Texas A&M’s Robin Murphy has deployed robots at 29 disasters, including three building collapses, two mine disasters and an earthquake as director of the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue. She has also served as a technical search specialist with the Hillsboro County (Florida) Fire and Rescue Department. The Conversation talked to Murphy to provide readers an understanding of the types of technologies that search and rescue crews at the Champlain Towers South disaster site in Surfside, Florida, have at their disposal, as well as some they don’t. The interview has been edited for length. What types of technologies are rescuers using at the Surfside condo collapse site? We don’t have reports about it from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, but news coverage shows that they’re using drones. A standard kit for a technical search specialist would be basically a backpack of tools for searching the interior of the rubble: listening devices and a camera-on-a-wand or borescope for looking into the rubble. How are drones typically used to help searchers? They’re used to get a view from above to map the disaster and help plan the search, answering questions like: What does the site look like? Where is everybody? Oh crap, there’s smoke. Where is it coming from? Can we figure out what that part of the rubble looks like? In Surfside, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were also flying up to look at those balconies that are still intact and the parts that are hanging over. A structural specialist with binoculars generally can’t see accurately above three stories. So they don’t have a lot of ability to determine if a building’s safe for people to be near, to be working around or in, by looking from the ground. Search and rescue personnel use a drone to inspect the upper floors of the remaining portion of the Champlain Towers South Condo building.AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee Drones can take a series of photos to generate orthomosaics. Orthomosaics are like those maps of Mars where they use software to glue all the individual photos together and it’s a complete map of the planet. You can imagine how useful an orthomosaic can be for dividing up an area for a search and seeing the progress of the search and rescue effort. Search and rescue teams can use that same data for a digital elevation map. That’s software that gets the topology of the rubble and you can start actually measuring how high the pile is, how thick that slab is, that this piece of rubble must have come from this part of the building, and those sorts of things. How might ground robots be used in this type of disaster? The current state of the practice for searching the interior of rubble is to use either a small tracked vehicle, such as an Inkutun VGTV Extreme, which is the most commonly used robot for such situations, or a snakelike robot, such as the Active Scope Camera developed in Japan. Teledyne FLIR is sending a couple of tracked robots and operators to the site in Surfside, Florida. Ground robots are typically used to go into places that searchers can’t fit into and go farther than search cameras can. Search cams typically max out at 18 feet, whereas ground robots have been able to go over 60 feet into rubble. They are also used to go into unsafe voids that a rescuer could fit in but that would be unsafe and thus would require teams to work for hours to shore up before anyone could enter it safely. In theory, ground robots could also be used to allow medical personnel to see and talk with survivors trapped in rubble, and carry small packages of water and medicine to them. But so far no search and rescue teams anywhere have found anyone alive with a ground robot. What are the challenges for using ground robots inside rubble? The big problem is seen inside the rubble. You’ve got basically a concrete, sheetrock, piping and furniture version of pickup sticks. If you can get a robot into the rubble, then the structural engineers can see the interior of that pile of pickup sticks and say “Oh, OK, we’re not going pull on that, that’s going to cause a secondary collapse. OK, we should start on this side, we’ll get through the debris quicker and safer.” Going inside rubble piles is really hard. Scale is important. If the void spaces are on the order of the size of the robot, it’s tricky. If something goes wrong, it can’t turn around; it has to drive backward. Tortuosity – how many turns per meter – is also important. The more turns, the harder it is. There’s also different surfaces. The robot may be on a concrete floor, next thing it’s on a patch of somebody’s shag carpeting. Then it’s got to go through a bunch of concrete that’s been pulverized into sand. There’s dust kicking up. The surroundings may be wet from all the sewage and all the water from sprinkler systems and the sand and dust start acting like mud. So it gets really hard really fast in terms of mobility. The author’s work includes putting robots through their paces at Texas A&M’s ‘Disaster City,’ a training facility with full-scale mockups of disaster sites including collapsed buildings. What is your current research focus? We look at human-robot interaction. We discovered that of all of the robots we could find in use, including ours – and we were the leading group in deploying robots in disasters – 51% of the failures during a disaster deployment were due to human error. It’s challenging to work in these environments. I’ve never been in a disaster where there wasn’t some sort of surprise related to perception, something that you didn’t realize you needed to look for until you’re there. What is your ideal search and rescue robot? I’d like someone to develop a robot ferret. Ferrets are kind of snakey-looking mammals. But they have legs, small little legs. They can scoot around like a snake. They can claw with their little feet and climb up on uneven rocks. They can do a full meerkat, meaning they can stretch up really high and look around. They’re really good at balance, so they don’t fall over. They can be looking up and all of a sudden the ground starts to shift and they’re down and they’re gone – they’re fast. How do you see the field of search and rescue robots going forward? There’s no real funding for these types of ground robots. So there’s no economic incentive to develop robots for building collapses, which are very rare, thank goodness. And the public safety agencies can’t afford them. They typically cost US$50,000 to $150,000 versus as little as $1,000 for an aerial drone. So the cost-benefit doesn’t seem to be there. An Inuktun crawling robot being lowered into a hole at the World Trade Center site in 2001.Courtesy Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue I’m very frustrated with this. We’re still about the same level we were 20 years ago at the World Trade Center. Wods by Robin R. Murphy, Raytheon Professor of Computer Science and Engineering; Vice-President Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue (nfp), Texas A&M University. Special thanks to The Conversation for republishing permission.

