The Wagyu House Brings Butcher-Driven Approach To The Modern Steakhouse Experience - Gabriel Llaurado, Co-Founder Of Meat N’ Bone, Delves Into The Butcher-Forward Dining Experience Taking Shape In Hallandale Beach, Florida By Merilee Kern, MBA Sep 10, 2026 South Florida Has No Shortage Of Steakhouses Promising Premium Cuts And Lavish Dining. The Wagyu House In Hallandale Beach, Just North Of Miami, Enters That Crowded Field From A Decidedly Different Direction. Rather Than Building A Restaurant Concept First And Sourcing The Beef To Fit It, The Team Started With Years Of Experience On The Other Side Of The Butcher Counter. Meat N’ Bone Had Already Developed Its Business Around Sourcing, Butchering, Selling And Educating Consumers About Premium Proteins Before Creating The Wagyu House. The Restaurant Effectively Brings That Expertise Into The Dining Room, Giving Guests The Opportunity To Taste The Distinctions They May Have Previously Encountered Only As Grades, Origins And Marbling Scores. That foundation is especially relevant as Wagyu has become an increasingly familiar presence on steakhouse menus, even though the term itself tells you relatively little about what will ultimately arrive on your plate. USDA Prime, American Wagyu and Japanese A5 can deliver dramatically different experiences in richness, texture, marbling and flavor. Even within Japanese A5, region, producer, breed, cut and Beef Marbling Score can change the experience considerably. At The Wagyu House, the idea is to make those distinctions approachable and help diners determine what suits their own palate rather than assume that the rarest or most expensive option must automatically be the best choice. Located at Atlantic Village at 601 North Federal Highway, The Wagyu House puts that philosophy into practice through a menu that encourages exploration. Michelin-trained Chef Chucho Rojas leads a kitchen with direct access to Meat N’ Bone’s sourcing network and broad portfolio of premium proteins. The restaurant pairs that butcher-driven approach with a garden-view dining room, marble bar and tropical patio, along with an integrated Meat N’ Bone boutique where guests can purchase premium proteins after experiencing them at the table. It creates an uncommon progression from tasting to understanding to potentially recreating part of the experience at home. The menu makes a strong case for comparison. Charred Wagyu Tartare puts the restaurant’s defining protein front and center, while Garlic Butter Jumbo Crab Cakes demonstrate that its ingredient standards extend beyond beef. Among the steaks, the Denver Steak Wagyu BMS7+ offers the structure and beefiness familiar to American steak lovers along with heightened marbling and richness. Japanese A5 Miyazaki-Gyu Ribeye moves into altogether different territory, with intense marbling, richness and a texture intended to be savored in smaller bites. Japanese BBQ Glazed Salmon provides another route through the menu for diners who want something outside the steak program. What emerges is a more personal proposition than simply ordering an extravagant cut of beef. You might arrive assuming Wagyu represents a single pinnacle of steak and discover that you prefer American Wagyu to Japanese A5, a Denver cut to ribeye, or a particular degree of marbling. That process of discovery is central to what The Wagyu House wants the meal to accomplish. In the following exclusive interview, Gabriel Llaurado, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Meat N’ Bone, explains how years of sourcing and butcher expertise shaped The Wagyu House, what diners should understand before paying a premium for Wagyu, how the restaurant helps guests navigate dramatically different cuts and grades, and why the ultimate measure of a successful meal here is not necessarily ordering the most expensive steak. It is leaving with a clearer understanding of what you actually like. MK: What is still under-told about The Wagyu House, and what makes its foundation different from that of a traditional steakhouse? GL: What I think is still under-told is that The Wagyu House is not simply another steakhouse that serves Wagyu. It was created by Meat N’ Bone, a company that spent years sourcing, butchering, selling and educating consumers about premium proteins before we ever opened this restaurant. That gives us a very different foundation. We can introduce guests to different grades, cuts, origins and styles of Wagyu and help them understand why they taste different. The goal is not just to serve an expensive steak; it is to create a place where guests can discover what they actually like. MK: What are the three things that most clearly set the restaurant apart? GL: First is access and sourcing. Through Meat N’ Bone, we have relationships and purchasing capabilities that give us access to exceptional Japanese and American Wagyu programs, specialty cuts and premium proteins. Second is education and variety. Wagyu is not one product. We want guests to experience the difference between USDA Prime, American Wagyu, Japanese A5, different marbling levels, cuts and Japanese regions rather than simply seeing “Wagyu” written on a menu. Third is the connection between restaurant and the Meat N’ Bone shop. Guests can have an incredible protein in the dining room and then walk into the integrated Meat N’ Bone boutique and continue that experience at home. MK: How does the Meat N’ Bone foundation influence sourcing, menu development and quality control? GL: It influences almost everything. A traditional restaurant often develops a menu and then looks for products that fit it. Because of Meat N’ Bone, we can sometimes work in the opposite direction: we discover an extraordinary producer, cut or protein and then ask ourselves how we can showcase it at the restaurant. We already have relationships with producers and suppliers, purchasing volume, receiving infrastructure and years of experience evaluating proteins. Our team understands grading, marbling, aging, specifications, provenance and how products perform. That means quality control does not begin when a box arrives at the restaurant. It starts with sourcing. MK: Wagyu can mean very different things. What should diners understand before ordering? GL: One of the biggest misconceptions is treating “Wagyu” as if it were one product. USDA Prime is an American grading designation. American Wagyu generally involves Wagyu genetics raised in the United States and can offer an incredible balance between marbling and the traditional steak experience. Japanese A5 is something very different again, with much more intense marbling, richness and a unique texture. Even within Japanese A5, region, producer, breed, BMS score and cut can dramatically change the experience. We try to make that approachable rather than intimidating. For consumers, I think transparency matters. If a restaurant is charging a premium for Wagyu, you should be able to understand what you are eating: country of origin, grade, cut and ideally the producer or region when relevant. MK: How would you guide a first-time guest choosing between the Denver Steak Wagyu BMS7+ and Japanese A5 Miyazaki-Gyu Ribeye? GL: They are both Wagyu experiences, but they are dramatically different. The Denver Steak Wagyu BMS7+ is intensely flavorful and beautifully marbled, but it still has the structure and beefiness people associate with a traditional steak. It is a great choice for someone who wants the tenderness and richness of premium Wagyu while still eating a substantial steak. The Japanese A5 Miyazaki-Gyu Ribeye is much more decadent. The marbling is extraordinary, the fat melts at a very low temperature, and the texture can almost dissolve on the palate. If someone is trying Wagyu for the first time, we ask what they normally enjoy. If they love a classic steak experience, I may guide them toward the Denver. If they want to