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- A Motown & R&B Journey Through The Decades: The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Heats Up This July
A Motown & R&B Journey Through The Decades: The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Heats Up This July June 20, 2024 Share As part of the City of Aventura’s Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Summer Concert Series, “The Great American SoulBook” promises to take audiences on a journey through decades of Motown, R&B and other iconic soulful musical chart-toppers on Saturday, July 13th at 8:00 p.m. What Is Soul Music? In the vast landscape of music, few genres possess the captivating allure and profound impact of soul music. Embarking on a journey through its rich tapestry unveils not just a genre, but a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the very fabric of music history. Rooted in the vibrant African American community of the 1950’s United States, soul music emerged as a revolutionary force, transcending boundaries and captivating the hearts of listeners worldwide. Drawing inspiration from Gospel Music, Soul found its distinctive voice through the fusion of spirited rhythms and poignant secular lyrics. This fusion birthed a sound that echoed the joys, struggles, and triumphs of the human experience. Encompassing a spectrum of influences, soul music resonates with aficionados of various musical genres, from the melancholic strains of the Blues to the electrifying beats of Rock n' Roll. Its infectious melodies and heartfelt lyricism transcend mere entertainment, stirring emotions and igniting passions in equal measure. At its core, soul music is a celebration of the human spirit, expressed through the raw intensity of improvised vocals, the infectious energy of call-and-response, and the lush harmonies of choirs. Each note, each beat, is infused with an undeniable sense of authenticity and soulfulness, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its embrace. Beyond its musical prowess, Soul Music stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the African American community, forging a path of cultural significance that reverberates through the annals of history. From its domination of the U.S. Music Charts in the '60s to its resounding reception in the United Kingdom, Soul Music transcends geographical boundaries, uniting souls in a shared appreciation for its transformative power. As the '70s dawned, Soul Music continued to evolve, branching out into new territories such as Funk, further solidifying its place in the pantheon of musical greatness. In essence, Soul Music transcends mere notes and rhythms; it embodies the very essence of humanity, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply within us all. So, the next time you find yourself swaying to the rhythm of a soulful melody, remember that you're not just listening to music — you're experiencing the soulful heartbeat of a cultural phenomenon. The Great American SoulBook Performed by the high-energy American Soul Band of seven singers and six musicians, The Great American SoulBook will turn up the summer heat with groovin’ and dancin’ music from the ‘60s through the ‘90s and beyond. In The Great American SoulBook, Lead Singer Deanna Carroll is backed by four choreographed male singers and two dynamic female singers. Together, they bring to life music of The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, The Four Tops, The Isley Brothers, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Luther Vandross, Sam and Dave, James Brown, Anita Baker, Babyface, Peobo Bryson, R. Kelly and many more. In addition to touring as Diana Ross in Lady Supreme, Carroll’s career credits include recording backing vocals for Jazz Saxophonist Paula Atherton, British Sensation Joss Stone and Bobby Wilson in his tribute to his legendary late father, R&B/Soul Singer Jackie Wilson. Carroll has also been featured in live television performances as a backing vocalist for Vitamin C and performed with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Little Anthony and Darlene Love, among others. Got Fun? This is it! This is feel good music, that will have you singing along and on your feet, dancing to hits that will appeal to many generations of music lovers. This is a band that will never forget its roots in Motown and Classic R&B, but continues the audience's journey forward, as they pay homage to the most recent decades of soulful hits made famous by the next generations of superstars. American Soul brings the party to a concert near you...don't miss! Following “The Great American SoulBook,” the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center’s Summer Concert Series presents a tribute to rock royalty with “She Will Rock You! Starring Stephanie Hodgdon” on August 10th and the Smooth Bossa Nova harmonies of “Brazilian Voices Amazonas, The Rhythm of Nature” on September 14th. Tickets for “The Great American SoulBook” are on sale now. 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 at: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center 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. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-seat waterfront complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. For an evening filled with soulful melodies and unforgettable memories, mark your calendars for "The Great American SoulBook" and experience the magic of music come alive. < Previous News Next News >
