Latest news with #BrowardCounty
CBS News
14 hours ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Broward judge faces public reprimand over political donations tied to Kamala Harris, Biden
As part of discipline that also included a 10-day suspension, Broward County Circuit Judge Stefanie Moon will go before the Florida Supreme Court on Sept. 9 for a public reprimand, the court said Tuesday. On July 17, justices on the state's high court ordered the suspension, reprimand and a $2,115 fine after Moon was accused of inappropriate campaign activity, prohibited political contributions and other wrongdoing. The state Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates judicial conduct, alleged that Moon violated judicial canons by making political contributions, including to committees backing former Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, former President Joe Biden and ActBlue, a Democratic Party fundraising arm. In addition, Moon was accused of reminding an attorney in court that he had not returned a phone call related to her re-election campaign and improperly contacting the therapist of a man who was a party in a case and whose mental health was an issue. The Supreme Court has ultimate disciplinary authority over judges.
Skift
2 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Diversity, Inclusion, and the Outdoors: How Greater Fort Lauderdale Welcomes Everyone Under the Sun
The newly expanded Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale combines waterfront beauty, cultural diversity, and inclusive design to create an ideal setting for large, accessible events. With state-of-the-art features, on-site accommodations, and a welcoming spirit, it's a destination where creativity, well-being, and belonging thrive. Greater Fort Lauderdale's enviable weather and miles of golden beaches make it an easy choice for event planners who appreciate nature's positive impact on well-being and productivity. But beyond that postcard-perfect surface, you'll find that the region's true beauty lies in its warm hospitality and cultural diversity. And when you pair those ideal elements with the recent expansion of the waterfront Broward County Convention Center (BCCC), you've got the perfect recipe for a meaningful mega event. 'We are a sophisticated, diverse, dynamic destination that offers great airlift, world-class meeting and convention facilities, upscale hotels, and endless opportunities for activities and excitement beyond the meeting room,' said Mike Pouey, the Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Visit Lauderdale. How BCCC Prioritizes Accessibility and Inclusion Diversity and inclusion are not a passing trend in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area — they're an integral part of the destination's DNA. There's a strong history of Seminole and Caribbean heritage, and the region is home to people from 170 countries. More than 145 languages are spoken here, and you'll find Greater Fort Lauderdale's rich cultural diversity reflected in the local restaurants and cultural events. In addition, LGBTQ+ residents and visitors feel at home in Greater Fort Lauderdale. 'It's known as Florida's LGBTQ+ capital for its welcoming vibe and abundance of gay-owned bars, restaurants, and other businesses, as well as its annual Pride Festival and LGBTQ+ events,' Pouey said. Fort Lauderdale is also committed to the inclusion of travelers with disabilities. 'Accessibility initiatives implemented across the region ensure that the destination welcomes travelers with both visible and hidden disabilities,' Pouey said. 'Broward County Convention Center is accessible-friendly, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program that supports travelers with disabilities, and even the beaches have features for travelers of all abilities to be able to enjoy the beach and the water.' Interested in planning an event at the Broward County Convention Center but unsure how you can welcome 'everyone under the sun?' According to Pouey, the BCCC team provides a variety of resources and services for planners to create an inclusive and accessible event. 'By supporting the 'everyone under the sun' motto, BCCC offers an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to participate fully.' Networking feels effortless when the ocean is your backdrop.. Photo credit: visit lauderdale. The New Broward County Convention Center: Features & Highlights Here are some key ways they achieve this: Accessibility features: The convention center is equipped with wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms and seating areas, and other features that ensure all attendees can navigate the venue comfortably. BCCC was the first convention center in North America to participate in the Sunflower program, and an on-site Sunflower room offers a quiet place for attendees with disabilities to relax between meetings. Customizable spaces: With flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, planners can tailor layouts to meet the specific needs of their audience, ensuring that everyone can participate fully. Staff training: The convention center staff is trained in accessibility best practices, enabling them to assist event planners in implementing inclusive strategies. Collaboration: The center actively works with event planners to understand their specific accessibility needs and provide guidance on creating an inclusive environment. Connected & Convenient: Location Advantages for Planners Located just five minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, event attendees can reach the Broward County Convention Center moments after their flight touches down. And the location isn't just convenient for arrival and departure — it's also within walking distance of several hotels and a quick drive to ports (including Port Everglades, which is adjacent to the convention center), restaurants, and an abundance of outdoor activities along Greater Fort Lauderdale's 24 miles of beaches. 