DEERFIELD BEACH

April 25 A senior superintendent for Thornton Construction Company reported that a saw, scaffold and drywall cart were removed from a work site at 201 E. Sample Rd.

April 25 A man reported that a safe in his bedroom at his home at 905 SE 13 Court was pried open and jewelry valued at about $7,000 was stolen. The man said his home is being renovated and that a number of contractors have been in his home.

April 26 Two men were arrested and charged with committing a burglary and battery on a victim at 4334 NW 9 Ave. The men were attempting to remove the victim from the apartment because of late rental payments.

April 27 A woman reported that someone stole four tires and chrome rims from her car parked at 1044 S. Military Trail.

April 27 A woman reported that a gold chain valued at $800 was taken from her home at 426 SE 13 Dr.

April 27 Four men were arrested and charged with burglary of a residence and grand theft. The men worked together to enter a home at 443 SE 13 Court and stole watches, electronic equipment and foreign coins. Total value of the items taken was estimated at more than $300.

April 28 It was reported that a car parked at 133 E. Hillsboro Blvd. was broken into and a money bag with $860 was stolen.

April 29 A man reported that his unlocked vehicle parked at 231 NW 38 Court was entered and $50, a checkbook, and entertainment headsets were stolen.

April 29 A man reported that he saw a man steal his bicycle from his residence at 760 SE 2 Ave. The victim chased the thief, who then dropped the bicycle. The man recovered the bicycle at 300 SW 10 St.

DEERFIELD – District 4

April 25 Residential burglary was reported in Deer Creek at Via Napoli between 6:40 and 10:20 p.m. Residents returned to find their home burglarized. Entry was made through rear sliding glass door (no forced entry noted). Stolen was: vast amount of jewelry, wrapped coins and paper money. Loss was estimated at more than $70,000. Detective was on the scene. Subject jumped rear privacy wall to enter backyard. Patio chair was moved to wall to facilitate leaving the scene. Scene was processed.

April 27 Loss of life was reported in the Villages of Hillsboro Park at 7:10 a.m. Passerby walking a dog discovered a body on canal bank. Homicide Unit and Crime Scene responded, along with district command staff. Investigation determined that victim succumbed to self-inflicted gunshot wound. Victim’s parent responded to scene for positive ID. Firearm was recovered from canal.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

April 20 A man reported that four tires and four rims were stolen from his car at 2430 NE 31 Court. A video surveillance camera showed two men taking the tires.

April 21 A man reported eight garden pavers stolen from his home at 2101 NE 32 Court.

April 22 It was reported that a car parked at 2640 NE 52 Court was broken into and a purse containing $120, a necklace, a driver’s license and two credit cards was stolen.

April 24 A man reported that his bicycle was stolen from his garage at 3100 NE 51 St. A surveillance camera showed a man taking the bicycle from the garage.

April 25 A man reported his jet ski stolen from 3801 NE 26 Ave.

April 25 A woman reported that someone entered her car parked at 2254 NE 31 St. and stole her purse with sunglasses and medications.

The National Weather Service forecasts low temperatures, including wind chill, in the mid-40s for Saturday and Sunday evenings, Feb. 11-12, for Broward County.

As a result of this forecast, Broward County has declared a cold weather emergency from 6:30 p.m. Saturday night to 7 a.m. Sunday morning, and from 6:30 p.m. Sunday night to 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13.

Homeless persons are advised to report to the following locations no later than 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for transportation or access to special cold night shelters:

• Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach City Hall
100 W. Atlantic Blvd. (Southeast Corner)

• Fort Lauderdale
The Salvation Army
1445 W. Broward Blvd.

• Hollywood
Broward Outreach Center
2056 Scott St.

If you have any questions or need additional information on the plan for your area, contact Michael Wright, Broward County Homeless Initiative Partnership Administration, 954-357-7167 or 954-300-8739 (cell).

