Photos from a previous year, taken by Rachel Galvin

By Rachel Galvin

Delray Beach Fashion Week 2022 Schedule of Events:

The Records, Taxes & Treasury Division has mailed property tax bills for 2020. Payments may be processed starting November 1, 2020. Tax bills are also available to view, print, and submission of online payment at broward.county-taxes.com starting November 1. For taxpayers whose bills are paid by escrow arrangement, a courtesy tax bill copy will be mailed in mid-November.  

Property taxes must be paid no later than March 31, 2021 to avoid delinquency interest, fees, and penalties, but may be paid as early as November 1, 2020 to take advantage of early-payment discounts. Early-payment discounts for payments made in full are as follows: a 4% discount if paid in November; a 3% discount applies in December; a 2% discount in January; and a 1% discount in February. The discounted amounts that apply to each month between November and February are already reflected on property tax bill coupons. These discounts apply only to full tax payments. Making a partial payment of property taxes forfeits any applicable discount otherwise available for full tax payments.   

2020 tax payments can be made by the following methods:

Online at broward.county-taxes.com: Credit/Debit Card or eCheck:
Use the search function to locate the correct tax account then follow instructions for payment by credit/debit card or eCheck. There is a non-refundable 2.55-percent convenience fee for credit/debit card payments, paid to the credit card company. eCheck payments have no additional fee.

Using Your Bank’s Online Bill Pay Service:
Request a payment to the “Broward County Tax Collector” directly from your bank’s online Bill Pay service, and carefully enter your tax account from your tax bill. There is no additional fee for this service. Only full payment of a single tax bill can be made with each Bill Pay request. Attempts to make partial tax payments by Bill Pay services may be rejected and not received by the Tax Collector. Only one tax bill can be associated with each payment. Attempts to make a single payment for multiple tax bills will be rejected as multiple tax accounts cannot be identified and your payment will be rejected and returned.   

Mail By Check:
Please use the green return-envelope enclosed with the tax bill or mail your payment to Broward County Tax Collector, Processing Center P.O. Box 849375, Hollywood, FL 33084-9375. Include the tax coupon with the check and write the tax account on the check, or there may be delays or rejection of the payment. All check payments must be in U.S. funds issued from a U.S. bank account. The payment envelope’s postmark date is used to determine the applicable early-payment discount. If check payments are rejected or returned by your bank, the payment will be canceled, a return check fee will be charged, and discount deadlines will not be extended for substitute payments. 

In Person:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Broward County offices are closed to the public. Your payment by check or money order can only be dropped off in a secure lock box at the Broward County Tax & License Office, Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., outside of Room A-100, Fort Lauderdale, FL, from 8:30AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday, except County holidays. Please check broward.org for possible operational changes and hours due to COVID-19.

A Wells Fargo Bank Branch located in Broward County:
2020 tax bills (no delinquent tax payments) may be paid in full at any Wells Fargo Bank Branch in Broward County until March 31, 2021. Tax payments made at Wells Fargo must be paid in full only (no partial payments), by check or money order in U.S. funds issued by a U.S. bank. Taxpayers must have their original 2020 tax bill to present at the time of the payment. No credit, debit, or cash payments can be accepted by the banks for tax payments.  

Partial Payments:
2020 taxes may be paid in up to five partial payments of a minimum of $100 and will include a $10 processing fee. Partial payments forfeit all early-payment tax discounts that would otherwise apply to full payments. The final partial payment must be for the full remaining balance and paid by March 31, 2021 to avoid delinquency interest and fees on any remaining balance as of April 1, 2021. Partial payments can be made by request at revenue@broward.org. Partial payments cannot be made at Wells Fargo banks.   

For more information, call 954-831-4000 or visit broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury.  

The Pompano Beach Holy Royal Arch Masons and Upchurch Management at McDonalds (on Hillsboro Beach & SW 1st Terrace) created a special event on March 28. They provided free breakfast sandwiches and hashbrowns to those in need… first come, first served. They fed about 300 families. Terry Scott said that they also went to B’nai Brith to give residents there coupons for breakfast. Former Sheriff Scott Israel, who is running again for sheriff, was among those helping the endeavor, said Scott.

“I would like to thank Upchurch Management of McDonald’s for all their help and donations, the Companions of Pompano Beach Holy Royal Arch Masons for always thinking about the needs of our community, Scott lsrael for volunteering to help pass out breakfast and Johnny Wilcox of Bethlehem Baptist Church of Deerfield Beach,” he said.

