Sun Times Issue 05 30 24

Do You Snore? Are You Always Tired?

Snoring Is no laughing matter! It may be more than just an annoying habit, it may be a sign of Sleep Apnea. Find Out More From Brighten Dental Care, 3A

States establish requirements for the training, licensing, and conduct of individuals who want to provide real estate services to the public for compensation.

As usual, an answer to this week’s headline question is more involved than it may initially seem. Before trying to arrive at one, we first need to define, discuss, and expand on the following terms :

• REALTOR®

• Agency Relationships

• State Business or Professional Licensee

Broward College Celebrates Joining Jetblue’s Gateway University Pilot Pathway Program

It’s Graduation Day!

Celebrate This Milestone With Family & Friends

REALTOR® REALTOR® (all capitals, Registered trademark symbol) can only be used by members of the National Association of REALTORS®. The NAR is a semivoluntary membership trade organization of individuals from all 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands who hold real estate licenses. The term REALTOR® identifies a person as being a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. Members must hold current State-issued licenses to provide real estate services, and are expected to follow the NAR (National Association of REALTORS®) Code of Ethics in their dealings with the public.

Graduation day in the US is a big deal. Every year during this time of year, hundreds of thousands of High School & College students complete their studies and receive their diploma. It’s a combination of celebrating an achievement and marking the next step in a person’s life. While most students will be saddened to know that their College experience is coming to an end, a new chapter in their life is about to begin. To celebrate this milestone in your child’s life many families may be looking for a way to celebrate and what better way to celebrate than a great meal with close family and friends. Planning a graduation dinner party is like organizing a birthday party, but everyone in town

Eye Of The Storm

Learn Hurricane Science, Mitigation & Preparedness

Learn about the Power of Nature at the KaBOOM Show.

Hurricane season starts on June 1. Is your family ready? Join the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and Florida International University’s (FIU) International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) on June 1, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., for “Eye of the Storm,” an electrifying all-ages FREE day of education, Museum exploration and weather preparedness. The FREE, family-friendly event will give you a change to meet hurricane experts, meteorologists and first responders face to face and explore the lat-

est weather technology, sponsored by the Florida Division of Emergency Management and FIU’s International Hurricane Research Center.

“Learning about the science of hurricanes, tornadoes and flash floods can be fun and exciting, but as tropical residents know, preparedness and recovery resources are invaluable,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “As Broward County’s dynamic Hub for Resilience Education, we are committed to sharing community resources, solutions and avenues of support during this year’s hurricane season and beyond. We are pleased to partner with FIU and the FDEM to present this annual free event offering the

shares the same birthday. How do you celebrate your graduate in a way that feels special to them, when hundreds of other students are celebrating at the same time? This may seem like a complicated task so we’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you. Here are some South Florida favorites that are ready to make Graduation Day memorable for the entire family.

BOURBON Steak

tacular to celebrate a new chap ter than BOURBON Steak, Miami’s acclaimed steakhouse by James Beard Award-winning chef and renowned restaurateur Michael Mina. The ideal location for friends and family, the mod

ern steakhouse offers two private dining options, surrounded by striking mirrored glass walls overlooking the restaurant. Both the Glass Box and Tasting Room create a stylish, intimate space for up to 14 or 30 guests respectively. The Tasting Room is accented with high ceilings and a long, oak wood table. Each space is complemented by a

The Emil Buehler Aviation Institute at Broward College officially kicked off its partnership with JetBlue’s Gateway University, making it the first community college to join the major airline’s groundbreaking pilot development program. The longest-running path program for aviation college students, Gateway University was launched in 2008 to partner with top university aviation programs and address the career uncertainty many developing pilots experience when starting out. With one of JetBlue’s largest crew bases at Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport and numerous destinations served from surrounding airports including Miami and Palm Beach, Broward College is also ideally positioned to help area students study for in-demand careers that allow them to stretch their wings and fly while still maintaining

“The most fundamental part , Page 4A

most up-to-date science and information to help keep families safe and protected during the upcoming storm season.”

“We’re thrilled to collaborate again with FDEM and MODS to present crucial hurricane sci-

ence, mitigation and preparedness,” said Erik Salna, associate director for education and outreach at FIU’s Extreme Events Institute and International Hurricane Research Center and host of “Eye of the Storm.” “Our event at MODS will bring

together South Florida residents with leading hurricane experts, local emergency management and community relief agencies for an interactive educational experience.”

Eye Of The Storm, 2A

How do you celebrate your graduate in a way that feels special to them?

The Museum of Contemporary Art Experience

MOCA’s Free Art Education Programs for Children, Teens & Adults

The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) aspires to be a welcoming center at the heart of North Miami where art and art experiences flow in and out of the building — activating parks,

Teen Art Force: Our Minds exhibition, where the Museum Experiences class will be conducting a short tour of their exhibition. Curated entirely by the students, the exhibition explores a variety of themes

miniMakers with Art on the Plaza

In her kinetic Art on the Plaza installation, multidisciplinary artist Yanira Collado uses geometry and symbols of the African Diaspora to inspire both memory and play. This month, June 1 at 2:00

supportive atmosphere.

Studio Art Camp (Ages 6-9)

tives to the public, building on North Miami’s legacy as a cultural destination. Visitors and the community can expect thought-provoking exhibitions that feature under-explored art and artists, and lift up diverse voices and stories.

Over the next few weeks the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami has a full line up of creative exhibitions scheduled, starting with an extraordinary evening of art, fashion, and music at MOCA’s Art x Couture Night on May 31st!

The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. in MOCA’s Paradise Courtyard for the Annual Teen Art Force Fashion Show, where guests can experience the creativity and talent of MOCA’s Teen Art Force Fashion & Textile Design students as they model their own handcrafted designs. Enjoy food, music, and fun their hard work is celebrated!

Then, celebrate the opening night of

Eye Of The Storm

1A

Future Storm Chasers will experience family-friendly activities including:

• Presentations and Demonstrations

and Mascots

• MODS Weather Science Demos and All-Day Museum Exploration

• Emergency Vehicle “Touch a Truck” and Meet & Greet with South Florida First Responders

Admission to MODS during the “Eye of the Storm” event is FREE thanks to the generous sponsors of FIU-IHRC and FDEM. To register, please visit mods.org/ eyeofthestorm or onsite at the Museum box office upon arrival.

The FDEM

The Florida Division of Emergency Management plans for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters. These range from floods and hurricanes to incidents involving hazardous materials or nuclear power. The division prepares and implements a statewide Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and routinely conducts extensive exercises to test state and county emergency response capabilities. The division is the state’s liaison with federal and local agencies on emergencies of all kinds. Division staff members provide technical assistance to local governments as they prepare emergency plans and procedures. They also

with JAZZ at MOCA featuring Inez Barlatier starting at 8pm. Don’t miss out on this magical evening! RSVP today for Art x Couture Night at MOCA!

JAZZ at MOCA I May 31, 8:00 PM

Next up on MOCA’s Plaza, to wrap up Haitian History Month, is JAZZ at MOCA featuring Inez Barlatier.