understand what makes Japanese A5 completely different from American beef, Miyazaki is an incredible introduction. Our job is not to sell somebody the most expensive steak. It is to help them order the steak they are going to enjoy the most. MK: The menu also reaches beyond steak. What do the Charred Wagyu Tartare, Jumbo Crab Cakes and Japanese BBQ Glazed Salmon reveal about the restaurant? GL: The Charred Wagyu Tartare is very representative of our beef philosophy. The objective is to preserve the richness and texture of the Wagyu while using char and seasoning to add another layer of flavor without overwhelming the beef. The Jumbo Crab Cakes show another side of the restaurant. We are very serious about beef, but we are equally serious about the quality of everything else we put on the plate. The Japanese BBQ Glazed Salmon reflects the same philosophy we apply to our steaks: start with an excellent ingredient and build flavors around it that complement rather than disguise it. Wagyu may be the headline, but quality is the broader identity. MK: Why did Atlantic Village and Hallandale Beach make sense for the concept, and what is the ideal evening for a traveler? GL: Hallandale Beach was especially attractive to us because of how much the area is evolving. It sits between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but more importantly, it is surrounded by growing communities where people are building their lives, raising families and increasingly looking for exceptional experiences closer to home. Atlantic Village is at the center of that evolution. For someone visiting The Wagyu House for the first time, the ideal evening would be to arrive early and spend some time exploring Atlantic Village before dinner. Then settle in at the bar for a cocktail before experiencing the menu and trying two very different Wagyu offerings side by side, perhaps an American Wagyu cut and Japanese A5. After dinner, guests can spend time on the patio, explore the Meat N’ Bone boutique to discover something to take home or ship later, or continue exploring Atlantic Village. MK: What final point best captures what you want guests to understand about The Wagyu House? GL: I think the biggest thing I would emphasize is that The Wagyu House is not a steakhouse that discovered Wagyu. It was created by a company that has spent years sourcing, butchering, selling and educating consumers about some of the world’s best proteins. That foundation gives us an opportunity to make premium dining more transparent and more educational. We want people to understand what they are eating, why it is special and, most importantly, what they personally enjoy. Luxury does not have to mean intimidating. It can also mean having access to an extraordinary product, understanding its story and having people around you who are excited to share that knowledge. That last point gives The Wagyu House its strongest identity. The restaurant can certainly deliver the indulgence expected from Japanese A5, but the more memorable proposition is comparison. A diner who walks in knowing only the word “Wagyu” can leave with a preference for a country, grade, cut, marbling level or style of eating. The integrated butcher boutique then makes that discovery useful beyond dinner. Atlantic Village adds another layer for visitors who tend to divide South Florida dining between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Hallandale Beach sits between the two, close to Gulfstream Park and Shell Bay, while Atlantic Village brings dining, wellness, retail and family-oriented concepts into one open-air setting. That makes The Wagyu House easy to build into an evening rather than treat as a stand-alone reservation. The result is a steakhouse experience built from product knowledge outward. You can order lavishly here, but price is not the organizing principle. Preference is. For anyone curious about what separates American Wagyu from Japanese A5, or why one richly marbled cut may suit your palate better than another, that shift makes dinner considerably more interesting. Merilee Kern, MBA Entrepreneur Leadership Network member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / X http://www.X.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern. ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.** Wagyu has become an increasingly familiar presence on steakhouse menus. The Wagyu House is not simply another steakhouse that serves Wagyu, there are many other creations as well. The Wagyu House is a more intimate expression of their passion for exceptional beef, located in Hallandale Beach. Located at Atlantic Village at 601 North Federal Highway. Previous Next

Enroll Now For Summer Camps At Aventura Arts & Cultural Center April 7, 2023 Share Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is now enrolling students for Summer Theater Camp 2023 presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Performance Project School of the Arts. Divided into age-appropriate experiences, camps will be offered during two sessions from Monday, June 26th, 2023 through Friday, July 21st, 2023 and from Monday, July 24th, 2023 through Wednesday, August 16th, 2023. Classes are taught by professional performing arts teachers under the direction of The Performance Project School of the Arts’ Executive Director Nina Felice and each camp culminates in a live performance on a professional stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. Group A Camp, for children ages 7 to 9, offers classes in acting, singing, dance and arts and crafts. Group A campers will perform Honk! Jr. in the second session. The first session is sold out with a wait list available. Group B Camp, designed for campers ages 10 to 14, features classes in acting, singing, dance and technical production. Camp B will present Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. in the first session and The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition in the second session. Camp is Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuition for Session 1 is $935 and $845 for Session II with a required $265 Non-Refundable Deposit, which is applied toward the camp price. Thursday, August 17th, 2023 and Friday, August 18th, 2023 are optional summer theater camp dates for this session, which may be added for an additional cost of $90 during registration. Participants who register by Friday, March 10th, 2023 are eligible to receive a $100 early bird discount. Before camp hours are available from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at $60 per session or $10 per day; after camp hours are available from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at $110 per session or $15 per day; or both before and after camp for $170 per session. Need-based scholarships are available through the JM Family Scholarship Program for Summer Theater Camp, with additional support from the Ronald Plotkin Scholarship Fund. Camp college internships are available for a small stipend based on experience. More information and an application are available online at: www.BrowardCenter.org/internship-summer-camp Summer Theater Camp is also offered at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale and at the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. Registration for Summer Camp 2023 is available online at: https://www.browardcenter.org/education/programs/camps - By phone at: (954) 468-2689. Or by: emailing registrar@browardcenter.org The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. < Previous News Next News >

