Emergency Response: Last Week Marked 32 Years Since Hurricane Andrew Changed South Florida Forever September 5, 2024 Share Hurricane Andrew was the strongest and most devastating Hurricane on record to hit southern Florida. When it made landfall, Andrew was a Category 5 Hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph and a minimum central pressure of 922 millibars. It’s one of only four Hurricanes to make landfall in the United States as a Category 5 since 1900. It struck South Miami-Dade County (then known as Dade County) during the pre-dawn hours on Monday, August 24th, 1992. It caused an estimated $26 Billion in damage in the United States making it at the time the most expensive natural disaster in United States history, not to be surpassed until Hurricane Katrina 13 years later. In Homestead, Florida—the hardest hit community—more than 99% of the mobile homes were completely destroyed. In the chaos that followed Hurricane Andrew’s devastating strike on Miami, Miguel Ochoa found himself in a community in desperate need. Back then, he didn’t work for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), but the experience left a lasting impact on him. “I’ll never forget. It was like a bomb went off,” Ochoa said quietly. "It’s one of the reasons why I shifted careers from being an electrician to working on the front lines of natural disasters.” Fast forward more than 30 years, Ochoa is now a seasoned FPL Lineworker, responding to dozens of Florida Hurricanes and other major weather events over the last two decades. He’s also been called on to support mutual assistance trips across the United States, from Wildfires in California and several Alabama Tornadoes to Hurricanes battering coastal communities. Through it all, he’s seen firsthand the importance of helping people who lost so much to nature's fury. “For me, it’s about going out to help those who have lost nearly everything. That’s why I go,” Ochoa said while recalling the trials of past storms, including Hurricane Ian. He vividly remembers seeing the relief on neighbors’ faces who watched his convoy of FPL bucket trucks roll into their neighborhoods in Fort Myers. The restoration vehicles lined up in front of the power lines while lineworkers climbed and strapped into the elevated buckets with determination. With a hydraulic hiss, the trucks extend their arms skyward, reaching toward the power lines to start the crucial work needed to illuminate homes and bring back the comforting hum of air conditioners. “When you witness the destruction we see, then we restore power and see the happiness that follows… it’s gratifying,” said Ochoa. At the heart of these giant machines and in the fingertips of FPL Lineworkers who return a sense of normalcy to these communities is a small computer with a great responsibility. “The technological advancements over the years have made our jobs much easier and improved reliability for our customers,” said Ochoa “We now spend less time driving around to locate the problem and are given the visibility to pinpoint exactly where we need to be.” Responsible for equipping bucket trucks with all the hardware and software required to keep communities connected to the energy grid is Information Technology Manager Heidi Kramer and her team. “It’s a very tough job our lineworkers have,” Kramer said while climbing into the passenger seat of a bucket truck to check its function. “By powering these intricate computer networks inside, we’re giving them the tools they need to restore power safely and as quickly as possible for our customers.” She points to the computer in the truck’s center console where a map displays real-time data on outages and weather patterns across the county. Through this cutting-edge restoration spatial view technology, crews in the field can pinpoint trouble spots with unprecedented accuracy, streamlining the restoration process and reducing outage times for customers. As part of FPL’s commitment to continuous improvement, the company is using lessons learned from all previous storms to continue building a stronger, smarter and more storm-resilient grid. “When our customers, and the state, need us most, we're all in it together and that remains true this storm season,” said Ochoa. < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale Beach PAL & Sanitation In The Spotlight By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper March 17, 2022 Share Well, it seems Baseball Season is now in full swing. I know you’re thinking nationally, but I mean here in our City. After building a State-Of-The-Art Ball Field Complex, COVID-19 put a damper on our ability to play ball. The Director of our Police Athletic and Activities League Jonathan Carrillo, the PAL board and many parent volunteers recently put together a wonderful event. In addition to having beautiful weather, the event was co-sponsored by the Florida Marlins and Bally’s Sports. Billy the Marlin and their staff joined me in throwing the first ball. They also donated baseballs, gloves, bats and other equipment to make sure every play had what they needed to play. Billy and I also hit a few balls in the batting cage. I say a few, as I was rusty. I simply love baseball and played softball years ago. It was great to see all of the boys and girls out having a great time. On behalf of the City, I want to thank PAL, Code Ninjas, Kalos Music and Art School, Kona Ice, Aventura Hospital, Ms. Mold, Proball Sports, Inc., Blue Grapes Boutique, Top Golf North Miami and the Cross Church for their sponsorship and donations. These angels help so many kids grow up with sports and activities that they normally would be unable to afford. Last week, City Manager Dr. Earle requested that the City Commission conduct a workshop to discuss our Sanitation Department and the future of our Infrastructure. The workshop will be held in person at City Hall starting at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6th, 2022. I want to tackle the Sanitation topic first and next week, I will review our Infrastructure. For many years, Hallandale Beach has been on the forefront of independence and has a proactive approach to Solid Waste Management. Over 25 years ago, we were one of 5 cities that went into a Commingled Recycling Program. The system was modeled after plants that were built in Sweden and had started to pop up around the U.S. The move to this type of Solid Waste Control, led to an Automated Trash Truck that used bins, today we have a Trash Truck that utilizes automated arms. Streamlining the trucks cut the need for three manned trucks and more importantly, it cut down on employee injuries. Solid Waste was divided into two bins. Green Trash Bins held Non-Recycled Trash and all Commingled were placed in Recyclable Green Bins. Two different Trash Trucks would pick up the Trash Bins. Originally, this system was planned for one of each bin per household and once a week pickup. At the same time, I had just moved into Hallandale Beach with two little children. One in diapers. The once a week pickup truly did not work and that was when I got involved with trash. I