SOUTH FLORIDA magazine - June 2025 issue

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“TRIBUTE TO BRAVERY” CEREMONY AND LUNCHEON

FOUNDER | Jay ShapiroLuxury Chamber Media Group jay@southflorida.in

Fashion Editor | Juliana LaBonte juliana@southflorida.in

Travel Editor | Christina Ricci

Business Editor | Cindy Ragan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joe Freer, Frank LoRe Jr, Roger Craft

PHOTOGRAPHER Ilmar Saar

ADVERTISING

PleaseAdvertise@gmail.com

Chris Cie Carter is a dynamic music producer, songwriter, and performer known for his innovative approach to blending genres. With a keen ear for melody and a deep understanding of production techniques, Carter has worked with a diverse range of artists, helping shape unique sounds that resonate with audiences. His ability to craft compelling beats and rich musical landscapes has earned him recognition in the industry. Whether behind the mixing board or on stage, Carter’s passion for music and dedication to excellence continue to set him apart as a creative force in the entertainment world.

Producer ChrisCieCarter

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

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.

Detective Megan Britt (Margate Police Department) intercepted child predators and prosecuted online exploitation cases.

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 ”

To continue reading visit: FULL STORY >>>

Mitch’sDowntownBagelCafeUnveilsNewMenuforSpring2025

PopularSouthFloridaNY-styledeliaddsnewAvocadoToasts,Nova&BreakfastSandwichesandLunchWrapstomenu

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.

• Toasted Pesto Chicken – Grilled chicken, fresh mint, kale, tomatoes, avocado, provolone, and pesto aioli a bold, herbaceous masterpiece $18 00

• 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.

ABOUT MITCH’S DOWNTOWN BAGEL CAFE

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
single location has grown
thriving brand with cafes in Ft Lauderdale’s Flagler Village, Hallandale, Weston, and Coral Springs opening
+
Mitch Shidlofsky Adam Shidlofsky

Facial Mania Med Spa Accelerates National Growth with New Clinics

in Doral, Orlando, and Irving

Facial Mania Med Spa, one of the fastest-rising medical-spa franchises in the United States, announces three additional clinics in Doral and Orlando, Florida, and Irving, Texas. The openings lift the network to 14 operational locations, with 13 more in active development, underscoring the sustained popularity of modern, non-surgical facial rejuvenation across both states.

"Demand keeps climbing for sophisticated skin care that delivers visible results without prolonged downtime," said CEO Marcello Cesarini "Our new partners in South Florida, Central Florida, and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex share our commitment to clinical excellence and five-star guest experience "

Expanded Service Menu

Injectable artistry with FDA-cleared Botox®, Xeomin®, Dysport®, and volumizing fillers such as Juvederm®, Restylane®, Sculptra®, and Radiesse® for wrinkle-softening and balanced facial contouring.

The signature Hydro Oxygen Facial an oxygen-infused, serum-boosted protocol that leaves skin hydrated, clarified, and cameraready.

Complementary treatments including laser hair removal, non-invasive body sculpting, collagen-stimulating microneedling, and custom facials calibrated for Florida's humidity and Texas's arid swings

All procedures are performed or supervised by board-certified medical directors, while aestheticians complete proprietary, multi-tier training that keeps technique consistent from Boca Raton to the Texas plains The brand's data-driven approach standardizes treatment plans and tracks patient outcomes to maintain medical-grade safety in a spa environment

Franchise Support and Market Momentum

Franchisees enter the booming aesthetics sector with turnkey guidance that spans site selection, build-out, clinical education, digital marketing, and regulatory compliance. Group purchasing power on top injectable brands reduces overhead, while a national advertising fund amplifies local visibility just as consumer interest peaks for wrinkle-relaxing neurotoxins and hyaluronic-acid fillers.

Florida remains one of the country's most competitive arenas for cosmetic procedures, buoyed by year-round tourism and residents' emphasis on sun-smart skin maintenance Texas mirrors that momentum with a rapidly growing professional population seeking quick, confidence-boosting treatments between work and weekend plans "Whether a guest books a lunch-break touch of Botox, sculpting fillers before wedding season, or a refreshing Hydro Oxygen Facial ahead of beach weather, our goal is to be their trusted aesthetic resource," Cesarini added

Nationwide, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a 14 percent year-over-year rise in minimally invasive procedures, a trend Facial Mania expects to strengthen as technologies advance and recovery times shrink.

