Sun Times Issue 07 06 23

Titan Restoration Inc. Is A Company That Cares

By Erika Cartwright

Titan Restoration Inc. is a trusted, licensed Cleaning, Water Damage Restoration, and Mold Remediation Company proudly serving all of southern Florida

Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Counties, allowing them to arrive at the site within 45 minutes in times of emergency. With emergency calling 24/7, you’re never more than a phone call away from friendly, efficient, caring, knowledgeable professionals.

plan of action that can ease the stress and take the headache of dealing with the insurance company off your hands. Allowing you to focus on what is impor-

tant to you in your time of need.

Restoration Inc., formerly known as 1st Priority, is a trusted, licensed Cleaning, Water Damage Restoration, and Mold

Remediation Company proudly serving all of southern Florida.

main office is in Broward County. Technicians are throughout; Collier, Lee, Martin, Miami-

Whether the water damage in your home or business was caused by a leaking pipe, roof, or major flood, Titan Restoration Inc. is here to help. To schedule non-emergency services or to request a free estimate visit: www.Titanrestorationfl.com, their user-friendly website makes scheduling appointments easy.

The only thing in life that is certain, is that anything can happen at any time. Such tragedies as; fire, hurricanes, and floods are real and do happen, bringing with them water damage and the potential for harmful mold and bacterial growth. Water damage can occur for several reasons, some you may not notice right away, such as sewer issues, a leaking roof, and clogged or leaking pipes, just to name a few. During these times you need licensed professionals with a Titan Restoration, 11A

Traitor To The Constitution: The U.S. Government Is the Real Criminal

This entire fiasco - indicting Donald Trump for allegedly violating both the Espionage Act and obstructing justice by improperly handling classified records - is merely the latest in a never-ending series of distractions, distortions, and political theater aimed at diverting the public’s attention from the sinister advances of the American Deep State.

Don’t allow yourselves to be distracted, diverted or mesmerized by the cheap theater tricks.

This indictment spectacle is Shakespearean in its scope: full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

Nothing is the key word here.

Despite the wall-to-wall media coverage, this is all just smoke and mirrors.

Mark my words: the government is as corrupt and self-serving as ever, dominated by two political factions that pretend to be at odds with each other all the while moving in lockstep to maintain the status quo.

If you really want to talk about who’s guilty of treason, set your sights higher: indict the government for overstepping its authority, abusing its power, disregarding the rule of law, and betraying the American people.

When we refer to the “rule of law,” that’s constitutional shorthand for the idea that everyone is treated the same under the law, everyone is held equally accountable to abiding by the law, and no one is given a free pass based on their politics, their connections, their wealth, their status or any other bright line test used to confer special treatment on the elite.

When the government and its agents no longer respect the rule of law - the Constitution - or believe that it applies to them, then the very contract on which this relationship is based becomes invalid.

This abuse of power has been going on for so long that it has become the norm, the Constitution be damned.

There are hundreds - make that thousands - of government bureaucrats who are getting away with murder (in many cases, literally) simply because the legislatures, courts and the citizenry can’t be bothered to make them play by the rules of the Constitution.

Unless something changes in the way we deal with these ongoing, egregious abuses of power, the predators of the police state will continue to wreak havoc on our freedoms, our communities, and our lives.

For too long now, the American people have played politics with their principles and turned a blind eye to all manner of wrongdoing when it was politically expedient, allowing the government to wreak havoc with their freedoms and act in violation of the rule of law.

“We the people” are paying the price for it now.

We are paying the price every day that we allow the government to continue to wage its war on the American People, a war that is being fought on many fronts: with bullets and tasers, with surveillance cameras and license readers, with intimidation and propaganda, with court rulings and legislation, with the collusion of every bureaucrat who dances to the tune of corporate handouts while on the government’s payroll, and most effectively of all, with the complicity of the American people, who continue to allow themselves to be easily manipulated by their politics, distracted by their pastimes, and acclimated to a world in which government corruption is the norm.

It’s the nature of the beast: power corrupts.

Worse, as 19th-Century Historian, Lord Acton concluded, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

We’ve been losing our freedoms so incrementally for so long - sold to us in the name of national security and global peace, maintained by way of martial law disguised as law and order, and enforced by a standing army of militarized police and a political elite determined to maintain their powers at all costs - that it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when it all started going downhill, but we’re certainly on that downward trajectory now, and things are moving fast.

Consider, if you will, all of the dastardly, devious, diabolical, dangerous, debilitating, deceitful, dehumanizing, demonic, depraved, dishonorable, disillusioning, discriminatory, dictatorial schemes inflicted on “we the people” by a bureau-

Summer in Hollywood

Kids Eat Free • Friday Night Movies Postponed • Beach Sweep

Summer break is in full swing, and maybe you’re thinking about how children will eat healthy while school is out. Kids ages 18 and under can enjoy a free nutritious meal and/or an afternoon snack during summer break through the “Summer BreakSpot” program. Several locations in the City of Hollywood offer breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks all summer long. The menu varies each day and meals are served on a first-come, first-served basis. A typical breakfast is cereal, milk and fruit or a muffin or bagel. Lunch is typically a sandwich, chips, fruit, dessert and drink, but it may also be a hot meal. The Summer Food Program is funded by a federal grant from the Department of Agriculture.

HOLLYWOOD LOCATIONS:

• Oakridge Elementary School 1507 N 28th Ave Hollywood, FL 33020-2922

Phone: (754) 323-6710

• Hollywood YMCA 3161 Taft St Hollywood, FL 33021-4442

Phone: (786) 815-5588

• Colbert Elementary School 2701 PLUNKETT St Hollywood, FL 33020-5715

Phone: (754) 323-5110

• Avant Garde Academy K5 Broward 2025 MCKinley St Hollywood, FL 33020-3139 Phone: (754) 816-6153

cratic, totalitarian regime that has long since ceased to be “a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”

• Americans have no protection against police abuse.