Congressman Allen West has announced that he will be leaving Dist. 22. In a statement released on Jan. 31, he announced his decision to seek reelection not for Dist. 22, but for the 18th Congressional District. In his statement, he said:

“After much prayer, reflection and discussion with my close friends and family, I am announcing today my decision to seek reelection in Florida’s proposed 18th Congressional district.  I have always believed the state of Florida would be best served by having both Congressman Tom Rooney and myself in the House of Representatives working to solve our nation’s most pressing problems.  I have never waivered from my vision; to work to create jobs, restrain federal government spending, reduce America’s ever increasing national debt, and provide for a strong national defense to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.

Congressman Rooney is a statesman and has been an honorable public servant to the constituents of Florida’s 16th Congressional district.  It is my goal to continue the success Congressman Rooney has had in Florida’s 16th Congressional district in the newly proposed 18th district.  I welcome the challenges and excitement that lie ahead.

As a 22-year United States Army veteran who commanded troops in combat, one should never underestimate my ability to be a strategic thinker.  My voice for the restoration of constitutional principles for our Republic shall continue to resonate through Florida and on Capitol Hill.”

The 49th annual Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade to be held on Sunday, December 11.  The Boat Parade, which is co-sponsored by the City of Pompano Beach, starts at Lake Santa Barbara before traveling north on the Intracoastal Waterway, making its way through Lighthouse Point and Hillsboro Beach and ending in Deerfield Beach. Best of all the Holiday Parade is FREE to enter and watch.

“Members of the local boating community are the reason the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade has been around for 49 years,” said Gwen Leys, the chair of the 2011 edition of the City’s oldest continuous holiday tradition.  “There is no charge to enter,” Leys continued.  “We are proud to be the free, fun and easy boat parade.”

Each year thousands of spectators line the five-mile route along the Intracoastal Waterway to view the hometown spectacular of glitz, glamour, creative costumes, special effects and music.  The Holiday Boat Parade, which starts from Lake Santa Barbara at 6:30PM, transforms the waterway into a glistening showcase featuring sparkling small outboards, stoic sailboats and majestic luxury yachts.

The Grand Marshalls for this year’s parade are Miami Heat star NBA basketball player and Pompano Beach resident Mike Miller and Rachel Wheeler, an 11-year old who over two years has raised in excess of $175,000 to build homes in earthquake ravaged Haiti through Coconut Creek based “Food for the Poor.”

The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber welcomes businesses and residents as well as sponsors for this year’s parade.  All participants will not only enjoy the thrill of the parade, but an invitation to the pre-boat party given every year.  The Holiday Boat Parade, considered the oldest continuous Holiday Boat in the country, is a tradition that draws sightseers from all over the country.

To participate, just pick up a registration form at The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, 2200 East Atlantic Blvd.

Captains that pre-register and attend the pre-event safety meeting at the Isle Casino Pompano Park will receive a commemorative t-shirt as well as chances to win special door prizes. The Isle Casino Pompano Park is located on Powerline Road south of Atlantic Blvd.  Trophies for the winners will be presented at a special event in January 2012 at Oceans 234 on A1A in Deerfield.

If you are interested in riding on a boat the parade, you can join the party with the Grand Marshall’s on one of the lead boats, the Musette.  For $55 per person, plus 6% tax, you can enjoy the holiday view from the water. The price includes a buffet dinner, four-hour open bar, music and an unforgettable evening. The Musette will depart from Two Georges at the Cove, Deerfield Beach with boarding beginning at 5PM. All tickets must be paid for in advance and there are no refunds and no exceptions.  For tickets call (561) 791-9686 or (855) Musette (687-3883) or visit www.musettecharter.com.

The Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade committee that plans one of the Chamber’s most exciting and enjoyable annual events is still seeking sponsorships for the parade and Captains’ Party.

For further information on sponsorship and boat participation please call the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce at (954) 941-2940, visit their website www.pompanobeachchamber.com or email Lisa Spinelli at Lspinelli@pompanobeachchamber.com

–By Rachel Galvin –

On Oct. 22, 2012, all eyes will be on Boca Raton. As the presidential campaigns wrap up, the final debate between red and blue will take place at Lynn University. The determination for the location to be Boca Raton over other contenders came down to several considerations, including the importance of the state of Florida as a swing state, the close proximity of the university to major transportation routes and the success of last year’s Congressional debate between Ron Klein and Allen West. The decision to have the debate in Florida was agreed upon across party lines and is seen as a benefit not only for the university, but the surrounding area as well.

