Background checks in South Florida made easy

Utilizing public record databases to find criminal, civil, or traffic violations in South Florida became a little easier Friday with the release of a semi-comprehensive list of online resources.

Locating and identifying a criminal history, civil litigation or traffic history is but a click away. You can also access resources in relation to inmates, those on probation, parole or community control, sex offenders or missing children, in addition to stolen property or vehicles.

Background checks

·          Florida Department of Law Enforcement – For a modest fee of $23.00, you can obtain an individual’s criminal history record in Florida.

·         Broward County court records - Search civil, criminal and traffic courts through the Clerk’s office.

·         Miami-Dade County court records – Search civil, criminal and traffic courts through the Clerk’s office.

·         Monroe County court records – Search civil, criminal and traffic courts through the Clerk’s office.

·         Palm Beach County court records – Search civil, criminal and traffic courts through the Clerk’s office.

Sex offenders

·         Florida Offender Alert System – Sign up to receive an email alert when a sex offender moves into your neighborhood.

·         Florida Sex Offender Registry – Locate registered sex offenders by name, city, address or zip code.

·         Sex offender screen names – Check a computer screen name or email address to determine whether it’s linked to a registered sex offender in Florida.

·         National and other state sex offender registries – Search the national database, or select a state to view a particular registry.

Jail and state prison inmates

·         Broward County Jail inmates – Search for inmates currently incarcerated in Broward County.

·         Miami-Dade County Jail inmates – Search for inmates currently incarcerated in Miami-Dade County.

·         Monroe County Jail inmates – Search for inmates currently incarcerated in Monroe County.

·         Palm Beach County Jail inmates – Search for inmates currently incarcerated in Palm Beach County as well as those released within the last 12 months.

·         Florida Department of Corrections – Search for inmates currently incarcerated or recently released, as well as those on probation, parole, community control or other form of non-custodial release.

Wanted and missing persons

·         Florida Missing Children Search – Search for a missing or endangered person directly at the state Missing Children Information Clearinghouse.

·         Missing Persons Search – Search for a missing person directly at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

·         National Center for Missing and Exploited Children – Search for several national resources for missing children.

·         Wanted Persons Search – Search for felony or misdemeanor warrant information as reported to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

·         Wireless Amber alerts – Sign up for free wireless Amber alerts directly to your cell phone.

Stolen property

·         Florida Crime Information Center – Search for information on whether a vehicle, vehicle parts, boats, license plates, decals, guns and other items were reported lost or stolen in Florida.

·         VINCheck – Search the National Insurance Crime Bureau database to see if a vehicle has been reported stolen.

Bill Lewis is principal of William E. Lewis Jr. & Associates, a solutions based professional consulting firm specializing in the discriminating individual, business or governmental entity.

For daily updates on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis, you can join Bill’s 16,550 plus fans on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/thecreditreportwithbilllewis.

Back to basics on AM 740 WSBR and The Credit Report with Bill Lewis

Interesting guests and timely topics will be on AM 740 WSBR and AM 1470 WWNN the weekend of December 1st and The Credit Report with Bill Lewis.

As a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis can be found on AM 740 WSBR in south Florida. Hosted by Bill Lewis, the show broadcasts live weekdays at 7am.

Originally launched on AM 1400 WFTL in 2004, as the “Credit Restoration Consultants Hour,” Bill Lewis provided self-help tips and advice regarding credit repair, finances, and related topics. Throughout the years, Bill’s show strayed from the original concept of providing financial awareness to his listeners.

In an effort to strengthen his listener base and to broaden the topics hosted, Bill launched The Credit Report with Bill Lewis upon moving to AM 1470 WWNN within the Beasley Broadcasting group.

Listeners were searching for help regarding a myriad of topics from credit repair, extreme coupon shopping, and foreclosure matters, but welcomed the political format that Bill introduced locally to a south Florida audience.

Since the show’s inception, Bill Lewis has interviewed some of the country’s leading politicians, including: Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Herman Cain, Chris Christie, Jon Huntsman, Allen West, Rick Scott, George LeMieux, Jeff Atwater, Pam Bondi, Marco Rubio, Sharon Day, Alex Sink, Adam Putnam, Charlie Crist, Bill McCollum, Jeff Kottkamp, Jennifer Carroll, Christine O’Donnell, among others.

