By Gary Curreri

Jacob Pybus has the city of Pompano Beach’s Start Smart T-Ball program figured out. The 4-year-old swings and hits the ball off the tee and runs up the first base line. Instead of stopping at the base and running to second, he continues his jaunt to the fence bordering the field and then returns for another swing.

“He likes hitting and running the best,” said his mother, Rachael Pybus, who also helped the youth with his batting stance. She likes what the program offers. “I like that it is mainly an introduction to the sports and they get a feel for it and they can decide the ones they like the most.”

Jacob Pybus was one of 20 youngsters who came out on a Wednesday night at the Four Fields Athletic Complex at Pompano Community Park to not only connect with the Tballs, but to connect with other friends between the ages of 3 and 5.

“This is our second year in their programs,” Rachael Pybus said. “He likes T-Ball and soccer best. We have done all of their programs. I definitely like the social aspect and that there is no pressure and they can just come out here, have fun and learn about the sport.”

The Pompano Start Smart T-Ball program, which recently concluded its six-week run, attracted 80 children from 3- to 5-years-old on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5:45-6:45 p.m. It is one of four such sport offerings by the city. The city also has flag football, basketball and soccer.

“We want to get the parents involved in teaching them the basics and, at 3 years old, it is kind of hard,” said Bobbi Palat, a recreation leader with the city of Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Dept. She has been with the city for the past 15 years and is a Pompano Beach native. “We want the kids to have fun.”

Families came from as far away as Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding communities, including Pompano Beach. Participants recieve a ball, bat, glove and T-shirt for their participation in T-Ball. In soccer, they get a soccer ball and shin guards; in basketball, they get a basketball and, in football, they get a football, flags and a kicking tee.

Cost for six-week program is $25 for residents, $50 non-residents. For more information, call 954-786- 4119.

UPDATED: 8:08 a.m.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office reports the plane is a 2013 Beach craft.
Pompano Beach spokeswoman Sandra King says the pilot has 35 years of experience flying planes. He was walking around when firefighters arrived at the scene. Rescue workers took him to Broward Health North as a precaution.

BSO deputies are on scene of a small plane that crashed in an alleyway between NE 3 Ave and Dixie Highway, just northwest of Pompano Air Park just before 6:23 a.m. The pilot escaped uninjured and is reported to be the only person on the plane. The plane apparently knocked down power lines, causing a reported outage in the neighborhood. There is a fuel spill that is being contained by the fire department. No injuries to anyone on the ground.

By Gary Curreri

Greg Norman hit the ceremonial tee shot off the first tee of Pompano Beach’s Pines Golf Course last week. It signified completion of his first ever Signature Golf Course for a municipality.

The Pines Course has been closed since April 2012. The course is one of two owned by the city of Pompano Beach, and the first municipal course revamped by Greg Norman Golf Course Design.

Norman, who has won 80 professional events, including 20 U.S. PGA Tour titles in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, said he got his start playing on a municipal course.

“I have been hearing some great reviews and the test of time is still ahead of us,” Norman said. “I am sure everybody is going to enjoy the course. It’s a significant day. We wanted to come in here and make sure that the people would be able to play and keep it affordable. Some of the holes are designed where the ball will gravitate toward the hole depending on the pin placements.”

Norman has designed or redesigned 12 courses in Florida and 84 overall around the world since 1987, including Dubai, Australia and South Africa. Two years ago, the city put out the redesign for bid and the process culminated last Wednesday with the official opening. The course has been open since Jan. 1 for play.

“We took a pig’s ear and turned it into a silk purse,” Norman said. “The important factor is that the city of Pompano absolutely loves it and, hopefully, they will see an increase in rounds.” The new course, which is next to the other municipal course, the Palms, features new Celebration Bermuda turf and irrigation, improvements that should keep the course playable and keep maintenance costs down. It is estimated that there are 94,000 rounds played on the two courses annually.

“This course will definitely be a destination, not only for the residents, but also for attracting tourists from around the world, which means an economic engine for our city,” said Pompano Mayor Lamar Fisher. “The course will be affordable in relation to its quality, complimenting a full service of facilities.”

Commissioner Charlotte Burrie called the day “a beautiful day in paradise.” She becomes a 50-year resident on Feb. 4. She said she played the courses when she younger “and all of the body parts worked.”

“I have never seen the Pines Course any more beautiful than it is right now,” Burrie said. “With a vision of ‘build it and they will come,’ it is beautiful. We have already seen an increase in play and we have received all favorable comments.”

Pompano Beach Golf Pro Bob Loring, who has been the head pro for the past 11 years, said he has already seen an increase in members.

“We have a Greg Norman Signature Golf Course that is close to the beach,” Loring said. “What a great combination for the city of Pompano Beach.”

