Volver IN OUR OWN BACKYARD By En USA news EVENTS: St. Patrick's Day parade and festival in downtown Hollywood. The City of Hollywood and the Hibernians of Hollywood are joining forces to host the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival in downtown Hollywood. Sunday, March 15, 2026. 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Downtown Hollywood Hollywood, FL 33020. ----- Juice Box Jam. Let's dance! Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy play, socializing, and music in a safe and inviting open play area designed for children ages 1 to 4. Upon arrival, each child will receive juice and a snack. No registration is required. Space is limited. Thursday, March 19, 2026. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Dr. Coral Springs, FL. ----- Springtime Egg Hunt. Thousands of eggs filled with fun prizes or delicious sweets for children to enjoy will be scattered across three baseball fields and an area for children with special needs. Saturday, April 4, 2026 9:00 am. Margate Sports Complex 1695 Banks Road Margate, FL 33063. ----- EggsTravaganza. Saturday, April 4, 2026. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Peter Bluesten Park 501 S Dixie Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. ----- Tortuga Music Festival. Held on the white sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach Park in a beautiful seaside setting. April 10 to April 12, 2026. 1100 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. ----- Springfest Egg Hunt. Enjoy a fun-filled morning of egg hunts designed for children with sensory needs! This event encourages excitement, discovery, and sensory exploration in a supportive and engaging environment. Tamarac Sports Complex, Northwest 77th Street, Tamarac, FL. Saturday, March 28, 2026. 9:00 am ----- Walking Club. Come and join other active members of the community and surrounding areas for a free walking club! Bring water and a towel. No prior registration is required. See you at the Energy Fitness Station. First Saturday of each month. Saturday, April 4, 2026 9:00 am 4500 Monterey Drive, Tamarac, FL. ------ Pompano Players. In this vibrant enclave of active seniors, 75 is the new 45, and life moves to the rhythm of Botox appointments, bridge tournaments, tennis matches and the occasional gossip-filled happy hour. From March 13 to 15 and from March 20 to 22, 2026. Pompano Beach Cultural Center 50 W Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. ----- Women's Business Conference & Expo - Calling All Women Business Leaders!!! Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fort Lauderdale. 801 Seabreeze Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Thursday, March 26, 2026. 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ----- 4th Annual Holi & Spring Festival. Join the colorful fun and vibrant atmosphere of the 4th Annual Holi and Spring Festival in person! Tradewinds Park & Stables. 3600 West Sample Road. Coconut Creek, FL 33066. Saturday, March 14, 2026. 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ----- Planning for academic and professional success: does it really matter? As students transition from elementary to middle school, and then to high school, families often wonder how important early planning really is. The truth is, middle school is the ideal time to explore interests, understand academic options, and begin building a flexible path to high school success. The advice to start early isn't meant to increase pressure. Early preparation gives students clarity and confidence to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Middle school lays the foundation for the rigor of high school. Required courses in math, science, English language arts, and social studies ensure that every student is on track for promotion. But beyond the core curriculum, electives and academic choices from 6th to 8th grade influence students' high school options. Middle school is intentionally designed as an exploratory phase. Students can try electives that help them identify their strengths and interests without a long-term commitment. While no student needs to have everything figured out by high school, careful planning can open more doors. Academic pathways in mathematics develop sequentially, opening doors to higher-level course options later on. Advanced and honors courses help students adapt to a faster pace and higher academic expectations. Expanding access to advanced programs, such as Advanced Placement, the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), and the International Baccalaureate, is an effective strategy for closing the opportunity gap and ensuring that all students can pursue rigorous academic pathways. World Languages and Career and Technical Education classes in high school can also give students a head start and easier access to advanced programs and industry-recognized certifications. Many families assume that planning can wait until high school, but by then, key prerequisites or