| September, 2018

Bucks crush Colts, 55-6

Posted on 27 September 2018 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

Juniors Jaylan Knighton and Derohn King helped make quick work of host Coral Springs as nationally ranked Deerfield Beach rolled past the Colts, 55-6 at James Caldwell Stadium.

They came out and excited very well and made the most of the short time they played,” said Deerfield Beach coach Jevon Glenn, whose team is ranked 37th nationally by MaxPreps. “They both only played the first half as we were up 49-6.”

The Bucks, which face Taravella this week, have outscored the opposition 174-46 this season and host No. 2 St. Thomas Aquinas on Oct. 5. The teams have split their past four meetings with the Raiders winning 14-0 last year. Glenn was pleased with his team’s effort against the Colts.

We did what we were supposed to do,” Glenn said. “I was pleased with our execution and was happy to get the backups and young guys a chance to play the entire second half.”

King was 11 for 17 passing for 153 yards and five TDs in one half of action. He has 12 TDs in his last four games. Knighton had 10 carries for 239 yards and two scores.

Szklany repeats as Sunshine State Conference Runner of the Week

Embry-Riddle cross country’s Ryan Szklany earned his second straight Sunshine State Conference Runners of the Week award.

Szklany set a personal-best for the Eagles at the Mountain Dew Invitational, hosted by the University of Florida.

Szklany, a freshman from Lighthouse Point, etched his name into the ERAU men’s cross-country record books with a time of 24:51.6, becoming the seventh-fastest runner in program history. Szklany’s time of 24:51.6 put him ninth overall and made him the top non-DI finisher. Szklany helped lead the Eagles to the non-D1 team title, making the Blue and Gold 2-for-2 in 2018.

Szklany finished third overall in his first-ever collegiate race, leading the Eagles to the team title when he clocked a 26:26.41.

Teammate Sarah Edens also earned her second straight Sunshine State Conference Runner of the Week award when she ran the third-fastest time in program history, a 17:30.69, bettering her previous career-best time by nearly a minute (18:22.61 at Sand Shark Invitational – Oct. 22, 2016).

HCA Family Fitness Day planned

Highlands Christian Academy is planning its annual Family Fun Fitness day for Saturday, Oct. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

They will have vendors and assorted challenges. They will have a 20-minute fitness class starting at 10:15 a.m. followed by a 20-minute walk/run at 11:10 a.m. The event will close with challenge winners being announced at 11:30 a.m.

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FLICKS: The next generation of A Star is Born, Connie Francis, James Keach and others to visit FLIFF 2018

Posted on 27 September 2018 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Earlier this year, it was announced that there was going to be a remake of Scarface. There was wailing and gnashing of teeth for some critics, who thought the Al Pacino/Steven Bauer film was such a classic. What current film critics overlook is that the 1983 version was a remake of the Paul Muni/George Raft classic of 1932. Given the contrast of time and the gangster culture, perhaps it is time for another Scarface to reflect the culture of today.

With much Oscar buzz already, A Star is Born opens officially Oct. 5. This is the 4th adaptation of this story since 1937 and each time A Star is Born has been an Oscar contender. This time, Bradley Cooper (who also directs) and Lady Gaga portray the roles that have been portrayed by Frederick March & Mitzi Gaynor, Judy Garland and James Mason, and Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, respectively. The story is simple, entertaining and romantically tragic.

Before passing the torch to the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF), Savor Cinema will be hosting a unique birthday party for Mark Ferman this Friday, Sept. 28. A co-host for Popcorn Frights and Film Junkies, Ferman will host a screening of the Bruce Lee Classic Enter the Dragon. Prior to the screening, the award-winning Box of Chaco’s food truck will serve Asian dishes.

FLIFF has announced their opening night film at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for Friday, Nov. 2. A French farce with English subtitles, Return of the Hero stars Melanie Laurent and Jean Dujardin. Dujardin was introduced to the FLIFF filmgoers in 2011 when The Artist premiered, a film that went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture with Dujardin earning the Best Actor Award.

