Our City Fort Lauderdale: March 2023

THE DONOWAY CENTER

PANCREATIC CANCER SPECIALISTS

FEATURED ON PAGE 14

Robert B. Donoway M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.O.

Dr. Donoway performing Pancreatic NanoKnife Tumor Ablation for advanced and oligo-metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Enjoy a Pint at Tarpon River Brewing Where Everyone Feels at Home

Tarpon River Brewing is a unique new gastropub with a full line of craft beer made on-site, and a mouth-watering, beer-inspired food menu. The brewery is nestled between the Tarpon River and the New River, which have served as the lifeline of the Fort Lauderdale local community for generations.

Tarpon River Brewing was born three years ago as a partnership between Julian and Lisa Siegel of the Riverside Market and Adam and Jill Fine, owners of Native Brewing and Fresh Beer. Building a brewery was but a dream in those days and as a group, they came together, unconventionally, yet successfully to open up Tarpon River Brewing. To this day, unconventional has served them well and has become a part of their mantra!

The building was originally an 11,000-square-foot horse barn, called the Snyder Stables built in 1929. Within the historic space, there is a 1,000-square-foot house that serves as a taproom, tasting room, brewery, and kitchen.

This home away from home, built by locals, for locals includes a complete brewing system just outside the tasting room. Guests can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere with a beer in hand, and see precisely how their drink was made. Tarpon River’s tap list is as diverse as the owners of the brewery are. It ranges from golden ales to hoppy IPAs, dark lagers to fruited sours, and big stouts to wild ales.

They offer brews to satisfy everyone from the beginner beer drinker to the eccentric beer snob.

Special Events

Tarpon River Brewing is a fantastic place to host an event. The private room is spacious yet comfortable and offers a

casual atmosphere to visit with friends. The launch party for Our City Fort Lauderdale was held there. Visit their website, www. tarponriverybrewing.com to book your party today.

The brewery also frequently hosts fun events. A couple of our favorites are Thursday night trivia and their Monday evening “Gears & Beers” bike ride. The bike ride is for beer lovers and bike lovers. It is a 10-15 mile ride around Fort Lauderdale that begins and ends at the brewery. Participants get a free beer!

Happy Hour

Happy Hour is 4:00 pm till 6:00 pm at Tarpon River Brewing’s bar. All draft beer is $2 off and all glasses of wine are $1 off. They also offer beer-inspired “bar foods” to snack on including onion rings, hummus & pita, loaded french fries, or a giant pretzel.

Sunday Brunch

Sunady brunch is served 11:30 am - 4:00 pm. In addition to their regular menu items, a number of brunch specials are on offer. Our favorites are the Chicken and Waffles with maple drizzle, shrimp & grits and breakfast burrito. In addition to their extensive selection of beers, Mimosa and “Beerosa” are available by the glass or, for $15, unlimited.

■ Tarpon River Brewing is located at 280 SW 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale. They are open 11:30 am - 10:00 pm MondayWednesday, 11:30 am - 11:00 pm Thursday, 11:30 am - Midnight, Friday, 11:00 am - Midnight Saturday and 11:00 am - 10:00 pm on Sundays. Visit them at www. TarponRiverBrewing.com or call 954-353-3193 for pickup.

PUBLISHERS

Christy & Terry Jaillet publisher@ourcitymedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Christy Jaillet

ART DIRECTOR

Tom Rowe

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alana Brodie

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Nancy Koval nancy@ourcitymedia.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

John Brodie, Denise Caligiuri, Adrienne Collins, Mariem Garcia, Carlos Medina, Kenny Rodgers, Silvia Silva

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Terry Jaillet, Dr. Michael Cohen, Dr. Robert Donoway, Amelis Lopez, Dean Sklar, Mayor Dean Trantalis

ADVERTISING INFO sales@ourcitymedia.com

VISIT US ONLINE ourcitymedia.com

954-306-1007

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March Is Women’s History Month

This year, Women's History Month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate once again and honor the women who have made a significant impact on our society.

Over the past decades, we have seen incredible advancements in women's rights and empowerment, and we must continue to strive toward equality and equity for all women.

As we recognize the achievements of women in our community, it is important to also acknowledge the challenges that still exist. Despite the progress we have made, women continue to face barriers in many areas, including pay equity, representation in leadership roles, and access to education and healthcare.

However, the inspiring women who have come before us give us hope and motivation to keep fighting for a better future. Women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who broke down gender barriers in the legal field and became an iconic figure for women's rights, serve as a reminder of the power and potential of women.

Women's History Month is not just about celebrating the past, but it is also about inspiring the next generation of women to reach their full potential. Let us continue to uplift, empower, and celebrate women in all their diverse and incredible forms. Here's to another year of honoring the women who have made and continue to make history!

