Acqua Bistro Delivery.......................5A Aspen Nursery..................................6A Classified........................................10A Elite Auction.....................................3A
Hallandale Beach........................4A-5A Hollywood................................7A, 10A Kodner Galleries...............................2A Phase One Reopening Details..........5A
COVID-19 TESTING ALERT 10A
M AY 2 1 , 2 0 2 0 • 1 0 PA G E S • V O L U M E 1 7 • I S S U E 3 3
HALLANDALE BEACH ALERT 4A / 5A
HOLLYWOOD BEACH ALERT 7A / 10A
Sleep Apnea From a Doctor’s Personal Story I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) By Howard J. Hoffman, DDS
I am Dr. Howard Hoffman. I Snore! So what? It’s just noise. That’s what I thought. I have always been a snorer. I was told that I was a big time snorer by my college roommates. Then my wife and kids. They all complained! My kids even wanted separate rooms when we were on vacation. I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea in 1997. At that time I had no idea what Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was all about. Until
that moment, I thought it was just an obscure problem that didn’t concern me. Now, I know differently. I have been treating and helping people just like me and perhaps you, for over 20 years. YOU NEED TO KNOW. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I would like to share with you, my experiences in getting help for my own sleep apnea problem. A problem that I didn’t know I had, nor was I seeking treatment for. I have learned so much and can help you begin your
journey to be tested and treated. Statistics tell us that 90% of the people who have OSA have not been diagnosed yet. That’s an estimated 40 million people in the U.S.. That’s 1 in 5 adults. Obstructive Sleep Apnea has reached epidemic proportions. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can kill. It can cause pulmonary hypertension and stroke. Obstructive Sleep
Apnea makes almost every medical condition worse and harder to control. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most commonly undiagnosed common disease. Yet, hardly anyone is told to get tested and treated! I know, it happened to me. I had to figure it out on my own and figured out how to help you get through the system.
It was a daunting process finding the right doctors, getting tested, trying different treatments, and working through the insurance quagmire. It was in 1997, at a conference, that I was introduced to a dental mouthpiece, like a retainer, used in place of a CPAP machine for many patients. It is a personApnea, Page 8A
For the near future, sanitizing yourself and your home will be the new norm, so arm yourself with the facts from professionals, this will help decrease your anxiety. 1st Priority Restoration should be the first responder following damage to your home by water from a leak or a fire. They specialize in Water Damage Restoration, Leak Detection, Mold Testing, & Sanitizing.
First Responders For Your Home Water Damage - Leak Detection - Mold Testing - Sanitizing If your home has been damaged by water from a leak or a fire, how are you going to address the problem in your home? A Restoration Company
such as 1st Priority Restoration is usually the first responder following significant damage to a home from floods and fires, water damage, sewage backup
and other major events. The job of a restoration company is to clean up the mess and to preserve and protect the home and its contents so that further dam-
age will not occur. Flood damage can be found in any geographical area, regardless of elevation. The causes of flooding can range from natural disasters to burst
pipes or sewer lines. Regardless of the cause, restoration professionals are called upon to repair Sanitizing, Page 9A
The Worst Is Yet to Come: Contact Tracing, Immunity Cards and Mass Testing By John Whitehead - Commentary
No one is safe. No one is immune. No one gets spared the anguish, fear and heartache of living under the shadow of an authoritarian police state. That’s the message being broadcast 24/7 with every new piece of government propaganda, every new law that criminalizes otherwise lawful activity, every new policeman on the beat, every new surveillance camera casting a watchful eye, every sensationalist news story that titillates and distracts, every
new prison or detention center built to house troublemakers and other undesirables, every new court ruling that gives government agents a green light to strip and steal and rape and ravage the citizenry, every school that opts to indoctrinate rather than educate, and every new justification for why Americans should comply with the government’s attempts to trample the Constitution underfoot. Yes, COVID-19 has taken a significant toll on the nation emotionally, physically, and economi-
Hollywood Temporary Cafe Zone Program, 7A
cally, but there are still greater dangers on the horizon. As long as “we the people” continue to allow the government to trample our rights in the socalled name of national security, things will get worse, not better. It’s already worse. Now there’s talk of mass testing for COVID-19 antibodies, screening checkpoints, contact tracing, immunity passports to allow those who have recovered from the virus to move around more freely, and snitch tip lines for reporting “rule breakers” to the
Imagine it: a national classification system that not only categorizes you according to your health status but also allows the government to sort you in a hundred other ways: by gender, orientation, wealth, medical condition, religious beliefs, political viewpoint, legal status, etc. authorities. If you can’t read the writing on the wall, you need to pay better attention. These may seem like small, necessary steps in the war against the COVID-19 virus, but
New COVID-19 Testing Clinic in Bal Harbour, 10A
they’re only necessary to the police state in its efforts to further undermine the Constitution, extend its control over the popuYet to Come, Page 7A
Kodner Galleries Antiques and Much More, 2A
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I along with Mayors in Broward have been pushing to open our beaches on the 26th. There has still been a delay due to the fact Miami-Dade still is trying to push it off. This has been the most difficult decision since we do not want Broward Beaches to be inundated, but we want our beach residents to have access to their back yard.