- The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami: (MOCA) Offers Robust Public Programming Throughout October
The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami: (MOCA) Offers Robust Public Programming Throughout October Thu Oct 06 2022 04:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- Become An Involved Citizen: Your Chance To Shape Hallandale Beach’s Future
Become An Involved Citizen: Your Chance To Shape Hallandale Beach’s Future Thu Aug 15 2024 16:16:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- Mermaids, Sisters And Spongebob: Slow Burn Theatre Company Has An Entertaining Year Ahead
Mermaids, Sisters And Spongebob: Slow Burn Theatre Company Has An Entertaining Year Ahead Thu Jan 26 2023 17:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- Humane Society Of Greater Miami Launch Of New Priority Adoption Program In Conjunction With 90th Birthday | sun-times
Humane Society Of Greater Miami Launch Of New Priority Adoption Program In Conjunction With 90th Birthday Aventura Digest Nov 20, 2025 As The Humane Society Of Greater Miami Celebrates 90 Incredible Years Of Compassion, Care, And Community, The Organization Is Thrilled To Announce An Exciting New Way For Animal Lovers To Connect With Their Future Furry Family Members—The Priority Adoption Program. This innovative program allows adopters to join a Priority Match List for the breed or type of pet they’re hoping to adopt. For a one-time $250 enrollment fee, participants will receive early notification when a matching dog or cat becomes available—before the pet is listed for general adoption. But this isn’t just about finding your perfect pet sooner—it’s about giving back. The enrollment fee directly supports the Humane Society’s lifesaving mission, helping provide food, shelter, and medical care for hundreds of homeless animals each year. “Launching this program as part of our 90th Anniversary is especially meaningful,” said Jossie Aguirre, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Greater Miami. “For nine decades, we’ve been proud to serve our community and its animals. The Priority Adoption Program not only helps families find their ideal pets faster but also ensures that more dogs and cats receive the second chance they deserve.” The Priority Adoption Program reflects the Humane Society’s continued growth and commitment to expanding services that benefit both people and pets across Miami-Dade County. As the organization looks toward the next 90 years, initiatives like this highlight its dedication to innovation, compassion, and community partnership. For more information or to join the Priority Match List, visit: https://www.humanesocietymiami.org/service/adopter-priority-match-program/ About the Humane Society of Greater Miami Celebrating 90 years of service, the Humane Society of Greater Miami is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding loving homes for homeless pets, promoting responsible pet ownership, and providing education and resources to strengthen the bond between people and animals. For more information, visit: www.humanesocietymiami.org Previous Next
- Climate Change & COVID-19: Will They Continue to Make an Impact on Real Estate?
Climate Change & COVID-19: Will They Continue to Make an Impact on Real Estate? By Elizabeth Fiegehen December 30, 2021 Share It wasn’t just COVID-19 that shaped the risky 2021 Real Estate Market. The continuous and growing impact of climate change has played a key role in many property owner’s risk profiles over the last decade and are hitting the U.S. harder than ever before. Wildfires, coupled with an unexpected deep freeze in Texas, ate up a significant portion of property insurance capacity. Hurricane Ida alone packed a $25 Billion punch. Unfortunately, a “return to normal” for the Real Estate Industry is not yet in sight. And who knows what the “new normal” may be. Instead, the upcoming year looks to be more of the same — a challenging environment that will require real estate owners and operators to use experience and tools to take as much control of their risk as possible and shape their risk story to worried insurance carriers. As they take on this challenge, here is what Real Estate owners and operators in South Florida can expect in 2022. Catastrophic weather will continue to impact insurance rates. Extreme natural catastrophes are no longer rare. Nearly one third of Americans live in a county impacted by a weather disaster in 2021 and this year’s Atlantic tropical season brought 21 named storms to Florida alone. In 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) started the process of reevaluating property flood risk lines in all areas for the first time in almost 50 years, with FEMA 2.0. Previously, only basic statistics such as a property’s elevation were taken into consideration, but now FEMA is factoring in rainfall, storm surge and how much it costs to rebuild to determine risk level. The enlarged flood zones in some counties will force thousands to buy flood insurance, and it’s predicted that over 75% of existing policyholders will see an increase