Teen Gun Violence: A Safe Place For Hurting And Troubled Teens February 23, 2023 Share Unfortunately, gun violence among teen communities is only on the rise. Due to the increase in gun homicides among children and teenagers during 2020, gun deaths have surpassed vehicle-related deaths as the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 17. School shootings are becoming frequent across the country. Since the Columbine High School Massacre in 1999, 311,000 students have experienced gun violence at 331 schools, resulting in the deaths of at least 185 children and educators as well as another 369 injured by nonfatal gun wounds. One such tragedy was the Parkland School Shooting in South Florida on February 14th, 2018. The community was horrified at the loss of 17 innocent lives. The shooter pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison without parole in November 2022, but those impacted by this act of senseless violence are still reeling from the sudden loss of loved ones five years later. Youth For Christ’s (YFC, www.yfc.net ) Miami Chapter has been invested in the Miami area schools since 1948. Miami Youth for Christ works together with other like-minded partners to help young people make good choices, establish a solid foundation for life and positively impact the world around them. Miami YFC is committed to empowering the children, youth and families in the community by providing faith-based services that enhance their emotional, spiritual, physical and educational well-being through educational and outreach programs. When it comes to gun violence in the community, Miami YFC Executive Director Tia Diaz-Balart and the rest of the staff and volunteers work to create a safe space for youth struggling within a community where violence is commonplace. “After the Parkland Shooting, our whole community was heartbroken,” said Diaz-Balart. “We at YFC began to wonder what might have happened if the troubled teens who commit these tragic acts had people in their lives who would love them and care for them the way YFC does. It really created this urgency to reach youth everywhere with the love of Christ before it’s too late. “Unfortunately, gun violence still happens in this area. Recently, one of the students in our juvenile justice ministry had his home shot at in a drive-by shooting. Thankfully, he and his mother are safe and YFC had the resources from the community to ensure their safety, including providing them with alternative shelter and helping expedite his legal proceedings to transfer him to a safer area.” In the face of such turmoil, Miami YFC has many unique resources to foster a safe community for teens in the area. Catalyst Hip-Hop, part of YFC’s City Life Ministry, provides a safe and positive venue for youth involved in the Hip-Hop culture to breakdance, create positive graphic art, DJ and emcee, while connecting to the positive message of Jesus Christ. Catalyst Director David Arnaez has witnessed firsthand the influence a comforting, positive outreach can have in the lives of troubled youth. “Recently, we had a 12-year-old boy join Catalyst who seemed very confident and sure of himself,” said Arnaez. “There was nothing out of the ordinary about him and he seemed to fit in well with the other kids. After almost three weeks in our community, he reached out to a girl in our group and sent her a video of what looked like someone committing suicide with a gun. The girl immediately told her father, who told her to cut off communication with the boy. When she told our team later, she also mentioned to us that the boy bragged to her in school about having a gun at home. We immediately contacted the school and law enforcement, they investigated the issue. It turns out that while there was no gun in the home, his uncle was kidnapped and held at gunpoint just a few years prior and he was in intense therapy to get over the incident.” “These situations are incredibly serious and while the schools and families are doing everything they can, these kids enmeshed in gun culture here need more,” said Diaz-Balart. “They need someone to confide in who they know has their best interests at heart. Having a safe, loving, nurturing, caring environment where they know that they’re heard and can trust the leaders with important and sensitive information is vital for the safety of the community — and can even save lives.” YFC Chapters impact thousands of communities across the nation, seeking out and serving youth from all walks of life. Young people are silently struggling through a wide variety of challenging issues and through the YFC Ministry, God empowers them and they see the living power of a loving God. YFC trains its leaders in a proven, relational ministry model called 3Story®, which encourages staff and volunteers to be good, while also sharing the stories of the Good News of Jesus. It involves building relationships through the ups and downs of everyday life to lead people to Christ. YFC has been a pillar of missional ministry since 1944, when Dr. Billy Graham served as YFC’s first full-time staff member. Since then, Youth For Christ has continued to be both a rural and urban ministry on mission and it is always about the message of Jesus. Youth For Christ operates in over 100 nations and has over 130 Chapters that impact communities across America. Learn more about YFC at its website: www.yfc.net Or on their Facebook and Instagram Pages: Twitter feed @yfcusa or on Vimeo. < Previous News Next News >