Inez Barlatier is an international touring musician, actress and teaching artist of Ayisyen (Haitian) descent, produces memorable and dynamic experiences. Her interactive children’s show, Ayiti: Stories & Songs from Haiti, is co-produced by Dandelion Artists. Inez Barlatier’s music is inspired by restorative justice, spirituality and a life-long passion for multicultural music, wisdom and history.

Come celebrate Haitian heritage at MOCA, rain or shine! Seating starts at 7 p.m., and the concert starts at 8 p.m.

PM the artist leads MOCA miniMakers to create vibrant pinwheels, exploring themes of movement, shape and color. In this hands-on workshop, participants

learn about Collado’s creative process and the inspiration behind her joyous installation. The Art on the Plaza program invites artists to activate MOCA’s Plaza with temporary public installations of sitespecific art works, engaging and connecting the community with their unique and inspiring works of art.

Ready, set, create! miniMakers are your opportunity to dive into different art mediums once a month at MOCA. Workshops are for families with children ages 6-12, designed around artists, art history, and current MOCA Exhibitions.

Summer Art Camp

MOCA’s Summer Art Camp 2024 is offered to children ages 6-13, a diverse range of activities will ignite their creativity. From Studio Arts Camp to Dynamic Design Camp, the young artists will explore their creativity in a stimulating and

conduct emergency operations training for state and local governmental agencies. For more information, please visit: floridadisaster.org.

The IHRC

The Florida International University (FIU) International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) is a multi-disciplinary research and education organization within the FIU Extreme Events Institute at Florida International University in Miami. As a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, the IHRC is focused on a single mission: to reduce hurricane damage and loss of life through more effective mitigation. The IHRC conducts both basic and applied research. The IHRC’s current studies involve such areas as: household mitigation and evacuation; storm surge and economic loss modeling and wind

engineering and the NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind. The IHRC also collaborates actively with the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC), co-located with the NWS-Miami Office on the FIU main campus. For more information, please visit: ihrc.fiu.edu.

The MODS Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades (only 3% of science museums are accredited for excellence

MOCA’s Studio Arts Camp provides a platform for campers to explore their individual artistic projects while drawing inspiration from MOCA exhibitions, fine art techniques, and renowned artists, both contemporary and historic. Engaging discussions, impressive showcases for family and friends, and hands-on projects await your young artists!

Hot lunch is free for all students but campers are welcome to bring lunch and snacks that do not require refrigeration. Studio Arts campers will have a morning snack at 10:15 am and lunch at 11:30 am

Dynamic Design Camp (Ages 10-13)

Spark your child’s imagination and discover the magic of design. The Dynamic Design Camp introduces campers to the applied arts, including architecture, graphic design, textile design, digital art, and more. Through enriching field trips, captivating discussions, and exciting 2D and 3D projects, your child will develop a newfound appreciation for the world of design.

Hot lunch is free for all students but campers are welcome to bring lunch and snacks that do not require refrigeration. Dynamic Design campers will have a morning snack at 10:25 a.m. and lunch at 12:40 p.m.

About MOCA

MOCA is known and respected locally and nationally for its innovative curatorial approach and research-driven exhibitions that are supported by educational programs for all ages. As a meeting place for cultural expressions and exchanges, MOCA has become a center for crosscultural understanding and inclusion, connecting diverse communities through the arts.

The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) is located at: 770 NE 125 Street North Miami, FL 33161. For more information call: 305-893-6211 or visit: www.mocanomi.org

and leadership in the field). In the past year, MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 15 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service. The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown

MOCA has become a center for cross-cultural understanding and inclusion, connecting diverse communities through the arts.

Learn about hurricanes from NOAA.

Make a tornado in a bottle.

Discover the dynamics of wind.

JAZZ at MOCA - Celebrating Haitian History Month with Inez Barlatier

MOCA is known and respected locally and nationally for its innovative curatorial approach and research-driven exhibitions that are supported by educational programs for all ages.

Do You Snore? Are You Always Tired?

Snoring Is No Laughing

Matter!

It may be more than just an annoying habit, it may be a sign of Sleep Apnea

What Exactly is Sleep Apnea?

When the muscles that control the upper airway relax, some people begin to snore. When the airway becomes completely blocked and the person temporarily stops breathing, this is an episode of “Obstructive Apnea.” Each Apnea event may last for a few seconds or up to a couple minutes or more. Events may happen frequently - even several hundred times a night.

Can This Condition Be Treated? How?

There are many effective treatments for snoring. A widely accepted treatment for Sleep Apnea is oral appliance therapy. An oral device custom fit by your dentist is designed to keep your airway open and help prevent Apneas.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Recommends an oral appliance as a first-line treatment option for patients with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and for those with severe OSA who either decline CPAP Therapy or are unable to successfully use CPAP Therapy.

This treatment does not involve medications or surgery and helps hundreds of thousands of people all over the world enjoy sleeping safely for a healthier life. Many experience the benefits quickly - often during the first night of use.

Most Of The Health Insurances And Medicare Will Pay For Sleep Apnea Treatment Call (954) 922-4633 For More Information.

of any flight plan is knowing your destination and charting a clear path to that goal,” said Nancy Hocking, director of Gateway programs, JetBlue. “Broward College has a strong reputation and has shown their ability to successfully prepare students for careers in aviation, and we’re thrilled to welcome these pilots to our program and support them as they move forward on their course to a rewarding career in commercial aviation.”

JetBlue’s Gateway University program is a career-planning and mentoring initiative designed to identify and recruit talented professionals into the pilot ranks. Students accepted into the program receive a conditional job offer as a first officer at JetBlue along with additional guidance and mentorship as they complete their education and follow one of several prescribed paths to gain experience and flight time at a partner airline. After completing all requirements and certifications, pilots in the program are able to officially join JetBlue as a first officer.

“Becoming a pilot is a well-paying and fulfilling career with a starting salary of more than $100,000 for a first officer with most major airlines,” said Russell McCaffery, Dean, Broward College Transportation Programs. “There is tremendous opportunity for upward mobility with senior captains making a $500,000 salary.”

Certified by the Federal Aviation and Federal Communications Commission, the Emil Buehler Aviation Institute at Broward College is located at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines. Students are trained by FAA-certified flight instructors from Phoenix East Aviation in the air, and on the ground using state-of-the-art flight simulators.

Broward College’s Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate program offers a comprehensive education for aspiring commercial airline and private jet pilots. They earn instrument and multi-engine ratings, as well as become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII). Some courses are available online to offer a flexible schedule.

“We are so grateful for this partnership with JetBlue,” said Megan R. Cottle, Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer for the Broward College Foundation. “The JetBlue Gateway University program will have a positive impact on our students providing

them with the support and hands-on experiences that will fuel their future career success.”

