Pompano! Magazine January 2019

RESCUE RIDER

REPORTER SHADOWS POMPANO BEACH FIRE RESCUE FOR 32 HOURS — THE EXPERIENCE WAS ENLIGHTENING, EXHAUSTING AND HUMBLING

BY DANIELLE CHARBONNEAU

Coach Melvin

26-YEAR POMPANO BEACH BASKETBALL COACH INDUCTED INTO BROWARD SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Big Apple Dancer

POMPANO BEACH DANCER SHARES HER EXPERIENCE PERFORMING IN THE MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

Lt. Arjun Sirju, Dioselyn Acosta and Robert Almodovar-Cruz

JANUARY 2019

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With more than 28 years of experience, Dr. Leone has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s top orthopedic surgeons for solving complex hip and knee issues.

Ortho Hour is free and open to the public.

Dr. Leone will explain how he combines Great Patient Care with State-of-the-Art Technologies including: • MAKO Rio, a robot that helps to achieve unmatched balance, limb alignment and component positioning for partial knee replacements;

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• the pelvic alignment level (PAL), which Dr. Leone invented and uses when performing total hip replacements to assure optimal component position and mechanics including desired leg length.

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contents Pompano!

Pompano!

Our time in the sun

January 2019

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1

The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 56th Annual Holiday Boat Parade was held on Friday, December 14th. The judges, Mayor Rex Hardin, Cathy Clauss, Cherolyn Thompson, event Chair Rhonda Bunker, Chamber Chair Monica Ribeiro and Captain Tim Irvin, watched nearly 53 boats sail by their stand at the Sands Harbor Marina.

Photo N McDermott

42

Rescue Rider

Investigative reporter Danielle Charbonneau shadowed Pompano Beach Fire Rescue for 32 hours. She reflects on the experience, which revealed both societal and departmental challenges.

4

48

Coach Melvin Randall

Meet Blanche Ely High School’s legendary basketball coach, Melvin Randall who was recently inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame. For Randall, coaching is about more than winning games. He also takes great pride in nurturing the academic success of his players.

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Dancing in New York

Dancers from Pompano Beach’s ProAm Dance Studio had the opportunity to perform in the spectacular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Cailey Zebrowski, one of the dancers, gives us the play-by-play of her team’s adventure in the Big Apple.

Happy New Year

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VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1

10

Creatively Speaking

16

Pompano Picks

20

City Beat

30

In Case You Missed It

32

It Dawned on Me

34

The Nautical Flea Market

54

Dining Out

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Extra Extra

January 2019

Seeking a new hobby.

There’s lots of fun to be had in Pompano Beach this January, including the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series fishing competition; 29th Annual Nautical Flea Market; Art Lit chalk art festival; a culinary business workshop and more.

Reporter Marie Puleo keeps you up-to-date on hyper local news, including the City’s new comissioners; a potential new beachside entertainment venue; a new apartment project on NE 19 Avenue; a water treatment plan upgrade; and more.

Columnist Jeff Levine met with outgoing Pompano Beach Mayor Lamar Fisher to find out his final reflections on the state of the city.

A desperate search for caffeine in small-town America.

The 29th annual Nautical Flea Market is January 18 - 20. Find out what vendors you can expect.

If you need some additional feasts post-holiday, here is your guide to local restaurants.

Our Web Extras page online is where you can find more content, including slideshows, exclusive interviews, videos and more. Find out what you can expect this month.

On the Cover

Firefighter-paramedics from Pompano Fire Rescue Station 63. From left to right: Lt. Arjun Sirju, Dioselyn Acosta and Robert Almodovar-Cruz.

Photo by Joe Yerkovich.

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EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Jeff Levine ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Chris Peskar

Danielle Charbonneau

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circulation

Pompano! is published monthly by Point! Publishing and

mailed free of charge to select residents and businesses in Pompano Beach and Hillsboro Mile. Copies of Pompano! are available at Whole Foods Market, UPS, Offerdahl’s Café and at the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce.

please contact us

Drop us a line and let us know what you’re thinking.

Pompano! magazine is all about community. Your ideas and comments are important to us. All letters to the editor may be edited for grammar and length. Send letters to: Editor, Pompano! magazine, 2436 N. Federal Hwy. #311 Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 or email editor@pointpubs.com.

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Call 954-603-4553 for advertising information.

Call 954-363-0146 for subscriptions and editorial. pompanomagazine.com | pointpubs.com Pompano! magazine is owned and published 12 times per year by Lighthouse Point Publishing, LLC. Copyright 2019 by Lighthouse Point Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Lighthouse Point Publishing, LLC. Requests for permission should be directed to: editor@pointpubs.com.

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9

Creatively Speaking

Hobby Along The panic hit me almost immediately.

My fifth grade teacher Mrs. Divine (who was anything but) casually sat on the corner of her desk, pen and pad in hand and announced, “Each one of you will be giving a five minute oral presentation on your hobby. When I call out your name, tell me your hobby.”

What? I didn’t have a hobby. Sure, I liked to throw a baseball against my garage door and imagine I was the first female pitcher for the N.Y. Mets, but I was relatively certain this would not qualify as a hobby. Nor would it provide enough content for even a one minute oral presentation.

Thankfully, my name was toward the end of the alphabet. This fortuitously allowed me time to formulate an answer.

“Golf,” I blurted out when she called my name.

With a slightly smug smile, she glanced up from her notes and asked “Now Susan, you don’t want to be the class clown. Do you?”

Except I did want to be the class clown and furthermore how prseumptive of her to assume I was not a golfer.

Of course she was right, but that’s not the point.

The point is that although I was a sarcastic and hobby-less fifth grader, I was able to think on the spot and satisfy her ridiculous request. Maybe I didn’t have a hobby; but my father did. And it was golf.

Over the weeks that followed, I was able to glean enough information from my dad to fill five minutes.

Everyday two or three of my classmates gave dull and thankfully brief presentations on subjects ranging from stamp collecting to needlepoint.

Finally it was the day of my big show. I lugged in a full set of golf clubs, golf shoes, golf gloves, golf tees, golf balls, divot repair tools and ball markers. I explained the differences between clubs and under what circumstances a golfer might choose each. I touched

10

BY SUSAN ROSSER

on the history and rules of golf. You get the picture. But there was Mrs. Divine, sitting in the back like a bird eying her prey — waiting for the right moment to cause me to fumble.

“How far do you typically hit the ball?” she asked with a hint of skepticism.

“Well, that would depend on which club I’m using, but I typically hit a 7-iron about 50 yards,” I lied. I had planned ahead. I had never even hit a golf ball, but thanks to my exhaustive research, I knew how far I should be able to hit one.

My mother, who was in the audience that day, was truly entertained. She knew the truth.

Although my presentation was a complete work of fiction, I did learn quite a bit. Firstly, that a little planning can go a long way. I may not have been the avid golfer I presented myself to be, but I did spend a good deal of time preparing. I was so ready that not even a miserable fifth grade teacher could crack me. Secondly, I learned that hobbies can enrich our lives in unexpected ways.

Knit a sweater and you’ll find that you will become more creative, accomplished and of course warmer.

I was reminded of my golf presentation because I find myself in search of a hobby. At first, I thought I might actually venture out and play 18 holes, but I think I am more drawn to the cute outfits and club sandwiches than the actual sport. I considered the piano, but I don’t own one. I used to paint and draw, but that can be so messy.

The truth is I should fill my leisure time with something beyond books and Netflix. In the end, I don’t know what hobby I will choose. I just know that when I find one, I will be less stressed, more interesting, less bored, more patient, challenged and enriched. Basically, I’ll be perfect.

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Pompano PICKS [ happening in and around the town ]

Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series Competition

The 2019 Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series has arrived. In the first leg of the series, the jackpot is expected to reach $300,000, making it the single largest category payout ever offered in a sailfish tournament. And entry is only $1,000.

LEG 1 - OPERATION SAILFISH: JANUARY 16-20

Hosted by Sailfish Marina, 98 Lake Drive, Palm Beach Shores Kickoff Party: Wednesday, Jan. 16, 6pm-10pm Take a Hero Fishing Day: Thursday, Jan. 17, 8am-2pm, ceremony starts at 5pm Competition Days: Jan. 18 & 19, 8am-4pm Awards Ceremony: Jan. 20, 11am-1pm

LEG 2 - SAILFISH CHALLENGE: FEBRUARY 20-24

Kickoff Party: Wednesday, Feb. 20, 6pm-10pm at IGFA Competition Days: Feb. 22 & 23, 8am-4pm

LEG 3 - FINAL SAIL: APRIL 3-7

Kickoff Party: Wednesday, April 3, 7pm-10pm Competition Days: April 5 & 6, 8am-4pm

For more information visit questforthecrest.com, call 954-725- 4010, or email info@bluewatermovements.com.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tours

Enjoy a beautiful boat ride down the Intracoastal and climb to the top of the Hillsboro Lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the inlet.

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 8:30am to 12:30pm. Boat departs every hour on the half-hour to the lighthouse.

WHERE: Boat departs from Sands Harbor Marina, 125 N Riverside Drive, Pompano Beach.

COST: $35/per person, $50/family of four, $50/group of four friends.

RULES: Climbers are required to wear closed-toe footwear (no flip flops or open toed sandals). Children must be at least four feet tall and must be accompanied by an adult. Persons with physical difficulties or health conditions should consider the effort necessary to climb steep and winding stairs.

For more information visit hillsborolighthouse.org.

29th Annual Nautical Flea Market

Two acres of Pompano Beach Community Park will be overtaken by more than 350 vendors for this annual nautical market, which features new and used gear ranging from scuba equipment, to fishing gear, motors, jet skis, boats, nautical artwork, anchors, antiques and more. Meander the park for great bargains, listen to live steel drums, enjoy a variety of food vendors and grab a cold adult beverage from the Knottie Lounge. The Nautical Flea Market is produced through a partnership of the cities of Lighthouse Point and Pompano Beach. This year’s event is sponsored by Outboard Specialties & Suzuki Marine.

WHEN: Jan. 19 from 8am to 5pm and Jan. 20 from 8am to 3pm WHERE: Pompano Beach Community Park, 850 NE 18 Ave. COST: $5 per person; kids under 10 are free NOTE: No pets will be permitted in the park. Plenty of free parking is available at the park. For more information visit nauticalfleamarket.com or call 954-946-6419.

Pompano Picks contains information originating from other organizations. While every attempt is made to ensure all information is accurate, schedules do change. We recommend confirming events prior to setting out on your adventure.

12

Pompano Picks

[ cultural events ]

ArtLit is a community celebration of art and literature. This year’s theme is “A Day of Heroes.” The celebration will take over the areas surrounding the Pompano Beach Library and Cultural Center with a playful explosion of live chalk art, canvas art, music, virtual reality demonstrations, interactive experiences and fun activities for all ages. This day of artful literary entertainment is the perfect way to celebrate Pompano Beach Library and Cultural Center’s one year birthday.

WHEN: Saturday Jan. 19 from noon to 10pm WHERE: Pompano Beach Library and Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

COST: Free

ArtLit

A DAY OF HEROES CHALK ART FESTIVAL

January’s Winter Concert Series From January through March, the City of Pompano Beach will host a series of live concerts at three different community centers. January’s concerts include The Crests with Tommy Mara, an Aretha Franklin/Patti Labelle tribute band and The Mystics.

WHEN & WHERE:

All concerts begin at 7:30pm; doors open at 6:30pm Jan. 16: The Crests with Tommy Mara, Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6th Street Jan. 23: Aretha Franklin and Patti Labelle Tribute, E. Pat Larkins Community Center, 520 NW Third St. Jan. 30: The Mystics, Herb Skolnick Community Center, 800 SW 36 Ave.

As a Matter of Black EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION

MUCE presents its annual exhibition “As a Matter of Black, a Seat at the Table.” This show is a collective of three visual artists who will explore the Black life experience through the topics of family, food and policy. The artists will bring the concept to life through visual painting, sculpture and storytelling. A table installation will be included as part of the exhibit and utilized as an interactive art piece during the opening reception.

The opening ceremony will take place on Jan. 4 and will include a dinner reception hosted by a local Pompano Beach chef.

Following the dinner, there will be a Q&A with both the visual artists and chef.

MUCE is an arts production company that installs and curates pop-up exhibitions to activate corporate and community brands.

Working in heritage neighborhoods, MUCE also brings rich cultural programming to hyper local spaces through live painters, performers, festivals and niched cultural experiences.

WHEN: The Opening reception is Jan. 4 from 6 to 9pm WHERE: Bailey Contemporary Arts, 41 NE First St., Pompano Beach

“A Broken Chain” Performed By E.N.D. It Broward Human Trafficking Coalition (BHTC) is hosting an annual fundraiser and stage theater production of “Broken Chains” performed by an all-teen cast from E.N.D. It (Everybody’s Not Doing It) on Jan. 26. E.N.D. It is a performance arts group whose aim is to present shows with critical topics relevant to teenagers. “A Broken Chain” examines teen dating violence. BHTC is a team of leaders from nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies and community groups whose aim is

to end human trafficking in Broward County.