in premiums. This new attention to risk is causing many portfolio owners to evaluate property coverage costs and exclusions before buying. Reinsurers are exiting the market at a higher rate, drying up capacity and rates and consequently leaving fewer coverage options and higher rates for Real Estate owners and operators in the area. While potentially unsettling, this is projected to be the new normal as climate change continues to bring frequent and extreme storms to coastal regions. Catastrophic modeling will be even more important. Global catastrophic losses in the first half of 2021 exceeded $40 Billion. Insurance providers have taken notice and are reevaluating their application requirements. Catastrophe (CAT) models, which simulate potential catastrophic events and estimate the potential loss, are already heavily used across the real estate sector. However, it will become more and more critical to help property owners understand the extent of their risk moving forward, as well as estimating necessary policy limits and even securing coverages. In fact, some underwriters now require CAT modeling for large real estate portfolios. For the remainder of the 2020s, a strategic combination of CAT modeling, water mitigation and disaster recovery planning will be required for portfolio owners to secure the right coverage in high-risk areas. More scrutiny for multi-family housing owners is expected. Insurance companies have been tightening conditions for insuring multi-family housing properties in recent years in response to worsening weather conditions. Recent headline-making disasters such as the collapse of a Surfside condo building have only intensified these concerns, leading many insurance providers to require proof of passed inspections before coverage. At the same time, the market has experienced a long-standing rise in claims frequency which has led many mainstream carriers to only offer coverage with reduced limits for residential properties, forcing layers of policies on property owners in order to meet even baseline coverage needs. Unfortunately, multi-family housing owners and operators can expect more scrutiny in 2022 as underwriters continue to put loss history, previous damage and updates to electrical, plumbing and roof structures under a microscope. A clear risk management plan will be vital to paint an accurate picture of controls to prevent high-cost claims. Opportunities in repurposing. Losses and vacancies due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses large and small have brought new opportunities to every local market and South Florida is no exception. Big box stores and anchor mall tenants are finding new life as warehouses, office space is being repurposed as restaurants and entertainment venues, and vice versa. Luckily for real estate owners, the low interest rates that helped push repurposing along in 2021 are expected to remain relatively stable through the end of 2022. From an insurance standpoint, owners will need to remember that when a building’s purpose changes, so does its risk. Evaluating new risks and coverage with a broker will be an absolute must as they take on these new opportunities. Owners who want to reduce their exposure and increase resiliency will need to engage both new tech and traditional proactive controls across their portfolio in South Florida and beyond. < Previous News Next News >
- Aventura Jazz Festival: The Inaugural Music Extravaganza Takes Place at The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
Aventura Jazz Festival: The Inaugural Music Extravaganza Takes Place at The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center By Joyce R. Forchion - LOVE Aventura October 17, 2022 Share The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center will host Latin Grammy Award Winning Musician, Nominees and local favorites during the Inaugural Aventura Jazz Festival. Incomparable Jazz Drummer Art Blakey once said that “Jazz washes away the dust of everyday life.” After Hurricane Ian posed a precipitous threat to our Aventura neighborhood before engulfing our west Florida sister cities in torrential weather conditions, locals are seeking fall solace and sunshine in the form of musical concerts enabling them to escape the stark realities of recent weeks and a chance to simply dance the night away. Residents seeking to get swept away by entertaining interludes should look no further than the Aventura Jazz Festival – the Inaugural Music Extravaganza taking place at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, AACC on Friday, October 21st, 2022 and Saturday, October 22nd, 2022. Produced by Lion Tribe Group on the heels of Hispanic Heritage Month, the early-weekend performances offer an opportunity for the audience to sway to the sensual Bossa Nova sounds of Brazil while shimmying to the rhythms of Rio de Janeiro's hotspots through acoustic guitar selections, sonic stimulation and family-driven collaborations punctuated by a renown Latin Grammy Award-Winning Saxophonist. “We are excited to host this event and provide support through our Arts Access Program,” said Jeff Kiltie, General Manager of AACC. “I am personally excited to have more Jazz in Aventura at The Arts & Cultural Center. It is a programming strand that has been under-represented