Momentum is starting to pickup nationally when it comes to driving and cell phone usage. On Sunday, the state of Nevada followed several other states with a complete phone ban while driving. No talking or texting, and there is no pulling over on interstate highways to use the phone, either. Could it happen in Florida? Let the battle begin!
Starting this past Sunday, Jan. 1, it is now illegal to use a cellular telephone while driving in the state of Nevada. Caught once, you owe $50, twice and you will have to fork over $150. The third time, you are not only fined but could lose your license for up to six months. Would that ever happen here? How long would it take to pass the law, and then once the law is passed, the process of giving warning after
Larry Blustein
warning until it is time to do what Nevada and other states are now doing? The answer is way too long
and way too much manpower at a very tough economic time. As Floridians are starting to feel the pressure nationally from many groups, trying to ban texting, they are now faced with the reality that the cell phone - the umbilical cord to all of our lives - could be limited as well. From a safety standpoint, just like red light cameras, banning phone usage while operating a motor vehicle, makes plenty of sense. But sense is
‘TIS THE SEASON
Even in a tight economy, South Florida remains a popular destination
By Larry Blustein Sun Times Take a ride around Hallandale Beach, Aventura, Dania Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Hollywood or any other area in South Florida the past two weeks and thereʼs that feeling of recovery taking place. With businesses really straining to make it through the tough summer, these cooler months when visitors head to our area are what we look for when gathering momentum. Everyone knows money is tight and the economy is far ––––––––––––––––––– SEASON, Page 5A
One of the local businesses that does a tremendous job of promoting and having events that attract visitors is Mardi Gras Racing & Casino. The past two weeks have watched record crowds head to the Hallandale Beach facility.
“You don’t know what it’s like to walk around in shorts and a T-shirt days after Christmas.” Eileen Miller, Chicago
BROWARD DENTAL
There are so many questions you want to ask your dentist, but for some reason, you never get the chance. One of the major things patients want to know is about replacing those silver fillings that we got when we were younger. Hereʼs your answer, Page 1C.
NO TEXTING OR TALKING?
Florida could follow other states who have banned phone usage while driving
not the issue here. We all understand that threatening people who text with fines is a great gesture, but outside of being in a major accident, there is no way to monitor
tory. Waste of time! The ban on cell phone usage is also a great way to save countless lives, but again, this is not a so–––––––––––––––––––– BLUSTEIN, Page 7A
BETH DAVID MEMORIAL GARDENS & LEVITT-WEINSTEIN MEMORIAL CHAPELS & CEMETERIES
Beth David Memorial Gardens is growing to meet the needs of our community. Not only are they expanding their Private Family Estates, which allows the opportunity for the families to personalize and “build to suite “their individual desires. In addition, a new monument section is also being developed to assure those –––––––––––––––––– MEMORIAL, 3A
Mark Ginsberg- Funeral Chapel Manager, Shari Bradley- Assistant Sales Manager,LMC and Marketing Director Marc Rubin- Area Sales Director.
Our family is here to serve your family
HALLANDALE BEACH
If you are a visitor in town, or a resident who has never had the opportunity to visit the historic Curci House, this is the weekend to check out over 100 years of history. For more on tour times, directions and what you will see, check out Page 6C.
texting, without spending more of the taxpayer dollars. Get pulled over by a police, and as they are jotting down your license plate, you can easily erase the his-
1ST PRIORITY
It doesnʼt take much time for a water leak to do extensive damage to your home or business. In fact, it can happen just hours after the leak occurs. 1st Priority Restoration can find the leak and fix it quickly, using the latest technology. Page 1D.