worked with then Mayor Eudyce Steinberg and the City to add twice a week options and the ability to have two bins or smaller bins for our seniors. Trash was taken to a plant in Pembroke Pines and sorted. It was an excellent way of disposal. Recyclable Plastic, Glass and Metals were pulled and Non-Recyclables were set to be composted. There was one major issue with the plant and in my opinion, is what eventually set it up for failure. The plant did not include the equipment to macerate and turn composting into fuel pellets. This meant that the trash was composted in a large warehouse that smelled, even though there were filtering vents. As Pembroke Pines grew, developers built closer and closer to the plant. Obviously residents complained about the plant. The land the plant sat on grew in value and the Waste Management bought the plant. The company stopped Recycling the compost which included paper. The cities sued in a long litigation. Four of the cities dropped out and contracted with the County aka Waste Management. We held out and won over $500,000. The problem then became where to send our trash. We kept our Trash Trucks and pick up system but then had to contract with other disposal sites. Fast forward to today and we are one of the few cities that still have our own trucks and employees. Broward County is working with the cities on a Solid Waste Plan. There are hopes that we will have an Independent District comprised of all cities. Sadly, there is no Recycling taking place within the system and to me, this is a huge problem. The County System is comprised of the waste to energy plants and landfills. After years being involved in this issue, trash to energy is the way to go. There will eventually be a place for Recycling. The current problem is there is no market, we are wasting resources and money just to feel good. Back in 2017-18 there was a push by the commission to privatize almost everything. In the beginning this always sounds great but in the long run if you go to other cities and ask, the contracts escalate while the city does not control the service nor customer service. With cities the buck stops with the commission and we are the ones left holding the bag for simply a one-time payout and/or a franchise dollar. The City did this with The BSO and now we are paying over $1.2 Million for the same services we would have had, if we managed it ourselves. As with everything the devil is in the details. I am truly looking forward to the workshop. I have always believed that as a government we are not a “for profit business” but a “public service business.” We do not want to lose or waste money, so with the right employees and management, we should be able to provide the same level of service, if not at a lower cost. I do encourage everyone to get involved with this issue. As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas on how to make our City a great place to live, work and play! I am available by phone or text at: (954) 632-5700. E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org Or visit my Facebook and Web-Site At: http://www.mayorjoycooper.com/ < Previous News Next News >

Keller’s Korner - Jewish In Olympic Hockey: 1936 & 2026 By Neil Keller Mar 17, 2026 Welcome To Keller’s Korner. When Jack Hughes Slapped The Overtime Goal Into The Net That Lifted The Usa Men’s Hockey Team To Olympic Gold, My Mind Went To Another Jewish Hockey Hero. Ninety years earlier, Rudi Ball stood at the center of a very different Olympic drama. He was the only Jewish athlete to compete for Germany at the 1936 winter Olympic Games, where his performance represented a remarkable and little known act of Jewish resilience under the thumb of the Nazi regime. As a collector of Jewish sports memorabilia, I happen to own three of the very few surviving Rudi Ball 1933 German cigarette trading cards as Hitler wanted to burn things of Jews. I also happen to live in South Florida, where the U.S. men’s team traveled to celebrate their win in Milan. I wanted to share the story of Rudi Ball with Jack Hughes and his brother Quinn, as well as a third Jewish player on the national team, Jeremy Swayman. It’s not my typical milieu, but I made my way on Monday to the nightclub E11even Miami with two Ball cards in hand. There, I got a chance to tell Jack Hughes about the most important Jewish hockey player before him. I told him I had emailed his Jewish mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, in the past as she herself is a hockey Olympian. Rudi Ball is a name most fans today have never heard, yet he was one of Germany’s brightest hockey talents before Hitler took power in 1933. Like the Hughes brothers today, Rudi came from a hockey family — he and his two brothers all played the sport. He starred for Germany at the 1932 Olympics, scoring three goals and helping the team win a bronze medal. At a time of rising antisemitism, his success brought pride to German Jews. But when the 1936 Winter Olympics were awarded to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Hitler’s hatred of Jews was already well known. The German Olympic Committee did not want Rudi on the team because of his Jewish heritage (his father was Jewish). His Christian teammates were outraged. According to my research, Gustav Jaenecke and two others confronted German officials and delivered an ultimatum: “If Rudi doesn’t play, we don’t play.” Hitler relented. Rudi agreed to perform the Nazi salute at the Games — a painful compromise — in exchange for safe passage out of Germany for his family. They fled to South Africa. Rudi was injured during the Olympic games, and Germany finished fifth, but his presence on that ice remains one of the most remarkable and little‑known acts of Jewish resilience in sports history. It also had a cruel postscript: Rudi was obligated to continue playing for a Berlin team throughout the war, meaning that he was one of a very few Jews to survive the Holocaust on German soil, maintaining his freedom but watching his community be annihilated. Still, after the war, his brother Gerhard, also a talented hockey player, returned to Germany where the pair played together for several years before relocating permanently to South Africa. Ninety years later, the world is again experiencing a surge in antisemitism. And again, a pair of hockey-playing Jewish brothers are in the spotlight. But things are different this time. For one thing, Jewish representation in the Olympics is stronger. Back in 1936, the U.S. Olympic committee chairman was a Nazi sympathizer who boasted about how few Jews were on the national delegation. This time, dozens of Jews competed in Milan, including three on the men’s hockey team and more than a dozen on the Israeli team. What’s more, the brothers who took the ice say antisemitism hasn’t been part of their life. When I asked whether he or his brothers had ever experienced discrimination because of being Jewish, Jack answered simply: “No, we have not.” All three brothers had bar mitzvahs and are proud of their Jewish identity, which comes from their mother, who served as a player development coach for this year’s gold medal-winning women’s hockey team. Ellen Weinberg-Hughes said, “It all seems surreal. I could not be prouder of both the men and women’s teams.” She added, “I did not like Jack being hit in the mouth but [was] thrilled with the goal.” I showed Jack two rare 1933 German hockey cigarette cards of Rudi Ball, and we posed for a photo holding them together. To me, it was a most meaningful encounter: Rudi Ball fought simply to stand on the ice. Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes, and Jeremy Swayman stood tall on the ice and won gold for their country. Both moments, separated by 90 years, remind us how powerful Jewish pride in sports can be. Neil Keller is a Jewish historian. Visit: www.NeilKeller.com to learn who is Jewish. Neil Keller with Jack Hughes (Photo credit to Jeff Friedman) The two 1933 German cigarette cards that we are holding. A 2023 Topps card of 3 Hughes brothers. Previous Next

