Expedition Dinosaur
Go on an epic journey through final days of the dinosaurs.
Uncover the mysteries of Earth’s greatest transformation on an epic journey through the final days of the dinosaurs when Expedition: Dinosaur - Rise of the Mammals, presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, roars to life at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) on Friday, May 23rd! This captivating traveling exhibit kicks off MODS’ Summer of Dinosaurs, a larger-than-life celebration filled with prehistoric adventures, hands-on discovery and dinosized fun for the whole family. The exhibit runs through Monday, September 1st, 2025.
DORONE M. MANASSE, D.M.D,
“Nothing fascinates families more than the magnificence and majesty of dinosaurs and we’re ready to transport guests back in time to investigate the end of their earthly reign,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “This immersive exhibit shines a light on the plight of these prehistoric creatures through STEAM-based creative and investigative explorations. It’s a perfect complement to MODS’ Dino Dana Exhibit that encourages young paleontologists to dig deeper into the science of fossils and to our new HoloTheater, set to debut this
It’s Time To Act
Register Today For Adult Performing Arts Classes At The Broward Center For The Performing Arts
Learn something new, try something different and explore your creative side working with a talented team of theater professionals.
The summer performing arts classes for adults ages 18 and older at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts were in such high demand last summer that they sold out almost immediately. Those interested in these popular classes this summer could begin registering as of Tuesday, May 6th and should act quickly to secure a spot in the classes they would like to attend.
Voted Favorite Arts Program by South Florida Family Magazine from 2018 through 2024, the Broward Center’s performing arts programs allow participants to learn something new, try something different and explore their creative side working with a
talented team of theater professionals. Classes offered this summer include singing, dancing, acting and improv, all designed to encourage artistic expression, develop skills in all areas of the performing arts and help students build selfconfidence in a fun and supportive environment. There is also an opportunity to take the stage and perform in a show.
All dates, times, teaching artists and instructors are subject to change and current openings are limited. Among the classes that have openings for adults are:
After Work Players: Monday, June 2nd – Monday, August 11th
Join the After Work Players this summer for a production of The Pajama Game. This popular musical theater class is designed for adults who want to have fun and be in a show. The Pajama
Prepare For The Next Storm
Take Early Action Ahead Of Hurricane Season, Starting June 1st
Step in front of the camera and become the reporter of a live storm segment in the WSVN news studio.
As summer approaches, the days get longer, the skies brighter—and the risks of Hurricanes more imminent. June 1st marks the official start of Hurricane Season, but for Broward County’s Office of Emergency Management, preparation is already in full swing. Their message to residents is clear and urgent: don’t wait for the storm to start preparing.
Game was awarded the 1955 Tony for Best Musical and, over half a century later, claimed the Tony award for Best Revival of a Musical, proving that the story is truly timeless. The Pajama Game is brimming with songs and dances that have become musical theater standards, including “Steam Heat” and “Hernando’s Hideaway.” Led by theater professionals Tammy Holder, Jill Lustig and Lily Coniglio, this class provides a unique performance opportunity and allows every student to shine. All experience levels are welcome.
Adult Acting: Try It! Tuesday, June 10th – Tuesday, July 29th Step out on the stage to learn the fundamentals of acting in a nurturing atmosphere. Participate in physical and vocal warm-
with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 28 at 10 a.m.
Flamingo Gardens, in collaboration with the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) with support from the Community Foundation of Broward, will officially open the Everglades Outdoor Classroom with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 28th, at 10:00 a.m. This new outdoor learning experience invites guests of all ages to explore the heart of the Everglades through interactive exhibits and educational programming designed to foster a lifelong love of nature and conservation.
The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is a companion to the recently launched Nature Explore: Outdoor Exhibit at MODS in Fort Lauderdale. Together, these two sites create a dualcampus experience that highlights Broward County’s native ecosystems and supports environmental awareness across South Florida.
“By connecting communities through conservation, the Everglades Outdoor Classroom serves as a living laboratory where children and families can discover the beauty and importance of the Everglades,” said Keith Clark, CEO of Flamingo Gardens. “This initiative rep-
Flamingo, Page 4A
Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a recent transplant, it’s vital to understand that it only takes one Hurricane to disrupt lives and cause significant damage. The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season is forecast to be particularly active, making early preparation more critical than ever. The time to act is now.
“Preparedness saves lives,” says the Broward County Office of Emergency Management. “It’s not just about stocking up on supplies. It’s about having a plan, staying informed and knowing how to act quickly when a warning is issued.”
From assembling emergency kits to reviewing evacuation zones, there’s a checklist of practical steps every household should complete before the first storm watch is issued.
These include:
• Creating a family emergency plan, including meeting points and communication options.
Why Early Preparation Matters Tropical cyclones are among the most powerful and destructive forces of nature. While many associate Hurricanes with wind speeds, it’s often the water— storm surge and flooding—that causes the most devastation. The unpredictability of these storms, especially as climate change continues to influence their frequency and intensity, means there’s no room for complacency.
• Checking insurance coverage to ensure it includes flood protection.
• Registering for local alerts.
Hurricane Season, Page 8A WE PAY CASH, 3A
• Assembling a disaster supply kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, batteries, flash-
• Securing your home by trimming trees, checking shutters & understanding how to shut off utilities.
To help the public better understand and prepare for these hazards, Broward County is partnering with local institutions for a series of engaging
summer with Dinosaur Discoveries: A Holographic Adventure.”
Guests can expect to be awed as they encounter 12 gigantic animatronic dinosaurs and mammals including the mighty T.Rex, the armored Ankylosaurus and the curious Anzu brought to life with jawdropping movements and sounds. Guests can excavate fossils, create dinosaurs at the art spinner and test their skills in the Dino Operation Game. They can also dive into a 3D topography sandbox, scan fossils and explore a paleontologist’s field tent to uncover prehistoric secrets. Plus, guests can snap a selfie inside the mouth of a full-size T.Rex skull replica.
“Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital believes in the power of play. For our patients this means healing, and kids being kids while in the hospital. For our children in the community, it means encouraging wonder and imagination,” said Caitlin Stella, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “Expedition: Dinosaur – Rise of the Mammals gives children the chance to learn through play, exploration and fun. Partnering with MODS allows us to connect with the community and encourage healthy child development in meaningful ways beyond hospital walls.”
Adding to MODS’ Summer of Dinosaurs is the new, revolutionary HoloTheater, set to debut Dinosaur Discoveries: A Holographic Adventure, a stunning visual journey through 140 years of paleontology that brings dinosaurs to life in jaw-dropping fashion. This dynamic and immersive storytelling attraction, the first of its kind on the East Coast of the United States, uses three-dimensional holographic technology, precise laserprojection and video mapping to bring audiences up close and personal to lifesize dinosaurs. Developed by BASE Xperiential, producers of mixed-media and live holographic entertainment and brought to market in partnership with MacGillivray Freeman Films (MFF), the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen films, the HoloTheater redefines museum storytelling offering an interactive learning experience that blends advanced holographic projection, panoramic visuals and spatial audio to engage and inspire guests of all ages.
Expedition: Dinosaur - Rise of the Mammals is included with admission to MODS. For more information about the exhibit, visit: https://mods.org/expeditiondinosaur.
