As a follow up to a workshop held discussing the future of Deerfield back on Oct. 6, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) will be holding another on Nov. 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. regarding the Powerline Road and Hillsboro Boulevard intersection. During the original community visioning workshop, FAU urban planning graduate students listened to residents and businesses about how to plan the area for the future. They have taken all of that information and is now prepared to present a draft plan to the community.  No matter where you live in Deerfield Beach, you will want to attend this workshop. Attendance is free by Zoom but you must pre-register HERE.

Photo provided by Katy Frietag.

The City of Deerfield Beach held their Fall Festival this year in a brand new way. Due to COVID-19, they decided to have a drive-thru event complete with a trunk or treat and drive-in movie. People could also pick up pumpkins. It was held at Villages of Hillsboro Park on Oct. 31, after being rescheduled from the 24th.

Broward Sheriff’s Office was there, as well as other organizations in the city, like The Kiwanis Club.

Kiwanian Katy Freitag said, “They had a great turn out with over 1000 cars coming through the line. Over 40 cars stayed for the drive in movie portion featuring Casper the friendly ghost. A great time was had by all with, of course, the proper social distancing.”

“The City of Deerfield Beach did a great job!” said Deb Sullivan, who is also in Kiwanis. “Great and safe alternative for Halloween. Cars drove through and we (masked, of course) went up to the cars and dropped the candy into their buckets. We had cars lined up all the way to Powerline and beyond!”

Photos below provided by Deb Sullivan.

Meet and network with members of the Deerfield Chamber, now called the Deerfield Council, from the security of your own home. Details: https://live.remo.co/e/coffee-and-connections-3/register

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has announced the School Choice application window for the 2021/22 school year will take place Dec. 1 and run through Feb. 8, 2021.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to explore the District’s School Choice options by visiting browardschools.com/schoolchoice. Families can access information by student interest, grade level and individual school name. 

(Please note: The 2021/22 application window for the John M. McKay Scholarship for Students with Disabilities for public schools begins May 1, 2021).

For more information, parents and guardians can contact the Office of School Choice (formerly the department of Demographics & Student Assignments) at 754-321-2480 or email at schoolchoice@browardschools.com.

By Rachel Galvin

The Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) will be a little bit different this year. Due to COVID-19, they have had to make a few adjustments and also get more creative — adding some unique locations and a virtual component to the mix. They have announced their film highlights and events for the 35th annual event, scheduled Nov. 5 – Nov. 22. More than 170 American Indie and international narrative features, documentaries and short films representing 37 countries will be premiered during the 18-day event.

“If there has been a silver-lining to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has made us more resourceful and creative. This year, FLIFF has come up with some clever ways to bring the community together yet maintain safety precautions and social distancing,” said Gregory von Hausch, president and CEO of FLIFF. “I think our film selections and events will be a welcome diversion for everyone.”

So, let’s talk locations…In partnership with Coral Ridge Yacht Club in Ft. Lauderdale, the festival will present a boat-in movie on the bay and a drive-in movie at their location for “landlubbers”. FLIFF will be hosting six additional drive-in movie events at other locations yet to be announced. In addition, FLIFF is serving up Dinner & a Movie at a variety of area restaurants, including Tipsy Boar, Jimmy’s Sand Bar, GG’s Waterfront in Hollywood, and Westin Ft Lauderdale Beach. The festival’s two arthouse theaters, where events are always held not only during the festival, but year-round, Savor Cinema (503 SE 6 St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Cinema Paradiso (2008 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL), will also present films with limited seating to observe safe social distancing. And the closing night event is at the Museum of Discovery & Science (401 SW 2 St, Ft. Lauderdale, FL).

For those who prefer to stay at home, most films will also be available to view virtually. Filmmaker and celebrity Q&A’s will be live-streamed in all formats, and some will take place in person from local venues.

For all the information, visit www.fliff.com.