LHP Annual Fall Book Sale

• Thursday, Nov. 17 and Friday Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 19 (bargain day, $1 a bag), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m

Dixon Ahl Recreation Building, 2220 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Items include fiction, non-fiction, childrens’, books on tape, DVDs, CDs. Proceeds support collection development of Doreen Gauthier Lighthouse Library. 954-946-6398.

Luminotti plays

• Thursday, Nov. 17, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.                                                                                                                             

The Dubliner Irish, Mizner Park, 435 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL  33432

561-620-2540

• Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.                                                                                                                               

The Wishing Well, Royal Palm Plaza, 111 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, FL  33432

561-750-5208

Catch local classic rock band at two new venues!

Cresthaven Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Thursday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m.

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church-Social Hall, 3331 NE 10 Terr., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Last meeting of year. Guest speaker: Sherry McDaniels, Chief Business Tax Inspector. Light refreshments served. No charge, everyone welcome. 954-786-7536. Park on west side of hall.

Deerfield Democratic Club meets

Thursday, Nov. 17, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Café & Bakery 2000, 2100 SW 10 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speakers: Congressional Candidate Lois Frankel (Dist. 22) and Commissioner Ben Preston. Light snacks, pastries and coffee served. 954-684-3690.

2011 Gridiron Grill-Off

Friday, Nov. 18, 4 to 11 p.m.

Pompano Beach Amphitheater, 1806 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Chefs and Dolphin fans collide to eat, drink, vote and compete for South Florida’s best grill recipe and bean bag toss championship. Benefits 4KIDS of South Florida. (See story, pg 8)

“25 Years of Caring and Sharing”

North Broward Medical Center-Conference Center

Friday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

201 E. Sample Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

For Health Care Professionals, Aging Network Staff and Care-givers. 954-745-9567.

His Caring Place Dinner and Auction

Friday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.

Banyan Air Hanger, Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, 5360 NW 20 Terr., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

Event features LIVE and silent auction and Asian Cuisine themed dinner. $50 per person. Online registration required: HisCaringPlace.org/newsandevents. 954-905-5177.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sands Harbor Boat Dock, 125 N. Riverside Dr., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Tour historic lighthouse, see the Keeper’s Cottages, Barefoot Mailman and the new Centennial Comemmorative Brick Patio, plus a Boat ride from Sands Harbor Hotel’s North dock. Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society members free, non-members: $15 transportation fee. 954-942-2102 or www.hillsborolighthouse.org.

Youth Group’s Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive

Through Sunday, Nov. 20 (Tuesday-Friday), 9 a.m.to 4 p.m., (Sunday), 8 a.m. to noon.

First Presbyterian Church of Pompano, 2331 N.E. 26 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Goal is to fill 100+ baskets with food, each including 15-lb. turkey, canned and boxed goods, etc. Baskets given to most needy local families. Donations of food or cash accepted. 954-941-2308 ext. 111.

Classic Car Show

Sunday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Toyota of Deerfield, 1441 Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Rescheduled from date of Pink Heals Tour. Sponsored by Olympia Flame, BSO, City Of Deerfield and others. $20 classic car registration. Benefits Greater Broward Fire-fighter Cancer charities. Gourmet food trucks. Dash plaques and trophies, kids activities. 954-410-5536 or jpmiranda@comcast.net.

DB Chapter of Hadassah meeting

Monday, Nov. 21, 12:15 p.m.

Century Village E., Le Club, Activity Room B , 3501 West Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker: Dr. Stephen Schwartz, Podiatrist. Topic: “Foot Care for Seniors and Diabeties.” Refreshments served, guests welcome. 954-428-6265 or 954- 427-9902. Bus 5/6 stops at Le Club.

Thanksgiving at Zion

Wednesday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m.

Zion Lutheran Church & School, 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Following service, there will be a pie-tasting event. Bring a pie to share or just a fork!