Forward-Looking Growth

In January, Facial Mania signed its first New Jersey franchise agreement, signaling continued expansion through 2025 into highgrowth urban and suburban markets. The company is actively vetting new franchisees who share its passion for responsible aesthetic medicine and hospitality-driven service. New locations in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Phoenix are currently under consideration, with anticipated openings beginning Q4 2025

For appointments, treatment details, or franchise information, visit www.facialmaniamedspa.com

DHL Express flies 17 endangered Mountain Bongo Antelope from Florida to Kenya conservation site

DHL Express, the world's leading international express service provider, has partnered with Tusk, a charity dedicated to accelerating the impact of Africa-driven conservation, to transport 17 critically endangered Mountain Bongo Antelopes from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) in Florida to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya Bred in Florida, the Bongos are on the verge of extinction with fewer than 100 left in the wild due to poaching, forest degradation and habitat fragmentation

As a partner of Tusk, DHL used its expert and specialist logistics services to provide point-to-point air transfer for the Bongos. Meeting the requirement that the full herd be transported together; DHL provided a dedicated aircraft which carried the Antelopes 7146 nautical miles directly from Palm Beach International Airport (Florida) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya

The Bongos were transported in custom-built crates, alongside 6 tonnes of pelleted feed and 3 specialist animal care staff including a veterinarian and 2 Bongo specialists from the US. The Mountain Bongos were released into a 20-acre sanctuary, which has been set aside for their long-term management and recovery by the Kenya Forest Service. The sanctuary plays a critical role in the national recovery plan and is key to the ongoing success of the project.

Formed by 12 female and 5 male Bongo Antelopes, the herd will remain in the paddocks to safely breed The offspring will then slowly be reintroduced into Mount Kenya's forest ecosystem, from which they have been absent for over 40 years.

Mike Parra, CEO DHL Express Europe, says: "We are so proud to be able to leverage the power and expertise of our global network to assist in transporting these critically endangered Bongo Antelope to their new sanctuary in Kenya. The logistics of moves such as this are incredibly complex, with the welfare of the animals being everyone's top priority. A huge thank you to our partners at Tusk, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and everyone involved in making this important conservation mission a success"

Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, says: "Bringing the Bongos back to Kenya is a great moment in the restoration of the country's natural heritage. For decades, these animals have been largely absent from the very forests where they belong, and this project will be crucial in reversing that loss. Seeing them set foot on Kenyan soil again is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when organizations work together."

Dr Paul Reillo, RSCF Founder and President, says: "There is simply no higher calling for humanity than to protect what remains of nature The mountain bongo's story of decline and recovery has been entirely on our watch, and the species' future lies with all of us The bongo's resilience is a story of hope for wildlife and people alike, merging elevated partnerships, proven expertise, vital resources and amazing courage This humbling, profound project exemplifies true wildlife conservation in real time "

Charlie Mayhew, Founder and President of Tusk, says: "The return of 17 critically endangered mountain bongos from Florida to Kenya is a significant step in restoring this critically endangered species to its native habitat. We are hugely grateful to our global partner DHL Express for their generous support in transporting the Bongos – yet another key milestone in the partnership between our organizations. DHL's dedication to environmental sustainability, and its role as a responsible corporate partner in supporting Tusk's mission to protect Africa's wildlife and natural habitat, is invaluable."

Led by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LEWA), the relocation of the Bongos was a collaborative effort supported by the Meru Bongo & Rhino Conservation Trust (MBRCT) and the RSCF The local communities surrounding the sanctuary will play a key role in running the conservation program, creating education and employment opportunities that will support the region In this context, Tusk acts as official partner of DHL Express, working closely together with LEWA, MBRCT and RSCF to provide highly efficient solutions for funding wildlife conservation programs

DHL recently transported 17 critically endangered Mountain Bongo Antelopes from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Florida to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya
A significant step in restoring this critically endangered species to its native habitat

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