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Volunteer Day

Saturday, July 9, 9 a.m.

The Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Bring your own work gloves. We will supply both water and lunch. E-mail Jerry@treezoo.com or call 954-480-4494

Sol Children Theatre Troupe –“The Last Five Years”

Friday, July 15, 7 p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, July 17, 2 p.m.

Sol Children Theatre, 3333 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Discretion advised due to language and adult content. Early reservations recommended. Tickets: $12 includes refreshments. Call 561-447-8829 for reservations or info. www.solchildren.org.

“Summer in the City” music series – Soul Survivors Band

Friday, July 15, 7 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater, 327 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Free concert. The state-of-the-art backup band, that sounds like a 16-piece orchestra, has recorded the original music in Miami studios for people like The BeeGees, Barbra Streisand, Marc Anthony and others. They are joined by four musically-diverse singers. 561-393-7827. www.myboca.us/rec/specialevents

Luminotti plays

Saturday, July 16, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The French Quarter Bar & Grill, 2341 N. Federal Hwy. (in front of Muvico), Pompano Beach, FL  33062

Local classic rock band Luminotti is playing a new venue – The French Quarter,  this Saturday night. Bring a friend to hear lead singer Steve Minotti with bandmates Mark Barovich, Kenny Minotti, Chris Korzen and Paul Vouté. Save the date for next gig: Deerfield Beach’s Firewater, Friday, July 29.

Pompano Beach free tree giveaway

Saturdays, July 16 and 23, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pompano Beach Nursery, 1000 NE 3 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Two trees per residence; first come, first served basis.  Must live within city limits and provide identification, such as a driver’s license or water bill to verify residency. Varieties include: Mahogany, Live Oak, Dahoon, Holly, Red Maple, Red Cedar, Queen Palm, Foxtail Palm, Crape Myrtle, Paradise, Bulnesia and Simpson Stopper. Instruction sheets for planting included. 954-786-5516.

COBRA launches

Saturday, July 16, 5 to 8 p.m.

Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton 33432

COBRA stands for City of Boca Raton Athletics. This new program will be announced. Event is part of the Florida Panthers Blueprint Parks “We See Red” tour. Panthers Patrol will bring along their inflatables, interactive games, Panther facepainters, live music, giveaways and other activities to complete a “sports-fun” experience. Special appearances by Panthers Ice Dancers, Stanley C. Panther and other Panthers personalities. 561-393-7827, www.floridapanthers.com.

Zonta comes to Deerfield Beach

Tuesday, July 19, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. (networking), noon (lunch)

Duffy’s  Restaurant, 401 N. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Held on third Tuesday of each month. Zonta International is a classified service organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women locally and world-wide through service and advocacy.  The organization has more than 1,200 clubs in 67 countries, with a membership of nearly 33,000.  The Zonta Club of Greater Deerfield Beach is a 501(c) 3 organization, registered in the United States. RSVP to  Sandy Manning at 561-392-2223 for reservations.

The Democratic Women’s Club of NE Broward meets

Wednesday, July 20, 7 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St. , Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Topic: New voting laws enacted in the 2011 legislative session. Refreshments served. 954-942-8711.

Save the Date: 2nd Annual Bowling Fundraiser

Friday, July 29, 7 to 10 p.m.

Diamond Strikes Lanes, 2200 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

“Spare Lives and Strike Out Cancer” by participating in a friendly competition of spares and strikes with this Relay for Life fundraiser. Team packages of $150 include 6 bowlers ($25 per person), 3 hours of bowling, shoes, pizza and wings, raffles, prizes, free bowling coupons, and more.  N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach.  Contact Nona at 954-304-4248 to sign up by July 15.

DEERFIELD BEACH

July 9 A man reported his vehicle stolen from the 300 block of NE 38 Street.

July 9 A man was arrested and charged with possession of narcotics at the 100 block of NE 1 Terrace.

July 9 A woman reported her purse stolen with credit card, cash and cell phone on the 200 block of SE 21 Avenue.

July 10 A woman reported that her rear left car window was smashed and her purse stolen on the 400 block of S. Powerline Road.

July 10 A man was arrested and charged with domestic violence after punching a woman at the 800 block of Spring Circle.