The Real Deal II – How to do Business in Pompano Beach

Thursday, Nov.10, 6 to 8 p.m.

E. Pat Larkins Community Center, 520 Martin Luther King Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free seminar/ networking event for development and construction industries. Designed to increase participation of local companies in City and CRA construction projects. Light refreshments provided. 954-586-1111.

Moonlight at Beacon Light

Thursday, Nov. 10, 5 to 8 p.m.

The Shoppes at Beacon Light , 2400 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

FREE entertainment, food, wine tastings, craft show and drawings.

Salute the Troops Camping Special

Friday, Nov. 11 to Sunday, Nov. 13

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

For active-duty and honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. armed forces, National Guard and reserve units. $26.25/site per night. Maximum stay: 3 nights. Extra fees may apply. Current ID and written documentation required. Info: 954-357-5100.

Boca Wine & Food Festival

Saturday, Nov. 11 & Sunday, Nov. 12

An exclusive event sure to bring thousands of people. Over 70 chefs, with over 50 culinary stations, will present international cuisine. Held Along E. Camino Real from the Boca Raton Resort to Federal Hwy. For more info., visit www.bocaratonwineandfoodfestival.com.

Free car washes for Veterans & military personnel

Lighthouse Car Wash

Friday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1048 E. Sample Rd.-Sample Plaza Shopping Ctr., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Sponsored by Grace For Vets. 954-647-9559, www.lighthousecarwash.net or www.graceforvets.org.

Simoniz Car Wash

Friday, Nov. 11., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

5190 N. Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point, FL  33064

954-426-4068

1500 S. Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL  33062

954-943-8699

Offer applies to veteran or active military personnel offering proof of service. (DD214 form, military I.D., Veterans’ organization membership card, or, vehicle plates that display POW, Veterans, or military medal/ribbon status).

4th Annual “Hidden Treasures” Indoor Rummage Sale

Saturday Nov. 12, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13, 9 a.m.to noon

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 5201 N. Military Tr., Deerfield Beach, Fl 33442

Jewelry, furniture, housewares, toys, accessories, books, food items, baked goods. 954-421-3246.

Book Fair

Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to noon

St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 2500 NE 14 St. Causeway, Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Mostly hardcover. 954-786-9348.

Songs of Liberty A Patriotic Concert to Honor America’s Veterans

Saturday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church , 1920 SE 4 St.  , Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free. Featuring Classic Kids String Ensemble & Choir, Alessandro Watson, 13 yr. old bagpiper, Boca Raton Community H.S. JROTC Color Guard, Yankee Doodle Tappers and Irish Step Dancers, Antique Car Club Exhibit, Maria’s House Montessori School Singers. 954-427-0222.

Annual Christmas Boutique

Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Sunday, Nov. 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church (Parish Hall), 2700 NE 36 St. (Sample Road), Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Beautiful handmade Thanksgiving and Christmas items, gifts, home baked goods, plants, religious items. 954-943-9154.

Broward Farm Bureau Day and 4-H Fair

Saturday, Nov. 12, 8 a.m. till 1 p.m.

Green Market Pompano Beach

Comer of Dixie Highway and Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Features special exhibits, demonstrations, games, vendors and 4-H chicken bar-b-que competition.  Call 954-260-3136 or www.greenmarketpompano.com.

FREE Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 12, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 244 SE 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hosted on church grounds. Call: 954-427-9407.

About Boating Safety (ABS) Course

Saturday, Nov. 12, 8 a.m.

Dixon Ahl Recreation Center, 2200 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL33064

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

Women in Distress Seeking Thanksgiving Donations

Drop off location:

Jim and Jan Moran Family Center, 4700 NW 3 Ave. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS:

Monday, Nov. 14 to Thursday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PERISHABLE ITEMS:

Monday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Deerfield Beach Democratic Club

Sunday, Nov. 13, 3 p.m.

Century Village East Le Club, 3501 West Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Conversation with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz about Israel.

For free tickets and info call Bernie: 954-415-5658.

