| January, 2020

District 4 Saturday Office Hours – Feb. 1, 2020

Posted on 31 January 2020 by JLusk

District 4 Commissioner Todd Drosky is happy to host Saturday office hours, Feb. 1, 2020, at City Hall located at 150 NE 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach. Vice Mayor Drosky will be available to meet with constituents on an appointment basis, between the hours of 10 a.m. to noon.

To schedule an appointment, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 954-480-4263.

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Cool Wheels Car Show

Posted on 30 January 2020 by JLusk

Many classic, antique and sports cars filled Quiet Waters Park for the Cool Wheels Car Show.

By Rachel Galvin
 
One after another, classic and antique cars made their way into Quiet Waters Park to take their place within the Cool Wheels Car Show on Jan. 19. In its 9th year, this show benefits the Young Automotive Training Center (YATC), which helps at-risk kids learn automotive skills as well as academics to be able to graduate and be successful in life no matter what career they take on. This year was bigger than ever with over 1000 cars. Executive Director Terry Routley said, “ We started this show to introduce YATC to the community, who we rely on to help us find jobs so the kids can give back to society.”
 
Something new this year, said Routley, is that Harley Davidson donated a motorcycle to be raffled off. Guests could buy raffle tickets for $10 each with proceeds going to YATC. 

Harley Davidson donated this motorcycle to be given away at the event!

The Solid Brass Band took the stage and three DJs played music as well — Rockin’ Rich, Eugene Reidy and Scott the Music Man.
 

Solid Brass performed at the event.

Denny Shaw, from Asphalt Misfits, showed off his 1934 Ford Coupe with black primer, saying, “I built it from the frame up in my

Denny Shaw, of Asphalt Misfits, built this 1934 For Coupe with black primer from the frame up in his backyard. He has been working on it for three years and hasn’t stopped yet.

backyard. It was upside down. I put it together with fiberglass. I am an A/C guy, not a body man.”
 
He added it took him three years, working every day and he is still working on it. 
 
“Prowler Bill” brought  car from the rare 1999 Shelby series saying there were only 249 made. “He built it from scratch. Carroll Shelby didn’t care about making it pretty; he wanted it to go fast,” he said.
 
He added that  Shelby had an

“Prowler Bill,” from Asphalt Misfits, showed off his vehicle, from the 1999 Shelby series… only 249 were made. The car was built, he said, for speed rather than “being pretty.”

agreement that if he built the 250th, he would have had to pay a lot of money, so he stopped.
 
A BSO helicopter landed and a  SWAT truck was also on display.
COPs helped throughout the event.
 
Terry Nagy, who came for the first time this year and had dressed up for the occasion, posing in 1920s style next to his 1928 Ford Model A car, said, “I love the show. Everybody’s been great. I have three classic cars. I will be attending this from now on.”

Kurt Merolla stands next to his Shark Attack vehicle, part truck, part boat… The boat can be hoisted up to be like the top part of the mouth of a shark

Kurt Merolla brought his shark car, as some at the show were calling it , but it was actually a truck with a boat attached… It is called Shark Attack. This is one of three classic cars he owns. He also has a 1990 Dodge which was in “Mad Max” complete with a  hot tub and a 1933 Jeep Army Truck. He got injured at the show and was wearing a neck brace but he was ok and took it off to take a photo for this reporter.

See more photos from the car show on The Observer’s Facebook page soon! http://www.facebook.com/Observer-Newspaper-118917374853101/

 
 
 
 
 

Made in Thailand and shipped in through Sweden, this “Predator” statue weighs over 800 lbs. and is made from car parts, said Jeffree Turney, who mentioned that the statue has already been sold, but will not be picked up until February. He bought it originally to be part of his annual Christmas card. He modified one of his cars to be a “Predator car” by airbrushing it to sit nearby at car shows, next to a Punisher car. He also brought along a 1825 bicycle.

