Our City Hollywood: May 2024

CALL MARTIN HOFFMAN, BROKER-ASSOCIATE THE KEYES COMPANY 954-605-4823 OR MARYELLEN CLOSIUS P.A. 954-471-4626

4350 HILLCREST DR. #600 (HILLCREST)

Amazing 2/2 corner unit that has been completely remodeled. Natural light flows thru plentiful windows in living & dining room. Open, designer kitchen w/quartz counters, glass tile backsplash, all Samsung SS appliances & large pantry. Large master has generous walk-in w/ built-ins. Gorgeous master bathroom with luxurious tub & shower. Balcony views of the city and Guitar Hotel. Incredible amenities! $299,900

Price Improvement

21224 HARBOR WAY #231 (AVENTURA)

Corner villa in Harbor Village Waterways Aventura. 24hr security. Finest finishes & décor. Jerusalem marble flooring. 2 private parking spots. State-of-the-art kitchen w/ granite counters. Custom lighting & Swarovski chandelier. Vaulted ceilings in the living & Master. Plantation shutters throughout. Custom surround system. Spacious patio off master. Private access to Waterways Marina and shops. Exterior recently painted. $739,900

Price Improvement

1917 N 42ND AVE. (HOLLYWOOD HILLS)

Beautiful 3/2 (split bedrooms) with carport on quiet street in desirable Hollywood Hills. Cozy, light-fille, freshly painted, gorgeous tile, newer verticals & modern light fixtures throughout. Crown molding in living areas, SS appliances, quartz counters, generous closets, inside laundry room with tankless hot water heater, covered screened patio and huge, fenced backyard. NO HOA! $599,900

3850 WASHINGTON ST. #116 (HILLCREST)

Spacious, updated & modern 2/2, open concept corner unit w/full-size washer/ dryer. Wrap around, private patio providing an unusually large, peaceful view! Building offers 24/7 security, extra storage, heated pool & hot tub, clubhouse w/ indoor kitchen & outdoor BBQ’s. Hillcrest is centrally located to shopping, dining, beaches, Hard Rock, airport & world famous Hollywood Broadwalk. $315,000

2021 N 51ST AVE (HOLLYWOOD HILLS)

3/2 w/ garage. Excellent curb appeal. Oversized paver driveway. Barrel Tile roof in 2015. Formal living & dining room. Large eat-in kitchen. Huge master with walk-in closet & direct access to screened patio. White tile flooring throughout. Crown molding. Painted inside and out. Hurricane panels in the garage. Quiet street in sought-after Hollywood Hills. $609,900

5517 JEFFERSON ST. (HOLLYWOOD

HILLS)

Gorgeous 3 BR, 2.5 Bath home with over 2200 sq. ft. Nice big lot that is full fenced. Both bathrooms are totally remodeled & upgraded. Waterproof luxury vinyl planking throughout, Newer kitchen with brand new appliances & marble backsplash, quartz countertops, recessed lighting & beautiful extra-large pool with new pool tile & Diamond Brite. New paint inside & out. $749,900

919 NE 4TH COURT

Minutes to the beach or walk to Sunrise Park. Hurricane windows. Tile throughout. Living room, dining area & kitchen with wood cabinets. Nice size master w/ plenty of closet space. Circular driveway. Utility room off the carport with washer & dryer. Back patio is great for entertaining. Fenced backyard w/ pine, banana & mango trees. Close to Aventura Mall, Gulfstream, Mardi Gras casino, restaurants & more. Cash offers only. $499,900

305 DUNWOODY LANE #43

Updated 3/3 two story townhome in Emerald Hills. Light-filled & spacious home w/ garage plus 2 parking spots. Tiled patio offers exceptional private outdoor space. New roof in 2022, A/C in 2021. Community pool, clubhouse, gym & party room w/ kitchen. Near TY Park, Hard Rock, restaurants, shopping, medical & professional offices. Easy access to I95, turnpike & beaches. $514,900

PRICE: $361,000 (CASH) Closed 2/21/24

SALES PRICE: $445,000 Closed 3/22/24

SALES PRICE: $239,900 Closed 2/21/24

SALES PRICE: $400,000 Closed 1/30/24

PRICE: $380,000 Closed 3/19/24

PRICE: $1,850,000

“On this scale of one to five stars, there aren’t enough stars in the sky to characterize how hard this pair worked to sell a condo for us and what a good job they did. From finding someone to clean out everything in the apartment, clean it, ready it for showing, multiple open houses, handling the advertising, working through a number of contracts, and resolving multiple difficulties with the HOA, the list goes on. They knew the market, the area, and the players. They provided a recommendation for a very good lawyer to help. Beginning to end, I couldn’t imagine how much harder it would have been to handle this sale without their help.” - Larry S.

