Red Shield Regatta at JM Family’s “The Park”

Posted on 21 February 2024 by JLusk

Captain Lee, from the TV show “Below Deck,” is coming to Deerfield Beach for the Red Shield Regatta

By Rachel Galvin

Fans of the show “Below Deck,” boating enthusiasts, foodies and more will be in attendance at one of the hottest events to hit Deerfield Beach in a long time. The Red Shield Regatta will be at JM Family’s “The Park,” at 200 Jim Moran Boulevard in Deerfield Beach, on March 9 from 6 to 10 p.m. This special event, presented by the Salvation Army of Broward County, will include gourmet food, an open bar, live entertainment and a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, luxury getaways, golf foursomes, dinners and more.

Captain Lee Rosbach from “Below Deck” and “Couch Talk with Captain Lee & Kate” will be there as a special guest host. The event will also feature  WPLG Local 10 Anchor Nicole Perez, WPLG Local 10 Reporter Roy Ramos, 101.5 LITE FM’s Host Julie Guy, and 102.7 FM The Beach Host Gaby OC as emcees.

The regatta will help to raise funds to benefit Plymouth Colony, an essential transitional housing complex in Hollywood that provides shelter and supportive services for families facing adversity. 

The Salvation Army of Broward County engages in year-round critical operations, such as multiple shelters and housing programs to aid those experiencing homelessness; weekly food pantry distributions; daily soup kitchen; annual Angel Tree toy distribution program bringing joy to local families during the holidays, and others. To support these efforts fundraising activities like the seasonal Red Kettle bell ringing campaign and this year’s new Red Shield Regatta offer the community the chance to invest for long-term impact. All funds raised directly assist the most disadvantaged in Broward County.

The Red Shield Regatta is presented by JM Family Enterprises with additional support provided by Ocean Bank and Nivalmi Consulting (Super Yacht sponsors); Bombardier, HMY Yachts, Icon International, and SJF Law Group (Motor Yacht sponsors); Gulfstream, Best Roofing, Sodexo USA, Marksman Security, Convergint and PWC (Cruiser Yacht sponsors); Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Sarria Family, Nexa Mortgage, Sevenson Environmental Services, Moss Foundation, City of Fort Lauderdale, and WPO Development (Tender) and The Sabatano Family, The Cahill Family Charitable Fund, Pete & Jenny Sudler, Samantha Fitzgerald, and The Pino Family (Board Members).

“JM Family has enjoyed a long-term community partnership with The Salvation Army of Broward and has supported many of their programs, not only financially, but through board participation and our associate volunteer program,” said Pete Sudler, vice president, JM Family Enterprises, and an advisory board member for The Salvation Army of Broward County. “Supporting efforts to ensure Plymouth Colony has the appropriate funding to continue helping families toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing opportunities aligns perfectly with JM Family’s charitable giving initiatives.” 

Ready to join in the fun? Put on your cruise or resort wear and join the party. Tickets are $150 each and sponsorship opportunities are available at https://give.salvationarmyflorida.org/RedShieldRegatta.

For more information, contact Dave Hayton, The Salvation Army of Broward County’s development director, at (954) 654-3395 or at David.Hayton@uss.salvationarmy.org.

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Save the Date: Art Stroll is coming Feb. 17 & 18

Posted on 22 January 2024 by JLusk

Save the Date: The Art Stroll is coming to Deerfield Beach Feb. 17 & 18. Once called Festival of the Arts, which has been in place for 43 years, this event will bring in artists from all over to showcase their masterpieces. But this is just part of the fun. Look for live entertainment, food and drink. Mark your calendars. More details coming soon!

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Deerfield Beach Kiwanis Club Golf Tournament

Posted on 15 November 2023 by JLusk

Foursomes hit the links at the Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course on September 30 for the Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach’s 13th Annual Golf Tournament. About 144 people participated. They had a nice buffet lunch and there was also a silent auction and prizes given.
   The event was a huge success, according to Kiwanis Club president Deb Sullivan. “We had a tremendous turnout and the weather held off just long enough for us to get all packed up.”
   She added, “We are so lucky, grateful and beyond appreciative to all of our generous sponsors … Kudos to our loyal players and our new friends. We also owe a big thanks to our community partners that pitched in to donate items for our raffle prizes, purchased tee signs and gave in-kind gifts. Thanks to the volunteers that worked on all the behind the scene details and a big thanks to our 10 Key Club (high school) volunteers that helped with the grunt work.”
 