over the years, so we hope that these two amazing concerts with incredible artists like Rose Max and Ramatis Moraes and Negroni’s Trio, will bring fans of Jazz and great music to the Center.” Scheduled performers are as follows: ROSE MAX & RAMATIS MORAES Friday, October 21st, 2022 | 8:00 p.m. (ET) | Purchase Tickets Online Rose Max and Ramatis Moraes moved to the United States from Rio de Janeiro City in 1993 and are known worldwide as two of the premier Samba and Bossa Nova performers. Legendary Classical Guitarist and Bass Player Moraes has won the International Brazilian Press Award for being the “Best Brazilian Musician and Musical Producer Residing and Performing in the USA.” Known for her sultry vocal delivery and nuanced interpolations of sound, Max received the International Brazilian Press Award for “Best Female Brazilian Singer Residing and Performing in the USA.” The local fan favorites have also racked up accolades from the Miami New Times, including a 2003 nod for “Best Female Vocalist of the Year” Award for Max and recognition for the duo as “Best Lounge Act” in 2005. NEGRONI’S TRIO WITH SPECIAL GUEST, DR. ED CALLE Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 | 8:00 p.m. (ET) | Purchase Tickets Online Weaving a soundscape of Latin Jazz and Trendy Jazz Fusion techniques, three-time Latin Grammy-Nominated performers Negroni’s Trio is composed of a father-son team– José Negroni on keyboards and piano and Nomar Negroni on percussion-- which also includes South Florida Bassist, Josh Allen. The Trio will be joined by Latin Grammy Award-Winning Saxophonist and Composer, Dr. Ed Calle, who has shared the stage with musical luminaries such as Celia Cruz and Frank Sinatra and currently serves as a full-time music professor at Miami Dade College. Kiltie urges residents to purchase tickets for this first event of its kind in Aventura. “We encourage guests to get their tickets soon and would love to see capacity crowds dancing in the aisles. I am hopeful that this First Annual Aventura Jazz Festival will only grow and become a regular yearly celebration at our beautiful Performing Arts Center,” said Kiltie. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.aventuracenter.org , or By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Customers interested in inquiring about Group Sales should call: (954) 660-6307. LOVE, AVENTURA. A column celebrating the heart, soul and culture of our community. < Previous News Next News >
- Most Americans With OCD Never Receive Effective Treatment - Analysis By The International OCD Foundation Highlights Widespread Gaps In Diagnosis And Care | sun-times
Most Americans With OCD Never Receive Effective Treatment - Analysis By The International OCD Foundation Highlights Widespread Gaps In Diagnosis And Care South Florida Sun Times Jan 1, 2026 A Study Released Today By The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Finds That Millions Of Americans Living With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Are Not Receiving Care That Could Help Them Reclaim Their Lives. Up to 10 million Americans live with OCD, yet only one in six receive a correct diagnosis. As a result, 95% of people in the U.S. with OCD do not receive the most effective treatment, despite strong evidence that specialized therapy can significantly reduce symptoms and restore daily functioning. "Without effective care, people with OCD are left living with distress and limitations that don't have to define their lives," said Rebecca Deusser, Executive Director of the International OCD Foundation. "Treatments exist that help many people with OCD live productive, fulfilling lives, yet millions are suffering needlessly." OCD is a common and serious Mental Health condition marked by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that can disrupt work, school, relationships, and everyday routines. Symptoms may involve fears related to contamination, safety, morality, religion, sexuality, or harm. Without appropriate treatment, OCD can severely diminish quality of life - yet many people struggle for years without answers or support. The findings come from the largest analysis of OCD diagnosis and treatment patterns ever conducted, reviewing 10 years of electronic health records from 10.4 million patients across all 50 states. The research found that people affected by OCD are being failed at nearly every step - from recognition and diagnosis to referrals and access to treatment. Only a small fraction of diagnosed patients received Exposure And Response Prevention (ERP), the evidence-based therapy shown to be most effective for treating OCD. In response to the findings, the IOCDF is urging broad, system-level action to close the gap between what is known to work and what patients actually receive. Priorities include: • Implementing routine screening for OCD in all clinical and Mental Health settings • Expanding clinician training so more providers are prepared to accurately diagnose OCD and provide evidence-based treatment • Strengthening adherence to professional care guidelines • Raising public awareness that OCD is both serious and treatable This research was conducted in collaboration with Guardian Research Network (GRN) and Resonance. The full white paper, America's OCD Care Crisis: National Findings on the Failure of Effective OCD Treatment to Reach Patients, is available at: www.iocdf.org/ocdcarecrisis . About the International OCD Foundation: The IOCDF is the leading authority on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders including Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Hoarding Disorder. The largest 501(c)3 NonProfit Organization in this space, we are dedicated to serving a broad community of individuals around the world along with their family members, loved ones, Mental Health professionals, and researchers. Up to 10 million Americans live with OCD, yet only one in six receive a correct diagnosis. Previous Next