1-in-4 Floridians Would Ignore Hurricane Evacuation Warnings: The AAA Auto Club Group Shares The Top Insurance Policies To Consider During Hurricane Season June 13, 2024 Share Severe weather like hurricanes can wreak havoc on your home, damage your vehicle, and sidetrack your summer vacation. That’s why AAA is sharing its top insurance policies for Hurricane Season to help Floridians protect their property and travel plans. But first, The Auto Club Group is releasing the findings from its Annual Hurricane Season survey. According to the survey, nearly a quarter of Florida residents (23%) do NOT make advanced preparations for Hurricane Season or severe weather. Even more concerning, 27% say they would ignore warnings to evacuate in the event of a Hurricane. Of those who would evacuate, nearly two-thirds (64%) say they would not leave their homes unless an approaching Hurricane was a Category 3 or stronger. The top reasons Floridians cite for ignoring evacuation warnings: 33% − Want to stay in case there’s damage to their home or property that they can fix. 29% − Believe the storm will turn away from their direction. 24% − Don’t know where to go. 23% − Financial reasons (e.g., can’t afford a hotel). 20% − Can’t bring their pets/Don’t have a safe option for them. 19% − Fear of looting after the storm. “Staying in the path of a potentially deadly storm is just not worth the risk,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Take steps now to develop an evacuation plan for your family and pets. If you’re worried about property damage, contact your insurance advisor. Having adequate coverage will give you the peace-of-mind in knowing that anything damaged while you’re gone can be repaired or replaced.” Top Insurance Policies for Hurricane Season Hurricanes and severe weather can severely damage everything from your home to your travel plans. Here are some important coverages to consider this Hurricane Season: Home – Homeowner’s insurance covers your property from wind damage. It DOES NOT cover flood damage created by rising water that enters your home. Flooding – Flood insurance is a separate policy. This DOES cover losses created by rising water that enters your home. Vehicle – Comprehensive auto coverage helps if a tree falls on your vehicle, or it is damaged by flooding or hail. Vehicle damage is not automatically covered under your homeowner’s policy. Vacations – Travel insurance is important for anyone planning a summer or fall vacation. If severe weather interferes with your travel plans, there are travel insurance policies that reimburse you for covered losses associated with flight delays and cancellations. They can also provide partial or full reimbursement of non-refundable deposits on hotels, cruises and excursions. What to do Now to Prepare Review your Insurance Coverage - Review your homeowner’s insurance with your licensed agent to determine if you have adequate protection. Discuss your deductibles and ensure any recent home upgrades like pools, screen enclosures, and fences are covered. Store your insurance and flood policy numbers on your phone - Document your insurance provider’s phone number for filing a claim. Understand the various methods for filing a claim - Find out if your provider allows you to file a claim on a website or mobile app. Doing so can speed up the filing process, as high demand can result in long wait times over the phone. Take Home Inventory - Document your belongings by walking through your home with a video camera or smartphone. Keep a record of large purchases including receipts, the cost of the item, purchase date, and model and serial numbers. Importance of Flood Insurance Store important documents in a portable waterproof container - Documents could include birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policy information, and more. Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. It can occur anywhere in Florida, even on properties that are not in a ‘high risk flood zone’. “All it takes is the right amount of rainfall to put your property at risk,” said Jennifer Pintacuda, President of AAA’s Florida-based insurance companies. “Storms can be unpredictable. Hurricanes can stall overhead. That’s why we encourage all Floridians to consider a flood insurance policy. But act now. If you wait until a storm forms, it could be too late.” There is a 30-day waiting period for all new flood insurance policies issued through the National Flood Insurance Program. However, more than half of Florida homeowners (52%) are not aware of that. According to AAA’s survey, 64% of Florida homeowners do not have flood insurance. The reasons cited were: 64% − I do not live in a flood zone. 33% − I have never had flooding problems before. 28% − It’s too expensive. 7% − I have homeowner’s insurance, that should be enough. Flood Insurance Facts • Flooding caused more than $7 Billion in damage last year (NOAA). • Nearly 40% of all flood insurance claims come from homes which are not considered high-risk flood zones. • Flood losses are costly. One inch of water in your home can cost $25,000 or more to repair. • Without flood insurance, homeowners could apply for federal disaster assistance via a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. However, unlike claims payments for flood insurance, SBA loans must be repaid. • Flood insurance rates are based on each individual property’s characteristics, including the flood frequency, elevation, distance from a water source and cost to rebuild. About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey AAA - The Auto Club Group The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 64 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit: www.AAA.com < Previous News Next News >