YoHouse is proud to announce the official launch of online platform for custom-built homes. We at  YoHouse aim to simplify the homebuying process, making it as easy as online shopping. Operating  throughout the East Coast, our mission is clear: to make iconic architecture and interior design  accessible, adaptable, and convenient. Our online platform allows clients to order a YoHouse in 5 simple clicks: pick your preferred location,  choose a house model: YoBarn, YoModern, YoRanch, personalize your order, pick preferred financing  option, process your order online. This method is designed to be clear and easy for buyers, offering a  hassle-free path to homeownership. YoHouse was founded based on the philosophy that homebuilding should be a seamless and inspiring  experience. Combining extensive experience in real estate, architecture, interior design and  construction, globally recognized and awarded Yodezeen & highly experienced Argo Construction  partnered to redesign the entire homebuilding process. Our goal is to allow new homeowners to  replace stress with excitement, confusion with clarity and uncertainty with piece of mind. Each YoHouse project is architecturally designed and styled by Yodezeen and constructed by Argo  Construction. All house models are fully compatible with all US site configurations and organically  settle into any natural landscape. The company offers 3 distinct home models: YoModern, characterized by sleek lines, spacious layout,  and a distinctive glass core; YoBarn house, which seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern design  through the use of repurposed wood cladding and clinker brick, and YoRanch house, with its  transitional ranch architecture, layed out on a single-story floor plan. YoHouse is making a significant impact in today’s real estate market by prioritizing convenience  and ease in its approach to homebuying. "We respect your time: Get Paid If We Are Delayed" reflects company’s unwavering dedication to punctuality and respect for clients time. By  implementing daily penalties for delays, YoHouse uphold the highest standards of accountability  and ensure a fair agreement from the outset. Your time is valuable, and YoHouse is committed to  honoring it with promptness and professionalism at every turn. By ML staff. Images courtesy of YoHouse.