• Americans are little more than pocketbooks to fund the police state.

• Americans are no longer innocent until proven guilty.

• Americans no longer have a right to private property.

• Americans no longer have a say about what their children are exposed to in school.

• Americans are powerless in the face of militarized police.

• Americans no longer have a right to bodily integrity.

• Americans no longer have a right to the expectation of privacy.

• Americans can no longer rely on the courts to mete out justice.

• Americans no longer have a representative government.

I haven’t even touched on the corporate state, the military industrial complex, SWAT team raids, invasive surveillance technology, zero tolerance policies in the schools, overcriminalization, or privatized prisons, to name just a few, but what I have touched on should be enough to show that the landscape of our freedoms has already changed dramatically from what it once was and will no doubt continue to deteriorate unless Americans can find a way to wrest back control of their government and reclaim their freedoms. Indictments, impeachments and elections will not save us.

From Clinton to Bush, then Obama to Trump and now Biden, it’s as if we’re caught in a time loop, forced to relive the same thing over and over again: the same assaults on our freedoms, the same disregard for the rule of law, the same subservience to the Deep State, and the same corrupt, self-serving government that exists only to amass power, enrich its shareholders and ensure its continued domination.

There can be no denying that the world is indeed a dangerous place, but it’s the government that poses the gravest threat to our freedoms and way of life, and no amount of politicking, parsing or pandering will change that.

The Constitution doesn’t stand a chance against a federalized, globalized standing army protected by legislative, judicial and executive branches that are all on the same side.

As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, no matter what political views they subscribe to: suffice it to say, they are not on our side or the side of freedom. That is the real betrayal.

Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead’s Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org. Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org

ArtsPark Friday Night Movies Postponed

Due to planned maintenance of the amphitheater lawn/seating area, the ArtsPark Friday Night Movies are postponed for the month of July at the ArtsPark at Young Circle in downtown Hollywood. The Friday Night Movies will

return on Friday, August 4th. Thank you

Hollywood Beach Sweep

The Hollywood Beach Sweep will be held Saturday, July 8th from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Charnow Park. The event is held the 2nd Saturday of Every Month. To take part in the event, register at www.holly woodfl.org and search “Beach Sweep.”

“For too long now, the American people have played politics with their principles and turned a blind eye to all manner of wrongdoing when it was politically expedient, allowing the government to wreak havoc with their freedoms and act in violation of the rule of law.”

how or who

call for help. It’s even more dangerous in extreme heat conditions, where heat stroke (a serious elevation in body temperature that is sparked by exposure to extreme environmental heat or a mixture of heat and humidity) can develop in minutes. There are many reasons why someone with dementia wants to go outdoors. Being outside may provide a feeling of purposefulness or satisfaction; be a response to excessive stimuli, be triggered by the need to get away from noises and people; or is a response to an unmet need (i.e., hunger, thirst, boredom).

Reduce the chances of wandering by identifying consistent and sustainable ways to support these experiences in a safe environment: create walking paths around the home with visual cues and stimulating objects, engage the person in simple tasks, or offer engaging activities (i.e., music, crafts, games). Ensuring basic needs are met can also reduce the chances of wandering.

Keep a recent photo and medical information on hand, as well as information about familiar destinations that are currently, or formerly, frequented, that can be shared with emergency responders if the person wanders. This will expedite search and rescue efforts.

Monitor the person’s fluid intake.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementiarelated illnesses can affect a person’s ability to know when they are thirsty, thus making it critically important for caregivers to monitor fluid intake and encourage them to drink frequently. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as these drinks may contribute to dehydration.

Observe the person for heat stroke warning signs. Dementia-related illnesses can make it harder for a person to detect temperature changes, putting them at greater risk for heat stroke. Watch for

warning signs such as excessive sweating, exhaustion, hot, dry, or red skin, muscle cramps, rapid pulse, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or sudden changes in mental status. If the person is exhibiting these warning signs, such actions as resting in an air-conditioned room, removing clothing, applying cold compresses, and drinking fluids can all help cool the body. If the person faints, exhibits excessive confusion or is unconscious, call 911 immediately.

Know where to cool down. Many municipalities will open up air conditioned “cooling centers” so that people who do not have air conditioning can go cool down. These centers can include senior centers, libraries, community centers and other municipal/public buildings. If your person does not have air conditioning, find out if there are cooling centers are nearby.

Plan ahead. Blackouts and other power failures can sometimes occur during heat waves. Make sure that cell phones, tablets, and other electrical devices are fully charged. Flashlights should be easily accessible in case of a power failure. Have the emergency contact numbers for local utility providers, as well as the police and fire departments, readily accessible. Have a long-distance plan if necessary. If you don’t live near your loved one, arrange for someone nearby to check on them. Inform this contact person about emergency contacts, and where important medical information, such as an insurance card, is kept. Make sure your loved one has plenty of water, and has access to air conditioning or other cooling mechanisms.

The Alzheimer’s Association

Safe Return Program

The Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program is a 24-hour nationwide identification, support and enrollment program. They work with law enforcement to quickly identify and return to safety a person with Alzheimer’s or a related Demen-

tia who has wandered, locally or far from home.

How It Works

A MedicAlert membership plan with Wandering Support helps first responders and families reconnect with individuals living with Dementia who experience a medical emergency or have wandered.

When an incident call comes in, MedicAlert’s Emergency Response Team collects all the relevant information on the missing or found person. For missing incidents, a missing person report is generated and distributed to local police, EMS and other authorities as appropriate. MedicAlert continues to follow up on the case until it is resolved.

The member’s profile contains medical conditions, allergies, medications taken, past surgical history, and other important information. In an emergency, the MedicAlert Emergency Response Team relays this information to first responders to enable fast, accurate care.

In a wandering incident, MedicAlert collaborates with emergency responders and provides the member’s information to facilitate a safe return. MedicAlert communicates with the member’s emergency contacts during and after a wandering incident.

