Deerfield Beach! Magazine February 2017 by Point! Publishing

FEBRUARY 2017

PIONEER DAYS A LOOK BACK TO ITS ROOTS By Sally J. Ling

Beach Bits

HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN

Hospital Drama

A STRING OF CONTROVERSIAL ACTIONS HAS RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF BROWARD HEALTH

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Contents

DEERFIELD BEACH! FEBRUARY 2017

The history of Deerfield Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual festival reminds one of simpler times, when community fairs, barbeques and parades were the most anticipated event of the season. Reporter Sally Ling interviews community members who remember the festival in its hey day.

The history of Broward Health is tainted by controversy, FBI investigations, fraud and embezzlement charges and the 2016 suicide of Broward Healthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEO Dr. Nabil El Sanadi. A recent series of leadership decisions, including the firing of interim CEO Pauline Grant, has raised questions about the direction Broward Health is headed.

PIONEER DAYS

Deerfield Beach!

BROWARD HEALTH

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Deerfield Beach!

Creatively Speaking

Beach Bits

Tidbits and Trivia

On The Waterfront

Down to Business

Uban Adventures

Dining Out

Photo Opps

Sage Advice

A bucket list: Do you have one? Is it worth it? Does it help?

News and happenings from around the city and beyond: concerts, movies, classes, culture and more.

Florida Crackers must have been insane to seek out Florida as a destination.

The young man and the seas

A Consignment Gallery

A trip to Coral Castle

Over 100 places to eat, plus some inside scoops. This month we take a look at Cafe Med at the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort.

Smiling faces of Deerfield Beach

Slashing Visit Florida’s $78 million budget in response to controversial trade agreement with pop star Pitbull would be a mistake.

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Deerfield Beach!

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EDITOR AT LARGE

Jim “Chiefy” Mathie ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Danielle Charbonneau CONTRIBUTORS

Abbie Gonçalves • Slly J. Ling • Nicole McDermott Jill Selbach • Lupé and Gaspar Somerset • Jim Terlizzi PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jeff Graves • Joe Yerkovich UTILITY PLAYER

Cindy Tutan ARTS EDITOR

Carrie Bennett

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Susan Rosser PUBLISHER

Richard Rosser

advertising information

Patti Fanucci patti@pointpubs.com 570-840-7620 Bill Heaton bill@pointpubs 904-600-6167 Chris Peskar chris@pointpubs.com 904-881-1573 Lisa Spinelli lisa@pointpubs.com 954-818-0266

circulation

Deerfield Beach! is published monthly by Point! Publishing and mailed free of charge to selected residents and businesses in Deerfield Beach! Also distributed as the in-room magazine at The Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa Royal Blues Hotel Relais & Châteaux Comfort Inn Oceanside Double Tree by HIlton Hotel, Deerfield Beach

please contact us

Drop us a line and let us know what you’re thinking. Deerfield Beach magazine is all about community. Your ideas and comments are important to us. All letters to the editor may be edited for grammar and length. Send letters to: Editor, Deerfield Beach! magazine 2436 N. Federal Hwy. #311 • Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 or email editor@pointpubs.com Deadlines for camera-ready art and prepayment of ads are due on the first day of the preceding month of publication. All on-going ads must be canceled by the first day of the preceding month of publication. dfbmag.com 954-998-7779 Deerfield Beach Magazine is owned and published 12 times per year by Lighthouse Point Publishing, LLC. Copyright 2016 by Lighthouse Point Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Lighthouse Point Publishing, LLC. Requests for permission should be directed to: info@lhpmag.com

Deerfield Beach!

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creatively speaking

BY SUSAN ROSSER

Postcards from Bora Bora

I DON’T HAVE A BUCKET LIST. I’M NOT SURE WHY, BUT THAT’S THE truth of it. And every time I hear someone say, “Oh, that’s on my bucket list,” I can’t help but feel a pang of envy, which leads me back to the question: “Why I don’t have one?” It can’t be too arduous to make a list. In fact, the challenge lies in completing the items on the list — making the list is the easy part. Unless you’re me. I know that were I indeed in possession of such a list, but failed to check off each item, the disappointment would be unbearable. However, I can’t help but wonder: Without an actual list, will I ever do the things I dream about? It seems to me, most people who take the time to write a personal bucket list are the adventurous types. They dream of leaping from planes, driving race cars and riding in hot air balloons. My bucket list would probably be much more tame. I’m more of a stay-at-the-Four-Seasons-in-Bora-Bora kind of gal. I have no desire to ride horseback on the beach. In fact, I have no desire to ride a horse anywhere. Full disclosure, my real fear is not jumping out of planes (although I doubt you’ll ever catch me doing that). My true fear is failure — failing to complete my list. You see, I am a list maker of the highest order. Typically, I have three going at once: a weekly list, a daily list, and one I shall label “imminent.” In front of each item, I draw a hollow box, and little else gives me such a sense of accomplishment as coloring in the tiny squares on my lists. So what if I got to the end of the road (forgive the euphemism) and some of my bucket list boxes were left blank? Would I perish from disappointment alone? Naturally, if I were to compile a bucket list, I could formulate a completely doable list. But would that be cheating? Is the very idea of the list to push yourself? Perhaps having a bucket list gives us a more interesting path to follow. It’s easy to get all tangled up in daily life. So maybe having a bucket list forces us to get off the highway and seize an opportunity — or even better, perhaps a bucket list actually forces us to create opportunities. So while I had literally been apprehensive about making a bucket list, I’m pretty sure having one is a good plan. Sometimes you need a reason to do something out of the ordinary — even if that reason is just coloring in a box. See you in Bora Bora.

Deerfield Beach!

beach bits [ happening in and around the town ]

Fair for All

What it means to be a woman

Bailey Contemporary Arts’ newest exhibit showcases three artists: Linda Behar, Sibel Koçabasi and Raheleh Filsoofi, who present thought-provoking perspectives on gender and a variety of social and political issues. When viewing the work, an array of questions arise about the perceptions and realities of being a woman: Is the identity of a woman a matter of choice, or is it a social construct? Is the content of femininity imposed by society, or is there buyin by women themselves? WHEN: Through Feb. 11: Tuesday through Friday, 10am - 6pm; Saturday, 10am - 4pm WHERE: Bailey Contemporary Arts, 41 N.E. First St., Pompano Beach COST: Free

Annual Plants and People Day

FLORIDA’S RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Go back in time at the annual Florida Renaissance Festival, and share in creating the glory of its 25th anniversary. Enjoy over 100 artisans selling their wares, more than 100 performers, the Kids’ Kingdom, along with entertainment, food and drink fit for a King. It’s a fun family event for all ages. WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 11 - March 26, plus President’s Day, Feb. 20 WHERE: Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach TIME: 10am to sunset For more information, visit ren-fest.com.

Deerfield Beach!

The fifth annual Plants and People Day will celebrate the relationship between people, plants and land. Vendors and displays will include vegetables, herbs, trees, orchids, butterfly plants, bromeliads, bees, honey, hydroponics, urban farming, arts and crafts. Live music, food and raffle prizes will also be part of the celebration. WHEN: Feb. 12, 10am - 3pm WHERE: Sample McDougald House, 450 N.E. 10 St., Pompano Beach COST: Free admission and free parking Visit samplemcdougaldhouse.com for more information.

Create, Chat and Chew at Ali During a workshop taught by a featured artist, guests can engage in conversation while creating a unique piece of art to take home. Food will be provided throughout the evening. WHEN: Feb. 10, 7 - 9pm WHERE: Ali Cultural Arts, 353 Hammondville Rd., Pompano Beach COST: $10 per person; Call for group rates.

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Villas on the Green!

Mediterranean 3/2 villa on the corner lot bordering both the 7th & 6th fairways! Gorgeous spot w/ one car garage, screened and roofed patio, vaulted ceilings & new AC. $345,000. Charming area enjoys a lakeside cabana pool facility. Move in ready! Premier golf course open to public.

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beach bits

Concerts at The Amp The Amp, 1806 N.E. Sixth St., Pompano Beach theamppompano.org, 954-519-5500

The Avett Brothers

This folk-rock duo will be on tour promoting their new album, True Sadness, which has been called the band’s “most intimate and exploratory album to date.” The youthful brothers from North Carolina play a unique mix of folk, rock and bluegrass. WHEN: Feb. 4 at 8pm COST: Ticket prices are $64.50 - $74.50 on ticketmaster.com

Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Outlaws and Blackfoot

For over four decades Lynyrd Skynyrd has rocked out with legendary jams such as “Freebird,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Simple Man.” While the original band tragically lost three members in 1977, today’s band is rocking strong, playing iconic anthems on tour. WHEN: Feb. 10 at 7pm COST: Ticket prices are $45 - $125 on ticketmaster.com

Winter Concert Series

The City of Pompano Beach presents a live music concert series every Wednesday night in February, featuring: Feb. 1 - Motown in Motion Feb. 8 - The Ink Spots Generations Feb. 15 - Happy Daze Feb. 22 - Tina Turner Tribute WHEN/WHERE: The shows on Feb. 1 & 22 will be at the E. Pat Larkins Community Center (520 N.W. Third St.). The show on Feb. 8 will be at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center (1801 N.E. Sixth St.). The show on Feb. 15 will be at the Herb Skolnick Community Center (800 S.W. 36th Ave.). TIME: Doors open at 6:30pm, shows start at 7:30pm

Deerfield Beach!

YES: The Album Series

Grammy Award-winning progressive rock band, YES will be at The Amp for a special concert, YES: The Album Series. The concert will showcase “Drama” in its entirety, along with sides one and four of “Tales from Topographic Oceans,” plus their greatest hits. In a career that has spanned almost five decades, YES has sold nearly 40 million albums and is considered an influential and groundbreaking band. WHEN: Feb. 12, doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 7:30pm COST: Ticket prices are $25 - $85 on ticketmaster.com

Gene Townsel, Modern Gospel Live at St. Nicholas

The Live at St. Nicholas concert series presents Gene Townsel, a modern R & B gospel experience. Wine and cheese reception follows. WHEN: Feb. 11 at 4pm WHERE: St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 1111 E. Sample Rd., Pompano Beach COST: By donation (suggested value of $10) at the door. Visit stnicholasfl.org or call 954-9425887 for more information.

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Deerfield Beach!

beach bits Old Fashioned Fun St. Coleman Italian Festival

St. Ambrose Carnival

CARNIVAL Thursday, March 2 Friday, March 3 Saturday, March 4 Sunday, March 5 WHERE: Saint Coleman’s Church, Hours will be posted on 1200 S. Federal Highway, Pompano stambrosedeerfieldbeach.com Beach WHERE: St. Ambrose Catholic TICKETS AND WRISTBANDS: Church, Tickets may be used for food, 380 S. Federal Highway, rides, and St. Coleman-sponsored Deerfield Beach games. Wristbands are available for unlimited rides. For pricing, MEGA WRISTBAND advance sales and more Four days unlimited rides. information about this year’s Must be purchased by noon festival visit italianfest.org. on Wednesday, March 1. Visit FESTIVAL HOURS

Friday, Feb. 17, 1 - 11pm Saturday, Feb. 18, 12 - 11pm Sunday, Feb. 19, 12 - 8pm

stambrosedeerfieldbeach.com for pricing.

South Beach Wine and Food Festival and Taste of Fort Lauderdale Events As part of the 16th annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival and Taste of Fort Lauderdale Series, Neil Patrick Harris will host a Bloody Mary Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale. Harris’ husband, David Burtka, is the host of Cooking Channel’s “Celebrity Dish” and Food Network’s new show “Life’s a Party,” which premiered in October.

In addition to the Bloody Mary Brunch, a whole series of culinary-inspired events will take place all around Fort Lauderdale and South Beach, including a Burger Bash with Rachel Ray, a live trivia game food fight hosted by Guy Fieri, and DRINK Fort Lauderdale (a late-night party in FAT Village Arts District). For a full list of events visit sobefest.com.

THE TASTE OF FORT LAUDERDALE SERIES SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7pm: Seaside Eats hosted by Anne Burrell at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens ($135) Thursday, Feb. 23, 7pm: Dinner hosted by Amanda Freitag and Angelo Elia at Casa D’Angelo ($250) Thursday, Feb. 23, 7pm: Dinner hosted by Marc Murphy and Chris Miracolo at Sun Surf and Sand Restaurant ($250) Friday, Feb. 24, 7pm: Dinner hosted by Valerie Bertinelli, Daphne Oz, Tiffani Thiessen and Geoffrey Zakarian at the Diplomat Resort and Spa, Hollywood ($250)

Deerfield Beach!