America Recycles Day in Deerfield

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Starbucks, 130 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

FREE Starbucks coffee and free reusable mugs. 954-480-4454 or www.Deerfield-Beach.com/recycling.

Prime Timers meet

Wednesday, Nov. 16

Community Presbyterian Church, 1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Planned trip Nov. 13-14 to Central Florida. More trips to come. Community invited to participate in all activities. Meetings Wednesdays (Through April). 954-427-0222.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, Nov. 16, noon to 1 p.m.

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

Presented by the DB Historical Society. Free, donations welcome. Speaker: Florida Public Archaeology Network “Pre-Historic Snowbirds.” 954-429-0378.

Business Presentation

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

Lighthouse Point Library, 2200 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

How credit scores affect you and what you can do to make them better, Wheeler Mortgage. RSVP to Julie Wheeler at juliewmc@bellsouth.net or 954-422-9400, Ext. 1.

Save the date: Job Fair

Saturday, Nov. 19, noon to 4 p.m.

Hilton Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sponsored by Toyota of Deerfield Beach. Free, except table and sign charge.  Classic Car show on 20th! Contact Ted Smith: 561-310-0109.

2011 Christmas Baseball Bootcamp

Monday, Dec. 26 to Friday, Dec. 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Highlands Christian Academy, Knights Field, 501 NE 48 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Presented by South Florida Baseball School. Ages 8 through 18. Space is limited. 954-326-2373 or www.sflbaseballschool.com.

Christmas Emporium

Friday, Nov. 4, 5  to 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov, 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 6, 8 a.m. to noon

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432

Features 160 fabulous gift baskets, magnificent Christmas decor, Attic Treasures, Toyland and Dollar Table. Lunch on Saturday 11 to 1. Profits benefit charity.

East Village Uncorked

2700 Block of E. Atlantic Blvd.

Friday, Nov. 4, 6 to 9 p.m.

2600-2700 block of E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Free art, wine, strolling, featured specialty merchants, restaurants and planned improvements. Free parking available. 954-786-7824.

Model Railroad Flea Market and Swap Meet

Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Westside Park Recreation Center, 445 SW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, Fl 33441

Trains, track, books, scenery, RR memorabilia. Donation: $2 adults/$1 Children. 954-448-8935.

Volunteer Work Day

Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.

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

Bring your own work gloves. Water and lunch provided. 954-480-4494 or Jerry@ treezoo.com.

Holiday Bazaar

Saturday Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to noon

First Presbyterian Church’s Fall Festival, 2331 NE 26 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Held by The MOMS Club of Lighthouse Point. Highlights moms with home-based businesses.

Wild Card Wine Night

Saturday, Nov. 5, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Wyndham DB Resort, 2096 NE 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Food, wine, raffles & fun! $65 (includes $25 chips in free play). Classic games like craps, roulette, blackjack and poker – all purely for entertainment. Prizes for best dressed high rollers. Fundraiser to help with scholarships for local students through Rotary Club!

Community Health Fair

Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to noon

Lighthouse Point Fire Station, 3740 NE 22nd Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Hosted by Broward Health North Broward Medical Center. Free health screenings. www.browardhealth.org. for more info.

Florida Humane Society

Sunday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Also, Dec. 10 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn Pet CPR & First Aid for cats and dogs. Includes ABC’s of pet First Aid, restraining/muzzling an injured pet, CPR & rescue breathing, choking management, and excessive heat, drowning, snakes and Bufo Toads. 561-809-2313.

Boca/Deerfield Beach Christian Women’s Connection Country Fair Luncheon

Monday, Nov. 7, 11:30 a.m.

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

Speaker: Jill Jackson – “Can Cinderella Marry & Live Happily Ever After with Prince Charming?” $21. Reservations a must. 954-427-8434.

GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach

Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Woman’s Club, 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speaker: Dr. Ann Mody Lewis, Ph.D, author. Topic: “Women face a new and final frontier.” Book signing. Guests are welcome. 954-596-2992.