Winners:
1st Place: FHE Health — Dean Moreno, Rick Anderson, Dustin Marks, Pat Simon
2nd Place: DMA Contracting, Inc —  Jonathon Davis Max Freitag, Keegan Mohan, Zach Duncan
3rd Place: FHE Health — Rami Sleiman, Todd Branstetter, Robert Zimmerman, Tyler Zimmerman
 
Sponsors:
Tournament Sponsor: Security Roofing Systems Inc
Prize Sponsor: ABC Supply Co. Inc.
Platinum Sponsor” FHE Health.
Gold Sponsors: JM Family, Builder’s Bargain Happy Holidays Christmas Trees, NYCB and Wealth Planners.
Silver Sponsors: Mutual of America. HEW Fitness, Tropic Glass Enclosures, ABC Roofing and Palm Atlantic. Welcome Bar Sponsor, Almeida Roofing, Breakfast Sponsor, East Coast Metals.
Beverage Sponsors: DMA Contracting, Inc. and 2 Fish and a Loaf.”
 
To see more photos, visit the Observer Newspaper Online Facebook page.
 
 

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State of the City

Posted on 11 November 2023 by JLusk

By Rachel Galvin

Working together and playing together, this is the foundation of building a community. On October 18, the City of Deerfield Beach showcased their community spirit during their State of the City held on the JM Family campus. This was their 6th annual event and was, according to this reporter’s opinion, one of the best events the city has ever had. The place was packed, as people wandered the area enjoying a wide range of light bites and spirits before sitting down in the outdoor amphitheater space to watch the presentation.

 

Lenny Chesal was supposed to be the emcee, but was unable to, so the city’s Rebecca Medina and JM Family’s Lisa Davis took over the reins and introduced Mayor Bill Ganz.

 

Ganz spoke at length, thanking JM Family and recognizing commissioners and local dignitaries, including Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher; Broward County Commissioner Mark Bogen; Florida Representative Chip LaMarca, whose wife Eileen was there in his stead;as well as members of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, city staff, the Broward Alliance and the Economic Development Council (EDC). He gave special thanks to Rick Jorden, a longtime employee of JM Family who will be retiring. He gave a shout out to fellow commissioners and former mayor Peggy Noland.

 

He mentioned that the event was also about commemorating the Deerfield Beach Historical Society and celebrated their 50th anniversary. He mentioned the contributions of the society through their cultural center and also their Butler House, which is turning 100. The historical society also was honored with the JM Family Changemakers award. He acknowledged the passing of city historian Amie Kay Tanner, who will be missed by many.

 

He talked about some of the ways in which commissioners and himself are working with other groups to make the city better. First, he talked about Commissioner Todd Drosky becoming president of the Broward League of Cities, which is only the second time someone elected from from Deerfield has had this position. District 1 commissioner Michael Hudak also works with the Florida League of Cities. Commissioner Bernie Parness was formerly on the Broward County Planning Council. The mayor added that he, himself, is part of the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization.The chamber joined the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce as Deerfield Beach Council. It pays off, including helping them to get grants, said Ganz, who added that Deerfield is well respected in the greater community and is seen as a leading city on the rise.

 

Mayor Ganz went on to talk about how almost 60% of residents voted on the sale of the parcel of land on the corner of SW 10th Street and I-95. The city commission, he said, selected the highest and best possible use for the property. It is a concept proposed by MBA Partners at an appraised price of $6 ½ million.



He went into detail about beach renourishment that took place and, through collaborating with Hillsboro and Boca Raton, they saved millions of dollars, by taking advantage of a regular scheduled dredging and utilizing a pipeline. He said the city has been recognized as the Best Beach Renourishment in the nation. Ganz said they also started a Beach Management Program. He talked about the importance of the beach and said it was important to spend the money needed to maintain it. And he mentioned the importance of not waiting to make improvements just to save money.