Friday, Feb. 24, 10pm: DRINK Fort Lauderdale in FAT Village ($95) Saturday, Feb. 25, 7pm: A North Carolina Sisterhood; Dinner hosted by Ashley Christensen, Vivian Howard, Andrea Reusing, Gavin Pera and Ryan Cross at Burlock Coast ($250) Sunday, Feb. 26, 12pm: Bloody Mary Brunch hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale ($175)

Ted Koppel Speaks at Broward College Speaker Series

In its fourth year, the Broward College Speaker Series continues to feature notable speakers from a variety of backgrounds to educate and enlighten the community. Ted Koppel is an award-winning broadcast journalist. He was the anchor of ABC’s nightly news series “Nightline” from 1980 to 2005 and covered some of America’s most notable, tragic and historical moments. After leaving “Nightline,” Koppel worked as managing editor for the Discovery Channel, a news analyst for NPR and BBC World News America, and was a contributor to Rock Center with Brian Williams. Koppel is currently a special contributor to CBS News Sunday Morning. Koppel will speak on the topic of “Breaking News: A Look Around the Globe.” WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7:30pm WHERE: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Amaturo Theatre, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale COST: Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at BrowardCollegeSpeakerSeries. com.

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beach bits

Monthly Events Saturdays - Green Market Pompano Beach

Green Market Pompano Beach is a locally-produced, openair market featuring the best of local fruits and vegetables, baked goods, fresh seafood, gourmet teas and coffee, specialty food items, as well as homemade crafts, healthrelated products and live music. WHEN: Every Saturday through April, 9am - 2pm WHERE: In front of Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCa), 41 N.E. First St., Pompano Beach. PompanoBeachGreenMarket. com or call 954-786-7824 for more information.

Fresh Air with Byrd at BaCa

First & Third Wednesday 7 - 8pm | $15 Fresh Air with Byrd, a bimonthly writing workshop for all levels of writers and performers. Richard “Byrd” Wilson is an award-winning poet and public speaker. Artists looking to improve their poems, songs, stories and delivery are encouraged to attend this workshop. Classes can be taken sequentially or individually. Byrd gives instruction and inspiration through writing challenges, group critiques and a cohesive and succinct lesson plan. Attendees are provided free entrance to Lyrics Lab, which follows.

Deerfield Beach!

Deerfield Beach’s Movies in the Park, The Jungle Book

Lyrics Lab at BaCa

First & Third Wednesday 8 - 11pm | $10 Lyrics Lab is a unique, no-ego, open-mic night every first and third Wednesday of the month from 8 to 11 p.m. Bring your latest work — poems, verse, songs, lyrics and beats — to share in an intimate space with renowned hosts and poets, accompanied by a twopiece house band. Interested in performing? Arrive early to get your name on the list. Full bar with drinks starting at $4.

Old Town Untapped

First Fridays at BaCa 6 - 10pm | Free Fun-filled event featuring beer tastings, food trucks, live music, vendors and art exhibits at BaCa.

Pompano’s Music Under the Stars Second Friday of Every Month WHEN: Nov. 11, 7 pm WHERE: The Great Lawn, Corner of Atlantic and Pompano Beach Blvds. For more information visit pompanobeachfl.gov or call 954-786-4111.

Pompano’s Movies on the Lawn

Third Friday of Every Month Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets and popcorn for a family-friendly, free movie night on the Great Lawn. WHEN: Nov. 18, 8pm WHERE: The Great Lawn, Corner of Atlantic and Pompano Beach Blvds. For more information visit pompanobeachfl.gov or call 954-786-4111.

This month’s Movies in the Park will feature The Jungle Book. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs and join your community for a night at the movies in the park, under the stars. Concessions as well as “glow” items will be available for purchase. WHEN: Friday, Feb. 10, 7pm WHERE: Villages of Hillsboro Park, 4111 N.W. Sixth Street, Deerfield Beach COST: Free

Tuesday Night Beach Dances

Johnny Vincent is a trumpet player who has been performing nearly every Tuesday night in Deerfield Beach for over three decades. In the 1950s and 60s, Vincent played trumpet with Gene Krupa and in Dick Clark’s “Cavalcade of the Stars.” Vincent will set up to play in the main beach parking lot in Deerfield Beach for listeners to enjoy and dancers to dance. WHEN: Tuesdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 7 - 9pm WHERE: Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 S.E. 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach COST: Free

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field work

TIDBITS AND TRIVIA

Florida Crackers RECENTLY, I HEARD THE TERM “FLORIDA CRACKERS” FOR the first time. Curious, I looked it up and found that it refers to colonial-era settlers and their descendants. I believe it is a misnomer. They weren’t crackers, they were just “cracked.” Who else but crazed masochists would relocate to a water moccasin-infested swamp, crawling with alligators, with

temperatures so hot you could fry bacon on the rooftops? (This practice stopped early, as the settlers learned that the fat run-off from the bacon attracted Florida’s stealth flies.) (Aside: I call them stealth flies because I can’t see any when I step out my door to bait my crab traps, but a swarm appears in nanoseconds). Now, I am sure that some of the pioneers were victims of timeshare salesmen, but the majority knew what they were getting into, so they had to be nuts. Remember, this was the “Dark Ages,” before air conditioning, screens and mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes, alone, should have been enough of a deterrent.

Deerfield Beach!

BY JAMES TERLIZZI

Clouds of the mini-vampires were so thick they could drain your blood faster than an aluminum siding pitchman can drain your wallet. While the term “cracker” does have a pejorative connotation, it is derived from the Middle English word “crack,” meaning entertaining conversation, hence the term “crack a joke.” (You have just read the educational segment of this article). I think you have to be using “crack” to deliberately move to South Florida without having air conditioning. Speaking of air conditioning, I called it a blessing during summers in New Jersey, but here in South Florida it also is a curse. After exhaustive research, I have determined that 97 percent of stores and offices set their air conditioner thermostats to “tundra.” Doctors’ offices are among the coldest, making for 2,000 cases of pneumonia annually. I won’t say this is deliberate, but it is good for business. This also explains why patients leaving a doctor’s office have a bluish tinge. (I used to think I was seeing blue because of the side effects of Viagra.) When I first moved here, I made the mistake of going into Publix without a parka. While walking through the open refrigerated section I had to be de-iced twice before my joints would function. If the morgue ever runs out of space to store bodies, they can stash them atop the mozzarella case at Winn Dixie. To keep the Florida Cracker history alive, the Cracker Storytelling Festival is held annually in Homeland, Fla. The majority of those who attend are students, because storytelling is part of the Florida curriculum. As an educational course, this ranks second only to basket weaving. The highlight of the festival is the whip-cracking contest. Participants compete to see who can use a whip to break the most flaky crackers. The winner receives the title of “Head Cracker.” In Jersey, head cracker means something entirely different.

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O N T H E WAT E R F RO N T

The Young Man and the Sea WHEN LIGHTHOUSE POINT RESIDENT MIKE Lavelle headed out for an afternoon of swordfishing on Wednesday, Dec. 7 he got a bit more than he expected. A 285-pound swordfish to be exact. He was all by himself with only his black Lab dog named Bootle. He had tried to get a few friends to fish with him, but they were busy. The weather conditions were ideal, with flat seas for his 14-mile venture off shore. He decided to take his 26’ Boca Grande, a single inboard diesel on his center console, for an afternoon of fishing anyway. The 36-year-old left his dock at 11:30 and was set up to fish by 1pm. He’d been daytime swordfishing before, but it had been almost a year since he had the opportunity to get out. He knew what to expect when the fish hit his Bonita Strip bait and used the electric reel to bring it in. However, he didn’t have the proper set up on the line. He was using a swivel, resulting in the last 200 feet being a 250 pound of mono leader he had to hand reel in. Each time he would reel the fish in close to the boat, the fish would dive down to the depths of the ocean. Each time he brought it back to the boat. This lasted over two hours. Finally he could gaff it on his final run. He didn’t have a harpoon, which is customarily how you land a swordfish, so the gaff was Mike’s only method. Next issue: there was no way for him to bring this massive fish into the boat alone, so he attached a rope through its gills and tied it off to the side of the boat. At this point, Mike was exhausted. He started heading in and realized it was going to take a long time with the fish strapped to the side of his boat. He decided to get on the radio to see if he could get some help. Luckily a couple of guys were also out swordfishing on their Grady White boat. Zack and Drew came to Mike’s rescue and assisted him in putting the fish in his boat for the trip to the Lighthouse Point Marina. By now it was almost dark but the scales at LHP Marine were still open to verify his 285-pound swordfish. Of course, he had to

Deerfield Beach!

BY JIM MATHIE

share some of his catch with Zack and Drew, but it was well worth it for their help. It was a long exhausting day for Mike, but one he will never forget. When asked if he would have done anything differently, he simple said “bring a buddy and a harpoon.” But then he wouldn’t have had this great fish story to tell.

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DOWN TO BUSINESS

A Consignment Gallery TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO THE founder of A Consignment Gallery, Bill Emanuel, had a vision to open a high-end consignment gallery. He had been working as an antique dealer and hair dresser. Soon he began showcasing some of Boca Raton’s finest furnishings and accessories. Today, A Consignment Gallery is a 18,000 square-foot showroom in Deerfield Beach consisting of highend consignment decor, furnishing and more. A Consignment Gallery buys entire and partial estates, so the inventory

Deerfield Beach!

PHOTO BY JEFF GRAVES

changes frequently. Emanuel says the best part of his job is getting to know his customers and not knowing what merchandise might come in next. He loves helping people turn their “homes into showplaces” and says “quality sells itself.” Emanuel promises his guests a fun shopping experience. A Consignment Gallery is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sundays from noon to 5pm. 954-421-2395 aconsignmentgallery@gmail.com Now open at: 3401 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd. #1, Deerfield Beach Second new location: 4301 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Coconut Creek (outlet store)

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Deerfield Beach!

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URBAN ADVENTURES

The Whimsical & Mysterious Ode to Unrequited Love

The Coral Castle

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Urban Adventures sets out to Homestead, Fla., to visit one of South Florida’s most renowned monuments to love, the Coral Castle. The castle was inspired by unrequited love, was the inspiration behind Billy Idol’s song and music video “Sweet Sixteen,” and has been a topic of debate amongst conspiracy theorists and scientists who can’t figure out how the castle was miraculously and secretly constructed by one, five-foot-tall man.

BY MISS-ADVENTURE

MY FRIEND SEAN IS A BIT OF AN insomniac and a conspiracy nut (perhaps the two go hand-in-hand: the late-night, delirious hours watching extraterrestrial shows about the mysteries of the Egyptian Pyramids or the sunrises spent reading up on the Free Masons and Illuminati), so when I moved to South Florida, Sean raved about some mysterious monument called the Coral Castle. The castle, he said, is known as Florida’s own Stonehenge. No one, not even scientists, can agree on how the 1,100-ton structure was created, by one man, in secret, with no modern machinery whatsoever. When I decided to follow Sean’s suggestion and make the trek out to Homestead, Fla., to see this mysterious castle, I had high hopes. I imagined some spectacular marvel, wondrous and grand. So when I pulled in to the empty parking lot to find what looked more like a dumpy roadside attraction than a medieval Disney castle, I admit I was pretty disappointed. “This is it?” I wondered. I thought perhaps I had been duped. First off, the place is in the middle of agricultural nowhere-ness, and second, the structure looks, at first glance, like just a bunch of misplaced rocks. Don’t get me wrong, it’s kind of cool-looking — a fortress-like wall

Deerfield Beach!

surrounding an open-air courtyard and sculpture garden with doors, chairs and tables made entirely of coral stone — but it’s not exactly jaw-dropping. It wasn’t until the raconteur tour guide began recounting the tall tales behind the castle — the story of unrequited love that preceded its construction, the quirkiness of the man who built it, his near insane obsession with his long-lost love Agnes, the rich fantasy life he incorporated into the castle’s imaginative design, the secretiveness of its construction, and how no one really can figure out how in the hell he did it (some stones weigh as much

as 90 tons) — that the castle really transformed into something whimsical. The story goes like this: Edward Leedskalnin was a Latvian immigrant who moved to Florida for the warm weather after he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The love of his life, Agnes (a 16-year-old at the time of their engagement), left him the day before their wedding. Ed was heartbroken. He built the castle as an ode to his lost love, hoping against all odds that one day she would reunite with him and the two would live happily-everafter with their kids at his handmade castle. That day never came, but Ed was able to live out the fantasy in his head by incorporating his wild imagination into the castle’s construction. He created a series of quarters for him, his wife and children. There are the dining quarters where he built chairs inspired by Goldilocks and the Three Bears (a baby chair, mama chair and papa chair). There’s the giant dining room table carved in the shape of a heart, where Ed would dine with his imagined family. There are the living quarters where Ed made several stone beds. Then there’s the rocking chair, perched atop a giant boulder for sun bathing, the reading room with multiple lounge chairs, the kitchen with a hot stove, and the working sundial in the center of the courtyard. Ed even built a time-out corner for his wife and children, which consisted of two head holes in a wall (one up high for his wife, the other down low for the children). Ed imagined that when either his wife or kids misbehaved, he would have them stick their heads through the holes and there he would give them a stern talking-to. In addition to the time-out corner, Ed built a couples therapy chair — a rocking chair with two seats facing each other where Ed and his wife could sit, rock back and forth and talk out their issues. The thoughtful details of Ed’s design are fascinating (albeit a bit creepy). He was madly in love and clearly obsessed. Ed also incorporated some “magic tricks” into the castle. For example, the front gate — a 9-ton rock that spins on an axis point so precisely that a child can push it open with just the tip of their pointer finger. Ed claimed he was able to build the whole castle with all its tricks using his deep knowledge of physics. He claimed he knew the secret behind the pyramids. And maybe he did. He did come from a family of stone masons in Latvia. Unfortunately, the world will never know for sure. Ed only worked on the castle in secret at night. He was reportedly a bit paranoid and even built spy holes in the walls where he could look out to make sure no one was watching him. Ed died before his long-lost love ever saw the castle and never revealed his secrets, but the castle remains an ode to love, madness and physics. Deerfield Beach!