If the person is reported found by law enforcement or another official agency, when provided with the member’s ID number from an ID bracelet or ID accessory, MedicAlert will release the person’s personal details, emergency contacts and medical information to first responders. If the person is reported found by a good

Samaritan, MedicAlert will reach out directly to the member’s emergency contacts to assist in a safe return to their family.

Membership Plans & ID Bracelets

Members are required to purchase an ID bracelet or accessory, and an Advantage or Advantage Plus membership to participate in the Wandering Support program. Products can be purchased through MedicAlert, including ID bracelets, necklaces and other accessories for men and women. The cost for an ID bracelet or another product is dependent upon the style selected. All IDs are custom engraved with the member’s medical information and unique MedicAlert member number.

To learn more about and purchase a MedicAlert membership plan and ID products:

• Online: Go to: medicalert.org/alz and use the promo code ALZ.

• Phone: Call MedicAlert’s Member Services line 800.ID.ALERT (800.432.5378) and use the promo code ALZ.

Local Law Enforcement

If you rather work directly with local law enforcement to inform them of a loved ones home address and description, in case they ever wander away from home, many police departments have programs to assist with persons with Dementia or Autism. Here is the contact information for a few local police jurestictions to contact in your loved one lives within that city:

or call

Caregivers who have questions or need additional information can contact the AFA Helpline by phone: (866-232-8484), text: (646-586-5283), or webchat: (www.alzfdn.org) to speak with a licensed social worker. The Helpline is available seven days a week.

Heat Safety

From Page 1A

when they are thirsty, thus making it critically important for caregivers to monitor fluid intake

Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementia-related illnesses can affect a person’s ability to know

The 3 main categories of Residential Real Estate Occupancy and use are:

• Primary Residence

• Second Home

• Investment Property (also called Non-Owner Occupied)

Within the same Mortgage Loan Program (30-year fixed for example) and for the same borrower, a Primary Residence Mortgage will have a lower interest rate than a Second Home, and a Second Home will have a lower rate than an Investment Property. When applying for a Mortgage, buyers sign a statement declaring their intended occupancy of the property.

Lenders’ maximum LoanTo-Value ratios (LTVs) are higher for Primary, lower for Second Homes, and lower still for Investment Properties. This means that a higher down payment is needed for Second Homes and Investment Properties.

From a lender’s perspective, Primary Residence loans carry less risk than Second or Investment Properties because an owner/borrower is much less likely to default on a Primary Residence.

Primary Residence is defined similarly by most all interpretations. It refers to where a person lives for most of the calendar year, based on things like:

• Close to employment

• Address on Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration

• Mail delivery

• Utility usage

• Local family, Business, Church, and social affiliation

• Address on Federal and State

Income Tax Returns

• Voter Registration

When we talk about Second Homes, things get a little blurry depending on whether you’re filing Tax Returns or applying for a Mortgage.

IRS Publication 936 (Home Mortgage Interest Deduction), addresses how Mortgage Interest is treated on Primary and Second Homes. Here is a direct link to it: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ p936.pdf

IRS guidance explains that if a Second Home is not rented to others, it is automatically considered a “qualified home” for tax purposes even if the owner doesn’t use it during a given calendar year.

As such, any mortgage interest paid during the year on a qualified Second Home is Tax Deductible when itemizing deductions on Personal Income Tax Returns, the same as for a Primary Residence. This is limited to the Interest paid on Combined Mortgage Debt (not property values) on Primary and Second Homes up to a certain amount depending on filing status.

When a Second Home is rented to someone else for part of the year (seasonal or vacation rental), the IRS says the owner must also stay in the home “more than 14 days or more than 10% of the

number of days during the year that the home is rented at a fair rental, whichever is longer” in order to deduct Mortgage Interest itemized on a Personal Tax Return.

If the owner does not live in the Second Home for at least that period of time, the IRS then calls it a rental property, which requires different Tax Accounting on the owner’s Tax Return.

See IRS Publication 527 (Residential Rental Property) for details. Here’s the direct link: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irspdf/p527.pdf If you are showing Second Home Rental Income on your Tax Return, be sure your own occupancy of the property

Under either IRS or lender guidelines, if a property’s use doesn’t conform to all Second Home guidelines and requirements, it defaults to rental or Investment Property status which is property purchased with the intent of producing cash flow and/or price appreciation.

Just because the IRS says something is OK for Tax Purposes, that doesn’t mean mortgage lenders look at things the same way in terms of their risk management.

Remember - loans for Investment Property carry higher interest rates and require higher down payments than loans for Second Homes, and Second Home mortgages have higher interest rates and down payments than those for Primary

There is another major occupancy issue for buyers to consider - Florida’s very attractive Homestead Protection for Permanent Residents. Depending on how long owners themselves plan to live here each year, they may not qualify for Homestead status on their Florida properties. Owners who have already established Homestead Status and rent out their properties for too long or too frequently can be considered as abandoning their Homesteads, losing the benefits that go along with it.

Second Home and Investment Property occupancies are ineligible for Homestead.

It is important to keep in mind that for

is documented, consult a tax professional for application to your specific circumstances.

Lenders view Second Homes quite differently - For our discussion today, we are using FNMA’s (Federal National Mortgage Association or “Fannie Mae”) Guidelines which are considered the benchmark for conventional (non-government insured) Mortgage qualifying standards.

Government-Insured Mortgage Financing (FHA, VA, USDA) is only for Primary Residences. Second Homes and Investment Properties are not eligible for FHA, VA, or USDA Mortgage Financing Programs.

FNMA’s current Second Home guidelines include:

• Reasonable distance from Primary Residence (usually at least 50 miles)

• Occupied by borrower some portion of the year

• Restricted to 1-unit dwellings (single-family home or individual condo unit)

• Suitable for year-round occupancy

• Borrower has exclusive control over occupancy (no Management Company or Real Estate Agent approving or declining rentals)

• No rentals for at least the first year of ownership

Residences. For years, occupancy misrepresentation to receive a better rate and terms has been one of the most committed types of Mortgage Fraud in Florida. Mortgage Fraud is a violation of Federal law.