'There are numerous golf courses in the area, as well as watersports, such as deep-sea fishing and scuba diving,' Pouey said. 'And you can find plenty of shopping and dining options on Las Olas Boulevard, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.' Some popular spots, like the legendary Elbo Room, a beach bar on the corner of Las Olas and A1A, have served cold drinks, warm hospitality, and live music for over 80 years. Mix business and mingling with rooftop views that inspire connection.. photo credit: visit lauderdale. Waterfront Wellness: The Value of Blue Space in Meetings Beyond the logistical ease of BCCC's location and the appeal of the entertainment options in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, this extraordinary setting also offers natural mind and body benefits to foster engaging meetings. Studies have found that being near 'blue spaces' (bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or oceans) promotes physical activity and has a restorative effect on the mind. BCCC offers a six-acre outdoor plaza on-site, and less than one mile away, conference goers can also access several beaches certified as 'Blue Wave' for their safety, cleanliness, and environmental standards. So, whether you host open-air meetings at BCCC or plan an off-site team building or relaxation activity at the beach, this waterfront location is ideal for event planners and attendees who value the balance of work and wellness and are interested in an environment that inspires creativity. Newly Expanded Facilities for Mega Events The recent expansion is taking the Broward County Convention Center from 600,000 square feet to 1.2 million square feet. 'We're doubling in size,' said Richard Fredette, BCCC's Director of Facilities. 'We'll have a six-acre plaza in front of the building with an acoustical amphitheater and a couple of areas where we can add enclosed tents. And we'll have the 801-room Omni hotel at our door, connected to the existing building. It's a game changer for Fort Lauderdale.' The updated developments are indeed catapulting BCCC into an entirely new category. 'Our newly expanded convention center and the Omni hotel are ideal for large conventions that need to occupy several overflow hotels,' Pouey said. 'Our expanded expo hall puts us in the 'mega convention center' category, allowing us to accommodate more attendees and huge trade shows.' According to Pouey, the expansion, coupled with the availability of the area's high-end hotels, 300 sports venues, numerous parks and recreation facilities, beaches, pleasant weather, and entertainment, also makes BCCC a perfect fit for incentive trips, large medical and healthcare conventions, and sporting events. But growing in size doesn't mean sacrificing the welcoming vibes Fort Lauderdale and BCCC are known for. In fact, the expanded space is creating even more opportunities to share that hospitality with more people through highly customized large events, indoor and outdoor meetings, and memorable dining experiences. Inspiring Events Start Here: Tailored Experiences at BCCC From the initial site visit through the closing event, Fredette said the BCCC team presents meeting planners with tailored options and advice down to the smallest details, such as mocktails that are inclusive to attendees who don't drink alcohol and tropical touches that take meals beyond typical trade show eats to exceptional fare that reflects the flavors of Fort Lauderdale and the event. Now, there's more room to enjoy it all at BCCC. 'The new tropical outdoor waterfront event area can host welcome receptions and other meals, entertainment functions, and activations,' Pouey said. 'The convention center will also have one of the largest waterfront ballrooms (65,000 square feet) in the state and numerous branding opportunities for planners, including over 85 digital monitors.' photo caption: The Broward County Convention Center boasts a 6-acre outdoor plaza and multipurpose venue. photo credit: visit lauderdale In addition to acoustical architecture, LED color-changing lighting, and other state-of-the-art technology, Fredette said the ballroom has another extra special feature. 'On the east side of the Atlantic Ballroom is a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, where you can see boats and cruise ships going in and out.' This is yet another way BCCC connects meetings — even those held indoors — to the stunning setting outside. This is an ideal home base for meetings and events that prioritize inclusivity, diversity, accessibility, well-being, and creativity. Now, with the expanded facilities and the on-site Omni hotel, Fort Lauderdale and the Broward County Convention Center are ready to welcome 'everyone under the sun.' This content was created collaboratively by Visit Lauderdale and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marcus Morris Sr. arrested in Florida due to insufficient funds on check, manager says for casino marker