This Monday we approved a Residential Relief Program of 300,000 for residents in the CRA. The properties that are west of 14th Avenue are included in the CRA. The program includes rental relief, mortgage relief on non-federally backed mortgages and a utility relief program. The program will be released this Tuesday. There will be no paper applications, so staff is working to open the computer room at OB Johnson Park and possibly Foster.
70 Plus Days of The Corona Virus Epidemic Hallandale Beach Moves Into Phase 1 Openings By Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper
We are well into 70 plus days of the Corona Virus Epidemic. My prayers go out to all that may be suffering with COVID-19 or have lost a loved one. I also want to thank all the frontline workers. Everyone that has continued to work thru this crisis deserves all our support. We all must continue to follow the CDC guidelines. I know many of us are fatigued hearing it over and over, but it does protect us. Wash hands regularly, even at home. Social Distancing is a must. The new normal motto “No Shirt, No Shoes, NO MASK, No Service.” As of Monday, May 18th Broward County has amended their stay at home orders to move into Phase 1 openings. Over the past months our city in abundance of caution had created our own orders with more stringent guidelines. For Phase 1
we directly adopted the county ordinance. There continues to be confusion due to the fact national, state and county guidelines are all different. They are different to protect the public in areas were hot spots are located or large populations. As of Monday, restaurants can open indoors at 50% capacity and 100% capacity outside. There are guidelines that require masks and social distancing through arranging furnishings to a minimum of 6 feet separation. Certain office and retail establishments can be open at 50% capacity, masks and social distancing is required. Broward County is working to implement a better declaration to eliminate confusion over what business can and cannot be open with the hopes of addressing smaller limited businesses. Personal Service businesses
can also open, but must follow not only the CDC guidelines, but the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations. Drive In movie theaters are now permitted with cars set up six feet apart. Commercial and Public pools that are not connected to a gym facility can be opened. Museums will be able to open at 25% capacity and Libraries will be open for curbside service only. While I am not a fan of opening gyms in HOAs and condominiums Phase 1 does provide if an HOA or Condo wants to open their meeting rooms and gym they can. They can be opened at 50%. They can only be open to residents, no guests. All equipment before reopening must be thoroughly cleaned and separated at a minimum distance of 6 feet. After opening, each piece of equipment must be cleaned after
every use. Commercial gyms were not approved for opening. Meeting rooms can be open for working remotely or members of the same family. They are not open for social gatherings, cards, mahjong poker and not for any guest. On Tuesday Broward County conducted a meeting to discuss commercial gyms. They still were not going to approve openings due to the concerns over spread. Beaches still were not opened. I along with Mayors in Broward have been pushing to open our beaches on the 26th. There has still been a delay due to the fact Miami-Dade still is trying to push it off. This has been the most difficult decision since we do not want Broward Beaches to be inundated, but we want our beach residents to have access to their back yard. I will keep you posted. The 26th is the target date. I do have some won-
derful news from of CRA. We have released two relief programs. Our Business program was released last month, and we had requests for assistance of 1.3 million dollars with only 500,000 in the fund. Applications for that program have been closed. Hopefully with the Phase 1 openings we will begin to see businesses reopen and see less of a need. We will continue to follow the economic health of all our businesses. This Monday we approved a Residential Relief Program of 300,000 for residents in the CRA. The properties that are west of 14th Avenue are included in the CRA. The program includes rental relief, mortgage relief on non-federally backed mortgages and a utility relief program. The program will be released this Tuesday. There will be no paper applications, so staff is working to open the computer room at OB Johnson Park and possibly Foster. Applicants can pick one program to apply to. Please visit our site www.cohbCRA.org for more information or you can call the city’s Corona hotline at 954787-2055 to find out how you can apply. After applications are received there will be a lottery for each program. In addition to this program the CRA adopted an expansion of our Senior Rental/Utility Program. The program is for seniors 62 and up. The emergency funding was expanded to 30,000. On Monday I asked the CRA BOD to lay some groundwork to develop a utility relief program for properties outside of the CRA. Since COVID-19 has struck I have been keenly focusing on relief programs. Our CRA staff heard and went to task. CRA dollars cannot be spent outside of the CRA boundary. My goal is to have our commission look at the utility fund and allocate dollars utilizing the CRA template. As always, I welcome your ideas, question and concerns. Let’s work together to make our city even better. I am available by phone/text 954-632-5700 or email jcooper@cohb.org. Working for you! Always Have! Always Will!
