Sun Times Issue 05 07 20

CORONAVIRUS ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) COVID19 Call Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1 (866) 779-6121 or email your questions to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Acqua Bistro Delivery.......................5A Carini’s Mother’s Day.......................7A Classified........................................10A Elite Auction.....................................3A AVENTURA ALERT 8A

Hallandale Beach.......................4A, 8A Hollywood........................................8A Kodner Galleries...............................2A Sunny Isles Beach.....................6A, 7A HOLLYWOOD ALERT 8A

MAY 7, 2020 • 10 PAGES • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 32

SUNNY ISLES BEACH ALERT 6A / 7A

HALLANDALE BEACH ALERT 4A / 8A

Your comfort level should begin to rise as state and local officials restore access to their beaches, parks, and public libraries, and allow certain kinds of businesses to reopen, including barbershops, beauty parlors, gyms, and dine-in restaurants.

Just Because You’re Wearing a Mask

Class of 2020 BCPS Announces Virtual Graduation Ceremonies Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent Robert W. Runcie announced plans for virtual graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020.

Your Freedoms Don’t Have to Be Muzzled

By John W. Whitehead

“If 2019 was the year of the street protest, of tear gas and rubber bullets, 2020 might be the year the street protest died, or perhaps fell into a deep sleep, and went online.” — Journalist Christopher Miller Despite all appearances to the contrary, martial law has not been declared in America.

We still have rights.

Technically, at least.

The government may act as if its police state powers suppress individual liberties during this COVID-19 pandemic, but for all intents and purposes, the Constitution—especially the battered, besieged Bill of Rights— still stands in theory, if not in practice.

Indeed, while federal and state governments have adopted specific restrictive measures in an effort to lockdown the nation and decelerate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the current public health situation has not resulted in the suspension of fundamental constitutional rights such as freedom of speech and the right of assembly.

Mind you, that’s not to say that the government has not tried Muzzled, Page 5A

be anticipated.

Before traveling within the U.S., inquire with the health department in the state(s) to and through which you plan to travel.

Some will keep restrictions in place longer than others.

If you plan an international trip, check with the U.S. State Department and your destination’s embassy in the U.S. about conditions where you are going.

Also consult your own primarycare doctor and any specialists who follow you regularly.

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) announces dates for the Class of 2020 virtual graduation ceremonies, scheduled to take place from June 15 – 28. Each graduation ceremony will broadcast live on BECON-TV and stream live via YouTube so family and friends, local and across the country, will be able to join in celebrating this milestone achievement of their seniors.

All ceremonies will provide the traditional pomp and circumstance, including speeches by student representatives, School Board members, District and school administrators, roll call of graduates and other school graduation traditions.

The decision for virtual graduation ceremonies came after meetings between administrators, teachers and student leaders to provide input and consider graduation options.

BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie said in his letter to the Class of 2020, “With the education and training you have received, you are well prepared to be successful on whatever

Pandemic, Page 7A

Class of 2020, Page 7A

Looking Ahead Life After The Pandemic

By George Leposky

In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a bewildering time.

While demonstrators clamor for the world to reopen, health experts say we’re not yet ready. Whom to believe?

I listen to the health experts.

My dog compels me to don a mask and become an “essential walker” several times a day, but otherwise I stay home and wonder when I’ll be able once again to roam and wander freely. So do a lot of other people.

To help you make that crucial decision, I offer the following

checklist: Wait until authoritative sources agree. For a return to activities of everyday life and for domestic U.S. travel, that means at a minimum the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

For further validation, look to the World Health Organization and the public health agencies in Canada and the UK, from which reasoned assessments free of American political wrangling may

For the near future, sanitizing yourself and your home will be the new norm, so arm yourself with the facts from professionals, this will help decrease your anxiety. 1st Priority Restoration should be the first responder following damage to your home by water from a leak or a fire. They specialize in Water Damage Restoration, Leak Detection, Mold Testing, & Sanitizing.

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There Will Be A Totally New Normal, 4A

and other major events. The job of a restoration company is to clean up the mess and to preserve and protect the home and its contents so that further dam-

How To Make Mother’s Day From Anywhere, 6A

age will not occur. Flood damage can be found in any geographical area, regardless of elevation. The causes of flooding can range from natural disasters to burst

pipes or sewer lines. Regardless of the cause, restoration professionals are called upon to repair Sanitizing, Page 9A

Kodner Galleries Antiques and Much More, 2A

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The beaches have remained closed, this will be addressed by the counties. We as a city have had to keep kicking people off the beach. We really need everyone to follow the rules. COVID-19 is still out there. It is an invisible non discriminating threat. We know that people are wanting to get back to normal, but public safety is the paramount duty for us. There are many people that are scared and at high risk in our city. This is the time when we need to continue to unite.

There Will Be a Totally New Normal Pools, Parks, and What’s Open

By Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper

Last week Governor DeSantis announced that he would be lifting the Stay at Home Order only for the northern part of the state for Phase I. The “Stay at Home” HAS NOT been lifted in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. This announcement set off some what of a fire storm of confusion. As I wrote last week the Mayors of Broward were briefed on a call the Friday before that the four counties would be looking towards opening Parks, Marinas, and Golf Courses only. On Monday, all four counties made the announcement around 4 pm.

The “lift” is ONLY on these activities and would be effective April 30th. There was one huge differ-

ence between Broward and the other counties, BROWARD HAS ALLOWED POOLS in HOAs and Condominiums to open. This change came with specific caveats. Pools, Pool Decks and open-air common areas surrounding the pools could be opened. The restrictions are as follows. The areas can only be used by current residents of the housing development. The sixfoot social distancing requirements from the CDC must be practiced. Only 50% capacity allowed. Hand sanitizer stations must be provided. Masks must be worn to and from the pool.

The use of the pool deck must be supervised by employees or a designee for the hours it is open to ensure compliance.

Furnishings and all other pool amenities must be cleaned regularly. If it is not feasible for some buildings to have a full-time employee or designee, all furnishing must be removed.

Over the past week I have been fielding calls about pools. I have to say that this decision is strictly up to your condominium board. They know you, your neighbors and the building operations. Some condominium boards have decided to open and others have not. If you want, you should share this with your board of directors.

The other amenities that can be open in buildings are the tennis courts. This is only for single play only. All other amenities are to remain closed. No gyms,

spas, kiddy pools, or club house card rooms. Common areas are still subject to no groups larger than 10.

Our city has opened some of the parks for walking and jogging only. Joe Scavo Park, BF James Park, Foster Park, Foster Plaza, Ingalls Park and Peter Bluesten Park. In an abundance of caution these openings are only from 7am to 9am and then 4pm to 6pm. No other park amenities have been opened. Facial covering are required. To date it has been going well. There were a few incidents that people were turned away for not having facial coverings. Other then that it has been well received and the orders have been followed.