- Protect Individuals With Dementia From Wandering: Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America Offers Information To Families
Protect Individuals With Dementia From Wandering: Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America Offers Information To Families August 15, 2024 Share Wandering is a very common and potentially dangerous behavior for those living with Dementia, but it is even more hazardous during the hot summer months. High temperatures and prolonged sun exposure can very quickly cause Heat Stroke and Dehydration. To help caregivers protect their loved ones over the summer months, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing tips to reduce the chances of wandering and help prepare them to respond quickly if their loved one goes missing. “Hot summer months create additional safety risks if someone with Dementia wanders from home, which is why their family caregivers need to be proactive,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “Creating a setting where someone with Dementia can maintain the benefits of walking by being active and stimulated in a Safe Environment, while also meeting basic needs, and having an Emergency Plan in place, are the best ways to protect the person’s Well-Being and Quality Of Life.” Tips for families: Examine the motivations for wandering. There can be many reasons why someone with Dementia wants to walk outdoors; it can provide a feeling of purposefulness, excitement, or pleasure. This is especially true if the person lived an active lifestyle prior to the onset of their illness. Identify consistent and sustainable ways to support physical activities and stimulation in a Safe Environment: create walking paths around the home with visual cues and engaging objects; involve the person in simple tasks; and offer enjoyable activities (i.e., exercise, music, crafts). Ensure the basic needs (i.e., thirst, hunger, a need to use the bathroom) are met, as wandering can also be an expression of an unmet need. Safeguard the home. Facilitate safe movement by avoiding clutter and eliminating tripping hazards. Be mindful of how objects like car keys, jackets, and purses might trigger the person to leave suddenly. Install electronic chimes or doorbells on doors so someone is alerted if the individual tries to exit. Consider using a smart doorbell with an app that can notify you when someone is entering or exiting the home. Be aware of your loved one’s patterns. Know what times of the day may be more activating than others and try to offer stimulating activities during those times. Encourage healthy sleep habits to reduce the chances of the person leaving during the middle of the night. If your loved one does wander, document their patterns (frequency, duration, time of day, etc.) to help guide you in the future. Develop a safety plan. Keep a list of places the person may go (i.e., previous home or place of employment, favorite spots around town). Have a recent close-up photo and medical information readily available to give to First Responders, if needed. Keep a list of people to contact if the person goes missing and ask neighbors to call you if they see the person out on their own. See if your community has a Safety Program for families affected by Dementia, such as Project Lifesaver, which allows you to voluntarily enroll your loved one to receive locating technology which First Responders can activate if the person goes missing. To the greatest extent possible, get input from the person when developing the Safety Plan. Mitigate risks by taking precautions. Caregivers should take extra precautions during the summer, such as ensuring the person is properly hydrated, dressed in light clothing, protected from the sun, and always supervised when outdoors. Keep a hat handy to protect your loved one’s eyes and face. Using tracking devices or alarms, and educating neighbors about your loved one’s condition, can also help quickly locate an individual if they do wander. AFA’s Helpline is staffed entirely by Licensed Social Workers who are specifically trained in Dementia Care and can provide additional information about wandering prevention tips. The Helpline is available seven days a week by phone: (866) 232-8484. By text message at: (646) 586-5283. And web chat at: www.alzfdn.org . Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a Non-Profit Organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias nationwide, and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline at: (866) 232-8484 staffed entirely by Licensed Social Workers, Caregiver Support Groups, Educational Programs and Publications for caregivers, Dementia-Care training for healthcare professionals, the National Memory Screening Program, and more. For more information about AFA, call: (866) 232-8484, visit: www.alzfdn.org . Or connect with us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn. AFA holds Charity Navigator’s Top 4-Star Rating. < Previous News Next News >