Pompano-LHP Rotary Club meeting

Tuesday, Nov. 8, 7:30 a.m.

Galuppi’s, 1103 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Speaker: Brian Fleming, purple heart recipient, author of five books. Fleming was attacked by a suicide bomber, who exploded 3 feet from him in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and endured 14 months reconstructive surgery.

3rd Annual America’s Moms for Soldiers Concert

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m.

Century Village, Le Club, 3501 West Dr., Deerfield, FL 33442

Free. Florida 9th District American Legion Symphonic Band plays patriotic music honoring America’s troops, past and present. Fans can write notes of thanks and encouragement to active men and women in service. 954-358-9358 or www.americasmomsforsoldiers.com.

Save the Date: Friends of the Arboretum meeting

Saturday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m.

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

Guest speaker: Bonnie Seibert. Topic: vegetable gardening and composting. Everyone welcome. Refreshments served, door prize. 954-480-4494 or email Jerry@ treezoo.com.

Job Fair

Saturday, Nov. 19, noon to 4 p.m.

Hilton Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sponsored by Toyota of Deerfield Beach. Free, except table and sign charge.  Car Show on Nov. 20! Contact Ted Smith: 561-310-0109.

Got Books?

Collection boxes located at: Boys & Girls Club of Broward County                             

Jim & Jan Moran Unit, 27 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

954-725-5545

Contributions of new and gently used children’s books are being collected during Oct. and Nov. for distribution on Nov. 18 to families who cannot afford books.

Family Halloween Hoedown

Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 to 9 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park, 4111 NW 6 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Halloween games, activities, petting zoo, costume, pie eating, pumpkin carving contests.  Hayrides, pumpkin patch and refreshments for a small fee. 954-480-4495.

Pompano Republican Club meeting

Thursday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.

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

Speaker, Mark McCarthy, Treasurer of Broward Republican Executive Committee, speaks about Florida Presidential Primary. Open to public and refreshments served.

954-786-7536 or www.pompanobeachgop.com.

City of Pompano Beach Halloween Fun Fair

Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Amphitheater, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

For children 10 and under. $2 per child or bring two canned goods to be donated to Our Father’s Soup Kitchen and St. Laurence Chapel. Children’s activities, including bounce houses, rock climbing wall, games, food, antique fire truck, face painting, magic show, costumes on parade, pumpkin carving and decorating contest. All pumpkins should be carved and decorated prior to the event. 954-786-4111.

Movie in the Park: Tangled

Friday, Oct. 28, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park, 4111 NW 6 St. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Bring blanket or lawn chairs. Refreshments available for purchase. 954-480-4430.

Family Hayride and Campfire

Friday, Oct. 28, 7 to 9:30 p.m.

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

$3.50, includes hayride and one bag of s’mores. Reservations required. 954-357-5100.

2nd Annual Halloween Spooktacular Costume Party

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Christine’s on the Green, Deerfield Country Club, 50 Fairway Dr. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 

Featuring the Live Wire band playing R&B, Dance, Top 40 music from 8 p.m. to midnight. No Cover Charge! Costume Contests – Most Original, Sexiest, Scariest. 954-427-4400, ext. 201.

Free Community Day/ Health Fair

Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Food Bazaar, 202 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free services including health fair, entertainment, car wash, words of inspiration,  kids’ corner, haircuts, clothing bank, giveaways, unlimited food and multiple vendors. Commissioner Preston will also speak.

Family Fall Festival

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3 to 6 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church  , 1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Kids can wear costumes and trick-or-treat in classrooms. Also, games, crafts, pizza/pasta plus trimmings $4. Bring canned goods for Gateway Community Outreach. Bring entry for pie/cookie baking contest and bake sale. Music by Fiddleworks and Maria’s House students. Church service after festivities. 954-427-0222.