Now to the other big ques-

tions.

The beaches have remained closed. This will be addressed by the counties. We as a city have had to keep kicking people off the beach. We really need everyone to follow the rules. COVID-19 is still out there. It is an invisible non discriminating threat. We know that people are wanting to get back to normal, but public safety is the paramount duty for us. There are many people that are scared and at high risk in our city. This is the time when we need to continue to unite. Over the next weeks our city will be looking at what we can open up safely. These openings need to be well thought out and planned. Public health must come first. The one department we are looking to open is the Building Department. Staff is beginning to install Plexiglas barriers, and change the seating floor plan in our city hall lobby. In addition we are planning to have temporary seating in our breezeway.

No other businesses are being planned to open yet. We know people want to get back to work and residents are wanting to have access to services. I along with the City Manager are still working under the emergency declarations. We will be focused on realistic safe goals.

For our local businesses I have asked the chamber and our staff to put together the Mayors Task Force for reopening. The goal being to establish best practices and regulations that can be implemented and most importantly enforced. There will be a totally new normal. Our priority will be public safety.

I encourage our readers to visit the city website at www.cohb.org/covid for all updated information as this situation continues to be very fluid.

As always, I am available anytime with your questions and concerns via phone/text 954-632-5700 or you can email me at jcooper@cohb.org.

Please visit my Facebook MayorJoyCooper that has been reactivated. Like it, friend it, share it.

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This is what happens when you adopt red flag gun laws, From Page 1A which Maryland did in 2018, painting anyone who might be in possession of a gun - legal or its best to weaponize this crisis otherwise - as a threat that must as it has weaponized so many be neutralized. other crises in order to expand These red flag gun laws allow its powers and silence its critics. the police to remove guns from All over the country, governpeople merely suspected of ment officials are using COVIDbeing threats.

19 restrictions to muzzle protestWhile in theory it appears perers. fectly reasonable to want to It doesn’t matter what the “stop dangerous people before protest is about (church assemthey act,” where the problem blies, the right to work, the timing arises is when you put the power for re-opening the country, disto determine who is a potential content over police brutality, danger in the hands of governetc.): this is activity the First ment agencies, the courts and Amendment protects vocifthe police. erously with only one qualificaRemember, this is the same tion—that it be peaceful. government that uses the words Yet even peaceful protesters “anti-government,” “extremist” mindful of the need to adhere to and “terrorist” interchangeably. social distancing guidelines This is the same government because of this COVID-19 are whose agents are spinning a being muzzled, arrested and sticky spider-web of threat fined. assessments, behavioral sensing For example, a Maryland famwarnings, flagged “words,” and “suspicious” While federal and state governments have adopted activity reports using automated eyes and ears, specific restrictive measures in an effort to social media, behavior software, and citilockdown the nation and decelerate the spread of sensing zen spies to identify potential threats. the COVID-19 virus, the current public health This is the same govsituation has not resulted in the suspension of ernment that keeps rethe National fundamental constitutional rights such as freedom upping Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which allows the of speech and the right of assembly. military to arrest and detain American citizens ily was reportedly threatened when most people are asleep in with no access to friends, family with up to a year in jail and a bed, not to mention stuck at or the courts if the government $5000 fine if they dared to pub- home as part of a nationwide believes them to be a threat.

This is the same government licly protest the injustice of their lockdown?

According to police, they were that has a growing list—shared son’s execution by a SWAT tipped off that Lemp was in pos- with fusion centers and law team. enforcement agencies—of ideIf anyone had a legitimate rea- session of “firearms.”

So instead of approaching the ologies, behaviors, affiliations son to get out in the streets and protest, it’s the Lemp family, house by the front door at a rea- and other characteristics that whose 21-year-old son Duncan sonable hour in order to inves- could flag someone as suswas gunned down in his bed- tigate this complaint - which is picious and result in their being room during an early morning, what the Fourth Amendment labeled potential enemies of the instead state. no-knock SWAT team raid on his requires—police strapped on their guns, loaded Let that sink in a moment. family’s home. up their flash bang grenades and If you believe in and exercise Imagine it. your rights under the It was 4:30 a.m. on March 12, acted like battle-crazed warriors.

This is the blowback from all Constitution (namely, your right 2020, in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic that has most of the that military weaponry flowing to to speak freely, worship freely, associate with like-minded indicountry under a partial lockdown domestic police departments.

This is what happens when viduals who share your political and sheltering at home, when this masked SWAT team - you use SWAT teams to carry out views, criticize the government, own a weapon, demand a wardeployed to execute a “high risk” routine search warrants.

Muzzled

search warrant for unauthorized firearms—stormed the suburban house where 21-year-old Duncan, a software engineer and Second Amendment advocate, lived with his parents and 19year-old brother.

The entire household, including Lemp and his girlfriend, was reportedly asleep when the SWAT team directed flash bang grenades and gunfire through Lemp’s bedroom window.

Lemp was killed and his girlfriend injured.

No one in the house that morning, including Lemp, had a criminal record.

No one in the house that morning, including Lemp, was considered an “imminent threat” to law enforcement or the public, at least not according to the search warrant.

Now what was so urgent that militarized police felt compelled to employ battlefield tactics in the pre-dawn hours of a day

rant before being questioned or searched, or any other activity viewed as potentially antigovernment, racist, bigoted, anarchic or sovereign), you are most likely at the top of the government’s terrorism watch list.

Moreover, as a New York Times editorial warns, you may be an anti-government extremist (a.k.a. domestic terrorist) in the eyes of the police if you are afraid that the government is plotting to confiscate your firearms, if you believe the economy is about to collapse and the government will soon declare martial law, or if you display an unusual number of political and/or ideological bumper stickers on your car.

Needless to say, if you happen to be passionate about the Constitution and a vocal critic of government corruption, you’ve already been flagged in a government database somewhere.

Likely, Lemp was, too.

Now Lemp is dead and his family is devastated, outraged and desperate to make sense of what appears to be an insensible act of violence resulting in an inexcusable loss of life.

As usual in these kinds of shootings, government officials have not been forthcoming with details about the shooting: police have refused to meet with family members, the contents of the warrant supporting the raid have not been revealed, and bodycam footage of the raid has not been disclosed.

So in order to voice their objections to police violence and demand answers about the shooting, Lemp’s family and friends planned to conduct an outdoor public demonstration— adhering to social distancing guidelines—only to be threatened with arrest, a year in jail and a $5000 fine for violating Maryland’s stay at home orders.

Yet here’s the thing: we don’t have to be muzzled and remain silent about government corruption, violence and misconduct just because we’re wearing masks and social distancing.

That’s not the point of this whole COVID-19 exercise, or is it?

While there is a moral respon-

sibility to not endanger other lives with our actions, that does not mean relinquishing all of our freedoms.