South Florida is one of the worst areas in the nation for human trafficking.

WHEN: Jan. 26; doors open at 11am; show starts at noon WHERE: African American Research Library, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale COST: $10 for teens; $15 pre-sale (tickets can be purchased on EventBrite); $20 per adult at the door For more information visit BHTC.US

Pompano Picks contains information originating from other organizations. While every attempt is made to ensure all information is accurate, schedules do change. We recommend confirming events prior to setting out on your adventure.

14

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Pompano Picks

[ community events ]

Culinary Business Workshop

Pompano Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agence (CRA) has created a Culinary Incubator Program at the E. Pat Larkins Community Center. The incubator program will hopefully blossom into an active community kitchen and culinary center. The CRA envisions the center becoming an economic engine for the community, providing burgeoning culinary entrepreneurs with guidance, support and a kitchen to help grow their businesses.

The facility will also operate as a commercial kitchen where food trucks, caterers and other food service providers, from any city, can rent the space to prepare food and receive the technical assistance needed to establish and grow their businesses. In addition, the space will host cooking classes by local chefs and free programs to introduce local youth to culinary careers.

The Incubator Program has started a series of eight workshops. The second workshop will take place on Jan. 9 and is free for all Pompano Beach residents. Please fill out an application in advance on the CRA website, pompanobeachcra.com (click events from homepage). For more information please contact Gladys Cameron at AroundTheDinnerTableLLC@gmail.com or by phone at 954-706-3565.

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 6 to 8:30pm WHERE: E. Pat Larkins Community Center, 520 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Pompano Beach COST: Free for Pompano Beach Residents

Saturdays Pompano Beach Green Market

Shop for organic, local produce and browse the artisan market.

Visitors will find the freshest fruits and vegetables, juices, baked goods and other food items, as well as orchids, plants, health-related products, hand-made crafts and culinary products. Plus, starting at 11am, live bands will perform at the open-air stage.

WHEN: Saturdays from 8:30am to 1:30pm through April 27. Live music starts at 11am.

WHERE: The Green Market is located in Old Town Pompano at First Ave. and First St. (near the corner of Dixie and Atlantic Blvds.).

For more information visit GreenMarketPompanoBeach.com.

Sundays - Yoga on the Beach

Juliana from Yoga4Life Studios teaches yoga by the beach on the patch of artificial turf near the fountains. Bring water, a towel and yoga mat. For more information call 754-307-9489 WHEN: Sundays from 9-10am WHERE: Beachside on far east end of Atlantic Blvd COST: By donation

TGIF - First Fridays - Old Town Untapped

This community street fair is the place to be on First Fridays in Pompano Beach.

A live DJ stage, free beer samples, artisans market, a dozen food trucks, open art galleries, fire fountain demonstrations and a lively crowd all make for a festive evening.

WHEN: First Fridays from 6 to 9pm in Old Town Pompano, 41 NE First St., Pompano Beach.

COST: Free to attend. Food and drinks available for purchase.

Pompano Picks contains information originating from other organizations. While every attempt is made to ensure all information is accurate, schedules do change. We recommend confirming events prior to setting out on your adventure.

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Pompano Picks

[ community events ]

TGIF - Last Fridays Jazz on the Boulevard

Ashanti Cultural Arts will host monthly swing dance classes followed by a jazz concert featuring various jazz artists and bands such as Jessie Jones, Nicole Yarling and George Tandy.

WHEN: Last Fridays of each month through June from 7 to 10pm.

WHERE: Ali Cultural Arts, 353 Martin Luther King Blvd., Pompano Beach COST: $7 admission

TGIF - Third Fridays Pompano Food Truck Round Up

The Pompano Food Truck Round Up has moved to its new location in Old Town. Join for an evening of food trucks (there’s over 15 to choose from), drinks, music and fun. Bring blankets and folding chairs.

WHEN: Third Fridays from 6 to 10pm WHERE: Old Town Pompano at First Ave. and First St., Pompano Beach (near the corner of Dixie and Atlantic Blvds.).

Lyrics Lab at BaCA

Lyrics Lab is an open mic night for all creatives. Poetry, music, live painting, comedy, magic — all are welcome. Beer, wine and kombucha are available for purchase.

WHEN: First & Third Wednesdays from 8-11pm WHERE: Bailey Contemporary Arts (41 NE First St., Pompano Beach) COST: $10

Odd Breed Brew Tours

Come learn how Pompano Beach’s Odd Breed Brewing company uses wild fermentation to create unique craft beers in oak barrels.

Plus, take a tour of the brewery and sample their brews.

WHEN: Every Saturday from noon to 1pm WHERE: Odd Breed Wild Ales (50 NE First St., Pompano Beach) COST: $10 (includes two beer samples)

Pompano Beach’s Music Under the Stars

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy some live music under the stars. January’s featured band is Big City Dogs, a classic rock band.

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 11 at 7pm WHERE: The Great Lawn, corner of Atlantic and Pompano Beach Blvds., Pompano Beach COST: Free

Lunch with Art

Nourish your creative side. Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA) invites you every Wednesday to bring your lunch and sit down for an hour in the galleries amongst art and artists. Each week will vary with something different — special guests, artist speakers, simple hands-on activities, or just a calm break. If you don’t have your own lunch, Blooming Bean Coffee located on the first floor of BaCA has coffee and small snacks for purchase.

WHEN: Every Wednesday from 12:15 to 1:15pm WHERE: Bailey Contemporary Arts, 41 NE First St., Pompano Beach COST: Free

Pompano Picks contains information originating from other organizations. While every attempt is made to ensure all information is accurate, schedules do change. We recommend confirming events prior to setting out on your adventure.

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City Beat

BY MARIE PULEO

Pompano Beach Ushers in Mayor Rex Hardin and New Commissioners The winners of the mayoral and city commissioner races in the Nov. 6 election were sworn into office on Nov. 20 in the city commission chambers.

In the four-way run for mayor, Rex Hardin garnered the most votes, with Michael Sobel close behind. The margin of victory was so narrow, a recount was held, which, as per state law, is required when the winning candidate’s margin is 0.5 percentage points or less.

Official election results released on Nov. 18 showed that Hardin won by 125 votes. Hardin got 40.36 percent with 13,096 votes. Sobel came in with 39.97 percent, or 12,971 votes.

All five commission seats were up for grabs in the election. The winners were Andrea McGee for Dist. 1, Rhonda Eaton for Dist. 2, Tom McMahon for Dist. 3, incumbent Beverly Perkins for Dist. 4 and incumbent Barry Moss for Dist. 5. The new commission had its first regular meeting on Dec. 11.

“I’m humbled by the support I got from the residents of Pompano who put me in the position of mayor,” said Hardin, who has served on the commission for 13 years and owns a Pompano printing business. “It’s an exciting prospect to be the leader of the city for the next couple of years, and I look forward to moving our city forward.”

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Hardin said one of his top priorities is to focus on getting some key economic development started in the northwest area of the city.

“I think that’s been lacking,” he said. “I know we’re right on the cusp of that happening, but we’ve got to have some tangible benefits for the northwest area, more than what we’ve done in the past. I think that will go a long way toward trying to smooth out some anger that has been erupting over the past year or two.”

The Innovation District — the area between Atlantic Boulevard, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Dixie Highway and I-95 that is being developed — promises to be a true game changer for the northwest community as far as providing jobs and outside investments, Hardin said.

“That’s going to be a tremendous shot in the arm, not just for the northwest community, but for the city as a whole,” he said.

Hardin said he also wants to stay focused on the projects that are being funded by the bond issue that was approved by voters last March.

“It’s critically important that we make sure we do those right, and on time and on budget, with complete transparency,” he said.

Another critical concern for Hardin is affordable housing, which he wants to make a countywide issue so that all cities in Broward County work together to participate equally in providing it.

The homeless issue also needs addressing, Hardin said, particularly “those folks who are really disrupting our quality of life.”

“They’re a very small subset of the homeless population that creates the biggest amount of problems for the residents, business owners and visitors,” he said.

Hardin said the results of the election show that, overall, the city is happy with the way things in Pompano have been going, and voters put candidates in office who want to keep the city moving in its current direction.

“The residents have spoken and said they want to continue this path, and that’s the plan, but we >>>

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City Beat

BY MARIE PULEO

A New Beachside Event Venue Is Being Planned for Pompano

Pompano Pier Associates is in the process of negotiating with Apogee Events, a New York-based event production and catering company, to construct a two-story venue on a parcel that’s part of the beachside development project known as the Pompano Beach Fishing Village.

The event company wants to create a space that can be used for wedding receptions, corporate meetings, charity events and private parties.

“I think it would be phenomenal for the city,” said Tim Hernandez of Pompano Pier Associates, the firm that’s developing the Pompano Beach Fishing Village.

Apogee Events anticipates needing between 15,000 and 18,000 square feet for the venue, but the parcel was limited to 6,100 square feet.

The City Commission recently approved an amendment to the development agreement it holds with Pompano Pier Associates to increase the square footage to a maximum of 18,000 square feet over two floors. This would also increase the minimum annual rent paid to the City for the parcel by $2.46 for each additional square foot of enclosed space over 6,100 square feet, and could result in an extra $30,000 per year.

The amendment also increases the size limit for the Oceanic restaurant parcel from 8,700 to 9,570 square feet and the minimum annual rent from $75,000 to approximately $94,000. The need for more square footage is due to a reconfiguration of the floor plan which expanded the kitchen, cooler and storage areas.

There’s nothing like this in Pompano, and very few towns have this type of venue on the ocean. I think it would be quite an asset to the overall project and to the community.

— Tim Hernandez of Pompano Pier Associates

The beachfront event space would bring multiple benefits, according to Hernandez, including higher occupancy in area hotels and an impetus to develop additional hotels; more mid-week and off-season business for restaurants both inside and outside the Pompano Beach Fishing Village; increased revenue generated by the Pompano Beach Pier Parking Garage; and increased tax dollars for the Community Redevelopment Agency.

The current development timeline for the Pompano Beach Fishing Village anticipates completion of the project at the end of 2020. It will contain up to 55,000 square feet of new commercial development, including a dual-branded Hilton hotel. The first component in the project to be completed was the Pier Parking Garage, followed by the Pompano Beach House restaurant, which opened last year. Oceanic restaurant is expected to open in late spring 2019.

The event space that Apogee Events is proposing would be a welcome addition to the Fishing Village, said Hernandez.

“There’s nothing like this in Pompano, and very few towns have this type of venue on the ocean,” he said. “I think it would be quite an asset to the overall project and to the community.”

22

<<< can still do a better job of going down that path, and that’s what I hope to achieve,” he said.

Hardin said he plans to organize resident meetings quarterly or every six months in the northwest area, and in constituencies throughout the city, to talk about what’s going on in their communities and get feedback.

“That’s going to be a part of my tenure as mayor,” he said, “so that people realize they are part of the process, and it’s not just some isolated ivory tower that makes the decisions.”

The development of a 223acre entertainment and retail complex that is planned near the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park will be something the city needs to stay on top of, to make sure the city is part of the process in driving the project rather than the project driving the city, said Hardin.

“We’re going to make sure residents are included in all the decisions that are made because the project is going to have a tremendous impact on the city overall, but especially on the communities of Palm Aire and Cypress Bend,” he said.

The main job of the city’s elected leadership is to talk to the residents and find out what they want to have happen in their community, he said.

“It’s an exciting time in Pompano Beach to be a city commissioner or the mayor, and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Hardin. “It’s time to get to work.”

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City Beat

BY MARIE PULEO

Pompano Hires More School Resource Officers and Community Service Aides At its Oct. 23 meeting, the City Commission approved approximately $1 million to fund seven additional Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputy sheriff school resource officers (SROs) to staff all of Pompano’s public and charter elementary, middle and high schools, in compliance with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act that was signed into Florida law last March.

The new SROs are in addition to nine SROs the City already had, which will allow each of the 15 schools to have its own full-time SRO. Blanche Ely High School was assigned a second SRO due to its high student population (about 2,100 students). Prior to the new SROs being hired, three of the original SROs divided their time between three schools each.

The cost for each new SRO is about $153,000, which includes all benefits, a vehicle and equipment. One-third of the cost is funded by the Broward County School District and the rest is funded by the City. The original nine SROs are currently funded through a grant.

Pompano BSO Chief Major John Hale said it has always been a priority to provide law enforcement staffing at the schools, and after the Parkland tragedy on Feb. 14 of last year, it became even more apparent.

“Bottom line, it’s the law now,” said Hale. “We started the school year with a full-time deputy sheriff at every single one of our schools in Pompano, and with the support of both the Sheriff and the Pompano Beach City Commission that will continue.”

24

Hale said having SROs at schools isn’t only about school safety, it also allows children in the community to interact with the deputy in their school, and to “build bridges.”

Deputies have the opportunity to recognize kids that need a little extra attention, or families that need assistance.

“It’s been an excellent conduit for us,” as far as community and youth relations, said Hale.

The City Commission also approved hiring five new road patrol community service aides (CSAs) to supplement the four that currently serve the city. The cost for each new CSA is about $95,000.

