Award Winning Author Melody Maysonet’s book WHAT WE WISH FOR novel received a starred review from School Library Journal, it was also a Zibby’s Book Club Pick last November, and Maysonet was featured on Zibby’s podcast, Totally Booked, which has more than 13.5 million downloads.
In addition, Katie Couric Media named WHAT WE WISH FOR as one of its Best New Books Out This Fall (for 2024). And PBS’s Between the Covers recently interviewed the author for its Summer Series program. (The interview is scheduled to air in July.)
Melody will be autographing copies of her book at the LUXURY CHAMBER of COMMERCE event next Monday!
Award Winning Author MelodyMaysonet
Luxury Chamber of Commerce® Hosts Cocktail Reception at Trulucks on the Beach
The soirée was held on Monday, May 19, 2025 celebrating the elegance of Queen Victoria Day. Some notables present at the event included: Ross Mandell, Melina Khansari and Publicist Rachel Galvin.
Left to Right: Cam Melangton, Melissa Mailly, Dr.Joseph Vanore, Monika Hadvigerova, Steve Fleisher. Photo - Ilmar Saar
Longtime Coconut Creek resident Melody Maysonet recently won the gold medal from the Florida Book Awards for her second novel, WHAT WE WISH FOR, which is based on her time volunteering at a local homeless shelter.
Not only did the traditionally published novel receive a starred review from School Library Journal, it was also a Zibby’s Book Club Pick last November, and Maysonet was featured on Zibby’s podcast, Totally Booked, which has more than 13.5 million downloads.
In addition, Katie Couric Media named WHAT WE WISH FOR as one of its Best New Books Out This Fall (for 2024). And PBS’s Between the Covers recently interviewed the author for its Summer Series program. (The interview is scheduled to air in July.)
Melody Maysonet has lived in Coconut Creek for almost 30 years, and indeed, the novel takes place in South Florida, with its eclectic mix of people and unique weather. The story centers around a teenage girl who lives in a homeless shelter with her alcoholic mother and is based partially on the author’s own life. WHAT WE WISH FOR has been applauded for its rich character development, engaging plot, emotional resonance, and satisfying story.
To learn more about Melody Maysonet and her award-winning book, visit her website at www.melodymaysonet.com.
Award Winning Author - Melody Maysonet
Local Hive™ Florida Honey Now Available at Publix Raw & Unfiltered – Just in Time for Summer Entertaining
Local Hive™ America’s #1 brand in natural food stores is proud to celebrate over 100 years of bringing 100% U.S.-sourced, raw and unfiltered honey to homes across the country. And now, Florida’s own blend has officially landed on shelves at Publix!
Bottled just the way the bees made it, this pure, raw honey retains all of its natural enzymes, nutrients, and pollens. With over 23 unique varieties including Local, Regional, Single Varietal, and Harvest Reserve Local Hive™ captures the diverse flavors of American flora, one region at a time
The Florida blend draws its distinct taste from the Sunshine State’s native citrus, tupelo, and wildflower blooms It's sweet, floral, and full of the vibrant essence of Florida’s landscape perfect for summer entertaining, cocktails, and marinades.
Why Choose Local Hive™ Florida Honey?
• 100% U.S. Honey
• Always Raw & Unfiltered
• Sourced Directly from Florida Bees and Beekeepers
Looking to sweeten your next gathering? Try a classic Bee’s Knees cocktail: Bee’s Knees Recipe:
• 2 oz gin
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe glass, and garnish with a lemon twist Also great in BBQ sauces, salad dressings, and more!
Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council Honors Medal of Valor Award Recipients in 2025 Tribute to Bravery Ceremony and Luncheon
South Florida nonprofit celebrates the bravery and dedication of Broward County first responders with honoree award and luncheon
On Thursday, April 10, the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council hosted its annual Tribute to Bravery Valor Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach. The event honored local heroes who exemplified extraordinary service in the line of duty and upheld the highest standards of service.
Guests enjoyed a welcome reception, followed by the ceremony and luncheon where Broward County first responders were presented with the Medal of Valor Award in acknowledgement of their various acts of courage, bravery, and compassion The award is in recognition of first responders who sacrifice their safety for the lives of others, honoring their oath and protecting their communities.
