic sounding Queen experience that includes projections of Queen, a 20,000-watt lighting show, eight wide beam laser lights and more. Hot Brass Band: Chicago Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Friday, November 14th at 8:00 p.m. Debbie Pierce Music presents the ultimate fusion of Rock and Funk with Hot Brass Band: Chicago Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute on Friday, November 14th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The audience will enjoy the iconic melodies that defined an era. Led by female Saxophonist Debbie Pierce, this show features four dynamic lead vocalists, a sizzlin’ horn section and a rock-solid rhythm section. The audience can shout “Let's Groove" along with Hot Brass to funky songs like "September" and "Boogie Wonderland," rock out to "25 or 6 to 4" and "Make Me Smile" or take a trip down memory lane with "Colour My World." The band is comprised of members who have toured and recorded with some of the biggest names in the music business, including J-Lo, Gloria Estefan, Phil Collins, Jon Secada and George Benson. Terry Barber’s Broadway Review Saturday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Fans of Broadway are invited to experience an unforgettable evening of iconic show tunes from Andrew Lloyd Webber and many more during Terry Barber’s Broadway Review, presented by Valley Bank and co-promoted by Artists for a Cause, Inc., on Saturday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. This powerhouse performance features beloved songs from "Cats," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Evita," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Les Misérables," "Chicago," "Hamilton," "The Phantom of the Opera" and more. Miss this epic concert, and disappointment may linger like the Phantom himself. A former member of the Grammy Award-winning group Chanticleer, Barber has appeared as a soloist at premier venues worldwide from the Metropolitan Opera to Moscow’s Svetlanov Hall. His most recent recording was considered for eight Grammy nominations. "Barber has star quality," wrote the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Co-starring is Shelly Keelor, a Silver Palm and Carbonell Award-winning international actor and vocalist. Keelor has starred in leading roles including Snow White in "Disenchanted," Trish in "Kinky Boots" and the Beggar Woman in "Sweeney Todd." The concert features a chamber orchestra of world-class musicians and guest artists from Preston Contemporary Dance Theatre. A Tribute to Michael Bublé & Beyond: The Black Tie Optional Show Thursday, November 20th at 7:30 p.m. Step into a world of timeless sophistication and soul-stirring melodies. A Tribute to Michael Buble & Beyond: The Black Tie Optional Show is a spellbinding evening that transports audiences through the golden eras of American music, seamlessly blending the charm of yesterday’s classics with the spirit of today’s swing and soul. Don’t miss this dazzling performance on Thursday, November 20th at 7:30 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Starring German-born crooner Kerst J. Lehmann, whose warm, captivating voice puts a fresh yet nostalgic spin on songs made famous by Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Al Green, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder and others. With style and sincerity, Kerst invites listeners on a journey through jazz standards, Motown gems and vintage pop favorites—each performance filled with elegance, heart and charisma. He’s joined on stage by a seven-piece band of masterful musicians. Their chemistry and class aren’t just heard—they’re felt. Together, they create a show that’s not only musically impressive, but emotionally resonant, dynamic and deeply entertaining. Kerst’s love of performance runs deep. With his childhood shaped by his grandparents, renowned operetta performers, music was woven into his upbringing. Inspired by the great American voices that crossed the Atlantic, Kerst followed his passion to Florida in his early twenties—bringing his family’s legacy to a new stage and a new audience. More than just a tribute to one artist, The Black Tie Optional Show is a celebration of style, sentiment, and song. It’s a charming, intimate, and thoroughly spellbinding production for anyone who yearns for the romance of a bygone era—but with a modern, soulful twist. Dress to impress—or don’t. Just come ready to be swept away. Tammy Pescatelli Friday, November 21st at 8:00 p.m. The 2025/2026 Aventura Comedy Series kicks off with arguably one of the hardest-working women in comedy today, Tammy Pescatelli. The City of Aventura brings back Pescatelli’s brassy sexiness and bold voice of witty sarcasm to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Friday, November 21st at 8:00 p.m. She holds her own on the topics of sports, television, dating and family life while using a tongue-in-cheek humor style. Pescatelli’s reality series, “A Stand-Up Mother,” documented her life as she balanced her family and her growing career with a lot of laughs. Jenny McCarthy chose Pescatelli to be part of her “Dirty, Sexy, Funny” comedy special and she was one of the Final Five on NBC‘s “Last Comic Standing,” which catapulted her career and won her a slew of new fans. She won Comedy Central‘s “Stand-Up Showdown” and has made numerous TV appearances. A regular on USO Comedy tours, Pescatelli has entertained the troops worldwide. Her movie roles include the sleeper hit “Everybody Wants to Be Italian,” “Single” and the award-winning indie film “Made in Brooklyn.” This event contains adult language or content. Stephanie J. Block Saturday, November 22nd at 8:00 p.m. The 2025/2026 Aventura Broadway Concert Series kicks off with Stephanie J. Block, who