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- Medicare for Y’all: Rules For Thee But Not For Me
Medicare for Y’all: Rules For Thee But Not For Me Thu Oct 07 2021 04:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- Stand Up & Speak Out With Adela Cojab | sun-times
Stand Up & Speak Out With Adela Cojab Jewish Connection News May 2, 2025 In A World Increasingly Marked By Division, Misinformation, And Antisemitism, One Voice Rises Above The Noise To Champion Truth, Resilience, And Identity: Adela Cojab. With Unwavering Passion And Clarity, Cojab Has Become A Leading Figure In Jewish Advocacy And Education, Inspiring A New Generation To Embrace Their Heritage And Stand Up For What’s Right. On Monday, May 12th, 2025 and Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, David Posnack JCC & Michael-Ann Russell JCC will host two evenings that promise to empower and energize the Jewish community. "Stand Up & Speak Out: The Jewish Response to Today’s Challenges" will feature Adela Cojab in person at two venues: the David Posnack JCC in Davie and the Michael-Ann Russell JCC in North Miami Beach. These events are more than just lectures—they are calls to action, urging attendees to engage, educate, and elevate Jewish voices in a time of great need. A Voice Born from Experience Adela Cojab’s journey into activism didn’t start in a boardroom—it began on the front lines of campus life. Cojab attended New York University and graduated from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study with a degree in Middle Eastern diaspora studies in 2019. She was president of the pro-Israel group Realize Israel, she faced firsthand the rising tide of antisemitism and anti-Zionism on college campuses. Her response: She refused to be silent. In 2019, she famously filed a federal complaint against NYU under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, citing the university’s failure to protect Jewish students from discrimination and harassment. Her bold move sent ripples through higher education, challenging institutions to recognize and address antisemitism with the same gravity as other forms of hate. Since then, Cojab has become a sought-after speaker, educator, and advocate. Her work has taken her from the United Nations to international conferences, and now, to South Florida—where her message is more vital than ever. A Night of Empowerment Attendees of "Stand Up & Speak Out" can expect more than just a speech—they’ll be part of a movement. Adela Cojab brings a unique blend of personal experience, academic insight, and motivational energy. She addresses complex issues with clarity, discussing how young Jews today can maintain pride in their identity while navigating often-hostile environments. Her message resonates deeply with audiences of all ages, but especially with students and young adults, many of whom are confronting antisemitism on campuses, online, and in social spaces. For them, Cojab offers guidance—and hope. She equips attendees with practical tools: how to engage in dialogue, respond to misinformation, and build coalitions that support a vibrant and inclusive Jewish future. Organized by Claudia Tabacinic, these two events are not to be missed: Monday, May 12th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. David Posnack JCC – Lippman Reception Room https://www.givebutter.com/adela Ticket: $36 for adults, $18 for students and Maccabi members Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Michael-Ann Russell JCC – Alan and Diane Lieberman Theater https://www.marjcc.org/MAGENLIVE Ticket: $36 for adults, $18 for students and Maccabi members Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, or simply someone passionate about Jewish continuity, these events offer a rare opportunity to engage with one of today’s most compelling Jewish voices. Building a Brighter Future What sets Adela Cojab apart is her belief in the power of youth. She doesn’t just speak to young people—she speaks with them, recognizing their potential to lead. Her events often turn into forums for dialogue, where students share their experiences, fears, and triumphs. In return, Cojab offers mentorship, encouragement, and a network of support. At a time when Jewish communities around the globe face significant challenges, Cojab’s message couldn’t be more urgent. She reminds us that being Jewish is not something to hide or defend—it’s something to celebrate. With antisemitism on the rise, and misinformation spreading rapidly online, silence is no longer an option. "Stand Up & Speak Out" is not just an event—it’s an invitation. An invitation to become informed, to be inspired, and to take action. Join Adela Cojab and the South Florida community for two unforgettable evenings of courage, clarity, and commitment to Jewish identity! For more information, visit: https://givebutter.com/adela - Call: (305) 522-3290. Or email: ctabacinic@gmail.com. Let this be the moment where we stand together, speak proudly, and shine brightly—for ourselves, our communities, and the generations to come! Previous Next
- Old Lisbon Unveils New Aventura Location - A Generational Legacy Of Portuguese Culinary Tradition
Old Lisbon Unveils New Aventura Location - A Generational Legacy Of Portuguese Culinary Tradition Wed Dec 18 2024 18:45:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- Employers Should Mandate Vaccines to Help End the Pandemic