Loring also shared with the audience how there was a concern about the placement of a cart path and, within a day, in the pouring rain, they moved the path from one side of the fairway to the other. He said the course has the “what” factor.

“Before, when golfers would come in after their round, I would say, ‘what’s the matter?’” said Loring, of the redesign that cost about $4 million. “Now when they come in, they say, ‘what a golf course!’ The Pines course is what you achieve when you combine a city with a vision and a visionary golf course architect.”

By Gary Curreri

Pompano Beach girls volleyball coach William Strachan wasn’t sure what to expect out of his team this season after losing five starters to graduation.

The Tornadoes finished 21- 4 last season as it lost to Jensen Beach in the regional semifinals, and Strachan knew his team would have to develop quickly to have a shot at the post season.

“Coming into the year, I thought we would take our licks this year, but we are playing well,” said Strachan, who is in his fifth year at the school. “We are relatively young. We have two seniors on the team and the rest are underclassmen. We graduated six seniors last year, but it was most of our offense. We lost a couple of all-county players.”

It didn’t stop Pompano Beach from capturing its second consecutive district championship as Paige Alsten had 21 kills and 13 points in the District 16-5A championship win over Mourning High School on Oct. 29.

The Tornadoes (17-7) polished off Mourning in relatively quick fashion as it won in three games – 25-19, 25- 12, and 25-17. Pompano Beach was slated to play Riviera Beach Suncoast on Wednesday night in the Class 5A regional quarterfinals.

“It was just a matter of fine tuning the discipline,” Strachan said. “We have a lot of beach talent. We are like a pipeline to college beach volleyball. We are making up in athleticism. There is a difference between the indoor and outdoor game, but our ball control skill is there.”

Pompano Beach senior Savannah Davis has committed to FIU’s sand program, which will make its debut this spring. She will join another pair of Tornadoes’ graduates who have gone on to play beach volleyball in college.

The Pellitteri sisters, sophomore Stephanie and freshman Kristina, went on to Florida State, where they helped the Seminoles finish third in the nation last season. Younger sister Brittney Pellitteri, a junior at Pompano Beach, is likely headed to a college sand volleyball program as well.

The team has also received strong play from sophomore Casey Calhoun and freshman Cori Smothers this season.

Looking for a place to dine in North Broward? It’s time to join FeedingFrenzee.com, a restaurant discount community and customer loyalty network which brings you events and deals from many local restaurants. Observer favorites (check out our reviews on our website) such as Hot Tomatoe, Galuppi’s and Spanx BBQ-The Hog have all partnered with FeedingFrenzee.com. The new Lighthouse Kitchen in Shoppes of Beacon Light is offering buy one get one free on crepes with your FeedingFrenzee card (get it for free at the restaurants or sign up online at FeedingFrenzee.com). Dandee Donut’s in Pompano Beach is giving 5% off if you show the card.

Diners can join the FeedingFrenzee.com community for free and get a discount card that entitles them to benefits at all restaurants in the FeedingFrenzee community. For example, dine at Galuppi’s and buy one entrée, get the second one 50% off with your card or use in Deerfield Beach at Café Med by Bice for 15% off. Amasianing in Lighthouse Point is offering free soup or eggroll with lunch/free glass of wine with dinner if you use the card.

Owned by Tinka Hooper, a Pompano Beach resident, FeedingFrenzee was started as a way to help local restaurants increase exposure to local residents and also to help them build a regular loyal following through the discount card.

“Diners love the card because they are saving at great local restaurants,” said Hooper who, together with her team custom developed the software that sends out weekly updates to diners about specials and events in the local community. “It’s really important to support local businesses and this is one way to help them grow.”

Learn more or sign up for your FeedingFrenzee card at www.feedingfrenzee.com.

By Gary Curreri

Fittingly, when the Florida Flag Football League State Championship (FFFL) in Melbourne concluded, the team left standing was the Pompano Beach-based Apocalypse team.

James Panui, Quinton McLendon and Derrick Brown each scored touchdowns as Apocalypse defeated the Palm Beach Knights, 19-7, to win an unprecedented fifth consecutive FFFL state title recently in Melbourne, FL.

Apocalypse surpassed the previous record of four consecutive victories held by Palace Saloon of Tallahassee. Following the tournament, Brown was inducted into the Florida Flag Football Hall of Fame.

“All the credit for this championship goes to Tony Walton, our linebacker and defensive coordinator,” said Apocalypse coach Craig Miller. “Our offense was sputtering and not as high-octane as in the past. Our defense kept us out of the fire. Tony won MVP for the tournament.”