has established herself as one of the most relevant and versatile voices in contemporary musical theater. The City of Aventura presents a fantastic night of theater with Stephanie J. Block on Saturday, November 22nd at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. In 2019, Block won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, as well as the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Award for her STAR turn in “The Cher Show.” She also starred in the 2022/2023 Broadway production of “Into the Woods” as Baker's wife. Block was also recognized for her role of Trina in Lincoln Center Theatre's 2016 revival of ”Falsettos” garnering her the Tony Award, Drama Desk and Outer Critics nominations for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. In 2013, she was recognized with both the Drama Desk and Tony Award nominations for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Alice Nutting/ Edwin Drood in The Roundabout Theater’s production of ”The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” These three productions marked three nominations in a six-year span, a feat very few Broadway actors have attained. Other Broadway credits include Reno Sweeney in the 2011 Tony Award-winning revival of “Anything Goes,” “9 to 5” and playing the role of Judy Bernly in “The Musical,” for which she earned a Drama Desk nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Young Stars Showcase Sunday, November 23rd at 5:00 p.m. Don’t miss an exciting showcase of amazing young singers from throughout South Florida when the Aventura Marketing Council presents the 16th Annual Young Stars Showcase on Sunday, November 23rd at 5:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Proceeds benefit AMC Education Foundation. Tickets Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: 1 (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. Please note that not all events scheduled for the 2025/2026 Season are currently on sale and additional performances will be added throughout the season. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-Seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Previous Next

Kiwanis Club Of Hallandale Beach - The Importance Of Helping Others And Recognizing Those Selfless Individuals By Steve Cummings May 29, 2025 When Alan Lipson Was A Member Of The Kiwanis Club Of Parkchester, New York Located In The Bronx, He Witnessed A Remarkable Gesture Of Generosity That Was Imbedded Into His Memory. While Collecting Money At Holiday Time In December Waiving A Tin Can To Purchase Gifts For Needy Children, A Senior Member Of His Kiwanis Club Blessed Him With A Donation For $10,000. Long before moving to Florida and serving in the Kiwanis Club of Hallandale Beach, Alan learned the importance of helping others and recognizing those selfless individuals like first responders who risk their own lives to ensure our safety. A successful businessman in the insurance industry, Alan recently hosted a fabulous barbecue lunch at his home at Malaga Towers entertaining 25 local police officers to mouth watering hamburgers and hot dogs with chips and beverages and a wide selection of donuts for dessert. The room was decorated in red, white and blue reflecting his patriotic spirit. The event was arranged by Alan and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Hallandale Beach and the Hallandale Beach Police Athletic League. Hallandale Beach Police Chief, Michel Michel enjoyed his lunch with several of his uniform staff, detectives, motorcycle officers and even the K-9 officer. Police Athletic League Program Director, Jonathan Carrillo who procured the beverages for the event works very closely with police officers in his duties. Jonathan acknowledged how often the general public approaches the uniform officers with questions regarding road closures, driving directions and which restaurants are open for dining. Alan is no stranger to honoring our local police as he has twice sponsored a table of ten at the Kiwanis Annual Pasta Dinner Fundraiser at the Big Easy Casino exclusively reserved for our local Law Enforcement. Lipson runs an insurance business directed toward high net worth individuals who have a bank pay life insurance premiums covering estate tax while providing tax free retirement income. The Kiwanis Club of Hallandale Beach was chartered in 1994 serving the community and the children of the world and thrives through the benevolence of altruistic members like Alan Lipson. Steve Cummings has been a charter member of Kiwanis since 1994 and can be reached at: (954) 907-2392. Hallandale Beach Police Sergeant Ricky Buoni has been a great friend to both Kiwanis and P.A.L. Kiwanis members George Mutlos and Alan Lipson worked the grill Previous Next

One Woman’s Journey: Navigating Weight Loss And The Procedure That Helped Her Find Success South Florida Sun Times Feb 27, 2025 Kyra Williams is a wife, mother of two and English professor who leads an active life in Baytown, Texas. However, this active life took a backseat when she moved from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Texas in 11th grade. At the time, the move to a new town and high school left her feeling down and stopping some activities, like dance and cheerleading, that she once enjoyed. "The first time I tried to diet was that same year, when I was hoping to fit into a dress for my school's homecoming dance," recalled Kyra. "It didn't work because I was so inactive. That's when I thought, "I need to lose weight." This began years of diet and exercise that left her with few lasting results other than feelings of disappointment and gnawing hunger. In college, Kyra gained about 50 pounds. Throughout her adult life, she tried numerous fad diets and workouts, starting a cycle