Honoring a loved one is one of the most personal things you will ever do. That’s why it matters that the memorial feels true to the life they lived. In a city like Miami, where culture and traditions are part of everyday life, you have the chance to create something that feels real and lasting. Image by katarinagondova / Adobestock Every neighborhood, from Little Havana to Coral Gables, carries stories and memories. The city’s diversity opens the door to planning a memorial that respects both tradition and personal wishes. If you want a service that feels right for your family and for the one you love, you will find real options here. Let’s look at how to make it meaningful. What Makes a Memorial Truly Meaningful? A memorial becomes meaningful when it shows the person’s life in ways that feel real. It starts with small choices that show who they were and what mattered most to them. Maybe it is a favorite song played softly in the background. Or maybe it is a quiet space filled with the people they cared about most. In Miami , every family brings different traditions and memories. Some gatherings honor cultural roots. Others create new ways to remember a unique life. But what stays with people after the service is not the size or setting. It is the feeling of closeness, the sense that the memorial matched the life it celebrated. When the details are chosen with care, the memorial becomes more than an event. It becomes a lasting memory. Picking the Right Spot in Miami The location you choose shapes the entire feeling of a memorial. In Miami, the choices are as varied as the city itself. A service by the water can bring a sense of peace and openness. Many families find comfort in places like Biscayne Bay or one of the city’s quiet beaches. But if you prefer a more traditional setting, there are chapels tucked away in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove that offer calm, intimate spaces. These smaller venues help create a feeling of closeness for family and friends. Community spaces can also feel right, especially if they hold special meaning. A familiar park, a garden, or even a favorite cultural center can bring a sense of home to the memorial. Each neighborhood in Miami has its own spirit. Picking the right spot sets the tone and gives the memorial a feeling that stays with everyone who attends. Ideas That Go Beyond the Standard Service There are many ways to create something more personal. Some families plan a sunset gathering by the water, choosing spots like Crandon Park or South Pointe Beach where the view feels endless and peaceful. Others reserve a favorite local restaurant, maybe the place where birthdays were always celebrated or where Sunday mornings meant strong Cuban coffee and pastelitos shared at the table. Also, music often plays a big role. A live performance of a loved one’s favorite song can bring a special kind of closeness to the gathering.  In Miami, it might be a small band playing boleros, jazz, or even a quiet guitar piece by the bay. For those who loved being outdoors, places like Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden or the quiet spaces at The Kampong offer a natural, open setting where friends and family can share memories under the trees. Even small touches can leave a lasting impression. Passing around old photographs, serving foods that were part of their everyday life, or offering guests Cuban coffee as they arrive can make the memorial feel more personal. The goal is not to plan something large. It is to create something honest, something that feels like them, and something that feels like Miami. Getting Help from the Right Local Experts Planning a memorial can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Miami is home to many professionals who guide families through each step. Local memorial planners can help with finding a venue, arranging transportation, and taking care of the details so you can focus on what matters most. Also, some families look for custom headstones  that tell a personal story. Miami’s stone artisans work closely with families to design markers that feel unique and lasting. They understand the importance of creating something that speaks to both tradition and personal memory. Image by Sono Creative / Adobestock Further, there are florists, musicians, and venue managers who specialize in memorial services. Working with local experts can make the process easier and help you create a service that feels thoughtful from start to finish. Honoring Traditions, and Creating New Ones Miami’s mix of cultures brings a wide range of traditions when it comes to honoring loved ones. And many families choose familiar customs passed down through generations. Catholic families often hold a traditional mass, sometimes followed by a quiet meal with close relatives. Jewish families may gather for a shiva, creating a space to share