Patrol CSAs undergo over 200 hours of training at the Community Service Aide Academy in Davie. They work as unarmed civilians handling traffic accident investigations, parking enforcement, crime scene processing and other routine, non-emergency law enforcement activities.

They’re a great assistance to free up deputy sheriffs for other more critical duties.

— Pompano BSO Chief Major John Hale “They’re a great assistance to free up deputy sheriffs for other more critical duties,” said Hale.

One newly hired CSA graduated from the eight-week course at the academy a few weeks ago, and the others are expected to begin their training there this month.

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City Beat

BY MARIE PULEO

Apartment Project Gets Green Light from Planning And Zoning Board Overlay District, an area where reduced parking is provided for in the code as a way to encourage transit use and pedestrian oriented development. The project, called Atlantic Lofts, will include 38 on-site parking spaces and six on-street parking spaces, as well as wider sidewalks and street trees consistent with the transit-oriented design standards for NE 19th Avenue.

The Planning and Zoning Board approved the site plan and issued a development order with several conditions that must be met, including the placement Photo courtesy of Gallo Herbert Architects of overhead utility lines underground and payment of an in-lieu-of fee to the Affordable Street, west of Federal Highway.

Housing Trust, which must be received prior The owner of the property, NE 19th Ave., to building permit approval.

LLC, is proposing a four-story building The project also requires a development with studio and one-bedroom rentals, and order from the Architectural Appearance a rooftop deck amenity. The total building Committee, which was approved in footprint will be 11,000 square feet.

November. The next step in the process is to The property, located at 16 and 24 NE apply for building permits.

19th Avenue, is in the Transit Oriented/East The Planning and Zoning Board recently approved a major site plan for a 37-unit apartment building to be constructed on a vacant .63-acre site on NE 19th Avenue, between E. Atlantic Boulevard and NE Second

Water Treatment Plant Will Get $2.5 Million In Upgrades

The transfer pump station at the city’s water treatment plant, located at 1205 NE 5th Ave., will be undergoing approximately $2.5 million worth of upgrades. The transfer pump station moves water from the treatment process into two 5-million-gallon storage tanks, and then the water is pumped to the customer. The project will replace and update all of the electrical and pumping equipment located within the transfer pump station. The existing equipment was constructed and installed in 1985, and is at the end of its service life. Work is expected to begin in March 2019, and will take about one year to complete. It will not disrupt water service to residents and businesses. The City Commission awarded the project to All Florida Contracting Services, LLC.

26

Closed Captioning Is Now Available for Online Viewing of City Meetings

The City recently started providing closed captioning for the online viewing of live-streamed and archived videos of City Commission meetings. Starting this month, closed captioning will also be available for Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board meetings.

The City added the closed captioning service in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), after being faced with a lawsuit in February 2018. The lawsuit was filed by a deaf MiamiDade County man, who is an advocate for disability rights. Since 2017, the man has filed lawsuits against a number of other cities in South Florida – including Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Plantation, Tamarac and Oakland Park – because they did not provide closed captioning for the online viewing of their public meetings. After learning about the ADA requirements, many other municipalities have begun offering closed captioning to become compliant and avert legal action.

The cost to provide closed captioning for the Pompano Beach City Commission and CRA Board meetings is $21,600 a year, according to the city clerk’s office. City Commission meetings that are broadcast on the City’s government-access channel will soon have closed captioning also.

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City Beat

BY MARIE PULEO

City Purchases Property Adjacent to Old Library Site for Future Development

At its Nov. 13 meeting, the City Commission voted 3-2 to buy a parcel of land at 1207 E. Atlantic Blvd., just west of the site of the former library, which was relocated to the new library facility at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center last year.

The City intends to unify the newly acquired property with the adjacent old library property, which it currently owns, and surplus it for future development. The idea behind the $500,000 purchase of the property was to increase the site from 29,223 square feet to 46,760 square feet, and maximize the options for its future use and development. The City anticipates the unification of the two lots will increase the square-foot value.

According to a development analysis prepared by the Planning and Zoning Division, if each property is developed individually, the lot size limits the types of buildings allowed, which removes structured parking as an option on either site and creates a challenge for any developer to maximize the allowed density and meet the parking requirements. Both properties are zoned for mixed-use development.

Commissioner Beverly Perkins and now-former Commissioner Michael Sobel opposed the purchase of the property. Sobel questioned the viability of the City getting involved in developing the parcels.

“Why don’t we let a developer come in and pitch both properties instead of the taxpayers subsidizing and purchasing it?” Sobel asked.

1207 E Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach ©2019 Google Earth

Gloria Jacaruso Named Businesswoman of the Year

Gloria Jacaruso was named Businesswoman of the Year by the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce at its 2018 Shining Stars Award Luncheon. Jacaruso has been the owner of Minuteman Press, located at 51 N. Federal Hwy in Pompano Beach, for over eight years, and her franchise location has been operating for nearly 40 years.

The company offers a variety of design, printing and marketing services.

Jacaruso’s previous experience includes working as a reporter for the Sun Sentinel; vice president of the publicity firm Azen & Associates; marketing director of Tri-Rail; and corporate communications manager for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Jacaruso supports a number of nonprofit organizations in Broward County, including Unity in the Community, Habitat for Humanity and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

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City Will Spend $7 Million For Emergency Construction of New Utility Deep Well

Construction of an urgently needed deep well for the city’s water treatment plant is expected to get underway by April of this year. The cost of the new well, which will be used for the removal of the non-hazardous waste stream generated at the water treatment plant, is over $7 million. The project is currently going through a design and permitting process with the state, according to the Utilities Department. In 2017, City staff began efforts to reline an existing deep well and extend its service life. The attempt ended up costing about $1 million, but too much erosion had occurred, and the well had to be abandoned and sealed last July.

Because the city hasn’t had a working deep well, there has been a sharp increase in costs related to treating drinking water, and the city has been at risk of exceeding its consumptive water use permit with the South Florida Water Management District.

Last October, in an emergency move, the City Commission approved two no-bid contracts – one for $6.9 million to construct the deep well, and one for $777,523 to design and install it. The new well should take 8-12 months to complete, and work will not affect water service to customers. The final total depth of the well will be 2,900 feet below land surface. The lining of the new well is expected to last 50 years.

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In Case You Missed It

Outgoing Mayor Lamar Fisher Reflects on the State of the City

BY JEFF LEVINE A COUPLE OF WEEKS BACK, THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF POMPANO! MAGAZINE SAT DOWN WITH NEW BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSIONER Lamar Fisher. We had a lengthy and frank discussion about his 11-year tenure as Pompano Beach Mayor, the post he just resigned from in order to run for county commission.

We talked about the learning curve for his new job and district, which runs along the coastal communities from Deerfield Beach to Port Everglades, and what his priorities are for the new job. We’ll tell you all he had to say in an upcoming issue of the magazine, but I thought I’d share a few of his thoughts on the state of Pompano Beach. One response from Commissioner Fisher stood out to me. We asked him to identify one thing he looked back on and wished he could have done differently during his time as mayor. He paused and took a while before giving what I thought was a very sincere answer.

“I would have liked to have better improved ... to have done more to [eliminate]... the division ... [marked by] the railroad tracks between our African-American community and others. When I was first elected I thought I was making a lot of progress, but in the later years I realized [perhaps not as much as I would have liked]... If I knew how to fix it, I would have done it.”

We questioned Fisher about the variance in investment seen in the eastern part of the city and the Northwest/ Dixie Highway/Railroad Track areas beginning around 2010, and what needed to be done to rectify the problem.

He responded, “We were unable at that particular time to get private investment moneys to invest there... I believe the Innovation District... will change that divide [and] bring the entire community together...the economic

30

outfall will be tremendous for our African-American community... Workforce housing will play a factor.”

(NOTE: Pompano! Magazine ran an extensive feature on the Innovation District last year. If want to read more about it, find it at pointpubs.com.)

Clearly the “Railroad Track divide” will be one of the major issues new Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin will need to quickly address. Hardin is expected to continue largely along the path set by Fisher, but with three new members joining him on the city commission, don’t expect to see a complete status quo.

Hardin and the commission will be charged with implementing the plans for the Innovation District. The

LHP MAG DEC 13 REMASTERED 11/11/13 9:28 AM Page 44

Financial Resolutions for the New Year It’s time for New Year’s resolutions. This year, why not make a few financial ones?

For starters, resolve to boost your contributions to your retirement plans, such as your IRA and your 401(k). These tax-advantaged accounts can be good options for your retirement savings strategy.

Also, try to reduce your debt load. It’s not always easy, but the lower your debt payments, the more money you’ll have available to invest. area has already seen development over the pastfund few containing six to 12 Here’s another resolution: Build an emergency months’ worth of living with the money held in a liquid years, including the opening ofexpenses, Bailey Contemporary account. a fund avoid dipping into long-term Arts and Odd BreedSuch Wild Aleswill in help Old you Town Pompano investments for emergencies, like a new furnace or major car repair. on the northAnother side ofkey Atlantic Blvd.; and the opening resolution: Make sure your protection needs are being met of the Pompano Beach library properCultural amounts Center of life andand disability insurance. with the Finally, to overreact to market facility across theresolve street,not next to city hall.

Thevolatility. goal of You’ll the help yourself byis following an these appropriate investment strategy in every market Innovation greatly District to move recent improvements environment. into hyper-drive with arts related projects, Work to turnmore these resolutions into realities.

Your efforts could pay off restaurants,well shops and affordable housing built around a beyond 2014. www.edwardjones.com walkable downtown.

954-783-6694 Since the district will be centered around that DixieRobert Friedman, AAMS 1827 NE 24thare Street Atlantic intersection, there plans to reduce the road Lighthouse Point from three, to two lanes.

Fisher told me he really doesn’t FL 33064 SIPC foresee this being aMEMBER problem, but I am skeptical. I strongly urge the new mayor androbert.friedman@edwardjones.com commission to explore if there is not a better option, perhaps attractive pedestrian overpasses, perhaps something else.

There is also a fair amount of concern among the northwest Pompano African-American community that the Innovation District will turn into a gentrification project that might push them out of their neighborhood instead of improving the lives of existing residents. This must be seriously addressed. The idea of improving

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44 the two Lighthouse Point Magazine | The www.lhpmag.com In reality, need to go hand-in-hand. key is balance. Change is essential to building a better Pompano Beach. It also can be disconcerting, even displacing, for long term residents. Attaining the right balance may be the single most important issue the new City Commission will need to address in 2019. Y

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It Dawned on Me

We Don’t Serve Coffee... or Internet TALES FROM SMALL-TOWN AMERICA

BY DAWNE RICHARDS

I’M WRITING THIS FROM SMALL-TOWN LOUISIANA, WHERE I’M SPENDING A FEW DAYS WITH MY DAUGHTER. WHILE SHE’S AT WORK TODAY, I’M ON THE HUNT FOR COFFEE. I pull up Google Maps on my phone and search for “coffee near me.” Maps spins, and finally announces that I am offline.

Undeterred, I get in the car. I mean, this is America, right? There’s got to be a Starbucks within a mile or two.

I make it out of the neighborhood and can’t find anyplace nearby that looks promising. Finally, I see a cute little “Sandwich Shop,” the old-time kind with screen windows in the front that open to serve walk-up customers, with a few booths and tables inside.

The place is fairly crowded; if there was a jukebox, it would have stopped playing. I seat myself at a booth and realize I have no idea what the rules are, and it’s obvious to the other patrons that I’m “not from around here.”

Once it becomes apparent that I’m not getting a server, I walk up to the counter and grab a menu and take it back to my booth. I decide on a grilled cheese with bacon (hey, I’m on vacation!) and, of course, a large coffee.

At this point, I can almost smell that coffee. Clearly, it’s my imagination, because when I order, the server tells me, “Oh, I’m sorry, we don’t serve coffee.”

What? What??? This must show on my face, because she responds, “I know! We were just talking about how we should probably start serving coffee.”

She’s not sure where there might be coffee, either.

Now I’m convinced I flew in on a time machine and not a Southwest Air flight. Aren’t we always bemoaning the “Starbucks on every corner” phenomenon? Right now, I’d kill for that.

The server remembers a McDonald’s not far away.

32

Whew! I get there and now feel so relieved (or maybe delirious from the lack of caffeine) that I order food I haven’t had in over 10 years: a cheeseburger and what are still the best fries anywhere. And, of course, a large coffee.

As I write this, I’m sipping my coffee (which is delicious) and looking at the world outside, silent in a way that it never is at home. And while I love Pompano Beach, today is a great reminder that we live in a vast country, a country that despite what you may think, is as different and varied as it might have been had I actually flown here in a time machine.

So if you’re bemoaning the homogenization of America, there’s hope. I highly recommend a few days in Louisiana to remind you that America is, in many ways, what it always has been — hardworking people running their own small businesses, blissfully oblivious to the online shrieking that’s part of the daily lives of so many of us. If you’re worried about being too far from “civilization,” don’t worry, you’re almost guaranteed a set of Golden Arches within sight. Y For a longer version of this story vist https:// coachdawne.com/the-best-things-about-small-townamerica.