El-Ad National Properties, an Elad Group company with a South Florida-based team, is pleased to announce the preconstruction release of ALINA 220 Penthouse 910, a premier corner residence, listed for $5.538million. This penthouse, part of the exceptional ALINA 220 Collection, is located at ALINA Residences, an award-winning, world-class residential destination in the heart of downtown Boca Raton, 220 SE Mizner Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, ALINA Residences’ exclusive sales team, is marketing the penthouse. Delivery of ALINA 220 is scheduled for late 2024. Within 3,477 square feet of indoor living space, this fully furnished, move-in ready penthouse offers four bedrooms, four bathrooms and one half-bathroom. With almost 11-foot ceilings, this corner residence boats extraordinary natural light. The penthouse’s 546 square feet of outdoor space offers gorgeous sunset and city views. With luxe features throughout, the principal suite includes a morning bar, and the spa-inspired principal bathroom features his and her rain showers and soaking tub. Additional upscale features include private elevator access, grand chef-inspired kitchen outfitted with Italian cabinetry and state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances. The ALINA 220 Collection includes a limited number of one-of-a-kind residences and penthouses with expansive private terraces and summer kitchens to provide an elegant setting for relaxing and dining in the fresh air. ALINA 220 also offers a 75-foot rooftop lap pool, two-story fitness center with a professional-level golf and sports simulator, spa, an expansive residents lounge and access to over 60,000 square feet of open amenity space including cabanas, day beds, gas grills, fire pits, bocce ball court, putting green, and more. All residents of ALINA Residences enjoy spectacular amenities across the expansive campus such as his and her spa facilities with dry saunas, steam rooms, treatment rooms and relaxation rooms, state-of-the-art fitness centers, multiple rooftop swimming pools with private cabanas, fire pits, dedicated yoga areas, exquisitely appointed club rooms, a dog park and more. “ALINA 220 Penthouse 910, part of the ALINA 220 Collection, boasts beautiful sunset and city views of downtown Boca Raton,” said Candace Jorritsma, vice president of sales and marketing for El-Ad National Properties. “With exceptional natural light and luxurious appointments, this penthouse is ideal for a buyer who wants to live the ultimate South Florida luxury lifestyle.” ALINA 210 is expected to deliver its move-in ready residences ahead of schedule in summer 2024. When ALINA 220 is delivered in late 2024, ALINA Residences will comprise three buildings: ALINA 200 (121 residences, which are completed, sold out and occupied), ALINA 210 (30 residences) and ALINA 220 (152 residences), for a total of 303 units. A variety of floor plans and residences are still available in phase two (ALINA 210 and ALINA 220), which is over 80 percent sold. Designed by architect Peter Stromberg of Garcia Stromberg and brought to life by Moss Construction, ALINA Residences is tucked between the manicured green fairways of The Boca Raton and Southeast Mizner Boulevard. The luxury new development is within walking distance to downtown Boca Raton’s restaurants, art galleries, salons, and boutiques; as well as just a few minutes from the city’s iconic beaches and pristine parks. With more than three decades of high-end development experience in New York City, Los Angeles and Toronto, Elad Group entered the South Florida market a few years ago through El-Ad National Properties. By expeditiously seizing opportunities, El-Ad National Properties has earned a sterling reputation as an agile, entrepreneurial company with high expectations and solid values, a philosophy shared by all employees. El-Ad National Properties is leaving its footprint in South Florida with ALINA Residences Boca Raton as its first new development from the ground up project. For more information, please visit www.alinabocaraton.com. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of ALINA Residences Boca Raton

Deering Estate is home to several rarely seen species of butterflies! Join us on a guided Butterfly Walk where you will explore various habitats in search of the Ruddy Daggerwing, Dina Yellow, & Atala as well as the nearly 40 species of butterflies that are onsite! Butterfly Walks are scheduled for June 22, July 27, August 24 & September 28 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Details and register online Full Moon Yoga The Full Moon Yoga Series at the Deering Estate provides an opportunity to enjoy the sunset and end of the day while welcoming the full moon at one of the most beautiful settings in Palmetto Bay. On Friday, July 19, you can enjoy the sunset and views of Biscayne Bay as you reinvigorate your yoga practice through a gentle flow suitable for all levels. Limited space available. Details and tickets online Summer Cabaret Concert Series The Summer Cabaret Concert Se ries at the Deering Estate is back! Guests can enjoy musical performances inside the historic Great Hall at the Deering Estate. The series kicks-off on Saturday, June 29th with singer and songwriter Claudia Lopez. Additional concerts will be held on Saturday, July 27th and