| May, 2021

JM Family Enterprises receives   WELL Health-Safety Rating 

Posted on 26 May 2021 by JLusk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JM Family Enterprises has earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating for seven buildings at its headquarters in Deerfield Beach through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing buildings and space types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-COVID-19 environment now and into the future. 

 “The health, safety and well-being of our associates has always been of utmost importance at JM Family, and that focus has only been elevated during the last year,” said Brent Burns, president and CEO, JM Family.

While the distinction currently applies to buildings at the company’s main campus in Deerfield Beach, the policies and procedures leveraged for this certification — sick leave policies, health benefits, cleaning and sanitization procedures, and emergency preparedness programs — are already in existence and can be found across aloperating locations. In the coming months, the company will be working toward achieving the WELL Health-Safety Rating for its other JM Familyowned facilities. 

The WELL Health-Safety Rating provides a centralized source and governing body to validate efforts made by owners and operators. It leverages insights drawn from the IWBI Task Force on COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), global disease control and prevention centers and emergency management agencies, as well as recognized standard-making associations such as ASTM International and ASHRAE, and leading academic and research institutions.  

 “We hope the WELL rating and the seal on our doors serves as a visible indication of confidence and trust, communicating to all associates and visitors that their safety is our highest priority,” said Burns. 

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2021 Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration Banquet

Posted on 26 May 2021 by JLusk

 
The City of Deerfield Beach Parks & Recreation Department has announced the Inaugural Juneteenth Banquet will be held at the Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex in the Dr. Leo J. Robb, Jr. Memorial Gymnasium, 435 SW 2 St., on Sunday, June 20 starting at 2 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.).
 
The Inaugural Juneteenth Banquet will offer an afternoon to remember with an educational Juneteenth theatre performance from Drama on the Reel, delicious food and live entertainment! 
 
Tickets may be purchased at dfb.city/registration or visit 401A SW 4 St. on Mondays from 8:30 – 11 a.m. & 1–4 p.m.. Tickets are on sale now for $10, however space is limited so get yours today! It is recommended that guests wear African attire; however, it is not required.
 
For additional information or if you would like to participate please visit www.dfb.city/juneteenth, email dfbspecialevents@deerfield-beach.com or call the Community Events and Outreach Division at 954-480-4429.

 

 

 
 

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Local businessman & philanthropist JR Dunn passes away

Posted on 24 May 2021 by JLusk

 

JR Dunn at Dunn’s Run (Photo by David Volz)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Observer is sorry to report the passing of local business man and philanthropist Jim (better known as JR) Dunn. Dunn was instrumental in the community. His Dunn’s Run, a 5 K walk/run, 5 mile run, brought out huge crowds to the beach yearly to participate and watch, all benefitting the local Boys & Girls Club. He also founded JR Dunn Jewelers. He was a staple in the community who always loved giving back. He will be missed.

Obituary

James R. Dunn, Co-Founder of J.R. Dunn Jewelers and philanthropist in the South Florida community passed away on May 21, 2021 at the age of 78.

Jim Dunn, Massachusetts native, founded J.R. Dunn Jewelers in 1969 with his loving wife, Ann Marie Dunn—and continued the family business together alongside their son, Sean Dunn, growing it into one of the most successful omni-channel family-owned jewelers in the county.

Those who knew Jim knew him as one of the kindest most genuine souls, most dedicated workers, and most of all someone who would do anything for anyone. “My Dad was the type of guy whose life experience helped so many people, no matter what they needed. Whether they had a little car trouble in the parking lot, needed help paying their rent, or just a shoulder to lean on he was there. You could always count on Jim Dunn”, said Sean Dunn. 

Jim could also make you laugh like no other, always sharing a great joke to make sure you enjoy the deepest laugh. His passion for life, family, and his business were infectious and always inspired one to do better. He was an invaluable leader to anyone who had the opportunity to work with him, with wisdom that only his years and life experience could bring. Many will say because of Jim, they are a better person, and it is true.