Intracoastal History Tours

Sunday, Oct. 30, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Deerfield Island Park , 1720 Deerfield Island Park, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Walk and boat tour discusses changes at Deerfield Island Park and relevance to South Florida. Ages 6 and up, $5 per person. Participants must be at Sullivan dock by 9:30 a.m. to catch the boat shuttle. Limited space, pre-registration required. 954-357-5100.

Halloween Festivities at Westside Park

Monday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.

Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St. (west football field), Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Carnival-like atmosphere with games, prizes, treats and costume contest. 954-480-4481.

SAVE THE DATE: Job Fair

Saturday, Nov. 19, noon to 4 p.m.

Hilton Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sponsored by Toyota of Deerfield Beach. Free, except table and sign charge.  Contact Ted Smith: 561-310-0109.

Classic Car Show

Sunday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Toyota of Deerfield Beach, 1441 Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Rescheduled from date of Pink Heals Tour. Sponsored by Olympia Flame, BSO, City Of Deerfield and others. $20 classic car registration. Benefits Greater Broward Firefighter Cancer charities. Gourmet food trucks. Dash plaques and trophies, kids activities. 954-410-5536 or jpmiranda@comcast.net.

Reports from the National Weather Service have indicated an extremely wet and windy weekend, and while we here at Observer Newspaper aren’t meteorologists, take precautions as you travel this weekend. Report below from National Weather Service: http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=FLZ172&warncounty=FLC011&firewxzone=FLZ172&local_place1=Pompano+Beach+FL&product1=Short+Term+Forecast

In short, look at the image to the right and the blue and red indicates high levels of rain, wind and moisture headed to South Florida.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MIAMI HAS ISSUED A
* FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF SOUTH FLORIDA...INCLUDING THE
  FOLLOWING AREAS...COASTAL BROWARD...COASTAL MIAMI DADE...
  COASTAL PALM BEACH...FAR SOUTH MIAMI DADE...INLAND BROWARD...
  INLAND MIAMI DADE...INLAND PALM BEACH...METRO BROWARD...METRO
  MIAMI DADE AND METRO PALM BEACH.

* THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING

* PLENTY OF DEEP LAYER MOISTURE SPREADING NORTH OVER THE LOCAL
  AREA WILL LEAD TO A PROLONGED PERIOD OF RAIN THROUGH THE
  WEEKEND. RAINFALL TOTALS ARE EXPECTED TO REACH THE 3 TO 6 INCH
  RANGE THROUGH THIS TIME WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS
  POSSIBLE...ESPECIALLY OVER THE COASTAL AND METRO LOCATIONS.
  RAINFALL TOTALS OVER THE PAST 12 TO 24 HRS HAVE ALREADY REACHED
  THE 1 TO 2.5 INCH RANGE. THESE SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL AMOUNTS
  COULD CAUSE FLOODING OF ROADS AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS THROUGH
  THIS TIME.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON
CURRENT FORECASTS.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE
FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE
PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.

The first of a six public workshops addressing the redistricting of Broward County Commission districts takes place tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, West Banquet Room, 1801 N.E. Sixth Street in Pompano Beach.   Commissioner Chip LaMarca will attend tonight’s meeting.

The Broward County Commission is preparing a new Commission District map based upon 2010 Census data. Redistricting is required by the Broward County Charter to balance the populations of the nine single member districts and ensure residents have equal representation on the County Commission.
The public is invited to participate in the process by attending the workshops and by submitting maps of their own for the Commission’s consideration.

The six public workshops are:

Tuesday, September 6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, West Banquet Room, 1801 N.E. Sixth St., Pompano Beach

Monday, October 3, 5 – 7 p.m.
West Lake Park – Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood

Several map options have already been prepared by County staff for the Commissioners to consider.  All eligible maps must meet the “Fair Districting” principles for Federal congressional and State legislative districts which were added to the Florida Constitution by voter referendum in the November 2010 election. Submitted maps that meet Fair Districting Standards will be sent to the Commission and all maps sent to the Commission will also be posted at www.broward.org/redistricting.