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C O U P O N

&

Nautical F lea M ar ket d

Lighthouse Point Pompano Beach

January 19th and 20th at the Community Park

on Federal Highway, between NE 6th and NE 10th Streets

HOURS:

Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Admission is $5 per person; and kids under 10 are free.

Due to park regulations, no pets are permitted.

more details...

1990

Photo from Miami Herald

The beginnings of the Nautical Flea Market

The Nautical Flea Market has been a popular community event for the past 29 years. The City of Lighthouse Point has over 18 miles of waterways and is located in close proximity to the Hillsboro Inlet, making it a boaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise. This also makes Lighthouse Point the perfect location to host a nautical themed flea market.

In 1990 the annual Nautical Flea Market made its humble beginning as a fundraising event for the local youth pram fleet. Prams, which are small wooden boats, gave the local children a chance to experience sailing on their own. The inaugural Nautical Flea Market was organized by the Lighthouse Point Waterway Committee (now known as the Marine Advisory Board) and was headed

by Lighthouse Point residents Talle Hasis and Mark Snyder. This first event was a huge success with sixty vendors setting up their displays at Dan Witt Park.

In 1996 the event was moved from its original location at Dan Witt Park to a vacant lot on the west side of the Lighthouse Point Marina. It was held at this location for two years until the property was developed into the residential community now known as Tillotson Square. Since there were no other available sites in Lighthouse Point large enough to host this popular event, an agreement was made with the City of Pompano Beach to co-host the Nautical Flea Market. The community park, located on Federal Highway between NE

1993

Photo from Pompano Pelican

Pictured from left to right: Irwin Fox, Mark Matzok, Arlene Loesel, Mark Snyder and Dorothy Maggie.

Nautical Flea Market made its humble beginning as a fundraising event for the local youth pram fleet.

6th and 10th Streets provided the perfect venue for this growing event.

Fast forwarding to 2019, the Nautical Flea Market now hosts over 300 vendor spaces along with approximately 60 boats for sale. The community park venue allows vendors to be located on a pathway covering the entire park.

Visitors can stroll along the winding pathway and shop for all types of new and used boat parts, fishing gear, scuba gear, clothing, sunglasses, jewelry, nautical themed artwork and more. Local boat dealers and private sellers will also be in attendance with various sized boats, jet skis and kayaks.

The action starts in the days leading up to the event with the Lighthouse Point Public Works crew and local resident volunteers taking on the task of measuring and lining out the 300+ vendor spaces throughout the park. The same group of staff and volunteers have been working on this event for years and as a result are able to set up the entire park in just two days! Then, the Friday morning before the event, gates open for the anxious and excited vendors to â&#x20AC;&#x153;move inâ&#x20AC;? and set up their spaces for the weekend! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite an impressive feat.

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The Nautical Flea Market is sponsored

by Outboard Specialties & Suzuki Marine. Outboard Specialties, a local Pompano Beach based business, is proud to be one of the largest Suzuki dealers in the world. Be sure to stop by and say hello to the owners, Mike and Mike!

Numerous vendors continue to return to the Nautical Flea Market year after year.

Favorites including Dolphin Mooring Whips, Chaos Rods, Boat Kings, Connelly Fishing, Dixie Divers, Krazy James Books, Lighthouse Fuel Filtration, Atlantic Boat Brokers, The Boat House, Bargain Water Sports, and the Miami Springs Powerboat Club will all be on hand at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event with lots of bargains.

A new service that will be offered at this

Join us at the community park, located on US1 (Federal Highway) between NE 10th Street and NE 6th Street

years Nautical Flea Market will be a “carry out” service offered by the local Boy Scout Troop. They will have golf carts and wagons on hand to assist shoppers with getting their great finds out to their vehicles. These Boy Scouts work hard for their tips!

Take a break from your shopping and listen to the relaxing island sounds of Bob, the steel drum player, Enjoy a cold drink at the Knottie Lounge and have lunch at one of the various food trucks, grills and BBQ stands located throughout the park. We haven’t forgotten about the youngsters either! They will enjoy learning to fish in the kid’s activity area sponsored by Chaos Rods.

This year’s Nautical Flea Market is being held the weekend of January 19th and 20th. Hours for the event are Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission is $5 per person; and kids under 10 are free. Due to park regulations, no pets are permitted.

There is plenty of free parking in the numerous parking lots surrounding the event. Thank you to the local Civil Air Patrol for spending their weekend managing the parking lots.

For more info visit the website at www.nauticalfleamarket.com or call the information line at 954-946-6419.

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42

POMPANO MAGAZINE’S REPORTER DANIELLE CHARBONNEAU RECENTLY PARTICIPATED IN TWO RIDE-ALONGS WITH POMPANO BEACH FIRE RESCUE, SHADOWING FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDICS FOR 32 HOURS. SHE REFLECTS ON THE EXPERIENCE, SHARES HER OBSERVATIONS AND EXPLORES THE CHALLENGES FACING THE DEPARTMENT.

RESCUE RIDER It’s 1:53am when the alarm bell sounds. I listen carefully to its pitch and pattern — there’s different tones to denote if the call has come in for the fire engine, the rescue engine or both. This time the three-tone pitch signals for rescue, which is my cue to sit up, wipe my tired eyes and swing my legs off the side of my assigned twin bed in the long narrow dorm room of Station 63. I slip on my black combat boots and pace rapidly for the door at the back of the pitch dark room which leads to the garage where the rescue and fire trucks rest, plugged in and ready-to-go. I hop up into the backseat of the rescue engine next to Dioselyn Acosta (Dio for short — the crew’s newest member) and watch as our driver Bobby (Robert Almodovar-Cruz) and Lt. Arjun Sirju tap the keyboard of the truck’s laptop dispatch system to find out where we are headed. The call is for a drunk driving accident on Dixie Highway.

BY DANIELLE CHARBONNEAU

43

As we pull out of the station, the world is dark and quiet. The lights from the rescue truck bounce brightly off street signs and trees, illuminating the road in flashes of red. Bobby keeps the rescue siren eerily on silent as it is almost 2am. Few cars are on the road as we cross the railroad tracks and hang a left onto Dixie Highway from SW Third St. where we see the car — a rusty ’90s Honda, smashed straight into a tree, its trunk now embedded deep into the car’s front end, crushing it like a tincan. The driver is missing. Pieces of the car have flung onto the sidewalk and there’s blood on the steering wheel and airbag.

I peer down the road glancing at slits in fences and bushes, wondering where this drunk driver has stumbled off to. There’s a bottle of Patron in the backseat, which seems an expensive choice for a driver in a beat up jalopy. There’s not much to be done by our team of firefighter-paramedics, so we leave the scene and let Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) take over.

When we make it back to the station, Bobby plugs in the rescue engine and we pace inside hoping to slide under warm covers to rest. I get a cold glass of water from the kitchen and think about the number of people who die from drunk drivers every night — one every 48 minutes in the United States, according to the CDC. I don’t even finish my glass before the alarm bell sounds again.

It’s now 2:34am and we rush out the door for our 13th call since the shift began at 7am. And this one’s a big one: a multiple stab wound victim in Northwest Pompano, plus a man suspected to have a gun. As we pull out of the station we see about eight BSO cars fly past us with their lights flashing.

A surge of adrenaline rises from my gut to my chest; my pulse quickens.

Arjun and Dio hoist her into the back where they quickly get to work with antiseptics, IV lines and a blood pressure cuff.

They move methodically and gracefully as a team. As they do, I can’t help but look away to peer through the front window of the rescue truck and watch as the cops pin the suspect to the ground. Am I really here? The experience feels so surreal.

After assessing the woman, Dio classifies her as a trauma two victim. She’s trauma two — not one — Dio explains, because her wounds are not as deep as initially suspected and her vital signs are strong. Dio radios the emergency room at Broward Health North where we transport the victim and pass her off to some cheery nurses. A BSO officer promptly arrives to take the victim’s statement and our rescue crew departs the hospital. Their work is done for now…but not for long.

Before we even make it back to Station 63, another call comes in: this one’s for a panic attack — a woman, probably in her 50s, is experiencing shortness of breath and a racing heart. We pull up to her home, which coincidentally is located only a few blocks from the scene of the last call. Overhead, a helicopter is flying, assumedly related to the crime scene we had just departed. The woman explains to Arjun that police had come to her door looking for her estranged daughter whom she hadn’t seen in months. The incident had triggered a panic attack.

When Arjun determines her blood pressure as non-emergent, we leave her at her home and return to the station.

It’s now 4:03am and the rescue crew out of Station 63 has been working for 21 hours, made 14 calls, transported nine people to local emergency rooms and probably slept, collectively between calls, about four hours — sleep that’s only shallow, waiting for the next alarm bell to sound.

It’s now 2:34am and we rush out the door for our 13th call since the shift began at 7am. And this one’s a big one: a multiple stab wound victim in Northwest Pompano, plus a man suspected to have a gun. As we pull out of the station we see about eight BSO cars fly past us with their lights flashing.

A surge of adrenaline rises from my gut to my chest; my pulse quickens.

Bobby momentarily pulls the rescue over to the side of MLK Blvd. to get clearance from dispatch that it’s safe to proceed to the scene where BSO has blockaded the street, now checkered with about a dozen or more cop cars. When we arrive there is a semi-circle of police officers shielding themselves behind their vehicles, guns drawn toward a small house. One officer is on a bull horn telling the suspect to “come out with his hands raised.”

I suddenly feel as if I am watching the climactic ending of an action movie. But this is not a movie — this is real life — and I am now standing in the street hovering over the victim, a young woman in her late 20s, as Bobby, Arjun and Dio tend to her wounds. Her shirt has been cut down the middle to assess the damage to her abdomen.

44

Dio probably slept even less. As the so-called “rookie” of the crew, I spotted him up between calls studying maps of Pompano Beach and getting quizzed on street addresses. Each team member must know how to navigate the city without GPS. As the newbie, Dio is also tasked with extra chores and the 5:30am shift turnover tasks.

In the daylight, when not on calls, the station operates much like a large family home (or at times, a bit like a fraternity house) — shared meals (insanely delicious ones, I might add) prepared together while listening to jams cued up by Bobby (Station 63’s resident DJ), impromptu workout sessions in the gym; a living room full of lazy boys with football on the tube, jokes thrown, belly laughs heard and a deep sense of camaraderie. The crew members discuss their children’s

Stats

Average Call Volume Per 1,000 Population (pulled from each department’s most recently available report) CITY

RESCUE INCIDENTS PER 1,000

REPORT DATE

Pompano Beach

199 Oct. 2017 to June 2018

West Palm

157 2017

Coral Springs

119 Oct. 2016 to Sept.

2017

Miami Dade Coconut Creek

96 2016 129 2017

comical debacles, their spouses and their second jobs (which Arjun, who works at an ER on his days off from the firehouse, said are common for firefighter-paramedics). As soon as the alarm bell sounds, however, the station springs to action with the utmost professionalism.

If you’re wondering why I was tagging along, it is because Fire Chief John Jurgle invited me. The ride-alongs were my opportunity to witness firsthand a day-in-the-life of a Pompano Beach firefighter-paramedic. I completed one eight hour day shift (mostly at Station 52), followed a few weeks later by the full 24-hour-long shift at Station 63. The experience taught me quite a lot, not only about challenges facing Pompano Beach’s fire-rescue department, but about our community in general.

Coral Springs had an average of 119 calls per 1,000 population (Oct. 2016-Sept. 2017), while Coconut Creek had 129 (2017), Miami-Dade 95 (2016) and West Palm 157 (2017). [See table.]

The high call volume and rescue workload seemed to be the most common, pressing complaint from the firefighterparamedics during both ride-a-longs. Chief Jurgle said he’s very familiar with this complaint from his staff but always tells them to keep perspective.

“Yes we are busy,” he said. “But I try to tell them to keep it in balance…14 calls, three paramedics to make decisions.

That means you, as a paramedic, only write about four or five reports in 24 hours and you’re making about 100,000 dollars a year. It’s not a bad job.”

According to a 2014 job bulletin posted by the City of Pompano Beach and listed as continuous, however, the starting salary for a Pompano Beach firefighter-paramedic is $52,626 annually. By comparison, the 2018 national average from 171 entries on PayScale is $51,529.

Chief Jurgle, who has done hiring interviews for the department for 15 years, said he always warns new hires of how busy Pompano Beach Fire Rescue stations can be.

“The last thing I say to every candidate is, ‘Do you know how busy we are?’… They know the expectations when they come here,” he said.

OBSERVATION ONE: CALL VOLUME

My first observation was how busy the stations were. On a whole, from October 2017 to June 2018, Pompano Beach Fire Rescue’s six stations responded to an average of 80 incidents a day (21,812 emergency calls). Combined, Jurgle said Station 52 and Station 63 run approximately 50 percent of all the calls in Pompano Beach, which equates to approximately 40 calls per 24-hour shift out of those two stations.

To alleviate that workload, last year the fire rescue department added an additional rescue engine with a full time crew (15 additional personnel) to operate out of Station 52. Currently, only one rescue operates out of all other stations.