Deerfield Beach!

PIONEER DAYS A Look Back to its “Cracker Days” Roots SALLY J. LING Arts and crafts. Food booths. Parade. Fireworks. They all celebrate Pioneer Days, Deerfield Beach’s oldest and largest annual event. But it didn’t always have this name, nor was it this big. In the beginning, it was a simple affair, a modest barbecue sponsored by the Lions Club. As the first charted civic organization in Deerfield Beach in 1947, the Lions Club held barbecues every four to six weeks to raise money for civic improvements and to help the needy. Their first community project was to clear scrub oak, palmetto and undergrowth from city land that had been donated by W.L. Kester (who built the Kester cottages) many years earlier. Barney Chalker, Charter President of the Lions Club, wrote: “Our first Lions project was to clear this land and build a public city park for ball games and other sports activities where we and our children would have a place to play. Our city government was in a bad way financially, and like most of us had no money, so the Lions Club took over the job by designating certain days as work days on the park. We would all meet and join hands in doing the actual work of clearing the ground and building the park. Working together in the old pioneer spirit, you would be surprised what can be accomplished when a few fellows unite and work for a common cause, regardless of whether they have a lot of money to spend or not. . .” A ball field emerged from the Lions’ efforts Deerfield Beach!

in 1948. A dedication followed, and the improved land was eventually called Pioneer Park in honor of Deerfield Beach’s early pioneers. The first formal celebration at the new park was held in 1949. Called “Cracker Day,” it marked the end of the spring harvest in Deerfield Beach’s predominately agrarian community and raised money for Lions Club philanthropic endeavors. The name “Cracker Day” was coined by Lion J.B. Wiles, an early pioneer farmer and Deerfield Beach resident after whom Wiles Road was named. The event name honored early Florida pioneers who were endearingly called “Florida Crackers” (see sidebar) and the event was so popular it became an annual event. Barbeque chicken and ribs were served along with corn on the cob and myriad side dishes. The fire pit was started days in advance; the ribs smoked for hours. Ed Dietrich, a second generation Deerfield resident and former owner of Deerfield Builders Supply, said that the whole community looked forward to Cracker Day. One of

“We got off from school a half day for the big event. The women in the Lions Auxiliary prepared pies and baked goods for sale and to be served. The men did the barbequing. There wasn’t a parade then, but we had a lot of fun” —Janice Stills

his memorable recollections is of the delicious barbeque aroma wafting on the breeze. “For three or four days before the event, all we smelled at my house was barbeque,” he said. Janice Stills, a Deerfield native whose grandfather William Jones was bridge tender at the Hillsboro Bridge and whose father G.E. Jones was a bean farmer, has fond memories of the celebration she attended at age seven. “We got off from school a half day for the big event. The women in the Lions Auxiliary prepared pies and baked goods for sale and to be served. The men did the barbequing. There wasn’t a parade then, but we had a lot of fun,” Stills said. Early Cracker Days included bake sales, Little League baseball games, stock shows, square dancing and musical entertainment. Games included pitch-a-penny, musical chairs and cake walks. Carnival rides were added later —a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and tilt-a–whirl. In an old Sun Sentinel interview, Wiles said the Lions sold advanced tickets (for as little as $1.50 in

Florida Cowboys

The word “Cracker” is an endearing moniker applied to early pioneers. It was typically related to those coming into northern Florida from Georgia. In Florida’s early history, however, it was also a description applied to America’s first cowboys. As Florida was the first state to have cows and cowboys (100 years before states in the west), these men herded cattle on the open range using dogs and whips. “They didn’t herd them as much as they chased them, so they were called cow hunters,” said Ed Dietrich, a Deerfield native. When the cowboys cracked the whips they were called “crackers,” gaining the nickname Florida Cracker Cowboys. Early settlers, who migrated to South Florida, retained the term and named Deerfield’s first formal harvest celebration “Cracker Day.” Though black residents, both farmers and farm workers, contributed greatly to the abundance of Deerfield harvests during these early years, Cracker Day was a segregated event, reflective of the rest of American society, until integration.

Deerfield Beach!

the early days) with, perhaps, a little arm twisting. “We used to take blocks of tickets down to the sheriff and he’d force people to buy them. All the politicians helped . . .” said Wiles. He also said that the first three years of the event it rained all day and they had to put up a tent over the open air fire pit. It was so hot under the tent he intimated that a person could get well cooked along with the ribs and chicken. Cracker Day was not just a community event it was an opportunity for politicians to “sell” themselves to a large gathering of voters. Amie Kay Tanner, a Deerfield native and charter member of the Deerfield Beach Historical Society, remembers this story from the mid-1950s. “The story goes that LeRoy Collins [Florida Governor 1955, 1956-1960] was on a speaking tour down the east coast of Florida and while in Delray he heard about the Deerfield Cracker Day event and its celebration of the farming community. He asked to be taken to the local farm supply store where he purchased bib overalls, a red bandana and straw hat. On the way to Deerfield, he was able to groom his speech to the agricultural history of the town and issues that would be of interest to the population,” she said. Cracker Day grew over the years. A parade, considered the highlight of the event, was added with the first parade down Hillsboro Boulevard consisting of a string of cars with politicians

Deerfield Beach!

PIONEER DAYS 2017 WHEN: Friday, Feb. 17– Sunday, Feb. 19 WHERE: Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 S.E. 21 Ave. HOURS: Friday, Feb. 17,

6-10pm

Saturday, Feb. 18, 10am–10pm Parade - 10am Grand Fireworks Display – 9:05pm Sunday, February 19th from 10am-5pm COST: Free

Shuttle buses will run from The Cove parking lot to the beach where a variety of arts, crafts, food vendors and free live entertainment can be enjoyed throughout the weekend. For more information go to: deerfield-beach. com/1179/PioneerDays

aboard. Subsequent parades became a sought after venue for local and state politicians to ride on floats or in convertibles where they could be seen by a multitude of voters. Eventually, a theme for each year’s event was designated with the parade led by a Grand Marshal. In 1966, 200 units— floats, cars, marching bands, and walking groups—paraded from the Cove Shopping Center, down the beach and back to Pioneer Park. Plaques were presented to winning floats in a variety of categories. To kick off the parade in 1987, an air show took place over the fishing pier. Subsequent aerobatic plane rides were offered for $65 at the Boca Raton airport. A printed program with paid advertising by local businesses informed residents of the scheduled events and helped raise additional funds for many of the Lions’ philanthropic projects—Foundation for the Blind, Florida Lions Eye Bank, Conklin Center for the Multi-Handicapped, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and a multitude of local community organizations. In 1967, a teen dance was held on Friday night. There was also a talent contest with the winners entertaining residents after the barbeque. The Lions held their first Cracker Day beauty pageant in 1968 in the recreation hall at Pioneer Park working with a budget of a mere $35. The title held by the first winner, Jeannette Black, was “Miss Deerfield Beach, Queen of Cracker Day.” By 1983, the pageant had a budget of $5,000 and was conducted by a professional pageant group. Judging was held at Deerfield Beach High School. Several of the queens went on to compete in other pageants and earn titles such as Miss Junior Miss of Broward County and Miss Florida. By Cracker Day 1987, the pageant had disappeared. With the celebration of Cracker Day’s 30th anniversary in 1979, steak and baked potatoes were added to the menu. Instead of a fire pit, gas and charcoal grills were fired up in a permanent cooking shed. Lion Harry Chitwood, one of the cooks, said they grilled 5,000 steaks and the same number of ears of corn that year. Corn shucking

began at 5 p.m. the day before the event. Cracker Day became the largest Deerfield Beach event but eventually became too big for the waning and aging Lions Club membership. The first component to be dropped by the Lions was the parade. But instead of allowing this crowd pleaser to disappear, a group of dedicated residents stepped in. “The first thing we did was put an ad in the Deerfield Observer to ‘Save the Cracker Day Parade,’ said Peggy Noland, former commissioner and mayor of Deerfield Beach who was actively involved in the group to save the parade. She said that a committee was formed to oversee and organize the parade utilizing volunteers from the community. Several years later, the same committee accepted more responsibility and took over the entire Cracker Day event. It became a 501c3 organization and continued the tradition of supporting needs in the community from festival profits. Because the Lions had registered the name “Cracker Day” with the State of Florida and didn’t want to surrender it, the committee renamed the event “Founder’s Day.” They also moved the event from April to the President’s Day weekend. After each festival, the committee met to critique the event. Following summers off, they reconvened in September and met every other week in the scout hut at Pioneer Park or at City Hall. Later, the committee of 14 dedicated citizens—Pat Miller, Sue Hasson, Dave and Janet MacKay, Barbara Friend, Brenda Dismuke, Kirk Cortrell, Ray and Margie Santos, Lulu Taylor, Leslie Hall, Mary and David Pritchard and Sally Schauf—moved their meetings to Barbara Friend’s home. “We used to sit around my dining room table and plan the event. Everyone had a job and we’d report back to each other,” said Friend who worked on the committee for 20 years. The committee added fireworks, reversed the parade route, and moved the

“We used to sit around my dining room table and plan the event. Everyone had a job and we’d report back to each other,” –Barbara Friend

carnival and vendors to the beach. Noland said that with the backing of several Century Village commissioners, the city assisted in sponsoring Founder’s Day with in kind services such as garbage cans and collection, barricades, and security. “It was very important to me, just as a resident, to keep the festival alive. It was historical in the community, and many good relationships were made because of Founder’s Day,” Noland said. After 24 years, the event became too costly for the committee to run. “When we composed our letter to the city acknowledging that we couldn’t continue, we did so with very heavy hearts. There were a lot of tears,” said Friend. The City of Deerfield Beach took over the event in 2013 renaming it “Pioneer Days.” Today the festival runs an entire weekend and includes a parade, crafts, food vendors, entertainment and fireworks. By itself, the Saturday parade draws over 10,000 people from all over South Florida and has become a popular event that honors the city’s past while merging it with today’s contemporary urban community. Historical information for this article was made available by the Deerfield Beach Historical Society.

Deerfield Beach!

field work

O N T H E WAT E R F RO N T

How Healthy is Broward Health? THE ABRUPT PUBLIC FIRING OF BROWARD HEALTH INTERIM CEO PAULINE GRANT, THE RESIGNATION OF BROWARD HEALTH BOARD MEMBER SHEELA VANHOOSE AND A POSTPONEMENT OF BROWARD HEALTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SEARCH FOR A PERMANENT CEO HAS RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT.

BY RICHARD ROSSER & DANIELLE CHARBONNEAU

Deerfield Beach!

“Somebody wants to make Broward Health look bad.”

— Maureen Canada, former Broward Health Board Member

Broward Health is no stranger to controversy: the chain of hospitals has a long history of questionable behavior and suspect happenings including FBI investigations, embezzlement and fraud charges, no-bid contracts with advertising firms and the January 2016 suicide of Broward Health’s CEO Dr. Nabil El Sanadi (see timeline below for details). Most recently, a series of leadership decisions, including the abrupt public firing of interim CEO Pauline Grant on accusations of violating anti-kickback policies (allegations she denies), has raised questions about the direction Broward Health and their board is headed. Those skeptical of these decisions — people like former Broward Health board member and Lighthouse Point native Maureen Canada (who chose not to renew her board seat in the heat of such controversy but was, untraditionally, squeezed

out without a replacement by Governor Rick Scott), are suspicious, suspecting a power play may be in progress. “Somebody wants to make Broward Health look bad,” Canada said, getting right to the point as we sat down to lunch at the Nauti Dawg in Lighthouse Point. Her empathetic demeanor and passion for the topic was obvious, as was her confusion. This confusion is at the heart of dozens of media reports including a recent editorial in the Sun Sentinel, which criticized the board’s firing of Grant. Many believe Grant, who has worked in the hospital system for decades and was months from retirement, was fired in clear violation of the Sunshine Law (which prohibits government officials from making decisions behind closed doors, then announcing them in public). Grant and many at the board

Broward Health Timeline 1961 1952 THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT IS BORN A legislative act for the creation of the North Broward Hospital District (now called Broward Health) was approved by referendum and a District Board was appointed by the Florida governor. The independent special taxing district is funded largely by property tax revenues, which in 2015 amounted to about $140 million.

THE BEGINNING OF THE FORMAN ERA Power-wielding land baron Hamilton Forman was appointed to North Broward Hospital District’s seven-member board of commissioners, serving in numerous capacities until 1990. He was accused of turning the district into a political machine that handed out contracts only to doctors and vendors who made campaign contributions to whichever governor was in power.