PUBLISHERS

Christy & Terry Jaillet publisher@ourcitymedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Christy Jaillet

ART DIRECTOR

Tom Rowe

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alana Brodie

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Denise Caligiuri caligiur@bellsouth.net

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

John Brodie, Adrienne Collins, Mariem Garcia, Nancy Koval, Silvia Silva, Kevin Tanke

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Terry Jaillet, James Roberts

Jon Duka, Mayor Josh Levy, Rick Burke, Lilli Schipper, Valentina Valderama

Hurricane Andrew’s Lasting Legacy

On a warm Sunday evening in the summer of 1992, homeowners across South Florida were preparing for a tropical storm in the usual ways. Hardware stores were selling out of plywood, neighbors were helping each other put up storm shutters, and, grocery stores were running out of toilet paper and bottled water. Many were anxious about the storm’s power and size. No one could have envisioned its lasting impact on the lives of so many people.

Hurricane Andrew made landfall just south of Miami at about 5:00 am on Monday, August 24, 1992. The Category 5 hurricane’s intensity and compact size focused its destructive power on a relatively small area, causing catastrophic damage. The storm directly resulted in 65 deaths and left many more injured. It caused more than $27 billion in damage, making it the costliest storm in Florida history. 25,000 homes were destroyed with more than 100,000 more suffering damage.

The hurricane also had a lasting impact on the insurance industry. Many insurers went bankrupt or pulled out of Florida, leading to reforms in how insurance is regulated and provided in hurricane-prone areas. 2022’s Hurricane Ian is having a similar impact on the already fragile Florida insurance market.

Andrew exposed significant weaknesses in building codes, disaster preparedness, and response strategies. In response, Florida significantly overhauled building codes and developed stricter construction standards.

Hurricane Andrew remains a pivotal event in the history of disaster management and preparedness in the United States. The lessons learned from the hurricane led to improved hurricane forecasting, better building practices, and a greater emphasis on emergency preparedness both in Florida and nationwide.

As we head into another hurricane season, remember Andrew and be prepared.

May 2024 Calendar

MAY 5

Hollywood Historic Walking Tour

Join locals on a guided walking tour of historic downtown Hollywood. The walking tour sets out on the first Sunday of each month at 11:00 am from the northeast corner of Hollywood Boulevard and 21st Ave. It is a wonderful way to learn about Hollywood’s past and how the city has grown into the dynamic community it is today. For more info visit www.HollywoodHistoricalSociety.org

MAY 6

Food Trucks at ArtsPark

Food In Motion Presents, Food Trucks at ArtsPark every first Monday of each month from 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

As a reminder, City parks are plastic and foam-free. Single-use items, like plastic water bottles and utensils are prohibited on the grounds. Hours are 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Young Circle. For more info, call 954-788-3467.

MAY 10

Friday Nights @ Boulevard Heights: The Soundsations

Come on down and enjoy a free concert featuring The Soundsations (Classic Hits). Fun for the whole family! Bring a blanket or chair for comfort. Hosted at Boulevard Heights Community Center and Amphitheater, 6770 Garfield Street from 7:00 pm till 8:30 pm. For more info, call 954-967-4357.

MAY 11

Hollywood Beach Sweep

Help keep Hollywood’s beaches beautiful on the second Saturday of every month. Volunteers meet at 7:00 am at Charnow Park, located at Garfield Street and A1A, to collect litter and cigarette butts from Hollywood Beach. Minimum age to volunteer is 8 years old. It is recommended that volunteers wear a hat and sunscreen and bring their own water. It is also a good idea to bring a snack. Please wear closed-toe shoes only. Follow the QR code to register for more info.