One of the top priorities at Broward College is to prepare students for fields that are actively hiring, increasing their opportunities of job placement upon graduation and fostering long careers in the field of study. For instance, one such field is aviation, where there is a high demand to develop a strong talent pipeline. Last July, Boeing released its 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) report, which projects that 649,000 new

commercial pilots will be needed by 2042 to account for fleet growth and to replace retiring pilots.

About JetBlue JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue, known for its low fares and great service, carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and Europe. For information, visit jetblue.com.

About Broward College

Serving approximately 56,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, twoyear university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the College is to provide highquality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners. Please visit www.broward.edu for more information.

(1) Broward College staff Jim DeChant; Nancy R. Botero; Elaina Moran; Jessica Figueora; Scott Rivinius; Elisa Stone; Fedilia Guzman; and Ashley Shepple

(2) Wayne Mayers, Jr. FLL Chief Pilot, JetBlue; Nicky Tesser, Manager Brand Partnerships & Production Marketing, JetBlue; Nancy Hocking, Director Gateway Programs, JetBlue; Mariella Perez, Gateway Programs Manager, JetBlue; and Jim DeChant, Senior Major Gifts Officer, Broward College

(3) Wayne Mayers Jr., FLL Chief Pilot, JetBlue; Nicky Tesser, Manager Brand Partnerships & Production Marketing, JetBlue; Nancy Hocking, Director Gateway Programs, JetBlue; Mariella Perez, Gateway Programs Manager, JetBlue; and Russell McCaffery, Dean, Transportation Programs, Broward College

(4) Wayne Mayers Jr., FLL Chief Pilot, JetBlue; Nicky Tesser, Manager Brand Partnerships & Production Marketing, JetBlue; Gail Bulfin, SVP Investor Relations, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance; and Jim DeChant, Senior Major Gifts Officer, Broward College

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Sasa Italian Gourmet

Opens in Downtown Hollywood on Harrison Street

He’s lived in three countries and many cities. He’s had multiple businesses, rang ing from fashion boutiques to furniture manufacturers to restaurants, in even more cities. He’s a businessman, an artist, and a risktaker, but Hollywood is the only place to which he has ever come back to reinvent a business and make it even bet ter.

He’s Salvatore Savarese, better known as Sasa, the owner of the former eponymous restaurant located in a little house on South 20th Avenue at Van Buren Street. Now he’s back with a newer, better version of the restaurant, Sasa Italian Gourmet, at 2000 Harrison Street #2 in Downtown Hollywood.

Never one to repeat himself, though, Sasa (the man) has created the new Sasa (the shop), to be even more than its predecessor, with an Italian market in the front, and a bright, art-filled cafe in the back. There, he and his wife, Loiris Lakatos, sell the paninis, salads and Italian desserts for which the original restaurant is known, while in the market, they offer a unique variety of wines, cheeses, handmade pastas and flatbreads, and other items that cannot be found anywhere else nearby.

“We started with a boutique on Hollywood Boulevard,” recalled Sasa, who has been in the US for over 20 years. “Then we began looking for our next adventure, and my wife said ‘Why don’t we make a place for coffee and breakfast?’ And then we found the charming little house where we began with coffee, then expanded with food. We were there for seven years but left when the house was sold. It took two years to find a new place.” He continued, “I like a place with music. And, of course, if you are in Italy and you find a romantic restaurant, it’s not only the food; it’s the music, the atmosphere that makes you stay. It’s beautiful this place where you spend one or two hours and relax; it’s like being on vacation. I love this! This is my conception of a restaurant.”

That concept is evident at Sasa Italian Gourmet. In the cafe, Sasa serves a simple fare of paninis, salads, flatbreads, and

Italian desserts. Favorites from the original location have returned, including the Sasa Appetizer ($21 per person, minimum 2 people). And for dessert, the Sasa Cake, the couple’s unique creation of chocolate cake with classic Italian custard crema, orange, and Amaretto liquor ($8.50).

“A lot of Amaretto,” Lakatos added. “This one is not for kids.”

“And there is music,” confirmed her husband. “No TV.”

The new part of the business, the market, sells a host of mostly Italian specialty products.

“We have Italian mineral waters, and we chose the best wines from all over Europe and South America,” Savarese explained. “They’re not too expensive and not too cheap — we start at $20 and go up to $45 or $50 a bottle.

“The food though, it’s all Italian. 99.99% Italian. We have fresh mozzarella,

ricotta, caciocavallo, pecorino Romano, we have parmesan. I buy all these fresh.

“We have wine, we have cheese, and we have pasta, pasta, pasta. We have a dry pasta and fresh-made pasta. We have two types of flatbread. It’s crispy, it’s beautiful because it’s not like normal flatbread — it’s different and is a specialty from Roma.”

At the restaurant, as a painter, as a designer, Savarese puts all of himself into his work, and it’s easy to see when you visit Sasa Italian Gourmet.

“In any work in my life, my hand is my soul,” he asserted. “At Sasa Italian Gourmet, my concept is Soul Amore. My concept is me giving you something special because it is something that I would make for myself.”

Sasa Italian Gourmet is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday, and is

closed on Sundays. For more information, call 754-800-5959 or email sasagourmetitaliano@gmail.com. You can also follow them on Facebook or Instagram @sasaitaliangourmet.

Downtown Hollywood offers on-street metered parking for $1.50 per hour, as well as municipal garage parking for $1 per hour at 251 S. 20th Avenue (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street). In addition, a $10 flat rate public valet station, located at 1925 Hollywood Boulevard, is open Thursday to Sunday, from 5 pm to 5 am.

For more information about redevelopment projects, businesses, new investment, and streetscape improvements in Hollywood’s Downtown and Beach Districts, call the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at 954-924-2980 or visit www.HollywoodCRA.org

(L) Caprese Panini, featuring their exclusive handmade pesto sauce. (R) Sasa Italian Gourmet: 2000 Harrison St. #2 in Downtown Hollywood.

(L) Sapore di Roma’s Crocante, crafted with precision. (R) Experience the authentic taste of Italy with their selection of Italian olive oils.

located at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa at 19999 West Country Club Drive in Aventura. www.bourbonsteak mia.com.

Sushi By Scratch

As graduation season approaches, California-based Scratch Restaurants is the perfect location for an intimate/private celebration. This Michelin-starred omakase concept opened in July 2022 in Coconut Grove when husband-and-wife chef/restaurateurs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee wanted to expand the concept to Miami’s sunny shores. Diners can expect a non-traditional omakase den serving a total of 17 elevated and delicious courses. For more intimate private dining/events, Sushi By Scratch offers seating starting at 5PM, 7:15PM, and 9:30PM, with a 10 seat maximum capacity. The two earlier seatings have a 2-hour time limit as the third seating does not. They do not permit decorations or cake cutting service. For $165 per person, the experience includes a welcome cocktail, a 16course omakase dinner and one dessert bite with a farewell cocktail. All extra bites and beverages during your experience are charged individually, including by the glass, by the bottle, and pairing options. For buyouts, a $25 per person deposit is required beforehand and there is a $2,000 food and beverage minimum for private seatings. The pricing structure is subject to all applicable taxes and a service charge of 20%. The deposits are non-refundable but in the event you need to cancel, you are able to use that deposit as a credit towards any future experience at any location. Sushi by Scratch is located at 3540 Main Highway in Coconut Grove. To make a reservation please visit, www.sushiby scratchrestaurants.com or call (786) 254-1204.