1997 PUBLIC CLINIC OPENED AT CENTURY VILLAGE SHUTS DOWN, $500K LOAN TO PAY A public clinic subsidized by tax dollars was opened inside the walls of the gated Century Village of Deerfield Beach because one of the district’s commissioners lived there. The project eventually failed, and the district was left with a $500,000 loan to repay.

2002 FBI INVESTIGATES BROWARD HEALTH $170 MILLION BUILDING DEAL The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Attorney’s Office began investigating a $170 million deal approved by the hospital district’s governing board for the construction a sevenstory medical office building across from Broward General Medical Center. The case involved determining whether developers with political connections to hospital officials were given illegal advance notice of the where the building was to be constructed, and whether the price tag for the project was inflated.

2003 CFO JAILED FOR EMBEZZLEMENT The hospital district’s chief financial officer Patricia Mahaney was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for embezzling $55,000 from the district. Mahaney’s embezzlement case led to the criminal investigation of the $170 million medical office building deal.

Deerfield Beach!

meeting at which Grant was fired, were blindsided by her abrupt termination, which was led by Broward Health General Counsel Lynn Barrett. Barrett had hired two outside law firms to conduct an investigation, which alleged that Grant had helped a physician who wanted to get on the on-call schedule in 2015 while she had been CEO of Broward Health North. The allegation was that the hospital, not Grant herself, profited. No specifics were given whatsoever at the board meeting in which Grant was fired in a four-to-one vote. Grant insisted there was no substance to the completely out-of-the-blue

allegation and has filed a law suit for what she claims as a wrongful termination, violation of the Sunshine Law and damage to her reputation. Canada was the only commissioner (out of five) at the meeting to vote against Grant’s dismissal. “I don’t think this board should prosecute or condemn or be hasty to make decisions or judgments about our CEO who has been employed by this district for many, many years, is a woman of integrity, professionalism and someone that I have admired and have had the pleasure to work with for the past two years,” Canada said in an interview the Sun Sentinel. Canada said hospital staff was heartbroken by the decision. “Not at the allegations,” she said, “because no one gives them any merit. They are heartbroken that Pauline is the victim of corruption.”

2012

2004 FEDERAL GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION OF INSIDER DEALING A federal grand jury investigating the hospital district’s $170 million medical office building deal questioned hospital officials, district board members and others involved in the project. In the end, no one was indicted, but the building plans were put on hold for years.

36 36

Deerfield Beach!

2005 MARCH – GOV. JEB BUSH CLEANS HOUSE North Broward Hospital District scandals prompted Gov. Jeb Bush to replace five of his seven appointees on the board. Five months later, the board fired general counsel William Scherer, who had been a political power at the district for 17 years, and was a Hamilton Forman protégé.

BROWARD HEALTH RENAMES ITS HOSPITALS Five years after the North Broward Hospital District rebranded itself as Broward Health, it renamed its hospitals, including Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point and Broward Health Coral Springs. Broward Health officials said the business conversion, which cost about $750,000 over four years, was intended to create a brand that sounded less like public hospitals for uninsured patients, and would enable the hospital system to conduct more effective marketing campaigns in an extremely competitive environment.

COMPANY TIED TO GOV. RICK SCOTT GETS BROWARD HEALTH CONTRACT, GIVES $400K TO HIS CAMPAIGN Although Broward Health adopted a lobbyist registration policy in 2004, it ignored it for over a decade, during which time lobbyists were able to operate freely behind the scenes, and many multi-million dollar contracts were awarded. One of the biggest was an unprecedented 25-year, no-bid deal in 2012 that outsourced the district’s radiation oncology services to 21st Century Oncology, a Fort Myers-based cancer care company, of which Gov. Rick Scott had an indirect ownership interest through his $210,000 investment in Vestar Capital Partners, the private equity firm that owns 21st Century. Scott’s good friend, lobbyist Billy Rubin, lobbied at the district and counted 21st Century Oncology among his clients. 21st Century Oncology later donated almost $400,000 to Gov. Scott’s re-election campaign.

2013 OCTOBER BROWARD HEALTH COMMISSIONER QUITS AMID GOVERNOR’S INQUIRY INTO IMMUNIZED TESTIMONY Attorney Kimberly Kisslan resigned from the district’s board of commissioners just three months after being appointed by Gov. Rick Scott. It was revealed that Kisslan had testified under a grant of immunity to the federal grand jury that investigated the 2007 corruption case of former Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne, for whom Kisslan served as general counsel. The governor’s office, which began an inquiry into the matter, said it was not aware of this information when it announced Kisslan’s appointment, which raised questions as to why it did not come to light during a background check.

Though Canada was the only dissenting member on the board at the time of the termination vote, another board member who was not in attendance, Sheela VanHoose, immediately led an effort to reverse the decision. Approximately 350 people showed up to support the reversal. That effort failed. “This board is pretty set in how they are going to run the district,” said VanHoose in an interview with the Sun Sentinel in January 2017. “They do everything Lynn Barett says. Even the pomp and circumstance of flying in an outside lawyer from Alabama just to read the law to them. That to me shows it’s just about spinning the story. They had no intention of listening to the public.” Following her failed effort, VanHoose resigned from the board by letter to Governor Rick Scott on December 23. In the letter she writes: “As I look back on my short tenure, the time has been marked by both proud moments and tumultuous strife… This board has been impulsive at times, holding last minute meetings and receiving contracts before votes. We have approved contracts with questionable metrics and have made decisions that have led to a Corporate

2015 MAY BROWARD HEALTH SIGNS $2.1 MILLION-AYEAR NO-BID CONTRACT WITH ZIMMERMAN ADVERTISING Broward Health entered into a $2.1 milliona-year advertising contract, renewable for three years, with Fort Lauderdale-based Zimmerman Advertising, without first seeking proposals or bids from other firms. Broward Health CEO Dr. Nabil El Sanadi, who signed the contract on behalf of Broward Health, apparently exceeded his signing authority of $250,000, and the contract was never brought to the district’s governing board for its approval. Just seven weeks after the contract was signed, advertising executive Jordan Zimmerman threw a political fundraiser for Broward County Court Judge Nina Di Pietro, the wife of Broward Health’s chairman, David Di Pietro.

Integrity Agreement (CIA). Our board meetings have been tainted by self-serving and political agendas coated with infighting and grandstanding. These problems at Broward Health are not isolated to any one point in time. The issues at Broward Health historically have stemmed from the top, either due to an overtly political board or poor advisement. I am not the first Commissioner to publicly talk about these problems and I will not be the last. Our community deserves better.”

Postponing the Search for CEO

Since October, the board seems to have temporarily aborted, postponed or kept quiet their search for a permanent CEO. The board had paid an outside recruiting agency roughly $300,000 to conduct a search for the permanent CEO. According to Canada, the board had narrowed down the search to three promising final candidates after interviewing six semi-finalists in the September/October timeframe. “Two of those three got four votes from the five board members,” she said. “I would have been thrilled to have either of those top two as the district CEO.” But when the date for the final decision came around (which was set for October 31) , Canada recalls board member Christopher Ure saying “I was really hoping

2016

2015 SEPTEMBER U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SETTLES A $69.5 MILLION FRAUD CASE AGAINST BROWARD HEALTH The civil settlement ended an investigation that began in 2010 after a Fort Lauderdale orthopedic surgeon filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging that from 2000 to 2014 Broward Health had participated in an illegal scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid by paying kickbacks to doctors who referred patients to its hospitals. In addition to paying the financial penalty, the settlement required that Broward Health accept the imposition of tough new ethics rules over five years.

JANUARY BROWARD HEALTH CEO DR. NABIL EL SANADI COMMITS SUICIDE; NEW STATE AND FEDERAL PROBES ANNOUNCED On Jan. 23, Dr. Nabil El Sanadi, who became president and CEO of Broward Health in December 2014, fatally shot himself in a lobby restroom of his Lauderdale-by-the-Sea condo building. On Jan. 29, the day of his memorial service, Florida’s Chief Inspector General Melinda M. Miguel, informed Broward Health that her office would review every contract the district has awarded since July 2012, with full support from Gov. Rick Scott. Soon after, it was confirmed that the FBI was conducting a separate, but possibly overlapping, investigation into allegations of corruption in Broward Health’s purchasing department.

2016 JANUARY PLANS FOR $71.4 MILLION ADVERTISING CONTRACT FADE AFTER BROWARD HEALTH CEO’S SUICIDE A proposed $71.4 million no-bid contract with Zimmerman Advertising, which Broward Health CEO Dr. Nabil El Sanadi and a majority of the board supported, was set for approval at the district’s January board meeting, but was put on hold after El Sanadi’s suicide on Jan. 23. Broward Health Chief Financial Officer Robert K. Martin opposed the deal at the Dec. 17 board meeting, and was fired on Jan. 7.

2016 FEBRUARY RECORDS INVOLVING FORMER PURCHASING OFFICER SUBPOENAED As part of an FBI corruption investigation, a Fort Lauderdale federal grand jury subpoenaed records related to Broward Health’s former purchasing director Brian Bravo and 16 companies that do business with the district. The records requested dated back 10 years.

Deerfield Beach!

we would have had more candidates.” Then Rocky Rodriquez, the chairman, wanted to interview someone he’d heard about. Canada was baffled. She couldn’t make sense of the stall. The search now seems to be up-in-the-air as after Grant was terminated the board re-appointed interim CEO Kevin Fusco who had already served as interim CEO immediately following El Sanadi’s suicide but was let go after complaints that he ruled with a culture of fear. He was replaced by Grant. The back-and-forth has raised many questions. Canada has her suspicions about people involved behind the scenes. Although she has never met him, Canada added “Billy Rubin’s name keeps coming up as someone very interested in the district.” Billy Rubin is a lobbyist currently registered to represent 62 clients before Governor Scott and executive branch agencies including health care heavyweights Aetna, Humana, Coventry Healthcare and Governor Rick Scott’s own former company, Columbia/HCA Healthcare. Before becoming governor, Rick Scott was known for having made a fortune in the healthcare industry. He founded

2016 FEBRUARY BROWARD HEALTH CEO PAYS HUSH MONEY TO FIRED EXECS, EXCEEDS SIGNING AUTHORITY Even though his signing authority was limited to $250,000, Broward Health acting CEO Kevin Fusco signed a separation agreement with $400,000 in hush money to the district’s former chief financial officer Robert K. Martin, who was fired after publicly criticizing the proposed $71.4 million no-bid deal with Zimmerman Advertising. On the same day, Fusco signed a second deal which paid $537,000 in hush money to Calvin Glidewell, the fired chief executive of Broward Health Medical Center.

Deerfield Beach!

Columbia at age 34 in 1987 and acquired HCA in 1989. He left in 1997 when Columbia/HCA admitted to fourteen felonies including false billing and fraudulent Medicare billing practices and agreed to pay the federal government a $600 million settlement, which was the largest fraud settlement in U.S. history. Columbia/HCA currently operates over 40 hospitals throughout Florida including local facilities Westside Regional Medical Center in Plantation, JFK Medical Center in West Palm and Northwest Medical Center in Margate. Rubin was one of the first supporters of Governor Scott and his candidacy for election. “I got to know Rick in 1991 when he started his hospital company and we’ve stayed close ever since. I love him,” Rubin said in an article in the Miami Herald in November 2010. “He’s a very good friend. We’ve stayed in touch ever since.” Neither Scott nor Rubin have been shy about their friendship. The relationship has, however, raised public speculation. Ultimately Canada has no conclusion on what exactly is taking place at Broward Health, but she hopes to help advocate for the district residents in whatever capacity she can. The well-connected Broward Workshop organization of business and civic leaders has recently approached her to discuss strategies to help the besieged hospital district. “I’m hoping to be on the other side of the podium now that my work on the board is done,” she said.

2016

MARCH FLORIDA’S CHIEF INSPECTOR GENERAL BROADENS ITS BROWARD HEALTH INQUIRY The office of Florida’s Chief Inspector General expanded the scope of its investigation of the hospital district, instructing Broward Health to turn over more than six types of records, including documents relating to “potential or actual” conflicts of interest disclosed by its commissioners or administrators since 2012, behind-the-scenes lobbying practices and copies of termination agreements signed in February with two former Broward Health executives who were paid a total of $937,000 in hush money authorized by then interim CEO Kevin Fusco.

MARCH BROWARD HEALTH’S ACTING CEO KEVIN FUSCO IS REPLACED BY PAULINE GRANT Kevin Fusco was voted out as Broward Health’s interim CEO and returned to his job as chief operating officer, while Pauline Grant, who had been CEO of Broward Health North, was named the district’s new interim CEO. The change came amid criticism from senior management that a leadership crisis was threatening Broward Health’s ability to provide basic services to its patients. The district’s governing board also voted to put its controversial general counsel, Lynn Barrett, on a 30-day review plan following complaints that her mishandling of physicians’ contracts caused a backlog that could affect patient care.

