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ASK IRA: Should DeMar DeRozan be on the Heat’s personnel radar?

Sat, 12/16/2023 - 04:05

Q: Do you think DeMar DeRozan can put the Heat over the top? Rumor has it the Bulls will look to trade him before the February deadline. DeMar DeRozan’s career scoring average against the Heat is 26 points per game. It seems like he always hits a clutch shot in the fourth quarter. Isn’t DeRozan the type of player the Heat like?  And he can create his own shot. – Stuart, Miami.

A: DeMar DeRozan has been a name linked for years to the Heat, and, yes. he does check many of the boxes of a Heat type of player. That said, he also is largely a midrange presence on a team already with ample such types. Plus, if such a deal were to be swung, then you well could have to decide about playing either DeMar or Tyler Herro off the bench. And that might not sit well with either. Also, to make the salary math work, you would be giving up Kyle Lowry, leaving the Heat without a true point guard. All of that said, it also would come down to the sweetener with Lowry. I wouldn’t give up Jaime Jaquez Jr., but might consider Caleb Martin, in light of Caleb’s impending free agency. But keep in mind that DeMar also is an impending free agent. And I’m not sure you move a draft pick for a 34-year-old. Yes, DeMar could help. But the cost could prove prohibitive.

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Q: Is it time to consider putting Jaime Jaquez Jr. in the starting lineup and flipping Caleb Martin as the first reserve off the bench? Jaime Jaquez is putting up some consistent double-digit numbers each game. I would like to see him start to break 30 points. – Rodney.

A: But with Tyler Herro on the verge of returning, this is not that moment. The greater question is what the Heat do with Duncan Robinson and his 3-point spacing once Tyler returns. As it is, an argument could be made that Caleb Martin merely is a space holder until Haywood Highsmith returns. The bottom line is that in the wake of so many injuries, Erik Spoelstra has plenty of work ahead resetting his rotation.

Q: Would you say that 20, 30, 40 years ago there was more of a tendency to play through non-structural injuries, such as muscle bruises, twisted ankles, headaches and back spasms? And that team management, coaches and just the culture made for playing through injuries? But that today, too much decision-making power has been ceded to medical and training staffs and some players’ wishes to sit out too long? – Morgan, New Orleans.

A: I would say that it comes down to better techniques for testing and diagnosing. Before, it might have been a case of icing, a couple of anti-inflammatories and getting the player back on the court. Now, more is known about the long-term impact of players on long-term contracts. So it also is a matter of protecting and maximizing assets. Rarely have I come across a player who willingly sits, who isn’t anxious to return.

Three found guilty of fraud in South Florida nursing-school ‘diploma mill’ trial

Fri, 12/15/2023 - 18:08

Three people charged with playing crucial roles in a South Florida nursing-school “diploma mill” were found guilty by a federal jury Friday, after a three-week trial where prosecutors accused the defendants of corrupting the healthcare field.

Prosecutors said that more than 3,500 students paid between $10,000 and $20,000 for bogus academic credentials from the defunct Palm Beach School of Nursing — after Florida regulators had shut it down in 2018 — so they could sit for licensing exams in New York and gain employment in the healthcare field without proper training. After six hours of deliberations, the 12-member Fort Lauderdale federal jury agreed that the three defendants were at the root of the corruption conspiracy.

The defendants — Gail Russ, 72, the former nursing school registrar; Cassandre Jean, 38, a student recruiter from New York, and Vilaire Duroseau, 58, a recruiter from New Jersey — were convicted of conspiring to commit wire fraud and multiple wire fraud counts that carry up to 20 years in prison. Specifically, the jury found Russ, of Coconut Creek, guilty of 13 wire fraud offenses but not guilty of 5 others; the jury also found Jean, of Wellington and New York, guilty of 4 wire fraud counts and Duroseau guilty of 4 wire fraud counts.

Go to Herald.com for the full report.

General Daily Insight for December 16, 2023

Fri, 12/15/2023 - 17:00
General Daily Insight for December 16, 2023

Nothing is what it seems. The Moon in Aquarius starts off with a square to Venus, stirring up our emotions, but the lunar sextile to Mars should let us put our passionate energy to good use. Breaking down barriers will be extra appealing when the Moon squares Uranus, though our causes could get muddled when the Sun squares off against Neptune at 10:43 pm EST. Our motives may feel painfully complicated or confusing, so don’t expect certainty at a time like this.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Your inner compass is pointing every which way. You’re potentially eager to explore the world while the Sun is in your adventurous 9th house, but a solar square to Neptune in your sluggish 12th house may leave you uncertain which way to go. Don’t think this will always be the norm! Instead, accept it as a chance to explore your own inner goals, rather than getting stuck in a paradox of choice about the outer world. A little questioning will help you enact big changes.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

People may not understand you at the moment, no matter how hard they try. It’s normal to want to be alone while the Sun moves through your private 8th house, but others may not realize that — especially when the Sun squares Neptune in your social 11th house. People can call your name all they like, but it doesn’t mean you’re going to come out and play! Still, try not to make anyone feel snubbed. Be honest about your need for alone time.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Someone in particular could impact your sense of achievement. There’s an emphasis on important relationships while the Sun visits your 7th House of Partnerships, but a combustible square to foggy Neptune in your 10th House of Career could result in a peer getting in the way of your goals. Perhaps they nay-say or critique your ideas — but don’t let a few unhelpful words deter you! While you may need to do a bit of recalculation, the results should certainly be worth it.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

The idea of adventure is one thing — the reality is quite another. You’ll be reminded of this fact when the Sun in your efficient 6th house provokes muddled Neptune in your courageous 9th house, which could leave you spinning in circles as you try to figure out how to have it all. Unfortunately, your responsibilities will probably win out against more exciting prospects, so you should save your gung-ho urges for another time. Focus on taking small, reasonable steps instead.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

One minute you want to go all out, the next you want to hide yourself away. There’s a hint of confusion clouding the air as the bold Sun in your fame-seeking 5th house contradicts shy Neptune in your secretive 8th house. You may find yourself pinging back and forth between these two extremes. Even if you’re normally happy to bask in the limelight, that might not have its usual appeal at this time. It’s okay if your desire for privacy wins out.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Someone could cause your current emotions to spiral out of control. A conflicting square between the Sun in your sensitive 4th house and Neptune in your people-pleasing 7th house may give you the urge to put your most vulnerable side on display, but the unfortunate truth is that you won’t necessarily get the response you are hoping for. You can’t read another person’s mind, and they can’t read yours, so don’t assume everyone knows what you want and is willing to supply it.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Trying to be productive today is wise, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. The Sun in your hectic 3rd house is making a complicated square to Neptune in your organized 6th house, so all your best efforts could result in far less than you’d like. Don’t get upset if you feel like the day is slipping away from you without meeting your quotes. Intense productivity really isn’t on the table at a time like this, so allow yourself to make tomorrow count instead.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

The best intentions could be waylaid by something much more enticing at any moment. You’re prepared to buckle down while the Sun marches through your security-conscious 2nd house, but once the Sun snaps at Neptune in your fun-loving 5th house, it’ll be hard to stay on track. Responsibilities? What responsibilities! Normally this wouldn’t be ideal, but the temptation will be practically impossible to resist right now, so don’t waste energy fighting it. If possible, set work aside in favor of fun.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Knowing what you’re about is anything but simple on a day like this. You’re in your element as the Sun tours your sign and 1st House of Vitality, but that energy gets frazzled when the Sun disagrees with Neptune in your tender 4th house. You may find yourself unusually emotional or reactive, and things that you’d normally brush off could feel like the whole world is weighing on your shoulders. Don’t get overwhelmed. This is only temporary, and the skies will soon clear.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Anything and everything could slip through the cracks without warning. Perhaps your soul is unfocused as the Sun shimmers in your 12th House of the Subconscious. You may get the sense you’re missing out on something when the Sun hassles Neptune in your 3rd House of Distraction. The reality is that you probably not missing anything, but this puzzling combo can make it seem like you’re failing to see the bigger picture. Avoid holding yourself — or anyone else — up to unfair expectations.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Unfortunately, work and play don’t go hand-in-hand today. The Sun is dancing through your 11th House of Social Networks, making it the perfect time to circulate, but an awkward solar square to Neptune in your 2nd House of Earning could make it feel like you’re supposed to be doing something — only you don’t know what it is. Review your internal list, and if there are no red flags, get back to enjoying yourself! Your situation is likely less worrisome than you think.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

The path to success is anything but clear at present. Your focus is pulled toward your goals as the Sun boosts your 10th House of Reputation, but you could lose sight of why you’re working so hard when the Sun squares unclear Neptune in your sign, causing you to feel… you’re not sure? It’s okay if you’re in an ambivalent mood — that’s probably Neptune skewing your vision. Any uncertainty shouldn’t last, and as the fog clears, you’ll be able to return to your ambitions.

