General News about South Florida
Parks Group Opposes “Alligator Alcatraz” Detention Center in the Everglades
Floridians of every political stripe, including members of the Trump administration, have fought to make the Everglades the greatest environmental success story of all time. We must not risk all this progress for an inhumane facility like this.
FPL to seek base electric rate increases including $1.55 billion in 2026
Dec 30, 2024
Pointing to issues such as growth and a need to continue expanding its system, Florida Power & Light on Monday said it will propose a four-year plan to raise base electric rates.
Miami-Dade County is ending the Miami Seaquarium’s lease and has ordered the facility to leave the property next month.
The office of Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava sent a “Notice of Termination of Lease” letter Thursday to Eduardo Albor, the president of park operator The Dolphin Company.
Dangerous heat waves will hit the Southwest and Florida over the next week
A long and intense heat wave is about to bake parts of Arizona, New Mexico and interior California. Meanwhile, a separate broiling front is causing life-threatening temperatures in South Florida.
Read more: https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/2023-07-08/dangerous-heat-waves-will-hit-the-southwest-and-florida-over-the-next-week
Ruling Finds Florida Health Plans No Longer Have to Cover All Preventive Care for Free. Here’s What to Know.
A record 3.2 million Floridians signed up for health insurance plans for 2023 and could be potentially be affected by the change
Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill to Allow Carrying Concealed Guns Without a Permit
The bill allows anyone who can legally own a gun in Florida to carry one without a permit. It means training and a background check will not be needed for people to carry concealed guns in public.
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (September 21, 2022) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward has appointed four new board members – Timothy Bryant, Robyn Hankerson-Printemps, Kelley Jackson, and Maria Menendez.
“We are delighted to have Timothy, Robyn, Kelley and Maria join the board,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward CEO & Executive Director. “They bring a diverse set of expertise to the already tremendously strong board, at a time where Habitat Broward is doing more than ever before to address Broward’s affordable workforce housing crisis”.
Bryant as Director of External Affairs for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has proven experience leveraging his unique combination of interpersonal skills and technical knowledge to deliver results in the electric utility sector. His extensive background working with elected officials and their staffs in the development of critical transmission and renewable energy projects, including utility-scale solar generating facilities across Florida. Additionally, he is a former commissioned officer in the U.S. Army National Guard, having served over 12 years in Kansas and North Carolina. He is currently licensed to practice engineering in the states of Alabama, Florida and Kansas and is a certified Six-Sigma Green Belt. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and is a graduate of Baker University’s MBA program. He currently serves as a community stakeholder on several boards.
Hankerson-Printemps is a strategic communications professional with 15 years of experience in public relations, marketing, event planning, social media, media buying, community outreach, sponsor/partner development and fundraising. She is currently the Community Relations Manager at Publix Super Markets where she is leading community giving, strategic partnerships and philanthropic initiatives throughout the southeast coast of Florida from Monroe to Brevard Counties. She is also a part time adjunct professor at the University of Florida.
Jackson is a devoted volunteer with significant track record of success with organizations and is currently a Scientific Studies Manager at UnitedHealth Group; She leads the Clinical Quality Management Studies team of analysts and data technicians for continuous quality improvement within Veteran Affairs Community Care Network. She is an engaged, innovative nursing leader with experience spanning corporate health and wellness, patient education and outreach, clinical operations, direct patient care, and research. She received both her Bachelor of Science in nursing and Master of Science in advanced practice nursing from Michigan State University and Doctor of Philosophy in nursing science from Florida Atlantic University.
Menendez has served as chief financial officer of GL Homes of Florida Holding Corporation and GL Financial Services since 2002. She is also the chief financial officer of GL Commercial Holdings Corporation, which owns and operates twelve commercial centers throughout South Florida. GL Homes and subsidiaries is the nation’s 30th largest builder based on revenue and the nation’s 13th largest private homebuilder. She was recognized by Builder Magazine as one of “Home Building’s Most Powerful Women” and by Travel Agent Magazine as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Travel.” She received both her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in international business and her Bachelor of Science in accounting from Florida Atlantic University.
About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat 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. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.
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Five Families Welcomed to Their New Habitat Broward Homes at ‘A Rick Case Habitat Community’ in Pompano Beach
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (February 8, 2022) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward welcomed home five hard working families on Saturday, February 5th at “A Rick Case Habitat Community” in Pompano Beach.
Representative Chip LaMarca, Broward County Commissioner Lamar Fisher, Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin, and Vice Mayor Beverly Perkins joined the new homeowners to celebrate along with Habitat home sponsors, board members, family, and friends.
“We are now more than halfway through folks, with only 33 of our 76 homes to go at A Rick Case Habitat Community – our current class of future homeowners is our largest ever and we are currently accepting applications for our next class so please share the word,” said Kelly Kolb, Chair of Habitat Broward. “In other words, we are very busy. Why? Well because Broward is one of the most cost-burdened housing markets in the country, but for these five families that is no longer the case. This year, their hard work has earned them their part of the American Dream.”
The proud first-time homeowners include couples Susan Black and Dammaine Medley; Kelsey and Antonio McNeal; Osseline and Claude Moreau; Erik Boyd and Belinda Sterile-Boyd; along with Lydia and Hank Williams.
“Before we joined the Habitat program, every month Dammaine and I would ask ourselves why we were spending all this money to pay off someone else’s mortgage?” said Black. That’s when the family decided to apply for Habitat Broward’s program. Now, when the family makes that first mortgage payment every cent is an investment in the family’s future.
“Now we are building a future,” Black added. As a Hospital Coordinator at Conviva Medical Center, Black works alongside partner Medley, a Patient Transportation Associate for the same location. The Jamaican American parents are raising four children ranging from age three to 21.