La Fuga Spoil your graduate at La Fuga, the acclaimed coastal Italian dining destination at the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach. The beautiful indoor/outdoor lobby level dining room boasts comfy banquettes, a spacious bar and a wonderful ambiance that includes live jazz Thursday through Saturday evenings. Book a private dining experience, Chef’s Table or large party celebration for ten or more before May 31, 2024 and receive 20 percent off your bill. Special prix fixe menus for lunch or dinner start at $30 for lunch and $52 for dinner, exclusive of tax, gratuity and beverages and include some of Chef Michael Mayer’s most coveted signature dishes such as Veal Milanese, Seared Snapper Filet, Chicken Cacciatore and Smoked Colorado Rack of Lamb; or create your own family-style menu. For full menus or to speak to a member of the catering staff, email allisonbrickman@ shorebreakfortlauder dale.com or call (954) 908-7308. La Fuga is located at 2900 Riomar Street at Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach. For more information, visit lafugarestaurant.com/ private-events

Lona Cocina & Tequileria

la Huancaina, Chaufas de Mariscos and heavenly desserts including Dulce de Leche Cheesecake and Suspiro. Guests who book before June 30, 2024 will receive a $100 dining certificate for every $1,000 spent up to $500 for $5,000. For information on all three locations along with full menus and contact information for booking inquiries, visit www.piscoy nazca.com

Bulla Gastrobar

Havana Harry’s What better way to mark the occasion with family and friends than at Havana Harry’s, Miami’s Michelin Guide recommended Cuban restaurant. The Coral Gables mainstay known for its great authentic Cuban cuisine and cocktails served in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere is so on point for a celebratory occasion, especially with its family-style private dining menus. The three-course menu is chock full of Cuban favorites like Croquetas, Churrasco Steak, Arroz Con Pollo, Tostones and the restaurant’s lighter take on vaca frita – Chicken Vaca Frita. Desserts are equally enticing with temptations such as Guava Cheesecake,

Downtown Miami, Table 40 takes private dining

Celebrated Mexican chef Pablo Salas’ chic Mexican eatery is located on a stunning strip of beachfront real estate. Lona Cocina & Tequileria offers Salas’ eclectic, soulful Mexican cuisine in a chic, yet funky environment, complete with a gorgeous indoor/outdoor bar, casually elegant interior dining room, a newly constructed tequila terrace, special tequila tasting and Chef’s Table rooms and multiple private dining spaces. The restaurant’s sister space, Tinta, is also available for private event buyouts or catered affairs. Lona’s private dining spaces can accommodate up to 350 guests; for more information visit www.lonarestaurant .com/private-dining-fort-lauderdale. Lona is located at 321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. For more information, visit www. lonarestaurant.com - Telephone: (954) 245 -3069.

Pisco Y Nazca

Every occasion feels special at this stylish modern Peruvian restaurant with locations in Kendall, Doral and its newest site, Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile. For grads it’s a great spot to celebrate with a group in one of their beautifully outfitted private dining rooms where you can really enjoy your own special party. Pricing starts at $34 per person for lunch and $58 for dinner at all locations and includes dining favorites like Ceviche Cremoso, Papas a

Offering the finest in Spanish Cuisine to South Florida diners for more than a decade, Bulla Gastrobar is a casual buzzy eatery synonymous with great food and fun times with locations in Kendall at The Falls, Doral and Coral Gables. With various private dining configurations, any graduation event can become even more special at any of the locations - and guests who book before June 30, 2024 will receive a $100 gift certificate for every $1,000 spent, up to $500. Lunch menus start at $34 per person, and dinner at $58. Options include Patatas Bravas, Albondigas, Catalan-style Cannelloni, and Solomillo Moruno – cumin marinated grilled pork loin with mojo verde and Greek yogurt and delicious desserts like Churros con Chocolate and Torrija. For information on private dining, full menus and more at al locations please go to www.bullagastrobar.com

Tres or Cuatro Leches and Coconut Flan. For more information and full menus please go to havanaharrys.com or email salescoralgables@havanaharrys.com

Havana Harry’s is located at 4612 South LeJeune Road in Coral Gables and is open for breakfast, lunch, Happy Hour and dinner daily.

Toro Toro Miami is home to a vibrant Latin community, and with it, flavorful Latin cooking. With two unique private dining options, Toro Toro, the Pan-Latin steakhouse located inside InterContinental Miami, is the perfect place for graduation parties big and small. The only Chef’s Table in

BOURBON Steak

Lona Cocina & Tequileria

Pisco

Nazca

Bulla Gastrobar

Sushi By Scratch

La Fuga

Celebrate Father’s Day With A Burger Bash

At Arc Culinary’s Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen in Broward

A Burger Bash in time for Father’s Day weekend and a culinary tour of Europe without the need for a passport are among the unique South Florida summer dining experiences presented in June and July by Arc Culinary at the state-of-the-art Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen in Sunrise.

The mouth-watering lineup of multicourse, prix-fix chef experiences kicks off in time for Father’s Day weekend with Burger Bash on Saturday, June 15 at 7 p.m., featuring a sesame-marinated salmon burger with grilled onions and spicy Asian mango slaw on a house-made sesame bun; brisket and Boston butt on a sweet Hawaiian roll with special sauce and shoestring potatoes; a smash burger with grass-fed beef, marinated and caramelized onions, shitake and portobello mushrooms, provolone cheese and black truffle aioli on a brioche bun, served with SIDEWINDERS™ fries; and

rocky road semifreddo for dessert.

Taste of the Mediterranean on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. will dive into the diverse culinary traditions of the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, beginning with a cold orzo salad with Kalamata olives, English cucumbers, red onions, toasted chickpeas, chiffonade of fresh basil and spinach, feta cheese and roasted red peppers; followed by Mediterranean baked cod with tomatoes, red onions and capers serve with lemon wedge potatoes; grilled lamb chops with mint, tomato and feta quinoa; and a special dessert to complete the meal.

Spanish Tapas Night on Friday, July 12 at 7 p.m. will highlight the regional diversity of Spain with a menu of six small plates, including serrano ham and Manchego cheese served with black garlic toast points and mixed Spanish olives; Spain’s national dish, tortilla Espanola, a classic Spanish omelet with

potatoes, onions and Spanish spices; Spanish meatballs made with a blend of beef and pork in a tomato-based sauce; jumbo shrimps in garlic sauce; Navarra region piquillo peppers stuffed with cod fish, vegetables and Spanish spices; and a final dessert course.