Playing a double elimination tournament against the best flag football teams in the state, Apocalypse defeated four teams to win it all. The local squad defeated the Impact (Orlando), 23-12; Ruff Ryders (Miami), 20-18, and the Palm Beach Knights, 24-12, to advance to the finals where it defeated the Palm Beach Knights again. It marked the second year in a row that Apocalypse defeated the Palm Beach Knights in the championship game.

Local headed to paralympic games

Pompano Beach resident and 41-year-old double amputee Bradley Johnson left this weekend for London where he will compete in the Paralympic Games as a member of the 2012 U.S. National Sailing Team.

After finishing his undergraduate degree in criminology in 1992, Johnson had his eyes set on attending law school at the University of Florida (UF). However, his life took a dramatic turn the day he took his law school entrance exams. While traveling on I-75, his automobile hydroplaned and slammed into a guardrail, which severed Johnson’s left leg below- the-knee and right leg above-the-knee. However, Johnson didn’t let the accident deter him from achieving his dreams as he went on to obtain his law degree from UF in 1997.

In 1999, while at the Hanger Clinic for a prosthetic follow-up appointment, Johnson saw an ad for the National Disabled Summer Games hosted by Disabled Sports U.S.A; this compelled him to seek out a viable sport in which to compete with the objective of achieving Paralympic glory. Johnson then took up sitting volleyball and competed in the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games.

It was there he was introduced to the U.S. Sailing Team coaches. Upon returning to the states, Johnson, who has always had a passion for the water, went on to join a sailing team and compete in the 2004 Paralympic Games. He took home a bronze medal!

In addition to chasing his Paralympic dreams, Johnson is a practicing attorney, an advocate for equal rights for individuals with physical disabilities and a motivational speaker.

A Canadian tourist drowned Tuesday morning, March 20, after going on a diving trip off the coast of Pompano Beach.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received the call at around 11 a.m. advising that the boat “Aqua View” would be arriving on shore with a deceased male onboard.

After going for a dive, Bruce Magill, 63, had resurfaced and began swimming toward the boat along with other divers, but he never made it to the vessel. The boat captain and passengers searched the surface of the water and finally located his floating body after about 15 minutes. Upon locating him, he was pulled onto the boat, and a doctor onboard immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but Magill was not responsive.

Pompano Beach Fire Rescue stood by to transport the patient, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

BSO Crime Scene and Homicide detectives are investigating, though no foul play is suspected. The Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

DB After Hours

Thursday, Feb. 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Hilton Deerfield Beach, 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

954-427-1050.

IHOP offers Free Pancakes

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals and IHOP celebrate National Pancake Day.

Donations to Shands Children’s Hospital, U of F and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Bullying Prevention Class

Saturday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m.

ATA Black Belt Academy of Deerfield, 1520 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

FREE. Teaches emotional control and de-escalation techniques. Children 5 to 11 yrs. To reserve space, call 954-596-2700.

Community Health Fair

Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 a.m. to noon

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

In honor of Black History month, Broward Health N. Broward Medical Center will provide free carotid artery screenings, blood pressure checks, colorectal cancer screening kits, stroke assessments. Cholesterol and blood sugar screenings available to first 60 people to register.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. (must fast 12 hours prior to screening). Dr. Mayuri Gupta, gastroenterologist, will speak on common gastrointestinal disorders, treatments. Dr. Ridwan Lin, interventional neurologist, will speak on latest stroke prevention, treatment. Also cooking demonstration and tasting.

Visit www.BrowardHealth.org for info.

Keeping Up the Pace Fashion Show/Luncheon

Saturday, Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m.

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

Held by Narcissus Chapter 289, Daughters of Penelope. Benefits PACE Center for Girls.

Reservations: 954-427-5453.

3rd Annual Tea in the Garden

Saturday, Feb. 25, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

100 NE 44 St. , Pompano Beach, FL 33064

English Tea and pastries. Learn about local hunger issues, explore the tropical Food Forest and stroll Tiki-lit garden paths while listening to live music. $15 per person/$25 per couple. Family package available. Held rain or shine. Limited seating. Purchase tickets at www.teainthegarden.info or call 954-247-1087.

Luncheon/Fashion Show

Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.

Via Mizner Golf & Country Club, 6200 Boca Delmar Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33433

Donation: $35. Featuring fashions from Mario Pucci, Boca Raton. Sponsored by Bonnano Lodge# 2549, OSIA, which supports various charities. Open to public. Advanced reservations required. 561-479-4187.

Children in the Arts piano competition

Saturday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.

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

FREE event. Open to public. Light refreshments served. 954-786-4111.

Deerfield Beach Green Market

Sunday, Feb. 26, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Cove Shopping Center, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Theme: Orchid show.