FLIFF has survived as a three decade old film festival because it balances the modern with the traditional. There will be a Florida emphasis this November with screenings of Caddyshack and Where the Boys Are. Known for singing the signature song, Connie Francis is expected to host the pool party at the Westin Ft. Lauderdale resort on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Other celebs are slated to appear at the fest too. (More on that soon).

James Keach will be one guest. He will be at the fest Nov. 14-15 and will screen his documentary Turning Point, a film about science being unpredictable. His last documentary was I’ll Be Me, about Glen Campbell’s last tour while battling Alzheimer’s Disease. A James Keach production usually garners award notice.

The brother of Stacy Keach, James Keach has produced the award-winning Johnny Cash bio picture, Walk the Line, and directed numerous television shows. James also costarred with his brother (along with the Carradine Brothers, the Guest Brothers and the Quaid Brothers) in the Western The Long Riders. James and Stacey Keach portrayed Jessie and Frank James, respectively. For more information, visit www.flicks.com.

 

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 27 September 2018 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

Sept. 11: A woman reported that she left her pink beach bag at 400 N. Ocean Dr. while she and her boyfriend went paddleboarding. When they returned, they found the bag had been stolen. It contained two iPhones valued at $1,000 each and a credit card.

Sept. 11: A woman reported that someone stole her vehicle tag at 498 NW 3 Way.

Sept. 11: The owner of Ted Conner Landscaping said lawn equipment was stolen from his trailer at 2371 SW 15 St.

Sept. 15: Someone entered a vehicle parked at 401 S. Powerline Rd. and stole a bookbag, shoes, shorts and a scooter key.

Sept. 15: Someone broke into a vehicle parked at 71 SE 21 Ave. and stole a purse with a passport and debit card.

Lighthouse Point

Sept. 8: The store manager observed a male subject leave the store pushing a shopping cart with clothing. The subject was located behind a nearby bank getting into a vehicle and the property was recovered.

Sept. 5: A local resident found a Labrador Retriever at 3280 NE 31 Ave. and held it until the owner was located.

Sept. 3: The store manager observed a male subject pushing a shopping cart with items and left the store at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. without paying. The subject left in a vehicle. However, police conducted a traffic stop and the property, valued at $247.23 was recovered.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Posted on 27 September 2018 by LeslieM

RE: Cleanliness of beach

Dear editor,

In regard to the [Letter to the Editor] that Brian Prang wrote in last Thursday’s Observer (Sept. 20), I disagree with him about the beaches in Deerfield Beach. [He thought they were dirty]. I find them to be very clean. I am sure a lot of people will agree with me! I am wondering why he would say this! The beaches are very clean in Florida and in Deerfield Beach.

Mary Frances

Deerfield Beach, FL

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 27 September 2018 by LeslieM

Fall Yard Sale

Saturday, Sept. 29, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saint Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Inside & air-conditioned. All kinds of wonderful items. Priced to sell. It will also be held Oct. 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 954-695-0336.

Regular City Commission Meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.

City Commission Chambers

City Hall Complex

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For additional information, call 954-480-4201.

Meet Local Candidates Forum

Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.

Emma Lou Olsen Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Candidates for Pompano Beach Mayor and Commission seats will be attending to share their platform and plans for the city. Many other candidates will also be attending to meet one-on-one with voters. Event is free.

Education Advisory Board Meeting

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m.

Hillsboro Community Center

50 Hillsboro Technology Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

All interested persons are urged to attend the Educational Advisory Board meeting, send a representative, or express their views by letter. Any person requiring auxiliary aids and services for this meeting may contact the City Clerk’s Office 24 hours prior to the meeting at 954-480-4213. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by using the following numbers: 1-800-955-8770 or 1-800-955-8771. For more information, contact Suzan Scott at 954-480-6420 or sscott@deerfield-beach.com

Cybersecurity Seminar

Thursday, Oct. 4, 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Wyndham Deerfield Beach Hotel

2096 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hosted by the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce. join cybersecurity expert Michael Goldstein for a discussion about the latest threats, the “classic” we still fall for and the future of hacking. Michael will chase insider information on a broad range of topics that include recently discovered threats that can affect all your devices, from your computer to your car, pervasive methods hackers use to access your private information and what the future looks like for our connected lives. Members are $25 and non-members are $30. To register, visit https://deerfieldchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/4550

Save the Date:

Yard Sale

Saturday, Oct. 6, 8 a.m. to noon

First Christian Day School (Parking Lot)

1860 NE 39 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Vintage Sale: Children’s books, toys, household items, clothes & plants. Support early
education & children.