Saturday, August 24th. Details and tickets online Celebrate Independence Day at Deering Estate Deering Estate is offering $5 general admission on Thursday, July 4th! Enjoy wildlife viewing, bay vistas and self-guided access of the museums. Tickets can be purchased online beginning July 1st. Free for Deering Estate Foundation Members and children ages 3 and under. Details online MIAMI short FILM FESTIVAL FOCUS ON: FEMALE FILMMAKERS Deering Estate in partnership with the Miami short Film Festival presents Focus On: Female Filmmakers on Sunday, July 14th at 7 pm. The screening will be held at the Deering Estate Theater. Details and tickets online Call to Artists: Deering Estate Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program The Deering Estate’s engaging Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program has launched the application for the 2025 season. A call to artists – for visual, literary, performing, and cross-disciplinary arts – is open to apply before the August 31, 2024, 11:59 pm deadline. The application is for studio residencies and non-studio project residencies at the Deering Estate, beginning as early as January 15, 2025. Contemporary Currents 2024 exhibition series: "Garden" by Gustavo Matamoros and Robert Thiele As part of the "Contemporary Currents’" series, the Deering Estate features new work by Gustavo Matamoros (Deering Estate Artist-in-Residence, 2024) in collaboration with Robert Thiele. The exhibition "Garden" consists of standalone sculptures and sound integrated into the natural ambiance and furnishings of The Garden Room inside the Richmond Cottage. On display daily through July 20, 2024. Details and tickets online Deering Estate Summer Camp Summer Camp registration is available online! Nine sessions are offered from June 10 - Aug. 9, 2024. Campers will explore nature as they hike, play, and discover how they can contribute to the protection of the natural areas at Deering Estate. Details and tickets online By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Deering Estate

In 2024, Gucci introduced its High Watchmaking Collection featuring groundbreaking innovations and the House's signature design codes. G-Timeless Planetarium The G-Timeless Planetarium features 12 rotating precious stones around a central tourbillon. The stones spin in 9 seconds and circle the dial in 90 seconds. The watch, available in white or pink gold, showcases a guilloché base and a diamond-set flower motif on the tourbillon. GUCCI 25H Minute Repeater The GUCCI 25H collection reaches a new pinnacle with the introduction of the minute repeater, celebrated for its intricate sound and unique chime. This timepiece features a carillon minute repeater with three hammers striking harmonious notes, an innovative rotating bezel activation, and an ultra-thin 9.9mm tri-layer case. The openwork dial showcases patterns created by cymatics, and the watch is available in white or pink gold with a black alligator strap. GUCCI 25H Skeleton Tourbillon The 2024 GUCCI 25H Skeleton Tourbillon line adds three new 40mm interpretations with transparent sapphire glass cases. These ultra-thin 8.2mm watches offer a full view of the skeletonized movement and are available with black, blue, or pink alligator straps. Gucci Interlocking The Gucci Interlocking line combines a flying tourbillon and jumping hours in a new cushion-shaped case. It features a multi-layered dial with Roman numerals, semi-transparent smoked sapphire glass, and iridescent aventurine glass. The 41mm watch, with a 10.7mm thickness, comes in pink or white gold. To learn more visit www.gucci.com. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Gucci.

Gucci Cruise 2025, under the direction of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno, presents a collection that intertwines the brand’s heritage with De Sarno’s personal experiences and memories of London. The show, held at Tate Modern, emphasizes the city's creative energy and its ability to blend contrasts harmoniously. De Sarno chose London for its deep connection to Gucci’s founder, Guccio Gucci, who was inspired by the city during his time at The Savoy hotel. The Tate Modern, with its Turbine Hall and The Tanks, serves as a symbolic venue, representing a fusion of modernity and tradition, man and nature. The collection celebrates dualities: rigor and extravagance, strength and delicacy, English tradition with an Italian twist. Short coats in technical gabardine are paired with wild chamomile motifs, and flower embroideries are crafted in 3-D laser-cut organza and hand-molded sequins. Outerwear contrasts with chiffons, ruffles, and lace, blending evening elegance with everyday wear. Gucci’s iconic details are reimagined: the lobster-clasp transforms into a feminine pearl necklace, horsebit details adorn suede, and the Gucci Blondie bag combines leather and jewelry techniques. The collection features tartans and tailoring reinterpreted with embroidered bead fringes and flat shoes like ballerinas and creepers that alter traditional perceptions. This show encapsulates the essence of London and Gucci's legacy, offering a fresh perspective on fashion and individuality through the juxtaposition of diverse styles and cultural elements. For more information, visit gucci.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Gucci.

