Electric Vehicles Are On The Ballot: Florida Drivers Confused By EV Messaging As Election Rhetoric Intensifies August 8, 2024 Share Electric Vehicles (EVs) have certainly taken a prominent spot in media coverage lately, with many reports singing praises of how they’re kinder to the planet, easier on the wallet in the long run, and pretty zippy to drive. Plus, there’s that sweetener of tax breaks and incentives that governments are throwing into the mix to get us all on board. But, there are drawbacks. Forking out more cash upfront, fretting over whether your battery will give up the ghost sooner rather than later, and the head-scratching over where you'll next be able to charge up are real deal-breakers for some. The political landscape further muddles the situation. Former President Trump, who once criticized EVs, has softened his stance since growing friendlier with Tesla’s Elon Musk. Recently, Trump told a rally in Michigan, “I’m constantly talking about Electric Vehicles but I don’t mean I’m against them. I’m totally for them.” This shift, coupled with ongoing mixed signals from the political arena, leaves many drivers at a crossroads - enticed by the promise of EVs but wary of their current limitations. "These are valid apprehensions that deserve attention, but they shouldn’t overshadow the remarkable progress and potential of EV Technology,” says Brentley Jones, Owner of Quantrell Subaru. In an effort to gauge where drivers stand on this, Quantrell Subaru surveyed 3,000 drivers to understand the public's hesitations and hopes regarding EVs. The survey indicated a split - it appears many Floridians love the idea but aren't quite ready to break up with their gas-guzzlers just yet. They're craving more info and some reassurance that the tech won't let them down. The study revealed that almost 1-in-3 (31%) of Florida drivers remain uncertain about the practicality of switching to an EV, highlighting the need for clearer information. For 20%, the higher upfront cost is a drawback. Another 20% express concern about the current state of charging station networks. And, naturally, the potential costs and hassles of battery replacement weigh on the minds of 26% of those surveyed. On the flip side, a good number of drivers are clearly swayed by the positive impact on the environment, with 32% pointing to the appeal of lower running costs. The high-performance aspect of EVs hasn't gone unnoticed either, attracting 19% of potential buyers, while government incentives are a deciding factor for 15%, underscoring the role that policy plays in consumer decisions. Regarding those incentives, the survey suggests that their removal could significantly cool the Florida public's interest in EVs, with 62% indicating they might rethink an EV purchase. Moreover, a little over half support the idea of moving away from gas-powered cars altogether, reflecting a growing readiness for a more sustainable mode of transport. However, there's a degree of mistrust in the mix, with 57% viewing the push for EVs as potentially profit-driven, casting doubt on the sincerity of the sustainability narrative. The power of the media is also evident, with positive reporting on EVs swaying 29% of survey participants towards considering an EV. Yet, some are wary, with 43% concerned about the possibility of increased surveillance and control over their driving patterns through EV technology. “While there are hurdles to overcome, the future of EVs is bright. Dealers find themselves at the frontlines, tasked with eliminating customers' apprehensions around issues like range limitations, battery degradation, and long-term maintenance costs. Through open conversations and access to accurate data, they can demystify the EV ownership experience,” continues Mr. Jones Jones. "With continued innovation, investment in Infrastructure, and collaborative efforts between stakeholders, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. By embracing the EV revolution, we not only drive towards cleaner air and a healthier planet but also unlock a world of exciting possibilities on the road ahead.” < Previous News Next News >

Understanding The Tax Roll: Many Newer Residents May Not Be Aware, It's Not Just City Taxes By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper October 6, 2022 Share In September, I wrote about the Taxes here and around the State. In the article, I explained about 'Save our Homes' and the 'Truth in Millage'. I do not want to be redundant, but I believe it is imperative that residents understand that the Roll Back Rate is simply a past action by State Legislators to suggest that City Governments should run on fixed costs. In other words, when Property Values go up, Taxes should go down. In the real world it does not work that way. Please visit the Sun Times Website to read the full article at: https://www.southfloridasuntimes.com/news/tax-season%3A-there-is-a-misconception-that-we-can-simply-cut-costs In the article, I explained that cities just like businesses are also subject to increased costs of operations. Our cost increases are well over 10% since we purchase different types of services and products, the typical basket of household goods that are calculated in the CPI. Unlike businesses, we do not have the luxury of picking and choosing the services we provide like: Police, Fire, Emergency Services, Water/Sewer/Stormwater Management, Code Enforcement, Building Services, Public Right Of Way and Maintenance to name a few. We also have to provide the underground and above ground infrastructure to deliver those services. On Monday, September 12th, 2022, we held two extremely important Public Meetings. We held the first Public Hearing on our City’s Budget and Millage Rates. The Millage Rate was increased to 8.2466. This represents an increase of 1.2466 Mills to generate $5.9 Million Dollars to balance our Budget without using Reserves and to provide Services at the same level. It also provides financial resources to repair the Infrastructure. The Millage Rate to pay for our Park GO Bond decreased from 0.5377 to 0.4946. There are two Special Districts, Golden Isles Rates stayed the same at 1.0934 and Three Islands also stayed the same at .6600. During the Meeting, I realized that many newer residents may not be aware that the Trim Notice they received is not just for City Taxes, it includes the County, the School Board and the Hospital District. It was also clear that when comparing City to City, it is not just about the Tax Rates. It is also about the size and type of the Tax Base. The other key is the charges for the Services. One City may have a lower Tax Rate but higher fees. We did have approximately 15 residents that came to participate in the Meeting and three speakers spoke. Obviously, they spoke against raising Taxes. As a Commission, we certainly do not want to raise Taxes, but we do have to keep our City safe and running. We are all empathic to the fact that there are some residents that are struggling to make ends meet. We also understand that many Non-Homesteaded Owners are now reconsidering keeping their second homes. Understanding these struggles, our CRA has approved a Rental Assistance Program that is available to residents that live within the CRA boundaries that include 14th