memories and support each other. Also, in Cuban and Haitian homes, it is common to honor the loved one with music, prayer, and food that reminds everyone of where they came from. These traditions bring comfort because they offer steps that feel steady during a time of loss. But Miami also invites families to create new ways of remembering. A memorial could be a gathering at South Pointe Park at sunset or a quiet ceremony on a boat in Biscayne Bay. Some families set up memory tables with photos and keepsakes from places around the city that mattered most. Blending traditions with new touches helps the service feel personal. It respects the past while making space for the life the person lived in Miami . In a city that embraces every culture, the right way to remember someone is simply the way that feels most meaningful to your family. Small Touches That Leave a Big Impression Sometimes it is the smallest details that people remember most. In fact, in Miami, families often weave in pieces of daily life that make their loved ones unique. It could be a table with cafecito and pastelitos at the reception, or bright tropical flowers from a favorite local market placed near a photo. And a memory wall with pictures from time spent in Little Havana or a soft guitar performance at a bayside park can add moments that feel real and lasting. These touches do not have to be grand. They just have to feel like home. That’s why  when a service captures the colors, sounds, and spirit of the city, it creates a memory that feels alive just like the person it honors. Image by Anish Bindoriya / Pexels Closing Thoughts: Take Your Time, Do It Your Way Planning a memorial is not something you need to rush. In Miami, where traditions are rich and personal stories are part of everyday life, you have the space to make choices that feel right for you and your family. There is no single way to honor a loved one, no list you must follow. Some families lean on tradition. Others create something new that feels closer to the life that was lived. What matters most is that the memorial feels honest. Taking your time allows you to choose small details that stay true to the person you are remembering. In a city full of culture, history, and personal connection, you can create a memorial that feels as real and lasting as the memories you carry forward. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Adobestock & Pexels

We're partnering with the City of Miami Beach and neighboring institutions to present free monthly evenings of à la carte culture. Just hop on the complimentary trolley service stopping near participating locations (or grab your bike or comfy walking shoes!) and take in the best of South Beach's art, performances, screenings, and tours. Plan your night as you like it—choose a couple of spots, or make the full rounds, 6–9pm. Visit mbartsandculture.org for details and route. For June's Culture Crawl, learn more about The Wolfsonian's current exhibitions during a free guided tour starting at 6:15pm. Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025 Time: 6–9pm Location: The Wolfsonian–FIU @ 1001 Washington Avenue By ML Staff. Courtesy of The Wolfsonian–FIU

The City of Miami is gearing up to host the most eagerly anticipated event for comedy lovers: “Miami es un Chiste” (“Miami is a Joke”), the first international Spanish-language comedy festival in the United States. From June 13 to 21, the renowned  Miami Improv  at  CityPlace Doral  will be the epicenter of laughter and talent, with more than 20 shows featuring major names in comedy alongside emerging talents.  This groundbreaking event will bring together Florida’s diverse and vibrant Hispanic community in a space dedicated to stand-up comedy, podcasts and sketch performances.  Among the featured performers are Lucho Mellera, George Harris, Led Varela, Galder Varas, Nanutria, El Pio, Carlos Sánchez, Antonio Sanint, Angelo Colina, Lucas Lauriente, Titito Sanchez, Lucas Lauriente, Ernesto Rolón, Cristina Sánchez, Erick Bonilla, Ricardo Mendoza, Nacho Redondo, Manuel Ángel Redondo, Chente Ydrach, Kiko Blade, Victor Villamil, Luis Rodriguez, Francisco Ramos, Bonco Quiñongo, Ariel Santana, Luis Chataing and many more. This star-studded lineup promises a festival full of laughter and top-tier entertainment.  “Miami es un Chiste” not only aims to deliver first-class entertainment but also to support the careers of up-and-coming comedians, content creators and podcasters. The festival will serve as a platform for connection and networking between artists, audiences and the entertainment industry, opening new opportunities in the Hispanic market.  