Delray mom writes kids book on wearing masks

Delray Beach resident Shannon Q. McDonald, a mom of two young children, wanted to find a way to tell her kids about face masks in kid-friendly language, while also making them laugh at the same time.

To do so, she wrote Remember to Smile, a children’s picture book for kids ages 2-6 years old that describes and illustrates different styles of masks and when to wear them.

“I have a 3- and 5-year-old, and as a parent, I look for ways to explain some of the new COVID-related realities they are seeing in an age-appropriate way,” McDonald says. “I wanted something that was fun, but still carried a message about one of the most visual changes they are encountering in schools and daycares – face masks.”

As more and more places require masks, and young children have to experience so many new, confusing, and sometimes scary things, Remember to Smile adds playfulness and laughs around masks. With the help of some giggles and an adorable wiener dog based on the author’s family pup, Remember to Smile will help children become more comfortable with the idea of face masks, and encourage them to keep smiling, even if it has to be hidden from sight at times.

“Things look a bit different these days as we go out and about, especially for those little ones that are attending daycare or school this Fall,” McDonald said. “As our kids start to see and wear masks, it can be somewhat confusing. I hope that regardless of the various viewpoints about mask-wearing right now, people understand that this is a reality for our children. The most helpful thing we can do as parents is helping them to feel more comfortable and at ease when seeing anyone wearing them.”

The book is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon as a paperback, hardcover or e-book.

December 9, 2020December 2, 2020

Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL, 22nd District)

Dear Friends!

This year, our community has faced tremendous challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the lives of loved ones far too soon and placed millions of families into economic hardship. Many celebrations, traditions, and even daily activities have been put on hold as we isolated ourselves to keep each other safe from harm. As we all hope to return to a sense of normalcy, we must continue to follow social distancing guidelines as we try to heal from the pandemic. Although this year has been difficult for us all, our community has shown incredible strength. Throughout the past few months, we have seen heroes emerge to keep us safe, healthy, and thriving. But our work is not over. As public health experts warn of a COVID-19 resurgence, we must all continue to do our part to keep each other safe. In Congress, I will keep fighting to get Floridians the help they need to get back on their feet.

One in twenty seniors in the U.S. is a target of fraud schemes, costing them at least $36.5 billion per year. Yet, the National Adult Protective Services Association has found that only 1 in 44 seniors actually report that they are victims of a fraud scheme. Recently the House passed my bill, the Seniors Fraud Prevention Act, that would help protect seniors and their families from becoming the victims of fraudulent schemes designed to steal their assets. I was proud to work with Rep. Buchanan, Rep. Peter Welch, Senator Klobuchar, and Senator Collins to introduce this legislation that would create an office within the Federal Trade Commission charged with tracking scams, educating and alerting seniors to new scams, and establishing a more effective complaint system to ensure reports of fraud are quickly addressed by the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Recently, I joined Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Rep. Kathy Castor to release a climate report prepared by the House Oversight Committee outlining the health benefits for the state of Florida if the United States meets the goals of the Paris Agreement. The report outlines that in Florida alone, meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement could prevent 101,000 deaths and 40,000 emergency room visits and hospitalizations for cardiovascular and respiratory disease over the next 50 years. The state would avoid more than 23 million lost workdays. Collectively, avoiding these health issues would save Florida over $750 billion. I wish you and your family a safe and happy new year and encourage you to visit CDC.gov for current social distancing guidelines. As always, please feel free to reach out to our office if we can be of assistance.

December 9, 2020December 2, 2020

The holidays during COVID

Approaching the 9th month of the pandemic, we are faced with the challenge, yet again, of how to celebrate a holiday during a time of isolation and separation.

As many families cancelled their annual Thanksgiving dinners with relatives in order to remain safe, we continue to experience the ongoing sense of loss and grief. I am not sure we will ever get to a stage of acceptance.

Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights, runs from December 10 through December 18. How can it help illuminate a dark and sad time for us? Originally intended to be a private celebration at home, hanukkiyahs, or menorahs, are displayed in the window for the passerby to enjoy. This year, they will continue to light the darkness, even if no one is on the street to see it. As the light grows with each night of the eight-branched candelabrum, we hope to bring more light into our world. The light commemorates the legend of the single cruse of oil that lasted eight nights. We traditionally eat foods fried in oil such as latkes, potato pancakes, or sufganiyot, jelly donuts. Due to the influence of other December holidays, it has also become the main gift- giving holiday for Jews in North America.