From the 2019 License to Swim: Swim & Surf Fashion Show; fashion by Blings & Things. Photo By Rachel Galvin

Fashion Lovers & Football Lovers combine in this year’s Delray Beach Fashion Show, which will be held Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 throughout downtown Delray. Since the “Big Game” is on our home turf this year, the fashion fest is celebrating Super Bowl style. Although there are events that are themed around football, the fashion, of course, is not just about the game.

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 6 to 9 p.m.: Fashion Bowl “54”–Kickoff Runway Show & Studio 54 Dance

The festivities begin Jan. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. with the Fashion Bowl “54” — a kickoff runway show and Studio 54 dance party along Atlantic Avenue. The event will be centered outside The Colony Hotel (at 525 E. Atlantic Ave.) Tickets are $35 for runway seating and include a special gift bag and chance to receive a Fashion Week prize. You can stand to watch the show for free. Over 30 retailers will showcase their best. There will be other opportunities, such as light bites for SUPER Fashion Pass holders, music spun by DJ Parisi Events and plenty of specialty boutiques to peruse. Attire: Studio 54 (Be ready to dance!)

Thursday, Jan. 30, 7 to 9 p.m.: Art & Couture All-Stars – Designer Fashion Show & Art Experience

There will be an exclusive designer runway show outside in front of the Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, followed by “Art Couture: The Intersection of Art and Fashion” exhibition and reception inside. Enjoy a meet-and-greet with local Delray Beach designers after the show. Tickets are $50 for runway seating and reception. Free to stand and watch runway show. Only ticketed persons are allowed entry to museum. Proceeds benefit Old School Square. Attire is Evening Casual.

Friday, Jan. 31, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Half-time & High Heels Presented by Vince Canning Shoes – Resort Wear Luncheon Show

Come on out to CHE!!! Restaurant, at 900 E Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy lunch, entertainment, a RTW fashion show, silent auction and more.  Tickets are $50 per person, including lunch, a signature cocktail and the fashion show, as well as a ticket for a chance to win the Fashion Week Grand Prize. Event benefits the Achievement Centers for Children and Families. Attire: Resort Casual.

Friday, Jan. 31, 6 to 10:30 p.m.: Old School Square Super Pep Rally – Swim & Active Wear Show with Free Concert & Tailgate Games

Now, this event is a bit different and goes along with the football theme. At 

Old School Square Park and Pavilion, 51 N. Swinton Ave., there will be a special family-friendly event, including high school marching bands, cheerleaders, the National Anthem, meet-and-greet with NFL Alumni and local football legends. This is a tailgate party like no other! There will not only be food and beverage vendors on-site, but games like cornhole, football toss, ting toss, bocce ball and more. Visit the Delray Beach Fashion Week Experience booth to meet the models, get your Fashion Week bag and get the opportunity to shop the runway. At 8:30 p.m., the Swim & Active Wear Show begins. Attire: Game Day.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Downtown Shop the Runway Blitz – Boutique Shopping Event

Shop the Runway is back by popular demand! You can hop on a shopping shuttle and buy some of the hot looks you saw on the runway! For every purchase made, you receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of several awesome prizes. The event, which begins at Rose’s Daughter (169 NE 2 Ave.) includes a continental breakfast, coffee and a mimosa.  Enjoy a post-event reception at L’Acqua Ristorante Italiano. Attendees will receive a Fashion Week SWAG bag with coupons to participating retailers. Visit www.DelrayFashionWeek.com for a list of the participating retailers. The event will take place throughout Delray Beach. Tickets are $25 and include a welcome reception, SWAG bag, shuttle transportation and the post-event reception. Proceeds benefit Achievement Centers for Children & Families. Event happens rain or shine.  Attire: Casual (wear comfy shoes for walking!) 

Sunday, Feb. 2, 4 to 10 p.m.: Celebrate the Big Game 2020 – Brunching, Shopping & Community Watch Party

Come to the Old School Square Park, at 51 N Swinton Ave., for the Community Watch Party to watch the Big Game on the lawn after shopping and brunching daylong. There is free parking at all downtown garages. The screen is 13 x 27 ft! The game starts at 6 p.m. It is free to attend (donations to Old School Square accepted).