MAY 11-12

Fort Lauderdale Air Show

The Fort Lauderdale Air Show is set to feature the Air Force Thunderbirds as one of the main attractions. This event is part of the Air Dot Show Tour, which visits various world-class destinations, showcasing the pride, power, and patriotism of military excellence along with civilian expertise. The show offers an opportunity for attendees to experience breathtaking aerobatics and high-performance jets, creating a unique and unforgettable experience over the beautiful beaches of Fort Lauderdale Scan the QR code to learn more.

MAY 12

Mother’s Day

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. The official Mother's Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis. After her mother's death in 1905, Jarvis conceived Mother's Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. The first official Mother's Day celebration took place in 1908 at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia, with a larger ceremony in Philadelphia. Through her efforts, President Woodrow Wilson officially designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day in 1914.

May 2024 Calendar

MAY 16

Kenny Chesney in Concert Head to the Hard Rock to experience County Music royalty. Kenny Chesney is an eight-time Entertainer of the Year and the only country artist to appear on Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Artists of the last 25 years. The East Tennessee songwriter is known for his high-energy live shows and playing to more than a million people every full-scale tour he’s done. Amid his sold-out stadium tour, Chesney adds an intimate stop at South Florida’s premier entertainment venue. Show starts at 8:00 pm. For tickets or more info, scan the QR code.

MAY 18

Wine Under the Palms

Gather at the Hollywood Women’s Clubhouse for an evening of fine wines, appetizers, friends and fun! Tickets are on sale for $65 per person and can be purchased with cash, check, or Zelle: donate@hollywoodwomensclub.org. The event is hosted at the Hollywood Women’s Clubhouse, 501 N 14th Ave. For more info, visit www.hollywoodwomensclub.org.

MAY 18

Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk

The Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk is back! This monthly event is open to all. Explore all that downtown Hollywood has to offer:! Visit galleries and shops while enjoying art, cultural entertainment, live music, murals, and more! Artisan Market, 6pm-11pm; Mural Tour, 6pm-7pm; Gallery Tour, 7pm-8pm; Impulse Art - fusion of music and foot painting, 8pm-9pm. For more info visit www.floridashollywood.org/ArtWalk.

MAY 27

Memorial Day

This day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and mourning the military personnel who died in the line of duty. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was first observed on May 30, 1868. This day was designated to decorate the graves of American Civil War soldiers with flowers. The choice of May 30 was symbolic, intended to ensure that flowers across the country would be in bloom. The observance of Memorial Day was eventually set as the last Monday in May in 1971.

MAY 30

SPARK Pitch Competition

Want to be the first to meet South Florida innovators? The ‘quick-pitch competition’ will feature entrepreneurs and new ventures competing for cash prizes by giving a three-minute presentation of their innovative business proposal to a panel of judges comprised of local investors and business professionals. SPARK Hollywood, has brought a fresh wave of innovation to our burgeoning business community. Its team has hosted its annual SPARK Pitch Competition since 2017 and SPARK Speaker Series in 2019. For 2024, SPARK Hollywood, FL will host two events: Launch Your SPARK and the premier SPARK Tank Pitch Competition. Through this approach, entrepreneurs will have a platform to cultivate new, dynamic ideas and sharpen their skills while being inspired. For more info, scan the QR code.

Hollywood's Time Capsule: Celebrating 50 Years with the Historical Society

Get ready to join the festivities as Hollywood gears up to celebrate its impending 100th anniversary! Among the jubilant celebrations, there's another milestone worth noting: the Hollywood Historical Society is marking its Golden Jubilee, commemorating 50 years of dedicated service to the community. It's a remarkable journey that started humbly, with a small group gathering in someone's kitchen, armed only with a bag of donated items and a shared passion for preserving history.

The brainchild of longtime resident Patricia M. Smith, the Hollywood Historical Society emerged in 1974 from humble beginnings. Smith's fervent love for both history and Hollywood spurred her to action, gathering a few friends to embark on a mission to safeguard the city's rich heritage. What began as informal gatherings soon blossomed into a full-fledged organization, with Smith at the helm as its second president. Her unwavering dedication earned her the esteemed title of Director Emeritus, and her legacy remains integral to the society's success.

To honor its half-century legacy, the Hollywood Historical Society is unveiling a captivating exhibition at Hammerstein House. Running from May to August, the exhibition promises to offer a captivating journey through the society's past, present, and future. Delve into the origins of the organization, from its modest beginnings to its evolution into a cornerstone of the community.