Most people do not know this, but because Hanukkah does not originate in the Bible, it is considered a minor festival. While Jews often gather for parties and public candle lightings, it is perfectly acceptable (although maybe not preferable) to celebrate with those only in your household. If not, virtual gatherings may be an option as well, or following CDC guidelines for celebrating outdoors.

The word Hanukkah comes from the Hebrew word for dedication, and it is derived from the Maccabees’ rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. While we are not celebrating as we might have in the past, we can rededicate ourselves to what is most important. The moral of the Hanukkah story in the ancient texts reminds us that “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit says the Lord of Hosts” (Zech 4:6). Faith and hope can be more useful than strength sometimes.

I encourage you to see this holiday as an opportunity to help bring light into the world– from donating money or gifts to charitable organizations, called tzedakah. While we may feel physically restricted this year, we are still blessed with our religious freedoms to celebrate and many of us have the means to help others.

Let us remember the importance of the blessings we say on the fi rst night as we light the lone candle. In addition to thanking God for enabling us to fulfi ll the mitzvah or commandment of kindling the holiday lights, we thank God for helping us reach this season, and the great miracle that took place for our ancestors. No matter what we face in the world right now, we still can thank God for what we have, including the blessing of each new day and the hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 We have been walking through a unique kind of darkness these past eight months. Without warning, we were plunged into darkness when the COVID pandemic arrived. In this darkness, we experienced fear of contracting the illness, worry, and grief for those affected, anxiety due to a shaken economy, tension over increased political division, and confusion over safe practices. The greatest darkness may well be a sense of isolation from each other.

The blessing of belonging to a community of faith is that our members have had many opportunities to “walk in the light” together. Our Bible studies and small groups have continued to meet through the blessing of Zoom and in person when safe. I’ll never forget the smiles of joy the first time some of our seniors figured out how to join us online! Safely distanced, we’ve been able to worship together since May. It is a strange thing as a pastor to preach to a room of bank robbers! One woman shared with me that her church is the only thing that has kept her from loneliness and despair. “How are those who don’t have a church getting through?” she wondered. Not well, I fear, for the darkness is deep.

My family has also been looking forward to the ray of light expected with our first grandchild’s arrival in January. Our weeks and months have been filled with the same kind of excitement and anticipation that inspired Isaiah to share words of hope to those people walking in darkness- “For to us a child is born, a son is given.” Isaiah 9:6 May such joy dawn on us all.

December 9, 2020December 10, 2020

Dating during the pandemic

In addition to all of the tragic circumstances, COVID-19 has thrown romance for a loop.

Over the last seven months of the pandemic, individuals continue to long for social interaction, whether it is virtual or socially distanced. Before the pandemic, we did not know how fortunate we were to easily meet with a friend for coffee or fly and visit a different state until those types of activities were taken from us in a matter of months.

Josh and I began dating a month before the pandemic began. Right when we were getting to know each other we had to begin thinking about what mattered to us and how we would make our new relationship work during the pandemic.

Both Josh and I are very family oriented and have grandparents with health conditions. This meant that we had to create some sort of plan where we could still see each other, but also respect our families and their health.

We did not want to have one of us move in with the other’s family because it would not be fair to the other, so we had to weigh our options.

I decided to reach out to my older sister, Stephanie. She had already moved away to quarantine with her boyfriend in his hometown. Stephanie graciously offered Josh and I the opportunity to quarantine together in her vacant Miami apartment.

Two months into our relationship, Josh and I, along with my 9-month-old puppy Ellie, moved in.

A lot of my friends thought we were crazy.

“How are you going to quarantine with a guy you have only been dating for a month?”

“Isn’t it too soon?”

“Julie, are you sure?”

Sure, my friends’ comments were valid, but they were also wrong. The quarantine brought Josh and I closer and allowed us to get comfortable faster.

With all the time we had by ourselves we were able to see each other’s strengths and differences. We learned more about each other and created some of the best memories. I learned that Josh makes a mean steak and Josh learned that he could always count on baked goods due to my love of baking.