Be responsible in how you exercise your freedoms, but don’t allow yourselves to be muzzled or your individual freedoms to be undermined.

Understandably, no one wants to talk about individual freedoms when tens of thousands of people the world over are dying, and yet we must.

The decisions we make right now—about freedom, commerce, free will, how we care for the least of these in our communities, what it means to provide individuals and businesses with a safety net, how far we allow the government to go in “protecting” us against this virus, etc.—will haunt us for a long time to come.

At times like these, when emotions are heightened, fear dominates, common sense is in short supply, liberty takes a backseat to public safety, and democratic societies approach the tipping point towards mob rule, there is a tendency to cast those who exercise their individual freedoms (to freely speak, associate, assemble, protest, pursue a living, engage in commerce, etc.) as foolishly reckless, criminally selfish, or outright villains. Sometimes that is true, but not always.

As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People, there is always a balancing test between individual freedoms and the communal good.

What we must figure out is how to strike a balance that allows us to protect those who need protecting without leaving us chained and in bondage to the police state.

We must find ways to mitigate against this contagion needlessly claiming any more lives and crippling any more communities, but let’s not lose our heads: blindly following the path of least resistance — acquiescing without question to whatever the government dictates—can only lead to more misery, suffering and the erection of a totalitarian regime in which there is no balance.

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City of Sunny Isles Beach Reopens Select Parks The City of Sunny Isles Beach has reopened six select parks this past Wednesday, May 6. The City has prepared the necessary staff, logistics, and supplies in order to safely reopen parks for residents, following Miami-Dade County’s order on April 27 allowing some parks and recreational facilities to open under limited circumstances.

The parks that are open: • Gateway Park, 151 Sunny Isles Blvd.

• Heritage Park, 19200 Collins Ave. • Intracoastal Parks, 16100 Collins Ave. • Samson Oceanfront Park, • 17425 Collins Ave. • Senator Gwen Margolis Park, • 17815 North Bay Road • Town Center Park, 17200 Collins Ave.

The City of Sunny Isles Beach has reopened six select parks this past Wednesday, May 6. The parks will be open only to Sunny Isles Beach residents who are performing passive activities and practicing social distancing. it is important that we have rules and guidelines in place to keep our community safe. In order to mitigate a large number of residents crowding the parks at the same time, the City will follow a usage schedule based on the resident’s home address.

Residents living in even numbered houses or apartments may visit parks on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Residents living in odd numbered houses or apartments may visit parks on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

The parks will be open only to Sunny Isles Beach residents who are performing passive activities and practicing social distancing.

Facial coverings are required for

all individuals inside the park, except for children under two years old. Minors must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the park and no groups larger than 10 people of the same family may gather in one place. Park use is encouraged to be one hour or less. The activities that are allowed at the parks include walking, running, stretching, and exercise.

Sidewalks and walkways will have directional signage to minimize cross contact. Restrooms at the park will be open for only one person or family at a time and will be sanitized throughout each day.

Tables, fitness equipment, playgrounds, water fountains,

How To Make Mother’s Day From Anywhere

their ad in this weeks Sun Times page 5A or call for a selection of delicious Mother’s Day options available, 954-589-1796.

In addition, the City will institute a new area for young children to ride bicycles safely: Bicycle Zone under the William Lehman Causeway.

The parks will be open every day except Tuesdays. The hours of operation for these locations are as follows: Daily Hours (except Tuesdays): 9 a.m. – noon and 4 – 8 p.m., and Senior Priority Hours: 8 – 9 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Due to the high density of our city and the nature of our parks,

If You’re Together or If You’re Apart For many Americans, this May 10 will be a Mother’s Day like no other. Some families have been home together for weeks and developed a new appreciation for all their mother does. Others are unable to see their mothers in person due to social distancing or just because of time, finances and distance. Fortunately, in all cases, there are ways to show Mom how much you care.

If You’re Together If the lady in your life has been working from home, on the front lines as an essential worker, home schooling and housekeeping, while keeping everyone healthy and happy, you can show you know all the effort that takes with a great gift. For example, Dads, kids and others can offer to take on her chores for a

week. Give her a home spa day: do her nails, style her hair. Make dinner. Bake cookies. Create a handmade card full of heartfelt sentiments, popsicle stick jewelry box or clay bowl. One such plan lets her learn flower arranging through a live-streamed workshop from 1-800Flowers.com and Alice’s Table (alicestable.com).

Order In Many local restaurants such as Carini’s Pizza & Pasta offer pick-up and delivery. Carini’s is offering a Mother’s Day Special for $45.99. Check out their ad specials in this weeks edition page 7A for the delicious selections available, or call 954-4574444. Also available for curbside pick-up and curbside delivery is Acqua Bistro, you can check out

bicycle racks, and water features at each park will remain closed until further notice. The Bone Zone dog park at Senator Gwen Margolis Park and the dog area at Heritage Park will also remain closed. No animals are permitted in the park with the exception of recognized service animals.

Parking garages and lots at each park remain open only to Sunny Isles Beach residents. Parking fees continue to be enforced.

The City is implementing strict enforcement of social distancing and all rules, and offenders are subject to penalties and fines.

City staff will be monitoring each park and will require those not following the rules to leave.

Golden Shores Park, Pelican

Community Park, and the Newport Fishing Pier remain closed to the public until further notice. The beach in Sunny Isles Beach also remains closed to the public until further notice as ordered by Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 06-20.

For more information about the reopening of Sunny Isles Beach parks and to read Emergency Order 06-20 detailing the conditions, visit sibfl.net/ openings.

For the latest information about the City’s coronavirus response efforts, visit sibfl.net/coronavirus.

The City of Sunny Isles Beach, incorporated in 1997, occupies 1.78 square miles in the northeastern corner of Miami-Dade County. Located on a barrier island bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the city provides a full range of municipal services: public safety, ocean rescue, building, zoning and planning, code compliance, transportation, maintenance of roads and parking facilities, parks, recreation and cultural programs, and government and administrative services. For more information about Sunny Isles Beach, visit sibfl.net or call 305.947.0606.

If You’re Apart Keep in mind this advice: “At its core, gift-giving is the practice of turning feelings such as love, warmth, appreciation and pride into physical keepsakes,” writes Mara Leighton on Business Insider.com. “It’s one of the too few opportunities to convey to loved ones just how much we really love them.”

One way to do that is to send flowers. You can quickly and easily order her favorite blooms at any time, though earlier is better to ensure ontime delivery.

Consider a lush, healthy plant and give mom an opportunity to flex her green thumb. What’s more, scientists say plants add oxygen to the room and having greenery around may reduce stress.

You can also give her a gift that keeps on giving to children everywhere. This Mother’s Day, 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. will

For many Americans, this May 10 will be a Mother’s Day like no other.

