DOT Officials plan to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the span at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Apr 10. By 11 a.m. Cars should be cruising across the bridge. it is going to be a little tricky with the speed limits. Here is the deal: When you are heading  into Broward southbound the speed is 40, then somewhere on the bridge just before you hit the lights at Hillsboro it changes to 35. Northound into Palm Beach it will be 40 all the way.  Pay attention.

The $39.5 million, four-lane bridge carries Dixie over the Florida East Coast Railway, several Deerfield Beach streets and the Hillsboro Canal.

Broward and Palm Beach counties received federal economic stimulus money to pay for the construction.

Officials say they pushed for the span to eliminate a bottleneck where Dixie narrowed to two lanes through Deerfield Beach and crossed the tracks. They say it will ease travel between the two counties and serve as a hurricane evacuation route.

A smaller bridge was built to carry Northeast Second Avenue over the canal. That bridge, which has been carrying two-way traffic, will become one-way southbound after the flyover opens and serve as a ramp for southbound Dixie drivers coming from Boca who want to go to downtown Deerfield Beach or Pioneer Park.

Although the flyover is finished, the entire project won’t be completed until June.

Workers still have to install street lights, signs and landscaping, paint the bridge and put down permanent lane striping and a final layer of asphalt.

After the flyover opens, the intersection of Northeast Second Avenue and Second Street will close for about four weeks while it is rebuilt with brick pavers.

Observer TV will be the first video at full speed crossing the bridge.

The Community Redevelopment Meeting (CRA) that was scheduled on Tuesday, April 10 has been rescheduled tentatively for Tuesday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. Any questions, please call 954-480-4222.

I came late to K-cups and I’m not talking about brassieres. K-cups is the not-so-new-craze in single coffee-making originated by the Keurig coffee maker.

I hope I won’t be handcuffed for this, but I am not much of a coffee drinker.

Recently, however, at the home of a friend – mixing after lunch with about a dozen people, we were offered coffee – one at a time.  Regular? Decaf?  Hazelnut? French Vanilla?  Etc. One at a time … so many choices.

One at a time. In this instance, it took what seemed like forever for all of us to get the coffee of our choice, although the hostess, busy “manning” the machine, assured each of us that it only takes a few seconds as we stood in line waiting for our cup of choice. Right!  One cup only. If we wanted a second, it just wasn’t worth the trouble. Yes, I know. She could well have made a single large pot, but she chose single individual … one at a time … choice.

And that got me to thinking about the duality this presents. What a schizophrenic society this is. How very much we are into “singleness,” and yet how we reach out for “groupness.”

We talk on our cell phones, privately. No one else picks up MY phone. We huddle alone at the computer (or smart phone or iPad) and privately communicate by e-mail, text, and whatever new cyber connector appears almost daily. We “Facebook” with the world – alone. Even as we “link in,” we do it alone.

Our smart phones provide us with total connectedness, even as we experience it while alone. And we can opt for our coffee maker to brew, in a second, one cup of our choice. The dichotomy of this seemingly seamless blending of singleness, while operating within a group, is a phenomenon that probably will be researched by social scientists into the next millennium. What does it mean for society?

The collective unconscious has fallen into a complex state of duality. I am reminded of the words to an old Jimmy Durante song: “Did you ever have the feeling that you wanted to go – and still have the feeling that you wanted to stay?”

It seems that in our new social contract, people have the feeling that they “vant to be alone,” while they still have the feeling that they want to be part of a group. And, indeed, we cannot be sure if the new technology is a response to that need – or if the new technology gave us permission to pursue what had merely been a dormant yearning. But it is more and more apparent that – alone, we are connected. And, in that “connection,” the 21st Century now gives us such a basketful of choices on every level of our knowable life that it allows us to maintain a certain emotional distance, while still finding ourselves “engaging” in what some people have called “sterile” relationships.

I know I am not the first person to take note of this. My grandkids’ generation will be working on it long after I’m gone. Meanwhile, enjoy your K-cup.

DEERFIELD BEACH

March 29 A business at 100 S. Military Trail #11 was broken into by smashing the front window. 13 cartons of cigarettes, lottery tickets, $61 in coins and telephone cards were stolen. Total loss was $652.

March 31 A woman reported that her home at 2056 Woodlake Circle was entered and her belongings gone through. She did not know if anything had been stolen.

March 31 A man reported that his friend, a woman, stole his car. He was able to contact the woman, who said she would return the car. But the car has not been returned. Incident was reported at 1460 SW 3 Terr.

March 31 A man was sharing a room with another man at Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach, 950 SE 21 Ave. When he woke up, he realized that his roommate had stolen several iPhones and his wallet.

April 1 A woman reported that while she was shopping at Publix at 1337 S. Military Trail, her wallet was stolen from her purse.

April 1 A woman reported that someone entered her home at 2962 Waterford Dr. and stole a gold chain necklace with three diamonds valued at about $400. She believes her brother may have taken the necklace.

April 1 A man reported that his apartment at 490 Jefferson Dr., Unit 102 was burglarized. He reported the loss of two flat-screen televisions, one motorcycle, four school books and a gun.