UCF gets verbal commitment from top defensive lineman in South Carolina

Fri, 12/15/2023 - 16:46

UCF received a verbal commitment for 2024 on Friday from Marcus Downs, a 3-star recruit from Riverside (Greer, S.C.) High.

The 6-foot-6, 285-pound Downs was the No. 66 defensive lineman in the country, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, and the No. 8 overall player in South Carolina.

He received offers from Tennessee, Florida, LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Duke, Virginia Tech and Michigan State, but he committed to Georgia Tech on Aug. 5 before de-committing Oct. 18.

Downs had 37 tackles, including 6 for loss and 3 sacks, in nine games this season for the Warriors.

He becomes the 19th commitment for the 2024 class, which is No. 27 overall in the 247Composite rankings.

“On the official visit, I saw it was like one big family at UCF,” Downs told On3. “All are cool with each other. I love the culture there. The environment and the relationships were a big part of my decision. After the visit, I knew my decision.”

All verbal commitments are non-binding but can become official during the early signing period starting Wednesday.

Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osmattmurschel.

Florida appeals court blocks minor from abortion without consent of parent or guardian

Fri, 12/15/2023 - 16:39

TALLAHASSEE — A state appeals court Friday upheld a Calhoun County circuit judge’s ruling that blocked a minor from having an abortion without notification and consent of a parent or guardian.

The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal did not detail the circumstances of the case, including the age of the minor, who was identified by the pseudonym Jane Doe.

But the panel backed a decision by Circuit Judge Brandon Young, who found the minor “failed to demonstrate sufficient maturity” to receive a waiver of the notification and consent requirement, according to the appeals court.

“In a detailed order, the circuit court determined, based on the non-adversarial presentation below, that Doe had not established by clear and convincing evidence that she was sufficiently mature to decide whether to terminate her pregnancy,” Friday’s decision by appeals-court Judges Rachel Nordby, Robert Long and M. Kemmerly Thomas said.

Thomas wrote a concurring opinion that indicated the case included an issue about appointing a guardian for the minor. She wrote that the notice-and-consent waiver process is limited.

“It only asks whether the minor has demonstrated sufficient maturity to obtain an abortion without the knowledge and consent of her parents or legal guardian,” Thomas wrote. “It is not the process by which a family member is appointed to act as the minor’s legal guardian. To the extent that Doe and her loved ones wish to obtain a court order appointing a family member as Doe’s legal guardian, they can file a guardianship petition with the circuit court. The record is devoid of any evidence that emergency legal action was taken to acquire temporary or permanent legal guardianship designation.”

Florida voters in 2004 approved a constitutional amendment that cleared the way for the Legislature to pass a law requiring that parents or guardians be notified before minors have abortions. Lawmakers in 2020 added to that with the consent requirement.

The issue has long been controversial, with supporters of the requirements saying minors are not mature enough to make abortion decisions. But opponents have argued, in part, that some minors could face issues such as abuse if their parents found out they were pregnant.

Lawmakers included a process for minors to go to court and bypass the notice and consent requirements. Such cases reaching appellate courts are relatively rare.

But the 1st District Court of Appeal in 2022 upheld at least two decisions by circuit judges to block teens from having abortions. One of those decisions, in an Escambia County case, drew widespread attention, as the teen seeking a waiver was described by a judge as almost 17 and “parentless.”

State law requires that hearings in such cases be closed to the public. Also, records are kept confidential.

Hawaii governor wants 3,000 vacation rentals converted to housing for Maui wildfire survivors

Fri, 12/15/2023 - 16:27

By AUDREY McAVOY (Associated Press)

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on Friday said he wants 3,000 condos and homes that are normally rented to Maui tourists converted to long-term housing for displaced wildfire survivors who are now living in hotels.

Green said he’s prepared to use the “hammer” of post-fire emergency orders to make sure owners of short-term vacation rentals extend them to long-term units if enough spaces aren’t converted voluntarily by mid-January.

The governor said that as of Thursday, there were 6,297 residents still living in hotels more than four months after the Aug. 8 wildfire wiped out historic Lahaina. The vast majority don’t have anywhere else to go given the extreme housing shortage on Maui.

The lack of stable housing has been a source of stress for Lahaina residents, some of whom have had to switch hotel rooms multiple times since the fire. One group is camping out on Kaanapali Beach in front of resort hotels and vows to stay there until short-term rentals are converted for the use of residents.

Green said a combination of county tax incentives and generous rent subsidies offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency should help.

FEMA on Monday sent letters to 13,000 short-term rental operators across Maui informing them the agency would offer to pay them the same rent they earned during the previous year for their units, Green said.

In addition, the Maui County Council is currently considering legislation for property tax breaks promoted by the mayor.

“So there is no reason at all for people not to take this opportunity provided they want to be a helpful part of the solution,” Green said.

Green said he aims for these measures to provide interim housing for two years while more housing is built on Maui.

There are currently between 12,000 to 14,000 units legally rented on a short-term basis on Maui, according to Green. Including illegal ones, he estimated there could be nearly 25,000.

“So we really only need to get about 10%, maybe 12%, of all the available short term units on Maui,” he said.

Ideally, officials could rent out an entire building or an entire timeshare property, he said.

FEMA will pay for units rented to about 2,000 families. The state of Hawaii and private philanthropists will cover rent for the remaining 1,000 families who are undocumented or are citizens from so-called Compact of Free Association states and who aren’t eligible for FEMA aid, Green said.

He didn’t have an estimate for how much this would cost. He said it would depend on how many rentals become available.

The governor plans to release details of his new budget proposals at a news conference on Monday.

Green said it is currently costing $350-500 a day to house one family in a hotel room, once food and services are included.

Florida’s Surgeon General told the FDA that COVID vaccines aren’t safe. The FDA calls that misinformation.

Fri, 12/15/2023 - 16:06

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration fought back on Friday against what it calls “the proliferation of misinformation” by Florida’s Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

In a letter earlier this month to the FDA, Ladapo had questioned the agency’s drug approval and raised alarms about what he sees as the risk of potential cancer posed by COVID mRNA vaccines. Ladapo, the leader of Florida’s health department, said he believed the drug delivery system used by mRNA vaccines could be an “efficient vehicle for delivering contaminant DNA into human cells.”

But a top researcher with the FDA released a public response to Ladapo on Friday saying the Surgeon General’s scientific assertion regarding the cancer risk is “implausible.”

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research for the FDA, said the premise asserted by Ladapo that DNA contaminant could cause cancer in vaccine recipients is not scientifically accurate because there is no way that minute amounts of DNA fragments could find their way into the nucleus of human cells where DNA resides.

He added that this type of disinformation results in vaccine hesitancy.

“Given the dramatic reduction in the risk of death, hospitalization and serious illness afforded by the vaccines, lower vaccine uptake is contributing to the continued death and serious illness toll of COVID-19,” Marks wrote. Indeed, only 11% of Floridians have received an updated COVID booster, despite the state’s large population of elderly who are most at risk for poor outcomes.  Even more, only about a third of the state’s vulnerable long-term care population has had the updated shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We would like to make clear that based on a thorough assessment of the entire manufacturing process, FDA is confident in the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines,” Marks wrote in the response to Ladapo. “Additionally, with over a billion doses of the mRNA vaccines administered, no safety concerns related to residual DNA have been identified.”

(Article continues after the letter.)

In his Dec. 6 letter, Ladapo had pressed the FDA and CDC to answer three questions by Dec. 13: Was the risk of DNA integration evaluated by drug manufacturers and provided to the federal agencies; did FDA standards take the COVID vaccine’s delivery system into account; and was a risk evaluated of integration with reproductive cells beyond the local injection site?