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The City of Hallandale Beach joined Broward County in the Phase One Reopening Emergency Order. To help residents understand the Phase One Reopening Emergency Order, the City has launched an easy-to-use web resource at www.CoHB.org/Reopen.
Phase One Reopening Details: Hallandale Beach This past Monday, Broward County Emergency Order 20-10 took effect broward.org/CoronaVirus/ Documents/Emergency Order20-10.pdf). The City of Hallandale Beach joined Broward County in the Phase One Reopening Emergency Order. To help residents understand the Phase One Reopening Emergency Order, the City has launched an easy-touse web resource at www.CoHB.org/Reopen. Staff will also be available via the City hotline at (954) 457-1489 to answer questions from 8am to 8pm Monday through Friday. Able To Reopen: Following a modified Phase One of the Governor’s statewide reopening plan, beginning on May 18, 2020, the following businesses and establishments where able open in whole or in part subject to certain limitations such as occupancy limits, sanitation requirements, and other requirements: • Restaurants and food establishments. • Retail stores selling goods or other commodities. • Barbers, cosmetologists, nail specialists, facial specialists, hair braiders/wrappers. • Pools, Pool Decks, Community Rooms, Fitness Centers & Gyms within multi-family housing developments. • Public Community Pools and Private Club Pools. • Museums and Drive In Theaters. Community rooms, fitness centers, and gyms in multi-family housing developments may open with restrictions. Pools and pool decks may continue to operate with existing restrictions. It is essential to note that DBPR allows housing developments to place additional restrictions, if desired. Please remember, businesses where not required to reopen on the 18th. Businesses may reopen if they wish and are able to abide by the requirements in Emergency Order 20-10.
If an establishment does open, it may choose to impose stricter requirements on its employees or customers. To determine if a particular business is open and what requirements may apply to employees or customers of that business, please reach out to the business directly. Still Closed: All Beaches remain closed until at least May 26th per Broward County Order. All bars, nightclubs, indoor movie theaters, spas, tattoo and massage parlors remain closed. Stand alone commercial gyms and fitness centers must remain closed as well. HOA and Condo Association pool area hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and shower facilities must remain closed until further notice. What’s Happening At City Hall: Hallandale Beach City Hall has reopened on May 18th, with limited scheduled services for the Building Division and Code Compliance Department. All other City departments remain accessible via telephone at (954) 457-1489 Monday through Friday 8am - 8pm. The Building Division and Code Compliance office hours for in person assistance will be from 8am to 3pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. You may have to wait outside City Hall before entry. For your safety, only 2 people will be allowed in the lobby at the same time. You will be required to wear a facial covering and have your temperature taken before entering the building. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments for service from the Building Division and Code Compliance Department are preferred. We strongly encourage you to make a virtual appointment by using this link (https:// calendly.com/buildingdept) or by calling (954) 4571489. City Operations Updates are available at hallandalebeachfl.gov1353 /City-Operations-Update.
City Parks & Pools: The City of Hallandale Beach welcomes visitors to enjoy selected partially reopened parks for walking and/or jogging only. Please visit our parks reopening webpage (cohb.org/ ParksReopening) for specific information on times and locations for parks open for this purpose. The remaining park facilities, including community centers, pools, and beaches, will remain closed until further notice.
• CALL (954) 457-1489 to reach the City of Hallandale Beach Resident Hotline from 8am to 8pm Monday through Friday. • CALL (954) 787-2055 for the City of Hallandale Beach
CRA Business Hotline open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. For resources and information, please visit www.CoHB.org/Corona.