Why Are There CRAs? Part III By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper May 8, 2025 What Is The Fate Of Our CRA? I Asked For A Meeting To Discuss The Future Of Our CRA Last Month. My Goal Was To Have An Open Discussion Between Not Just Our Commission And Staff But Provide For Input from Our Community At Large. As I Shared With Our Readers, Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub Shared Her Frustration That It Was Premature To Have The Discussion Since The State Was Once Again Looking To Abolish All CRAs. Since The State Was Looking At An October Deadline For CRAs And Our City Is Currently Planning Our Budgets, The Discussion Was Even More Timely. As I previously wrote the CRA trust funds are placed in a “lock box” and established to address a specific area. They have broad authority to fulfill the mission. The pro is; the money is set aside to target neglected areas and can only be used according to the CRA Plan. The con is once established, the CRA Fund can only be used within the area. My major concern with not keeping the CRA was how the City would provide economic development services and housing programs without an organization change? How would two new departments be funded? Without a CRA extension, what legislative actions could the Commission take to set up and fund programs? I also asked what projects have not been completed and what they will cost? Since cities have the ability to do everything the CRA can, the majority of the Commission’s agreement was based on the fact that we can provide programs citywide. While I shared my concern that now the Commission would need to stand on the premise we would commit to performing the programs and most importantly funding them. Whether all CRAs will be forced to end in October or if we sunset in two years our work is cut out for us. Our CRA in two years will lose the contributions from the County, Hospital District and Children’s Services Council leaving the City’s CRA TIF at $14.5 Million. While that seems like a tremendous amount of dollars, remember simple projects can be millions of dollars. If we must close everything out in October, we must have every project and dollar accounted for. If we do not, the other taxing agencies will have the right to take their contributions back. Currently, that amount is a bit over $10 Million per year. The one issue was clear, we wanted a path forward for our CRA Team. The goal will be to have an office of Economic Development and Affordable Housing. Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, we discussed an Affordable Housing Trust and now we must look at the housing assets of the CRA into a trust. Staff was directed to begin looking at the cost to sunset and to establish a new path forward considering both the October date and the 2027 date. Our 2024 Annual Report was issued recently. The financial plan included the focusing from 25-27 shows a projected value of $85 Million in leveraged investments. In a snapshot, in 2025 we will be adding 30 plus affordable units that will remain affordable. This means that they will not be built and flipped by outside investors, which has been adding to the affordable housing crisis. The CRA in 2024 alone provided $3 Million through our Neighborhood Improvement Programs. These include senior grants, window and door grants, housing assistance, emergency rental and other programs. These programs are very popular. Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub shared and agreed that these programs are needed. Her goal is to provide them citywide. We do provide window and door grants citywide currently. Broadening the CRA programs is a great idea but I shared my concern, the devil is in the details. How much funding will be set aside by the commission? What will staffing levels be to expand services citywide? What parameters will be set for applicants? As we continue to work on the future budgets for both CRA and City my focus will be on ensuring that we are providing grants to those that are truly in need and leveraging any incentive programs to preserve affordable housing. Like every other level of government, we are facing the financial uncertainties created by the State and Federal Government. We laid the groundwork for fiscal stability and have robust reserves while replacing and improving Infrastructure. Losing $10 Million in TIF will impact all our Infrastructure projects. Like every household, our costs to provide services and to vital Infrastructure improvements will be impacted by an increase in Tariffs, supply chain issues and personnel issues created by the high cost of living in South Florida. We are in the Budget process now and I encourage every resident to attend our meetings! If you cannot attend in person they are televised live on Government Channel 78 and recorded. To sign up to be notified when our meetings will be held, please visit: www.cohb.org For more information on our CRA, you can visit: www.cohbcra.org . As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Open Call To Artists Announced For Business For The Arts Broward’s 8th Annual ART + STROLL Aventura Digest Aug 27, 2026 Business For The Arts Broward (BFA Broward) Is Seeking Entries From Established And Emerging Artists For Its 8th Annual ART + STROLL, Presented By BBI. Artists Must Be 18 Years Or Older. ART + STROLL culminates on Thursday, November 12th, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., transforming downtown Fort Lauderdale into a vibrant celebration of visual and performing arts. Selected artwork will be exhibited from Thursday, November 5th, 2026 – Thursday, November 12th, 2026 in the lobbies of 200 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 and 201 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 and, for the first time, Huizenga Park. Accepted artists will be notified by Monday, October 5th, 2026 and will receive one complimentary Sip + Stroll VIP ticket, providing access to the food and beverage areas during the event. BFA will accept original 2D and 3D fine art in all mediums and styles. Artwork may not exceed 36 inches on its longest side or 30 pounds, although a limited number of larger works may be considered based on available exhibition space. Accepted artwork must be professionally presented, exhibition-ready and wired with D-rings and hanging wire. Sawtooth hangers will not be accepted. The exhibition is open to original functional and non-functional fine art and fine craft in all media, including but not limited to painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, glass, wood, fiber, metal, mixed media and fashion. All artwork must be the artist's original creation and submitted through the Call for Entry (CaFE) system. The entry fee is $30, and artists may submit up to three original works they have personally created. Works will be selected by an independent jury based on originality, creativity, craftsmanship and artistic distinction. Submission does not guarantee acceptance. Accepted artwork may be photographed and reproduced for marketing materials, printed publications, press releases, Social Media and the BFA Broward website. Artists who do not wish their accepted work to be used for promotional purposes should notify BFA Broward upon acceptance. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the exhibition. Shipped artwork must include prepaid UPS or FedEx return shipping labels, reusable shipping containers and any necessary repacking instructions. No freight shipments will be accepted. Cash awards totaling more than $5,000 will be presented, including Best in Show ($3,000), Second Place ($1,500), Third Place ($500) and a Judge's Recognition Award ($300). All artwork may be offered for sale. Business for the Arts Broward retains a 25% commission on artwork sales, with artists receiving 75% of the selling price. Accepted artists must submit a completed W-9 prior to the exhibition. Guests will enjoy a juried exhibition of fine art available for purchase along with live music, dance, interactive art experiences, demonstrations and cultural performances throughout the evening. Admission is free and open to the public. Guests may also purchase a Sip + Stroll ticket, which includes food and beverage tastings at participating venues. Selected artwork will also be featured in an online exhibition on the Business for the Arts Broward website, extending artists' visibility beyond the event. Additional information is available at: www.bfabroward.org/programs/art-and-stroll/ by clicking "Call to Artists." All entries and payments must be submitted through the Call for Entry (CaFE) platform at: https://opportunities.wearecreativewest.org/opportunity/18010/CAFE . For exhibition questions, contact: lpratico@bfabroward.org . Questions regarding the CaFE platform should be directed to CaFE support. The deadline to submit artwork is Monday, September 14th, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. This year's ART + STROLL is presented by BBI and sponsored by the Cathy and James Donnelly Fund at Community Foundation of Broward, UBS, Moss, BBX Capital, Downtown Development Authority, Stiles, FPL, Broward Health, Berger Singerman, Templeton, Yes We Are Mad, Pierson Grant Public Relations, PNC Bank, Hoffman's Chocolates and IT'SUGAR. About Business for the Arts Broward Business for the Arts Broward is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more, visit: www.Facebook.com/BFABroward . Or visit: www.bfabroward.org . Previous Next

Dania Beach Self-Care Week Launches August 1st – August 8th With Downtown Wellness Deals South Florida Sun Times Jul 16, 2026 Treat Yourself To A Massage, A Fresh Haircut, A Health Checkup, A New Fitness Routine, Or Other Wellness-Focused Products And Services At A Discount. During Dania Beach Self-Care Week, From Saturday, August 1st, 2026 – Saturday, August 8th, 2026, Participating Downtown Dania Beach Businesses Will Offer Special Pricing. Designed to help the community recharge before the new school year, refresh for the remainder of summer, or simply try something new, Dania Beach Self-Care Week features exclusive offers for both new and returning patrons across a wide range of businesses, including medical practices, gyms, salons, barbershops, and restaurants and cafes with wellness menus and drinks. “Self-Care Week is about supporting our local businesses while encouraging people to invest in their own well-being,” said Dania Beach City Manager Candido Sosa-Cruz, Executive Director of the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. “By showcasing the depth and diversity of our wellness community, we’re reinforcing downtown Dania Beach as a vibrant destination for health, lifestyle and entertainment.” Participating businesses are offering a variety of promotions throughout the week. Flow House Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is providing a free trial week of classes for children and adults, including self-defense training, fitness and private lessons. Be Well Health is offering a two-hour massage and facial combination for $110 and providing reflexology, therapeutic massage and facial services. Atlantic Florida Dental is offering a free dental exam, X-rays and treatment plan; the long-standing practice has served the community for 45 years and is led by Dr. Thomas Schlopler, who has performed more than 25,000 dental implants. Additional offers include special staycation discounts at Tru by Hilton Dania Beach, along with a coupon for a future stay. MAC Hair will provide new clients with a complimentary scalp spa and brush massage with any service. Karen Nails is offering 15% off services of $60 or more. Jade Maciel, Pwner of Asteria Beauty at Icon Hair Salon, said, “I look forward to taking part in this awesome Self-Care Week for Dania Beach. We have been a business of Dania for over nine years, and we look forward to always networking and meeting new locals to share our services with.” They are offering 20% off of all services. In July, participating businesses will display signage identifying them as Dania Beach Self-Care Week partners, allowing patrons time to book appointments in advance. Dania Beach is home to more than 150 active storefronts in its downtown core along Federal Highway and Dania Beach Boulevard. According to the CRA, Self-Care Week is part of a broader strategy to promote local businesses and strengthen the Federal Highway CRA district as an active business and entertainment corridor. Additional themed business weeks highlighting restaurants and retail are planned throughout the year. For a full list of participating businesses, special offers and booking information, visit the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency website at: www.daniabeachcra.org . For more information, email: cra@daniabeachfl.gov . Or call: (954) 924-6801. Previous Next

Building Brighter Futures: Helping Young People Succeed In A Changing Economy By Feature Impact Jul 24, 2026 During A Time When The Economy Is Changing Rapidly And Shifting The Landscape Of Work Into Uncertain Territory, Academic Success Is No Longer Enough To Put Young People On A Stable Path To The Future. Once, A High School Diploma Was Enough To Land A Well-Paying Job. Then A College Degree Became The Gold Standard. Now The Roadmap Has Changed Again, Which Means That Smart Students Need To Start Taking Steps In New Directions. According to Junior Achievement, three key concepts to add to modern teenagers' knowledge arsenal include financial literacy, economic mobility and entrepreneurship. Why Financial Literacy Matters When young people are equipped with the knowledge they need to earn, manage, save and invest money, it supports their journey through every life milestone ahead, from education and homeownership to retirement and more. Financial literacy gives people the confidence to make smart decisions while dodging costly mistakes like getting into high-interest debt. A recent Junior Achievement survey indicated that although 42% of Americans struggle with money management, 23% feel their income could be sufficient if they understood how to manage it more effectively. Giving students a strong foundation in financial literacy can set them up well to not only earn money but use it wisely to meet their future needs and accomplish their goals. The Power of Economic Mobility Economic mobility refers to the idea that each generation can expect to achieve better opportunities and more financial stability than the one before. Today's youth are growing increasingly skeptical of this possibility, and for good reason: they see that even many college graduates are underemployed and struggling to find their feet. There's no denying the game has changed. However, upward economic mobility is still within reach for students who are willing to learn the new rules, especially if they have parents and educators supporting their journeys. With or without a college degree, students who engage with their communities, believe in their own potential and focus on building transferable personal and entrepreneurial skills can find themselves well-positioned to navigate a changing world. How to Grow Entrepreneurial Skills Topics like financial literacy and business acumen can be taught in a variety of ways both in and out of the classroom. Other key entrepreneurial skills - like leadership, confidence, work ethic, creativity and critical thinking - are more like muscles that get stronger when they're trained. While academics are still important, hands-on opportunities and experiences are invaluable parts of the equation to prepare students for economic success. Take programs like Future Bound by Junior Achievement, for example, which is an immersive annual event designed to empower high school students with essential skills and opportunities to innovate. Participants put their intelligence, creativity and ambition to the test during four team competitions where they can showcase and hone real-world business and economic skills. Winners receive national honors, awards, scholarships and prizes from event sponsors, including Pacific Life Foundation and Staples, among others. Plus, all attendees get the chance to network with industry leaders from around the country, participate in workshops and connect with other future-focused teens. Whether you're a student, parent, educator or volunteer, explore more resources to help young people succeed at: JA.org . Photo courtesy of Shutterstock #17992 Source: Junior Achievement Previous Next