You’ve Got an Idea for a Business, Now What? January 27, 2022 Share Have you been toying around with a business idea and want to take it to the next level? Let us help you clear the path from idea to business start. The City of Hollywood supports and encourages local entrepreneurship and is honored to continue hosting its FastTrac® program in partnership with Kauffman FastTrac®. As a Kauffman FastTrac® affiliate, the City hosts the FastTrac® Start-Up Program to help entrepreneurs refine their business concept, identify the components of a strong business plan, and access the appropriate resources to launch and grow successful businesses. During the free ten week program, future entrepreneurs-to-be are provided with a robust curriculum and various resources. Participants identify market needs, explore risk and success factors, build a business plan, and learn business fundamentals, and network with entrepreneur professionals, amongst many other opportunities. All participants will receive a certificate of completion and the top three business plans may be eligible to compete for seed money grants through a pitch competition. Participants in the FastTrac Start-Up Program will also have direct access to subject matter experts with invaluable business know-how. Eligibility criteria for FastTrac® includes: • A well thought-out idea for a new business • Two years of work experience • Access to a computer to participate in the virtual courses and complete assignments • Some market research on business idea • Commitment to participate in all sessions (approximately 30 classroom hours) and complete prep work (approximately 15-20 hours per week) The FastTrac® Start-Up Program is free and open only to Hollywood residents and businesses. Space is limited. Interested participants must submit a complete application online by January 30 at 11 p.m. for this competitive process. For more information and to apply, please visit: www.ChooseHollywoodFL.com/FastTrac. Please contact the City of Hollywood at 954.921.3620 for additional information. Broward Commuter Rail Public Workshops The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Four and Broward County will be hosting 3 "Alternatives Public Workshops" for the Broward Commuter Rail (BCR) Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study, which runs from Deerfield Beach to Hollywood, including six stations, a new crossing over the New River, and a connection to the Miami Central Station. Meeting dates are as follows: • Thursday, January 27, 2022, beginning at 3 p.m. to be held virtually
To attend by phone call toll free 1-877-309-2074, access code 146-171-718. • Thursday, January 27, 2022, beginning at 6:30 p.m. to be held virtually
To attend by phone call toll free 1-877-309-2074, access code 125-404-365. • Monday, January 31, 2022, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 
The In-Person Alternatives Public Workshop will be held at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Parking at the Center is available at no charge in the public garage located at the corner of SW 5th Avenue and SW 2nd Street, across from the Performing Arts Center. The latest social distancing requirements will be followed. Register Your Attendance at https://www.fdot.gov/projects/broward-commuter-rail < Previous News Next News >

Tips for Fostering Dogs Thu Mar 02 2023 17:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Celebrate The Summer With Dance: Broward College Ensemble Celebrates 10th Anniversary Thu Jun 13 2024 16:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Players' Inaugural Season of Jerry’s Girls - A Musical Revue that Honors the Life and Work of Legendary Broadway Composer Jerry Herman Thu Dec 12 2024 17:45:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Boys & Girls Clubs Of Miami-Dade Celebrates 75th Anniversary Of Christmas Tree Lot South Florida Sun Times Nov 19, 2025 Give A Little, Change A Lot! For 75 Years, Boys & Girls Clubs Of Miami-Dade's Beloved Christmas Tree Lot Has Been A Cherished Holiday Tradition, Spreading Joy And The Magic Of The Season To Families Across South Florida While Creating Great Futures For Miami-Dade Youth. The tradition continues with the Thoma Bravo Christmas Tree Lot at Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Hank Kline Club, open seven days a week, starting Monday, November 24th, until trees are sold out. Devoted supporter, Thoma Bravo, is sponsoring the tree lot for the third consecutive year. To kick off the holiday season, and commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Christmas Tree Lot, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade will host a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, November 24th at 4:00 p.m. Miami dignitaries, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade board members, representatives from Thoma Bravo, youth members and Santa Claus himself will attend to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. All Fraser fir trees are hand-selected by Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s President Alex Rodriguez-Roig in North Carolina and stand 5-feet to 14-feet tall with a starting price of $65. Poinsettias will also be available starting at $15. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to Sponsor-A-Child to help make a positive impact in the life of a Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade youth member. The Thoma Bravo Christmas Tree Lot will be open on Thanksgiving Day as well as Black Friday. Every Black Friday, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade sells a tree on average every 63 seconds. Proceeds from tree and poinsettia sales and Sponsor-A-Child will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s life-changing academic, creative and athletic programs for local children and teens. From one-on-one mentoring and STEM education to tutoring, sports, and the arts, proceeds help fund the Clubs’ mission to help every child reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Thoma Bravo is a leading private equity firm with a history and passion for investing in and growing software and technology businesses. Since opening its Miami office in 2021, Orlando Bravo, Founder and Managing Partner and Chip Virnig, partner of the Miami office, along with the Thoma Bravo Miami team, have been committed to giving back to the community. Thoma Bravo has been a dedicated supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade through its involvement in the Clubs’ annual fundraisers, including the Christmas Tree Lot, the annual “Wild About Kids” Gala and “Claws for Kids” at Joe’s Stone Crab. When: The Thoma Bravo Christmas Tree Lot is open seven days a week, starting Monday, November 24th, until trees are sold out. Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony: Monday, November 24th at 4:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Black Friday, Friday, November 28th Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Where: Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Hank Kline Club 2805 Southwest 32nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33133 How: For more information, please visit: https://bgcmia.org/ - Or contact Rachel Fernandez at: rfernandez@bgcmia.org . About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946. 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. About Thoma Bravo Thoma Bravo is one of the largest software-focused investors in the world, with approximately $181 Billion in assets under management as of June 30th, 2025. Through its private equity, growth equity and credit strategies, the firm invests in growth-oriented, innovative companies operating in the software and technology sectors. Leveraging Thoma Bravo’s deep sector knowledge and strategic and operational expertise, the firm collaborates with its portfolio companies to implement operating best practices and drive growth initiatives. Over the past 20+ years, the firm has acquired or invested in approximately 555 companies representing approximately $285 billion in enterprise value (including control and non-control investments). The firm has offices in Chicago, Dallas, London, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. For more information, visit Thoma Bravo’s website at: www.thomabravo.com . Previous Next

A Hands-On Culinary Education - Emeril Lagasse Foundation Expands Its National Culinary Education Program South Florida Sun Times Aug 27, 2026 Emeril Lagasse Foundation Is Expanding Its National Investment In Youth Education And Nutrition With The Selection Of Larkdale Elementary School In Lauderhill, A Suburb Of Fort Lauderdale, As Its Newest Partner For Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen. Larkdale Elementary, part of the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) District, will become the ninth school in the country to implement the Foundation’s signature program, an immersive model that brings together gardening, nutrition, and hands-on culinary education to transform how students learn about food and health. The program is built on four core pillars: helping students understand where food comes from, developing life skills through immersive learning, teaching the importance of nutrition and healthy eating, and building culinary skills that foster confidence and independence. Expansion into Florida marks an important step in increasing access to hands-on culinary and nutrition education opportunities nationwide. “My wife Alden and I have always believed food can open doors for young people in many ways,” said Chef Emeril Lagasse, Chairman and Co-Founder of Emeril Lagasse Foundation. “We’re proud to expand this work into Florida through our partnership with Larkdale Elementary, giving students new opportunities to build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong healthy habits.” The need for programs like Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen continues to grow as greater emphasis is placed on childhood nutrition, access to healthy food, and preventative healthcare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 1 in 10 children in the United States consume the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables, and Childhood Obesity affects nearly 1 in 5 school-aged children. In response, the Foundation's signature program delivered 5,126 cooking, gardening, and nutrition