For City Operations updates, please visit www.CoHB.org/ CityOperationsUpdate. For Phase One Reopening information, please visit www.CoHB.org/Reopen.
Follow The Rules: Penalties for violating requirements will be prosecuted as misdemeanors, including a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 60 days in jail. Per CDC guidelines, whenever you are outside your home, you should keep at least six feet between you and any person who does not live in your household. Facial coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help keep you and those around you safe. Facial coverings are in addition to, and not a substitute for, the required social distancing. Absent an express exception, facial coverings must be worn by: • Workers during in-person interactions with the public. • Persons obtaining any good or service from an open business or establishment. • Restaurant workers while preparing food, unless doing so would pose a hazard or health risk. • All other persons required to wear facial coverings under Broward County Emergency Orders 20-07 and 20-08. Who To Call: • CALL 3-1-1 to reach Broward County for questions about what is and is not permitted to reopen. • CALL (954) 457-1390 to report business not following the rules, or code concerns. • CALL (954) 764-4357 to reach the non-emergency number for the Hallandale Beach Police Department. This line is available 24/7.
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ALL PLANTS & SHRUBS
ALL FRUIT AND PALM TREES
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Yet to Come From Page 1A lace, and feed its insatiable appetite for ever-greater powers. Nothing is ever as simple as the government claims it is. Whatever dangerous practices you allow the government to carry out now—whether it’s in the name of national security or protecting America’s borders or making America healthy again rest assured, these same practices can and will be used against you when the government decides to set its sights on you. The war on drugs turned out to be a war on the American people, waged with SWAT teams and militarized police. The war on terror turned out to be a war on the American people, waged with warrantless surveillance and indefinite detention. The war on immigration turned out to be a war on the American people, waged with roving government agents demanding “papers, please.”
This war on COVID-19 will be yet another war on the American people, waged with all of the surveillance weaponry at the government’s disposal: thermal imaging cameras, drones, contact tracing, biometric databases, etc. So you see, when you talk about empowering government agents to screen the populace in order to control and prevent spread of this virus, what you’re really talking about is creating a society in which ID cards, round ups, checkpoints and detention centers become routine weapons used by the government to control and suppress the populace, no matter the threat. This is also how you pave the way for a national identification system of epic proportions Imagine it: a national classification system that not only categorizes you according to your health status but also allows the government to sort you in a hundred other ways: by gender, orientation, wealth, medical condition, religious beliefs, political viewpoint, legal status, etc. Are you starting to get the
Hollywood Backing Business Temporary Café Zone Program Under City of Hollywood Emergency Order 20-03, the City Manager has designated Temporary Café Zones in Downtown Hollywood, along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk and in public and private commercial areas adjacent to established restaurants city-wide. The purpose of these Temporary Café Zones is to back the City’s restaurant businesses that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19 mitigation measures, and provide these businesses with the opportunity to expand their dining areas using outdoor spaces. The City wants restaurants and food establishments to operate successfully and serve the public safely under the limitations of current executive and emergency orders which limit indoor seating to 50% of capacity and require 6 foot distance separation between tables (both indoors and outdoors) at their closest point. The Temporary Café Zone Expansion Program Guide details the locations of these zones and the requirements restaurants and food establishments must meet in order to use these zones for additional outdoor dining space. Use
of these zones must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances, including but not limited to the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code. All restaurants and food service establishments should review this guide and consider their options for expanding outdoor dining, the guide can be found at http:// www.hollywoodfl.org. Use of Temporary Café Zones requires restaurants to complete an indemnification form and provide proof of insurance, along with other requirements. The City will be facilitating the use of Temporary Café Zone space each weekend, Thursday through Sunday, in two designated areas: • Hollywood Boulevard between 19th Avenue and 21st Avenues • Hollywood Beach Broadwalk from Carolina Street to Harrison Street Use of the Temporary Café Zones in other areas of the City requires the completion of the Online Registration Form, go to www.hollywoodfl.org/Form Center and search Cafe Zone in the form search field.