It seems logical that any property rented to others on an annual lease is almost automatically categorized as an Investment Property by the IRS, mortgage lenders, Owners Associations, and just about any other occupancy standard.

Another difference between Primary, Second Home, and Investment Properties comes into play with properties governed by either Condominium or Homeowners Associations. Many Associations limit Non-Owner Occupied (Investment) ownership. And when there are too many NOO Properties in a building or community, lenders are hesitant to extend purchase financing for individual properties in it. Study your Association’s Governing Documents for details and restrictions related to owner and tenant occupancies. Violations of your Association’s Governing Docs can result in fines and restricted use of the building or community’s amenities.

all of these occupancies, non-immediate family or friends/acquaintances are not owner occupancy if the property owner is not there at the same time. This distinction is made very clear in many Florida Condominium Buildings’ recorded Governing Docs.

Whether you are a potential buyer or a current owner of a Florida house or condo, it is important to understand the various rules that apply to the use and occupancy of your property.

Answering our headline question - no, a Second Home is not the same as an Investment Property, and the rules governing each of them changes depending on whether you ask the IRS, your mortgage lender, or your COA/HOA Board.

Editor’s Note: Christopher Carter is NOT an attorney. He does not give legal advice. For interpretation and application to specific circumstances of anything you read in this article, you must speak with a Florida-Licensed attorney.

Have a question or comment about anything you see here, if so, visit: TheFloridaRealEstateBlog.com

When talking about Second Homes, things get a little blurry depending on whether you’re filing Tax Returns or applying for a Mortgage

Movies By Moonlight Soak Up The Summer At The LOOP

Sea you at Beach! This summer, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) invites everyone under the sun to turn up the heat in Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront backyard with a series of events, including Dog Days of Summer Movies By Moonlight Series and a revamped rendition of the Las Olas Oceanside Park’s Farmer’s Market coined The MKT!

Dog Days of Summer Movies By Moonlight Series at The LOOP invites the community and their furry companions to the Movies By Moonlight “Dog Days of Summer” Series. Locals and visitors of all ages are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a favorite movie date to the main lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Come early to dine at one of Fort Lauderdale Beach’s restaurants, shop at the People and Pet Market starting at 5:00 p.m. or bring a picnic for dinner and a movie experience under the stars. Movie snacks and drinks are also available to purchase onsite, and limited chairs and blankets are available to borrow. The events will take place on the last Friday in July and August.

Featured Films include:

Featured Films include:

Friday, July 28th, 2023

Film: Megan Leavey, Rated PG-13

Showtime: 8:15 p.m.; 1 hour 56 minutes

Synopsis: The true-life story of Megan Leavey, a young Marine Corporal whose unique discipline and bond with a Military Combat Dog saved many lives during her Deployment in Iraq. Assigned to clean up

the K-9 Unit after a Disciplinary Hearing, Leavey starts to identify with Rex, a particularly aggressive dog that she trains. Over the course of their service, Megan and Rex complete more than 100 Missions until an improvised explosive device injures both, putting their fates in jeopardy.

Friday, August 26th, 2023 – National Dog Day

Film: The Art Of Racing In The Rain, Rated PG

Showtime: 8:00 p.m.; Run Time: 1 hour 49 minutes

Synopsis: Denny Swift is a Formula One Race Car Driver who understands that the techniques needed on the Racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate everyday life. Besides his career, Denny has three loves of his life — his beautiful wife, their young daughter, and his best friend, a dog wanting to be reincarnated into a human.

THE MKT At Las Olas Oceanside Park

Take in breathtaking beach views and enjoy the ocean breeze while perusing an eclectic array of traditional Market Fare ranging from Fresh Produce and Fruit to global flavors, Made-To-Order Foods and Handmade and Homemade items to wear and decorate homes. Attendees are invited to bring a picnic blanket and lawn chair to enjoy a rotation of Live Music and Interactive Experiences while they shop and stroll the Market Vendors or take part in the weekly Oceanside Yoga Class and a variety of lawn games, including Pickleball, Badminton, Lawn Darts, Cornhole and more.

Jury Duty Scams On The Rise

There Are Ways To Tell If You Are Dealing With An Imposter

Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert Warning Floridians about an increase in Jury Duty Scams. In these scams, an imposter will call a target about missing Jury Duty, then threaten the potential victim with jail time if a fine is not paid. A recent news report from Miami-Dade County states that authorities there are seeing an alarming number of Jury Duty Scams.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This scam is so troubling because the scammer on the phone will threaten a victim with potential jail time if a fine is not paid. Floridians should know that failing to report for Jury Duty is not grounds for immediate arrest, and Court Officials will never demand payment over the phone. By being aware of how to avoid this

increasingly common scam, we can build a Stronger, Safer Florida.”

To Avoid Jury Duty Scams, Floridians Should Know That:

A Jury Duty Summons will never be delivered over the phone; it will always come via mail. Also, Officials will not call regarding a Summons if a person did not receive a Summons in the mail.

Court Officials will not demand payment over the phone, nor ask that payment be wired or made through a Gift Card. A tell-tale sign of a Jury Scam is a caller aggressively demanding payment over the phone, personal or financial information should never be given to strangers, especially over the phone.