- The Greatest Show Above The Earth: The Air & Sea Show Returns To Miami Beach This Memorial Day Weekend
The Greatest Show Above The Earth: The Air & Sea Show Returns To Miami Beach This Memorial Day Weekend Thu Apr 18 2024 16:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- Pet Playdate Camps
Pet Playdate Camps Thu Oct 14 2021 13:31:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
- Pipes, Pumps And Roadways: Developing Strategic Plans To Address Hallandale Beach Infrastructure
Pipes, Pumps And Roadways: Developing Strategic Plans To Address Hallandale Beach Infrastructure By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper January 5, 2023 Share As we begin the year 2023, our Staff in the Department Of Public Works and Finance have been busy developing strategic work plans to address our City’s Infrastructure. As I wrote last week, we have been focused on our lift stations replacing and repairs and water main projects. Our City was founded 95 years ago and many of our underground pipes are over forty to fifty years old. The current preliminary plan projects an 8 – 10 year build out of the most critical priorities. To perform this work takes millions of dollars. There are different funding sources that we can utilize. Water, Sewer and Stormwater Fees are the first we can use without having to go out for a voters’ approval. Recently we increased these fees and now are looking at future increases based on needs and project timing. The City can spread the fees over the project years, when they are needed. I have already received emails about these increases. WS & SW Fees are made up of a Base Rate and a Usage Rate. This type of structure ensures that every user pays fairly for the full cost of providing service. For example, you may only spend part time in your home or condominium, so you do not use water all year round. This does not mean owners do not have a responsibility to pay for the pipes, pumps and treatment of the Water and Wastewater. The Split Fee provides a balance. These fee increases are necessary. The other method of funding that does not require voter approval are Revenue Bonds. This is where we borrow money and pay it back through the fees. The Staff is now working with Bond Consultants to formulate a financial plan for the timing of borrowing and fee structure. Replacing and repairing pipes is just one part of the equation. This work also requires aboveground work. While we obviously must repair the road where work is done we have a goal to complete our streets. This work includes: Sidewalks, ADA Compliant Crosswalks and Lighting. Unlike many newer planned developments in our City when builders built housing and commercial developments, they were not required to perform this work. The Commission now requires improvements through Development Agreements and Impact Fees. Even with these requirements there are areas in our City that do not even have sidewalks and streetlights. Many areas have not even had repaving for years. To pay for these types of improvements will require additional funds. Many residents have asked me about repaving. Years ago, I asked for funding for paving. There was to be a set aside of $100,000 Dollars. Before I came back on the Dais, this project was not implemented. I asked about the status and was told that $100,000 was not enough and that due to underground work that was scheduled it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars. I then asked Golden Isles to at least blacktop. It was not approved. During our December Meeting, Staff finally came back with a goal to evaluate and plan repaving. Recently, in an email to the Mayor and Commission, City Manager Dr. Earle gave us an update. “We are slated to start some of our Lift Station improvements including the much-discussed work on Layne Boulevard in February to March of next year. Because those Lift Stations were always breaking down and our Water and Sewer lines were always breaking, those became our targeted priority to address. That being said, our Public Works team is currently getting pricing/quotes which will form the basis for our three-to-four-year plan for roadway improvements which will cover specific streets in every quadrant of the City. I instructed Staff to begin to address specific streets beginning in February to March of this year.” As Mayor, I do want residents to understand that this type of work does not happen overnight. We have heard and listened to our residents and as a resident myself, I would like to see it performed. In the coming years, we will continue our work on a Government Obligation Bond to fund above ground needs. Currently we are working within our budget and will work with other agencies for funding and grants. As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out at my office at: (954) 457-1318. On my cell/text at: (954) 632-5700. Or email at: jcooper@cohb.org . < Previous News Next News >













