Employers Should Mandate Vaccines to Help End the Pandemic By Jewel Mullen, M.D., MPH October 14, 2021 Share “Delta is so virulent that virtually every American will likely be exposed within the coming months. The threat that Delta poses affirms why many of America's largest employers are now requiring employees to get vaccinated.” Jewel Mullen, M.D., MPH COVID-19 cases have risen again over recent weeks to numbers not seen since early this year. This is largely preventable thanks to the vaccines discovered and developed in record time. All of us can do our part by getting vaccinated, and our nation's employers have a unique role to play in this effort. Many of America's largest companies, including Tyson Foods, Google and Walmart, are taking critical steps by requiring that their employees get the vaccine. The White House is mandating vaccines for all federal employees and millions of federal contractors, and the Biden administration recently announced it would require all employers with 100 or more workers to mandate vaccinations or weekly testing, too. Data shows that the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson shots are safe and overwhelmingly effective, even against the Delta Variant, which is more than twice as transmissible as the original virus and accounts for 99% of all new confirmed cases. In fact, the Delta Variant is so virulent that virtually every American will likely be exposed within the coming months. The threat that the Delta Variant poses affirms why many of America's largest employers are now requiring employees to get vaccinated. Despite news about breakthrough cases, it remains clear that the vaccines at our disposal are among the safest and most effective ever created. Individuals who contract breakthrough infections typically experience either no symptoms or extremely mild ones. In fact, unvaccinated people who get COVID-19 are about 29 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who are fully vaccinated. Recent studies have even shown that the average vaccinated American has only a one in 5,000 chance per day of contracting COVID-19. Unfortunately, just over half of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. And vaccination rates are not evenly distributed across the country -- 24 states are still under 50 percent vaccinated. That is why it is so commendable that employers, especially those in areas with lower vaccination rates, are taking the critically important step to protect their employees and their communities by mandating the vaccine. It's wise to incentivize, and in some cases require, people to get their shots. In addition to offering vaccines on site, many companies, from Google to United Airlines, have announced this new policy. Only a week after Tyson Foods announced its vaccine mandate in early August, over 5,000 additional employees got the vaccine and as of late September, 91 percent of its U.S. workforce has received at least one dose. In many ways, vaccines are simply just another workplace safeguard. Companies require vaccinations for the same reason they require heavy machinery operators to get the proper training -- failure to do so would pose an unjustifiable risk to employees. Reaching herd immunity through natural infections would mean tens of thousands more tragic -- and preventable -- deaths, along with hundreds of billions in lost economic activity. Every shot in an arm helps bring this Pandemic to an end, and American companies who employ massive workforces have an enormous opportunity to help forge our path out. Jewel Mullen, M.D., MPH, is the Associate Dean For Health Equity at Dell Medical School, as well as an Associate Professor in the school's Population Health And Internal Medicine Departments. Dr. Mullen is also an Advisory Board member for the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID). These opinions are hers and not those of the State or University of Texas. This piece was previously published in the Austin American-Statesman. < Previous News Next News >
- The Future Of Music Is In South Florida: The Frost School Of Music Creating The Next Generation Of Groundbreaking Musicians
The Future Of Music Is In South Florida: The Frost School Of Music Creating The Next Generation Of Groundbreaking Musicians Thu Oct 26 2023 16:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- Andrea Bocelli Christmas Tribute
Andrea Bocelli Christmas Tribute Mon Dec 12 2022 17:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- A Season of Visionary Leadership at The Sterling Aventura - Introducing Kristin Landahl, Executive Director and Community Servant