According the Lynn University’s website (www.lynn.edu): “A debate would attract an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 people (including several thousand members of the domestic and international media) to the Boca Raton area. These people could stay in the area up to a week, generating a sizable economic impact.”

Sunday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m.

Boca Raton Plaza Suites, at pool by Tiki Bar

2901 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

DJ, beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, sides, jello shots and raffle. $20 adults/ $5 kids. Proceeds go to Karen Rice to help with medical bills. Karen is currently battling Cancer. For information, contact954-324-6994. To donate, also visit www.wepay.com/donate/181410.

Sunday, Oct. 9,  9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Duffy’s Sports Grill

401 N. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL  33441

Sponsored by Olympia Flame Diner and BSO Fire Dept. Awards, dash plaques, live music and fire truck parade. Register at Duffy’s and caravan down to beach. 954-410-5536.

A former sheriff of Broward County passed away Wednesday, the Broward Sheriff’s Office chaplain told employees. Navarro was sheriff from 1985 to 1992. According to Wikipedia, “Navarro won election for sheriff in 1984. During Navarro’s tenure the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) approximately doubled to 3,000 personnel and its budget increased from $75 million to $200 million. Contracts were added for the BSO to provide law enforcement services to three Broward cities – Dania Beach, Tamarac and Deerfield Beach.^[1]“  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Navarro.

With his health failing fast, Navarro was escorted home from the hospital Wednesday afternoon by sheriff’s deputies, where he died about 2:30 p.m., surrounded by family and friends.

Navarro recently underwent a second surgery at Holy Cross Hospital for a recurrence of colon cancer. He was 81.

All BSO flags are at half staff, and personnel have been instructed by current Sheriff Al Lamberti to wear their mourning band.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and our Community Traffic Safety Teams remind motorists to take extra traffic safety precautions as students head back to school. The beginning of the school year is a time when children are at increased risk of transportation related injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, school bus and motor vehicle crashes. FDOT offers the following tips for making back to school commutes safer for motorists and students.

Tips for Motorists

• Be alert for School Speed Zones and obey the posted speed limits.
• Watch for school buses. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate the school bus is stopping to load or unload children. State law requires you to stop.
• Keep an eye out for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.
• Be alert for children playing and gathering near bus stops and for those who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or riding a bicycle.
• When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.

Tips for Parents

• Be a good role model. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules. Do not text or talk on the phone while driving.
• Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop.
• Provide your children with bright clothing so motorists can easily see them.
• Make sure the child is properly buckled up in a weight-appropriate child safety seat in the back seat.
• Make sure that your teen driver understands and obeys all state traffic laws.

Tips for Students

• Always buckle up when riding in a car. Be sure to remove your backpack before getting in the vehicle. Never buckle your safety belt with your backpack on.
• Always ride in the back seat. It’s the safest place for young people.
• Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike.
• If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus. Never wait for the school bus in the roadway.
• If you walk to school, learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. It’s extremely important for you to use sidewalk when available, look left-right-left when crossing the road, and always walk facing traffic.
• Always cross at crosswalks, obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and crossing guard instructions.
• Teen drivers should avoid speeding and minimize distractions (texting, talking on cell phones, eating, adjusting the radio) while driving. Teens are also reminded never to overload their vehicle; everyone riding in a vehicle must use a safety belt.
• Be a good role model for your younger brothers and sisters and friends, and help them learn and follow vehicle safety rules.

Potter fans interviewed by host Rachel Galvin of Observer TV at Paragon Theater. Photo by Paul Kepinski

Midnight Muggle Madness

On Thursday, July 14, fans lined up at Paragon Theater in Deerfield to see the last installment from the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.” Some dressed up like characters from the film to be part of the Harry Potter experience. The series of films began in 2001, based on the books by J.K. Rowling. Since then, every book launch and movie release has caused a buzz. Now that it is over, most fans are saddened, but looked forward to seeing the final film and getting closure. See video under Observer TV.