Through engaging programs and exhibits, visitors will gain insight into the inner workings of the Research Center, where volunteers meticulously curate and preserve historical treasures. Discover the fascinating history of Hammerstein House, the society's cherished meeting place, and delve into the notable events that have graced its halls.

For those eager to explore further, docent-led tours of Hammerstein House are available on the first Sunday of every month or by appointment. It's an opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in Hollywood's rich history.

But the celebration doesn't stop there. The Hollywood Historical Society is committed to keeping the city's vibrant history

alive for generations to come. As a nonprofit cultural organization operated by dedicated volunteers, they offer a wealth of activities and events for history enthusiasts of all ages.

With over 20,000 items in its collection, the society also provides unique treasures for sale at the Research Center. Whether you're a longtime resident or a curious visitor, there's something for everyone to discover at the Hollywood Historical Society. For more information or to join in the celebration, visit their website or contact them directly.

Come be a part of history and celebrate 50 years of preserving the magic of Hollywood!

HAM HOUSE NEWLY BUILT 1950S

HAM HOUSE TODAY

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Hollywood Rolls Out Express Permitting Initiative

Hollywood has introduced an Express Permitting Service designed to streamline the permitting process for specific types of permits. This service aims to offer a quicker turnaround time for building permits by allowing customers to walk in, apply, and walk out with approved permits within the same visit.

Here are some key aspects of the Express Permitting Service:

ELIGIBILITY

The service is available for specific permit types that generally involve minor renovations or projects. This includes projects like minor mechanical, electrical, plumbing work, gas replacements, fences, shutters, windows, doors, and roofs.

AVAILABILITY

The Express Permitting Service is offered from Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. It's conducted at the Building Division, which is located on the third floor of City Hall.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

To utilize the Express Permitting Service, applicants must come prepared with all necessary documentation, which varies based on the specific type of permit sought. This documentation typically includes properly

filled-out permit applications, detailed work descriptions, owner or contractor details, and any necessary plans or schematics.

PLAN REVIEW

For projects requiring plan reviews, such as those involving structural components, the Express Service facilitates a quicker review process, although more complex projects might not qualify for express service and may require a longer review period.

BENEFITS

The main benefit of the Express Permitting Service is its efficiency. It significantly reduces the wait times traditionally associated with

obtaining building permits for smaller projects, thereby facilitating quicker commencement of construction and renovations.

The new service is part of Hollywood’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and customer service, making it easier for residents and contractors to carry out improvements and maintenance on their properties.

▸ Scar the QR code for details and to learn more.

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Hallandale Beach Unveils ‘Cloud Nine’ Electric Bus Fleet Pioneering Green Transportation

Hallandale Beach saw the launch of the Cloud on April 4, 2024—an all-electric bus fleet geared towards shaping a greener future. Commencing its complimentary service on April 5, 2024, this fleet of nine electric vehicles stands as one of Florida's largest municipal electric bus fleets, embodying the City's steadfast dedication to progress and environmental stewardship.

City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle articulated, "The City of Hallandale Beach is steadfast in its resolve to achieve carbon neutrality by 2055, and the Cloud bus fleet embodies just one facet of our multifaceted approach towards this goal." By embracing clean electric power, the City not only champions a healthier environment but also endeavors to enhance the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike.

The Cloud represents a cog in the wheel of Hallandale Beach's broader vision for

electric transportation, which encompasses e-bikes, electric vehicles, and more. Bolstering this initiative, the City's police department boasts 13 all-electric vehicles alongside 49 hybrid Police Interceptors—the most extensive fleet of its kind nationwide.

With a total investment of $5.9 million, the Cloud fleet and its charging infrastructure owe their existence to a $3.4 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and a $2.5 million contribution from the City.

The Cloud service offers a gamut of benefits, including expanded bus routes with two new stops at Walmart and Aventura Mall, and larger vehicles to cater better to community needs. This acquisition of nine vehicles evokes a feeling akin to being on "Cloud Nine."

Operating from Monday to Sunday between 7 a.m. to either 7 p.m. or 7:54 p.m., depending on the route and day, the

Cloud provides four distinct routes. For more details on the Cloud service, including usage guidance and route information, individuals can contact (954) 457-2220, Option 6, or visit www.thecloudhb.com.