A Season of Visionary Leadership at The Sterling Aventura - Introducing Kristin Landahl, Executive Director and Community Servant By Joyce R. Forchion December 19, 2024 Share “When you find a good person, you find someone with a great heart.” Community service and heartfelt benevolence have centered the staff at The Sterling Aventura based on the diligent leadership of Kristin Landahl, the Executive Director since November 2023. Her love for seniors is reflected in her advocacy for strategic elder care and memory preservation. The holiday season punctuates a year that brought forth countless accolades and goal attainment for the executive team in 2024. This past November, residents and staff from The Sterling Aventura assembled to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association - Southeast Florida Chapter’s 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Nova Southeastern University. They proved victorious in exceeding their $2,500 fundraising goal by raising $5,300 during the Broward County 5K. “The Sterling Aventura has been part of the Aventura community for over 20 years,” Landahl said. “After running multiple senior living communities in the Midwest and around the country, I must admit that there is a particular heart and passion in Aventura that is undeniable. The employees possess a sense of kindness that you can feel once you walk through our doors, which permeates through our community. The generosity is unmatched, and we hope to share the spirit of giving with even more residents, visitors, and partners.” A sought-after five-star, resort-style senior residential community, The Sterling Aventura was recently named among the nation’s best senior living facilities for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report. In 2023, Life Care Services– the center’s management company– became J.D. Power’s Most Awarded Brand in the history of its Senior Living Satisfaction Survey after ranking first in customer satisfaction for five consecutive years in the Independent Living category. Additionally, the company received the 2023 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for remarkable employee culture and engagement. An accomplished elder care executive and seasoned business owner, Landahl has spent a little over a year at The Sterling Aventura while serving as the Executive Director for Life Care Services for the past 8 years. She obtained an undergraduate degree in sociology, with an emphasis on gerontology, from Illinois State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. Her certifications include a green belt in process improvement in DMAIC/Lean/Six Sigma, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Director of Assisted Living. Her passion lies within her devotion to curating an assisted living community that honors the triumph of the human spirit during the most vulnerable stages of life. “We’re laser-focused on promoting failure-free days for all the residents in order to keep them independent for as long as possible,” said Landahl. “Our team-building philosophy represents a Heart-Health Connection, and 24-hour brain stimulation, all to ensure that our residents make the best decisions to benefit their quality of life. By using the Health and Wellness Navigation Program– along with Partnerships for Care– we assist residents in upholding self-sufficiency by working with Absolute Home Care, SOBE Rehab, and the Alzheimer's Association.” Residents of The Sterling Aventura benefit from a multitude of resources that enable accessible counsel and socialization, such as support groups, professional networking seminars, and international appreciation days. Landahl and her team have also assigned a social worker to visit the property to help seniors grapple with feelings associated with transition, loss, and so much more. “Our primary program is called the 8 Dimensions of Health and Wellness, which focuses on the different levels of well-being for our residents,” she said. “We capture the following tenets of health: physical/exercise, emotional/support groups, environmental exposure, spiritual enlightenment, vocational support, social activities, intellectual /mental stimulation, and health services.” Landahl and her team are uniquely positioned to reach new heights in 2025. “Next year, we will be prepared to expand our mark of excellence in dining services while growing our clinical team, as we continue to assist our residents in embracing our signature programs and service offerings,” she said. “Plus, we will be starting an internal Management Training Program designed to empower our contributing staff to become the best leaders and community servants possible. This past year has been incredible, and we thank the 911 Response Team, EMT Support Network, and Aventura Police Department for its caring collaboration with our staff and incredible reliability.” On a larger scale, Landahl hopes to contribute to the national dialogue surrounding elder care and hospice services to prepare families for the inevitable realities of life. “We need to initiate frank conversations centered on hospice and end-of-life care. Our team at The Sterling Aventura aim to erase the negative connotation by redefining hospice as a resource of preparedness and prevention, forging a harmonious and comforting collaboration between families and healthcare practitioners,” she said. “Hospice provides a beautiful form of support to individuals without stripping away their identity and dignity, so we plan to enhance our in-house clinical offerings and support end-of-life care by taking our services to the next level. We realize that we have the only assisted living community in the area that leads families through end-of-life planning, so we hope to pioneer programs where seniors can stay in their homes– or age in place-- while enjoying comfortable surroundings and familiar faces. The key is to end the merry-go-round and provide comprehensive strategies that specifically cater to the needs of our residents.” The Sterling Aventura strives to provide the most commendable, socially responsible service culture in the industry. For more information on the senior residential community or to schedule a walking tour of the property, visit: www.thesterlingaventura.com . < Previous News Next News >
