Launch the Holidays
At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex With New ‘Kennedy Under The Stars: Holiday Edition’
This December, the holidays take off at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with the annual Holidays in Space.
Sleigh the way into a holiday adventure that’s out of this world! Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, recently ranked the number one attraction in the United States in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Traveler’s Choice Awards, is where festive fun meets real space exploration. Get up close to authentic flight-flown artifacts, meet a veteran NASA astronaut, and feel the rumble of a rocket launch.
This December, the holidays take off at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with the annual Holidays in Space, a spectacular celebration that combines festive cheer with the wonder of space exploration. Kicking off the seasonal festivities is the debut of Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition,
& JULIET
“The Most Fun You’ll Have In A Theater!”
Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and the company of the North American
Gobble Up SoFlo:
The Hottest Spots for Dine-In & Takeout Thanksgiving Feasts
Thanksgiving in South Florida is more than just Turkey and Pumpkin Pie—it’s a culinary celebration infused with global flavors, coastal flair and sunshine-soaked hospitality.
Whether you’re craving a Spanish-inspired feast, a refined international dinner, or a laidback oceanside meal, SoFlo’s vibrant dining scene offers countless ways to give thanks
without lifting a finger in the kitchen. From Coral Gables to Fort Lauderdale, restaurants are rolling out indulgent dine-in experiences and gourmet takeout options perfect for gatherings big and small. This year, skip the stress of cooking and let some of the region’s top chefs craft your holiday spread—think Roasted Turkey with guavamorita mole, almond-studded
green beans, Tequila-Glazed Ham and decadent desserts like tres leches de turrón and goat cheese flan. Whether you’re picking up a family-sized feast to enjoy at home or reserving a festive table with an ocean view, these standout spots across Miami-Dade and Broward are ready to make your Thanksgiving Thanksgiving, Page 4A
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of MiamiDade County (@arshtcenter) and Broadway Across America (@bwayamerica) are proud to continue the 2025 -2026 Broadway in Miami series with the anticipated South Florida premiere of & JULIET (@andjulietbway), playing a limited engagement Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 through Sunday, January 4th, 2026 in the Ziff Ballet Opera House. Just in time to ring in the new year, Miami audiences will celebrate with one of Broadway’s biggest parties — a jubilant, high-energy musical that reimagines Juliet’s story (Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet) with a fearless voice, a fresh twist and chart-topping pop anthems from the past three decades. Adding a hometown connection to the production, University of Miami graduate Joseph Torres stars as Romeo in the national tour.
& JULIET, Page 2A
Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland And Flamingo Gardens’ Garden Of Lights Unite To Spark Magic For The 2025 Holiday Season
In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, Hoffman’s Chocolates is thrilled to announce that it is bringing back its beloved Winter Wonderland to a spectacular new location: the enchanting Flamingo Gardens, 3750 South Flamingo Road, Davie, Florida 33330. Flamingo Gardens is known for its annual Garden of Lights set across 10 acres of breathtaking Botanical Gardens, and now Hoffman’s Chocolate’s Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens Presented by Amazon is sure to be bigger, brighter and spread more holiday cheer than ever. The holiday extravaganza runs from Saturday, November 22nd through Tuesday, December 30th, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. nightly and will be closed on November 27th, Thanksgiving Day, December 24th, Christmas
Eve and December 25th, Christmas Day. Tickets are now on sale at: https://flamingo gardens.org/winter-wonderland/. In a brand-new holiday collaboration, three notable names,
Pembroke Pines Girl Scouts’ Project Earns Award, 7A
Hoffman’s Chocolates, Flamingo Gardens and Amazon, are joining forces to present a 36-night celebration like no other. This festive partnership will transform ten acres of Flamingo Gardens’ Arboretum of lush botanical gar dens and wildlife sanctuary into a breathtaking wonderland of lights, joy and holiday cheer, creating an unforgettable experience for families and visitors of
ages. In addition, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is joining the celebration as the presenting sponsor of Santa’s Village in the gardens, and Florida Blue is presenting the 35-foot Christmas tree. Throughout the five-plus weeks, guests will be immersed in the spirit of the holiday season with:
• Thousands of colorful and twinkling lights and luminous displays throughout the gardens
• A 35-foot Christmas tree, presented by Florida Blue, sparkling with festive brilliance
• Free photos with Santa in Santa’s Village presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, on select nights through December 23 • A mouthwatering experience at Hoffman’s Chocolates Pop-up Shop and The Sweet Ride ice cream truck.
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Space Center, Page 3A
Created by the Emmy-Winning® Writer of Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & JULIET asks what would happen if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo. Theatergoers will be whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love — her way.
Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger than Life‚” “That’s the Way it Is” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”— all from the genius Songwriter/Producer behind more #1 hits more than any other artist this century — Max Martin. Fans are encouraged to break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.
Featuring songs by the legendary Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Max Martin, a book by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, David West Read, direction by Luke Sheppard and choreography by Emmy Award winner Jennifer Weber, & JULIET opened on Broadway in November 2022, where it continues playing to sold-out crowds and breaking box office records.
Tickets to & JULIET are $52-$181* and may be purchased now at: www.ArshtCenter.org - Or at the Arsht box office by calling: (305) 949-6722.
All Broadway in Miami ticketholders have access to Arsht Plus, a series of interactive pre-performance experiences such as artist conversations, dance lessons, cooking demos, live music and family fun offered on select performances. For & JULIET, Arsht Plus takes place on opening night, Tuesday, December 30th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. For guests with accessibility needs, the Arsht provides accessible seating and complimentary assistive listening devices for all performances, along with sign language interpretation, open captioning and audio description at select shows to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
& JULIET continues the 2025 - 2026 Broadway in Miami Season presented by Florida Theatrical Association in association with the Adrienne Arsht Center, with generous support from presenting sponsor Bank of America.
The tour will feature 2025 Jimmy Award® Winner Fabiola Caraballo Quijada in the title role of ‘Juliet,’ Paul-Jordan Jansen as ‘Lance,’ Crystal Kellogg as ‘Anne Hathaway,’ CJ Eldred as ‘Shakespeare,’ Nico Ochoa as ‘May,’ Kathryn Allison as ‘Angelique,’ Joseph Torres as ‘Romeo,’ and Noah Marlowe as ‘François.’ The ensemble includes Jared Alexander, Dasean Brown, Bridgette Carey, Lois Ellise, Josh Fermin, Jourdan Ibe, Armani Ponder-Keith, Matt Rene Rivera, Bex Robinson, Kayla Saunders, Daniel Tracht, Robbie Serrano, Kyra Smith, Alex Tho and Ryan Winkler.
The production is stage managed by Joel Rosen. The company manager is Denny Daniello.
The full creative team for the North American tour of & JULIET includes David West Read (Book), Max Martin & Friends (Music & Lyrics), Luke Sheppard (Direction), Jennifer Weber (Choreography), Bill Sherman (Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements), Soutra Gilmour (Scenic Design), Paloma Young (Costume Design), Howard Hudson (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Andrzej Goulding (Video & Projection Design) and J. Jared Janas (Hair, Wig & Makeup Design) and Dominic Fallacaro (Additional Orchestrations and Arrangements). The North American tour is music directed by Andre Cerullo. US Casting is by Stephen Kopel, Carrie Gardner, and Jillian Cimini, CSA. & JULIET
tour by Eva Price. & JULIET is produced on Broadway and on tour by Max Martin, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd and Eva Price. & JULIET has now performed on four continents since its world premiere in September 2019. It began at the Manchester Opera House in England, before moving to London’s West End, where it won three Olivier Awards and six WhatsOnStage Awards before playing its final performance at the Shaftesbury Theatre in March 2023. The show had its North American premiere in July 2022 in Toronto, where it broke box office records and played to standing-room-only audiences, before heading to Broadway, where it again broke box office records
Australian production of & JULIET pre miered in February 2023 at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, joined by a UK Tour in July 2024 and a German production in October 2024. The German production marks the show’s first production with a book translated into a different language, and will also be the sixth country to welcome & JULIET in less than five years. More information for all productions can be found at: https://andjulietthemusical .com
The Original Broadway Cast Recording of & JULIET was released in October 2022 on Atlantic Records and is available wherever streaming music is played.