Residents are encouraged to participate in any of the workshops and submit their own suggestions for redistricting, by submitting paper maps or maps created in a web-based software, My District Builder.

Crabby Jacks, at 1015 S.  Federal, in Deerfield Beach,  is the second restaurant this month in Rivertowne Square shopping center at SW 10th and Federal to have a fire.

People cruising by Sunday morning watched as it was burning down between 6:40 and 7:00 a.m. before someone finally called the fire in. Deerfield started rolling on the call at 7 a.m. and quickly called for back up from Pompano and Ft. Lauderdale.

There was a rumor going around town that maybe there was a “firebug” in the area because of a fire at Peking Tokyo Buffet on Aug. 12, which is still closed, less than a 1000 feet from Crabby Jack’s. That fire was a result of grease build up on and around the grill so when the employee fired it up there was a flash fire.

Quitoni from Deerfield fire said it took about 30 minutes to whack down the initial blaze.  BSO cleared out Denny’s next door because it was so hot.  Onlookers were coming by all day. The state Fire Marshall is investigating the fire and we should have an answer soon.

We will have the complete story in our Sept 1 issue of the Observer. To watch video of the Peking Tokyo Buffet fire on Aug 12 and the Crabby Jack’s fire go to ObserverTV and click on” latest videos”

PHOTO BY JEFF GRAVES

IRENE HAS BECOME MUCH BETTER ORGANIZED DURING THE PAST 6 HOURS DESPITE ITS INTERACTION WITH THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN OF PUERTO
RICO...AND A RAGGED EYE HAS BECOME APPARENT IN IMAGERY FROM THE FAA TERMINAL DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR. ALSO...LARGE PATCHES OF DOPPLER
VELOCITY VALUES AS HIGH AS 75-82 KT AT 1000-1500 FT AND 85-91 KT AT 2000-3000 FT HAVE BEEN INDICATED NORTHWEST AND NORTHEAST OF THE
CENTER OVER WATER FOR THE PAST 2 HOURS...WHICH EQUATES TO AT LEAST 65-KT SURFACE WINDS. SOME DOPPLER VELOCITIES AS HIGH AS 72 KT HAVE
ALSO BEEN DETECTED AT 500-600 FT OVER WATER. AS A RESULT OF THESE DATA...IRENE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO THE FIRST HURRICANE OF THE 2011
ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON.

Visit our Hurricane Center!