Fresh Summer Flavors on Friday, July 26 at 7 p.m. will capture the essence of the season with four courses highlighted by a fresh summer salad of baby spinach, mint, cilantro, orange wedges, red onions, grape tomatoes, marinated strawberries, fresh avocado, English cucumbers, watermelon radish, mango chunks with lime and local Florida honey; fried Caribbean-style Florida red snapper in a

tomato-based creole sauce with fried plantains and pickled red onions; and an additional course before ending with an elevated strawberry shortcake for dessert. Arc Culinary’s Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen, located in Sunrise, offers a blend of mid-century classic and modern elegance, featuring a Chef’s Table, refined décor, and an outdoor patio. Beyond Chef Experiences, the venue hosts cooking classes, private events, and provides off-site catering. Arc Culinary and Arc Educates are revenuegenerating social enterprises of Arc Broward that directly support programming for 1,200 children and adults with disabilities.

Tickets are $99 for the Chef’s Table or $89 for communal seating and include gratuity and alcoholic beverages. Chef Experiences are sponsored by Amazon. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen at Arc Broward is located at: 10250 Northwest 53rd Street, Sunrise. For tickets and more information, please visit: www.arcculinary.com/chef-experience-dinners/ or call: (954) 299-7515

(L) Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a Burger Bash on Saturday, June 15 at 7 p.m. (R) Enjoy a chef’s table experience or communal seating.

Head To Bikini Bottom

The SpongeBob Musical Presented By Slow Burn Theatre

A legendary roster of Grammy® Award winners including Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper and John Legend help bring one of the world’s most beloved characters to the stage as the 2023/2024 Slow Burn Theatre Company Season presented by American National Bank in the Amaturo Theater culminates with the bold, original musical The SpongeBob Musical Saturday, June 8 through Sunday, June 23.

Adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series, SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and all of Bikini Bottom face total annihilation — until a most unex pected hero rises to take center stage and the power of optimism saves the world. Hailed as “effervescent candy for the spirit!” by New York Magazine, the musical is based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg. Since its launch on July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has generated a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases and consumer products. The SpongeBob Musical earned 12 Tony Award nominations, making it the most nominated musical of the 2017-2018 theatre season, and was named Outstanding Musical by the Drama Desk Awards in addition to its wins as both Outstanding New Broadway Musicial and Outstanding New Score from the Outer Critics Circle.

With musical production conceived by Tina Landau, the musical has a book by Kyle Jarrow and original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I. The score also features songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton with additional music by Tom Kitt.

ager Jolie Rubinchik and wardrobe assistants Liz Ortega and Fionnegan Amygdalitsis.

Performance times vary with an open captioned performance on Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m. Single tickets to Slow Burn Theatre’s upcoming 2024/2025 Season go on sale June 8. Supported by American National Bank, the season in the Amaturo Theater features five musicals with enduring stories that have captivated audiences in movie theaters and on stage: The Witches of Eastwick (October 19 – Nov. 3); Anastasia The Musical (Dec. 21 – Jan. 5); Parade (Feb. 8 – 23); Something Rotten! (March 29 – April 13); and The Bodyguard

of

Anthony Llerandi portrays the title role and is joined by Marc Christopher as Patrick, Dominique Kempf as Sandy Cheeks, Brian Klimowski as Squidward Q. Tentacles and Ryan Crout as Mr. Eugene Krabs. Other well known characters in Bikini Bottom are portrayed by Aaron Atkinson, Alexander Blanco, Nayomi Braaf, Jonathan Eisele, Lauren Horgan, Gianfranco Imbert, Michael Materdomini, Nate Promkul, Natasha Ricketts, Jack Rodman, Britte Steele and Paul Tuaty. Rounding out the cast is a talented ensemble featuring Kalista Curbelo, Madeline Dunn, Tyler Johnson Grimes, Mason Materdomini, Emily Tarallo and Corey Vega.

Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director Patrick Fitzwater directs and is joined by a creative team of choreographer Reynel Reynaldo, tap choreographer Nicolette Quintero, music director Eden Marte, scenic designer and technical director Timothy Dickey, costume designer Rick Peña and lighting designer Clifford Spulock. The talented technical team includes production stage manager Matthew W. Korinko, assistant stage man-

Inc. This show is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at BrowardCenter.org, or Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is one of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. With one of the largest artsin-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, like them on Facebook at Facebook.com/BrowardCenter and Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation, follow them on Twitter and Instagram @BrowardCenter, subscribe to their channel at YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with #Broward Center.

For more information, visit: BrowardCenter.org

A Fun-Filled Adventure

Uproarious Menagerie of Kids and Creatures Fight to Save Beloved Zoo heart adults.

Readers young and old will enjoy the rollicking, fast-paced new adventure, The Lincoln Zoo Rebellion — a story that is every bit as entertaining as it is informative.

Brimming with sophisticated humor, fascinating factoids and an eclectic cast that includes an elderly zookeeper who communicates with animals, a sweet young veterinarian fresh out of school, a fugitive African teen, a cast of “chatty” zoo creatures and courageous kids from the American town of Lincoln, the book is sure to spark an early interest in animal welfare and preservation.

As the story begins, aging zookeeper Reggie Goodenough is lamenting the urban sprawl encroaching on the zoo’s perimeter. He dreams of more land and roomier habitats — better environments for the beloved animals in his care. Reggie is hopeful when newly elected Mayor Ralph Throttlebottom promises to do special things with the zoo, but what Reggie doesn’t realize is that Mayor Throttlebottom and his greedy cronies want to turn the zoo into an amusement park. Will the rebellion of plucky kids and wildly intelligent animals find a way to save the day?

From the creative minds of awardwinning writer and producer the late Larry Belling and co-author Art Twain, The Lincoln Zoo Rebellion deals with today’s important themes of animal rights and preservation — in an entertaining and humorous way, making it an engaging read for kids ages 8 to 14 and young-at-

“We hope our book gives you a new appreciation of creatures, whether domesticated, in the wild, or in the zoos,” the authors wrote in their book. “After all, we’re related. We’re all animals.”

About the Authors Larry Belling produced award-winning radio commercials for Hollywood movies and television, managed Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd record producers, and narrated documentaries for PBS, BBC and The Discovery Channel. His play, Stroke of Luck, starring Tim Pigott-Smith, was performed in London.

Art Twain, Larry Belling’s lifelong friend, has created over 3,000 radio and television commercials and helped take the Gap from one to 500 stores with his advertising and marketing efforts. He has won many awards, including Clios and an Emmy. He wrote and produced a popular 5-minutes-a-day radio series for schoolaged kids and won the Marcus Foster Award from the City of Oakland for his work with school kids. In his teen years, he had a personal zoo in his garage with 26 different animals, including two alligators and an opossum.

A portion of all proceeds from sales of The Lincoln Zoo Rebellion will be donated to organizations dedicated to improving the lives of animals.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/ Lincoln-Zoo-Rebellion-Art-Twain/dp/ B0CTNZYK87/

The Musical (June 7 – 22). Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks

Viacom International

Anthony Llerandi as SpongeBob SquarePants

I refer to membership as semivoluntary because most real estate brokers and offices require their individual licensees to join the local Board of REALTORS® which includes membership in the NAR and the appropriate State Association. Licensees join all 3 organizations (local, State, and National) at the same time, each with separate membership dues.