application deadlines may have passed. Others wait until a crisis arises before seeking help or become overly fixated on calculating a manageable workload of advanced courses. Furthermore, as students navigate adolescence, academic planning must also support their overall well-being. A healthy balance protects time for rest, hobbies, and personal interests. Growth, confidence, and enjoyment of learning are just as important as academic achievement. Planning ahead doesn't mean planning perfectly; it means staying informed, asking questions, and using middle school as a stepping stone to high school opportunities. With curiosity, support, and early involvement, families can help their students enter high school empowered and prepared for academic and career success. Dr. Howard Hepburn NORTH BROWARD COUNTY CALENDARS: Events & Classes | Broward County Library Calendar of Events | City of Sunrise, FL Theatre & Art Gallery | City of Sunrise, FL Home - Sunrise Chamber of Commerce Special Events | Tamarac, FL - Official Website Calendar – Tamarac North Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Events | City of Pompano Beach Events - Pompano Beach Arts Amphitheatre Pompano Beach Arts Old Town's Backyard Jam Concert Series Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Live Music Schedule | Galuppis City Events | Oakland Park, FL - Official Website Events listing - City of Coral Springs Miami Herald Coral Springs Center For The Arts Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events | City of Coconut Creek Goldcoast Ballroom & Event Center | Home Seminole Casino Special Events | Deerfield Beach, FL - Official Website Event Calendar | City of Fort Lauderdale, FL Events | Broward Center for the Performing Arts Parker Playhouse Events in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea | Lauderdale By The Sea Community Events | Lauderdale Lakes, FL - Official Website Calendar of Events | City of Lauderhill Lauderhill Performing Arts Center | Home Events | Lighthouse Point, FL Special Events | Parkland, FL Events | City of Plantation, Florida Special Events | Wilton Manors, FL - Official Website americantowns.com

Annual Multicultural Celebration of the City of Tamarac EDITORIAL IN OUR OWN YARD COFFEE WITH DJINJI TAMARAC THE SUNSHINE STATE FENG SHUI BROWARD JOE SCOTT EVERY HISPANIC IMMIGRANT HAS THEIR OWN STORY ADVERTISERS ADVERTISERS Thanks to our ADVERTISERS Our print media is distributed FREE DON PAN OPENED LAUDERHILL

Volver COLUMNISTS For over 15 years our columnists have honored us with editorial content worthy of praise by renowned writers. Each one, in their own style, has directed a timely writing for our readers - messages of orientation for women, like those of our columnist Noris Capín, which reflects the true love of GOD for us. Ernesto Morales Alpízar, who with his current analysis invites us to think. Along these same lines we have Luis Miranda and his correct orientation in the way of doing politics in our country. Last, but not least, Mercedes Moresco, which brings a little of our Hispanic culture and reflects more of the knowledge of our extensive Spanish language. Those are our core pieces of equipment that each month bring the most valuable written information to each of our readers. Noris Capin Mercedes Moresco Luis Miranda Ernesto Morales

Volver Broward County By En USA news Florida Election Supervisors Association that offers scholarships for Florida university students The Florida Election Supervisors Association is proud to announce that it will award three scholarships, each valued at $1,200, to deserving students at Florida College in 2026. To be eligible, applicants must: * Be a registered voter in Florida. * Have lived in Florida for at least the previous two years. * Be specialized in political science, public administration, business administration or journalism/mass communication. * Be enrolled or accepted as a junior or senior student at an accredited Florida college or university. * Maintained an average grade of "C" or higher during the previous school year. * Demonstrate financial need. Interested students can access the application and all eligibility requirements online at BrowardVotes.gov or at the Broward County Supervisor of Elections office, 4650 NW 21st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Applications must be submitted no later than March 13, 2026. “This scholarship program is a great opportunity to support students preparing for careers in public service, business, journalism, and leadership,” said Joe Scott, Broward County Supervisor of Elections. “We encourage all eligible students to apply.” Applications must be submitted to the county elections office where the applicant is registered to vote. Each county will select one finalist for consideration by the FSE Scholarship Committee. For additional information, contact Benjamin Williams at Bwilliams@browardvotes.gov . You can also visit our website BrowardVotes.gov or call 954-357-VOTE (8683).

