What are some of the ways the City of Miramar keeps its residents healthy and engaged in activities?
Since the pandemic, many of our residents have either chosen to, or are required to work from home. As a result, not getting out of the home can make us form some unhealthy habits. Luckily, Miramar has 40 parks and recreation areas that give Miramar residents a respite from ‘cabin fever’ and get them out of the home. We have the serious problem sitting behind computers. Now doctors are telling us to move and encourage people to walk and cycle as much as possible. Our city’s strategy is to get people out and about which is why we have so many activities. We organize 5K runs and have free activities such as Soca Step, Zumba, Yoga and our parks have great trails for cycling, walking and hiking. These activities will give our residents a better quality of life and improve their health and wellbeing. The more you use your body in activities like walking, running, cycling, it is the better it is for your health.
The voters spoke on March 14th. How do you feel about winning re-election for Mayor for another 4 years?
I am very grateful to the City of Miramar, for the confidence they have demonstrated in re-electing me as their Mayor for another 4 years. As Mayor, I take the role of public servant seriously and put the heart of the residents before anything else. Since becoming mayor in 2015, I have sought, through the City Commission and City Administrators to reimagine a city that will be a shining example for other cities, in part because of how we utilize technology in our Police and Fire departments, our installation of charging stations for EV vehicles long before its mandated, upgrade of our utilities facilities to provide
more access to our residents in East Miramar, in addition to the many programs and training that we provide our businesses in Miramar and critical assistance to residents from home buying to welfare. I believe to keep residents happy and proud of where they live, you must keep them engaged and we have many opportunities for our residents from infants to senior adults to engage in, which will hopefully improve their overall health and wellness. Miramar has grown from a ‘bedroom town’ to a vibrant city that attracts businesses from large corporations and opportunities to grow businesses because we understand the business needs and gear programs and incentives toward
attracting them to the city. Plus, our prime location close to 3 major cities (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach) and our proximity to the Caribbean and Latin America makes Miramar a play to live, work and play. Again, there is much to do, and I want to thank the residents for trusting me as their mayor for another 4 years.
MAYOR WAYNE MESSAM
4 “Ask The Mayor”
COMMISSIONER ALEXANDRA P. DAVIS / MIRAMAR
7 Comings and Goings with Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis.
PUBLISHER’S INSIGHT
10 Celebrating Our 6th Year In Publication-Districting Miramar, It Can Be Done.
MIRAMAR POLICE DEPARTMENT
12 Miramar Appoints New Police Chief.
BUSINESS INSIDER
15 Tame Dance Academy Has You Covered This Summer.
SUMMER CAMP INSIDER 19 Take Camp Skills To School.
MIRAMAR FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT 23 Smoke Alarms At Home.
THIS ISSUE’S WORD SEARCH 26 Summer Camp Word Search.
MAYOR FRANK C. ORTIS / PEMBROKE PINES 28 City Of Pembroke Pines Building Permit Policies.
SUBARU SHARES THE LOVE CHECK PRESENTATION 30 Subaru Of Pembroke Pines Donates More Than $112,000 To Local Charities.
ISSUE 27 — JANUARY/APRIL 2023
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Chris Koval ckoval@insidemiramar.com
ART DIRECTION JGP Media, Inc. art@insidemiramar.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Mayor Wayne Messam
Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis
Mayor Frank C. Ortis
The views and opinions in any of the published adverts or articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Inside Publications, LLC. and reflect no endorsements.
For
and
call or email Chris Koval at 954-562-7682 | ckoval@insidemiramar.com
I am grateful to be able to reach you through this medium once again. Thank you for your continuous support.
