Surfside has a new police chief
From David Volz
The Town of Surfside announces the appointment of its new Chief of Police John Healy effective Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023.
Chief Healy has over 32 years of law enforcement and leadership experience. He joined the Surfside Police Department on August 2018 as a Police Lieutenant over Support Operations. He was promoted to Administrative Captain on Oct. 2020 and served as Interim Chief of Police in late 2021 and in late 2022.
Before joining the Surfside family, Healy had a 25-year career with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). At LVMPD, he experienced numerous positions within the department and rose through the ranks attaining the title of Police Lieutenant, ultimately retiring from LVMPD in Dec. 2016.
Additionally, Healy is a 22-year Veteran of the United States Air Force. He served on both active duty and the reserves. Healy was recalled back to Active Duty after Sept. 11, 2001, for 15 months and retired in Jan. 2003.
“Chief Healy’s knowledge, background in executing visionary solutions and strong aptitude in creating lasting relationships will rise our police department and set our community well into the future,” said Acting Town Manager Hector Gomez. “I’m confident he will be a great leader to the Surfside Police Department and our Town.”
In 2021, Chief Healy attended the Florida Executive Development Seminar hosted by The U.S. Department of Justice (FBI). He is a member of the Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Florida Police Chiefs Association.
“I am honored to be entrusted with this amazing opportunity. I look forward to continuing to serve our community alongside the dedicated women and men of the Surfside Police Department,” said Healy. “I am thrilled to be working jointly to enhance the culture of proactive community policing and exceptional service provided to our residents, visitors and tourists,” he added.
Town of Surfside’s new Chief of Police John Healy’s official swear-in ceremony will be held on Feb. 10, 2023, at 11 a.m., in the Town Commission Chambers, 9293 Harding Ave, Surfside.
Florida Renaissance Festival Returns
From David Volz
The annual Florida Renaissance Festival returns with a one-of-a-kind family-friendly event that takes lords and ladies of the realm back to a time when tunics, tabards, slashed sleeves, and bodices were the fashion. Beginning February 4, 2023, and running for eight consecutive weekends until March 26, 2023, all roads lead to Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach to celebrate the 31st edition of the Florida Renaissance Festival with an added bonus eighth weekend of festivities.
The festival is for all ages, and it’s one of the most anticipated major events of the year because it’s a memorable, magical, mystical experience for the entire family. This special event features multiple new attractions, as well as popular older ones to guarantee non-stop fun and excitement in this magical kingdom.
Jousting knights, royalty, wenches, magicians, and more awaits as festival goers will be treated to delectable foods, fabulous drinks, numerous unique craft shops, live music, and more. The kingdom is a wonderful place for fun, but it’s also a great environment where participants can take selfies of themselves in era garb. PLUS there is an all-new eighth weekend introduced for this year – the Mad Hatter’s Circus embarks on an “Alice in Wonderland-themed” adventure that brings fairytales to reality!
While costumes are not necessary for admittance, thousands of people enhance their experience each year by donning outfits from the Renaissance era or participating in one of the festival’s special themed weekends.
“For more than three decades we’ve provided South Floridians a Renaissance experience unlike any other,” said Bobby Rodriguez, founder, and producer of the Florida Renaissance Festival. “It’s a special storybook event unlike any other, and we invite patrons to dress up and rejoice as we celebrate culture and history, because it promises to be a fun-filled memorable time for the entire family.”