Some families have been home together for weeks and developed a new appreciation for all their mother does. Many local restaurants such as Carini’s Pizza & Pasta & Acqua Bistro offer pick-up and delivery each day and especially for Mother’s Day. contribute $1 (up to $50,000) to the nonprofit No Kid Hungry for everyone who shares a Mother’s Day note of thanks and a photo.

No Kid Hungry ensures kids nationwide get the meals they

need during school closures and beyond.

Share your #ThankfulforMom story at 1800Flowers.com/thankful-formom.

Retiring Gastroenterologist Ira R. Lefkof, MD., F.A.C.G., is retiring from gastroenterology clinical practice and closing his office located at 3700 Washington Street, Suite 402, Hollywood, Florida, 33021 as of May 15, 2020.

Dr. Lefkof is happy to inform everyone that Howard Baikovitz, M.D., will be the custodian of Dr. Lefkof’s patient medical records and will be most happy to provide continued gastroenterology care to all of Dr. Lefkof’s patients.Ê Dr. Lefkof highly recommends that his patients follow-up with Dr. Baikovitz.Ê

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Patients may obtain copies of their medical records or make an appointment for continuing care by contacting Dr. Baikovitz directly.Ê Dr. Baikovitz may be reached at 603 N. Flamingo Road, Suite 258, Pembroke Pines, Florida, 33028, (954) 430-2343.

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Message from Sunny Isles Beach Mayor, George “Bud” Scholl I want to thank all of the residents who have reached out and let me know of your perspectives and desires regarding the relaxation of some of the current restrictions within our city. As you all know, my family and I are also residents of the City, so we too feel the frustration that many of the current policies have created. It is a very difficult time in all of our lives. In addition to the burden of social isolation policies, many of us are also experiencing economic hardships in spite of the attempts by the federal and state government to bring economic relief. Given the closure of schools and daycare centers, those that have been able to maintain their jobs may now have the added burden of childcare. These pressures are not lost on me and I am very sorry that our community is experiencing such hardships.

As some of you know, in addition to being your Mayor, I am also the President and CEO of OneBlood. OneBlood is a notfor-profit that I have spent the last eight years building into one of the largest blood centers in the country. I bring this up to provide you with the understanding that, given my unique responsibilities of overseeing the blood supply for our region of the country, I am also in a position that regularly puts me and my organization in contact with many of the health officials and political policy makers in our state and federal governments. As was indicated in one of the letters I recently received, as a city, we did indeed act early relative to other county and municipal governments. This was largely because I had become aware of the necessity to act quickly because of my role at OneBlood.

I bring all this to light because I am very concerned about our response as a city, region and state to how we will approach “opening up” in the near and medium term. Just because we are frustrated with isolation, or that the State figures indicate only seven COVID-19 cases within our city (which reported data can be very inaccurate), or that the death toll is decreasing, does not mean it will be safe to relax the current measures we have all worked so hard to maintain. The fact is there is no discernible scientific data to suggest it is time to “open up.”

There is a lot of public pressure on our political, medical and scientific leadership to get things back to normal. Moving too quickly may create a meaningful increase in deaths and will certainly cause a resurgence in cases of mild to critically ill patients. OneBlood was one of the first blood centers in the country to start collecting and distributing COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP), so I have been tracking many of these cases.

Although CCP has saved many patients, the virus is still very deadly, even with therapies such as CCP and some of the drugs that are currently in clinical trials.

Finally, research has indicated that many of us have had the virus, yet did not exhibit any symptoms, and unknowingly spread it. These asymptomatic cases are further reasons to maintain our current course until wider-spread testing and tracing is available and the infection rates show a consistent decrease over time.

So what does all this mean for our city and my decisions as your Mayor? We need to take our time and only open those amenities back up that we can properly

Class of 2020 From Page 1A path you take. Our goal is to use technology to make your graduation personal and memorable.” Additional plans for recognizing the Class of 2020 and celebrating seniors are forthcoming. Graduates and parents will receive cap and gown information and specific graduation plans from their respective schools. To view the Class of 2020 virtual full graduation schedule, visit browardschools.com/graduationschedule.

Virtual Graduation Ceremony Schedule School Date / Time Boyd Anderson High School...........Thur, June 18, 2020............4 p.m.

Cooper City High School.................Tuesday, June 16, 2020......4 p.m.

Dillard 6-12 High School................Sunday, June 21, 2020 .......4 p.m.

Everglades High School.................Friday, June 19, 2020..........4 p.m.

Flanagan High School....................Saturday, June 27, 2020.....7 p.m.

manage to ensure that our residents can be safe and maintain their responsibility for social distancing. This is why we will be opening our parks on a limited basis starting next Wednesday and did not immediately align with the County. Most of our recreation employees were reassigned to our Parks division and are currently being trained to ensure that, when they are opened, everyone using our parks is safe and order is maintained.

There have been a lot of questions regarding the reopening of the beach. As most of you know, the City does not have jurisdiction over the beach. We have been dialoging with the County on a regular basis regarding strategies to provide access to the beach. However, we cannot make the decision to open the beach for our residents only, or any other select group, as many have written and called to request. When the beach is opened, even if on a limited use basis, we will not be able to restrict access and we will need to have sufficient personnel in place to enforce social distancing and limited use policies. Given the huge impact access to the beach will have on all our communities, the County must coordinate all beaches to open at the same time with the same guidelines. This will likely include Broward County as well. An isolated opening in any one area will bring an overwhelming amount of people to that area and create a very difficult situation to manage. Consequently, our discussions with County Mayor Gimenez have included the surrounding county managers (Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach).

Every county and city that maintains access to a beach must be in a position to

Fort Lauderdale High School..........Monday, June 22, 2020 ......4 p.m.

Hallandale High School..................Monday, June 15, 2020 ......1 p.m.

Hollywood Hills High School...........Saturday, June 20, 2020.....4 p.m.

Lauderhill 6-12..............................Saturday, June 20, 2020. . .10 a.m.

McArthur High School....................Wed., June 24, 2020...........4 p.m.

McFatter Technical College............Saturday, June 20, 2020.....1 p.m.

McFatter Technical High School.....Saturday, June 20, 2020.....1 p.m.

Miramar High School.....................Tuesday, June 16, 2020......7 p.m.

Pompano Beach High School.........Friday, June 19, 2020......... 1 p.m.

Sheridan Technical College............Monday, June 22, 2020.......1 p.m.

Sheridan Technical High School.....Monday, June 22, 2020.......1 p.m.

South Broward High School...........Sunday, June 28, 2020........7 p.m.

South Plantation High School.........Friday, June 19, 2020..........7 p.m.

Stoneman Douglas High School.....Monday, June 15, 2020.......7 p.m.

West Broward High School.............Friday, June 26, 2020..........7 p.m.

