Looking for Affordable Housing in Broward County?

New homeowners with Habitat for Humanity of Broward share their stories and how the affordable housing program changed their lives for the better.

The demand for affordable housing is at an all-time high in South Florida with Broward’s median sale price of a single-family home now $500,000 but most local workers are not able to afford these hefty price tags.

If you live in Broward County and traditional mortgage loans seems far fetched, there might be a viable option that’s just right for you. Homeownership doesn’t have to be out of reach.

Habitat for Humanity of Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership by offering working families a way to earn an affordable mortgage kept to 30 percent of household income through the sweat equity they invest.

Open enrollment for the pre-application process is now in full swing until Thursday, March 31, for single family affordable homes at “A Rick Case Habitat Community” and Habitat’s Collier City Revitalization in Pompano Beach, Florida. These communities offer new energy efficient two-story or one floor houses which are minutes away from beautiful beaches, schools, churches, a lively art and cultural scene, and great recreational and shopping amenity.

The application process has four steps that includes a pre-qualification questionnaire, orientation, financial analysis review and face-to-face interview. Successful applicants can expect to move into a home within 12 to 18 months.        

Qualifications include but are not limited to the following:

• Must be a first-time homebuyer.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident.

• Must be a current Broward County resident or working in Broward (for a year or more).

• Must demonstrate a need for affordable housing.

• Must be able to afford a zero-percent mortgage and make a $2,000 down-payment.

Interested families can visit https://www.habitatbroward.org/2020-pre-qualification-questionnaire/ to start the pre-application process.

Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood To Be The First Restaurant To Open In Expanded Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Complex

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Nov. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Hard Rock International today announced that it will relocate Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood, currently inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, to the new restaurant and retail area of the property’s expanded Hollywood complex. The cafe and adjacent casino expansion are set to open on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, and will be the first finished area to open as part of the $1.5 billion revamp of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.  The cafe will be a model for the brand’s redesign and modern kitchen offerings.

(PRNewsfoto/Hard Rock International)

“Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood has served guests from all around the world for more than 14 years,” said Stephen K. Judge, President of Cafe Operations for Hard Rock International. “The soon to be opened cafe will showcase the modern progression of our restaurants and the future of the Hard Rock Cafe brand. This location is of great significance to Hard Rock and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which is why we are so excited to share our brand’s new design style first with our Hollywood guests.”

“Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood is leading the way for our incredible growth at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood complex,” said Auggie Cipollini, President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. “The cafe will be the first restaurant to open as part of the expansion project and will be joined by the first finished portion of the new casino complex.”

Easy access to the new Cafe and expanded casino will be adjacent to the existing Player’s Club location and food court in the northeast corner of the existing casino.  The new cafe will occupy 10,000-square-feet and seat more than 250 guests. The restaurant will feature an open kitchen concept with cutting-edge equipment, including a new 7-foot artisanal brick pizza oven and a meat grind room, where Hard Rock Cafe’s new steak burgers will be made fresh daily throughout the day. True to Hard Rock’s signature blend of music, entertainment and iconic merchandise, the newly-relocated cafe will include a triangular-shaped island bar and central stage within view of all dining tables. The cafe will also include a new Rock Shop design.

Additionally, Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood will feature pieces of memorabilia from a broad range of artists tailored to the musical tastes of guests of all ages. Current icons such as John Legend, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Maroon 5 and The Black Keys will be on display, alongside classic artists including Elton John, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Prince and more.

The cafe relocation will complement the expansion of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, which will open in fall 2019. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Floridaand is a world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination.

For additional information on the Hard Rock Cafe brand, please visit www.hardrock.com.

Hard Rock International
With venues in 74 countries, including 183 cafes, 27 hotels and 12 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s most valuable collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise and Hard Rock Live performance venues. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, FL., both owned and operated by HRI parent entity The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Atlantic City, Bali, Cancun, Daytona Beach, Ibiza, Orlando, Shenzhen and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include, Maldives, Manila, Malaga, Georgetown, Fortaleza, Rosario and Chengdu. New Hard Rock Hotel, Casino or Hotel & Casino projects include Berlin, Budapest, Desaru Coast, Dublin, London, Los Cabos, Madrid, Maldives, New York City, Ottawa, Sacramento, Dalian and Haikou in China. In 2018, Hard Rock International was recognized as a Forbes Magazine Top Employer for Women and Land Operator of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards. For more information on Hard Rock International visit www.hardrock.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.  It is a world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts A-list entertainers, comedy and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open in fall 2019 will bring 638 luxury guestrooms to a first-ever, iconic, guitar-shaped hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations in an adjacent hotel tower overlooking a lush, “Bora Bora” style, private cabana environment; a 41,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; a 13.5 acre recreational water-focused experience for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding; 30 distinctive  restaurants, bars and lounges; an expanded gaming floor featuring 3,000 slots, 193 table games and a 46-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and 21,000 square feet of new retail space.  The highly anticipated 6,500 seat Hard Rock Live theater-style concert venue will feature headline performances and live broadcast capabilities.  The resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7, (U.S. Highway 441). The resort is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/HollywoodInternational Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

