Calendar...........................................3A Classified....................................5B-6B Cooper.............................................4A Food...........................................1B-2B
Health...............................................7B Laurenzo’s........................................1B Lifestyles..........................................4B Real Estate.................................5B-6B
T H U R S D AY, J U LY 7 , 2 0 1 6 • 1 6 PA G E S • V O L U M E 1 4 • I S S U E 4 2
AVENTURA • BAL HARBOUR • DANIA BEACH • HALLANDALE BEACH • HOLLYWOOD • NORTH MIAMI BEACH • PEMBROKE PINES • PEMBROKE PARK • SURFSIDE • SUNNY ISLES BEACH
Local flooding is an expensive proposition Coastal communities are fighting a never-ending battle By Larry Blustein sfsuntimes@aol.com It happens just like that. You go into a store or restaurant – for maybe 20 minutes – and when you come out, you can’t get to your car. Everyone knows that south Florida is certainly in the crosshairs for storms and heavy downpours during the summer months, but you would also believe that being in this area would make city officials, anywhere, be more prepared. As many watched what has happened in West Virginia in the past week, residents wonder if that type of flooding could happen here. That is a question that only local city officials can address, up and down the Atlantic Ocean corridor. What has happened in many communities is that the infrastructure of the city is starting to crumble – just because of the antiquated drainage systems. Colleen Hernandez works on the
west side of Hallandale Beach and knows that hard rains cause immediate street flooding in some areas, especially where she works along Ansin Blvd. “Two weeks ago, the skies got dark, the thunder and lightning came and it poured,” she recalled. “When we went out, you couldn’t get to your car across the parking lot without taking your shoes off and rolling up your jeans. That is crazy.” Stories like that do get back to city officials. But there is no guarantee that it will be taken care of right away. Cities such as Hallandale Beach have spent plenty of money completely getting drainage under control. The northeast section went through a costly upgrade recently. “Being a seaside community is something that others couldn’t understand if
Flooding, Page 3A
Big time events continue Is your condo to bring plenty of visitors making you sick? By Larry Blustein sfsuntimes@aol.com The new faze when it comes to marketing is to make a holiday more than just that date. Last weekend, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach celebrated three days of the Fourth of July. Freedom Fest brought together south Florida for three days – and by the end of the July 4th racing card – all thumbs were up! At the same time, Mardi Gras Casino, also made this a weekend to remember on Saturday and Sunday – with music, food, fun, fireworks and the fifth annual hot dog eating contest. What Gulfstream Park and Mardi Gras did last weekend is what this area needs more of - year round. As everyone knows the economy has still not recovered for many businesses, having events that bring people in is what has to happen. “There was a time when many of the businesses in Hallandale Beach and surrounding areas did well enough during the season,” Martin Miller, a 22-year resident of Hallandale Beach explained. “But times have changed, and those summer months that used to be a time to kick back and stop advertising locally, are now vital to the survival of so many of us.” Having events at Mardi Gras, Gulfstream or any other location is always going to come with a positive ending, especially because of the roads traveled to and from destinations out of the area; give many of these local communities a chance to showcase their businesses. Having food trucks every week like Hollywood does, street festivals and other events that bring in the visitors and resi-
Free Mold Inspection With Insurance Claim
Freedom Fest From racing to food options – indoor and outside on the property; giveaways and fireworks, everything was geared at lower prices, tremendous deals and making sure that families enjoyed the three days. With racing always taking center stage,
An entire apartment building can become “sick” from water leaks which turn into mold causing respiratory problems, headaches and rashes in some people. But mold from leaks can also be served up a la carte, one apartment at a time. Although both new and old apartments are at risk, experts say water leak problems are increasingly cropping up in new-construction apartments. Sealed up more tightly, "they don't breathe as much, and if there is some kind of leak or water damage, mold can grow," says 1st Priority, a water damage and mold remediator, a South Florida based property damage restoration company. With 1st Priority’s stateof-the-art infrared scanning equipment, they can help find your leak spots. It’s always easier and less expensive to find the problem sooner than later. 1st Priority gave us the scoop on the top 3 important
Events, Page 6A
1st Priority, Page 3B
Mardi Gras Casino continued its Independence Day tradition as a large crowd showed up for the hot dog eating contest. This year, the winner was Joseph Menchetti, who consumed 14 hot dogs and buns. dents alike, is certainly a position.
With 1st Priority’s state-of-the-art infrared scanning equipment they can help find your leak spots. It’s always easier and less expensive to find the problem sooner than later.
HOLLYWOOD
HEALTH
HALLANDALE BEACH
KODNER GALLERIES
KEEPING HOLLYWOOD BEAUTIFUL THIS YEAR, 5B
TIPS FOR BUG FREE SUMMER MONTHS, 7B
CITY MANAGER PRESENTS 2017 BUDGET, 8B
ANTIQUES & MUCH MORE IN DANIA BEACH, 2A