*Miami Beach Commissioner Proposes Cutting Officials’ Stipends And Pensions After Amendment 3*
Miami Beach Commissioner David Suarez wants to cut vehicle, cellphone, and expense stipends for the mayor and commissioners and reform their pensions.
The move is meant to help offset projected losses from Amendment 3, the property tax measure voters approved on November 3.
A state study estimates the amendment could cost Miami Beach more than $11 million in 2027 and more than $22 million in 2028. Suarez says his proposal would save the city roughly $500,000 a year.
Under current rules, officials can receive up to $2,600 a year for cellphones, $9,500 for cars, and a mayor and commission allowance that can reach $42,000. Base salaries remain low ($6,000 for commissioners, under $10,000 for the mayor). Pensions currently vest after just one term.
Suarez, who says he has never taken a city salary or stipend, argues elected officials should tighten their own belts before asking departments for cuts.
The resolution is expected to come up at the November 18 commission meeting.
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*AAA Announces Another 10% Auto Insurance Rate Cut In Florida*
MIAMI (VINnews) – AAA is cutting auto insurance rates in Florida by an average of 10%, marking another round of reductions for drivers in the state.
READ MORE ⤵️
https://vinnews.com/2026/11/13/aaa-announces-another-10-auto-insurance-rate-cut-in-florida/
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The northbound lanes of Florida's Turnpike are closed in Palm City following a crash involving a tractor-trailer and a pickup truck Friday morning.
*Broward Community Remembers Kristallnacht At David Posnack JCC*
The Broward Jewish community gathered Sunday night at the Mania and Max Nudel Holocaust Learning Center at the David Posnack JCC to mark Kristallnacht and honor those whose lives were changed by the Nazi persecution that followed.
The evening was organized by the Nudel Center, AJC, the Broward County Commission, the Jewish Federation of Broward County, I Love Jewish, and Young at Heart Home Care. It featured remarks from Judith Osers Muller of the Yad Vashem USA Foundation, a performance of “G-d and the Holocaust” by Avi Hoffman, and music from a live klezmer ensemble.
More than 88 years after November 1938, the program focused on keeping the history alive while recognizing where unchecked antisemitism can lead and the need to confront hate today.
AJC and the community partners thanked everyone who attended and highlighted the Nudel Holocaust Learning Center’s ongoing work on Holocaust education across Broward County.
*Joe’s Pizza Joins The ORB Family In Boca Raton*
Joe’s Pizza has opened its second South Florida location in West Boca, bringing authentic New York-style kosher pizza to the community.
The Hollywood-based shop, open since 2023, is now serving pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads at 9874 Yamato Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33434.
ORB certified and proudly serving South Florida, the new spot is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Call (561) 961-0050 or order online for dine-in, pickup, or free delivery.
*Chabad @ UCF Hosts Israel Panel On What It Means To Be The Chosen People*
Chabad at UCF brought together a panel of Israeli voices and rabbis Tuesday night for a discussion that went past politics and headlines.
The event, called Chosen, asked what it really means to be the Chosen People and what that mission looks like today.
Speakers included Avi Abelow of Pulse of Israel, Rabbi Danny Cohen of Chabad of Hebron, Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel and Tehila Gimpel of The Land of Israel Network, Rabbi Aron Sokol of New York Jewish Radio, and Rabbi Joshua Wander of Bring Them Home.
It took place during the weekly ChaBBQ, with dinner served.
*Florida Scoop’s Take:* These kinds of campus conversations keep the focus on identity and purpose instead of just reacting to the news cycle.
*Chabad Russian Center Hosting Free Piano Recital In Sunny Isles Beach*
Italian pianist Emanuele Vito De Caria is performing a free recital at the Chabad Russian Center on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.
The program features works by Chopin, Schumann, and Scriabin.
Welcome drinks and snacks will be offered.
The event is at 488 Sunny Isles Blvd in Sunny Isles Beach. Admission is free.
*Good Shabbos from the Florida Scoop and Hatzalah of South Florida!*
*Couple Married Over 70 Years Shares Secrets At Kspace Miami*
A couple with more than seven decades of marriage joined young Jewish singles in Aventura last night for a conversation about lasting love.
The event took place at Kspace Miami, the local spot that serves as a second home for Jewish singles ages 18 to 38.
Special guest Boris, a violinist who previously performed for President Trump, was also there.
The night gave the community a chance to hear real advice from a marriage that has stood the test of time.
*FBI Miami Launches First Vodcast Spotlighting The People Behind The Badge*
FBI Miami just dropped its first-ever vodcast, The People Behind the Badge.
The debut episode features Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles and Assistant Special Agent in Charge
Justin Fleck talking about the massive territory the Miami Field Office covers (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and beyond), the work happening across South Florida, and the people doing it every day.
They kick it off Miami-style with café cubano and get into the real stories behind the cases and the commitment that keeps the community safe.