lessons nationwide and supported schools in engaging families through 210 food-centered community events during the 2025-2026 School Year. “This partnership creates meaningful new opportunities for students at Larkdale Elementary,” said James A. Knapp, President & CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen will give our students hands-on experiences that strengthen life skills, encourage healthier habits, and create meaningful connections between learning and everyday life.” Larkdale Elementary serves approximately 424 students, with more than 96% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The school community faces ongoing barriers to food security and access to fresh, nutritious food. Despite these challenges, Larkdale has continued investing in experiential learning opportunities designed to strengthen both academic outcomes and student wellness, while revitalizing its garden program to support STEM instruction, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning. Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen represents the next step in Larkdale’s long-term vision, transforming the school’s existing spaces into a fully integrated garden-to-table learning environment where students can take ownership of the very food that strengthens them while also fostering connection to science, nutrition, wellness, and life skills. “Programs like Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen help schools become stronger centers for learning and connection,” said Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools. “We are proud to provide a new opportunity that allows students to engage with education in such impactful ways.” The expansion of Emeril's Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen to South Florida was made possible through a multi-year Grant from the Humana Foundation. Beyond bringing the program to more students, the partnership will support a multi-year evaluation designed to better understand how immersive food education can improve nutrition knowledge, increase vegetable consumption, and foster lifelong healthy habits. The findings will help guide future growth of the program and strengthen the evidence supporting school-based nutrition education. “At the Humana Foundation, we believe healthier communities start with healthy children and families,” said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. “We're proud to support the expansion of Emeril's Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen and the opportunities it creates for students to learn, grow, and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime. We're also excited to help deepen our understanding of how hands-on food education can strengthen nutrition knowledge, encourage healthier choices, and help children thrive.” School partners awarded an Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen Grant receive $500,000, the Foundation’s unique curriculum, more than 100 of Chef Emeril’s recipes adapted for the classroom, gardening, and cooking education best practices, teaching materials including small-ware cooking equipment, food supplies for nutrition-focused lessons, and robust teacher training. Construction of Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen at Larkdale Elementary will take place over the next several months, with an estimated completion date of February 2027. Teachers are expected to begin instruction of the program curriculum at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. About Emeril Lagasse Foundation Founded in 2002 by Chef Emeril Lagasse and his wife, Alden, Emeril Lagasse Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in New Orleans. The Foundation’s mission is to create opportunities to inspire, mentor and enable youth to reach their full potential. Since its inception, Emeril Lagasse Foundation has granted more than $24 Million to children’s charities to support culinary, nutrition, and arts programs. The Foundation accomplishes this through three programs. The Community Grants program provides programmatic and capital support to NonProfit Organizations across the nation. The signature program, Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen, is a national education initiative that enriches the lives of elementary- and middle-school children through a fun, fresh perspective on food. The Aaron Sanchez Impact Fund provides culinary arts education and human services programming for Latino youth. To learn more about the Foundation and its beneficiaries, visit: https://emeril.org , or follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram. About Broward County Public Schools District “Educating all students to reach their highest potential.” Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is a proud “A” rated District, serving as the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. As Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, BCPS educates more than 236,600 students and approximately 125,000 adult learners across 233 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 82 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 174 different countries and speaking 157 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit: www.browardschools.com . Or follow us on “X”: @browardschools. On Facebook at: www.facebook.com/browardschools . On Instagram: @browardschoolsofficial. On YouTube at: www.youtube.com/browardschoolsvideos . And download the free BCPS mobile app at: www.browardschools.com/MobileApp . About the Humana Foundation The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. and is focused on health equity, working to eliminate unjust, avoidable, and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare. The Foundation fosters evidence-based collaborations and investments that help people in underserved communities live connected, healthy lives. As a steward of good health, the Foundation creates healthy emotional connections for people and communities and is shaping a healthier approach to nutrition to support lifelong well-being. For more information, visit: www.humanafoundation.org . The program is built on four core pillars: helping students understand where food comes from, developing life skills through immersive learning, teaching the importance of nutrition and healthy eating. "I have always believed food can open doors for young people in many ways,” said Chef Emeril Lagasse, Chairman and Co-Founder of Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Photos Courtesy of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Previous Next

War Of Wheels - A Third of Floridians Have Fallen Out With Neighbors Over Parking Disputes October 21, 2021 Share Almost 1 in 3 (32%) drivers in Florida say they’ve fallen out with neighbors over parking disputes in their neighborhood When you’re running behind schedule for the day, there’s nothing more infuriating than trying to back out of your parking spot only to find someone has blocked the entrance to your driveway. Almost as bad as coming home from a long day at work to find your usual parking space occupied. Since the lockdown and working remotely has started, many drivers have been making use of their parking spaces more regularly during the day, leading to increased encounters with potentially problematic neighbors, making parking even more difficult. Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek surveyed 3,128 drivers across the country and found that overall, almost 1 in 3 (32%) drivers in Florida say they’ve fallen out with neighbors over parking disputes in their neighborhood. This figure was highest in West Virginia, where 46% of drivers admit they’ve had a falling out with neighbors over parking disputes. Those in Mississippi were relatively more considerate when it came to neighborhood parking battles, with just 9% of drivers saying they’ve had these issues with neighbors. 1 in 5 drivers admit to safeguarding their favorite parking spot. It appears that many drivers are now taking preventative measures to keep other vehicles from parking in their preferred spot – almost 1 in 5 (18%) drivers admit to doing this, more than 1 in 10 (13%) say this includes putting up their own protective parking sign to guard the space! If you have neighbors who tend to have guests over often, you may have experienced these visitors’ vehicles parking on your curb; in front of your driveway or even worse, in your personal parking space… In fact, a majority (87%) of drivers believe residents of their neighborhood should have primary access to parking spaces, above visitors and drivers who don’t actually reside in the local area. Lastly, a surprisingly high 1 in 10 (13%) said they wouldn’t admit it if they accidentally scratched their neighbor’s car while trying to maneuver a parking space – so much for community spirit! If you’re dealing with a parking issue in your neighborhood, Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek has provided the following tips on how to resolve it amicably, before going through the effort of filing a formal complaint: Speak to your neighbor This may sound obvious but sometimes, your neighbor might not even realize they’re causing you an inconvenience by parking in the space concerned. In fact, they might even be willing to move their car without further discussion, alleviating the issue completely! It’s important that when bringing up the issue, lay out your concerns in an organized manner instead of using an accusatory tone. If this civil discussion doesn’t work, you might want to take steps to… Document occurrences of the parking issue at hand If you choose to file a formal complaint, it’s important to gather evidence of the issue. The easiest way to do this is to take photos or videos, dating them and making notes of when they happen. It may also be of help to research your local neighborhood parking bylaws and see if the issue violates any of these. If you have community members who live nearby, asking if they wouldn’t mind bearing witness might be a good idea as well, especially if they’ve experienced similar issues. Compile a clearly written, polite, formal letter, this might include evidence of the issues, along with any notes, as well as offering any potential solutions to the problem. Send the formal letter to your neighbor first By laying out your concerns in a formally addressed letter, your neighbor will realize the seriousness of the matter. This may prompt changed behavior, however, if not, you may want to file this complaint to a city or county official if your neighbor’s inconsiderate parking violates any official bylaws. This will also bring in a third-party mediator to the situation, helping reduce your own responsibility regarding the issue. ‘Although parking issues may sound fairly innocuous to some, such as those who have privately allocated parking garages, these kinds of disputes can result in many bitter arguments and resentment between neighbors if they remain unresolved,’ says Joseph Gunther IV from Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek. ‘If you feel speaking to them in person may inflame the situation, try leaving a note, written in a friendly but firm tone.’ < Previous News Next News >