The Emporio Armani Men's Spring/Summer 2025 Collection unveiling was a star-studded affair, attracting a diverse array of prominent personalities from various fields. Held in a glamorous setting, the event showcased the brand's latest fashion offerings while boasting a guest list that included renowned musicians, actors, athletes, and global ambassadors. Notable attendees ranged from Emporio Armani's global ambassador Jackson Yee to British singer-songwriter Cat Burns, and from Netflix stars Biondo and Caterina Ferioli to NBA players like Collin Sexton and Jaime Jaquez Junior. This illustrious gathering highlighted the intersection of fashion, entertainment, and sports, underscoring Emporio Armani's influence across multiple industries. Jaime Jaquez Junior – NBA player with Miami Heat. Luka Garza – NBA player with Minnesota T’wolves. Mattia Carrano – Actor, among the stars of TV series Prisma on Prime Video. Mattia Carrano – Actor, among the stars of TV series Prisma on Prime Video. Caterina Ferioli – Actor. Since April she has appeared on Netflix in The Tearsmith, based on the book of the same name by Erin Doom. Giuseppe Spata – Actor in cinemas with The Art of Joy by Valeria Golino. Tomaš Machač – Czech tennis player. As of June, he is 33rd in the ATP singles ranking and 56th in doubles. Torrey Craig – NBA player with Chicago Bulls. Toumani Camara – NBA player with Portland T. Blazers. Wesley Joseph – English singer-songwriter, producer and filmmaker. His single Glow was released in 2023. Biondo – Rapper, model and actor. Since April he has appeared on Netflix in The Tearsmith, based on the book of the same name by Erin Doom. Cat Burns – British singer-songwriter who went double platinum with the single Go. She was nominated for three BRIT Awards in 2023. Collin Sexton – NBA player with Utah Jazz. Dalen Terry – NBA player with Chicago Bulls. Dalen Terry – NBA player with Chicago Bulls, Jaime Jaquez Junior – NBA player with Miami Heat, Collin Sexton – NBA player with Utah Jazz, Torrey Craig – NBA player with Chicago Bulls, Toumani Camara – NBA player with Portland T. Blazers, Luka Garza – NBA player with Minnesota T’wolves. Hael Husaini – Malaysian singer, his single Raya Kita Raya was released in 2024. Jackson Yee – Singer, dancer, actor, and Emporio Armani Global Ambassador. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of  Emporio Armani Men's

Introducing the Ralph Lauren Resort 2024 collection: A fusion of timeless elegance and contemporary style. This season, immerse yourself in a world of sophistication, where classic silhouettes meet modern flair. Inspired by the allure of coastal escapes and luxurious getaways, each piece evokes a sense of effortless refinement. From crisp linens to flowing chiffons, every garment is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, reflecting Ralph Lauren’s signature craftsmanship and attention to quality. Whether it’s a breezy sundress for a day by the shore or a tailored ensemble for an evening soirée, the Resort 2024 collection offers versatility and sophistication for every occasion. Embrace the essence of laid-back luxury with nautical-inspired stripes, tropical prints, and vibrant hues that capture the spirit of summer. With a nod to the brand’s heritage and a contemporary twist, this collection embodies the epitome of refined resort wear. Experience the epitome of coastal chic with the Ralph Lauren Resort 2024 collection – where timeless elegance meets effortless sophistication. To learn more visit www.ralphlauren.com. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Ralph Lauren.