Jim came from the humblest of beginnings, which had a lasting influence on the way he later lived his life and cared for his community. He lost his Dad when he was just seven years old, leaving him and his brothers in the care of his hard-working mother. She often had to work double shifts as a visiting nurse just to put food on the table and care for their family. This is where Jim’s incredible work ethic originated from, as well as his desire to give back to those who need it most.

His entrepreneurial beginning started when he was young running a paper route, where he learned to deliver the product to customers for the first time. After graduating from the University of Bridgeport in 1966, he began working for IBM as a salesman where he found much success and soon met his wife and future business partner, Ann Marie Dunn.

What the couple once began as the House of Gems in a quaint older home in Hanover, Massachusetts, J.R. Dunn Jewelers has now become an over 8,000 square foot luxury jewelry and timepiece destination in Lighthouse Point, Florida with a team of over 40 dedicated people and successful e-commerce business on jrdunn.com. 

Jim was so incredibly proud of the business he and I built together. It showed in his passion for moving the business forward each and every day from the most important strategic initiatives right down to the simplest of tasks, like stocking the water bottles or making the shipping boxes. No job was too big or too small for Jim Dunn and I look forward to continuing on his legacy”, said Ann Marie Dunn. 

During his career, Jim had achieved many accolades including the Sun Sentinel’s Excalibur Award in 2002 for Small Business Leader as well as being inducted into the NSU Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. The company was also honored with Luxury Jeweler of the Year in 2015, celebrating its milestones and forward-thinking endeavors.

Giving back to the community was something incredibly near and dear to Jim’s heart, with his and Ann Marie’s many initiatives for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, the Humane Society of Broward County, and many other different philanthropic causes supporting our military, veterans, and first responders.

In 1996, Jim founded the iconic Dunn’s Run, a 5k walk/run and 5-mile run benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, which has raised over $3 million dollars in its duration. This year marks the 25th Annual Dunn’s Run, a momentous milestone that he was so proud of, and will be dedicated to celebrating his honor. Jim’s favorite moment of Dunn’s Run was always seeing a huge American flag raised above Deerfield Beach from the fire truck. He loved that it was an event built around family for people of all ages, from the young future of our community to its experienced elders.

Jim (on right) with wife Marie and son Sean. (Submitted photo)

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Ann Marie Dunn; son and daughter in-law, Sean and Viviana Dunn; beloved grandchildren, Nico and Briana Dunn; and many other family members who will carry on the legacy Jim built.

A celebration of life will be held in his honor at a date to be announced.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity near and dear to your heart or one close to his; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. 

To see more photos & video, visit the Observer Facebook page by clicking here.

For more info., visit https://jrdunn.com.

You can donate to his favorite cause, the Boys & Girls Club, using this special site they have set up:  https://www.bgcbc.org/jim-dunn

Jim Dunn at MS Gala. (Photo by Rachel Galvin)

 





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Broward Health Now Offers Breakthrough Stimulator to Treat Sleep Apnea

Posted on 21 May 2021 by JLusk

Charles J. Zeller D.O. Broward Health

A good night’s sleep doesn’t come easy to the more than 22 million Americans who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when soft tissues in the airway collapse during sleep and block the flow of oxygen to the brain. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and wakes up the body just long enough to take a breath, causing a cycle of poor, disruptive sleep.

“A lack of sleep can be detrimental to our body, but sleep apnea can lead to other health issues, including moodiness, memory loss and even stroke, heart attack and death,” said Charles Zeller IV, D.O., an otolaryngologist with the Broward Health Physician Group. “That’s why it’s so important to be treated for sleep apnea.”

Dr. Zeller is the first physician in the Broward Health system to utilize Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS), the only FDA-approved implantable device to combat obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire UAS is a less intrusive, more comfortable solution to obstructive sleep apnea. Implanted in the body as an outpatient procedure, the small device is activated following a 30-day healing period. Working inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process, Inspire can combat certain types of obstructive sleep apnea, particularly in cases where a loss of muscle tone causes the tongue to fall back in the mouth.