Helpful Hints For The Holidays Thu Dec 19 2024 19:15:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

2024 Will Be Filled With Opportunity: Hallandale Beach Can Celebrate A Strong Fiscal Future Ahead By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper January 4, 2024 Share Hope our readers are having a Blessed New Year! In Hallandale Beach the New Year will bring with it many opportunities that will continue to move our City forward and some that will need to be keenly followed. The first reason to celebrate is the strong Fiscal Future ahead of us in 2024. The hard work of our City Commission, City Manager and all of our Department Directors over the past years has paid off. As I have reported in past articles, we have stabilized our Budget with multiple strategies that took the courage of this Commission. When the Budget needed to be passed Vice Mayor Lima Taub, Commissioners Lazarow and Adams kept true to our goals. We stood firm and stayed the course on our Five Year Stability Plan. We did not play Politics with our Votes. Due to these actions we are optimistic we can reduce our Tax Rate this year. While this is great news we still need to remain vigilant and watch all the Local, State and Global Trends that may impact this stability. The big issue this year that can change the course of Hallandale Beach and all levels of Government will be Elections. I know it seems like there has been a never-ending cycle of election reporting, but we all need to keep informed. It is a Presidential a year but there are many other Elections taking place on the State and Local Levels. It is an Election year for Hallandale Beach City Commission. We have the Mayor Seat and two Commission Seats on the November Ballot. After discussions with my husband and family, I have decided to run for Re-Election. There are still many Projects and Issues that need to be focused on. Knowledge and experience will be critical to keep our City moving in the right direction. I am extremely excited that both Vice Mayor Anabelle Lima Taub and Commissioner Michele Lazarow have decided to seek Re-Election. The environment of collaboration and stability truly make a difference. Over the past 6 years, our City has had the most civil Commission in its history. Not only can we get the job done, our working relationships help to retain good management and a great working environment for all employees. Qualifications are not until June. I encourage every reader to participate in the Local Races. We are the Government closest to the people and knowledge and experience does truly matter. The other trend is Developers who are looking to make Major Investments in our City. We have many Development Projects that are in the final stages of Approval. There are many that are under different Phases Of Construction. This includes some wonderful Affordable Housing Units. We have a Policy that any Developer who wants to build above the Existing Land Use Rights, must include an Affordable Housing Component. The Commission has all agreed that the Inclusionary Housing Policy is vital where units are built as a mix of units on site. We have Amended our Comprehensive Plan to ensure we have all the resources in place so New Construction will not have an Adverse Fiscal Impact on our City and burden our Taxpayers. Over the next year we will be partnering with all Stakeholders to address the rewriting of our Codes. We are still having issues filling and maintaining positions in our Building Department. This trend is not only impacting our City but others that have been faced with the challenges of New Construction and the Forty-Year and Fifty-Year Safety Inspection Program. In Broward County's Rules, Governing Inspectors, Plan Reviewers and Building Officials have set up an obstacle that no other county is facing. We are the only county that does not allow individuals to work in their respective licensed fields while working within Building Departments. As an example, I can have my License and Certification to do Plumbing work in the State. In Miami-Dade County, I can have my Licenses run my business and also do Plan Reviews and Inspections, however, in Broward County, I cannot. This is even if the Project is located in Miami-Dade or Palm Beach Counties. I do agree that a person should not be reviewing their own Work or Company’s Projects. There is no reason why an individual could not do Reviews and Inspections. We will be going to the Broward County Board of Rules for an Appeal to reverse a dated interpretation from 2014. I look forward to working alongside our Commission and the County Commission to change the Regulations on the State’s side