Dr. Kawsar Talaat, an associate professor in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, says those three concerns have no scientific basis.

Her research expertise is in conducting clinical trials for a variety of vaccines to determine their safety and efficacy. “The COVID vaccine enters the outer part of cell and the RNA works there. It wouldn’t be possible for the DNA to integrate into the chromosomes since they are not even in same compartment,” she said. “Even if they were, the mechanism that allows that to happen is not included in the vaccine.”

Talaat said Ladapo overlooks how much research on the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines has taken place.

“There has not been a vaccine released into the population that has been under more scrutiny than the mRNA COVID vaccines,” she said. “There has not been any evidence thus far that there are any problems with integration with any DNA, or cancer as a result of the vaccines.”

Talaat said she just had a 40-year-old friend with a health condition die of COVID-19.

“These questions (raised by Ladapo) are designed to scare people rather than investigate true science,” she said. “What we do know is that COVID continues to kill thousands of people every month in the U.S. I think he is doing a disservice to the people of Florida by trying to scare them into not getting a vaccine that can be lifesaving.”

(Article continues after the letter.)

Ladapo did not respond by the end of the business day on Friday to the Sun Sentinel’s request for comment about the FDA letter.

This isn’t Ladapo’s first tussle with the FDA. In March, he was publicly rebuked by the FDA and CDC over his vaccine advice. Those agencies told him to stop disproportionately focusing public attention on the few instances of adverse effects from the COVID vaccine. Ladapo previously has painted the COVID vaccines as dangerous and claimed there have been no clinical trials on the effects of the new booster on human beings, a statement that the manufacturers say is false.

Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.

ASK IRA: How should Heat, Spoelstra spot Herro back into the rotation?

Fri, 12/15/2023 - 04:05

Q: If Austin Reaves can go from starter to coming off the bench, then why don’t the Heat consider having Tyler Herro coming off the bench like he did when he won Sixth Man of the Year? He can anchor the second unit and allow Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo to be the focus on the first unit. Starting isn’t as important as being on the floor for the final minutes. Austin Reaves is on the floor at the end of games for the Lakers as is our own Jamie Jaquez Jr.. Do you know if the Heat is thinking about this? – David, Fort Lauderdale.

A: Thinking about it? Sure. They consider all possibilities. But Austin Reaves entered the NBA in 2021 as an undrafted player; Tyler Herro entered two years earlier as a lottery pick. So say what you want about those factors, but ego matters in the NBA. And Tyler likely believes he has moved beyond bench consideration. All of that said, perhaps the approach could be casting it as playing Tyler off the bench as a means of easing him back. Then, if it works, or if he finds momentum in such a role, perhaps the Heat could take such consideration to the next step. But, no, I don’t expect another season of Tyler as sixth man.

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Q: Hi, Ira. I see Jaime Jaquez Jr. as a wing player that can play spot minutes at the four and maybe even five in certain situations.  But recently, I’ve been wondering if the Heat want to make him into what they wanted Justise Winslow to be, which is a big point guard/point forward, instead of another Swiss Army-knife player like Jimmy Butler or Caleb Martin. What do you think will be his developmental path on this team? – Eddie.

A: I think what you have to look at is the intersection of development and need. For all Kyle Lowry has offered this season, the reality is that he is 37 and in the final year of a contract. And at the moment the Heat do not have a developmental point guard in the pipeline. So I think what the Heat need to see the balance of this season is whether Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Tyler Herro might stand as a possibility of the team’s point guard of the future. Both have handled extensively already. Both have shown promise as playmakers, If you could slot either or both into that slot, it would go a long way toward helping establish a foundation for the Heat’s next iteration.

Q: All I want for Christmas is Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to play that day against the Sixers. What are the chances of that happening? Or are we going to be stuck with Orlando Robinson against Embiid? (Talk about coal in the stocking!)  – Lee, Fort Lauderdale.

A: I have little doubt that both will be back by then, and likely sooner, with Tyler Herro targeting Monday or Wednesday. Now we have to wait to see if Joel Embiid comes down with Orlando Robinson-itis.

Latest legislative ploy on vacation rentals fixes nothing | Editorial

Fri, 12/15/2023 - 04:00

It’s as much a part of the Florida Legislature’s annual ritual as the ceremonial hanky drop at the close of every session: Lawmakers debate new and worse ways to hamstring local governments’ ability to regulate short-term vacation rentals.

The latest foray comes from Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, who told the Senate Regulated Industries Committee Wednesday about his bill (SB 280): “The whole goal is to lay out a uniform set of regulations for vacation rentals. I believe the legislation provides tools for local governments within that registration program.”

Sure, if uniform is defined as uniformly weak and tools means a two-by-four to cities and counties. For this bill would significantly hamper their ability to shut down the worst violators that are shattering the quiet in neighborhoods across Florida and causing a deterioration in quality of life.

Airbnb is fundamentally broken, its CEO says. He plans to fix it

Why won’t lawmakers accept reality? Different communities have different views of vacation rentals. What is appropriate in the neighborhoods clustered around theme parks in Central Florida — some constructed for the purpose of becoming vacation rentals — might not work in a quiet neighborhood in Delray Beach or in a Fort Lauderdale high-rise.

As more properties are converted to full-time vacation rentals, the disruption these revolving-door residences can cause becomes more obvious.

Florida lawmakers’ effort to restrict local control of vacation rental properties seems to be over

We give credit to platforms like Airbnb and VRBO for doing their best to crack down on the worst of the worst among property owners registered with them, including efforts to curb the use of vacation rentals as party houses that sometimes draw dozens of pleasure-seekers into Florida neighborhoods.

They’ve also worked hard to ensure that rental properties pay tourist taxes. Those two companies do not represent the full array of vacation rentals in the state, however. And their desire for uniformity doesn’t justify restricting local governments’ ability to discipline irresponsible property owners who show no regard or knowledge of local rules.

This latest bill is not as blatant as past attempts, but it’s sneakier. For example, local officials would be allowed to require vacation rentals in their jurisdictions to register with the city or county, but restricts them from suspending or revoking those registrations, even for chronic violators. To suspend a property owner’s ability to operate for as little as 30 days, for example, city and county officials would be required to prove five or more separate violations on five separate days during a 60-day period.

Many small cities may have a couple of code enforcement officers. They don’t have time to stake out a specific property day after day. It’s a bureaucratic impossibility — and the legislators know that.

But wait. It gets worse. Any additional enforcement would have to come from the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), a chronically understaffed agency that doesn’t have nearly sufficient resources to police a problem of this magnitude.

“There is no indication whatsoever … that any additional resources are going to be given to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and yet you want to take the lion’s share of responsibility and hand it over to an agency that is objectively woefully ill-staffed and underfunded? And you think that your constituents in Indian Rocks Beach and mine in Sunny Isles Beach are going to be better served because of the level of uniformity coming out of Tallahassee?” asked Democratic Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Hollywood.

So imagine this scenario. Full-time residents of homes in a suburb must abide by the terms of their HOA, or be fined. In many areas, they can’t park too many cars on their front lawns, can’t violate trash regulations, can’t host giant parties that blast music into the night. But local authorities won’t be able to shut down vacation-rental owners who break any of those rules.

Florida communities have already lost the ability to say “no” to vacation rentals if those bans weren’t in place before 2011. They deserve, at least, the right to shut down rule-breakers that make their own residents miserable. The Senate rejected legislation that wasn’t nearly this bad last year. They should shut it down immediately this year.

The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney, editorial writer Martin Dyckman and Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson. Editorials are the opinion of the Board and written by one of its members or a designee. To contact us, email at letters@sun-sentinel.com.

How to prepare classic holiday dishes with just an Instant Pot

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 23:15

With the holiday right around the corner, you might be wondering how you’ll find time to prepare a holiday meal this year. Holiday prep can feel like a daunting task between the main course, side dishes and dessert. Luckily, you can cook many holiday meals in an Instant Pot with little effort, and no one will know the difference.

Instant Pot turkey legs Ingredients

Preparation instructions

Instant Pot corn on the cob Ingredients

Preparation instructions

Instant Pot peach cobbler Ingredients

Preparation instructions

Best Instant Pot products for holiday meals

Instant Pot Duo ]

The Instant Pot Duo is Instant Pot’s highest-selling product. This affordable kitchen device has up to an 8-quart capacity and seven different cooking functions, including pressure cook, slow cook, yogurt maker, steamer, rice cooker, sauté and food warmer. The Instant Pot Duo comes with a one-year warranty and a trivet.