All member real estate offices and their individual licensees agree to follow the NAR’s policies, standards, and rules. The NAR does not set commission amounts, nor do they establish brokerage relationships between its members and sellers or buyers. Both of those are negotiated directly with the brokers who will be providing real estate services.

In addition to promoting their Code of Ethics, the NAR has very strict rules regarding the proper use of their trademarked logos and the term REALTOR® emphasizing that it is never be used as a generic job description. REALTOR® = member of the NAR.

The NAR expresses their Vision “To empower REALTORS® (members•) as they preserve, protect and advance the right to real property for all.” To that end, the NAR supports an extremely powerful political lobbying effort at the National and State levels through their Political Action Committee, funded by members’ voluntary contributions. As stated on the NAR website: “The REALTORS® Political Action Committee and other political fundraising are the keys to protecting and promoting the real estate industry.”

It is interesting to note that through continued public use, the term “realtor” (lower case, no trademark symbol) is often used as a job description for people who have real estate licenses and offer their services for paid compensation.

The term REALTOR® refers to a real estate licensee who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® trade organization and has agreed to follow its policies, standards, and rules.

Agency Relationships

In all types of businesses, there are agency relationships in which one person (the agent) performs duties and interacts with a third party at the instruction and for the benefit of another (the principal).

the principal.

An agreement between both parties documents the agent’s duties, time period for the relationship, scope of the agent’s work, limits of the agent’s authority, and compensation to be paid. Agents often have specialized training, knowledge, or skills that help principals accomplish their defined business goals.

General examples of agency relationships can be:

• Attorney - Client • Financial Advisor - Investor

• Employer - Employee

Allowed residential real estate

brokerage relationships in Florida are:

TransactionBroker - the default, nonfiduciary, non-agency relationship between a seller or buyer and a real estate broker. Transaction broker licensees do not work for individual sellers or buyers, they work to facilitate the transaction for both parties. Most real estate sales in Florida are handled under Transaction Broker relationships in which sellers and buyers are referred to as customers, not clients.

Single-Agent - a fiduciary, in-writing agency relationship in which the real estate licensee and broker work to promote and protect seller or buyer interests. Under Single-Agent relationships, licensees work for either the seller or the buyer, never both. Sellers and buyers are considered clients, not customers under SingleAgent relationships.

NoBrokerage - the real estate licensee and broker have neither of the above relationships with the seller or buyer, therefore no duties of disclosure, confidentiality, or service apply. No Broker means exactly what it says, the seller or buyer is not being represented in any way by the real estate licensee and broker who are involved in the deal.

Any agreement and brokerage relationship between real estate licensees and sellers or buyers is with the real estate office’s broker, NOT the individual licensee. A Sales Associate may be the direct contact person and do most of the work, though agreements and relationships for real estate services are between a seller or buyer and the office’s supervising broker. In residential real estate, the brokerage

relationship is documented in either the Listing Agreement with a seller, or the

Speak with a Florida-licensed real estate attorney for interpretation and application to specific circumstances regarding agency and brokerage relationships.

Transaction Broker has been the default relationship in Florida since 2003, and has not required a separate written disclosure to sellers or buyers since July 2008. Transaction Brokerage automatically applies unless and until another relationship (Single-Agent or No Brokerage) is agreed to in writing. Take a few minutes to read this earlier article on Transaction Brokerage which goes into more detail, depth, and explanation. Here’s a direct link to Florida’s Best-Kept Real Estate Secret - Transaction Brokerage (theflorida realestateblog.com): https://thefloridareal estateblog.com/f/floridas-best-kept-realestate-secret---transaction-brokerage

An agent has a fiduciary relationship with another person (the principal), putting that person’s business interests above the agent’s, following the principal’s lawful instructions, negotiating and making decisions promoting the best possible outcome for the principal.

State-Issued Real Estate Licensee

All States have laws governing real estate sales and transfers within their borders. These laws include requirements and procedures for obtaining a license to offer real estate services to the public for paid compensation.

The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), a division of the Department of Business & Professional Regulation, “...was created to protect the public through education and regulation of Real Estate licensees.”

First-time applicants for Florida real estate licenses must:

• Be at least 18 years old and have a Social Security number

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent

• Pass a 63-hour pre-license course from a FREC approved provider

• Complete an application and pay required fees

• Have a background check with fingerprints submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

• Pass the State licensing exam

After passing the State exam, licensed Sales Associates cannot offer real estate

services to the public on their own, they must affiliate with (and work under the supervision of) a Florida-licensed real estate broker. Most new licensees affiliate with broker offices where they can receive guidance on the practical application of what they learned in their pre-license courses. Florida real estate licenses must be renewed every 2 years. During the first renewal cycle after initial licensing, Sales Associates are required to complete a 45hour post-licensure course. For each subsequent 2-year renewal, licensees must complete a 14-hour Continuing Education course.

Renewal CE includes 3 hours of Florida legal updates, 3 hours of Ethics & Business Practices, and 8 hours of specialty training. Even if they are not members of the NAR and subject to its Code of Ethics, Florida licensees receive regular training in Business Ethics. States establish requirements for the training, licensing, and conduct of individuals who want to provide real estate services to the public for compensation. Completing periodic Continuing Education is an integral part of maintaining a valid, current real estate license. The unlicensed practice of real estate is a third-degree felony in Florida.

That’s it for this week, a brief introduction to State real estate licensing, brokerage relationships, and use of the term REALTOR® . Let’s approach this week’s headline question with a few observations:

• The term REALTOR® is trademarked and only allowed to be used by members of the National Association of REALTORS®. It is often misused by the public as a job description (“realtor”).

• REALTORS® must hold State-issued real estate licenses, though individual licensees are not required to join the NAR unless they want to (or their brokers and offices require membership).

• In Florida, a licensee or REALTOR® is only acting as a real estate agent when working under a written Single-Agent relationship agreement with a seller or buyer. Transaction Broker (the most common relationship by far) is a non-agency relationship.

So our answer is sometimes. A Florida REALTOR® or licensee can be a real estate agent only if she or he is working under a Single-Agent relationship with a seller or buyer.

There we are - a brief introduction to the differences, yet close connections between REALTORS®, real estate agents, and real estate licensees. All 3 are closely related, and different combinations of them affect how they apply to the practice of real estate in Florida. Keep today’s discussion in mind the next time you interview licensees to handle the sale or purchase of Florida real estate for you. Do you want to be a customer...or a client?

Editor’s Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney.

Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: www.TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com (•Parentheses “members” added)

In Florida, a licensee or REALTOR® is only acting as a real estate agent when working under a written Single-Agent relationship agreement with a seller or buyer.

The City is Humming with Back Hoes, Forklifts, Dump Trucks and Even Dredging

By Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper

Todays article is the continuation of my State of The City Address Part III. It is written in speech form and was delivered recently at the Chamber of Commerce State of City luncheon. It covers many projects and important infrastructure projects that we are constructing around the community. It will be continued in the next couple of weeks, and I do hope our readers enjoy it.