Retiring Gastroenterologist Ira R. Lefkof, MD., F.A.C.G., is retiring from gastroenterology clinical practice and closing his office located at 3700 Washington Street, Suite 402, Hollywood, Florida, 33021 as of May 15, 2020. Dr. Lefkof is happy to inform everyone that Howard Baikovitz, M.D., will be the custodian of Dr. Lefkof’s patient medical records and will be most happy to provide continued gastroenterology care to all of Dr. Lefkof’s patients.Ê Dr. Lefkof highly recommends that his patients follow-up with Dr. Baikovitz.Ê Patients may obtain copies of their medical records or make an appointment for continuing care by contacting Dr. Baikovitz directly.Ê Dr. Baikovitz may be reached at 603 N. Flamingo Road, Suite 258, Pembroke Pines, Florida, 33028, (954) 430-2343.
bigger picture yet? This is just another wolf in sheep’s clothing, a “show me your papers” scheme disguised as a means of fighting a virus Don’t fall for it. By allowing government agents to establish a litmus test for individuals to be able to exit a state of lockdown and engage in commerce, movement and any other right that corresponds to life in a supposedly free society, it lays the groundwork for a society in which you are required to identify yourself at any time to any government worker who demands it for any reason. Such tactics quickly lead one down a slippery slope that ends with government agents empowered to force anyone and everyone to prove they are in compliance with every statute and regulation on the books. You see, you may be innocent of wrongdoing now, but when the standard for innocence is set by the government, no one is safe. Everyone is a suspect. And anyone can be a criminal when it’s the government determining
what is a crime. It’s no longer a matter of if, but when. We’ve been having this same debate about the perils of government overreach for the past 50-plus years, and still we don’t seem to learn, or if we learn, we learn too late. All of the excessive, abusive tactics employed by the government today—warrantless surveillance, stop and frisk searches, SWAT team raids, roadside strip searches, asset forfeiture schemes, private prisons, indefinite detention, militarized police, etc.—started out as a seemingly well-meaning plan to address some problem in society that needed a little extra help. Be careful what you wish for: you will get more than you bargained for, especially when the government’s involved. In the case of a national identification system, it might start off as a means of tracking COVID19 cases in order to “safely” reopen the nation, but it will end up as a means of controlling the American people. For those tempted to justify these draconian measures for
whatever reason—for the sake of their health, the economy, or national security—remember, you can’t have it both ways. You can’t live in a constitutional republic if you allow the government to act like a police state. You can’t claim to value freedom if you allow the government to operate like a dictatorship. You can’t expect to have your rights respected if you allow the government to treat whomever it pleases with disrespect and an utter disregard for the rule of law. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People, if you’re inclined to advance this double standard because you believe you have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide, beware: there’s always a boomerang effect. ABOUT JOHN W. WHITEHEAD Constitutional attorney and author John W. Whitehead is founder and president of The Rutherford Institute. Whitehead can be contacted at johnw@ rutherford.org.
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Apnea From Page 1A alized fitted appliance made only for you and your situation by a dentist who has been trained to help you. That’s when I learned about OSA. I was shocked to learn how serious it is. When I learned about the symptoms, it sounded like me. But, how could I have OSA? Ultimately, I did get tested and found out that I had severe sleep apnea! I was told to use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine. All this time I kept wondering, why didn’t my doc say something? He was about my age. Out of medical school over 25 years. I learned that up until about 5-10 years ago, medical students didn’t have but 1 or 2 days, tops, learning about sleep apnea. What if he slept through the class? Have you noticed how many patients your doctor has to see everyday? Many are on a treadmill in their practice. What a shame! The gatekeeper doctors are so busy that many OSA patients are slipping through the cracks. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has recommended that ALL patients with hypertension or diabetes should be tested for OSA. I learned that Obstructive Sleep Apnea is DEADLY and I WAS SCARED! I didn’t feel like I used to feel. Although still young, I felt years older than I was. I was really worried and didn’t know what to do or where to turn for advice on how to approach this. I was on blood pressure meds, overweight, and miserable on the inside. More often than not, my wife slept on the couch. My employees thought I was a big grouch. I became lethargic and depressed. I had to get tested, find and spend the night in a sleep lab, make all of the arrangements, and OY.. deal with the insurance company! I had so many questions. What would be the recommended treatment? Would I have to sleep with a mask on my face attached to a machine with a hose? Are there other options?