Florida Families Score Big With Month Long Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday South Florida Sun Times Aug 13, 2025 As Florida Families Gear Up For Another Academic Year, There’s One More Reason To Celebrate This Month — A Full Month Of Tax-Free Savings. Governor Ron DeSantis Has Officially Announced The Return Of Florida’s Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday, A State-Wide Initiative That Eliminates Sales Tax On Essential School Supplies, Clothing, And Technology For The Entire Month Of August. Running from Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 31, the sales tax holiday provides significant financial relief to parents, students, and teachers alike as they prepare for the upcoming school year. “Proud to deliver additional sales tax holidays, including the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that begins on August 1,” Governor DeSantis said in a public statement. “By cutting taxes, empowering parents, and growing our economy, we're making it easier for people to live, work, and thrive in the Free State of Florida.” This annual event has been a popular feature of Florida’s tax policy for years, but in 2025, it’s been expanded to a month-long window, offering families more flexibility, less stress, and meaningful savings during what can often be a financially challenging time of year. A Statewide Investment in Families The announcement comes on the heels of Governor DeSantis signing the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, a sweeping financial plan that includes $2 billion in tax relief, the permanent repeal of the Business Rent Tax, and targeted sales tax holidays aimed at reducing everyday expenses for Florida residents. Specifically, the back-to-school tax relief is part of a $450 million initiative designed to help working families. In addition to traditional school supplies and clothing, the holiday includes a broad array of items crucial for modern learning — from personal computers and accessories to educational tools like flashcards and interactive learning toys. This kind of tax holiday can go a long way in alleviating the strain on household budgets, especially in a time of rising costs nationwide. According to recent surveys, the average American family spends upwards of $890 on back-to-school shopping per child — a figure that has steadily increased year over year. For Floridians, this holiday could mean hundreds of dollars in direct savings, depending on what’s on their back-to-school shopping list. What’s Covered? A Comprehensive Breakdown From tech tools to crayons, the sales tax holiday covers a wide variety of items. Here’s a breakdown of what qualifies — and what doesn’t — under this year’s policy: Tax-Free Items: 1. Personal Computers and Accessories Items must be $1,500 or less and purchased for noncommercial home or personal use. Qualifying items include: • Laptops and desktops • Tablets and tower computers • Electronic book readers • Calculators and handheld computers Computer accessories also qualify (regardless of whether they are bought with a computer), including: • Keyboards and mice • Monitors (without a TV tuner) • Nonrecreational software • Routers, modems, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) 2. School Supplies – \$50 or Less Per Item Perfect for classroom essentials, this category includes: • Notebooks, paper, folders, and binders • Writing instruments: pens, pencils, markers, crayons • Tape, scissors, staplers, glue, and erasers • Lunch boxes, compasses, rulers, and protractors 3. Clothing, Footwear & Accessories – $100 or Less Per Item This includes a broad range of apparel and accessories: • Shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, shorts • Shoes, boots, and sandals • Belts, hats, gloves, and scarves 4. Wallets and Bags – $100 or Less Per Item Approved items: • Backpacks • Diaper bags • Fanny packs • Handbags 5. Learning Aids and Jigsaw Puzzles – $30 or Less Designed to support early childhood education: • Flashcards, matching and memory games • Puzzle and activity books • Electronic learning toys and stacking/nesting sets What’s Not Included? While the tax holiday is generous, it does come with a few exclusions. These include: • Cell phones, game consoles, digital media receivers (These don’t qualify under the “personal computers” umbrella.) • Furniture like desks or computer chairs. • Items used primarily for recreation — including monitors with a TV tuner or gaming software. • Briefcases, suitcases, and garment bags • Sales within entertainment venues, such as theme parks, public lodging establishments, or airports, are not eligible. For a detailed list, the Florida Department of Revenue encourages residents to visit: http://FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool Economic Impact & Community Reaction The Florida Retail Federation has applauded the move, calling the month-long holiday a “win-win for consumers and businesses alike.” Not only does it ease the financial burden on families, but it also encourages local shopping and supports small businesses. Retailers across the state are preparing for the influx, rolling out additional discounts and promotions to coincide with the tax-free period. Many stores plan to extend their hours and increase staffing to accommodate demand. For families like the Moraleses of Jacksonville, the holiday is more than a budget boost — it’s a way to stay proactive. “With three kids in school and each needing their own tech, supplies, and clothes, the tax savings really add up,” says Maria Morales. “We usually wait until the last minute, but having all of August makes it less overwhelming.” Teachers are also expressing gratitude. As out-of-pocket classroom expenses have become a growing concern, many educators take advantage of the sales tax holiday to stock up on supplies. “We end up buying a lot of materials ourselves,” says third-grade teacher Kelsey Franklin of Tallahassee. “It’s nice to know the state recognizes that and is doing something to help.” DeSantis’ Broader Tax Vision Governor DeSantis’ economic policies have centered on low taxes, parental empowerment, and small government. Under his leadership, Florida has maintained **a AAA credit rating**, a **low unemployment rate**, and **one of the lowest per-capita tax burdens** in the country. In a time when national debates around inflation and affordability dominate headlines, Florida’s aggressive tax-relief strategy is being closely watched by other states. DeSantis has consistently framed these moves as essential to Florida’s status as a beacon of economic freedom and opportunity. “Families shouldn’t have to choose between quality education and financial security,” the Governor stated. “This tax holiday reflects our commitment to both — providing relief where it matters most.” Tips for Maximizing Your Savings To make the most of the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, here are a few practical strategies: 1. Plan Ahead: Make a list of everything your family needs — from notebooks to new shoes — and cross-reference it with the state’s qualifying items list. 2. Shop Early (or Late): Avoid the weekend rush by shopping early in the month or on weekday mornings. 3. Take Advantage of Tech Savings: With up to $1,500 in tax-free eligibility, this is a great time to upgrade laptops or tablets. 4. Stack Deals: Combine the sales tax holiday with store promotions, coupons, and loyalty rewards for maximum benefit. 