Western High School......................Sunday, June 21, 2020........7 p.m.

Learning at a Distance The School District is working remotely as a result of COVID-19. They will not be returning to school for the

provide the enforcement resources to keep those on the beach safe and properly distanced once the beaches are opened, even if the opening is for a limited use basis. I hope this explanation provides some additional clarity on the decisions and coordination necessary when considering reopening beach access.

Concurrently, we are putting in a great deal of effort to determine the best course of action for the reopening of businesses.

Although parks and beach openings are more important to our residents, getting our businesses up and running in a safe and manageable way also needs to be considered as a top priority. As I indicated above, I understand that these are very frustrating times for all of us. Additionally, we all will not likely agree on any one course of action. There are many residents that feel strongly we maintain the current course, with as much social isolation for as long as possible. Those residents have argued against opening up our parks and beaches. However, in the end we are all part of a much broader regional community that will dictate certain actions take place whether we agree with them or not. As described above, my bias is toward putting careful and thoughtful safety measures in place and take relaxing our current restrictions one small step at a time. It is to the benefit of all, especially our most vulnerable population, to take the time to get it right.

I hope this message provides you with some perspective into the events that are shaping my thinking on how to guide our City through these most unprecedented times. As you have heard by now many times – we are all in this together. As your City government, your safety and well–being will always be our highest priority. May God bless all of us.

remainder of the school year. The health, safety, and wellbeing of the employees, students, and their families are paramount. For information on COVID-19 and the school district’s response, please visit browardschools.com/ Coronavirus. If you are looking for activities and resources for you and your children while learning at a distance, please visit browardschools.com/learningnevercloses.

About Broward County Public Schools “Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.” Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS has nearly 270,000 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 89 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com.

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Pandemic From Page 1A Especially if you have pre-existing conditions, your own doctors may have more focused and nuanced insights about when you personally should feel free to resume normal activities or to travel.

In The Neighborhood Your comfort level should begin to rise as state and local officials restore access to their beaches, parks, and public libraries, and allow certain kinds of businesses to reopen, including barbershops, beauty parlors, gyms, and dine-in restaurants. Or maybe not.

I desperately need a haircut, my dog misses his canine friends, and I hate scrubbing pots and pans after dinner every night. Yet, to avoid a nasty disease with a 14-day incubation period, I’ll wait at least that long plus a little more before emerging from my confinement.

The experts need to assure me that adequate testing and contact tracing are being conducted, that hospitals no longer are overwhelmed, and that COVID-19 has become no more of a threat than other diseases with which we’ve been coping for decades. Ultimately, that means a vaccine will have to be developed, approved, and administered to millions of people around the globe, which could take a year or more.

In the interim, I have to weigh the benefits of whatever I do against the risks of contracting COVID-19. You’ll know what I mean if you’re old enough to remember poliomyelitis, a viral disease that killed and paralyzed thousands of people annually until Dr. Jonas Salk introduced the first polio vaccine in 1953.

Precautions En Route If you do decide to travel in the near term, consider a drive-to destination. By

traveling in your own car, you can maintain social distancing on the way. Use hand sanitizer and/or gloves at the gas pump, and consider buying groceries for a picnic in the car as an alternative to restaurant meals.

If you must fly, try to book a direct flight. Changing planes will put you through an airport with travelers from who knows where; some could transmit the virus.

At Your Destination If you’re traveling to a hotel or resort, an obvious prerequisite is that the property is open and ready to receive you. Just in case, ask in advance of your departure whether its recreation center, swimming pool, food-and-beverage services, and other guest amenities also are functioning normally.

Then ask what happens if you become ill while you’re a guest at the hotel or resort. Can it accommodate you while you isolate or quarantine yourself for 14 days, or until you can be tested for COVID-19?

What about other members of your family or group who are traveling with you?

Check, too, on the health-care resources available at or near your destination, and the health-insurance coverage accepted there.

How far from the hotel or resort is its local hospital, and what level of care does that hospital offer? If it’s not a major medical center providing advanced care, how far away is the nearest such facility?

If you’re a member of a health-insurance network and the doctors and hospital treating you aren’t part of that network, you may receive less coverage for your care – or in some cases none at all.

Do this research before you leave home. Shopping for health care while in the grip of a serious disease can put a real damper on your vacation.

George Leposky is a Florida-based business and travel writer.

Mother’s Day Special - May 10, 2020 Dinner For 4 - $45.99 (Pick-up And Delivery Only) Celebrate Mother`s Day A Little Different This Year But Still With Your Carini`s Favorites!!!

DINNER FOR 4 CONSISTS OF: 1) CHOOSE A PASTA: HALF SERVING TRAY • Spagetti • Penne • Linguine

2) CHOOSE A SAUCE: SAUCE ON PASTA • Homemade Marinara Sauce • Meatballs • Creamy Alfredo Sauce • Delicious Meat Sauce • Ala Vodka Sauce (With Capicola, Onions, & Peas) • Carbonara Sauce (With Bacon & Onions) (Can Add Grilled Chicken Or Breaded Chicken $8.00 Upcharge)

3) CHOOSE A SALAD: 8” X 8” SALAD CONTAINER • Garden Salad • Caeser Salad (Dressing On The Side: Blue Cheese, Creamy Italian, Ranch, Or Ceaser)

4) CHOOSE GARLIC ROLLS OR PLAIN: 8 ROLLS • Rolls With Garlic Oil & Parmesan Cheese • Plain Rolls

5) CHOOSE ANY 2 DESSERTS: 2 OF THE SAME OR MIX ANY 2 • Chocolate Madness - Carrot Cake • New York Cheese Cake - Cannoli To help celebrate Mother’s Day, please choose a bottle of house wine on us.

CHOOSE FROM: White Zinfandel (Forest Ville), Chianti (Banfi “Superiore”), Or Pinot Grigio (Caposaldo)

CARRY-OUT AND FREE DELIVERY

814 North Federal Highway, Hallandale, FL 33009

(954) 457-4444 Hours: Sun – Thurs 11:30 am – 9:00 pm Fri & Sat 11:30 am – 10:00 pm Find us on Facebook @ Carini’s Pizza and Pasta

www.carinispasta.com

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Page 8A southfloridasun.net • facebook.com/sfsuntimes • sfsuntimes@aol.com • (954) 458-0635 • Thursday, May 7, 2020

Hallandale Beach Partial Reopening of Parks Florida Enters Phase 1 of Recovery The City of Hallandale Beach has begun the phased reopening of their Park system starting with BF James Park, Foster Park, Foster Park Plaza, Ingalls Parks, Joseph Scavo Park and Peter Bluesten Park. These designated parks and city properties are reopened for walking and/or jogging – patrons are required to ‘Keep Moving’.