- Visas For Life - The Righteous And Honorable Diplomats Who Defied Evil | sun-times
Visas For Life - The Righteous And Honorable Diplomats Who Defied Evil Jewish Connection News Oct 23, 2025 History Remembers The Horrors Of The Holocaust Through Images Of Ghettos, Gas Chambers, And Grief—But There’s Another Chapter, One Of Defiance, Courage, And Salvation. This Fall, The Holocaust Documentation & Education Center In Dania Beach, Florida, Invites The Public To Witness An Extraordinary, Often-Overlooked Side Of This Dark Era With Its Newest Traveling Exhibition: “Visas For Life: The Righteous And Honorable Diplomats.” Running from Monday, October 27th, 2025, through Friday, August 28th, 2026, with a **grand opening on Sunday, November 9th, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., the exhibition brings to life the astonishing stories of diplomats from around the world who risked everything to save tens of thousands of Jewish lives during the Holocaust. These were not soldiers or underground resistance fighters—these were men and women in suits, stationed in embassies and consulates, using their pens and their positions to challenge the machinery of genocide. Diplomats Who Dared Between 1938 and 1945, more than 90 diplomats representing 25 different countries** engaged in courageous acts of rescue—most without the consent of their governments. Their defiance was quiet but profound. Many operated in secret, issuing life-saving documents: transit visas, exit permits, citizenship papers, and letters of protection. These documents became golden tickets out of occupied Europe, sparing thousands from deportation and death. Some diplomats went further. They sheltered Jews in embassies, smuggled them across borders, and directly confronted Nazi officials to halt deportations. These were acts of deep moral conviction. Often, they were also acts of disobedience—committed in direct violation of official policies. Many of these diplomats paid a high price: they were fired, stripped of their rank and pensions, forced into exile, or lost their lives. What makes “Visas for Life” so compelling is not only the scale of rescue these diplomats accomplished, but the humanity behind each story. The remarkable men and women that will be highlighted in the exhibition and their stories, many are being brought to life through original photographs, personal documents, survivor testimonies, and government records. A Story Still Unfolding "Visas for Life" is not just a tribute—it’s an active effort to unearth and honor stories long buried by bureaucracy and time. The exhibition features uncovered stories, thanks to extensive research and material shared by the families of diplomats and survivors alike. According to the Holocaust Documentation & Education Center, this traveling exhibition may represent the largest documented collective diplomatic rescue effort during the Nazi era. It reframes the narrative of the Holocaust to include those in positions of power who chose to wield their authority for good, often at great personal risk. Why This Exhibition Matters Now In an age where the lessons of history are increasingly challenged or forgotten, exhibitions like “Visas for Life” serve a critical role. They remind us that in times of moral crisis, silence is complicity—but courage can come from unexpected places. These diplomats weren’t superheroes. They were individuals bound by bureaucracies, stationed in hostile territories, and subject to strict codes of conduct. Yet, when faced with injustice, they chose humanity over orders. They saw suffering and chose action. Their stories ask a timeless question: What would you do? Plan Your Visit The exhibition will be hosted at the Holocaust Documentation & Education Center, located at 303 North Federal Highway, Dania Beach, Florida 33004. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, with general admission priced at $15 and student admission at $10. Admission is free for Holocaust survivors, WWII liberators, their spouses, and military service members. You can reserve your spot at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/visas-for-life-the-righteous-and-honorable-diplomats-exhibition-tour-tickets-1631671075109?aff=oddtdtcreator Remembering the Righteous As the number of living Holocaust survivors dwindles, the responsibility of remembrance grows heavier on the shoulders of the next generation. “Visas for Life” shines a spotlight on the moral clarity and courageous action that still resonates today. In honoring these diplomats, the exhibition doesn't just look back—it points forward, urging visitors to consider the power of individual conscience in shaping the course of history. In a time when authoritarianism, war, and displacement once again make global headlines, the stories told in “Visas for Life” are not just history—they are a call to action. A reminder that even in the darkest times, there are those who choose light. “Visas for Life: The Righteous and Honorable Diplomats” Monday, October 27th, 2025 – Friday, August 28th, 2026 Grand Opening: Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Holocaust Documentation & Education Center 303 North Federal Highway, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 For more information, visit: https://hdec.org Previous Next