Volver LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF BROWARD COUNTY By Mónica Elliott Remembering the Silent Sentinels. It's Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women in all communities and across generations. Naturally, the League of Women Voters focuses on the suffragettes who fought for 72 years to secure women's right to vote, a right that wasn't achieved until 1920 with the addition of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. One often overlooked group of women are the "Silent Sentinels," who picketed daily for voting rights, initially in front of the White House and later in Lafayette Square. They began picketing in January 1917 and didn't stop until June 1919. The women who participated in the pickets were frequently arrested. When the jails in Washington, D.C., could no longer hold them all, they were sent to Occoquan Prison in Virginia. Although their protest was peaceful, much violence was used against them, with the "Night of Terror" being the worst. This incident occurred on November 15, 1917, at the Occoquan Asylum. With the approval of the prison director, guards attacked 33 women who were demanding to be treated as political prisoners. The following incidents were documented. Lucy Burns was beaten and had her hands chained to her cell door above her head all night. Dora Lewis was thrown into a cell, where her head was smashed against an iron bed, rendering her unconscious. Alice Cosu, who believed Lewis was dead, suffered a heart attack. Mary Nolan, the oldest inmate at 73, was dragged down the stairs and also thrown into the cells. Other affidavits describe how guards grabbed, dragged, beat, strangled, whipped, pinched, twisted, and kicked the women. The next day, half of the women began a hunger strike. Burns and two others were subjected to force-feeding through their noses. To prevent news of the incident and the internal conditions from leaking out, U.S. Marines from Quantico, Virginia, were hired to guard the prison. Now, perhaps, you can understand the urgency of this quote from Susan B. Anthony: “Someone fought for your right to vote. Use it!” The right to vote for all citizens of the United States has been a long and hard-fought battle. Exercise it on August 18 and November 3! Monica Elliott League of Women Voters of Broward County.

Volver BETWEEN QUOTATION MARKS By Ernesto Morales Alpizar CURRENT PATIENTS Things used to be different. Home remedies and advice from our elders—even the elderly—were enough to convince us that we would quickly recover from any health problem, no matter how serious. However, the relentless pursuit of research by laboratories, the intelligence of scientists, and the dedication of all those involved in the quest to find a cure for any kind of disease, virus, bacteria, or anything else, made us the first volunteer "patients" in any experiment seeking practical and efficient solutions, turning us into unwitting "guinea pigs." Today, however, we face a different reality: insurance is expensive. There is no doubt about it. The average person has to face this fact, and whether their employers offer the much-touted advantages of group insurance, or they are a pensioner, retired, or have reached old age, the ordinary citizen has the decision to enroll in these options. Naturally, this decision, if made, is supposed to prevent future headaches. Of course, there are other resources whose advertising is overwhelming, namely clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, and other healthcare facilities in the area where potential "patients" live. On the one hand, medical terminology has adopted the definition of "patient," perhaps without considering that a "patient" is also someone who doesn't despair in the face of various circumstances—even those unrelated to medicine—and is able to remain calm. This type of "patient" is much calmer and more composed than those who go to the doctor or take their children to the pediatrician for any health problem they or their little ones may have, however insignificant it may seem. But, of course, both interpretations are valid. It wouldn't be wise to continue this article without including medications in the analysis. Every day there are more medicines that "cure" or perhaps "mask" the symptoms of certain health conditions. However, despite manufacturers, laboratories, and pharmacies loudly proclaiming their accessibility—due to their low cost and other factors they add to their description—the reality is far from this perception. Medicines are also expensive, with a few exceptions. So we have insurance companies retreating to the sides to avoid getting involved in controversies that do not contribute anything to their finances and, on the contrary, flood them with absurd controversies that go nowhere and, paradoxically, plunge them into an incoherent debate, inversely proportional to what they pursue, according to their strictest considerations. And this is how we arrive at the "current patient," the one who has to pay co-payments that he had never considered before, due to the charges presented by health professionals: doctors, specialists, surgeons, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, gynecologists, obstetricians, hospitals, laboratories, and a whole host of other institutions, experts, and competent personnel, dedicated - supposedly - to keeping the population healthy. This leads us head-on to the exorbitant prices of dentistry and stomatology. Sky-high! And you might ask yourself: why? A filling, a repair of a