In addition to the in-person events, the festival will have broad exposure through digital platforms and social media, reaching a global audience and positioning Miami as the Spanish-language comedy capital. The full lineup includes:   Friday, June 13: 10:30 p.m. – Unipersonal de Lucho Mellera Saturday, June 14: 4 p.m. – Latinos Comedy Miami 7 p.m. – Esoez Live 10 p.m. – Unipersonal de Lucho Mellera Sunday, June 15: 4:30 p.m. – Standoperos: Erick Bonilla, Cristina Sanchez, Titito Sanchez, Ernesto Rolón 7 p.m. – Noches de Comedia con: Luis Chataing, Antonio Sanint y Carlos Sánchez 9:30 p.m. – El Showcito de Nanutria Monday, June 16: 4 p.m. – George Harris: Conversatorio Storytelling y Standup 7:30 p.m. – "Esto no es un Show" Galder Varas 10:30 p.m. – Pura Comedia: Nanutria, Carlos Hernández, Juan Cajiao, Fabrizio Copano y Stephan Dyer Tuesday, June 17: 7:30 p.m. – The Comedy Ring @boncoquinongo, @jdconsuflow, @eliasserulle, @arielsantana, @elpiord and @ztarlyn Wednesday, June 18: 4 p.m. – Chiste Interno: Podcast en vivo - Comedia en Español 7 p.m. – Crowdwork killers: Galder Varas, Manuel Ángel Eedondo, David Cepo y Nacho Redondo 10:30 p.m. – Daniel & Chucho Thursday, June 19: 7:30 p.m. – Nadia & Estefanía Stand Up Comedy 10 p.m. – Lo Mejor de: Led Varela, Angelo Colina y Francisco Ramos Friday, June 20: 4 p.m. – Chiste Interno: Podcast en vivo - Maestros de la Comedia 7:30 p.m. – Lucas Lauriente Stand Up Comedy 10 p.m. – Crowdwork Killers: Manuel Ángel Redondo, Ricardo Mendoza y Nacho Redondo For more information and tickets, please visit   MiamiEsUnChiste.com , and follow along on social media at @miamiesunchiste.

Image by Jermaine Uliwa / Pexels In the crypto sector, tax is a hot-button issue and has been for years at this point. The more that cryptocurrency gets used, the more attention tax authorities around the world are paying to it. In fact, there have been instances of tax authorities retroactively demanding tax on crypto transactions. But while governments around the world are trying to get their crypto tax laws together, Florida seems to be on track to eliminate them. A bill was recently introduced that, if passed, would eliminate the capital gains tax on crypto transactions.  This would come at a very peculiar time for the crypto industry, as more than ever, people are getting involved in digital assets. The increased involvement is reflected in the new all-time highs for tokens like Bitcoin, as well as growing interest in crypto-related products and services such as wallets. A demand for cryptocurrency always leads to a demand for wallets, and these days, there's a myriad of amazing options, of which you can learn more . And if you're using this wallet in Florida, chances are that your tax bill could be lowered in the future.  Specifically, gains on transactions using Bitcoin and XRP would go tax-free, as would certain stocks. The bill is reportedly being supported by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and if it passes, it would be the first of its kind in the US. This also comes as there are growing calls for the establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve. Two states already have Bitcoin reserves, and some others are considering it . But Florida could easily become a trailblazer in the crypto space if this passes. The growth of the crypto sector has seen various states and countries rush to become major investment hubs, and this could be Florida's way of distinguishing itself. The state already doesn't have a capital gains tax, so cryptocurrency transactions aren't taxed at the state level. But this bill is just as much about signalling Florida's openness to the industry as it is about actual tax. After all, businesses are known to move operations following existing tax laws and Florida having such a setup for crypto transactions would be attractive. We've already seen this play out with the United Arab Emirates, which also has a 0% tax on crypto transactions. In the last few years, it has become a major hub for businesses  in the crypto space, and Florida clearly wants some of that magic for itself. Image by Alain Garcia / Pexels In the context of the larger American political climate, this is also a good time. Current US President Donald Trump has been very enthusiastic about the crypto space and recently held a dinner with the top investors in his meme coin. At any other point in the American political scene, this might have seemed out of place, but now, the general atmosphere towards cryptocurrency is very welcoming.  This is not the first crypto-related bill that has been considered in the state recently. A previous bill, no. HB 487, would have seen state funds invested in cryptocurrency, but that has been put on the back burner. Cryptocurrency assets are already seeing more inclusion in state pensions, so this is also not out of the ordinary. Some experts have speculated that, should this law pass, it will influence other states to do the same, and this could create even more opportunities for crypto users and entrepreneurs. Additionally, the wave of support could have a positive impact on the prices of cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin and XRP. Either way, this bill and others like it are considered to be a net positive for the industry as a whole as well as all its participants.  By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Pexels

