| November, 2011

SEEKING BOATS-49th Annual Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade

Posted on 29 November 2011 by JLusk

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

 

 

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Porn collector found videotaping kids at DB Beach

Posted on 29 November 2011 by JLusk

Porn Collector caught videotaping kids

John Jefferson Fields, 66, from Coral Springs was spotted by an observant Deerfield Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguard videotaping children on the beach as they washed themselves off at public showers. Fields voluntarily surrendered his camera to police, who, when they went to his home, found 50,000 images of child pornography (images of girls aged 1 to 12 and videos of boys engaging in sexual acts) which he had collected over the last 13 years. Images found in the recording device on Nov. 23 had over a year’s worth of images from children on Deerfield Beach. Fields faces 100 counts of child pornography against him at this time. Field has not admitted to having physical contact with any children and has retained a lawyer. Anyone with information about kids potentially harmed by Field is asked to contact BSO Detective Montgomery at 954-888-5239 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or www.sheriff.org Video of lifeguards who spotted Fields talk about the incident on OBSERVERTV

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Hillsboro bridge closings reduced to 5 days

Posted on 29 November 2011 by JLusk

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has a project underway on the Hillsboro Blvd. Intercoastal Waterway Bridge. This work requires the bridge to be closed for only five nights, Sunday through Thursday, beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4. and ending 6 a.m. on Dec. 9. During bridge renovations, all traffic crossing the Hillsboro Boulevard Intercoastal Waterway Bridge will be detoured to the Palmetto Park Road Bridge via U.S.1 or A.1.A.
Bridge renovations include:
· High pressure water cleaning
· Sand blasting
· Painting steel beams underneath bridge
Bridge renovations are never easy for residents and business owners living in or around the construction zone. The project team appreciates your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

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Job Fair at the Hilton – Deerfield Beach

Posted on 23 November 2011 by LeslieM

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Fall Ball Championship game

Posted on 23 November 2011 by LeslieM

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Volleyball, footvolley tourney a success

Posted on 23 November 2011 by LeslieM

Ranse Jones’ parents, Bob Jones and Sherry Marthinuss, on hand for this year’s event. Photos by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

 

Ranse Jones’ motto was simple – “Live simple, play hard.” Jones, the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) beach volleyball player who died last year, at age 34, was in the thoughts of those involved in the second annual tournament bearing his name on Nov. 11-13 in Deerfield Beach.

Deerfield Beach’s Flavia Peraira, teamed with Boca Raton’s Amanda Angermeier, took third in the women’s open division. Players drew their teammates randomly at a kickoff party the night before the competition. The duo both teach at Boca Raton High School and had teamed up before in winning a AA women’s tournament the year before.

“We were so excited because we played together before,” said Peraira, 28, Biology teacher at Boca Raton High School and former Georgia Southern University volleyball standout. “I think this is important because it combines the sport and brings everyone together for this (great) cause. It is a sad thing and, because we are turning it into something positive, it is amazing. It is very personal for a lot of people here in Deerfield Beach who know him.”

Peraira said she loves playing beach volleyball because of the weather, the competition and being healthy through the exercise.

“If I don’t play, I think something is missing,” added Peraira, who also coaches the sport. “I like the teaching part of it. Being outside and looking at the ocean. There is nothing better.”

Jones, who was from Deerfield Beach and was a firefighter, suffered a brain aneurysm during the semifinal of the Panama City AVP Young Guns tournament in April 2010. In the six months that followed, Jones was on and off life support, placed in a medically-induced coma, suffered swelling of his brain and battled an array of complicated infections.

Jones had played in 21 AVP tournaments since 2000. Once ranked as high as No. 66, Jones also spent time on the Extreme Volleyball Professionals tour, as well as competing in the Men’s Open Division of the 2009 U.S. Open of Beach Volleyball.

Deerfield Beach’s Flavia Peraira, right, and Boca Raton’s Amanda Angermeier finishes third in the women’s open division of the second annual Ranse Classic.

Marcelo Ramos, who, along with Andre Melo and John Esposito, put on the local event this year, said there were about 150 players who took part in the beach volleyball tournament and an additional 30 who played in the men’s footvolley competition.

