The Westside Gazette
*Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church, 153 NW 12th St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060. Food Pantry Each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.*Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, 2380 Martin Luther Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33061. Food Pantry: Mon, Wed, Fri from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.*Gateway Community Outreach, 291 SE First Terr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Homeless Prevention & Food Program Food Pantry—Must call before coming to Food Pantry location. *Parkway United Methodist Church, 100 NE 44th St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064.
thewestsidegazette.comSmoke from prescribed burn could be visible in South Florida
Residents in western Palm Beach County and northern Broward County can expect to see smoke Wednesday and Thursday after fire officials ignite a prescribed burn at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.
sun-sentinel.comThis Week in South Florida Podcast: May 15, 2022
On the latest episode of the This Week in South Florida podcast, host Glenna Milberg speaks to Yael Herschfield of the Anti-Defamation League Southern Division and Broward County School Board member Daniel Foganhol. Glenna also speaks with Local 10 News' Janine Stanwood, who received up-close access on the U.S. Southern Border to operations to keep the dangerous drug fentanyl out of our country.
This Week in South Florida Full Episode: May 15, 2022
On the latest episode of This Week in South Florida, host Glenna Milberg speaks to Yael Herschfield of the Anti-Defamation League Southern Division and Broward County School Board member Daniel Foganhol. Glenna also speaks with Local 10 News' Janine Stanwood, who received up-close access on the U.S. Southern Border to operations to keep the dangerous drug fentanyl out of our country.
COVID-19 update: Broward joins Miami-Dade as only two Florida counties with ‘moderate’ risk levels
Broward County’s COVID risk level has been upgraded to “moderate.” The higher level is a result of the county’s positivity rate rising to 16.5% and nine new COVID hospital admissions each day per 100,000 people. Broward County joins Miami-Dade as the only two counties in Florida with moderate risk levels rather than low.
sun-sentinel.comOver 6,000 Students Registered to Vote in the 2022 High School Voter Registration (HSVR) Drive!
(May 6, 2022)– The Supervisor of Elections’ Office has concluded its annual Spring High School Voter Registration (HSVR) Drive on April 30, 2022. The drive was presented in partnership with the Broward County Public Schools to educate and get students registered to vote. Staff from the Supervisor of Elections office visited 38 local high schools throughout the month of April and worked closely with high school students and school staff as they conducted their voter registration drives. The Supervisor of Elections Office would like to congratulate all participating schools, students and staff for their outstanding hard work and commitment during the High School Voter Registration Drive. The following schools will receive a plaque for achieving the highest total of completed voter registration applications during the 2022 High School Voter Registration Drive within their category.
thewestsidegazette.comLaw protecting tenants from eviction over sudden rent increases approved by Broward commissioners
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – To protect renters against abrupt evictions, members of the Broward County Commissioners are taking steps to help. At Tuesday’s commission meeting, a law that requires landlords give at least 60 days’ notice before terminating a lease when the rent has increased by more than five percent was approved by the commissioners. According to a release, the commission heard from “many people” who had been forced to leave their rental homes due to sudden and steep rent increases. All renters whose rent went up by more than five percent, no matter what if they are month-to-month or have an annual lease agreement the new law applies to them all. Per the release, which referenced research done by Realtor.com, the average rent in the tri-county area of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties increased by a whopping 57 percent from March 2021 to March 2022.
thewestsidegazette.comInvestigation: Recruits walk off job within months of joining Broward’s troubled 911 call centers
The South Florida Sun Sentinel analyzed hiring, separation and payroll records from the countywide emergency 911 centers, run by the Broward Sheriff’s Office: The data paints a troubling picture of an overburdened workplace whose problems have been brewing for years.
sun-sentinel.comCOVID-19 update: Positivity rate reaches 21% in Broward and 13.2% in Palm Beach; hospitalizations remain low
New coronavirus infections are rising fast in Florida, with Broward County hit particularly hard in the past week. The new strain isn’t making most people sick enough to need intensive care.
sun-sentinel.com‘This is wholesale neglect’: Broward schools let elevator maintenance slide for years
Investigation: The South Florida Sun Sentinel found that about two-thirds of Broward school district elevators — 162 out of 236 — failed to have a 2022 certificate of occupancy, as of April 30. This means either they haven’t been inspected in more than a year or their last inspection resulted in violations that have yet to be fixed.