Based on a patient’s unique breathing patterns, Inspire delivers a mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement and prevents the tongue from blocking the airway. By stimulating these muscles, the airway remains open during sleep.

Inspire is controlled by the patient using a small, handheld Inspire sleep remote that is turned on before bedtime and turned off in the morning. Additionally, the patient can pause therapy during the night, if needed, and increase or decrease therapy settings.

“There is tremendous demand for the Inspire stimulator,” said Dr. Zeller. “Unlike other common treatments, with Inspire there is no mask, no hose and no noise.”

Most patients can resume non-strenuous activities within a few days after the short procedure and may experience an improved quality of life and daytime functioning.

Patients must meet certain criteria to quality for the procedure to determine if Inspire is a suitable alternative.

For more information, visit browardhealth.org/services/sleep-disorders or call Dr. Zeller’s office at 954-888-3800.

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Sales Tax Holiday again for hurricane prep next week; new tax holiday in July

Posted on 21 May 2021 by JLusk

HURRICANE TAX HOLIDAY

Hurricane Season officially starts June 1, but there already are two storms brewing… one in the Atlantic and one on the gulf, neither of which seem to be heading toward Florida, However, this should be a reminder that the season is upon use. Now is the time to get prepared as they are expecting an above average season.

NEW TAX HOLIDAY

There is another sales tax holiday this year to help with your prep. It runs from May 28 to June 6. Some examples of tax-free items include: flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less; radios costing $50 or less; tarps costing $100 or less, coolers costing $60 or less, batteries costing $50 or less; and, generators costing $1,000 or less.

In addition, the Florida legislation established a Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday from July 1-7, in which purchases of admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, specified performances, movies, museums, state park annual passes, and fitness facilities for events held from July 1 – December 31, 2021, will be tax free. Additionally, purchases of season tickets are also exempted.

The Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday also applies to sales of boating and water activity supplies, camping supplies, fishing supplies, general outdoor supplies, and sports equipment.

Boating and Water Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of life jackets and coolers; the first $50 of the sales price of safety flares; the first $150 of the sales price of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and recreational inflatable water tubes or floats capable of being towed; the first $300 of the sales price of paddleboards and surfboards; the first $500 of the sales price of canoes and kayaks; the first $75 of the sales price of paddles and oars; and the first $25 of the sales price of snorkels, goggles, and swimming masks.

Camping Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $200 of the sales price of tents; the first $50 of the sales price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves, and collapsible camping chairs; and the first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights.

Fishing Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of rods and reels, if sold individually, or the first $150 of the sales price if sold as a set; the first $30 of the sales price of tackle boxes or bags; and the first $5 of the sale price of bait or fishing tackle, if sold individually, or the first $10 of the sales price if multiple items are sold together.

General Outdoor Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen or insect repellant; the first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses; the first $200 of the sales price of binoculars; the first $30 of the sales price of water bottles; the first $50 of the sales price of hydration packs; the first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills; the first $50 of the sales price of bicycle helmets; and the first $250 of the sales price of bicycles.

Sports Equipment: The tax holiday applies any item used in individual or team sports, not including clothing or footwear, selling for $40 or less.

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Boca Raton Breaks Ground on New Community Garden

Posted on 14 May 2021 by JLusk

 

On Monday, May 10, 2021, City Council and representatives from Brightline and the Junior League of Boca Raton, broke ground on the new community garden located at Meadows Park (1300 NW 8th St, Boca Raton, FL 33486). As part of the agreement to build the Brightline station on a 1.8-acre site near the City’s Downtown Library, Brightline made a major contribution to help fund the construction of the garden.

“Boca Raton can look forward to our new, expanded community garden in a more central location adjacent to Meadows Park and Boca Raton Community Middle School,” said Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer.

“We are grateful to the Junior League and the dedicated gardeners and volunteers who will make this new location another Boca treasure, and to Brightline for their substantial support for this project.”

The garden is approximately 1.4 acres and will contain about 100 plots. Leasing of plots will open in July. Those who are interested in leasing a plot once garden construction is finalized can email garden@jlbr.org.