At Station 63, the pace rarely slowed; and I was there on a slightly below-average day. According to the most recent report, Station 63’s rescue truck makes an average of 15 calls per 24-hour shift. Station 52 follows closely behind with an average of 13 (split between two rescue vehicles). Some shifts, Arjun pointed out, are much busier than the average, especially during South Florida’s peak season. He recalled one shift when his crew responded to 21 calls in 24 hours.

Pompano Beach Fire Rescue has one of the highest call volumes per capita of any fire rescue department in South Florida — 199 incidents per 1,000 population. By comparison, (according to each department’s most recent, available report),

In spite of being busy, Chief Jurgle said the Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Department is ranked “one of the best fire rescue departments in the whole country.” He points to the department’s recent ISO Class One Certification hanging on his office wall, which the department obtained on May 23, 2017. The ISO is an independent organization that ranks fire departments on criteria such as call response time, save rates and property saved, among others. ISO rates 44,670 fire departments across the country and only 242, or 0.5 percent, have received a Class One rating. The City of Pompano Beach historically had an ISO ABOVE Reporter Danielle Charbonneau with Pompano Beach firefighter-paramedics from Station 63, Dioselyn Acosta, Lt. Arjun Sirju and Robert Almodovar-Cruz. Photo by Joe Yerkovich.

45

rating of Class Four. In 2010, this improved for the first time to an ISO Class Three. Then in 2015, a Class Two and last year, Class One. “It’s not an emotional statement from the fire chief when I say ‘we are one of the best fire departments,’” he said. “It’s an independent organization coming in and saying ‘yes you are.’”

Though Station 63 is markedly busy, Chief Jurgle said hiring an additional rescue truck is unlikely, especially considering Pompano Beach voters recently approved a $181 million bond, which includes several items for the Fire Rescue Department, including plans for a brand new SW fire station at the corner of SW 36th Ave. and McNab Road where one of the two rescues from Station 52 will re-locate. The bond also includes plans for a fire rescue and logistics complex, replacing two outdated stations (52 and 61) and renovations to the Public Safety Complex. Hiring an additional rescue woule be expensive.

“The personnel would be about 1.5 million, the rescue truck would be about $400,000, so you’re looking very quickly at two million dollars,” he said. “A good analysis needs to be done though…We run a lot of calls out of this station [63], but I think it’s more important to look at calls per unit.”

By unit, Jurgle means total rescue vehicles (rescue and fire trucks combined). Because firefighters are also trained paramedics, a fire truck can be sent to emergencies if needed.

The department can also utilize mutual aid from nearby fire departments. In 2017, Pompano Beach Fire Rescue utilized mutual aid 64 times. By comparison, the department provided mutual aid calls 143 times, indicating a more-than-fair exchange.

“I don’t ever want to come off as being greedy,” said Chief Jurgle. “The greatest thing for us is public trust, and I never want to lose that public trust by coming off as greedy firemen.”

OBSERVATION TWO: EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE

During my two ride-a-longs, I took part in only one call with a fatality. The call was a DOA (dead on arrival). The woman was an elderly woman living in John Knox Village. The woman died as peacefully as one could possibly hope to — in her own bed, wearing her pale pink pajamas. Seeing her stiff, lifeless body was not as emotionally jarring as witnessing a BSO officer share the news of the woman’s death with her daughter who waited anxiously in the living room. I watched as the BSO officer expressed his sympathies. The daughter fell, crumpling into an armchair and clutching her gut in grief.

I felt so odd engaging with this woman’s life for only a brief moment, but for probably one of the most emotional of her life.

We were in and out of the home in a matter of minutes, leaving BSO and the coroner to complete their tasks. The whole scene felt so routine — as if the paramedics and BSO officers had done it a million times (as they probably have).

It struck me then that it must feel strange to regularly witness people’s most vulnerable moments and then leave. In many cases, the paramedics transport an individual to a local emergency room and leave them without ever knowing what happens after. I would find this aspect of the job difficult — the

46

lack of closure.

“It can be a thankless job at times,” said one firefighterparamedic.

Not knowing on the backend of an emergency is probably not as frightening, however, as the not knowing on the front — how from one day to the next, you never know what call you might get, what emergency you might encounter. While the paramedics seem to thrive, and maybe even enjoy the rush of this aspect of their jobs, I imagine not everyone could face the unknown daily with such courage.

In responding to the DOA, I was also struck by how each paramedic seemed to have either an innate or highlydeveloped ability to compartmentalize their emotions, putting feelings on the back burner so they can focus on the job. Several acknowledged, however, that the emotional baggage does pile up.

“At the end of a shift you are completely mentally burned out,” said Arjun. “There’s sometimes when I don’t even have dinner at night. I just don’t want to see people, I don’t want to talk to anyone.”

The potential for firefighter-paramedics to experience PTSD, sleep deprivation and overwhelming emotions is significant.

In March 2016, Rich Sandell, a Pompano Beach firefighterparamedic tragically committed suicide.

“Now, more than ever, we are aware of the impact that being in this business has on people’s mental health, both in the immediate and the cumulative effects, ” said Chief Jurgle.

Theresa, a firefighter-paramedic who works the fire engine out of Station 63, recounted the horrific day the week prior when two young children were fatally burned alive while napping, their older sister having gone to the gas station. The crew for that incident were deeply scarred.

“That kind of incident is impactful on people that do this business no matter how long they’ve done it,” said Jurgle.

“Anytime there is a major critical event such as that we do critical stress debriefing with our folks.”

On an industry-wide basis, the state of Florida recently passed legislation in March 2018 that provides expanded workers’ compensation benefits to Florida first responders diagnosed with PTSD linked to the job. The bill, which was signed by Gov. Rick Scott also requires local governments to provide training for mental health awareness, prevention and treatment.

OBSERVATION THREE: HEALTH HAZARDS

“Beyond mental health, the other big concern in this business is cancer,” said Chief Jurgle. “Cancer is one of the leading killers of firefighters right now, and sometimes it happens to you after you leave the business.”

According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, firefighters are 102 percent more likely to be diagnosed with testicular cancer, 53 percent more likely to have multiple myeloma, 51 percent more likely to have non-hodgkin lymphoma, 39 percent more likely to develop skin cancer, 32 percent more likely to get brain [CONTINUED ON PAGE 54]

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MEET BLANCHE ELY HIGH SCHOOL’S LEGENDARY COACH

Melivin Randall

For the recent Sports Hall of Fame inductee, the objective is not just winning games, but nurturing the academic and personal success of his players.

BY MARIE PULEO PHOTOS BY JOE YERKOVICH Melvin Randall, the legendary Blanche Ely High School boys’ basketball coach, was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame late last year. Randall, who just entered his 26th year of coaching high school basketball, holds the record in Florida for winning the most state titles, as well as a long list of other coaching accolades, but those successes are a by-product of a larger vision.

“I’ve been very blessed with what I have accomplished,” said Randall, whose passion for coaching is driven by his desire to help “his kids” succeed beyond high school.

“Basketball plays a role, but that’s not the main reason why I’m there for them.”

Randall has led the Blanche Ely Tigers to six state titles in his 17 years as head coach there. The first title was in 2007, followed by four state titles in a five-year span from 20122016. The most recent title was garnered last March. Prior to coming to Blanche Ely, Randall led Deerfield Beach High School to its only boys’ basketball state titles in 1997 and 1999. He holds the record in the state of Florida for having the most wins in a single season by finishing 34-1 in 1999.

Randall was named the All-USA Boys Basketball Coach of the Year by USA Today in 2015, after leading the Blanche Ely Tigers to a 28-0 record and the state title. The Tigers were ranked fourth in the country by USA Today that year during regular season and finished eighth overall after playing in the national tournament. They were the highest ranked public school team in the country, and it was the first and only time a Broward County public school has had an undefeated state championship season.

In 2015, Randall was also named Boys Basketball Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association.

He has been honored as Broward County Boys Basketball Coach of the Year by the Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel 10

49

My proudest accomplishment as a basketball coach is to see my kids using basketball to go on to the next level and to come back with a degree.

50

times each, and is a five-time winner of the Florida Dairy Farmers Association’s Florida Coach of the Year.

As he entered his current season of coaching high school basketball, Randall’s career win-loss record stood at 553-151.

Randall credits his success to studying other local coaches he has looked up to over the years, and incorporating his philosophy of the game with their attitude and philosophy.

“I’ve had my mentors who kind of set the blue print, and I followed them,” he said.

Randall cites John Keister, his basketball coach at South Plantation High School, as one of the biggest influences in his coaching career.

What Randall tries to instill in his players goes beyond basketball.

“I wouldn’t be in this sport if it was just basketball,” he said.

“It helps them with their life skills.”

It’s about being able to compete off the court, and making a better life for themselves. They might have a chance at getting a scholarship and “going after a degree to become a doctor, or lawyer, or an engineer, or whatever it may be,” said Randall.

“I always tell them: Don’t let basketball use you; you use basketball,” he said.

He estimates that about 80 percent of his players have gotten full college scholarships, and many have played professionally overseas.

“My proudest accomplishment as a basketball coach is to see my kids using basketball to go on to the next level and to come back with a degree,” he said.

Randall tries to teach his athletes the importance of being able to accept losing a game, “but knowing how to recover from it and make it a learning experience, so they’re better prepared the next time.” He said when he’s in the coaching box, he never allows his players to see him with “a face of defeat.”

“I think I do a pretty good job of keeping a poker face,” said Randall.

Randall is known for a coaching style that emphasizes a strong man-to-man defense.

“Offense brings spectators to the gym to see who’s the great shooter or the great passer; defense is what wins championships,” he said.

Randall said he doesn’t always get the most athletic players, or the tallest players, “but I’m OK with just playing with the cards that I’m dealt with and trying to get the best out of those kids.” If they’re at a disadvantage as far as height, he’ll try to develop their quickness.

“Every athlete has something special about them, and as a coach, you’ve just got to find it,” he said.

His philosophy is about strengthening his players’ minds, “so, I really target their mental toughness, and the physical aspect, that will come.”

Randall said an important aspect of how he coaches is that although he can be hard on his players to bring out the best in them, he never lets them leave the gym thinking he’s frustrated and disappointed in them.

“I would never allow them to take that home and sleep on it,” he said.

Instead, he’ll have a conversation with them, so they can “mend things.”

“It’s not just being a coach,” he said. “I’ve got to be a father; I’ve got to be a brother; I’ve got to be all that. I wear many hats.”

During season, Randall and his team are in the gym practicing three to four weekdays a week from 3pm to 5:30pm, and sometimes on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm. During the summer, they do weight training and conditioning, as well as Saturday morning beach workouts, from 6am to 9am, that consist of a 1.5 mile-run in the sand, followed by running and jumping drills. After the beach, they head to the gym and practice from about 10am until 12pm.

Randall has support from seven assistant coaches led by Reginald McNair, his head assistant coach of 17 years. Like McNair, most of Randall’s assistant coaches are his former players.

“My assistant coaches have played a vital role in where I am in my career now,” said Randall.

The team can have up to three games a week. When Randall’s not coaching basketball, he enjoys freshwater bass fishing. If there’s a big game on a Saturday, he likes to go to his favorite fishing spot early in the morning to relax, clear his mind and prepare mentally.

The Tigers have been invited to participate in the Dick’s Sporting

Goods High School Nationals three times – a big achievement for a public school – but haven’t won that championship yet. Randall said the last chapter in his book will be winning a national title.

Throughout his coaching career, Randall has also been a math teacher. In addition to teaching algebra at Blanche Ely and Deerfield Beach High Schools, he was a math teacher and the head boys’ basketball coach at Crystal Lake Middle School for eight years. Randall was named Teacher of the Year at Blanche Ely in 2005 and 2013.

Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Randall was “a pretty good athlete” at South Plantation High School, where he excelled in basketball, as well as track and field. In 1981, his senior year, he was named Broward County high school Athlete of the Year by the Miami Herald. That same year, he was named Broward County boys high school Basketball Player of the Year by both the Sun Sentinel and the Miami Herald. He was also ranked third in the country in the discus throw.

Randall said he wants to give back to his players what he got out of his experience as a high school athlete.

“I had a coach who was a great leader and nurtured me through the sport of basketball,” he said. “I followed his leadership and ended up getting my college paid for with a four-year basketball scholarship. I graduated with a zero balance.”

Randall was recruited by Cornell University, and took his first airplane ride to visit the campus in New York, but ended up choosing Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where he earned a degree in secondary education. In his senior year, his

basketball team made it to the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament.

Fabian Lyon, Sr., a sports writer for the Miami Herald, has been covering Randall’s basketball coaching for the past 19 years. Lyon said he was honored to be asked by Randall to introduce him at the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“It was pretty much the highlight of my career to have this coach on the Mount Rushmore of coaches ask me,” said Lyon. “It really said a lot about the mutual respect and admiration that I believe we have for each other.”

Lyon said that Randall is well-respected not only for his coaching record and state titles, but also for how he and his team conduct themselves off the court. He has not compromised his values or standards, which has inspired Lyon.

Randall is a stickler for education and holds it as a high priority, even more than basketball, said Lyon.

Lyon went before the Pompano Beach City Commission in September to request that a mural be created at Blanche Ely High School, or elsewhere in the city, in honor of Randall, who is “not only a great coach, but a great leader.”