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Habitat for Humanity dedicates the Bob and Sherry Taylor Park

Posted on 26 January 2020 by JLusk

Bob and Sherry with son Robert Taylor, Jr.

Photos by Barbara Witte

Habitat for Humanity of Broward dedicated the Bob and Sherry Taylor Park which houses the JM Family KaBOOM! Playground and Mary N. Porter Reading Garden on Saturday, Jan. 11 at “A Rick Case Habitat Community” in Pompano Beach.

Pompano Mayor Rex Hardin & Nancy Robin, CEO & Exec. Director of Habitat for Humanity.

Dignitaries at the event included Patricia Williams, State of Florida Representative; Lamar Fisher, Broward County Commissioner; Rex Hardin, Mayor of the City of Pompano Beach (COPB) and Beverly Perkins, City of Pompano Beach Commissioner.

Taylor family with Nancy Robin of Habitat for Humanity.

“When we envisioned this new community, we knew a small park had to be part of the plan. The Taylors, Burdette Beckmann, Inc. (BBi), JM Family Enterprises, the City of Pompano Beach and our families had a vision for this space,” said Nancy Robin, CEO and Executive Director of Habitat Broward. “The Bob and Sherry Taylor Park we dedicated is the result of that vision and our amazing community partners.”

Robert Taylor, Jr. explained how his parents, Bob and Sherry, for whom he named the park, instilled in the family that life was about more than just giving back. “We were taught to ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself’ (Matthew 22:39), and that is what Habitat is all about.” Taylor also acknowledged the hard work and support of his team at BBi.

JM Family was also acknowledged for its sponsorship of the KaBOOM! playground, which their associates helped to construct in a single day. The Deerfield Beach-based automotive company began its partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Broward in 2002 and, since that time, has been a part of building and dedicating 35 homes. In fact, prior to the park dedication, JM Family associates were hard at work on four houses they are currently sponsoring in the community, which will bring their total Habitat homes to 39. Representing JM Family were Brent Burns, president and CEO; and Colin Brown, chairman of the board.

Rex Hardin and the City of Pompano Beach were thanked for helping Habitat create the park, children’s playground and reading garden, which are accessible to residents of the community and the surrounding area.

Linda Carter, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward was thanked for its $1 million grant from the Mary N. Porter Legacy Fund. Carter shared that Miss Porter’s family stood for building community and serving others. The Mary N. Porter Reading Garden recognizes Ms. Porter’s gift…as does the park’s bronze statue of Miss Porter as a child, sculpted by Robert St. Croix.

Entertainment included a butterfly stilt-walker and balloon artist, courtesy of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and an ice cream truck that provided complimentary scoops by Hoffman’s Chocolates.

Special guest Roy Rogers helped the children release butterflies in the new garden. Rogers has installed more than 100 butterfly gardens throughout Broward schools, parks and houses of worship.

Additionally, youth from Cypress Bay and Cardinal Gibbons High Schools assisted with the day’s activities.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call 954-396-3030 or visit our website at www.habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.

 

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Cruising with DB Chamber & Econ. Council

Posted on 25 January 2020 by JLusk

Mark & Dolly Dreyer with Commissioner Michael Hudak & his wife Paula leaving the Gallant Lady following the cruise.

By Rachel Galvin

On Jan. 7, the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce and Economic Council had a special night cruise up and down the intracoastal in Moran family’s Gallant Lady, which was docked at Bahia Mar. Besides cool breezes and a beautiful night sky, guests enjoyed hot hors d’ oeuvres, sushi, macarons and more, as well as wine and spirits. This intimate soiree was hosted by Rick Jorden and Lisa Davis of JM Family.

Digby & Glen enjoy the event.

Mariola Barton, Kathy Hurt, Chamber president Denise Jordan & Michael Goldstein.

Sitting back enjoying the event!

All of the movers and shakers came out for the soiree…

Dave Mirantz addresses the crowd.

Chamber President Denise Jordan says a few words.

