Several of the businesses here operate on appointment only concept which consume a majority of the…read morefree parking for thirty minutes to an hour. The Your Patio Store is the anchor of the plaza. There are a few eateries which include Porfa Coffee, Times Square Pizza and PS Green Cafe but parking is a frustrating disaster with decrepit ancient meter parking monitored by the City of Fort Lauderdale - unsure if they actually work. The traffic is influenced by the intersection of the Coral Ridge Mall. Not a fan of this plaza, although a few decent businesses. A weak three stars is pushing the limit.

Located at one of the busiest intersections in Broward County, N Federal Hwy and East Oakland Park…read moreBlvd, you will find this MiMo gem, the Times Square shopping center. MiMo refers to the architecture style Mid-century modern. Started in Germany after WWII, it is a style that was popular from the mid-1930s to mid-1960s. The hallmarks of the design are simplicity and functionality. Expect to see sleek lines, little ornamentation, gentle organic curves, and mixed materials. Mid Century Modern is considered Broward's signature architecture. The Time Square shopping plaza was designed by architect Charles McKirahan in 1954 and built in 1957. McKirahan was one of the most noted mid-20th-century architects in Fort Lauderdale. He married his architect school girlfriend and together they founded a firm with more than 100 architects which they expanded internationally. McKirahan's architectural studio was located in the shopping center. He is responsible for the stunning A-frame of the the original Mai-Kai. For this plaza his design elements included screen block walls, geometric forms and glazed curtain walls. Sadly he passed away at the young age of 44 in a car accident. His son Charles "Chuck" McKirahan followed in his parents footprints and also became a celebrated architect. While the Ft. Lauderdale historical society did a great job of preserving the pioneer history of Ft. Lauderdale along the New River, this shopping center did not receive the same treatment from the Historic Preservation Board. It was renovated in 2019. The most prominent building on U.S. 1, a curved building with red brick screen wall, had the defining wall removed and replaced with sliding glass doors. Today you can still see some of the MiMo design elements McKirahan added but it is looking a little run down. The plaza has a furniture store, Times Square Pizza, and Smarty Pants, a bar to name a few of the businesses. If you are a local you have probably passed this plaza a thousand times without a second glance on your way to the beach. True fans of architecture and history know however that is worth a second glance.

I love discovering the historical markers around Ft. Lauderdale which give insight into its rich…read morehistory. This marker is along A1A in front of Bahia Mar at the spot where Native Americans used to haul over their canoes from the New River into the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the other history related to this site includes a fort built in 1838 during the Second Seminole War named for Major William Lauderdale, a House of Refuge in 1876, and a Coast Guard base in 1926 that was active against Rum Runners during prohibition and which searched for U boats off the Florida coast during WWII. In 1947 this land became a public yacht basin and park. Marker F-285 was erected in 1978 by Bahia Mar Hotel and Yachting Center and Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, Inc. in cooperation with Department of State.

I love learning about the history of this area and I stumbled on this historical marker while…read morevisiting Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. The city of Ft. Lauderdale got its name from the forts erected my Major Lauderdale during the Seminole Wars. The forts no longer exist but you can see a replica of one with other artifacts at the New River Inn History Ft. Lauderdale Museum. Altogether, three forts named after Major Lauderdale were constructed: the first at the fork of New River; the second at Tarpon Bend; and the third and largest was built in 1839 under the command of Captain William B. Davidson on the beach at the site of Bahia Mar which is where this marker is. The fort was the site of a haulover where the Seminoles took their canoes from New River Sound into the Atlantic Ocean. Third Fort Lauderdale was active until 1842 when the war ended. The marker was first erected by the Himmarshee Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 1929 and it was restored in 2005. The first fort was in what is now Maj. William Lauderdale Park in Sailboat Bend. Major William Lauderdale was born in Virginia. He was a land holder and slave owner in Tennessee. He served under Andrew Jackson. In 1838 Major Lauderdale was in his 50's and a Veteran of the War of 1812 and the First Seminole War. The Major and a group of 200 Tennessee Volunteers were posted to the area after the outbreak of the Second Seminole War. The troops marched from Fort Jupiter down what is known as Military Trail in Palm Beach and called Powerline Rd. in Broward County. Pioneer William Cooley's wife, children, and tutor had been massacred two years earlier on their New River settlement and the army had been sent to hunt for Seminole leader Sam Jones. Lauderdale chased Jones to his hiding place at Pine Island at the North Fork of the New River. A battle took place that resulted in one soldier hurting his finger. Sam Jones was able to hide in Everglades with 200 of his people. The result of the Seminole's escape was that they are the only tribe to never sign a peace treaty with the U. S. Government. The fort was abandoned 3 months later and by the time troops returned, they found it had burned down to the ground. Lauderdale considered his job completed and he left to go back to Tennessee. He never returned to the area that bore his name. Instead he died of a lung condition on the way home to Tennessee in army barracks in Louisiana one month after leaving South Florida. The Seminoles now own the Hard Rock empire.