through a Local Bill. State Legislators are also looking at changing Laws to help access qualified employees. Senator Pizzo is working to establish the ability to make it easier for any Licensed and Certified Contractor/Engineer or Architect to work in the State. To think you can design and build skyscrapers in New York but not do work in Florida is an obsolete concept. With all of the online technology this makes sense. We are on the right course when it comes to our Infrastructure. Many Projects have begun and there are plenty in the pipeline. The Commission just approved a Long-Term Road Resurfacing Contract. Our residents will begin seeing this work on roads not slated for underground work. Our goal will be to make sure we continue to focus on every aspect of implementation. One of the ongoing issues is Vacation Rentals. The State continues to preempt cities for Regulating these types of Rentals. They have been adversely impacting all of our cities and are not limited to simply one area or housing type. If you are aware of a rental that is not registered you can help us by reporting it. A new National Law took effect that does not allow LLC’s to be Registered Owners. This will go a long way to help us Regulate Properties. Not only for Vacation Rentals but for Code Violations as well. The biggest challenge in the coming year will be hiring and retaining qualified employees. The employee market since the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to be extremely competitive. We have taken measures to recruit and more importantly retain good employees. We continued to hire in many departments. I encourage our readers to visit our City’s website at: www.cohb.org - There may be an opportunity for you to work with our organization! As always please feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place! I am available at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or: joycooper@aol.com . On my Office Number at: (954) 457-1318. Or on my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. You can always visit my Facebook and follow me at: Mayor Joy Cooper! Wishing You A blessed New Year! < Previous News Next News >

Brightline's Trainee Summer Passport: Hey Moms & Dads, $5 Kids Fares And FREE Admission To Kid-Approved Attractions July 18, 2023 Share Brightline's Trainee Summer Passport is an exciting program designed for children, offering them an adventurous summer filled with exploration of South Florida's top destinations. With $5 kid fares and complimentary admission to kid-approved attractions, this program aims to create unforgettable memories and endless fun for young travelers. From Saturday, May 27th, 2023 to Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 children aged 12 and under can embark on a journey to their favorite South Florida attractions, earn prizes, and collect cherished memories along the way. Adventures Await To kick off the excitement, Brightline has partnered with some of South Florida's favorite destinations to offer complimentary kids' admission on the same day of travel. By simply showing their Brightline ticket, children can enjoy free entry to a variety of attractions, including the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, Palm Beach Zoo, Museum of Discovery and Science, Miami Children's Museum, and Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. This unique opportunity allows families to maximize their summer adventures and make the most of their time exploring South Florida. Affordable And Convenient Travel Brightline's Trainee Summer Passport offers kids' fares for just $5 when accompanied by the purchase of any adult SMART fare. This affordable pricing makes it easier for families to embark on exciting summer escapades without breaking the bank. Additionally, by choosing train travel, families can avoid the typical travel hassles and traffic jams, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey for all. Becoming A Brightline Trainee To participate in the Trainee Summer Passport program, children simply need to follow three easy steps. Firstly, stop by guest services at any Brightline station to pick up a passport for the trainee. This passport will serve as a guide throughout their South Florida exploration. Secondly, children can collect stickers by visiting any of the five Florida stations and exploring local attractions. The more stickers they collect, the more prizes they can earn. Lastly, trainees can redeem their collected stickers for exciting rewards. Prizes And Rewards Trainees can earn three levels of prizes based on the number of stickers they collect. By gathering four stickers, children can present their passport to Brightline guest services and receive a swag bag filled with fun Brightline merchandise. This Level 1 Prize allows trainees to show off their Brightline spirit and serve as a reminder of their summer adventures. For those who collect eight stickers, an even more exciting reward awaits. Trainees will receive a set of four tickets to enjoy a Miami Marlins game or an Inter Miami CF match. To redeem this Level 2 Prize, trainees can email at: teammarketing@gobrightline.com . The highest level, Level 3 Prize is for those who collect 11 stickers. Those who take this journey will receive round trip smart fare tickets