Chris Hamilton and Jenny Lamontagne’s dream cruise wedding faced a dramatic shift when Chris suffered a major heart attack days before the ceremony.

 

The Maine couple, in Florida with nearly 30 guests, saw their plans derailed—and Chris rushed into emergency heart surgery at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.

 

Determined to honor their commitment, hospital staff transformed the cardiac intensive care unit into a touching wedding venue.

 

Music, flowers, an officiant, and even cake created an atmosphere of love and support.

 

Social worker Debbe Hopkins ensured their marriage paperwork was swiftly managed, while Dr. Michael Cortelli led the lifesaving surgery and highlighted the team’s compassionate approach.

 

Chris is now recovering and preparing to return home, with the couple grateful for the staff’s extraordinary care.

 

This marks the third wedding hosted at Memorial Healthcare System this year, reflecting their deep dedication to patients and families.

Broward County has launched a major sand bypass initiative to combat ongoing beach erosion threatening Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, and Hollywood shorelines.

 

The project features a large sand trap built north of the Port Everglades Entrance Channel, engineered to catch and redirect sand every two to four years.

 

This strategy aims to restore the natural southward flow of sand and revitalize beaches that have suffered decades of disruption.

 

Key county leaders, including Mayor Beam Furr and Administrator Monica Cepero, are calling this effort a landmark achievement for the community.

 

After 30 years of planning, the project is now moving ahead, with completion targeted for 2027 and funding powered by tourist development taxes.

 

Locals and tourists alike can anticipate renewed beaches, improved recreation, and greater protection from future coastal erosion.

In the energetic core of Hollywood, Ren Coffee Cart is quickly becoming a beloved hotspot and social media favorite.

 

Tucked inside the eclectic Alley Cats vintage store on Stirling Road, this pop-up draws crowds eager for creative drinks like the cinnamon roll latte and salted pistachio matcha.

 

Lani Bond, the dedicated owner, built her following through both hard work and an irresistible online presence.

 

Once operating long hours with her brother, Bond’s persistence sparked a surge in popularity as word spread about their inventive creations.

 

The partnership with Alley Cats adds even more charm, letting visitors browse vintage finds while waiting for their hand-crafted beverages.

 

Ren Coffee Cart proudly imports premium matcha straight from Uji, Japan.

 

With eyes set on a permanent shop, the pop-up continues to thrive, uniting specialty coffee culture with nostalgic shopping in true Hollywood style.

Hollywood, Florida celebrated its 100th anniversary on November 22, 2025, transforming the ArtsPark at Young Circle into a bustling hub of community pride.

 

Founded by Joseph W. Young in 1925, Hollywood has grown to more than 150,000 residents who gathered for a day filled with vintage cars, classic fire trucks, and historical showcases.

 

Locals enjoyed food trucks, handmade crafts from neighborhood vendors, and energetic performances by leaders onstage.

 

Many, like Alnisa and Tracey Bivelo, voiced their gratitude and love for the city, highlighting Hollywood’s strong sense of community and scenic beach.

 

The family-friendly fest featured faux snow slides and a sparkling Christmas tree lighting, officially kicking off the holiday season.

 

With its lively crowd and warm hometown spirit, the centennial proved Hollywood continues to feel like home for all.

A 36-year-old man from Hollywood, Florida, was arrested after an alleged assault on a Dunkin' employee in Pembroke Pines, following a dispute over the wait time for his food order.

 

Authorities responded just before noon to the location at 9121 Pembroke Road, where Timothy Louis reportedly argued with staff over the delay.

 

When informed by an employee that sandwich preparation would take longer, Louis became agitated and began claiming he was contacting 911 for a refund.

 

As an employee began filming the incident, Louis allegedly grabbed a donut tray, threatened to take it without a refund, and then threw it at the worker before kicking her in the stomach.

 

He fled in a gray Honda Pilot, leaving the employee with minor injuries.

 

Miramar police soon located Louis, who was positively identified and charged with battery. He remains in Broward Main Jail with bond set at $2,500.

In a remarkable milestone, Bi’Laynie Myna Daucima has become the smallest baby ever discharged from Memorial Healthcare System after spending seven months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

 

Born at just 23 weeks on April 8 and weighing only 10.6 ounces, Bi’Laynie faced daunting odds from the start.