*All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Ticket prices
include fees. For up-to-date information, visit: www.ArshtCenter.org.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, and the state of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from individuals, corporations and local, state and national foundations.
Fabiola Caraballo Quijada and Joseph Torres in the North American Tour of & JULIET - Photo Credit Evan Zimmerman
CJ Eldred and the company of the North American Tour of & JULIET - Photo Credit Evan Zimmerman
Noah Marlowe and Nico Ochoa in the North American Tour of & JULIET - Photo Credit Evan Zimmerman
a dazzling after-hours event inviting guests to experience the visitor complex in a whole new light…after dark!
Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition will take place Friday December 19th and Saturday, December 20th, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This special, separately ticketed event at $65 per person will transform the visitor complex into a holiday outpost filled with music, lights and space-themed merriment.
Guests can explore some of the most popular attractions at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including Heroes & Legends, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®, Journey To Mars, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Planet Play, and more, all after hours and aglow in festive decor. The iconic Rocket Garden will come alive with twinkling lights and a Holiday Grooves Dance Party, while a spectacular custom drone show will light up the night sky in a display unlike any other.
The event’s live entertainment will feature The Vocalitas performing holiday classics, whimsical characters on stilts and a roving Penny Farthing-riding elf adding a touch of vintage charm. Guests can also enjoy the brilliant and beautiful Rocket Tree Trail, take part in a scavenger hunt, and snap a photo with the Mars Rover dressed as Rudolph.
Attendees are encouraged to wear their most creative space-themed holiday attire; no masks or face coverings permitted. Complimentary parking is included with admission. Holiday edition retail items will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Annual Passholder discounts on food, beverage and retail purchases will apply.
Holidays in Space continues from Sunday, December 21st - Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 and will be closed on Thursday, December 25th, Christmas Day, with holiday decorations and an allnew Holidays in Space Drone Show Spectacular! The breathtaking 600-drone performance will tell the story of Starflake, a celestial character formed from a meteor shower who journeys through NASA’s greatest programs, from Apollo and Shuttle to Artemis, culminating in the creation of a glowing cosmic tree. Premium viewing for this show will be available on select nights throughout the holiday season and can be purchased soon at: www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
Each performance will feature brilliant visuals of the International Space Station,
NASA’s spacecraft, and even an astronaut in a Santa hat, making it a truly interstellar celebration of the season. In addition, guests can look forward to a new, soonto-be-announced live character show that will take place in the Universe Theater, as well as an interactive, family breakfast experience available during the holiday period.
To make the most of the holiday season, guests can also purchase the Holiday Dining Package. Designed to make mealtime at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex more convenient and enjoyable during the busy holiday season, the package is available for presale only and will be offered from Monday, December 15thFriday, December 19th, 2025 and from Monday, December 22nd, 2025 - Friday, January 2nd, 2026, for $39.99 per person
in addition to admission. The Holiday Dining Package includes one meal from either the Orbit Cafe, Moonrock Cafe, or Barbecue located in Chat With An Astronaut, offering selections such as chicken tenders and fries, pizza, cheeseburgers, hamburgers, or veggie burgers.
Guests will also receive a refillable souvenir cup and a choice of one snack and two of either a snack or Space Dots, or the option to redeem for two snacks or two Space Dots.
Tickets for Kennedy Under the Stars: Holiday Edition starting going on sale as of Tuesday, November 4th at: www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Go beyond imagination and into some-
thing real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which was recently ranked as the number one attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Traveler’s Choice Awards. Get up close to real flight flown artifacts, meet a veteran NASA astronaut, feel the rumble of a rocket launch, and so much more. Just 45 minutes from Orlando, Florida, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9:00 a.m. with closing times varying by season. The popular two-day ticket, which can be used for up to six months from purchase and averages a cost of $45 per day, is now available for $91 per adult and $81 per child. Single-day admission is $77 per adult; $67 per child. For more information, call: 1 (877) 313-2610. Or visit: www. KennedySpaceCenter.com.
Go beyond imagination and into something real at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
deliciously memorable. Here’s your guide to where to eat (dine-in or take out) on Thanksgiving in SoFlo.
Miami-Dade:
Arcano
Arcano invites guests to celebrate Thanksgiving with a Spanish twist through its Thanksgiving To-Go Feast, a vibrant, chef-crafted spread designed to serve 8–10 guests for $225. Blending holiday comfort with Spanish flair, the menu includes an array of dishes thoughtfully prepared for an effortless, flavorful gathering at home. Guests will begin with Ensalada Mixta, featuring living lettuce, carrots, red pearl onions, and cabbage tossed in a mustard-sherry vinaigrette, alongside the traditional Tortilla de Patatas y Cebolla, a classic Spanish potato and onion tortilla. For the main course, guests will select either Pavo Asado en Salsa, herb-roasted turkey with giblet gravy, or Brasado de Cordero, roasted spiced lamb shoulder with pan jus. Complementary sides include Pure de Patatas with chives; Almendra de Judias Verdes green beans amandine with butter and almonds; Pan de Cacao with honey butter; Arroz Tropical with jasmine rice, coconut, pineapple and mint; Relleno with sausage, soffrito, bread stuffing, Salsa de Arandano y Naranja and a cranberry, orange and vermouth sauce. To finish, guests may choose between two indulgent desserts: Tres Leches de Turron, an almond sponge cake with Spanish nougat, milk cream and meringue or Flan de Queso de Cabra con Higos, a goat cheese flan with caramel and fig glaze. Preorders are now available, offering an opportunity to bring Arcano’s signature Spanish-inspired flavors home for a truly memorable Thanksgiving celebration. Pick-up or delivery will be available on Wednesday, November 26th. Arcano is located at 259 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. For more information or to place your order, visit: https://arcanomiami.com/
Babette
This Thanksgiving, Babette’s invites guests to celebrate the holiday with a refined, globally inspired feast that showcases the restaurant’s signature elegance and creativity. The Thanksgiving Dinner begins with a velvety Roasted Pumpkin and Seven Spices Soup, followed by Little Gem Lettuce dressed in a delicate truffle vinaigrette with migas and ginger scallions. For the main course, diners may choose between Roasted Turkey, Roasted Suckling Pig “Iberico,” or Branzino, each accompanied by classic holiday sides including stuffing, haricots verts, pumpkin casserole, and cranberry sauce. To finish, guests can indulge in a choice of Apple Millefeuilles or Les Deux Chocolats for dessert. Priced at $99 per person, the experience may be enhanced with Chef’s selection wine pairings for an additional $45, making Babette’s Thanksgiving a sophisticated and memorable culinary celebration. For those wishing to enjoy Babette’s flavors at home, a Thanksgiving To-Go Dinner for Two is available for $140, offering the same thoughtful preparation and festive spirit in the comfort of your own dining room. Babette is located at 301 Alcazar Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. For more information or to make a reservation, visit: https://babettemiami .com/ Toro Toro
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Toro Toro, Chef/Restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s acclaimed Pan-Latin steakhouse inside the InterContinental Miami. On Thursday, November 27th from Noon to 10:00 p.m., guests can enjoy a special prixe-fixe Thanksgiving menu featuring a variety of seasonal holiday dishes. Start your holiday feast with a choice of starters including Yellow Courgette Soup with Tequila marinated strawberries, charred green peas and crispy shallots; Crispy Honey Apple Salad with Goat Cheese foam, caramelized cancha corn, endives, pomegranate, golden beets puree and white balsamic dressing. For the main course, guests can choose between Oven Roasted Turkey Breast served with creamy guava-morita mole, Granny Smith apple bread stuffing, watercress salad and prune au jus and Pan Seared Halibut accompanied by green beans, tomato curd, mojo verde and sweet potato mash. A Thanksgiving feast is incomplete without delicious desserts and as such, Toro Toro is offering Zucca E Crema with mascarpone cheese, pumpkin puree, lady fingers, espresso coffee and liquor. Advance reservations are encouraged and can be made on www.OpenTable.com. For more information, visit: www.torotoromiami .com/thanksgiving - Phone: (305) 3724710.