To delve deeper into Hallandale Beach's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, visit hallandalebeachfl.gov/1562/Electric-Fleet For a comprehensive understanding of the City's dedication to progress, visit bit.ly/ProgressAtTheForefront.

South Broward High Among the First Broward Schools to Install Synthetic Turf Fields

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is investing $3.6 million investment for state-of-the-art synthetic turf fields at county high schools. The initiative will see Hollywood’s South Broward High School along with Deerfield Beach High School, and Dillard High School become the first recipients of these advanced playing surfaces after being identified as having some of the most significant issues with field deterioration.

The decision to switch to artificial turf fields follows extensive research and discussions by District officials. There is considerable debate among experts on whether natural grass or synthetic turf is safer. Synthetic turf fields are built with features that soften falls, reducing the risk of certain types of injuries. Additionally, the improved drainage systems allow the fields to dry quickly after rainy weather, minimizing disruptions.

The NFL Players Union and International Soccer governing body FIFA, however, point to research showing increased leg injuries on artificial surfaces. A key advantage the new fields will have over natural grass surfaces is increased use. Natural grass surfaces suffer from wear and tear, especially in South Florida’s warm, humid climate. The uneven surfaces created by heavily used fields can result in a number of injuries.

“By installing these new turf fields, we are creating a safer environment for our athletes to compete and train,” BCPS Superintendent Dr. Peter B. Licata said. “We believe this change will contribute to the overall well-being and athletic development of our students.”

The change will also provide a benefit for physical education classes, marching bands and other recreational activities that utilize the fields. The new surface offers a safe and reliable environment that will enable schools to play and practice without having to take time off to resod and fix the fields, which saves time and money. At times, schools have had to resod the natural fields multiple times throughout the year, costing approximately $52,000 each time.

"The convenience of being able to utilize our athletic facilities year-round will be a game-changer for sports teams and students who participate in other outdoor activities and rely on the use of the fields," Dr. Licata added. “They will be a wonderful asset for the entire school community.”

Installation of the turf fields at the three high schools is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024.

Hurricane Guide

STORM SURGE NAVIGATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A HISTORIC HURRICANE SEASON

The Atlantic is bracing for an exceptionally active hurricane season this year, potentially setting records for the number of storms. In fact, forecasters from AccuWeather are concerned they might exhaust the list of storm names due to an anticipated surge in tropical activity. Last year saw 19 named storms, yet only four directly impacted the U.S. Among these, Hurricane Idalia stood out as the most significant, hitting Florida with Category 3 force in late August. Tropical Storm Harold brought heavy rains to southern Texas, while Tropical Storm Ophelia affected North Carolina. Lee, transitioning into a tropical rainstorm, brushed the New England coast before making landfall in Nova Scotia, Canada. Predictions for the current season suggest it could surpass the last, potentially making it one of the busiest on record.

"The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to feature well above the historical average number of tropical storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes and direct U.S. impacts," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Forecaster Alex DaSilva said.

Several key factors are contributing to the forecast of a highly active season. The abundance of warm ocean waters serves as a catalyst for the development

and strengthening of tropical storms. This condition facilitates more frequent storm formation and increases the likelihood of rapid intensification, a trend observed in some of the most devastating hurricanes in recent history. Additionally, the potential for late-season activity is heightened by the unusually warm waters extending into November.

"Sea-surface temperatures are well above historical average across much of the Atlantic basin, especially across the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and the Main Development Region [for hurricanes]," DaSilva explained. The Atlantic water temperatures observed last month were around or even warmer than they were ahead of the blockbuster 2005 and 2020 hurricane seasons.

A significant influence on this year's hurricane outlook is linked to changes in the Pacific Ocean. The rapid shift from El Niño conditions, characterized by warmer-than-average sea temperatures, to La Niña, marked by cooler temperatures, is expected to have a profound impact on Atlantic hurricane activity. La Niña typically reduces wind shear over the Atlantic, favoring more active hurricane seasons. This pattern was observed during the notably busy seasons of 2020, 2021, and 2022, with the

2020 season tying the record for the most named storms.

