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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - As beachgoers head to the beach this weekend, Fort Lauderdale officials are warning about rip currents.

While it was a beach day on Thursday, 7News cameras caught Fort Lauderdale lifeguards catching up with some swimmers who went too far out.

“We do maintain the swimming bathing limits. The lifeguards go out and enforce those limits and keep people safe,” said Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue Lt. Wade Rickerson.

Rickerson said that once the calendar becomes March, the beaches start to fill up as spring break begins.

“We’re going to have tens of thousands of students from all over the country coming down over the next month or so to come visit Fort Lauderdale Beach,” said Rickerson.

Officials said the rip current flags may be red on Friday and throughout the weekend as the forecast calls for stronger surf and the potential for rip currents.

“When we have strong east winds, they create rip currents that make it difficult for swimmers to return back to shore if you get caught in one,” said Rickerson.

The east winds create trapped energy, which leads to rip currents at the beach.

Officials said that if a person gets caught in a rip current, they should not swim against it. Rather, swim parallel to the beach and then head to shore.

“What people don’t even realize that they are stuck in a rip current, they start moving away from the shore and then they say ‘Well, I don’t want to be here,’ They start trying to go against the rip current, struggle, start to panic, use up all their energy, and ultimately drown before someone comes to rescue them,” said Miami-Dade Fire Ocean Rescue Beach Safety Manager, Capt. Matthew Sparling.

Rickerson provided other tips swimmers should keep in mind.

“We recommend that you stay close to shore. If you are consuming alcohol at the beach, we don’t recommend you go in the water. Be safe, come down and enjoy yourself,” said Rickerson.

Additional tips include staying relaxed and not doing much while being caught in the current.

If a person remains stuck after all the tips, experts say, start waving arms so that a lifeguard can see the person. Officials also urge beachgoers to swim at a beach with a lifeguard on duty.

Officials said travelers could see packed beaches and traffic delays as spring break ends at the end of March.

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South Florida‘s latest premier women’s professional soccer team, Fort Lauderdale United FC, has unveiled its name and crest, signaling a significant milestone ahead of its debut in the USL Super League this August.

Newly appointed CEO Deon Graham‘s team aims to empower talent, nurture players, and unite the South Florida community through soccer. With a recently acquired Division One Sanctioning from the U.S. Soccer Federation, Fort Lauderdale United FC is set to compete at the highest level of professional soccer in the United States.

The team’s crest prominently features the initials FTL, symbolizing the intertwining canals of the city, while the design captures the vibrant sun reflecting off the region’s waters. The color palette reflects Fort Lauderdale’s renowned beaches and shallow waters, with seafoam green complementing ocean blue.

Deon Graham, a South Florida native and experienced marketer, expressed his enthusiasm for leading Fort Lauderdale United FC into the next phase.

“I’m thrilled about creating a clear path for a Division 1 professional women’s soccer team to flourish in South Florida. Our community deserves a standout brand and a team that both the 954 and Broward County can take pride in. We’re dedicated to forging a pathway from youth to professional soccer and serving as a catalyst for women’s professional soccer in the region.” said CEO, Deon Graham.

Fort Lauderdale United FC is focused on on-field success and committed to bringing entertainment and job opportunities to the area. The team has garnered steadfast support from the cities of Davie and Fort Lauderdale and Nova Southeastern University, where the practice and game fields are located. Plans for a modernized stadium and on-site training facilities are in the works, fostering internship and job opportunities for students interested in sports careers.

The team’s association with NSU and its executive vice president, Harry Moon, M.D., highlights the university’s excitement to be part of the start of professional women’s soccer in South Florida. Fort Lauderdale United FC aspires to be both a global competitor and a local staple, embodying the values of Fort Lauderdale and fostering a culture of dedication and unity.

Co-founders Tommy Smith and Deon Graham have collaborated closely with Mayor Judy Paul of Davie and Mayor Dean J. Trantalis of Fort Lauderdale to create an experience indicative of a shared purpose. The goal is to build stronger community bonds and engagement through sports, with Mayor Paul expressing immense pride in having a major professional women’s soccer team in Davie.

Mayor Trantalis of Fort Lauderdale echoed the excitement, emphasizing the city’s commitment to diversity, equity, and excellence on and off the field. The inclusion of women’s sports reinforces their dedication to becoming a premier sports destination. Fans and residents can stay updated on Fort Lauderdale United FC by visiting www.FTLUTD.com and can connect on social media via Instagram (@FTLUTD), Facebook (@FTLUTD), and Twitter (@FTLUTD).

