PART-TIME WORK
Right now, readers can find copies of the South Florida Times at hundreds of locations throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The locations include Winn-Dixie and Publix supermarkets. New locations are added each week. This expansion requires more delivery associates. Dependable individuals should contact Circulation Coordinator Robert Beatty II about these part-time employment opportunities at 954-356-9360. Watch The Video online at: SFLTimes.com
DRUG ALERT
If there has ever been a good reason to avoid drugs, this is surely it. Cocaine that has been traced back to South America is being mixed with Levamisole, a cheap filler agent. The drug was used as a cancer treatment in the United States, but not any more. It is a veterinary antibiotic that is still used to de-worm animals in some countries. It can be deadly to humans, causing fatal infections and blood disorders. South Florida doctors have been put on alert as more people are showing up in hospitals across North America, from Canada to Miami, sickened by the drug.
SPIRITUAL MESSAGES
The Rev. Joaquin Willis is pastor of the Church of the Open Door in Miami. He writes a short sermon which appears in most editions. The South Florida Times is also seeking sermons from houses of worship in Palm Beach and Broward counties. If your pastor wishes to join Rev. Willis in writing religious columns for the South Florida Times, please contact Executive Editor Brad Bennett, at 954-356-9360, or email at bbennett@sfltimes.com.
Miami-Dade County
CALLOUS DECISION
The state of Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities has given operators of Felicia's House, a Miami Gardens group facility for the mentally impaired, notice that the facility’s contract to provide services will be cut off in 30 days. The agency’s administrators allege that the facility has overbilled the government, and that this is cause to terminate the contract. Owners of Felicia’s House say the whole thing is a misunderstanding. They have asked U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek to step in and stop the closure. Felicia’s House provides services to about 15 people on any given day, and they will have to find another provider if this decision is not reversed.
Broward County
REQUIRED READING
Anthony “Tony” Harrison opened the African Book Store in 1994. For 15 years, the store has offered unique, African-centered books, crafts and other wares you are not likely to find elsewhere in South Florida. Sadly, hard times have fallen upon this treasured little shop, and it is struggling to keep the doors open. The African Book Store has a website, AfricanBookStore.net, where you can order any book published in the world. The service is excellent, and the prices are better than fair. But for some reason, people are going to corporate bookstores instead. It would be a shame for an Afro-centric retailer that offers a good product to go out of business simply because we do not patronize it. In addition to rare books, artwork and natural cosmetics, you can also get your copy of the South Florida Times there. The African Book Store is located at 3600 W. Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. The phone number is 954-584-0460. Watch The Video online at: SFLTimes.com
SHOCKING ALLEGATIONS
The Broward chapter of the Florida Democratic Party’s Black Caucus is embroiled in a controversy over the improper ouster of Alan Brown of Lauderhill as president. Neither officials with the Florida Democratic Party nor the statewide Democratic Black Caucus have addressed the issue. But now, you bet they wish they had. Brown’s case has led numerous other chapters around the state to file complaints about how the organization is being run. A complaint filed by the Alachua County chapter of the Florida Democratic Black Caucus on Monday, May 3, accuses state leaders of bank and other financial fraud. It’s a mess. Officials with the Florida Democratic Party have been meeting all week about the allegations. Stay tuned, because any time you play with the money, it gets serious.
OUCH, THAT HURT!
Believe it or not, the Broward Sheriff’s Office has announced $13 million in cuts from last year’s budget. The cuts call for unpaid furloughs and the elimination of more than 300 positions, along with possible layoffs. But as if that is not enough, Broward County commissioners have informed Sheriff Al Lamberti that he must cut a total of $54 million from his $722 million budget, and this will surely mean layoffs. If county commissioners vote to increase taxes, the burden could be reduced, but you can expect fewer deputies on the job.
KILLER CAUGHT
Corey Young, 27, of Lauderhill, was arrested on Sunday, May 3 in the fatal shooting of Randolph Canion, 33, at the Hunters Manor Park in Pompano Beach on Saturday, May 2. The incident unfolded after two groups of men whose families have a long-running feud began fighting. Guns and a baseball bat were involved, and police say Young has admitted to being the shooter.
BEATING SUSPECTS ARRESTED
The Broward Sheriff’s Office has arrested Victor Gonzalez, 21, and Pargu Leandro, 25, both of Deerfield Beach, in the separate robbery and brutal beatings of two men in Oakland Park on April 6. The arrests came about four weeks after the alleged crimes took place. The beating has left Craig Cohen, 47, on life support, and David Villanova, 27, suffering from severe head injuries, including a fractured skull. The attacks happened within minutes of each other. The suspects allegedly followed Cohen as he walked home along Oakland Park Boulevard. He was robbed and stomped. Later, the suspects found Villanova, beat him, and robbed him, too. Investigators are looking for accomplices.
Palm Beach County
GOODBYE, TRI-RAIL
The 76-mile long Tri-Rail train system is facing deep cuts, and an immediate reduction in the number of trains that run each day. The system is also facing an end to weekend and holiday service. There will also be fewer hours of operation on the days the trains do run. The trains ferry an average of 14,700 passengers every week through three South Florida counties: Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade. If additional funds are not found, the cuts would take effect in October, and the system could be completely shut down next summer. State Sen. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami, and state Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood joined other lawmakers in asking Gov. Charlie Crist to transfer $30 million from next year’s budget to Tri-Rail.
SHAMEFUL SHOOTING
Riviera Beach police are looking for two men who shot a man on Blue Heron Boulevard near Military Trail on Monday, May 4. The suspects pulled alongside the man’s car, and demanded his car speakers. When the man tried to pull away, they opened fired, hitting him several times. The victim is hospitalized, but is expected to survive. The suspects were driving a black BMW. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-8477.
MO’ MONEY
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw is asking county commissioners for $479.5 million to run his department over the next fiscal year. The budget is $5.4 million more than last year’s. As much as $17.8 million of it will cover salaries, fringe benefits and pension contributions.
EJones@SFLTimes.com
Photo: Robert Beatty II
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