Sincerely,

Christy & Terry Jaillet

OUR CITY MEDIA PUBLISHERS

MARCH 2-4

USA Swimming TYR Pro Series

See Olympians and National Team swimmers from the United States and the world compete at the new Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center on FTL Beach! USA Olympians anticipated to participate include world record holders Katie Ledecky, and Lilly King, plus Annie Lazor, Simone Manuel, Regan Smith, Bobby Finke, Kieran Smith, and Chase Kalisz. Scan the QR code to purchase tickets or for more info. Hosted at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, 501 Seabreeze Blvd.

MARCH 4

Broward County Waterway Cleanup

MARCH 5

Las Olas A1A Triathlon

MARCH 3-4

Greater Fort Lauderdale Science Festival

South Florida’s new science festival in the Arts & Entertainment District of downtown Fort Lauderdale. The Festival brings together leaders in STEM, with families and science lovers of all ages and abilities to celebrate the wonder of science, showcase technology innovations, and open minds to STEM careers in our region’s major industries. The Festival will take place primarily in the heart of the downtown Arts & Entertainment District of Fort Lauderdale at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and Esplanade Park. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Scan the QR code for more info.

Join your neighbors across Broward County’s largest and longest-running environmental events. The annual event brings volunteers together for one today to celebrate our beautiful environment and remove trash from our community and waterways. There are over 30 locations across the county where you can help make a difference. 9:00 am till 1:00 pm. Scan the QR code to register and select a location. Turn to page 23 for more info.

Athletes will converge on Fort Lauderdale Beach for Florida’s Premier Multisport experience, the Las Olas / A1A TRIATHLON! Athletes will enjoy a warm saltwater swim in full view of spectators. The bike course is set against Fort Lauderdale’s sandy beaches along A1A. The run consists of a scenic 5K route along Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beach boulevard. Spectators will have plenty of opportunity to cheer on athletes as they run down the final finishing chute. Friends, family & music welcome the athletes through the finish line. The Las Olas / A1A Triathlon is a multi-faceted event featuring 2 race distances and 3 different races (triathlon, duathlon, and aquabike). Swimmers hit the water at 7:00 am with race activities throughout the day. Scan the QR code for info.

MARCH 4

Walk For the Animals

The 33rd annual VCA Walk for the Animals, which benefits The Humane Society of Broward County, takes attendees on a beachside stroll this year with the move to Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. Register for FREE at www. Walk4TheAnimals.com Check-in begins at 8 am, and the optional Walk starts at 10:00 am.

MARCH 7

2023 Broward Advocates for Children Awards

Florida’s Children First, the state’s premier independent youth advocacy organization, will honor Broward’s outstanding child advocates at its annual fundraising awards event. Community and business leaders, advocates, individuals, and organizations passionate about Florida’s children will be in attendance. Hosted at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Riverview Ballroom from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Register online at www.floridaschildrenfirst.org. For info, call 954-796-0860.

MARCH 8

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

MARCH 15

PLA It Forward

PLA, an innovative, one-of-a-kind, fresh, and technology-driven approach to the traditional sports bar, currently operating in Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, proudly announces the launch of their PLA It Forward Foundation. PLA It Forward’s initiative is to honor and reward local heroes in the community, and to give back to other South Florida charitable, cause-driven organizations in meaningful ways. The public is invited to participate in PLA It Forward’s Inaugural event from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Local officers who have done exceptional work in our community will be honored. Scan the QR code to register or get more info.

MARCH 17

St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrated on the 17th of March every year, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular days of the year to travel to Dublin. For centuries, the Irish have celebrated the day as both a religious and social holiday. South Florida has become one of the go-to locations to celebrate Saint Patrick's day in the United States. So, kiss me if you’re Irish!

MARCH 11

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival

It’s time to paint the town green! Join us as the Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival marches into Fort Lauderdale, featuring fun and excitement for the entire family! The free event has grown into one of Fort Lauderdale’s largest and most anticipated festivals, attracting thousands of spectators for a one-of-a-kind celebration of all things Irish. The Parade will move down Fort Lauderdale Beach from Riomar Street to Las Olas. Followed by the Irish Festival at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, 80 Las Olas Circle. For info visit stpatsftl. com.

MARCH 17

Carter Park Jamz

Enjoy a free concert series with a broad range of musical varieties featuring a different live performer each showtime! Carter Park Jamz takes place on the third Friday of select months from 7 to 10 p.m. at Carter Park. Bring your chairs, picnic blankets, and snacks to relax under the stars. From jazz to pop, Carter Park Jamz has it all! Scan the QR code for details.

MARCH 18

Florida AIDS Walk & Festival

While HIV and AIDS have fallen out of the spotlight in recent years, the epidemic is far from over. An estimated 1.1 million people in the US are living with HIV, and 15% of them don’t know it. Florida AIDS Walk works to bring attention to this pressing issue, educate and inspire our community to work together, and end the epidemic once and for all. We walk for the more than 100,000 people living with HIV in Florida. We walk to remember those who no longer can. 7:00 am till 3:00 pm at Fort Lauderdale Beach and Park, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd. Visit www.floridaaidswalk.org for more info.