Around the beginning of May, my sister returned. I moved back in with my parents and Josh prepared to move into his new apartment. I work from home and Josh works at his law firm. Since the shutdown, his firm has put in strict social distance protocols in accordance with CDC guidelines. We see each other often as well as our families, and only surround ourselves with people we have been around from the start of the pandemic.

As the pandemic continues, some people choose to date online, some continue with the traditional dating route in person, and some have just stopped dating.

“It’s weird. You want to be conscious of what is going on in the world but at the same time you don’t want to be alone,” Jessica Harper, 23-year-old Florida resident, said.

Online dating sites report record use as singles look for someone to connect with and bring some light into these uncertain times.

According to the popular dating site Hinge, messages on the application have increased by 30% since the pandemic began. Dating in the age of COVID-19 is simple for some and difficult for others. Instead of fearing rejection, ghosting, or catfishing, you now have to worry about infection.

College senior, Edramy Mancheno says, “I am not dating during COVID because I don’t trust random people I don’t know; so I don’t know if they’re safe from the virus or not. Since I live with my parents there is a higher risk of them being infected too.” “I definitely feel like I’m going on less dates. I’m trying to figure out beforehand if this is someone I’d even enjoy a date with because of the risk of COVID,” Harper said.

But how do you figure out beforehand the risks of meeting someone? Do they wash their hands regularly? Who are their contacts?

We have to pick and choose what is important to us. No one knows when the pandemic will subside, so why stop living your life? Get out there, whether on a virtual or socially-distanced date, depending on your comfort level.

December 9, 2020December 2, 2020

State Representative D-96 Christine Hunschofsky

It is an honor to serve you as your District 96 State Representative and I look forward to working with you. November was a busy election season and I would like to congratulate all the winners of the elections. I look forward to working with the City Commissions and residents in District 96, which include Coconut Creek, Parkland, a majority of Margate, and the north and east areas of Coral Springs.

Since the election, we have been very busy setting up the district office, which is located at Coconut Creek City Hall at 4800 Copans Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33063. We have a wonderful team including Beth Lerner, who is our Legislative Aide, and Lisa Librizzi, who is our District Aide. Beth has many years of experience working in the State Legislature and brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. Lisa comes from a corporate background and has a wealth of experience in systems organization and customer service. You can contact our team at 954-956-5600. Additionally, there is more information about the Florida House of Representatives, the office, and the district on the website www.myfloridahouse.gov.

In November, we worked on getting the office and staff set up, and I attended the new member orientations and organization session. In December, we will be given our committee assignments for the 2020-2022 Legislative Session and in January our first committee weeks begin. Throughout the process, we will be providing updates and information on what we are doing in the district. If you would like to receive these updates directly, please email lisa.librizzi@ myfloridahouse.gov.

As 2020 comes to a close, we have much to reflect upon. Each year comes with its challenges, and 2020 was definitely no exception. In the midst of a pandemic, we are also facing serious economic and health challenges. May we continue to focus on shared goals and work together toward common solutions to get us through these unprecedented times.

I would like to extend my best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful holiday season and great start to 2021. While many of the family celebrations may be different this year due to COVID, I hope you will all have the opportunity to spend quality time with your family whether in person or virtually. As always, please feel free to reach out to our office with any questions you may have. You can also find me providing updates on Facebook at @RepHunschofsky and Twitter at @chunschofsky. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season and all the best for 2021!

December 9, 2020December 2, 2020

Gift Guide 2020

Tenth Street Hats, an Oakland California company, makes all kinds of hats, from bowlers to straw boaters, from Panamas to Pork Pies. Brown Derby is shown $56 tenthstreethats.com.

For the cocktail connoisseur in your life, miniature drink mixers are single- serving craft cocktails for the sophisticated set. Simply pour the contents of one bottle over ice, add a shot of the desired spirit (or not if you prefer a zero proof), and fill to the brim with club soda (or tomato juice for the Bloody Mary). Recipes for each flavor are printed on the box. Includes Mojito, Salted Paloma, Hurricane, Lemon Drop & Bloody Mary $22. https://www.elguapobitters.com/.

Silk pillowcases from Celestial Silk range from $35.99-$39.99 depending on size and can be found at celestialsilk.com or Amazon.