of weight loss and weight gain. After the birth of her son and daughter, Kyra struggled even more to lose the weight she gained during her pregnancies. It was around this time that Kyra started looking at options beyond diet and exercise for weight loss. Knowing that she wasn't interested in bariatric surgery, Kyra spent the next seven years researching alternatives that might help address her weight loss challenges. Kyra is not alone in her struggle to lose weight. Forty-two percent of American adults live with Obesity, a complex condition that can lead to health issues such as Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke and some Cancers. The FDA approval of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for weight loss has prompted much needed conversation around the nature of Obesity, reframing it not as a stigmatizing issue of "willpower" but as a medical problem that can require medical approaches. "It's not that I ate horribly, I would just eat too much, and I felt like I was always hungry," explained Kyra. "So, the idea of limiting my stomach capacity was very appealing." While searching online, Kyra came across an innovative new approach called Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). Like the more traditional bariatric surgery, ESG significantly reduces the size of the stomach. However, unlike bariatric surgery, ESG is an incisionless endoscopic procedure. It does not involve any external incisions or leave scars. In a clinical study, patients returned to normal activities within a few days. After talking with her doctor about ESG, Kyra decided to move ahead. "This was exactly what I'd been looking for," she says. She had her procedure in August 2020, using the OverStitchTM Endoscopic Suturing System, a small suturing device attached to a camera that is passed through the patient's mouth and into their stomach while they are asleep. A specially trained doctor sews the stomach into a smaller shape, reducing its capacity by 70% to 80%. The procedure helps people eat less and feel full faster to help them achieve significant, lasting weight loss when combined with diet and lifestyle modifications. Kyra was able to return home the same day. Along with a healthy diet and exercise program, Kyra lost 110 pounds in her first year.* "I made up my mind that ESG was going to work for me, and I was going to do everything possible to get the results I wanted," explained Kyra. "I can still eat what I want, but I exercise and am conscious of what I eat. When I eat too much now, I feel a tightness in my stomach that serves as a helpful reminder not to go back to my old habits." Now, four years later, Kyra continues to keep the weight off. "One of the most important lessons I've learned through this journey is that you have to be willing to assess and adjust based on your evolving lifestyle," she said. "Balancing the needs of my two teenage children along with my own can be a challenge. Since my procedure, I have been able to maintain a routine when it comes to my diet and model healthy habits to my children." While exercise continues to be the biggest challenge for Kyra, she motivates herself to prioritize movement almost every day with activities that include step aerobics, walking, lifting weights and riding her indoor cycling bike. "I didn't realize how bad I felt until I started to feel better," said Kyra. "By losing weight and changing my diet and exercise routines, my energy levels are way up, and I have much more stamina than I did before. ESG has been, hands-down, the best decision I've ever made for my health." Kyra now shares her advice and insights with others who may be considering the ESG procedure. "Losing weight — even with ESG — is both a physical and mental battle. Even though it's hard, try not to compare yourself to others and their successes — focus on you and your own personal journey." To learn more about ESG or to speak with a doctor in your area, visit: www.ApolloEndoSurgery.com . Previous Next

Keeping Diners Coming Back For More: From Scratch-Made Pasta To Craft Cocktails, North Italia Fort Lauderdale Delivers By Merilee Kern & Devyn Kern Mar 6, 2025 Situated in downtown Fort Lauderdale lies North Italia, a restaurant brand celebrated from coast to coast for scratch-preparing both modern and classic Italian meals every single day … all executed with delicious precision. With a range of choices to satisfy any craving—from traditional pasta dishes and creative pizzas to delightful small plates crafted using the freshest ingredients— the menu has amassed numerous fan favorite dishes. The trendy yet inviting layout of the restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating options as well as an expansive bar, makes it well-suited for nearly any lunch or dinner occasion. The open, visible kitchen setup allows guests to observe chefs in action as they meticulously prepare each dish with care and enthusiasm. While both the interior dining room and the outdoor terrace are each adorned with lighting and modern furnishings, the al fresco option is ideal for savoring South Florida’s delightful climate. Must haves fundamentals for dining devotees include these dishes from across the varied menu categories. Fabulous starter options include small plates like the Cacio e Pepe Arancini, which features crispy risotto balls with pecorino Romano cheese, a crushed pepper blend and pesto aioli for a delightful combination of textures and rich flavors. The Black Mediterranean Mussels with Calabrese salami, white wine, garlic butter, fresh herbs and grilled bread provides a savory and aromatic start to your meal … also showcasing the restaurant's skill with seafood-driven dishes. No afterthought, salads here are dressed to impress. The Seasonal