Latest News
December 15, 2025
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Florida Lawmakers Propose Expanding Red-Flag Laws to Domestic Violence Cases: In response to a triple homicide in Tamarac earlier this year, South Florida Representative Robin Bartleman has introduced legislation aiming to address gaps in the state's handling of firearm restrictions for domestic violence offenders. The bill seeks to apply Florida's 'red-flag' laws to individuals under domestic violence restraining orders, aiming to strengthen enforcement of gun confiscation and increase penalties for repeat offenders. A companion bill is also being considered in the Senate. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 15)
December 4, 2025
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Guide to Holiday Parades and Tree Lightings Across South Florida This Season: Communities throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties are offering a range of holiday festivities, including parades, tree lightings, and themed events. Attractions such as drive-through light displays, decorated boat tours, and chances to take photos with Santa bring a local twist to the celebrations. Highlights include the 31st annual Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park & Stables in Coconut Creek. These events aim to foster a festive atmosphere across the region for residents and visitors. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 4)
December 2, 2025
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Broward Jury Considers Death Penalty for Man Convicted in Officer's 2021 Killing: Prosecutors in Broward County are seeking the death penalty for Jason Banegas, who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2021 fatal shooting of Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino. The incident occurred in the Emerald Hills neighborhood of Hollywood when Officer Chirino responded to reports of car break-ins and confronted Banegas, leading to a fatal struggle. The sentencing phase now focuses on whether Banegas will receive life imprisonment or capital punishment. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 2)
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Florida House Advances Bill to Lower Rifle Purchase Age to 18: A bill that would decrease the minimum age from 21 to 18 for purchasing rifles and other long guns in Florida is advancing in the state legislature. The House Judiciary Committee has approved the measure, moving it to the full House for consideration when the legislative session begins in January. This proposal would reverse a law enacted in 2018 after the Parkland school shooting. The bill has passed in the House before, but has not seen Senate approval. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 2)
November 22, 2025
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Proposed Broward Property Tax Changes May Benefit Homeowners, Strain Budgets: An in-depth review of proposed changes to Florida's property tax system highlights significant potential savings for individual homeowners in Broward County, with some standing to save thousands of dollars annually. However, these tax cuts could lead to a loss of over $1.4 billion in local government revenue in the first year alone. Without clear plans to compensate for these reductions, public services across the county may face substantial challenges. Statewide projections estimate the total revenue shortfall could exceed $14 billion annually. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 22)
November 18, 2025
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Florida House Advances Bill to Lower Minimum Age for Rifle Purchases: The Florida House is moving forward with legislation that would reduce the minimum age for purchasing rifles and other long guns from 21 to 18. The proposal, approved by a House committee along party lines, seeks to reverse a law enacted after the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Although the House has previously supported similar measures, the Senate has not taken up the issue, and no companion bill has yet been filed for the upcoming legislative session. The legislation's prospects in the Senate remain uncertain. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 18)
November 12, 2025
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Court Ruling Limits Broward Sheriff’s Payment in Parkland Shooting Lawsuits: A federal appeals court has determined that the Broward Sheriff’s Office will pay only $1 million to plaintiffs in lawsuits related to the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, with the remainder handled by its insurance provider. The decision treats the shooting as a single event rather than multiple incidents, significantly reducing potential taxpayer costs. The ruling does not directly impact the ongoing negligence lawsuits filed by victims and survivors. This financial outcome is expected to save the county over $16 million. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 12)
November 8, 2025
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Broward Officials Express Concerns Over Proposed Reductions in Property Taxes: Elected officials across Broward County are voicing concerns about state-level proposals to significantly cut property taxes in Florida. Area leaders warn that such reductions could jeopardize funding for essential local services such as road maintenance, libraries, parks, and public safety operations. Even comprehensive budget cuts are unlikely to offset the anticipated revenue losses, according to local representatives. The debate remains a prominent topic at recent legislative and municipal meetings. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 8)
November 7, 2025