We have implemented the new on street parking program. It was a tough program to implement and seemed counterintuitive, but it freed up on street parking for our residents. No more commercial storage of vehicles outside individuals storing trailers and personal recreation vehicles. The added new revenue helps to offset vehicle replacement costs.

This year we amended the program to help residents and businesses by providing a discount to home care workers and commercial employees.

Promise Made Promise Kept!

We expanded our code enforcement and have created a robust campaign to

clean up our neighborhoods and corridors. Code enforcement is not just about beauty. It is about crime safety and everyone’s property values. Code enforcement has also become a vital tool for controlling vacation rentals and businesses that are now allowed in residential areas. We are doing what we can since the state has tied our hands. Promises Made Promises Kept.

We also have continued working on addressing our overburdened building department by adding staff and contracting with multiple outside vendors. I have spoken to many Mayors, and all are seeing the same difficulties with hiring and keeping qualified employees. Our state legislators are working to amend laws to provide the ability for professional’s from outside of Florida to do plans and reviews online.

This past year I worked to amend a Broward Board of Rules and Appeals Policy that does not allow licensed contractors who are doing business to perform plan reviews and inspections for our cities. This change is what other counties

have now. It needed to be changed and BORA is committed to it. While they will not be able to work in Broward this is a start to adding much needed resources. While we know the system is difficult to navigate we are doing what we can within the restraints and demands of the industry. Promise Made Promise Kept! I dubbed last year the Year of the Shovel. There are still challenges with materials and staffing but if you have driven around the city lately every part of the city is humming with back hoes, forklifts, dump trucks and even dredging. We are replacing water pipes and valves throughout the city. Replacing lift stations and sanitary sewer lines. We programmed a $10 million capital project to replace the gravity drainage system in the lowest part of our city, which is the Northeast Section. This area sees the worst flooding and was underwater during the 1000 - year storm. Our city, due to proper planning and the hard work of the Department of Public Works did not stay flooded like many cities. While the project will not be done

quickly, I am excited to announce our city engineers are developing a temporary project to interconnect 2nd Avenue between 8th and 10th to the 14th Avenue system. Also, Halladale Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway are slated for resurfacing. While we cannot fully expand the scope of these projects. I along with our staff met with FDOT to discuss their responsibility to address flooding. It was found they have not cleaned their system in years. They are now incorporating this into the project. We continue to do our own cleaning and maintenance. The major system from Federal Highway to Three Island on Atlantic shores was cleaned. Promise Made Promise kept! We will be continuing the State of The City in next week’s article.

I can be reached at: jcooper@cohb.org Or: joycooper@aol.com or Facebook Mayor Joy Cooper. You can always call me on my office number at: (954) 457-1318. Or Call/Text me at: (954) 632-5700 Working for you! Always have! Always will!

A Big Weekend Ahead, Time To Get Prepared Hurricane Season Begins June 1st & A

This Saturday, June 1st marks the start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Now is the time to get ready. Reduce your stress during an emergency by having your family’s plan in place in advance. A hurricane can cause major disruptions to your family, the power grid and the supply chain. The best way to minimize these and many other problems is to be prepared. Sit down with your family and determine essentials such as how much water your family needs, where you will go if you need to evacuate and how you will stay in contact with loved ones. You will also need to be able to be self-sufficient for at least 7 days after a storm hits our area. To help you prepare, here are some tips from the Florida Department of Health:

• Your emergency plan should include: a) All members of your household, b) Special medical conditions, c) When and where to evacuate, d) Special transportation needs, e) Emergency meeting place, f) An out-of-town contact who everyone can call to stay in touch, & g) Pet plan.

• Gather emergency supplies: a) A gallon of water per person for 7 days, b) Non-perishable foods such as canned meat, fish, veggies, fruits and nuts, c) Non-electric can opener, disposable plates & utensils, & d) Matches and cooking gel.

• Stock up on medical needs: a) 30 day supply of prescription medications from your doctor, b) Over the counter pain reliever, antacids, antidiarrhea medicine and children’s medicine, c) List of all medications and essential medical devices, d) Physician contact number, and e) Blood type and allergies for all household members.

• Assemble a first-aid kit with sterile bandages, cleansing agent, safety pins, gauze pads, scissors, sewing needle, moist towelettes and tape.

• Collect essential data in a waterproof container: a) Contact information for property insurer, official emergency agencies, family and friends, b) Credit card and bank information, c) Portable computer storage device with electronic copies of mortgage, home deed, car title, etc. d) Instructions for shutting off utilities, and e) Pet health records.

• List your major home belongings and back it up with photos.

Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday June 1st – June 14th

Residents can stock up on qualifying disaster preparedness supplies beginning this Saturday with the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday through Friday, June 14. More information and a

list of eligible supplies can be found at www.floridarevenue.com/disasterprep.

Sign Up for “Alert Hollywood” Emergency Notifications

Alert Hollywood is the City of Hollywood’s emergency notification system. Used by many government agencies throughout Florida, Alert Hollywood notifies residents through phone calls, e-mails and/or text messages to mobile phones of an emergency in the community such as a hurricane watch or warning, flash flood warning, tornado warning, serious police situations and other critical incidents.

To register, visit: www.hollywoodfl.org/ 725/Alert-Hollywood and click on the Alert Hollywood logo to get to the registration page. Register by clicking on the “Sign Up” link located just below the login fields. After you submit your information, you will receive Alert Hollywood notifications whenever an alert is issued. Alerts may be received by phone and/or email address. Severe weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service are automatically issued through the Alert Hollywood system if you elect to receive those notifications.

Alert Hollywood service is free to the public. Text message fees by your wireless carrier may apply depending on your mobile phone plan.

For more information, including storm surge and evacuation zones, shelter information and more, please visit the City’s website at: www.HollywoodFL.org/Hurricane Free ArtsPark Concert Experience The Hollywood

(L) June 1st marks the start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. (R) This Saturday, June 1st Black Uhuru will be featured at 7 p.m. on the ArtsPark stage.

Have you noticed the increase of work zones around the City? They’re all part of our commitment to keeping #ProgressAtTheForefront!

As part of this initiative, the team has started work on the Lift Station #3

Project at 3181 South Ocean Drive.

Titan Restoration Inc.

Is A Company That Cares

By Erika Cartwright

The only thing in life that is certain, is that anything can happen at any time. Such tragedies as; fire, hurricanes, and floods are real and do happen, bringing with them water damage and the potential for harmful mold and bacterial growth. Water damage can occur for several reasons, some you may not notice right away, such as sewer issues, a leaking roof, and clogged or leaking pipes, just to name a few. During these times you need licensed professionals with a plan of action that can ease the stress and take the headache of dealing with the insurance company off your hands. Allowing you to focus on what is important to you in your time of need. Titan Restoration Inc., formerly known as 1st Priority, is a trusted, licensed Cleaning, Water Damage Restoration, and Mold Remediation Company proudly serving all of southern Florida. The main office is in Broward County. Technicians are throughout; Collier, Lee, Martin, MiamiDade, Monroe, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Counties, allowing them to arrive at the site within 45 minutes in times of emergency. With emergency calling 24/7, you are never more than a phone call away from friendly, efficient, caring, knowledgeable professionals.