Avenue and West. While we do not have this available East of 14th Avenue, we do have Emergency Funding available at the Hepburn Center Human Services Department, located at 750 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. Our Social Workers can also assist by pointing you to resources available from other agencies. It has become very costly to live in South Florida. All properties and businesses are being faced with increased cost of materials, cost for staffing, fuel and energy costs as well as the big one, insurance costs. We also understand that 40 and 50 Year Safety Repairs must be performed or buildings can be faced with red tags. There is no silver bullet and Local Governments can try to help but we also have bills to pay. We need our State and National Partners to now step up to the plate. Another Major Meeting was held on Monday afternoon to discuss our Infrastructure needs and how we will be able to pay for replacing Water/Sewer and Stormwater Pipes. There are over $358 Million Dollars of underground pipes that need replacement. Of that $180 Million is being funded by Revenue Bonds and another $19 Million will be funded by Grants. $117 Million will still need to be funded but we are targeting the most critical. Those that are 45 Years and older. The other portion is at 25 Years old. Over the past year, there were over 510 Water Main Breaks with 35 resulting in Boiled Water Notices. This is unacceptable. Like many Condos, we cannot kick the can down the road. I will go into further detail over the next few articles, but it is important that our residents understand that we need to Fund these Projects through Revenue Bonds. These types of Bonds are tied to Water/Sewer and Stormwater Fees. Our Staff has been working with a consultant that has specialized in this field for over 30 years. They have developed a financial plan that includes a phased increase in these Utility Fees. The Commission fully agreed on the plan and Rate Increases. The new Rate starting next year will be as follows. If you are not using any Water, the Base will go from 42.61 to 52.35. If you are a larger consumer and use 10,000 a month, the average bill will go from 101.96 to 119.00. In addition, the Stormwater Rates which have not been studied or raised for years will be a flat rate of $8 Dollars per month. Over the next five years, we will be covering the Bond Debt by increases of 17% year 2024, 10% year 2025, 7.5% year 2026, 5.25% year 2027 and 3.75% in 2028. Since this is a Long Term Plan, the Rates will be reviewed and Rates per type of user may change. Please know, I would welcome the opportunity to come out and discuss these important topics with your Condominium Owners. Hurricane Ian Utility Response Due to the extraordinary devastation which has occurred to the West Coast areas of the State due to Hurricane Ian, the City of Hallandale Beach is sending both Public Works Staff and Police Staff to provide much needed assistance. The four-member Response Team is prepped and ready to depart to the City of Naples. They team left Tuesday morning and once they arrived, the team assisted with making Emergency Repairs to the City’s Water Distribution System and will be returning this Sunday. "I am extremely proud of our teams for taking the lead in responding to the call for assistance." Jeff Odoms Public Works Director, City of Hallandale Beach As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out at my office: (954) 457-1318. On my cell/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >

An Evening With Gary Shteyngart And Mitchell Kaplan - Bestelling Author Gary Shteyngart Shares His "Completely Delightful" New Novel VERA, OR FAITH Jewish Connection News Jul 9, 2025 The Books & Books Literary Foundation Is Proud To Present An Evening With Gary Shteyngart On July 16th, 2025 - 7:00-8:00 p.m., Discussing Vera, Or Faith: A Novel (Random House, $28). He Will Be In Conversation With Mitchell Kaplan. A Poignant, Sharp-Eyed, And Bitterly Funny Tale Of A Family Struggling To Stay Together In A Country Rapidly Coming Apart, Told Through The Eyes Of Their Wondrous Ten-Year-Old Daughter, By The Bestselling Author Of Super Sad True Love Story And Our Country Friends. About the Book A poignant, sharp-eyed, and bitterly funny tale of a family struggling to stay together in a country rapidly coming apart, told through the eyes of their wondrous ten-year-old daughter, by the bestselling author of Super Sad True Love Story and Our Country Friends “A novel you can read in one sitting that will stay with you forever.”—Karen Russell “Very funny, very sad, very sharp, and completely delightful.”—Elif Batuman A Washington Post and Literary Hub Most Anticipated Book of 2025 The Bradford-Shmulkin family is falling apart. A very modern blend of Russian, Jewish, Korean, and New England WASP, they love one another deeply but the pressures of life in an unstable America are fraying their bonds. There's Daddy, a struggling, cash-thirsty editor whose Russian heritage gives him a surprising new currency in the upside-down world of twenty-first-century geopolitics; his wife, Anne Mom, a progressive, underfunded blue blood from Boston who's barely holding the household together; their son, Dylan, whose blond hair and Mayflower lineage provide him pride of place in the newly forming American political order; and, above all, the young Vera, half-Jewish, half-Korean, and wholly original. Observant, sensitive, and always writing down new vocabulary words, Vera wants only three things in life: to make a friend at school; Daddy and Anne Mom to stay together; and to meet her birth mother, Mom Mom, who will at last tell Vera the secret of who she really is and how to ensure love's survival in this great, mad, imploding world. Both biting and deeply moving, Vera, or Faith is a boldly imagined story of family and country told through the clear and tender eyes of a child. With a nod to What Maisie Knew, Henry James's classic story of parents, children, and the dark ironies of a rapidly transforming society, Vera, or Faith demonstrates why Shteyngart is, in the words of The New York Times, "one of his generation's most exhilarating writers." About the Author Gary Shteyngart was born in Leningrad in 1972 and came to the United States seven years later. His debut novel, The Russian Debutante’s Handbook, won the Stephen Crane Award for First Fiction and the National Jewish Book Award for Fiction. His second novel, Absurdistan, was one of the The New York Times Book Review's 10 Best Books of the Year. His novel Super Sad True Love Story won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize and became one of the most iconic novels of the decade. His memoir, Little Failure, was a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. His most recent novel is the New York Times bestseller Our Country Friends. His books have been published in thirty countries. He lives in New York with his wife and son. About the Moderator Mitchell Kaplan, a Miami Beach native, founded the independent bookstore chain Books & Books in 1982. Books & Books was named “Publishers’ Weekly Bookstore of the Year” in 2015. He is the co-founder of Miami Book Fair, a former president of the American Booksellers Association (ABA), and received the National Book Foundation’s prestigious “Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community” in 2011. He is the host of the podcast, “The Literary Life with Mitchell Kaplan” and with his partner Paula Mazur, formed the Mazur/Kaplan film production company to bring books to the screen. Please note: This event will take place at the Books & Books in Coral Gables at 265 Aragon Ave. Tickets are REQUIRED. Each ticket admits one (1) guest into the venue and includes one (1) copy of VERA, OR FAITH ($28 + tax). If you would like to bring a guest, you must add our $5 guest fee. This fee does not include a copy and only accounts for one guest. Books will be handed out upon entry. You can purchase tickets at: https://www.booksandbooks.com/event/an-evening-with-gary-shteyngart-author-of-our-country-friends/ Previous Next