THE DONOWAY CENTER

Pancreatic NanoKnife Tumor Ablation for Advanced and Oligo-Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Donoway is using multi-modality therapy combining Pancreatic NanoKnife Tumor Ablation with chemoimmuno-radio therapy to treat advanced-stage cancer patients worldwide after they have stopped responding to the standard of care therapy and have been left with few options for further treatment.

groundbreaking treatment by Dr. Donoway, which is FDA-approved. Dr. Donoway also treats other advanced cancers, such as liver, Breast, and sarcomas, using NanoKnife Surgery based on its FDA-approved guidelines. Patients experience a brief recovery, which means the patient can start chemotherapy and radiation much sooner.

Dr.

With over 32 years of experience performing pancreatic surgery in south Florida, Dr. Donoway recognized that because of late diagnosis, up to 85% of patients treated for pancreatic cancer already had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. This fact limited the benefit many patients might receive from pancreatic surgery, which is problematic as surgery has long been held to be the only reproducible therapy for a cure. In reality, surgery is currently more likely Palliative in almost 80% of the cases.

Recent evidence shows that when even advanced disease is treated aggressively in an integrated approach, incorporating NanoKnife surgery with chemotherapy and now supplemented with immunotherapy, long-term survivorship can be achieved, especially when compared to chemotherapy alone.

Dr. Donoway has been a pioneer in using pancreatic NanoKnife, especially for complex cases. During the past decade, patients worldwide have traveled to benefit from this

Dr. Donoway feels that “we are long overdue to revise our approach to treating Pancreatic cancer. The treatment history has been largely unchanged for over 80 years and has just broken the 10% five-year survivorship barrier. Only thru thinking outside the box will we accomplish the positive. Otherwise, we’re all confirming Einstein‘s definition of insanity.”

Dr. Donoway is involved in ongoing research in identifying the best chemo-immuno therapy and sequencing to be used along with Pancreatic nanoKnife/ IRE. Dr. Donoway states, “the results so far have been very encouraging, and we have begun using it for other select cancers. Among his longest survivors are now patients over nine years without evidence of cancer recurrence. In the past, without IRE, they would have lived a little over a year, so this technique opens a new avenue for treating those eligible patients in a more targeted fashion.”

Dr. Donoway presented his results of pancreatic ablation at the recent annual meeting of the American Pancreatic Association. For more information about Dr. Donoway and the pancreatic IRE/NanoKnife program, call 954-986-6366 or visit www.atlasoncology.com.

If you are being treated for advanced oroligometastatic pancreatic cancer, you may want to contact

Robert Donoway at ATLAS ONCOLOGY in Hollywood, Florida.

ATLAS ONCOLOGY

Robert B. Donoway, MD, FACS, FSSO

Surgical Oncology & Pancreatic Surgical Oncology

Dr. Donoway is a Board Certified Sloan Kettering trained Pancreatic surgical oncologist who received his MD and surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania.

At Sloan Kettering, he was the General Motors Pancreatic Cancer Research Fellow.

Specializing in cancer of the Pancreas, Liver, GI Tract, Sarcoma, Adrenal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, & Melanoma. Laparoscopic and Image Guided cancer surgery, IRE/NanoKnife for Non-Resectable Pancreatic & Liver Cancer.

Dr. Donoway is a former Director of the Memorial Cancer Institute and Chairman of the Cancer committee for the Memorial Healthcare System as well as a former Chief of Surgery and Surgical Oncology at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida.

Dr. Donoway served on the American Cancer Society and Gildas Club Board. He has also served as past president of the American Cancer Society Broward chapter and serves on the board of trustees of the Ancient Spanish Monastery.

Dr. Donoway is active in the American and International Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Associations, The Pancreas Club, the Society of Surgical Oncology, and the American Pancreatic Association. His accomplishments include being the first surgeon in Florida to perform radiofrequency ablation and laparoscopic major liver resection. He is the former recipient of the South Florida Health Award for using micro-endoscopy to detect early-stage breast cancer.

Dr. Donoway has been repeatedly named in the Top Doctors in America by Castle Connolly. Dr. Donoway is one of only a few international surgeons performing advanced multi-modal pancreatic and liver ablation therapy for non-resectable tumors.

Robert B. Donoway, MD, FACS, FSSO

BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS HIRES YET ANOTHER INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Earlean Smiley agreed to terms with Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) to serve as the school district’s interim superintendent. The retired school administrator was selected by the school board in a 7-2 vote. She was Superintendent of McCormick County Public School District in South Carolina from 2010 to 2013 and was the Principal of Blanche Ely High School. School Board negotiations were led by Chair Lori Alhadeff. Smiley’s compensation package is said to be valued at approximately $300,000.

