Tag Archives: Broward County

Obeidy and Associates, P.A. Wins Discrimination Lawsuit Against Broward County Sherrif’s Office

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Obeidy and Associates, P.A. (OBD Legal) announces that it recently represented Scott Thomas, Plaintiff, against the Broward County Sherrif's Office (BCSD), Defendant, and won the initial case as well as follow-up appeals.

Thomas, a military-trained helicopter pilot, initially retained OBD Legal to represent him in an employment dispute with the BCSD. The Plaintiff's primary complaint was discrimination that fell under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. A jury determined that BCSD was in violation of this act and awarded Thomas $240,000 in lost wages. The verdict form also asked whether the BCSD "willfully violated the law," and the jury answered, "Yes." Based on a statutory provision that awards double damages for willful violations, Thomas moved to alter the judgment.

The district judge decided that the jury finding on willfulness was "advisory" and denied Thomas's motion. The Eleventh Circuit also affirmed the denial of the sheriff's office's motion for judgment as a matter of law or a new trial and reversed the denial of Plaintiff's motion for an altered judgment.

The court held that there was sufficient evidence supporting the verdict against the sheriff's office. But the Court of Appeals reversed the denial of Plaintiff's motion to alter the judgment because the parties consented to have the jury decide the issue of willfulness. As a result, Thomas was awarded double damages.

The Defendant was represented by the law offices of Carmen Rodriguez, P.A., a management labor and employment law firm.

A. Andrew Obeidy, Esq., senior litigator, who represented Thomas in Federal District Court said that it was "the highlight of my career to represent this patriot who wore the cloth of our country."

For more information about the case, visit: https://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/202211322.pdf

About Obeidy and Associates, P.A.

Obeidy and Associates, P.A, focuses on employment law and brand protection. It handles a variety of civil litigation cases that involve unfair labor practices against employees and their attorneys have the knowledge, dedication and experience required to represent workers in a wide range of labor disputes.

For more information: https://www.obdlegal.com/

Obeidy and Associates, P.A. (OBD Legal) announces that it recently represented Scott Thomas, Plaintiff, against the Broward County Sherrif's Office (BCSD), Defendant, and won the initial case as well as follow-up appeals.

Related link: https://www.obdlegal.com/

Broward County’s First Shipping Container Restaurant Arrives in Hallandale Beach

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Hallandale Beach is thrilled to welcome the first shipping container restaurant in Broward County, KAO Bar & Grill, to the newly rebranded District 8, formerly the Fashion and Art District (FAAD). The grand opening of KAO Bar and Grill will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, from Noon to 11:00 pm, located at 11 NE 1st Avenue.

KAO Bar & Grill is a two-story unique concept of a shipping container restaurant that perfectly adds to Hallandale Beach's vibrant and diverse community. The restaurant is a 5,000-square-foot design hand-painted by artist Falopapas. KAO offers indoor dining with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor patio, and a 14-seat full bar. Customers can expect an immersive dining experience with Argentine grill-inspired cuisine.

"The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) is excited to have KAO Bar & Grill in Hallandale Beach and District 8," said City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle. The HBCRA has invested over half a million dollars to position KAO in the heart of our community, District 8, confident that this restaurant will be a great addition to our city and the surrounding community."

District 8, where KAO Bar & Grill restaurant is located, has been undergoing significant redevelopment in recent years, transforming into a thriving design district focusing on innovative concepts and businesses. Adding KAO Bar & Grill to the district is a testament to the City of Hallandale Beach's and HBCRA's commitment to creating a unique, diverse, and progressive community for residents and visitors.

The grand opening of KAO Bar & Grill promises an unforgettable experience with a chance to sample some of their delectable menu items. There will also be chalk artists and possibly a live mural painting during the event. Surrounding businesses in District 8 will show their support for the launch of KAO by activating their space with light refreshments. The City of Hallandale Beach encourages everyone to come out and celebrate the opening.

Parking will be available at the FEC Parking lot on NE1st Avenue and 3rd Street. If you would rather not drive yourself, the HBCRA is offering a 30-day promotion on Uber and Lyft for "D8 Night." Receive $25 off per ride for two rides to and from KAO.

Take advantage of this offer using the links and codes below:

* Uber:

Link: https://r.uber.com/rMVboiIteeK

Code: rMVboiIteeK

* Lyft:

Link https://lyft.com/lp/HBD8NITE

Code: HBD8NITE

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information on KAO Bar & Grill, District 8, and the D8 Night ride promotion, please visit https://cohbcra.org/BeLocal/ or contact Public Information Officer, Kisha Eugene, keugene@cohb.org

About the City of Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency:

The mission of the Hallandale Beach CRA is to promote economic development and enhance quality of life by eliminating and preventing blighted conditions through the facilitation of community partnerships, business growth, job creation, and neighborhood rehabilitation. Learn more: https://cohbcra.org/about/.

The City of Hallandale Beach is thrilled to welcome the first shipping container restaurant in Broward County, KAO Bar & Grill, to the newly rebranded District 8, formerly the Fashion and Art District (FAAD). The grand opening of KAO Bar and Grill will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, from Noon to 11:00 pm, located at 11 NE 1st Avenue.

