Currently, in South Florida, there are over 1.2 million food insecure individuals, and one in nine individuals in South Florida remain uncertain about where they will get their next meal due to inflation, the strained supply chain, rising fuel prices and increased housing costs, among other factors.  

Registration is currently open to all four counties that Feeding South Florida serves including Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe at: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/events/ 

Participants can join the event as an individual or a team. Those not participating in the race may also support the organization by creating a personalized fundraising page when they register. 

When:    

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 

6:30 – 9 a.m.  

Registration begins: 6:30 a.m.  

Outrun Hunger 5K start: 7:30 a.m.  

Award Ceremony at 8:30 a.m.  

Where: 

Tropical Park
7900 SW 40th Street  

Miami, FL 33155

Cost: 

Registration: $25
Registration + T-shirt: $40
Hunger Hero: $250 

How: 

For more information and to register, participants can visit: https://feedingsouthflorida.org/events/ 

Feeding South Florida® is a member of the Feeding America network and is the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. Providing support for 25 percent of the state’s food insecure population, its mission is to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger, and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. Feeding South Florida served more than *1.17 million individuals through direct-service programs and a local network of more than 350 nonprofit and community partners. Visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org or call 954-518-1818.  

*FY July 2022–June 2023 

The post Feeding South Florida® to Host Annual Outrun Hunger 5K Miami at Tropical Park on February 15 appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

As the president and CEO of Broward Health and interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System (MHS), Strum is spearheading efforts to bring transformational change to South Florida’s healthcare landscape.

A family legacy and early inspirations

You might say Strum’s career path was inevitable. Growing up in his native South Florida in a family where both parents worked in the healthcare field—his father was a physician and his mother a nurse—Strum was immersed in medical discussions from an early age. “Our dinner table conversations were often about new techniques, the growth of hospitals, and the changing face of healthcare,” he recalls. “I saw firsthand how critical hospitals are to a community. They’re often invisible until you need them, but when you do, they are a vital resource.”

He was particularly influenced by the nonprofit model of Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare, both of which were established by the Florida legislature to serve the community’s healthcare needs. “Both organizations are integral to the community,” Strum says. “Memorial has been serving the region since the early ’50s, and Broward Health has a long history of being a trusted provider. We are not just healthcare systems; we are a community asset, and that is something I’ve always been passionate about.”

He is hopeful that the broader healthcare landscape will continue to evolve in more ways that benefit patients. “Broward Health and Memorial are both safety-net systems, which means we care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay,” he says. “That’s a core part of our mission, and it’s something our employees take very seriously.”

Dual role: Leading two major health systems

In September 2023, Strum took on the unprecedented challenge of becoming the interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System while continuing to serve as president of Broward Health. Managing both roles is no small feat, but then Strum is no stranger to juggling multiple responsibilities. “It’s about managing time and staying organized,” he says. “Both systems have strong teams and boards, and that makes a big difference. It’s a challenge, but I’m fortunate to have incredible support at both organizations.”

His approach is systematic: a structured daily schedule, clear priorities, and a focus on listening and gathering feedback from both teams. “I make lists every day and roll over tasks if I can’t get to them,” Strum explains. “The key is staying in constant communication with both organizations and being responsive to the needs of the community.”

Under his guidance, both systems are investing heavily in expanding access to care, especially in underserved areas. His leadership is focused on long-term growth and improving patient outcomes. “Our goal is to create a stronger healthcare experience in South Florida by fostering collaboration between the two systems, sharing best practices, and finding ways to enhance the patient journey,” he says.

Addressing challenges and seizing opportunities

As healthcare constantly evolves, Strum views the changes not as challenges but as opportunities. “The biggest task is prioritizing which growth opportunities to fast-track,” he says. “We have ambitious plans to build new facilities and introduce innovative solutions that will benefit our community for years to come.”

He is particularly focused on addressing healthcare disparities in South Florida, particularly in maternal care. “In some parts of our community, there’s a real shortage of access to OB-GYN services,” he says. “The areas of Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes and Oakland Park are actually considered a ‘maternity desert.’ That’s why we opened a new 5,000-square-foot facility in Lauderhill to offer prenatal care and maternity services. By bringing in three OB-GYNs from Broward Health, we are giving women in that area the care they need, when they need it.