July 10 A man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after making threats, pointing a gun at people and firing shots into the air on the 300 block of SW 3 Avenue.

July 10 A woman reported that a man threatened to kill her and two other women on the 5000 block of NE 5 Terrace.

July 10 A man reported his vehicle broken into and a Coach purse and man’s wallet stolen at 400 N. Powerline Rd.

DEERFIELD – District 4

July 5 Grand theft occurred between 2 p.m., June 28 and 12:30 p.m., July 5 in Deer Run, 3230 SW 1 St. Unknown person stole the internal parts and a piece of the outside air conditioner unit from this location.

July 6 Residential burglary was reported at 3497 Palladian Circle at 10:15 a.m. Deputies responded to a residential alarm at this address, where a check of the exterior revealed the rear screen patio door ajar and the sliding glass window shattered. A perimeter was quickly established. BSO helicopter was on scene. A check of the interior by deputies revealed it was vacant with numerous valuables in plain view (laptop, camera, cell phone, etc). Resident stated everything inside the home looked normal and undisturbed.

July 6 Residential burglary took place during evening hours at 2706 SW 15 St., Waterford. BSO deputies responded to the scene to find a shattered sliding glass door. Detectives worked the case through the night. A suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, and the investigation is ongoing. If you see suspicious activity, call 911 immediately.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

June 29 Two transformers were reported stolen from Beacon Light Partners Unlimited on the 2400 block of N. Federal Highway.

June 30 A man reported his truck stolen from the 2200 block of NE 44 Street. The truck contained five scuba tanks.

July 1 A man was issued a trespass warning after becoming unruly at SunTrust Bank on the 3800 block of N. Federal Highway.

July 1 A man reported his American flag and flag pole stolen from his home on the 1900 block of NE 30 Court.

July 2 A woman was arrested and charged with driving without a valid driver’s license on the 2700 block of N. Federal Highway.

Yoga in the forest

Thursday, July 7, 6 p.m.

Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. S., Coconut Creek, FL 33063

Every Thursday. Hatha Yoga. For 18 and up. $10. Wear loose-fitting clothing, bring mat. Registration not required. 954-357-5198.

Update your driving skills

Friday, July 8, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Century Plaza Branch Library, 1856-A West Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Presented by AARP. One-day class for auto insurance credit. Cost: AARP Members-$12, non-members-$14. Register: 954-360-1330.

Sol Children’s Theatre: “Seussical”

Friday, July 8, 2 and 7 p.m.

Olympic Heights Fine Arts Theatre, 20101 Lyons Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33434

$10. Available on www.solchildren.org. 561-447-8829.

Splash Luau at Quiet Waters Park

Friday, July 8, 6 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Movie, luau games and more, along with splash time in the Splash Adventure water park. $5.50-per-person admission fee does not include refreshments. Space limited. Advance ticket sales required. 954-357-5100

American Flyers cookout and open house

Saturday, July 9, noon

Pompano Beach Airpark, 801 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free BBQ lunch followed by facility tour given by a certified flight instructor. Tour classrooms, flight line and simulators. Flight instructor will conduct free FAA WINGS seminar, covering congested airspace considerations. Guests eligible to receive certificate for two free hours of instruction in flight simulator. Arrive 10-15 mins. early. No reservations needed. 954-785-1450 or www.americanflyers.net/about/aviation_ seminars.asp.

Best-selling author book signing

Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m.

Barnes & Noble, 2790 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33065

Best-selling children’s author, Laura Duksta, will be autographing and selling her popular book “I Love You More” in addition to her new book, which flips to read the title “You Are a Gift to the World” on one side, “The World is a Gift to You” on the other. If you missed her book signing in Boca, it is worth the drive to see this inspiring author. www.LauraDuksta.com.

Humane Society shelter 1-year anniversary

Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3870 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Raffles, food, animal CPR, dog agility, K-9 demonstrations and fun. No pets. www.floridahumanesociety.com.

Pancake breakfast

Sunday, July 10, 9 a.m. to noon

Elks Lodge, 700 N.E. 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by the Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does, Drove 142. Adults $5, children $2.50. 954-725-5192.