The City of Hallandale Beach has begun the phased reopening of their Park system starting with BF James Park, Foster Park, Foster Park Plaza, Ingalls Parks, Joseph Scavo Park and Peter Bluesten Park as well as the City Marina and Hallandale Beach Cemetery.

Beginning this past Thursday, April 30, 2020, the City welcomed its residents to enjoy the reopened parks for walking

and/or jogging only while adhering to specific guidelines and restrictions: All Park ordinances, rules and regulations are in effect. These designated parks and city properties are reopened for walking and/or jogging – patrons are required to ‘Keep Moving’.

Park hours will be 7am – 9am and 4pm – 6pm daily. Parking lots will remain closed to minimize travel and encourage neighborhood use. The City Marina will reopen for boat owner access only, guests are prohibited. The Hallandale Beach Cemetery will reopen for family visitations that comply with all guidelines.

Park visitors are required to enter the parks only through the designated entry gate, and must wear face coverings. Park visitors must maintain physical

distancing in accordance with CDC and FL Department of Health guidelines. Groups of 10 or less will be permitted following physical distancing guidelines.

Visitors are not permitted to use the parks if they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

In support of the passive ‘Keep Moving’ use, the following activities and amenities will remain closed. Please prepare for your park visit accordingly: Restrooms, Playgrounds, Outdoor Fitness equipment, Dog parks, Community Center / Facilities / YMCA, Picnic Shelters / Pavilions, Athletic / Sports Fields, Athletic Courts (Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Racquetball, Bocce, Bankshot Basketball), Swimming Pools, Sports Lighting, Concession Stands, Water Fountains, Park Amenities (Benches, Picnic Tables, Bike

Racks etc). All organized athletic leagues, games, races, practices, pick-up games and tournaments, recreation programs, events, and facility rentals are suspended. Social gathering of groups of 11 or more people are not allowed.

At this time, all public Beaches, Cultural Community Center, Golden Isles Park and Tennis Center (under construction), Gulfstream Academy Athletic Complex, Historic Hallandale School House, Historic Village, North City Beach Park, OB Johnson Park, South City Beach Park, Sunrise Park, Sunset Park, Teen Garden will remain closed.

City Manager Chavarria said “In a limited and measured way, the City is moving slowly and cautiously towards reopening.

Given the social distancing

guidelines and respect for people to make their best judgement, we feel reopening some, not all, of our parks for just walking and jogging will provide an outlet for many Hallandale Beach residents.”

All official COVID-19 messages from the City of Hallandale Beach are available at www.CoHB.org/Corona. Follow the official City social media channels via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Next Door for the latest updates or for information regarding the City.

The City of Hallandale Beach is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the community in a fiscally responsible manner by providing superior services that meet the needs of our community as well as plan for their future needs through continued communication.

®

FastTrac Business Start-Up - Virtual Edition In an effort to develop programming to assist its entrepreneurial and small business community during today’s uncertain economy, the City of Hollywood’s Office of Communications, Marketing & Economic Development (CMED) will be offering a virtual edition of its free FastTrac® Start-Up Program from June through August. Designed to guide earlystage entrepreneurs with the necessary steps to launch a business, this program will also assist existing businesses to develop a plan around new lines of products and services to better adapt to COVID-19 challenges. Registration is now open at https://fasttracstartupinforma tionalwebinar.eventbrite.com/ for the Informational Webinar on Thursday, May 7, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

As a Kauffman FastTrac® affiliate, the City hosts the FastTrac® program to help entrepreneurs refine a business concept, identify the components of a strong business plan, and access the needed resources for launch. At the end of the course,

a new business • Two years of work experience • Access to a computer to participate in the virtual courses and complete assignments • Some market research on the business idea • Commitment to participate in all sessions (approximately 30 classroom hours) and complete prep work (approximately 15-20 hours per week)

completed business plans will be evaluated and the top three will be eligible for seed money grants. Participants in the FastTrac Start-Up Program will also have direct access to subject matter experts with invaluable business know-how. As a top resource for entrepreneurs for the past 27 years, the Kauffman Institute has lowered the barriers to entrepreneurship

with practical learning materials for those aspiring to start a business.

“This summer’s course follows the City’s 1st FastTrac® Start-Up program held last fall, which successfully graduated 17 entrepreneurs,” said CMED Director, Raelin Storey. “We are committed to continuing to present programs that are geared to support the development and

growth of businesses in the City of Hollywood, particularly during this difficult and disruptive time in our economy.” Watch this video (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=0Z8yhdZFULY) to see what previous graduates had to say about their experience.

Eligibility criteria for FastTrac® includes: • A well thought-out idea for

Interested participants must submit a complete application online during the application period beginning May 7 through May 21 for this competitive program. All FastTrac® Start-Up Program sessions will be held through WebEx virtual meetings for accepted applicants from June 2, 2020 through September 10, 2020 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

The FastTrac® Start-Up Program is free and open only to Hollywood residents and businesses. Space is limited.

For more information, contact the City of Hollywood at 954-921-3620 or by email, economicdevelopment@hollywoodfl.org.

City of Aventura will Begin the Reopening of Select Parks The tennis courts at Founders Park will be open for single use only. The online reservation system has started accepting reservations, cityofaventura.com/ors.

The City of Aventura has begun the reopening of Founders Park, Waterways Park and Veterans Park starting this past Monday, May 4, 2020 for Aventura residents only with proper identification. At this time, Peace Park, Founders Park South, and Waterways Dog Park will remain closed.

The City welcomes its residents to enjoy the reopened

parks for passive use only such as walking and/or jogging while adhering to specific guidelines and restrictions.

Parks will operate on a restricted schedule.

The hours of operation will be from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

To accommodate the City’s most vulnerable residents, Founders Park will be open to senior citizens starting at 8:00 a.m., and parking will be available for senior citizens from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Founders Park only.

No parking is allowed at any of the parks at any time.

Parks amenities and features are restricted or closed.

The tennis courts at Founders Park will be open for single-use only. The online reservation system has started accepting reservations. Please visit the City’s Online Registration System (ORS) at cityofaventura. com/ors to complete tennis court reservations. All playgrounds, exercise equipment, drinking fountains, recreation buildings, picnic shelters, bike racks, and the Founders Park SplashPad will remain closed or inaccessible.

Residents are expected to follow

these temporary rules while enjoying the parks.

All residents are required to enter the parks through the pedestrian gate, and are required to wear a face cover upon entering the parks. Children under the age of 2 are not required to wear a face covering.

Face coverings are strongly encouraged during the duration of the visit. All residents are required to have their temperature checked at the entrance, and must maintain social distancing in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH)

guidelines. Groups of 10 or more residents will not be permitted at any time while visiting the parks.

Residents requiring special accommodations will need to contact the Community Services Department 48 hours in advance at 305-466-3883.