The Hollywood Historical Society is a non profit organization, founded in 1974 for the purpose of…read morecollecting, preserving, and educating the public about the history of Hollywood, Florida. They are located in the historic Hammerstein House on Polk Street where they operate a research center that has over 20,000 pieces in it's collection. There is a small store at the research center that sells photos, postcards, and books. They also give free tours of the Hammerstein House on first Sunday of the month, October through May, from 1:00-4:00 PM. On the events page of their website you can see the dates for their lecture series as well as an upcoming lunch on January 19th at the Tropical Acres Steak House. Also on their website is a great printable tour map that gives you a self guided walking tour of historic places along the beach and in the downtown. I love what the historical society is doing to preserve the history in Hollywood. It is always fun to discover on of the plaques they have installed on a building and read about the history of the place. You can support the historical society by becoming a member, making a donation, or serving as a docent at the Hammerstein House.

My 1400th year I saved this milestone review for this organization that I have been a Lifetime…read moremember of since moving to Hollywood 19 years ago. This is a wonderful organization that's mission is preserving and protecting Hollywood's history. The headquarters is located a short walk from my home on the Southside of the golf course, on Polk street in the historic district of Hollywood Lakes. The Hammerstein House was donated to the City by the Hammerstein's who have a great love for this city as well as no children to pass the property down to. The Historic Society rents the property on a 99 year lease for $1. per year. There is free tours given of the home first Sunday of the month from October through May. The historic details are magnificent such as the Cuban tile that is original to the home as well as the grand archways. The kitchen has cabinets that reach up to the top of the ceiling and it really lent itself as a place for entertaining. The grounds have beautiful greenery and lush trees. As a past President I had my own home featured on the Annual Historic Home Tour. That year we featured the homes of Northlake which also included the Hollywood Women's Club that is located around the corner from my home across from the Hollywood Beach Resort and Country Club. I highly recommend you stopping by the home for a tour as well as learn more about the City of Hollywood's fascinating history as well as former residents that called Hollywood their home.

I have passed this memorial many times and was always curious about it. Today I finally stopped and…read moremade a new discovery. It was interesting to learn that Plantation has the largest volunteer fire department in the state of Florida. The Plantation Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1957 by 21 citizens that included former Mayor Frank Veltri and the city's founder, Fred Peters. In the beginning they were stationed in a warehouse located at East Acre and Broward that served as the first fire station with a single engine. In 1960 the first fire station was built on Broward Boulevard at East Acre. As Plantation grew more stations were built and more engines added. Just as it was in 1957, the Suppression Division is comprised of all volunteers and has a roster of more than 190 firefighters making it the largest volunteer fire department in Florida. The Rescue Division was added in 1996 to answer the increasing demand for emergency medical services. Plantation is a combination department comprised of a volunteer Suppression Division, career EMS, a Fire and Life Safety Division, and maintenance/mechanic divisions. One of the most difficult fires the Plantation Volunteer Firefighters had to deal with was in September of 1997 at the Towne Mall, located at 69th Avenue and Broward Boulevard. The mall caught fire and became the largest tactical, firefighting operation in Broward County history. The large fire was due to the roof construction which was comprised of highly flammable materials. Today the Fire Department operates six stations placed throughout the city. The Plantation Fire Department currently serves an area of 22 square miles, a residential population of 94,000, and a daytime population in excess of 150,000. In 1998 the Plantation Fire Administration building and Firefighters' Memorial Park was dedicated. This park located adjacent to the administration building honors all of the volunteer firefighters in the City of Plantation. There are plaques with the names of firefighters who served the city and a 9/11 memorial. It was so nice to visit this peaceful spot that pays tribute to the brave and dedicated volunteer firefighters of Plantation.

The Christmas activities and tree lighting yesterday December 5th was AWESOME! And major not only…read moreto the city of Oakland Park for organizing it, but for all the volunteers that gave their time and were there to help. The atmosphere was amazing, mostly tanks to the varied activities, but the people who were there to help and really shared their joy and working there. I drove from out west to go to that city of Oakland Park display and it was worth every mile