This July 4th, Nikki Beach Miami Beach invites guests to step back in time as it revives Penrod’s Beach Club for a one-day-only beach celebration. From 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the beachfront venue will transform into a nostalgic tribute to the original club that helped define South Beach’s identity. For one unforgettable celebration, Nikki Beach Miami Beach is taking you on a journey through time back to where it all began. Expect a full retro transformation of Nikki Beach Miami Beach, which will echo the look and feel of the original beach club. Nikki Beach Miami Beach’s resident DJs will spin the best tracks from every era that Penrod’s lived through, alongside live musicians and dancers bringing the energy back to the sand. Enjoy a special throwback menu featuring classic dishes once served during the club’s golden days. Guests are encouraged to bring their vintage Penrod’s memorabilia — hats, t-shirts, mugs — to receive a complimentary beer as a thank you to those who helped make history. This is more than just a party, it's a tribute to Nikki Beach Miami Beach’s roots, a celebration of where they’ve been, and a toast to where we’re going. Don’t miss this chance to be part of history. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Penrod’s Beach Club

Goldflower Cannabis , one of Florida’s fastest-growing vertically integrated cannabis companies known for setting a new standard in cannabis cultivation, product excellence, and customer experience, is continuing its expansion to meet rising patient demand across the state with their soon-to-open flagship location in the vibrant heart of Miami on Saturday, June 14th at 7401 Bird Road . Goldflower's Miami store will offer South Florida medical cannabis patients access to its celebrated line of Comparable to Organic flower, solventless concentrates, and premium edibles—all produced with the company’s signature reverence for the plant and passion for excellence. Goldflower’s curated brand portfolio includes in-house lines like Ideal Cannabis (the only certified Comparable to Organic grown flower in Florida), Space Coast, and GHOST, best in class national brands such as DH Farms by Doghouse and Turn vapes, as well as exclusive licensed collaborations with cultural icons such as Method Man, Ricky Williams, and Randy Lanier. Goldflower is also licensed to sell Lion Order products, created with superstars such as Ray Lewis of the Ravens, Mike James of the Bucs and Lions, Rohan Marley, and Michael Phelps. In fact, the Miami location will feature the state’s largest selection of Lion Order offerings. Each product embodies Goldflower’s relentless focus on purity, flavor, and innovation. Founded by leaders behind one of the largest cannabis exits in U.S. history (Cura), Goldflower has rapidly gained a reputation for producing Florida’s best flower, delivering top-tier customer service in their luxury stores to the best customers, and scaling a sustainable and profitable cannabis business. What excites you most about opening your seventh location, especially in a dynamic market like Miami? Angelo Lombardi, President of Goldflower: Miami is the most vibrant city in Florida and quite possibly the most exciting city in the US today. When one thinks of sports, arts, culture, music, nightlife and natural beauty, Miami is one of the top cities that comes to mind and so we are very excited to open our first stunningly beautiful store there. Additionally, several of our brands have a deep connection to Miami. One of our most premium brands is 34 by Ricky Williams who, of course, is a Miami Dolphins icon and so respected in the city. Additionally, the opening of our Miami store will coincide with the launch of the Lion Order brand at Goldflower. Lion Order was created by a group of ex Miami Hurricanes like Mike James (who also played for the Lions and the Bucs) and Bob Marley’s son Rohan who brings his fathers deep influence on cannabis to life through the brand. As such, Miami will be Goldflower’s flagship store and also be the home of our brand partners where they can experience their brands come to life. How do you choose the neighborhoods where you open new dispensaries? Angelo Lombardi: As we know, Florida is currently a medical cannabis market only. As such, we choose neighborhoods that are close to where Florida RESIDENTS live and work and play. For us, densely populated neighborhoods on key streets are what we look for. In Miami we are so happy to have this amazing address that is on an incredibly busy artery of the city (SW 40th street) and close to Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and the 826 highway. What kind of experience can patients expect when visiting the new Miami location? Angelo Lombardi: Goldflower stores are some of the most beautiful retail stores in the State and the Miami store is the most exquisite that we have built. Beautiful use of stone, wood, and other design elements welcome patients into an environment that treats them with respect and helps them feel our deep belief in the medicine that they use to treat a variety of afflictions. Our deeply educated retail employees, called budtenders, provide patient and sincere consultations to the patients ensuring that we match up their purchase to their needs. Can you share a bit about the inspiration behind the Ideal Cannabis brand and its focus on premium products? Mark Seid, Brand Ambassador for the Ideal Brand: Ideal Brands stands for the pinnacle of quality and safety in cannabis. The creators of Ideal, all Oregonians have over thirty years experience in creating proprietary genetics and perfecting their method of growing cannabis in living soil using comparable to organic practices. Furthermore all downstream Ideal products like vapes, gummies, and dabs only use solventless extraction techniques to extract the oil. What does this mean for the patient? It means when they are experiencing an Ideal brand product they can rest assured that no pesticides were used in growing the flower and no solvents like ethanol or butane were used in extracting the oil. It is truly the safest and medicine that a cannabis patient can use. How do you approach educating new customers about your product offerings and quality standards? Angelo Lombardi: We ensure that our budtenders have a very deep knowledge of cannabis and also the effects of different products and product types on the cannabinoid system so they can provide a real consultation to customers about how to impact and improve whatever they are trying to solve for, from pain, to sleep, to finding a way to help a cancer patient eat more. We have consultation rooms in each store for customers to have a full discussion with our budtenders. This also gives our budtenders an opportunity to talk about various growing and extraction methods so that customers can understand what various brands stand for, how they are grown, and what level of quality they represent. Furthermore, we also hold periodic “Meet the Grower” or “Meet the Maker” events at each store inviting the community to come in and truly learn the agriculture or extraction or manufacturing aspects of cannabis products and have the ability to ask the experts any questions they might have. What role does community engagement play in Goldflower’s growth strategy? Angelo Lombardi: At Goldflower our community engagement process is multi-faceted. We encourage our brand partners like Ricky Williams, Rohan Marley, Method Man (Wu Tang Clan), Randy Lanier (ex Nascar rookie of the year and was just in the Netflix show “Bad Sport”) and others to be ambassadors for their own brands, and in doing so, they engage the community with Goldflower as well since each brand is exclusively signed to only us in Florida. We also attend various cannabis focus events that happen across Florida almost every month to talk about Goldflower, our brands and product lines, what differentiates us, and what we stand for. Since all patients in Florida must get their patient cards from qualified cannabis doctors, talking to the doctors and explaining to them our uniqueness, quality, and mission is also a critical part of our community engagement. As stated above we have Meet The Grower events at all our stores but we also have Grand Opening events like the one we are having for our Miami store on June 14. That brings in a tremendous amount of people to come in and interact with our growers, makers, and celebrity brand owners. Finally, with the launch of our Miami store we are now actively adding press and media as part of our community engagement and you will be seeing us do a lot more on this front. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the brand’s evolution in Florida and beyond? Angelo Lombardi: Goldflower’s mission is to provide the highest quality and safest cannabis in Florida in the most beautiful retail environments supported by incredible customer service. As such, we are not currently looking beyond Florida. We have 6 stores open, Miami will be the 7th and we expect to have 11 open by fall, 15 by year end and 25 stores by the end of 2026 so we have our entire energy and focus on expansion in Florida with the goal of being the most respected provider of both cannabis products and in-store experiences in the entire state. For more on Goldflower Cannabis, and to be kept up to date with opening news and brand developments, visit: goldflowerfl.com . Content and images courtesy of Goldflower Cannabis.

