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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Stem-based Adventures Unwrap Holiday Fun With The Polar Express, Camp Steamology And More All aboard for MODS’ Polar Express Pajama Party on December 21 at the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater! This holiday season, warm-up to a variety of winter wonderland STEM-based family adventures at: https://mods.org - From explosive Nitro shows to a dazzling Noon Year’s Eve ball drop and party, kids of all ages will find creative ways to embrace and engage the wonder of winter! “Holiday time at MODS is the perfect opportunity for families to connect through the wonders of STEM and hands-on learning,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “We’re sledding right into the magic of winter by investigating the science of seasons, snowflakes, and snowstorms followed by the holiday classic The Polar Express in breathtaking larger than life IMAX®. Further adventures await with the 10th Anniversary exclusive limited engagement of Interstellar in 15/70mm, Mufasa: The Lion King and the interactive SCOOBY-DOO!™ Mansion Mayhem exhibit that challenges famiStem-based, Page 6A
Miami Software Engineer Battles Aggressive Cancer During Holiday Season Of Giving “I like helping people, and I want to continue helping people.” Dustin Hurtt
Headlining the evening are some of the biggest names in Jewish music, including: Alex Clare, Shulem Lemmer, Avraham Fried, and Itzik Dadya, with live music by the renowned Mendy Hershkowitz Band.
South Florida’s 45th Annual Chanukah Festival Promises To Be A Global Celebration Of Music, Light And Unity The highly anticipated 45th Annual South Florida Chanukah Festival is set to take place on Sunday, December 29, 2024, promising an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. This year’s festival, hosted by Chabad of South Broward, is already shaping up to be a global event, with ticket sales coming in from across the world. Each year, the Chanukah Festival is a resounding success - a true home run that remains the talk of the town for months afterward. With an all-star lineup and an exciting surprise in store, this year’s celebration is poised to be the most memorable yet. Headlining the evening are some of the biggest names in Jewish
music, including Avraham Fried, Shulem Lemmer, Alex Clare and Itzik Dadya, with live music by the renowned Mendy Hershkowitz Band. Adding to the excitement, a special guest artist will fly in from Israel for his firstever U.S. appearance, promising a breathtaking performance that will make this night truly unforgettable. “This event has always been a highlight of Chanukah, but seeing tickets being purchased from as far as Budapest, England and cities across America confirms that this festival has become a global celebration,” said Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus of Chabad of South Broward. “We’re confident this year’s Chanukah
Festival will once again inspire, uplift and unite.” The 45th Annual Chanukah Festival will be held at the spacious and modern Rick Case Arena, welcoming thousands of attendees to experience the magic of Chanukah in an atmosphere of joy, light and community spirit. Tickets are selling quickly as excitement builds for this one-ofa-kind Chanukah experience. Guests of all ages are encouraged to reserve their seats early to ensure they don’t miss a night that will be remembered long after the candles are lit. For tickets and more information, visit: www.chanukahfestival.com
As we enter the holiday season, a time for generosity and giving back, one Miami resident who has dedicated his career to transforming lives is now facing the battle of his own life. Dustin Hurtt, a beloved member of the Miami community and a passionate teacher of web development and software engineering, is fighting aggressive Cancer and is reaching out for support during this challenging time. Dustin, who has helped countless individuals change their lives and careers through his work as a former teacher at Ironhack, underwent a Pneumonectomy (Lung Removal Surgery) at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City earlier this year. Although initially thought to have removed all detectable Cancerous Tissues, his Oncologist at Mount Sinai has since discovered that a small amount of Cancer remains, necessitating innovative and costly treatment options. Community, Page 2A
[2] [1] Recently, thousands gathered for the 68th annual Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade. [2] BCT’s wrapped bus added to the enchantment, serving as both a festive centerpiece and a reminder of the agency’s role in connecting people to unforgettable experiences.
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Shining Lights & Smooth Rides:
The celebrations continued at Light Up Carter Park, where the community gathered for a familyfriendly evening filled with live music, bounce houses, and festive crafts. The beautifully lit Carter Park Holiday Tree stood as a beacon of the season. BCT’s wrapped bus added to the enchantment, serving as both a festive centerpiece and a reminder of the agency’s role in connecting people to unforgettable experiences. Capping off the holiday magic, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade took to the waterways, showcasing 100 illuminated vessels in a breathtaking display of holiday creativ-
BCT’s Holiday Highlights The holiday season in South Florida is a vibrant tapestry of joy, community, and unforgettable experiences. From dazzling parades to lively park celebrations, December offers a wealth of events designed to bring holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike. Recently, thousands gathered for the 68th annual Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade. This beloved tradition
brought families, locals, and visitors together to stroll along the Broadwalk and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the season. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a specially decorated Broward County Transit (BCT) bus made its debut, delighting spectators with its vibrant holiday design and showcasing the community spirit that makes South Florida so special.
[3] The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade BCT’s holiday-themed boat was a stunning tribute to the season. ity. Among the standout entries was BCT’s holiday-themed boat, a stunning tribute to the season. Built on a pontoon provided by Broward County Parks and Recreation, the boat featured a perfectly replicated bus structure fully wrapped in vibrant holiday artwork. It was adorned with LED light strips that illuminated its shape and interior in radiant Christmas colors, while LED reflectors at the front and back lit up the path ahead. Adding to the charming realism, the boat included a pair of customized STOP lights and whimsical festive accents. The event’s TV commentary captured the significance of the moment: Broward
County Transit’s participation brings the heartbeat of our community to life, showcasing the vital role transportation plays in connecting people and places. The boat’s dazzling presence highlighted BCT’s commitment to innovation, community, and connection, leaving a lasting impression on thousands of spectators. Across all three events, BCT celebrated the holidays and highlighted its dedication to community service and accessibility. The agency’s participation demonstrated its ability to be more than just a transit service—it symbolized togetherness, joy, and shared experiences.
BCT’s efforts left an indelible mark on the community, ensuring that the holidays are brighter, merrier, and more connected for everyone. To learn more about how BCT continues to connect people to the best of Broward County, visit: Broward.org/BCT or call Customer Service at: 954-357-8400