Rick Jorden talks.

Bob Birdsong is among those who talked to the crowd briefly during the cruise.

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FDOT District 4 will Suspend Lane Closures on Several Major Roadways in Broward, Palm Beach for Super Bowl LIV

Posted on 25 January 2020 by JLusk

To ease congestion and improve safety during Super Bowl LIV weekend, lanes that are currently or periodically closed due to ongoing construction projects will be kept open on several major roadways throughout Broward and Palm Beach County, starting Friday morning, Jan 31 to Monday evening, February 3.

  • Lanes will be kept open on I-95 in Broward County
  • Lanes will be kept open on I-95 in Palm Beach County
  • Lanes will be kept open on I-595 in Broward County
  • Lanes will be kept open on I-75 in Broward County
  • Lanes will be kept open on S.R. 7 from the Miami-Dade County line to Commercial Boulevard.
  • Lanes will be kept open on S.R. A1A in the vicinity of Dania Beach Boulevard.
  • All lanes will be kept open on S.R. A1A in Hollywood from Monday, Jan. 27 to February 3.

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Sewage Spill in Pompano fixed

Posted on 25 January 2020 by JLusk

The minor active sewage pipe that occurred at 960 S. Powerline Road in Pompano Beach which had spilled into the Cypress Bend Lakes and C14 Canal has been permanently fixed.

The City of Pompano Beach is asking people not to swim, fish or irrigate from the canals until tests have been completed.

The City drinking water, however, is safe to drink, bathe and cook.

If residents have any questions they should call customer service at 954-786-4637.
 

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All Northbound lanes of I-95 to close Sunday, Jan. 26 night

Posted on 25 January 2020 by JLusk

I-95 northbound lanes at Hillsboro Boulevard will be closed to traffic overnight Sunday night, January 26 for roadway
construction and a traffic shift, according to FDOT. The first lane will close at 9:30 p.m., the second lane will close at 10:30 p.m., the third
lane will close at 11:30 p.m., and all lanes will be closed by 11:59 p.m., reopening at 5:30 a.m. Traffic will be detoured via the
I-95 northbound exit ramp to Hillsboro Boulevard west, Military Trail and Palmetto Park Road. FHP will be on site to assist
motorists.
 
This project will extend the High Occupancy Toll lanes from south of SW 10th Street to south of Glades Road in Broward and Palm Beach counties, to include two Managed Lanes in each direction. Scope of work includes widening and converting the existing I-95 HOV Lanes to Managed Lanes, reconstruction of the Hillsboro Canal Bridge, bridge widenings at Palmetto
Park Road and Camino Real, construction of a northbound and southbound auxiliary lane between Hillsboro Boulevard and Palmetto Park Road, construction of a northbound auxiliary lane between the SW 10th Street entrance ramp and Hillsboro Boulevard exit ramp, guardrail, barrier wall, drainage, landscape relocation, and ITS installation.
 
 

 

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Deerfield MLK event –State Senator Thurston speaks on ‘Unified persistence’

Posted on 24 January 2020 by JLusk

State Senator Gary Farmer (L) says a few words before Keynote Speaker State Senator Perry Thurston (R) speaks.

By Diane Emeott
 
State Senator Perry E. Thurston, Jr. recalled when he was a freshman
from Pompano Beach entering the revered Morehouse College in Atlanta
on a football scholarship.
 
It is a school known for producing strong, young African American
leaders such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., former first
black mayor of Atlanta, Maynard Jackson, director/actor/writer Spike
Lee and actor Samuel L. Jackson.
 
“As a 17-year-old, I was a little bit in awe of their oratory style.[They were very well spoken]. A lot of graduates go on to be scholars,
ministers, etc.
 
“I asked this guy, ‘How’d you get to speak so well?’ And he promised
he’d give me some helpful tips — for the fee of a two-piece chicken
dinner. As he was finishing devouring his second piece of chicken, I
asked him the question again.
 
