Photo by Mike Jachles, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue.

At approximately 8 p.m. Aug. 7, firefighters struggled to extract two men from a red jeep that had flipped in a crash with a pickup just east of I-95 on Sample road in the westbound lane.

The crash caused both sides of the road to be shut down during the process.

Both men in the jeep were taken to Broward Health North for their injuries.

Their names have not been released.

By Gary Curreri

Despite bowling a perfect game in qualifying, Pompano Beach’s Zach Griffin said he didn’t bring his “A” game to the Broward County (USBC) Top 8 Tournament at AMF Davie Lanes.

What he did bring was good enough as he captured his second consecutive junior boys championship with a 219-202 victory over Miami’s Cody Stevens in the final.

“I have been busy with work and getting ready for school so I haven’t been able to find the time and, when I do have the time, I sleep,” said Griffin, who works at Strikers Family Sportscenter and recently graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School.

“When I am done with my nine-hour shift, I am exhausted and just want to go home,” added Griffin, who admitted he hadn’t practiced in 2-1/2 months.

He is headed to Springhill College in Mobile, AL on a bowling scholarship. “It is probably the last tournament I am going to bowl before college, so my dad (Greg) seeing me shoot 300 and win was nice. He really wanted to see that.”

The Top 8 bowlers in each division each bowled four games with the Top 4, with the highest pin fall after that moving on to a step ladder final with the fourth place bowler taking on the third place bowler, and the winner moving on to bowl against the second seed, and that winner taking on the highest seeded player.

The 300-game was the fifth sanctioned game of Griffin’s career.

“That was nice,” said Griffin, whose last sanctioned 300-game was in a winter league four months ago. “It was weird because I had just come off my worst game in qualifying which was a 202. I had trouble finding my line. I just moved in and started fi ring it 18-miles-an-hour at the 10-board and clearly it worked. It was really nice, too, because, the last couple of shots, I didn’t know if they were going to carry, but they did.”

“I’m happy with how I did,” Griffin said. “It is a good repeat too. If it happened, it happened. If it didn’t, it didn’t.”

Griffin is looking forward to bowling in college where he will bowl upwards of four times a week.

“It’s nice,” he said. “I always wanted to bowl in college when I heard that a couple of my older friends went. It is a really nice atmosphere, was something I was looking for when I was looking at schools.”

Two weeks remain at Simply Soccer

There are two weeks left at the popular Simply Soccer Camp in nearby Coral Springs.

Simply Soccer, which has boys and girls, ages 5-14 of all skill levels, has attracted a record number of children from throughout Broward County for its 27th annual summer camp series at Mullins Park in Coral Springs.

The camp, featured during a live broadcast by CBS4 the day following the United States’ 5-2 victory over Japan in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, is down to its final two weeks of the summer beginning Monday. They are August 10-14 and 17-21.

There are three sessions, ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and a Tiny Tot program from 9 a.m. to noon. Players will be taught a variety of soccer skills from dribbling to shooting.

It is the longest running soccer camp offered by the city.

Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. For information, call 954-345-2200.

By Gary Curreri

More than 400 junior lifeguards competed in the 5th annual Junior Lifeguard State Championships recently on Ft. Lauderdale Beach.

Pompano Beach led the way with 60 competitors, while Deerfield Beach brought 27 junior lifeguards.

There were three primary age divisions in the state event including A Division (ages-14-17); B Division (ages 12-13); and C Division (ages 9-11) and an introductory Grommets Program (for 7-8 year-olds who are not yet qualified to join the Junior Lifeguard Team).

Pompano Beach’ Shannon Snell, 17, a senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School, is no stranger to the competition and turned in a stellar performance winning the Girls A Division of the beach flags event in addition to the surf swim and the run-swim-run.

Snell, who has been a junior lifeguard for nearly eight years, competed in last year’s World Championships in France last year where she placed 10th in beach flags; 6th in the 100-meter dash and 10th in the paddle.