Bah Humbug Snowflakes: Christmas Has Become Yet Another Trigger Word By John & Nisha Whitehead December 20, 2023 Share The season for giving has turned into the season for getting…and for getting offended. Over the years, Christmas casualties in the campaign to create one large national safe space have ranged from the beloved animated classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (denounced for promoting bullying and homophobia) to the Oscar-Winning Tune “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” (accused of being a date rape anthem) crooned by everyone from Dean Martin to Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel in the Movie Elf. Also on the endangered species Christmas list are such songs as “Deck The Halls,” “Santa Baby” and “White Christmas.” One publishing company even re-issued their own redacted version of Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem “T’was The Night Before Christmas” in order to be more health conscious: the company edited out Moore’s mention of Santa smoking a pipe (“The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth/ And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.”) In the politically correct quest to avoid causing offense, Christmas keeps getting axed. Examples abound. Schools across the country now avoid anything that alludes to the true meaning of Christmas such as angels, the baby Jesus, stables and shepherds. In many of the nation's schools, Christmas Carols, Christmas Trees, wreaths and candy canes have also been banned as part of the effort to avoid any reference to Christmas, Christ or God. One school even outlawed the colors red and green, saying they were Christmas colors and thus, illegal. Students asked to send seasonal cards to Military Troops have been told to make them “holiday cards” and instructed not to use the words “Merry Christmas” on their cards. Many schools have redubbed their Christmas concerts as “winter holiday programs” and refer to Christmas as a “winter festival.” Some schools have canceled holiday celebrations altogether to avoid offending those who do not celebrate the various holidays. Things have not been much better outside the schools, muddled by those who subscribe to the misguided notion that the Constitution requires that anything religious in nature be banned from public places. Clearly, Christmas has become one of many casualties in the misguided dispute over the so-called “separation of church and state,” a controversy that has given rise to a disconcerting and unconstitutional attempt to sanitize public places of any reference to God or religion. Yet there’s a really simple solution to this annual angst of whether students and teachers can display Christmas-related posters, wear Christmas colors of red and green or sing Christmas Songs and that is for government officials to stop being such Humbugs and create a vibrant, open environment where all expression can flourish. While the First Amendment prohibits the government from forcing religion on people or endorsing one particular religion over another, there is no legitimate legal reason why people should not be able to celebrate the season freely or wish each other a Merry Christmas or even mention the word Christmas. After all, the First Amendment affirms the right to Freedom For Religion, not Freedom From Religion. Hoping to clear up the legal misunderstanding over the do’s and don’ts of celebrating Christmas, The Rutherford Institute’s Constitutional Q&A on “Twelve Rules of Christmas” provides basic guidelines for lawfully celebrating Christmas in schools, workplaces and elsewhere. Yet while Christmas may be the “trigger” for purging Christmas from public places, government forums and speech—except when it profits Corporate America—it is part and parcel of the greater trend in recent years to whittle away at Free Speech and trample the First Amendment underfoot. Anything that might raise the specter of controversy is avoided at all costs. We are witnessing the emergence of an unstated yet court-sanctioned right, one that makes no appearance in the Constitution and yet seems to trump the First Amendment at every turn: the right to not be offended. In this way, emboldened by phrases such as “hate crimes,” “bullying,” “extremism” and “microaggressions,” Free Speech has been confined to carefully constructed “Free Speech Zones,” criminalized when it skates too close to challenging the status quo, shamed when it butts up against politically correct ideals, and muzzled when it appears dangerous. At the slightest hint of trouble, government officials (and corporations) are inclined to chuck anything that might be objectionable. Yet when all is said and done, what the Police State really wants is a nation of snowflakes, snitches and book burners: a legalistic, intolerant, elitist, squealing bystander nation willing to turn on each other and turn each other in for the slightest offense, while being incapable of presenting a united front against the threats posed by the government and its cabal of Constitution-destroying agencies and corporate partners. You want to know why this country is in the state it’s in? The answer is the same no matter what the problem might be, whether it’s the Economy, Government Corruption, Police Brutality, Endless Wars, Censorship, Falling Literacy Rates, etc.: Every one of these problems can be sourced back to the fact that “We The People” have stopped thinking for ourselves and relinquished responsibility for our lives and Well-Being to a government entity that sees us only as useful idiots. We face an immense threat in our society from this drive to obliterate our history and traditions in order to erect a saccharine view of reality. In the process, we are creating a schizophrenic world for our children to grow up in, and it is neither healthy nor will it produce the kind of people who will be able to face the challenges of a future ruled by a totalitarian regime. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, you can’t sanitize reality. You can’t scrub out of existence every unpleasant thought or idea. You can’t legislate tolerance. You can’t create enough safe spaces to avoid the ugliness that lurks in the hearts of men and women. You can’t fight ignorance with the weapons of a Police State. What you can do, however, is step up your game. Opt for kindness over curtness, and civility over Censorship. Choose Peace over Politics, and Freedom over Fascism. Find common ground with those whose Politics or opinions or lifestyles may not jive with your own. Do your part to make the world a little brighter and a little lighter, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll have a chance of digging our way out of this hole. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale Beach VPK - Give Your Child A Great Start For This Fall’s School Year October 21, 2021 Share The City Of Hallandale Beach's Hepburn Center is located at 1000 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 The City Of Hallandale Beach’s Hepburn Center is currently accepting enrollments for the Fall Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Education Program (VPK) and is located at 1000 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. Every child who turns 4 by Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 may be eligible for the FREE VPK. The daily, 4-hour program includes breakfast and lunch, with the option of an extended wrap care for a ONE TIME Annual Fee of $200 for Hallandale Residents and $400 for Non-Hallandale Residents. The full-day learning experience enhances your child’s school readiness. VPK enrolled participants will discover: • Safe, secure school environment • Experienced, credentialed teachers • Customized curriculum, lesson plans and learning experiences • VPK Star Program, which enhances VPK’s students with technology • Technology in the VPK classrooms help your child’s learning experience by featuring early math and literacy skills This is a FREE Pre-Kindergarten for all 4-year-olds, regardless of family income. The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Education Program -- or VPK -- prepares early learners for success in Kindergarten and beyond. This program is funded by the State of Florida. VPK certificate must be obtained to apply. To be eligible, children must live in Florida and must be 4 years old on or before, Wednesday, September 1st, 2021, of the current school year. Effective July 1st, 2016, a new law lets parents whose children are born between February 2nd and September 1st of the calendar year, postpone enrolling their 4-year-old, until the following year when their child is 5 years old. The early childhood education team have created a program to provide a safe and enriched learning environment. Learn more about the City Of Hallandale Beach’s Hepburn Center’s VPK (4-Year-Old) Program by visiting our website today, at: https://cohb.org/34/Youth-Services Or call: (954) 479-1460. < Previous News Next News >

Research Finds Sex Can Be Confirmed By Hand Odor Thu Jul 13 2023 16:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Florida: A History In Pictures: Book Signing & Meet The Authors, Mike McGinness And Jeff Davies Thu Jan 26 2023 17:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Remembering Rabbi Dovid Bryn: A South Florida Legend By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil Apr 23, 2026 Thursday, 6 Iyar - April 23, 5786 (2026), Marks The 24th Yahrtzeit (Anniversary Of Passing) Of South Florida Legend, The Beloved Rabbi Dovid Bryn zt"l, Founder Of Chabad Chayil & The California Club Shul. Mostly Known For His Unending Acts Of Kindness And Genuine Love For Every Human Being, He Is Truly Missed By All Who Knew Him. Some rabbis are known for their gigantic shuls and temples, but Rabbi Bryn had a much bigger Shul, one not bound by walls. His shul was in the flea markets, soccer fields of the JCC & in people’s homes. His Sunday afternoon would be spent in a teenager’s living room with a pair of Teffillin and a group of friends. His Shul was in the community’s hearts. Rabbi Bryn was a Chabad Rabbi and Shliach emissary of The Rebbe to North Miami-Dade, whose life was tragically cut short at age 40 by Marfan Syndrome, a condition that affects the body's connective tissue. For over a quarter of a century, Rabbi Bryn – the son of Holocaust survivors - courageously battled the fatal disease that decimated his heart, yet managed to minister to, counsel and inspire tens of thousands of Jews and non-Jews alike. Rabbi Bryn fed the hungry and poor, counseled the sick and the troubled - all with great courage, fortitude and self-sacrifice. He arranged marriages, taught Torah and ethics to thousands, bridged the interfaith gap by working closely with people and clergymen of all faiths … he was the living embodiment of kindness and bravery. Some might be troubled by the precariousness of constantly living on the edge of existence, but the Rabbi’s overflowing concern for others left no room for worry over his own well-being. He lived the equivalent of 120 years of good in a third of the time. One friend commented on: RabbiDovidBryn.org, which was created to remember the legendary Chassid, ‘If he could breathe, then he would talk to others about G-d's good, the beauty of a Mitzvah, or life's bright spots. If he could walk, then he would go to share life with others and show a positive perspective as it should be seen. If he could drink, then he would toast L'Chaim to all things positive and constructive. If he could sing, then he would. If he could do it, then he did. He showed strength not owned by men who appear stronger. He showed love that is only written about. He lived a full life of treating others as one would treat themselves. When I need an example of the unrelenting power of love, I think of him.’ For the past 24 years, we’ve been getting together for an annual Farbrengen, to say a L’Chaim, reminisce about the good times shared together and, most important, to talk about how his chesed - his loving kindness for every human being could be emulated. Please join us Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, at 8:30 p.m., for an hour-long Farbrengen & inspiration. There will be Yahrtzeit Services at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Farbrengen both taking place at Chabad Chayil, 2601 Northeast 211 Terrace, Miami, Florida 33180 in the Highland Lakes section of West Aventura. The entrance is on Northeast 26th Avenue, in the temporary location behind the new building. The Farbrengen will also be broadcasted on Facebook Live as well as YouTube Live. It will also be shown live at: RabbiDovidBryn.org . That morning Shacharit Services will be at 9:00 a.m., followed by a quick trip to Mount Sinai Cemetery on Opa-Locka to say Tehillim at his resting place. To view or share photos or experiences of this remarkable man, please visit: RabbiDovidBryn.org . You can also learn about the new Chabad Chayil center being built in his honor, by calling: (305) 770-1919 or visiting the website. To dedicate a part of the new building or even 1 square foot for $180, visit: www.ChabadChayil.org/Build . Please dedicate this day to doing an extra Mitzvah, by going out of your way to doing someone a favor. You can be his hands and feet, in making this world a better place. Think global, but act local! Don’t push it off for tomorrow, do something today! And you will have a tremendous part of bringing healing to a wounded world; making it a better place for all, one good deed at a time, until the world reaches perfection, with the coming of Moshiach. May that happen today! About the Author: Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes and West Aventura, Florida. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org . You can also support the community with your partnership at: www.ChabadChayil.org/Partner . Previous Next