5. Know the Limits: Remember that not every item qualifies. Check prices carefully to ensure each item is under the qualifying threshold. A Win for the Wallet — and the Classroom Back-to-school season can be a stressful time for families, but Florida’s 2025 tax holiday is bringing relief, confidence, and a renewed sense of readiness. By giving Floridians a full month to shop tax-free, the DeSantis administration is making it easier than ever to prepare for the year ahead without breaking the bank. From basic pencils to personal computers, Florida is investing in the tools of education — one receipt at a time. For more details and a complete list of eligible items, visit: http://FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool Sign Up for Emergency Alerts Stay informed during storms and emergencies with Alert Hollywood. This free notification system sends updates via phone, email, or text about severe weather, police activity, and other urgent events. Register now at www.hollywoodfl.org/725/Alert-Hollywood . Click the Alert Hollywood logo, then select "Sign Up" to get started. You’ll receive alerts automatically when the National Weather Service issues warnings—just be sure to opt in for weather notifications. Standard text message rates from your carrier may apply. Previous Next

Documentary Film Short Open Dialogues: Gen QueerZ To Premiere October 11th, National Coming Out Day September 28, 2023 Share The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is all set to premiere "Gen QueerZ," the fourth installment in its Award-Winning Open Dialogues Documentary Film Short Series, on Wednesday, October 11th, at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, located at 1770 Monroe Street. Coinciding with National Coming Out Day, this event promises to be a powerful celebration of LGBTQ+ Voices and the importance of being true to oneself. The evening's festivities will kick off with a glamorous red-carpet reception at 6:00 p.m., offering attendees the chance to mingle with the film's cast and crew. The main event, the screening of "Gen QueerZ," followed by a discussion with the cast members and Director Freddy Rodriguez, will commence at 7:00 p.m. Admission to this groundbreaking event is entirely free, allowing a diverse audience to come together in support of LGBTQ+ Youth. "Gen QueerZ" is a compelling documentary that gives voice to LGBTQ+ Youth who proudly proclaim, "Queer is here. Queer is everywhere." It shines a light on the idea that being out and visible in public and home spaces is a powerful form of activism that helps to demarginalize queer individuals. Produced by the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood in collaboration with Safe Schools South Florida, the title "Gen QueerZ" refers to LGBTQ+ Youth who belong to Generation Z, encompassing those born since 1997. This thought-provoking film delves into the LGBTQ+ narratives and experiences of eight South Florida college and university students. Their stories represent a rich tapestry of gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and academic pursuits while exploring the complexities of allyship, threats, and family dynamics when "coming out" at home. One unique aspect of "Gen QueerZ" is its incorporation of original poetry readings by cast members Eric Martinez, who performs "To Know Yourself," and Ja'na Nelson, who delivers "I'm Out." The film's cast includes Doriyan Caty from Florida Atlantic University, Javier Gomez from Miami Dade College, Sofía Grajales from Broward College, Eric Martinez from Florida International University, Ja'na Nelson from FAU, Kelsey Parente from Broward College, Ian Rodriguez from Florida State University, and Nathalie Saladrigas from Miami Dade College and Emerson College, Boston. "Open Dialogues: Gen QueerZ" has received vital support from The Our Fund Foundation, The Windhover Foundation/Quadracci Family, and the Dara and Jarrett Levan Fund for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Broward, emphasizing the significance of such a project in our community. National Coming Out Day, observed every year on October 11th, was first established in 1988, marking the Second Anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This important day is recognized not only in the United States but also in countries worldwide, serving as a platform to raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ Community and its ongoing civil rights movement. The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, receives support from its dedicated members, admissions, private entities, the City of Hollywood, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council, and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The organization welcomes donations from individuals within the community who wish to contribute to their vital work. "Gen QueerZ" promises to be an inspirational and thought-provoking evening of film, discussion, and celebration, reminding us all of the importance of being true to ourselves and supporting the LGBTQ+ Community. Don't miss this extraordinary event on October 11th – a night that will resonate with audiences for years to come. Open Dialogues The Series Chapter One Open Dialogues: Stories From the LGBTQ Community captures the diverse coming-out narratives of seven Broward residents who shared their stories in on-camera interviews. Produced by the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood, and directed, photographed and edited by Miami-based Filmmaker Freddy Rodriguez, Stories From the LGBTQ Community reveals in intimate detail how the LGBTQ community is often marginalized within families, schools, churches and public spaces – and how individuals featured in the film learned to empower themselves in these spaces. The Broward residents who shared their coming-out experience are Dan Bassett, Franchesca D’Amore, Michael Goodman, Gary Keating, Omar Morales, Julie Marie Wade, and Christine Walters. Wade, a nationally renowned writer, reads select poems from her 2014 collection When I Was Straight. The online publication Queer Guru described Stories From the LGBTQ Community as “powerful,” adding that the film “is exactly what most queer people would have loved to been able to view on the verge of ‘coming out’ as gay. Listening to the stories of seven South Florida members of the LGBTQ Community articulate on their own journeys is such an uplifting experience.” Chapter Two The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood’s documentary short film Open Dialogues: Black Voices | Black Stories focuses on what social justice looks and feels like for Black Americans, as told through the narratives and performances of eight community leaders in Broward County. Directed, photographed, and edited by Award-Winning Filmmaker Freddy Rodriguez, Black Voices | Black Stories is a collaboration between the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood and 66 Films to inspire conversation about racial inequity and systemic injustice for the African diaspora in South Florida. The eight community leaders selected for on-camera interviews and performances represent a diverse range of work/life experiences from such fields as law, education, medicine, public policy, and the arts. They are Darius V. Daughtry, Henry Graham, Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq., Rudy Jean-Bart, Niki Lopez, David Weaver, Venis Wilder, M.D., and Natacha J. Yacinthe, Ph.D. The film includes a musical performance by violinist Ian Mann, written works by Daughtry and Jean-Bart, and music by Dr. Wilder performing as V. Tiarra. Photographed in black-and-white, the 24-minute film engages community members to describe openly and honestly, among other topics, their first awareness of being Black, the degrading impact of Racism and Discrimination, creating empathetic listening practices, Black resilience, and “The Talk,” in which Black parents prepare their children to