SUPER Fashion Pass: Want to do Delray Fashion Week in style? Become a real VIP with the SUPER Fashion Pass! This limited pass is $175.00 and includes a reserved VIP seat to all runway shows, admission to the Half-Time & High Heels Luncheon and Downtown Shop The Runway Shopping Blitz. A VIP Lanyard & tag, VIP Receptions at the Opening Show, a “fast track” line at the Old School Pep Rally NFL Alumni meet-and-greet, and a special edition of the 2020 Fashion Week VIP SWAG bag by designer Amanda Perna. Runway show reserved seat tickets and other event tickets range from $25-$50. All proceeds benefit the Achievement Centers for Children & Families and Old School Square.

The SUPER Fashion Pass and runway show reserved seat tickets are available at www.DelrayFashionWeek.com,

By Rachel Galvin

Dog lovers flocked to Baja Cafe Dos (1310 S. Federal Hwy.) on Sunday, Oct. 27 for this year’s Paws For a Cause event. They brought their four-legged friends with them. This event, hosted by the Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach, gave to local dog rescues. Within the small parking lot there, they packed in plenty of fun. There were tables set up with information and giveaways from local pet-related businesses. The Woman’s Club had plenty of baskets to raffle off too.

People from Pet Vet, who brought along their large Dalmatian dog mascot Pete, were busy talking about their $25 new client exam. They also had people “Spin To Win” with hopes of winning different treats and toys.

Pet Supermarket (located near Hillsboro & Federal) had pet toys on hand and coupons, as well as doggie biscuits. They even gave away Halloween coloring sheets to kids who attended. It was the first time they were involved.

“We are happy to be part of the event. A lot of customers who come to our store are here,” said Shannon Lipton.

Scruffy to Fluffy pet groomers (located across from City Hall at 101 NE 2 Ave.) were also there. They offer grooming for dogs and cats. They offer all natural products and strive to create a calm and quiet atmosphere for pets (including making sure cats and dogs are not there at the same time).

Milo’s Pet Rescue brought five dogs and two were adopted (possibly more later).

These were just a few vendors.

The highlight of the event was the costume contest. The judges included yours truly, as well as Perry Victor, Gordon Vatch, Vice Mayor Todd Drosky and Commissioner Michael Hudak. After a little deliberation, the winners were clear. For “family” category (human and pet both dressed up), the winner was Bryanna Meade with her dog 11-year-old Dymitry Jones. The overall winner, Willow, charmed the judges by pulling up in a miniature remote control car while wearing sunglasses. The car was operated by the dog’s owner Cherie Disque.

There was also rockin’ music by Iggy DiLeonardo & Marc Claus.

On top of all this, the restaurant itself was giving a portion of its proceeds back to the cause.

The Woman’s Club is always involved in activities. They have many of their own and also are always helping out others. To find out more about the Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach, visit www.dbwc.org.

Basketball Camp

Kenny Boynton’s Train Like A Pro Weekend

Friday, June 24 through Saturday, June 25

Highlands Christian Academy

501 NE 48 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Think, train, perform like a pro. K-12th grade. Limited space.Also Elite Training Clinic: Sunday, June 26, Coral SpringsRec. Ctr. Register at www.arcitecbasketball.com.

Dive-in Movies: Woodlawn

Friday, June 24, 8 p.m.

Houston Sworn Pool

901 NW 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Snacks/refreshments available. For more information, call 954-786-4116 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Superhero Splash Bash

Friday, June 24, 6 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Games, splash water park playtime, movie, bounce house, prizes and more. All ages. $6, children 1 yr. and under free. Pre-registration required, call 954-357-5100.

Ham Radio Field Day

Saturday, June 25 & Sunday, June 26

During daylight hours

Quiet Waters Park

Pavilion 10

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Free hot dog/beverage available to anyone from the public who makes their first radio contact using the “Get-On-The-Air Station.” Park admission $1.50 (gate fee). For more information, visit www.broward.org/parks/quietwaterspark or www.w4bug.org.

Beach Yoga

Saturday, June 25, 8 a.m.

South of the International Fishing Pier

Lifeguard Tower 2

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Presented by Sand Angel Yoga. Classes every Saturday until July 23. $12 per session, 5 classes-$50, 8 classes-$75. All levels welcome. No experience is necessary. Register at any City of Deerfield Beach rec. facilities or visit: www.deerfield-beach.com/registration. For more information, call 954-480-4361.

Grand Opening Celebration PetSmart & Banfield Pet Hospital

Saturday, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pompano CitiCentre (next to Macy’s)

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Free popcorn, refreshments, giveaways. First 25 pets receive free bath or grooming service. First 100 customers receive coupons worth $30. Meet the Banfield veterinary team and tour new in-store hospital. First 25 pets to visit hospital will receive a free microchip (1 per household).