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South Florida Communities Plan Veterans Day Events Including Ceremonies and Parade: South Florida cities are organizing a series of Veterans Day events to recognize the contributions of those who served in the U.S. military. Activities across Broward and Palm Beach counties will include formal ceremonies, musical tributes, honor guards, and community participation in programs such as flag repurposing. Specific events are scheduled before and on November 11, incorporating local dignitaries, veterans' organizations, and schools. The celebrations are designed to bring residents together in gratitude and remembrance. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 7)
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Broward Judges Issue Conflicting Rulings on Florida's Age-Based Gun Possession Laws: Two Broward County judges have provided sharply different interpretations of Florida's restrictions on concealed firearm possession for adults ages 18 to 20. Judge Frank Ledee recently found the age restriction unconstitutional, while Judge Lorena Mastrarrigo previously upheld its legality, asserting the state's authority to impose reasonable limits on gun ownership. The opposing decisions underscore a need for higher court clarification on whether the state can restrict legal adults from carrying concealed weapons based solely on age. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 3)
October 31, 2025
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West Boca Raton Ding-Dong Ditch Incident Leads to Armed Confrontation and Arrest: A recent incident in West Boca Raton involved a group of local teenagers participating in a 'ding-dong ditch' prank. One 14-year-old participant ended up on his knees while a resident confronted the group with a firearm, claiming he thought they were attempting a break-in. The homeowner was arrested for aggravated assault as authorities initiated a temporary risk protection order. The case highlights rising safety concerns around such pranks, which have recently resulted in injuries and fatalities across Florida. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 31)
October 29, 2025
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Farmers Market Season Begins Across South Florida Communities: Farmers markets have reopened for the fall season in South Florida, offering residents access to fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and other local products. Notably, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket is starting its 31st year with an expanded list of vendors and an extended schedule through lateMay (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 2)
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Notable Gravesites in South Florida Highlight Legacies of Famous Residents: With Halloween and Day of the Dead approaching, attention is turning to South Florida cemeteries where notable individuals are buried. Among those laid to rest are musicians, celebrities from film and television, athletes, coaches, and figures who made headlines for various reasons. Jackie Gleason, famed comedian and entertainer, is among the most recognized, ranking highest among Florida celebrities people would wish to be buried near. The area contains several burial sites linked to distinguished public figures. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 25)
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Show some respect: South Florida diners & servers expose unspoken rules for a…: Those of us who love to eat out have had many encounters with irritating servers. But those same waiters and waitresses may also find us diners annoying and exasperating. Can’t we all just get along? It’s no secret that South Florida restaurant patrons can be demanding. But even in the face of rude diners, restaurants are supposed to train their staffs to be polite and efficient. This is actually a complicated process behind the scenes, said Peter Ricci, director of the hospitality and tourism management program at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. “Restaurant profit margins are slim, so training and development are often not a part of the process,” he said. “Also, one must recognize that restaurant front-of-house roles are somewhat high-turnover compared to other industries. With higher turnover, there is less likelihood for development of training, knowledge of all the systems (which can lead to dissatisfaction among guests), and a ‘new face’ every time regular guests return to the venue.” Restaurant owners are aware that the server-guest relationship can be fraught and say they try to train their staffs to handle all sorts of personalities. “We emphasize to our servers to actually make a connection with our guests, to not be robotic with their motions,” said Eddie Pozzuoli, co-owner of five restaurants in Palm Beach and Broward counties (including Eddie & Vinny’s in Coral Springs and Dear Olivia in Parkland). “Every individual is different and their wants and needs are different. We are in the hospitality business and and our guests need to feel comfortable with us.” Server Brian Anders works at Eddie and Vinny's in Coral Springs. Servers often make a tough job look easy. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Diners have to do their part, too, Pozzuoli said. “The guest needs to understand that we are all human and sometimes make mistakes,” he said. “As management, if we don’t have an opportunity to fix it, there shouldn’t be judgment passed on us.” Readers of “Let’s Eat, South Florida,” the Sun Sentinel’s foodie Facebook page, have voiced strong opinions on the diner-server relationship. We also received email messages from restaurant patrons grumbling about their interactions with servers and from servers lamenting customer behavior. Here are some tips culled from the conversations. Among the major takeaways: Communicate clearly and be patient, as there are often complicated situations behind the scenes that we diners can’t see. Tips from diners: How to be a better server Know who got which dish. Servers who come to the table, with plates fresh from the kitchen, and ask who got the lasagna or the prime rib exasperate many “Let’s Eat” posters, who call the process a form of “roulette” or the “auctioning off of the dishes.” Advice to servers from diner Stacy Rabstein Buckley: “Take your order in a specific way so that you know who got what!” Related Articles Dining alone in South Florida: Follow these tips for a satisfying solo meal I can’t hear you: Are restaurants getting louder? ‘Bring Your Own Food’? South Florida restaurant owners push back on this expanding trend Find your sweet spot: Here are a few of our favorite South Florida bakeries Don’t take a plate away too early. Many diners complained that servers try to remove their dishes while they are still chewing. “My fork and knife (are) still in my hand and I am clearly eating,” reader Wendy Spano Bracco said. “You have to say, ‘Excuse me, I am still eating.’ Often this happens more than once.” There’s also the other extreme on this topic: when the wait staff fails to clear empty plates. “My pet peeve as a diner is when the servers come by your table several times but don’t clear the used dishes or glasses,” AnnMarie Cardin said in an email. Include the price in the specials. Most commenters want to hear the cost of specials, although some find the price recital tacky or they tune out. As Donna Pittala put it: “I’d rather have a specials menu so I can think about it and remember it. I’ve ended up not even listening anymore unless it’s a special night and money is no object.” Time the courses with precision. Timing is a function of kitchen output and sufficient staffing, but it still irks many diners when their dishes come out too quickly. “No bigger pet peeve for me than when my entree comes before I’ve finished the starter,” wrote Hollywood resident Lori Poulton. “I don’t care how slow an eater I am, I always ask to have the order not put in until I’m finished because I want a few minutes between, but it never seems to happen.” Diners who like to eat alone seek out restaurants that make them feel welcome and not overlooked. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel file) Don’t ignore women. It’s unlikely any restaurant would intentionally turn a blind eye to half the population, but several women said they often feel passed over. “Pet peeve is female bartenders ignoring female patrons such as myself and my girlfriends at the bar,” said Maria Hopke, of Boynton Beach. “It’s not every bar but it’s enough to notice. They assume because we are women that we won’t tip. Boy are they wrong!” Diner Janie Nielsen said she is often overlooked when eating alone. “And (I have) to wave the service down because the server isn’t interested in a party of one,” she said. Make sure to greet newly seated customers and don’t disappear after you’ve served the meal. As Alana O’Connor put it in the “Let’s Eat” group: “It’s pretty simple. Greet me within 5 [minutes] of seating, check on us after food is delivered and don’t take too long to bring me the check/pay.” That is also Delray Beach resident Claudia Silverberg’s peeve: “Waiting too long to receive the check, and waiting too long for them to return so that I can pay. It shouldn’t take 15 minutes + to check out. Don’t they want to turn tables over?” Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun SentinelA diner leaves a cash tip at Olympia Flame Diner in Deerfield Beach. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Don’t stand on top of diners while they are deciding on the tip. Tipping procedures vex even the most seasoned restaurantgoers. Many feel antagonized when servers watch as their guests choose a tip on electronic devices. And then there are the preprogrammed tip options. Peter Solomon said: “My biggest pet peeve is the new payment systems that require a tip starting at 25% and up, especially for pick-up or take-away. It’s ridiculous at table service. Used to be 20% for excellent service, 15 for decent and anything less for less than that … [Then] they are staring at you as you try to put in a custom tip.” Suggestions from servers: How to be a better diner Be ready to order. The wait staff knows diners want to socialize, but they are also working in a business that needs to keep the tables moving. “As a server it annoys me when I go to a table and I say, ‘good evening/good afternoon,’ and the answer is, ‘we’re not ready to order yet,’ ” said Gissele Belechiano of Oakland Park. Don’t leave your stuff in the middle of the table. “Be aware that your server does not want to touch your personal items — phone, keys, wallet or eye glasses,” server Janet Holloway wrote. “Place these items at the edge of the table or bring a purse.” Don’t complain on social media. Holloway had another tip for customers who are eager to criticize restaurants in very public forums. “The absolute worst thing a customer can do is to go on Yelp or Google and just trash the place and/or throw their server under the bus (from the customer’s keyboard),” Holloway said. “Address the problem when it happens with the manager on duty.” “Dining out isn’t a life-or-death experience and as long as the interaction is professional and polite, no one should ever have to be rude on either server or guest side.” — Maddy Micinski, server Respect the table set-up. That means, according to server Maria Stathis: Don’t sit at a dirty table when there are plentiful clean ones. Don’t ask to switch tables in the middle of service. Don’t take chairs or silverware from another table. “That server worked hard to prepare their station,” Stathis said. Consolidate your requests. “For example, asking for an iced tea, receiving it, asking for sugar, receiving it, then asking for lemons,” said Daniela Herrera, who works at a Delray Beach restaurant. “Had this been all requested at once, we could have saved some time with the ping-pinging and had more time to have fun.” Have situational awareness. Get a feel of how crowded the eatery is. It may not be the best time to be indecisive about your order. “With so many moving parts, when guests are not aware of how busy the restaurant is and stop their server to request recommendations, only to sit there thinking, or going ‘hmmmm…’ it can slow everyone down,” Herrera said. Don’t ask ‘Are you going to remember all this?’ “I have, in nearly a decade of being in the restaurant industry, never encountered a server who memorized orders if they could not remember them,” Herrera said. “As long as I am mentally organizing the information in my own way, I will not forget it. With that being said, when guests ask, ‘Are you going to remember this?’ I forget everything. This is a curveball that is very embarrassing to try to catch. It is a lot of extra pressure that makes me want to just use a notebook even if I do not need to.” The upshot from these conversations Give servers credit for making a tough job (usually) look easy. “Servers memorize entire menus, the layout of the restaurant, their schedules weeks in advance, and orders of our regulars,” Herrera said. “We can do this. We are a lot of caffeinated, crazy people who want to take care of the public, even if they do not always take care of us.” Server Maddy Micinski agreed: “Dining out isn’t a life-or-death experience and as long as the interaction is professional and polite, no one should ever have to be rude on either server or guest side.” (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 7)
October 27, 2025
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Jury to Decide Sentence After Guilty Plea in 2021 Hollywood Officer Killing: Jason Banegas, who admitted to shooting and killing Hollywood police officer Yandy Chirino in 2021, has entered a guilty plea without securing any deal for leniency. The case now moves to the sentencing phase, where a jury will determine if Banegas will face the death penalty. Officer Chirino was killed while investigating car break-ins in the Emerald Hills neighborhood. The trial's focus shifts to whether capital punishment is warranted in this case. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 27)
October 22, 2025
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South Florida Jewish Community Marks Hostages' Return During Simchat Torah: Jewish congregations in South Florida observed Simchat Torah this year with added significance, as the holiday coincided with the return of 20 hostages taken in October 2023. At Congregation Kol Tikvah in Parkland, members gathered for traditional festivities, including dancing and singing, while pa (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 22)
October 17, 2025
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Felony Animal Cruelty Case Dropped in Dog Abandonment Incident Near I-75: Prosecutors in Hillsborough County have dismissed felony charges against a Ruskin man accused of abandoning his bull terrier along Interstate 75 during a hurricane. The dog, later adopted by Parkland residents, drew attention after being rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol officer. The decision to, (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 17)
October 8, 2025
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Fall Events and Halloween Activities Planned Across West Broward: Families in West Broward can look forward to a range of autumn activities, including pumpkin patches, trick-or-treating, hayrides, and local festivals. Some events feature unique options like floating pumpkin patches in community pools. The guide covers public events in Broward and Palm Beach, with (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 8)
September 27, 2025
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Florida Lawmakers Consider Major Changes to Property Tax System: State legislators are evaluating proposals to significantly alter or potentially eliminate property taxes, which fund essential local services such as police and fire departments. The discussions, held in Tallahassee, focus on balancing the needs of property owners with the financial requirements of (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 27)
September 25, 2025
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Arbitrator Upholds Firing of Broward Deputy Over Parkland Shooting Response: An independent arbitrator has determined that the Broward Sheriff's Office acted within its rights when it dismissed Deputy Edward Eason for not adequately responding during the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Eason, who had served for 18 years, was suspended and, (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 25)
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Former Pompano Beach Catholic School Principal Charged With Fraud: A former principal of St. Coleman Catholic School in Pompano Beach has been charged with felony fraud after allegedly receiving over $230,000 in unauthorized payments between 2016 and 2025. Lori Ann St. Thomas, 62, turned herself in at the Broward County Courthouse and was booked into the Main Jail. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 25)
September 19, 2025
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Candidate Questioning 2020 Election Results Runs in Palm Beach County House Primary: Maria Zack, known for promoting theories about the 2020 presidential election, is seeking the Republican nomination for a Florida House seat in Palm Beach County. The special primary, which includes Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, features Zack and Bill Reicherter as candidates. Election integrity, (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 19)