Ramos, 41, of Deerfield Beach, said the event was for a good cause. A benefit event in Jones’ honor was staged near the city’s pier last November and Jones passed away the day after the tournament ended on Nov. 8.

Ramos said the final figures from registration monies aren’t in yet; however, he expects the number raised to approach $15,000.

“This is very important,” said Ramos, who noted some of the proceeds are targeted for Kids in Distress. “It is good because the volleyball and the footvolley come together because they are part of the beach family. It is a very good group of athletes was stick up for each other.

“It’s going to grow into a big annual event,” said Melo, a longtime friend of Jones. “It is a good time. Everyone is coming out to support Ranse. Not only is it a competitive tournament with money, but it is also a reminder of what a great guy and competitor he was. It’s (about getting) together to celebrate his life.”

There was $6,500 in prize money, including $1,000 for first prize in the men’s division, co-ed 4s and footvolley, and $700 for first in the girls division. There were other prizes for the other divisions.

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FLICKS: Melancholia & Happy Feet Two

Posted on 23 November 2011 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

It is one of the great ironies of the holiday season that the motion picture industry issues their Oscar consideration flicks with dark themes about the end of the world or mental illness. Happy Feet Two and Melancholia are no exception this holiday season.

Told in two parts, Melancholia opens with the story of “Justine” (Kirsten Dunst), a bride who is late for her elaborate wedding reception in a stately mansion. John (Keifer Sutherland) complains about the cost of the wedding, while Gaby (Charlotte Rampling) complains about everything. Justine is supported by her sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg – the daughter of the recently reviewed Gainsbourg – A Heroic Life).

Claire’s story dominates the second part of the story. As the wedding ends in a shambles, the planet Melancholia is on a collision course with planet Earth.  Given his knowledge of science, John poo poos the notion about the end of the world, Claire is neurotic, but Justine seems pacified by these events.

Given the serious drama, Melancholia moves at a snail’s pace, broken up by the humor generated by John Hurt and Rampling. Technically, Melancholia is an impressive art film with visual nods to French Impressionism. Dunst manifests her melancholia with a brave and naked performance.

While the subtext of Happy Feet Two deals with global warming, at least this animated sequel lacks the condescension of an Al Gore/Michael Moore documentary. In fact, it celebrates public problem-solving based on individual actions.

It has been at least five years since the events of the first Happy Feet.  Mumbles (Elijah Wood) and Gloria (Pink – replacing the late Brittany Murphy) are the parents to Erik (Ava Acres), a young penguin with learning disabilities.  Given his painful youthful experiences, Mumbles attempts to impart his wisdom upon his son, but the boy is too young to understand. Calamity happens and Mumbles must save his community yet again.

Don’t fear kiddies. Happy Feet Two never ventures into melancholia. The musical score is upbeat and families were dancing in their seats at the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery IMAX theater. Like the first Happy Feet, ticket buyers will leave the show with a hitch in their giddyup. At least this columnist is thankful that he did not have to review The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 this weekend! Happy Thanksgiving, dear reader.

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Crime Watch

Posted on 23 November 2011 by LeslieM

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 15 The caretaker of a home at 30 NE 11 Way reported the home was broken into and said rooms had been entered. It was not determined if anything had been stolen.

Nov. 15 A woman reported that her home at 1472 SE 5 St. was broken into. She said a laptop, a plasma television and a jewelry box containing $6,000 worth of jewelry was stolen.

Nov. 15 A person reported that lug nuts were removed from three of four tires on an automobile parked at 1535 SE 14 Court.

Nov. 16 A man reported that his truck was stolen from the parking lot of the Best Western Deerfield Beach Hotel & Suites at 1050 Newport Center Dr.

Nov. 17 A man reported that someone entered his truck at 558 NW 44 Terr. and stole about $1,000 worth of tools.

Nov. 17 A man was arrested and charged with stealing a Jet Ski and trailer valued at $17,000 from Riva Motorsports at 3971 N. Dixie Hwy.

Nov. 17 A woman reported a break-in at her home at 425 SE 17 Terr. and that jewelry and cash were stolen.

 

DEERFIELD — District 4

Nov. 19 Armed robbery was reported at 1200 W. Hillsboro Blvd. (formerly the Mobil Station, now 7-11) at 10:30 p.m. Victim stated that an unknown white male entered the business with a handgun and demanded money. The clerk surrendered approximately $60 dollars in cash and a pack of cigarettes. Suspect fled southbound towards Holiday Park. Canine and aviation responded.