 

Ganz pointed out that the Deerfield Ocean Rescue Team won the southeast regional championships’ top trophy, under the leadership of Captain Mike Brown.

 

In the past year and into the future, they have put in capital investments of more than $10 million in renovations, including repairing the pier, taking care of implementing turtle friendly pedestrian lights, new lifeguard towers, parking lot lights, transportation and event space.

 

Danielle Rosse will start work on the Palm Restaurant, investing over 2 million dollars with traditional sit down service, grab and go counter, tapas style experience on observation deck.

 

He also talked about Investments in the park & recreation programs, including replacing several playgrounds, resurfacing athletic courts, putting in a new gym floor at Leo Robb gym, adding outdoor fitness equipment like at Pastor Willie Ford Outdoor Park with art by Basquiat. The Tigner Center and Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex broke ground this year. The Braithwaite Center for Active Aging and Besos Academy Preschool are expected to open this first quarter. This year, he added that the city put on over 60 special events.  

 

CRA is in permitting for the second phase of Sullivan Park project. This time next year, he said, will be the ground breaking at the new Seagrass to Sawgrass Center, which will be created in a partnership with Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.

 

They have made some advancements in water technology, including implementation of advanced metering infrastructure that provides a more detailed smart meter reading technology that is more accurate. It gives the customer more insight and detects leaks. They also will be updating the Water Treatment Plant. They are implementing an advanced state-of-the-art ion exchange treatment process. They are investing more than $18 million in a special ion exchange treatment process to test for and treat for Pfas, which are man made chemicals that pollute the water worldwide.

 

He said the city is financially stable. Our bond credit remains at a AA rating. City Reserves are healthy. There is about $30 million in reserve. They can be activated for post disaster recovery and more. The commission approved a $349 million approved budget for fiscal year 2024 funds activities while lowering property tax rates.

 

“I believe we are the healthiest we have ever been… financially strong and stable…” said Ganz.

 

Property values exceeded Broward County’s for possibly the first time ever with an 11% increase, compared to 10% for Broward County. This is despite having the 11th lowest assessed value of 31 cities in Broward County… 20 more cities had higher value than we did. We have invested in city with numerous projects. But, we had a 5.7 mill $ increase in revenue, which is great news, but $9.3 mill increase in cost to deliver services. The cost of material and services outpaced our revenue increases. 

 

“We are not alone in this trend. Every city and county is facing this challenge,” said Ganz.

 

He added that school grades should be better, which is something he felt the Broward County School Board could also help with.

 

He also pointed out some things he wished were done better on the state level as well and bemoaned the fact that Tallahassee has “taken away home rule.” 

 

He also spoke about increases in insurance, something that the audience audibly agreed with.

 

After the historical society was honored, their president, TJ Eagen, spoke about renovations coming soon to The Butler House. They received a grant and will use it to do a $400,000 renovation to the home over the next two years. They are hoping to open the historic home Wednesday through Sunday for tours, rather than only on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., like it is now. In addition, he mentioned the Pioneer House nextdoor will be a black history museum for the city. He also mentioned all the ongoing programs at the cultural center across the street, from art classes to live music on the driveway, to international films and more. 

The evening concluded with dessert items and more mingling, and those in-the-know went to the after party.

To see photos, visit the Observer Newspaper Online Facebook page.

 

 

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Link To Deerfield History, David Butler passes away

Posted on 11 October 2023 by JLusk

Robert David Butler, age 75, of Miami, Florida passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023. Known by “David,” he was a link to history here in Deerfield Beach as his parents, Bob and Martha Butler, owned the mid-century modern home now occupied by the Deerfield Beach Historical Society as their cultural center. David Butler was instrumental in making that happen as the only child of the couple, who had passed away.

David’s grandfather was GE Butler, the first mayor of Deerfield Beach, and his uncle was JD Butler, who built the historic Butler House across the street back in 1923. It is one of the oldest homes in the area.

The Historical Society is deeply indebted to David for allowing them to occupy the now cultural center, which has become a home to workshops, classes, art exhibitions, movie presentations and more since.