I needed answers. A solution. Why wasn’t my doc taking me seriously, the insurance company? Why didn’t they seem to care? I was afraid to go to sleep. It kept me up nights. Was I going to die? SOON? Were they going to say? .. “he died peacefully, in his sleep” Really? My sleep was anything but peaceful, often waking myself up during the night. And then.. It hit me- There
was only one person who really cared about me getting better and that’s when I became my own advocate.. I read everything that I could get my hands on about Sleep and Sleep Apnea and I learned what I had to do. I figured out how to get through the system. It wasn’t easy but … I took control. I developed my own Personal Action Plan. I found the right doctors and worked through the insurance debacle. I did it! I am
me again. I work out almost every day. I got tested and I got treated! I will never be cured. We still can’t cure Sleep Apnea, but like diabetes, if we are careful and do the right things, we can manage it. I get to speak to people everyday, who have sleep apnea. The story is always the same. I hear the uncertainty. The fear. I hear the self denial and excuses. “I just snore a
little bit.” “ I just have to lose a few pounds.” “It’s no big deal”. But it is. There is a lot of help out there right now. There are new programs that make testing very easy. It can often be done in your own home and there are treatment options based upon the severity of the apnea. You can schedule with sleep physician and begin your journey by calling 1 (866) 4753370.
A-SECTION Sanitizing From Page 1A water damage and restore flooded properties. The water damage restoration process is highly regulated in order to ensure that properties damaged by flood or sewer events can be effectively restored to a safe space for a homeowner to remain safe during the cleanup. You need a company such as 1st Priority Restoration who you can trust. The process is simple, when 1st Priority Restoration arrives, they will thoroughly walk through your home and discuss the areas that need to be cleaned & restored. Your insurance com-
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Is water pipe leak detection possible if the pipes are behind a wall? Yes, using the newest state-of-the-art detection tools highly trained technicians are able to locate water pipe leaks that are hidden behind walls. They can even provide water plumbing leak detection within concrete slab foundations. Will insurance cover the cost of plumbing leak detection services? That all depends on your home insurance plan. In many situations, when there is a need for water damage restoration many insurance companies will cover the related costs. 1st Priority Restoration representatives can work directly with your home insurance company to verify the need for the plumb-
black mold by a mold remediation crew. For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath. At 1st Priority Restoration, this is what they do 365 days a year, and nobody knows how to prevent potential dangers like they do – and by dialing 1-800-617-1112 – you can save financially - as well as with your health! VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION There are some important ways we can prevent the spread of mold, and what you can do to
A persistent cough can be be caused from exposure to damp and moldy environments which can lead to a variety of health effects. Mold & viruses can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. pany adjuster or claim representative may recommend what and how your home should be cleaned, but in the end it is your decision. In the past month, we have all heard the word “Mitigation” more times than we can count, but with water damage that is exactly what needs to be done. Water damage restoration shouldn’t stop at restoring back your real estate back to proper functioning. Inspect underlying causes that caused the water damage in the first place and make sure there won’t be a reoccurrence. Repair structures and replace materials to make your property safe for years to come. If your property has been exposed to water damage you may have to do water mitigation. Strict actions are required in water mitigation such as removal of damaged materials such as drywall and flooring. Molds and mildew that have accumulated in areas in your property will be disinfected and deodorized to restore a healthy environment. Further cleaning and deodorizing should be done to make sure your real estate is back in top shape. Water damage mitigation should happen immediately after flooding or water buildup. Take action immediately because letting your property sit in water causes further damage and expense. Materials soaking in water collect microbes and spread water-borne diseases. Furniture, wood flooring, and walls will crack, sag and collect fungi after prolonged exposure to moisture. If your property is particularly old, it may be time to replace materials such as pipes to prevent a reoccurrence of water damage. If pipes are behind walls, it may require more extensive repair. The water mitigation process will depend on how long your property has been exposed to water. Air humidifiers and drying equipment must be turned on round the clock in areas with severe water damage. Mold spores are especially dangerous to health and thorough cleaning and disinfecting should be done as part of the water damage mitigation. It is advisable to get the temperature, humidity, and moisture of your property tested to see if it has been restored to normal standards, 1st Priority professionals can handle the entire process. After 1st Priority Restoration evaluates the work and equipment needed to clean your home, they will provide you with an estimate or contract for their services. LEAK DETECTION One tiny water leak can create huge problems in a home or business. An undetected water pipe leak will not only dramatically increase your utility bills, but it can also lead to even more expensive water damage and mold. If you’ve had higher than average water bills, constantly have to refill your pool or hear running water it’s time to call the leak detection specialists at 1st Priority Restoration.