molar, canine, or tooth, a full dental cleaning, a crown, or an implant shouldn't be more expensive than surgery on any other organ, no matter how simple. But… there's always a "but"! The excuses are endless. Materials, dedication, experience, and a host of other justifications are given to patients to inflate prices to infinity. And that's when we ask ourselves: Are we in the hands of professionals who are enemies of our peace of mind, or has society simply succumbed to uncharted territories of the economy that are best left unmentioned? Naturally, it follows from these conclusions that there are some professionals in all disciplines whose attitude is far removed from these simple observations on the unnecessary increase in costs that I have tried to reflect here: doctors, specialists, surgeons, hospitals, laboratories, dentists, experts and many other men and women dedicated to the humble task of helping us with our health without being carried away by the increase in life as a whole in turbulent and uncontrolled times in our current society. Throughout my life, I've encountered top-notch professionals of all kinds who don't mince words when their patients' health is at stake. These are the highly respected and exceptionally skilled doctors who get straight to the point, in the Hippocratic tradition, beginning the healing process with just a smile of understanding of what they see in our bodies and how to fix it. We trust them as if they were geniuses. And in a way… they are! Can you imagine your trusted healthcare professional calling you while you're on vacation—in another country or on a cruise—simply to reassure themselves that they can enjoy themselves without the risk of receiving bad news from their patient? It's sad, I repeat, it's very sad to have to visit a doctor's office, regardless of the specialty, and see reflected in their face the indifference to something serious, or at least of relative importance, regarding our health. And, to make matters worse, they don't smile, nor does their voice carry the tone of the indifference with which we must face the challenges life throws at us in those moments. Having said all of the above, I can only speculate that, in some way, we may be forced to return to the era of home remedies, those that made us think we were curing ourselves and, in a way, relieved the stress that occupied our minds when we heard the professional tell us a complicated diagnosis, or when we saw tragedy reflected in their face. It won't happen immediately, of course, I suppose there's still a long way to go, but what is unfortunately true is that if we continue down the path of rising health costs - many of them unjustified - we will soon have to use all our patience, if we have any left. Ernesto Morales

Volver POLICY By Luis Miranda Founding Fathers of the United States who were immigrants The contributions of immigrants like Alexander Hamilton, who played decisive roles in the founding of the United States, give us a glimpse of the invaluable nature of their legacy; their economic vision, political energy, and external perspective helped define the institutions of the new country. Hamilton, born in the Caribbean, became one of the central architects of the American financial, constitutional, and political system. Born on the island of Nevis, part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean, into a humble home without powerful connections, he arrived in the colonies as a teenage immigrant in 1772 to New York City. Thanks to his talent and the help of merchants who saw his potential, Alexander Hamilton managed to organize himself and be recognized for his intelligence and intellectual quality. His foreign origin gave him a different perspective: he saw the colonies not as heirs to an aristocratic tradition, but as an open project, capable of reinventing itself. His example as an immigrant who earned his place in the revolution should be recognized and publicized to educate our generations of young people. Hamilton distinguished himself as an officer during the Revolutionary War, becoming George Washington's right-hand man. His rise was not based on lineage, but on merit, discipline, and strategic vision. His example reinforced the central idea in American identity that talent can overcome origin. He was an architect of the Constitution and of federalism Hamilton was one of the authors of "The Federalist Papers", essential texts for the ratification of the constitution. He advocated for a strong federal government, capable of uniting the states and preventing fragmentation. His vision helped create a cohesive country, not a weak confederation. As if that weren't enough, he was also the creator of the modern US economic system. According to multiple historical sources, Alexander Hamilton founded the national financial system and the Bank of the United States and established the concept of public credit, essential for the country to function and grow. He designed policies that boosted industry, trade, and manufacturing, anticipating the modern economy. The American Library Association states that no other founder so clearly foresaw the country that the United States would become. But his contributions go even further; he was an immigrant who shaped the press, the law, and politics. He founded one of the nation's first major newspapers and influenced the creation of the legal system and foreign policy. It is important to note that his thinking on economic and racial diversity was surprisingly advanced for his time. His life embodies