Broward:
La Fuga
On Thanksgiving Day, guests can look forward to a four-course Italian-American Thanksgiving feast for the family priced at $75++ per person, $40 for kids under 12 by reservation only. The evening will start
with olives, roasted peppers, artichokes, sourdough and signature table oil and Bruschetta. For Primi, – first course in Italian – Lasagna al Forno di Melanzane and Nonna’s Sunday Gravy and Bucatini. Secondi, main course options include Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast and Turkey Leg Confit served with sweet potato mashed, green bean casserole, Italian sausage dressing and cranberry sauce. The holiday meal will finish on a sweet note with several Dolci treats including Pistachio & Chocolate Chip Cannolis, and Pumpkin & Pecan Tarts. For those interested in enjoying just the main course, the restaurant is offering “The Plate,” $40++ per person and $25 for kids under 12 which includes the herb-roasted turkey breast and turkey leg confit with all of the fixings. Advance reservations are encouraged and can be booked on: www.OpenTable.com. La Fuga is located at 2900 Riomar Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 at the Kimpton Shorebreak in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit: www.lafugarestaurant.com; Telephone: (954) 908-7308.
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
Celebrate Thanksgiving oceanside with a Mexican-style feast at Lona Cocina & Tequileria on Fort Lauderdale beach. On Thanksgiving Day, the restaurant is offering a special holiday menu for $40++ per person. Curated by Chef de Cuisine Juan Carlos Peña, the delicious menu offers a traditional Thanksgiving feast with a Mexican twist and begins with Sweet Cornbread for the table. The main course, served with holiday ‘salsas’ including turkey gravy and cranberry sauce, offers guests a choice between Slow-Roasted Turkey Breast or Tequila-Glazed Ham; accompanied by side dishes of Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans Al Ajillo. Diners can also add a tequila twist to
crafted with tequila, apple cider, caramel syrup, triple sec and lime juice, served with a salted caramel rim ($15). Lona’s full a la carte dinner menu will also be available on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are encouraged and can be made online on: www.OpenTable.com. Lona is located at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort at 321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. Discounted valet parking is available. For more information, visit: www.lonarestaurant.comTelephone: (954) 245-3069. Instagram: @lonarestaurantfll
Sufrat Mediterranean Grill Family-owned and celebrated for its welcoming hospitality and traditional flavors, Sufrat Mediterranean Grill has become a South Florida favorite. Founded by the Altillawi brothers from Jordan, Sufrat offers a menu rooted in authentic Mediterranean recipes meant for sharing, from falafel and chargrilled octopus to lamb chops and customizable mixed grill platters. Kicking off on Friday, November 14th, Sufrat will debut a special “Shukran Dish & Platter;” (shukran means “thank you” in Arabic) for the Thanksgiving season. A portion of proceeds from each platter sold will be donated to Feeding South Florida, supporting their mission to end hunger in our community. The Shukran Dish: $18 includes 2 Ground Turkey Kabobs with Tzatziki and a side of sweet potato mash and the Shukran Feast: $90 – that feeds 6 people – includes 6 Chicken Kebabs and 6 Turkey Kebabs with Tzatziki and a side of Sweet Potato Mash and Basmati Rice. This special will run through the end of November at all locations.
For those looking to skip the cooking and mess this holiday season or interested in bringing something impressive to your Thanksgiving feast, Sufrat’s catering platters have you covered. See below for
the three holiday packages, available at all
Holiday Catering Feast #1
$300 – serves 10 people
Sufrat Sampler: Large Hummus, Baba Ganough, Tzatziki, 8 Kibbeh, 8 Grape Leaves and Pita, Large Sufrat Combo: 6 Chicken Kebabs, 6 Beef Kebabs, 4 Kefta, 6 Lamb Chops, portion of Chicken Shawarma and Beef Shawarma, Basmati Rice and Greek Salad.
Holiday Catering Feast #2
$220 – serves 10 people
Sufrat Dip Sampler: Large Hummus, Baba Ganough, Labneh, Muhammara, and Pita, Sufrat Roastery (1/2 tray Chicken Shawarma and 1/2 tray Gyro), Basmati Rice and Greek Salad.
Holiday Catering Feast #3
$220 – serves 10 people
Sufrat Dip Sampler: Large Hummus, Baba Ganough, Labneh, Muhammara and Pita, Sufrat Build Your Own Combo: 24 skewers of your pick of one or more of: Chicken Kebab Skewers, Beef Kebab Skewers, Kofta Kebab Skewers, Shrimp Kebabs with Basmati Rice, Yellow or Angel Hair and Greek Salad.
Sufrat has three South Florida locations: Pines City Center, Pembroke Pines located at 10430 Pines Boulevard, Suite#: C101, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33026; Doral Yard, located at 8455 Northwest 53rd Street, Suite#: 106, Doral, Florida 33166 and Miami Beach located at 1570 Alton Road, Suite#; C, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. On Thanksgiving Day, all stores will close at 4:00 p.m. Hours vary by location: Monday–Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.. For reservations or more information, visit: www.sufratgrill.com - Or follow: @sufratgrill on Instagram.
Arcano
Babette
La Fuga
Sufrat Mediterranean Grill
Lona Cocina
Thanksgiving Have An Attitude Of Gratitude
By Bryan Golden
Thanksgiving is much more than a big meal with family and friends. It’s a time to reflect on and be thankful for all of the good things you have. It’s important to be grateful, not just on Thanksgiving, but each and every day. Rather than lamenting what you feel is lacking in your life, begin each new day by developing an attitude of gratitude. Take inventory of your blessings and you will be surprised at just how much you have to be thankful for.
If you have enough to eat, a place to live, a way to get around, people who care about you, or people you care about, then you are wealthy. If you lack any of these elements, you must still be grateful for what you do have, while striving to obtain whatever is absent.
Focus on all positive aspects of your life. Take nothing for granted. Every morning, recharge your appreciation. Be happy for everything there is, not upset over what you feel is missing.
Dreams of the future shouldn’t diminish appreciation for the present. If all you do is concentrate on what you want, you won’t enjoy today. Don’t be jealous of others; what they do or have has no bearing on you. You can feel bitter or resentful for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you feel something is missing from your life, things aren’t going your way, or you have been treated unfairly. You may wonder, “why do these things always happen to me?”
Life’s problems tend to dominate your thoughts, turning your focus to what you feel is wrong. You may start to resent those who appear to be better off. You’re apt to dwell on things you think would make your life better if you had them. If only you had more money, more time, a bigger house, a different car, a different job, a different boss, had picked a different career, etc.
Once your attitude becomes one of deficiency instead of abundance and appreciation, you can become overwhelmed by feelings of frustration and feel like a victim. As this happens, a consuming vicious cycle starts.
Being bitter or resentful blows situations out of proportion. People who are bitter frequently find that their situations deteriorate and their mental and physical
gratitude on a daily basis makes you feel good, while driving out negative feelings. Begin your practice of gratitude each morning as soon as you wake. Every day
you don’t have. Keep things in perspective. Consider all the people who have overcome difficulties far worse than yours. Don’t be con-
If you have enough to eat, a place to live, a way to get around, people who care about you, or people you care about, then you are wealthy.
• Toasty s’mores and seasonal bites from Flamingo Gardens’ Flamingo Pond Cafe
• Nightly live musical performances and so much more
“Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland has been a beloved holiday tradition for decades, and this year, we’re making it more magical than ever,” said Lois Marino, Executive Director, BBX Capital Foundation and Director of Community Engagement, BBX Capital, Inc., parent company of Hoffman’s Chocolates. “We outgrew our original space, but now, thanks to our amazing partnership with Flamingo Gardens and Amazon, we’re turning up the holiday cheer in a big way. Get ready for dazzling lights, heartwarming moments and unforgettable memories the whole family will treasure for a lifetime!”
Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in South Florida, and the premier Everglades Learning Center and South Florida Wildlife and Botanical Sanctuary. A registered 501(c)(3) NonProfit, Flamingo Gardens is dedicated to depicting, preserving and educating the public about the natural and cultural heritage of South Florida and the Everglades through its immersive botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuary.
“We’re excited to host Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens and collaborate with both Hoffman’s Chocolates and Amazon for this spectacular holiday experience,” said Keith Clark, CEO of Flamingo Gardens. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision to expand our holiday lights in a family-friendly way and will allow us to spread even more joy this year!”
Proceeds from the event will support Flamingo Gardens’ educational and conservation mission, with a portion also benefiting the BBX Capital Foundation, which invests in programs focused on the arts, education and human services throughout South Florida.
“Amazon is proud to support the return of this iconic South Florida tradition,” said Angie Santibanez, Head of Community Engagement at Amazon. “We believe in partnering with local community traditions and creating joyful moments for families, and Hoffman’s Chocolates Winter Wonderland at Flamingo Gardens offers exactly that -- holiday magic, community connection and meaningful support for a great cause.”
Winter Wonderland is made possible by the generosity and support of these sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor- Amazon
Title Sponsors- Hoffman’s Chocolates, Florida Blue, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, BBX Capital Foundation, NBC 6 South Florida, Florida Power and Light Company, Baptist Health South Florida Lead Partners- Broward Health, Greenspoon Marder, JM Family Enterprises, Joe and Katie Masucci Family Fund, Transworld Business Advisors Partners- City National Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Spirit Airlines, UBS The Garvin Financial Team Media Partners- South Florida Business & Wealth, South Florida Family Life, Sun Sentinel
For event updates and ticketing information, please visit: www.Hoffmans.com - Or: www.FlamingoGardens.org.
About Hoffman’s Chocolates
Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Hoffman’s Chocolates is a manufacturer of gourmet chocolates, with five retail locations throughout South Florida. The company is known for its elaborate December holiday displays and beloved products such as chocolate-covered pretzels and gift baskets. Its product line features more than 70 varieties of confections, all handcrafted using time-honored candy-making traditions. Hoffman’s Chocolates is a subsidiary of BBX Sweet Holdings, LLC, part of the BBX Capital Corporation family of companies. Please visit: www.Hoffmans.com for more information.
About Flamingo Gardens
Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre nonprofit botanical garden and Everglades wildlife sanctuary located in Davie, Florida. Home to over 3,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants and one of the largest collections of Florida native wildlife, Flamingo Gardens provides an immersive experience for guests of all ages. Its Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary houses hundreds of rescued animals including alligators, bobcats, otters, eagles and of course, flamingos. Learn more at: www.flamingogardens.org - Or call: (954) 473-2955.
About Amazon Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and longterm thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company,
AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit: www.amazon.com/about - And follow: @AmazonNews.
About BBX Capital FoundationON The BBX Capital Foundation was created in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) corporate foundation. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $20 Million in contributions and in-kind services to charitable organizations throughout Florida. The BBX Capital Foundation focuses on three key areas: the arts, education, and human services. It considers requests for specific projects, as well as for general programs. For more information, visit: https://bbxcapital.com/
one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. The level one pediatric trauma center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, boardcertified specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a comprehensive cardiac care floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas, and the Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings. To learn more, visit jdch.com and connect with: @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter X, YouTube and Instagram.
Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, Florida Blue is the leading health insurer in Florida and part of GuideWell, a Not-ForProfit health solutions company. Florida Blue offers a range of health plans and personalized care programs for individuals, families, businesses of all sizes, and Medicare beneficiaries. For over 80 years, the organization has been member centric and committed to making health care as accessible and affordable as possible. Serving more than six million members across all 67 Florida counties, Florida Blue has more than 8,000 employees and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, is owned by its policyholders, and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. For additional information visit: www.FloridaBlue.com. For the latest news and content, visit Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @Florida.Blue; X (formerly Twitter) @FLBlue.
Pembroke Pines Girl Scouts’ Project Earns Prestigious Silver Award
Girl Scouts Of Southeast Florida Honors Young Changemakers
Pembroke Pines residents and Cadette-level Girl Scouts Sophia Garcia and Sofia Pestana’s project to raise awareness about Coral bleaching and the importance of protecting Marine Ecosystems earned the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida prestigious Silver Award, the highest recognition attainable by Girl Scout Cadettes in grades six through eight. The award highlights the innovative and impactful projects these young leaders develop to address pressing community needs.
Motivated by the Girl Scouts shared passion for ocean conservation, Garcia and Pestana from Troop 14005 created “Saving Corals is the Moral” and partnered with Miami Waterkeeper and Adeline Nagle, Former Science Engagement Coordinator, to learn about the alarming rate of Coral decline caused by Global Warming and Pollution. The Girl Scouts launched a YouTube channel dedicated to educating others about Coral Reef health, producing informative videos and presentations explaining the causes of Coral bleaching and simple ways for individuals to help prevent this.
To expand their initiative beyond digital
education, Garcia and Pestana hosted an in-person event for Girl Scouts and their families, featuring presentations, demonstrations and discussions about the vital role Coral Reefs play in the Marine Ecosystem and what steps can be taken to preserve them. Their event attracted more than 30 attendees while their educational videos collectively garnered over 300 views, sparking awareness and inspiring younger generations to protect Marine Life.
“The Silver Award challenges Girl Scouts to identify an issue, develop a solution and take meaningful action to drive change,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “These two young ladies demonstrated the creativity and leadership that exemplify what it means to be a Girl Scout, using knowledge and teamwork to make the world a better place.”
Garcia and Pestana were among 74 young female leaders in the region to earn the Silver Award during the recent 7th Annual Silver Award Showcase presented by the Gina Rose Montalto Foundation with additional sponsorship support from Amazon and HCA Florida Healthcare.
LEGAL NOTICE
Dr. Mariana Rivera Rodriguez will be transferring to Conviva Palm Coast on December 15, 2025. Current patients at Conviva Starr Centre will automatically be transferred to another provider at the center. If you are a patient and you choose not to continue care at Conviva Starr Centre, you can obtain your medical records by calling 954-722-5600.
Collectively, the 2025 Silver Award Class contributed more than 4,100 service hours through 35 projects that addressed issues including care for aging populations, Mental Health Awareness, Food Insecurity, Environmental Sustainability and Honoring Veterans.
“Our Silver Award recipients remind us that meaningful change begins with those who care enough to take action,” said Johnson. “These remarkable young leaders are honoring the past while shaping a brighter future. We couldn’t be prouder of their compassion, creativity and commitment to making a difference.
In 2024, in an unprecedented effort to amplify the voices of Florida girls, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida unveiled the State of the Florida Girl Report, commissioned by the Girl Scouts of Florida Association, which was a groundbreaking assessment of the unique challenges facing girls across the state. The Florida Girl Report brings to light some startling realities about the circumstances impacting the daily wellbeing of girls in Florida. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida provides programs tailored to the needs of today’s girls, offering a safe and supportive envi-
LEGAL NOTICE
Dr. Ana Sanchez Monroig will be LEAVING Conviva West Pines on December 9,2025.Current patients will automatically be transferred to another provider at the center. If you are a patient and you choose not to continue care at Conviva West Pines, you can obtain your medical records by calling 954-433-4200.
LEGAL NOTICE
Dr. Michael Steven Cuenca will be LEAVING Conviva Hallandale and Conviva Coral Ridge on January 6, 2026. Current patients will automatically be transferred to another provider at the centers. If you are a patient and you choose not to continue care at Conviva Hallandale or Conviva Coral Ridge, you can obtain your medical records by calling 954-456-5533 or 954-491-1686.