February was Black History and Reggae Month, and both were celebrated in the City of Miramar! We started off with our launch of events on February 1st, then went on to celebrate with our Reggae Icon Awards show on February 22nd. We honored Icons Marcia Griffiths whose song Electric Slide is always the life of the party once played, Winston Powell, founder of Stone Love sound systems and Marleine Bastien was given the Marcus Garvey award! On February 24th at Shirley Branca Park, we held our Selecta Showdown event that was well attended in our historic eastern section of the city! The winner of the showdown was DJ Fergie! The crown jewel was the third staging of the Afro Carib Festival that closed out what we dub ‘Black History meets Reggae!’ The festival was packed with over 5,000 patrons who enjoyed the food, music and just the ambiance of the evening! The performing artists didn’t disappoint either as the likes of Jacob Forever, J. Perry, Teckno and headliner Koffee sang hit after hit! Local artists Alexander Starr and Yung Wylin as well as French artist David Cairol delivered as expected!
March was of course Women’s History Month, and where we showed our gratitude to all those women who helped shape our lives! On March 4th we had our 4th Broward County Community I.D. event held at the Multiservice Center. Over 150 persons were provided with identification so that they can be seen and have a sense of belonging and identity right here in Broward! March 7th, I partnered with the
non-profit Sunday Morning Kickers as they presented a toast to Pele the soccer great with a tournament held at Forzano Park! This was a time to play the world’s most popular sport while reflecting on the life of the legend!
April, we celebrated with the community and members of the COOL church in their annual egg bowl! This was a whole lot of fun for the family especially the kids! Hundreds of eggs were dropped on to the football fieldat Miramar High School as kids and adults of all ages dived in to retrieve as many as they could carry! I look forward to continuing this partnership with the COOL Church next year!
Please look at my upcoming events!
• Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis Hosts Shabba Ranks in concert
May 12th Miramar Cultural Center 8PM
• Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis Hosts Haitian Heritage Month Concert
May 20th Miramar Shirley Branca Park 7PM
• Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis Hosts the Taste of the Islands
June 24th Miramar Vizcaya Park 7PM
Please take care of yourselves and each other!
To contact my office regarding any concerns, please feel free to call (954) 602-3155 or email me at apdavis@miramarfl.gov.
You may also to receive my weekly eblast. You may subscribe to receive email updates from my office, sign up at www.miramarfl.gov/Davis
Your Humble Servant, Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis
everyone with the pending news that mailed to every home and business issue. Well, the next issue is here Miramar. For the first time, all of the informative, timely, entertaining, same time.
Pines magazine embarks on it’s sixth year in publication.
There have been many challenges, with Covid – 19 being number one on the list but somehow like many of you that own a small business or work for a small business owner, we’ve been able to push through and survive. There are only two ways to survive in the publishing business and those are by the continued support of the local business community purchasing advertising space in the magazine and by having solid content so that you the homeowner will read through the magazine and support the many advertisers in the publication.
staple businesses that started with the magazine. We also added 13 need to advertise and promote your misconception that print is dead the end all be all for advertising. I extremely important because in point for you to read, research and or something going on in the City particular company or City website then hopefully becoming a customer also vital to hear from our key City Inside Miramar as a resource with information you need to know every 45
Codes and use the coupons provided to save tons of money at your favorite places.
Before we know it, school will be out and summer will be here. Enjoy the spring and Mother’s Day feel to this issue of Inside Miramar in the city you call home.
I am so proud of the many new businesses in this issue, too many to single out individually but three categories that have come back strong as you will see in this issue are the local restaurants, the local Real Estate agents and the many Summer Camps that are promoting what they offer this Summer to your children. As always, please scan the QR
on the great things happening in Camps you will find in this issue.
Next issue I will providing some exciting news on my two year quest and what lies ahead as it pertains to changing the City of Miramar’s Charter so we can finally switch from an At Large Voting City to a Districted Voting City where our local elected officials have a District and represent those in that District thus creating hometown Commissioners that give all of us equal representation in our very diverse City. It will take a small army and tons of volunteers but I know from the hundreds of residents that I have already spoken to, that we will get this accomplished and you will feel good about coming home to the two cities you call home.
Sincerely,
Chris Koval President/Publisher
Sushi Sake is your neighborhood Sushi bar where passion meets flavor.
Sushi Sake is your neighborhood sushi bar. They are known for an expansive menu and a dramatic lounge inspired atmosphere. Sushi Sake was founded in 2009 by Cuban brothers Angel and James Aguayo after their passion for sushi and hibachi.