80s Party”

Saturday, Oct. 6, 8 to 11 p.m.

The Tipperary Pub (in The Cove)

1540 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, 33441

Dress up and come have a beer or some good grub at this event. Listen to tunes by It Takes Two. Also Save the Date for their famous Bearman’s Pig Roast on Oct. 21. For more info., call 954-421-9769.

Dunn’s Run

Sunday, Oct. 7, 7:30 a.m.

Starts by Main Beach Parking Lot

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This is the 22nd year for this popular 5K Walk & Run, 5 Mile Run that benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs. Register to run or walk today. This is such a fun day for participants and spectators! Pick up packets at 2 Georges at The Cove, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1754 SE 3 Ct. in The Cove, or at Jersey Mike’s on Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2350 N. Federal Hwy., Ste. 102 in Pompano Beach. The first 1500 people at packet pickups get a free Dri-Fit running shirt (pre-registration or on race day). All participants over 21 get a free beer after the race (ID required). Panera Bread will have breakfast items for everyone that day. Mascots will be available for photo ops. There will be a silent auction, kids fun run, a DJ pumping out music, vendor booths to explore and more. Get all the info. at www.dunnsrun.com.

The Pompano Beach Garden Club meeting

Monday, Oct. 8, 12:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Meeting is open to the public. The program will be “Garden Art Demonstration” by Joyce Rosselli. For more information, call 954-253-9938.

Celebrate Florida Native Plant Month

Monday, Oct. 8, 1 to 4 p.m.

The Garden Club of Lighthouse Point

Dixon Hall

2220 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Open and free to the public. There will be a presentation on How to use Native Species Wildflowers in Urban Landscaping. Guest speaker will be Richard Brownscombe, president of Broward County Chapter Florida Native Plant Society. For more information, call Caroline Steffen at 201-566-7181.

Lunch Leaders Enterprise Group Open House

Tuesday, Oct. 9, noon to 1:30 p.m.

Bobby Rubino’s

2501 N. Federal Hwy,

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Build professional, long-lasting relationships, lock out your competition. One business profession per group. Generate business referrals. Conduct business with people you know, like and trust. Free to join. (Just pay for breakfast/ lunch). Visit them all…Choose one you like – This is part of your membership! No charge. Cash Bar, Lite bites. RSVP Mandatory: email mmiccoli@pompanobeachchamber.com.

Medicare Workshop — What You Need to Know

Wednesday, Oct. 10, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Center for Active Aging

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This informational session is open to the public. The speaker will cover Medicare parts and supplement plans.

10th Annual Halloween Horse Show & Fair

Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sand & Spurs Equestrian Park

1600 NE 5 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Bring the family. Costume parade for all ages (on foot), costume contest on horseback, food for purchase, pony rides, carnival games, bounce house, face painting, hay rides and arts & crafts. Food proceeds to benefit U Can Ride Therapeutic Sessions. Children 10 & under are free. $1 admission fee for 10 & up.

Miles for Smiles 2018

Saturday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m. (check-in) to noon

Pompano Community Park

1660 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Last year, they raised over $50,000 for medical, educational, therapeutic and recreational care provided to infants, children and young adults. This year, they hope to raise even more. Race starts at 9 a.m. Stick around after the race to enjoy free food, awards, family fun activities, community vendors, raffles and more! Early bird registration ends Sunday, Sept. 30 at 11:30 p.m. General Admission ends Thursday, Nov. 1 at 11:30 p.m. Participants will receive a walk-bag and T-shirt upon check-in. Grab your friends, family, and coworkers to create your team! There will be prizes for the largest team fundraiser! Walkers, runners, joggers, wheelchairs, strollers and well-behaved pets are welcome. Can’t make it, but still want to donate, be a sponsor or just need some more information? Give them a call at 954-295-4910, or e-mail myrnam@bcckids.org.