“Our goal is to be proactive, to provide services that prevent problems before they start,” he explains. “If we can intervene early with things like prenatal care, we can avoid complications down the road, which helps both mothers and babies stay healthy and avoid expensive treatments in the NICU.”

Exciting projects also on the horizon include the construction of five new freestanding emergency rooms across Broward County. Memorial Healthcare recently announced two new ERs in Pembroke Pines and Miramar, while Broward Health is moving forward with additional facilities in Holiday Park, Sunrise, and Lighthouse Point. These additions are part of a broader strategy to increase access to emergency care and make healthcare more accessible “by bringing services closer to where people live,” Strum notes.

Strum is also focused on harnessing the power of technology to improve patient care. Both Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare are implementing electronic medical records systems that will allow for more seamless communication between hospitals and emergency services. “If a patient comes into our ER that’s been in an accident, for instance, we want to have their medical history at our fingertips, especially in critical situations,” Strum explains. “We no longer have to wait for records to be faxed to us or call other facilities. Now, through MyChart, we can see patient information in real-time.”

Memorial Healthcare System has been using this technology for over 14 years, and now Broward Health is investing $250 million to implement similar systems. “This kind of innovation is going to save lives,” Strum says. “In an emergency, knowing whether a patient is allergic to a medication can make all the difference.”

Building collaborative partnerships

Strum believes that collaboration between Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare is key to strengthening the region’s healthcare ecosystem. “Both systems have incredible strengths, but there are areas where we can learn from each other,” he says. “We’re looking at ways to reduce redundancies, streamline processes, and share resources.”

One initiative Strum is particularly excited about is the potential for cross-credentialing physicians between the two systems. “Why not have doctors who are credentialed at both Memorial and Broward Health?” he proposes. “This will allow us to provide more comprehensive care, especially in specialties where we both have strengths.” 

Joint board meetings are also being held to help both organizations align their objectives and prioritize projects. “This collaborative approach is going to help us move faster and be more effective in achieving our shared mission: ensuring a healthier Broward County,” Strum says.

“Many people would ask, Why do we need two systems?” he says. “But think of the brain power of two organizations like this. Working together makes us stronger, gives us great energy, there’s wonderful research being done — it’s a lot of good stuff.

“At the end of the day,” he concludes, “it’s all about improving the health of our community.”

The post A Man With a Plan appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

The holiday season at The Loop is filled with special events, including the beloved annual Light Up the Beach and Menorah Lighting, creating a truly enchanting holiday experience for everyone. Sponsored by the Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Improvement District in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department and The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park, WONDERLAND guarantees an unforgettable festive season.

Highlights of The LOOP’s schedule of holiday events and experiences include the following:

Monday, Nov. 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Light Up the Beach

The City of Fort Lauderdale will feature its annual Light Up the Beach event on Monday, Nov. 18, showcasing over 50,000 dazzling holiday lights along the beautiful beachfront. The event will also see the much-loved “Olas,” a massive 20-foot beach snowman, make a return. Attendees can look forward to performances by the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds and a children’s area with Santa, inflatables, slides and plenty of fun activities.

The Ninth Annual Friday Night Sound Waves “Backstage Pass” Tribute Act Series 

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of legendary music under the stars! Join The LOOP for the Ninth Annual Friday Night Sound Waves “Backstage Pass” series, where beloved tribute acts will electrify Las Olas Oceanside Park with classic hits. As December approaches, guests can enjoy the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Neil Diamond, creating a festive atmosphere that promises to be memorable.

Attendees are invited to come early to enjoy various pre-concert games on the main lawn starting at 5 p.m., along with local artisan vendors and a rotation of food and drink vendors to sip, sup and shop before, during, and after the show. For a complete listing of vendors and ticket options, visit https://theloopflb.com/events/categories/live-music/

Tuesday, Dec. 24, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. – Sinatra and Friends

Due to popular demand, “Sinatra and Friends” on Christmas Eve promises an unforgettable evening filled with classic Sinatra melodies and festive favorites. Enjoy the remarkable talents of Jeff Grainger, accompanied by his six-piece band and joined by the charming sounds of Rat Pack legends Sammy and Dean, transporting audiences back to the Swing Era. It’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together and start a new holiday tradition. The concert is free for everyone and open to all ages. Additionally, a limited number of VIP Supper Club-style tables are available for those interested in a premium experience.