Instant Pot Official Cook and Bake Set ]

This official baking set by Instant Pot includes two trivets, two stainless-steel baking dishes with lids and a removable divider. This set is ideal for peach cobbler, boiled eggs and more. The trivets are stackable, making them easy to use and store. This set is compatible with 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots. The lids are great for storing your food after you’re done cooking and feature pressure-release tabs for releasing steam.

Instant Pot Stainless Steel Inner Cooking Pot ]

If you plan on making multiple dishes in your Instant Pot this holiday season, it’s a good idea to buy an extra inner pot. This official stainless-steel pot comes in both 6-quart and 8-quart sizes. Thanks to its polished stainless steel material, this pot is easy to clean.

Instant Pot Official Starter Accessories Set ]

This set includes a pair of silicone oven mitts, a heat-resistant mat and a suction-sealing lid. Buyers love how easy the silicone mitts are to use and how well they protect your hands from hot trivets and cooking dishes. You can use the multifunctional heat-resistant mat to remove hot dishes, as a jar opener or to protect your counter from hot dishes.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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12 unique gifts your friend will be delighted to receive

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 23:11
Show your friend how much you care with one of these creative gifts

If you’re lucky enough to have a true-blue friend who’s always ready to share all of life’s ups and downs, you want to make sure they know exactly how much they mean to you. That’s why there’s always some pressure involved in finding the perfect gift for them.

It takes a little creativity to find a present that speaks to your buddy’s personality and interests and can really make their day.

Are you having trouble shopping for your bestie? Check out these unique gift ideas that will thrill your friend regardless of their favorite hobbies or pastimes.

Choosing unique gifts for friends

You usually have an advantage when gift shopping for friends since you probably share many of the same interests. Selecting a gift that celebrates your friend’s favorite hobby or encourages them to pursue an activity they’ve always wanted to try is often the best way to go. Consider your friend’s personality and how they like to spend their free time to find a truly special item they’re sure to love.

Best unique gifts for friends Unique gifts for friends who love to cook

DIY Gift Kits Hot Sauce Making Kit ]

If your friend likes a little more heat in their recipes, this DIY hot sauce kit allows them to craft their own at home. It contains all the ingredients necessary to make seven hot sauce recipes and includes plastic bottles and labels for the finished sauces.

Chefman Electric Crepe Maker Griddle ]

This electric crepe pan makes it quick and easy to whip up paper-thin crepes. It has a generous 13-inch cooking surface and comes with a spreader to distribute the batter and a spatula for flipping. It also doubles as a griddle for pancakes, omelets and more.

Unique gifts for friends who garden

AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Garden ]

If your friend wants to grow their own herbs but lacks outdoor space, this indoor hydroponic garden makes the perfect gift. It comes with basil, parsley, dill, thyme, Thai basil and mint seeds and can grow up to six plants at a time. It also has a control panel that alerts you when it’s time to water and automatically turns the lights on and off as needed.

AvoSeedo Avocado Tree Growing Kit ]

This simple kit makes growing an avocado tree at home super easy. It features a plastic bowl with a hole in it to place an avocado pit, so it can float in a water-filled pot. It also includes small flags to insert in the bowl to keep track of the date you started germination.

Unique gifts for gym junkie friends

Dynamis Weighted Hula Hoop ]

This 3.6-pound hula hoop not only burns fat and strengthens the core, but it can also add plenty of fun to your friend’s workout. It features extra-thick padding to protect the skin during use and is easily assembled by pressing a button on each segment’s end to connect them.

Unique gifts for friends who love tech gadgets

Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Assistant ]

This smart alarm cook allows you to customize a sleep-wake routine to aid in falling asleep, staying asleep and waking more easily. It offers a library of soothing sounds and white noise to encourage sleep and has a soft reading light that won’t strain the eyes.

Petcube Bites 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera ]

For a friend with a beloved pet, this Wi-Fi camera lets them monitor their cat or dog and even give their pet a treat when away from home. The camera offers a wide-angle view and night vision to make it easy to keep track of pets and even has a microphone and speaker that allow for communication with furry friends.

PhoneSoap 3 UV Cellphone Sanitizer and Universal Charger ]

This handy device features two UV-C bulbs scientifically proven to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria on the surface of a cellphone. It also has a USB port and a USB-C port to charge your smartphone while sanitizing it. Best of all, it works with nearly all smartphones, including larger models.

Unique gifts for beauty-minded friends

Misavanity Bluetooth Makeup Vanity Mirror ]

This large, lighted mirror has a built-in Bluetooth speaker, so you can stream music — or a makeup tutorial on YouTube — from your smartphone or tablet. It also has a USB charging port and multiple lighting options. It has user-friendly touch controls and a magnifying mirror too.

Nurse Jamie TriAngle Facial Beauty Tool ]

This sonic face massage can help the skin look firmer and more radiant when used with a favorite serum, eye cream or moisturizer. It offers two massaging modes, normal and heated, and works well for the eye area, brow area, cheeks, jawline, chin and neck.

Unique gifts for hard-to-shop-for friends

Sharper Image Light Up Word Clock ]

This striking clock provides the time in five-minute intervals, but it does so in a word design, lighting up phrases like “Five minutes past ten.” It is available in a copper or black finish and comes with a USB power cable and adapter, so you can plug it in anywhere.

Urban Accents Movie Night Popcorn Kernels and Seasoning Variety Pack ]

Help your friend have the most delicious movie nights with this tasty popcorn variety pack. It comes with three types of popcorn kernels and five flavorings, including white cheddar, kettle corn, sriracha, chili lime and caramel corn. You can also use the seasonings for other foods, such as potatoes or corn on the cob.

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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How I infused some summer into my winter skin care routine

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 23:07

As I reminisce about warm weather, it’s time to switch to creams and lotions to manage my super-dry skin during the winter months. But this year, I won’t be lathering up with cold-weather products I’ve never truly loved. Instead, I’m infusing some summer into my winter skin care routine — and I’m loving it.

Sol de Janeiro taps into the joy and sunshine of Brazilian summers with luscious products featuring rich ingredients and intoxicating scents. I’ve used a few of the brand’s bestselling products, and each one makes me feel like I’m soaking up the sun, even when there’s snow on the horizon — or on my driveway.

Here are the top five Sol de Janeiro products that I plan on using all winter long.

What is Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream?

The Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, arguably the brand’s most popular product, is an ultrarich cream packed with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients. The whipped, buttery texture is luxurious, yet it absorbs quickly into my skin. It works particularly well on notoriously dry areas, including my elbows and dry, cracking hands from hand sanitizer use. Its scent, however, is by far the best feature, with bright, nutty notes with tropical floral undertones.

Where to buy Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

You can pick up Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream at Amazon and Sephora. The standard 8.1-ounce tub is $45 – $48, while the 2.5-ounce tub is $22.

What is Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel?

The Brazilian 4 Play Shower Cream-Gel has a spa quality to it with its luxurious lather and bold scent with full-bodied pistachio and salted caramel notes. It’s infused with coconut and açai oils as well as fatty acids, which made my dry skin softer, smoother and more hydrated. Because the formula is also sulfate-free, it is far less drying and irritating than others I’ve tried. And while the shower cream-gel is gentle enough for sensitive skin, it still delivers deep-cleaning action.

Where to buy Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel

The Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel is sold at Sephora and Amazon. It costs around $25-$26 for the standard 13-ounce bottle and $56 for the 33.1-ounce pump-top bottle. The travel-friendly 3-ounce bottle retails for $10. Sephora also offers a 33-ounce refill for $49.

Other Sol de Janeiro products worth considering

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’62 Hair & Body Fragrance Mist ]

The Cheirosa ’62 fragrance has a warm, sun-kissed scent with gourmand base notes. Spray it on your body or hair to bring summer with you everywhere you go. You can find it at Sephora for $48. If you want the mini size to sample or for travel, you’ll pay $24.