be targeted based on the color of their skin. Charter Three Open Dialogues: Queer Allies offers the stories and lived experiences of people who identify as LGBTQ+ (Queer) and the people who love and support them. Directed by Award-Winning Filmmaker Freddy Rodriguez, Queer Allies features deeply moving interviews and performances that focus on the critical role of allies in empowering young people in their coming-out experience. The 25-minute black-and-white film features a performance by Terry Dyer from his book, Letters to a Gay Black Boy, and a contemporary dance duet by Dance NOW! Miami, with David Harris and Anthony Velasquez performing “Safe Words.” Queer Allies is emotional and inspiring as it illustrates the power of human empathy to change lives. The stories of six community members interviewed on camera explore with unflinching honesty how parents and teachers provide safe spaces in the home or school, and lacking that, how queer youth must often be their own best ally when their parents reject their sexual identity. Cast Member Tatiana Williams says in the film, “Oftentimes parents don’t want to really look inside and see if their child is really different because the first thing they think is if the child is different, it’s something that they’ve done. So, for me, it was good for [my mom] to let me know that I was in a safe space, that home was my sanctuary, that it was a world out there and I was gonna have to be empowered from the home.” For more information about the fourth installment "Open Dialogues: Gen QueerZ" or to host a private screening, call: (954) 921-3274. Or visit: www.ArtAndCultureCenter.org/open-dialogues-films < Previous News Next News >

Hallandale Beach Lost Two Dedicated Public Servants By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper July 20, 2023 Share Many of us take for granted the United States Postal Workers. We are never short of complaints about the Post Office and Service Issues. Many of the men and women that work with the service are hardworking dedicated employees that literally weather all storms (hurricanes excluded) to get the mail out. I can share that even in my husband’s office we have had to deal with no mail and delayed mail. As Mayor, I also have to field complaints about the mail. Many residents and the City depend on the mail for bills and collections. The United States Postal Service is an entity to itself. The Postal Service started in Boston, Massachusetts in the late 1600’s. In 1706 the Continental Congress established the Official Postal Service and Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster. In 1702, the Postal Service was codified by Congress with the Postal Service Act. The Act ensured privacy in the mail making it illegal to open someone's mail and provided that newspapers could be mailed. It provides for open communication and information to citizens. The service went through many changes. In 1970, was the biggest change when Congress provided for the ability for postal workers to unionize and other operational changes. The Executive Branch and Congress still control the Postal Service rates, routes and locations. There continues to be a push to totally privatize the service due to the cost of operations. Congress though still has control and have allowed some private contracting. In my opinion privatization just like attempts to privatize Social Security would be a mistake. Big business controlling functions that ensure protections to the average Joe and Jane are critical. Could you imagine our Mail ballots being controlled by a corporation? This is not to say that Congress shouldn't be addressing some of the shortcomings. A bit of trivia might shed light on the need for performance changes. The Pony Express could deliver mail within 8 days. So with the modern transportation systems and technology there is definitely room for improvement. Still, compared to a FedEx letter starting at around $11.00 dollars to USPS at $9.35 and packages overnight at FedEx starting at $61.25 and USPS at $28.75, it’s a good value. The most important part of any organization is it's employees. During COVID-19, we learned the value of all of our Front Line Workers and Postal Workers who fall into this category and should be treated fairly and with the respect they deserve. You never throw out the whole bunch for one bad apple. Sadly, we lost two of our local postal workers recently. The postmaster of Hallandale Beach, Bobby Jean Sims, recently retired and then lost her battle to Cancer. Bobby Jean was laid to rest on June 15th. She was raised in Hollywood and graduated from Hollywood Hills High School in 1976. She started her career in the Postal Service as a Clerk in North Miami. She worked her way up the ranks to become the Postmaster of Hallandale Beach in 2015. She was very proud of her two children, daughter Talinay and son Eric. She will truly be missed by her three sisters, grandchildren and her entire extended family. Most importantly, her colleagues came together to celebrate her life. We thank her and them for their continued service to our community. Another tragic loss was a loyal Postal Carrier that served the western area of our City. Keith Tyrone Jones, Sr. Also known as Tap. Tap served in the U.S. Army until 1994 when he started his career as a Postal Worker. He has served for over 21 years and was married for 48 years to Linda and had three children and 17 grandchildren. He was very spiritual and loved to share his love and knowledge of history with his children. Often helping with school projects. He loved his music. He also was known for sharing old quotes as lessons in life, to live your life intentionally. He too will be missed by the community and his fellow workers. He was laid to rest on June 17th. Over the years, there seems to be a lack of respect for the day-to-day workers we come in touch with. I believe the super majority of people are still kind. We all need to remember that these individuals are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. They are you and me. We need to stop and take a moment before we lose our patience with people. There are always Laws, Rules and Regulations that impact services. Remember being kind and civil does not cost a dime and like I was taught, you always catch more bees with honey! Thank you to all the Postal Workers! 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 . You can reach me at my office number: (954) 457-1318. Or Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. You can always visit my Facebook and follow me at Mayor Joy Cooper. Editor's Note I remember both Bobby Jean and Keith fondly. Working in this community for over 30 years I have come across many individuals who serve the community. I must say both, Bobby Jean & Keith were dedicated public servants and will be missed. I remember visiting the Hallandale Beach Post Office on US -1 and Bobby would make sure that if you needed assistance she was there to make it move as quickly as possible. She cared about her job and the people of the community. Keith Tyrone Jones, Sr. was our Postman in West Hallandale Beach, we would see him almost every day. He was a truly kind man and dedicated to his job. He would go out of his way to make sure all of the mail had the correct postage and if it wasn't ready when he arrived, he would go to the end of the plaza and come back to us. He always had a treat for the dog in our office. Within the past few years, he would talk with us about his retirement plans and we wished him well and thanked him for all his efforts and kindness. They will both be missed! < Previous News Next News >