Visit www.pompanociticentre.com/sales-events for more information.

Holy Communion and Luncheon

Sunday, June 26, 10 a.m.

1416 S E 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, Fl. 33441

St. Peter”s Anglican Church honors our Patron Saint.Call Fr. Tracy at 954-695-0336 for more details.

Dixieland/Swing Jazz Session

Sunday, June 26, 1 to 4 p.m.

Pompano Beach Elks Club

700 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Presented by the Hot Jazz & Alligator Gumbo Society. Call 954-563-5390 or visit www.hagsjazz.com

Sundays at the Butler House: Bees, Butterflies & Books

Sunday, June 26, 1 to 4 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free entrance. Free book for students “Seedfolks.” Free Butler House tours. Optional purchases for plants, books, honey, assorted food products. Donations accepted. Call 954-429-0378 or visit www.deerfield-history.org.

RE: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Dear Editor,

Myself and my family lived in Coconut Creek since 1995. We sold our house last September and we are now renting on a closed golf course in a seemingly quiet little neighborhood call Crystal Lake. At first, I was not happy, but as I walked my dog and got to meet and know my neighbors, I grew to like the community a lot, even considering [purchasing] a home! It’s diverse, very friendly, [with] many dogs, new families moving in with children, lots of remodeling and beautification going on.

However, with all the crime, such as break-ins, robberies, vandalism, shootings, assaults, speeding cars, etc., and coyotes in the backyard and streets (yes, I know they were here before me), and the new gigantic cell tower that looks like a smoke stack in the middle of the new cemetery, I’m not sure I want to stay anymore!

People should know that there is valuable information in local papers, not to mention great coupons, good news, but also the bad news (crime watch). People must be aware. People need to have alarms, motion detectors and lighting. [Home Owner’s Associations] definitely should send out notices when there is a problem and also do a better job of screening potential renters. We don’t have enough police to patrol the areas 24/7.

I’m all for beautification of all these local towns, but perhaps the cities can buy less new fully grown palm trees and pay law enforcement more!

We need to take care of our families and neighbors and we should all read our local papers … for The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

Oh, and let’s do a better job with the gigantic cell tower in the new cemetery (ugh). Perhaps, they can at least disguise it to look like a gigantic pine tree!

Nancy M. Kelly

Deerfield Beach, FL

RE: Utility Service Line Warranty program

Dear Editor,

Many of you have received letters about the Utility Service Line Warranty program administered by Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA). Please note this program was approved by the City Commission.

The program is voluntary and NOT mandatory for city residents, but for those who elect to participate in the program there is a small monthly fee. The services provided include the following:

– External sewer line warranty — scope is from the city main tap until line daylights inside the home, which includes the service line under the concrete floor

– External water line warranty — scope is from the meter and/or curb box until it daylights inside home, which includes the service line under the concrete floor

– In-home plumbing warranty — covers residential in-home water supply lines and in-home sewer lines, and all drain lines connected to the main sewer stack that are broken or leaking inside the home after the point of entry.

If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Vickki Placide-Pickard or Jonathan Price in our Community Development Department at 954-422-5810.

Rebecca Medina Stewart

City of Deerfield Beach

Public Information Office

LHP Kids Sports Registrations

• Girls Volleyball

On-going

City Clerk’s Office, 200 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

No registration fee; game schedule TBD. Grades 5 – 8

• Recreational Cheerleading

Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 to 10 a.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Registration Fee: Residents and non-residents, $25. Grades 1 – 5. Game Schedule: Saturdays, Oct. 24, through Dec.19 at Frank McDonough Park following NFL Flag Football game schedule.

• Flag Football

On-going

City Clerk’s Office, 2200 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Registration Fee: Residents $40, non-residents $70. Grades 5 – 8

Constitution Day at FAU

Thursday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Democracy Plaza, Florida Atlantic University

777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Free. Events celebrate the signing of the U.S. Constitution this day in 1787. Events include presentation of colors, national anthem, and presentations by various speakers. Contact Kevin Wagner at 561-252-1794 or kwagne15@fau.edu.

Fair Housing Act Seminar

Thursday, Sept. 17, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Kaye Bender Rembaum, 1200 Park Central Blvd. S., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Free. RSVP seminars@KBRLegal.com or call 954-928-0680.