State Of The City 2023: 2022 Was An Exciting Year For Sunny Isles Beach By Larisa Svechin, Mayor Sunny Isles Beach - www.sibfl.net February 8, 2023 Share It is my distinct privilege to be giving the 2023 State Of The City Address for the first time as your Mayor. I first moved to Sunny Isles Beach in 1987 and I am committed to furthering my previous work on the City Commission, now as your duly Elected Mayor. Going into our 25th year, 2022 was an exciting year for the City. We gained two new Commissioners, Jerry Joseph and Fabiola Stuyvesant, most recently following the Elections in November and Run-Off Election in December, myself, Commissioner Alex Lama and Commissioner Jeniffer Viscarra were Re-Elected. It was a year of unprecedented Elections, sometimes the campaigns were inimical. But now is the time for accord. A passion for the City is an important part of elected office. I applaud the Commission for their fortitude and dedication. I am sure that this Commission will unite through our collective motivation to bolster Sunny Isles Beach and all it has to offer. Having been away from City Business this past year, experiencing our City as a resident only and not also as a Mayor, I have a unique perspective, fresh eyes and a deeper understanding of what we the residents want to see in 2023. I have big goals for 2023 and beyond, which include bringing Absolute Budgetary Transparency to the Public, fostering a culture of Governmental Accountability and Reliability, providing much needed resources to residents, taking on our school overcrowding, providing for the most inclusive community and enacting the highest standards of service for our residents. Further, it is critical in this economy that your government is right sized, providing both professional and efficient services, so that we can once again lower our Tax Rate. My goals for the future are ambitious, but I am confident that our Commission and City Staff will make great strides in the coming years. In the last three years, our City saw a population boom. This created a test of our Infrastructure and Services. Our City Staff and Police Department strived to meet the demands. However our local school suffered. For the first time in twelve years, Norman S. Edelcup Sunny Isles Beach K-8 saw an influx of hundreds of new students over years past, topping out at over 2,300 students. The Commission, local volunteer groups and parents, united to call for change. One of my top priorities is to ensure that all of our residents and their children have access to the best possible facility. Already working with the District, I intend to do all things necessary so that our school is the jewel which attracted so many of our young families to begin with. The City started the process of a New Standard for Assuring Accuracy, Accountability and Transparency across all levels of the Government. This will continue through active engagement by the Public, Civic Groups, Religious Institutions and Volunteer Groups. It is important that all New Projects and Existing Programs are reviewed using a Systemic Process allowing for the best result for the amount of effort, time and money invested. The City launched a Roundtable Series for seniors and teens, as well as the Resident’s Academy, a Semi-Annual Course that introduces residents to the operations of the City. As a continuation of the work we have been undertaking on the Comprehensive Plan over the last few years, the City is in the process of completing a Holistic Review of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The City not only supports but encourages Local Civic Groups to meet and bring ideas to the Commission. That is why we provide free meeting space for these groups, with more information available here: https://www.sibfl.net/clerk-facilities/ Most importantly, the Commission appointed residents to sit on the Charter Review Commission. This is done every ten years to improve our City Charter and make revisions so that our Government runs more effectively and efficiently. I applaud the women and men of this committee and thank them for their time and taking on this big responsibility. The Public is also invited to attend these Meetings and provide feedback to the Committee. Once the Committee completes their findings, they will present the revisions to the Commission so that the Commission can set a date for residents to decide and then it’s back to the polls! Voters will have an opportunity to Vote for Revisions they support sometime in May 2023. Public Safety has been top of mind for our City and myself personally. Moving into 2022, we continued to increase Enforcement and Visibility, while promoting our Public Safety Strategies. Longtime SIBPD Employee Edward Santiago was sworn in as Chief Of Police in April 2022. Exceptional Officers were also promoted to Sergeant and Lieutenant. These efforts will increase in 2023 so that we provide the highest levels of Service and Safety. Sunny Isles Beach Police are the best bar none. We will double efforts to partner with Volunteer Groups and other organizations, offering Safety Seminars for children and families. Serving our residents remains a top priority as we are constantly looking at ways to enhance your quality of life. Through various Outreach Efforts, Activities, Facilities and Public Art, we strive to provide Well-Rounded and Exceptional Services for every citizen in Sunny Isles Beach. Since opening Gateway Center in 2021, the City has provided expanded Diverse Programming for adults and seniors, including class offerings for seniors 62+ as part of our SIBHealthy Program, a subsidized list of programming, which provides seniors two free classes every month. Starting this year, residents can now rent Gateway Center for personal events, in addition to corporate meetings and gatherings. We are excited that early this year, The Spot, a brand-new center for teens located at 215 185th Street will be opening. The Spot will provide a dedicated space for our growing teen population to hang out after school, attend new classes and meet new friends. Another new facility coming soon is the Intracoastal Courts Park at 15800 Collins Avenue, Demo of the Ritz Carlton Sales Center was completed last year and the courts are expected to open in 2023. We are shining a light on Senator Gwen Margolis Park with the installation of new field lights. This Project will allow our soccer stars to have greater visibility when practicing on the field and is expected to be completed by the end of spring this year. At Pelican Community Park, the City installed fencing around the playground and a walkway to secure the entrance and exit for visitors. With locking gates on both sides, we can restrict access to the gym, playground and restrooms while keeping the park open to the general public. Keeping our parks secure allows our patrons to feel safe while enjoying the vast amenities they offer. The CCS Department Supplemented Current Program offerings at Pelican Community Park with a diverse set of new courses including ballroom