 

Her mother, Jeamyna Jean Charles, arrived at the hospital with severe preeclampsia, launching a critical fight for both their lives.

 

Despite life-threatening complications and minimal hope, the team at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital worked tirelessly, providing high-frequency ventilation and delicate IV care to keep Bi’Laynie alive.

 

Now home with her family, Bi’Laynie’s journey highlights the incredible advances in neonatal medicine and serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope for families facing similar battles.

Unlock proven ways to attract new clients, boost your professional reputation, and clearly communicate your value at a dynamic masterclass inspired by Dale Carnegie.

 

Join us on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST at the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, 330 N Federal Highway, Hollywood, FL 33020.

 

This event offers practical insight into connecting with prospective clients—especially within your existing network—while building trust and sharing your unique story.

 

Grow your client base, stand out in a crowded market, and strengthen relationships with authentic, effective communication.

 

Perfect for business owners, sales teams, and professionals seeking real-world strategies backed by decades of Dale Carnegie excellence.

 

Space is limited—RSVP required. Free for members, open to prospects.

 

Enhance your skills, make new connections, and take home actionable techniques.

The iconic Hollywood Beach Resort, once the pride of South Florida’s coastline, now stands eerily silent and fenced off, its fate uncertain as the community marks Hollywood’s 100th anniversary.

 

Built in 1925 by city founder Joseph Young, this 500-room landmark was Broward County’s first grand resort and affectionately dubbed “The Grand Lady.”

 

Through World War II and years as a Bible college, the storied building adapted to changing times.

 

Today, with no clear redevelopment plans and ownership silent, locals — from preservation advocates like Clive Taylor to longtime residents — are divided between hope for restoration and calls for change.

 

Some, like Greg Domas, fondly recall its vibrant past, while city officials express “excitement” for its future, despite the lingering limbo.

 

The fate of Hollywood’s signature hotel now hangs between cherished legacy and new possibilities.

Hollywood, Florida—A heartfelt reunion brought relief to the Hollywood community after Karla Funkhouser was separated from her nine-year-old dog, Mylo, in a startling incident on Polk Street.

 

Last Saturday evening, a group of teenagers performing stunts on bicycles snatched Mylo’s leash, causing Funkhouser to fall as the dog was taken.

 

Funkhouser’s worry grew as hours passed, but a wave of community support on social media led her to discover that Mylo had ended up at Broward Animal Care.

 

Because Mylo wasn’t microchipped, reuniting was delayed — but the relief was unmistakable when Mylo recognized his owner, greeting her with an excited wag.

 

Now fully microchipped, Mylo is safely back home.

 

This incident highlights the vital importance of microchipping pets for their safe and swift return, encouraging local pet owners to take this simple precaution.

Neighbors in a Hollywood community are alarmed as a normally clear canal behind their homes has turned a murky brown, with dead fish now dotting the surface.

 

Joanne Chinelly and Vanesa Dabul, longtime residents, voiced heartbreak over the dire change, noting the once-thriving ecosystem and the worsening odor of decaying fish.

 

Photos reveal a stark difference in water quality, with Dabul noting this troubling event tends to recur yearly, disrupting their backyard life.

 

Locals suspect nearby construction, recent plumbing projects, and sediment runoff may be choking the canal and reducing oxygen, harming fish populations.

 

Broward County Public Works is investigating, considering causes like sediment and weather shifts, while the City of Hollywood confirmed the canal is privately managed and found no city-related leaks.

 

Residents remain anxious for swift action to restore the health of their cherished canal.

The Walt Disney Company is conducting another wave of layoffs, affecting several hundred employees worldwide as it pushes to streamline operations and lower expenses.

 

Departments hit by these cuts include film and TV marketing, TV publicity, casting and development, and corporate finance, though no entire teams are being dissolved.

 

Disney notified impacted workers on Monday, continuing a trend that began with a reduction of about 200 roles last March—roughly 6% of that division's workforce—mostly within ABC News and Disney Entertainment Networks.

 

These decisions follow CEO Bob Iger’s 2023 plan to cut 7,000 jobs to save $5.5 billion and shift focus to strengthening streaming services.

 

The company, which employs 233,000 globally, has still posted robust profits and revenue, fueled by thriving domestic theme parks, an expanding streaming subscriber base, and box office winners like Thunderbolts and Lilo & Stitch.