Deerfield Beach Democratic Club meets

Monday, July 11, 7 p.m.

Century Village, Activity Center, 2400 Century Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker: Mr. Owen Walker from the Broward County Services for the elderly and Veterans Dept. RE: Veteran benefits. 954-415-5658.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Wednesday, July 13, 10 a.m. to noon

301 NW 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441    

Also 20 & 27. Share experiences, become informed. Speaker: David Ruberg, MPS, Old Friends Geriatric Care Management. Topic: Medicaid and veterans benefits. 954-480-4463.

Looking for affordable quality childcare?

NE Focal Point has certified staff on hand to care for children 3 to 5 years old. Their full day program is Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It includes breakfast, lunch and snacks and a developmentally appropriate curriculum. They include art and music in their programs and have a computer lab. They have a low teacher to child ratio and a nurse on the premises. Their free VPK program is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. Family Central is welcome. NE Focal Point has an Apple accreditation, a State of Florida Gold Seal, has received the Points of Light Award and has a Broward County 5+ Star Quality Rating.

Hospice volunteers needed

VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Broward needs volunteers to make friendly visits to terminally ill patients and their families, provide relief for weary caregivers, visit veterans, accompany dog for Pet Therapy visits, sew Memory Bears, play musical instruments, sing or read to patients. Licensed hairstylists needed to give free haircuts to patients at home. Volunteers must take two-day orientation. 954-777-5396.

DEERFIELD BEACH

June 27 A victim on NW 4 Avenue had her home burglarized and $6,500 in jewelry stolen.

June 28 A home on Crystal Lake Drive had its sliding rear door broken and $1,500 in jewelry stolen.

June 29 An unidentified victim is the subject in a death investigation off NE 3 Avenue. No other information is available.

July 1 A Jaguar and a Lexus were taken from near SE 12 Ave. Two black male juveniles were arrested for this case and for another case where a shed was broken into.

July 2 A car parked near the beach had its lock punched out and a laptop, left in the side seat stolen.

July 2 A complainant on NE 10 Avenue said he woke up to gun shots outside his residence and one projectile entered a home on NE 10 Avenue. Five spent shell casings and one spent cartridge were found.

July 2 A building on SW 13 Drive had two A/C units stolen worth $5,000.

DEERFIELD — District 4

June 25 Arrest was made in a conveyance burglary at The Preserve in Deer Creek at 3:43 p.m. Deputies responded to a possible burglary in progress, where a man was seen breaking into cars. Attempts were made to locate subject or a victim with negative results. While detectives were working a burglary operational plan, detectives observed a subject matching the description of the subject listed above and contacted him. Consent to search was given and marijuana and a GPS were located. After Miranda rights were read, suspect (and his girlfriend) admitted to going into vehicles in the area. Investigation revealed two confirmed conveyance burglaries in Deer Creek — which suspects admitted to — and additional stolen items were recovered. Suspects were arrested and transported to Broward County Jail. Investigation ongoing.

June 25 Arrest was made in a grand theft at Deer Creek, 5257 W. Lakes Drive at 3:30 p.m. During an ongoing investigation, suspect was identified after taking victim’s jewelry and pawning it. Suspect agreed to come to the office. After Miranda rights were read, suspect admitted to taking victim’s property and pawning it for money. Suspect was arrested and taken to Broward County Jail.

June 26 Conveyance burglary was reported between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Latino Restaurant, 1745 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Victim reported she parked her vehicle at listed location, went to work there and when she returned, she observed her right passenger window smashed. Subject removed victim’s purse, containing $400 in cash, total loss valued at $650. Scene was not processed due to weather.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

June 21 The copper wiring was stolen from a business on N. Federal Highway.

June 22 A total of eight wheels, worth almost $10,000, were stolen from Sheehan Pontiac.

June 23 A suspect was apprehended at Publix after shoplifting food from the store at 3700 N. Federal Highway.

Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi announced today that more than 105,000 pills were surrendered at 24 locations during a statewide compliance operation conducted by the Department of Health, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and five of Florida’s Regional Drug Enforcement Strike Forces.  The inspections were conducted pursuant to the Department of Health’s declaration of public health emergency made on July 1.

