A Canadian tourist drowned Tuesday morning, March 20, after going on a diving trip off the coast of Pompano Beach.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received the call at around 11 a.m. advising that the boat “Aqua View” would be arriving on shore with a deceased male onboard.

After going for a dive, Bruce Magill, 63, had resurfaced and began swimming toward the boat along with other divers, but he never made it to the vessel. The boat captain and passengers searched the surface of the water and finally located his floating body after about 15 minutes. Upon locating him, he was pulled onto the boat, and a doctor onboard immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but Magill was not responsive.

Pompano Beach Fire Rescue stood by to transport the patient, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

BSO Crime Scene and Homicide detectives are investigating, though no foul play is suspected. The Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

NE 2 Street east of A1A, as well as Ocean Way in front of the Wyndham Hotel (from NE 2 Street south one block), will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28, due to construction related to the pier project.

Alternative access for vehicles going to the Wyndham will be in place during the closure. The work should be completed later the same day. Street will re-open as soon as possible.

**Sign up for updates on the pier project at www.Deerfield-Beach.com/esubscriptions.**

Golf trick shot artist Dennis Walters, 62, of Jupiter, hits a shot as students from Deerfield Park Elementary look on during a recent show. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Dennis Walters said he is living a dream, just not the one he originally had 50 years ago after his father took him to a professional golf tournament.

His message today is a simple one.

“If you have a dream and it doesn’t work out, never stop dreaming, get a new one,” said Walters, who was left paralyzed from the waist down when his golf cart flipped over in 1974.

“That’s what I did and I use my own personal experience as an example.”

Since then, the 62-year-old Jupiter man has put on more than 3,000 shows featuring golf trick shots in a 38-year career. He averages between 90 and 100 shows a year.

“Almost every person I met 38 years ago said it would be impossible to play golf because I couldn’t stand up and they were 100 percent correct,” Walters said after performing a recent show for the South Florida PGA Foundation at Deerfield Park Elementary School. “That’s when I started hitting them sitting down.”

Walters’ show featured amazing golf tricks, a message of inspiration, along with a special performance by Bucky, who is best known for his uncanny ability to correctly answer questions by barking out the answers.

“I didn’t think he could play when I first saw him,” said fourth grader Caroline Maya. “He’s very good. I was really amazed because I don’t think I would do that if I was in a wheelchair.”

Deerfield Park P.E. teacher Shelton Smith said this is the annual field trip that the school generally attends in Boca Raton.

“They weren’t able to hold it there this year,” Smith said. “They asked if they could bring it here to the school. My principal thought it would be nice to make it an incentive for third, fourth and fifth grade so they could improve on their academics. The students who scored three or higher on the mock, standardized FCAT tests were allowed to come out.”

“I am trying to grow the game of golf,” Walters said. “Golf is a game for everyone. I am living proof of it. I think if we can [get] more of these young people exposed to the game of golf, some of them will take it up.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

This week’s column will review three distinctly different motion pictures. Each one of these films will satisfy their respective ticket buyer.

The box office has not been too kind to John Carter and some mainstream critics have denounced the film as clichéd. What these critics overlook  is that author Edgar Rice Burroughs is the father of all science fiction cliché novels that spawned  films like Star  Wars, Star Trek and Indiana Jones.

From beginning to end, John Carter provides two hours of visual candy featuring water, air, fire and a showdown between  the armies of good and bad guys.

Once this film leaves the Museum of Discovery IMAX Theater to make room for Wrath of the Titans, expect John Carter to crash land at the Box Office.

What it lacks in special effects, Musical Chairs makes up for with pure drama. E.J. Bonila portrays Armando, the son of a Spanish restaurant owner in New York City. Armando is a good provincial son, but he longs to dance (ballroom) in a competitive field.

He meets the beautiful Mia (Leah Pipes) who is in training for a big competition. After Mia and Armando have a quick dance in the studio, she steps out into the street and becomes a paraplegic.

From this tragedy, Armando displays true courage and compassion as he helps Mia overcome her handicaps, some physical but mostly with self esteem. Directed by Susan Seidelman, Musical Chairs is full of warmth and humor.

Last, but not least, is The Matchmaker, an Israeli film with English subtitles about a teen and his unforgettable mentor. In 2006, Arik learns that he is the beneficiary of Yankele Bride, the local “matchmaker” from Arik’s teen years.

This film is a memory piece, especially for people older than 40. We remember a world in which new music could be found listening to a friend’s reel-to-reel tape recorder. The posters on the wall did not celebrate marijuana, but John Wayne. The Matchmaker is the best new movie opening this weekend.

Join director Susan Seidel-man (Desperately Seeking Susan) for Q&As after screenings of her new movie Musical Chairs this weekend on Sunday, March 25, 1:30 p.m., Regal Delray 18, and 5:10 p.m. at Boynton Cinema.

DEERFIELD BEACH

March 15 A man reported his car stolen from 1114 SE 12 Terr.

March 16 A truck was reported stolen from the parking lot of Elite Stairways and Railings at 4400 NW 19 Ave.

March 16 A woman reported that someone entered her business at 635 N. Federal Hwy. and stole her purse and $290.

March 17 A man was arrested and charged with stealing money from an open cash register at Latino’s Restaurant at 1754 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

March 17 A woman reported that she awoke to find an unknown man in her home at 521 NE 37 St. The man stole meat from the freezer and fled.

March 18 A woman was placing items in her car at 4811 N. Dixie Hwy. when a man stepped out of a car and snatched her purse.