The move comes after the departure of controversial Superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartwright. After agreeing to a separation agreement, Cartwright said, “I am confident that the district will continue to thrive under new leadership, and I do wish the district continued success in the future. Thank you for your support and your understanding.”

Smiley’s initial focus will be on improving the culture within the district’s administration.

“I’ve heard many board members talk about toxic culture,” Smiley said, “I want to move out of the culture that we’re in, to a

culture where we can thrive at every level.”

Smiley, who is 71 years old, will fill the role as the School District looks for its fourth leader in just three years.

“She has a no-nonsense personality, and I believe that is what Broward County Public Schools needs right now,” said Broward School Board Chair Lori Alhadeff, “This is how I know that she’s going to be tough but fair and a very strong leader.”

Leadership at BCPS has been a political hotbed since the Tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. The fact that the school board and Dr. Cartwright were frequently at odds with Governor Ron Desantis during the COVID pandemic made matters only more difficult. Desantis frequently quarreled with Broward County over back-to-school rules and mask requirements.

The rift between Tallahassee and BCPS culminated when Desantis removed four board members last August. He had convened a Grand Jury to investigate the root causes of the Parkland tragedy and used his powers as governor to remove the board members after the grand jury’s findings suggested the

school board was partially at fault.

Desantis’ hand-picked replacement board members were at odds with Cartwright from the moment they took their seats, eventually voting to terminate her during a late-night meeting just days before three of them were to be replaced following the November election. In a twist of fate worthy of a TV melodrama, Cartwright was reinstated by the new board two weeks later, only to be pushed out for good a month later.

Dr. Smiley will remain interim superintendent until the board recruits a new, permanent leader. Finding the best candidate to lead the nation’s sixth-largest school district will likely be a challenge, given the chaotic history of the last three years. Dr. Cartwright was hired after former Superintendent Dr. Robert Runcie was indicted for allegedly lying to a grand jury in 2021.

“We’re not looking to rush it, but we want to make sure that we have Dr. Smiley in place for enough time for us to be able to do the national search for a permanent superintendent,” said Alhadeff.

MOBILE SCHOOL PANTRY DELIVERS FOR HUNGRY STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Mobile School Pantry is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization established in 2013 to help alleviate hunger through the provision of nutritious food to children and their families at Title 1 Schools in South Florida.

The Mobile Pantry affords the chance to reach a greater number of schools and families, allowing them to serve those who are unable to access a food pantry in their neighborhoods with little burden for the school.

One in five children in South Florida live in food-insecure households. Mobile School Pantry understands that hunger is a reality facing children and families in our communities and gives families an opportunity to get fresh fruits and vegetables in their neighborhoods with very little burder on schools.

How Mobile School Pantry Works

MSP works with schools to establish a pop up Client Choice pantry on site. Students and their families can access nutritious food items from these pantries

with no questions asked. The goal of the school pantry program is to provide not only food but connections to additional services for the family in order to achieve long-term solutions to end hunger and malnutrition.

Children and families are referred to the Pantry by the guidance counselor or social worker at the school. There are two qualifications to participate in the programStudents must be enrolled in a participating school and need a helping hand.

MSP offers a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, and non-perishable food items in a farmer's market-style atmosphere at no charge to families in need of food assistance. The program operates once a month at each school. During this time, they distribute an average of 14,000 pounds of food items and serve 450 to 750 children and families.

How You Can Help

There are a number of ways community members can help MSP end hunger. Financial donations are always welcome.

In addition, MSP accepts anything from cases to truckloads of food and non-food items that are dry-stored, frozen, fruits and vegetables, meat products, or surplus; and for any of the following reasons: surplus or seasonally packaged, cosmetically damaged or code-dated, unlabeled or mislabeled, discontinued or test-market, private-label brands, or under/over-weight items.

MSP welcomes volunteers ages 14 and older. On the day of the pickup, fresh produce and other nutritional goods are sourced from several local partners and are delivered to an outdoor packing location. A limited number of volunteers pack all items. The families are then able to select the items they would like, using reusable bags, helping to lower food waste.

▸ Mobile School Pantry's (MSP) mission is to provide nutritious, healthy grocery items to students and families at low-income schools throughout South Florida. If you know a child or a family that may benefit from their program visit www. mobileschoolpantry.com.

The Sklar Team

Over 1 Billion in Closed Sales!

#1 Coldwell Banker Team in Broward County for 5 Consecutive Years

#5 Coldwell Banker Team in Florida in Volume

#16 WSJ Real Trends Large Team State of Florida 2021

The Sklar Team work, play and network in South Florida, and have for over 20 years.

Thinking of Selling your property? We may already have your Buyers, and your new home. We know of listings before they hit the markets, and we have Buyers ready to jump into yours!

■ We have over two decades of success helping people to buy and sell homes.

■ Our Unique Approach focuses on the preparation of the property for top dollar, including staging and renovation.

■ We create an individualized marketing strategy for each client to get the most eyes on the property via digital, print and social media advertising.