Lindora , a leading provider of medically guided weight loss and metabolic health solutions, is opening its first Florida location, in Plantation, on June 6. Located at  8154 West Broward Boulevard , the studio will meet the local community’s rising demand for holistic wellness offerings, including weight loss services, nutritional guidance, wellness shots, GLP-1’s and more. To celebrate the grand opening, Lindora Plantation will be offering 25% off Wellness Memberships for Life for Founding Memberships sold now thru grand opening. The new studio is being opened by franchisees, Brian and Emilie Abel, a husband-and-wife team who have lived in South Florida for over 12 years. Brian has a background in hospitality and business operations and developed a strong interest in health and wellness after years in the corporate world. Emilie also comes from a background in hospitality and special events, where she focused on planning and managing high-end occasions. Drawn to Lindora’s mission of helping people live longer, healthier lives through sustainable lifestyle changes and personalized coaching, they are excited to bring the brand’s first Florida location to Broward County. “We were immediately drawn to Lindora’s focus on sustainable lifestyle changes and one-on-one coaching,” said Brian. “With so many people struggling to take control of their health, we saw a real opportunity to bring something impactful to our community. We’re excited to help people in South Florida feel better, live healthier, and thrive.” Founded in 1971 in Southern California, Lindora has established itself as a trusted brand in the health and wellness industry improving many lives across millions of client visits. With 35 locations offering innovative services such as weight management programs, weight loss medications, hormone replacement therapy, IV hydration, and more, Lindora is staffed by medical professionals, including Nurse Practitioners and Licensed Vocational Nurses, who provide personalized care and guidance to members. Part of the  projected  $400 billion global weight management industry, Lindora is growing all across the United States, recently opening locations in Colorado Springs, Dallas, and Sacramento.   To learn more about Lindora Plantation and to book a consultation, visit  https://www.lindora.com/location/plantation or call the studio at (954) 417-7970.   About Lindora Founded in 1971 in Southern California, Lindora is a leading provider of medically guided weight management programs and metabolic health solutions. Lindora guides people in creating sustainable lifestyle choices in nutrition, exercise and medicine through medically-guided weight management programs with personalized in-studio care. Lindora offers a suite of services that support metabolic health, including weight loss and management programs, weight loss medications including (GLP-1); hormone replacement therapy (HRT); and other services. Lindora is headquartered in Irvine, CA and backed by Xponential Fitness, one of the leading global franchisors of boutique health and wellness brands. To learn more about Lindora, visit  https://www.lindora.com/ . By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Lindora

Handy Ribbon Cutting Handy  (Helping Advance and Nurture the Development of Youth)  proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary with the grand opening and ribbon cutting of their new 40,000-square-foot headquarters located at 2101 N. Andrews Avenue in Wilton Manors. The milestone occasion was further marked by the announcement of a   special  $1 million grant from The Jim Moran Foundation in celebration of its 25th anniversary. Lamar Fisher, Rosalind Osgood, Kirk Brown “This building isn’t just for today; it’s for the kid who walks through these doors 30 years from now,” said Kirk Brown , Handy CEO. “The Handy you knew last week is not the Handy we are today. We’re evolving, expanding, and building a future for Broward together.”   Kirk Brown, Kristen Brevi, Mike Wild The ribbon cutting ceremony welcomed community leaders, partners, and supporters, who were treated to guided tours of the new state-of-the-art facility. The new space more than doubles Handy’s previous footprint and significantly increases its ability to provide comprehensive services in education, mental health, housing, life skills training and now, healthcare access. Rosalind Osgood, Mike Wild, Chip LaMarca The Jim Moran Foundation’s $1 million grant is a transformative investment in Handy. The funding supports Handy’s expanded operations and services, which include the implementation of the OnMed CareStation , a high-tech “Clinic-in-a-Box” that delivers virtual healthcare using advanced diagnostics and real-time scanning to connect youth with medical professionals and eliminate barriers to care.   