UV CARE Pocket Sterilizer is great for cell phones, keyboards, doorknobs, and countertops. It eliminates germs, bacteria, viruses, allergens, and molds using UV-C light technology. It’s powered by four AAA batteries or a mini USB cable. $42.99 at https://theuvcare.com/ or Amazon.

Thinking of something extra special for your 2020 COVID-quarantine sweetheart? Perhaps all she wants for Christmas is a 14K white gold pendant with .45ct of diamonds. $1,500 at David Barry Jewelers in Boynton Beach.

B3 Blitz by Creative Brainworks is an engaging, fast-paced game of skill that will keep kids and adults occupied and help prevent them from going COVID-crazy. B3 Blitz can be played indoors or outdoors, with bean bags or pong balls, and distance from the stand increases the skill level required. Game comes complete with a stand, buckets, 8 bean bags, 4 pong balls, and a convenient drawstring backpack to keep everything in one place. $29.99 on Amazon.

LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls are “a reusable, energy- saving alternative to dryer sheets. They naturally soften clothes without the use of unwanted harmful chemicals contained in dryer sheets.” This $39 set also comes with a 2 oz. bottle of “Sweet Dreams Linen Mist,” and a spring of lavender. https://www.loo-hoo.com/.

Interested in combining your experiences of the past with the technology of today to make sure your memories truly last forever by digitizing your precious moments for future generations? Enter Legacybox. Prices start at $32.99 and up. Simply send your old home movies, photos, memorabilia, and more and they will do the rest.

Dermatologist approved, this CBD infused tinted body shimmer oil is cruelty-free, made in the USA, and comes in three shades. The oil can be applied to face, lip, hair, and body. CBD adds a soothing feel to your daily routine. $45 shopmajorbody.com.

Love to listen and jam out to music whether at the gym or during downtime? Apple Airpods are the best gift for someone who likes to block out their surroundings and tune in to the beat of the music. Buy yours on sale today on Amazon for $159.

Mahjongg wipes are for the man or woman who has everything, and we mean absolutely everything. We bring you Mahjongg wipes from Parkland resident Jill Fox. $11.99 and up at mahjonggwipes.com.

Dangerous Minds Brewing Co. in Pompano Beach. Growlers & Crowlers To-Go of your favorite local brew are the perfect way to imbibe at home, with your socially-distanced crew, or as a gift for the holidays. Growlers $5/ea. Refills vary depending on the variety of beer $10-21/each. https://dangerousmindsbrewing.com/.

Get calm this holiday season. The Calm Gift Set supports everyday stresses, but we like to think of it as spreading peace and relaxation for the holidays. A botanical blend of lemon balm and Charlotte’s Web hemp extract in the tasty Calm gummies plus the high concentration 60mg CBD oil will ease winter days and nights. Add a hemp-infused roll-on to take wellness one step further with aromatherapy self-care. Starting at $115.47. Visit charlottesweb.com/calm-gift-set.

A family’s struggle with their 5-year-old daughter’s cancer spawned the non-profit Colorado company Brave Hoods, selling incredibly soft and comfortable hoodies, T-shirts, mugs, bags, and robes. For every shirt it sells, the company donates one to a child fighting cancer. An incredible variety for all ages, prices range from $12 for a mug to $45 for a hoodie. Visit BraveHoods.org.

Philanthrobee.com offers a plethora of honey-based skincare products for men and women. There’s even a $10 gift card on the site. Prices vary.

Doshi is the company that makes vegan belts, bags, wallets, and more. Items from $20 and up. Lady Bag 2 is their statement vegan bag. $189 at Doshi.shop.

Meet Stealth – the fitness tool that makes sneaking in a workout at home as fun and easy as playing a game! Their unique platform device uses gameplay technology to transform your body into a game controller. $99 on Amazon.

Do you know your Jackson Pollock from your Yayoi Kusama? This modernism edition of “The Museum Tour” can help your whole family learn more about these famous artists. $45 from cityspotsonline.com or Amazon.

December 7, 2020December 4, 2020

Coral Springs Resident and President of Sign Greeters, Ivonne Simon, Delivering Smiles!

Now 38 Owners Across 11 States

“We are currently delivering smiles for all occasions and celebrations,” said co founder and president of Sign Greeters, Ivonne Simon, from Coral Springs “These days, people are looking for new and different reasons to celebrate!”