March 18 A man reported that his car had been entered at 2502 SW Natura Blvd. and that the glove compartment was entered. Items stolen included change and a credit card. While he was filing the report, another man came to the scene and reported that his car was entered and change stolen from the glove compartment. A woman also came to the scene and reported her husband’s car had been entered and change stolen from the glove compartment.

March 18 A man reported that his unlocked home at 321 SE 15 Ave. was entered and a laptop valued at $330 was taken.

DEERFIELD — District 4

March 14  Residential burglary was reported in Deer Run, on SW 3 Street, between 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into the house by smashing out the southeast spare bedroom window. Once inside, suspect(s) removed a 55″ LCD television, Playstation, computer, gold jewelry and watches. The property is surrounded by a wooden privacy fence; both gates were locked. Area canvas was performed.

March 12 Burglary to a business took place on SW 15 Street between 6 p.m. on March 12 and 6 a.m. on March 15. Complainant reported that unknown person(s) stole a 6-inch threaded-siamese fire department water connection valued at $1,500, located inside the fenced complex. Area was canvassed.

March 15  Residential burglary occurred in Waterford Courtyards at Waterford Drive South between 8: 30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Victim reported unknown subject entered her residence via an unlocked slider. Once inside, subject removed a diamond necklace, five gold necklaces, a diamond bracelet, and an I-pad. Total loss: $2,500. Scene was processed.

March 15 Strong-arm robbery was reported in Aromoss Grill in Deerfield Mall,
3996 W. Hillsboro Blvd. at 8:20 p.m. Victim reported subject entered establishment as if to purchase something and handed the cashier a $20. Cashier looked at the money and the subject attempted to take money out of the cash register.. A struggle ensued and the subject fled into an awaiting vehicle. Video available.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

March 9 A woman reported that she gave a man who identified himself as a valet at the Fifth Avenue Grill at 4650 N. Federal Hwy. the keys to her car. The man left with the car. He had been observed looking into vehicles in the area. Later that night, the man was apprehended by Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with traffic violations, a DUI and auto theft.

March 9 It was reported that a home at 2265 NE 24 St. burglarized. A pressure cleaner, power paint sprayer, hand-held drill with drill bits and a body paint suit were stolen.

March 10 A woman reported that a car she owns with her soon-to-be ex-husband was entered and items related to the divorce proceeding were taken. She believes her soon-to-be ex-husband took the items. Incident was reported at 1921 NE 25 St.

March 13 A man reported that cars owned by he and his wife were entered. The man reported that a credit card was taken and used for purchases at a Hess Gas Station.

Watch out where you park

Dear Editor:

There is an empty lot (no house) on SE 7 Street, Deerfield Beach, just off of Ocean Drive. There are several parking spaces, marked by lines. On the right side, covered by grass, next to them is vacant space for at least three more cars (not lined).

The complaint is that people who have parked in this space received a parking ticket. In one instance, a car was parked in the LINED SPOT, but two wheels were on that grassy spot. The owner was also ticketed.

The car to his left was too close to him, so he reparked and then his right wheels ended up on the grass.

I, and all the people I have spoken to, agree that the city should put up a sign “NO PARKING ON THE GRASS,” only in marked spots.

—A Concerned citizen

Hans Paetzold

Deerfield Beach

Pompano Beach Republican Club election

Thursday, Mar. 22, 7 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Community Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Guest speaker Col. Mike McCalister (Ret.), candidate U.S. Senate. Refreshments served. 954-786-7536.

DB Chamber After Hours

TONIGHT, March 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Cafe Med By Bice, 2096 NE 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Rally to support Hillsboro Lighthouse

Saturday, March 24, 1 to 4 p.m.            

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Civic groups and elected officials unite in support of preserving status quo with regard to operation of 105-year-old landmark. 954-942-2102.

Boca Green Market

Saturday, March 24, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Palm Place, (S. Federal Hwy. & S. Mizner Blvd.), Boca Raton, FL 33432

Locally-grown produce, bakery items, plants and flowers and much more. 561-299-8684.

Deerfield Green Market – “Pets Are the Best”

Sunday, March 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Cove Shopping Center, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Gourmet pet food custom blends, raw/ organic pet food, Parrot food. There will be three big red McCaws and a pig, an artist and photographer who do pet portraits, pet origami and more. Only one more green market this season: April 1. 954-480-4430 or www.DeerfieldBeachGreenMarket.com.

• Community Presbyterian, Steeple On the Beach, now has its own booth at the Green Market. Stop by!

Annual Organ Prelude Recital

Sunday, March 25, 10:30 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church, 1920 SE 5 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Jeffrey Donahue, director of Music/Organist, will present selected works of Bach, Albinoni and Buxtehude. The community is welcome and admission is free. Freewill offering available. 954-427-0222. www.communitych.org.

Dixieland/Hot Jazz Session

Sunday, March 25, 1 to 4 p.m.

Henry’s Hideaway, 1500 S. Andrews Ave., Pompano Beach, Florida 33069

Presented by the Hot Jazz & Alligator Gumbo Society. Admission $10. 954-563-5390 or 561-394-0269.

Tedder Neighborhood Watch

Monday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.

Parkway Methodist Church, 100 NE 44 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

BSO Chief Pete Sudler will address neighborhood concerns and County Commissioner Chip LaMarca will talk about small business development. 954-781-0470.

Elks card party

Tuesday, March 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Elks Club, 700 NE 10 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Held by Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove 142. Open to the public. Bring your table of friends or group. $4 includes dessert and coffee. 561-479-2002 for reservations.

N. Broward Democratic Club meets

Wednesday, March 28, 7:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Representative Franklin Sands 2012 Legislative wrap up. Free and open to public.  Refreshments served. Call Joanne Goodwin, 954-783-8232.