Vegetable Salad includes butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, radicchio, pecorino, fregola, pistachio, date and a white balsamic vinaigrette, creating a vibrant and nutritious dish. The Italian Farm Salad combines salami, speck, provolone, pepperoncini, olive, heirloom cherry tomato, cucumber, pickled red onion, roasted pepper, herb breadcrumb, and oregano vinaigrette for a hearty and flavorful option. At this locale, pizzas are paramount. The delectable Prosciutto Pizza topped with smoked prosciutto, mission figs, goat cheese arugula leaves—all garnished with a drizzle of honey—proffers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The Margherita Pizza is a classic choice, of course, with house-made ricotta, mozzarella, grana padano, and fresh basil, delivering a clean and simple, yet delicious, flavor profile. Of course, the homemade pasta here is a stellar standout. Two dishes exemplifying which include the Lumache alla Norcina includes fennel sausage, rapini, grana padano crema, herb breadcrumbs, and black truffle, creating a rich and indulgent dish. The house specialty Bolognese features traditional meat sauce, pappardelle, grana padano, wild oregano, and EVOO, offering a comforting and satisfying meal. Pizza and pasta aside, other entrée options are an equitable epicurean delight. The Braised Short Rib Marsala with beech mushroom, brussel sprouts, heirloom carrot, black truffle risotto, and affinato—and the Grilled Branzino replete with roasted fennel, brussel sprouts, rapini, romanesco, fingerling potato, cipollini and lemon caper butter—further exemplify the restaurants culinary ingenuity. Beverages here are also built differently. While Italian restaurants understand the importance of perfectly matching a beverage with a meal, North Italia adds its unique flair. Their cocktail selection boasts an array of creative cocktail concoctions like the Just Peachy with white peach, raspberry, lemon and ginger beer; and the Limonata Rossa featuring black cherry, fresh lemon and soda, The restaurant’s curated wine list offers a blend of Italian, local and other options to perfectly accompany any dining experience. Below, North Italia’s Chef Ryan Smith offers a few other tasty insights as to why this eatery has gained—and sustained—its popularity in SoFlo: LLR: What makes the Fort Lauderdale location of North Italia unique compared to the other U.S. locations? CRS: Fort Lauderdale is different from, let’s say, Miami where it’s all about the new restaurant openings that everyone wants to go to. Locals in Fort Lauderdale love going to their staple restaurants that have been around for 30 to 40-plus years … and it’s the generations of locals that keep them alive. Although North Italia is new, I believe it will become the local Italian restaurant for generations to come. Our broad menu lends itself to our guests exploring numerous options. North Italia is not a “traditional” Italian restaurant, therefore we offer much more than just pizza and pastas. We also continually update our menus so new and returning guests alike can experience a variety of dishes including appetizers, salads, and entrees, in addition to our pastas and pizzas. LLR: What sets North Italia Fort Lauderdale apart from other dining options in the area? CRS: Our handmade pastas, beautiful patio, bar spaces and elevated hospitality set the restaurant apart from others. We pay attention to what our guests are seeking in a dining experience. For one, we change our menu twice a year to allow for the freshest ingredients with the most flavor. This also ensures we are staying current with different culinary and bar trends. Our open kitchens display our commitment to freshness where you can see our team hand rolling our doughs and stuffing our pastas for our guests. We also work personally with people planning special private events and can cater to whatever they are looking for when hosting a party. LLR: For first-time visitors, what tips or advice would you offer a guest to ensure they have an unforgettable dining experience? CRS: Come in to relax with friends or family, enjoy some wine, share some small plates or pizza … and don’t leave without trying a pasta! Amid our commitment to freshness, we produce our pizza dough and pastas in-house daily, paying close attention to technique. Each pasta—from our Tortellini Al Pomodoro to our Squid Ink Tonnarelli—is made with simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful dish. LLR: Do share a bit more about how North Italia’s fresh-made pastas elevate the guest experience—also having become a signature of the brand at large. CRS: The art of making pasta is more than just a recipe. It is a technique passed down from generation to generation. Each region has its own unique shape that is a celebration of Italian culture. We bring that culture into every pasta we make. We want our pasta to reflect the regionality from which it comes. When creating new menu items or updating existing dishes, we intentionally pair the specific type of pasta to the accompanying components of the dish, including the sauce, cheeses, and garnish. Another key element that elevates this guest experience is taking the time to train our staff to assist with wine pairings that best compliment each pasta—or any—dish, ensuring we are also taking the guest’s preferences into consideration. LLR: Does the restaurant cater to diners with dietary preferences or restrictions, such as vegetarians or gluten-free guests? CRS: Yes, we can accommodate all guests with any dietary restrictions by modifying any of our dishes, as necessary. In fact, we have many dishes that are inherently vegetarian on our menu. Some examples include the Zucca Chips, Cacio E Pepe Arancini, Burrata Di Stagione, our