The request was brought by City staff to the Public Art Committee, which plans to include the mural in its Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Plan. No location for the mural has been decided on yet, but Blanche Ely High School is being considered.

“The thing that I like about being a coach,” said Randall, “is watching my players grow and mature into productive young men. That’s what is important to me.” Y

51

Joining the Big

Parade

BY CAILEY ZEBROWSKI

Day 1: Arrival

Early mornings aren’t usually a favorite for some members of the ProAm Company dance team, but on this particular day, it was like waking up early on Christmas morning. Flights booked, rides arranged, bags packed and nine girls ready to take on the Big Apple. Arriving at the airport and seeing each other’s tired and smiling faces made the dream a reality.

Central Park was our first stop, which unbelievably had snow on the ground. Although it was freezing, it was amazing. Seeing people ice skating and throwing snowballs while taking in the towering skyscrapers was the best way to be welcomed into the city. After a few hours of roaming and resting, it was time for rehearsal. We were given spots in the front three rows, which was super exciting for the nine of us. Finally, after the five hour rehearsal, it was time to say goodnight to the city that never sleeps.

Day 2: Rehearsals, Rehearsals, Rehearsals

Reviewing, running and moving on with the dance filled our morning, but it was fantastic. Once we finished practice, we went to dinner and then made our way to the Broadway show “Aladdin.” As dancers, we appreciated the show.

Day 3: A Day on the Harbor

Breakfast, and then a cruise on the New York Harbor to see Lady Liberty herself. It was in the 30s and the winds on the water weren’t very forgiving for a group of Florida girls. After the cruise, we visited Ground Zero of the 9/11 attacks and the Freedom Tower.

After taking in the sights of Ground Zero, we made our way to the top of the Freedom Tower. We shot up 103 floors in just 47 seconds.

The view was breathtaking. After a full day of exploring, we finally had our rehearsal in Herald Square where the Thanksgiving Day magic really happens. The rehearsal was full of laughs and memories made, and even though it was freezing, we had an amazing time.

Day 4: Radio City and More Cold

We had our fourth day all to ourselves except one thing: seeing the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. People travel from all over the country to see the Rockettes. It was an honor to experience their performance with my closest friends. After Radio City, a few other girls, my mom and I took to Fifth Avenue to shop. We stopped at a French bakery for some pastries and called it a night.

Day 5: Thanksgiving Eve

We had a full dress rehearsal for our parents who made the trip with us. We took pictures and videos and added final touches to the dance before the big day. We were able to watch the Spirit of

52

America Varsity Cheerleaders perform their cheer and then an exclusive performance by the amazing Kilgore College Rangerettes.

After rehearsal, a few girls and I made our way towards Times Square for lunch and shopping.

Day 6: The Big Day

2:45am: That’s what time I woke up on parade day. Adrenaline pumping and excitement rushing through the halls of the hotel made the morning a lot easier. Makeup and hair done, tights layered, and costumes on, we headed toward the subway station to Central Park West to await our parade entrance. Waiting in the American Museum of Natural History as the minutes ticked by made it all become a reality. Finally, the moment came. All 665 girls made their way to the parade route and we started the trip.

Smiling faces from people of all ages lined the streets. News crews met us at every angle to record moments from the coldest Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in history. After our long trip, we finally made it to Herald Square. It was time to perform the dance we had been practicing for weeks. We get on our spots, welcome the new Macy’s balloon Sunny the Snowman, and then begin our dance.

Our two minute routine felt like 15 seconds and I knew that all of the hard work, rehearsals and dedication had suddenly come to an end. Then we saw Santa pull up in his sleigh. We waved to him as we closed off the parade and departed back to the hotel.

Now it was time for the wrap party in the grand ballroom. My friends and I danced a little bit and then made it upstairs to say our goodbyes to each other since we were leaving the next day. It was finally time to say goodnight to the big city lights one last time.

Day 7: Departure

It was time to leave the best city in the world. Early flights were arranged and taxis were lined up and down the streets. As sad as we were to leave — even a few tears were shed — we were excited to be back in the Florida sun.

I love all of the girls I took this trip with and I know this experience has set our friendships in stone. This trip to New York to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Y

53

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RESCUE RIDER

[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46]

cancer, and the list goes on.

Jurgle said cancer is now perhaps an even bigger killer of firefighters than it was in the past, partly because of the types of fires they encounter.

“There are a lot of synthetics that burn hotter and give off carcinogens,” he said. “Unfortunately our firefighters -although they are well equipped with breathing apparatus, air packs and the latest gear — still experience opportunities to absorb some of those carcinogens.”

To stay proactive, Jurgle said the Pompano Beach FireRescue department does life scan screenings for various cancers throughout the body and hosts seminars to educate employees on the best practices for avoiding toxins — such as cleaning their gear thoroughly.

As the Pompano Fire Rescue Department rebuilds and redesigns their stations, Chief Jurgle said the department is taking into account the fumes and carcinogens the engines emit.

“We will have systems in place that either expel or capture those fumes,” he said.

OBSERVATION FOUR: THE TRICKLE DOWN EFFECT

One stark observation I made throughout my two ridea-longs was how societal challenges, such as the opioid epidemic, the growing elderly population, homelessness and mental health disorders, trickle down to the fire department.

Mental health was a factor in multiple calls we responded to. The first was an older woman whose family had called 911 worried about the woman as she had left home with a bottle of pills and had checked in to a cheap roadside motel not far from her home. The family was concerned she wanted to kill herself.

On another, we encountered a disturbed bystander. We had been dispatched to an unrelated call at the home of a man who had cancer and was vomiting blood when a hyper-active neighbor greeted us outside. While we were in the house tending to the man, the neighbor out front began displaying definite signs of a mental disorder. She ran frantically up and down the street, swung open all the doors of the rescue truck, spread orange cones haphazardly across the road, wiped her sweat on the ornamental American flags on the hood of the fire truck and blabbered incoherently about it being Christmas (though it was September). The paramedics were familiar with the woman as they had responded to calls on her before. They very professionally invited her to get her blood pressure taken, then tactfully guided her home.

While firefighter-paramedics are not required to take courses on confronting the mentally ill, I imagine such courses would be tremendously useful. The experience also made me think about the empathy required by the job.

Encountering such a wide range of personalities demands robust patience and people skills.

Related to mental health, addiction played a factor in several calls I participated on, including an alcoholic seeking detox and an addict who had been hit by a car.

While I did not participate on any calls responding to an opioid overdose, several firefighter-paramedics discussed the ravages of the epidemic. One firefighter-paramedic recounted the story of a shift in which they ran six calls on opioid overdoses in 24 hours. He said they ran out of Narcan (the medication used to reverse an opioid overdose) and had to restock mid-shift. Another firefighter-paramedic told me of a day when he ran multiple overdose calls on the same person in one shift.

According to departmental records, the Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Department responded to 487 opioid overdose calls from October 2017 through October 2018.

Another common call we responded to were emergencies involving elderly patients, including one senior who flew off the back of a treadmill, another who uncharacteristically refused to get out of bed, a man experiencing shortness of breath, another who lost feeling in his arm and a woman with tightness in her chest. In 24 hours, five of our 14 calls were for geriatric patients.

One firefighter-paramedic expressed concern over these calls becoming progressively more common as the population of Pompano Beach ages. When rescues are tied up on such calls, he said, the department relies more heavily on mutual aid from other fire departments. Adults over the age of 65 currently make up 22.5 percent of Broward County’s population, totaling roughly 430,000 residents.

The county is also facing the “Silver Tsunami,” when the population of over-85 individuals is projected to balloon by 31.9 percent by 2030.

An increase in the homeless population (which in Broward has risen by 6 percent in the last year), the rapid development of Pompano Beach and general population rise were also areas of expressed concern by the firefighterparamedics who said they hope the city will consider such factors when determining future staffing.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

While I cannot, in any capacity, truly know what it is like to be a firefighter-paramedic day-in and day-out — the emotional and physical toll the job takes on a person — I am deeply grateful to have stepped into their world, if only for 32 hours. To confront harsh truths about life, death, disease and humanity is quite difficult. I imagine it could chip away one’s positive outlook. Yet the crew members I spoke with expressed a sense of deep gratitude for life, bolstered by what they see on a daily basis.

I have a new appreciation for the job — one that involves serving people from all walks of life in their most fragile moments — one which often bears witness to the darker sides of humanity — a job that requires the emotional fortitude to witness horrific tragedy and the patience to deal with difficult people — and a job that, every day, forces one to acknowledge the precariousness of life. Y

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55

Dining OUT IN THE NORTH BROWARD BEACHES

Email us with any additions, closings, or corrections at editor@ pointpubs. com. We try to be accurate, but it’s always a good idea to call first before heading out on your dining adventure.

KEY $ Inexpensive (under $15) $$ Moderate ($17-$35) $$$ Expensive ($35-$50) $$$$ Pricey (over $50)

POMPANO BEACH Aconchego Bar and Grill. BRAZILIAN A taste of Brazil in the heart of Pompano Beach. Open for lunch and dinner. 7 SE 22nd Ave., 954-782-8040. $

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. PIZZA • WINGS You can credit this place with bringing the whole “coal-fired pizza craze” to South Florida. Pizza and chicken wings — do you need anymore? Try the cauliflower pizza — good and good for you.

1203 S. Federal Highway, 954-942-5550 $$ The Beach Grille. AMERICAN Delicious eats near the beach with the capability to order online. 3414 Atlantic Blvd., 954946-6000 $ Beach House. AMERICAN • CRAFT COCKTAILS Newly opened beachside dining on Pompano Beach. Casual and relaxed with rooftop deck on the second floor. 270 N Pompano Beach Blvd.

954-607-6530 Bella Roma Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria. ITALIAN • PIZZA

Tasty dishes, large portions and delivery is available. 40 SW 15th St., 954-784-3696 $$

Bobby Rubino’s. BARBECUE • AMERICAN Specials and coupons Tagliatelle Mari & Monti at Cafe Med: Large shrimp, clams, mussels, pancetta, mushrooms, peas and tomatoes

are posted daily and catering is available. The restaurant also has a large bar room where you can dine at the bar or booths.

This place is a Pompano Beach icon. 2501 N. Federal Highway, 954-781-7550 $$

Brew Fish. BAR AND GRILL Dine outside in the tiki hut overlooking a canal right in Pompano Beach. Comprehensive menu and attentive staff. 200 E. McNab Rd., 954-440-3347 $$ Briny Irish Pub. IRISH • BAR FOOD At the end of East Atlantic

Boulevard, steps from the ocean, is Briny’s Irish Pub. There is a large beer selection plus the regular and, dare we say, unique mixed drinks. The kitchen offers an array of bar food as well as some classics like bangers and mash and fish-nchips. The casual atmosphere is created by an immense array of nautical artifacts and oddities that fill every inch of the pub. Music plays constantly, often live with a dance floor if one is inclined. 3440 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-942-3159 $

Bru’s Room Sports Grill. AMERICAN This spot is home to the Seminole Club of Broward County. Wings and other bar food available. 235 S. Federal Highway, 954-785-2227 $ Calypso Restaurant and Raw Bar. CARIBBEAN Since they opened their doors in 1990, Calypso has been a local favorite. This gem of a restaurant is known for their fresh, wild caught fish, Bahamian conch dishes, Jamaican jerk and American favorites too all served with an island flair. On any

56

WITH MRS. KOSSENFLOFFER

given day, look around and you’ll see fellow diners devouring their house special cutter (sandwich)—sautéed shrimp with garlic butter, mushrooms and cheddar all stuffed into a hollowed out kaiser roll. Check out the special board for a variety of locally caught fish with everything from grouper to snapper to wahoo among others. Plenty of land lubber options are also available including filet mignon. For island comfort food, don’t miss one of their curries or rotis. Fresh oysters and clams are also available. Wash it all down with a draft beer, a glass of wine or choose from over 40 different bottled beers.

So if you are in search of high-quality ingredients, inventive cooking and a very welcoming staff, head over to Calypso. 460 S. Cypress Road, 954-942-1633 $$

Casareccio Trattoria Italiana. ITALIAN Wow! What a find.

This small but impressive Italian eatery is delightful. We can’t really tell you what to try because the menu changes daily.

However, we are willing to bet you will fall in love with this place which feels like it just plopped into Pompano straight from the hills of Tuscany. Reservations are highly recommended. Also, call ahead to see what they are serving. 1386 S Federal Highway, 954-998-3642 $$$ Checkers Old Munchen. GERMAN Sprechen sie Deutsch? You don’t find many German restaurants around town. So when you’re looking for a change in your restaurant rotation, take a trip back to the old country at Checkers Old Munchen. The restaurant’s exposed wood framing is reminiscent of the German half-timbered architectural style and the walls are lined with classic German beer steins. For a traditional German meal, try the wienerschnitzel — it’s divine a lightly breaded veal cutlet sautéed in lemon butter and topped with homemade brown gravy. The spaetzle (German noodles) are a real homemade treat and not to be missed — throw a little of that brown gravy on them and they could be a meal unto themselves. The red cabbage is both classically sweet and sour and there are other side options too including potato dumplings, potato salad and even hot potato salad. As you look around, you can’t help but get the feeling that most of the patrons are returning customers. And the next time we get a hankering for some schnitzel, we know where to go. Imbibe to your hearts content with their wide assortment of German beers.