About Stage Nine Exhibits
Stage Nine Exhibits is a full-service developer of creative, unusual exhibits for permanent or temporary display. Stage Nine Exhibits owns, operates and tours eight internationally acclaimed exhibitions including: Toytopia, Hall of Heroes, POPnology, The Animation Academy, Sweet: A Tasty Journey, Rock U: The Institute of Rock ‘N’ Roll and The Lost World of Dragons. For more information about Stage Nine Exhibits, call: (916) 2460445. Or visit: www.stage9exhibits.com
About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of
Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.
specifically for children. A Level One Trauma Center, the hospital, part of Memorial Healthcare System, combines advanced technology, the expertise of one of the largest and most diverse groups of Board-Certified Pediatric Specialists in the region, with a focus on patient and family-centered care to heal the body, mind and spirit. To learn more, visit: www.jdch.com - Connect on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram at: @jdchospital.
About the Museum of Discovery and Science: Founded in 1976 as the Discovery
science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 Square Foot facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) NonProfit Organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful
Weapons of Love - Lag Ba’Omer 101
Lag BaOmer is a festive day on the Jewish calendar, celebrating the anniversary of the passing of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Also known as the Rashbi (an acronym for his name), he was the author of the Zohar, a foundational work of the Kabbalah which is the basis for Chassidus. He requested that the day of his passing be celebrated, and not mourned. It also commemorates another event. In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot, a plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva and on Lag BaOmer the dying ceased. The Talmud tells us that the plague affected the students of Rabbi Akiva “because they did not act respectfully towards each other.” Thus, Lag BaOmer carries the theme of the imperative to love and respect one’s fellow (ahavat yisrael). Lag BaOmer teaches us that while working to help improve our fellow man, we must never allow these efforts to compromise our love and respect for him.
It is traditional to light bonfires on Lag BaOmer eve, commemorating the immense light that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai introduced into the world via his mystical teachings. Children customarily go out into the fields and play with imitation bows and arrows. This commemorates the midrashic tradition that no rainbow was seen during Rabbi Shimon’s lifetime.
Rainbows first appeared after Noah’s flood, when G-d promised to never again devastate the world. When the world is deserving of punishment, G-d sends a
rainbow instead. Rabbi Shimon’s merit protected the world, rendering the rainbow superfluous.
But there’s a much deeper meaning behind the bow and arrow game, with a lesson not just for Lag BaOmer, but something we can apply every day of the year.
The first weapons devised by man were designed for hand-to-hand combat. But a person’s enemy or prey is not always an arm’s-length away, or even within sight. Soon the warrior and hunter felt the need for a weapon that could reach a target a great distance away, or which lies invisible and protected behind barriers of every sort. With a bow and arrow, the tension in an arched bough of wood is exploited to
propel a missile for great distances and slash through barriers. The inventor of this device first had to grasp the paradox that the deadly arrow must be pulled back toward one’s own heart in order to strike the heart of the opponent, and that the more it is drawn toward oneself, the more distant an adversary it can reach.
Chassidus teaches us that the same rules that apply to tools of destruction, apply to tools of construction - the tools we use to help build each other. And this is the deeper theme and lesson of Lag BaOmer: In order to reach a friend or relative who is otherwise unreachable, we have to first dig deep within our own heart. The deeper place from within our heart this love comes from, the deeper it
will penetrate in our loved ones heart. The more we work on our own character, the more our children will work on theirs.
The Rebbe writes in Hayom Yom “If you rebuke your brother and he does not listen, then it is you who is to blame. Because words that come from the heart, enter the heart.” If you haven’t penetrated their heart, dig deeper within your own heart.
This year, Lag BaOmer is Thursday Night - Friday, May 15-16, 5785 / 2025.
I encourage you to reach out to your local Chabad or synagogue and find out what they’re doing to celebrate this special day. You are of course welcome to join me at our annual bonfire, where you can enjoy a BBQ, music, sign along kumzitz and plenty of fun. We will do it behind the construction site of the new Chabad Chayil Education Center in West Aventura. There’s no charge to RSVP at: ChabadChayil.org/Events. For the complete history and more lessons you can learn from this fun and Kabbalistic holiday visit: www.ChabadChayil.org/LagBaomer.
About the Author
Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919 or rabbi@ChabadChayil.org. You can also support the community with your partnership at: ChabadChayil.org/Partner.
By Rabbi Moishe Kievman Chabad Chayil
Photo of Lag BaOmer at Marlins Park. Credits: ChabadChayil.org/Events
Uncover the mysteries of Earth’s greatest transformation.
Expedition: Dinosaur, Rise of the Mammals roars to life at the Museum of Discovery and Science on May 23!
resents a shared commitment to preserving Florida’s natural heritage while empowering the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Set within the lush grounds of Flamingo Gardens, the Everglades Outdoor Classroom features hands-on learning zones where guests can investigate Everglades habitats, learn about native and invasive species, explore the interconnectivity of humans with plants and animals in the Everglades ecosystem. The experience encourages scientific inquiry and environmental responsibility, aligning with state education standards and enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning opportunities for local schools and youth programs.
The Everglades Outdoor Classroom and the accompanying Nature Explore: Outdoor Exhibit at MODS highlight our vital connection to nature, focusing on the
Florida Wildlife Corridor and the effects of urban sprawl on native ecosystems. While MODS explores urban habitats, Flamingo Gardens immerses guests in the rich biodiversity of the Everglades, emphasizing the importance of conservation and habitat protection. Through interpretive signage, hands-on learning activities and the use of natural materials that reflect the landscape, this outdoor space provides a dynamic environment for both facilitated and self-guided exploration. The experience reinforces how backyards and local green spaces serve as critical extensions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, helping maintain habitat connectivity for native species such as the Florida Panther, Bald Eagle, Butterflies like the Zebra Longwing, Atala and cloudless sulphur, along with plants and other pollinators.
“The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is a shining example of how community collaboration and visionary philanthropy can bring transformative educational experiences to life,” said Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., President & CEO, Community Foundation of Broward. “By
connecting children and families to the wonder of the Everglades, we’re nurturing a deeper understanding of our environment and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. This project reflects the passion of local philanthropists who believe in protecting our natural resources and ensuring a thriving, sustainable future for Broward County.”
Support for the Everglades Outdoor Classroom has been provided by the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund, Mary and Alex MacKenzie Community Impact Fund and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund. Additional support has been provided by the State of Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservations Commission, Bass Pro Shop & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation, Helen Ingham Foundation, Lakeside Foundation and numerous private donors.
The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is included with general admission tickets to Flamingo Gardens. For more information,
please visit: https://flamingogardens.org.
About Flamingo Gardens Feed a flamingo at this botanical garden & wildlife sanctuary! Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida. The 60-acre Non-Profit Botanical Garden and Wildlife Sanctuary contains over 3,000 tropical and subtropical species of plants and trees including 22 of the largest trees of their species in Florida. Its Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the largest collection of rescued Florida native wildlife in the state, including Alligators, Bobcats, Otters, Eagles, a Black Bear and Flamingos. Visit the historic Wray Home Museum and take a narrated tram tour through native jungle growth and wetlands. Located at 3750 South Flamingo Road, Davie, Florida 33330.