■ We rank among the top luxury teams in the world as we have a track record of representing some of the most significant properties in Broward County.

Come See Us

6

Property Details

Rose Sklar: (954) 298-3626

Dean Sklar: (954) 298-3616

Jessica Imbesi: (954) 882-6466

Habla Español • Parlez-Vous Français

www.sklarteam.com

Lotus 17207 Windy Pointe Ln, Boca Raton

3 Bed + Den, 3 Bath, Waterfront, Pool, Built in 2021

Pier 66 Fort Lauderdale

High-End Resort Style Amenities, 31 units with Water views, Top of Line Touches to each unit, Marina

Bedroom, 7 Bath, 1-Acrem Built-in 2016, Guest House, Office, Lounge, Large Loft, Exercise Room, Roof Top Terrace, Pool, and Waterfront

3601 NE 25th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath, 2-Car Garage, Full Impact, Newer Roof Large Lot, Fully Renovated

South Florida Ballet Theater Celebrates Its 20th-Year Anniversary With A New Facility

Don Quixote with Misty Copeland and Julio Bogota -Young, Cinderella with Diana Catalina Gomez and Rolando Sarabia, Sleeping Beauty with Christine Thomas, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Coppelia, La Fille Mal Gardee’, Carman Suite, Romeo and Juliet Balcony Scene, and Several performances of Peter & the Wolf to name a few. The company also presented many famous variations like Flames of Paris, Diane & Acton, Esmeralda, cupid Variation, and a primer of “Remember Me” by Edgar Anido and Susan Bello.

length,” The Sleeping Beauty” April 28, 2024” at 2 & 8 pm. This will be the South Florida Ballet Theaters' 10th season at the Broward Center.

▸ Go to Browardcenter.org for tickets or visit our website at Southfloridaballettheater.com. We also have SFBT Director Circle Tickets Memberships, and class info for all ages and levels available at our SFBT studio. (954) 929-4601

The South Florida Ballet Theater and school is a proud non-profit arts organization located in Hollywood and South Florida Since 2003. Under Founding Artistic Director Lynda DeChane SFBT has trained hundreds of local students, promoted many international professional artists and has created a local staple company that provides excellence in full-length performance productions. For example,

To help celebrate our 20th-anniversary SFBT has opened its beautiful new facility located at 4571 Sheridan St. Hollywood FL. 33021. This studio will provide the company with many more classroom technique opportunities and rehearsal hours for this season's performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, to be presented at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on April 22nd, 2023 at 8 pm, and next seasons full

Help Make Broward County Beautiful at the Waterway Cleanup

Boward County Waterway Cleanup will be held on Saturday, March 4th, 2023. The cleanup is open to volunteers of all ages and is a great way for students to earn community service hours. This year’s event will be hosted at more than 30 different locations across the county.

The Broward County Waterway Cleanup, organized by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, is the county’s largest and longest-running environmental event.

The first Waterway Cleanup was held in the late 1970s to help ensure that both the community and the marine industry could enjoy our local waterways.

Last year more than 1,100 volunteers of all ages joined with more than 300 boats/personal watercraft throughout 35 sites across Broward County to remove 25 tons of trash and debris from our inland waterways.

To volunteer for the event, you must first complete the registration form and sign the waiver. When registering, you will be asked to choose one of our more than 30 site locations to clean up at.

Once you have registered, on the day of the event, you will arrive at your site location, and a site coordinator will provide you with additional instructions on cleaning up at that specific location.

Participants are strongly recommended to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for the event. Each volunteer will receive a Waterway Cleanup T-Shirt. The event is open to all ages. However, kids 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

re you thinking about selling your home? We know that selling your home is a significant decision, and you want to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. Here is everything you need to know to sell your home, from preparing your house for showings to negotiating with buyers. So whether you're a first-time seller or a seasoned pro, we hope you'll find this information helpful.

Think About Your Investment Goals

Before you put your home on the market, it's important to understand your investment goals clearly. Are you looking to make a quick sale, or are you more concerned with getting the best possible price? Once you've identified your goals, you can start to make decisions about how to best prepare your home for sale. For example, if you're hoping to attract luxury buyers, it's worth investing in some high-end finishes and furnishings. On the other hand, if you're more interested in a quick sale, decluttering and staging your home might be a better use of your time and resources. By taking the time to identify your investment goals, you'll be in a much better position to sell your home quickly and for the best possible price.

Find An Experienced Real Estate Agent

Your real estate agent can make or break your chances of getting a good deal. After all, your agent will be responsible for marketing your home, negotiating with buyers, and helping you get the best possible price. So

SELLING YOUR HOME?

By Rose Sklar

Ahow do you choose the right agent? First, take the time to interview several agents to understand their experience and personality. Second, ask for references from past clients. And finally, be sure to choose an agent you feel comfortable working with and who you can trust to have your best interests at heart. With the right agent by your side, selling your home will be a seamless and luxurious experience.