In addition, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis has hosted a number of politicians as well as attorneys and financial experts in the south Florida area. Among the dozens that have appeared on the show are Carlos Reyes, Al Lamberti, Chip LaMarca, Adam Hasner, Ellyn Bogdanoff, Tom Rooney, Roger Stone, Bob Davids, Lori Parrish, Richard Denapoli, Rico Petrocelli, Jamie McDonnell, Jim Lewis, Tom Lauder, and John Contini.

The Credit Report with Bill Lewis airs live, Monday through Friday from 7am-8am Eastern Time with an encore presentation Saturday’s at 3pm on AM 740 WSBR. Streaming audio is available at http://www.wsbrradio.com and on air participation is welcome at (888) 721-0074.

If you miss the early broadcast, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis is still available weeknights at 9pm Eastern Time, Saturday’s at 6pm and Sunday’s at 8pm on AM 1470 WWNN by streaming audio at www.wwnnradio.com.

Going head-to-head against Steve Kane and Jimmy Cefalo, Bill Lewis promises more “talk” and fewer commercials.

For daily updates on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis, you can join Bill’s 21,950 plus fans on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/thecreditreportwithbilllewis.

Lazaro Cabezas joins Quality Barber Shop of Davie

Now expanding in Davie, Quality Barber Shop is proud to announce the addition of Lazaro Cabezas, to its staff of experienced barbers.  Formerly with Carl’s Barbershop of Davie and Weston, Lazaro brings over four decades of experience to an already qualified team of barbers.

Taking what you love about the classic American barbershop and combing it with a level of service unmatched in the haircare industry, Quality Barber Shop has more competitive pricing than other local shops.

Their strict focus is meeting the grooming needs of today’s man.  From precision haircuts to hot lather shaves and grooming products exclusively for men, you will notice the Quality Barber Shop difference the moment you walk in the door.  From the warm inviting decor to the old fashioned barber chairs, comfort is their primary concern.

Their signature haircut is a real treat. For just $17, you will get a great haircut, hot lather neck shave and hot towel treatment.  You can enjoy a great conversation with your barber or kick back and watch your favorite TV show while having your hair cut.

Unmatched among local barber shops is the level of quality, service and value you will receive at Quality Barber Shop of Davie.

Their service does not stop with the simple haircut. In addition to great haircuts, they offer a full-service hot leather shave which includes layers of hot towels, a professional shave, moisturizing treatment and facial massage.

Quality Barber Shop also offers a complete line of men’s grooming products, including American Crew, Redken for Men, Jack Black, and Menscience.

Walk-ins or reservations are available at Quality Barber Shop of Davie to accommodate any lifestyle. Their hours are 8 am – 7 pm Monday – Saturday and 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday.

Quality Barber Shop is an independent store operated by Maikel Pinedo, formerly with Carl’s Barber Shop of Davie.  Conveniently located at 11522 State Road 84, Davie, FL 33325, they serve clients within the Cooper City, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation and Weston communities.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call Quality Barber Shop at (954) 306-2332.

Election weekend on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis

Interesting guests and timely topics will be on AM 740 WSBR and AM 1470 WWNN election weekend and The Credit Report with Bill Lewis.

As a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis can be found on AM 740 WSBR in south Florida. Hosted by Bill Lewis, the show broadcasts live weekdays at 7am.

Originally launched on AM 1400 WFTL in 2004, as the “Credit Restoration Consultants Hour,” Bill Lewis provided self-help tips and advice regarding credit repair, finances, and related topics. Throughout the years, Bill’s show strayed from the original concept of providing financial awareness to his listeners.

In an effort to strengthen his listener base and to broaden the topics hosted, Bill launched The Credit Report with Bill Lewis upon moving to AM 1470 WWNN within the Beasley Broadcasting group.

Listeners were searching for help regarding a myriad of topics from credit repair, extreme coupon shopping, and foreclosure matters, but welcomed the political format that Bill introduced locally to a south Florida audience.

Guests this weekend on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis:

Former prosecutor and Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Jim Lewis will appear and discuss his candidacy for Broward State Attorney as the Republican candidate for this countywide office. Lewis is challenging incumbent Michael Satz, a 36 year incumbent.

Former Plantation Councilman and current Republican Party of Broward County Executive Director Rico Petrocelli will appear and discuss Decision 2012 as well as the early voting numbers throughout Broward County.

Stanley Blumenthal – an eccentric 87 year-old retired Merchant Marine – will appear and discuss his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s Congressional District 25.  Running as an NPA, Blumenthal promises to “shake-up” the political establishment as a “Socialist” or “American Patriotic Communist.”  In a race that boasts the “VoteForEddie.com” domain name as a candidate, Elect Comrade Blumenthal is the motto of this campaign.