For more information, please visit: https://flamingogardens.org Or call: (954) 473-2955.
The educational programming is designed to foster a lifelong love of nature and conservation.
CONGRADS! South Florida Graduates
Premier Private Dining Experiences In Miami-Dade And Broward
As graduation season sweeps across South Florida, families and friends are searching for ways to celebrate this milestone in style—and private dining has emerged as the ultimate experience. From the sparkling waterfronts of Fort Lauderdale to the chic rooftops of Miami and the hidden garden patios of Palm Beach, the region offers an array of exclusive venues that combine culinary excellence with personalized service. These premier private dining spots are redefining the graduation celebration, offering curated menus by top chefs, intimate atmospheres and breathtaking views that turn a simple meal into a memorable occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for close family or an upscale soirée for a larger group, South Florida’s vibrant hospitality scene caters to every style and budget, all while ensuring the guest of honor feels truly celebrated. With options ranging from modern fusion cuisine to classic coastal fare, these venues offer more than just a meal—they provide an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience that perfectly marks the start of a graduate’s next chapter.
Arcano: Celebrate graduation in style at Arcano, offering the perfect private dining experience for the special occasion. The intimate space accommodates up to 30 guests—ideal for gathering friends and family to honor the graduate. Enjoy a curated menu, exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s ideal for this momentous occasion. Menu highlights include Guacamole Ahumado a smoked avocado cream topped with pumpkin seeds, tomato relish and house-made charcoaled jalapeño oil; Crudo de Lomito, Wagyu carpaccio infused with three types of coffee and topped with Honduran cheese, seeds and greens and Croqueta Trio, creamy bites featuring crab, squid ink calamari and shrimp. Larger plates such as Jarrette de Cordero—a falloff-the-bone lamb shank braised in pomegranate juice and red wine reduction—and Pato con Mole, served over corn purée. For a sweet bite, the Tarta de Remolacha—a beet tart featuring beet-poached ribbons, citrus reduction and passionfruit-hibiscus gelato. Arcano is located at 259 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. Telephone: (305) 5308332 Visit: www.arcanomiami. com. Follow on Social Media: @arcanomiami.
Pisco Y Nazca: Spice up the celebration with a private dining experience at Pisco Y Nazca. Guests can turn any occasion into a festive Peruvian celebration with Pisco Y Nazca’s bold-flavored dishes, unique cocktails, and a vast selection of local and international beers. Pisco Y Nazca is located at 8551 Northwest 53rd Street, Suite#: A101, Doral, Florida 33166, 8405 Mills Drive, Suite#: 206, Kendall, Florida 33183 and 101 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. For more information on private dining at any location, please visit: https://piscoynazca.com.
Finka Table & Amelia’s 1931: Celebrate all the accomplishments with Miami’s beloved Chef Eileen Andrade. For those looking for an upscale yet relaxed dining experience, her signature Finka Table & Tap restaurant is the perfect place. The eatery is known for its fusion of Cuban, Peruvian and Korean cuisines complemented by craft cocktails. The atmosphere is inviting and ideal for families, friends or other large gatherings as the private dining can accommodate up to 45 guests. Those looking for a more intimate affair can find it at Amelia’s 1931, Andrade’s newest concept. Private dining is available for up to 15 guests along with a menu of classic Latin flavors mixed with Asian influence. Guests are in for an exquisite dining experience in
tage atmosphere. Finka
is
p.m. - close. Zucca is located at 162 Alcazar Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. Visit: https://zuccamiami.com/
Anthony’s Runway 84: Celebrated Mexican chef Pablo Salas’ chic Mexican eatery is located on a stunning strip of beachfront real estate. Lona Cocina & Tequileria offers Salas’ eclectic, soulful Mexican cuisine in a chic, yet funky environment, complete with a gorgeous indoor/outdoor bar, casually elegant interior dining room and multiple private dining spaces including the intimate Chef’s Table, a special tequila tasting room and a tequila terrace. The restaurant’s sister space, Tinta, is also available for private event buyouts or catered affairs. Lona’s private dining spaces can accommodate up to 350 guests. For more information, visit: www. lonarestaurant.com/privatedining-fort-lauderdale. Lona is located at 321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. For more information, visit: www.lonarestau rant.com; Telephone: (954) 2453069.
The Apothecary 330: A hidden gem nestled inside downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Pizza Craft, The Apothecary 330 is the ideal venue for private events this upcoming graduation season. The speakeasy-eque cocktail club boasts an intimate setting with a vibrant bar program featuring a variety of handcrafted cocktails, premier spirits and wines, healing tonics and elixirs. In addition to libations, decadent Italian bites from Pizza Craft are also available for your soirée. The Apothecary 330 is located at 330 Himmarshee Street, downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more private event information, visit: www.pizzacraftpizzeria.com/ apothecary - Or email: info@pizzacraftpizzeria.com. Telephone: (954) 616-8028.
It’s A Celebration
South Florida offers an unparalleled selection of premier private dining experiences for those looking to celebrate graduation in style. From the contemporary elegance of Arcano to the vibrant flavors of Pisco Y Nazca, each restaurant provides an unforgettable setting for commemorating academic milestones. Finka Table & Tap brings a fusion of Cuban, Korean and Southern flavors that is as unique as your celebration, while Amelia’s 1931 transports guests to a nostalgic, yet sophisticated atmosphere. For a blend of classic charm and innovation, Zucca delivers impeccable service and modern Italian cuisine, perfect for any celebration. If you’re looking for something with a bit more flair, Anthony’s Runway 84 offers a stylish, aviation-themed ambiance paired with high-end seafood and steaks. Meanwhile, The Apothecary 330 provides a chic, speakeasy atmosphere, ideal for intimate gatherings and craft cocktails that are sure to impress. No matter where you choose, these renowned South Florida restaurants ensure that your graduation celebration is marked by exquisite cuisine, personalized service and an atmosphere that elevates the significance of this milestone. With such a range of options, there’s no better place to celebrate the future ahead in style. Cheers to the journey!
Arcano Tulum Room Semiprivate
Pisco Y Nazca: Ceviche Sampler, Tostones
Finka Table & Tap
Anthony’s Runway 84
Bulla Gastrobar Dinner Spread: Montaditos, Arroz Caldoso, Solomillo with Blue Cheese, Tabla Mixta, Churros, Brazo Gitano
When Searching For A Surgeon, Look For The Letters F-A-C-S
When you or a loved one is scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure, you desire confidence that your surgeon is highly skilled, well-trained and prepared to deliver the highest quality care.
Surgery may feel overwhelming, regardless of age or health status. With so many factors to consider, one reliable method to inspire confidence is to select a surgeon with the letters F-A-C-S after their name. This designation means that the surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the largest surgical organization in the world. The ACS has, for more than one hundred years, set the standards for high-quality surgical care.
What does FACS mean?
Earning the FACS designation involves a rigorous application process, verification of credentials, review of a surgical case log, recommendations by colleagues and interviews conducted by a panel of experts. These steps ensure that surgeons meet and uphold the highest standards of surgical care and ethics.