Stage Your Home

Home staging is the process of setting up the home to appeal to potential buyers. This can include decluttering, rearranging furniture, and adding or removing certain items. The goal is to make the home look as appealing as possible so buyers can see themselves living there. Home staging can be challenging, but it is well worth the effort. A staged home is more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price than a non-staged home. If you are selling your home, be sure to stage it before putting it on the market. Keep in mind that working with a professional home staging company will increase your chances of attaining a greater return on your investment.

Set The Starting Price

When you're ready to sell your home, one of the most important decisions you'll make is setting the right price. If you price it too low, you may miss out on earning a significant profit. On the other hand, if you price your home too high, it may sit on the market for months without attracting any buyers. So how do you strike the perfect balance?

The first step is to consult with a real estate professional. They will have a great deal of experience and knowledge about pricing homes in your area. They will be able to give you a realistic idea of what your home is worth and how much you should expect to earn from the sale.

Once you have an idea of what your home is worth, it's time to do some research. Look at recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. This will give you a good sense of what buyers are willing to pay for a home like yours. You can also look at listings for homes and condos for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This will

give you an idea of what your competition is and how your home stacks up in terms of price. With this information in hand, you can start to formulate a pricing strategy for your home. Remember, the goal is to strike a balance between earning a good profit and attracting buyers. If you're not sure where to start, ask your real estate professional for their advice. They will be able to help you come up with a competitive and fair price for your home.

The Art of Negotiation

Many think the most important part of selling a home is finding a buyer, but that's only half the battle. The excitement really begins when it's time to negotiate. After all, you're not just selling a house – you're selling a piece of your life. And while there may be some wiggle room in the price, there are certain things you shouldn't be willing to budge on.

As you enter the negotiation process, remember to be firm on your price. Know what your bottom line is and stick to it. There's no sense in giving away your equity for less than what it's worth. You would be wise, however, to be flexible on the terms. If a buyer is reluctant to meet your asking price, offer to be flexible on the terms of the sale. For example, you could agree to a longer closing period or throw in some closing costs. Finally, don't be afraid to walk away from the deal if you're not getting what you want out of the negotiation. There will always be other buyers interested in your home.

Closing The Deal

After the hard work of preparing your home for sale and marketing it to potential buyers, you're finally ready to close the deal. First, you'll need to sign a series of documents, including the sales contract, deed, and mortgage documents. Next, the buyer will need to provide a certified check or arrange for a wire transfer of the purchase price. Once everything is signed and sealed, the keys will be handed over, and the sale will be complete!

At the Sklar Team, we specialize in helping homeowners sell their homes quickly and for the best possible price. We begin by identifying your goals and then creating a custom marketing and sale strategy. Our team of experienced agents will expertly market your home and aggressively negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn more about our services. We look forward to helping you navigate the exciting world of real estate!

About Christy

Christy is the Co-Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Our City Media. She manages all of the positive community news stories that go into Our City’s eight magazines every month. Christy leads our editorial team and ensures we get the word out about all of the amazing things happening in South Florida! She is also the primary conduit for our guest writers and expert columnists to reach our readers with their informative stories.

Despite being incredibly talented at her current role, what makes Christy truly remarkable is the fact that Our City is actually her second career. Dr. Christy Jaillet is also a board-certified Optometrist. Prior to moving to Florida, Christy owned an Optometry practice in Johns Creek, Georgia. She practiced Optometry for more than 20 years, taking care of the ocular health of thousands of patients.

What Contributed to Christy’s Success?

Christy is a principled person. Her integrity is very important to her, and it shows in all of her business dealings. Deadline week at a community magazine publisher can be stressful for anyone. Having a consistent, level-headed leader like Christy keeps the team on task.

She is also a voracious reader, often finishing two books a week. Christy’s continuous absorption of new ideas and information makes her particularly adept in her role

Fun Fact About Christy

Like many South Floridians, Christy loves the beach and the ocean. When she isn’t working, watching one of her children’s sporting events, or attending a community event, you will likely find her at the beach or on the Intracoastal waterway. In fact, she and her husband plan to complete the “Great Loop” boating trip one day.

Christy Jaillet

Co-Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Our City Media of Florida, LLC

About Vivian

Vivian is a civil and commercial litigator. More simply, she helps good people who find themselves in bad situations. These are ordinary people going about their daily lives who suddenly find themselves in situations they never expected a young lady rear-ended on her way home from work, a mother who slipped and fell while shopping with her kids at Target, a grandmother injured when her plane landed in Fort Lauderdale from Jamaica, a couple from Texas injured during their stay at a local hotel before the start of their Caribbean cruise, or a young man attacked while he was a patient at a local mental health hospital. These are just a few examples of the people injured due to others’ negligence that Vivian has been honored to help.

She also helps small businesses when they face lawsuits. She has been fortunate to obtain dismissals or other favorable relief for them, allowing them to continue to focus on what they do best - running their businesses. She also sues individuals and businesses that have taken advantage of an individual or business – by not honoring a contract, engaging in deceptive practices, or fraud, to name a few.