Sign Greeters, a popular national yard greeting sign company, has built a brand that helped contribute to an era of drive-by parties, small outdoor gatherings, and Zoom parties. As such, the yard sign business has boomed, delivering satisfaction for both the clients and the owners during the pandemic.

Sign Greeters was founded by Ohio State University sorority sisters Ivonne Simon and Stacie Francombe (from Atlanta, GA). In March 2020, the two successful businesswomen saw the demand for the Sign Greeters business. With Ivonne’s top recruiting skills and Stacie’s 20 plus years of marketing, they had the perfect team.

“Stacie and I saw an incredible vision for this company during a time of uncertainty,” says Ivonne. “We wanted to help families during the pandemic – both families who were looking for new ways to celebrate birthdays and special occasions, and those who were looking for a new source of income after losing jobs. This was a natural fit for so many, who are now becoming regional owners of a company that is both meaningful and profitable.”

The Sign Greeters brand now has 38 owners across 11 states, in less than four months, and it’s picking up speed.

From a birthday, graduation, or baby shower to bar/bat mitzvahs, Christmas/Hanukkah, or Welcome Home, Sign Greeters has the yard signs that have helped families across the country celebrate special occasions and bring joy to all those who see them.

To order your Sign in Parkland, Coral Springs or Boca, please contact Ivonne at 954-459-1859. To place your yard greeting order in other areas of South Florida, or to find out more about owning your own Sign Greeters Business, please visit our website www.signgreeters.com.

December 2, 2020December 1, 2020

New Mayor Richard Walker thanks voters

I am humbled and honored to have been elected Mayor of Parkland. Congratulations to all of our city’s elected officials – Simeon Brier District 1, Jordan Isrow District 2, Ken Cutler District 3, and Bob Mayersohn District 4.

Thank you to all of the candidates who campaigned for a seat. It was a wonderful process as we had 10 candidates in total who offered fresh ideas and showed a tremendous passion for our City.

Local elections are sometimes overlooked for the larger races at the county, state, or national level. Local elections directly impact our everyday lives and it’s important to be engaged in the process.

Local officials directly impact our safety, property taxes, infrastructure, business, community services, and amenities. Sometimes we lose sight of the importance of our municipal elected officials, but it’s important to be knowledgeable and ask questions during the election process.

As residents, we have the unique opportunity to have direct and frequent dialogue with our local elected officials. It’s important to use those opportunities positively to become knowledgeable and off er insight.

At no other level can there be this direct impact on our everyday lives and this is why your involvement in the process is so important. There are many ways to get involved in the City of Parkland. We offer many Advisory Board positions for you to join.

You can look on the city website for more information by going to https://www.cityofparkland.org/.

I want to also take this opportunity to thank Stacy Kagan for her years of positive community service to the City of Parkland. And finally, congratulate Christine Hunschofsky on her election to the State Representative Seat 96.

We have been immensely blessed to have had Christine’s dedication, perseverance, and compassion to our great city and all of our residents. I am committed to holding this same level of standard and am grateful to Christine for setting the bar so high.

I am always available to chat and I look forward to your thoughts and insight.

My door is always open and I can be reached at Rwalker@cityofparkland.org.

Here are the elected officials: unofficial as of printing Coral Springs City

Commissioner winners:
• Nancy Metayer, Seat 3 • Joy Carter, Seat 5

Broward State attorney:
Harold F. Pryor

Sheriff:
Gregory Tony

December 2, 2020December 1, 2020

Are blue light glasses a work-from-home essential?

Since many of us are working from home during the pandemic, and are spending more time on our devices, our eyes are becoming tired and strained.

With the help of blue light blocking glasses, individuals are able to shield their eyes from their bright LED screens and keep the Advil in the medicine cabinet.

According to Weston’s All Eyes Optical Optometrist, Dr. Vito Guario, “The main benefits that blue blocking lenses have are the reduction of strain and fatigue on the eyes. Werecommend the blue tech lenses to everyone.”

Blue light glasses have a blocking lens fi lter that helps minimize the amount of light refl ected away from the eye. Not only does it protect your eyes, but it reduces glare.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been an increase for blue light lenses for anyone utilizing the computer or digital screens for work or academic necessity. Patients can work longer on the computer with more focus secondary to the reduction of blue light emitting from all computer or digital devices,” Dr. Guario said.