Carousel Carnival

Friday, Sept. 18, 6 to 9 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre Federal Hwy & Copans Rd. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Carnival midway games, free carousel rides, face painting, Sunshine Circus, clown show, acrobatic dogs and more. Visit www.PompanoCitiCentre.com.

Kiwanis Club Annual FUNd-raiser Golf Tournament

Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m. shotgun start

Crystal Lake Golf Club

3800 Crystal Lake Dr. Pompano Beach, FL 33064

$125 individuals; $500 foursome. Proceeds benefit a wide range of Kiwanis programs and charities in our community. Sponsorship opportunities available. Call 954-242-6083, 954-980-1833, or visit www.deerfield-beachkiwanis.org.

Pop Tennis FREE Demo/Clinic

Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 to 10 a.m.

Pompano Community Park Pickleball Courts

2001 NE 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Call Mitchell Ball, 754-201-9047 or visit www.misterpoptennis.com.

The Blues Brothers concert

Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 p.m.

Rips Sports Bar & Grill (in Diamond Strikes Lanes)

2200 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

You saw the movie … now see the show! Call 954-941-0968.

Church of Christ 37th Anniversary

Sunday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33444

Worship services, Sunday school, lunch and Song Fest featuring 15th St. Choraleers, Harmony of Hope and Grace Notes. Events and worship nightly Sept 21 – 24, 7:30 p.m. at the church, 360 SW 2 Ave. Call Rosemary Baker, 954-609-8215.

Zumba Gold® Fitness Classes

Tuesdays, Sept. 22, 11:15 a.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center 227 NW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Low-impact workouts are upbeat, build cardiovascular health and feature a combination of dance styles, including salsa, tango and merengue. Every Tuesday and Thursday. $10 per month (Free to Healthways Silver Sneakers). Call 954-480-4447.

Grand Opening – Jersey Mike’s, Pompano

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 5:15 p.m.

Jersey Mike’s Subs 2350 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Fundraiser for stroke awareness – $2 of each coupon redeemed between Sept. 23 and Oct. 12 will be donated to the Ranse Jones Stroke Awareness Fund. Pick up coupons at Jersey Mike’s Subs. Call 954-532-0209.

LHP Chamber Workshop on Video Marketing and Social Selling

Wednesday, Sept 23, 6 to 8 p.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club

2701 NE 42 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Free. The LHP Chamber offers this seminar for business owners on video marketing and social selling. Video expert Jessica Carter Brace and Steve Nudelberg with On The Ball Marketing will share their expertise. Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca will give a Broward Business update. RSVP to lhpchamberoffice@gmail.com. Visit www.lhpchamber.com for information.

Save the Date! These events are coming soon:

• Sept. 28: Fifth Annual Two Georges Golf Tournament, Deer Creek Country Club, call 954-427-0353.

• Oct. 3-4: Barktoberfest Dog Day at Quiet Waters Park, call 954-357-5100.

• Oct. 9 – 11: 6th Annual Ranse Jones Classic Volleyball Tournament, Deerfield beach.

64th Annual National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 7, noon to 1 p.m.

Deerfield Beach City Hall, Commission Chambers 150 NE 2 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

People of all faiths can come together in prayer.

Rotary Scholarship Golf Tournament

Friday, May 8, 8 a.m. shotgun start

Deer Creek Golf Club 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

6:30 a.m. — Registration begins; 12:30 p.m. — Lunch & awards presentation. Hosted by The Deerfield Beach Rotary Club. Proceeds to Benefit Rotary Club Charities and Student Scholarships. For more information, call 954-610-3123. www. deerfieldrotarygolf.com.

Sushi & Stroll-Summer Walk Series

Friday, May 8, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens 4000 Morikami Park Rd. Delray Beach, FL 33446

Walk through tranquil gardens, enjoy Taiko drumming, try some ethnic cuisine. $8 adults, $6 children (4-10). Museum members and children 3 and under FREE; $2 for taiko performance (optional). Reservations not required. Food and drink not included. 561-495-0233, www.morikami.org.

Mother’s Day Weekend at Butterfly World

Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10

Tradewinds Park South 3600 W. Sample Rd. Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Have a fun day with mom filled with live butterflies, lorikeets, botanical gardens, aviaries and more. Moms pay only $10 per day. No coupons or additional discounts will be usable. Regular admission rates apply to other members of party. Tradewinds Park weekend gate fee will be in effect $1.50 per person. Info: www.ButterflyWorld.com.