for a family of 4 to Orlando. (2 adult fares, 2 kids fares), trainees can email to redeem their prize at: teammarketing@gobrightline.com . Share Your Journey To add an extra touch of excitement, trainees can share their completed passport journey with Brightline. By snapping a picture of their completed passport, trainees will have the chance to earn additional goodies and a prize for their entire family and send it to: teammarketing@gobrightline.com . This interactive aspect encourages trainees to document their summer experiences and celebrate their accomplishments. Brightline's Trainee Summer Passport offers children in South Florida an unforgettable summer adventure. With affordable fares, complimentary admission to top attractions, and the opportunity to collect stickers and earn prizes, this program ignites young travelers' curiosity and love for exploration. By embracing the Trainee Summer Passport, families can create cherished memories while discovering the wonders of South Florida. Embark on a summer journey filled with excitement, discovery and endless fun and book your tickets, now at: www.gobrightline.com Book now at: https://www.gobrightline.com/train-tickets - Or for more information, call: (831) 539-2901. < Previous News Next News >

Floridians Are 'Sleepwalking Into A Debt Crisis': Consolidation No Longer The Safety Net, Expert Warns September 28, 2023 Share In recent years, debt consolidation via Personal Loans has been lauded as a smart financial move for people grappling with burdensome Credit Card Debt. The strategy seemed simple: secure a Personal Loan at a lower Interest Rate to pay off High-Interest Credit Card Balances. But new findings indicate this relief might be short-lived, leaving many Floridians back where they started, if not worse off. A concerning pattern has emerged. According to a recent TransUnion survey, Borrowers who utilized Personal Loans to Consolidate Credit Card Debt witnessed an average balance reduction of 57%. However, alarmingly, many of these Borrowers found their balances creeping back to their former levels just 18 months later. Other research revealed that borrowers were accumulating Credit Card Debt a mere three months after Debt Consolidation. According to the Experian Consumer Credit Review, the average Floridian has a Credit Card Balance of $6,460. One might ask, therefore, what's leading Floridians back into the treacherous waters of Credit Card Debt? There are several reasons why the Debt-Reduction approach, using Personal Loans, isn’t effective, says Personal Finance Expert Deacon Hayes of: www.WellKeptWallet.com - “Using Personal Loans to pay off Credit Card Debt only works if Borrowers modify their Credit Card habits after Consolidation. Unfortunately, it is increasingly difficult to do so. This is because everyday items at the store cost more. Eating out costs more. Borrowing money to buy a home costs significantly more. With higher prices and wages not keeping pace with inflation, people have turned to Credit Cards to offset the difference. The challenge is that many of these Credit Card Interest Rates are over 20% which can make it hard to pay off when you are just paying on the Interest." Adding to the gravity of the situation, it has been widely reported that Credit Card Balances have surged to record highs. These revelations are not just numbers but indications of an impending financial predicament. "Those with a High Debt-To-Income Ratio will be at most risk - especially those with Student Loans. On October 1st, the Student Loan Payments are going to resume which will only add to the difficulty of Americans to get ahead" adds Hayes. Given the situation, what can be done? Hayes offers the following advice: Make every effort to pay down your Consumer Debt quickly by using the Debt Snowball Method. Get a side hustle to bring in extra Income to pay it down faster. Scrutinize every expense on your Budget and ask "How can I make this expense smaller”? Lastly, take any extra Income like a Tax Refund, Inheritance, or Bonus at work and put it toward your Debt. However, relying solely on these immediate fixes without addressing the root causes of Debt accumulation might only defer the inevitable, adds Hayes: "Long term, you want to create a plan to live on less than you make by sticking to a realistic Budget. Establish an Emergency Fund of at least 3 - 6 months of your living expenses. If you use Credit Cards, consider limiting the use to only fixed expenses. This minimizes the opportunity of overspending and not being able to pay off the card in full each month.” Hayes continues: "In a world where financial pressures are mounting, people are sleepwalking towards a Potential Debt Crisis. Debt Consolidation, once seen as a lifeline, has proven to be a fleeting solution for many. The rising tide of Credit Card Debt, coupled with soaring costs of everyday living, has pushed many back into the jaws of financial uncertainty. It's a precarious situation. And now, with Student Loan Payments set to resume, those with High Debt-To-Income Ratios, especially those burdened by Student Loans, face the greatest risks. As we navigate these uncertain times, remember: It's not about how much you earn; it's about how well you manage what you earn." < Previous News Next News >