dancing, guitar, theater and two competitive travel volleyball teams, who competed in local tournaments and the AAU Junior Nationals in Orlando. Our Competitive Sports Programs continue to reign supreme as the Advanced Cheer & Dance team received their first bid to compete in a national level competition, the SIB Select Soccer teams won several tournaments including the United Soccer Cup & Showcase, Enigma Cup and multiple divisions in the City’s SEAS Soccer League. CCS successfully implemented new parent and me classes and pee-wee sports, in addition to offering new after-school options in lieu of our traditional after school program, including study hall, e-gaming and DIY classes. After a two-year hiatus due to the Pandemic, Summer Camp was reintroduced providing service to more than 370 participants. My goal is to bring back aftercare and other options for working parents so that our youngest residents are active and safe after school. Our parks remain a center focus for the CCS Department and they are always studying ways to improve our resident’s experience. That is why they are in the process of creating a Parks and Recreation Master Plan that will define the direction, development and delivery of the City’s Parks and Recreation Services over the next 10 years. The City’s Public Art Program continues with one of the first projects involving a meditation garden located in the western area of Town Center Park. This is the site of the old skate park which was relocated to Haulover Park. This meditation garden is the result of many volunteer hours by the Public Arts Committee, who worked many years to bring this project to fruition. I thank them for all their hard work, expertise and dedication. This project is fully funded and construction is expected to begin this year. The IT Department is spearheading the deployment of a citywide Fiber Optic Network, a Project that has been in the works for the last 10 years. Until now, the City has relied on wireless for connectivity between all City Facilities, without any physical Infrastructure connecting our locations. This project will interconnect every City Property to provide superior redundancy and resiliency that will offer better service to our Staff and residents. The Final Phase of this Project will commence this year and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Building Department hosted a Condominium Workshop to inform stakeholders of the possible policy, procedural and protocol changes to the Building Recertification Process to ensure our buildings are designed, constructed and maintained in a safe manner. The Department has also been working closely with properties to guarantee the proper maintenance and integrity of our buildings. By implementing an online appointment and queuing solution, Building has been able to increase efficiency with customers visiting the third-floor lobby. We will build on this improvement so that Permits and Meetings can be completed electronically and seamlessly. Our City should have the most state-of-the-art electronic system and process to ensure ease and minimize the cost to residents. Our Code Compliance Department hired additional officers to provide enhanced service, the goal is augmenting enforcement on the beach, along Collins Avenue and in our single-family neighborhoods. The Licensing Division performed Local Business Tax Receipts and Certificates of Use Renewals electronically when business owners had all documents uploaded to their accounts. The Planning and Zoning Department issued more than 700 Valid Short-Term Vacation Rental Licenses while continuing their strategy of monitoring delinquent licenses and violations. The Department also worked with an independent consultant to conduct a full review of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code to identify conflicts and discrepancies. The City’s Roster of City Projects remains extensive. We have many exciting initiatives currently in progress and several slated to begin this year. I want to thank the entirety of our City Staff for demonstrating continued excellence in their work. All of the work accomplished would not be possible without the individualized efforts of our Departments and Staff. I also want to acknowledge my fellow Commissioners, both familiar and new colleagues, who I am ready to get to work with this year. There is much to do and I look forward to the progress and accomplishments we will make together. < Previous News Next News >

The Price Of Paradise: Keeping Sunny Isles Beach Mosquito-Free October 5, 2023 Share As the sun graces the skies and temperatures rise, summer in Sunny Isles Beach is a little bit of paradise which brings joy to residents and tourists alike. However, paradise comes with a cost, with the warmth also comes an unwelcome guest – mosquitoes. These buzzing insects can put a damper on outdoor activities and, more importantly, pose health risks. But fret not, because the City of Sunny Isles Beach is taking proactive measures to combat these pesky intruders. When summer arrives, so does peak mosquito season. The City of Sunny Isles Beach has an arsenal of mosquito mitigation efforts in place to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy the outdoors without being constantly swarmed by mosquitoes. Regular Inspections and Code Compliance One of the cornerstones of the city's mosquito control strategy is regular inspections by the Building and Code Compliance departments. These diligent teams routinely check properties for standing water, which is a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. Any violations of the city's code regarding standing water are promptly addressed. In cases where compliance isn't immediately achievable, the city takes swift action to treat the affected areas, preventing mosquito breeding and keeping the population in check. The city doesn't stop at inspections; it also employs comprehensive mosquito treatments throughout Sunny Isles Beach. This includes treating stormwater retention areas and drainage catch basins, effectively blocking mosquitoes from breeding. Additionally, parks and beaches receive regular mosquito control treatments to ensure outdoor spaces remain pleasant and mosquito-free. The city contracts with a licensed and environmentally-friendly mosquito control company, ensuring that these treatments are both effective and eco-conscious. Treatment Schedule To ensure maximum effectiveness, the city has established a treatment schedule. Bi-weekly mosquito control treatments take place on Tuesdays, starting at 8:30 AM. These treatments typically last 5-6 hours and cover all public roads, moving at a leisurely 5 mph pace. Here are the upcoming treatment dates: Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 The products employed in mosquito control are crucial for ensuring effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact. In the case of city streets, the primary product in use is Merus Adulticide. This solution is OMRI Listed and meets USDA standards for organic mosquito control. It utilizes natural pyrethrins and is compatible with organic farming practices. For city parks, Talak 7.9% is the product of choice. This water-based formula provides lasting protection from insects without harmful odors or