Sushi Sake Miramar is owned by franchisee owners Vinnie Piantini and Juan Carlos Carbajo. They also run this business with their children Vannie, Jean, and their lovely grandson Sebastian (The Boss Baby). The family is proud to employ 90% of their staff from Miramar residents, this in an effort to support local Miramar families and give back to the local community. They want to thank everyone that has been supporting their small local business and has welcomed them with open arms and so much love, making them an instant success.
Sushi Sake Miramar’s decor is also part of an inspiration to bring earthy and organic elements to modern dining experience. Did we mention that they also added a magnificent violinist that performs on Tuesdays from 7pm until 9pm and Fridays from 7pm until 10pm to add an elevated ambiance to your dining experience.
With a vast assortment of unique sushi rolls, including edible-nosh, to the Miami Heat, the Marlins, and the Dolphin, marking a changed menu. For a Floridian twist on Japanese mainstays, our Pineapple Fried Rice is a crowd favorite. They offer something for everyone with traditional Japanese cuisine that features an expansive menu of hibachi, teriyaki, sushi and sashimi, as well as their homemade signature sauces and variety of sake selections. They feature daily specials, with a lunch and dinner menu that can be ordered through Uber and Door Dash. Sushi Sake looks forward to seeing you, your family and friends in the near future for a wonderful dining experience.
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18415 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33029
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the police department at Florida International University, as a Captain in charge of Community Outreach and the Uniform Patrol Division.
Chief Moss holds numerous certifications and affiliations. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Black Police Association (NBPA), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). He was sworn-in as Miramar’s 16th Police Chief on April 13, 2023.
Delrish L. Moss has been appointed the new chief of police for the Miramar Police Department. Moss’ law enforcement career spans an impressive 39 years.
Chief Moss, who is of Bahamian decent, was born and raised in South Florida and is a former Miramar resident. He joined Miami’s police department in 1984, and by 1989 was a homicide detective. Moss swiftly rose through the ranks, leading media and community relations and was at the forefront of several high-profile events. He retired as a major in 2016.
Later that year, the veteran officer was selected over 53 candidates to become the chief of police in Ferguson, Missouri. In the wake of unrest, Chief Moss implemented reforms and united a community. He resigned two years later to return to South Florida and care for his ailing mother. Moss then joined
Chief Moss plans to focus on leveraging technologies, increasing staffing in anticipation of future growth in Miramar, and strengthening relationships with residents.
“We are preparing and planning to not only meet the needs of our growing community, but to exceed expectations. I want to concentrate on recruiting and retaining staff who will focus on ‘Serving our Community,’ and not just law enforcement. As our city grows, we want to maintain the safe, comfortable, community environment that attracted many of our residents in the first place. We want our officers to continue to intricately know the community and its residents. I have been a part of agencies large and small and am proud to say I am leading the best in South Florida. I feel at home in Miramar and am looking forward to the bright future ahead.” – Chief Delrish L. Moss
TAME Dance Academy is a conservatory style, pre-professional dance training school with a competitive edge. Created in 2015, under the direction of Teddy Talbot and Luke Stockton, TAME fosters novice through advanced level classes in contemporary, ballet, jazz, modern, pointe, hip-hop, acro and ballroom for dancers ages five through adult. TAME offers many opportunities for select and elite dancers to perform at the competitive level. For students looking to dance as a career, TAME’s innovative college prep curriculum (the Conservatory Ensemble) obtains two NHSDA chapters for qualified dancers who meet state requirements. TAME’s impressive facility promotes creativity and a positive learning environment for all dancers.
TAME offers two innovative summer programs that run simultaneously to offer a creative space for dancers of all ages and abilities.
TAME’s Summer Dance Camp is specially designed for intro and beginner dancers ages 5-11 who are looking to begin their dance training or continue their study throughout the summer. Foundationally, our program is an opportunity for your child to tune into their mind, body connection. Our creative yet structured approach to dance education will provide your child with the opportunity to excel within the discipline of dance throughout their summer. TAME’s Summer Dance Camp will keep your child kinetically active, and their mind infused with imagination.