- "Roots": Presented By The College Dance Society From Jamaica
"Roots": Presented By The College Dance Society From Jamaica Thu Jul 20 2023 16:12:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- Where The Bucks Stop: Local Governments Are Adopting Budgets And Tax Rates For The 2022/2023 Fiscal Year
Where The Bucks Stop: Local Governments Are Adopting Budgets And Tax Rates For The 2022/2023 Fiscal Year Thu Aug 11 2022 04:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- MorseLife Presents Third Annual Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars Film Festival | sun-times
MorseLife Presents Third Annual Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars Film Festival By Alan Goch - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 From January 22nd, 2025 through February 2nd, 2025, the Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars Film Festival (presented by MorseLife) will return for its third season at two venues. Screenings will take place at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on January 23rd - January 30th and at EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace from January 31st - February 2nd. Ten of the films being screened will have Jewish themes. Barbara Scharres, SASIFF Artistic Director, acknowledged the cultural significance of presenting Jewish films in the festival. “A passion for Jewish stories is at the top of the list for a significant number of filmgoers. The festival has put together ten Jewish-themed films with broad appeal, from historical dramas, bio-pics, comedies and of-the-moment documentaries.” The Jewish-themed films include: Auction - Le Tableau Volé: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Saturday, January 25th at 4:00 p.m. Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Pascal Bonitzer. France, 91-minutes – In French, English and German with English subtitles. Bad Shabbos: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Thursday, January 30th at 7:00 p.m. Comedy, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Daniel Robbins. USA, 84-minutes. Broken Dolls: EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace on Sunday, February 2nd at 1:00 p.m. Director Tracy Whipple will be present for audience discussion. Documentary, 2023, South Florida Premiere. Directed by Tracy Whipple and Gilles Bovon. USA, 82-minutes. The Glory Of Life - Die Herrlichkeit Des Lebens: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Saturday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m. Historical Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Judith Kaufmann and Georg Maas. Germany/Austria, 98-minutes – In German with English subtitles. Midas Man: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Friday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m. Musical Biopic of The Beatles / 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Joe Stephenson. UK, 112-minutes. Never Alone - El Koskaan Yskin: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Tuesday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m. Drama, 2025, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Klaus Härö. Finland, 85-minues – In Swedish, Yiddish, Russian, Hebrew, English, Finnish, and German with English subtitles. Of Dogs And Men - Al Klavim Veanashim: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Monday, January 27th at 4:00 p.m. Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Dani Rosenberg. Israel, Italy, 82-minutes – In Hebrew with English subtitles. Pink Lady: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Friday, January 24th at 4:00 p.m. Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Nir Bergman. Israel, Italy, 106-minutes – In Hebrew with English subtitles. Troll Storm: EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace on Wednesday, January 29th at 7:00 p.m. Tanya Gersh will be present for audience discussion. Documentary, 2023, Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Eunice Law. USA, 83-minutes. Yaniv: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Sunday, January 26th at 1:00 p.m. Comedy, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Ammon Carmi. USA, 80-minutes. For more information on the films or to purchase tickets, visit: www.sasiff.org - Or call: (561) 220-6735. Liza Minnelli on her European Tour 1975 (Photo Credit: Courtesy Atlas Media Corp) Previous Next
- Code Enforcement Laws Have Changed: Hallandale Beach Has Been Reestablishing and Expanding Their Code Division
Code Enforcement Laws Have Changed: Hallandale Beach Has Been Reestablishing and Expanding Their Code Division March 16, 2023 Share Last week I began a summary of about two complex processes within our City. One is permitting and the other is Code Enforcement. Once a Code Violation has been issued, property owners need to address the code deficiency right away. In the past, we had issued warnings. This resulted in a patchwork of different scenarios without much results in making sure properties were maintained. Last year the Commission went to a policy of no warnings for certain violations. Code Enforcement Officers are assigned to different quadrants of the City. They can receive Code complaints in a few different ways. One is by direct complaints filed by residents via phone call or email. The other is through our myHBApp. Residents and tenants for years could file complaints anonymously. Two