TRENDING THROUGH ALL OF THE WOBBLES IN THE TRACK OVER THE PAST 6 HOURS YIELDS AN AVERAGE MOTION OF ABOUT 290/10 KT. UPPER-AIR DATA
AT 00Z INDICATE 500 MB HEIGHTS HAVE NOT CHANGED AT BERMUDA IN THE PAST 24 HOURS...WHICH SUGGESTS THAT THE SUBTROPICAL RIDGE TO THE
NORTH OF IRENE REMAINS QUITE STRONG. THE RIDGE IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE LITTLE FOR THE NEXT 48 HOURS OR SO...WHICH WOULD ACT TO KEEP
IRENE MOVING IN A GENERAL WEST-NORTHWESTWARD DIRECTION OFF THE NORTH COAST OF PUERTO RICO THIS MORNING AND JUST SKIRTING THE
NORTHERN COAST OF HISPANIOLA LATER TODAY AND ON TUESDAY. AFTER THAT...THE GLOBAL MODELS DIVERGE ON THE SPECIFICS OF HOW LARGE A
BREAK OR WEAKNESS IN THE SUBTROPICAL RIDGE DEVELOPS OVER FLORIDA AND THE SOUTHEASTERN U.S. AT 72 HOUR AND BEYOND...WHICH WILL ALLOW
IRENE TO MOVE NORTHWESTWARD. THE ECMWF...NOGAPS...AND GFDN MODELS ARE THE RIGHTMOST OF THE NHC MODEL GUIDANCE SUITE AND KEEP IRENE
WELL EAST OF FLORIDA...WHEREAS THE UKMET AND THE GFDL MODELS ARE THE LEFTMOST OF THE MODELS AND TAKE IRENE NEAR THE WEST COAST OF
FLORIDA. THE GFS AND THE REST OF THE NHC MODEL GUIDANCE IS TIGHTLY PACKED BETWEEN THESE TWO EXTREMES AND TAKE IRENE THROUGH THE
BAHAMAS AND JUST OFF THE FLORIDA EAST COAST. WHAT IS NOTEWORTHY IS THAT ALL OF THE GLOBAL AND REGIONAL MODELS AGREE THAT THE OUTFLOW
OF IRENE WILL CONVERGE WITH WESTERLY TO NORTHWESTERLY UPPER-LEVEL MID-LATITUDE FLOW OVER THE MID-ATLANTIC STATES BY 96 HOURS AND
BEYOND. THIS UPPER-LEVEL MASS CONFLUENCE COULD MAINTAIN THE MID- TO LOW-LEVEL RIDGE A LITTLE BIT STRONGER AND LONGER THAN WHAT NOGAPS
AND THE ECMWF ARE FORECASTING...WHICH WOULD IN TURN KEEP IRENE A LITTLE CLOSER TO THE FLORIDA EAST COAST. AS A RESULT...THE OFFICIAL
FORECAST TRACK WAS ONLY SHIFTED SLIGHTLY TO THE EAST OF THE PREVIOUS TRACK AND IS NEAR THE CONSENSUS MODELS TVCN AND TVCA.

IT NOW APPEARS THAT IRENE WILL NOT INTERACT WITH HISPANIOLA AS MUCH OR AS LONG AS PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED. THIS WILL ALSO RESULT IN MORE
STRENGTHENING THAN PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED. IRENE IS FORECAST BY ALL OF THE MODELS TO HAVE A VERY IMPRESSIVE OUTFLOW PATTERN THROUGHOUT THE
FORECAST PERIOD...INCLUDING A LARGE UPPER-LEVEL TROUGH/LOW ABOUT 1200 NMI EAST OF THE CYCLONE ACTING AS A MASS SINK. WITH IRENE ALSO
EXPECTED TO BE OVER SSTS NEAR 30C AFTER 48 HOURS...SIGNIFICANT STRENGTHENING COULD OCCUR. HOWEVER...THE OFFICIAL INTENSITY WILL
REMAIN ON THE CONSERVATIVE SIDE DUE TO THE UNCERTAINTY IN HOW MUCH IRENE WILL INTERACT WITH THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN OF HISPANIOLA FOR
THE NEXT 24-36 HOURS. THE OFFICIAL INTENSITY FORECAST IS A BLEND OF THE SHIPS/LGEM MODELS AND THE HWRF/GFDL MODELS. HOWEVER...GIVEN THE
IMPRESSIVE UPPER-LEVEL FLOW PATTERN EXPECTED ACROSS IRENE...IT WOULD NOT SURPRISE ME IF THIS CYCLONE BECAME A MAJOR HURRICANE AT SOME TIME DURING ITS LIFETIME LIKE THE GFDL AND HWRF MODELS ARE FORECASTING. 
IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST TRACK... ESPECIALLY AT DAYS 4 TO 5...SINCE THE MOST RECENT 5-YEAR AVERAGE
ERRORS AT THOSE FORECAST TIMES ARE 200 AND 250 MILES...RESPECTIVELY.