“Earlier this year, I made a promise to crack down on pill mills and stomp this scourge out of our state. The results we’re seeing this week show we’re making good on that promise,” said Governor Rick Scott. “I thank the law enforcement and public health professionals who are making our multi-faceted approach a success and a model for the nation. By shutting down pill mills, we are saving lives and making our communities safer places to live.”

“One of the most effective ways to stop prescription drug abuse is to cut it off at the source,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “It was gratifying to accompany the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and the South Florida Strike Force and see them quarantine prescription narcotics and prevent the easy access that had long exacerbated this epidemic.”

The number of pills surrendered or returned to the distributor in each region is as follows:

• Miami Regional Operation Center:                       48,406.5 pills
• Orlando Regional Operation Center:                   52,322 pills
• Tampa Bay Regional Operation Center:             4,698 pills
• Fort Myers Regional Operation Center:               153 pills
• Pensacola Regional Operation Center:              None

In March 2011, Governor Scott announced a Statewide Drug Strike Force, headed by FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey, to combat the criminal distribution of prescription drugs in Florida. With support from Attorney General Pam Bondi and state and local law enforcement leaders, the Strike Force is charged with stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into communities by disrupting the major illegal supply points.

By Andrea Freygang

Playfully Panache owner Stacey Pesaturo with her daughter, McKayla, 17 months. Her 4-month-old was sleeping behind her.

Finding quality affordable kids items just got a little bit easier with the recent opening of Playfully Panache, a children’s consignment boutique.

Located inside Trail Plaza on W. Hillsboro Boulevard, the brightly lit shop is owned by a former teacher who began her own shop to stay at home with her kids.

“I was a teacher and went on leave with my pregnancy, but being out of work was hard with kids, so I decided to open a shop,” said Stacey Pesaturo, owner. “I just really wanted to be with my kids.”

When deciding what type of business to own, she said that she discovered that baby clothes and items were really expensive and decided to open a consignment shop to give people an affordable but quality option.

“Our biggest challenge was being so pregnant and finishing up the store,” she said. “And obviously juggling all that and two kids.”

Inside the store, Pesaturo has everything from Carter’s to True Religion and Rock-A-Bye bassinets to Bellini.

“We offer all brands and everything from $3 to $50,” said Pesaturo. “We have preemie up to size 8 currently available, but will accept anything up to size 12.”

One thing the new owner and mom is excited about is collecting uniforms to donate to needy children.

“There are so many kids in need …  At schools, the families don’t have the money for uniforms, and I want to gather and donate,” she said. “There’s so many people out of work, so if you bring them here, we will donate them and give back to the community.”

She also tries to give back to what she calls “local heroes.” Firemen, policemen, teachers, nurses and the military get an additional 10 percent off in the store with the proper identification.

Six days a week, you’ll find Stacey in the store minding both her kids and the sales.

“It’s a challenge, but I love it,” she says.

Playfully Panache is located at 1867 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach. Open Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.  to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. (Closed on Monday). 954-426-6060.

By Gary Curreri

Shortstop Mia Veliz fields a grounder during a recent practice at Deerfield Beach Middle School. The Sharks are the No.1 one USSSA 10-Under girls softball team in the country. Photo by Gary Curreri

Deerfield Sharks girls softball coach Karla Antonio had a feeling her team would be good, just not this good.

The 10-Under girls team added another tournament title to their growing resumé as they hope to close out the season as the top-ranked USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) team in the country.

The Sharks won the Swamp Classic in Palm Beach Gardens recently to run their overall record to 64-3. The team is still 56-1 in the USSSA, the organization that hosts the World Series. Deerfield Beach has won 13 out of 15 tournaments since October.

Antonio said they started the team in 2009 and were playing out of a local high school before getting “kicked off their field.”

“So, for six months, we were homeless,” said Antonio, who also has an alliance with Nova Southeastern University softball coach Lesa Bonee, one of the team’s coaches. She has also allowed them to use their Davie facility.

“We were just going to different parks or we would play in the grass. We spoke to [Deerfield Beach Parks and Recreation Manager] Blaise Leone and asked, ‘if he could please, please, please let us practice at [Deerfield Beach] Middle School. He caved in last year and gave us a home and ever since, we have been doing really well.”