LEGAL NOTICE
Dr.ManuelRafaelIribarisnolongerwith Conviva Dania Pointe as of December 12, 2025. Current patients will automatically be transferred to another provider at the center. If you are a patient and you choose not to continue care at Conviva Dania Pointe, you can obtain your medical records by callingtel:(954)962-9811.
ronment for every girl while addressing these specific issues effectively. The programming is designed to support girls at every stage of their journey, equipping them with opportunities and experiences they deserve to grow into successful, healthy, well-adjusted young women ready to lead life with confidence.
About Girl Scouts
We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice— girls who command their future, engage their communities, and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call: (561) 427-0177. Or visit: www.gssef.org.
LEGAL NOTICE
Dr. Claudia Pebe Florian, M.D. is no longer with Conviva Kingspoint as of January 2, 2026. Current patients will automatically be transferred to another provider at the center. If you are a patient and you choose not to continue care at Conviva Kingspoint, you can obtain your medical records by calling 954-597-0135.
LEGAL NOTICE
Dr. Alexandra Silva is no longer with Conviva Primary Care Kids as of December 1,2025.Current patients will automatically be transferred to another provider at the center. If you are a patient and you choose not to continue care at with Conviva Primary Care Kids, you can obtain your medical records by calling954-974-8901.
Girl Scouts Sofia Pestana and Sophia Garcia with their project, “Saving Corals is the Moral” (Photo courtesy of Little’s Photography)
“The Crown Jewel”
This Two-Level Oceanfront Residence Epitomizes South Florida
Melissa Barragan, Vice President of Dezer Platinum Realty LLC in North Miami Beach, Florida, has listed Porsche Design Tower Penthouse 4405 at 18555 Collins Avenue, Suite#: 4405, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 for $19,950,000. Known as “The Crown Jewel” at the exclusive Porsche Design Tower, the 6,121-SquareFoot Oceanfront Residence is a South Florida masterpiece.
Located in one of the world’s most
throughout, reinsulated and soundproof walls and custom lighting and built-in speakers, approximately $500,000 of audio system.
The impressive Mia Cucina kitchen boasts Wolf and Thermador appliances, as well as a striking Cetta 1,800-bottle wine cellar. The penthouse includes Bosch dishwashers, Wolf ovens, microwave with two Thermador induction cooktops, Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer,
“Dezervator” seamlessly parks residents and their cars directly inside their home.
In addition, the home boasts Savant high-performance audio and video systems, home theaters, home automation, high-performance music systems, 14 TVS, including a 98-inch Sony and SEURA TVs, custom lighting, blackout and shade control systems.
and a four-car garage. A turnkey smart home, this magnificent penthouse spans two levels and boasts soaring 22-foot ceilings.
A mansion in the sky, it showcases breathtaking ocean, city and Intracoastal views and includes exquisite upgrades and finishes such as custom oak wood paneling, a seamless 48 x 48 flat Calacatta marble slab sourced from northern Tuscany, frameless and flush doors
Mirroring the ultimate in elegance, the primary suite includes an Ornare closet, office and gym.
Ideal for enjoying the beautiful South Florida weather, expansive terraces offer a mosaic-tiled pool, fire pit and summer kitchen. Custom Zen landscape matches the architectural design of the residence.
Additional features include three fireplaces, a custom wet bar and four-car sky garage with private elevator. The iconic
Buyers have the option to purchase the penthouse by itself, or with an addition of one or two car galleries; each housing seven cars, in total providing the ability to house 18 cars in the building and/or a private beach cabana. Each car gallery and the private beach cabana are offered at $4 Million each — potentially bringing the total price to $31 Million.
“Rising high above the coastline, this mansion in the sky redefines what it means to live without limits,” said Barragan. “Soaring 22-foot ceilings frame over 6,100 square feet of artful design, where every detail — from the hand-laid Italian mosaic pool to the open-air kitchen — celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship and space.
“For the true collector, a four-car garage within this sky mansion awaits, along with two private car galleries, each able to showcase seven of the buyer’s favorite exotic cars,” she continued. “For those who live for precision and passion — where else can you keep 18 cars in your oceanfront building and still unwind in your private beach cabana as the day ends in sea breeze and sunset? It’s more than a residence — it’s where life, art and luxury meet in perfect balance.”
Porsche Design Tower Miami is an architectural and engineering masterpiece reflecting essential brand elements such
as functional design, technical innovation and iconic, future-forward style. Residents have exclusive access to 200 feet of ocean frontage, heated pool with full food and beverage service, oceanfront stateof-the-art fitness center and resident health spa, private restaurant, chilled wine lockers, an outdoor lounge facing the ocean, and much more. Residents can also experience the private cinema, golf simulator and racing simulator, all on the same floor. The building welcomes with an elegant entrance and includes 24-hour valet services, security, and concierge. It is nestled between sophisticated Bal Harbour and elegant Aventura in the intimate seaside community of Sunny Isles Beach.
For more information about Porsche Design Tower Penthouse 4405, please contact Barragan at: melissa@dezer.com.
About Dezer Platinum Realty and Melissa Barragan
Dezer Platinum Realty redefines luxury real estate in Miami and South Florida. It provides exceptional service and unparalleled expertise in the high-end property market. Specializing in luxury properties, it offers a curated selection of exclusive condos, penthouses, and single-family homes, all reflecting the highest standards of sophistication and comfort. Melissa Barragan, Vice President of Dezer Platinum Realty, has more than a decade of experience in luxury real estate and specializes in pre-construction development. She has represented landmark projects such as Porsche Design Tower, Residences by Armani Casa, and Bentley Residences. Dezer Platinum Realty is located at 3909 N0rtheast 163rd Street, North Miami Beach, Florida 33160. For more info, visit: dezerplatinumrealty.com
(Photo credit: LPG)
Who Really Owns America? The Banks, The Billionaires And The Deep State
By John & Nisha Whitehead
As President Trump floats the idea of 50-year mortgages, Americans are being sold a new version of the American Dream—one that can never truly be owned, only leased from the banks, billionaires and private equity landlords who profit from our permanent state of debt.
Which begs the question: who owns America?
Is it the government? The politicians? The corporations? The foreign investors? The American people?
While the Deep State keeps the nation divided and distracted by circus politics, America is literally being bought and sold right out from under us.
Consider the facts.
Homeownership—the cornerstone of middle-class stability—is being transformed into a lifetime rental agreement. Cars, homes and even college degrees have become indentured commodities in a debt-driven economy where the average American family serves as collateral for Wall Street’s profits.
This is not accidental.
It’s the natural evolution of an economy built to enrich the few at the expense of the many.
The American Dream has been repackaged as a subscription service—an illusion of ownership propped up by 0% down payments, predatory interest rates and fine print that lasts a lifetime.
What used to be called “buying” is now simply renting from the future.
We’re losing more and more of our land every year to corporations and foreign interests. As individual Americans struggle just to make rent, corporations and foreign investors are quietly buying the country piece by piece. Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land has surged to more than 43 million acres—millions added in just the last few years. Meanwhile, large institutional landlords and single-family
rental operators have amassed hundreds of thousands of houses across the country. Corporations now hold vast portfolios, converting would-be first-time buyers into permanent tenants. The result is a nation where more of our soil and shelter are controlled by entities whose primary allegiance is to shareholders—not communities.
The same dynamic plays out across industries. We’re losing more and more of our businesses every year to foreign corporations and interests. Brands that once defined American enterprise—U.S. Steel, Budweiser, Jeep and Chrysler, Burger King, 7-Eleven—now fly international flags. Global conglomerates have bought up the names we grew up with: U.S. Steel (now Japanese-owned); General Electric (Chinese-owned); Budweiser (Belgium); Burger King (Canada); 7-Eleven (Japan); Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge (Netherlands) and IBM (China). The American economy has become a franchise of the world’s oligarchs.