“It was really epic to represent our country,” said Snell, who competed for the Pompano Beach junior lifeguard competition. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Admittedly, there is a lot of pressure being at a world level and in a high performance competition she said, “you need to know what you are doing.”

“I am going to remember everyone I competed with and the teamwork,” she added. “Just the part of racing with each other and working together… and making friends for life … We know each other and learn new tricks every year from each other.”

Deerfield Beach’s junior lifeguards was led by Daniel Padron, who won the B Division of the beach flags event, while Pompano Beach also got a strong performance from Summer Schulte, who won the B Division in the paddle, run-swim-run and surf swim. There were seven events – beach flags, paddle, run relay, run-swim-run, paddle relay, surf swim, and the ironguard.

Local winners in the beach flags were Shannon Snell (Pompano Beach, Girls A Division); Daniel Padron (Deerfield Beach, Boys B Division); Christian Quinones (Pompano Beach, Boys C Division).

Winners in the paddle were Andre Bacic (Deerfield Beach, Boys A Division); Nicholas Calice (Pompano Beach, Boys B Division); Summer Schulte (Pompano Beach, B Girls Division); Jake Schulte (Pompano Beach, Boys C Division); Tamara Backers (Deerfield Beach, Girls C Division); Reef Coote (Pompano Beach, Boys D Division) and Victoria Vanacore (Pompano Beach, Girls D Division).

Winners in the Run-Swim- Run competition were Race Wilhoit (Pompano Beach, Boys A Division); Shannon Snell (Pompano Beach, Girls A Division); Christian Henderson (Pompano Beach, Boys B Division); Summer Schulte (Pompano Beach, Girls B Division); Jake Schulte (Pompano Beach, Boys C Division).

Winners in the Surf Swim competition included Shannon Snell (Pompano Beach, Girls A Division); Christian Henderson (Pompano Beach, Boys B Division); Summer Schulte (Pompano Beach, Girls B Division) and Samantha Escobar (Pompano Beach, Girls D Division).

The state championships were a precursor to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) regional competition recently in Daytona Beach. The national USLA competition will also be held in Daytona Beach on August 5.

Photo by Mike Jachles (BSFR/ PIO)

At approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, after a crash with another vehicle in the westbound lanes of Hillsboro Boulevard, a grey pickup careened about 30 feet off the bridge and onto the access road below as it crossed the Intracoastal Waterway, according to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Public Information Officer (BSFR PIO) Mike Jachles.

Lucky for the driver, the pickup landed on the road and not in the water.

“It was just a few feet from the Intracoastal. The vehicle could have ended submerged,” Jachles said. “Fortunately, there was no one beneath where the car landed. We couldn’t have imagined a better outcome for this.”

When responders arrived, the driver was out of his vehicle. The other man involved in the crash appeared to be alright as well. While the second man in the crash refused medical attention, the man in the pickup was transported to Broward Health North to make sure he was okay.

The scene was in clear view of the diners at Two George’s at The Cove, who got quite the show. Luckily, the drivers involved in this incident walked away from the situation, which could have been much worse.

Bridge inspector Fred Schonis said he has never seen a car go off this bridge before.

“I have seen two [cars go off bridges] in 27 years. This one and the old 17^th Street years ago,” he said.

He said the bridge is currently under repair and expects the job to be complete by the end of the week.

He said they have to replace the handrail, fix the bent guardrail and replace the no parking sign beneath the bridge.

Bucks hoping for big things

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach High School football coach Jevon Glenn has put together quite the summer program with hopes of returning the school back to prominence.

Glenn has taken the Bucks on a whirlwind tour of college programs, 7-on-7 tournaments and football camps with hopes of winning a state title. Glenn took many of his athletes on two college tours from June 5-15 and hit many big name schools. Former Bucks running back Denard Robinson, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been a regular during the offseason.