Related link: https://cohbcra.org/

Current Builders Announces Annual Holiday Fundraising Program

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Current Builders (www.currentbuilders.com) is proud to announce the launch of their 16th Annual Holiday Fundraising Program. This year, the goal is to raise $75,000 to donate to Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Broward, Best Buddies, and the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. The award-winning general contractor established a foundation in 2005 to increase their community involvement, and to date they have donated over $400,000 to benefit deserving nonprofit organizations and to fund scholarship programs.

"This year we are increasing our fundraising goal and challenging our employees and construction colleagues to help us donate even more to these deserving nonprofits," said Michael C. Taylor, CEO. "These events of the past couple of years have been detrimental for many local charities, so this time, we are encouraging giving with a company challenge."

Current Builders has launched a friendly competition among the employees to incentivize giving. The department or construction project that brings in the most donations will be rewarded with a day of Paid Time Off for its members.

Current Builders' spirit of giving is an important part of its company culture; however, it is not just an end-of-year tradition. The construction firm takes part in numerous activities throughout the year to further the community including mentoring high school students, offering free in-house education programs for its employees, and building homes for those less fortunate.

To donate to Current Builders' Holiday Fundraising program, click the banner on their homepage at https://www.currentbuilders.com/.

About Current Builders:

Current Builders is an award-winning general contractor, established in 1972 with average annual revenues in excess of $250 million. Current Builders specializes in privatized student housing, multi-family residential projects, healthcare facilities, office/warehouse buildings, commercial distribution facilities, parking garages, interior buildouts, interior and exterior renovations, all included as turnkey projects inclusive of the construction of the buildings and related site work.

Current Builders is proud to announce the launch of their 16th Annual Holiday Fundraising Program. This year, the goal is to raise $75,000 to donate to Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Broward, Best Buddies, and the Dolphins Cancer Challenge.

Related link: http://www.currentbuilders.com/

Smart Growth Strategies in Pompano Beach Are Protecting City from COVID-19 Fiscal Stress

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- While other cities around the country are considering raising taxes, or already have, in response to budget shortfalls due to COVID-19, the Pompano Beach CRA has announced that residents of the City of Pompano Beach are experiencing one of the lowest tax rates in Broward County according to the recently released 2021 millage rates.

This financial stability is due in large part to the smart growth strategies that have been occurring in the City during the past few years. The City's investment in redevelopment and infrastructure has attracted quality private development bringing in new tax dollars and additional support for local businesses, allowing the City to maintain the tax rate.

"Leadership in Pompano Beach knew the importance of tapping into the City's real estate assets-- land and property, in order to create a more economically stable municipality," said Nguyen Tran, CRA Director. "By properly managing these assets and taking a proactive stance, we have been able to create new revenue streams to benefit the City and its residents, which also offer a layer of protection during unforeseen events like this pandemic."

Pompano Beach began its transformation in earnest in 2009. After decades of decline, a targeted, economically-driven plan was launched, making the City an attractive location to the private investment community. The City prepared for the growth by establishing development guidelines and zoning laws to protect the City from over development. This plan is working to eliminate blighted areas and enhance the quality of life for the community.

Developments such as Koi, Sabbia, Heritage at Pompano Station, Avery Place and the new restaurants and retailers at the Pier such as Beach House and Oceanic have added approximately $166 million in new property valuation and more than $1 million dollars in new property tax revenue to the City over the past few years. Between 2015 and 2019, the City has seen an increase of approximately $39 million or 39% in major tax and fee revenue sources including property taxes, half-cent sales taxes, state municipal revenue sharing, franchise and utility taxes, franchise fees and communication service taxes.

These enhanced revenue streams have allowed the City to maintain its financial stability even through the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 millage rates were recently released, and out of 31 cities in Broward County, Pompano Beach is the 6th largest, yet it has the 11th lowest tax rate, according to the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office.

"Without the strategic growth policies that attracted this private investment, we would be under tremendous fiscal stress right now," continued Tran. "The economic impact of good growth has been extremely important for the long-term success of our City and the prosperity of our residents."

This development has been carefully managed to maximize the benefits including a strong tax base, job growth and small business support, while also addressing important resident concerns by regulating building height, creating walkable spaces and connectivity between projects and exploring ride sharing initiatives to manage traffic congestion and enhance mobility. Cities who invest in their public assets and build quality amenities for their residents tend to be the most fiscally stable. The City and CRA's investment in our public assets have been instrumental in attracting private sector investment.

About the Pompano Beach CRA:

The City of Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was created in 1989. It has two independent districts: Northwest CRA and East CRA established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district.

The Pompano Beach CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The funds are collected as property values increase and a portion of that increase is captured by the Agency. TIF raises revenue for redevelopment efforts without raising taxes. For more information http://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/pages/cra

Media Contact:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRmediagroup.com

While other cities around the country are considering raising taxes, or already have, in response to budget shortfalls due to COVID-19, the Pompano Beach CRA has announced that residents of the City of Pompano Beach are experiencing one of the lowest tax rates in Broward County according to the recently released 2021 millage rates.