April 1 A man was involved in a rollover car accident at 300 SE 6 St. The driver told a witness he had cocaine in the car. A bag of cocaine was found in the car. The man was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Crime Stoppers Alert – Surveillance cameras in a Deerfield Beach Dunkin’ Donuts captured clear images of a man with a T-shirt or cloth wrapped around his hand who demanded money from the cashier. Broward Sheriff’s Office robbery detectives are asking for the public’s help identifying this criminal, who calmly took the money from the employee’s hand and left the restaurant around 9:40 p.m. Feb. 27 at 3390 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach. He was wearing dark pants and sneakers, a black, long-sleeved athletic shirt with white piping and a tan cap with writing on the front. Video is available on www.sheriff.org. Anyone with information is asked to contact BSO Det. Cody Gill at 954-321-4270. Or report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Broward County at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at www.
browardcrimestoppers.org.

March 29 Residential burglary was reported in Deer Creek on N. Emerald Way between 6 and 6:30 p.m. An audible alarm was dispatched for this location. Upon arrival, neighbor was on scene. The front side light window was smashed out. A laptop computer and other unknown items were taken. Owners left the house at 6 p.m.. Attempts to reach the homeowners by telephone were negative. Scene was processed.

March 29 Burglary to a business took place at Computer Direct, 3318 W. Hillsboro Blvd. at 3 a.m. Deputy viewed smashed window and alarm sounding to business. Papa unit and K9 were on scene. Subjects gone on arrival. East metal gate inside business protecting glass was left unsecured. Cash register and possibly computers targeted. Scene was processed.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

March 22 It was reported that a home at 3900 NE 26 Ave. (owned by Bank of America due to a repossession) was entered and a refrigerator and stove were stolen. A number of realtors had been showing the house. It is unknown who might have taken the appliances.

March 23 A man reported that he was involved in an altercation with his roommate. The man spent a brief time in jail. He reported that when he returned, he found that six checks had been taken, forged and uttered at the Check Cashing Store. He believes his roommate took the checks. Loss was $1,570. Incident was reported at 2141 NE 42 St.

RE: Lighting up that intersection

Dear Editor:

How does one put a price on a human life?

Thetus Fleming, age 22, was killed in a hit-and-run accident  on Hillsboro Boulevard [east of MLK].

Anyone who travels that route will have to admit that the lighting in the evening hours is substandard at best. A left-turn signal was denied by FDOT. Why didn’t the city pursue the second alternative, which was to increase the lighting at that intersection? Lack of funding is not an acceptable response when someone has been killed.

When the CRA finished The Cove Shopping Center, they neglected to provide the outlets on the poles for lighting the complex for the holidays. They had to purchase a [circuit board] that has as its sole purpose lighting a Christmas tree. More important than a human life?

There are FPL light polls at the MLK intersection, and the requirement for additional lighting would be also adding transformers and lights. The cost for such a project would be anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000.

Where should the money come from for the transformers and lights at MLK?

The city is assessing users of electricity as a result of the passage of the utility tax. That tax should generate approximately $4.9 million by the end of the fiscal year. We heard that the public service [= utility] tax was to be used to reduce the millage by 1 mill. That would only have required $4,622,065, but the budget added $6,201,100 as the combined income from the water and electric assessments.

If it is necessary to maintain those figures in the budget, and the city is complaining about not getting the $1.2 million from the employees, then the next step would be to use the $2 million savings from the BSO merger. That money was never part of the adopted budget, but is supposed to come to the city by the end of this fiscal year.

Don’t tell the taxpayers that a human life in the city of Deerfield is not worth an expenditure of $3,000 to $5,000 to light up that intersection like a Christmas tree.

Jean Robb

Deerfield Beach

Maundy – Thursday

Thursday, April 5, 7 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary

1950 SE 5 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

“The Service of Darkness;” Rev. Dr. Dennis Andrews will lead a short meditative worship service. Easter weekend: Regular Saturday at Six worship service is April 7 at 6 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 8, will offer a casual 8:30 a.m. service,  traditional service at 11 a.m. (hand bell choir performs). Look for the Easter Bunny. Egg hunt at 9:45 a.m. 954-427-0222.

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday, April 5, 8 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 Hillsboro Blvd.,Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

This hunt is for kids 7-14 years old. Bring your flashlights. Search the park for 7500 prize-filled eggs. Special eggs get prizes. Refreshments after. 954-480-4494. www.Deerfield-Beach.com

Public Procession of the Cross

Friday, April 6, 3 p.m.

At 2:30 p.m., gather at Dunkin Donuts (NW corner of Federal Hwy & NE 33 St.). Public Procession of a 6 ft. cross will stop periodically for the Stations of the Cross, a 1-mile trek from Federal Hwy., along Sample Rd., to St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 1111 NE 36 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064.

Followed by Good Friday service and adoration of the cross or enter hall for refreshments. 954-942-5887.

Egg-Stravaganza

Friday, April 6, 6 p.m.

Westside Park

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Ages 10 and under, ages divided. Over 5,000 candy-filled eggs. Prizes given for “special eggs.” 954-480-4481.

Children’s Easter Pageant

Saturday, April 7, 5 p.m.