years ago the State changed this policy. State legislators made it illegal to file complaints anonymously. This means Code Officers cannot act on these complaints. On one hand this policy is very chilling. Residents and tenants who want to report violations no longer have their privacy shielded. This means either they do not complain, or they do so at the chance of being retaliated against. On the other hand, residents cannot weaponize our Code Enforcement Team to retaliate against board members, owners or other businesses. This means our code officers need to work even harder to ensure that all properties are safe and maintained. Officers do this by inspecting their respective quadrants. Over the past few years, we have been reestablishing and expanding our Code Division. In addition to no more anonymous complaints, we have keenly focused on illegal dumping and trash issues. We have actually hired two officers to specifically monitor dumping and trash in our right of ways. Notice of Violations (NOV) are issued to the property owner in the form of a Civil Citation. It will reference the Code Violation/s and time frame of which it needs to be corrected. One of the newest enforcement changes is the placement of trash and bulk at the curb. There has always been a rule that nothing can be put at the curb until the night before pickup. The difference now is that we are fully enforcing this provision. Some individuals have been caught off guard with this change. While it has created some issues, the main goal is to keep our right of ways clean and to discourage illegal dumping. NOVs depending on what they entail may be given one day or more to correct the issues. The best example is work without a Permit. The property-owner is issued the ticket, but they still must file for a permit. Depending on the work being done will depend on the length of time it will take to get a Permit. In this case so long as the owner is moving forward an extension may be granted. So, what happens if you do not correct the violation? If the Code official goes out to the property and sees it is not corrected. You then are issued a notice to appear. The Special Magistrate will rule on the case and may provide an extension or rule that a Fine will be applied to the property. Fines that accrue will become a Lien against the property. In some cases the Lien can become a Tax Lien. This is where many neighboring residents become frustrated. As a City there are Code Violations that we can fix. The super majority cannot. Grass cutting, clearing and pool cleaning are NOVs where we as the City can go onto the property and fix. The cost of these violations go onto the property owner's Tax Bill. All others just continue to accumulate. The ultimate goal of Code Enforcement is to bring properties into compliance. In the best scenario, the property violations are corrected and Code Enforcement closes the case. While we use Fines towards this goal there are some cases that just end up accumulating large amounts. So what happened with all those fines? Cities have the ability to mitigate Fines. Recently we adopted changes to our procedures. These streamlined and clarified our process. The state also changed how cities can handle Code Mitigation. This change was due to a lawsuit in which the Appellate Court ruled that Special Magistrates can no longer be used to appeal mitigations. The process now requires that staff can mitigate and if property owners want to appeal they must do so through the City Manager. Property owners must file a formal application to Mitigate Fine/s. The forms are all online and submitted to the Code Official with a Petition Fee of $150.00. Each violation needs to be requested individually. They will evaluate various mitigating factors, the first being that the property is up to code. If an owner has many properties all must be up to code before proceeding. They will look at Homestead Status, basis for the request, if there is a unique hardship, rental status, other Code Violations and if there are other court proceedings. After the evaluation the Director of Sustainable Development can rule. Mitigation will begin at 5% for Homesteaded properties. Non-Homestead excluding rental property at 15% and rental properties at 20%. Other factors will include whether the property is part of a Neighbor Improvement Program in which fines can be reduced to $1,000.00. Due to COVID-19, accrual of Fines between 11/10/2019 and 6/16/2021 will also be a mitigating factor. In the event of a hardship for example a family death, Fines can be reduced 100%. After this process is exhausted the property owner may appeal to the City Manager by filing an appeal with all information and a Filing Fee of $250.00. Code Enforcement is complex but necessary. Cities are bound by State Laws when it comes to Property Code Enforcement. The balance is protecting Public Health and safety versus private property rights. We have continued to fine tune the processes to make sure that property owners that do maintain their homes and businesses are not burdened with the costs of those that don’t. We should all do our part in maintaining our properties since poor conditions impact everyone’s property values and quality of life. 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 email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >














