solvents, making it ideal for use in public recreational spaces. While the city's efforts are commendable, residents and visitors can also play a vital role in mosquito control. Following the recommendations of the Florida Department of Health's "Drain and Cover" Program is an excellent starting point. This program encourages individuals to: Drain standing water wherever it accumulates around their homes, Cover bare skin with clothing and repellent when outdoors, and Cover doors and windows with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoor spaces. If you encounter standing water that hasn't been addressed within 24 hours, don't hesitate to report it to the Code Compliance Department. If you have any technical questions regarding the removal of standing water, call the Building Department at: (305) 792-1735. Important Contact Information In case you need to report mosquito nuisance issues in Miami-Dade County, you can dial: 311. Visit: https://www.miamidade.gov/311direct/#/categorylist - Or use the Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Management Mobile App. To report standing water within Sunny Isles Beach or inquire about its removal, call: (305) 792-1760. Or: (305) 792-1735. In conclusion, Sunny Isles Beach is taking proactive steps to ensure that the mosquito population remains under control during the summer months. By working together with residents and visitors, the city aims to provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for all. So, remember to "Drain and Cover" and play your part in keeping Sunny Isles Beach mosquito-free. < Previous News Next News >

South Florida Symphony Orchestra's First Concert Of 2024 December 28, 2023 Share In advance of Black History Month, South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO), led by Music Director Sebrina María Alfonso, will present an adventurous program illuminating two prominent African American female composers – Florence Price, the first Black woman to have a composition performed by a major orchestra and Jessie Montgomery, whose Rounds for Solo Piano and Orchestra is currently nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Award-Winning Pianist Awadagin Pratt will accompany SFSO for its premiere of Montgomery’s new Piano Concerto and Bach’s Keyboard Concerto No. 4. The program is anchored by Brahm’s lyrically sweeping Symphony No. 1. All concerts are at 7:30 p.m. and take place on January 17th at The Parker located at 707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304; on January 18th at Temple Israel of Greater Miami located at 137 Northeast 19th Street, Miami, Florida 33132 and on January 20th at the Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys located at 5901 College Road, Key West, Florida 33040. A Pre-Concert chat illuminating the works and composers will take place 30 minutes prior to the concert at The Parker, only, with Dr. Alan Mason. “As we open our first concert of the new year, I am thrilled to present a diverse array of works, composers, and performers that highlight the true beauty of what classical music is and what it can be – an avenue for enlightenment, joy, discovery, and togetherness," said Maestra Alfonso. "Florence Price and Jessie Montgomery are two incredible glass ceiling-shattering women whose music I can’t wait to share with our audiences, and Awadagin Pratt is simply an artist of uncompromising talent. Couple this with Brahms’ gorgeous Symphony No. 1, and I think we have a program that will delight and inspire music lovers across all spectrums. It is certainly a concert for the musically inquisitive.” Award-Winning Pianist Awadagin Pratt joins SFSO for Jessie Montgomery’s Rounds. Rounds is the opening track on Pratt’s 2023 Release STILLPOINT, which explores the truth and beauty found within T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets, named by NPR as one of the 10 Best Classical Albums of 2023. For SFSO’s premiere of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Keyboard Concerto No. 4, (originally for harpsichord) Pratt will perform the sprightly work created in 1738. It’s a shimmering work that scholars believe may have once been a concerto for Oboe, given the exceptional lyrical melodies for the soloist, but one will never truly know. Since winning the prestigious Naumburg International Piano Competition in 1992 and receiving a 1994 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Pratt has received international acclaim for delivering “forceful, imaginative, and precisely tinted” performances (Washington Post) and is hailed as “one of the great and distinctive American pianists and conductors of our time” (WGBH). He has performed across six continents with the Boston and Chicago Symphony Orchestras, the New York Philharmonic, and many others; solo recitals at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. Between performances at the piano, Pratt also maintains a bustling conducting career. He is professor of piano at the San Francisco Conservatory. He remains the only graduate of the Peabody Institute (where he studied alongside SFSO’s Maestra Alfonso) to earn performance certificates in three areas — violin, piano, and conducting — and has received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Johns Hopkins University and Honorary Doctorates from Illinois Wesleyan University, Susquehanna University, and the Boston Conservatory. Jessie Montgomery is an Acclaimed Composer, Violinist, and Educator. A recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Award from the ASCAP Foundation and the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Montgomery weaves classical music with elements of vernacular music, improvisation, poetry, and social consciousness. Her composition Rounds for solo piano and orchestra was commissioned by Awadagin Pratt and is based on exacting tensions from T.S. Eliot’s poem “Burnt Norton” which would later become the first of his “Four Quartets.” Rounds is nominated for a 2023 GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Classical Composition and The Washington Post stated of the work, “Rounds” was something of a revelation, and a reinforcement of Montgomery’s reliably vital voice as a composer.” Florence Price was the first African American woman to be recognized as a Symphonic Composer, and the first to have a composition played by a major orchestra - the Chicago Symphony’s performance at the 1933 World’s Fair — the Century of Progress Exposition. Price composed over 300 works: four symphonies, four concertos, as well as choral works, art songs, chamber music and music for solo instruments. SFSO will pay homage to this unsung hero with its premiere performance of her Andante Moderato, a piece from a string quartet that fuses Price’s fluency with African American spirituals with Western musical forms. Rounding out SFSO’s Masterworks Program is a performance of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68. Brahms, himself, declared that the symphony, from sketches to finishing touches, took 21 years, from 1855 to 1876. The premiere of this symphony, conducted by the composer's friend Felix Otto Dessoff, took place in 1876, in Karlsruhe, then in the Grand Duchy of Baden. Following its highly acclaimed 25th Anniversary