2016 MARCH FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL DEMANDS BROWARD HEALTH PAY $5.3 MILLION FOR MEDICAID FRAUD In a letter dated March 10, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office demanded that Broward Health pay $5,325,671 to settle state Medicaid fraud claims uncovered during a federal whistleblower investigation that Broward Health paid $69.5 million to settle in Sept. 2015. Bondi’s office threatened to pursue Florida False Claims Act litigation “seeking treble damage and civil penalties” for each false claim submitted if the matter wasn’t resolved through settlement.

2016 SEPTEMBER BROWARD HEALTH RESURRECTS ITS LONG-LOST LOBBYIST REGISTRATION RULES For the first time, the hospital district began enforcing a lobbying policy it adopted 12 years ago, which requires lobbyists to publicly identify themselves and their clients, with sanctions for violators. Earlier in the year, the district’s Legal Affairs Committee spent months studying how to develop a lobbyist policy without being told by staff that a policy already existed.

Broward Health by the numbers • 5 hospitals (listed below) • 3 urgent care centers: Coral Springs, Plantation, Weston

Hospital overview details below from USNews & World Report, survey data for latest year available

2016 STATISTICS

BROWARD HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER, FORT LAUDERDALE • 648-beds • 128,222 emergency room visits • 29,012 admissions • 5,951 inpatient surgeries • 6,588 outpatient surgeries

Source: Broward Health Annual Report to the Community • 1,529 licensed beds • 1,900 credentialed physicians • 8,446 employees • 60,699 admissions • 297,403 emergency department visits • 45,000 emergency department admissions • 248,152 outpatient medical center visits • 15,188 outpatient clinic visits • 5,838 births • 14,163 inpatient surgeries • 16,417 outpatient surgeries • 26,555 Broward Health Weston visits • 42,087 Children’s Diagnostics and Treatment Center visits • 23,784 home health and hospice visits • 284,828 physician group office visits • 106,568 primary care visits (CHS)

BROWARD HEALTH NORTH, DEERFIELD BEACH • 334-beds • 61,297 emergency room visits • 13,878 admissions • 4,291 inpatient surgeries • 2,100 outpatient surgeries

BROWARD HEALTH IMPERIAL POINT, FORT LAUDERDALE • 180-beds • 34,953 emergency room visits • 8,302 admissions • 1,514 inpatient surgeries • 5,210 outpatient surgeries BROWARD HEALTH CORAL SPRINGS, CORAL SPRINGS • 182-beds • 55,615 emergency room visits • 13,223 admissions • 2,470 inpatient surgeries • 3,330 outpatient surgeries SALAH FOUNDATION CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT BROWARD HEALTH, FORT LAUDERDALE Source: browardhealthfoundation.org (News, October 2016) • Formerly Chris Evert Children’s Hospital • Undergoing $52 million expansion and renovation • Expected completion by mid-2019

2016

2016 OCTOBER BROWARD HEALTH BOARD SUSPENDS ITS CEO SEARCH INDEFINITELY Broward Health’s governing board decided to postpose its selection of a new CEO after reading a report prepared by a law firm hired to assess the hospital system’s procedures, policies and operations. Earlier in the month, three finalists were interviewed for the permanent CEO position, and a decision was expected to be made by Oct. 31, but due to the significant deficiencies outlined in the report, board members decided to rethink hiring criteria and view more applicants.

DECEMBER BROWARD HEALTH INTERIM CEO PAULINE GRANT FIRED, REPLACED BY COO KEVIN FUSCO In a surprise move, the district’s board called a hasty meeting on Dec. 1 and voted 4-1 to fire interim CEO Pauline Grant over unspecified allegations of a kickback. Grant maintained there was no substance to the accusations and that the board wanted to replace her with someone more tractable on the system’s operations. Board member Maureen Canada cast the only dissenting vote, and later defended Grant’s character and her many years of service to the district. The board replaced Grant, just months before her retirement, with Chief Operating Officer Kevin Fusco, who had been removed as acting CEO nine months earlier after complaints from employees about administrative chaos and low morale.

2016 DECEMBER BOARD MEMBER SHEELA VANHOOSE RESIGNS Broward Health board member Sheela VanHoose submitted a resignation letter to Gov. Rick Scott, to take effect Jan. 1, saying that she was frustrated by the actions of other board members and did not want to sign her name to an upcoming annual report to the federal government that she feared was inaccurate. VanHoose, who strongly opposed the firing of interim CEO Pauline Grant, but was absent for the vote, wrote in her letter that board meetings were tainted by “self-serving and political agendas” and the organization had “serious organizational and cultural problems” that prevented it from performing its basic functions.

TIMELINE COMPILED BY MARIE PULEO

Deerfield Beach!

dining out BY LUPÉ AND GASPAR SOMERSET

DEERFIELD BEACH Amante’s. ITALIAN Close to the International Fishing Pier, steps

from the sand, stands Amante’s Italian Cuisine (and Bob’s Pizza). It’s a wonderful Italian bistro that caters to everyone. You choose from a fantastic, casual family pizza experience to an elegant dinner and everything in between. Amante’s is usually bustling: filled with locals and visiting guests there for a sumptuous, after-beach meal or pizza. The menu has all the Italian favorite pasta dishes, meat entrées and daily chef specialties. Everything is very well prepared. 2076 N.E. Second St., 954-426-1030 $$

American Rock Bar & Grill. LIVE MUSIC • KARAOKE • JAZZ

• COMEDY Full menu until late, early dinner specials, two-for-one full bar all day every day with $6 burger specials every day 4pm7pm. 1600 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-428-4539

Baja Cafe. MEXICAN A hometown favorite is Pepe’s spinach Chef Dee’s

enchiladas with the added chicken or shrimp. It’s creamy and savory with every bite and is served with a heaping helping of

IN THE NORTH BROWARD BEACHES

refried beans and rice. 1310 N. Federal Highway, 954-596-1304 $

Barracuda Seafood Bar & Grill. SEAFOOD • BRAZILIAN

This spot by the sea serves seafood with a touch of Brazilian flare such as the Bobo de Camarao, shrimp sautéed in coconut milk, saffron, palm oil and yucca cream baked in a cast iron skillet. 1965 N.E. Second St., 954-531-1290 $$

Café Med. ITALIAN Authentic Italian restaurant right on the ocean with an Italian chef from Rome. Live music nightly. Serves breakfast and dinner daily. 2096 N.E. Second St. (at the Wyndham Hotel), 954-596-5840 $$$ Casa Maya. MEXICAN Start with a margarita and it only gets better from there. This is not your typical Mexican joint—it’s better. Try gobernador tacos: a combination of shrimp with diced poblanos, onions, tomatoes and cilantro on a crispy corn tortilla topped with melted cheese. See, we told you it’s not ordinary. 301 S.E. 15 Terrace, 954-570-6101 $$ Chanson at the Royal Blues Hotel. SEAFOOD • SEASONAL Chanson gives you the opportunity to eat a fine, fresh seafood meal, and then take a stroll to see the ocean from which it came. 45 N.E. 21 Ave., 954-857-2929. $$$$

Deer Creek Grille. AMERICAN Enjoy the club atmosphere with gorgeous views of the plush gardens and waterfall. The restaurant offers daily lunch and dinner specials, a Sunday breakfast buffet and covered patio dining so you can dine al fresco. 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd., 954-421-5553 $$ Deerfield Beach Cafe. AMERICAN Part of the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to all the beachcombers. So skip the cooler and grab something here—so easy. 202 N.E. 21 Ave., 954-426-0500 $ Frank & Dino’s. ITALIAN If your mom won’t make Sunday gra-

vy, the folks at Frank & Dino’s will take care of you. 718 S. Federal Highway, 954-427-4909 $$$

JB’s on the Beach. SEAFOOD Glorious beach views and a private glass room perfect for business or family affairs. 300 N. Ocean Way, 954-571-5220 $$$ Kevin’s. SUSHI • THAI The juxtaposition of the outside (a strip mall)— to the inside which is a lovely atmosphere is quite surprising. Kevin’s serves high quality fare for the sushi enthusiast. Very friendly staff serving a lot of regulars. 706 S. Federal Highway, 954-418-3939 $$ La Val de Loire. FRENCH Whether it’s a night out with the

family or a romantic dinner for two, this quaint spot in the Cove Shopping Center serves classical French cuisine. 1576 S.E. Third

KEY $ Inexpensive (under $15) $$ Moderate ($17-$35) $$$ Expensive ($35-$50) $$$$ Pricey (over $50)

Deerfield Beach!

Email us with any additions, closings, or corrections at editor@pointpubs.com. We try to be accurate, but it’s always a good idea to call first before heading out on your dining adventure.

Court, 954-427-5354 $$$

Little Havana. CUBAN If you are looking for authentic Cuban

food and music accompanied by speedy service on a busy, crowded night, then look no further. Little Havana has a very accommodating staff to match their even more accommodating menu items. They have fantastic lunch specials, and most of their dinner plates will feed two happily. Their masas de puerco frita and their Little Havana steak are two of the stand-out menu items, aside from their zesty chimichurri. Sadly, you can’t make a meal out of chimichurri, so ask for it on the side with whatever you are ordering. You won’t regret it. 721 N. Federal Highway, 954-4276000 $$

Ocean’s 234. SEAFOOD Amazing views of Deerfield Beach and

the pier with gluten free options available. 234 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-428-2539 $$$

Patio Bar & Grill. AMERICAN Everything is freshly prepared and served just steps away from the beach. Live music nightly. 2096 N.E. Second St. (at the Wyndham Hotel), 954-596-8618 $$ Rattlesnake Jake’s. TEX MEX Dive bar close to the beach with live music and plenty of menu items to choose from. 2060 N.E. Second St., 954-421-4481 $$ Sabor Latino. LATIN A new place in The Cove. 1544 S.E. Third Court, 954-708-2868 Taj Indian Restaurant. INDIAN We have two words for you: lamb korma. This classic Indian dish varies from restaurant to restaurant, and while we don’t have their recipe, we can tell you it’s juicy leg of lamb cooked in a rich cream sauce with raisins and cashews. 201 S.E. 15 Terrace, 954-304-7032 $$ Tamarind. SUSHI • THAI Did you get caught up in a tornado and land in Nobu—that most famous of all sushi restaurants? Probably not. You’re most likely just at Tamarind which offers a hipper vibe than your run-of-the-mill sushi place—and some inventive rolls and Thai entreés. 949 N. Federal Highway, 954-4288009 $$ Tijuana Taxi Co. MEXICAN Perhaps it’s the all day happy hour with $5 Cuervo margaritas, but as soon as you enter, the weight of the day lifts off your shoulders. The atmosphere is friendly and fun all around. There is outdoor patio seating available and a large U-shaped bar inside. The portions are generous—certainly enough to take home for lunch the next day. We loved the spicy shrimp tacos—soft flour tortillas filled with Cajun-grilled shrimp in a spicy chile lime sauce, topped with cilantro slaw, avocado and pico de gallo. The menu has a lot more than tacos—there’s all the Mexican favorites plus burgers, sandwiches, steaks and more. And for the little ones there is kids night on Sunday: kids eat for 99 cents from the kids menu. 1015 S. Federal Highway, 954708-2775 $ Deerfield Beach!

dining out The Tipperary Pub. IRISH • AMERICAN A classic neighborhood pub—where if you go often enough, everyone will indeed know your name. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner just in case you need a red eye—half tomato juice, half beer. 1540 S.E. Third St. 954-421-9769 $ Two George’s. SEAFOOD An intracoastal hot spot with live

music, a great view and a legendary Friday happy hour. 1754 S.E. Third Court 954-421-9272 $$

Whales’ Rib. SEAFOOD Locals know it well and tourists know it from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. 2031 N.E. Second St., 954-4218880 $$

LIGHTHOUSE POINT Bonefish Mac’s Sports Grille. AMERICAN Bar food and a wide array of televised sports games with a game room for kids. 2002 E. Sample Road, 954-781-6227 $ Bura. NORTHERN ITALIAN Enjoy the intimate atmosphere and

friendly staff. The gnocchi are little delectable dumplings topped with tender chunks of veal in a light tomato broth. 2014 E. Sample Road, 954-597-6909 $$

Cap’s Place. SEAFOOD Lighthouse Point’s own hideaway, seafood joint dating back to prohibition. Take the short boat ride over to the restaurant. 2765 N.E. 28 Court, 954-941-0418 $$$

Fetta Republic. GREEK Traditional Greek offerings close to home. 2420 N. Federal Highway, 954-933-2394 $$

Hott Leggz. WINGS • BAR FOOD Pub grub at a true sports bar.