OnMed Care Station “This grant from The Jim Moran Foundation is not just an investment in a building, it’s an investment in the future of Broward County,” added  Brown. “This extraordinary gift supports our “Putting Our Heart in the Right Place” campaign to create supportive communities where youth and families achieve self-sufficiency in Broward County.” Diane Alonso, Heather Geronemus, Lauren Mantuo Automotive pioneer Jim Moran established The Jim Moran Foundation in 2000 to ensure his compassionate philanthropy would continue for many generations to come. To recognize its 25th Anniversary, The Foundation has already committed more than $5.6 million in special grants – with more to be announced in the coming months – that reach beyond its traditional giving guidelines to support nonprofit partners in Broward, Duval and Palm Beach counties. Robert McKinzie and Clifford Moore “We are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with Handy and its unwavering commitment to strengthening communities one person at a time,” said Jan Moran , chairman and president of The Jim Moran Foundation. “With integrity and compassion, Handy helps create solutions that empower children and families for today, tomorrow and well into the future.”   Speakers at the grand opening included Handy Board Chair Michael Wild, Chad Moss of the Moss Foundation, and board member Marsha Levy, who all reflected on the organization's four decades of impact and its bold new chapter.   Michael Wild and Chad Moss About Handy Since 1985, Handy (Helping Advance and Nurture the Development of Youth) has helped over 50,000 at-promise youth and their families achieve self-sufficiency. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Handy provides customized programs that meet the individual needs of a child through four unique pillars: Handy Youth [Case Management], Handy Cares [Mental Health Services], Handy Futures [Education and Career Development], and Handy Homes [Housing Assistance]. Handy is led by CEO, Kirk Brown, and an action-driven Board under the direction of current Chairman, Michael Wild.   Handy’s mission is to create supportive communities where youth and families achieve self-sufficiency. For more information, visit https://handyinc.org  or connect via social media at Facebook or Instagram.   About The Jim Moran Foundation Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Since its inception in 2000, The Foundation has invested more than $290 million in education, elder care, family strengthening and transitional living initiatives. Additional funding has been committed through multi-year grants with efforts currently focused in Broward, Duval and Palm Beach counties. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundation’s significant funder is JM Family Enterprises, Inc. To learn more, visit www.jimmoranfoundation.org . By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Reese Meighan Perfect Look Photos

Curated by an international team of passionate specialists, the New York sale will offer watches of the utmost rarity and desirability, including icons from vintage and independent brands alike. Selected with extraordinary care and of the highest quality, watches offered in the Important Watches New York auction will aim at pleasing the most astute and exigent collectors. This season, we are delighted to offer Stories in Time: A Collection of Exceptional Watches. The collection represents the culmination of 30 years of passion and dedication to acquiring the rarest of horology timepieces. This extraordinary collection features 160 contemporary timepieces from 47 brands and independent watchmakers, including notable names such as  Greubel Forsey , Ferdinand Berthoud,  Gerald Genta , Voutilainen and De Bethune. Notwithstanding their diversity, the watches in this collection are united in one aspect — they represent the very pinnacle of watchmaking. The collection will be offered by Christie’s across all four major watch auction locations — Hong Kong, Dubai, Geneva and New York — in eight live and online sales throughout the spring and autumn of 2025. Highlights from the sale will be on view in the following locations: Miami: 21–22 April (by appointment only) at the Moore, 4040 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Los Angeles: 1 May at Christie’s Los Angeles, 336 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills Geneva:  9–11 May at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, Quai des Bergues 33, Geneva  Auction time: June 9, 02:00 PM (EDT) Lots 1-106 ML Staff. Content/image courtesy of Christie's

Auction Napa Valley is back and scheduled for Saturday June 7, 2025. Expect all the same energy and excitement of auctions past, yet in an intimate and reimagined format. This Live auction powered via Sotheby’s bidding platform provides the opportunity to acquire special Napa Valley wines and once-in-a-lifetime experiences from many incredible wineries. The auction will be live-streamed and taking place in person at Chandon in Napa Valley. The star-powered evening brings together some of the best names in wine and food for one night only. You’ll be elbow to elbow with local wine personalities, winery owners and winemakers that make Napa Valley one of the greatest food and wine destinations on Earth. The evening begins with a sunset dinner with scenic views of the beautiful Vaca Mountain range at Chandon winery. Dinner will be prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Christopher Kostow. After dinner, the evening will continue with the live auction, where we will help make the Napa Valley community stronger by supporting youth health and wellness programs. Honorary chairs for the auction: Robin and Michelle Baggett of Alpha Omega  ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of Sotheby's