• Cost: Free open lawn or VIP Supper Club-style seating is available ($30-135).
• A limited supply of chairs is available to rent for $7.50.
• Time: Seating opens at 6 p.m.; Concert begins at 7 p.m.
• For tickets and more information, please visit theloopflb.com/events/christmas-eve-with-sinatra/

THE MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park, Saturdays: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy a delightful experience this holiday season at The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park, where you can sip, savor, stroll, and shop small in a charming winter wonderland! Explore unique artisan creations for gifting, tasty homemade treats perfect for entertaining, and stylish outfits for your festive gatherings. The MKT will be transformed into a festive village with extended weekend hours featuring local vendors, cheerful holiday music, and themed photo spots to capture the spirit of the season for your social media feeds.

Performers’ schedules, experiences and Santa visits are subject to change. For a complete list of vendors, activities and weekly workshops during the festive WONDERLAND, visit theloopflb.com/events/categories/market/.

The post Las Olas Oceanside Park Transforms Into Holiday Wonderland appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

Feeding South Florida is witnessing an unprecedented surge in its efforts to provide nutritious meals to over 1.2 million individuals in the region. This increase is largely driven by factors such as inflation, disruptions in the supply chain, rising fuel costs and escalating housing expenses. Veterans who dedicate their lives to serving the U.S., unfortunately, face challenges related to food insecurity alongside active military members and their families. According to Feeding America, one in nine working-age veterans experiences food insecurity, and approximately 1.2 million low-income veterans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for support.

To RSVP, please visit www.Feedingsouthflorida.org/vets. Space is limited. Veterans must RSVP by Nov. 9. 

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Good Press – JA Circle of Wise Women Rosé Soiree

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Good Press- Heidi Dennis Wonder Woman Scholarships

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Are you looking for a restaurant like this to try out? Well, you are in luck.

Let me introduce you to Kojin2.0. Passionate foodies must pay this restaurant a visit, especially if they enjoy all the things mentioned above. And these specific elements are what makes this restaurant truly special.

Kojin2.0 is a restaurant that’s truly different from others, with the type of service that makes you feel like you are in your family’s kitchen, hanging out and having a conversation with the chef. Or, in this case, chefs.

Led by chef couple Pedro and Katherine Mederos, Kojin2.0 is the perfect place to explore a different side of Japanese food. The chefs are proud and focused on making sure that they utilize fresh and seasonal local ingredients in every dish that is served to their clients every evening. And they do so with pride.

The Mederos couple started this restaurant experience with the first Kojin, a pop-up restaurant that was only meant to last about three months in Miami’s Little River district. Now, a year after the closure of a place that was revered and respected by everyone who tried their food options, they have their own little space in Coral Gables to show off their culinary skills and serve hungry diners a delicious selection of Japanese food created with passion. It’s a different world now, a world where Chef Pedro has a chance to feed more than just those who perched themselves on the six-seat counter at the prior Kojin pop-up.

Yet, while the restaurant is not just a counter offering delicious bites, the environment is cozy, and it only seats 30 diners. So, we recommend making reservations in advance to enjoy the dining experience at this restaurant.

When my husband and I had the chance to experience a meal at Kojin2.0, we were greeted by a cheerful and comfortable space featuring a soft banquette and table seating. The feelings that you get once you visit are fuzzy ones, because we felt welcome as soon as we stepped in and got ready for the long-awaited main event of eating at the new spot.

Diners have the option of enjoying a journey of one of their three tasting menus. Each of them gives visitors a chance to try the restaurant’s varied food options and beverage options, such as perfectly selected sakes, wines and beers.

The starter version (Commis) comprised six courses for $85 per person. Then there’s the 12 or so course mid-level menu (Sous) at $145 per person. Lastly, for those seeking something very special, there’s the all-in menu (Executive) being offered, one that includes access to those two front-row counter seats, wine and sake pairings, and more surprises. Highly recommended for special celebrations, these menus give foodies a chance to have the best of the best selections to enjoy.