We’re digging ourselves deeper and deeper into debt, both as a nation and as a populace. Debt has become America’s most profitable export. Washington borrows trillions it cannot repay; Wall Street packages our futures into products it can sell and households shoulder record balances. The national debt (the amount the federal government has borrowed over the years and must pay back) has surged to more than $38 Trillion under President Trump, “the fastest accumulation of a trillion dollars in debt outside of the COVID19 Pandemic.” In this economy, debt has replaced freedom as our national currency. The Fourth Estate—the supposed watchdog of power—has largely merged with the corporate state. Independent news agencies, which were supposed to act as bulwarks against government propaganda, have been subsumed by a global corporate takeover of newspapers,
television and radio. A handful of corporations now control most of the media industry and thus, the information dished out to the public. Likewise, with Facebook and Google having appointed themselves the arbiters of disinformation, we now find ourselves grappling with new levels of corporate censorship by entities with a history of colluding with the government to keep the citizenry mindless, muzzled and in the dark.
Most critically of all, however, the U.S. Government, long ago sold to the highest bidders, now operates as a shell company for corporate interests. Nowhere is this state of affairs more evident than in the manufactured spectacle that is politics. Elections change the faces, not the system. Members of Congress do far more listening to donors than to citizens, so much so that they spend two-thirds of their time in office raising money. As Reuters reports, “It also means that lawmakers often spend more time listening to the concerns of the wealthy than anyone else.”
In the oligarchy that is the American police state, it clearly doesn’t matter who wins the White House, if they all answer to the same corporate shareholders.
So much for living the American dream.
“We the people” have become the new, permanent underclass in America.
We’re being forced to shell out money for endless wars that are bleeding us dry; money for surveillance systems to track our movements; money to further militarize our already militarized police; money to allow the government to raid our homes and bank accounts; money to fund schools where our kids learn nothing about freedom and everything about how to comply; and on and on.
This is no way of life.
It’s tempting to say that there’s little we can do about it, except that’s not quite accurate.
There are a few things we can do— demand transparency, reject cronyism and graft, insist on fair pricing and honest accounting methods, call a halt to incentive-driven government programs that prioritize profits over people—but it will require that “we the people” stop playing politics and stand united against the politicians and corporate interests who have turned our government and economy into a pay-to-play exercise in fascism.
Unfortunately, we’ve become so invested in identity politics that label us based on our political leanings that we’ve lost sight of the one label that unites us: we’re all Americans.
The powers-that-be want us to adopt an “us versus them” mindset that keeps us powerless and divided. Yet as I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, the only “us versus them” that matters is “we the people” against the Deep State. The American Dream was meant to promise opportunity, not indentured servitude. Yet in the American Police State, freedom itself is on loan—with interest.
We can keep renting our lives from the powerful few who profit from our compliance, or we can reclaim true ownership— of our persons, our labor, our government and our future.
For as long as we still have one, the choice is ours.
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
Pioneer Winter Collective Performs Apollo At The Broward Center For The Performing Arts
Pioneer Winter Collective announces Apollo, a queer, intergenerational dancetheater performance, Friday, November 21st - Sunday, November 23rd at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Featuring a multigenerational?cast, Apollo explores queer dynamics, memory, HIV/AIDS and legacy while also confronting ageism in the performing arts and reimagining who gets to be seen and celebrated on-stage.
Pioneer Winter Collective (PWC) is a critically acclaimed Miami-based dance company known for creating queer, intergenerational, physically integrated; disabled and non-disabled performers and experimental work that reimagines the possibilities of dance. This performance marks PWC’s first engagement at the Broward Center.
Event Details
Apollo by Pioneer Winter Collective
Friday, November 21st, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 22nd, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 23rd, 2:00 p.m.
Abdo New River Room, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 Southwest 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
Tickets $40 General Admisison, $60 VIP Tickets: https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/ pioneer-winter-collective-apollo-2025
Free workshop for adults and elders new to dance on Sunday, November 23rd, details below.
In the performance, Pioneer Winter is joined by dance artists Clarence Brooks, Frank Campisano and Octavio Campos. Original composition and live performance by Sound Artist, Diego Melgar.
Pioneer Winter describes Apollo as a biomythography, a style of composition that weaves myth, history and biography in epic narrative. The work draws inspiration from Greek mythology’s Apollo; god of the sun, music, prophecy, and healing, George Balanchine’s 1928 ballet Apollo and the cast’s lived experience. Where Balanchine’s Apollo character encountered three ageless Muses, Pioneer Winter’s Apollo encountered three queer elders, each a past iteration of Apollo himself. Together, these dancers meet, compete and find strength in their tensions as they try to understand each other and themselves. As Apollo’s story unfolds, questions emerge: of community, queering the classics, HIV/AIDS and the Missing Generation, and the importance of legacy.
“At Pioneer Winter Collective, we strive to expand the definition of all that dance is and can be so that all bodies survive, thrive, and are witnessed. We push against the constant erasure of certain bodies, performances and voices based upon race, body type, age and ability,” shares PWC Artistic Director Pioneer Winter. “In Apollo we explore identity, personal story, mentorship and rebirth. This is something queer people have always done: reshaping themselves, forging their own paths. We are honored and excited to bring this performance to Fort Lauderdale.” Artists of the Pioneer Winter Collective will also teach a free workshop especially for adults and elders on Sunday, November 23rd, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. This workshop is for folks who have not had the chance to dance before, but are curious to explore movement in a supportive space. After viewing excerpts from Apollo, participants will be guided through accessible ballet-inspired movement, choreography and discussion to create their own “movement portraits.” No prior dance experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to try. Participants should dress comfortably in clothing they can move in. For more information, email: luisa@pioneerwinter.com for more information.
Winter holds an MFA in Choreography and a MPH in Epidemiology. He was named in Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” and received awards from Creative Capital, NEFA, National Performance Network, MAP Fund, and the Mellon Foundation. Pioneer has directed and curated the ScreenDance Miami Festival since 2017, and mentors artists across the country.
Clarence Brooks (he/they), Performer Clarence toured North America, Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea with 90 plus companies performing works by more than 130 choreographers. A former associate professor, who has lectured, choreographed and taught in institutions across the nation, founded the Repertory Dance Theatre Ensemble which performed in curated festivals from Miami to Boston. They can be seen in the 5-part video documentary The World of Alwin Nikolais and their essay, Dancing with the Issues, was published in One Teacher in 10: LGBT Educators Share Their Stories. Additional distinctions include induction into the OCU Performance Hall of Honor, two Atlantic Center for the Arts Associate Artist-in-Residences, a Japan Foundation Grant to study Butoh and the Library of Congress recorded their interpretation of Talley Beatty’s masterpiece “Mourner’s Bench” for the national archive. A founding member and past president of the Florida Dance Education Organization, Clarence holds advisory positions with FDEO and Natural Movers Foundation and sits on the boards of the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble, danceTactics Performance Group, Miami Dance Futures and Doris Humphrey Foundation for
community organizer, restorative justice circle keeper and multidisciplinary trickster whose work defies categories and dances on the edge of possibilities, disruption and wonder. Born into a world of contrasts — Cuban, Queer, Buddhist, Positive, Rebellious — Campos’ artistic voice emerged as a force for disrupting norms and revealing the unseen. Over four decades, he has created countless works and collaborated with hundreds of artists across disciplines, forging a path where spectacle meets intimacy and activism meets art and wellness. Trained at the Martha Graham School, SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance and Germany’s Folkwang Hochschule under the legacy of Pina Bausch, Campos absorbed a movement philosophy rooted in humanity, rawness and risk. After a decade of work in Europe, he has collaborated with visionary artists including Robert Wilson, Philip Glass, Vivienne Newport, and Yoshiko Waki, leaving his mark on experimental performance, immersive theater and politically charged rituals. Campos founded Camposition, an interdisciplinary collective in Miami dedicated to creating provocative, site-specific works confronting themes such as HIV/AIDS, religious extremism and domestic violence. His collaborations with Juggerknaut Theatre Company have redefined audienceperformer relationships through immersive, boundary-breaking productions. He is a member of the Pioneer Winter Collective, where he performs, collaborates and facilitates Recovery in Motion, a signature program blending expressive arts, movement and recovery principles. He is also the architect of LALA Open Studio, an artist incubator and wellness
ber, features him in the context of an eclectic hip-hop band. Currently, Melgar runs a concert series hosted at Floyd Miami called ‘Pachamanca,’ where artists from the several communities Melgar is a part of collaborate on new music for each concert, creating a one of a kind live musical experience. Diego has been collaborating with Pioneer Winter Collective since 2023.