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church

140 SE 28 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Egg hunt, butterfly release and service for the young and young at heart. Followed by reception. 954-941-4843. www.stmartinchurch.org.

Annual Easter Egg Run

Saturday, April 7, 10 a.m.

Deerfield Middle School Athletics Complex

501 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Over 8,000 eggs. For ages 10 and under, ages divided. Prizes for special eggs. 954-480-4429.

Pompano Easter on the beach

Sunday, April 8, 6:45 a.m.

Pompano Pier Parking Lot

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Sponsored by Kiwanis Club. Seating provided. Guest speaker: Pastor Brad Jones of City Church Pompano. Music by Bob Terch, First Baptist Church, Pompano Beach. 954-942-8108.

Easter brunch

Sunday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deerfield Country Club’s Bella Vista

50 Fairway Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

New ownership of restaurant. Omelet station, carving station, seafood station, salads, dessert station and more. Adults: $22, Children 12 & under: $12.95. Plus tax & gratuity.
Reservations recommended. 954-427-4400.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Exciting news for locals – The 17th Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF) will have many events right here in Boca Raton at the Mizner Cultural Arts Centre.

Highlights of the festival include June Lockhart, an actress since the 1930s, receiving a Lifetime Achievement award in West Palm Beach.

In 1938, Lockhart made her screen debut in A Christmas Carol, playing one of the Cratchit children. Her real parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, played Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit.

In the 1950s, she was Lassie’s mommy and, in the 1960s, she was the matriarch in “Lost in Space.”

In the 1970s, she smashed sexual stereotypes by portraying a medical doctor on Petticoat Junction. Still active on the independent film circuit, she will be screening her latest film at PBIFF, Zombie Hamlet, which co-stars Shelley (Cheers) Long.

Speaking of Hamlet, Alex Hyde-White directs and stars in Three Days (of Hamlet), a documentary about a stage production of Hamlet. In three days, he confronts actors and the ghost of his own father, British Character actor Wilfrid Hyde-White.

This year, PBIFF will present some good documentaries. Be on the lookout for the following films:

• 7 Years Underground: A 60s Tale, which pre-dates Woodstock, is a documentary about Café Au Go Go and features unseen footage of stars like Lenny Bruce and Cass Elliot as a waitress in Greenwich Village.

• In Cartoon College, young people go to cartoon college in New Hampshire to become the next Walt Disney or Robert Crumb. This documentary features endearing students, some with learning disabilities, and caring teachers who love their craft.

• Los Dioses De Verdad Tienen Huesos (True Gods Have Bones) shows young doctors trying to move people from Guinea Bissau, an impoverished environment, to Europe, only to have their mercy mission bogged down by bureaucratic red tape.

• The Lost Bird Project features the wood sculptures of birds that have become extinct, created by Todd McGrain. These sculptures can be found all over the United States, including one statue in Florida.

• Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story (from Israel) is a documentary about the older brother of the Israel Prime Minister. As the squad leader, Yoni contributed to the raid on Entebbe, circa 1976.

• Totem & Taboo (from Canada) makes its world premier.

• eMANNzipation is a German dark comedy about domestic abuse against men.

Schedule: http://pbiff. festivalgenius.com/2012/schedule/week.

Enjoy your seder or have a Happy Easter!

Zion Lutheran School recently hosted a football combine for high school football players from both Broward and Palm Beach counties. Athletes line up for the 40-yard dash. Submitted photo.

By Gary Curreri

Zion Lutheran School recently hosted a football combine for high school football players from both Broward and Palm Beach counties.

A total of 75 athletes come out from area schools including Deerfield Beach High, Zion Lutheran, Highlands Christian Academy, Coral Springs Christian School, Pope John Paul II, Ely, Piper and Coral Springs Charter.

Event featured testing in the several categories, as well as 7-on-7 passing competition. The players were evaluated by height, weight, reach, vertical leap, shuttle, L-Cone, bench press reps (185-lbs.), 40-yd. dash (laser timing provided by Impact Sports in Boca Raton).

Some of the top performers included Vincent McIntyre (Zion, 2013), who ran a 7.04 second L-Cone, and a 4.36 time in the shuttle; Rylee Hage (Highlands, 2013), who completed 24 reps of 185-lbs. on Bench Press and exhibited a 32-in. vertical jump; Bobby Lentz (Pope John Paul II, 2013) had a 6.84 time in the L-Cone drill, a 4.30 shuttle and a 32-in. vertical jump, while Ryan Davis (Highlands, 2013) had a 4.65 effort in the 40-yd. dash.

“For our first attempt at hosting a combine, I’d say it was a huge success,” said new Zion Lutheran coach Jordan Adair, who previously coached at Highland’s Christian. “The kids and coaches in attendance seemed to be pleased with the opportunity to come out and compete against each other. We know that future combines will only get bigger and better. We plan to host the ZL Combine as an annual event, from here on out.”

There was a charge of $15 per athlete to cover the costs of having a camera person in attendance (to film 7-on-7, and take photos) in addition to purchasing necessary equipment for the combine.

For any interested players or parents on future events, visit www.SouthFlorida Football Academy.com.