“ ‘Just remember the [3] B’s: ‘Be Brief, Brother!’” he advised.
 
Thurston’s story drew laughter from the afternoon crowd gathered by
the outdoor stage on Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex (OMRC)
fields at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20.
 
He also brought up to the stage fellow State Senator Gary Farmer, who
represents Deerfield Beach. [Patricia Hawkins-Williams represents
Deerfield as State Representative, continuing on in the same District
92 where Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed served for many years.]
 
Thurston affirmed Deerfield’s theme of “Unity” for MLK festivities
this year, speaking of the continued need for “unified persistence” –
one of the themes of MLK.
 
“In Deerfield Beach, we had the Old Colored Cemetery. A travesty. We
all came together, state and local leaders like Clarke-Reed, and look
what has resulted from it: Branhilda Richardson Knowles Memorial Park
& Cemetery.”
 
[Newly opened on Aug. 24, 2019 in Deerfield Beach, Branhilda Park was
the result of combined efforts by former District 2 Commissioner
Gloria Battle and community members; as well as Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed
in the House and Maria Sachs in the Senate, and most recently Patricia
Hawkins-Williams in the House and Perry Thurston in the Senate,
working to receive a Historical Designation and funding from the
State.]
 
At the MLK Day Ceremony, Thurston referenced Martin Luther King’s
famous ‘I Have A Dream’ speech.
 
“What Dr. King essentially was saying is, ‘These are the things I want you to work toward…,’ Thurston said.
 
Remaining issues to be addressed in the current day are the following, he said:
 
1)    Poverty and food Insecurity, putting an end to poverty.
 
       “How can people not know where their next meal is coming from?” Thurston asked.
2)    Homelessness
3)    Affordable healthcare for all, including Mental Health.
4)    Public Education.
 
       “[On Oct. 7, 2019] the Governor [Ron DeSantis] proposed $47,500 as a minimum salary for new teachers. We want to pay ALL the teachers! And Security personnel too. They also have an important job,” he added.
 
AWARDS
Parade Winners were announced Monday afternoon before Senator Thurston spoke.
 
Best Civic Group – City of Deerfield Beach Management
Best Marching Band – DBHS Bucks
Best Church Entry – Church of the Living God (Pastor Dennis Fullmore)
Best Overall Float – Cathedral Church of God (Bishop Patrick Kelly)
Best Youth Group – Delray Divas
Best School, Elementary – Deerfield Park Elementary
 
Talented saxophonist Markus Howell was back home in Deerfield to play
the “National Anthem” on Martin Luther King’s Birthday.
 
Deerfield’s 2020 MLK Celebration featured a longer parade route and
time: Departing St. Ambrose Church & School on Federal Highway at 10
a.m. and traveling to OMRC by 12:30 p.m; followed by a Battle of the
Bands from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and the chance for families to purchase
a “picnic lunch” from food trucks lining the fields at OMRC. More entertainment from 2:45 to 6 p.m. followed Thurston’s speech. R &
B/soul singer-songwriter-instrumentalist Lyfe Jennings headlined the
city’s MLK Parade and Picnic.
 
New this year, a MLK Committee of residents assisted Parks & Recreation in planning the event and handing out awards. On the committee were Annette Mitchell, Sandra Jackson, Diane Chisholm, Janice Fulmore Tigner and Lawanda Strowbridge.
 
PRAISE & WORSHIP
The annual Choir Competition, held for years the Sunday night before
MLK Day in Dr. Leo J. Robb Gymnasium, was renamed “Praise & Worship
Competition” for 2020.
 
Three gifted adult musical groups vied for the title, lifting strong voices and expertly played instruments in one palpable Spiritual song after another, to praise God for all He has done and is still doing. The music was so moving, the audience was clapping and dancing along.
 
Florida All-Star gospel singers, a professional group of men from Pompano Beach, who have reportedly recorded an album, were among the
three groups of adult performers.
 