TAME Summer Intensive is a comprehensive dance conservatory training program designed to strengthen each student’s technical ability while enhancing their creativity as movement artists. Daily instruction in Ballet and Modern will quickly advance dancers into their next level of training. Our talented instructors will nurture each dancer’s individual level of talent, which will allow them to quickly progress and render improvements. Creativity will thrive throughout each class, as artistry shall not be taught independently from technique. Technique and Repertoire classes will focus on performance and stage presence, as well as learning and executing innovative exercises and choreography. Daily Pilates will increase the dancers’ stamina, strength, flexibility, and tonality.
Courses in Composition and Improvisation will funnel imagination and originality to culminate vision and inventiveness through movement. Weekly Lecture courses will explore the world of dance in facets that are connected yet not always taught in the studio. Lecture courses will expose dancers to afro-theory, nutrition, dance history, anatomy, terminology, dance as a career, audition and classroom etiquette, hygiene, and resume | curricula vitae writing. TAME’s schedule is effective and has been formulated with the dancer’s best interest in mind.
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Millions of parents chose camp for their child or teen because of the immense benefits of the experience. Not only does camp foster making new friends and learning 21st century life skills like independence, problem-solving, and teamwork, but it’s also fun! As the summer fades and children return to school here are a few helpful hints to remind parents to pack a few extra items from camp in the school backpack:
• CONFIDENCE — All through the camp experience, children and youth have tried new activities and been successful; they feel empowered.
• CURIOSITY — Camp has given children and youth the chance to explore, study, and observe in an experiential learning environment.
• CHARACTER — Camp has challenged children and youth to develop character — through fostering respect for each other, a sense of community, and the ability to solve problems.
How can parents help transfer these skills into the classroom? American Camp Association (ACA) suggests the following tips:
• REMEMBER TO REMIND — When campers come home, they often keep the spirit of camp alive for a week or two, and then things trail off. Use positive reinforcement to remind campers that you appreciate the positive attitude and willingness to help that they developed at camp.
• BECOME CAMP-LIKE — Families can set the example by demonstrating a willingness to change something at home in order to sustain some of the changes campers have made. Bob Ditter, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, suggests: “Parents have to make a decision. Are they willing to change something in their practice at home in order to sustain some of the changes their kids have made, such as having a job wheel that you put up on the wall outlining chores?”
• EVERYONE GETS A SAY — At camp, children help determine how their day is spent. Their advice is actively sought, and they feel like equal players. Emulating this environment at home allows them to continue to stand up for themselves and feel wlike a contributing member of the household.
• AVOID THE NEGATIVE COMPLIMENT — Don’t inadvertently sabotage efforts by pointing out differences in behavior. Instead of saying, “you never did this before,” praise the behaviors in a genuine way. For example, “I noticed how patient you were with your little brother.”
When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
e alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They
• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are
• A closed door may slow the spread of
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level. Smoke alarms should be connected so when one sounds, they all sound. Most homes do not have this level
• Roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
LAKE SAILING GEAR
SINGING
Solve the puzzle by finding all the hidden words!
CABIN INSECTS
CANOEING
SUMMER
NATURE
TENNIS
HIKING
CARD GAMES
ARTS AND CRAFTS
SCAVENGER HUNT
SWIMMING EVENTS
COOKOUT
FRIENDS
WOOD
ARCHERY
OUTING
SMORES
GAMES
As we begin entering the summer months and thoughts move towards to-do lists that have been put off during the holidays and first months of the year, it’s important to know what projects need or don’t need permits to proceed. I thought now would be a good time to share some helpful information. A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, move, remove, or demolish, any building, structure or any part thereof. Typical household projects which require a building permit include, but are not limited to the installation of pools, screen enclosures, sheds, fences, carports, driveways, patios, plumbing (new and existing), electrical (new and existing), water heaters, toilets or replacement of air conditioning units. Exterior home repairs such as the replacement of windows, doors, siding, or a new roof require building permits as well.