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub ]

This gentle exfoliator moisturizes as it buffs away dry skin with tiny sugar crystals and crushed cupuaçu seeds. It leaves skin with a warm, beach-ready glow. It’s sold by Amazon and Sephora. A 7.7-ounce jar is available for about $42.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter ]

Sol de Janeiro’s nourishing lip butter keeps lips soft and smooth with nourishing oils. The antioxidant-rich formula also protects delicate lips from UV damage. You can purchase it at Sephora for $18.

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

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Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Tyrese Samuel’s putback in closing seconds seals UF’s win against East Carolina

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 20:32

LAKELAND — Walter Clayton Jr. scored 20 of his 22 points in the first half, Tyrese Samuel had a key rebound and dunk in the closing seconds and Florida beat East Carolina 70-65 on Thursday night in the Florida Tip-Off.

“First half, I just felt a little good out there and my teammates were finding me, so I give some credit to them,” Clayton said. “They were just finding me, and the shots were going in.”

Florida had its lead trimmed to 67-65 with 1:06 remaining. The Gators missed their next three 3-pointers, but Samuel hustled for an offensive rebound and dunked it with 19.9 seconds left for a four-point lead. East Carolina didn’t hit the rim on a 3-point attempt and Alex Condon made 1 of 2 free throws to seal it.

The Gators outrebounded the Pirates 51-32, including 21-10 on the offensive end. Samuel, coming off his third double-double of the season, had seven rebounds to go with 11 points.

Zyon Pullin also scored 11 points for Florida (7-3). Will Richard added 10 points and Condon grabbed 12 rebounds.

Clayton set the tone.

“He’s the kind of guy that as a coach gives you confidence when you’re out on the floor,” Gators coach Todd Golden said. “When you have guys that, they believe, they trust, and they don’t get rattled. Him and ZP did a really good job of that tonight. It wasn’t going our way a lot of the second half, but those two guys and Will, they didn’t point fingers.

“They were just staying the course, talking to each other, trying to pump each other up. You can live with yourself losing a game like that with these two guys out there that are fighting and have their competitive nature in the right place.”

Ezra Ausar and RJ Felton each scored 14 points for East Carolina (6-5). Brandon Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Bobby Pettiford Jr. added 11 points before being helped off the floor with 45.8 seconds left.

Clayton’s 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting helped Florida take a 37-30 lead into the break.

East Carolina got as close as 62-61 in the second half on a jumper from the free-throw line by Cam Hayes — his first make of the game.

It marked the first meeting between the Florida and East Carolina men’s basketball programs.

Florida travels to Charlotte, N.C., to face Michigan on Tuesday in the Jumpman Invitational.

East Carolina returns home for a matchup with Delaware State on Wednesday.

Winderman’s view: Heat now have a Tyler time when it comes to a Herro return

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 20:08

MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Thursday night’s 124-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls:

– So let’s move past the result.

– The bigger news for the Heat arguably came pregame.

– Erik Spoelstra has been consistent when it has come to Tyler Herro updates.

– “No new update.”

– But Herro took care of that before Thursday night’s game, when he said he is targeting either Monday night at home against the Timberwolves or Wednesday night in Orlando for his return from the ankle sprain that has had him out since Nov. 8.

– That would also have Herro out for Saturday’s rematch against the Bulls.

– Which would mean 18 missed games with the injury, and therefore ineligibility for an NBA postseason award, which now requires playing in at least 65 of the 82-game regular-season schedule.

– “I’ll have to do that next year.” Herro said of his previously stated goal of making All-NBA this season.

–  But what matters most is finally starting to get a read on their team when whole.

– With Bam Adebayo expected back soon, as well.

– The Heat need to know who they are.

– Effectively truly without that opportunity to this stage.

– With Herro, Adebayo, Haywood Highsmith and Josh Richardson out, the Heat again opened with Orlando Robinson, Caleb Martin, Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson and Kyle Lowry.

– Bulls coach Billy Donovan said pregame there was no underestimating the undermanned Heat.

– “They obviously, with their personnel, have had different guys step up at different times, which is a credit to them,” he said.

– The Bulls then stepped up to a 21-5 lead at the outset, leading to a Heat timeout.

– Kevin Love entered for Orlando Robinson as the Heat’s first substitute.

– With Jaime Jaquez Jr. following in short order.

– Asked pregame about Jaquez, Donovan said, “He’s got a really good feel, has been able to come in and fit in. Tough. Competitive. Physical. Makes physical plays both defensively and offensively. I think he’ll only get better with more games, more reps, more opportunity. But he certainly, I think, has made huge contributions to their team.”

– Jamal Cain was third off the bench.

– To his credit, Cain had a huge block against the Bulls’ Patrick Williams in the first period.

– By the time the Bulls got up 33-8 late in the first period, Spoelstra inserted Thomas Bryant and RJ Hampton.

– Spoelstra said pregame there was no preset hierarchy whether Orlando Robinson or Thomas Bryant get the late-game minutes if a center is needed.

– “It depends on the game,” he said. “O’s been playing very good basketball. He continues to get better. He’s earning trust from everyone.”

– Hampton also got a run at point guard in the third quarter.

– Among those in the crowd with Chicago in town were former Bulls players Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah.

– Retired Heat forward Udonis Haslem took in the game courtside alongside Heat owner Micky Arison.

Heat unable to recover from early 25-point hole, fall 124-116 to Bulls

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 20:06

MIAMI – When you open a game in the injury absences of Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Josh Richardson and Haywood Highsmith, you’re already at a deficit.

When you then fall behind by 25 in the first quarter, you’re practically buried.

Through it all, even while playing Thursday night on the second night of a back-to-back set that opened with Wednesday night’s victory over the Charlotte Hornets, the Miami Heat managed to make it a game, one in which the deficit ultimately was too much to overcome.

With Jimmy Butler playing on both nights a back-to-back set for the first time this season, the Heat clawed back within three before falling 124-116 to the Chicago Bulls at Kaseya Center, their first game without a lead this season and only second loss to an opponent with a losing record.

“You do have to credit them, they jumped all over us,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Seemingly on fumes early and out of gas late, the Heat fell despite 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists from Butler, 22 points from Jaime Jaquez Jr.. 17 apiece from Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin, and 16 from Kevin Love.

“We just didn’t come out with a lot of energy,” Lowry said.

The Bulls got a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double from center Nikola Vucevic and a 26-point, 11-assist double-double from guard Coby White, with veteran forward DeMar DeRozan scoring 23.

Five Degrees of Heat from Thursday night’s game:

1. Closing time: The Heat fell behind 33-8 before moving within 36-22 at the end of the first quarter, a period the Bulls were 7 of 10 on 3-pointers.

“They did a good job of getting to their spots,” Lowry said.

But with a 14-0 second-quarter run that grew to a 24-5 surge, the Heat stood within 60-56 at halftime.

“I loved the spirit that everybody brought in that second quarter and we got right back in the game,” Spoelstra said.

The Heat then moved within three early in the third period, fell back behind by 14, closing the third quarter down 93-88, with Butler with his traditional rest at the top of fourth.

“What I would have liked to see is us take the lead in that second half, just once,” Spoelstra said.

Butler returned with 6:59 to play and the Heat down 106-101.

The deficit then moved to 11, before a Lowry 3-pointer with 3:20 left got the Heat within 113-108. But an Ayo Dosunmu 3-pointer with 2:27 left extended Chicago’s lead to 116-109. Dosunmu closed with 24 points.

“Those last six minutes . . . we’re definitely going to have to get better at that,” Spoelstra said.

2. Sordid start: The Heat’s start was so startling, down 14 within the first five minutes, that 10 Heat players saw action in the first 8:06, including RJ Hampton making just his second appearance with the team and first since two minutes of mop-up duty Oct. 28.

“We didn’t start the game with a lot of juice and we’re not going to make any excuses about it,” Spoelstra said.

The lone available Heat player not to appear was forward Cole Swider.

The first time the teams met, the Bulls fell behind 22-1 on Nov. 18 at United Center before rallying to win.

“They made a lot of shots, give them credit,” Lowry said, “They came out with super-high energy.”

Hampton also got minutes in the second half, closing with three points and two rebounds in 9:27.

“I think it was important for him to get his feet wet,” Spoelstra said.

Hampton appreciated the run.

“I just tried to change the pace of the game,” Hampton said.

3. Jaquez again: Jaquez extended his streak to a career-best 12 consecutive games scoring in double figures, doing it for the 17th time in his last 18 games.