It’s a Dog’s Life

Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club 2701 NE 42 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Dog show includes all-you-can-eat buffet; dog contests. $25 adults; $12 kids (10 and under). Proceeds help abandoned dogs. Info: 954-727-9977.

Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club meets

Wednesday, May 13, 11:30 a.m.

City Fish Market 7940 Glades Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33434

Guest speaker: Florida Atlantic University President John W. Kelly. $35 for members in advance, $40 at door; $35 for first time guests, $50 second time guests. R.S.V.P: 561-852- 0000 or www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com.

Save the date: Night Out: Cocktails & Canvases

Thursday, May 14, 6 to 9 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre 1955 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

In courtyard, learn to paint, have a cocktail and try some food samples while enjoying live entertainment. Limited space. Call 954-943-4683 or visit www.pompanociticentre.com.

Hillsboro Lighthouse tour

Saturday, May 9, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (hourly)

Park at Pompano Beach Oceanside parking lot (across from the Sands Harbor Resort & Marina), 125 N. Riverside Drive. Proceed to the Sands Harbor Resort & Marina dock and look for the HLPS Lighthouse tour table. Tour is accessible only by boat. $25 per person, free for HLPS members. This tour will include lighthouse lens cleaning in morning allowing rare chance to enter the usually-locked lens area (work will be completed by noon). Must wear fl at shoes with rubber soles and closed toes. No sandals, flip-fl ops, or heels. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 48” in. (4 ft.) tall to climb the tower. No pets allowed. For a list of 2015 tour dates, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Saturday, May 9

Don’t forget to leave a bag of non-perishable items in a bag for your letter carrier to pick up by your mail box. Food items benefit the needy in our community. www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive.

By Rachel Galvin

In the mood for Italian? Step into Amato’s Italian Grill, a perfect place for a romantic interlude or a family gathering. With Southern Italian flair, the chef cooks up everything from sandwiches, pizzas and calzones to favorites like linguini with red or white clam sauce, Mussels Marinara, Chicken Marsala, Veal Parmesean or Eggplant Rollatine. The meal begins with a generous helping of plain or garlic knots teeming with butter and garlic. The Bruschetta Italiana is an appetizer that will make your mouth water for more. Chopped tomatoes, red onions and basil set atop Italian bread saturated with balsamic vinegar and oil make for a crunchy start and a melt-in-your-mouth, slightly spicy finish. Looking for a milder beginner, try the can’tget- enough Pasta Fagioli, comfort food at its finest. For a light tasting entree that will fill you up and satiate your Italian craving, try the Chicken Francese. One of the more popular dishes, these thin egg-washed slices of tender chicken are pan sauteed in a lemony white wine sauce, made from fresh squeezed lemons. Of course, no dinner is complete without the finishing touch – a dessert. Try their tiramisu, made from scratch with espresso lady fingers, Kahlua, Marscapone cheese, almond cookie and other tasty ingredients. Presented with a criss-cross pattern of chocolate over the dusting of cookie on top, this tiramisu is thick and creamy and sits atop a bed of powdered sugar.

To quench your thirst, there is wine by the glass or carafe, or bring your own bottle ($15 corking fee). There also is domestic and imported beer, soda and San Pellegrino.

Owner Reyna Amato’s favorite dishes are the clams, the Fruta di Mare and Chicken Amato. All of her dishes are made with family recipes. She began her life in cooking at the age of 14 working with her parents at their pizzeria in New Jersey. Her family moved to the states from Palermo, Italy. She moved to Florida four years ago and opened Amato’s in 2010.

“Everything is homemade,” she said. “It is economically-priced, but fresh and high quality. Nothing is pre-packaged. The pizza is made every day. We have New York and Sicilian style.”

She plans on bringing entertainment back. At one time, it was outside on the patio; now, she plans to make it more intimate, allowing a single guitarist to play inside at certain times. For now, Italian music plays in the background.

They have unbelievable specials here, such as their lunch special – half a sandwich, cup of soup/ salad and a slice of pizza for only $6.99. Thursday is seafood night. For under $10, you get your choice of a wide selection of fish or seafood with your choice of sauce. Their early bird special is buy one plus two beverages and get second entree for $1.99. Ask about other specials and look for coupons here in the Observer.

Amato’s Italian Grill is located at 1901 N. Federal Hwy., Unit #112B, in the Pompano Citi Centre, Pompano Beach, FL 33062. Open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 10 p.m., they also do take-out and delivery. Call 954-582-9211. For more information, visit www.amatositaliangrill.com.