Seasonal Vegetable Salad, the Funghi Pizza, and our Tortelloni Al Pomodoro. We also offer gluten-free pasta and pizza crusts by request, with a handful of dishes that are naturally gluten-free. LLR: What is the approach to the beverage offerings? CRS: We try to stay current with trends in the industry. For example, we continually introduce new and unique Italian wines, enhance classic cocktails by adding Italian ingredients and we recently added a “mocktail” section on our menu as we are seeing them become more and more popular. We use Italian liquors to create our own twist on classic cocktails. Our Sicilian margarita topped with our house made sangria is a must try, along with our cold-served “Jump Start” double espresso martini shaken with chocolate and cream. In all, North Italia Fort Lauderdale provides a dining experience that combines extraordinarily fresh and robust flavors with a refined yet unpretentious atmosphere—all underpinned by exemplary staff service. Be it a meal on-the-go, A foodie-forward lunch or dinner experience, or a memorable celebration, this restaurant serves up an authentic slice of Italy in the vibrant heart of South Florida. Photos Courtesy of North Italia; Some Copyright Jill McNamara Photography Previous Next

Pembroke Pines & West Park Named 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award Winners South Florida Sun Times Apr 30, 2026 The Florida League Of Cities (FLC), The United Voice For Florida’s Municipal Governments, Announced The City of Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board And The City Of West Park Youth Council As Two Of Three Winners Of The 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award. The Annual Competition Recognizes Exceptional Youth Council Initiatives Or Projects That Have Made Significant Contributions To Their Local Municipalities. Municipal youth councils are special councils that typically serve as advisory boards to the local governments. They are composed of high school students within the city and are sometimes referred to as youth corps, teen advisory boards, or mayor’s youth councils. The Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board earned the 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award for its Career Fair & Life Skills Event, a citywide initiative developed in direct response to students' questions about life after high school. Now in its second year, the event connected high school students in grades 10-12 with nine local businesses, including the Pembroke Pines Police Department, Dade County Federal Credit Union, and Craig Zinn Automotive Group, through an interactive rotation model covering career exploration, financial literacy, vehicle safety, resume writing, mental health awareness, and more. Organized in partnership with the Miramar/Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce and city leadership, Youth Advisory Board members played a central role in designing, coordinating, and executing the event from concept to completion, gaining firsthand experience in civic leadership while equipping their peers with the practical tools and confidence needed to navigate adulthood successfully. "The Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board has set a remarkable example of what is possible when young leaders take initiative and invest in their future,” said FLC President Holly D. Smith, Vice Mayor of Sanibel. “By bridging the gap between education, city government, and the business community, these students created an experience that equips the next generation with the real-world skills and confidence they need to thrive. I am incredibly proud of the Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board for demonstrating that youth-led civic action has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities for years to come.” The City of West Park Youth Council earned the 2026 Youth Council Excellence Award for its Love Baskets initiative, a community service project that brought comfort to children hospitalized at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. All 12 Youth Council members actively planned, promoted, and assembled 24 curated baskets filled with age-appropriate items, including coloring books, stuffed animals, blankets, and fidget toys. Through a donation drive with collection boxes at City Hall, Mary Saunders Park, and McTyre Park, the Council gathered nearly 300 donated items — a testament to the power of youth-led civic action and community compassion. "The City of West Park Youth Council has shown us that compassion and leadership know no age limit,” said Smith. “Through their Love Baskets initiative, these remarkable students went above and beyond to ensure that children facing the challenges of hospitalization felt seen, valued, and supported by their community. I am incredibly proud of the West Park Youth Council for proving that even the simplest gestures can leave a lasting and meaningful impact when young leaders act with purpose and heart. With young leaders like these championing meaningful initiatives in their communities, the future of Florida’s cities is bright.” The Riviera Beach Youth Council was also named a winner in the statewide competition. Contest winners will receive a monetary award of $500, a trophy, and be featured online in the League’s Quality Cities (QC) magazine as well as on the League’s website and Social Media outlets. For more information on the winning projects, visit: www.flcities.com/youth-councils . City of Pembroke Pines The Pembroke Pines Youth Advisory Board City of West Park The City of West Park Youth Council Previous Next

