Let BCT take you on a magical ride This holiday season, take Broward County Transit to your favorite festivities, shopping and more. Sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderment of the season. It’s easy, simple and affordable! Just try it.
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Gold At All Time High!!! Antiques Of All Kinds (954) 491-4423 See Page 3A A Better-for-you Swap.....................4A Addressing Healthcare Needs.........2A Classified........................................12A Hallandale Beach Celebrations......11A
Holiday Shopping Safety Tips........11A Sleigh The Scammers......................7A Treat Online Shopping ‘Tech Neck’..9A What Kind Of Food For Your Dog?. .5A
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Bringing Tradition To Every Table
8 Ways To Live Healthier In 2025
Cafe Avanti Celebrate’s 35 Years Of Timeless Italian Flavors
Take Steps To Limit Risk For Cardiovascular Disease
Bone in Veal Parmigiana In a city that thrives on reinvention, one restaurant, Cafe Avanti, has remained steadfast, serving authentic Italian cuisine with heart and soul for 35 years. In 1989, Cafe Avanti opened its doors at 732 West 41st Street, bringing authentic Northern Italian cuisine to a neighborhood hungry for something heartfelt and timeless. Cafe Avanti, the third-longest-standing restaurant in Miami Beach to operate in its original location (trailing only the iconic Joe’s Stone Crab and Toni’s Sushi), has been a pillar of the community. Cafe Avanti seamlessly blends rustic charm, elegance, and vibrancy to create a dining experience that feels both timeless and inviting. The lively backdrop of an authentic Italian kitchen fills the air with the vibrant energy of great food and warm hospitality. At its heart, Cafe Avanti is a family-owned and operated restaurant where personal connections are as integral to the experience as the food itself. This month, Cafe Avanti celebrates its 35th anniversary, marking a milestone not only for its dedication to culinary excellence but also for its unwavering connection to the families and community it serves. The founding of Cafe Avanti began as a dream for Luis Fuentes, a Cuban immigrant who found his passion for the busiItalian Flavors, Page 9A
(Family Features)
More than 60% of U.S. adults will have some type of Cardiovascular Disease by 2050, unless we start making changes.
The Broward Center Amaturo Theater is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.
dashing conman and Vlad, a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family. Playing the lead roles are Jarod Bakum as Dimitry and Mikayla Cohen as Anya. They are joined by supporting actors Gail Bennett as Countess Lily, Sean William Davis as Gleb, Aaron De Jesus as Vlad and Laura Turnball as the Dowager Empress. Other characters are portrayed by Alexander Blanco, Jamal Campbell, Ryan Crout, Blaire DiMisa, Madeline Dunn, Michael Hunsaker, Caiti Marlowe, Michael Materdomini, Kassi McMillan, Stephanny “Noah” Noria, Sarah Sun Park, Eric Rivas, Allyson Rosenblum, Elizabeth Sackett, Britte Steele, Ashley Valent and Jorge Valero.
The last decade has seen a surge in Cardiovascular risk factors such as uncontrolled High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Obesity, each of which raises the risks of developing Heart Disease and Stroke. These trends are leading researchers to conclude that the prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) will continue to rise. More than 60% of U.S. adults will have some type of CVD by 2050, according to forecasted projections from the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world’s leading NonProfit Organization focused on heart and brain health for all. Additionally, total costs related to CVD are expected to nearly triple in that time to more than $1.8 Trillion. The increase will be driven by an older, more diverse population, but these risk factors are rising even among children and adults. “We recognize the landscape of Cardiovascular health will change over the next three decades because of the coming tsunami of rising health care costs, an older population living longer
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Unwrap A Delightful Holiday Treat In Ft. Lauderdale Slow Burn Theatre Company Presents “Anastasia The Musical” For All Ages This holiday season, theatergoers of all ages will delight in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s heartwarming production of “Anastasia The Musical,” part of Slow Burn’s 2024/2025 Season supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale, from Saturday, Dec. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 5, including a sensory-inclusive performance with a post-show meet and greet on Saturday, December 28 at 1:30 p.m. and an open captioned performance sponsored by the Amaturo Family Foundation on Sunday, December 29 at 2 p.m., in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. From the Tony-nominated team of celebrated playwright Terrance McNally, and with a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics), “Anastasia The Musical”
invites audiences to step into a world of wonder and history with this Broadway sensation that has captivated the hearts of audiences worldwide. With its opulent settings, dazzling costumes and a soaring score that includes song favorites “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December” from the hit animated film that inspired the spectacular musical, “Anastasia” is about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be. Directed by Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director and Carbonell Award winner Patrick Fitzwater, the musical transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of Dimitry, a
South Florida Coastal Link Seeks Operating Agency: RFI Issued Broward County Transit (BCT) and the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) are seeking a qualified firm to serve as the Operating Agency for the transformative South Florida Coastal Link commuter rail project. The Coastal Link will operate on the Florida East Coast Railway corridor, and will deliver a reliable, efficient, and environmentally conscious transit option. BCT
partnered with Miami-Dade DTPW to issue a Request for information (RFI), to assess firms interested in undertaking key operational responsibilities, including rail operations, fleet maintenance, and customer service. “The Coastal Link represents an opportunity to connect communities and create a truly integrated regional transportation network,” BCT CEO/General Manager
Coree Cuff Lonergan explained. “We’re excited to engage with industry leaders who have a proven track record of innovation and passenger-centric service to help us bring this vision to life.” The jointly issued RFI seeks responses from firms with expertise in rail operations, fleet maintenance, and exceptional customer service. The Coastal Link is part of BCT’s broader Premium Mobility (PREMO)
program to modernize and expand South Florida’s transit system with an emphasis on broadening connectivity throughout Broward County. BCT and Miami-Dade Counties hosted the RFI and Industry Day event - a platform to engage stakeholders and explore innovative solutions - on Dec. 9, 2024, at the NE Dade - Aventura Branch Library, 2930 Aventura Blvd, Miami, FL 33180.
Interested firms can visit: https://supplier.miamidade.gov/psc/EXTSUPP/SUPPLIER/ERP/c/SCP_PUBLIC_MENU_FL.SCP_PUB_BID_CMP_FL.GBL?& for more information about the RFI.