Caller IDs may be spoofed to appear to

Presidential Circle Memorial

Dates: Saturday, July 1st, 2023, Saturday, July 8th, 2023, Saturday, July 15th, 2023, Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 and Saturday, July 29th, 2023; Sunday, July 2nd, 2023, Sunday, July 9th, 2023, Sunday, July 16th, 2023, Sunday, July 23rd, 2023 and Sunday, July 30th, 2023; Saturday, August 5th, 2023, Saturday, August 12th, 2023, Saturday, August 19th, 2023 and Saturday, August 26th, 2023; Sunday, August 13th, 2023

Time: Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sundays: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

More Information: https://theloopflb.com/ events/categories/market/

Ongoing MKT Activities

All Day: Shop and Stroll the Marketplace; the Cove Food Court

Every Saturday in July, 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.: Oceanside Yoga – $10 in advance or $15 for day of drop-in

Every Sunday in July, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Rotating Live Music; the full schedule is available at: https://theloopflb.com/

Summer Lovin’ Sweepstakes

What’s better than shopping for fresh produce, homemade and artisanal objects and handcrafted wares with the sun above and an ocean breeze on your back? Shopping for all that and more on The LOOP! Follow @OceansidePark Market and @TheLOOPFLB on Instagram and Facebook and register to win a share of $500 in The LOOP’s Summer Lovin’ Gift Card Giveaway. Weekly winners will receive $50 in Gift Cards to redeem at any of the Rotating Market Vendor Booths from Saturday, July 1st, 2024 through Saturday, September 23rd, 2024. View the Sweepstakes Rules and the Entry Form at: https://theloopflb.com/summer-lovin/ Where

Oceanside Park: 3000 East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316. The most convenient place to park is the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, where the PayByPhone payment option can be used, and parking can be extended from anywhere using the mobile PayByPhone App. The LOOP’s events are FREE and open to the public.

For more information, visit: https://theloopflb.com/

About The LOOP

A cornerstone of activity, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) is the central hub of the $65 Million, four-park system at the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The public greenspaces, including the Intracoastal Promenade, Las Olas Beach Garage Sunset Terrace, and DC Alexander Park, aim to provide infinite experiences for everyone under the sun and yearround activity in Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront backyard. Through its four pillars, “FAME,” The LOOP offers a variety of special events, activities, and unique local experiences for all, including FREE Concerts, Farmers Markets, community workouts, holiday happenings, and more. The LOOP also includes an Interactive Water Feature/Splash Pad for children and adults. As part of its Environmental Commitment, the City of Fort Lauderdale partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission on dual-light fixtures that use amber lighting during Sea Turtle Nesting Season. The park’s artificial turf covering requires no watering. For more information, visit: www.theloopflb.com Or contact: info@theloopflb.com. Follow The LOOP on Facebook at: https:// www.facebook.com/theloopflb And on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ theloopflb/

be coming from a Law Enforcement Agency or other Government Entity, so be cautious of Caller ID - even if it looks like a real source. If there is a Valid Jury Duty Issue, contact a Local Court Clerk’s Office directly, for The Miami Dade County Clerk of Courts call: (786) 828-5879. For the Broward County Clerk of Courts, call: (954) 831-6091. Depending upon where

the caller states they are calling from. If you have any doubt, call the Florida Attorney General’s Office at: 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM, 1 (866) 966-7226.

The Florida Bar reminds Floridians to be cautious over the phone and remember that an Authentic Jury Summons will only ever come in the mail from the United States Postal Service.

Report suspected Jury Duty Scams to Law Enforcement, as well as to the Local County Clerk’s Office using the Florida Clerk’s Website. Anyone who may encounter an imposter trying to orchestrate a Jury Duty Scam can File a Complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office Online at: www.MyFloridaLegal.com Or by calling: 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM, 1 (866) 966-7226.

Bring a picnic for a dinner and a movie experience under the stars. Locals and visitors of all ages are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a favorite movie date to the main lawn

The Year of The “Shovel”: The State Of The City Part V

By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper

This article is part of The State of the City Part V. This portion covers the Infrastructure plans we have to address water supply, sewer, and stormwater. It is in Speech Form. Since the writing of the speech, we have adopted the city tentative budget and have adopted the new water utility rate to cover our Utility Revenue Bond. In August I will cover our new budget and these rates.

This coming year, I am calling it, the year of the “shovel.” There was not one large Infrastructure Project that was completed in years. The last large-scale project installed was the critical stormwater system in the NE and SW sections of the city. After this last 1000-year storm, while we flooded, our City was free from flood water much sooner than many surrounding communities.

The southwest area actually had high water, but did not flood. We know that there is still one area that is one-foot above sea level that needs to be addressed further. Plans are underway for a joint project with Hollywood to address pumping in the northeast along Atlantic Shores. We have also funded for repairs to the section of northeast 3rd Street that floods.

Eight years ago, six million dollars in the water utility fund was budgeted to add a skid at our water plant. It sat there and not one action was taken to implement construction. This skid is vital to address the future of our water supply. The leadership of Jeff Odoms and his team of engineers and operators have been doing an amazing job gearing up for this and many projects.

This year our city approved the first twenty million dollars in revenue bonds to replace many broken water and sewer pipes, valves, and lift stations. Many over 40 to 50 years old. We have prepared for these costs by hiring an outside bond counsel that specializes in rate structuring and adopted new fees. This too took political backbone from this commission to do the right thing. We all unanimously

supported these changes. It is the biggest and most important “can”, or should I say “can”, we stopped kicking down the road.

Yes, we have had multiple water breaks, but they all were fixed and up in running within hours due to the hard work of staff. If you see them please give them a big thank you. In addition to funding the beginning of a 10-year buildout, we have had great success due to our planning and have received state funding to help offset these costs. A special thank you goes to our hardworking legislators,

stability of our government, we are keenly focused on cost saving measures without adversely impacting our level of services.

We have also committed to leveraging our assets to create future revenue streams. These revenues can help take the pressure off our General Fund. I look forward to sharing these concepts in the future months.

One big step towards preserving and protecting one of our biggest assets, our employees, was taken through a wage and compensation study. In this highly

pipeline. Please visit our website to find out more. I must mention that with the opening of 2000 Ocean, Hallandale Beach now can boast real estate values at well over $1000 square foot. In Golden Isles parcels and older homes are selling for 34 million dollars and the new homes going up are for selling for over five million. Values are going up, but that is a doubleedged sword.

including Rep Woodson and Rep Cassel.