A visitation for Robert will be held Monday, October 16, 2023 from 10 a.m. to noon at Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 217 E Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach followed by a funeral service from noon to 1 p.m.  A committal service will occur Monday, October 16, 2023 from 1 to 1:30 p.m. at Deerfield Beach Memorial Cemetery, 380 NE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach.

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Police Seek Pistol Whipping Perpetrator — Deerfield

Posted on 06 September 2023 by JLusk

A man was brutally pistol-whipped in broad daylight, and detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit need your help identifying and locating the armed and dangerous individual involved. 
 
The violent encounter occurred at approximately 7:56 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, near the 100 block of West Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach. The victim told investigators he was attacked by an unknown individual while standing near a parking lot.  
 
Surveillance video of the incident shows the victim walking down a sidewalk prior to the assault. The subject is seen exiting a light-colored vehicle and approaching the victim. The two appear to exchange words, and that is when detectives say the subject reaches into his waistband and pulls out a gun. The two then wrestle for the firearm before the perpetrator gains control and repeatedly strikes the victim.
 
The video shows the physical altercation spilling onto the roadway as the victim desperately attempts to defend himself. The armed subject then abruptly stops and walks back to the vehicle, where another individual hands the attacker what detectives believe to be a rifle. 
 
The victim quickly walks away as the subject, now armed with a long-barreled firearm, walks around the parked car in his direction. The subject then enters the vehicle, with his accomplice, and flees the scene.
 
See video by clicking here.
    
Investigators are asking anyone with information on the subject’s identity or whereabouts to contact BSO Violent Crimes Detective Lacey Fitzpatrick at 954-321-4328 or submit a tip through the SaferWatch app. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), online at browardcrimestoppers.org, or dial **TIPS (8477) from any cellphone in the United States.

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Disney Treasure Unveiled

Posted on 05 September 2023 by JLusk

 

By Rachel Galvin

Disney Cruise Line has unveiled their newest ship, The Disney Treasure, which will set sail on December 21, 2024 from Port Canaveral, Florida. This is the sister ship to the Disney Wish that launched in 2022. The Disney Treasure is the perfect ship for Disney lovers and families as they adventure on the high seas.

The design is based on beloved Disney characters and movies, from the Grand Hall, looking much like Agrabah from “Aladdin,” to the Plaza de Coco restaurant reminiscent of the movie “Coco” and beyond. Guests can venture 20,000 leagues under the sea at Periscope Pub, venture into the Skipper Society, inspired by The Jungle Cruise, or unite with fellow adventurers at Worlds of Marvel. They can watch classic Disney films at Wonderland and Neverland Cinemas, or catch a play based on Disney films at the Walt Disney Theatre.

Adults can kick back at the Quiet Cove with its pool and lounge or at the Senses spa while kids enjoy the Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck filled with nautical adventures inside or go outside to the Toy Story Splash Zone, or Aquamouse: The Curse of the Golden Egg, which includes animated shorts and 760 feet of winding tubes that kids can be propelled through down to the pool below. There are actually seven pools to enjoy.

If kids really want to discover and explore, they can visit Disney’s Oceaneer Club or get creative at the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab. They can go to a galaxy far, far away and explore new creatures at Star Wars: Cargo Bay, get recruited by the Marvel Super Hero Academy or enjoy royal splendor at Fairytale Hall.

The whole family can also compete at Hero Zone, a sports and recreation venue. Then, they can participate in a Family Time Game Show or other activities at the Lion King inspired Sarabi.

If you are hungry after all that adventuring, they have plenty to choose from, from Mickey & Friends Festival of Food for quick service to themed sit-down luxurious options like Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement and The Rose.

Then, settle in to luxurious accommodations, from spaces that work well for families to the luxurious concierge suites, two-story Royal Suites and the futuristic Tomorrow Tower Suite.

The ship offers seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral. They set sail next year but you can book as early as September 20 (September 12 for Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members.

Want to know more about what the Disney Treasure has to offer? You don’t need a treasure map. Just visit disneycruise.com/treasure. Adventure awaits!

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Fatal BSO helicopter crash in Pompano

Posted on 28 August 2023 by JLusk

A Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue helicopter crashed into an apartment building in Pompano Beach this morning, Monday August 28. This evidently took place in the area of north Dixie Highway and Atlantic Boulevard just southwest of the Pompano Beach Airpark at approximately 8:45 a.m. Three people were on board, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The crash left a gaping hole in the roof.