Papa’s Raw Bar. SUSHI • SEAFOOD Situated right next door to their parent restaurant Seafood World, Papa’s does indeed seem like the hip child of an established restaurant. While the fresh food is the real star, the Keys-inspired décor certainly accounts for part of their charm. The restaurant serves a selection of clams and oysters on the half shell. There are also a few options for cooked oysters including the black and blue version topped with blue cheese and bacon. The menu also goes way beyond the typical raw bar offerings with inventive tacos and sliders. Papa’s also offers a wide array of sushi and sashimi. Start off with one of the towers of Van Buskirk (you’ll find a few menu items named after locals.) The bare naked lady version is a combination of spicy wahoo and tuna with tobiko and masago topped with spicy mayo and served with taro chips. They serve all your classic sushi rolls but the superstars are their specialty rolls. There are plenty of land lubber options including burgers and hibachi offerings. And to wash it all down, they have about a zillion craft beer options and a wine list too. The Bimini Room which is adjacent to the main restaurant is available for private parties and boasts a Hemingway inspired mural—another respectful nod to the Keys. 4610 N. Federal Highway, 754-307-5034 $$ Seafood World Market & Restaurant. SEAFOOD They offer the freshest seafood with simple ingredients and have a huge selection of seafood to choose from if you want to cook yourself. 4602 N. Federal Highway, 954-942-0740 $$$ Sicilian Oven. ITALIAN • PIZZA High-top seating, casual seat-

ing and bar seating to accompany your crispy, thin pizza. Start with the Gorgonzola salad. 2486 N. Federal Highway, 954-785-4155

They even have TVs in the booths. 3128 N. Federal Highway, 754307-2444 $$

Jane’s Restaurant and Bar. AMERICAN For those of you who have never had the classic Canadian dish Poutine, it’s on the menu at Janes’s Restaurant and Bar. 4460 N. Federal Highway, 754-600-5102 $$

POMPANO BEACH

Le Bistro. FRENCH • BISTRO Fresh and local produce is always used. And vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free menu items are available. The restaurant also offers cooking classes. 4626 N. Federal Highway, 954-946-9240 $$$ Lito’s Turf & Surf. SEAFOOD • AMERICAN Family owned and operated with catering options available. 2460 N. Federal Highway, 954-782-8111 $$ The Nauti Dawg Marina Café. AMERICAN Nestled in at the Lighthouse Point Marina, the Nauti Dawg is a local favorite. Start with the tuna wontons—crispy fried wonton wrappers topped with tuna tartare, seaweed salad, red pepper mayo, wasabi and a hit of sirracha. For a taste of New England, the lobster roll can’t be beat— a generous portion of lobster with just the right amount of mayonnaise. Of course you can’t go wrong with the fresh fish sandwich—ask what the catch of the day is. The fish Reuben is another great sandwich option—just sub in some fresh fish for the pastrami and you’ve got yourself a little healthier version of the classic. All sandwiches come with a side and while French fries are always a delicious option—the restaurant offers a tangy cucumber salad (among other choices) that provides a nice crunch to any sandwich. They are a dog friendly restaurant. 2830 N.E. 29 Ave., 954-941-0246 $$ Pampa Gaucho Churrascaria. BRAZILIAN Traditional

rodizio for your inner carnivore. 4490 N. Federal Highway 954943-3595 $$

Deerfield Beach!

Aconchego Bar and Grill. BRAZILIAN A taste of Brazil in the heart of Pompano Beach. Open for lunch and dinner. 7 S.E. 22 Ave. 954-782-8040. $

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. PIZZA • WINGS You can cred-

it this place with bringing the whole “coal-fired pizza craze” to South Florida. Pizza and chicken wings—do you need anymore? Try the cauliflower pizza—good and good for you. 1203 S. Federal Highway, 954-942-5550 $$

The Beach Grille. AMERICAN Delicious eats near the beach

with the capability to order online. 3414 Atlantic Blvd., 954-9466000 $

Bella Roma Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria. ITALIAN •

PIZZA Tasty dishes, large portions and delivery is available. 40 S.W. 15 St., 954-784-3696 $$

Bobby Rubino’s. Barbecue • american Specials and coupons are posted daily and catering is available. The restaurant also has a large bar room where you can dine at the bar or booths. This place is a Pompano Beach icon. 2501 N. Federal Highway, 954-781-7550 $$ Brew Fish. BAR AND GRILL Dine outside in the tiki hut overlooking a canal right in Pompano Beach. Comprehensive menu and attentive staff. 200 E. McNab Rd., 954-440-3347 $$

Briny Irish Pub. IRISH • BAR FOOD At the end of East Atlan-

Chef Bjoern Eicken Sommelier Krystal Kinney

Locally sourced Organic Sustainable Craft cocktails Wine pairings Tasting menu www.RoyalBluesHotel.com

•

45 NE 21st Ave. Deerﬁeld Beach, FL 33441

•

(954) 857-2929

•

welcome@royalblueshotel.com

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dining out tic Boulevard, steps from the ocean, is Briny’s Irish Pub. There is a large beer selection plus the regular and, dare we say, unique mixed drinks. The kitchen offers an array of bar food as well as some classics like bangers and mash and fish-n-chips. The casual atmosphere is created by an immense array of nautical artifacts and oddities that fill every inch of the pub. The bar is large and there are tables, too—many have ocean views. Music plays constantly, often live with a dance floor if one is inclined. 3440 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-942-3159 $

Bru’s Room Sports Grill. AMERICAN Named after Bob “Bru”

lore, from bar seating to lounge seating and good old-fashioned casual dining seating. 2781 E. Atlantic Blvd., 754-205-6977 $

Galuppi’s. AMERICAN What could be more entertaining than watching golfers swing and blimps ascend as you sip a drink at an outdoor bar? 1103 N. Federal Highway, 954-785-0226 $ Gianni’s Italian Restaurant. ITALIAN Enjoy traditional Ital-

ian fare while you talk to the traditional Italian staff. Don’t skip the romaine salad with the blue cheese. Enjoy cocktails from their new full bar. 1601 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-942-1733 $$

Brudzinski , where else would you go to watch the Miami Dolphins play? Wings and other bar food available. 235 S. Federal Highway, 954-785-2227 $

The Gyro Joint. MIDDLE EASTERN Eat in, or carry out. It’s all

Calypso Restaurant and Raw Bar. CARIBBEAN High-qual-

Houston’s. AMERICAN Enjoy this contemporary eatery for

Carrabba’s Italian Grill. ITALIAN Open for lunch and dinner and provides gluten free options. 1299 S. Federal Highway, 954782-2688 $$

J Mark’s. AMERICAN A relaxing, modern restaurant and bar

Checkers Old Munchen. GERMAN Sprechen sie Deutsch? You

BAR Get your shopping done while you take care of your appetite. They offer weekly deals on meals and drinks with lots of beers on tap and wines by the glass. For something different, try the sweet southern swine pizza—a light and crispy pizza topped with pork belly, arugula and cheese. Or try one of the plethora of meatballs—all are a satisfying treat. The truffle fries are great with anything. 2411 N. Federal Highway, 954-942-8778 $

ity ingredients, inventive cooking, and a very welcoming staff. 460 S. Cypress Road, 954-942-1633 $$

don’t find too many authentic German restaurants around town. So when you’re looking for a change in your restaurant rotation, take a trip back to the old country at Checkers Old Munchen. The restaurant’s exposed wood framing is reminiscent of the German half-timbered architectural style and the walls are lined with classic German beer steins. For a traditional German meal, try the wienerschnitzel—it’s divine—a lightly breaded veal cutlet (or pork) sautéed in lemon butter and topped with homemade brown gravy. The entrées are served with your choice of two side dishes. The spaetzle (German noodles) are a real homemade treat and not to be missed—throw a little of that brown gravy on them and they could be a meal unto themselves. The red cabbage is both classically sweet and sour and there are other options too including potato dumplings, potato salad and even hot potato salad. As you look around, you can’t help but get the feeling that most of the patrons are returning customers—which, of course, is a great sign. And the next time we get a hankering for some schnitzel, we know where to go. Imbibe to your hearts content with their wide assortment of German beers. 2209 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-7565 $$

Chez Porky’s. BARBECUE A low-key spot serving a bunch of southern favorites. 105 S.W. Sixth St., 954-946-5590 $$

Cypress Nook. GERMAN This place has been in business for 38 years—talk about staying in power. 201 SE 15 St., 954-781-3464 $

Darrel & Oliver’s Cafe Maxx. INTERNATIONAL This restau-

rant is an anchor of the South Florida fine dining scene. 2601 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-782-0606 $$$$

The Foundry. AMERICAN • CONTINENTAL Seating options ga-

Greek to me. 165 S. Cypress Road, 954-946-9199 $

lunch or dinner. Outdoor bar and seating on the Intracoastal available. 2821 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-783-9499 $$$

with food and service to match. 1490 N.E. 23 St., 954-782-7000 $$$

La Rachetta at Whole Foods Market. PIZZA AND WINE

La Veranda. ITALIAN La Veranda is superb. The atmosphere is

elegant yet comfortable and warm. Being seated in their namesake veranda is a joy in itself. Inside or out, one can enjoy a truly special evening in the Tuscany inspired surroundings. Be it drinks from their full bar, a bottle from the copious wine selection or naturally the Italian food, everything is served perfectly, so expect to be delighted. The staff takes pride in ensuring you are having great experience. There is a big selection of pasta, entrées and traditional dishes, with new favorites to be discovered that the wait staff will happily explain. You can taste the love in their homemade scrumptious desserts. If you’re looking to celebrate or simply treat yourselves to an evening of superior dining, La Veranda is an excellent choice. Reservations are suggested. 2121 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-943-7390 $$

Malulo’s International Seafood. PERUVIAN • SEAFOOD

South American inspired seafood. Located in a strip mall, but so are a lot of places—give it a try. 900 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-0014 $

McCoy’s Oceanfront. AMERICAN Located at the beautiful Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa, dine indoors or pool-side on the covered patio with the beach as your backdrop. 1200 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-782-0100 $$

Dos Amigos. MEXICAN When you feel the hankering for a fajita, this Pompano Beach spot fits the bill. Try the margaritas too. 1308 N. Federal Highway 954-781-1955 $$

Mediterraneo Cucina Siciliana. ITALIAN True Sicilian food

Fish Shack. SEAFOOD A small, roadside seafood shack, for

a small seafood town. This is truly one of those best kept secret type places. With only a handful of tables, we’re selfishly hoping not too many people get in on this secret gem in Pompano Beach. 2862 N.E. 17 Ave., 954-586-4105 $$

Nikki’s Kitchen. MEDITERRANEAN INSPIRED Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Organic and gluten free options available. Enjoy the location right across from the Pompano Fishing Pier. Have dinner and take a stroll—it’s why we live here people. 1 N. Ocean Blvd., Ste 102, 954-532-2771 $$

Flanigan’s Seafood Bar & Grill. SEAFOOD • AMERICAn Get green with a deal every day. 2500 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-943-3762 $$

Ruby’s by the Sea. ITALIAN Italian by the sea is more like it. 2608 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-785-7700 $$

Deerfield Beach!

served for dinner only. Closed on Mondays. 420 N. Federal Highway, 754-222-9174 $$

Grille Room • • • • • • • • •

Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials Happy Hour Everyday 3:00pm – 6:30pm Sunset Menu • Sunday-Thursday Sunday Breakfast Buffet Theme Nights Prime Rib Friday & Saturday Holiday Buffets 9’N Dine • Monday & Tuesday Covered Patio Dining

Key West Room DEER CREEK COUNTRY CLUB Two grand ballrooms with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers, a breathtaking garden and waterfall. Deer Creek has accommodation for up to 250 guests for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Your memorable day deserves a first-class location.

For more information call 954-426-6588

Open to the Public • 365 Days • 954-421-5553 2801 Deer Creek County Club Blvd • www.deercreekflorida.com

dining out Rusty Hook Tavern. AMERICAN Located on the Pompano Intracoastal, sit inside or outside, just keep in mind that the word tavern means a local place to gather around the table. 125 N. Riverside Drive, 954-941-2499 $

Sands Harbor Patio Restaurant. SANDWICHES • WINGS Located in the Sands Harbor Hotel and Marina on the intracoastal, sit poolside or water side, either way, you better know how to swim. 125 N. Riverside Drive, 954-942-9100 $ Seaside Grill. SEAFOOD • AMERICAN Enjoy a view of the At-

lantic while enjoying fresh seafood and an ice cold cocktail. Don’t worry if you’re not a fish lover—there are plenty of entrée choices from the land. Located at Lighthouse Cove Resort on the ocean. 1406 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-783-3193 $$

Sette Bello. ITALIAN This is a true gem just south of the Pom-

pano Beach border Expertly prepared Italian food with a bit of a flare—in other words—not like mom used to make…this is way, way better. (No offense to mom.) 6241 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. 954 351-0505 $$$

Shishka Lebanese Grill. MIDDLE EASTERN It’s not easy to make a good falafel (chick peas, fava beans garlic and cilantro seasoned and deep fried, served with tahini sauce) but the ones at Shishka are worth every single calorie. There are plenty of other choices too from the classic hummus to baba ghanouj to chicken and meat shawarma. 1901 N. Federal Highway, 954-943-2999 $$

Spanx the Hog BBQ. BARBECUE Using only natural ingredi-

ents, dine in, take out, or order custom catering. 147 S. Cypress Road. 954-590-8342 $

Sunset Catch. ITALIAN • SEAFOOD Fresh seafood served daily, and they even have their very own “wine doctor.” 101 N. Riverside Drive. 954-545-0901 $$ Table 2201. MEDITERRANEAN • SEAFOOD Everything at Table 2201 is made on the premises—even the desserts. We started off our meal with the pygros, a tower of eggplant, potatoes and ground beef topped with a cool yogurt sauce. The dish is reminiscent of the classic Greek dish moussaka, but the cool yogurt sauce replaces the bechemel. Finish off with the Greek yogurt mousse, a lovely lightly sweetened cloud with a hint of cocoa and a strawberry sauce to compliment. Table 2201 has a menu full of your Greek favorites without all of the hooplah. So if you are looking for a genuine Greek dinner without having to dance on tables and yell “opa”—not that there’s anything wrong with that—Table 2201 is a good choice. 2201 E. Atlantic Blvd., 718-600-2236 $$ Take Sushi. JAPANESE • SUSHI Fresh, authentic Japanese fair delivered to your door? Yes, please. 2714 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-2442 $

Talay Thai. THAI Dine on delectable Thai and Japanese dishes, get your food delivered or carry it out. 2233 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954941-1123 $$ Umberto’s of Long Island. ITALIAN • PIZZA Family tradition

baked into every bite. 2780 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-784-7110 $$

Valentino’s Italian Cuisine. ITALIAN • PIZZA An abundance

of Italian fare served for lunch or dinner. If you can’t make it over to dine in, fret not, they offer free delivery. 427 S. Federal Highway, 954-545-4881 $$

Wings ‘N Things. WINGS • BARBECUE It doesn’t look like

much from the outside but it’s worth trying it out. 150 S.W. Sixth St., 954-781-9464 $

Deerfield Beach!