By choosing a Fellow of the ACS, you are selecting a surgeon who meets and exceeds standard qualifications, such as board certification. The FACS designation is a higher bar.
Who are the Fellows of the ACS?
The ACS currently has more than 93,000 members worldwide. Fellows provide care in settings ranging from small rural clinics to large academic medical centers. Fellows of the ACS are also represented throughout all of the surgical specialties.
Fellows have reached many milestones
in surgery, both past and present and been at the forefront of medical breakthroughs for more than 100 years. In 1935, Columbia University Surgeon Allen Whipple, M.D., F.A.C.S., was the first American to perform a complex operation for treating Pancreatic Cancer - a procedure that bears his name today. Alton Ochsner, M.D., F.A.C.S., made the first link between tobacco and Lung Cancer - in 1939. Cardiac Surgeon Bartley P. Griffith, M.D., F.A.C.S., performed the first successful pig-to-human Heart Transplant in the world in 2022. The bottom line is that Fellows of the College make it a point to stay at the head of the
class so that they can provide their patients with the best possible care.
Why does the FACS designation matter?
Providing high-quality surgical care for our patients has been the focus of the American College of Surgeons since our founding in 1913 and this prioritization continues today. From surgical education and research to patient access, hospital standardization and clinical care, the ACS has remained a global leader in advancing the field of surgery.
When you see FACS after a surgeon’s name, those four letters represent the gold standard in surgical quality. FACS
indicates that the surgeon’s education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence and ethical conduct meet the high standards established by the American College of Surgeons.
When you prepare for surgery, one of your questions should be “Is my surgeon a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons?”
To find a Fellow the next time you need surgical care, visit: www.facs.org.
Patricia L. Turner is the Executive Director & CEO of the American College of Surgeons, the largest professional association of surgeons in the world, founded in 1913.
Ocala Offers The Best ‘Bang For Your Buck’ In Florida
Living in the heart of New York or San Francisco embodies the dream lifestyle for many. However, for most Americans, that dream feels out of reach, with average home prices soaring to $763,358 in New York City and $1,272,219 in San Francisco. On the flip side, while moving to a place like Gary, Indiana, offers affordable housing and a lower cost of living, the overall lifestyle might not match what many aspire to. However, scattered across America are hidden gem cities where affordability and quality of life strike the perfect balance. Advance America surveyed 3,021 real estate professionals, asking them one simple question: Which U.S. cities offer the best bang for your buck? These 10 topped the list:
#1 Ocala, Florida: Pastures, palm trees and a whole lot of horsepower — Ocala is Florida’s horse capital with an affordable twist. Home prices average around $300,000, the cost of living is 13% under the U.S. average and the nearby Ocala National Forest offers over 600 square miles of outdoor escape. With a rising healthcare sector and easy access to both coasts, Ocala is an ideal pick for those wanting more green and less hustle.
#2 Pensacola, Florida: Beach-town life without the beachtown price - that’s Pensacola. With whitesand shores, a historic downtown and strong military roots, this Gulf Coast city blends the old and new effortlessly. Median home prices hover at $312,000, the cost of living is 9% below the national average and the sun shines nearly 220 days a year. Add in arts, festivals, new businesses and Pensacola packs a coastal punch.
#3 Greer, South Carolina: Located between Greenville and Spartanburg, Greer is fast-growing but still affordable, with a revitalized downtown and nearby mountain views. Median home price is about $290,000, the cost of living is 10% below the national average and BMW’s North American HQ employs over 11,000 locals. Greer mixes economic strength with Southern charm - ideal for commuters and families alike.
#4 Aiken, South Carolina: Aiken blends equestrian elegance with Southern charm - horse shows, historic homes and shaded avenues are all part of its identity. Median home price is around $270,000, the cost of living is 11% below the U.S. average and Aiken sees over 215 sunny days per year. With culture, golf and walkability, Aiken is a genteel town that offers a lot of bang for your Southern buck.
#5 Bowling Green, Kentucky: Fast cars and friendly vibes - Bowling Green is where Southern hospitality meets economic horsepower. Home to Western Kentucky University and the iconic Corvette Assembly Plant, it’s a city full of energy. Median home prices are around $275,000, the cost of living is 16% below average, the downtown buzzes with food, festivals and greenways. With caves to explore and careers to build, Bowling
town blends vintage flair with lakeside serenity. Median home price is about $240,000, the cost of living is 3% below the national average and there’s yearround golf to keep things swinging. Whether you’re retiring or remote working, Sebring keeps things relaxed and sunny without the coastal chaos.
#7 Sanford, North Carolina: Sanford is a Central North Carolina city seeing a quiet boom in culture and economy. It has murals, breweries and a walkable downtown in progress. Median home price is around $325,000, the cost of living is 9% below the U.S. average and the local job growth rate is 2.8% annually. Just 45 minutes from Raleigh, Sanford
the lush east side of the Big Island, it’s known for waterfalls, farmers’ markets and a deep sense of place. Median home prices are around $699,000, but that’s still lower than Honolulu or Maui and the pace of life here is refreshingly local. With yearround greenery, heavy rainfall and a soulful vibe, Hilo is Hawaii at its most grounded and genuine.
#9 Valdosta, Georgia: With azaleas in bloom and a collegetown beat, Valdosta combines culture, affordability and proximity to Florida beaches. Median home price is $249,000, the cost of living is 4% below the U.S. average and Valdosta State University brings life and events to the city. Whether
you’re after Southern charm, student energy, or small-city simplicity, Valdosta
What Wichita Falls lacks in flash, it more than makes up for in friendliness, affordability and opportunity. With a median home price of just $160,000 and a cost of living well below the national average, it’s one of Texas’s best-kept secrets. Locals enjoy hiking at Lake Wichita Park, quirky art festivals and a tight-knit, community-first culture that’s hard to find in bigger metros.
“These cities prove that you don’t have to sacrifice lifestyle to save money,” says Laura McCutcheon, VP of Marketing at Advance America. “Whether you’re a young professional, raising a family, or planning your retirement, there are places across the country where your dollar works harderwithout compromising on quality of life.”
What does FACS mean?
Finding Forever Families
Meet Luna And Topaz, Two Pets Waiting For Love
In a world where thousands of pets are seeking homes, every animal has a story—and sometimes, all it takes is a little attention to change their lives forever. At the Humane Society of Broward County, two very special animals, Luna and Topaz, are waiting for someone like you to see their potential and open their heart and home.
If you’re searching for a loyal, loving and adventure-ready dog to add to your family, allow us to introduce you to Luna (ID 697634). Luna is a six-year-old shepherd mix with a golden heart and a gentle soul. Though she’s past the puppy stage, Luna has all the charm and energy of a younger dog—plus the bonus of being house-trained, calm and well-behaved.