“I am very excited,” said Glenn, a 1996 graduate of Blanche Ely, where he played football and basketball, and replaced former Bucks coach Allen Jackson in the spring. Jackson resigned in December after four seasons. “We have done a lot of great things in the offseason and we are looking forward to getting started.”

The new Bucks coach will have his work cut out for him as the team is coming off of a 4-6 season in which the Bucks missed the playoffs. It was only the sixth time in school history, dating back to 1974, the Bucks finished with a losing record.

“It’s tradition rich,” said Glenn, who will tackle his first varsity head coaching job after having spent eight seasons coaching Deerfield Beach’s junior varsity squad and holding several positions with the varsity. “There is a good buzz about the program and we made it a priority to keep our kids as Deerfield kids.”

Glenn said during the past couple of years, players left the school to play for other programs – both public and private schools.

“Rather than complain about it, we raised the quality of our program and a lot of those kids came back,” Glenn said. “Many of those kids played in the Deerfield Packer/Rattler youth football program.”

Among those players returning to their roots are two wide receiver transfers from Monarch High School – Cavin Ridley and Jerry Jeudy, in addition to Blanche Ely transfer Teddrick Moffett, a quarterback.

“I think the trips we took created good team chemistry and opened up a lot of eyes with the colleges that these kids can play,” Glenn said. “We believe that we will be better disciplined this year and we can compete for a state championship.”

The Bucks will open the season on Aug. 28 when it hosts Cypress Bay High School.

Four weeks remain at Simply Soccer

There have been record numbers at Simply Soccer camps this summer.

Simply Soccer Camp, which has boys and girls, ages 5-14 of all skill levels, has attracted children from throughout Broward County for its 27th annual summer camp series at Mullins Park in Coral Springs.

The camp, which was featured during a live broadcast by CBS4 the day following the United States’ 5-2 victory over Japan in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, has four weeks remaining beginning Monday. They are: July 27-31; Aug. 3-7; Aug. 10-14 and Aug. 17-21.

There are three sessions ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a Tiny Tot program from 9 a.m. to noon. Players will be taught a variety of soccer skills from dribbling to shooting.

It is the longest running soccer camp offered by the city. Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. For information on the Coral Springs camp, call 954-345-2200.

By Rachel Galvin

When Renee Quinn perused Facebook a few months ago, she discovered something intriguing, a contest to create an ice cream flavor for Broward 100, which commemorates the county’s centennial.

So she started writing down flavor combinations that would embody the spirit of Broward.

Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant, in Dania Beach, was in charge of concocting the submitted flavors into something feasible and six judges in total picked a winner. In the end, it was Quinn’s choice that won.

The final flavor, Caramel Mocha Coconut Crackle, was made with caramel, reminiscent of dulce de leche, to represent the Hispanic community; coconut, for a tropical flair, and chocolate crackle (like crunchy Magic Shell), as well as the richness of chocolate and mocha. Finally, it was topped with rainbow sprinkles to include the LGBT community.

“It was a collaboration of my idea with Jaxsons’ owner Linda Udell Zakheim and General Manager Jerry Smith’s expertise. They wisely added caramel to the mix to balance the coffee and chocolate (mocha) and toasted coconut for the right amount of texture,” said Quinn, who is a resident of Deerfield Beach.

“It took six weeks … each week eliminating, adding and tweaking until it came down to this flavor,” said Udell Zakheim, who took over when her father Monroe passed away. “Some ingredients made sense and some didn’t. Even though they were great ideas, they didn’t work together.”

Smith added, “It was a lot of fun. There were many that I want to try to make that didn’t fit the [Broward County] criteria – like French Toast and Maple Syrup and Glazed Donut.”

Gregg Weinberg was lucky to be one of the judges.

“It was arduous,” he teased, adding, “It was more fun than judging American Idol. Eat your heart out!”

Quinn’s prize for winning was a “Kitchen Sink,” which is enough ice cream for four … or many more. She invited friends to come out on July 9 to taste her flavor and dive into the sink-full of goodness.