*Uniqlo Opens On Lincoln Road With Freebies And Taiko Drums*
Uniqlo is officially open at 530 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.
The store is running opening celebrations through Sunday, November 15, with daily giveaways and live Japanese Taiko drum performances by Fushu Daiko at 9:45 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM.
The first 300 customers in line each day receive a free Uniqlo knot bag filled with goodies. No purchase is needed.
Spend $99 or more and the first 300 customers daily get a stainless steel water bottle. Any purchase gets the first 300 a $15 Cortadito Coffee House voucher.
*Seminole County Pauses Firefighter Hiring Over Amendment 3 Budget Impact*
Seminole County officials have put hiring on hold for the fire department while they assess the budget impact of Amendment 3.
The amendment, approved by Florida voters earlier this month, raises the homestead exemption and is expected to reduce local property tax revenue.
For now, emergency response is not at risk.
County leaders previously warned of potential longer-term staffing reductions and slower response times if the projected revenue drop materializes. Current services remain in place as they review the numbers.
*Aventura Chabad Welcomes Bat Mitzvah Club Girls To The Mikvah*
Aventura Chabad hosted its Bat Mitzvah Club girls at the mikvah this week.
The girls came with thoughtful questions and got a look at something Jewish women have treated as precious for generations.
Mikvah remains a quiet gift of holiness and renewal in the community.
Aventura Chabad says it is proud of each of them.
*Beit David Highland Lakes Shul Opens 4-Part Kabbalah Course With Rabbi Wolf*
The first session of the new Kabbalah course at Beit David Highland Lakes Shul just wrapped up with Rabbi Wolf.
The group dug into the question “Is anything really real?” and explored what Kabbalah teaches about G-d, creation, and the nature of existence.
The evening ended with a meditation.
Missed the first class? It’s not too late. Each session stands on its own, so you can still jump in next week.
*YJP Las Olas Hosting Chanukah Night At Rhythm & Vine*
YJP Las Olas is taking Chanukah out for a night at Rhythm & Vine this Sunday.
The event runs 6 to 9 PM on December 6 at the popular Las Olas-area spot, known for its outdoor garden, music, and easygoing vibes.
Expect good company, new faces, and a chance to celebrate with other young Jewish professionals in Fort Lauderdale.
Bring friends and come ready to mingle.
Sunday, December 6
6–9 PM
Rhythm & Vine (401 NE 5th Terrace)
For the first time since late March, temperatures at or below 60°F are forecast to return to most of South Florida tonight! Lows are forecast to dip into the 50s across most of the region.
*DeSantis: DSA Picked The Wrong State Over Possible Foreign Communist Ties*
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has subpoenaed the Democratic Socialists of America, examining whether the group or its Florida chapters accepted money or support from foreign sources of concern, including the governments of Cuba and China.
The probe looks at recent DSA trips to Cuba (where members met with regime officials) and China, along with travel fund solicitations that covered tens of thousands of dollars in costs tied to Florida chapters.
On Fox News’ Faulkner Focus, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the group “picked the wrong state to be messing with in terms of communists.”
He noted Florida is the only state with anti-communism curriculum in its schools, observes Victims of Communism Day every November 10, and is home to large numbers of exiles from communist regimes, especially in South Florida.
The subpoena falls under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and state fundraising laws.
Investigators are seeking records to determine whether Florida donor money was used transparently and lawfully.
*Zev’s Pizza Joins The ORB Family In North Miami Beach*
ORB has officially welcomed Zev’s Pizza to the kosher community in North Miami Beach.
The new spot at 17010 W Dixie Hwy serves authentic New York-style pies made with 100% organic flour and no seed oils. Every pie is baked slightly well done for a crispy crust with no flop.
Zev’s comes from Zev Rocklin, who founded the popular Zevy’s Pizza in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, before bringing the concept south. Whole pies only.
17010 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
786-668-5559
*Florida Scoop’s Take:* North Miami Beach just got a solid new option for crispy NY-style pizza under ORB.
Worth a try if you’re in the area.
*Bryan Leib Praises Senator Rick Scott For Setting The Tone In The Senate*
Bryan Leib told NTD that Florida is lucky to have political leaders who put the state and its residents first.
He specifically thanked Senator Rick Scott for the leadership he is showing in the Senate right now.
Leib added that he wishes Scott had been elected Majority Leader two years ago.
*Palm Beach Synagogue Launches New Young Circle Group*
Palm Beach Synagogue just rolled out Young Circle, a new group built for the next generation of the community.
It is designed to bring young adults together for connection, Shabbat, learning, and the kind of real friendships that stick in Palm Beach.
Young Circle sits alongside the synagogue’s existing Young Jewish Professionals programming and gives people in their 20s and 30s a dedicated space to plug in.
Details on the first events are still coming, but the launch is already drawing interest from locals looking for a tighter, more intentional circle.
If you are in the Palm Beach area and want in, reach out to the synagogue office or check their channels for updates.
You're all caught up.