The USL Super League anticipates a vibrant season ahead, featuring eight teams with more expected to join in subsequent seasons. Fans can access information about the new brand, purchase merchandise, and secure season tickets through the official website.

A little tear is trickling down my cheek as I look at emails from Lincoln Square BID, Gale Brewer, and West Side Rag. You see, for reasons beyond my control, I’m in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for a few months. It’s beautiful down here: beaches with blue water and lots of greenery. But I miss the Upper West Side. Ft. Lauderdale is very pretty and pleasant. The UWS is alive.

One thing folks have here is beautiful weather. Conversations begin with gleeful bad weather reports from home. “Hi, did you know it was 22 degrees in New York?” or “How are you? It’s snowing back home.” Cold fronts lead the local news: lows in the 50s, highs reaching the low 60’s. Northerners would jump for joy.

The good weather might explain why people nod and smile as you pass. Right-of-way drivers kindly wave you on to cross the street, even when lights are changing. Not like NY drivers and pedestrians who play chicken. BUT there’s no casual chit-chat. On the UWS, conversing with strangers is natural. Down here: polite silence. No group discussions.

For example, at an art fair booth I visited, a woman sneezed. No one said anything, not even ‘Bless You’ or ‘Gesundheit.’ Up north after the blessing, the sneezer would assure everyone it wasn’t COVID, that she had a cold or allergies. This would bring a chorus of doctor recommendations, each being the best, followed by health-experience sharing.

I guess folks here follow the “don’t talk to strangers” rule. When I complimented someone on his dog, he looked startled, taking a few beats before thanking me. Even the dog look surprised. Neighborhood dogs run to their fences barking and growling as you pass by, a clear indication that they’ll bite if you try to have a meaningful moment. NY dogs, on the other hand, bark at each other, but rarely at people. Trotting along, New York pooches are used to human admiration and petting.

“Walk” is a foreign term in Ft. Lauderdale. This is a driving and boating city. People hop into their cars to go a couple of blocks. I’ve discovered that places I used to drive to are walkable. There are huge yachts and boats galore. There’s even a water taxi. Must admit a nicer experience than our version. But here’s the big difference. From the UWS, you can go anywhere in the city or boroughs on mass transit. Even New Jersey. Here, it’s sketchy; bus “service” is a misnomer. I will never again complain about long waits for the M11 or M5. Average wait time between buses here is 45 minutes. As you can see, cars rule.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. OK, I am as I sit on a balcony watching yachts go by. I guess it’s a matter of liking big city living or not. People here think we New Yorkers are crazy (and arrogant.) They don’t understand that New York offers an embarrassment of riches. Music, theater, art, fashion, design, culture. Creativity everywhere. Actors, musicians, singers, artists, and writers calling the UWS home. Central Park, farmers markets, fruit stands, and corner flower markets brightening the neighborhood. Maybe most of all, I miss the special brand of New York humor.

I know I can Zoom events and I do. But it’s not the same as experiencing them in person — with the added benefit of meeting terrific people. To be fair, there are those you meet who hate NYC and want to leave. As my father used to say, that’s why there’s chocolate and vanilla.

Ft Lauderdale is a wonderful place to visit. But there’s no place like home.

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‘The History, Culture and Rebuild of the Historic Sistrunk Blvd.’

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, February 28, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The adventure begins at Smitty’s where Senator Chris Smith opened a popular wing joint to tell the story of Sistrunk Blvd. with a picture wall that walks you through the timeline of black history in the area. The Divas threw a party that was open to the public and brought out a diverse group of over 150+ locals supporting the rebuild of this historic area.

Thank you to the sponsors: Uncle Nearest Whiskey and Empire Cigars.

The 2nd stop on this iconic tour was Betty’s Soul Food. Betty’s has been around for 50 years on Sistrunk Blvd. and is considered the staple restaurant in the area. With Celebrities and Politicians such as Janet Jackson and Hilary Clinton stopping by when they are in town, it's definitely considered a landmark on the block.

The Divas then made their way to the new state of the art YMCA which holds a lot of memories from Doctor Sistrunk and previously standing Provident Hospital. Inside the Black Box Theatre the Divas threw a beautiful event with over 100+ attendees and performances by DJ Adiac, Guitarist Teddy, Comedian Sharon Phieffer and Magician Remy Connor. The Divas were awarded a Dining Divas day November 14th with a Proclamation by the Mayor of Ft Lauderdale which was presented by Vice Mayor Pamela Beasley-Pittman.