Invitation From The Consul General Of Israel In Miami To Go On A Mission To Israel With European And North American Mayors - Part VI By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Aug 20, 2026 This Week Is The Final In My Israel Series But Probably One Of The Most Significant. While we traveled together as elected officials, this trip was full of unique experiences including a visit and a personal tour with the Deputy Mayor of Ramat Gan to their EOC and one of the areas hit by cluster bombs. Traveling to Shalva Center, Yad Vashem, and the Old City. Visiting Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Visiting the Tekuma Car Wall and Nova Memorial site just one kilometer away from Gaza. Gathering with mayors from across the State of Israel at the Muni Expo and hearing from Prime Minister Netanyahu. I would say the last meeting we had gave a glimpse into the war, the strategic planning for Operation Roaring Lion, and the successful attack on Iran. During the visit, we received a security briefing at the Institute for National Security Studies. This is not simply a school of war but also a think tank. We heard from the Managing Director, Brigadier General Tamir Hayman; he was also the former Chief of Israel's Military Intelligence Directorate. To say the least, we had a 2-hour-long briefing on Hamas, Hezbollah, and the war, some of which I cannot share. Hamas had long planned October 7th. Over 6,500 people invaded from Gaza: terrorist soldiers and everyday civilians. They had relied on Hezbollah joining them in the north; luckily, that did not happen. Israel was at war. One that was unprovoked and against peaceful civilians. One message was loud and clear from Brigadier General. Israel will continue to operate as a sovereign nation defending its borders and eliminating the threats to their peace. President Trump did not dictate what Israel did or does, nor did Israel dictate what President Trump did or does. It was a strategic partnership that did not start on October 7th but has existed since CENTCOM has been a partner with Israel. This partnership is vital to both parties given the threat of terrorism. It also brings stability to the Middle East. Due to the Abraham Accords, this partnership has grown stronger and has grown to include other allies in the Middle East. Allies have worked together in the fight against Iran and its aim to have a nuclear weapon. No matter the successful result of Roaring Lion, Israel will continue on their mission to what they refer to as decapitation: elimination of the leaders and perpetrators of October 7th. War is not Israel's goal. They are targeting threats, terrorists, and military targets. The start of Israel's retaliation started with a planned deployment developed jointly with the Prime Ministry, Heads of Israel's strategic command, IDF, and Mossad intelligence. Operation Roaring Lion succeeded, hidden behind a series of actions. The first action was the planned bombing of a joint terrorist leadership meeting. The next step was the deployment of Beepers, targeting upper-level commanders as well. Israel's ingenuity and strategic planning never cease to amaze. If these missions were not successful Roaring Lion would not have worked. The major request Israel made was the USA's commitment of B-52 bombers. President Trump committed them, and they were able to destroy most of Iran's capabilities. All the allies joined to confront this nuclear threat. The threat is real. It took amazing planning and precision execution. Israel does not go after innocent civilians. Until anyone has visited or experienced the horrific war zone and the results of October 7th, you truly cannot grasp why Israel must continue fighting and protecting their borders from these threats. Any other country, including ours, would and has done the same. America must remain involved to stabilize a region. It is not simply about Israel but about regional and world security. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: MayorJoyCooperHB. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Proud Of Calling NSE SIB K-8 Their School: A Message From The Mayor Of Sunny Isles Beach By Larisa Svechin, Mayor - www.sibfl.net March 23, 2023 Share Each day more and more families are choosing South Florida as a new permanent home. Sunny Isles Beach is the most desirable location for settling down, for numerous reasons. Our school is a top reason many young families move here. It is also the most overcrowded K-8 in Miami-Dade County. Like many, I myself moved back to Sunny Isles Beach once my husband and I started thinking about schools for the kids. Back when NSE SIB K-8 was built in 2008, there was a fear that the city did not have enough students to fill the building. By 2010, the school was already over capacity. The argument has always been that “out of district” students were being registered to attend. Actually, in the school's founding, students from Ojus Elementary were encouraged to attend and Eastern Shores was part of our boundary. The teachers from Ojus were heavily recruited. Children of teachers and City Staff were allowed to register. The founding principal was fiercely competitive and knew that an A school needed talented teachers, as well as the highest scoring students. Therefore, she curated the school to exceed those standards. We were an A school instantly. And so, the registration continued, sometimes at a rate of 20 new students per day. When I was first elected in 2016, I knew this was a growing problem that required immediate control measures. But the school does not belong to our City; it is governed by the Miami Dade County Public School (MDCPS) System. So, the only option was to force their hand. In October 2017, I wrote an article in this publication about the City’s solution to this problem of overcrowding—strict address verification. That process began at that time and worked – somewhat. Fast forward to today, five years later and the overcrowding has mushroomed. An excerpt from that 2017 article holds true today: “While we love visitors who enjoy the beach, local restaurants, hotels and City events, our school is for SIB kids first. Our children deserve classrooms that are not overcrowded, aftercare and sports programs that are not sold out and resources that are not overextended.” History tells us that the school will continue to be overcrowded unless drastic measures are taken. I, along with the Commissioners, parents and neighbors, have been fervently working with MDCPS to alleviate the overcrowding. But before you know where to start you need to assess the options and pick the one with the highest return on your efforts. The district took a radical measure to immediately cap the school, which means that except for incoming kindergarteners, no other students may register for this school year. Further, they have begun checking every single address associated with each student. This means each family must bring in person proof of Sunny Isles Beach residence. I ask for residents to cooperate and be patient, as this is for the benefit of all. The idea is that those who have moved since registering and those who registered using an address where they do not live, withdraw and register at their home schools. Further innovative measures are being discussed and will be implemented soon. The goal is that with the start of the 2023-2024 School Year, ONLY Sunny Isles Beach Residents are attending the school this city has invested so heavily in. This true count will be noticeable to all residents and businesses, not just families. Success will mean: less traffic during school drop off, less congestion at Publix and less back up at the RK Plazas. Most importantly, our school returns to the vision of the founders, the late Dr. Weissman, Honorable Norman Edelcup and many others who helped build our community school. Once again, class sizes will be limited as required, teachers will have a lesser load, hallways will be safer, bathrooms cleaner, talented teachers will return and students will once again be proud of calling NSE SIB K-8 their school. I look forward to meeting with anyone who has questions or suggestions. You can contact Mayor Larisa Svechin at: mayor@sibfl.net Or: (305) 792-1753. < Previous News Next News >