Nov. 19 Felony narcotics arrest took place at 200 S. Powerline Rd. at 2:45 a.m. During the course of a traffic stop, a passenger in the vehicle was found to be in possession of controlled substances, was placed into custody, and transported to jail.

Nov. 19 Residential burglary arrest was made in Deer Run at 170 SW 32 Ave., at 6 p.m. On Nov. 15, a residential burglary occurred at the above address where two black males and one white male were seen forcibly entering into the victim’s house via smashing out a rear window. Entire incident was witnessed by a nearby resident. One of the suspects was identified and on Nov. 18, the witness was presented with a BSO double blind line-up, where the suspect was positively identified as taking part in this incident. Case is ongoing. Subject charged with grand theft.

Nov. 19 Residential burglary was reported in Riverglen, 125 NW 45 Ave., at 11:09 a.m. Victims reported that their bicycles, tied to the carport by a locked wire cable, were taken. Bicycles were located in the rear of the carport by the front entry door. No suspects or witnesses located.

 

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Nov. 4 A man was issued a trespass warning and asked not to return to a Publix at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. after he was observed to have stolen a package of crackers and candy.

Nov. 6 A woman reported that a woman attempted to steal her purse while she was at Publix Supermarket at 3700 N. Federal Hwy.

Nov. 7 A woman reported that a female relative died. She said that a man who had been living with the deceased woman had taken two televisions and a computer monitor. The woman believed that the televisions and monitor should go to the deceased woman’s two sons. It was determined that the deceased woman may have wanted the televisions and monitor to go to the man and that the sons were not interested in pursuing the matter. The report was made at 3180 NE 48 Court.

Nov.10 A woman was arrested and charged with stealing $97.41 worth of groceries from a Publix at 2450 N. Federal Hwy.

Nov. 11 A man reported a firearm missing from his home at 1971 NE 31 St. The gun was later found.

Nov. 11 A man reported that his coin and antique collection were stolen from his home at 1960 NE 30 St. The man believes a contractor who worked in his home may have stolen the collection. The man said there was no sign of break-in.

Nov. 15 A woman reported that the tires were stolen from her automobile at 2741 NE 47 St.

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Letters to the Editor

Posted on 23 November 2011 by LeslieM

RE: Day in Court — Sylvia Poitier

Dear Editor:

Yesterday [last Wednesday], in room 465 of the Broward County Courthouse, I witnessed a horrible miscarriage of justice. A jury voted and found the embattled ex-City of Deerfield Beach Commissioner Sylvia Poitier guilty on all 4 counts of falsifying a document.

Sylvia was charged with falsifying a document because she did not indicate that on the legal form 8B that her brother Lionel was a debtor of the WDBA [Westide Deerfield Businessmen Association] when matters came before the City Commission.

Somehow, the jury found that as a matter of fact, Sylvia should have completed the form 8B’s and publically declared she had a conflict of interest because her brother was a debtor of the group.

I have previously stated that this whole case was based on if Sylvia had a legal obligation to declare that Lionel Ferguson was a debtor. The law clearly states that she would have to declare only if she knew that a vote on a matter before the Commission would result in her brother receiving a direct and immediate special private gain.

I guess David Schulson, assistant state attorney, proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Lionel would have received a direct and immediate special private gain from the four measures in question and, therefore, the jury passed down a unanimous verdict of guilty on all four counts.

However, I am still waiting to see or hear what special private gain Lionel would receive from any of the measures before the Deerfield Beach City Commission concerning the WDBA, as all of the states’ witnesses, exhibits and testimonies clearly indicated that Lionel Ferguson did not stand to gain anything from any of the measures presented before the Deerfield Beach City Commission that were in question in this case.

Sylvia’s lawyer, Johnny McCray, indicated he would be filing a new motion and appeal.

Sylvia, herself, stated she would not shed a tear today because she knows she did not falsify any documents and she did not and still does not believe that she or her brother had a conflict of interest according to the law.

It may be too soon to celebrate, for those who are celebrating, as the past has shown us that many of the African-American politicians who were originally found guilty have had their verdicts overturned on appeal. Will that be the case here? I don’t know. Only time will tell.