Later it was reported that Captain Terryson Jackson passed away. Evidently, a woman in the apartment complex, yet unnamed also passed away.

This statement was released by BSO: “With a heavy heart, we announce the untimely loss of a longtime employee, Captain Terryson Jackson, who passed away this morning, August 28, 2023, after a BSO Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services helicopter crashed in Pompano Beach. Captain Jackson proudly served the people of Broward County for 19 years. He began his fire rescue career in March 2004 in Deerfield Beach and joined the BSO family in October 2011 when the two agencies merged.
As a flight paramedic, he impacted the community daily, providing critical patients with the highest pre-hospital care. He consistently showed an unmatched passion for the job. He always provided expert care, compassion and reassurance to those during their most significant time of need. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson family during this difficult time. His BSO family will forever carry on his legacy.”

 

 

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Composite Sketch & Surveillance Video of Sexual Assault/ Attempted Kidnapping Released

Posted on 28 August 2023 by JLusk

The following did not take place in the Deerfield Beach area, but it is important to be aware of, if traveling down toward Lauderhill.
 
The Broward Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit is releasing a composite sketch of a man who sexually assaulted and attempted to kidnap a woman in unincorporated Broward County. Detectives are also releasing surveillance video of the subject’s vehicle. 
 
The vicious crime occurred around 3 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 12, near the 2900 block of West Sunrise Boulevard. The adult female victim told investigators she was sitting on a curb when an unknown man driving a dark-colored pick-up truck stopped and offered her money in exchange for sex. The victim declined the subject’s offer and began walking away. Detectives say that’s when the man got out of the vehicle, grabbed the victim’s arm, and forced her into the car. 
 
According to investigators, the victim fought the unknown man and managed to exit the pick-up truck. However, the subject regained power over the victim outside the vehicle and sexually assaulted her. 
 
During the traumatic ordeal, the victim broke free, ran to a local business and called 911. 
 
Surveillance video from the area captures the victim running for help following the horrific incident. It also captures the subject’s vehicle following the woman as she desperately searches for someone to help her. The car is then seen fleeing the location as the woman enters the business. 
 
To see video, click here.
 
Anyone with information on the subject’s identity or the vehicle’s location is asked to call BSO Special Victims Unit Detective Nelson Mendez at 954-321-4460 or submit a tip through the SaferWatch app. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), online at browardcrimestoppers.org, or dial **TIPS (8477) from any cellphone in the United States.

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4th of July in Deerfield

Posted on 21 June 2023 by JLusk

 

The City of Deerfield Beach is excited to announce that this year’s 4th of July event will be back at the beach. The celebration kicks off at noon with music, vendors, and more. The night will be wrapping up with a spectacular fireworks show!  Here are a few things you should know:

  • Fireworks will be launching from the Pier at 9:05 p.m.
  • There will be several road and facility closures related to the 4th of July Celebration: 
    • International Fishing Pier will be closed on TBD, and will reopen at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, July 5th. 
    • On July 4th, Ocean Way from Hillsboro Boulevard to SE 4th Street, the Main Beach Parking Lot, the lot behind Ocean Rescue, and the Pier Parking Lot will close, reopening the morning of July 5th. 
    • SE 2 Street and SE 1 Street will close at A1A, Monday, July 4th at 6:00 a.m., reopening on the morning of July 5th. 
    • On July 4th, from 6-11 p.m., the Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge will remain in the lock-down position from  6-11 p.m for pedestrian traffic. 
    • Parking on the barrier island will be limited during the event. Complimentary parking will be available at the Cove Shopping Center, Sullivan Park, and St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Attendees can make the short walk across the bridge to the event or take the complimentary shuttle service that will pick up at the Cove Shopping Center, St. Ambrose, and drop off at SE 4th Street. 
    • The Shuttle Service will run as follows:
      • TBD
      • 11 p.m. to midnight
        Entertainer Time 
        Andrew Morris 5:00 PM-6:00 PM 
        Force Majeure 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
        Whiskey Country 8:00 PM-9:05 PM

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