Pompano Beach Sr. High School Reunion

Class of 1968

Friday, Sept. 28 to Sunday, Sept. 30

This is the weekend for all the fun. It is the Golden 50th Reunion Weekend for the class of 1968. Alumni, contact Cherryl Cook at cherryl.cook1050@att.net for details.

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CLERGY CORNER: Follow the instructions

Posted on 27 September 2018 by LeslieM

Most adults have likely felt the frustration of attempting to assemble something without following the instructions. A child’s toy, a bicycle or even a small appliance may seem easy to put together, but if there are extra pieces laying around afterwards or it doesn’t function properly, we must usually pull out the manual or instruction sheet to determine where we went wrong. In some cases, we may have to start all over again. Life is full of scenarios where we need the wisdom of guidance and directions. The doctor’s prescription outlines what medicine we should take, when we should take it, and in what amount. Traffic laws exist to help us navigate the roads and highways safely. Career-specific training enables us to effectively fulfill the expectations of the job and our employer.

Many people have wished that life came with an instruction manual. Couldn’t we all use a set of directions that guided our decision-making, helped us to avoid disaster, and positioned us for getting the best out of our relationships? There are all sorts of guides and manuals that offer tips for attaining success, making more money, solving relationship issues and so on. I would question if any of them could truly be considered a life-manual, however. That designation would have to be reserved for a set of instructions that speak to every area of life, not just one, two or a few. Thankfully, one does exist in the form of what we call the bible or God’s word.

Believers understand that the Scriptures reveal the principles and practices that govern our relationship with our Creator. He has communicated to us how He purposed that we should live, and what we can expect from Him. Often referred to as a covenant relationship, our interaction with God is outlined in the instructions, commands, practices and promises of the bible.

The blessings and benefits that He offers are given to us in return for our worship and obedience. That may sound archaic and bizarre to those who believe they can live according to their own way and get everything they want out of life. Reality has proven, however, that we need guidelines, directions and instructions on this journey. Too many people have come to ruin by attempting to do it their way, ignoring the guidance of God or others.

King Solomon long ago warned, “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death(Proverbs 14:12 NASB).

The New Testament (covenant) offers guidance through the teachings of Jesus and His disciples. They show us how to honor God, live harmoniously with each other, and find fulfillment in life. Do you want to get along better with others? Try forgiveness (Matthew 6:14) and love (Matthew 5:44). Do you desire less stress in life? Trust God and stop worrying (Matthew 6:25). Does your marriage need help? Try mutual love and respect as God prescribes (Ephesians 5:33). Do you need to do a better job at managing the difficulties of life? Try viewing them as beneficial tests (James 1:2-3). Do you want to be a better leader? Live an exemplary life before those who follow you (1 Peter 5:3).

God’s word teaches us how to live humbly, compassionately, and faithfully. It speaks to us about proper ordering of our priorities and shows how we can govern our selfish desires. Its relevance is not just for preparation for the next life but in practical guidance for existing in this world. All of us will struggle to find peace, comfort and balance in life. We will all occasionally make mistakes and face obstacles. God’s word is there to assist us through all of life’s nuances guiding us to true fulfillment. We must learn to read it, trust it, practice it and apply it. We must simply choose to follow its instructions.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

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Robinson honored; Deerfield Beach tops Ely, 46-0

Posted on 20 September 2018 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri, Correspondent

Former Deerfield Beach High and University of Michigan quarterback Denard “Shoelace” Robinson was all smiles as his No. 16 jersey was retired at halftime at the annual McDougle Bowl.

By then, current Deerfield Beach quarterback Derohn King had tossed touchdown passes on the first three series of the game as the Bucks seized a 32-0 halftime lead and coasted to a 46-0 win over neighborhood rival Blanche Ely on Saturday night.

I am blessed to get my jersey retired,” said the 27-year-old Robinson, a 2009 Deerfield Beach grad who played collegiately at the University of Michigan and played from 2013-16 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He became just the second Bucks player to have his jersey retired joining Stockar McDougle in the exclusive club. McDougle had his jersey retired in 2005.