Yakuza. JAPANESE • THAI Yakuza is an authentic experience.

The contemporary Asian anchored décor is a feast for the eyes: warm, inviting and totally unique. The feeling is authentic and not forced. The attentive servers address each table with personal concern. Central to the dining room is a large classic sushi bar, displaying the fresh fish offerings. But sushi is only part of their menu. Yakuza has a brilliant selection of Japanese and Thai specialties and favorites. Every mouth-watering choice is prepared and presented with care. We were impressed by the freshness and variety of tastes offered. Modern is a fair descriptor as Yakuza offers unique approaches to traditional Japanese and Thai fare, making them new, unique and their own. Try their specials. 2515 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-951-6077 $$

Zuccarelli. ITALIAN • PIZZA This place is more than just a piz-

za joint. From eggplant Parmesan to shrimp fra diavlo, you will leave quite satisfied. The portions are generous and come with a fresh house salad. Bring your breath mints because their warm garlic rolls are on point. 1340 N. Federal Highway, 954-941-1261 $$

Quick & Casual DEERFIELD BEACH Quick & Casual Biondos Pizza Plus. American Have you ever been in the

mood for pizza, but your kids crave burgers and fries? Next time, remember that the “plus” in Biondos Pizza Plus is there to settle the food debate. 606 S. Federal Highway, 954-427-7754.

Bob’s Pizza. PIZZA • ITALIAn Pizza served remarkably close to the beach—as if pizza could be get any better. 2076 N.E. Second St., 954-426-1030

Burger Craze. BURGERS Top quality ingredients come together to create unique taste sensations. Enjoy juicy burgers, hot dogs, wings and others daily. 2096 N.E. Second St. (at the Wyndham Hotel), 954-596- 5949 $$

Charlie’s Fish Fry. SEAFOOD Fish and chips, lobster bisque, blackened mahi sandwich among other seafood favorites.. 1200 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-573-7198 Charm City. BURGERS Go ahead, order the tater tots, we know

you want to. In fact, order anything on their menu. Try the emperor—an American kobe beef patty with aged Swiss, truffled aioli and sautéed mushrooms—a burger fit for a king. 1136 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-531-0300

Coffee Cove. COFFEE SHOP This boutique coffee house is lo-

cally owned and operated and is inspired by its location near the intracoastal in Deerfield Beach. This cozy little shop dares to change the feeling of traditional coffee houses, with its bright light colors and beach inspired theme. Serving farm to table cuisine, hand crafted cold and hot beverages from 6am to 10pm. 313 S.E. 15 Terrace 754 333 8782

Duffy’s Sports Bar and Grill. AMERICAN With more TVs

than people, Duffy’s is your destination for all things sports. 401 N. Federal Highway, 954-429-8820

El Jefe. MEXICAN For a truly inventive take on Mexican street

SUPER FRESH SUPER CONVENIENT

PA PA HUGHIE ’ S S E AFOO D W OR LD

In 1976, Joy and Hugh Ganter opened Seafood World. “After many years in the Bahamas, we had a clear ideal of the kind of restaurant we wanted and that focus has never changed. We serve the freshest seafood in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where recipes are simple and tasteful. Sauces and spices enhance, but don’t overpower the seafood.” That was 1976. Today, Joy and Papa Hughie’s still offers the same fresh seafood. Come join us as we start to celebrate the next 40 years.

15% OFF Marketplace only Not valid with other promotions or coupons. Expires April 30, 2017

HOURS: 7 days a week from 11am to 10pm Lunch • Dinner • Marketplace Catering • Online Shopping 4602 N. Federal Highway • Lighthouse Point

954-942-0740 www.papasrawbar.com • www.thebiminiroom.com www.papahughie.com • www.beststonecrabs.com For fast delivery, visit deerfield.deliverydudes.com

dining out

Italian Roots BY ABBIE GONÇCALVES

Celmente “Lillo” Teodosi took charge of the kitchen at Cafe Med Ristorante in Deerfield Beach in May 2016. He immediately began using his 30-plus years of experience and his Italian roots to revamp the menu with creative new takes on traditional Italian cuisine. Originally from Italy, he moved from Europe to Chicago in 1979 and opened four different restaurants there before he moved to Boca in 2010. He owned a restaurant in East Boca for six years before coming to take over the kitchen at Cafe Med. Lillo was born and raised in Rome, Italy where he was “thrown into the kitchen” at 9 years of age. From age 9 to 18 he had a summer job at a small restaurant where he worked his way up from washing espresso cups to practically running the bar/restaurant. After doing some time in the army as a young adult, he ventured around Europe from London to Paris, working in small kitchens, big kitchens and wine bars; he even spent some time working as a chef on two-week cruises in the Mediterranean. “When you travel you learn all types of cuisine and you acquaint your palate with different flavors. It’s developed in your mind, so when you’re cooking a dish you can see all the ingredients,…” he shared, reminiscing about his many trips and travels. This is the foundation of many of Chef Lillo’s original recipes currently featured on the menu at Cafe Med along side the traditional Italian items. But even those dishes he “tweaks.” For example, Chef Lillo took linguini and clam sauce, an authentic Italian dish, and started serving it with a special type of clam called the sun ray venus clam. These unique Floridanative clams are full of meat, come in all different shapes, turn pink when they are cooked and taste incredible. When asked what dish he loves the most, he said 2096 N.E. Second St. (at the Wyndham Hotel) it was an 954-596-5840 impossible question

Café Med

Deerfield Beach!

chef profile

to answer since most of the recipes are his own and are all delicious. He finally concluded that there was one that was not to be missed… it’s called the “Sunday” sauce. Its a Neapolitan ragu that is made from chunks of beef, baby back ribs, meatballs, sausage, pancetta, onion, celery and carrots. They let this stew from Saturday night until Sunday when it all begins to “fall apart” and the flavors come alive. They serve this decadent sauce over a thick, long pasta called mafalde. Its huge portion makes it a great dish to share for Sunday lunch. Chef Lillo got excited as he talked of plans to do a classic Neapolitan event on a Sunday evening in February featuring this dish among others and even having a Neapolitan singer. Check in with Cafe Med on Facebook for details.

food, this small yet bright and cheery taco joint is full of surprises. Try the El Mistico—a beef barbacoa quesadilla with queso blanco, mole negro and truffle crema. Yes, we said truffles. 27 N. Federal Highway, 954-246-5333

Gelateria. GELATO Cool of with an Italian frozen treat. Offer-

challenge your burger building skills any day of the week. 1101 S. Powerline Road. 954-708-2035

Umberto’s Pizza. PIZZA Family tradition baked into every bite. 233 N.E. 21 Ave., 954-421-7200

ing more than 26 flavors of gelato right by the sea. Open daily from 12pm to 10pm. 2096 N.E. Second St. (at the Wyndham Hotel), 694-428-2850

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Mawi’s Cafe. ITALIAN Family owned Italian bistro serving

Quick & Casual

breakfast and lunch all day—paninis, bagels, salads, smoothies and more. 1934 S.E. Third Court, 954-481-8600

The Pickle Barrell. DELICATESSEN Get in touch with your in-

ner New Yorker at this old style deli complete with friendly guys behind the counter filling your sandwich with enough pastrami to feed a family. 33 E Hillsboro Blvd., 954-427-0650

Olympia Flame. DINER With a traditionally huge diner menu, you can’t go wrong at the Olympia Flame. Friendly staff makes you feel like a regular—even if you aren’t—but you should be. 80 S. Federal Highway, 954-480-8402 The Sticky Bun. DELI • BAKERY • BRUNCH. Everyone will find something to munch on, whether it be their flour-less chocolate cake or a short rib panini with fontina cheese and pickled red onions… yum. 1619 S.E. Third Court, 754-212-5569 Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox. Burgers The names of the

burgers are as unique as what’s inside of them. This place can

Burger Fi. BURGERS Everything at Burger Fi is cooked to or-

der which makes it stand apart from some other famous burger places which shall remain nameless. Don’t miss the fries and the larger-than-life onion rings are a meal unto themselves. The breakfast all day burger is topped with a fried egg. 3150 N. Federal Highway, 954-933-7120

Red Fox Diner. DINER Treat yourself to one of the daily specials at the Red Fox and you just may think that you aren’t at a diner at all—but a bonafide restaurant. But if you are in the mood for some comforting diner food, Red Fox never disappoints. From tuna-melts, to burgers to some of the best biscuits and gravy around, you will always leave satisfied. Breakfast and lunch served daily. 2041 N.E. 36 St., (Sample Road) 954-783-7714 Packy’s Sports Pub. SPORTS BAR If you are looking for a local spot to watch the game, Packy’s always seems to pack them in. 4480 N. Federal Highway, 954-657-8423

“Meet me haet Tip! ” t

Watch for our Daily Black Board Specials Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday & Sunday Brunch

Meatloaf $6.95

Baby Back Ribs 1/2 $6.95

Lasagna $6.95

Shepherd’s Pie $6.95

NE Clam Chowder - $3.99 Fish n’ Chips - $7.95

New York Strip Steak & Eggs $14.95 Eggs Benedict & Corn Beef Hash - $7.95

Every Wednesday @ 8:00pm: Jam with Benny & Friends Kitchen Hours & Address:

Monday - Thursday: 8am to 10pm • Friday & Saturday till’ 11pm • Sunday opens at 8am

1540 SE 3rd Ct. (The Cove) Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 • (954) 421-9769 Deerfield Beach!

a i p m y l O e m a l F DINER 80 SOUTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY DEERFIELD BEACH, FLORIDA

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

954.480.8402

7 Days • 5:30am to 10:00pm

www.OlympiaFlameDiner.com

dining out Westshore Pizza and Cheesesteak. PIZZA • SUBS Plen-

ty to choose from at this fast-casual joint. Pizza by the slice or the pie, subs and of course the cheesesteaks. Arrive hungry, the cheesesteaks are huge. 3650 N. Federal Highway, 954-393-0322

POMPANO BEACH Quick & Casual 5 Girls Burgers. BURGERS Burgers, better known as broads, served by some badass women. A dream come true. 2659 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-783-8889 Alice’s Xpress Mediterranean Grill. MEDITERRANEAN

Freshly made and authentic regional cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner. 103 N.E. Third St., 954-941-0410

Antica Roma Caffé. ITALIAN CAFÉ Thank goodness for places

like this, where you can get a classic cappuccino or espresso. They also serve a plethora of Italian panini and desserts. Cannoli anyone? 1915 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-366-4346

Bella Monte Italian Deli. SANDWICHES 2688 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-946-0333

Big Louie’s. ITALIAN • PIZZA A South Florida chain offering classic Italian dishes—get down with a generous portion of chicken Parmesan. 2190 N. Federal Highway, 954-942-5510

Brendans. SPORTS BAR Burgers, wings and more—you get the picture. 868 N. Federal Highway, 954-786-0033

Burgers & Suds. BURGERS • HOT DOGS • SANDWICHES. Unique eats, like a burger served between two glazed donuts. Yes, donuts. 360 E. McNab Road, 954-772-8007 Cafe Brie. SANDWICHES • SALADS A little gem of a place that serves fantastic sandwiches, salads, quiche and desserts. 2765 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-532-7800

Deerfield’s Oldest Family Owned and Operated Restaurant - Est. 1975

TAKE OUT • DELIVERY • CATERING • FULL BAR DINING ROOM • DINE-IN PIZZA ROOM HAPPY HOUR 7 DAYS 4:30pm to 6:30pm

1/2 OFF WELL DRINKS

Svedka Flavored Vodka Specialty Cocktails House Wine & Domestic Beer

Call for Valentine’s Day Reservations Call for Reservations 954-426-1030 Facebook @ Bob’s-AmanteDeerfield 2068 NE 2nd St. Deerfield Beach FL 33441 (A1A one block from pier)

www.bobspizzafl.com www.amanteitaliancuisine.com

Deerfield Beach!