Restoration Inc. works with all Florida homeowners’ insurance companies.

To assess the situation Titan Restoration Inc. offers state-of-the-art leak detection, using infra-red cameras. This allows for non-invasive, non-messy leak detection. No need to tear up dry wall or floors just to find the source of the leak.

remodels, as well as a wide variety of other services. Throughout this process, Titan Restoration Inc. will be working with your insurance company every step of the way.

You should never attempt to remove mold without a licensed professional, it is unsafe, and hazardous to your health.

experts at Titan Restoration Inc. to have you breathing easier, in a mold-free environment.

Once the mold has been identified, the mold remediation process begins. Titan Restoration Inc. will dry out the affected area using fans and dehumidifiers. Followed by thoroughly cleansing and

Whether the water damage in your home or business was caused by a leaking pipe, roof, or major flood, Titan Restoration Inc. is here to help. To schedule non-emergency services or to request a free estimate please visit: www. Titanrestorationfl.com their user-friendly

Once the leaks have been found, you will be referred to a trusted, licensed plumber. After the repairs’, State-of-the-art specialized equipment is used to detect moisture levels in the air, dehumidifiers are placed in the affected area, and a Florida-

Mold thrives in dark, damp environments such as under the kitchen or bathroom sinks, in unventilated basements, and closed in laundry rooms. It can even be found behind drywall. Because of the heat and humidity which Florida is known for, it

get your life back. With services such as emergency packing and storing of salvageable belongings, following fire or flood, and standing water removal also available, they handle it all for you from AZ. The cost is most often fully covered by your homeowner’s insurance, leaving you with no worries about chasing down reimbursements from the insurance company. Face it, you have enough worries, this doesn’t need to be one of them. Titan

•

they are dealing with. Some molds are more toxic than others such as black mold, knowing the type, allows for proper precautions to be taken to ensure effective treatment and removal of the mold. Depending on the severity of the damages, drywall and flooring may need to be replaced to effectively rid your home or business of mold. Titan Restoration Inc. is a full remodeling and restoration company, specializing in kitchen and bath

Scan Me

This causes more damage to your home and health over time. People and pets all respond differently to mold and mildew. For some, it may be watery eyes, itchy throat, cough, or skin irritation. Confusion, disorientation, and even hallucinations can also be signs of mold exposure. For others, exposure to mold can cause very serious, even life-threatening health problems. When it comes to your health and the safety of your loved ones, trust the

sanitizing the affected areas using antimicrobial agents effective for moldeliminating and prevention. HEPA air purifiers are used to capture any airborne mold spores, leaving you with clean air. Green cleaners are used for mildew removal. Since mold spores are airborne and invisible to the naked eye it is necessary to deep clean the air ducts, carpets, furnishings, and upholstery. Homeowners’ insurance covers the cost in most cases following water damage. These services are offered year-round, and it is recommended to have these done once a year to remove allergens, bacteria, dirt, and grime buildup that occurs naturally over time. These services are recommended more frequently if you have pets, suffer from allergies, or are a smoker, to ensure peace of mind and healthier living.

After the repairs are completed and your home or business is restored to its pre-loss condition, a Florida statelicensed Mold Inspector will be sent out to do a final inspection, to ensure all mold concerns were effectively eliminated. Titan Restoration Inc. takes pride in providing the best service experience to its customers from start to finish. Their goal is to have your property back to its pre-loss condition while taking the stress off you.

Titan Restoration Inc. is a customer-friendly company that also specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling from drywall and baseboards to cabinetry and flooring. It is not necessary to have damage to your home, to call on Titan Restoration Inc. for all your remodeling needs.

For a free estimate call 954-280-6950, now offering 10% off a $350 service for out-of-pocket customers.

Titan Restoration Inc. is a trusted, licensed Cleaning, Water Damage Restoration, and Mold Remediation Company proudly serving all of South Florida

Titan Restoration Inc. is a customer-friendly company that also specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

means

or not, these individuals need to make important choices about their health care. For many Floridians, the transition from an employer-sponsored health insurance plan to Medicare may feel overwhelming. New Medicare beneficiaries will need to do some research to understand the options and decide what meets their personal needs. While employersponsored health insurance typically includes medical coverage, prescription drug coverage and preventive care, and may also include dental and vision coverage, this is not always the case with Medicare.

What are the Medicare plan options?

The main decision is between Original Medicare, which is federally managed, or Medicare Advantage, plans administered by private insurance companies that have contracts with the federal government.

They both cover the same Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) services, but Medicare Advantage plans typically include additional coverage and services. Original Medicare includes Parts A and B. If a beneficiary wants coverage beyond hospital and medical services –like for prescription drugs (Part D) or dental and vision care – separate insurance coverage is needed. Since Original Medicare only covers about 80% of an individual’s health care costs, many people choose a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help with out-of-pocket expenses, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Medicare Advantage plans, similar to employer-sponsored insurance, can provide all-in-one coverage, often including dental, vision, hearing and prescription drug benefits, and may also include additional health and well-being benefits. Medicare Advantage plans also have maximum out-of-pocket costs, making expenses more predictable. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) annually rate Medicare

Advantage plans to help beneficiaries evaluate the quality of the plans available.

What costs should be considered?

Similar to comparing out-of-pocket costs when choosing among different employer-sponsored options, consider premiums, copayments/coinsurance, deductibles and prescription drug costs when deciding on a Medicare plan.

Original Medicare’s premium costs are standardized and set by CMS. In 2024, the Part B premium is $174.70, but it may be higher depending on income.

Premiums for Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans vary plan to plan. There is still a Part B premium with these plans, although some Medicare Advantage plans offer reimbursements for part of that cost.

What are the provider options?

Where Original Medicare coverage includes any provider accepting Medicare patients, Medicare Advantage plans have networks. Just as many employers offer both HMO and PPO plans, Medicare

Advantage plans are also offered as HMOs and PPOs. HMOs tend to have lower costs but only allow beneficiaries to use in-network providers, where PPOs may have higher out-of-pocket costs, they provide flexibility to receive care outside of the network.

What if I am not retiring at 65?

Many people choose to work past 65, maintaining coverage under their employer’s group plan. For those who have paid into Medicare via payroll deductions, I recommend enrolling in Medicare Part A when eligible, if there is no premium to pay. Individuals who have health insurance from their current employer may be able to delay Part B enrollment (and its monthly premium) and avoid a lateenrollment penalty.

If you are turning 65 this year, now is the time to learn about your Medicare plan options. For more information, visit: www.Medicare.gov or seek out a licensed sales agent for assistance.

Individuals who have health insurance from their current employer may be able to delay Part B enrollment