The parks scheduled to reopen are located at: • Founders Park, 3105 NE 190 Street • Waterways Park, 3301 NE 213 Street • Veterans Park, 18375 NE 31 Avenue For more information, visit cityofaventura.com or contact Community Services Department at 305-466-3883.

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southfloridasun.net • facebook.com/sfsuntimes • sfsuntimes@aol.com • (954) 458-0635 • Thursday, May 7, 2020 Page 9A

Sanitizing

toms of irritation in the eyes, skin, and airways. For example, the “black mold” Stachybotrys, along with some other types of mold, produces toxins known as mycotoxins that can cause irritation of the skin and airways in susceptible individuals.

Sometimes, people may develop severe reactions to mold exposure, but cleaning and sanitizing by professionals can help mitigate the health issues.

From Page 1A water damage and restore flooded properties. The water damage restoration process is highly regulated in order to ensure that properties damaged by flood or sewer events can be effectively restored to a safe space for a homeowner to remain safe during the cleanup.

You need a company such as 1st Priority Restoration who you can trust.

The process is simple, when 1st Priority Restoration arrives, they will thoroughly walk through your home and discuss the areas that need to be cleaned & restored. Your insurance company adjuster or claim representative may recommend what and how your home should be cleaned, but in the end it is your decision.

In the past month, we have all heard the word “Mitigation” more times than we can count, but with water damage that is exactly what needs to be done.

Water damage restoration shouldn’t stop at restoring back your real estate back to proper functioning. Inspect underlying causes that caused the water damage in the first place and make sure there won’t be a reoccurrence. Repair structures and replace materials to make your property safe for years to come.

If your property has been exposed to water damage you may have to do water mitigation.

Strict actions are required in water mitigation such as removal of damaged materials such as drywall and flooring. Molds and mildew that have accumulated in areas in your property will be disinfected and deodorized to restore a healthy environment.

Further cleaning and deodorizing should be done to make sure your real estate is back in top shape.

Water damage mitigation should happen immediately after flooding or water buildup. Take action immediately because letting your property sit in water causes further damage and expense. Materials soaking in water collect microbes and spread water-borne diseases.

Furniture, wood flooring, and walls will crack, sag and collect fungi after prolonged exposure to moisture. If your property is particularly old, it may be time to replace materials such as pipes to prevent a reoccurrence of water damage. If pipes are behind walls, it may require more extensive repair.

The water mitigation process will depend on how long your property has been exposed to water. Air humidifiers and drying equipment must be turned on round the clock in areas with severe water damage. Mold spores are especially dangerous to health and thorough cleaning and disinfecting should be done as part of the water damage mitigation. It is advisable to get the temperature, humidity, and moisture of your property tested to see if it has been restored to normal standards, 1st Priority professionals can handle the entire process. After 1st Priority Restoration evaluates the work and equipment needed to clean your home, they will provide you with an estimate or contract for their services.

LEAK DETECTION One tiny water leak can create huge problems in a home or business. An undetected water pipe leak will not only dramatically increase your utility bills, but it can also lead to even more expensive water damage and mold. If you’ve had higher than average water bills, constantly have to refill your pool or hear running water it’s time to call the leak detection specialists at 1st Priority Restoration.

Is water pipe leak detection possible if the pipes are behind a wall? Yes, using the newest state-of-the-art detection tools highly trained technicians are able to locate water pipe leaks that are hidden behind walls.

They can even provide water plumbing leak detection within concrete slab foundations. Will insurance cover the cost of plumbing leak detection services? That all depends on your home insurance plan. In many situations, when there is a need for water damage restoration many insurance companies will cover the related costs. 1st

A persistent cough can be be caused from exposure to damp and moldy environments which can lead to a variety of health effects. Mold & viruses can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems.

Priority Restoration representatives can work directly with your home insurance company to verify the need for the plumbing leak detection service, cause of the problem and the repairs that will be required to remedy the situation.

MOLD AND YOUR HOME Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems.

Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. With all the rain and storms we have been having these past months you can see a pattern of mold growth that will last. From leaks, flooding, and driving rain, mold growth is a certainty in South Florida. If you are concerned you might have a mold or mildew problem it is best to call professionals for a complete evaluation of your home.

Your health is your most important asset, so just like you go see a doctor for a test, your home health needs testing as well.

NEVER FOOL AROUND WITH MOLD & MILDEW When it comes to mold and mildew, we cannot take those potential hazards lightly. A mold problem can cause you to experience dizziness, anxiety and depression, and even hallucinations. If you have been experiencing a diminished attention span or problems with your memory, it might be a good idea to have your home inspected for black mold by a mold remediation crew. For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.

People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath.

At 1st Priority Restoration, this is what they do 365 days a year, and nobody knows how to prevent potential dangers like they do – and by dialing 1-800-617-1112 – you can save financially - as well as with your health!

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION There are some important ways we can prevent the spread of mold, and what you can do to get rid of it. Keep an eye out for hidden leaks: Wet spots on your ceiling, at the baseboards or on the floor are a telltale sign of a leaky pipe or roof. Your homes pipes are behind drywall, which can leave a small leak unnoticed.

Mold can grow behind those walls and filter into the air through ducts or pipes. At 1st Priority, they can come in and assess the situation before it gets worse. Did you know that many air conditioners, especially window units, are susceptible to mold growth! They often trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for spores. Bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms create a lot of excess heat and humidity, especially here in south Florida – whether it be from a shower, stove or even a dryer. All three of these areas should be well ventilated.

Education is key to anything – and when our health is at stake – knowing that mold spores can lay dormant for years after they are produced and could begin growing at any time is extremely important to know. Because of this, regular cleaning and having 1st Priority Restoration to depend on, will certainly make our lives much easier.

SANITIZING There is no bigger issue for everyone than their health. With viruses on everyone’s mind and in the headlines the uncertainty about how to avoid contracting them has everyone on edge. The best way to combat this fear and anxiety is with knowledge. The knowledge about the proper steps to protect yourself and your loved ones outside and inside your home. For the near future, sanitizing yourself and your home will be the new norm, so arm yourself with the facts, and that will help decrease your anxiety.

Outside of the home we have less control over our environment, but there are ways to lessen your exposure. The CDC (Centers For Disease Control) has recommendations for steps to protect yourself. First, stay home when you are sick, this will help stop the spread. Limit movement in the community, establish ways to communicate with family and friends that don’t require person to person contact.

Discuss with your employer the possibility of working from home.

Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Inside your home is where you can really make a difference in the health of your family. Viruses can be scary, but the fact of the matter is the chance of contracting it in your home can be mitigated through sanitizing frequently touched surfaces and air vents. That is where a professional service such as 1st Priority Restoration can help. That nagging cough you may have should make you think twice about your health. That cough can be caused from exposure to damp and moldy environments or viruses which can lead to a variety of health effects that aren’t related to the Coronavirus, but certainly can affect your health in a negative way. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. People with chronic lung illnesses may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold.