sun-sentinel.comVice Mayor Mike Gelin Accepts Honor on Behalf of The City of Tamarac in Recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month
By Monique JohnsonTAMARAC, FL — April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Chris Lolley, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Florida, also presented a pin to Vice Mayor Mike Gelin to thank the city for its participation in Child Abuse Prevention Month. National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through collaboration with organizations such as the CSC and Prevent Child Abuse Florida, Tamarac is helping to strengthen local families to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing prevention services and support to help protect children and produce thriving families. Prevent Child Abuse Florida is part of The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida and is also affiliated with Circle of Parents.
thewestsidegazette.comAir Force Thunderbirds salute heroine Broward bus driver
Gwendolyn Whitfield, the Broward County Transit driver who steered her bus to safety amid a fatal onboard shooting incident, was honored as a "Hometown Hero" by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The flight demonstration team, which is participating in the annual Fort Lauderdale Air Show, ushered her through flight preparations and gave her a high-speed runway ride at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
sun-sentinel.comJust what exactly will be banned by the Florida law dubbed ‘don’t say gay’? A closer look at the new restrictions.
Florida’s new Parental Rights in Education law is based on the idea that parents — not schools — should have the final say about their children. The new law will wipe out many key provisions from support guides that some schools used to navigate the delicate issues of LGBTQ+ students.
sun-sentinel.comLighthouse of Broward House Hosts Eggstravaganza for Blind or Visually Impaired Youth
By Cindy SchuttApproximately 75 blind and visually impaired children and their siblings had an amazing time at Lighthouse of Broward’s Eggstravaganza event, searching for beeping eggs, visiting with the Easter Bunny, jumping in the bounce house, climbing a rock wall, having their face painted and doing arts and crafts. “It is such a joy to provide so much for our kids and their families,” said Ellyn Drotzer, MSW, LCSW, Lighthouse of Broward President & CEO. “The beeping eggs give blind and visually impaired children the opportunity to truly experience the fun of an egg hunt, and they had a blast.”Lighthouse of Broward’s Eggstravaganza was made possible by the following generous sponsors: Century Metals & Supplies Inc., Lone Star Services, Inc., Sajdera, PA Law Firm, Southern Coast Enterprises, Inc., and Solstice – as well as wonderful individual donors. The mission of Lighthouse of Broward is to provide the leadership, services, advocacy, and resources necessary to enhance the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired in Broward County and empower them to live independent, healthy, employed, and fulfilling lives. Its broader vision is to ensure that all Broward residents who are blind or visually impaired enjoy independence and a high quality of life through the transformative work of the Lighthouse of Broward.
thewestsidegazette.comHava Holzhauer, former ADL Florida leader, running for Congress
Hava Holzhauer, a former Florida regional director of the ADL who describes herself as a “lifelong advocate and fighter for justice” and the “voice of possibility & progress – delivering results" is running for Congress. She's seeking the Democratic nomination in the Broward-Palm Beach county district U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch is vacating.
sun-sentinel.comPolice find suspected meth lab and dead man at Plantation hotel
Inside a quiet and well-landscaped suburban hotel in Broward County was a dead man and what looked like a meth lab, police said. Hotel guests were evacuated. Firemen went back for just one thing - a guest's Arabian clothing for a wedding.
sun-sentinel.comSouth Florida schools face chaos as state bans math books with ‘prohibited topics’
South Florida districts were ready to spend millions of dollars — more than $34 million in Broward County alone — so the new textbooks would be on campuses when the new school year starts in August. But the state says some contain objectionable material.
sun-sentinel.comAARLCC Art of Community Art & Activism Festival on Saturday, April 30
AARLCC’s Art of Community Festival invites the community and the entire family to participate and explore the importance of art as a tool to engage and impact our local community and our world. The Art of Community Festival will celebrate the work of Art and Activism Social Justice Artists in ResidenceMarielle Plaisir – Medium: Mixed Media and Fine Art, Art of Community Project: ‘…and that day, I will distinctly hear the music of the world’Anthony “Mojo” Reed, II – Medium: Fine Art and Murals, Art of Community Project: BROWARD: The FoundationRoscoe B. Thicke, III – Medium: Photography, Art of Community Project: The Art of ResistanceJose Veliz – Medium: Music Composition, Art of Community Project: Voices of South FloridaAgatha Wright – Medium: Performance Dance, Art of Community Project: PilgrimageAttendees will meet the artists in residence along with other special invited local activist artists showcasing their art employing diverse mediums such as performance art and interactive content to inspire community engagement. Along with Community Foundation of Broward, Art of Community Festival is supported by Bank of America, Broward Public Library Foundation, and Friends of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. About the Community Foundation of BrowardFounded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Broward partners with families, individuals and organizations to create personalized charitable funds that deliver game-changing philanthropic impact. The Community Foundation provides bold leadership on community solutions and fosters philanthropy that connects people who care with causes that matter.