Small Business, Big Dreams Conference - Fifth Annual BankUnited Event Continues To Grow And Inspire Business Owners To Dream Big South Florida Sun Times Apr 30, 2026 BankUnited’s Small Business, Big Dreams Conference Is Set To Coincide With National Small Business Month In May. The Annual Gathering, Which Is Open To The Business Community, Is Attended By Leaders Of Business And Industry, Company Owners And Aspiring Entrepreneurs Across All Sectors. The half-day event includes informative talks, tips and networking opportunities, with practical insights and real-world strategies for business growth and success. It takes place on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West, 1230 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, Florida 33324. “Our annual event has become a dynamic opportunity for a wide range of business people in South Florida,” said Ernie Diaz, Senior Executive Vice President, Consumer & Commercial/Small Business executive at BankUnited. “Every year we receive tremendous feedback about the uplifting environment and practical application of expertise gleaned from the conference.” The conference will feature a keynote address by Justin Levy, CEO, iBusiness Funding, and talks by Kethe Ciccioni, Co-founder, TitleCapture; Wesley Foster, President and CEO, Pacifica Engineering Services; Jorge Gomez, Founder, Senior Vice President & qualifier, Wellington Construction Group; Althea Harris, Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, South Florida District; and Maria Pierson, co-founder & CEO, Pierson Grant Public Relations. Topics will include: • How SBA programs and recent updates support business growth and financing • Managing rising costs and scaling successfully • Strengthening marketing and digital presence • Leveraging technology and AI while protecting against fraud and economic uncertainty Tickets to attend the event are $25 per person and include continental breakfast and a grab & go lunch. Advance registration is required. For event information and to register, please visit: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/small-business-big-dreams-conference . Named one of the World’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek magazine, Miami Lakes-based BankUnited is one of the largest independent depository institutions headquartered in Florida. The bank operates in Florida, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Morristown, New Jersey, and Charlotte, North Carolina. BankUnited provides a broad range of consumer and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. For additional information, call: 1 (877) 779-2265. Or visit: www.BankUnited.com . About BankUnited, Inc. BankUnited, Inc., with total assets of $35.0 Billion at December 31, 2025, is the bank holding company of BankUnited, N.A., a national bank headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida, with operations in Florida, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Morristown, New Jersey, and Charlotte, North Carolina. BankUnited provides a full range of consumer and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions, and offers certain commercial lending and deposit products through national platforms. For additional information, call: 1 (877) 779-2265. Or visit: www.BankUnited.com . BankUnited can be found on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BankUnited.official , LinkedIn @BankUnited and on X. Previous Next

Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill Dania Beach Sink Your Toes In The Sand And Enjoy Fresh Coastal-Inspired Eats With A Stunning Ocean View South Florida Sun Times Mar 20, 2025 LM Restaurants – The Family-Owned And Operated Hospitality Group Led By South Florida Locals Husband-And-Wife Team Lou And Joy Moshakos With Daughter Amber – Is Proud To Expand Its South Florida Footprint With The Opening Of Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill Dania Beach On March 17th, 2025. Lm Restaurants First Established A Foothold In South Florida With The 2019 Opening Of Oceanic In Pompano Beach. They Quickly Followed Up A Year Later With The Introduction Of Lucky Fish Pompano Beach, Then The Cove In Deerfield Beach In 2021. Located in the former space occupied by the beloved Dania Beach Grill at 65 North Beach Road, Dania Beach, Florida 33004, the beachfront Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill Dania Beach will open, having undergone a multi-million-dollar transformation to revive the space. The restaurant is in partnership with the City of Dania Beach. “Dania Beach Grill was beloved and a piece of legacy — we are bringing that energy back to the area, recapturing the nostalgic feel of a landmark beach bar,” said LM Restaurants President Amber Moshakos. “Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill Dania Beach is a place for the community to come gather, eat and enjoy the beach in a setting where they feel like they are on vacation. No shoes, no shirt, no problem!” Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill Dania Beach is the ultimate beachfront restaurant, where locals and visitors alike can sink their toes in the sand, sip on tiki bar cocktails and enjoy fresh, coastal-inspired eats — all with a stunning ocean view. The 6,000-square-foot casual, family-friendly restaurant features a Florida Keys-style 4,000-square-foot outdoor tiki bar, a 1,721-square-foot cafe deck, and a covered live-music bandstand, plus lawn space for events. Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill Dania Beach combines the sleek, modern character of Lucky Fish Pompano with a charming Old Florida ambiance, offering laid-back tiki drinks and live music every day. Guests are welcome to bring their dogs or dress in their bathing suits after a day at the beach. Sitting on an 18-foot elevation to protect it from rising tides, the restaurant can accommodate 213 occupants. Helmed by Chef Ovidio “Nery” Leal, Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill Dania Beach features a delicious menu, similar to Lucky Fish Pompano, including casual seafood, sandwiches, smash burgers and salads. The grab & go breakfast menu includes bagels, Danishes, muffins, croissants, coffee and orange juice. The breakfast menu features tasty dishes such as a Breakfast Burrito, Lucky’s Hangover Hash and Lucky’s Breakfast Scramble. Highlights (“Lucky Picks”) on the lunch and dinner menu include Tuna Poke Nachos, Killer Conch Fritters, Island Chopped Salad, Tropical Shrimp Wrap, Florida Fish Sandwich, Hooked-Up Tacos, Mariner’s Platter, Lucky Fish Bowl, Triple Treat Burger and Fried Oreos and Vanilla Sauce. The Happy Hour Menu features $7 cocktails, $5 draft beer and $6 wine by the glass. Guests can enjoy live music Monday through Friday, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and weekends, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., there is no cover charge. Themed and holiday parties will be held throughout the year, including Tiki by Twilight Full Moon parties. Following LM Restaurant’s dedication to giving back to the community, proceeds from the opening day will benefit the City of Dania Beach. A portion of the proceeds from the opening week will benefit Feeding South Florida®, the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties, providing support for 25% of the state’s food-insecure population. Hours are Sunday through Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Breakfast is served seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; from 10:30 a.m. on, lunch and dinner are served, and a full bar is open. Happy Hour, featuring cocktails, draft beer and wine, is Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Valet parking will be available on weekends. About Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill Dania Beach and Lucky Fish Pompano: Lucky Fish offers a laid-back, beachside paradise where guests enjoy simple eats and drinks while basking in the warmth of the sun and the sounds of the waves. Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill Dania Beach and Lucky Fish Pompano are the ultimate beachfront restaurants, where guests can sink their toes in the sand, sip on tiki bar cocktails and enjoy fresh, coastal-inspired eats — all with a stunning ocean view. They serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring classic beachside dishes and family-friendly favorites, tropical drinks, cold beer and wine. Live music happens Mondays through Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and weekends, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with no cover charge. Hours are Sunday through Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Breakfast is served seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; from 10:30 a.m. on, lunch and dinner are served and a full bar is open. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Dania Beach location is 65 North Beach Road, Dania Beach, Florida 33004; the Pompano Beach location is 222 North Pompano Beach Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida 33062. For more information, visit: www.luckyfishbeachbar.com/dania-beach - And: www.luckyfishbeachbar.com/pompano-beach About LM Restaurants: LM Restaurants is a Deerfield Beach, Florida and Raleigh, North Carolina - based hospitality management group privately held, and family owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Lou and Joy Moshakos with daughter Amber. LM Restaurants has 34 award-winning restaurants throughout the Southeast. Its South Florida restaurants include Lucky Fish Dania Beach, Lucky Fish Pompano, The Cove Waterfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar in Deerfield and Oceanic at Pompano Beach. Lucky Lou’s, a raw bar concept, will join the South Florida family in mid-2025. For more information, visit: https://www.lmrest.com/ - Or call: (919) 851-0858. Previous Next

Halloween Events In Hollywood Offer Spooky Fun For All Ages By City of Hollywood Oct 15, 2026 Halloween Is Just Around The Corner, And Hollywood Is Getting Ready For A Weekend Of Frightfully Fun Festivities! From Family-Friendly Activities And An Outdoor Movie Night To One Of South Florida's Biggest Halloween Block Parties, Downtown Hollywood Is The Place To Be For Costumes, Entertainment And Halloween Excitement. Boo Bash & ArtsPark Movie Night Friday, October 23rd, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ArtsPark at Young Circle, 1 Young Circle Bring the kids, put on your favorite costumes and head to ArtsPark in Downtown Hollywood for an evening of Halloween fun! The City's annual Boo Bash celebration kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with music, children's activities and plenty of spooky excitement for the whole family. Little ghosts, goblins, superheroes and princesses can show off their Halloween costumes during the costume fashion show at 7:00 p.m. Then, at 8:00 p.m., settle in for a special outdoor screening of Hotel Transylvania 2 as part of the ArtsPark Movie Night series. The animated family favorite follows Dracula and his monster friends on another hilarious adventure that's sure to entertain kids and adults alike. Bring a blanket or beach chair, find a comfortable spot on the lawn and enjoy a movie under the stars. Admission is free, and food will be available for purchase. It's a great opportunity for families to enjoy a fun and affordable Halloween celebration together. For more information, visit: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/1479/Boo-Bash Hollyweird Halloween Downtown Hollywood Block Party Saturday, October 24th, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Downtown Hollywood