Regretfully, due to the remnants of COVID-19, and the war, we are still adversely impacted with supply chain and manufacturing issues. There is also a high demand on engineering. These projects are getting designed, and some are finally out for construction bidding. So, you can see we really have been focusing on establishing stability across the entire city while investing in our future.

We know everyone in our community has been burdened with added costs. Our city is no different and we continue to make sure we run a tight ship and oversee every tax dollar. That brings me to opportunity! With the

competitive market, we need to not only recruit new talent, but we also need to ensure we retain the excellent industrious men and women we have now. These recommended changes, which were budgeted partially last year and will be included in this year’s budget.

Ground has been broken on some amazing developments this year and some have opened this past year. Atlantic Village 4 and Optimum Tower, Two thousand Ocean Phase 1 of Oasis and Slate. There are also many exciting plans in the

City Center on Dixie Highway is being built as we speak and with the Opening of the very First Container Restaurant in Broward, KAO, we kicked off recently in District 8. We have a wonderful CRA that is here to help businesses grow through loans and grants. The CRA is 90% complete in design of twenty-two million dollars for improvement in: sidewalks, lighting, & ADA crosswalks throughout the district. More investment in our neighborhoods and future.

I am not going fully into the CRA, as I have discussed the goal with our City Manager to set up a CRA briefing and development forum in the coming months.

As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out to me at my Office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or Email me at: jcooper@cohb.org.

(L) “Plans are underway for a joint project with Hollywood to address pumping in the northeast along Atlantic Shores.” (R) “This year our city approved the first twenty million dollars in revenue bonds to replace many broken water and sewer pipes, valves, and lift stations.

To celebrate the completion of construction guests who

Construction Management Team and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority commemorated the end of Construction with the creation of an iconic photo that symbolizes the connection between Miami and Orlando by Rail.

“I am thrilled to welcome Mayors from South Florida as we celebrate this connection between two of Florida’s busiest city centers, Orlando and Miami. This new Orlando Train Station at the Orlando International Airport with 170 miles of Track will connect travelers with an efficient, Eco-Friendly Transportation Option and provide job opportunities. As a true multimodal hub, it will change the Transportation Landscape and I look forward to the continued growth to come as a result of Brightline’s inclusion in our community.” - Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando.

The Next Phase

Brightline is continuing with critical high speed Train testing throughout the Corridor between West Palm Beach and Orlando and will test up to 110 mph through Brevard County in July.

In addition to testing, Brightline recently completed its Final Rail and Track cutover on the 170-mile project, which integrates a New Second Track into the Existing Corridor. Once testing is complete, Brightline will conduct Crew Certification and Revenue Service Demonstrations.

Orlando Expansion

Brightline’s Orlando Extension Project is divided into four zones, which includes a State-Of-The-Art Vehicle Maintenance Facility, Tenant Buildout of the Orlando Station at Orlando International Airport, 56 bridges, three underpasses and upgrades to 156 Railroad Crossings.

event

spans the length of two football fields and is large enough to service 16 Trains daily with a Fully-Automated Train Wash and an 80,000 Gallon BioDiesel Fuel Farm. Brightline Orlando Station - 37,350 square foot Train Station located in Orlando International Airport’s new 80,000 Square Foot Train Station. The Train Station connects directly to the Airport’s New Terminal C and the Automated People Mover “Terminal Link” connects the Train Station to the rest of the Airport facilities including Terminal A and B in under five minutes. Station buildout includes signature Mary Mary Bar, MRKT Place, a BrightKids Children’s Play Area and SMART and PREMIUM Lounges.

Zone 2

This 3.5 mile section is located in the heart of Orlando International Airport and represents one of the most complex and challenging areas of construction for the entire project. The engineered double Track travels under active Airport Taxiways and over tug roads and includes six bridges, two underpasses and several Airport improvements, including a new Traffic Interchange Configuration and the Airport’s first Roundabout designed to assist with Traffic Flow.

Zone 3

The 35-mile corridor of new Rail alignment follows the Beachline Expressway/ SR 528 Corridor between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa. Efforts include 3 million cubic yards of excavation, 5.4 million cubic yards of embankment fill, 865,000 Square Feet of mechanically stabilized earth into permanent retaining walls, 100,000 linear feet of piling, 18 new bridges, three underpasses, drainage installations, Track and signalization installation and 60 Track miles of new Rail.

Elevate Summer Entertaining with an Enjoyable Crunch

(Family Features) As families and friends gather on patios and decks to enjoy the warmth of summer and meals fresh off the grill, many are searching for that perfect ingredient that can complement salads, appetizers, main courses, desserts and more. This year, you can turn to pecans to elevate meals and give your guests something to rave about. Iconic for their flavor versatility - shining in a wide range of profiles from sweet and spicy to salty, smoky and savory - they’re a tasty addition for favorite summertime recipes.

From an enjoyable crunch to comforting creaminess and a satisfying chew, pecans deliver a perfect bite and texture. These Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Pecan Salsa, for example, are loaded with fresh flavors for an easy, nutritious warmweather meal.

Taste is just the beginning - pecans also pack a nutritious punch with a unique mix of health-promoting nutrients and bioactive compounds. Known for their rich, buttery consistency and naturally sweet taste, pecans have a longstanding tradition as a nut topping. They’re sprinkled atop this Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese for a refreshing seasonal salad with a nutty crunch.

To find more recipes that take summer entertaining to the next level, visit: www.EatPecans.com

Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Pecan Salsa

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

• 4 boneless pork loin chops (each 1-inch thick)

• 3/4 teaspoon, plus 1/8 teaspoon,

• kosher salt, divided

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 medium peaches, diced

• 2/3 cup raw pecan pieces

• 2 tablespoons red onion, diced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño pepper

• 2 teaspoons lime juice

Season pork chops with 3/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper, to taste. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill pork chops until browned, about 5 minutes.