Flipping Through History: The Broward County Library Helps Us Learn From Our Past December 30, 2021 Share “Those that do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” Those words were first spoken by George Santayana and they are still very relevant today because of how true they are. History gives us the opportunity to learn from past mistakes. It helps us understand the many reasons why people may behave the way they do. As a result, it helps us become more compassionate as people and more impartial as decision makers. It goes without saying that change can be a difficult concept to understand and in today's world change is happening at a rapid pace. Each of us has a different experience than the rest of our fellow citizens – an experience shaped by societal norms, cultural differences, personal experiences and more. History helps us better understand how, when and why change occurs on a larger scale. Good citizens are always informed citizens, and no one can consider himself to be an informed citizen without a working knowledge of history. This is the case whether we’re talking about our role in our local community or in regards to our nation on the whole. History helps us become better voters and more effective members of any type of society. It helps put us in a position to better inform others as well. It is in this spirit that The Broward County Library is working to help residents learn from the past with the Broward County Library Digital Archives project. The BCL Digital Archives project supports community-based and scholarly research on a variety of topics that range from a global scope to the scale of local neighborhoods. The BCL Digital Archives collections contain thousands of select image, audio, and video files that represent just a small portion of the material holdings in the three Special Collections areas. Here are a few of the collections available online. Broward Legacy at Florida Online Journals The Broward Legacy is published online in a collaborative partnership between Florida Atlantic University Digital Library and the Broward County Libraries Division. This historical journal, published by the Broward County Historical Commission between 1976 and 2013, is a significant resource for discovering Florida heritage. The Broward Legacy can be read for free at: https://journals.flvc.org/browardlegacy/issue/archive The Broward County Library maintains an in-house Digitization Team. The Digitization Team works with metadata specialists and the Special Collections staff to digitize the unique and rare materials in BCL Special Collections available online in digital formats. The Digitization Team has also partnered with local organizations such as the Hollywood Historical Society in order to digitize and make available research materials. One part of this project is digitizing past publications such as the Hollywood Sun-Tattler. Hollywood Sun-Tattler Collection The Hollywood Sun-Tattler’s history began with the 1932 publication of the South Broward Tattler. Just three years later in 1935, a competing weekly, the Hollywood Sun, started distribution. With the purchase of the City’s first newspaper, the Hollywood News (established in 1924), Wallace Stevens, the owner of the South Broward Tattler, stopped printing the Hollywood News and orchestrated a merge of the South Broward Tattler and the Hollywood Sun. He then produced the new weekly, the Hollywood Sun-Tattler, in 1942. In 1952 the Hollywood Sun-Tattler became a twice-weekly newspaper. By 1957 it was published three times a week. E. W. Scripps Co. purchased the paper in 1965 and in 1983 renamed it the Sun-Tattler. In 1989, the Sun-Tattler became the Hollywood Sun upon its acquisition by DTH Media Inc. The paper ceased publication in 1991. Even though the publication is no longer in print with efforts from the Broward County Library Digital Archives project these decades of local history can now live again and found on-line. So no matter the reason, if you are interested in a bit of local history or just to see how much a supermarket item cost in the past you can check out the digitization site the Broward County Library has put together. Here are a few links for some of the resources they have created to save some of the past from being forgotten. All Collections: https://digitalarchives.broward.org Broward Legacy: https://journals.flvc.org/browardlegacy/issue/archive Hollywood Sun-Tattler Collection: https://digitalarchives.broward.org/digital/collection/p16146coll7/search < Previous News Next News >

Anne Being Frank In Aventura - Reimagines Iconic Story To Pose Philosophical Questions In This The One-Woman Play Aventura Arts & Cultural Center October 31, 2024 Share The City of Aventura, in partnership with YI Love Jewish, presents Anne Being Frank, a new play by Israeli-born Australian playwright Ron Elisha and directed by Amanda Brooke Lerner, on Saturday, November 9th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Performed Off-Broadway to rave reviews, this one-woman show starring Alexis Fishman is a total reimagining of the iconic story of Anne Frank. The play, which received the 2023 Broadway World - Best Production Award, takes place within three worlds: Anne and her family's secret annex hiding place, the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp where Anne died and an imagined world where Anne survives WWII to go over the manuscript of her diary with her editor at a publishing house in Manhattan. But now, with her devastating new insight into the depths of human depravity, she has rewritten her entire diary at the great personal cost of constantly having to justify her choices to her editor, who wants to maintain the purity and innocence of the original story. Anne Being Frank poses the philosophical question: "Had Anne known precisely what was in store for her and her family at the hands of the Nazis, would she still have written? ‘In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.’” The production seamlessly shifts between three distinct worlds: Anne and her family's secret annex hiding place, the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp where Anne died and an imagined world where Anne survives WWII to go over the manuscript of her diary with her editor at a publishing house in Manhattan. But, at great personal cost, she has, with her devastating new insight into the depths of human depravity, rewritten her entire diary, so that she is constantly having to justify her choices to her editor, who dearly wishes to maintain the purity and innocence of the original. Australian-born Fishman is a Helpmann Award-Nominated Actor and Singer who currently lives in New York. She is a Board Member of 3GNY, an educational Non-Profit for the descendants of Holocaust Survivors and tells her grandparents’ story in New York public schools. You can purchase tickets for Anne Being Frank at Ticketmaster, the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center’s Box Office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. Upcoming YI Love Jewish Show Next in the lineup is Fiddlers on the Roof: A YI Love Jewish Sing-A-Long, Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. A sing-a-long celebrating one of the most beloved Broadway musicals of all time, Fiddlers on the Roof: A YI Love Jewish Sing-A-Long features live musicians with lyrics provided on screen that will invite audiences to belt out the classic Fiddler on the Roof score with standards that include Tradition, Matchmaker, Matchmaker and Sunrise, Sunset. This interactive experience offers a new way to enjoy this timeless story of family, faith and finding one’s place in an ever-changing world. Tickets: https://www.aventuracenter.org/events/detail/fiddlers-on-the-roof-2025 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/788320870142519 Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center’s Box Office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. < Previous News Next News >

Athletics, Coding, and The Arts: Summertime Camps & Activities Enriching The Lives of Kids in The Community Mon Jun 13 2022 04:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)