Riding For Resilience: Soldier Ride - A Journey Of Healing And Strength Fri Jan 26 2024 17:17:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Curtain Is Set To Rise: A New Arts Season Starts This October September 14, 2023 Share Comedy, music and the best of Broadway opens the new arts season at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in October. With her win of the Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy Special for Welcome to Buteaupia on Netflix, Michelle Buteau brings her “Full Heart, Tight Jeans'' tour to the Amaturo Theater on Friday, October 6th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. She returns to Netflix as the Creator/Writer/Star of the upcoming series Survival of the Thickest, inspired by her autobiographical book of essays of the same name. Buteau is also the host of two popular reality competition shows: The Circle and Barbecue Showdown also on Netflix. Other film and TV credits include Marry Me, First Wives Club, Always Be My Maybe, Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, Russian Doll, and Someone Great. She is also known for writing the Modern Manners column for Real Simple and hosting the popular podcast Adulting. The Wheeland Brothers deliver their laid-back beachy vibes in the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center on Sunday, October 8th, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. These two California surfers who grew up where the concrete meets the sand have crafted a sound that combines elements of Reggae, Acoustic Rock, Ukulele Lullabies and Flip-Flop Hip Hop. Their playful pursuit of life, as they blend infectious and catchy melodies with honest, down-to-earth lyrics, is the perfect accompaniment for beach bonfires, surfing sessions and embracing the carefree spirit that embodies the coastal lifestyle. Broadway in Fort Lauderdale presents Annie in the Au-Rene Theater Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 - Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. Directed by Jenn Thompson and featuring the iconic book and score written by Tony® Award-Winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, this celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way. Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production–just as you remember it and just when we need it most. The Bank Of America Broadway In Fort Lauderdale 2023/2024 Season is made possible with the generous support of title sponsor Bank of America and presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale is presented by Florida Theatrical Association in partnership with Broadway Across America and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Performance times vary. Slow Burn Theatre Company’s 2023/2024 Season in the Amaturo Theater presented by American National Bank begins with Into the Woods from Saturday, October 14th, 2023 through Sunday, October 29th, 2023 with an open-captioned performance on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. The original 1988 Broadway blockbuster brought home Tony Awards® for Stephen Sondheim for his score and James Lapine for his book, only to be followed by a 2002 run that took home the award for “Best Revival Of A Musical” and a Current Broadway Production. This modern classic weaves together a fantastical fairytale of mystery and enchantment with a euphoric score creating a sophisticated musical twist on beloved childhood fables. Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Baker And His Wife, and Jack And The Beanstalk are caught up in an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. This production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Into the Woods was originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine with orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. Performance times vary. South Florida’s treasured regional companies open their 2023/2024 Seasons with performances by Symphony Of The Americas: Curtain Up! The Music of John Williams on Sunday, October 1st, 2023 and on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: Program I - Classical and Neo-Classical Ballets on Saturday, October 7th, 2023, Miami City Ballet: Fall Mix 1 on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 and Sunday, October 29th, 2023 and Symphony of the Americas: Symphonic Fireworks on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 and Wednesday, November 1st, 2023. Also in September, La Oveja Negra Productions and Brazil in Concert Present Seu Jorge and Daniel Jobim Perform Tom Jobim on Thursday, October 5th, 2023, QuickThePoet Presents #FLOtheLoveOfMusic on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 and Vienna Trend Events, LLC Presents Fire Of Anatolia on Thursday, October 26th, 2023. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter And: https://www.facebook.com/browardcentereducation/ and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at: @BrowardCenter, subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with: #BrowardCenter. The Broward Center 2023/2024 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and UHealth University of Miami Health System. Programs are also sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org < Previous News Next News >

Artists In Residence Class: Bailey Contemporary Arts Center Initiative Features Outstanding Community Programs August 23, 2024 Share Pompano Beach Arts is excited to announce the new Artists In Residence (AIR) Class at Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA). This dynamic initiative offers a unique opportunity for creative exploration, collaboration, and growth within South Florida's vibrant arts community. Each season, new artists are selected through a competitive process. This year's class features artists with an expansive array of creative techniques and influences. During this semester, the artists will be showcased through dedicated exhibitions and major events including Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2025, while also interacting with the community through art workshops. "We are honored to welcome such a remarkably talented and diverse group of artists," said Ty Tabing, Director of the Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts."BaCA has become an extraordinary incubator for our AIR’s, providing dedicated studio space to expand