Luna’s journey hasn’t been easy. She was surrendered to another shelter, where despite her sunny disposition, she sat day after day without any adoption interest. Luckily, her story didn’t end there. She was transferred to the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, where the staff quickly fell in love with her affectionate nature and sweet demeanor. Now, Luna is hoping her next chapter will be the
one where she finally finds her forever home. Don’t be fooled by her age - Luna still loves to play, explore and spend time with her people. She walks beautifully on a leash and knows a few basic commands, making her an ideal companion for families who want a dog they can take to the park, out for hikes, or even just for a relaxing stroll through the neighborhood. Luna’s greatest joy is being with her humans, she thrives on attention, belly rubs and cuddles. Her warm eyes and wagging tail are constant reminders that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life. Sadly, Luna has been at the shelter for over a month with no takers. Many potential adopters overlook her simply because she isn’t a tiny puppy. But anyone who’s owned a dog knows that adult dogs offer just as much love—often more—and they come with the added bonus of being past the teething and potty-training stage. Thanks to the generosity of Real Res, Luna’s adoption fee has been fully sponsored, so the only thing standing between her and a happy ending is someone willing to give her a chance.
While Luna’s spirit is bright and resilient, a more delicate soul is also waiting for love just a few kennels away. Meet Topaz (ID 697955), a stunning 11-monthold feline with a soft, velvety coat and eyes full of longing. Topaz is the kind of cat who blooms in the right environment. At the shelter, the constant noise and unfamiliar faces have been stressful for her—but give her a quiet home and a little time and you’ll see her true personality shine.
According to her previous owner, Topaz is a delightful mix of playful and serene. She enjoys curling up in cozy spots, chasing the occasional toy and—perhaps best of all—loves receiving belly rubs. She’s also great with children and small dogs, making her a versatile addition to a variety of households.
Topaz’s sensitive nature means she’ll need a patient adopter who understands that good things take time. The Humane Society staff are confident that once she feels safe and loved, Topaz will form a strong and lasting bond with her new family. Her capacity for affection is enormous—she just needs the right person to
bring it out.
So, are you ready to make a difference? Whether you’re looking for a dog to jog beside you or a cat to curl up on your lap, Luna and Topaz represent the best of what shelter pets have to offer: resilience, affection and the ability to bring joy into any home.
The Humane Society of Broward County is open for adoptions every day at 11:00 a.m., located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. If you’d like to meet Luna or Topaz or any of the other wonderful animals waiting for a home, start by filling out the pre-adoption application online at: www.humanebroward.com under the “Adopt” tab. Questions? You can call the shelter at: (954) 989-3977 for more information.
Adopting a pet is more than just bringing home a companion — it’s giving a second chance, building a bond that will last a lifetime and receiving unconditional love in return. Luna and Topaz have so much love to give. All they need now is someone like you. Could that someone be you?
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
and educational events.
Eye of the Storm Exhibit: May 31st
Join the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and Florida International University’s (FIU) International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m.
– 5 p.m., for “Eye of the Storm” - a FREE, action-packed day of family-friendly edu cation, museum exploration and hurricane preparedness.
“With hurricane season rapidly approaching on June 1, it’s a good prac tice to be prepared for extreme weather and to understand the wealth of expert resources available in case of an emer gency,” said Joseph P. Cox, President CEO of MODS. “We are proud to be Broward County’s dynamic Hub for Resilience Education and we’re grateful to FIU and the FDEM for their support in helping us champion engagement, edu cation and action for sustainability, resil ience and overall safety during storm sea son.”
Future Storm Chasers can participate in family-friendly activities including:
• Presentations and Demonstrations by Hurricane Experts
• International Hurricane Protection Association (IHPA) Air Cannon Missile Demonstrations
• FIU Wind Engineering
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters
• Live Weather Theater Shows
• Local TV Meteorologists
• A Kids Zone
• Weather Safety
• Weather Arts & Crafts
• Storytime
• Mascot Meet-and-Greets
• MODS Weather Science Demos and All-Day Museum Exploration
• Emergency Vehicle “Touch a Truck” and Meet & Greet with South Florida First Responders
Families can explore sustainability and climate adaptation in Florida’s Climate Future City, sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund. Guests can design and test resilient cities built to withstand extreme weather. Young meteorologists (ages 0-6) can discover how hurricanes form and create “My Hero Helper” portraits.
“We’re proud to once again partner with FDEM and MODS to make critical hurricane science, mitigation, and preparedness education accessible to the entire community,” said Erik Salna, Associate Director for Education and Outreach at FIU’s Extreme Events Institute and International Hurricane Research Center and host of “Eye of the Storm.” “South
I’m A Trauma Surgeon
Here’s What I Want
In trauma care, we often say the only thing more tragic than death itself is a death that could have been prevented. As a trauma surgeon, I think about this often when treating patients with severe bleeding. Not all traumatic injuries are survivable, but thousands of lives can be saved each year with better access to trauma care - especially by quickly controlling bleeding at the scene of the injury.
In recognition of National Stop the Bleed Month this May, I want everyone to know they have the power to help prevent deaths from uncontrolled bleeding with training from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Stop the Bleed program. Bleeding Injuries Are More Common Than You Think
Uncontrolled bleeding from traumatic injuries is a leading cause of preventable death. These injuries are more common than you think and occur in everyday settings - in the kitchen, when traveling to work or school or when enjoying sports and hobbies. An Arizona woman recently stopped severe bleeding in a teen after an e-bike crash and beach patrol used ACS Stop the Bleed techniques on an injured surfer in Maryland so that he could safely make it to the nearest trauma center.
Someone Can Bleed to Death Within Minutes
Someone with severe bleeding can die within a few minutes, which is often faster than most emergency medical services can arrive on the scene. Decades of trauma research tell us that controlling bleeding within the first few minutes of injury dramatically improves the chance of survival. If we lose too much blood too fast, vital organs cannot function and the chances of survival quickly diminish. The ACS Stop the Bleed program empowers the public to respond to a bleeding emergency using three simple actions. After calling 911 and ensuring the scene is safe, (BPT)
ACS Stop the Bleed Training and Kits Are for Everyone Since 2017, the ACS Stop the Bleed program has trained nearly 5 million people in bleeding control. Importantly, the program
able in public areas, including airports,
and commercial buildings. Look for
AED equipment and first aid stations. Personal ACS Stop the Bleed kits also are important to have on hand as they contain items to control bleeding that generally aren’t found in most first aid kits. I keep one in my vehicle, one in my backpack and have even used one while kayaking.
Each of us can take action and control bleeding in unexpected emergencies. Together, we can save lives and prevent tragedies. Although I sincerely hope you never have to use your ACS Stop the Bleed training, you won’t regret learning these skills. The life you save could be a friend’s, a loved one’s - or even your own. Find an ACS Stop the Bleed course near you and get your own ACS Stop the Bleed kit. David S. Shapiro, M.D., M.H.C.M., F.A.C.S., is Vice-Chair of the ACS Stop the Bleed Committee of the ACS Committee on Trauma, the Connecticut Committee on Trauma Chair and a surgeon based in West Hartford, Connecticut.
generous sponsors of FIU-IHRC and
Learn the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of severe storms from the FIU Meteorology Club.
David S. Shapiro, MD, MHCM, FACS
ups, improvisation,
Adult Acting: Foundations Wed., June 11th – Wed., July 30th
Stretch your abilities and strengthen your instincts in this foundational acting class. Ensemble building exercises, basic script analysis, character development and various acting techniques are explored in a collaborative and safe environment. Students will apply these skills as they develop full-bodied, compelling characters while working on monologues and cold readings taken from contemporary plays. Class includes a showcase of student work and can be repeated.