Hopefully, everyone will go out and get the facts of this case and not listen to the rumor, conjecture and innuendo that has been circulating in the media for quite some time. It would seem, at least to me, that Sylvia Poitier was not convicted today on any merits of this court case but on past perceptions and the fact that we, as people, want to believe that all politicians are innately corrupt.

Are they? Well, yes, many are. That is the nature of politics.

I am sure we would all be hard-pressed to find one who isn’t, but in this particular case, this politician, Sylvia Poitier, was wrongly convicted and I am sure that this conviction will be overturned on appeal. The law is clear and, once that fact is clearly and accurately presented, Sylvia will be cleared of all charges and returned to her seat as the District 2 City Commissioner of Deerfield Beach.

David Cody

Deerfield Beach

 

Dear Editor:

I am happy to serve the citizens of Deerfield Beach. That is what I want to do. I wish the best for her [Sylvia]. Had the political process gone the other way, and I had to give my seat back to her, I would have done that gladly. In that case, I would have encouraged the rest of the community to get behind her, to make for a healthier Deerfield Beach.

Ben Preston, Commissioner, District 2

Deerfield Beach

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Happenings

Posted on 23 November 2011 by LeslieM

Food Drive

Ongoing for holidays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center, 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Needed: non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, canned vegetables, cereal (hot or cold), rice, pasta, canned soups & stews, canned fruits, dried or canned milk, canned tuna, and canned chicken or turkey. 954-480-4449.

 

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

Now through Sunday, Jan. 2, 6 to 10 p.m. nightly

Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Drive through 3 miles of giant animated displays illuminated with lights sponsored by various companies. This year, enjoy the 3-D experience for only $3 more. Open Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. $13 per car. Monday through Wednesdays are $10 per car.

 

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

Friday, Nov. 25, 5 to 8 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater, On Federal Hwy. between Glades and Palmetto, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Holiday entertainment, children’s activities, walkabout entertainers, tons of “real” snow, Mr. and Mrs. Santa, free kiddie rides, holiday displays, vendors, food and beverages sold. 400,000 LED lights will be displayed nightly though holidays along Plaza Real including a 40-foot Christmas tree featuring ‘dancing’ lights choreographed to holiday music favorites at the south end of Mizner Park.  www.miznerpark.com or call 561-362-0606.

 

Holiday Kick-Off

Friday, Nov. 25 & 26, noon to 4 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre, 1955-201 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Bounce house, magic show, music, games, cotton candy, popcorn and more. Santa meet and greet.  954-943-4685.

Light Up MLK for the Holidays

Saturday, Nov. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.

Annie Adderly Gillis Park, 601 Martin Luther King, Jr. B1vd/Hammondville Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by Pompano Beach CRA with NW Advisory Committee. Free family event with live musical and dance performances, interactive festivities, cookie and ornament decoration, holiday treats. Tree lighting ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.pompanobeachcra.com or call 954-786-7824 for info.

 

Chosen People Ministries speaks

Saturday Nov. 26, 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m.

Zion Lutheran Evangelical Church, 959 SE 6 Ave. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Rabbi Dr. Ben Alpert, a representative of Chosen People Ministries, will be speaking on “The Messiah in the Old Testament.” Chosen People Ministries hopes to make the message of the Messiah more accessible to Jewish people and also help Christian believers achieve a greater appreciation of the Jewish basis of their own faith traditions. Open to Christian and Jewish community to attend. 954-421-3146.

 

Intracoastal History Tour

Sunday, Nov. 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Deerfield Island Park, 1720 Deerfield Island Park, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Discover the history of Deerfield Island Park. Ages 6 and up. $5 per person. Pre-registration required, call 954-357-5100. Must be at Sullivan Park by 9:30 a.m. to catch shuttle. (Sullivan Park is on Riverview Road off Hillsboro Boulevard on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway).

 

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6 p.m.

Zion Lutheran Evangelical Church, 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Everyone welcome. Tree will be in courtyard in front of the high school. Enjoy holiday music, chorus, bell choir and Christmas carols. Refreshments will be served. A special guest with a “Red Suit” and white beard will be making a special appearance for Pre-School through Elementary children.

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