creativity, while also empowering entrepreneurial growth through marketing and business classes. We are also very proud of the array of opportunities we have been able to provide to our artists including participation at Jazz Fest, creating signature murals for the City, and introducing them to grant opportunities." THE 2024/2025 Artists In Residence Alyssa Book Alyssa Book is a Cuban American Fiber Artist who uses Rug Tufting Techniques to create one-of-a-kind, tactile works of art. Based in South Florida, Book's vibrant style uses bold lines and bright colors to evoke a sense of childlike wonder. After a challenging experience with Postpartum Depression, Book turned to her craft as a source of solace and healing. Inspired by the Woodstock Era and the inherent restorative power of color, she creates yarn art that sparks joy and inner peace. Her works have been exhibited at galleries throughout South Florida's Tri-County Area. Angelica Clyman Broward County's dramatic transformation serves as a wellspring of inspiration for Artist Angelica Clyman. Growing up amidst these changes, her artistic focus centers on forgotten spaces and their bygone eras, utilizing a variety of mediums to explore the life cycles of these ordinary places. Her creative process involves visiting abandoned sites and collecting remnants, which she transforms into paintings, sculptures, and prints. These artworks act as narratives, preserving memories and giving voices to the past. Clyman's artistic journey is marked by solo exhibitions and featured works in the Miami Children's Museum permanent collection. An alumna of New World School of the Arts and Florida International University, she currently shares her artistic knowledge as a Studio Art Instructor at Broward College and serves as the Director of the Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery. Constance Ivana With a lifelong passion for art and a mission to expand artistic access, Constance Ivana uses her creative voice to tackle issues of Social Justice and Black History, primarily through vibrant works in Spray Paint and Acrylics. Currently an Artist-In-Residence at History Fort Lauderdale, her pieces are often imbued with messages of hope and encouragement. A retired Broward County Educator with 21 years of teaching experience, she transitioned to HR Recruiting. Constance is a regular volunteer with the City of Fort Lauderdale and has fostered collaborations with a wide range of organizations, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Art Prevails, Art 13, Art n Soul, Heal the Planet, numerous schools, independent artists, and various nonprofits. Beyond selling her artwork, Constance actively engages the community by hosting painting parties and workshops and creating impactful murals. Florencia Clement de Grandprey Florencia Clement de Grandprey is a Self-Taught Mixed-Media Figurative Artist. Originally from Spain, her mission is to empower and inspire through positive and meaningful artwork. Painting full-time since 2014, she initially used canvas, incorporating discontinued fabric and paper samples to create backgrounds and "dress" her subjects. Eventually, discovering she could paint directly on upholstery fabric and area rugs, she fell in love with this new medium. Through her artwork, she celebrates our uniqueness and imperfections, highlighting our strengths and beauty. Lauren Georgia Lauren Georgia is a Digital Artist and Educator who creates immersive installations that blend reflective surfaces, light, and shadows into unique experiences. These environments focus on transformation, offering participants opportunities to confront their own reflections and perceptions of identity and self. Balancing deeper questions with a playful approach, Georgia incorporates bright colors and patterns into her work and has exhibited in both group and solo shows throughout Florida. Raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, Georgia graduated from the University of Florida with Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees in Art Education and Digital Media. As an educator, she most recently taught Digital Art and Design Portfolio Development at Dillard High School. Mark Viau Mark Viau is a Multimedia Artist with a strong foundation in Classical Fine Art Techniques. His creations are known for their rich layers of color and captivating depth. He invites viewers into a world brimming with life, where traditional methods meet contemporary innovation. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Viau attended Wayne State University on a Fine Arts Scholarship. The COVID-19 Pandemic rekindled his passion for Art, inspiring him to channel his experiences into a vibrant and expressive body of work. As the father of triplets, Mark's life journey has been both dynamic and enriched by the joys of parenthood. ALIGUORI Nino Liguori has always enjoyed telling stories through his paintings, which are visual parables and allegories. His work alludes to Art History, Design, Innovation, and humanity itself, intertwining fable and fact, imagination and Realism. As an Art Educator, he has worked with diverse socio-economic and racial groups in Broward County and was a finalist twice for Visual Arts Educator of the Year. Liguori advanced his painting studies by obtaining a Master's Degree in Europe and Asia. He studied at The Academie de Beaux Arts in Paris, collaborated with art collectives in Rome, and learned brush and breathing techniques in East Asia. His artwork has been featured in New York Magazine and Hi-Fructose Magazine. Honoring both his Italian heritage and the storytelling nature of his work, he signs his paintings "ALIGUORI." Symphonii Smith-Kennedy Symphonii Smith-Kennedy fostered her artistic exploration in painting and self-discovery during her education at New World School of the Arts and through her art studio with Zero Empty Spaces. She utilizes art to explore her identity as a Black Queer Woman in today's world, drawing on her experiences, imagination, and fascination with fantasy to influence her work. Primarily an Oil Painter, she also uses other mediums to create sequential narratives influenced by Afro-Centric Culture and Fantasy. While painting is her main focus, Smith-Kennedy's aspirations bridge the gap between Fine Art, illustration, and entrepreneurship. To learn more about the artists and their upcoming event and class schedule please visit: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/bailey/artists-in-residence The City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts, is to provide cultural programming that includes Visual Arts, Digital Media, Music, Film, Theater, Dance, and Public Art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the Greater South Florida Area. The department programs and manages the City's Premiere Cultural Arts Venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the Artists In Residence (AIR) Initiative. < Previous News Next News >