Pioneer Winter Collective (PWC), established in 2016, is a physically integrated (disabled and nondisabled artists performing together) and intergenerational dance theater company that creates performances in public spaces, museums and galleries, stages, schools, and film. The work PWC creates seeks to expand the definition of all that dance is and can be, so all bodies survive, thrive and are witnessed. Visit: https:// pioneerwinter.com/
One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County. The Broward
ing Laban Movement Analysis, yoga (200 hour) and the Evans Method of Teaching Dance Technique. Clarence currently works with the Dance Exchange, Pioneer Winter Collective, Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble, dance Tactics performance group, Megan Williams Dance Projects, and David Parker & The Bang Group.
Pioneer Winter (b. 1987; he/they) is a choreographer, dancer and artistic director based in Miami. Winter creates intergenerational, queer, and physically integrated dance-theater rooted in community, care and social change. Their work challenges dominant notions of beauty and belonging, while expanding what dance is and who it’s for.
Winter is the founder of Pioneer Winter Collective (PWC), a platform that supports artists living at the intersection of dance, identity and public health. Through PWC’s performances, workshops and artist development programs, he creates space for queer, elder, disabled and systemimpacted artists to be seen as essential culture-bearers. Pioneer’s choreographic work blends movement, text and film with 2025 projects including Apollo and In the Belly of the Bird/Godmother.
Frank Campisano (he/him), Performer Frank is originally from New Jersey, and he received his early ballet training at the New Jersey Ballet under the direction of Edward Villella and the Garden State Ballet under Constantine Casanova. Campisano later studied with Tampa Concert Ballet under Ric Brame, Nevada Dance Theatre under Vassili Sulich, the Darvash School of Ballet under Gabriela Darvash and Broadway Dance Center under Ron Forella. Campisano has performed in Las Vegas, The Follies at The Tropicana Hotel and Casino, and with several major dance companies: Boston Ballet II, Anna Myer and Dancers, Festival Ballet Providence and Island Moving Company, as well as Summer Stock at the Barn Theatre and Off-Broadway tours. Campisano has previously worked with Pioneer Winter Collective in the 2011 premiere of 42: A Stonewall Prospective at the Bass Museum of Art and in the 2017 premiere of Forced Entry and Other Loves Stories at the Light Box at Goldman Warehouse, and 2018 and 2019 performances of Reprise at Miami Dade County Auditorium, Spinello Projects/Brickell City Centre, and Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival (San Antonio, Texas).
Octavio Campos (he/him), Performer
Octavio is a Cuban-American performance artist, choreographer, educator,
cator, Campos has served on the faculty of the New World School of the Arts in Miami and NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) in Sydney, Australia, sharing his dynamic approach to movement, storytelling and social engagement worldwide. Offstage, Campos is a certified mindfulness instructor, restorative justice circle keeper, somatic practitioner and peer support worker. He also serves on the board of B. Riley, an LGBTQ+ treatment center supporting individuals in recovery and mental health resilience. Currently, Campos is Director of Human Readiness Training for PARABOLES, a project by longtime collaborator Natasha Tsakos, with whom he has worked for over 20 years. In this pioneering microgravity experiment, he prepares performers - bodies and spirits alike - to surrender to weightlessness and possibility. After a lifetime crafting works in theaters, recovery centers, city streets and abandoned spaces, Octavio Campos now takes his mischief, rigor and deep humanity into space - and enjoys the ride all the way.
Diego Melgar (he/they),
Sound Designer & Composer
Diego is a Peruvian-born and Miamiraised, idiosyncratic guitarist reflecting the tropical melting pot he calls home. His two most recent albums, ‘Falling Forward’ and ‘Summer Memories,’ reflect the influence of Miami’s underground rave scene through a unique abstract lens coming from Melgar’s involvement in the avant garde scene. The albums ‘Noble Savage’ and ‘Mitingu’ showcase Melgar’s jazz roots, the prior featuring his American trio and the latter with his European quartet. ‘Where’d You Go’ by Butterfly Snapple, a group of which Melgar is a founding mem-
Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org.
Funding Credits
Pioneer Winter Collective’s Apollo is made possible by a 2022 Creative Capital Award. Apollo is a 2024 National Performance Network (NPN) Creation & Development Fund Project cocommissioned by Miami Light Project in partnership with Carolina Theatre of Durham and NPN. The Creation & Development Fund is supported by the Doris Duke Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Apollo also received support from the National Performance Network (NPN) Artist Engagement Fund and Alternate ROOTS. Apollo was created during a series of short, intense residencies at Miami Light Project, The Carolina Theatre of Durham, Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography, Atlantic Center for the Arts, The Movement Lab at Barnard College, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and The Ringling. Pioneer Winter Collective’s Apollo is part of AMPLIFY ARTS, a new Broward Center initiative which aims to elevate and support local artists and emerging arts organizations with the goal of helping them reach a wider audience and develop their skills as professional presenters. Broward Center’s AMPLIFY ARTS initiative is made possible by Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, Baptist Health and TD Charitable Foundation.
The cast of Pioneer Winter Collective’s Apollo; photo by Karli Evans.
Honoring Property Appraiser Marty Kiar And The CAP Unit
By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper
Back in 2021, Broward County
Property Appraiser Marty Kair began a program called Owner Alert. The program was established to protect property owners from being victims of fraud. Marty Kiar has had a long and distinguished career as a public servant. He was born and raised in Broward County. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University and his Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.
I personally met Marty when he served as the Assistant Attorney for the Town of Davie. He decided to run for State House of Representative and served three terms from 2006-2012. He returned to Broward County and was elected as a County Commissioner and has served as both Vice Mayor and Mayor. He decided to run for Broward County Property Appraiser and has served in the position since 2016.
After seeing residents fall victim of deed and title fraud he went into action and established a real time alert system that notifies owners there is activity taking place on their title. This free service became a statewide model and now is offered throughout the state. Owners simply need to go on to their respective property appraiser’s website and register online. Over the summer, Property Appraiser Kiar came to give our commission an update. He let us know that there had been multiple cases where he and his team have worked to uncover criminals that were victimizing seniors and utilized their title to borrow money and in some cases transfer properties into their names.
Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub after hearing about this great work asked for a proclamation honoring Marty and his team. Mr. Kiar’s work included creating a Crime Against Property Owners Unit. After
receiving support from the Florida State Attorney he created an inter-local agreement with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and the CAP Unit was established. The task force includes 4 BCPA Investigators, three BSO Detectives, one Economic Crimes Detective from Florida Department of Law Enforcement and an analyst who was former BSO.
Since 2017, the team has investigated over 540 property crimes including 17 right here in Hallandale Beach. Their work has resulted in 52 arrests with a 100% conviction rate. They have protected millions of dollars in properties and secured over $680,000 dollars in restitution to victims.
For their hard work and dedication, November 5th was proclaimed Property Appraiser Marty Kiar and Crime Against Property Owners Team Day. It was an honor to host the recognition and Marty
was both humbled and speechless. For those that know him that is quite a rare occasion. He did take time to speak about his team members all which were individually recognized.
I want to thank Commissioner LimaTaub for this great idea. It is not often the people behind the scenes are recognized. I do want to stress that it is even more important for everyone to take advantage of this great and free program. It only takes a minute. If you live in Broward you can go to: https://BCPA.net/ - Right on the home page there is a direct link.