Gillum concedes to DeSantis in racially charged Florida campaign that followed Trump’s playbook

Midterms 2018

It’s was surely a close call but in the end Democrat Andrew Gillum has conceded the hotly contested race for governor in Florida to Republican Ron DeSantis.

In a close race that mirrored the Senate contest between Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson, DeSantis built up a razor-thin lead of just under 1 percent of more than 8 million votes cast.

To read more click here

FBI arrests man in Florida suspected of sending parcel bombs

Today the manhunt for the person responsible for the pipe bombs being sent to Democrat officials has come to an end after FBI found the suspect in Plantation, Broward County, Florida. Indications also show the suspect is a devoted Republican as his vehicle was covered in Trump supporter stickers as found in later reports.

Read below for official information from the press.

MIAMI (Reuters) – Federal authorities arrested a man in Florida on Friday suspected of sending at least a dozen parcel bombs to high-profile critics of U.S. President Donald Trump days ahead of congressional elections, officials said.

The man was taken into custody in the parking lot of an AutoZone store in Plantation, near Fort Lauderdale, where two witnesses told Reuters they heard a loud blast at the time of the arrest.

Local television stations showed investigators using a large blue tarp to cover a white van that was plastered with decals and stickers, before removing it on a truck.

To read more click here

Seminole Museum Hosts 21st Annual American Indian Arts Celebration (AIAC) in Big Cypress November 2-3

The Seminole Tribe of Florida Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is pleased to announce the highly anticipated annual American Indian Arts Celebration (AIAC) November 2 – 3, 2018.  Now in its 21^st year, the AIAC is one of the top festivals in the Southeast.  Celebrate Native American Heritage Month in the heart of the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation!

The event will feature an exciting array of arts, crafts, food, hands-on activities, musical performances, dance demonstrations, and wildlife presentations. The Indian market, featuring 50 vendors, will showcase some of the finest native craftsmen, including prize-winning Seminole artisans. Daily performances will include an opening ceremony by Seminole Tribal elder Bobby Henry and his team of dancers; Nakotah LaRance— six-time world championship hoop dancer; and Native Pride Dancers from Minnesota—an internationally known high-energy show featuring an innovative blend of modern and traditional Native American dance styles.  Wildlife shows will be provided by Billie Swamp Safari and alligator wrestling by Billy Walker, who has been wrestling alligators since the 1980s.   Be sure to check out live demonstrations, including wood carving by Daniel Tommie, swamp cabbage cooking (with samples) by Billy Walker, Seminole food samples by Geraldine Osceola, and archery by Jake Osceola.

Modern Seminole musicians will light up the stage!  Friday’s musician RC North gives us a taste of alternative rock, and on Saturday hear the soulful tunes of Kowako Billie, followed later in the day by rappers Aye Five, featuring Carradine and DC.  Saturday’s line-up will additionally include a fashion show highlighting Seminole clothing throughout the years.

Our headliner for this year’s AIAC will be John and Kenn Little, members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who will be presenting their documentary, More Than a Word at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.  The film traces how the word “r*dskin” evolved from being a term of racist derision and slander to being embraced as the name of one of the NFL’s most beloved franchises. It also draws on the voices of Native American activists and scholars to place this controversy within the wider context of Native American history and racial stereotyping, more generally.  A panel discussion with the directors will follow.

The event will take place outdoors at the festival grounds across from the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation.

Admission is $10 for adults; $7.50 for seniors and students (5-18 years, or with a college ID). Tribal members, children four years and under, and Museum members are free. Admission includes entrance to the event and the Museum. Parking is ample and free.

For more information on the 21^st Annual AIAC, please visit www.ahtahthiki.com/events or contact Carrie Dilley at 863-902-1113 extension 12211 or carriedilley@semtribe.com.

 

Hurricane Michael Relief Efforts at Habitat for Humanity of Broward

In the wake of hurricane Michael’s destruction, Habitat for Humanity of Broward is asking the public to make donations to help support families affected by this devastating natural disaster.

You can support these efforts by dropping off in-kind donations to the Broward Habit ReStore, located at 505 West Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Note that only new items in their original sealed packaging can be accepted for safety reasons.