Thank you to the sponsors: Nikka Whiskey, Vie De Reve Sparkling Wine, Chef The Rose & Gosling Rum.

The Divas dropped into Donna’s Caribbean Restaurant next for a unique and eclectic menu from ackee salt fish to curry goat, the food was mouthwatering good. This hot spot has the only drive thru on Sistrunk Blvd. so you can grab quality food to go.

They closed out this episode at the Checkmate Barber Shop for a community block party. The ladies took a tour of the work, play, eat space that includes Blueprint Recording - a podcast studio, Provident Market - a bottega named after the historic hospital and State of Mind - an office space that creates a collaborative environment for locals. This creative space is owned and operated by Devon Fraser, Greg Wright and Lucian White. They ended the day jammin’ out at the Sistrunk Festival with thousands of residents.

To keep up with all things ‘Dining Divas’ follow on social media @diningdivastvFor more information and all media inquiries, please contact the Executive Producer, Christine Curran | contact@diningempire.com | (954) 865-7813 | www.DiningDivas.tv

Additional Information:

Dining Divas is led by founder and CEO Christine Curran also known as the ‘Spicy Diva’. Christine was dubbed ‘Entertainment Guru’ for her 18+ plus years as a model, actress, tv host, talent agent, event planner and tv producer. You can see all of Christine’s experience at www.ChristineCurran.com.

For this episode, Curran will be bringing along this cast of co-hosts:

Tamara Davis - @rentalsinparadise - CEO of Tamara's Rentals In Paradise, a Sotheby's Global Real Estate Advisor. She is an elite connector who has mastered putting people in the right places to effectively build relationships that thrive.

Kelly Desroches - @keltherese - Mortgage broker and executive director of the Tower Club in Fort Lauderdale which is an exclusive membership only club known as the Mecca for the elite of Broward county.

Ingrid Morales - @imrealtyconcierge - Ingrid excels in connecting partners and clients for potential opportunities in real estate and finance. With a commitment to integrity and exceptional customer experiences, Ingrid serves as a valuable turnkey partnership resource in all your lifestyle needs.

Ana Maria Reyes - @anareyestv - Bilingual and proud of her Latin American roots, Ana has covered events around the globe, interviewing prominent figures in both English and Spanish for nearly two decades. Her love for travel & culinary exploration also aligns with her current role as Director of Marketing at Jets 100 — a private jet membership club dedicated to curating unparalleled luxury travel experiences.

Melky Jean - @therealmelkyjean - is a philanthropist and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter known for her impactful humanitarian work, particularly in empowering women and children worldwide. When she's not making a difference, Melky can be found captivating audiences alongside her brother Wyclef Jean during their electrifying performances on stage.

Christine Curran Diva Dynasty llc +1 954-865-7813 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

Promo - Betty's Soul Food and YMCA Dining Divas event

FORT LAUDERDALE - City officials in Stuart say they've been selected to be the site of a new Brightline station.

"I'm just so excited. It means so much to our community, the future is bright for the next generation," said Stuart Mayor Rebecca Bruner.

The high-speed train company that connects South Florida to Orlando looked at several proposals for some time, and officials say the company approved their proposal to build it behind the Martin County courthouse. This comes after a competition for a Treasure Coast stop which was also highly sought by Fort Pierce.

"So many people want to take the Brightline. I mean, it's the greenway to go," said Bruner.

Opinions from those who live and work in Stuart were mixed, due to their concerns regarding traffic passing through what locals call 'confusion corner', a busy roundabout intersection downtown.

The station will be near the downtown area so passengers will be within walking distance of restaurants and shops.

"I just think everyone is going to be happy. I think all the businesses downtown, if you want to open up a business, maybe now will be a good time," said Bruner.

The estimated cost for the project is at least $60 million.

The city would cover the costs of a parking garage, while Martin County and Brightline would fund the rest. The city plans to lease the property to Brightline at a dollar a year - for 80 years.

City leaders are still waiting on specifics about the project, including construction.

Brightline has not made any formal announcement yet, but city officials say that the company may wait until they all get together in about two weeks for the ceremonial announcement at the chosen site.

CBS Miami Team

The CBS Miami team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSMiami.com.

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