 

Disney shares rose in response, reflecting ongoing investor confidence amid the media industry’s rapid evolution.

Hollywood, Fla. — A couple from Maine turned an unexpected setback into a heartfelt celebration when their dream cruise wedding was derailed by a medical emergency. Chris Hamilton suffered a serious heart attack just days before their cruise, leading to emergency surgery at Memorial Regional Hospital.

 

Refusing to let adversity break their spirit, Chris and his fiancée Jenny Lamontagne exchanged vows in the cardiac ICU, surrounded by their loved ones and compassionate hospital staff.

 

With the help of social worker Debbe Hopkins and the hospital team, the unit transformed into a touching wedding venue—complete with music, flowers, an officiant, and cake.

 

Dr. Michael Cortelli, who performed Chris’s surgery, praised the team's dedication to making this special day possible. Chris is on the mend and is expected to return home soon, grateful for the support and community at Memorial Regional Hospital.

The Hollywood community will gather on November 15, 2025, at Brian Piccolo Park for the second annual "Becker Strong" 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk, celebrating the memory of beloved principal Robert Becker, known as Mr. B.

 

This heartfelt event supports sarcoma cancer research and scholarships for Broward County students, reflecting Mr. B’s lifelong dedication.

 

For over 20 years, Mr. B led Embassy Creek Elementary School, inspiring his students and staff with his passion for both education and running—even through his own cancer journey.

 

Runners of all ages can join the 5K or 1-mile walk, with awards for top finishers and convenient packet pickup options.

 

Parking is $3 at the park.

 

Funds raised continue Mr. B’s mission, honoring his memory and supporting vital research and youth opportunities.

In Hollywood, Florida, Ren Coffee Cart has teamed up with Alley Cats vintage store at 5900 Stirling Road, drawing attention with their inventive drinks and vibrant community atmosphere.

 

Owner Lani Bond pours her lifelong passion for coffee into creative recipes like a cinnamon roll latte and salted pistachio matcha, both of which have sparked a buzz on social media.

 

Bond, joined by her brother, launched Ren Coffee Cart with long hours and plenty of dedication, gradually building a devoted following through online engagement.

 

The coffee pop-up shares space with Alley Cats, where shoppers explore seasonal vintage finds while enjoying fresh brews.

 

Ren Coffee Cart proudly imports matcha from Uji, Japan, known for premium quality.

 

Still searching for a permanent home, this pop-up continues to thrive by blending local flavor with vintage charm, showing how new ideas can grow alongside classic favorites.

On November 22, 2025, Hollywood, Florida, marked its 100th anniversary with a vibrant celebration at ArtsPark at Young Circle. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered, reflecting on a century of growth and community spirit.

 

Founded in 1925 by Joseph W. Young, Hollywood has become home to over 150,000 people. The centennial event spotlighted vintage cars, historic fire trucks, and city exhibitions, offering a lively journey through Hollywood’s past.

 

Guests enjoyed diverse food trucks, local artisans, and live music, while children and families reveled in faux snow slides and winter-themed attractions.

 

The festivities concluded with a dazzling Christmas tree lighting, ushering in the holiday season.

 

With almost $1.5 billion in new investments, including residential and mixed-use projects and improvements like the Downtown Hollywood Boulevard Streetscape, the city continues to blend its historic roots with modern growth and strong community pride.

Hollywood, Florida is showcasing resilience and vitality as it rebounds from recent challenges, including severe flooding in June 2024 caused by a tropical disturbance.

 

With over 20 inches of rainfall, the city’s upgraded drainage and swift emergency actions helped floodwaters recede in just over a day, reflecting a strong commitment to public safety and infrastructure protection.

 

Economic growth is surging, highlighted by the December 2024 opening of a unique three-story Publix at 3100 S. Ocean Drive, designed with convenient parking and a main-store layout that elevates the shopping experience for residents.

 

The local dining scene is expanding as well, with Offy Shifman launching a second Street Bar on Stirling Road, bringing beloved kosher comfort foods to a broader community.

 

Free live music at Hollywood Beach Theatre and ongoing centennial celebrations continue to unite residents, fueling pride and a vibrant sense of community.

 

Hollywood’s ongoing evolution cements its status as a thriving destination in South Florida.