And how … The Sharks finished last season 45-17 and in the top half of the USSSA, taking 17th out of 34 teams at the Disney Wide World of Sports venue.

“This year, we hope to win it,” said Antonio, who has a couple of 11-year-olds on the team because their birthdates fell inside the eligibility rules. Players need to be born in 2000 or later. “Last year, we were mainly an Under-9 team, so we are a year more experienced.”

Shortstop Mia Veliz said when she started on the team in the beginning, she wasn’t sure how good they would be.

“I definitely did not think we would be this good,” Veliz said. “We got a lot of new girls and we improved in offense and defense and we’ve gotten better as a team.”

One of Antonio’s twin daughters agreed:

“It is awesome that we are No.1,” said Brooke Antonio, who, along with sister Brandi, is one of two of the key players on the squad. “It means we are the best team in the nation. I didn’t know we’d be this good! After a few tournaments and we didn’t lose, I knew we were pretty good. Some of them were tough and some were pretty easy.”

The team will open its quest for the USSSA World Series title when it plays in the USSSA State tournament in Vero Beach from July 8-10.

FAU to test emergency alert system

Thursday, June 30, 9:50 a.m.

Don’t worry, it’s not ringing in your ears. FAU is scheduled to test its emergency broadcasting system this morning. Those near the campus are likely to hear the loud sirens and a spoken message. They will also test their toll-free emergency number – 1-888-8FAU-OWL (8328-695).

Barefoot on the Beach

Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.

Residence Inn Marriott, 1350 N. Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Drinks by Barefoot wine. Raffles, door prizes and art will be on sale. Proceeds benefit Food For The Poor. Monies from event will specifically go to 11-year-old philanthropist Rachel Wheeler’s effort to build a school in Haiti in Rachel’s Village, a village she helped build through her fundraising efforts. $15. R.S.V.P.: 954-783-5327.

East Village Uncorked Event

Friday, July 1, 6 to 9 p.m.

Harbor Village , 2600-2700 block of E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free. Art and wine strolling event. Find out about planned improvements in East Community Redevelopment Agency. Free parking available. 954-786-7824.

About Boating Safety (ABS) Course

Saturday, July 2, 8 a.m.

Dixon Ahl Recreation Center, 2200 NE 38 St. , Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Presented by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-7, Lighthouse Point. Cost: $45 (includes materials/lunch). Limited space. Information/registration, call Gene Cain, 954-557-0582 or auxcain@hotmail.com. www.flotilla37.org.

Fortnight of Freedom, Fourth of July sale

Saturday, July 2 to Saturday, July 16

The Book Nook, Percy White Library, 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Buy any item (books, CD’s, tapes, art, everything goes). Get a 2nd item of equal  or lesser value FREE, mix or match. Proceeds generated by the store are used to help the library. 954-360-1380.

DEERFIELD BEACH

June 20 While driving on NE 1 Terrace, an officer saw a suspect vehicle driving and chased it before two black males eventually fled the car. A BOLO was issued and the two suspects, Jagqhon Wigley and Tevin Brown were arrested for theft of the vehicle.

June 22 Thieves stole a laptop from a business on NE 2 Street.

June 22 A home on SW 12 Court had three cameras, a 42” LCD flat screen LG Television, an iMac desktop, an HP laptop, a large amount of jewelry, medals  and other items stolen.

June 23 A vacant home on NW 38 Court was burglarized and two mattresses, two fuse boxes and the compressor for the fridge were stolen. Thieves attempted to take the A/C, but were unable to.

June 24 Lukes Louis and Hannah Rodriguez were arrested for burglarizing multiple vehicles in Deer Creek.

June 26 Victim allegedly placed $17,000 worth of jewelry into a storage unit outside her apartment building that went missing.

June 26 Two A/C units were removed from behind a duplex on SW 14 Street.

June 26 A Hollywood man visiting a home on SW 6 Way was shot by three unknown black males who “appeared out of nowhere” and shot him as he tried to flee from his vehicle. Victim had one gunshot in his back, but his story changed frequently as deputies began to investigate.