Adult Improv: Foundations
Tues., June 10th – Tues., July 29th
For participants seeking a new creative outlet, hoping to boost their communication skills or simply looking to have fun, this course is the perfect introduction to the world of improvisation for beginners in a dynamic and supportive environment to get started. Led by Teaching Artist Emma Garcia Seeger, participants explore key improv principles including active listening, spontaneous creation and teamwork—skills that not only fuel great performances but also translate into realworld benefits such as stronger public speaking, improved collaboration and increased confidence.
This is a fun, no-pressure experience that will spark the imagination and connect participants with their fellow creatives.
Mon., June 9th – Mon., August 4th
Dive into the art of character creation in this new, unique class designed to help participants develop fully realized, authentic and dynamic characters by integrating physicality, vocal exploration and internal motivations — all through the lens of improv. Led by Teaching Artist Elena Garcia, participants embrace their imagination, explore a wide range of characters and leave with a toolbox of techniques to bring their characters to life on stage through a variety of improv exercises and games that encourage them to explore the full range of their physical and vocal creativity. Whether they’re learning to embody a quirky persona, a heroic figure or a more nuanced, complex character, students are guided through techniques that help bring characters to life in a fun and exploratory way.
Adult Musical Theater Singing
Wed., June 11th – Wed., July 30th
Led by Teaching Artist Deanna Hennelly, this class is designed for adults seeking to expand their vocal abilities using some favorite Broadway show tunes and standards. The class focuses on growing and improving range, developing tone and applying technique practically. No previous singing experience is necessary as participants learn group numbers in a fun and supportive environment.
Adult Singing: Mastering Technique
Tues., June 10th – Tues., July 29th
In this engaging and supportive class led by Teaching Artist Andrez Franco, participants enjoy the journey to becoming a confident and healthy vocalist. They unlock their vocal potential with a comprehensive singing technique class designed specifically for adults. This course covers essential aspects of singing, ensuring participants develop a
strong, healthy and confident voice.
Whether they are a beginner or looking to refine their skills, students gain valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance their vocal performance.
Adult Broadway Dance
Wed., June 11th – Wed., July 30th
Broadway dance is the focus of this high energy class. Teaching Artist and Experienced Choreographer, Lily Coniglio, leads this class that helps adults stay fit while learning basic steps and explosive choreography from some of Broadway’s greatest shows. This is an opportunity for adults to embrace their inner dancer. No prior experience is required and all dance levels are welcome.
Special Stars
Tues., June 10th – Tues., Aug. 5th
Ages 16 and up
Led by instructors from the Exceptional Theater Company, this class is for students with physical and intellectual disabilities and teaches theater skills in a supportive and nurturing environment. By utilizing theater techniques, students enhance verbal skills, improve movement, build self-confidence and advance socialization while stimulating free and independent thinking. Students choose the characters and write the script for the performance that takes place in the JM Family Studio Theater at the end of the session. Offered in partnership with the Exceptional Theater Company.
For complete class information and registration, visit: www.Browardcenter.org/classes/ adults - Email: registrar@browardcenter.org. Or call: (954) 468-2689.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.Broward
Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.
About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
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, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-ineducation 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 Center is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org.
Adult Improv: Creating Characters
=Voted Favorite Arts Program by South Florida Family Magazine from 2018 through 2024.
We are honored to recognize our First Responders during National Police Week. Our brave officers of the Hallandale Beach Police Department who risk their safety to protect us. Thank you, we appreciate your dedication, service and sacrifice.
As the City is creating a Transportation Master Plan to improve how we walk, bike, ride the Cloud bus and drive around the City. Help us shape the future of our City’s transportation by completing this short 10-question survey on the City’s website.
Now, as we move into Hurricane Season, preparation becomes paramount. Living in South Florida, we understand the potential impact these powerful storms can have. While we always hope for a quiet season, being proactive is the most effective way to safeguard our families, homes and businesses!
The City is committed to ensuring our Infrastructure is as resilient as possible, with ongoing assessments of drainage systems and emergency response protocols. It’s Infrastructure Week, the City of Hallandale Beach, does not just talk about it—we’re investing in it. Our investments, today, are building the Hallandale Beach of tomorrow. Learn more about our 2025–2029 Capital Improvement Plan, discover more at the Budget and Program Monitoring at the city’s website. However, individual preparedness is equally important.
As we are now just weeks away from the official start of Hurricane Season on June 1st and with early forecasts indicating an aboveaverage season for 2025, it is paramount that every resident and business prepares proactively! The Climate Adaptation Center and other leading forecasters are predicting an elevated risk for Florida due to unusually warm ocean temperatures. Here are some essential storm preparations for residents & businesses:
1. Make a Plan: Develop a family emergency plan, including evacuation routes, meeting points and communication strategies. Businesses should have continuity plans for operations and staff.
Stay Safe This Swim Season:
Be Water Smart
Swim season is here and while it’s a great time to enjoy the water, it’s also important to keep safety top of mind— especially for young children. Florida sadly leads the nation in drowning deaths among children ages 1 to 4. These tragedies can happen in the short time it takes to answer a phone call or step inside for just a moment. To help prevent drowning, it’s critical to have multiple layers of protection around any body of water, whether it’s a pool, bathtub, lake, or the ocean. To learn more, visit: www.watersmartfl.com
What to Know About “Dry Drowning” Even after someone is out of the water, they may still be in danger. Dry drowning can occur within an hour after water is inhaled through the nose or mouth. It can trigger a spasm in the airway, leading to troubled breathing. If someone has a neardrowning experience and continues to cough or seems to be struggling to breathe, call 9-1-1 and get medical help right away!
Smart Water Safety Tips: Keep eyes on kids at all times: Supervision is the most important layer of protection. Assign a water watcher: In group settings, choose an adult to be responsible for specific children. Rotate this duty so someone is always alert and watching. Swim in safe places: Always choose
Past storms have been an issue, the City is committed to ensuring our Infrastructure is as resilient as possible, with ongoing assessments of drainage systems and emergency response protocols.
2. Build a Supply Kit: Stock at least 7 days’ worth of non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day), medications, first-aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, portable chargers and hygiene items. Don’t forget pet supplies!
3. Know Your Zone, Know Your Home: Understand if you are in an evacuation zone. If your home was built after 2004, it is likely built to higher Florida Building Codes, but all properties benefit from proactive protection. PLAN A EvacuationAreas east of Intracoastal Waterway, typically a Category 1-2 hurricane. PLAN B Evacuation - Areas east of U.S. 1 (Federal Highway), typically, a Category 3 or higher
4. Secure Your Property: Trim trees, clear gutters, secure outdoor furniture, and ensure windows and doors are protected with impact glass or shutters. Businesses should secure signage and exterior equipment.
5. Fuel Up: Keep vehicle fuel tanks and generator tanks at least halfway full. Crowds and lines will be part of pre-storm activities, so planning ahead saves valuable time.
For comprehensive guides and local updates, please visit the City of Hallandale Beach website and sign up for emergency alerts. Download these important apps
and sign up for our Everbridge emergency alerts. City’s Everbridge alerts: https:// member.everbridge.net/453003 085617939/new - City’s HB Connect app (coming soon!), NOAA Live Weather Radar, NWS Weather, FEMA, FPL & Red Cross.