Season, including sold-out shows and a celebrated performance accompanying Award-Winning Alt-Rock Indie Vocalist Natalie Merchant, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its musical journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages. Upcoming concerts include masterworks from Bernstein, Schubert, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky and more, Including another SFSO premiere, Elllen Taaffe Zwilich’s Clarinet Concerto. SFSO will also host a 200th Anniversary Celebration of Beethoven's magnificent Symphony No. 9 on March 3rd at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Additional popular music performances including Maestra Alfonso conducting SFSO in a live performance of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ™ In Concert on April 5th and April 6th and Classical Mystery Tour: A Symphonic Tribute to The Beatles on May 11th, both at Broward Center for the Performing Arts (separately ticketed events). Season Subscriptions and Single Show Tickets are on sale now. Single Tickets begin at $15 in Fort Lauderdale and $25 in Miami and Key West and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by visiting: www.southfloridasymphony.org/2023-24-season - Or by calling: (954) 522-8445. Subscribers receive a 20% discount off Single Ticket Prices and have access to the best seats in the house. Flexible Ticket Packages are also available. For a performance schedule and season tickets, visit: www.southfloridasymphony.org - Call: (954) 522-8445 Or email: info@southfloridasymphony.org . < Previous News Next News >

City of Aventura Unveils Some Exciting Events: Concert Series Featuring Foreigners Journey & Spring Camp Programs February 21, 2024 Share In celebration of music and community, The City of Aventura is thrilled to announce the Aventura Concert Series event featuring internationally acclaimed tribute band, Foreigners Journey. This highly anticipated concert is set to take place on the lawn behind the Community Recreation Center at Arthur Snyder Park located at 3375 Northeast 188th Street Aventura, Florida 33180. Residents can expect a magical afternoon of musical enchantment on Sunday, February 25th, 2024. Gates will open at 1:00 p.m. Foreigners Journey is set to play at 1:30 p.m. Foreigners Journey has garnered global recognition for their sensational performances that bring the timeless hits of Rock and Roll legends Foreigner and Journey to life. With a high-energy and authentic preproduction, the band promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, combining the best of both iconic acts. From legendary chart-toppers like “Feels like the First Time” and “Separate Ways” to power ballads such as “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Don’t Stop Believin,” this concert will be a musical journey through the classics. Enjoy an enchanting performance outdoors at designated tables or feel free to bring your blanket and chair for added comfort. Tickets are not required for entry. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. No outside food or deliveries will be allowed. While all are welcome, this concert is curated with an adult audience in mind, offering an atmosphere that caters to a more mature audience. We believe it will be a fantastic experience for those who appreciate a "Journey" musical setting. Parking will be available at the Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES). Additional parking will be available at the 10x Centre garage located on the west end of Northeast 188th Street. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to park and get settled in before show time. 2024 Spring Camp Programs and Tennis Camp The City of Aventura opens online registration for its 2024 Spring Care Programs and Tennis Camp on Monday, January 29th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Spring Camp programs will be held Monday, March 25th through Friday, March 29th, 2024. This year, the City is offering a traditional camp program and specialty programs that focus on particular interests like Basketball, Soccer, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Art, Dance and Tennis. Each program provides not only the chance for children to make new friends and memories, but to also experience a one-of-a-kind adventure over their spring break vacation. Camp Programs The following camp programs will be held Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Aventura Community Recreation Center located at 3375 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. The weekly rate for General Camp is $185 for Aventura Residents and $222 for Non-Aventura Residents. The weekly rate for specialty camp is $210 for Aventura Residents and $252 for Non-Aventura Residents with the exception of Travel Camp, $265 for Aventura Residents and $318 for Non-Aventura Residents. General Camp keeps participants ages 5-12 engaged with supervised interactive activities including arts & crafts, games, sports, special events and in-house field trips. Soccer Camp is perfect for participants ages 5-12 with an athletic interest in Soccer. Campers will learn skills and be given the opportunity to compete while also enjoying the week filled with an emphasis on sportsmanship, playing with character, and fitness. Basketball Camp is perfect for participants ages 5-12 with an athletic interest in Basketball. Campers will learn skills and be given the opportunity to compete while also enjoying the week filled with an emphasis on sportsmanship, playing with character, and fitness. STEM Camp provides participants ages 7-12 with the chance to explore the connectedness between Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics while their creativity and problem-solving skills get challenged. Art Camp participants ages 5-10 will learn about artists, techniques and gain hands-on experience with a variety of media used throughout art history in a fun and educational environment. Dance Camp provides participants ages 5-12 an opportunity to explore a variety of dance and music styles while inspiring them to learn and perform choreography in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Travel Camp provides participants ages 8-13 an opportunity to take the road and enjoy new experiences by taking trips every day of the week. Tennis Camp is ideal for participants ages 6-17 of all skill levels. Campers will enjoy fun, high-quality instruction and improve or learn Tennis skills while challenging themselves on the court Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Founders Park located at: 3105 Northeast 190th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. The weekly rate is $325 for Aventura Residents and $390 for Non-Aventura Residents. Registration Participants must be registered prior to attending the program. Registration can be completed exclusively online. Please visit: https://www.cityofaventura.com/ors - To complete the registration process with a valid account. There is a $20 Late Registration Fee applied to all registrations received on or after the Sunday prior to the program start date. For more information, contact Founders Park at: 305-466-0183 or the Community Services Department at: 305-466-8930. Or via email at: crcenter@cityofaventura.com . < Previous News Next News >