"Each year, this event reminds us why the work of the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council matters so deeply," said Andy Mitchell, Chairman of the Board for the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council
"Behind every medal is a story of a first responder who answered the call without hesitation. We're proud to support them, and committed to making sure their service never goes unseen "
"We celebrated compassion, courage, and a deep commitment to community, the vary values that guide what we do at BSAC," said Valerie Silverman, who was surprised with a promotion to Executive Director during the luncheon. "It's an incredible honor to step into this role I'm committed to growing this organization with purpose and heart, so we can continue standing alongside those who stand tall for all of us "
The Tribute to Bravery Ceremony served as a profound reminder of the incredible dedication by Broward County's first responders. Through their heroic actions, the stories of these Medal of Valor recipients highlight the remarkable courage, heart, and selflessness that define these everyday heroes and exemplify the true spirit of service and sacrifice
About the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council:
The Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the first responders of Broward County. Its core mission is to provide financial assistance to the families of first responders who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty
Over time, the Council's focus has expanded to include broader investments in the first responders who serve and protect our communities In partnership with the Broward County Sheriff and Police Chiefs, the Advisory Council funds state-of-the-art equipment and technology, specialized training, community outreach, and wellness initiatives; efforts that enhance their ability to serve and protect, and in turn, help safeguard the well-being of Broward County
The Advisory Council remains steadfast in its mission: Protecting Those Who Protect Us.
For more information, visit www.browardsheriffsadvisorycouncil.com.
Media Contact:
The Pontes Group / Lais Pontes Greene
395534@email4pr.com
954-960-6083
SOURCE Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council
Deputy Marcus Hall and Behavioral Health Therapist Daniel Gelpi (Broward Sheriff's Office Co-Responder Team) responded to over 400 crisis calls in 2024 with zero use-of-force incidents and helped divert over 100 individuals from jail to treatment
Captain Kevin Meyers (BSO Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team) overhauled elite training and certification programs, mentoring the next generation of rescuers
BSO TITAN Unit including 15 detectives and K9 deputies responded to more than 300 high-risk calls, apprehending armed suspects and preventing violence.
Detective Clint Corey (Coconut Creek Police Department) supported grieving residents and led financial crimes investigations while mentoring junior detectives
Officers Dakota Dussault, Giovana Giraldo, and Karla Torres (Coral Springs Police Department) bravely ended a violent ambush during a mental health call
Detective Jonathan Brown (BSO Deerfield Beach) used a PIT maneuver to stop an armed kidnapping suspect barreling toward a trooper on I-95.
Trooper Frank Hernandez (Florida Highway Patrol) executed a high-speed PIT maneuver to apprehend homicide suspects.
Detective Joseph Hoffman and Officer Erick Flores (Fort Lauderdale Police Department) rendered aid and transported a two-yearold shooting victim, saving his life
Detective Sandra Harris (Hallandale Beach Police Department) led Broward's first capital sexual battery case and a major gang indictment
EMS Captain Jennifer Arreola (BSO Fire Rescue Hallandale Beach) performed a rare life-saving thoracotomy at a crane collapse site.
Detective Maria Stengel (Hillsboro Beach Police Department) solved a hit-and-run with no witnesses by identifying the vehicle through forensics.
Officer David Diaz (Hollywood Police Department) arrested violent offenders and tracked a wanted sex offender in his first months on the Beach Unit
Officer Cody Richards (Lauderhill Police Department) saved a woman from a suicide attempt by quickly applying a tourniquet Officer Matthew Masi (Lighthouse Point Police Department) raised $27,000 for Special Olympics and led inclusive community programs.
Officer Anthony Moser (Miccosukee Police Department) saved crash and gunshot victims through immediate lifesaving actions
Officer Xavier Osorio (Miramar Police Department) arrested an armed felon with an AR-15 and helped prevent gang-related homicides
Officers Zarick Jackson, Victor Lescano, and William Sproat (Pembroke Pines Police Department) rescued five children during a violent domestic call.
Officer Courtney Fish (Plantation Police Department) revived an 11-month-old infant exposed to fentanyl using CPR.
Officers Patricia Johnson and Mariano Restaino (Seminole Police Department) rescued a 3-year-old from an attempted abduction.
Detective Robert Padron (Sunrise Police Department) stopped an armed suspect in a public area, sustaining injuries while saving lives
Deputies Mike Belizaire, Ariel Gonzalez, Carlos Martinez, and CSA Jorge Esquivel (BSO Weston District) uncovered and stopped a human trafficking situation.