ing leak detection service, cause of the problem and the repairs that will be required to remedy the situation. MOLD AND YOUR HOME Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. With all the rain and storms we have been having these past months you can see a pattern of mold growth that will last. From leaks, flooding, and driving rain, mold growth is a certainty in South Florida. If you are concerned you might have a mold or mildew problem it is best to call professionals for a complete evaluation of your home. Your health is your most important asset, so just like you go see a doctor for a test, your home health needs testing as well. NEVER FOOL AROUND WITH MOLD & MILDEW When it comes to mold and mildew, we cannot take those potential hazards lightly. A mold problem can cause you to experience dizziness, anxiety and depression, and even hallucinations. If you have been experiencing a diminished attention span or problems with your memory, it might be a good idea to have your home inspected for
get rid of it. Keep an eye out for hidden leaks: Wet spots on your ceiling, at the baseboards or on the floor are a telltale sign of a leaky pipe or roof. Your homes pipes are behind drywall, which can leave a small leak unnoticed. Mold can grow behind those walls and filter into the air through ducts or pipes. At 1st Priority, they can come in and assess the situation before it gets worse. Did you know that many air conditioners, especially window units, are susceptible to mold growth! They often trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for spores. Bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms create a lot of excess heat and humidity, especially here in south Florida – whether it be from a shower, stove or even a dryer. All three of these areas should be well ventilated. Education is key to anything – and when our health is at stake – knowing that mold spores can lay dormant for years after they are produced and could begin growing at any time is extremely important to know. Because of this, regular cleaning and having 1st Priority Restoration to depend on, will certainly make our lives much easier. SANITIZING There is no bigger issue for everyone than their health. With viruses on everyone’s mind and in the headlines the uncertainty about how to avoid contracting them has everyone on edge. The best way to combat this fear and anxiety is with knowledge. The knowledge about the proper steps to protect yourself and your loved ones outside and inside your home. For the near future, sanitizing yourself and your home will be the new norm, so arm yourself with the facts,
and that will help decrease your anxiety. Outside of the home we have less control over our environment, but there are ways to lessen your exposure. The CDC (Centers For Disease Control) has recommendations for steps to protect yourself. First, stay home when you are sick, this will help stop the spread. Limit movement in the community, establish ways to communicate with family and friends that don’t require person to person contact. Discuss with your employer the possibility of working from home. Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Inside your home is where you can really make a difference in the health of your family. Viruses can be scary, but the fact of the matter is the chance of contracting it in your home can be mitigated through sanitizing frequently touched surfaces and air vents. That is where a professional service such as 1st Priority Restoration can help. That nagging cough you may have should make you think twice about your health. That cough can be caused from exposure to damp and moldy environments or viruses which can lead to a variety of health effects that aren’t related to the Coronavirus, but certainly can affect your health in a negative way. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. People with chronic lung illnesses may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. Ever wonder why you or your children wake up coughing and sneezing on a regular basis? The CDC may have the answer. According to the CDC, in 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people and in individuals susceptible with compromised immune conditions. Mold or mold spores may cause asthma attacks in people who have asthma and are allergic to mold. Even in some nonallergic individuals, mold can cause symp-
toms of irritation in the eyes, skin, and airways. For example, the “black mold” Stachybotrys, along with some other types of mold, produces toxins known as mycotoxins that can cause irritation of the skin and airways in susceptible individuals. Sometimes, people may develop severe reactions to mold exposure, but cleaning and sanitizing by professionals can help mitigate the health issues. EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING With decades in the business, 1st Priority Restoration is a reputable company with over 20 employees that are licensed and insured. They have been doing all types of cleaning, sanitizing, leak / mold detection and water damage restoration for more than a decade. “We use the most efficient cleaning and water removal equipment to make sure that our customers are satisfied with the job we do for them. We try to use nontoxic (Green) safe chemicals for all mildew treatments. In all the years that we have been helping customers with water damage, they are pleased with the work that we do. We have never received a single complaint, and that has to speak volumes!” YEAR ROUND SERVICE If you have lived in south Florida for any period of time, you already know that the weather is ever changing, and for that reason, the rainy season can happen at any time. It doesn’t have to be a tropical system to cause flooding and everything that goes along with it, a leak or burst pipe can happen at any time of year, and 1st Priority Restoration is available to help get your home back to a healthy environment for you and your family. Providing a complete cleaning/sanitizing job has become 1st Priority Restoration’s trademark. What continues to separate them from anyone else is they can take care of all of your cleaning and water damage problems - as well as conducting leak and mold detections, and working with your insurance company and adjuster. By calling 1st Priority Restoration, you are getting a business that understands it all - and is ready to spring into action 12 months a year. From ceiling repair, drywall replacement, structural damage, roof leaks, floor repair, furniture cleaning, mold removal and treatments, they have it all covered. CUSTOMERS ARE ALWAYS SATISFIED “If a customer calls and is not completely satisfied with any of the work, the crew will return promptly to meet your expectations. We strive to make our customers 100% satisfied and have many repeat customers as a result of it.”