a key idea of the American project: The United States was not only founded by immigrants; it was designed by them. Hamilton represents: • Social mobility based on merit. • Institutional innovation. • Openness to new ideas. • The mix of cultures and experiences. Its history demonstrates that the nation was built not only with European roots, but with contributions from people born outside the territory we now call the United States. Conclusion: Immigrants not only participated in the founding of the United States: they shaped it from complementary angles. Besides Hamilton, who designed the architecture of the modern state, there were other immigrants among the Founding Fathers. They were Abraham Alphonse Albert Gallatin (1761–1849), who administered and stabilized it; Thomas Paine (1737–1809), who ignited the revolution in people's minds; and Friedrich Augustin von Steuben (1730–1794), who made the military victory possible. Each brought something that those born in the colonies did not have: an external, comparative, and often bolder perspective on what a new country could become. Together, these four immigrants represent four essential dimensions of the birth of the United States and demonstrate that one can learn to walk. The four don't speak, don't advise, don't judge; they are simply present. They are four immigrants who helped found a country that didn't yet know it would exist. Four presences that remind us that every human construction—a nation, a relationship, a work of art—is always an act of arrival, of mixing, of transformation. Luis Miranda influencialatina3@gmail.com Luis Miranda

Volver FROM MY WINDOW By Mercedes Moresco I DOUBT My eldest son sends me a flyer he found on Instagram with a list of foods that our dog, Lila, shouldn't eat. My husband tells me about a newspaper article about the benefits of taking magnesium supplements and buys several bottles at Costco. My daughter takes creatine to build muscle and, she thinks, get a curvier figure. My friend puts patches on her body that relieve all her pain. My daughter's boyfriend has convinced the whole family to get peptide injections to lose weight. And the list could go on until the end of this page. I imagine you, readers, could add your own examples. Absolute truths that each person prefers to believe and follow like commandments. Because this twenty-first century has changed its gods. Now the new god is called TikTok, Instagram, X, or those two letters that flood every device: AI. My intention with this short article is not to criticize the use of artificial intelligence, nor the reach of social media. My intention It's more about reflection. Because what I think is lacking, and especially what the younger generation is lacking, is the ability to find information. Before, when I was a student, for example, we had to consult encyclopedias, libraries, and look for information not in one, but in several reliable sources, in order to formulate an opinion, an argument. We trusted doctors, engineers, and historians, since they had studied for years and were experts in their fields. Not anymore, because with a smart device at our fingertips, we can have all the answers. And even that's not necessarily a bad thing. Because the problem isn't accessing information instantly; the problem is the comfortable certainty of having found it and accepting it as if it were the ultimate truth, without investigating further where that information comes from or who it was created for. For example, the list of dog foods my son saw on Instagram might be fine for the poodle of the person who posted that flyer, but not for my chocolate Labrador. Magnesium is certainly an excellent mineral, but it's probably already present in a varied diet. Creatine? Could what my daughter is ingesting also cause her to lose her appetite? I think the point is clear. And you, dear readers, shouldn't put too much faith in what you're reading, because this text could have been written by artificial intelligence. Or could it? Doubt, doubt everything, because if you doubt, as Descartes said, you still exist. Mercedes Soledad Moresco, Writer, mermoresco@gmail.com , Instagram @mermoresco Mercedes Moresco

Volver FROM ARGENTINA By Carlos Madama - Argentina BLESSED ARE YOU, LATIN AMERICAN WOMAN Every time March dawns, the figure of woman grows from the very depths of life's roots. Calendars capriciously mark the 8th as if honoring them could be expressed in a single day. Commercial and senseless delusions in a situation that should transcend the whims of a few who prioritize matters that have nothing to do with the true meaning of a mother's value and love. And beyond their role as mothers and homemakers, women have been able to transcend the basic boundaries determined by a patriarchal society. Mexican mountaineer Elsa Ávila, for example, while just meters from conquering Mount Everest, began to suffer a severe case of hypoxia. Oxygen was no longer reaching her brain; her fingers went numb and her lips turned blue, eventually leading to cerebral edema. With the world's highest peak in sight, she decided to turn back. The mountain taught her that what matters is staying alive, learning, and returning. An example of maturity. Panamanian maritime engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta, with her knee-high boots, hard hat, and pink vest, was almost the only woman to lead a monumental project like the Panama Canal. It wasn't by chance that she wore that color uniform, but rather a colorful statement that a woman can achieve anything