Thirteen-year NBA veteran Marcus Morris has been arrested in Florida, officially for fraud related to insufficient funds on a check, however, his brother and manager said the situation has been overblown. Morris was arrested on Sunday in Broward County, Florida, a fact confirmed by NBC Sports, as was the reason for the arrest (TMZ was first to report it). The arrest was also confirmed by Marcus' twin brother Markieff Morris on X, who at the same time played this down and defended his brother. In the comments on that post, Morris' manager, Yony Noy, made this official response. Morris was the No. 14 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, taken out of Kansas by Houston. Morris played 13 seasons in the NBA for the Rockets Suns, Pistons, Celtics, Knicks, Clippers, 76ers and most recently, the Cavaliers. Last season, Morris was part of the Knicks' training camp but was waived before the regular season began and did not play in the league. For his career, Morris averaged 12 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
Fox News
3 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Ex-NBA player Marcus Morris arrested on felony fraud charge
Former NBA player Marcus Morris was arrested on Sunday on a fraud charge, according to online arrest records in Florida. He was arrested at an airport and was hit with a fraud – writing a check with insufficient funds – charge. The Broward County arrest record showed that the case was related to an issue in another state, and he was being held in jail without bond. Markieff Morris, Marcus' twin brother who also played in the NBA, wrote about the situation in a post on social media. "The wording is crazy. Damn for that amount of money they'll embarrass you in the airport with your family," Markieff Morris wrote on X later Sunday. "They got y'all really thinking bro did some fraud s---. They could have came to the crib for all that. "When y'all hear the real story on this s--- man. All I can say is Lesson learned. Bro will tell y'all tomorrow. This weird s--- gave me a headache. Can't stop nothin!" It's not Marcus Morris' first time in trouble with the law. He entered a diversion program in 2012 after he was charged with battery over an incident in Kansas. He and Markieff were also charged with aggravated assault over an incident in 2015. The brothers were found not guilty. Marcus Morris was a first-round draft pick in 2011, starting his career with the Houston Rockets. He was in Houston for one full season before he was traded to the Phoenix Suns in the middle of the 2012-13 season. He also played with the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and finally the Cleveland Cavaliers. He stepped away from the NBA after the 2023-24 season.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marcus Morris arrest: Brother Markieff confirms situation, agent claims issue stems from unpaid casino debt
NBA veteran Marcus Morris was arrested Sunday on a fraud charge, Broward County booking records confirmed. Morris, 35, was apparently arrested at an airport due to "insufficient funds check," per the arrest information. While Morris has not commented on the situation, his brother, Markieff, confirmed the arrest, but claimed the fraud charge was "crazy." "The wording is crazy," Markieff said. "Damn for that amount of money they'll embarrass you in the airport with your family. They got y'all really thinking bro did some fraud s***. They could have came to the crib for all that. When y'all hear the real story on this s*** man. All I can say is Lesson learned. Bro will tell y'all tomorrow. This weird shit gave me a headache. Can't stop nothin!" Morris' agent, Yony Noy issued a response to Markieff's tweet. Noy attempted to clarify the situation, saying Marcus' arrest has nothing to do with a fake check. Noy claimed Morris was arrested over an unpaid credit with a casino. Noy called the arrest "absolutely insanity." Noy's full statement read: "Just so everyone understands this is zero fraud here or whatever crap outlets have said regarding fake checks or whatever the hell. This is due to an outstanding marker with a casino. Apparently if you have over $1,200 they can issue a warrant for your arrest. Absolute insanity!" Morris, a 13-year NBA veteran, saw time with a number of teams during his playing career. He spent four of his 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers and three with the Phoenix Suns. He also saw time with six other franchises as a player. His final season in the NBA came in 2023-24, when he saw time with the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Morris appeared as a guest NBA analyst on ESPN during the offseason.