Greg Sarkin, Owner of Abaco Polarized in Palm Beach Gardens, says “since COVID-19 and the increased amount of people that work from home, sales have increased for blue light glasses tremendously.”

According to a 2017 study done by the University of Houston, they found that participants wearing blue light glasses showed a 58 percent increase in their nighttime melatonin levels.

Abaco offers lightweight and fashionable glasses, standing behind the products that they sell. And if you need prescription lenses but don’t want to commit to purchasing a pair before knowing how you like them, Amazon offers blue-light clip-ons for as little as $10.99.

December 2, 2020December 1, 2020

Anglers: It’s Spanish mackerel time

Anglers who fish offshore or inshore can celebrate the holiday season by catching Spanish mackerel, which are plentiful in South Florida in December right on through March.

According to legendary Capt. Bouncer Smith of Miami Beach, all that’s needed to catch the smaller cousin of the king mackerel, or kingfish, are some No. 1 planers or some 2-ounce cigar leads, and some No. 2 red-bead Clark spoons.

The planers, which are rectangular pieces of steel with a clip attached, and cylindrical weights get the spoons down to where the Spanish mackerel hang out.

“Anytime that you exit the inlet and it’s too rough to run, or if you see birds anywhere along the coast in your travels, you deploy your planers or cigar leads with a 6-foot to 8-foot leader and a red-bead No. 2 Clark spoon, and there’s an excellent chance that you’ll encounter Spanish mackerel,” said Smith, who added that the fish eat swimming plugs.

“To complement your emergency supply of Clark spoons and planers, some 6- or 7-inch Yo-Zuri Crystal minnows are also an excellent trolling bait for Spanish mackerel.”

Smith said don’t hesitate to put out some double-hooked ballyhoo, which are commonly used for dolphin, if you come across a school of mackerel as you’re heading back to the inlet. He said ballyhoo are a good bait for big Spanish mackerel, which can top 10 pounds.

“If you encounter Spanish mackerel, or Spanish mackerel are your target for the day, bring ample boxes of chum, and if at all possible, glass minnow chum, which is not to be confused with silversides,” Smith said, adding that Spanish mackerel can be caught in inlets out to 90 feet of water, with the best fishing in 20-40 feet. “And then a bucket of live shrimp or several dozen small live pilchards, and it’ll be one of the funnest days your kids will ever have.

“You find where the mackerel are, you anchor up and you chum. Fishing with small live shrimp and small pilchards, the kids’ll have lock and load action, and it’ll be a lot of fun.”

Smith emphasized that the smaller the shrimp, the better.

“The biggest tip on fishing for mackerel with shrimp is don’t pick the big shrimp,” he said. “Real small shrimp will consistently catch a Spanish mackerel. The real big shrimp, if it gets bit, will get bit in half, and always the end without your hook in it. So go with the really small shrimp. The ridiculously smallest one in the bucket. It’s highly effective for Spanish mackerel. Hook it through the head, because you want them to swim very naturally.

“If you want to have a little bit more exciting action, it’s very critical if you’re using a nylon jig or a bucktail, to use the smallest little piece of shrimp on the hook. The bucktail or the nylon jig will dance very pretty, but if you put a big chunk of shrimp on, it won’t. If you use a little teeny piece of shrimp, then the jig will still have great action and it will smell like a shrimp.”

Smith recommended using 1/0 to 3/0 long-shank hooks with the baits, preferably black or bronze, with 30- or 40-pound fluorocarbon leaders, which are invisible in the water. He did note that some sharp-toothed mackerel will cut through the leaders, but you’ll get many more bites than if you use wire leaders.

Losing a hook is not a big deal, but losing a lure can be. Smith said that anglers who cast spoons, plugs, or jigs for mackerel might find fluorocarbon too expensive if they get too many cut-offs, so he suggested using 20-pound titanium wire.

To keep a Spanish mackerel, it must measure at least 12 inches from the tip of the mouth to the fork of the tail. The daily bag limit is 15 per angler, which will provide numerous meals for your family and friends. The delicate white flesh can be prepared a number of delicious ways, including smoked, broiled or grilled, and it’s excellent for ceviche.