she sets her mind to. Ilya became a voice for her gender, promoting mentorship programs for women and a bill to establish a quota for women on corporate boards. Venezuelan pianist Teresa Carreño, Chilean singer-songwriter, painter, and sculptor Violeta Parra, Costa Rican singer Chavela Vargas, Peruvian singer-songwriter Chabuca Granda, Cuban singer Celia Cruz, Argentine singer Mercedes Sosa, and Brazilian composer Elis Regina, among others, have earned a prominent place in Latin American song. Their lyrics, full of magic and color, permeated the art form itself and celebrated women with poetry that transcended the boundaries of gender. “Why do I need feet when I have wings to fly?” said Mexican artist Frida Kahlo back in 1953 when one of her legs was amputated. This phrase perfectly symbolizes the creative and emotional freedom of a woman with a willpower that surpasses all expectations, suggesting that despite physical limitations, the human spirit, imagination, and art allow us to overcome obstacles and achieve freedom. The Uruguayan politician and social leader Julia Arévalo only completed the fourth grade of primary school; at the age of 10, she had to start working to help her family. She worked in a tobacco factory and experienced firsthand the hardships faced by workers. This experience exposed her to a different social reality, and she defended workers' rights until her final days. Ecuadorian Indigenous leader Tránsito Amaguaña raised pigs and farmed the land until she was 100 years old. Her only income was a government pension, which she received only when her life was slowly fading away. She died at home surrounded by the immense respect of her community. These are a few stories that speak of women in certain and limited aspects of a life that insists on making humanity believe that International Women's Day is celebrated only once a year. Carlos Madama

Volver FLORIDA By Karina Guzmán Homes That Bloom: The Power of the Wood Element For your well-being I write these lines with El Ávila as a backdrop, the most iconic mountain of my hometown, Caracas. Its imposing, green, and steadfast presence reminds me that, in Feng Shui, nature is a source of life and energy, and if we know how to connect with it, an important form of medicine for the soul. For Eastern culture, the mountain represents the Wood element, and its influence goes far beyond aesthetics: it connects us with vitality, growth, and the ability to adapt without losing our roots This reflection inaugurates our series on the Five Elements of Feng Shui (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). Each month, we will delve deeper into one of them so you can learn to live in spaces that support your internal cycles and your connection with nature The basis of harmony: The five elements Feng Shui is based on energetic archetypes that describe how chi (energy) transforms in your home. When these elements are in balance, that harmony is directly transferred to those who inhabit the space. Wood represents forward momentum. If you feel your life is stagnant or you lack flexibility, this element likely needs attention. At home, it manifests through: Vitality and Health: Strengthens the body and emotions. Growth: Boost your projects and finances. Renewal: It helps you reinvent yourself on solid foundations. Energy Activation: The Bagua Map To make Wood work in your favor, place it in its power zones within the energy map: Family Zone (East): Strengthens ancestral bonds and health. Wealth Zone (Southeast): Helps your finances "grow" organically. The Center (Health): Use it in moderation so as not to overwhelm the balance of the home. Although these guidelines are universal, every home has a unique "energy footprint." True harmony is achieved when we adapt these principles to the specific architecture of your floor plan. Details that transform You don't need major renovations. The Wood element is activated by: Plants with rounded leaves (avoid thorns). Natural fabrics such as linen, cotton and natural fiber rugs (jute, sisal). Vertical accents are key, as wood's energy rises. Use elements that draw the eye upward, such as wooden columns, decorative beams, or pictures with wooden frames. If you can't add physical wood, use its energetic substitutes: Cylindrical Shapes: Tall, thin objects emulate the trunk of a tree, reinforcing the presence of the element. Colors and Textures "Wood" Range of Greens and Blues: These colors vibrate at the same frequency as wood and promote peace and growth. Furniture and Flooring: Wooden floors provide warmth and a solid foundation that promotes relaxation. Natural wood furniture with visible grain retains its energy better. Tips for Balancing the Element Cycle: Water nourishes Wood; placing a fountain near your plants will enhance their energy. Beware of Metal: Metal "cuts" Wood. Avoid having too many metal objects or sharp tools in the Family or Wealth areas so as not to weaken their energy A small ritual of connection Choose a plant that inspires you and place it in the east of your home. When watering it, repeat: “Today I grow with strength and flexibility, without forgetting my roots.” Next month: We ignite the spark of action and recognition. Discover the power of the Fire Element If you have any questions or comments, or if you'd like to transform your home into a haven of balance with a personalized Feng Shui consultation, please write to me at: karina@harmoniouslivingbyk.com Karina Guzmán, Journalist and Consultant of Feng Shui applied to Interior Design.