Vivian has been awarded an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Only attorneys who consistently demonstrate extraordinary legal ability and the highest ethical standards receive an AV Preeminent rating. Only an estimated five percent of all attorneys receive such recognition.

What Makes Vivian’s Practice Unique

Vivian only takes on cases she believes in. She gives potential clients an honest evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of their case and does not create false expectations. Oftentimes, she will advise against proceeding with a case. If there are other options available, e.g., your insurance will provide you a defense for free, Vivian will tell you that. Clients appreciate Vivian’s consistent honesty.

What Contributed to Vivian’s’ Success

Vivian credits being authentic and credible, employing creativity, persistence, and resilience, and taking chances to her ongoing success.

Something to Know About Vivian

Even if Vivian cannot help you, she is committed to helping you find the right attorney to help you.

Vivian Fazio Trial Attorney Law Offices of Vivian H. Fazio, P.A.

Ghea Adeboyejo, MD & Krista Kant,

MD

About Dr. Adeboyejo and Dr. Kant

Dr. Adeboyejo and Dr. Kant provide women’s health care from adolescence through menopause. By listening and educating, we are able to help women make the best choices for their wellness.

Dr. Adeboyejo is Chair of the Department of Maternal/Child Health at the new HCA University Hospital on Nova University’s campus; she leads a team dedicated to bringing cutting-edge medical excellence to all women in South Florida. With a disposition as calming and positive as Dr. Ghea Adeboyejo’s, it’s no wonder why she has become one of South Florida’s most sought-after OB/GYNs.

Dr. Kant grew up in coastal Alabama. After completing her schooling and training, she was in private practice for ten years as a general OB/GYN in Clearwater. She relocated to the Fort Lauderdale area in 2019 and has been practicing as an OB hospitalist until joining Oasis in February 2022. She loves the personal connection with her patients that private practice provides. Her general interests include well-woman care, contraception, sexual health, low-risk and high-risk obstetrics, gynecologic surgery, abnormal uterine bleeding, postmenopause, and perimenopause.

What Makes Their Practice Unique

Both Dr. Kant and Dr. Adeboyejo have spent years practicing obstetrics and gynecology, serving the women of Florida. They are intimately aware of what has worked well in women’s healthcare and what has not. They know what it feels like to be uncomfortable in a doctor’s office and set out to design a healthcare experience to put women at ease. They offer the same level of up-to-date care, comfort, and accessibility that they expect for themselves, family, and their neighbors to every patient.

What Contributed to Their Success?

Both doctors contribute a significant amount of their success to their extensive clinical experience, approachability, and willingness to think outside the way things have always been done helps

Obstetrician Gynecologists

Oasis Obstetrics & Gynecology

to set us apart. In 2022 they launched Oasis Obstetrics and Gynecology. They operate their business with the mindset that: “empowered women empower women.” When you authentically love what you do, it shines through. They are changing the way women experience and expect health care.

Something to know about Dr. Adeboyejo and Dr. Kant

When they met four years ago, they instantly clicked because they had the same love for what they do and shared a vision to take women’s care to the next level. They love being part of the community and seeing patients through every phase of their wellness journey. The team of healthcare professionals at Oasis OB/GYN share the same passion and integrity.

PirateFest

Anchors Up Along

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, April 29

FOR ALL!

By Jaye Abbate

AHOY, mates!

Pirate Fest returns to Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk Esplanade Park Saturday, April 29. This FREE family festival has become a favorite spring event offering food, games, canons, costumes and pirate themed fun for all ages. Presented by the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale and Bobby Rodriguez Productions, producer of the annual Renaissance Festival, proceeds benefit Rotary Club scholarships for students and dozens of important community projects and non-profits.

What can you expect? Adult pirates will revel in the beer garden, rum tasting, and exciting rides. Pirate kids will enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, and a pirate themed bounce house. Plus food trucks, craft vendors, pirate canons, a costume contest and live music all day long, for a great cause. Returning after it’s long pandemic pause, this beloved community event brings smiles to faces and Instagram moments to all.

Best of all, funds support so many great causes and charities. From plane rides for kids with special needs to housing starter-kits for kids aging out of foster care, holiday meals and toys for those who go without, hurricane assistance for devastated communities, clean water projects, wheelchairs for people in need, college scholarships and more.

So, pull out your best pirate gear and save the date …. or walk the plank!

Details at: www.PirateFestFortLauderdale.Live or RotaryFortLauderdale.org

From Ian insurance hikes to HOAs having to Balance their budgets…

As I review the many articles that are beginning to summarize the damage costs of Hurricane Ian, I begin to understand and foresee an unfortunate trend that is not about slow down!