Stay safe, stay informed, and stay strong, Hallandale Beach! As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text: (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.
=Grab a swim lesson coupon at: www.watersmartbroward.org/swim-coupon
By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper
Hurricane.
The City is creating a Transportation Master Plan to improve how we walk, bike, ride the Cloud bus and drive around the City.
Take Pride 2025
Public Exhibition To Feature Highlights From
History Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale will present The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort “Take PRIDE!” 2025, a ticketed benefit reception and exhibition honoring and showcasing LGBTQ+ Community advocates during Pride Month. On Wednesday, June 18th, at 6:00 p.m., a special opening preview reception hosted by FayWhat?! and previous “Take PRIDE!” Honoree Shawn “Kitty Meow” Palacious will pay tribute to 10 new impactful LGBTQ+ Community leaders with a special performance by Rianna Petrone along with music by DJ Jay McCracken of Spiked Entertainment. From Thursday, June 19th – Sunday, July 13th, the public is invited to view the FREE companion exhibition, Zorita’s World, featuring photography highlights from the life and career of famed burlesque dancer, icon and LGBTQ+ advocate Zorita, plus “Last Call South Florida - A History of 1001 LGBTQ-Friendly Taverns, Haunts & Hangouts” by Fred Fejes and Rick Karlin, along with costumes and other historical artifacts.
“We are proud to honor this year’s LGBTQ+ advocates whose leadership, advocacy for equality and contributions to the South Florida political, business and arts landscapes are revered and innumerable,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “South Florida has prospered and grown on the wings of their commitment to inclusivity and acceptance for all. We are grateful for their perseverance and sharing their stories so that we may continue to champion diversity in our city and beyond.”
The 2025 “Take PRIDE!” Honorees who have made significant contributions to the South Florida community are: Steve Glassman, City of Fort Lauderdale District 2 Commissioner; the Honorable Robert Lee retired Judge; Scott Holland, Vice President of Operations and Associate Publisher of HotSpots! Magazine and Happening Out Network; Michael Berry, Complex General Manager at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort; FayWhat?! Albernas, of The FayWhat?! Show on the Happening Out Television Network; Velvet Lenore, Entertainer and Philanthropist; T.P. Lords, Entertainer and Choreographer; Tony Lima, CEO and Executive Director, SunServe; Franchesca D’Amore, Founding President and Executive Director of TransEd and Ed Hashek, Arts Advocate and Philanthropist.
Lauderdale. “Our city’s remarkable growth is due, in part, to the contributions of these illustrious and dedicated community leaders who strive to ensure equality and representation. We welcome our shoppers to learn more about them during their visit.”
Additional contributors to this year’s reception and exhibit are Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library and Florida International University. Capó curated a different exhibition on Zorita’s life in 2024 for Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library.
The exhibition, located near Swarovski, between Macy’s and Dillard’s, will be free and open to the public during mall hours.
Previous “Take PRIDE!” honorees have included Dean Trantalis, Richard Gray, Sebrina María Alfonso, Craig Stevens, Rod Stafford Hagwood, Tiffany Arieagus, Gary Keating, John Castelli, Andy Rogow, David Jobin, Erika Norell, Jacqueline Lorber, Josie Smith Malave, Mark Gilbert, Misty Eyez, Robert Boo, Shawn Palacious (Kitty Meow) and Steven Evans, Ph.D.
History Fort Lauderdale’s
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort “Take PRIDE!” 2025 exhibit will feature photos and ephemera from Zorita’s World, the life and career of famed burlesque dancer and icon Zorita, as well as her same-sex relationships and networks of friends. The performer and entrepreneur pushed boundaries in Miami and beyond in the 1940’s, ‘50s and ‘60s -
“Take PRIDE!” is sponsored by co-presenter Galleria Fort Lauderdale and title sponsor The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, The Our Fund Foundation, HotSpots Media Group/Happening Out Television Network and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Additional funding is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale - Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. Tickets for the June 18 “Take PRIDE!” reception are $50 and are available at: www.historyfortlauderdale.org. Guests will enjoy a preview of the exhibit, special performances, an open bar and light bites courtesy of Dom Caruso’s.
History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, hosts a variety of engaging multicultural experiences, year-round. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent exhibits including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “Fashion & Musical Theatre,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: the story of boatbuilding along the New River,” Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology” and “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture.”
For more info about History Fort Lauderdale, please call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit: https:// historyfortlauderdale.org. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ftlhistoryOn Instagram: @ftlhistory. And on Twitter: @FTLHistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at: www.toutube.com/user/FTLhistory.
Zorita photographed by Bruno of Hollywood - Courtesy of the Tawny Petillo Collection.
A free visual exhibit highlighting significant people and places in local LGBTQ+ history.
What the Founders rebelled against— armed government agents invading homes without cause—we are now being told to accept in the so-called name of law and order.
Imagine it: it’s the middle of the night. Your neighborhood is asleep. Suddenly, your front door is splintered by battering rams. Shadowy figures flood your home, screaming orders, pointing guns, threatening violence. You and your children are dragged out into the night—barefoot, in your underwear, in the rain.
Your home is torn apart. Your valuables seized. Your sense of safety, demolished. But this isn’t a robbery by lawless criminals. This is what terror policing looks like in Trump’s America: raids by night, flashbangs at dawn, mistaken identities, and shattered lives.
On April 24th, 2025, in Oklahoma City, 20 heavily armed federal agents from ICE, the FBI and DHS kicked in the door of a home where a woman and her three daughters—all American citizens—were sleeping. They were forced out of bed at gunpoint and made to wait in the rain while agents ransacked the house, confiscating their belongings.
It was the wrong house. The wrong family.
There were no apologies. No compensation. No accountability.
This is the new face of American policing, and it’s about to get so much worse thanks to President Trump’s latest executive order, which aims to eliminate federal oversight and empower local Law Enforcement to act with impunity.
Titled “Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens,” the executive order announced on April 28th, 2025, removes restraints on police power, offers enhanced federal protections for officers accused of misconduct, expands access to military-grade equipment, and nullifies key oversight provisions from prior reform efforts.
Trump’s supporters have long praised his efforts to deregulate business and government under the slogan of “no handcuffs.” But when that logic is applied to Law Enforcement, the result isn’t freedom—it’s unchecked power.
What it really means is no restraints on police power—while the rest of us are left with fewer rights, less recourse, and a Constitution increasingly ignored behind the barrel of a gun.
This isn’t just a political shift. It’s a constitutional unraveling.
These aren’t abstract freedoms— they’re the bedrock of the Bill of Rights: the Fourth Amendment’s shield against warrantless searches, the Fifth Amendment’s promise of due process, and the First Amendment’s guarantee that we may speak, protest, and petition without fear of state retaliation.
Yet the build-up of the police state didn’t begin with Trump. What he has done is seize upon decades of bipartisan failure—and strip away the last remaining restraints.
For years, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, policing in America has grown more militarized, aggressive, and unaccountable. At times, there were modest attempts to rein in the worst excesses—like curbing the flow of military surplus equipment to local police—but these efforts were short-lived, inconsistent, and easily undone.