“It can be helpful to visualize a stack of pancakes," DaSilva explained. When there is a high amount of wind shear, the top of a tropical system can be pushed and tilted away from its base, causing it to become lopsided. If a mature hurricane is in place, it may weaken but will not necessarily dissipate. "A tall, neat stack is what a tropical system wants to be, but wind shear can cause some pancakes to be displaced and the stack could fall over," said DaSilva.

AccuWeather's forecast for 2024 anticipates 20-25 named storms in the Atlantic, including 8-12 hurricanes, of which four to seven could be major hurricanes. This exceeds the 30-year average and suggests a significant increase in the risk of U.S. landfalls.

Meteorologists are using historical weather patterns, or analog years, to refine their forecasts. The 2016 season, featuring Hurricane Matthew's destructive path through Hispaniola, eastern Cuba, and near Florida's coast, serves as a reference for this year. Like 2016, the upcoming season is expected to occur under La Niña conditions, underscoring the heightened risk and the need for preparedness.

Tom

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Hurricane Preparedness PACKING YOUR HURRICANE KIT

Living in South Florida, we know the sky can go from sunny to stormy in no time, especially during hurricane season. That's why it's important for every family or household to have a hurricane kit ready. Imagine a big storm hits, and you can't leave your house or find a store open. That's when your hurricane kit becomes a treasure chest!

Why You Need a Hurricane Kit

A hurricane kit is like your survival box during and after a storm. It has all the essentials to keep you and your family safe, healthy, and somewhat comfortable when the power goes out, or you're stuck at home. Hurricanes can knock out electricity, block roads, and even cause stores to close for days. With a kit, you're one step ahead, ready to tackle these challenges head-on.

Keeping Your Kit Ready

Once you have your hurricane kit packed, keep it in a place where you can grab it easily. Check your kit every few months to replace expired food and water and to make sure the batteries still work.

Final Thoughts

Having a hurricane kit ready isn’t just about being prepared; it’s about giving yourself peace of mind. In the chaos that a hurricane can bring, knowing you have a kit with essentials for your family can be a huge relief. Start building your kit today, and stay safe and prepared!

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR HURRICANE KIT

Creating a hurricane kit might seem like a big task, but it's easier than you think. Here's a checklist of items that are must-haves in your kit:

1. Water: This is the most important. Plan for at least one gallon per person per-day, for at least three days. This is for drinking and cleaning.

2. Food: Stock up on non-perishable food items that don’t need cooking. Think canned beans, vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, crackers, and energy bars. Enough for three days is a good start.

3. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: Stay updated with the latest weather alerts and news. Don’t forget extra batteries!

4. Flashlights: The more, the merrier. Again, don’t forget extra batteries.

5. First aid kit: Include basic first-aid supplies to handle minor injuries at home.

6. Medications: Keep at least a week’s supply of any prescription medicines you or your family members take. Also include common over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and allergy meds.

7. Personal hygiene items: Think of soap, toothpaste, sanitary pads, and baby wipes. These can make life more comfortable when you can’t shower.

8. Copies of important documents: Keep copies of insurance policies, identification documents, and bank account records in a waterproof container.

9. Cash: ATMs might not work if the power is out, so have some cash on hand.

10. Emergency contact information: Write down phone numbers of family, friends, and local emergency services.

11. Pet supplies: Don’t forget about your furry friends! Include food, water, and any medications for your pets.

12. Blankets or sleeping bags: Stay warm and cozy if the air conditioning is out.

13. Batteries: Keep a couple of USB charging batteries handy to enable you to keep cell phones charged and functioning.

REMEMBER, HURRICANES DON'T WAIT, AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU. GET YOUR HURRICANE KIT TOGETHER NOW, SO WHEN THE STORM CLOUDS GATHER, YOU'LL BE READY TO WEATHER THE STORM.

Robert Weishoff, DMD

Armando Toral,

Pets and Hurricane Safety ENSURING THE WELL-BEING OF YOUR FURRY FRIENDS

As hurricane season approaches, preparing to protect your home and loved ones is crucial, and this includes your pets. Pets are an integral part of many families, and ensuring their safety during a hurricane is as important as securing the safety of any family member. Below, we offer comprehensive tips and strategies to keep your pets safe before, during, and after a hurricane.