2209 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-7565 $$ Chef Dee’s. SUSHI • SEAFOOD A small neighborhood place

with plenty of charm. Impressive sushi rolls and a varied menu with something for everyone. 3919 N. Federal Highway., 954-582-4444

Cypress Nook. GERMAN This place has been in business for

38 years — talk about staying power. It’s open for three meals a day and there’s nothing like a little knackwurst with your eggs. 201 SE 15th St., 954-781-3464 $

Fresh local fish, ocean dishes and seafood salads.

Email us with any additions, closings, or corrections at editor@pointpubs.com. We try to be accurate, but it’s always a good idea to call first before heading out on your dining adventure.

Darrel & Oliver’s Cafe Maxx. INTERNATIONAL This restaurant is an anchor of the South Florida fine dining scene. 2601 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-782-0606 $$$$

Dos Amigos. MEXICAN When you feel the hankering for a fa-

jita, this Pompano Beach spot fits the bill. Try the margaritas too. 1308 N. Federal Highway 954-781-1955 $$

Eric’s Authentic Mexican Food. MEXICAN The tacos are a standout here —served street style — which translates into fresh ingredients prepared with love and care. Start with some chips and guacamole. For some authentic and tasty Mexican, head over to Eric’s and thank us later. 625 E Atlantic Blvd., 754-215-6103 Fish Shack. SEAFOOD A small, roadside seafood shack, for

Caribbean-inspired fresh fish and seafood cuisine in a casual ambiance.

954-942-1633 • CalypsoRestaurant.com

460 S Cypress Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060

a small seafood town. This is truly one of those best kept secrets. With only a handful of tables, we’re selfishly hoping not too many people get in on this gem in Pompano Beach. 2862 NE 17th Ave., 954-586-4105 $$

Flanigan’s Seafood Bar & Grill. SEAFOOD • AMERICAN Get green with a deal every day. 2500 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-9433762 $$ The Foundry. AMERICAN • CONTINENTAL Seating options ga-

lore, from bar seating to lounge seating and old-fashioned casual dining seating. 2781 E. Atlantic Blvd., 754-205-6977 $$

Galuppi’s. AMERICAN What could be more entertaining than watching golfers swing and blimps ascend as you sip a drink at an outdoor bar? 1103 N. Federal Highway, 954-785-0226 $ Gianni’s Italian Restaurant. ITALIAN Enjoy traditional Ital-

ian fare at this family owned and operated establishment, serving everything from pasta to gourmet specialties like Chicken Gianni’s and fresh seafood. Pair your dish with a bottle of wine or cocktail from their full bar. They also offer daily lunch specials Monday – Friday starting at $9.95. Don’t skip the romaine salad with the blue cheese. 1601 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-942-1733 $$

Great Indian Grill. INDIAN If you like Indian food, this place

should go on your “must-try” list. Everything we sampled (and we ate quite a bit) was packed with tantalizing Indian spices and flavors representing the many different regional styles of Indian cooking.. 2692 E Atlantic Blvd., 954-532-7872 $$

The Gyro Joint. MIDDLE EASTERN Eat in, or carry out. It’s all Greek to me. 165 S. Cypress Road, 954-946-9199 $

Houston’s. AMERICAN Enjoy this contemporary eatery for lunch or dinner. Outdoor bar and seating on the Intracoastal available. 2821 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-783-9499 $$$

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Family Owned & Operated SINCE 1989

Dining Out J Mark’s. AMERICAN A relaxing, modern restaurant and bar

with food and service to match. 1490 NE 23rd St., 954-782-7000

$$$

Kings Head British Pub Pompano Beach. PUB Fish and

chips, bangers and mash, savory pies and other British classics are all made on premises. 900 E Atlantic Blvd., 754-2228671 $$

La Rachetta at Whole Foods Market. PIZZA AND WINE BAR

Enjoy weekly deals with plenty of beers on tap and wines by the glass. For something different, try the sweet southern swine pizza — a light and crispy pizza topped with pork belly, arugula and cheese. Or try one of the plethora of meatballs — all are a satisfying treat. The truffle fries are great with anything. 2411 N. Federal Highway, 954-942-8778 $

Lunch & Dinner Full Liquor Bar 1601 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach (954) 942-1733 • giannisofpompano.com MON-THURS 11am-2:30pm & 4-9:30pm FRI 11am-2:30pm & 4-10pm SAT 4-10pm SUN 4-9:30pm

La Veranda. ITALIAN The atmosphere is elegant, yet comfortable and warm. Inside or out, one can enjoy a truly special evening in the Tuscany-inspired surroundings. Be it drinks from their full bar, a bottle from the copious wine selection or naturally the Italian food, everything is served perfectly.

Expect to be delighted. There is a big selection of pasta, entrées and traditional dishes, with new favorites to be discovered that the wait staff will happily explain. You can taste the love in their homemade desserts. If you’re looking to celebrate or simply treat yourself to an evening of superior dining, La Veranda is an excellent choice. Reservations are suggested. 2121 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-943-7390 $$$ McCoy’s Oceanfront. AMERICAN Located at the beautiful Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa, dine indoors or pool-side on the covered patio with the beach as your backdrop. 1200 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-782-0100 $$ Mediterraneo Cucina Siciliana. ITALIAN True Sicilian

food served for dinner only. Closed on Mondays. 420 N. Federal Highway, 754-222-9174 $$

Miami Masala. INDIAN Enjoy classic Indian dishes as well

New Yo r Thin C k Style rust Piz za Dine In • Take Out • Delivery* *(Minimum Delivery $10.00)

We cater ALL occasions Open Daily Monday-Saturday: 11am - 10pm Sunday: 4pm - 10pm

954-941-0550 • LittleItalianPizza.net 448 S. Cypress Road, Pompano Beach

as a few more modern ones with an Indian twist. The stuffed Hungarian peppers appetizer, while not being a classic Indian dish, had all the flavors fans of the cuisine crave. Great service by a friendly staff. Try the Indian crepe — crazy good.

A daily lunch buffet includes traditional, vegetarian and vegan choices. 900 E Atlantic Blvd., 954-317-1371 $$

Nikki’s Orange Kitchen. CONTINENTAL Open for breakfast,

lunch and dinner. Enjoy salads, sandwiches and entrées all with a Mediterranean influence. Organic and gluten free options available. Enjoy the location right across from the Pompano Fishing Pier. Have dinner and take a stroll — it’s why we live here, people. 1 N. Ocean Blvd., Ste 102, 954-532-2771 $$-$$$

Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar. AMERICAN Beach front dining at the

Beachcomber Resort — go for the view. 1200 S. Ocean Blvd.

954-941-7830 $$$

Pho Lavie. VIETNAMESE If you have never had Vietnamese food, you are missing out. This spot will delight you. Everything is so fresh. Go, you’ll thank us. 3321 N. Federal Highway, 954-941-4155 $$ Ruby’s by the Sea. ITALIAN Italian by the sea is more like it.

2608 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-785-7700 $$ Rusty Hook Tavern. AMERICAN Located on the Pompano Intracoastal, sit inside or outside, just keep in mind that the word tavern means a local place to gather around the table.

125 N. Riverside Drive, 954-941-2499 $

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Sands Harbor Patio Restaurant. SANDWICHES • WINGS

Located in the Sands Harbor Hotel and Marina on the intracoastal, sit poolside or water side, either way, you better know how to swim. 125 N. Riverside Drive, 954-942-9100 $

Seaside Grill. SEAFOOD • AMERICAN Enjoy a view of the Atlan-

tic while enjoying fresh seafood and an ice cold cocktail. Don’t worry if you’re not a fish lover — there are plenty of entrée choices from the land. Located at Lighthouse Cove Resort on the ocean. 1406 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-783-3193 $$

Sette Bello. ITALIAN This is a true gem just south of the Pompano Beach border serving expertly prepared Italian food with quite a bit of a flare. In other words — not like mom used to make…this is way, way better. (No offense to mom.) A perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two. 6241 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. 954 351-0505 $$$

Shishka Lebanese Grill. MIDDLE EASTERN It’s not easy to

make a good falafel (chick peas, fava beans garlic and cilantro seasoned and deep fried, served with tahini sauce) but the ones at Shishka are worth every single calorie. There are plenty of other choices too from the classic hummus to baba ghanouj to chicken and meat shawarma. 1901 N. Federal Highway, 954-943-2999 $$

Spanx the Hog BBQ. BARBECUE Using only natural ingredi-

ents, dine in, take out, or order custom catering. 147 S. Cypress Road. 954-590-8342 $ Sunset Catch. ITALIAN • SEAFOOD Fresh seafood served daily, and they even have their very own “wine doctor.” 101 N. Riverside Drive, 954-545-0901 $$

Table 2201. MEDITERRANEAN • SEAFOOD Everything at Table 2201 is made on the premises — even the desserts. Start with the pygros, a tower of eggplant, potatoes and ground beef topped with a cool yogurt sauce. Finish off with the Greek yogurt mousse, a lightly sweetened cloud with a hint of cocoa and a strawberry sauce to compliment. Table 2201 has a menu full of your Greek favorites without all of the hooplah.

So if you are looking for a genuine Greek dinner without having to dance on tables and yell “opa” — not that there’s anything wrong with that — Table 2201 is a good choice. 2201 E. Atlantic Blvd., 718-600-2236 $$ Take Sushi. JAPANESE • SUSHI Fresh, authentic Japanese fair delivered to your door? Yes, please. 2714 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954785-2442 $ Talay Thai. THAI • JAPANESE A small and cozy place with delivery and carry out. 2233 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-941-1123 $$ Trattoria Novello. ITALIAN At the heart of Trattoria Novello is Chef Patrick Solarino — or Chef “Pasquale” as he goes by (a name derived from his grandfather). Chef Pasquale’s fervent belief in using fresh ingredients (so fresh some are grown in his own home garden) and authentic Italian imported products is truly is his tradmark. Some of Trattoria Novello’s dishes are derived from Chef Pasquale’s own childhood. While his family is from Southern Italy and much of the Trattoria Novello menu reflects that heritage, Chef Pasquale has intentionally crafted a menu with dishes from all regions of Italy. 2665 W. Atlantic Blvd., 954-876-1915. $$$

Welcome to Chef Dee’s...

an eclectic eatery where every dish is made to order.

Italian Cusine Seafood Steaks Sushi Bar

Join us for Happy Hour: Monday-Friday: 4pm-6pm Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11am-10pm Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm Sunday: 3pm-10pm

954.582.4444 • ChefDeesRestaurant.com 3919 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach

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“Best “Best German German Restaurant Restaurant 2015” 2017” New Times

Dining Out Umberto’s of Long Island. ITALIAN • PIZZA When a pizza is

named Grandma’s Pizza — you must order it. And trust us, you won’t regret it. There is family tradition baked into every bite. 2780 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-784-7110 $$

Valentino’s Italian Cuisine. ITALIAN • PIZZA An abundance of Italian fare served for lunch or dinner. If you can’t make it over to dine in, fret not, they offer free delivery. 427 S. Federal Highway, 954-545-4881 $$ Wings N’ Things. WINGS • BARBECUE It doesn’t look like much from the outside but it’s worth trying. 150 S. Sixth St., 954-781-9464 $

954.785.7565

Mon - Sat 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Sun 4p.m. - 9p.m. We accept reservations 2209 East Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach (1 block east of Federal) www.checkersoldmunchen.com

Yakuza. JAPANESE • THAI The contemporary Asian anchored décor is a feast for the eyes: warm, inviting and totally unique.

The attentive servers address each table with personal concern. Central to the dining room is a large classic sushi bar, displaying the fresh fish offerings. But sushi is only part of their menu. Yakuza has a brilliant selection of Japanese and Thai specialties. We were impressed by the freshness and variety of tastes offered. Modern is a fair descriptor as Yakuza offers unique approaches to traditional Japanese and Thai fare, making them new, unique and their own. Try their specials. 2515 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-951-6077 $$ Zuccarelli. ITALIAN • PIZZA This place is more than just a pizza joint. From eggplant Parmesan to shrimp fra diavolo, you will leave quite satisfied. The portions are generous and come with a fresh house salad. Bring your breath mints because their warm garlic rolls are on point. 1340 N. Federal Highway, 954-941-1261 $$

LIGHTHOUSE POINT Fetta Republic. GREEK Traditional Greek offerings close to home. 2420 N. Federal Highway, 954-933-2394 $$

Le Bistro. FRENCH • BISTRO Professional chef, Andy Trousdale serves up both classics and inventive new dishes at this little neighborhood gem. Fresh and local produce is always used and vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free menu items are available. The restaurant also offers cooking classes. 4626 N. Federal Highway, 954-946-9240 $$$ Lito’s Turf & Surf. SEAFOOD • AMERICAN Family-owned and operated with catering options available. 2460 N. Federal Highway, 954-782-8111 $$

The Nauti Dawg Marina Café. AMERICAN Nestled in at the Expires 2/28/19. Participating locations only.