The last Heat rookie to do it in 12 in a row was Kendrick Nunn in 2019.

Jaquez led all players with 14 first-half points.

Bulls coach Billy Donovan during his pregame comments took note of the first-round pick out of UCLA..

“He’s got a really good feel, has been able to come in and fit in,” Donovan said. “Tough. Competitive. Physical. Makes physical plays both defensively and offensively.”

4. Middle men: It was another uneven effort for Orlando Robinson in place of Adebayo, with Spoelstra again turning to Thomas Bryant for minutes.

Ultimately, after Vucevic dominated Robinson at the start of the third period. Spoelstra turned to Love, who scored 11 in the third, including three 3-pointers.

Bryant then stepped in for Love at the start of the fourth, in a game that was a decided defensive struggle for Orlando Robinson. From there, Love played as closer.

“I knew at some point I had to play more than eight guys,” Spoelstra said. “I was really just searching in the fourth quarter.”

5. Do it again: The teams meet again Saturday to close out the four-game season series. The teams met in a similar two-game set last month in Chicago, with the Bulls winning the first and the Heat the second.

They key to another turnaround?

“I think starting off better,” Jaquez said. “It’s not a position we wanted to start in.”

The scheduling has the Heat closing their season series against the Bulls before a first meeting of the season against Eastern Conference opponents Orlando and Philadelphia.

Arrested Broward schools volunteer won’t face criminal charges, state attorney says

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 17:34

A Broward schools volunteer won’t face criminal charges after being arrested and accused of battery on a law enforcement officer, the Broward State Attorney’s Office has determined.

The decision to clear Debbie Espinoza came three days after the school district released a consultant’s report that concluded her arrest was avoidable and that school police failed to de-escalate tensions at a heated Oct. 17 School Board meeting.

Espinoza spent 27 hours in the Broward County Jail after being arrested by John Mastrianni, 63, a detective with the school district’s Special Investigative Unit. In addition to the felony battery charge, he accused her of disrupting a public meeting, a misdemeanor.

But the State Attorney’s Office found insufficient evidence to pursue either charge, according to a closeout memo filed Thursday by Staci DiRenzo, an assistant state attorney. The memo cited both a witness from the meeting, lawyer Alfreda Coward, and the district’s external review prepared by Timothy Enos, who retired last year as police chief for the Sarasota County School District.

One of the key findings from Enos’ report was that just prior to the arrest, Mastrianni appeared to move into Espinoza’s “personal space,” which caused her to bump into him.

“The video and eyewitness testimony make it clear that due to the Detective’s location, the arrestee could not have moved without making contact with the Detective,” the memo states. “Therefore, the State cannot prove that the arrestee intentionally struck the Detective.”

The incident happened at a School Board meeting where a new sex education curriculum was being approved. Espinoza spoke in favor of the curriculum and got into a verbal dispute with sex-ed opponent Deidre Ruth, who was not arrested.

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School police detectives escorted both attendees out of the meeting, but only Espinoza was criminally accused of disrupting the meeting. Enos concluded that neither attendee should have been escorted out, because the two had stopped talking when warned by School Board Chairwoman Lori Alhadeff. By law, the board chair is the person designated to order a disruptive attendee to be evicted from a meeting.

“Because the arrestee ceased her interaction with the second party during the meeting, and because there was no request to remove her from the meeting, her behavior inside the meeting room will not support the charge of disruption of a School Board meeting,” DiRenzo wrote.

Broward school officials say they respect the State Attorney’s decision.

“The Board will continue to prioritize the safety of our stakeholders while ensuring they have a welcoming place to participate,” Alhadeff told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

District spokesman John Sullivan said the district has already made procedural changes to meetings, and police officers will receive additional training. Superintendent Peter Licata also will present the board with structural changes to the district’s safety division in early 2024, Sullivan said.

Neither Espinoza nor her lawyer could be reached for comment Thursday evening. A union representative for Mastrianni questioned the decision. Mastrianni felt Espinoza was being overly aggressive and intentionally made contact with him, said Rod Skirvin, president of the Broward Police Benevolent Association

“It does raise concern for the safety of officers and the School Board members themselves because being physical at a meeting is unacceptable behavior,” Skirvin said. “We need to make certain people have the opportunity to voice their opinions in a respectful, calm manner without becoming violent.”

Espinoza’s arrest raised concern among School Board members, who instructed Licata to conduct the outside review. She’s been a longtime volunteer and advocate and was named the district’s “Volunteer of the Year” in 2020.

“While I’m saddened by the terrible ordeal Ms. Espinoza has been through, I’m glad that common sense prevailed and her name has been rightfully cleared,” Board member Sarah Leonardi said.

Board member Debbi Hixon added, “Very glad to know that someone finally did the right thing.”

Biden hosts four NASA astronauts, the first crew aiming to fly around the moon in a half-century

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 17:09

By COLLEEN LONG (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The four astronauts assigned to fly around the moon for the first time in 50 years met with President Joe Biden on Thursday at the White House, where he showed off an moon rock on display in the Oval Office that was collected in the Apollo era.

The Artemis II crew — three Americans and one Canadian — said the president was making good on a promise to host them at the White House after they were named to the mission earlier this year. They also met with Vice President Kamala Harris.

“It’s been really nice to shake their hands and tell them thank you for their leadership and making it possible for us to have this amazing journey,” said pilot Victor Glover.

The four astronauts will be the first to fly NASA’s Orion capsule, launching atop a Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center no earlier than late 2024. They will not land or even go into lunar orbit, but rather fly around the moon and head straight back to Earth, a prelude to a lunar landing by two others planned for a year later.

“As the crew, we don’t even think about the date,” said commander Reid Wiseman. “We will go when NASA and the vehicle are ready to fly.”

In the meantime, the crew is preparing. They use simulators and work with Mission Control on how to get up and back safely, including how to get out when they return to Earth. They have a dress rehearsal in February where they’ll practice “bobbing around” in a capsule in the Pacific Ocean.

“It takes a huge team of people to put four humans … to sling them around the moon and back and still have them breathing when they hit the Pacific. And we work with them every single day,” said mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, the Canadian member of the group.

This is the first moon crew to include someone from outside the U.S. — and the first crew in NASA’s new moon program named Artemis, after the twin sister of mythology’s Apollo. Late last year, an empty Orion capsule flew around the moon and back in a long-awaited dress rehearsal.

The astronauts got their first look at their spaceship in August. But investigations into the capsule’s heat shield could delay their trip. Last year’s test flight around the moon, with no one on board, resulted in unexpected charring and loss of material from the heat shield at the bottom of the capsule. The heat shield is meant to protect the capsule against the extreme heat of reentry.

Mission specialist Christina Koch said Biden talked about a speech John F. Kennedy gave in 1962 on the mission to the moon, and he referenced the part where Kennedy said the U.S. would go to the moon because the goal was a challenge and “one we are unwilling to postpone.”

“And that shows to me that he is committed to the mission that we have, that we are going to show through his leadership that we can do great things,” she said.

During Apollo, NASA sent 24 astronauts to the moon from 1968 through 1972. Twelve of them landed. All were military-trained male test pilots except for Apollo 17’s Harrison Schmitt, a geologist who closed out that moon-landing era alongside the late Gene Cernan.

The moon rock on display in the Oval Office — Lunar Sample 76015,143 — is on loan from NASA. It was collected in 1972 by Schmitt and Cernan. The rock is believed to be about 3.9 billion years old, and it weighs a little less than a pound.

Weekend things to do: Winterfest, two SantaCons, ‘Dirty Dancing’ in Delray, a new place to watch Dolphins-Jets

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 05:00

This is the most socially joyful weekend of the 2023 holiday season, with the celebration of the final days of Hanukkah and the glow of Christmas, and more contemplative mingling, just in the distance. So the next few days bring us the Winterfest Boat Parade (Boyz II Men grand marshals) and its attendant waterfront cocktail parties; two (two!) SantaCon bar crawls in Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale; two nights of Andrea Bocelli at Hard Rock Live; and the Y-100 Jingle Ball, with shocking pink headliner Nicki Minaj. Elsewhere, there’s a sing-along screening of “Dirty Dancing” at Old School Square, a new sports bar to watch Dolphins-Jets on Sunday, and the answer to your question: “Whatever happened to the band Zebra?”