Volver FLORIDA By En USA news New record for the Sunshine State Florida welcomed 143.3 million visitors in calendar year 2025—another record for the Sunshine State. In the fourth quarter of 2025, an estimated 33.5 million visitors traveled to the state, making it the highest-ever fourth quarter on record. Preliminary estimates show that domestic travelers accounted for 91.5% of total visitors in 2025, with 131.1 million Americans traveling to Florida. International visits reached 9.3 million, while Canadians totaled 2.9 million, in line with historical trends, where Canadian travel represents approximately 2% of total visits. Florida also experienced continued growth in key international markets, with strong increases in Latin American countries such as Brazil and Argentina, as well as European markets such as the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Brazil is now the second-largest source of international visitors to the state. Visit Florida remains focused on expanding international visits through marketing strategies. “Florida tourism continues to lead the nation,” said Bryan Griffin, president and CEO of Visit Florida. “Florida’s tourism success is due to the people and businesses of our state, who offer some of the best vacation experiences, attractions, accommodations, and dining options in the world. Visit Florida is proud to help represent our state and keep our destinations top of mind for travelers in a busy and dynamic market.” “As the nation’s premier tourist destination, families and tourists know that Florida has set a standard of excellence for the tourism industry,” said Florida Department of Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly. The following are the main data from VISIT FLORIDA's preliminary visitation estimates for the fourth quarter and calendar year 2025. Final figures are expected to be confirmed as data becomes available during the spring. 4th quarter of 2025 * Preliminary estimates indicate that a total of 33.5 million visitors (in person) traveled to Florida in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025, an increase of 0.6% over the fourth quarter of 2024 and a record for a fourth quarter. * In the fourth quarter of 2025, domestic visits are estimated at 30.31 million and international visits at 3.2 million. * Domestic visitors accounted for 90.5% of total visitors, while international visitors accounted for 9.5%. * Total shipments at 19 Florida airports totaled 27.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, a 2.8% increase over the fourth quarter of 2024. Calendar year 2025 * Preliminary estimates indicate that a total of 143.3 million visitors (in person) traveled to Florida in calendar year 2025, an increase of 0.2% over calendar year 2024. * Domestic visits accounted for 91.5% of total visits in 2025, slightly more than the 91.4% of the previous year, while visits from abroad accounted for 6.5% and Canadian visits for 2.0%, according to historical visit records. * Domestic visits are estimated at 131.1 million in 2025, representing an increase of +0.3% compared to 2024. Visits from abroad are estimated at 9.3 million and visits from Canada at 2.9 million. Florida saw year-over-year growth in its top five countries of origin. Brazil grew by 10.4% compared to 2024, Argentina by 17.8%, and Spain joined the top 10 countries of origin with a 10.4% increase in visitors. * Preliminary estimates indicate a split between air and non-air travel for domestic visitors of 35.8% / 64.2% in 2025, with a smaller proportion of travelers traveling to Florida by air than in 2024. Travel trends indicate that the search for value influences the travel decisions of contemporary tourists. According to a recent study on marketing effectiveness, those who visit Florida and are familiar with Visit Florida's marketing strategies rate Florida as offering good value for money 23 points higher than those who are not.

Djinji Crocker Volver COFFEE WITH DJINJI By Djinji Crocker Broward County offers assistance Looking to buy a house? Hollywood, Sunrise, and Weston They still have funds available. Did you know that Broward County has home purchase financial assistance programs that can help families and first-time buyers with down payments and closing costs? Through the Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program (HPA), the county offers up to $80,000 per property, and in some cities the available funds are even higher. Cities with currently active funds According to official program information, not all cities have funds available at this time, but three stand out with significant opportunities: Hollywood: Up to $50,000 in attendance (income allowed up to 120% of AMI) Sunrise: Limited funds available (income up to 80% of AMI) Weston: Up to $120,000 in assistance (income up to 80% of AMI) Important: Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, to qualifying buyers and while supplies last. Who can qualify? The program is designed primarily for first-time buyers and establishes several key requirements: Not having owned a residential property in the last 3 years Use the property as your primary residence Qualify for and obtain a 30-year mortgage with a county-approved lender Comply with income limits based on household size For example, the maximum annual income allowed at 80% of the AMI ranges from $64,550 for a single person to $121,750 for an 8-person household. At 120% of the AMI, the maximum income can reach $182,640 depending on household size. What type of property is eligible? The properties must meet certain criteria: Single-family homes, townhomes, villas, condominiums, or manufactured homes with title deeds Maximum selling price: $636,806 (some cities may allow a higher amount) Mobile homes and cooperatives are not allowed What can the assistance be used for? The program funds can be used for: Down payment Closing costs Reduction of the main Buying points to lower the interest rate What is the first step? Confirm that funds are available in your city Verify that your income meets the limits Obtain a mortgage pre-approval Complete a HUD-approved shopper education course Work with a participating lender that sets aside funds with the county Buying a home in Broward County is possible, even in a competitive market, if you know about and take advantage of the available programs. Cities like Hollywood, Sunrise, and Weston represent a great opportunity for those who qualify and act early. Visit Broward.org/housing for more information about the program. Sincerely, Your real estate agent, Djinji Crocker