Ever wonder why you or your children wake up coughing and sneezing on a regular basis? The CDC may have the answer.

According to the CDC, in 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people and in individuals susceptible with compromised immune conditions. Mold or mold spores may cause asthma attacks in people who have asthma and are allergic to mold.

Even in some nonallergic individuals, mold can cause symp-

EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING With decades in the business, 1st Priority Restoration is a reputable company with over 20 employees that are licensed and insured. They have been doing all types of cleaning, sanitizing, leak / mold detection and water damage restoration for more than a decade. “We use the most efficient cleaning and water removal equipment to make sure that our customers are satisfied with the job we do for them. We try to use nontoxic (Green) safe chemicals for all mildew treatments. In all the years that we have been helping customers with water damage, they are pleased with the work that we do. We have never received a single complaint, and that has to speak volumes!”

YEAR ROUND SERVICE If you have lived in south Florida for any period of time, you already know that the weather is ever changing, and for that reason, the rainy season can happen at any time. It doesn’t have to be a tropical system to cause flooding and everything that goes along with it, a leak or burst pipe can happen at any time of year, and 1st Priority Restoration is available to help get your home back to a healthy environment for you and your family. Providing a complete cleaning/sanitizing job has become 1st Priority Restoration’s trademark. What continues to separate them from anyone else is they can take care of all of your cleaning and water damage problems - as well as conducting leak and mold detections, and working with your insurance company and adjuster. By calling 1st Priority Restoration, you are getting a business that understands it all - and is ready to spring into action 12 months a year. From ceiling repair, drywall replacement, structural damage, roof leaks, floor repair, furniture cleaning, mold removal and treatments, they have it all covered.

CUSTOMERS ARE ALWAYS SATISFIED “If a customer calls and is not completely satisfied with any of the work, the crew will return promptly to meet your expectations. We strive to make our customers 100% satisfied and have many repeat customers as a result of it.”

Proud member of the Better Business Bureau.

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MIAMI (305) 770-4546 • PALM BEACH (561) 883-5966 BROWARD (954) 922-0005 • TOLL FREE 1-800-617-1112

SOUTH FLORIDA SUN TIMES

Page 10A southfloridasun.net • facebook.com/sfsuntimes • sfsuntimes@aol.com • (954) 458-0635 • Thursday, May 7, 2020

FPL Will Lower Customer Bills in May In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning on May 1, FPL (Florida Power & Light) plans to issue a one-time decrease of nearly 25% for the typical residential customer electric bill as a result of lower fuel costs.

Business owners will also see a decrease in their bills, dependent by rate class. Customers can look for a decrease in their bill after May 1, 2020.

To further assist customers, FPL is also implementing the same policies that it does during crises and has suspended electrical disconnections, is providing payment extensions and is waiving late payment fees for customers in a hardship

situation. All of these policies will remain in effect while Florida is under a state of emergency.

If you are having difficulty paying your monthly bill, you can contact FPL directly at 1-800226-3545 and they will work with your personal situation to come up with a solution to ensure that you can fulfill your personal responsibility for your FPL balance. For more information, visit fpl.com/coronavirus.

Top Energy Saving Tips To Save Even Further Here are some of the quickest and most effective ways to help you conserve energy, trim costs, and gain control over the energy

usage in your home. You should post these tips in your home so that everyone can join in and save!

1. Limit the time you run your pool pump: Summer - six hours a day, Winter - four hours a day 2. Cool your home at 78° F or higher with the thermostat fan switched to auto. For additional savings, raise your thermostat to 82° F or higher when you’re away.

3. Heat your home (for those two days a year) at 68° F or lower with the thermostat fan switched to auto. To save even more,

lower your thermostat to 65° F or lower at night or when you’re away from home.

4. Lower the temperature on your water heater. The average household spends about $15-20 per month to heat water. Lowering the temperature by 10° could save from 3 to 5% of your energy costs.

5. Clean or replace the A/C filter regularly to help your unit run more efficiently and trim costs.

6. Turn off your ceiling fan when you leave the room. A fan that runs all the time costs up to $7 a month.

7. Replace old, high-flow showerheads with water-efficient showerheads and save up to $80* a year.

8. Adjust the water level on your washing machine to match the load size, and use a cold rinse whenever possible.

9. Clean the lint filter in your dryer before every load to dry your clothes faster.

10. Use the auto sensor function on your dryer to conserve energy by not over-drying your clothes.

Double Your Love This week at the Humane Society of Broward County there are a pair of brothers who are looking for a forever home. Meet Julian (ID 627449) and Jerome (ID 627450) 2 year old fellows who weigh 46 and 49 pounds each and look like Labrador/ boxer mixes.

This duo are inseparable and are currently staying in a foster home where they are getting lots of attention.

The boys are now potty-trained, are great on the leash, enjoy going for walks and are great exercise partners for running.

They are also good with other

dogs. Julian and Jerome are still very shy with new people, and tend to be afraid of men.

However, with lots of love and patience we know they will settle in. Oh, and they need a felinefree home since they like to chase them. Do you have room in your heart and home for this pair?

The Humane Society of Broward County remains open, however adoptions are being done by appointment only now.

Visit www.humanebroward.com to see who could be your next family member.

The vaccine

clinic is also open Monday – Friday 9 AM – 2 PM, credit cards only. Be sure to wear a face mask.

About The Humane Society of Broward County The Humane Society of Broward County is a private, non-profit organization supported by donations from people and companies who want to help us help the animals. The shelter receives no government funding and is not affiliated with any local or national organization with a similar name.

CLASSIFIED LEGAL NOTICE

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GARAGE SALE

HOUSE WANTED

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APARTMENT FOR RENT

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APARTMENT FOR SALE

APARTMENT FOR SALE

To place your Classified Listing in our print and digital publications, please call (954) 458-0635, or email suntimesgraphics@aol.com.

The deadline to place your ad is 5pm every Tuesday.

APARTMENT FOR SALE

APARTMENT FOR SALE

APARTMENT FOR SALE

JOBS WANTED SITUATION WANTED

SERVICE DIRECTORY

SERVICE DIRECTORY

APARTMENT FOR RENT

APARTMENT FOR SALE

AVENTURA APARTMENT FOR SALE

APARTMENT FOR SALE

FLAMENCO TOWERS

Unit 706, Split 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, marble appearance ceramic floors throughout, large balcony overlooking PGA Golf Course & lake, Washer / Dryer, kitchen has beautiful Granite Countertops & Backsplash, building completely renovated. 1 covered parking space, pool, gym, dry sauna, 5 minutes to shopping, etc., $239,000.

Call Cecile for more information: (305) 725-6015