Note to readers: With inclement weather likely to linger across South Florida through much of the weekend, consult websites that accompany these listings for the latest information on outdoor events. 

THURSDAY

Red, white and booze: SantaCon Delray Beach will add its costumed bar crawl to the hustle and bustle of East Atlantic Avenue on Thursday from 7 p.m. to midnight. Check-in is at Honey, and other participating venues include Salt7, The Wine Room, The Office, The O.G. and Thrōw Social, which will host an after-party at midnight. A $30 ticket gets you free admission to all venues, a $40 VIP ticket comes with admission and a free drink at each venue. Visit Instagram.com/honeydelray. In case you’ve lost the user manual, SantaCon is a different kind of bar crawl. You’re dressed as Santa or some other symbol of the season, so you do not want to hurt the brand. Be of good cheer, but not drunk. And tip your bartender. SantaCon Delray also will be accepting (new unwrapped) toy donations for the 33rd annual Delray Beach Holiday Toy Drive. For information, visit SantaConDelray.EventBrite.com.

Christmas carols: A cappella group Pentatonix have turned the holidays into something of a cottage industry — their new release, “The Greatest Christmas Hits” (a double album!), is the quintet’s seventh holiday album. They perform at 8 p.m. Thursday at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Remaining tickets start at $95+ at MyHRL.com.

What you want: If you are a tri-state ex-pat of a certain vintage, the soundtrack of your misspent youth likely includes Zebra, who went from being your favorite Led Zeppelin tribute bar band to their own thing with an eponymous 1983 debut album that includes radio hits “Who’s Behind the Door?” and “Tell Me What You Want.” The original band — Randy Jackson, Felix Hanemann and Guy Gelso — will perform on Thursday from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Galuppi’s in Pompano Beach. In a deviation from tradition at Galuppi’s, you’ll need a ticket and/or table reservation for this show: General admission costs $49.99+, with tables for two, four or six people available for $75+ per person. Visit Galuppis.com.

Holiday cocktails: Kapow Noodle Bar, with locations in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park and on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, has a new menu of four holiday cocktails available, including the eye-catching and eye-opening Polar Express-o-tini, which melds Skyy (vodka) Infusions Espresso, Borghetti coffee liqueur, espresso, peppermint, and Dugan and Dame coffee bitters ($16). Visit KapowNoodleBar.com.

Kapow Noodle Bar, with locations in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, has a new holiday cocktail menu that includes the Polar Express-o-tini. (Kapow Noodle Bar/Courtesy) FRIDAY

Weekend laughs: Writer and comedian John Mulaney (also an actor — who caught him on Season 2 of “The Bear”?) brings more dark and hilariously told tales of very personal woe (who saw his recent special “Baby J” on Netflix?) to Hard Rock Live at 8 p.m Friday. Tickets are available, starting at $48+, at MyHRL.com.

Come on down: The touring “Wheel of Fortune LIVE! will bring its iconic roulette whirligig and other games of chance to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach on Friday at 8 p.m., hosted by Mark L. Walberg, seen on “Antiques Roadshow” and a variety of TV game shows. For tickets (starting at $25+) and to register for a chance to compete onstage, visit Kravis.org

The time of your life: The Amphitheatre at Old School Square in downtown Delray Beach will be the setting for a screening of “Dirty Dancing” accompanied by a live band and the inevitable audience sing-along. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the digitally remastered film and concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. and a post-screening party with the band and singers continuing until 10 p.m. Tickets begin at $29+, with VIP access for $125+. Visit DelrayOldSchoolSquare.com.

St. Nick and St. Paul: Nu Deco Ensemble returns to the Arsht Center in Miami at 8 p.m. Friday as the thrill-seeking classical orchestra created by Jacomo Bairos and Sam Hyken offers another adventurous program that features collaborations with rising operatic baritone Will Liverman and eclectic Southern soul band St. Paul & The Broken Bones. The evening will include “Nu Nutcracker,” an NDE spin on Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, and a suite celebrating iconic singer Tina Turner. Tickets start at $35+ at Nu-Deco.org.

Revving up: Revolution Live in downtown Fort Lauderdale has tickets on sale Friday for a couple of noteworthy concerts: jazzy hip-hop trio Digable Planets on Feb. 18 (advance tickets $35.50+) and punk icons Social Distortion and Bad Religion in an outdoor block party on April 27 (advance tickets $52.50+). Also recently announced was Wolfgang Van Halen at the Rev on May 12 (advance tickets $29.50+). Visit JoinTheRevolution.net.

SATURDAY Michael Laughlin/Sun SentinelThe Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade gets moving in the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale in 2021. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Santa is floating to town: Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, the historic Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, also known as “the Best Show on H2O,” also known as the world’s longest holiday cocktail party, flows through the middle of downtown Fort Lauderdale on the New River before pouring into the Intracoastal Waterway on its 12-mile journey to the turn-around on Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. If you do not have friends offering their catered patio to see the slow-moving spectacle, the official viewing area is at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park (southeast corner of Las Olas Boulevard and the Intracoastal). The gates open at 4 p.m., and you’ll find a seated viewing area, the Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard, live entertainment and family activities. The parade should reach the park at around 7 p.m. Tickets cost $30, or $25 for kids age 10 and younger. For more information, visit WinterfestParade.com. … If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, the Riverside Hotel will host a watch party from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with an open bar, for $79+. See the EventBrite.com page. 

Holiday spirits: SantaCon returns to Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., with the same rules mentioned above in Delray Beach. Stay jolly, my friends. Check-in is at YOLO/O Lounge, with SantaCon drink specials found at Rooftop @1WLO, B Square Burgers + Booze, American Social, Big City Tavern and Salt7. Participation is free. Visit Facebook.com/santaconftl.

Stocker, Mike / Sun SentinelSantaCon is a little strange, but no stranger to downtown Fort Lauderdale. The 2023 edition kicks off on Saturday at YOLO. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Saint Nicki: Tickets starting at $20+ are available for the Y100 Jingle Ball at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, with a lineup that includes Nicki Minaj, Marshmello, AJR, Flo Rida, Ludacris, Nicky Jam and more. Visit iHeart.com/jingle-ball.  

A bowl full of Bocelli: Popular Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performs at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood with a seasonal production highlighting his 2022 album “A Family Christmas” at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are scarce, starting at $285+ at MyHRL.com.

Flea the scene: The Flamingo Flea will help allay your holiday gifting anxiety with an afternoon of shopping among its carefully curated lineup of local vendors on Saturday at Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton. The Flea runs from noon to 4 p.m. and will be accompanied by the restaurant’s well-regarded brunch offerings and craft beer, if you’re so inclined. Visit FlamingoFlea.com.

Clematis green: Vegan restaurant Ve, opened on Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach less than a year ago by Sub-Culture Group, will introduce its winter menu during its Plant-Based Pop-Up tasting event on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gathering, co-hosted by SoFlo Vegans, will include live music and free vegan bites, beverages and other goodies to anyone who RSVPs at Facebook.com/VeWPB/events or on the EventBrite.com page

Shopping Society: The cheerful gals of Sunny Side Up Market will host the Merry Christmas Market on Saturday at Society Las Olas on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Vendors will be set up on the terrace from noon to 4 p.m., with yoga and prosecco from noon to 1 p.m. (BYO mat) and live music 1 to 3 p.m. It would be good karma to bring an unwrapped toy for families at Broward Partnership. Visit Facebook.com/sunnysideupmarketBGN/events.

SUNDAY

A new place to hate the Jets: It’s Dolphins vs. Jets Weekend and if you are looking for a new place to watch the game, I can recommend an old place. But it’s new, too. Iconic downtown Fort Lauderdale restaurant Carlos & Pepe’s recently unveiled a beautiful renovation, courtesy of new owners Paula and Rich Ehmke, that now includes a bright and airy indoor-outdoor bar at the front of the house crowned by large TVs dedicated to games. The rest of the restaurant has been beautifully refreshed with a comforting, polished warmth that should appeal to both new residents and longtimers. See for yourself at Instagram.com/carlosandpepesfl.