“That’s my very favorite smoked fish,” Smith said. “And it’s really good
fried when it’s fresh.”

Having the fun of catching a dinner that satisfying is something worth celebrating.

December 2, 2020December 1, 2020

2021 Homestead Exemption

All qualified Florida residents are eligible to receive a Homestead Exemption on their homes, condominiums, co-op apartments, and certain mobile home lots. To qualify for Homestead Exemption, you must own and make the property your permanent residence on January 1 of the year for which you are applying for this valuable exemption.

All assessments and exemptions are based upon the status of the property on January 1. If you purchased and/or made the property your permanent residence in 2020 and have not applied for Homestead Exemption, you can apply for 2021 exemptions at any time. There is no need to wait until 2021 to file your exemption application with the Property Appraiser’s Office. You can easily apply online at the Broward County Property appraiser website https://web.bcpa.net.

The deadline to file for all 2021 exemptions is March 1, 2021. You must make the property your permanent residence by January 1, 2021 to qualify; however, you have until March 1 to file your application with the property appraiser’s office. The late filing deadline for all 2021 exemptions is September 20, 2021.

For information about all the other exemptions available to qualified
applicants, please visit the “Exemptions & Classifications” page on the website https://web.bcpa.net/bcpaclient/#/Homestead.

Once approved, your Homestead Exemption automatically renews each year provided there is no change in the ownership or use of the property. If you have already applied and been approved for Homestead Exemption at your current property, you do not need to reapply for this exemption. You will receive a Homestead Exemption renewal card next month to keep for your records.

December 2, 2020December 1, 2020

Commissioner Michael Udine (3rd District, Broward County)

2020! The good, the bad, and the ugly. Reflecting on this turbulent year, our community has shown grace and resiliency while navigating many challenges. From a pandemic to an economic crisis to an election, this has been a year like no other. I want to thank everyone in our community for helping us move forward. You are truly what makes Broward County strong, and why I am proud to call Northwest Broward home.

In November, I had the honor of being elected Vice-Mayor of Broward County by the County Commission. I am humbled to represent the residents of Broward County and District 3. In the coming year I look forward to working with all of Broward’s 31 municipalities as well as our state and federal partners. We must meet all challenges head-on through innovation, advocacy, and working together as Broward County creates opportunities for all residents. I thank you for your support and look forward to continuing to serve our great community.

Congratulations to all who have been elected or ran for public office in November. No matter if you won or lost your election you are an integral part of our democracy, and it is commendable that you sought to serve your community. I look forward to working with all our newly elected municipal, state, and federal officials as we continue working towards a bright future for Broward County.

Broward County has announced opportunities for local businesses and non profits to receive CARES Act grants through the Office of Economic and Small Business Development. This program invests in the bedrock of our local economy by providing grants through an application process. In addition, local businesses should take the initiative to get certified as it provides opportunities to work with Broward County directly on the many projects at entities like the airport, seaport, and other agencies. Check out all the great opportunities at broward.org/EconDev, and let Broward County invest in your future today.

Recently, the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program wrapped up another successful nesting season. Over 2,800 nests were found on Broward County’s beaches from March to October! The conservation program has teams that work around the clock monitoring and documenting the sea turtle nests, including a “Lighting Crew” that makes sure coastal properties are using turtle-friendly lighting. Additionally, throughout the pandemic, the crews hosted free virtual hatchling releases so the public could witness the magic as well. Thank you to the dedicated crews, community partners, and volunteers that help with this important work!

This holiday season, there are many special events happening in Broward and District 3 cities. Families can also check out the annual holiday light display at Tradewinds Park! There are countless service opportunities available throughout our community as well. You can donate toys, time, food, or funds to charities like Family Central, Feeding South Florida, and Toys for Tots that distribute to families in need. Together, we can make sure that the light shines bright for all this holiday season.

Finally, the Udine family and I wish you and yours a happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year. My staff and I have made staying connected with the residents of District 3 a top priority. We have been available by phone, answering questions by email, and getting out the most up to date and accurate information available. As always, I can be reached at MUdine@Broward. org or my office at (954) 357-7003. Follow me on social media @CommissionerMichaelUdine on Facebook and @MichaelUdine on Twitter or Instagram to receive important updates and see what is happening in our community. I look forward to connecting with you.