Hurricane Ian, a deadly category 4 Atlantic hurricane that struck Florida and South Carolina earlier this year, caused the second-largest insured loss after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, according to reinsurer Swiss Re

Between $50 billion and 65 billion in insured damages were recorded after Ian made landfall in western Florida in late September with extreme winds, torrential rain and storm surge.

"The expense will be higher because of higher construction costs and overall inflation," Denise Rappmund, the vice president of Moody's Public Project and Infrastructure Finance Group, told ABC News. "FEMA is the key source of aid following a natural disaster, but much of the costs to repair and rebuild damaged property will be borne by property insurers who will benefit from $2 billion of state-funded reinsurance."

The cost to be a home or condo owner just in insurance is becoming very important and we in the homewatching industry are striving to help with ongoing knowledge and expertise to help these owners have representation while they’re away! If a homewatch expert (by being present), can help stabilize and even one day…lower insurance costs then all the better!!

By Russell Miller

In addition to the direct impact on insurance costs, hurricanes can also have a ripple effect on the local economy, including the real estate market. If the damage caused by Hurricane Ian was particularly severe in certain areas, it could lead to a decrease in property values and a decline in home sales, which could further impact insurance rates and availability.

HAO FEES MUST INCREASE… Florida LAW!

Florida's Senate Bill SB 4-D was passed in May 2022, making it mandatory for all Florida condominium and cooperative buildings, three stories or higher, to undergo milestone inspections, structural inspections, to no longer allow for the waiver or reduction in the funding of reserves, as well as submit specific budgets. ** Hopefully a real measure to ELIMINATE SURPRISE ASSESSMENTS for GOOD! By disallowing this practice, the legislation will force owners to recognize that the true cost of living in an association must include healthy amounts of reserve funding—it’s the only way to reliably offset the ongoing effects of deterioration of building components.

This new trend to “preventive budgeting”, I believe, is far overdue and a strong signal to all of us Florida property owners to privately build.. our own reserves!

▸ Russell Miller, contributing author and CEO of Ice Palm International Concierge and Consulting. Russell is also a Florida licensed Realtor, part of the Sklar Team at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Ice Palm is a one-stop shop

How to Grip a Golf Club Correctly

By Dean Sklar, PGA Professional

The golf grip is often overlooked when trying to cure a slice or any other problem with a shot for that matter. Knowing the correct way to grip a golf club could help you see an end to your hooks and slices and have you on your way to a lower handicap.

One thing I often see when people have problems with their grip is they tend to hold it too much in their palm. Gripping the golf club too much in the palm leads to a loss of wrist action, which is a great source of power. Limiting the wrist action will lead to a loss of power and feel in the golf club. The fingers are the most sensitive parts of our hands. Placing the golf club more in the fingers than the palms results in an increased amount of wrist hinge, which means longer tee shots and more feel.

You don’t have to grip it hard to hit it hard! So many times, I see people choking their clubs to death to try and hit it longer. In actual fact gripping the club this hard can seriously decrease the distance you get on your shots.

The Vardon grip is a popular way of holding the golf club and it is seen as a proper golf grip for distance. Many pros use this grip today, but it was made popular by a golfer known as Harry Vardon way back at the turn of the 20th century. This golf grip is taught by many professional golf instructors to beginners, and it’s ideal for getting players to grip the club in their fingers rather than their palms.

To use the Vardon grip, all you do is overlap the pinky of your trailing hand (in a right-handed golfer’s case, the right hand is the trailing hand) and place it between the middle and index finger of the lead hand (which is the left for a right-handed golfer). The lead hand thumb should fit in the lifeline of the trailing hand. This works especially well for players with large hands.

Make sure that when looking down at address, you can see the first two knuckles of your left hand and a “V” formed between the thumb and forefinger pointing toward your right shoulder. With the right hand, have the “V” pointing toward your chin or slightly to the right shoulder. Trust me, this works!

This Interlock grip literally locks the hands together, but the golfer also runs the risk of having the handle stray into the palms of the hands. People with medium sized hands, weak forearms and wrists, and beginners in many cases prefer this style of grip.

To apply the interlocking grip, you start off by taking the little finger on the trailing hand (the trailing hand is the right hand for right handed golfers) and intertwine it with the index finger on the lead hand. The lead hand’s thumb should fit perfectly into the lifeline of the trailing hand.

In every sport, physical strength and conditioning are important to succeed. Golf is no different. Strong forearms and wrists are essential for golf success and they play a huge part in developing a proper golf grip.

▸ PGA Professional Dean Sklar is a member of the Quarter Century Club of the PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 25 years. If you would like to talk to Dean about your golf game, contact him at Dean@SklarTeam.com or visit Rose and Dean Sklar at Coldwell Banker online at www.SklarTeam.com.

RECENT RESULTS

Hollywood – Neighborhood: Oakridge

Claim Type: Tropical Storm - Roof damage and Interior Leaks Insurance Company Original Offer: $1,500 Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters Settlement: $86,000 (NEW ROOF)

Percentage Increase: +5600%