OOKA , manufactured and distributed by  Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR),  is proud to announce the launch of its  OOKA Pro , a cutting-edge charcoal-free device specifically designed for professional use in the hotel, restaurant and catering (HoReCa) industry in the United States.  The OOKA Pro delivers a clean, hassle-free hookah experience by eliminating the need for charcoal, allowing venues to safely serve guests within their establishment. With no ash or accidental burning, it provides a mess-free alternative that heats up in just five minutes. Its simple, pod-based system is easy to assemble and requires no prior hookah expertise or extensive staff training, therefore saving time and effort.  OOKA Pro pods are crafted with authentic, premium hookah molasses and deliver up to 60 minutes of enjoyment. The OOKA Pro pods are available in are available in tobacco- and nicotine-free options. With a single charge lasting up to eight hours, venues can offer up to eight uninterrupted sessions while being ready to serve instantly.  Designed to elevate a venue’s ambiance, without taking up too much space, the OOKA Pro features a sleek, modern design with 14 customizable LED color options, adding a unique visual element that aligns with a venue’s aesthetic.  Pods for the OOKA Pro include Al Fakher tobacco pods, which is the world’s leading hookah brand, and Zodiac nicotine-free, tea-based molasses pods. OOKA’s collaboration with the globally renowned brand Cookies will also be available for the OOKA Pro in tea-based, non-nicotine pods and pure, authentic hookah tobacco pods. OOKA Pro pods contain authentic hookah molasses or tea-based molasses that are hand-packed with care.  Venues interested in offering the OOKA Pro will receive support services including exclusive activation campaigns for select partners, social media promotion and influencer collaborations, complimentary product allocations and tailored incentive programs.  “We are proud to introduce the OOKA Pro to serve the hotel, restaurant and catering industry,” said Ashley Bock, marketing director of the Americas at AIR. “It’s a clean, safe and modern option that can help enhance the guest experience without the mess of the traditional hookah. Whether venues are looking to include hookah on their menu for the first time or desire to upgrade from serving traditional hookah, OOKA Pro allows them to tap into a new audience segment looking for unique hookah experiences.” OOKA’s advanced heating technology uses smart NFC chips unique to each pod, allowing the pod to communicate the heating profile to the OOKA device. Its premium-grade aluminum pod capsules with nano perforations ensure ideal heat distribution and enhanced airflow. This helps ensure that customers receive consistent sessions every time.  First launched in 2023, OOKA is now a global sensation in hookah with operations in the UAE, Germany and the United States. Backed by four years of research and more than $50 million in development, OOKA was designed in the UAE by the makers of Al Fakher for home and commercial use.  OOKA is offering an optional four-week trial for the OOKA Pro device for on-premises partners. The OOKA Pro is proudly served at W Hotels, ADDMIND, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai; Atlantis The Royal, Dubai; Rock Bar Night Club Fort Lauderdale; DAER; Vixens Cabaret; LIV on Saturdays; Booby Trap on the River; Last Call Hospitality including Sweet Caroline, Tipsy Flamingo and RedBar; among other venues. For more information or to make a purchase, visit  https://us.ooka.com/ooka-for-business . Content/image by OOKA.

Beginning next school year, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) families will need to apply to determine their eligibility for free and reduced-price lunches. Due to changes in program funding that allowed BCPS to offer free lunches for all students over the past two years, the District will transition back to the application process previously in place. All students will continue to receive free breakfast through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Universal Free Breakfast Program. For the past two years, the BCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Department assisted families with the cost of meals through the use of two USDA Programs – The Universal Free Lunch Pilot Program and the Community Eligibility Provision – supplemented by FNS funds. Starting in the 2025/26 school year, free and reduced-price lunches will be offered based on eligibility, requiring families to complete an application. Students who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits or enrolled in Head Start, Foster, Homeless, or Migrant are automatically certified to receive free lunch. Families are encouraged to complete the meal eligibility application before the start of the 2025/26 school year. For students eligible for reduced-price lunches, meals are offered at $0.40 per meal. Overall, lunch prices are increasing by $1 for paying students across all grade levels. Lunch will cost $3 in elementary school, $3.35 in middle school and $3.50 in high school. The BCPS Food and Nutrition Services Department will begin accepting Meal Benefits Applications for the 2025/26 school year on Monday, July 14, 2025, at www.myschoolapps.com . The online application is available throughout the school year. Additionally, all households are encouraged to create an account for each student through My School Bucks at www.myschoolbucks.com starting July 28, 2025, for the purchase of meals and/or a la carte items. By ML Staff. Content courtesy of BCPS. Image By Mario Gogh, Unsplash.