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New COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Clinic in Bal Harbour Bal Harbour Village, the Town of Bay Harbour Islands, the Town of Surfside, Indian Creek Village and the Bal Harbour Shops welcome a new clinic and website that will offer screening, antibody testing, and telemedicine for the 33154 community and nearby communities (including Sunny Isles Beach residents, ages 14+), with immediate access available to first responders, seniors age 65 and older, and for all residents. Banyan Medical Systems, a next-generation healthcare services delivery and technology company, and Pivot Concierge Health, an integrative well-care clinic, will be opening to residents of 33154 the first drive-
be located outdoors next to the Bal Harbour Shops Parking Garage 96th Street Entrance. When – Operations began on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Testing will be done between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
Bal Harbour Village, the Town of Bay Harbour Islands, the Town of Surfside, Indian Creek Village and the Bal Harbour Shops welcome a new clinic and website that will offer screening, antibody testing, and telemedicine for the 33154 community and nearby communities. thru rapid testing clinic for COVID-19 antibodies, to expand the availability of testing in South Florida, reduce the burden on local area hospitals and staff,
and to help keep the community safe and healthy. This new clinic was created through the united efforts of Banyan Medical Systems, Pivot Concierge
Health, the Bal Harbour Shops and the four 33154 municipalities. Where – The drive-thru testing site will
Testing appointments are required and must be made through an online screening questionnaire at www.covid33154.com. First responders, seniors age 65 and older and residents will be given immediate access to testing by completing the online questionnaire or by calling – Local: 786619-3379 or Toll-Free: 1-877885-8125.
City of Hollywood Community Campaign #StayStrongHollywoodFL Looking for a way to show your Hollywood pride and send a positive message of hope, strength and unity? The City of Hollywood has created a downloadable coloring page for residents to decorate and display in their windows. Children are encouraged, with the help of a parent or guardian, to download and print out the City’s sea turtle logo coloring page from the City website, www.hollywoodfl.org. The coloring page can then be
personalized and proudly displayed in a show of community spirit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The #StayStrongHollywoodFL sea turtle coloring campaign is inspired by the efforts of children in the United Kingdom who started a global window artwork initiative by hanging handmade rainbow artwork in their windows as a way to spread cheer and hope in a show of solidarity during the coronavirus pandemic. A
Teddy Bear scavenger hunt is also underway across the U.S. with children playing an “I Spy” game by placing teddy bears in their windows, posting pictures to social media and tracking how many others have followed suit. “This creative use of the City’s logo is a great way to express our strong community spirit, get the kids involved in a fun activity, and demonstrate that we are all connected and in this together,” says Hollywood Mayor Josh
Levy, “It’s a little dose of cheer during this difficult time.” In history and mythology, the sea turtle is a symbol of endurance, persistence and the continuation of life with a resilient shell ready to protect it from threatening outside influences. Help show the strength and solidarity of our Hollywood community by coloring and displaying the sea turtle logo during the COVID-19 pandemic. Log onto the City’s website to
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download and print the turtle coloring page: hollywoodfl.org/ CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=765 Once decorated and hung in the front window, residents can share their photos on the City’s Facebook page at facebook.com CityOfHollywoodFL/ using the #StayStrongHollywood FL. For a gallery of photos from Hollywood residents, visit the City’s Facebook page: facebook.comCityOfHollywoodF L/posts/1319713871563509
To place your Classified Listing in our print and digital publications, please call (954) 458-0635, or email suntimesgraphics@aol.com. The deadline to place your ad is 5pm every Tuesday.
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