The Halloween festivities continue Saturday night when Downtown Hollywood transforms into a giant Halloween party for adults. The annual Hollyweird Halloween Downtown Hollywood Block Party returns with an evening of elaborate costumes, live entertainment and plenty of Halloween excitement. Known as one of South Florida's premier Halloween celebrations, Hollyweird draws costumed partygoers to the streets of Downtown Hollywood for a night of music, dancing and festivities. Local bars and restaurants add to the excitement with drink specials and a lively atmosphere throughout the entertainment district. One of the night's biggest attractions is the popular adult costume contest, featuring more than $10,000 in prizes. From creative homemade costumes to elaborate group ensembles, attendees go all out for a chance to take home top honors. Admission to Hollyweird is free. For additional information, visit: www.hollyweirdfestival.com . Please note that Hollyweird is an adult-oriented event. Heading to Hollyweird? Parking is available for a $15 flat rate at the Van Buren, Radius and University Station garages, as well as the Taylor Lot. City metered parking is also available for $1.50 per hour. For a free and convenient option, park at Hollywood City Hall and take the complimentary shuttle to the festivities. Free parking is available at City Hall, with shuttle service running from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Whether you're planning a fun-filled evening with the kids or looking for a spooky night out with friends, Downtown Hollywood has something for everyone. Grab your costumes and get ready to celebrate Halloween in Hollywood! For more information, visit: https://www.hollyweirdfestival.com Photo Credit: https://www.hollywoodfl.org/1479/Boo-Bash Previous Next

Hollywood Sun Shuttle Expands West Route Hours For Summer South Florida Sun Times Jun 19, 2025 Great News For West Hollywood Residents! The Sun Shuttle Will Begin Expanded Operating Hours For Its West Route (Zone 2) Starting On July 1st. This Enhancement Directly Addresses Community Feedback, Providing More Extensive And Convenient Transportation Options Throughout The Day And Into The Evening. Monday Through Friday From 6:00 a.m. To 7:00 p.m. And Saturdays From 9:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. The new, longer hours mean residents will have greater flexibility to reach a wide array of essential and recreational destinations. Also starting July 1st, the Sun Shuttle will not operate on Sundays. Whether it's for daily errands, appointments, or leisure activities, the Sun Shuttle makes navigating West Hollywood easier. Convenient Access to Key Destinations Walmart, Aldis, Target, Sedano’s, Publix, Burlington, Ross, Marshalls and Kohl’s - Memorial Regional Hospital and Memorial South Hospital - Driftwood Pool, YMCA - Yellow Green Farmers Market on Saturdays - Driftwood, Boulevard Heights & Kay Gaither Community Centers - Hollywood Boulevard Tri-Rail Station How to Ride the Sun Shuttle: The Zone 2 Sun Shuttle service continues to provide comfortable and eco-friendly rides using an ADA-accessible 12-passenger electric van and a 4-passenger electric sedan. Requesting a ride is simple and user-friendly: Via the App: Download the "Ride Circuit" application from GooglePlay or the App Store on your smartphone. The app allows you to specify your pick-up and drop-off locations. Via the Phone: (West Zone Only): During operating hours. You can also Call or Text: (561) 281-7236 to contact a driver and request a ride in the West Zone. Fares remain affordable at just $2 per person, per ride. Want to go to the Beach or Downtown Hollywood? The Sun Shuttle also operates in the eastern portion of the City. For more information about all of Hollywood’s transit options, please visit: www.hollywoodfl.org/transit . Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk: A Night Of Art, Music, And Fun Looking for a way to kick off your weekend in style? Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 21st and head to Downtown Hollywood for the lively ArtWalk, an unforgettable celebration of creativity and community. Running from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and every third Saturday of the month, this dynamic event invites you to explore local galleries, restaurants, shops and outdoor spaces while enjoying a blend of art, music, and performances. The Artisan Market is the heart of the evening, open from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., showcasing a variety of local vendors with unique handmade goods and artisanal crafts. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind jewelry, vintage treasures, or creative home décor, this market has something for everyone. For music lovers, DJ Tony Tiru kicks off the night at 6:00 p.m., spinning eclectic beats to set the mood. If you’re in the mood for some audience participation, the Karaoke Night at 6:30 p.m. offers a chance to belt out your favorite songs. As the night progresses, Deep Fried Funk takes the stage at 8:00 p.m. with their signature blend of soul and groove that'll keep you dancing under the stars. Art lovers will enjoy a Mural Tour at 6:00 p.m., offering a guided exploration of Downtown Hollywood’s stunning street art. For a more hands-on experience, don’t miss the Chalk Art exhibit at 6:00 p.m., where local artists transform the sidewalks into vibrant, temporary masterpieces. A Gallery Tour at 7:00 p.m. gives you a deeper dive into the local art scene, showcasing works from talented painters, photographers, and mixed-media artists. The evening wraps up with a Magic Show at 9:00 p.m., adding an element of mystery and wonder to your night. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out! Previous Next