While at the restaurant, we felt like royalty. The a la carte menu is one that offers some of the restaurant’s staples. Some of the included ones on the menu of are a delicious brown butter brioche served with truffle honey butter and a flavor-packed sando. You can also enjoy thechicken or mushroom, a flavorful mix that includes slaw, tsukemono and soy egg. Many of these are great for the start of your dining experience.

We were impressed by the main courses that we tried as well as their general main course dishes. Just expect to be wooed by a fresh market fish, as well as a delectable Niman Ranch short rib with curry, carrots and celery root, among other options that will leave you satisfied with your meal and evening.

Oh, and please don’t leave without trying the already crowd favorite, Kojin Caesar, a perfect mix of local greens, katsumirim (a bonito flake studded salad topping) nori and smoked trout roe. It was a true highlight for me!

End your dining experience with a delicious dessert such as a rich chocolate tart with miso, caramel and dulce de leche. And please remember to request some perfect wine and sake pairings throughout your dine. It was one of the best things that we did, since each selection offered enhanced every bite.

It’s time to treat yourself to a special and unique experience at Kojin2.0. It’s unforgettable and you’ll find yourself recommending that others do the same.

For more information and reservations, call 786- 747-1404, visit their website www.kojin2.com and follow them on social media @kojin2.0.

The post Kojin2.0: An Exclusive and Hidden Gem in Coral Gables appeared first on Lifestyle Media Group.

A Florida based spirit, it is one that perfectly represents the elegance and adventurous side of our local cities, while boasting the type of balanced taste that leads to delicious cocktails that might just be perfect for those relaxed boating days, or even a night spent mixing up drinks at home with close friends.

As for me, trying out the vodka made my own spirit happy. As a former cocktail columnist, I’ve always loved trying new spirits such as new vodkas. I love tasting them and seeing how they play well with other flavors and how creatively mixologists can use these types of spirits to mix up enticing drinks in our cities.

Mixology trends come and go, but recently, restaurants and local bars have not been afraid to create salt and savory martinis, such as the vodka’s signature drink, the Yacht Life Vodka Starboard Martini, which was one that I enjoyed trying to make myself inside the comfort of my own home. And I succeeded in mixing it up!

Want to check out a spot that offers a variety of cocktails with the spirit?  Well, then you’re in luck. And just might learn a little bit from the bartenders there.

Local spots such as Biergarten in Boca Raton, as well as Green Hat Bar in Fort Lauderdale, have selected and used vodka to create these types of unique cocktails that surprise and please drink aficionados with a refined taste.

Yacht Life Vodka is also one that is great to enjoy neat and chilled. Yet, it’s balance and flavor have locations such as those mentioned above mixing up signature drinks that represent how the vodka can deliciously join other delicious flavors in a glass.

Want to try mixing one at home or on your day on a boat? I recommend The Yacht Life Vodka Starboard Martini, which was the one that I enjoyed preparing and trying out myself in the comfort of my own home.

And why not? At times, we need a little moment of relaxation and a dash of bravery to create something different.

The Yacht Life Vodka Starboard Martini, created for the brand by one of South Florida’s most awarded bartenders, Rob Husted, is a unique cocktail that shifts from slightly sweet to salty with the use of a Garden Kelp syrup, making it a true favorite of those looking for a little something different, simple and with taste.

Since local stores such as Primo Liquors and a variety of Total Wine and More locations have the vodka available, it might be time for you to get as brave as me and make this drink at home.

Enjoy the recipe, and make sure to reach out and ask for feedback. I’ll be happy to toast with you for your efforts! Cheers!

THE YACHT LIFE VODKA STARBOARD MARTINI

2 oz Yacht Life Vodka

1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
1 oz Garden Kelp Syrup*
1 oz Water

Combine ingredients in a shaker. Shake and strain.

Garnish with a cracked sea salt rim and top with a Kombu seaweed slice

Garden Kelp Syrup

16 oz Sugar
16 oz Water
1 Whole Cucumber Sliced
1 Whole Celery Stalk Sliced
(2) 3″ Pieces of Kombu Seaweed

Combine all ingredients in a pot on the stovetop on low heat for 1 hour. Turn off the heat and simmer for 1 hour.
*Lasts for 1 week when refrigerated.

For more information on Yacht Life Vodka, visit https://yachtlifevodka.com.

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Good Press Circle of Wise Women and League Pajama Mixer

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