Flip and cook 5-6 minutes until food thermometer inserted in center registers 135

F. Transfer to plate and rest at least 5 minutes until internal temperature rises to 145-160 F. Gently stir peaches, pecans, onion, basil, jalapeno, lime juice and remaining salt. Add salsa on top of each pork chop with remaining salsa on side.

Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach

Salad with Goat Cheese

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

This 129-mile corridor of existing Track between Cocoa and West Palm Beach was upgraded from Class IV to VI (allowing service up to 110 MPH) and included a Second Main Track built parallel to the existing Track. Work includes the shift of 56 miles of existing Track, Construction of 100 miles of new Class VI track within the existing right of way, rehabilitation of 28 miles of existing sidings, the installation or relocation of approximately 80 turnouts and crossovers, relocation of Fiber duct parallel to the ROW, and upgrades and added improvements to 156 Railroad Crossings. Work also included replacement of 19 bridges including two movable bridges, the replacement of the Loxahatchee River Bridge and the rehabilitation of the St. Lucie River Bridge.

Safety Components And Crossings

Brightline has made crucial Safety

Improvements at all 156 Railroad Crossings along the 129-mile Corridor from Cocoa to West Palm Beach. Those improvements vary per crossing, but include new crossing gates, signal systems, pedestrian gates, pavement markings and roadway profiles. Where Trains will operate above 79 mph, crossings have quad gates or medians to prevent motorists from driving around lowered crossing gates. Brightline is working closely with community partners, Government Agencies and News Media to spread the word and highlight Rail Safety via multiple channels including on Social Media and through Public Service Announcements.

Completion of engineering achievements include:

• Over two million spikes and bolts

• 2.3 million tons of Granite and Limestone transported by 20,000 railcars

• 225 million pounds of 100 percent recycled American Steel

• 6 million cubic yards of rail embankment fill

• 450,000 Concrete ties made in

New Track For The Fastest Train In Florida

In March 2023, Brightline became the fastest Train in Florida and the Southeastern United States after reaching speeds of 130 mph. The momentous accomplishment took place while Brightline conducted Train testing along its new 35-mile dedicated Rail Corridor between Orlando International Airport and Cocoa, Florida. The new tracks were built along the Beachline Expressway/SR 528, fenced in and with no grade crossings.

Tickets Now On Sale

Guests can purchase Tickets for service between Orlando and South Florida (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach) from September through early 2024 at: gobrightline.com Or by downloading the App. Brightline will offer one-way SMART Fares starting at $79 for adults and $39 for kids and oneway PREMIUM Fares start at $149. Groups of 4+ automatically save an additional 25 percent on SMART Fares. For more information on Brightline Orlando, visit: www.gobrightline.com/Orlando

About Brightline Brightline is the only provider of modern, Eco-Friendly, higher-speed Rail Service in America. The company currently serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, with its Orlando Station beginning service in Summer 2023. Brightline was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in Travel, offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. Brightline plans to bring its Award-Winning Service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, please visit: www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

• 1 large egg white

• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 cups pecan halves

Salad:

• 1/4 cup, plus 2 teaspoons,

• extra-virgin olive oil or pecan oil, divided

• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

• pepper, to taste

• 2 large peaches, halved and pits removed

• 6 cups mixed baby greens

• (such as arugula, spring mix and spinach)

• 4 ounces soft goat cheese

To make spiced pecans: Preheat oven to 275 F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and

set aside. In medium bowl, whisk egg white, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and salt until well combined. Fold in pecans and mix until evenly coated in mixture. Spread in single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally until pecans are fragrant and golden brown. Allow to cool completely.

To make salad:

Heat grill to medium-high heat. In small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside. Brush cut sides of peach halves with remaining olive oil and grill until grill lines appear and peaches become tender, 3-5 minutes. Remove peaches and cut into slices. Divide greens among four plates. Top with grilled peach slices and goat cheese. Divide 1 cup spiced pecans evenly among salads and reserve remaining cup for snacking. Drizzle each salad with vinaigrette.

attended where given a “Bright Spike” to remember the

“Brightline is already changing the way our residents and visitors think about visiting and traveling to and from Aventura.” - Howard S. Weinberg, Esq., Mayor of Aventura (Pictured Aventura Station Ribbon Cutting)

Mayor Howard Weinberg was proud to represent Aventura in Orlando last week as GoBrightline put the finishing touches on their Orlando station. In the coming months, riders will be able to ride from Aventura to Orlando and back.

Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Pecan Salsa

Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese

Titan Restoration

From Page 1A

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To assess the situation Titan Restoration Inc. offers state-ofthe-art leak detection, using infra-red cameras. This allows for non-invasive, non-messy leak detection. No need to tear up dry wall or floors just to find the source of the leak. Once the leaks have been found, you will be referred to a trusted, licensed plumber.

After the repairs’, State-ofthe-art specialized equipment is used to detect moisture levels in the air, dehumidifiers are placed in the affected area, and a Florida-licensed Mold Inspector will be sent to do a mold inspection. Samples will be taken of the air and mold. The specimens will be sent to their private laboratory for testing. This will determine which type of mold they are dealing with. Some molds are more toxic than others such as black mold, knowing the type, allows for proper precautions to be taken to ensure effective treatment and removal of the mold. Depending on the severity of the damages, drywall and flooring may need to be replaced to effectively rid your home or business of mold. Titan Restoration Inc. is a full remodeling and restoration company, specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, as well as a wide variety of other services. Throughout this process, Titan Restoration Inc. will be working with your insurance company every step of the way.