This is my community and I always come back and give back and they always show me love,” he added. “They ain’t going to wait until I am dead.they showed me love now and I appreciate it.”

King, a junior who transferred from Piper, threw scoring passes of 57 yards to Donte Banton, 23 yards to Deajaun McDougle and 68 yards to Bryce Gowdy. Vgor Fiuza connected on a 35-yard field goal and Jaylan Knighton added a 1-yard run for a 32-0 lead with 1:51 left in the half for the state’s top-ranked Class 8A team by Associated Press and the nation’s 24th ranked team by MaxPreps. King has tossed seven TD passes in the past two weeks.

Knighton added a 43-yard scoring run on the first series of the third quarter to up the lead to 38-0 and force a running clock. Miles Dickens recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown with 2:50 remaining for the final margin. Knighton also had a strong game with 16 carries for 148-yards.

Deerfield Beach (4-0) leads the series against Blanche Ely 22-16, winning the last seven times after Ely (1-3) was able to win three consecutive games from 2009-11. The Bucks, who won last year’s contest 55-8, have outscored the Tigers 240-41 during that span.

In certain points in games like this, we need to play against ourselves,” Deerfield coach Jevon Glenn said. “This was a game of importance because it’s a neighborhood rivalry.”

Deerfield Beach wasted little time in taking a 7-0 lead as King found senior wide receiver Banton on a 57-yard scoring toss on the game’s third play with 10:50 left in the first quarter. It was the only score the Bucks needed.

Retired NFL players and brothers Stockar and Jerome McDougle have hosted the McDougle Bowl for seven years. Stockar McDougle (1996 Deerfield Beach grad) and Jerome McDougle (1997 Blanche Ely grad) are also heavily involved in the community.

They typically handed out $1,000 scholarships to the MVPs from each team for the game; however, this year, they decided to donate the money to Blanche Ely sophomore Wilbens Morissaint, who is making progress in rehab after suffering a severe neck and back injury in a high school football game in August.

The Bucks finished 8-3 last season and was an upset loser to Western in the first round of the Class 8A playoffs.

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FLICKS: Museo & Love, Gilda

Posted on 20 September 2018 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Museo and Love, Gilda open this weekend. While both are diverse movies, both movies present pure drama with a touch of comedy, a dose of thrills and maybe a few tears.

A hit at the Berlin Film Festival, Museo is a film with international acclaim set in Mexico. It is the holiday season and Juan Nunez (Gael Garcia Bernal) is bored with simmering anger. Observing the lax security at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, Juan recruits his friend Benjamin (Leonardo Ortizgris) to rob the museum on Christmas Eve.

With relative ease, Juan and Benjamin steal over 140 treasures and artifacts. The heist becomes an international sensation in 1985, for many of the stolen objects are priceless artifacts from the Mayan culture. Due to the notoriety of the crime, the young criminals have a hard time trying to fence the objects for payment.

Unlike the film noir conventions of The Asphalt Jungle or Heist, Museo presents a travel log of adventure. The stolen artifacts are presented as shimmering treasures that are misused by the crooks. One scene of debauchery features Juan drinking alcohol from a cup that may have been used by Montezuma. Montezuma’s revenge is not presented, but Museo reaches a thought-provoking and satisfying climax.

RE: Love, Gilda — It was post Halloween in 1975 and Channel 12 WPEC presented too many commercial interruptions of Son of Frankenstein on Creature Feature. Frustrated, I switched the dial and tried this new show, Saturday Night Live. Candice Bergen was the guest star, with a new cast of unknowns (known as The Not Ready for Prime Time Players). Among the unknowns, there was Gilda Radner, who appeared both vulnerable and tough enough to take a funny pratfall.

Gilda Radner died a month short of her 43rd birthday from Ovarian Cancer and young people today may just know her because a sick relative may visit Gilda’s Club for comfort. However, this new documentary, Love Gilda, presents videos of what made this comedian so successful, respected and loved.