Finding Balance in the Fast Lane: Inside Equilibrium Mental Health Services' Boutique Approach to Wellness
In MIAMI, ambition is everywhere—in the glass towers of Brickell, the creative hubs of Wynwood, the executive suites of Coral Gables. The city pulses with driven professionals, entrepreneurs, and highachievers who pour themselves into careers, often at the expense of their own well-being. But amid the hustle, a quiet revolution in mental health is taking place.
Tucked into the professional heart of the city, Equilibrium Mental Health Services offers something different: not a clinic, not a crisis center, but a concierge, boutique mental health practice designed specifically for those balancing demanding careers, complex personal lives, and a constant pursuit of excellence.
“We work with people who are high functioning, but they’re carrying a silent weight,” says Dr. Robert Morales, founder and lead provider. “They're managing companies, building families, excelling in their industries but many are doing it while privately struggling with anxiety, burnout, or perfectionism. Our role is to meet them exactly where they are—with discretion, respect, and a plan tailored to their lives.”
A Concierge Experience Rooted in Precision and Privacy
What sets Equilibrium apart is its white-glove approach to mental health care. Every service is designed to be streamlined, personalized, and effective, honoring the time and privacy of its clients. There’s no waiting room cattle call, no rushed intakes. Appointments are scheduled with intention, sessions are thorough, and the treatment model emphasizes quality over quantity
This is mental health care without the bureaucracy, and with the kind of attention to detail typically reserved for luxury services “We operate with the same professionalism and polish our clients expect in their own industries,” says Dr. Morales. “That includes how we communicate, how we protect their privacy, and how we adapt our care to their goals ”
Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Cafe is once again redefining the New York-style deli concept with a fresh lineup of mouth watering new menu items that blend tradition, innovation, and bold flavors. Known for combining old-school quality with top-tier hospitality, Mitch’s latest offerings deliver unmatched flavor, highest-quality ingredients through generous portions. Introducing the Latest Additions to the Mitch’s Menu:
• Nova Sandwiches - Mitch’s famous freshly baked bagels served open-faced with classic nova and curated toppings.
• Mr. Eats 305 Bagel – Created in collaboration with top Miami foodie influencer, George Arango, aka @Mr.Eats305 - it’s South Florida twist on a deli classic, featuring thin-sliced nova, plain cream cheese, cucumber, hollandaise, crispy onions, scallions, and a drizzle of hot honey, all served open-faced. $18.50
• The Hampton – East Coast elegance on a bagel, with homemade feta dill cream cheese (new flavor), thin-sliced nova, dill, lemon, and julienned red onion, scooped, toasted well, and served open-faced. Market Price
• Avocado Toast - Thick, indulgent slices of toast crowned with avocado and distinctive toppings
• Greek Avo – Whole avocado, feta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, Tuscan Kale, mint and basil pesto. $14.00
• Breakfast Sandwiches - Generous sandwiches that will bring you back from any hangover
• The So Flo - Egg whites, Swiss cheese, turkey bacon, avocado, mint and basil pesto. $15.50
We’re excited to introduce two new wraps the Toasted Pesto Chicken and Buffalo Chicken Melt joining favorites like the Avo Chicken Caesar and California Chicken Wraps.
• Buffalo Chicken Melt – Spicy chicken salad, red onions, tomatoes, and melted Muenster cheese toasted to perfection. $17.50
• Avo Chicken Caesar – Grilled chicken meets Tuscan kale, Parmigiano, and fresh avocado in a vibrant, healthy twist on a classic $16 50
• California Chicken – Thick-cut bacon, grilled chicken, avocado, Tuscan kale, tomato, and mayo sunny, satisfying, and served with West Coast flair $17 50
“These dishes reflect who we are a modern deli that’s rooted in tradition but unafraid to innovate,” said Adam Shidlofsky, cofounder of Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Cafe
With three locations thriving in Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village, Hallandale Beach, and Weston, Mitch’s is preparing to open its fourth location in Coral Springs later this year a homecoming for Mitch and Adam, whose deli journey began in Coral Springs back in 2002
Beyond the food, Mitch’s is a lifestyle brand that’s known for its photo-worthy dishes and a vibe that keeps guests coming back.
New Yorker Mitch Shidlofsky founded Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Cafe as Mitch’s Westside Bagels. Now co-owned by his son, Adam Shidlofsky, Mitch’s has reimagined the classic New York-style, Jewish deli
brand with cafes in Ft Lauderdale’s Flagler Village, Hallandale, Weston, and Coral Springs