Trump’s executive order doesn’t just abandon those reforms. It bulldozes the guardrails. It hands Law Enforcement a
held accountable.
That future is already here.
Just a few days before Trump signed the order, that reality played out in Oklahoma City when ICE, FBI, and DHS agents stormed the wrong home and terrorized a mother and her daughters.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident.
In the 30 years since the first federal Crime Bill helped militarize local police forces, the use of SWAT teams has exploded. What was once a rare tactic for hostage situations is now used tens of thousands of times a year, often for nonviolent offenses or mere suspicion. These raids leave behind broken doors, traumatized children, and, too often, dead bodies. And yet, when families seek justice, they’re met with a legal wall called qualified immunity.
Under this doctrine, courts excuse even blatant misconduct by Law Enforcement unless an almost identical case has already been ruled unconstitutional. It’s legal sleight of hand—a getout-of-jail-free card for government agents who trample on the Constitution.
We’ve entered an era in which federal agents can destroy your home, traumatize your family, and violate the Fourth Amendment with impunity. And the courts have said: that’s just how it works.
More than 80,000 SWAT raids now occur annually in the United States, most of them for nonviolent offenses like drug possession or administrative code violations. Many are botched. Few are ever investigated.
In Martin v. United States, now before the Supreme Court, a heavily armed FBI SWAT team mistakenly stormed a Georgia home—armed with rifles, clad in tactical gear, and deploying a flashbang grenade—causing the family inside, with a 7year-old son, to fear they were being burglarized.
The agents were supposed to raid a gang suspect’s house. Instead, they relied on faulty GPS and ended up at the wrong address, a block away from the intended target.
Only after detaining the family—forcing one family member onto the bedroom floor at gunpoint, and then pointing a gun in the mother’s face—did the officers realize their mistake.
The Rutherford Institute, alongside the National Police Accountability Project, filed an amicus brief urging the Court to deny qualified immunity for the agents. But if history is any guide, justice may prove elusive.
Just last year, the Court refused to hold a SWAT team leader accountable for raiding the wrong house, wrecking the wrong home, and terrorizing an innocent family.
In Jimerson v. Lewis, the SWAT team ignored clear differences between the actual target house and the Jimerson residence—missing house numbers, architectural mismatches, a wheelchair ramp where none should have been—and still received qualified immunity.
These rulings aren’t exceptions—they reflect a growing doctrine of unaccountability enshrined by the courts and now supercharged by the Trump administration.
Trump wants to give police even more immunity.
Brace yourselves for a new era of lawless policing.
President Trump’s call for a new crime bill that would further insulate police from liability, accountability and charges of offi-
of unchecked power.
Even when SWAT commanders disregard warrants, ignore addresses, and terrorize innocent families, the courts shield them from consequences.
These SWAT raids have become a thinly veiled, court-sanctioned excuse to let heavily armed police crash through doors in the dead of night. Too often, they’re marked by incompetence, devastation, and death—leaving a trail of broken homes and broken lives, while law enforcement escapes accountability.
There was a time in America when a person’s home was a sanctuary, protected by the Fourth Amendment from unlawful searches and seizures.
That promise is dead.
We have returned to the era of the King’s Writ—blanket search powers once used by British soldiers to invade colonial homes without cause. As James Otis warned in 1761, such writs “annihilate the privilege” of privacy and due process, allowing agents of the state to enter homes “when they please.”
Trump’s new executive order revives this tyranny in modern form: armored vehicles, night raids, no-knock warrants, federal immunity. It empowers police to act without restraint, and it rewards those who brutalize with impunity.
Even more alarming, the order sets the stage for future legislation that could effectively codify qualified immunity into federal law, making it nearly impossible for victims of police violence to sue.
This is how constitutional protections are dismantled—not in one dramatic blow, but in a thousand raids, a thousand broken doors, a thousand courts that look the other way.
Let’s not pretend we’re safe. Who will protect us from the police when the police have become the law unto themselves?
The war on the American people is no longer metaphorical.
Government agents can now kick in your door without warning, shoot your dog, point a gun at your children, and suffer no legal consequences—so long as they claim it was a “reasonable” mistake. They are judge, jury, and executioner.
With Trump’s new order, the architecture of a police state is no longer theoretical. It is being built in real time. It is being normalized.
It’s not just the poor, the marginalized, or the criminalized who should be afraid. It’s every homeowner, every parent, every citizen who still believes in the Bill of Rights.
Nowhere is this threat more visible than in the unholy alliance between ICE and militarized police forces.
This is where the danger deepens: when ICE and SWAT join forces, no one is safe.
This is more than just a problem of policing—it’s the convergence of two of the most dangerous arms of the modern security state: the merging of federal immigration enforcement with militarized domestic operations, creating a volatile blend of ICE lawlessness and militarized SWAT-style brute force.
Together, they’ve created a government apparatus that acts first and justifies itself later, if at all.
What used to be separate spheres— immigration enforcement and local policing—have now, under the pretense of national security, merged into a seamless operation of nighttime raids, heavy weaponry, blacked-out uniforms, and unmarked vehicles.
Armed federal agents, often operating
sented warrants, storm homes in the dead
The distinction between a SWAT raid clothes, and operating without judicial oversight—are executing aggressive home invasions indistinguishable from SWAT team raids. These officers operate in secret, detaining individuals without clear warrants, sometimes without charges, and often without informing families of where their loved ones have been taken.
This alliance of ICE and SWAT has turned the American home into a battlefield, especially for those deemed politically inconvenient or “suspect” by the state.
These raids aren’t limited to those suspected of crimes.
Legal residents, asylum seekers, and even U.S. citizens have found themselves disappeared under vague claims of national security or immigration violations. It is policing by fear and disappearance. And it runs counter to everything the Bill of Rights was designed to prevent: punishment without trial, surveillance without suspicion, and power without accountability.
When ICE agents armed with militarygrade equipment conduct pre dawn raids alongside SWAT teams, with little to no accountability, the result is not public safety. It is state terror. And it’s exactly the kind of unchecked power the Constitution was written to prevent.
The Constitution is supposed to be a shield—especially the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. But in this new reality, the government has nullified that shield.
All of America is fast becoming a Constitution-free zone.
What started as an exception—the socalled Constitution-free zone at the border—is fast becoming the norm across America, where due process is optional and Law Enforcement acts more like a domestic army than a public servant.
The government no longer needs to prove its authority in court before violating your rights. It only needs to assert it on your doorstep—with flashbangs and rifles at the ready.
The only castle left may be the one you’re willing to defend.
The Founders knew the dangers of unchecked power. That’s why they gave us the Fourth Amendment. But rights are only as strong as the public’s willingness to defend them.
If we allow the government to turn our homes into war zones—if we continue to reward police for lawless raids, ignore the courts for rubber-stamping abuse, and cheer political leaders who promise “no more handcuffs”—we will lose the last refuge of freedom: the right to be left alone.
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 Constitution cannot protect you if the government no longer follows it—and if the courts no longer enforce it.
The knock may never come again. Just the crash of a door. The sound of boots. And the silence that follows.
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.