Two Deerfield groups – past winner Cathedral Church of God (Bishop
Patrick Kelly) and Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Ensemble (Rev.
Demetric Ford) – tied. So they split the winnings – with each of the two churches receiving checks for $750.
 
Young singers from Church of the Living God (Pastor Dennis Fullmore/Janice Fullmore Musical Director) won $300 for their efforts.
 
Judges for the Praise & Worship Competition were: Percy Jackson, Katy
Freitag, Carolyn Cason and Flora Philpart.
 

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Pompano hosts Gospel Fest

Posted on 22 January 2020 by JLusk

The City of Pompano Beach hosts Gospel Fest, featuring John P. Kee, at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater, 1806 NE 6 St. on Saturday, Feb. 22 at  5 p.m.
 

The City of Pompano Beach is hosting an extraordinary evening of inspiring music called Gospel Fest. The concert will feature headliner John P. Kee with special guests Marvin Sapp, Sensere and Brother’s Keeper. 
 

Gospel Fest is part of the City of Pompano Beach’s celebration of Black History Month and is presented in collaboration with The Tiger Trail Festival. The concert takes place on Saturday, February 22nd at 5:00 p.m. at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater located at 1806 NE 6th Street. Tickets are on sale now for $29 – $49 plus fees and may be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com.  
 
John P. Kee has earned accolades as one the most popular contemporary gospel artists of his generation, regularly peaking near the top of the Billboard gospel charts and more than a dozen Stellar Awards, 20 GMWA Excellence Awards, a Soul Train Award and two Billboard Music Awards. 
 
The Grammy Award-winning Marvin Sapp has enjoyed a decorated music career receiving 22 Stellar Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards, two BET Awards, two Dove Awards, and eight BMI songwriter’s awards. 
 
Sensere is an urban inspirational soul band from Miami, Florida. Combining elements of Funk and Soul with their exquisite harmonies and full-bodied sound, they have had several Billboard charting songs and the MTV mainstay “Got Jesus.” 
 
Brother’s Keeper is a Gospel R & B group formed by two brothers, Adrian and Corey Drummond of Ft. Lauderdale.

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Toll Brothers’ Sandpiper Pointe at Deerfield Beach to open Spring 2020

Posted on 22 January 2020 by JLusk

 Toll Brothers, the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, will open Sandpiper Pointe at Deerfield Beach, a new gated, townhome community, in spring 2020. Construction has begun on the Sandpiper Pointe model homes and sales center. 

Located just south of Hillsboro Boulevard on Military Trail, Sandpiper Pointe will include 201 luxury townhomes, along with a community swimming pool and cabana, a fitness center, a playground, and more.

Sandpiper Pointe home buyers will be able to select from four all-new, three-bedroom, two and one-half bath home designs featuring coastal-themed exteriors. Each home includes spacious living areas, well-appointed kitchens, and private master bedrooms, as well as a garage. Several homes offer two-car garages.

The home designs include the 1,831 square-foot Seabreeze, 1,833 sf Coquina, 1,903 sf Las Isla, and 1,930 sf Westwind.

“We’re very excited about the upcoming Sandpiper Pointe opening,” said Fred Pfister, Toll Brothers’ Southeast Florida Division president. “The community will offer low-maintenance living in a convenient location, enabling residents to enjoy all the nearby amenities the area offers.” 

Sandpiper Pointe is minutes from the beach and Boca Raton’s shopping, dining, country clubs, golf courses and cultural options.

Toll Brothers’ Southeast Florida communities also include Reserve at the Ranches and Magnolia Estates in Southwest Ranches and Royal Palm Polo in Boca Raton. Windgate at Avenir and Watermark at Avenir, two new single-family home communities in Palm Beach Gardens, are set to open early 2020 and Regency at Avenir, a 55+ active-adult community, will debut spring 2020.

For more information, visit TollBrothers.com/FLE.

 

 

 

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