From the National Hurricane Center:

SATELLITE IMAGES AND RADAR DATA FROM GUADELOUPE INDICATE THAT IRENE HAS CHANGED LITTLE IN THE PAST 6 HOURS. THE CENTER REDEVELOPED
ABOUT 60 NMI FARTHER NORTH INTO THE DEEP CONVECTION. HOWEVER...A NARROW WEDGE OF DRY AIR HAS BEEN ENTRAINED INTO THE NORTHERN AND
WESTERN QUADRANTS...WHICH HAS ERODED SOME OF THE INNER CORE CONVECTION NEAR THE LOW-LEVEL CENTER. AS A RESULT...THE INITIAL
INTENSITY REMAINS AT 45 KT...WHICH IS SUPPORTED BY A SATELLITE INTENSITY ESTIMATE OF T3.0/45 KT FROM TAFB. THE NEXT HURRICANE
HUNTER AIRCRAFT SCHEDULED TO RECONNOITER IRENE WILL BE 1200 UTC.

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THE INITIAL MOTION ESTIMATE IS AN UNCERTAIN 280/18 DUE TO THE UNCERTAINTY IN THE INITIAL POSITION. 00Z UPPER-AIR DATA FROM THE
NORTHERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS AND BERMUDA INDICATE A FAIRLY STOUT DEEP-LAYER SUBTROPICAL RIDGE EXISTS TO THE NORTH AND NORTHWEST OF
IRENE. THE RESULTANT MODERATE EASTERLY STEERING FLOW SHOULD KEEP THE CYCLONE MOVING IN A GENERAL WESTWARD TO WEST-NORTHWESTWARD
DIRECTION FOR THE NEXT 72 HOURS OR SO. AFTER THAT...A WEAKNESS IN THE RIDGE IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE EASTERN GULF OF
MEXICO...FLORIDA...AND THE EXTREME WESTERN ATLANTIC...WHICH SHOULD ALLOW IRENE TO TURN NORTHWESTWARD ACROSS HAITI AND EASTERN CUBA AND
EMERGE OVER THE FLORIDA STRAITS IN ABOUT 96 HOURS. ALL OF THE MODELS ARE IN EXCELLENT AGREEMENT ON THIS DEVELOPING TRACK SCENARIO
EXCEPT FOR THE UKMET AND GFDL MODELS. THOSE LATTER TWO MODELS KEEP IRENE ON A WESTERLY TRACK SOUTH OF CUBA AND THROUGH THE YUCATAN
CHANNEL...DESPITE THEIR DEVELOPING A SIMILAR BREAK IN THE RIDGE AXIS OVER FLORIDA BY DAYS 4 AND 5...AND ARE CONSIDERED OUTLIERS AT
THIS TIME. THE OFFICIAL FORECAST TRACK IS NORTH OF THE PREVIOUS ADVISORY TRACK MAINLY DUE TO THE MORE NORTHWARD INITIAL POSITION...
AND LIES CLOSE TO THE CONSENSUS MODELS TVCN AND TVCA.

THE UPPER-LEVEL ENVIRONMENT IS EXPECTED TO BE QUITE FAVORABLE FOR STRENGTHENING THROUGHOUT THE FORECAST PERIOD AS A RESULT OF LOW
SHEAR AND A MID-OCEANIC TROUGH TO THE EAST ACTING AS A MASS SINK FOR THE OUTFLOW IN THE EASTERN SEMICIRCLE. HOWEVER...THE INTENSITY
FORECAST IS HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON HOW MUCH INTERACTION IRENE HAS WITH THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN OF HISPANIOLA AND WHAT THE INNER CORE
OF THE CYCLONE BECOMES AFTER IT EMERGES OFF THE NORTHEAST COAST OF CUBA IN ABOUT 4 DAYS. ONCE OVER THE FLORIDA STRAITS...HOWEVER...
IRENE WILL HAVE AT LEAST 24 HOURS OVER SOME OF THE WARMEST WATER IN THE ATLANTIC TO TAP INTO. THE OFFICIAL FORECAST REMAINS ON THE
CONSERVATIVE SIDE DUE TO LAND EFFECTS AND IS CLOSE TO A BLEND OF SHIPS AND LGEM STATISTICAL INTENSITY MODELS.