Chez Cafe. COFFEE • BAKERY A warm and cozy place to grab breakfast, lunch or a latte.1631 S. Cypress Road, 954-933-3453 Chi-Town. ITALIAN BEEF • CHICAGO HOT DOGS If you call the windy city home and are feeling a bit homesick, you can get your Chicago hot dog fix here. They also serve Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago square cut pizza. 334 E. McNab Road, 954-951-6465

The Dandee Donut Factory. BAKERY • PASTRIES From the

classic old fashioned sour cream to Boston cream, these babies are just begging to be dunked. Bagels, breakfast and lunch also available. 1900 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-1461

Cafe Sportivo. CAFE Cash only, but don’t let that stop you. They are family owned and operated with a variety of espresso drinks. 2219 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-782-6672

Jack’s Old Fashion Hamburger House. BURGERS • HOT

DOGS Enjoy a burger and tunes on the ol’ jukebox as you sip your milkshake. And top your burger with some of that secret sauce. 591 S. Cypress Road, 954-942-2844

Jersey Dogs. HOT DOGS • ITALIAN Grab a seat at the count-

er and devour an double Italian which is two all beef hot dogs tucked away in pizza bread and topped with sautéed peppers, potatoes and onions—add a touch of their homemade spicy relish for some kick. The restaurant also has a seafood night on Wednesdays and an open-mic night on Fridays—but call ahead,

the place fills up fast. Yes, this a hot dog joint that accepts reservations. Need we say more? 3330 E. Atlantic Blvd., 754-800-7006

and lunch daily, stop in for a burger or an omelette any time any way. 2301 N.E. 16 St., 954-941-1430

Jukebox Diner. DINER Bright, classic seating, jukeboxes, and that old-school diner feel. 2773 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-960-5882

Rocket Pizza. PIZZA In addition to all your typical pizzas, they

La Cocinita. DELI • SANDWICHES What could be better than old-school eats? Old-school prices. Where else can you get a burger for a few bucks? 143 S. Cypress Road, 954-942-8778 Lester’s Diner. DINER American comfort fare in a retro setting. 1924 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-783-2109 Lighthouse Cove Tiki Bar. AMERICAN Seaside eats and hap-

py hours. 1406 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-784-2804

Miyako. JAPANESE BUFFET Endless sushi and Japanese fare for a price that is unbeatable. Hibachi grill for those who don’t do the sushi thing. 1157 S. Federal Highway, 954-783-8883

Pasquale’s Pizza. PIZZA Family owned and operated serving pizza by the pie and by the slice. 2680 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-6010707

also serve a BLT pizza among other original offerings. 601 N. Federal Highway, 954-943-5387

Steak Shop & Deli. SANDWICHES Everyone needs a cheesesteak now and then. Order one here and you’ll think you’re in the heart of Philly. 1801 E. Sample Road., 954-941-5790 Stingers Pizza. PIZZA • AMERICAN Dine in, or order delivery.

They will bring your pizza to the beach. 1201 S. Ocean Blvd., 954782-2344

Sunshine Bagel. BAGELS • DELI Serving up bagels and sandwiches in a friendly atmosphere. 260 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-788-7498

Tortillería Mexicana. MEXICAN Looking for a taco that goes beyond ground beef and toppings? Not only will they supply you with fresh, unique tacos, but the corn tortillas are made from scratch daily. Bonus! 1614 E. Sample Rd., 954-943-0057

Phil’s Heavenly Pizza . PIZZA Seating indoors and outdoors

with gluten free pizza options. 2647 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-943-9270

Pizza Mia. ITALIAN • PIZZA Known for their New York style

pizza, but serving much, much more. 3919 N. Federal Highway, 954-582-4444

Pudgies Cafe. DELI FOOD • SANDWICHES Serving breakfast

Email us with any additions, closings, or corrections at editor@pointpubs.com. We try to be accurate, but it’s always a good idea to call first before heading out on your dining adventure.

Authentic Italian Breakfast from 7am Lunch from 12pm Dinner from 5pm

an array of freshly made, delectable dishes that are buonissimi!

hand-crafted cocktails skillfully prepared by our mixologists Happy Hour Daily from 5 to 7pm We Welcome Private Parties @ cafe me d de e r fi e l d b e a ch

CAFE MED

RISTORANTE

SEAFOOD

STEAK

PASTA

Opera Night Featuring Tenor

Carlo de Antonis february 8th & 22nd 7.00pm

Wine Dinner AMARONE, wine of the VENETIAN with Banfi Family Ambassador,

Luciano Castiello

February 15th 6.30pm

2096 NE 2ND ST. DEERFIELD BEACH

T: 954-596-5840

Deerfield Beach!

photo opps

Barry & Silvanna Halperin, Michelle Yellin, Drew McClaire, Sharon Alexander, Michelle Yellin, Monica Telus, Gabby Durazzi, and Sofia Santiago

Opera Night Cafe Med

PHOTOS BY JEFF GRAVES

Submit photos and captions from your event to editor@pointpubs.com

Deerfield Beach!

Shall We

DanceStudio

954 254 3221

shallwedancefl@yahoo.com www.shallwedance.com 600 South Federal Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Studio Rental • Dancewear & Dance Shoes for Sell

SEND MOSQUITOES PACKING Tired of being the main course?

• Barrier Sprays • Special Event Sprays • All Natural Options • Satisfaction Guaranteed

954-532-0477

coastalftlauderdale.mosquitojoe.com

Jeep

• Oil Change • Brake Repair • Motor • Used Parts • New Parts

The Jeep Trader, Inc. SALEEESP 954-586-4605

446 S. Dixie Hwy. East, Pompano Beach

Studio Hair 23 Cyndi Blackwood

Healthy Hair & Color Expert

954-601-7757 Pompano Citi Centre, 2001 N. Federal Hwy., Sola Suite #23

We’ve Moved! Now conveniently located on Federal Highway Just North of Sample Rd. • Family Owned & Operated • Residential | Commercial | New Construction • • • •

Backflow Tankless Gas Heaters Water Heaters Drain Cleaning

State License # CFC039965 1058 NE 43rd Court • Oakland Park, FL • 33334

954-566-1100

3890 N. Federal Highway • 954 941-6257 Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm and Sat, 8am-12pm Deerfield Beach!

photo opps

Cafe Medâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Chef, Clemente Lillo Teodosi, Tenor Carlo de Antonis, Commissioner Joe Miller and Assistant GM of Wyndham, Claude Dubois

Tenor Carlo de Antonis

Opera Night Cafe Med

PHOTOS BY JEFF GRAVES

Joe and Carolyn Miller, John DiPrato, Beth DiGrato, Michael Sherman and Avis Swen

Patsy Bordoni, Cafe Med GM, Marco Pistella and Elizabeth Langa

Joe and Carolyn Miller, John DiPrato, Beth DiGrato, Michael Sherman and Avis Swen

Deerfield Beach!

Grand Opening

WE FIX IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME ON TIME-EVERY TIME Complete Auto Repair

we can’t wait to get our hands on your feet

Reflexology

air conditioning • brakes • front end computer diagnostics • fuel injection

Foot Massage

Massage

- Gift Certificates -

954-480-6056

www.solesfootlounge.com

40 N.W. 2ND AVE., DEERFIELD BEACH

954-951-6088

890 N Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Lonnie Avant, Owner & Operator

(North of Atlantic in the West Marine Plaza)

An American twist on German / Austrian Cuisine Monday closed Tuesday - Thursday: Dinner 4pm - 9 pm Friday - Saturday : Dinner to - 10 pm Sunday 4pm - 9pm

$5 off

se with purchaore* of $25 or m

$10 off

se of with purchaore* $50 or m

ined with other

*cannot be comb

offers

.com w.gretlsbistro

Call for reservations: 561-409-2787 2399 N Federal Highway • Boca Raton, FL 33431

209 W. Hillsborro Blvd. Deerfield Beach 954.426.2061 Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 6:00pm

3101 North Federal Highway Pompano Beach

Saturday (sales only) 10:00am to 2:00pm

(866) 992-0395 allstargolfcar.com

Jonah’s Bait & Tackle Shop Open: Mon-Fri: 7am-8pm Sat: 5am-8pm • Sun: 5am-5pm

Factory Authorized Dealer

HEARING AIDS

Hearing solutions for all budgets and lifestyles. DEERFIELD HEARING CENTER

(954) 570-9631

1822 W Hillsboro Blvd. • Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Deerfield Beach!

sage advice

Political Overreaction A Threat to Florida Tourism BY RICHARD ROSSER THE RECENT DEBACLE OVER VISIT FLORIDA’S SECRET $1 million contract with pop superstar Pitbull to promote the state’s tourism industry has politicians engaged in a fiery overreaction, ready to entirely slash the state’s $78 million tourism promotions budget. Given Florida’s critical economic reliance on the tourism industry (more so than any other state in the nation), this extreme knee-jerk response would be a mistake — a classic example of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. For those of you unfamiliar with the situation, here’s the backstory: In mid-December, after a written request from Florida Governor Rick Scott, Visit Florida CEO Will Seccombe announced his resignation from the state’s tourism agency. Seccombe’s resignation was in response to growing controversy over a trade secret contract between Visit Florida and Florida’s own pop star Pitbull for the singer to promote state tourism. The $1 million deal contracted Pitbull and his production company, PDR Productions, to promote the state through social media, the hashtag #LoveFL, a music video for the singer’s 2014 song “Sexy Beaches” and various other Florida media mentions. Pitbull has been an avid spokesperson for his home state, and Seccombe defended his marketing strategy as a creative way to attract millenials to Florida. The secrecy of the Pitbull deal, which was shielded from public view under a confidentiality clause with PDR Productions, enraged some politicians, including Florida House Speaker Richard Cochran, who filed to sue the company. Governor Rick Scott, who had originally been a supporter of the deal, later criticized the debacle on Twitter,

Deerfield Beach!

saying “This is ridiculous and must be fixed. Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is spent.” In the aftermath, Florida House leaders are threatening to completely slash the $78 million budget for Visit Florida. They are raising their pitchforks and angrily calling for a complete wipeout. While the undisclosed nature of the Pitbull contract is certainly questionable when it comes to tax payer dollars and issues of transparency, entirely slashing the $78 million Visit Florida budget on account of the Pitbull contract is an extreme measure. Florida is the top travel destination in the world with an economic impact of $67 billion on the Florida economy. Florida relies more heavily on tourism for its economy than any other state. In 2014 a record 97 million tourists visited Florida. As of 2015, the Department of Economic Opportunity estimates that of the 9.1 million people employed in Florida, 1.1 million have jobs related to the tourism industry. And in 2015, $5.3 billion in tax revenue was generated by tourism. Governor Rick Scott knows the value of tourism to the state of Florida well. In response to those calling to slash the Visit Florida budget, he wrote on Twitter: “Those who think FL shouldn’t run anymore TV ads/promote tourism in any way to FL don’t have an understanding of how our economy works and how important tourism is to economic growth and job creation.” As an advertising professional and Florida native myself, I wholeheartedly agree with the Governor. Promoting Florida tourism is essential to our state and its leading industry. Advertising is tricky; accurately measuring it’s results is difficult. And there’s no telling that Pitbull’s “Sexy Beaches” video and hashtag #LoveFL didn’t have a positive effect. The $1 million contract may well have been a valid expense. Regardless, there’s no question promoting the state as a tourist destination is important. And promoting Florida to millenials in creative ways is strategically smart for a state often regarded as the capital of blue-haired retirement. Sure, the secrecy of the Pitbull deal was questionable, but is cutting a $78 million budget to promote Florida’s leading industry a rational response? I would argue the angry pitchforks are an insane example of cutting off one’s nose to spite the face.

CAR WASH CORNER Now is the perfect time to stop by and clean that dirty car at Mr. Squeakyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award winning car wash!

Mini Areechot Manager, Yakuza Modern Japanese & Thai, Pompano Beach (yakuzapompano.com)

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YOU COULD WIN A FREE CAR WASH! Voted 1 of the Top 50 Car Washes in the USA by Modern Car Care Magazine Want a free car wash and your photograph in the next Car Wash Corner? Contact us at Info@MrSqueaky.com

MrSqueaky.com

Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days/week

(954) 782-WASH

499 West Atlantic Blvd.

(Next to RaceTrac Gas Station & Taco Bell, just East of 1-95)

Pompano Beach

What a difference

YOU make.

Just like you, JM Family recognizes the profound impact giving back has on our community. Last year, our associates volunteered over 13,000 hours through our What A Difference A Day Makes! volunteer program.

Thank You Women In Distress Take a step to end domestic violence 18th Annual SAFEWALK-RUN 5K Saturday, February 25, 2017 To register, visit www.womenindistress.org