thewestsidegazette.comFacing judgment: Parkland killer goes on trial more than four years after school shooting that shook the nation
Four years after Nikolas Cruz, a troubled former student, gunned down students and educators at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, he will find out what price he'll pay. Will the confessed killer be put to death by lethal injection for his actions on Feb. 14, 2018? Or will he live out his life in prison? His sentencing trial starts Monday and could stretch over the next six months.
sun-sentinel.comLongtime Public Servant Dale Holness Announces Campaign for Congress in Florida’s 20th District
Prominent local leaders cite Holness’ record of delivering for people in declaring supportHolness raised over $200,000 to date, demonstrating strong early momentum following razor-thin 2021 special electionBy Charly NortonPLANTATION, FL — Today, longtime public servant, former Mayor of Broward County, and small business owner Dale Holness announced his campaign for Congress in Florida’s 20th District. Holness begins the race with support from trusted prominent local leaders, including Broward County State Attorney Harold Pryor, Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, and Broward County Clerk of Courts Brenda Forman, who will join the campaign for a kick-off event on Tuesday evening. “Families are hurting these days as the costs of everyday necessities – including housing, childcare, healthcare, gas, and groceries – continue to rise but wages fail to keep up,” Holness said. “Our communities deserve a champion with experience and follow through to build a stronger, healthier future for all of us. Dale is a proven advocate for Florida’s working families, small businesses and entrepreneurs, children, seniors, and most vulnerable communities, an approach he will take to Congress to ensure everyone has a seat at the table as South Florida’s next member of Congress.
thewestsidegazette.comSupervisor of Elections Kicks Off Annual High School Voter Registration Drive
BROWARD COUNTY, FL (March 25, 2022) – The Supervisor of Elections’ Office will kick off the annual Spring High School Voter Registration Drive (HSVR) April 1st – April 30th 2022. The drive is presented in partnership with Broward County Public Schools to educate and get students registered to vote. All public high schools in Broward County will have the opportunity to register eligible students to become registered voters. During the month of April 2022, Broward County Election officials are scheduled to visit approximately 40 local Broward high schools. Election Officials will be on hand to assist the high school students and staff as they conduct their voter registration drive.
thewestsidegazette.comCall for Proposals from Grassroots Nonprofits
Community Organizations with Budgets Up to $500,000 are Eligible for Grants of $5,000 to $25,000By Community Foundation of BrowardFORT LAUDERDALE, FL — (March 7, 2022) – A call for proposals from “Grassroots Nonprofits” has been issued by Community Foundation of Broward. Grassroots nonprofits operating in Broward County are eligible for grants of $5,000 to $25,000 as part of the Foundation’s new Small Grants Pilot Program. The Small Grants Pilot Program is significantly, but not exclusively, focused on minority-led nonprofits, which often have fewer funding options to consider from community or corporate funding sources. Community Foundation of Broward has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) and is accepting applications through 11:45 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022. “Grassroots nonprofits face big hurdles to create, expand and sustain their critical services,” said Sheri Brown Grosvenor, Vice President of Community Impact at the Foundation.
thewestsidegazette.comLooking for Residents to be Trained Storm Spotters
Registrations open for SKYWARN Storm Spotters class on April 2ndBROWARD COUNTY, FL – SKYWARN Storm Spotters training class, normally conducted at the Broward Emergency Operations Center, will be held virtually again this year. The class is intended for those with an interest in public safety and communications, and who want to help during extreme weather events. SKYWARN is developed and taught by National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists and consists of trained weather spotters who report observations of significant weather and damage resulting from severe weather. Trained local storm spotters can assist NWS in verifying tornados, hail, wind damage and heavy rainfall as they are occurring in our community. To register, email your full name, full address, email address and cell phone number to Robert Molleda and Carol Sjursen.
thewestsidegazette.comVoters picking two new legislators, many new city leaders. Here’s what you need to know.