Understanding Trauma Through Lived Experience Psychologist Turns Expertise Toward His Own Troubled History Aventura Digest Mar 19, 2025 As A Child Growing Up In Southern California, Trauma Was Woven Inextricably Into The Fabric Of Dr. Neal King’s Day-To-Day Life. Born Into A Profoundly Disturbed Family, King Experienced Various Forms Of Trauma, Including Sexual And Physical Abuse, Abandonment, And The Prevalence Of Addiction Among Family Members. These Early Experiences Left Indelible Marks On His Psyche, Influencing Not Only His Personal Life But Also His Professional Trajectory. As a child growing up in Southern California, trauma was woven inextricably into the fabric of Dr. Neal King’s day-to-day life. Born into a profoundly disturbed family, King experienced various forms of trauma, including sexual and physical abuse, abandonment, and the prevalence of addiction among family members. These early experiences left indelible marks on his psyche, influencing not only his personal life but also his professional trajectory. He grew up to become a leader in international education, a Licensed Psychologist and Professor of Psychology, and eventually, the President of Antioch University Los Angeles. He has dedicated his life to deepening his understanding of trauma and aiding those with similar lived experiences. Now, in his deeply personal new book, Trauma is a Thief, King invites readers into his traumatic childhood, connecting the dots with as much candor, compassion and impartiality as he can summon to offer his own story as a “case study” for anyone else whose lives have been impacted by trauma. “Whatever its form or context, trauma is invariably a thief. It steals something essential from you that you can never fully recover,” King writes. Memoir-like but woven with professional insights from King’s own training and research as well as the wisdom of Carl Jung, Trauma is a Thief delves deeply into how King survived, the price he paid to survive, and how his trauma continues to live inside and inform him even today. “I have battled mightily to be here today to share this tale with you — in hopes that if you or someone you love has suffered their own trauma, my tale might render some comfort, serve as a resource, or help you feel seen and understood,” he writes. King’s new book is designed for fellow survivors of trauma, those who love them, and those who study and work with them. About the Author Dr. Neal King, a cisgender gay male, has served as Psychologist/Psychotherapist, Professor of Psychology, author, keynote speaker and college president in his professional life. He has worked with multiple survivors of trauma in his clinical practice. In Trauma is a Thief, he applies the same case study methodology he used in his dissertation at UC Berkeley to his own lived experience in a deeply disturbed family. King is recognized for his contributions to LGBTQ and general population trauma issues through his research and clinical work. He focuses on the psychological impacts of trauma both to the LGBTQ community and more broadly, including the effects of discrimination, violence and marginalization. An avid photographer who loves to travel, devour fiction and tend the roses, King lives with his partner of many years, Peter, in Southern California. Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Thief-Neal-King/dp/1637656440 Author Dr. Neal King Previous Next

Boys & Girls Clubs Of Miami-Dade Names Sebastian Garcia Its 2026 Youth Of The Year Aventura Digest Apr 23, 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs Of Miami-Dade Is Proud To Announce It Has Named Sebastian Garcia (17), Its 2026 Youth Of The Year. A Panel Of Community Partners Served As The Judges To Select This Year's Youth Of The Year. To achieve the title of Youth of the Year on any level, Club members must embody the values of leadership and service, academic excellence and a healthy lifestyle. They should exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people. The scoring includes candidate essays, an interview, a speech, letters of recommendation and overall application quality. Garcia, a senior at Miami Beach Senior High School, is a member of the South Beach Club. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Garcia has made a lasting impact at the Club by speaking up for others, fostering a positive environment and stepping up as a leader. He participated in Project Blue Whale, which deepened his commitment to leadership, and took part in Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s annual “Wild About Kid” Gala and Claws for Kids. Beyond the Club, Garcia serves as President of the 5,000 Role Models, is a member of the Student Government Association and the Yearbook Club and was part of the varsity football team. He carries a 3.8 GPA and is set to graduate in June 2026. Garcia has been accepted to Suffolk University, with additional college decisions still pending. He hopes to attend Boston College or Louisiana State University, where he plans to major in business marketing. His long-term goal is to hold a position as Head of Marketing, President or CEO of a Fortune 500 company. “Being involved in Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade means having a place that I can call a second home, a place where I can grow as a leader and be able to support and give back to the community and others," said Garcia. “I want to continue using my voice to advocate for others and inspire the people around me. My goal is to keep growing as a leader and make a positive impact wherever I go.” “Sebastian is a shining example of what it means to be a Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade member,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade President Alex Rodriguez-Roig. “He has demonstrated outstanding leadership, a deep commitment to his community and an unwavering drive to succeed. We are incredibly proud to name him our 2026 Youth of the Year and look forward to watching him represent Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade at the state level.” Garcia and other teens from Florida Boys & Girls Clubs competed for the 2026 Florida Youth of the Year title. The winner of the state title received a $2,500 scholarship, laptop and printer. Every year since 1955, youth from various Boys & Girls Clubs across Florida have competed for the opportunity to represent Florida as the Florida Youth of the Year. The winner of the state title then competes in the regional competition. Five regional winners then move on, and one is named the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs youth and as a strong voice for all the nation's young people. He/she receives a new car courtesy of Toyota, as well as scholarships and cash totaling $60,000. The National Youth of the Year, along with the other four regional runners-up, then travel to Washington, D.C. and speak to members of Congress and meet the President of the United States. About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade: Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946 and is proudly celebrating its 80th Anniversary in 2026. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to six Clubs and sites combined serving thousands of boys and girls year-round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable area youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please call: (305) 446-9910. Or visit: www.bgcmia.org , Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade is proud to announce it has named Sebastian Garcia (17), its 2026 Youth of the Year. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade is proud to announce it has named Sebastian Garcia (17), its 2026 Youth of the Year. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade is proud to announce it has named Sebastian Garcia (17), its 2026 Youth of the Year. Previous Next