Through home movies, we see a chubby girl from a well-to-do Jewish family in Detroit. Using comedy as a defense for her insecurities, Gilda becomes the class clown and excels in performing. Moving to Canada, Gilda finds work on the musical Godspell (despite her initial inability to sing) and is noticed by the Second City and National Lampoon comedy troupes. Using her personal diary as a narrative thread, Love Gilda is not just a celebration of her life. Through laughter, Love Gilda shows how one can achieve victory over his or her own mortality.

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 20 September 2018 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

Sept. 3: It was reported that a computer drive valued at $150 and a portable GPS valued at $130 were stolen from Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Sept. 4: It was reported that a man broke into a vehicle parked at 501 SE 6 Ave. He stole a bag with a wallet. Later the man used a credit card contained in the wallet to purchase Nike shoes valued at $203 and used the credit card to make purchases at Circle K.

Sept. 4: A man reported that his vehicle, a Lincoln MKX, was stolen from a driveway at 1808 Flamingo Pl. The man had left the car there while taking a trip.

Sept. 4: A woman reported that her home at 959 SE 2 Ave. was entered and jewelry valued at $9,620 and an iPhone 6 were stolen.

Sept. 7: It was reported that a woman stole $400 worth of merchandise from Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Lighthouse Point

Aug. 30: Police responded to a hit on a stolen tag and located the vehicle at 3580 N. Federal Hwy. with two subjects inside. When police approached the vehicle they noticed a strong odor of cannabis coming from the inside. A search of the vehicle turned up a pipe used for methamphetamine and a bag containing marijuana. They were taken into custody.

Aug. 30: A public works employee notified police that he observed numerous $1 bills on the roadway at 3700 N. Federal Hwy. The employee said the bills were near a Mustang vehicle and the owner said that he had just discovered a large amount of money was missing from his vehicle and was able to claim the money.

Aug. 29: The victim said she parked her vehicle at 3120 N. Federal Hwy. and went inside the business. When she returned, she discovered her papers on the front passenger seat were thrown about. Nothing appeared to be missing.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

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PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE: The Deerfield Beach gun debate

Posted on 20 September 2018 by LeslieM

(Oops, did I say guns? I meant straws…)

By Dana Eller

One last thought on the “straw law” that the city passed at its Sept. 17 commission meeting. The argument for banning straws is no different than the argument for banning guns. The argument goes something like this… The problem is not with people, it’s with objects. Get rid of the offensive object and the results will be different.

Of course, we all know the argument for the second amendment, “Guns don’t kill people; people kill people.” From my perspective, isn’t it the same with straws? I don’t know who’s dumping their straws in the ocean, but my guess is those “people” don’t care much about Deerfield’s straw law.

Trying to do something good for our environment and the ocean by working to get the city to agree to a ban on plastic straws at local restaurants makes people “feel good.” The bigger question is what’s next? What other ideas can the city (or a group of passionate citizens) come up with in a futile attempt at changing human behavior by banning or restricting our use of an object, the use of which is already legal, but the abuse of it (litter in this case)… is already illegal (littering)?

It’s the small concessions we make for a good cause that, in the end, lead to easier acceptances of even greater limits and laws regulating our freedoms and choices in the future (or, in this case, flexibility… If you’ve ever tried to bend a paper straw, you’ll know what I mean). [Editor’s note: There are bendable paper straws available, along with many other sizes of straws].

We salute the nine citizens who took the time to speak out at the city commission meeting in favor of the ban. I just wish the other 77,000 residents of our city, and the other 1474 restaurants in Deerfield (according to Yelp), would pay more attention to how easily things we take for granted (maybe carelessly) can be so easily and quickly ripped from our mouths and legislated away.

In the meantime, six months from now, prepare for BSO to be writing tickets to distributors, stores and restaurants in the City of Deerfield Beach with a citation to appear in court if they don’t comply. (Read the law for yourself, it would be laughable if it wasn’t true). Our commission is ok with [Medical] Marijuana being able to be purchased legally about two blocks from Deerfield Beach Elementary school, but not plastic straws. [See story on marijuana next week]. As Commissioner Joe Miller says, “Kids learning that plastic straws are not good is wisdom.”

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