Additional features of the community garden include a pergola, an enlarged composting area, and special fencing around the garden and trees to keep iguanas from climbing or digging in to the area.

“We’re excited to be partnering with the City and Brightline on this new location for the community garden. We believe it will be a real asset to the community,” said Cristy Stewart-Harfmann, president of the Junior League of Boca Raton.

In addition to the community garden, construction of the temporary parking lot has also begun. Located directly south of the Downtown Library, the lot will serve patrons and staff of the library while construction of the station and parking garage is underway. Construction of the lot and community garden is expected to be completed in August 2021.

“The community garden is an important investment to creating more sustainable and resilient communities. This is the first phase of construction activity as we work to bring Brightline to Boca Raton,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “We are excited to kick off the construction of the community garden with the Mayor, Council and Junior League representatives.”



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Kirk Cottrell Pavilion Call to Artists 

Posted on 11 May 2021 by JLusk

 
 
The City of Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (DBCRA) would like to commission an artist to install a set of murals at the Kirk Cottrell Pavilion.
 
The recently completed Kirk Cottrell Pavilion was designed to give patrons a unique beachfront recreational experience through water sports, youth recreation camps, sporting events and hands on learning in an on-site classroom. Space in the pavilion has been set aside for a public art installation.
 
In April, the CRA posted a public survey that yielded over 180 responses in favor of a mural style public art installation. Survey responses further revealed a public preference for art that focused on oceanic awareness, beach sports, beach life or a combination of the three.
 
This is a significant opportunity for the selected artist as he/she will be installing two 7’x8’ murals on one of the most visible locations at the pavilion. The artist will have the freedom to interpret the themes based on a preliminary outline and final design approval from the CRA Board of Directors.
 
This is a paid commission with an award amount of $7,500 . The Public Art Committee will shortlist 3 finalists to be presented to the Community Redevelopment Agency Board for final artist selection.
 
Artists that wish to submit to the call must email the CRA to receive submission details. The artist will be responsible for all materials, equipment, additional staff and other associated fees and expenses. Artists must be 16 years or older to be considered .
 
The deadline to submit for the call is Tuesday, May 25th by 12:00PM.
 
The CRA would like to thank the Deerfield Beach Island Community Association for sponsoring this commission and for their generosity and support of Public Art in the District.
 
If you wish to submit to the call, please email the CRA at atemple@deerfieldbeach.com . Any additional questions please contact the City of Deerfield Beach CRA at 954-495-5430. 

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Boca Ice & Fine Arts breaks ground

Posted on 11 May 2021 by JLusk

Boca Ice & Fine Arts broke ground on Saturday, April 24, 2021 for their new ice-skating and fine arts center. The 75,000 SF center is located at 900 Peninsula Corporate Circle, in Boca Raton.
 
In attendance at the groundbreaking event were owners Hal Jacovitz, Jake Dinov and Mitchell Robbins, Mayor of Boca Raton, Scott Singer,
Head Building Official, City of Boca Raton, Michael DiNorscio, Mark Butters of Butters Construction & Development. Butters Construction & Development is serving as the general contractor.

Rendering of the Boca Ice & Fine Arts Center.

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Pompano Citi Centre to add new tenants

Posted on 11 May 2021 by JLusk

Pompano Citi Centre has announced it is adding new tenants where Sears and Sears Auto Center once stood. The new additions include Burlington, TJ Maxx and Five Below. Other signed leases include Crafty Crab, Aspen Dental, Venetian Nails Spa, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Wingstop and The Joint Chiropractic. They anticipate the construction to be complete by the fall.

They already had some changes last year, including finally adding Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse in the centre and the McDougle Technical Institute.

“We are excited about the new changes at Pompano Citi Centre,” said Carlos Fernandez, property manager. “Our team is working hard to find opportunities that enhance the shopping, dining and entertainment experiences for our customers.”
 
Visit pompanociticentre.com for additional information.

 

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Small Business Awards & Business Expo–May 27

Posted on 11 May 2021 by JLusk

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