Jaxson’s, which originally opened in 1956 and has become a landmark for the whole family, is located at 128 S. Federal Hwy., Dania Beach. http://jaxsonsicecream.com.

Photo by Mike Jachles, PIO/ BSFR

Around 2 p.m. yesterday, a fire was reported to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR) in the 5300 block of NE 8 Avenue in Deerfield Beach. When units arrived, heavy smoke was showing. A search of the house produced a 80-year-old woman from the back bedroom that was removed by fire fighters.  The woman is in good shape.

By Gary Curreri

So much for the home field advantage.

Deerfield Beach Select All-Stars coach Joe Silvia believed his team had a home field advantage when it took the diamond in the Big League Baseball State Tournament recently at Floyd Hull Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale.

Deerfield Beach (2-2) opened the tournament with a 12-2 victory over Port St. Lucie before dropping a 6-1 decision to Clearwater/ Dunedin, the defending Big League World Champions.

“They played hard, but when we lost to Clearwater/ Dunedin it took the wind out of them,” Silvia said. “That was the championships game on Saturday.”

Deerfield Beach seized the lead in the top of the first inning on an infield single by Brendly Martina that scored Blake Guisti for a 1-0 advantage before Clearwater/ Dunedin rallied for the victory and advanced to this weekend’s Southeast United States Regional Tournament that gets underway July 17, also at Floyd Hull Stadium.

Justin Glover got things rolling for Clearwater/Dunedin with a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Clearwater/Dunedin padded its lead with one more run in the fourth and four runs in the fifth thanks to a bases-clearing double by Ian Lisle.

Deerfield Beach pitcher Nick Ferngren, who had his first no-hitter since he was 11 in a 10-0 sectional win over Ft. Lauderdale, didn’t allow a hit until Glover hit his round tripper in the fourth inning.

Ferngren, 19, of Coral Springs, is in his first year on the team.

“I love it,” said Ferngren, who recently graduated from Cardinal Gibbons and headed to Rhodes College in Memphis, TN to play for the school next year. “The camaraderie is great. It is like family here. Most of the guys on the team have been here for like three years and they make me feel like I have been here just as long.”

It is the first year playing Big League baseball. He previously played for the South Florida Huskies in a showcase league.

“I have only been pitching for a couple of years now,” Ferngren said. “I didn’t get a lot of innings in high school. I am not surprised with how well I have done. I expect a lot out of myself.”

Deerfield Beach went on to split its next two games as it downed Dade City, 11-7, before closing out the tournament with an 8-5 setback against Ft. Myers to finish second overall.

Silvia has coached for 27 years and coached Big League baseball for the past 11 years.

In 2010, the team was one out away from winning the state tournament as it fell to the same Clearwater/Dunedin squad. The team was up 5-4 with two outs and the outfielder missed the catch and three runs wound up scoring for a 7-5 victory.

“This team is one of the better teams we have had in seven or eight years,” Silvia said. “This team gelled together. They are all friends and they all support each other. There was no negativity on this team. It’s a pleasure to be here.”

Deerfield Beach had played seven contests at Floyd Hull during the season. The team was composed of players from eight different high schools. Martina, Ferngren, Dalton Williams and Drexler Maccaay paced the team among others.

“We graduate about half the team,” Silvia said. “They were a great group of kids.”

By Rachel Galvin

With a big smile, determined spirit and contagious sense of humor, Master Sergeant Cedric King told stories of his personal battles and how he has taken each challenge head-on and come out victorious. This recipient of a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and other military accolades had his life come to a halt in 2012 when, during his second tour in Afghanistan, he was severely injured by an IED. This blast caused permanent loss to part of his right arm and hand and the amputation of both legs. This crushing blow could have been the end of his illustrious career, but he was determined to make a new path.