Tuesday is Election Day for about 750,000 people in Broward and Palm Beach counties. There are special elections for two seats in the Florida Legislature, plus 23 cities, towns and villages in the two counties.
sun-sentinel.com2 Men Charged For Beating A Man To Death Who Was Hanging Christmas Lights In Gage Park
Two men have been charged in the brutal beating death of a father of three while he was hanging Christmas lights at his home in Gage Park in December, as part of a violent string of robberies stretching from the North Side to the South Side.
news.yahoo.comEthics Commission approves settlement over congressional candidate Dale Holness violations — after dissenting commissioner argues $1,000 penalty is too light
The Florida Ethics Commission has signed off on a settlement agreement with former Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness over his repeated failure to accurately disclose his income as required by state law. He’ll pay a fine of $1,000 — an amount one state ethics commissioner opposed, arguing it was insufficient. Holness narrowly lost a Democratic congressional primary in November and is running again for Congress this year.
sun-sentinel.comHow to Be Prepared for the Broward County Special Elections – March 8, 2022
[BROWARD COUNTY] – On Tuesday, March 8th, Broward County will be conducting an election for State Senator, District 33 and the following municipalities:Hillsboro Beach – At Large– At Large Lauderdale-by-the-Sea City Commissioner – District 1 & 2– District 1 & 2 Pembroke Pines City Commissioner – Seat 1 & 4– Seat 1 & 4 Lighthouse Point City Commissioner – Seat 1, 2 & 3How to be PreparedVoters who were registered to vote by February 7, 2022 will be able to participate in this election. Voting hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on election day. The following are helpful reminders on how to be prepared for this election:
sflcn.comUrban League of Broward County and Hispanic Unity of Florida release State of Black Broward and State of Hispanic and Immigrant Broward Reports.
The reports are the first of their kind to be published together for Broward County. Both reports view Broward County through an equity lens – in this case – through the Black and Hispanic stakeholders of Broward County. The reports hold critical insights on:HousingEducationPublic HealthCriminal JusticeVoter EngagementEconomy (Workforce / Entrepreneurship)Broward County Population & Demographic TrendsFunded by The Jim Moran Foundation and produced in partnership with the Florida International University Jorge M. Perez Metropolitan Center, the reports examine alarming opportunity gaps drawing from dozens of public and private data sources, the reports revealed clear evidence of persistent concentrations of income inequality in Broward’s Black and Hispanic communities.
thewestsidegazette.comHistory Fort Lauderdale Celebrates 60th Anniversary with New Exhibits, Events and Experiences
These events will add to the nonprofit organization’s annual celebration of Black History Month, Native American History Month, and its signature History Makers Fundraiser. “It has been an honor for History Fort Lauderdale to serve local and residents and visitors to the area since 1962 by providing historical contexts for development, housing archives, spearheading preservation initiatives, shining a spotlight on culture and offering fun, educational tours and outreach,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale. The reception, $35 per person with tickets available at https://bit.ly/HFLWomenTrailblazers2022, and a special Dillard’s pop-up shop will benefit History Fort Lauderdale. From June 1 – 30, coinciding with PRIDE Month, History Fort Lauderdale will present “I Am What I Am: A Tribute to South Florida’s Drag Pioneers” at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit us online at historyfortlauderdale.org.
thewestsidegazette.comBlind and Visually Impaired Kids Tackle STEAM Projects in Partnership with Local Companies
By Cindy SchuttApproximately 90 blind and visually impaired youth and their siblings tackled STEAM activities at the Lighthouse of Broward’s “For the Love of STEAM” event presented by UKG. The event offered firsthand science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics activities, all designed for youth who are blind and visually impaired. Activities at this curriculum-driven event included experimenting with electronic devices designed for the blind, making slime, creating endothermic reactions, discovering the science of skateboarding, and learning about snakes. “Our STEAM event really was a treat for all of our youth as well as all the volunteers andparticipants,” said Ellyn Drotzer, MSW, LCSW, president and CEO of the Lighthouse of Broward. They got to know our blind and visually impaired young people, which they said was an eye-opening experience.