Extra toppings chicken, meatballs & steak substitutions, extra dipping sauces and dressings, tax and delivery additional. Must present coupon. Cannot be combined with any other coupon! Prices subject to change without notice.

Nutrition information available at JetsPizza.com/Nutrition

60

Lighthouse Point Marina, the Nauti Dawg is a local favorite.

Start with the tuna wontons—crispy fried wonton wrappers topped with tuna tartare, seaweed salad, red pepper mayo, wasabi and a hit of sirracha. For a taste of New England with a twist, try the lobster roll. Of course you can’t go wrong with the fresh fish sandwich—ask what the catch of the day is.

The fish Reuben is another great sandwich option—just sub in some fresh fish for the pastrami and you’ve got yourself a little healthier version of the classic. All sandwiches come with a side and while French fries are always a delicious option—the restaurant offers a tangy cucumber salad (among other choices) that provides a nice crunch to any sandwich.

They are a dog-friendly restaurant. 2830 NE 29th Ave. (at the Lighthouse Point Marina), 954-941-0246 $$

Pampa Gaucho Churrascaria. BRAZILIAN Traditional rodizio for your inner carnivore. 4490 N. Federal Highway, 954-943-3595 $$ Papa’s Raw Bar. SUSHI • SEAFOOD Situated next door to their

parent restaurant Seafood World, Papa’s indeed seems like the hip child of an established restaurant. While the fresh food is the real star, the Keys-inspired décor certainly accounts for part of their charm. The menu goes way beyond typical raw bar offerings with inventive tacos and sliders.

Papa’s also offers a wide array of sushi and sashimi. Start off with one of the towers of Van Buskirk (you’ll find a few menu items named after locals.) The bare naked lady version is a combination of spicy wahoo and tuna with tobiko and masago topped with spicy mayo and served with taro chips. And to wash it all down, they have about a zillion craft beer options and a good wine list too. 4610 N. Federal Highway, 754-307-5034 $$

Red Lotus. THAI Red Lotus serves all of your favorite Thai

dishes from pad Thai to red and green curries and more.

Start with the dumplings—the pasta is delicate and they are packed with flavor. 4460 N Federal Highway, 954-933-7163

Rocca Trattoria. ITALIAN A small and intimate neighborhood place. Watch owner and chef Lucy prepare your favorite dishes in the open kitchen. 2014 E Sample Road, 954-876-1733

Seafood World Market & Restaurant. SEAFOOD They offer

the freshest seafood with simple ingredients. There is also a seafood market in the restaurant. 4602 N. Federal Highway, 954-942-0740 $$$

Fast & Casual POMPANO BEACH Fast & Casual Alice’s Xpress Mediterranean Grill. MEDITERRANEAN

Freshly made and authentic regional cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner. 103 NE Third St., 954-941-0410

Antica Roma Caffé. ITALIAN CAFÉ Serving classic cappuccino or espresso along with a plethora of Italian panini and desserts. Cannoli anyone? 1915 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-366-4346 Bella Monte Italian Deli. SANDWICHES 2688 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-946-0333 Brendans. SPORTS BAR Burgers, wings and more — you get the picture. 868 N. Federal Highway, 954-7860033 Big Louie’s. ITALIAN • PIZZA A South Florida chain offering classic Italian dishes. 2190 N. Federal Highway, 954-942-5510 Burgers & Suds. BURGERS • HOT DOGS • SANDWICHES. Unique eats, like a burger served between two glazed donuts. Yes, donuts. 360 E. McNab Road, 954-772-8007 Cafe Brie. SANDWICHES • SALADS A little gem of a place that

serves fantastic sandwiches, salads, quiche and desserts.

2765 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-532-7800

Cafe Sportivo. CAFE Cash only, but don’t let that stop you.

SEASIDE AND GRILL Casual restaurant offering beachside dining, delicious seafood, flavorful steaks, & live entertainment every weekend.

Lunch and Dinner starting at 11:30am Tiki Bar featuring burgers, wings, live entertainment and craft cocktails.

Open for Breakfast (starting at 8:30am), Lunch and Dinner.

www.seasidegrill.com 1406 N. Ocean Boulevard, Pompano Beach

954.783.3193 61

Dining Out They are family owned and operated with a variety of espresso drinks. 2219 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-782-6672

Chez Cafe. COFFEE • BAKERY A warm and cozy place to grab

you with fresh, unique tacos, but the corn tortillas are made from scratch daily. Who does that? 1614 E. Sample Rd., 954943-0057

breakfast, lunch or a latte. 1631 S. Cypress Road, 954-933-3453

Dandee Donut Factory. BAKERY • PASTRIES From the classic old fashioned sour cream to Boston cream, these babies are just begging to be dunked. Bagels, breakfast and lunch also available. 1900 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-1461 Jersey Dogs. HOT DOGS • ITALIAN Grab a seat at the counter and devour a double Italian which is two all-beef hot dogs tucked away in pizza bread and topped with sautéed peppers, potatoes and onions — add a touch of their homemade spicy relish for some kick. 3330 E. Atlantic Blvd., 754-800-7006 Jet’s Pizza. PIZZA Try one of the specialty pizzas such as Philly cheese steak with Alfredo sauce or the BLT. 437 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-782-5387

JJ’s Fresh To You. SANDWICHES • SALADS Avocado and celery and potatoes and beets are just a few of their inventive salads. They are also serve ceviche, soups and sandwiches with meat prepared sous-vide style. Try the Chilean hot dog version with avocado, heirloom tomatoes and homemade mayonnaise. 1384 S Federal Highway 954-648-1512 Jukebox Diner. DINER Bright, classic seating, jukeboxes, and that old-school diner feel. 2773 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-960-5882

LIGHTHOUSE POINT Fast & Casual Burger Fi. BURGERS Everything at Burger Fi is cooked to order. Don’t miss the fries and the larger-than-life onion rings.

The breakfast all day burger is topped with a fried egg. 3150 N. Federal Highway, 954-933-7120 Legends Tavern and Grille. AMERICAN With three locations, they must be doing something right. 3128 N Federal Highway, 754-220-8932 Red Fox Diner. DINER Treat yourself to one of the daily specials at the Red Fox and you just may think that you aren’t at a diner at all — but a bonafide restaurant. But if you are in the mood for some comforting diner food, Red Fox never disappoints. From tuna melts, to burgers to some of the best biscuits and gravy around, you will always leave satisfied.

For an indulgent breakfast, go with the sunshine stacker — a stack of hash browns, topped with corned beef hash, two eggs any style and melted cheese. Breakfast and lunch served daily. 2041 NE 36th St., (Sample Road) 954-783-7714 Packy’s Sports Pub. SPORTS BAR If you are looking for a

Lester’s Diner. DINER American comfort fare in a retro set-

local spot to watch the game, Packy’s always seems to pack them in. 4480 N. Federal Highway, 954-657-8423

Lighthouse Cove Tiki Bar. AMERICAN Seaside eats and hap-

DEERFIELD BEACH Fast & Casual

ting. 1924 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-783-2109

py hours. 1406 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-784-2804

Little Italian. PIZZA Little Italian Pizza is the best kind of

Italian restaurant — the kind that feels like a whole-in-thewall, but quickly grows vibrant as the large, steaming plates of homestyle Italian dishes come barreling out of the kitchen. The restaurant grinds their own sausage and bakes their own dough daily. While the small restaurant (with only about six cozy tables) doesn’t serve alcohol, they do allow BYOB (and there’s a liquor store conveniently located right next door).

Families bring in bottles of red wine to cork, creating a joyous atmosphere. The restaurant has a huge menu with stromboli, calzone, soups, salads, subs, 26 kinds of specialty pizzas, baked pasta dishes, chicken and veal entrees and all your traditional pasta dishes and desserts. 448 S. Cypress Road, 954-941-0550

Soho Subs. SOUPS • SALADS • SANDWICHES Along with the hot and cold subs you would expect, they also serve some more traditional sandwiches remeniscent of the old style New York Deli. Pastrami on rye anyone? All sandwiches are made fresh to order with a plethora of topping options. And for pickle fans, they have fantastic full or half sours. 2313 N Federal Highway, 954-889-6600 Stingers Pizza. PIZZA • AMERICAN Dine in or order delivery.

They will bring your pizza to the beach—a million minds making the world a better place. 1201 S. Ocean Blvd., 954-7822344

Burger Craze. BURGERS Top quality ingredients come together to create unique taste sensations. Enjoy juicy burgers, hot dogs, wings and others daily. 2096 NE Second St. (at the Wyndham Hotel), 954-596- 5949 $$ Charm City. BURGERS Try the emperor — an American kobe

beef patty with aged Swiss, truffled aioli and sautéed mushrooms — a burger fit for a king. 1136 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-531-0300

Gelateria. GELATO Offering more than 26 flavors of gelato. Open daily. 2096 NE Second St. (at the Wyndham Hotel), 694-428-2850 Michael’s Pizzeria. PIZZA Closed Mondays 1645 SE Third Court, Deerfield Beach, 954-426-1515

The Pickle Barrel. DELICATESSEN Get in touch with your inner New Yorker at this old style deli complete with friendly guys behind the counter filling your sandwich with enough pastrami to feed a family. 33 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-427-0650 Olympia Flame. DINER With a traditionally huge diner menu, you can’t go wrong at the Olympia Flame. Friendly staff makes you feel like a regular — even if you aren’t — but you should be.

80 S. Federal Highway, 954-480-8402 The Sticky Bun. DELI • BAKERY • BRUNCH Everyone will find something to munch on, whether it be their flourless chocolate cake or a short rib panini with fontina cheese and pickled red onions… yum. We’re still dreaming about the BLT. 1619 SE Third Court, 754-212-5569

Sunshine Bagel. BAGELS • DELI Serving up bagels and sandwiches in a friendly atmosphere. 260 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-7887498

Tortillería Mexicana. MEXICAN Looking for a taco that goes

beyond ground beef and toppings? Not only will they supply

62

Email us with any additions, closings, or corrections at editor@pointpubs.com. We try to be accurate, but it’s always a good idea to call first before heading out on your dining adventure.

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Extra Extra

pointpubs.com/extra MORE BOGOTA

For even more local coverage check out our extra content on the web at

In November, Insider Excursions — Pompano! magazine’s travel startup — took a group of eager locals on a media trip to Bogota, Columbia. Together, we explored how Colombia has evolved from an area most known for civil conflict, to an area ripe for tourism and rich with culture. We shopped for emeralds, took a specialty coffee workshop, toured the gold museum, admired the work of Colombian artist Fernando Botero, traversed to the top of the city’s highest peak, Mount Monserrate, wandered street markets, visited the historic bull ring, did a photo shoot with a Colombian model and ate — lots, and lots, and lots — of incredible food. View slideshows of all our Bogota adventures on our web extras page at pointpubs.com/extra

pointpubs.com/extra

MORE FIREFIGHTERS

This month we featured a story about the Pompano Beach Fire Rescue department. Point! Publishing’s photographer Joseph Yerkovich did a photo shoot at Station 63 with three firefighter-paramedics. You can see photos from that shoot at pointpubs.com/extra

MORE CARS

On Sunday Jan. 21 is the Youth Automotive Training Center’s annual Cool Wheels Car Show at Quiet Water’s Park. There will be over 500 fantastic show cars, a silent auction, raffles, food trucks, BSO SWAT presentations and live music, including tunes by DJ Eugene, Rockin’ Rich, Scott the Music Man, Across the Universe and the Ultimate Beatles Tribute band. Check out a slideshow of some of the cars that were featured at the event last year and register your show car on our web extras page at pointpubs.com/extra

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♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥ ♥ Native & Butterfl y Plants ♥ Herbs ♥ Trees ♥ Orchids ♥ ♥ ♥ Bees & Honey ♥ Urban Farming ♥ Artists ♥ Crafts ♥ & More! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Love grows at the 7th Annual ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Sunday, February 10, 2019 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ City of Pompano Beach ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Located at ♥ ♥ ♥ Sample-McDougald House ♥ ♥ ♥ Centennial Park ♥ ♥ 450 NE 10th Street ♥ ♥ (corner of NE 10th St. & NE 5th Ave.) ♥ ♥ Historic House Tours ($5) ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Local Vendors, Speakers, ♥ Food, Music, Family Fun! ♥ ♥ ♥ FREE: Parking, Admission ♥ ♥ and Raffle Gifts ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ www.pompanoproud.com ♥ www.samplemcdougald.org ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Plants & People Day sponsored by Pompano Proud &

FRONT ROW Nicole Coppock, Private Client Services; Sabrina Artiles, Assistant; Kimmi Larson, Asst. Account Manager; Deidre Russell, Account Manager; Jessica Carrion, Account Manager SECOND ROW Jackie De Los Santos, New Business Development; Vicki Agostino, Account Manager; Tracy Brown, New Business Development; Ronnie Staton, Account Manager THIRD ROW Allison Sorenson, Marketing Coordinator; Susie Krix, VP, Personal Lines Manager; Karen Patrick, Asst. Account Manager