954-480-4430 or www.DeerfieldBeachGreenMarket.com.

Mardi Gras Celebration

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

Henry’s Hideaway, 1500 S. Andrews Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Presented by Hot Jazz & Alligator Gumbo Society. Admission $10. 954-563-5390 or 561-394-0269.

“Pops in the Park,” featuring Florida Youth Orchestra

Sunday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park, 3500 NE 27 Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

FREE family concert. Hosted by LHP Cultural Arts Committee. Bring lawn chair or blanket. Keep pets at home. 954-784-3439.

IntraCoastal History Tour

Sunday, Feb. 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

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

$5/person, ages 6 and up.  Pre-registration required: 954-357-5100.

Relay for Life team party

Tuesday, Feb.28, 6:15 p.m.

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

Register your team (Deerfield Bch., LHP and Hillsboro Bch.) RSVP to Nona Breitenstein at nonabreit@gmail.com or 954-304-4248.

Broward County Mummers String Band

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center, 800 SW 36 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

$8. 954-786-4590.

Save the date: St. Ambrose 18th Annual Carnival

Thursday, March 1 to Sunday, March 4

St. Ambrose Church, 380 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL  33441

Carnival rides, games, food, entertainment. Last year’s event brought in 10,000. They expect more this year. It benefits the church and school. For details, visit www.stambrosecarnival.com.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation’s Art and Photographic Judged Show

Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 to 8 p.m.

Skolnick Civic Center, 800 SW 36 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Public invited. Artists present. Winners announced, prizes given at reception. Light refreshments served. Display up until Feb. 29. 954-786-4590.

Meeting on Pompano Urban Area improvements

Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m.

E. Pat Larkins Community Center

520 Hammondville Rd., (Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.), Deerfield Beach, FL 33060

Discussion on land-use, zoning changes for Downtown Pompano (discussion on streetscape improvements and upgraded pedestrian connectivity plans for MLK Jr. Boulevard – Feb.16, 6 p.m.). 954-467-6822.

Florida Renaissance Festival

Saturday, Feb. 11, Sunday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to Sunset

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

Opening weekend theme: Celtic Irish – Kiss the Blarney Stone. $20-adults/$7-children ages 6 to 11, 5 and under – FREE. www.ren-fest.com or 954-776-1642.

Miles for Meso

• Saturday, Feb. 11

Symposium, 3 p.m.

Hilton, 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Sunday, Feb. 12

Pre-registration: 6 a.m., race: 7:30 a.m.

8K Run & 2 Mile Tribute Walk

Spanish River Park, 3001 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Proceeds benefit Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Symposium features speakers, including keynote speaker Dr. Raja M. Flores from Mount Sinai Medical Center. Race info: 561-361-1950. RSVP for symposium – mesosurvivor@aol.com or 954-303-5960.

DB Green Market

Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Cove Shopping Center, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sweetheart’s Day theme. 954-480-4430 or www.DeerfieldBeachGreenMarket.com.

“Music in the Park”

Sunday, Feb. 12, 4 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

FREE. Florida Youth Orchestra performs contemporary and classical music. Bring blanket or chair (chairs available for $2 rent, benefits Boca Raton Police Explorers), food available for purchase. 561-393-7827.

Young Israel of Deerfield Beach 32nd anniversary dinner

Sunday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m.

Young Israel of Deerfield Beach Synagogue, 202 Century Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Gala smorgasbord/ dinner honors Toby & Seymour Kleiman and Ina & Dick Ciocca, “Aishes Chayi Awardee,” Lenore Schelew. Reservations: 954-571-3904

DB Democratic Club meets

Monday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

Century Village Activity Center, 3501 West Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker: Broward County, Vice Mayor, Kristin Jacobs. Blood Pressures taken, 6 p.m, sell gold. Refreshments served.  954-415-5658.

Pompano Beach Garden Club meeting

Monday, Feb. 13, 12:30 p.m.

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

Program: “Native Plants for your Garden,” presented by Diane Guidry, Naturescape of Broward County. Open to public. Refreshments served. 954-943-2699.

A night of music to remember

Monday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

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

Music and entertainment, including Petar Kecenovici, a master cellist who is in town performing with Andrea Bocelli, and Debi Incandela, a singer. Full bar and select menu. $10 at door helps 22-year-old fighting for life after motorcycle accident. 954-427-4400.

Valentine’s Day event NE Focal Point Senior Center

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10 to 11 a.m.

227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Ink Spots–Generations with The Shambala Band. All welcome. 954-480-4449.

AARP Driver Safety Program

Thursday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

Save money, earn discount on insurance. For seniors 50 yrs +. $14/$12-AARP members. Limited space, reservations required. 954-480-4447.