As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share!
City Of Hollywood 3-Day Centennial Celebration
Thursday, November 20th – Saturday, November 22nd
Happy 100th Birthday to the City of Hollywood! Established on November 25, 1925, the City is throwing a 3-day party with attractions including pyrotechnics, laser light shows, live bands, a Winter wonderland with Santa, his elves and real snow at our Tree Lighting. Enjoy giveaways, vendor booths, kids’ activities, food and a most memorable centennial celebration.
All the festivities lead up to the main event on Saturday night with a performance by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Kool & the Gang – known for chart topping hits like “Ladies Night, Celebration and Get Down on It.”
The festivities kick off this Thursday, November 20th at the Hollywood Beach Bandshell with a live concert at 7:00 p.m. by “Sippin Fire” presented by the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort.
The fun continues at the ArtsPark at Young Circle in downtown Hollywood beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21st with over 40 activated vendor booths and historical displays, kids’ arts and crafts, real snow flurries, sledding hill, visit by Santa with free photos, laser light show, and our official Tree Lighting at 7:00 p.m. “On the Roxx” takes the stage for a live concert at 8:00 p.m., lots of free giveaways, popcorn & candy, crafts and fun!
Consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy for donation to the Hollywood Police and Fire Department toy drive. Toys are being collected at the City’s tent on Friday and Saturday.
The main event takes place on Saturday, November 22nd beginning at 5:00 p.m. with recognition of 16 Hollywood centenarians, ages 99 through 108, on the ArtsPark amphitheater stage, followed by the Hollywood Historical Society’s “History of Hollywood” documentary. The event will also feature a Classic Car Show, kids’ activities and bounce houses, historic displays, laser
light show, 2,000 birthday cupcakes, pyrotechnics and live performances featuring “Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra.” Headlining act Kool & the Gang take the stage at 9:00 p.m.
The City Centennial Celebration is presented by the City of Hollywood, Memorial Healthcare System, Moss & Associates, Boucher Brothers, the Chris Hixon Foundation, the Law Offices of Khani and Auerbach, Commissioner Caryl Shuham, Tim and Donna McVeigh, Jonathan Lorber with the Keyes Company, Honu Pool & Beach Management, the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Hollywood Kia, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach, and Flamingo Auto Group.
Information To Help Make It A Safe And Hazard-Free Celebration
Visitors to the beach and downtown will notice an enhanced police presence and enforcement of City ordinances. Visitors are asked to please abide by all rules and regulations. If you see something, say something to a police officer, park ranger or security guard. Call 911 in an emergency. Alcoholic beverages, firearms, weapons of any kind, fireworks of all types, glass, single-use plastic and foam items are prohibited and will be confiscated. To help keep Hollywood beautiful, visitors are reminded to bring reusable items, clean up after themselves and do not over-fill trash receptacles.
The ArtsPark Amphitheatre is lawn seating, bring a blanket for your comfort. Public restrooms are located within the park and on Hollywood Beach at the Nebraska Street Parking Garage and at Tyler, Fillmore, Johnson, Garfield, Taft, and Missouri Streets on the Broadwalk for your convenience.
Traffic Information
Heavier than normal traffic around the
ArtsPark at Young Circle is expected. Please plan for detours and delays. The Hollywood Police Department will be monitoring traffic, parking and capacity in an effort to maintain a safe environment for all. Starting on Saturday, November 22nd at noon:
• Hollywood Boulevard between 19th Ave. and US1 will be completely closed to vehicular traffic. Traffic will be directed north/south on 19th Avenue
• US-1 Southbound traffic will detour west at Tyler Street
• US-1 Northbound travelers wishing to go west will detour at Polk Street
Parking Information Public parking at the City-operated parking garages is on a first come, first served basis. The garages are expected to reach capacity quickly. Carpooling is encouraged.
Thursday on Hollywood Beach:
• Garfield Garage, 300 Connecticut Street, $3.00/hour.
• Nebraska Garage, 327 Nebraska Street, $2.50/hour.
• Keating Park, 2400 S Ocean Drive, $3.50/hour.
• Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center, 1301 South Ocean Drive, $3.50/hour.
• Metered on-street parking $3.50/hour for nonresidents and $1.75 for residents who are registered with the City. Residents can register by going online to: www.hollywoodfl.org/parking and click on “Resident Parking Rate.”
Friday and Saturday Downtown Hollywood:
• University Station Garage, 2031 Polk Street, $5 flat rate (4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
• Radius Garage, 251 North 19th Avenue, $5 flat
rate (4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
• Van Buren Garage, 251 South 20th Avenue, $5 flat rate (4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.) • Taylor Street Lot, 1810 Taylor Street, $5 flat rate (4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.) • City Hall, 2600 Hollywood Boulevard, FREE
• On-street metered parking $3.50/hr. for nonresidents and $1.75/hour for residents who are registered with the City. Residents can register by going online to: www.hollywoodfl.org/parking and click on “Resident Parking Rate.”
Let Galuppi’s Take Over The Kitchen This Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, Galuppi’s, a South Florida favorite known for its waterfront views, great food and laid-back charm, is making it easy to enjoy the holiday with special Thanksgiving offerings for the whole family with two dining options.
Guests can choose to enjoy the comforts of home with Galuppi’s Thanksgiving To-Go Feast or take the stress out of hosting and celebrate with family at Galuppi’s Thanksgiving Lunch and Dinner Buffet. Both feature traditional favorites including Oven-Roasted Turkey, Honey-Glazed Ham, house-made mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole, green bean casserole, traditional herb stuffing and Grandma Galuppi’s famous mac and cheese.
Galuppi’s Thanksgiving To-Go:
The Thanksgiving To-Go feast brings Galuppi’s signature flavors home for the holidays. Perfectly Roasted Turkey, classic holiday sides and indulgent desserts are prepared fresh so guests can spend more time around the table with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. The package includes OvenRoasted Turkey, Honey-Glazed Ham, a choice of house or Caesar salad, dinner rolls with butter, three sides and a dessert choice of apple pie, pumpkin pie or bread pudding. The oven-ready package serves six to eight people and starts at $199.
Pickup is available all-day Wednesday, November 26th, and before 10:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November
7:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Families can relax and let Galuppi’s handle the cooking and
27th. Orders must be placed online.
Galuppi’s Thanksgiving Lunch & Dinner Buffet:
Guests who prefer to dine out can enjoy Galuppi’s Thanksgiving Lunch and Dinner Buffet, offered from 11:30 a.m. to
Galuppi’s aims to make this Thanksgiving a truly special and memorable experience for all. For more information, visit: www.galuppis.com/thanksgivingOr contact Stephanie Siegel at: stephanies@galuppis.com. Galuppi’s is located at 1103 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060.
About Galuppi’s Set against the backdrop of the Pompano Beach Golf Course, Galuppi’s serves fresh food, handcrafted cocktails and some of the best sunsets in South Florida. With its bold new entertainment vision, Galuppi’s is ready to be the region’s go-to destination for unforgettable nights and weekend vibes.
in the beautifully renovated dining room or outdoors on the covered patio or under the pergolas overlooking the Pompano Greens and shimmering lakes. The dine-in buffet features all the classic Thanksgiving dishes found in the To-Go Package, including Turkey, Ham and traditional sides, as well as an expanded selection of premium additions. Guests will enjoy a carving station with gravy and cranberry compote, Prime Rib with hot au jus, a sushi-grade Ahi Tuna platter and an enhanced dessert table featuring pecan pie and fresh cookies. Buffet pricing is $49.99 for adults and $19.99 for children 10 and under, plus holiday gratuity. Beverages are not included. Reservations are encouraged and can be made at: https:// www.galuppis.com/event/ thanksgiving-lunch-dinner-buffet2025/ with a $50 refundable deposit. Walk-ins are welcome and tables are subject to a two-hour dining limit.