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Once the mold has been identified, the mold remediation process begins. Titan Restoration Inc. will dry out the affected area

using fans and dehumidifiers. Followed by thoroughly cleansing and sanitizing the affected areas using antimicrobial agents effective for mold-eliminating and prevention. HEPA- air purifiers are used to capture any airborne mold spores, leaving you with clean air. Green cleaners are used for mildew removal. Since mold spores are airborne and invisible to the naked eye it is necessary to deep clean the air ducts, carpets, furnishings, and

upholstery. Homeowners’ insurance covers the cost in most cases following water damage. These services are offered yearround, and it is recommended to have these done once a year to remove allergens, bacteria, dirt, and grime buildup that occurs naturally over time. These services are recommended more frequently if you have pets, suffer from allergies, or are a smoker, to ensure peace of mind and healthier living. After the repairs

are completed and your home or business is restored to its preloss condition, a Florida statelicensed Mold Inspector will be sent out to do a final inspection, to ensure all mold concerns were effectively eliminated. Titan Restoration Inc. takes pride in providing the best service experience to its customers from start to finish. Their goal is to have your property back to its pre-loss condition while taking the stress off you.

Titan Restoration Inc. is a customer-friendly company that also specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling from drywall and baseboards to cabinetry and flooring. It is not necessary to have damage to your home, to call on Titan Restoration Inc. for all your remodeling needs. For a free estimate call: 954-280-6950, now offering 10% off a $350 service for out-of-pocket customers.

Titan Restoration Inc. is a customer-friendly company that also specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

To assess the situation Titan Restoration Inc. offers state-of-the-art leak detection, using infra-red cameras, no need to tear up dry walls or floors just to find the source of the leak. Whether the water damage in your home or business was caused by a leaking pipe, roof, or major flood.

(L) Once the mold has been identified, the mold remediation process begins. They will dry out the affected area using fans and dehumidifiers

(R) Since mold spores are airborne and invisible to the naked eye it is necessary to deep clean the air ducts, carpets, furnishings, and upholstery

‘Race-Neutral’ College Admissions The Supreme Court Rules To End Racial Preferences

By Project 21

Ambassadors with the Project 21 black leadership network cheered last weeks U.S. Supreme Court ruling on two seminal affirmative action cases: Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina. Project 21 had filed an amicus brief in the Harvard case.

The Court ruled in favor of Students for Fair Admissions in both cases, by deciding that institutions of higher learning cannot use race as a factor in admissions.

In the Court’s ruling, Chief Justice Roberts wrote that the court says it has “permitted race-based admissions only within the confines of narrow restrictions. University programs must comply with strict scrutiny, they may never use race as a stereotype or negative, and - at some point - they must end.”

“Today we have a 21st century Brown v. Board moment,” said Project 21 Chairman Horace Cooper. “Finally, the Court has ruled that colleges and universities will have to use only methods that are ‘race-neutral’ for admissions and will no longer be able to discriminate against or in favor of applicants based on their race.”

“No student should have to worry that they will be prevented from entry into college because of their race, and thanks to today’s ruling, no student will,” added Cooper.

In what may be considered the most important issue addressed during the Supreme Court’s 2022-23 term, the cases challenged race-focused policies rooted in previous court decisions that suggested that diversity goals justify using preferences in admitting incoming freshman classes.

Since the 1978 SCOTUS ruling in University of California Regents v. Bakke,

race has been allowed to be a factor in college admissions, no matter the harm inflicted on students considered less favorable by college admission boards. That injustice has been undone with today’s ruling.

“Using discriminatory practices to sup posedly remedy past discrimination was always going to be a recipe for disaster,” said Project 21 Ambassador Christopher Arps. “Unfortunately, Asian students, who you thought would benefit from affirmative action, instead have become one of its biggest victims. Today’s Supreme Court decision is a decisive victory towards Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of a col orblind society.”

“This is a self-evident truth: all men are created equal. That means the God-given, intrinsic importance of life, liberty, prop erty and equal treatment under the law is concrete and inviolable,” said Project 21 Ambassador Mike Hill, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives. “All people should be treated according to their performance. Past discrepancies regarding this truth are not corrected by new violations. Affirmative action is wrong on its face. The majority on the Supreme Court got this one right. Finally.”

“I am ecstatic over the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Harvard’s and UNC’s discriminatory admissions policies,” said Project 21 Ambassador Melanie Collette. “Affirmative action, while well-intentioned, has become a twisted game that rewards skin color over merit and that punishes hard-working individuals who are white or Asian.”

“For years, blacks have been told their achievements are not solely their own, and that their skin color somehow played a role in their successes,” added Collette.

“It’s insulting and demeaning to suggest that blacks couldn’t have done this without affirmative action’s handout.”

“Today was clearly a victory for the country,” added Donna Jackson, Project 21’s director of membership development.

“Fixing our college admission process shouldn’t start with affirmative action initiatives; it should start with accountability at the K-12 level. The process clearly punished success and rewarded failure. Meritbased admissions ensures we are competitive not only in the marketplace, but in the world where innovation is needed. Setting low expectations for our students only creates low performance outcomes.

We must always strive to challenge the next generation to ensure American greatness.”

Project 21, a program of the National Center for Public Policy Research, was co-amici on the brief urging the Court to take on the case against University of North Carolina. It has also participated in briefs in other major cases before the U.S. Supreme Court including the Fisher v.

University of Texas and Shelby County v. Holder.

Project 21, a leading voice of black conservatives for over 25 years, is sponsored by the National Center for Public Policy Research. Its members have been quoted, interviewed or published over 50,000 times since the program was created in 1992.

Founded in 1982, the National Center for Public Policy Research is a nonpartisan, free-market, independent conservative think-tank. Ninety-four percent of its support comes from some 60,000 individuals, less than four percent from foundations and less than two percent from corporations. Follow Project 21 on Twitter at: @Project21News for general announcements. To be alerted to upcoming media appearances by Project 21 members, follow our media appearances Twitter account at: @NCPPRMedia.

The Court ruled that institutions of learning cannot use race as a factor in admissions