Essential items needed are:

• Personal hygiene items (soap, towelettes, feminine care)
• Baby and adult diapers
• Canned foods with pop-open tops
• Peanut butter
• Soup and soup mixes
• Cleaning supplies

These items may be dropped off Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All donors will receive a 15% off coupon to shop the Broward Habitat ReStore.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of Hurricane Michael. We are now accepting donations to support relief efforts for these devastated families, who are now beginning their journey on the road to recovery,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward CEO & Executive Director. “Together, we can help restore their lives and homes.

Habitat for Humanity is a U.S. and world leader in disaster response and recovery. To donate financially to support families impacted by Hurricane Michael in Florida, please visit www.habitatbroward.org/donate  and select Hurricane Michael Disaster Relief in Gift Designation drop-down menu.

For further information email info@habitatbroward.org

The Beach Boys to Perform at Hard Rock Event Center Hollywood, FL

Press Release

Hollywood, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2018) – American icons The Beach Boys celebrate more than half a century of making music at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m. American Express cardholders can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 10 a.m. Fans can access presale tickets beginning Thursday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. through Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Since lead man Mike Love penned the lyrics to The Beach Boys’ first hit, “Surfin’,” dozens of the bands chart toppers have become eternal anthems of American youth:  “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Rock and Roll Music,” and “Kokomo.”

The Beach Boys have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and have received more than 33 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards.  The Rock And Roll Hall of Famers were also honored at the 2001 Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award. With more than five decades of touring under their belts, The Beach Boys have performed more concerts than any major rock band in history

“Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of The Beach Boys,” Capitol/EMI’s 30-track collection of the band’s biggest hits, has achieved triple-platinum success with sales of more than 3 million copies in the U.S. since its release

The Beach Boys are led by Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, who along with Jeffrey Foskett, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Keith Hubacher, Scott Totten and Christian Love continue the legacy of America’s iconic band. This concert will not feature Brian Wilson, Al Jardine or David Marks.

Tickets cost $85, $65 and $45. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Explore the new Hard Rock Event Center with a 360-degree virtual seat map of the venue at www.myhrl.com.  Doors open one hour prior to show start time. Additional fees may apply.

 

About Hard Rock Event Center

Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

About the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, South Florida’s most iconic entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination, is a AAA Four Diamond-rated resort with 461 luxury guest rooms and suites; award-winning restaurants; exciting nightlife; a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club Bar & Grill; a Rock Spa; and premium meeting and convention space. Top entertainers grace the stage at the Hard Rock Event Center and casino patrons enjoy more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a 37-table poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine.   In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted, classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary and casual eateries include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe, Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 185 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.  A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open in fall, 2019, will bring 638 new guestrooms and suites to a landmark, guitar-shaped hotel; 168 rooms and suites to a new pool tower overlooking a lush, private cabana area; three extensive water features for relaxing, sunbathing, swimming and paddleboarding; 30 new restaurants and nightlife venues; a new 41,000 square-foot Rock Spa; 3,000 new slot machines, 193 table games and a 46 table poker room;  a state-of-the-art, 6,500-seat Hard Rock Live concert arena; 21,000 square-feet of retail space; and 120,000 square-feet of premium meeting and convention space.

For more information, call 800-937-0010, visit us online at http://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on: Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly.

Florida’s Governor Race Results

The Florida Governor Primaries Tuesday night was an intense race that ended in unexpected results some might say. The winning candidates are Andre Gillum, Democrat, and Ron Desantis, Republican. Well there you have your candidates, so do your research and see who really exemplifies the values you want for the State of Florida.

Now heading to November’s election who do you think will be Florida’s next Governor?  “The last thing we need to do is to monkey this up by trying to embrace a socialist agenda with huge tax increases and bankrupting the state,” Desantis warned this morning on Fox News. “That’s not going to work, that’s not going to be good for Florida.” His reference was made towards his opponent Gillum. To say the least, “monkey this up” is not a term a white man should be using when referring to a black man. Desantis is already receiving backlash for this statement. It goes to show, choose your words carefully candidates your mouth might be your downfall. Some conservative advice “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity” (Proverbs 21.23).

Imagine, if Gillum wins, this could be one for the history books if the first African American Governor of Florida is elected; or will the Republicans keep this seat? We will find out in about two months. On the other hand, Rick Scott, Florida’s current Governor, is moving on to running for Senator and has already won the primaries. The road to the November elections continues.

When the time comes, go out and vote! Exercising your civic right is important and you can’t complain about the results if you don’t go out and do your part. Let your voice be heard. Be a force of good and don’t be afraid of change.