Gotta have that phunk: New Orleans funk outfit Dumpstaphunk will join forces with rising bassist-singer Karina Rykman and local singer-songwriter R.L. Cooper at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the lovely Miami Beach Bandshell, a concert that sends all proceeds to the Miami Beach JCC. Doors open at 5 p.m. Ticket cost $38.63 at MiamiBeachBandshell.com.

Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com. Follow on Instagram @BenCrandell and Twitter @BenCrandell.

First look: A $6 million art project will make this bridge shine bright in Fort Lauderdale

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 05:00

A $6 million art project is expected to transform a bridge in Fort Lauderdale into a shiny nighttime display, with the hope of bedazzling tourists.

The art plans are in the works for the E. Clay Shaw Jr. Bridge, also known as the Southeast 17th Street bridge, which is situated near the Broward County Convention Center and Pier Sixty-Six. Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero said the bridge art project has been talked about “for a number of years,” but now is a “tremendous opportunity” to time it with the opening of the renovated Broward County Convention Center and hotel in 2025.

It is “time for us to also have an iconic piece of art,” Cepero said.

The theme of the artistic design is “Everyone Under the Sun & Everyone Under the Stars,” and the light display will be visible from the boats and water taxis traveling the Stranahan River, Port Everglades, and the riverfront.

Phillip Dunlap, director of the county’s Cultural Division, said there are “infinite possibilities of combinations of color” but the lighting scheme will need to eventually be approved by both the county and the Fort Lauderdale City Commission. It will only be lit at night. Dunlap said fixtures will shine the light onto the bridge, rather than the bridge emitting the lights.

Illustrations show a light project that Broward County has signed off on for the Southeast 17th Street bridge in Fort Lauderdale. (Broward County/Courtesy)

As Broward backs the project, artistic renderings have been released to show what’s possible for the bridge. The renderings show the bridge in an array of colors at night.

The plan is “an important art project so when people leave Broward they’re talking about how great it was,” Broward Commissioner Steve Geller said.

Considering the costs

How the county will come up with the money for the bridge artwork is still a matter of discussion. The $6 million fee includes the artist fee, installation and maintenance, and additional art sculptures.

To cover the bill, the county has set aside $2 million, which includes $1.5 million raised from the Tourist Development Tax, the “bed tax” from hotel stays by tourists. County officials said they hope to raise the remaining $4 million from donations by private businesses and cities — with incentives such as plaques or invitations to the ribbon cutting.

Commissioner Mark Bogen raised concern about the cost. “I got a problem with this, and my problem is we’re spending $6 million on lights,” he said. For that money, the county “could be doing a lot more than putting money into lights. I understand it’s important to put money into art. … But half-a-million dollars maybe, maybe $1 million. $6 million when we could be helping people in so many other ways? I just have a problem with the amount of money.”

So county officials pledged that if the donations don’t come through, they will not dip into the general fund to make up the difference. General fund money is spent on social services, libraries and parks and recreation. Where the money will come from, though, has not been decided.

A bridge with many names

The 17th Street Bridge originally was named the Brook Memorial Causeway when it opened in 1956.

It was named after A.H. Brook, a colorful promoter around town during the Depression and World War II-era who championed the free use of the Intracoastal Waterway and coined the city’s slogan as “the Venice of America.”

But the Florida Department of Transportation renames structures after they are torn down and the bridge was reconstructed to allow taller boats to pass without raising it.

In 1998, the city requested the bridge be named after U.S. Rep. E. Clay Shaw Jr. because the former congressman “single-handedly” acquired $27.5 million in federal funding for it. The ribbon-cutting happened in 2002.

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash

UF top recruit LJ McCray ready to help rebuild Gators

Thu, 12/14/2023 - 04:00

TALLAHASSEE — With his right index finger signaling No. 1, Daytona Beach Mainland star defender LJ McCray held the gold medal between his teeth and bit down, savoring state-championship success. 

The moment culminated an arduous yet satisfying journey he’s eager to bring to the Gators, where Florida coach  Billy Napier’s rebuild needs able bodies and unwavering buy-in.

“That’s kind of what I did at Mainland,” McCray said following the school’s first state title since 2003. “That’s a pretty cool idea. It makes it taste better.”

McCray said he is “still locked in” to the Gators’ 2024 class, where the 6-foot-6, 260-pound lineman will serve as its defensive centerpiece. Even so, potential suitors Florida State and Auburn remain in hot pursuit, knowing that Napier’s struggles and the nature of recruiting make McCray fair game until he signs Wednesday. 

“For the last two weeks with everything going on with recruiting, I’ve been trying to win a state championship,” he said. “Now it’s is time to focus with what’s going on with the recruiting.”

All eyes in Gator Nation will be watching nervously until the nation’s No. 2 defensive line prospect, per 247Sports, is officially in the fold.

Daytona Beach Mainland star LJ McCray celebrates the Buccaneers’ state Class 3S title win against St. Augustine on Dec. 7 at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee. (Edgar Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

A commitment flip would severely undercut a class ranked No. 5 — down two spots after 5-star pass rusher Jamonta Waller bailed last month for Auburn — and further undermine Napier’s efforts following a 5-7 finish in Year 2.

Following his team’s title run, McCray sounded ready to honor his Oct. 21 decision.

“My goal for taking so long to commit was I wanted to commit and stay committed,” he said. “That was my main goal, anyway, so it’s definitely going to take a lot.”

While leading Mainland to its first title in 20 years, McCray looked the part, wearing Florida Gators gloves during a dramatic 21-19 victory against St. Augustine. Afterward, he recalled the Buccaneers’ rise from a 5-5 squad during his sophomore season to a 2022 title contender to 2023 Class 3S champion.

“It wasn’t easy,” he said.

McCray envisions a similar trajectory in Gainesville, which would keep him close to home.

L.J. McCray of Daytona Beach Mainland has risen to the top of the Sentinel’s 2024 Central Florida Super60 and has quickly become one of the best defensive ends in the country. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)

“As a parent the proximity is always a plus,” Lawal McCray Sr. told the Orlando Sentinel. “Mom’s thing was: ‘As long as we can get to you with a tank of gas, we’re good.’ “

McCray — a coach for more than 20 years, including 13 at alma mater Bethune-Cookman — also is confident his son will thrive wherever he goes.

“He’s naturally strong. He has the length;  he has the size; he has the tenacity,” he said. “He definitely has a great work ethic — that will carry you a long way. A lot of guys may have certain tools, but without a work ethic you won’t get better.”

While LJ’s desire to improve impressed his father, it occasionally came with a price.

“I told him, ‘If you want to work out, I’ll go. I’m not going to tell you,’” McCray said. “I never had to. Even days I was on the couch, I didn’t want go nowhere, ‘Dad, let’s go and grab an hour.’ …. ‘All right, let’s go.’”

LJ McCray eventually evolved into a force, registering 39 tackles for loss, including 15 sacks in 2023.

Top UF recruit L.J. McCray of Daytona Beach Mainland is the nation’s No. 2 defensive line prospect after registering 39 tackles for loss, including 15 sacks, to help the Buccaneers to their first state title since 2003. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)

Along the way, Mary McCray appreciated her son’s ability to handle his rising local celebrity.

“We’re very fortunate,” she told the Sentinel. “He never gave us a problem, and with all the things that have come to him, all the blessings that have come his way, he’s so humble. I want him to stay that way.

“He’s a good kid.”

LJ McCray and Napier appear to be a good match.

The promising talent and embattled coach, just 11-14 in two seasons at UF, connected quickly during the recruiting process.

“He’s believed in me from the beginning,” McCray said. “That definitely means a lot.”

McCray appreciates the conversations the two have shared in Gainesville.

“We talk about deep things and things we can do together,” he said.

McCray also has developed bonds with young defensive linemen Kelby Collins, T.J. Searcy and Kamran James of Orlando, a talented young trio of Gators.

After news broke Napier fired defensive line coach Sean Spencer, Collins immediately texted McCray, who was practicing for Mainland’s semifinal matchup with Ocala Vanguard.

“Those guys are like my big brothers, so I can talk to them about anything,” he said.

Future Florida defenders certainly have plenty to discuss. The Gators ranked 11th in the SEC in total defense and points allowed while ranking 12th in sacks.

As the early signing period enters its final days, McCray appears to be ready for the challenge ahead.

“He’s got the right attitude,” Mary McCray said. “He understands coming in, they’re in a building process. He’s excited about it.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

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