Obtaining a building permit is the first step required to start work on a project. Following the permit process allows experienced personnel to ensure a project meets the established code and safety requirements. It also provides peace of mind for homeowners, as licenses and insurance are verified for the selected contractor before work begins. While the work is being done, a building permit guarantees oversight of the contractor’s work while following Florida Building Code. Please note that working without a permit may result in code violations or potential fines. Trying to obtain an after the fact building permit may be challenging and could result in increased permit fees. Failure to attain proper building permits may also impact insurance coverage for your home and ultimately affect the ability for you to sell your home in the future.
The City of Pembroke Pines Building Department enforces the Florida Building Code, 7th Edition (2020) and related regulations. A permit is typically not required for general maintenance of a home such as painting or resurfacing a floor. If there are any doubts as to whether a permit might be required for work within your home, please contact the City of Pembroke Pines Building Department at 954-435-6502 before you begin the job or visit: https://www.ppines.com/164/Building-Department
On a more fun note, the Mayor’s Annual Chess Challenge is being held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Pembroke Lakes Golf Club 19 Restaurant, located at 10500 Taft Street. This is the last chess challenge being held throughout Broward County as part of a free and friendly series of chess meet-ups in over 19 different cities created to draw attention to the benefits of chess in both the academic environment and in our community. For more information, please visit www.ppines.com/specialevents
And, all are invited to our Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 29, 2023, to honor our country’s men and women who have died in the military. It will begin at 9 a.m. at Fletcher Park, located at 7900 Johnson Street. For more information, please visit the city’s website at www.ppines.com
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 954-450-1020 , or by e-mail at fortis@ppines.com
From your Mayor, Frank C. Ortis City of Pembroke Pines
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Subaru of Pembroke Pines has donated $112,395 to its hometown charities, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and the Humane Society of Broward County; from funds raised during the Subaru Share the Love® campaign. For every vehicle purchased or leased, from Nov. 17, 2022, through Jan. 3, 2023, Subaru donates $250 to a hometown charity of the customer’s choosing.
Every year, Subaru of Pembroke Pines owner and operator Craig Zinn generously matches the amount raised by the campaign.
This year, Subaru of Pembroke Pines raised $85,385 for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and $27,010 for the Humane Society of Broward County. Check presentations took place on March 29, 2023 at Subaru of Pembroke Pines. Since 2018, Subaru of Pembroke Pines has donated more than $628,000 to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; it has donated more than $51,000 since 2022 to the Humane Society of Broward County through the Subaru Share the Love® campaign.
The funds raised will support a variety of services at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, which recently expanded its Hollywood location from four to eight floors. Funds raised for the Humane Society of Broward County will support initiatives including clinics, behavior training, shelter services and other programs that promote animal welfare throughout South Florida in hopes of finding furry friends a forever home.
Over the last 15 years, through the Subaru Share the Love Event®, Subaru of America, Inc. and its participating retailers have donated more than $250 million to charity, with customers choosing between four national charities and more than 1,700 hometown charities.
As one of the largest donors to the Subaru Share the Love program, Subaru of Pembroke Pines is the #1 Lifetime Donor
in the Eastern Region and #2 Lifetime Donor in the Nation, having donated over $1.4 million to the local community. Recognizing the diverse needs of the community in its own backyard, Subaru of Pembroke Pines actively supports a number of local initiatives year-round.
This year’s campaign celebrated a kickoff event in November at the dealership that was attended by representatives from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and the Humane Society of Broward County. The event raised awareness about the Subaru Share the Love campaign and how a car purchased at Subaru of Pembroke Pines benefits the local community.
“It is an honor to continue to raise funds for hometown charities Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and the Humane Society of Broward County, and make a difference in the lives of those in our local community,” said Craig Zinn Automotive Group President and CEO Craig Zinn.
Additionally, Subaru of Pembroke Pines is committed to The Subaru Love Promise, including actionable commitments to the community through philanthropic efforts. Through more than just donations, Subaru of Pembroke Pines participates in year-round initiatives that move the needle for a number of community organizations, charities and causes.