In a significant development for both marine sports and sustainability, Sunreef Yachts Eco has announced its partnership with Rafael Nadal’s E1 team. The collaboration will see Sunreef Yachts Eco become the Official Partner of Team Rafa in the E1 Series, the world’s first high-speed electric boat race. The E1 Series is pioneering a new frontier in motorsport, featuring electric-powered Racebird boats in locations such as Jeddah, Venice, Monaco, Rotterdam, and Hong Kong. The series is distinguished by its combination of speed, innovation, and a commitment to environmental conservation, aligning closely with Sunreef Yachts Eco’s vision for sustainable boating. An Innovative Racing Format The E1 Series boasts a competitive lineup of nine mixed teams, each led by drivers with diverse backgrounds in motorsports. The races are designed to showcase both the thrill of high-speed competition and the potential of green technology. Among the racers for Team Rafa are Cris Lazarraga, the 2019 European Jet Ski Racing Champion and vice-world champion in 2021, and Tom Chiappe, a seasoned powerboat racer, world endurance champion, Karting SWS World Champion 2023, and winner of the 2016 24 Hours of Rouen. Rafael Nadal, a prominent figure in sports and an established Sunreef catamaran owner, brings his passion for boating and sustainability to the team. Nadal’s involvement underscores the E1 Series’ blend of high-profile sports personalities and its focus on environmental stewardship. Driving Sustainability and Conservation The E1 Series is not just about racing; it is also a platform for environmental advocacy. The series collaborates on coastal habitat restoration projects and educates younger generations on the importance of ocean health. Additionally, E1 is committed to advancing electric boating technology by installing charging points at race venues, encouraging recreational boat users to adopt sustainable practices. As the E1 Series gains momentum, the partnership with Sunreef Yachts Eco is poised to enhance its impact on both the sport and the environment. This collaboration highlights a shared vision of driving innovation while protecting marine ecosystems. By ML Staff. Courtesy of Sunreef Yachts Eco

El-Ad National Properties, an Elad Group company with a South Florida-based team, is pleased to announce the preconstruction release of ALINA 220 Penthouse 910, a premier corner residence, listed for $5.538 million. This penthouse, part of the exceptional ALINA 220 Collection, is located at ALINA Residences, an award-winning, world-class residential destination in the heart of downtown Boca Raton, 220 SE Mizner Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, ALINA Residences’ exclusive sales team, is marketing the penthouse. Delivery of ALINA 220 is scheduled for late 2024. Within 3,477 square feet of indoor living space, this fully finished, move-in ready penthouse offers four bedrooms, four bathrooms and one half-bathroom. With almost 11-foot ceilings, this corner residence boats extraordinary natural light. The penthouse’s 546 square feet of outdoor space offers gorgeous sunset and city views. With luxe features throughout, the principal suite includes a morning bar, and the spa-inspired principal bathroom features his and her rain showers and soaking tub. Additional upscale features include private elevator access, grand chef-inspired kitchen outfitted with Italian cabinetry and state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances. The ALINA 220 Collection includes a limited number of one-of-a-kind residences and penthouses with expansive private terraces and summer kitchens to provide an elegant setting for relaxing and dining in the fresh air. ALINA 220 also offers a 75-foot rooftop lap pool, two-story fitness center with a professional-level golf and sports simulator, spa, an expansive residents lounge and access to over 60,000 square feet of open amenity space including cabanas, day beds, gas grills, fire pits, bocce ball court, putting green, and more. All residents of ALINA Residences enjoy spectacular amenities across the expansive campus such as his and her spa facilities with dry saunas, steam rooms, treatment rooms and relaxation rooms, state-of-the-art fitness centers, multiple rooftop swimming pools with private cabanas, fire pits, dedicated yoga areas, exquisitely appointed club rooms, a dog park and more. “ALINA 220 Penthouse 910, part of the ALINA 220 Collection, boasts beautiful sunset and city views of downtown Boca Raton,” said Candace Jorritsma, vice president of sales and marketing for El-Ad National Properties. “With exceptional natural light and luxurious appointments, this penthouse is ideal for a buyer who wants to live the ultimate South Florida luxury lifestyle.” ALINA 210 is expected to deliver its move-in ready residences ahead of schedule in summer 2024. When ALINA 220 is delivered in late 2024, ALINA Residences will comprise three buildings: ALINA 200 (121 residences, which are completed, sold out and occupied), ALINA 210 (30 residences) and ALINA 220 (152 residences), for a total of 303 units. A variety of floor plans and residences are still available in phase two (ALINA 210 and ALINA 220), which is over 80 percent sold. Designed by architect Peter Stromberg of Garcia Stromberg and brought to life by Moss Construction, ALINA Residences is tucked between the manicured green fairways of The Boca Raton and Southeast Mizner Boulevard. The luxury new development is within walking distance to downtown Boca Raton’s restaurants, art galleries, salons, and boutiques; as well as just a few minutes from the city’s iconic beaches and pristine parks. With more than three decades of high-end development experience in New York City, Los Angeles and Toronto, Elad Group entered the South Florida market a few years ago through El-Ad National Properties. By expeditiously seizing opportunities, El-Ad National Properties has earned a sterling reputation as an agile, entrepreneurial company with high expectations and solid values, a philosophy shared by all employees. El-Ad National Properties is leaving its footprint in South Florida with ALINA Residences Boca Raton as its first new development from the ground up project. For more information, please visit www.alinabocaraton.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of El-Ad National Properties