In 1901 Tom and Netty Whidby were the first white settlers to the area that is now known as Oakland…read morePark. They farmed the land next to the Florida East Coast Railway tracks. By 1910, the area was known as Colohatchee but it really took off in 1922 when Florida's land boom was in full swing. The Barkdull Investment Company plotted a housing development east of Dixie Highway and north of the North Fork of Middle River. They chose the name Oakland Park because of the majestic oaks trees lining the river. Soon locals began using the name. In 1925 the city was going to be incorporated by wealthy Palm Beach investors as Floranada, a mashup of Florida and Canada. Around this time Florida was negatively financially impacted by hurricanes and the Great Depression causing the land boom collapsed and the investors pulled out. Instead of being named Floranada, the town was incorporated as Oakland Park on July1, 1929 and included Federal Highway on the east to Northeast Third Avenue and from North Fork of Middle River to Prospect Road. In the subsequent years Oakland Park was home to farms and ranches while the Oakland Park Methodist Church served as the hub of social activities. Oakland Park Elementary School opened in 1925 and is the oldest functioning school in Broward County. Most of the businesses opened on Dixie Highway, the main road through town. The 1960's and 70's brought a new boom to Oakland Park with brand new housing developments and condominiums. Businesses and industry also flourished. Today Oakland Park is home to 42,000 residents while still maintaining its small hometown feel. Some of my favorite Oakland Park destinations include Funky Buddha for craft beers, Nour Thai Kitchen and Bar for Thai food, Pink Love Donuts and More for over the top donuts, Cyth and Co for coffee, Cielito Lindo for Mexican food, the British Depot for English treats, Richie's Italian Gourmet Ices for the best gourmet Italian ice, and Dixie Pig for BBQ. For outside recreation I recommend the Stunson Nature Trail, Royal Palm Park, Lakeside Sand Preserve, Richard E Giusti Heart Parcours, and Jaco Pastorius Park which hosts a number of festivals throughout the year. I also enjoy the many Oakland Park thrift stores like Oddballs Nifty Thrift. Whether you want to try a new place to eat, enjoy a cultural activity, or participate in outdoor recreation, Oakland Park has an abundance of choices to appeal to everyone.

In Cooley Landing in Sailboat Bend you will a boat ramp and a picnic pavilion but there is also a…read moremarker standing witness to an important piece of Ft. Lauderdale history that took place here. This monument marks the site where the William Cooley Plantation one stood. Arriving in 1824, William Cooley was one of the first pioneers of the New River Settlement now known as Ft. Lauderdale. He became wealthy with an arrowroot plantation and he traded with Seminole and Creek nations nearby. In 1835, white settlers killed a Creek chief named Alibama and were acquitted. The Creek blamed Cooley for this injustice and when he was away for business in Key West the Creek entered the plantation on January 6, 1836 and killed Cooley's wife, infant son, son, daughter, and the children's tutor. The house was set on fire. The Cooley massacre sparked the Second Seminole War. The army established the first Fort Lauderdale in 1838. The eventual outcome was the Indian Removal Act where the native people were forced out of Florida to the west on the Trail of Tears. It is believed that the massacre was committed by the creek but the settlers in the area could not distinguish between the Creek and the Seminoles. Led by chief Abiaka, the remaining 200 Seminoles fled to Pine Island Ridge where they were able to outlast the army. Cooley left Ft. Lauderdale but lived in Florida until his death. There is another marker dedicated in 1934 in Cooley Hammock Park near Las Olas Boulevard that says it was the site of the Cooley Plantation. It has now been established that this information is not correct but the neighborhood did not want the marker removed. The correct location is Cooley Landing and this marker was installed in 1993 by the City of Ft. Lauderdale. .

This is the main bridge that connects downtown Fort Lauderdale with the beach. Most tourists would…read moretake this bridge to go to/from these two destinations. The draw opens on the quarter-hour and three-quarter hour...depending on how many boats need to go under, the wait for the bridge to close and open to vehicular traffic could be 5-10 minutes. For those who are boating, here's some information for your reference. Mile Marker: 1064 Lat / Lon: N 26° 07.182' / W 080° 06.541' Bridge Type: Bascule Vertical Clearance (Closed): 24.00 ft. Horizontal Clearance: 91.00 ft. Schedule: On the first weekend in May, the draw need not open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and, on the first Saturday in May, the draw need not open from 9:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. Vhf 9

Definitely not as popular or as utilized as the 17th Street Causeway Bridge…read morehttps://www.yelp.com/biz/17th-street-causeway-drawbridge-fort-lauderdale?hrid=-n-6CNpYrtnJ3LDBW4mYsQ or the Sunrise Boulevard Bridge https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunrise-boulevard-bridge-fort-lauderdale?hrid=n2ucUhouXq3XqH4H7Q9btw, but the Las Olas Boulevard Bridge certainly deserves a Yelp review all of its own. Carrying State Road 842 over the New River, the bridge connects downtown Fort Lauderdale with the beaches. It is the second bridge northbound on the Intracoastal from Port Everglades. With 31 feet of clearance, this bascule bridge (a clever French word for drawbridge) generally opens on the quarter-hour and the three-quarter hour. Recently modernized, it is a smooth transition over the water. There are two lanes in each direction with a very narrow and low curb between. There are also pedestrian walkways on each side that are protected from traffic by a low and strong wall. [Review 13281 overall, 599 of 2020.]