Just 21 months later, he completed the Boston marathon, running on prosthetic blades. He has gone on to compete in other marathons, Ironman Triathalons and more.

His inspirational dedication to success has led to him speaking to everyone from Fortune 500 company leaders to spending time with President Obama and the First Lady.

But despite his accolades, this North Carolina native remains humble at heart and took his time to travel here to Deerfield Beach on Friday to talk to kids at the local Teen Center, after being invited by John DiPrato.

The teens are part of a special program called Early Prevention Intervention, which started June 8 and runs through Aug. 7. The group meets daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and helps teach kids (ages 16 to 18) about possible job opportunities and career skills they will need. They mentor and train the kids, as well as take them on fun field trips.

Deputy Harold Morrison, who is a Community Liasion and started the program, said, “A few years ago, I came up with this [after seeing programs done by the state and thinking ‘why not do it here’]. Kids give up their summer to do this. We mentor them, teach them life skills. Hopefully, by the end of the summer, they have made a decision what they want to do for a career. We give them snacks, lunch, pick them up from their house and drop them off. We take them to Westside Park to play ball, go bowling, have cookouts with parents. Some parents want me to address certain things with the kids and I do.”

He interviews perspective participants thoroughly to make sure they are dedicated.

“This is not about babysitting kids for the summer.” he said.

“We meet with businesses, anywhere kids can get a job. We discuss what the difference is between working at a corporation vs. being self-employed. We go with them to tour colleges,” said DiPrato, Co-founder of Driver’s Alert, who helps to fund the program.

Students receive community service hours at high school for attending.

“I think Deputy Morrison is amazing,” said Stephen Greenberger, Special Projects, BSO. “What he does to make a difference in kids’ lives … this program is huge. He should be commended. I came out to support this phenomenal program.”

King said speaking to these kids was the best time he has had in a long time.

“This is what I live for. You are giving me a chance to be a kid again with my friends,” he said. “These kids are just like me. I was born in a poor part of North Carolina with the same disadvantages financially and mentally as they have. They could have been me. This could have been my community center.”

King added, “I wanted them to know the things I wish I would have known at 17. I bought into false pretenses, ideals. At 37, I can pick out where the false things were and share it with these guys.

“I grew up in a trailer that is so far away from the Fountainbleu where I am staying now, the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in. I speak at conferences in front of rooms full of millionaires and don’t feel intimidated. [My] story bridges the gap. Everybody has had adversities rich,poor; black,white.”

He told the kids, “In America, what we consider as problems are blessings. In America, we are born with freedoms at day one. [Immigrants] are risking their lives to get into this place.

“Be good at what you do and do that passionately. It will lead you to what you are supposed to do in life. Whatever you believe in, do that, believe in it. When you believe in something, the power becomes larger than the mountain in front of you. Maybe not on day one or day two, but consistently over time, you will dominate.

The mountain makes us humans look small as big as it is. You will not be able to stop it from being tall and long, but inside of you, you can generate the power to walk over it. More than anything, just be you. There is no other you on the planet. People can tell if you are not authentic. When you are the authentic version of yourself, those who really like you like you more and those who don’t will move to the side.”

Photos by Rachel Galvin

Avis Swenson, well-known in Deerfield Beach for her never-ending community service, brought in a large crowd to Muddy Waters July 3 to celebrate her birthday. But, in typical Avis style, the celebration also gave back.

This time, money went to Honor Flight. The program brings vets and volunteers who assist them to Washington D.C to see the memorials there free of charge. She had the privilege of attending on April 15, 2015. Ironically, the story on Honor Flight, written by Sid Birns on July 2 in the Observer, proved to be timely.

The story was such a hit, it was framed and put next to the donation bucket near the door to collect donations for Honor Flight.

Avis encouraged those in attendance to give back when possible, whether it is being a part of a club like Rotary or Kiwanis, or helping Horses for the Handicapped or even “adopting a teacher.”

After all, the smallest effort can bring great rewards for someone else.