Before the Hurricane

Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit: Just as you would for any family member, prepare an emergency kit specifically for your pet. This should include:

• At least a three-day supply of water and food in airtight containers.

• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container.

• Collars with ID tags, a leash, and a harness.

• A pet carrier with bedding and toys to help reduce stress.

• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.

• Litter box, litter, paper towels, plastic trash

bags, and household chlorine bleach for sanitation.

• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavior tendencies in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

Ensure Your Pet’s Identification is Up-toDate: Check that your pet’s tags are secure and legible. Consider microchipping your pet if not already done, as it can be a lifesaver in reuniting lost pets with their owners.

Know Your Shelter Options: Not all shelters accept pets, so it’s essential to plan ahead. Research pet-friendly hotels, motels, or boarding facilities both in and outside your immediate area. You can also check with your local animal shelter—they may have a foster program available during emergencies.

During the Hurricane

1. Bring Pets Indoors: Well before the storm hits, bring your pets inside where they can stay dry and safe. Create a comfortable area in a room without windows and remove

any toxic items that pets might accidentally consume.

2. Calm and Comfort Your Pet: Hurricanes can be frightening for pets. Your presence is comforting, so stay close and show calmness and reassurance through gentle petting and talking softly.

3. Maintain a Routine: As much as possible, stick to your pet's regular routine for feeding and bathroom breaks. If it’s not safe to go outside, prepare an indoor area where your pet can relieve themselves.

4. Securely Confine Pets: During the storm, place pets in a carrier or secure room to prevent escape or injury. This also makes it easier to evacuate quickly if the need arises.

By incorporating these measures into your hurricane preparedness plan, you can greatly reduce the stress on your pets and ensure their safety and comfort during a potentially chaotic time. Remember, planning ahead is the best way to protect all members of your family, including the four-legged ones.

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HOLLYWOOD UPDATE

By Mayor Josh Levy

Sharing some meaningful news today. Following two years of work to make it happen, we now have a Community Court for the homeless in Hollywood.

Community Court is a program that focuses on the root causes of a homeless person’s issues. A Broward County judge presides in the court, evaluating the case, and while still holding the individual accountable for their offenses, the judge connects the individual with the agencies that can help them overcome their challenges. Whether it be mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, medical needs, food insecurity or oftentimes a combination of those, as the case may be, the social service agencies have representatives right there in the courtroom, for immediate enrollment to render the help needed.

Since its inaugural session in January, our Community Court has already connected 73 people with the agencies that can help them. Each person’s progress is supervised by a case manager, who also oversees community service hour requirements. Ultimately, a graduation ceremony is held to provide the graduate with a deserving sense of accomplishment for their recovery.

Hearings of the Community Court are held on Tuesday afternoons at The Caring Place’s Broward Outreach Center on Scott Street. The initiative is funded by a 4-year, $532,305 grant that we pursued and secured from the Community Courts Initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice, and would not be possible without the steadfast commitment of Broward Chief Judge Tuter, Judge Barner, Judge Cawthorn and the Hollywood Police Department to see this through.

Beyond the new Community Court, I’d like you to know that we are also seeing results on homelessness through implementing the various other Recommended Action Steps of the Homeless Services Plan that we adopted in 2021.

From securing shelter beds for Hollywood’s homeless at The Caring Place’s Broward Outreach Center, to deploying full-time outreach workers who seek out homeless persons in our city, we have, in recent count, successfully connected more than 400 homeless adults and over 40 children with essential services, shelter, and permanent housing.

Whether we are advocating for Hollywood's interests on the Broward County Continuum of Care Board, or are reuniting homeless individuals with their families, our city and police department are doing more than ever to provide pathways to stability for our homeless community.

All this work has been impactful and last year earned Hollywood the City of the Year award from the Task Force for Ending Homelessness.

I’d like to thank everyone who takes part in making all of this happen, and especially extend my recognition to the late Shelley Spivak, a dedicated advocate for the homeless whose efforts played a pivotal role in our progress. We continue our efforts with her memory and spirit continuing to guide us.

Yours always,

Josh Levy

Mayor Josh Levy

• Private transport

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• Wedding Organization in the Caribbean

• Pilgrimages

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• Organization of thematic picnics

• Bounce House & Water Slide Rental

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