| Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood will reopen From David VolzThe Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood will reopen on June 1 after being closed because of COVID-19 for more than a year. The Diplomat is the largest hotel in Broward County and has 1,000 rooms. It also has various restaurants and hosts large conventions and meetings. The hotel will gradually open its restaurants and slowly begin hosting meetings and conventions. |
Progress Flag will fly over Hollywood City Hall
On Wednesday, June 2nd at 11:00 a.m., Mayor Josh Levy and Hollywood Commissioners will be joined by members of the Hollywood LGBTQ+ Council in raising a special Pride Flag at City Hall. Levy speak and Council President Todd Delmay, singer/songwriter and Season 3 “The Voice” contestant, Joselyn Rivera, will perform “Over the Rainbow” a capella as the flag is being raised. All are invited to attend.
The Progress Pride flag, donated by the Council, will fly over Hollywood City Hall for the month of June as a symbol of the open and diverse community that is Hollywood. The Progress Pride flag features the traditional rainbow colors, but also includes a chevron with black and brown to represent queer people of color, and pink, blue and white to represent those of trans and/or non-binary experience.
“While the Pride Flag in any form is a celebration of every color and shade of the human experience, it is not year a celebration of full equality. Rather, it is also a reminder that we are still called to work together until everyone is equal,” said Delmay.
North Broward wins state championship
The North Broward Prep baseball team won its first state championship with an 8-4 victory over North Marion in the State 4A final game. Jacob Gomberg started was pitcher for North Broward but struggled early in the game. He was replaced by Yoel Tejada, Jr. who pitched 4.5 scoreless innings, gave up a hit and a walk and struck out five batters.
Florida to offer tax holiday so residents can prepare for hurricane season
Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the Florida Department of Revenue are encouraging Floridians to prepare for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season by taking advantage of the 2021 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which runs from Friday, May 28, through Sunday, June 6.
The 2021 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is a ten-day sales tax holiday for disaster preparedness supplies. Supplies that will be tax-free include flashlights, radios, tarps, batteries, and generators.
“With an active hurricane season predicted this year, Floridians need to ensure they have at least seven days of supplies and put a disaster plan in place now,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “This year, the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday has been extended to 10 days to provide more opportunities for Floridians to take advantage of this sales tax holiday and stock up on disaster preparedness supplies.”
“Florida is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms. With hurricane season rapidly approaching on June 1st, it is critical for Floridians to make the necessary preparations to stay safe before, during, and after any natural disaster,” said Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez. “I urge residents to take advantage of the 2021 Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday, a tax relief on the necessary supplies to weather the storm.”
2021 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Quick Facts
- Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday began in 2014.
- The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs from Friday, May 28 through Sunday, June 6, 2021.
- Typically a seven day holiday, this year has been extended to 10 days.
- Examples of tax-free items include flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less; radios costing $50 or less; tarps costing $100 or less, coolers costing $60 or less, batteries costing $50 or less; and generators costing $1,000 or less.
- Following the impact of a hurricane, residents may lose access to basic services, such as power and water, and be subject to limited or no access to essentials like food, drinking water and medicine. With these situations in mind, all individuals and families are encouraged to stock up on essentials and build a disaster supply kit to last for a minimum of seven days.
Gov. DeSantis wants Biden to approve drug imports from Canada
Governor Ron DeSantis called on the Biden Administration and leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to approve Florida’s Section 804 Importation Proposal (SIP) for Florida’s Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and its partners are ready to launch the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program, leading the nation with our implementation progress.
“In 2019, the Florida Legislature passed several pieces of legislation, including Florida’s Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program, to reform our health care market by increasing transparency, empowering patients, and reducing costs,” said DeSantis. “Florida’s Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program will improve access to essential medications to our most vulnerable citizens and potentially save the state between $80 to $150 million in the first year alone. Today, we are calling on the Biden Administration to act immediately to approve Florida’s plan that will ultimately help drive down costs for taxpayers.”
“Florida is the first state to have submitted its proposal for importation of Canadian prescription drugs,” said AHCA Secretary Simone Marstiller. “Governor DeSantis’ vision has created a path for state agencies to come together and identify opportunities to achieve cost savings for Florida taxpayers while also providing FDA-approved, safe drugs to our most vulnerable citizens. We are ready to move forward and begin the work of making real change in obtaining safe, low-cost prescription drugs for all Floridians.”
AHCA submitted its SIP in November 2020 and secured a vendor to assist in administering the program in December 2020. Within 90 days of approval, AHCA will be able to physically import prescription drugs and ensure that customs inspections are complete and that proper testing has taken place, and then be able to begin fulfilling state agency orders.
The state will begin by providing prescription drugs in a small number of drug classes which will include maintenance medications to help individuals that have chronic health conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and mental illness. These drugs will be for individuals who are under the care of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Department of Children and Families (DCF), Department of Corrections (FDC), and Department of Health (DOH). The program will then expand to include providing imported prescription drugs for Medicaid members across the state.