thewestsidegazette.comEarly Voting in Broward County Begins This Saturday February 26, 2022, Through Sunday, March 6, 2022
BROWARD COUNTY, FL — Voters who were registered to vote by February 7, 2022, will be able to vote early in the March 8, 2022, Special General & Municipal Elections. The following are helpful reminders on how to be prepared for Early Voting:Four Early Voting Locations are available from Saturday, February 26 through Sunday, March 6:*African American Research Library*E. Pat Larkins Community Center*Lauderhill Mall*Tamarac Branch LibraryEarly Voting hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eligible Broward County voters may go to any of the Early Voting Sites to cast a voteVoters with disabilities will be able to vote using a touchscreen machine located at each Early Voting SiteVoters should take note that Florida law required voters to present picture ID with signature. Acceptable forms of ID are listed in our website browardvotes.govResults for the March 8 Elections including Vote-by-Mail Ballots, Early Voting and Election Day votes begin streaming on our website at 7 p.m. on election night. Results will be updated frequently on our website http://www.browardvotes.gov until all precincts are reported.
thewestsidegazette.comEnd of an ERA:
Bertha Watson Henry, the longest sitting County Administrator in the history of Broward County, has served on her last commission meeting as her Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. sorority sisters came out and painted the commission chamber red. A cross section of the community showed up for a grand send off. Friends, coworkers, dignitaries and family members expressed their love and support through gifts and well wishes with laughter and tears for Mrs. Henry in her last BrowardCounty Commission Meeting.
thewestsidegazette.comStudents invited to express “Why Your Vote Counts” in video contest sponsored by League of Women Voters, Kids Voting
Two groups committed to developing today’s students into tomorrow’s active voters are sponsoring a video contest for students with a first prize of $500. The League of Women Voters and Kids Voting USA are inviting Broward County high school students to create a 30 to 60 second non-partisan Public Service Announcement to convince young voters that their vote counts. The Why Your Vote Counts videos should promote how civic engagement and active voter participation can advance the issues important to young voters. For more information, contact the League of Women Voters of Broward County at info@lwvbroward.org. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues.
thewestsidegazette.comNew Research Highlights Broward’s Equity Challenges
Drawing from dozens of public and private data sources, the reports revealed clear evidence of persistent concentrations of income inequality in Broward’s Black and Hispanic communities. According to the reports, the median household income of Black or African Americans is only 71 percent ($47,863) of White households ($67,280). The data also illustrates sharp variations in health outcomes among Black and Hispanic groups compared to White groups, including infant mortality and HIV infection rates. In 2021, the Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to each organization to advance racial equity in Broward County. This investment will build the organizations’ capacity to work effectively with stakeholders to lead critical conversations about racial equity and to propose transformative solutions that address them.
thewestsidegazette.comBroward’s Chip LaMarca, breaking with Republican Party, plans to vote against ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill
In a break with his party, state Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point, plans to vote against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill when it comes up for final action in the Florida House of Representatives. LaMarca, the only Republican state legislator whose district lies entirely within Broward County, currently represents the East Broward neighborhoods and cities with large numbers of LGBT residents: Victoria Park in Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors and Oakland Park.
sun-sentinel.comWomen in Distress Benefits from Shine with a Purpose
Sunshine Cleaning Systems provided Free disinfecting servicesBy Jenna AucklandSOUTH FLORIDA – Women in Distress, Broward County’s only nationally accredited, state-certified, full-service domestic violence center, was the most recent beneficiary of Shine with a Purpose, a program launched in 2021 as part of Sunshine’s 45th Anniversary. In partnership with United Way of Broward County, Sunshine provides essential disinfecting services to deserving charities in Broward County. “The Sunshine team graciously donated this disinfecting service during a time when we continue to be diligent about the safety of the families we serve,” said Linda L. Parker, Ph.D, President and CEO of Women in Distress. “We are grateful for this valuable gift and our peace of mind.”Derek Auckland, Florida Operations Manager at Sunshine Cleaning Systems, Inc., added,“One of the gifts for us with Shine with a Purpose is the chance to visit and learn about so many incredible charities in our community. Learning about Women in Distress was enlightening and inspiring for me and my team.”For more information, visit www.sunclean.com or call (954) 772-0884.
thewestsidegazette.comBSO busts violent street gang that spread fear throughout South Florida with shootings and drug sales
The Broward Sheriff’s Office has shut down a street gang whose members sold cocaine, heroin and fentanyl throughout South Florida, protecting their enterprise through violence that ranged from drive-by shootings to a murder plot.
sun-sentinel.com