Super Lawyers has named Michael Elkins, Esq., founder and partner of Fort Lauderdale-based MLE Law, to its 2024 Florida Super Lawyers List. This is the sixth consecutive year that Elkins has been selected as a Super Lawyer (2019–2024). He was previously selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for five consecutive years (2011–2015). Elkins is a nationally quoted employment, business and sports attorney representing businesses, municipalities and individuals in labor and employment, business and sports matters. In addition, he provides outside General Counsel services (daily corporate advice, preparation and review of corporate documents, creation of corporate entities, merger and acquisition representation). A litigation attorney for 23 years, Elkins continues to disrupt how lawyers attract and retain business by utilizing technology to make the business of law more efficient and beneficial for clients. He is the creator and host of the “Quarter Four” podcast, which he founded in 2018. Through the podcast, he not only promotes MLE Law, but his overall brand. The podcast covers the intersection between business and sports, providing listeners an inside look into the psychology of what makes individuals successful on and off the field. “I’m honored to once again be selected to the Florida Super Lawyers list,” said Elkins. “This designation is special because I was selected for it by my peers in the legal field.” Each year, no more than 5 percent of lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive the Super Lawyers distinction. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive the Rising Stars honor. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com. By ML Staff. Image Courtesy of MLE Law

The Community Foundation of Broward is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2024. To commemorate this remarkable milestone, the Community Foundation of Broward is awarding special “40 for 40: Spread the Love Grants” – $400,000 total to help 40 nonprofits make a BOLD impact for Broward. The new grants – up to $10,000 each – will support 40 innovative, impactful opportunities for nonprofits to help the community by investing in projects and initiatives that make life better in Broward. The campaign is another way for the Community Foundation of Broward to say “thank you” to the community that, for 40 years, has embraced its mission to champion local philanthropy that shapes a brighter future for Broward. Applications for the “40 for 40: Spread the Love Grants” are due by Thursday, July 25, and the 40 nonprofits receiving the grants will be announced in October. Like all Community Foundation of Broward grants, this new anniversary-themed wave of support is made possible by the dedicated fundholders who partner with the Foundation to create charitable funds to fuel their philanthropy. The Community Foundation of Broward now shepherds 532 charitable funds and in over 40 years it has provided more than $190 million in support of student achievement, the arts, career readiness, seniors in need, HIV/AIDs prevention, equity and social justice, environmental resilience, health care, affordable housing, disaster relief, nonprofit empowerment and much more. “The Community Foundation of Broward is turning 40 and we want the community we love to benefit from our yearlong 40th-anniversary celebration,” said President and CEO Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, Ph.D. “This incredible milestone wouldn’t be possible without the support from our fundholders who are dedicated to our mission of transforming our community through philanthropy and creating BOLD impact for this place we call home.” The Community Foundation of Broward is looking for the following: Proposals for projects, activities and other efforts that will benefit the community and put the grants to use in Broward. Creative ideas that incorporate the number 40 while staying true to the nonprofit’s mission (for example, buying groceries and other necessities for 40 families in need, 40 tutoring sessions for students at risk of dropping out, support for an art exhibition featuring 40 works from local artists, etc.). A plan for how the organization will make it clear that the grant-supported effort is an extension of the Community Foundation of Broward’s yearlong 40th-anniversary commemoration. A commitment to provide follow-up reporting (photos, videos, written reports, etc.) showing the community impact of the grant-supported effort. Nonprofits eligible to apply include: Current or past Community Foundation of Broward grantees. Nonprofits in good standing with the Community Foundation of Broward. Open to nonprofits of any size (staff or budget). Must have an ACH account. Nonprofits actively serving the Broward community that have a current Candid Profile. How to apply: Submit a written project description, no more than two pages total, in the Community Foundation of Broward’s Grants Application Portal, where a FAQ will be provided. For more information about the “40 for 40: Spread the Love Grants,” please contact the Director of Community Impact Cassandra Burrell at 40for40@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503. For more information about the Community Foundation of Broward, please visit https://www.cfbroward.org/. By ML Staff. Image Courtesy of the Community Foundation of Broward