All thanks to the generosity of Family Home Sponsors such as Rick Case Automotive Group, Robert Taylor, Jr. Family, and WSVN-TV Channel 7; House Foundation Sponsor Bank of America; Blueprint Sponsors The Gore Family Memorial Trust, Truist, Wells Fargo, The Oppenheimer Family Foundation, and Homeownership for All, Inc. Additionally, special thanks to the continued support of the Community Foundation of Broward and the City of Pompano Beach.
“We know these new homes will be filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories by the families. It was wonderful to all be together to celebrate this amazing milestone,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward Executive Director & CEO. “Habitat Broward is committed to lifting families up to help them accomplish their goal of homeownership. With homeownership comes financial stability, and ultimately a more equitable and vibrant community.”
Open enrollment began on Tuesday, February 1 for new energy efficient, affordable housing at “A Rick Case Habitat Community” and North-West 27th Street developments in Pompano Beach; and extends through Thursday, March 31. Interested families are encouraged to visit https://www.habitatbroward.org/2020-pre-qualification-questionnaire/ to start the pre-application process.
Through Habitat Broward, hardworking families can obtain affordable homes with affordable mortgages through a combination of sweat equity hours, a modest down payment and coursework.
About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat 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. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.
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POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (November 15, 2021) – The Broward Delegation which includes local state representatives and state senators hosted “Delegation Build Day” at A Rick Case Habitat Community in Pompano Beach on Saturday, November 13 in support of Habitat for Humanity of Broward’s leadership in workforce housing.
This initiative had delegates working side-by-side with future homeowners and volunteers to build homes in what is the largest affordable single family home development in Broward County’s history.
Delegates who participated included Michael Gottlieb, Chair of Broward Delegation along with other representatives such as Chip LaMarca, Robin Bartleman, and Anika Omphroy.
“Broward County is a highly desirable place to live and because of that we are plagued with a shortage of housing,” said Rep. Michael Gottlieb. “Habitat Broward has been a leader for years in addressing the affordable housing challenge and we felt this was a great opportunity for the Delegation to support their efforts.”
“Members of the Broward Delegation came today to dig in, get dirty and help lift up families working hard to earn the economic empowerment that comes with homeownership. We thank them for their hard work and support of this cause,” said Thor Barraclough, Habitat Broward Chief Program Officer.
About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat 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 home ownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.
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Deactivating Facebook isn’t enough. Here’s how to permanently delete your account
Getting rid of your Facebook account takes some patience. Here’s how to delete your account for good and completely cut ties with the social network.
It’s important to note that there’s a difference between deleting your Facebook account and deactivating it. Deactivating your Facebook account temporarily freezes it, which is useful if you want a brief hiatus. But that does nothing to prevent the company from tracking your online activity.
The steps you can take to delete your account:
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/deactivating-facebook
Wells Fargo donates $15,000 to Habitat Broward to helpPOMPANO BEACH, Fla. (August 18, 2021) – Habitat for Humanity of Broward is one of more than 220 Habitat for Humanity organizations awarded a grant from Wells Fargo as part of its nationwide initiative to help families unable to obtain conventional financing to become first-time homeowners.
Wells Fargo’s $15,000 grant to Habitat Broward will help provide the Moreaus, a hard-working family of seven, with a home of their own in A Rick Case Habitat Community in Pompano Beach.
“Far too many people across the country are facing housing instability and one of our key priorities is to create housing affordability solutions where everyone can have a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Wells Fargo South Florida Social Impact and Sustainability Leader Leo Toca. “We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity of Broward in providing homeownership opportunities in South Florida.”
“Wells Fargo understands the economic empowerment that comes with homeownership and is acting on this belief across the nation,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward CEO and Executive Director. “Families like the Moreaus would not achieve the dream of homeownership without great corporate citizens like Wells Fargo and we can’t thank them enough.”
The grant is part of a $7.75 million donation Wells Fargo is making to Habitat for Humanity International through Wells Fargo Builds, an initiative that provides philanthropic financial support and volunteerism to create sustainable affordable housing. More than 340 homes will be constructed or repaired with Habitat in over 40 states through the initiative this year. Wells Fargo Builds is part of Wells Fargo’s $1 billion philanthropic commitment to create more housing affordability solutions by 2025.
About Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat 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. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit habitatbroward.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HabitatBroward.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of small businesses in the U.S., and is the leading middle market banking provider in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 37 on Fortune’s 2021 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.
Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com | Twitter: @WellsFargo.
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POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Habitat for Humanity of Broward has received a $30,000 grant from Truist Foundation to support its NW 27th Avenue Project, a bold initiative to build affordable housing and revitalize a historic Pompano Beach community.
“We are so honored and grateful to receive this Truist Foundation grant to support this revitalization project within the NW 27th Avenue corridor,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward CEO and executive director. “This project within a priority redevelopment area offers critical opportunities for first-time homeownership for families while boosting area economic growth.”
Empty lots within the Collier City area have been linked to increased blight, crime and civic disengagement. Habitat Broward will partner with the City of Pompano Beach to build 12 new homes, increase street lighting and improve McNair Park. In conjunction, Broward County will add an attractive new Broward Sherriff’s Office substation to the area. These elements will encourage revitalization, reduce opportunities for crime and create the community stability that comes with single-family home development.
“At Truist our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities, and expanding affordable housing is a big part of that,” said Tony Coley, South Florida regional president for Truist on behalf of the Truist Foundation. “I’m proud of our continued partnership with Habitat for Humanity and aligning our missions to support local families.”