The Brandeis Center and Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education Agree with Harvard to Settle Title VI Litigation Photo Credit Kris Snibbe / Harvard University Feb 18, 2025 Today, Plaintiffs The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education (“JAFE”) announced that they have reached an agreement to resolve their claims against Harvard University. As part of the settlement, Harvard has agreed to implement a series of steps, building on measures that Harvard has undertaken over the past year as a part of its commitment to combating antisemitism. Harvard and the Brandeis Center look forward to working together in these efforts. The agreement resolves claims raised by the Brandeis Center and JAFE on behalf of Harvard students in a federal lawsuit. Under the agreement, and consistent with Harvard’s existing Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying Policies (“NDAB”), which prohibit discrimination on the basis of ancestry, religion, national origin, or political beliefs, Harvard will incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (“IHRA”) definition of antisemitism including accompanying examples applied in the manner described in guidance issued by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) in 2021 and 2024. Harvard will accordingly consider in the same manner the IHRA definition and examples when evaluating NDAB complaints raising allegations of anti-Semitic discrimination or harassment. In addition, Harvard shall post online a Frequently Asked Questions document (“FAQ”) relating to the NDAB, which shall be available online in the same location as the NDAB, clarifying that both Jewish and Israeli identity are covered by the NDAB; that the NDAB include among their protected categories shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics as well as political beliefs; and that the IHRA definition will be used as described above. The FAQ will include the following statement: “For many Jewish people, Zionism is a part of their Jewish identity. Conduct that would violate the Non- Discrimination Policy if targeting Jewish or Israeli people can also violate the policy if directed toward Zionists. Examples of such conduct include excluding Zionists from an open event, calling for the death of Zionists, applying a ‘no Zionist’ litmus test for participation in any Harvard activity, using or disseminating tropes, stereotypes, and conspiracies about Zionists (e.g., ‘Zionists control the media’), or demanding a person who is or is perceived to be Jewish or Israeli to state a position on Israel or Zionism to harass or discriminate.” The FAQ will include a list of examples of conduct that, provided that the required elements under the policy are met, may constitute prohibited discriminatory treatment or discriminatory harassment in violation of the NDAB. Under the agreement, Harvard will also reaffirm at least annually that antisemitism will not be tolerated and that, consistent with the OCR Guidance, as described in further detail above, Harvard will consider the IHRA definition of antisemitism and examples in applying the NDAB. Harvard will also prepare a public annual report for the next five years that covers Harvard’s response to discrimination or harassment based on Title VI-protected traits (with a lookback at disciplinary responses to NDAB complaints based on allegations of antisemitism since October 1, 2023). These reports will catalog Harvard’s response to complaints based on allegations of antisemitism, consistent with FERPA, and assess Harvard’s treatment of such complaints against its treatment of complaints based on allegations of other forms of bias. To carry out these undertakings, Harvard will hire a designated individual for Harvard’s Office for Community Conduct (“OCC”) who will have responsibility for consulting on all complaints of antisemitism and for supervising the preparation of the annual reports required under the settlement. Harvard has also agreed to provide expert training on combating antisemitism and the IHRA definition for OCC staff involved in reviewing complaints of discrimination, and Harvard will broadly promote annual training for the University community focused on recognizing and combating antisemitism. The OCC Director will also ensure that Title VI and Harvard’s NDAB policies will be enforced equally, applying a single standard for all students, including Jewish and Israeli students. Harvard will also invest additional academic resources to study antisemitism and will establish an official partnership with a university in Israel, in addition to programs the University currently has in place with Israeli universities. Harvard will provide an opportunity for the Brandeis Center to host a variety of events on campus. In addition, Harvard Kennedy School will provide an opportunity for three alumni of that school to organize and host an on-campus event, consistent with the relevant guidelines that apply to active student groups, on the substantive issues of Israeli Jewish democracy. As part of this settlement with Brandeis Center and JAFE, which includes monetary terms, Harvard has not admitted to any wrongdoing or liability. A Harvard University spokesperson said, “Today’s settlement reflects Harvard’s enduring commitment to ensuring our Jewish students, faculty, and staff are embraced, respected, and supported. We will continue to strengthen our policies, systems, and operations to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate and ensure all members of the Harvard community have the support they need to pursue their academic, research and professional work and feel they belong on our campus and in our classrooms.” Kenneth L. Marcus, Founder and Chairman of the Brandeis Center and the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education stated, “We are heartened that Harvard has agreed to take numerous important steps necessary to creating a welcoming environment for Jewish students. When fully and faithfully implemented, this agreement will help ensure that Jewish students are able to learn and thrive in an environment free from antisemitic hate, discrimination, and harassment. We thank those within Harvard, including administrators, faculty, students, and alumni, who have worked tirelessly to achieve this result. In turn, we look forward to working with Harvard on the important work in this agreement to ensure that the rights of all students are protected.” Previous Next