Barry Epstein will appear and discuss his Internet television show “Barry Epstein Live” airing Friday’s at 10 a.m. at www.wrpbitv.com.

Barry Harris, a political consultant from Politically Direct, will appear live from the Tamarac, Florida, early voting station with reports from the community and local politicians seeking public office.  With over 3.1 million Floridians having already voted statewide, the division is nearly split with 42% Democrat and 41% Republican.

Since the show’s inception, Bill Lewis has interviewed some of the country’s leading politicians, including: Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Herman Cain, Chris Christie, Jon Huntsman, Allen West, Rick Scott, George LeMieux, Jeff Atwater, Pam Bondi, Marco Rubio, Sharon Day, Alex Sink, Adam Putnam, Charlie Crist, Bill McCollum, Jeff Kottkamp, Jennifer Carroll, Christine O’Donnell, among others.

In addition, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis has hosted a number of politicians as well as attorneys and financial experts in the south Florida area. Among the dozens that have appeared on the show are Carlos Reyes, Al Lamberti, Chip LaMarca, Adam Hasner, Ellyn Bogdanoff, Tom Rooney, Roger Stone, Bob Davids, Lori Parrish, Richard Denapoli, Rico Petrocelli, Jamie McDonnell, Jim Lewis, Tom Lauder, and John Contini.

The Credit Report with Bill Lewis airs live, Monday through Friday from 7am-8am Eastern Time with an encore presentation Saturday’s at 3pm on AM 740 WSBR. Streaming audio is available at http://www.wsbrradio.com and on air participation is welcome at (888) 721-0074.

If you miss the early broadcast, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis is still available weeknights at 9pm Eastern Time, Saturday’s at 6pm and Sunday’s at 8pm on AM 1470 WWNN by streaming audio at www.wwnnradio.com.

Going head-to-head against Steve Kane and Jimmy Cefalo, Bill Lewis promises more “talk” and fewer commercials.

For daily updates on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis, you can join Bill’s 21,950 plus fans on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/thecreditreportwithbilllewis.

The weekend of October 27th on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis

Interesting guests and timely topics will be on AM 740 WSBR and AM 1470 WWNN the weekend of October 27th and The Credit Report with Bill Lewis.

As a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis can be found on AM 740 WSBR in south Florida. Hosted by Bill Lewis, the show broadcasts live weekdays at 7am.

Originally launched on AM 1400 WFTL in 2004, as the “Credit Restoration Consultants Hour,” Bill Lewis provided self-help tips and advice regarding credit repair, finances, and related topics. Throughout the years, Bill’s show strayed from the original concept of providing financial awareness to his listeners.

In an effort to strengthen his listener base and to broaden the topics hosted, Bill launched The Credit Report with Bill Lewis upon moving to AM 1470 WWNN within the Beasley Broadcasting group.

Listeners were searching for help regarding a myriad of topics from credit repair, extreme coupon shopping, and foreclosure matters, but welcomed the political format that Bill introduced locally to a south Florida audience.

Since the show’s inception, Bill Lewis has interviewed some of the country’s leading politicians, including: Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Herman Cain, Chris Christie, Jon Huntsman, Allen West, Rick Scott, George LeMieux, Jeff Atwater, Pam Bondi, Marco Rubio, Sharon Day, Alex Sink, Adam Putnam, Charlie Crist, Bill McCollum, Jeff Kottkamp, Jennifer Carroll, Christine O’Donnell, among others.

In addition, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis has hosted a number of politicians as well as attorneys and financial experts in the south Florida area. Among the dozens that have appeared on the show are Carlos Reyes, Al Lamberti, Chip LaMarca, Adam Hasner, Ellyn Bogdanoff, Tom Rooney, Roger Stone, Bob Davids, Lori Parrish, Richard Denapoli, Rico Petrocelli, Jamie McDonnell, Jim Lewis, Tom Lauder, and John Contini.

The Credit Report with Bill Lewis airs live, Monday through Friday from 7am-8am Eastern Time with an encore presentation Saturday’s at 3pm on AM 740 WSBR. Streaming audio is available at http://www.wsbrradio.com and on air participation is welcome at (888) 721-0074.

If you miss the early broadcast, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis is still available weeknights at 9pm Eastern Time, Saturday’s at 6pm and Sunday’s at 8pm on AM 1470 WWNN by streaming audio at http://www.wwnnradio.com.

Going head-to-head against Steve Kane and Jimmy Cefalo, Bill Lewis promises more “talk” and fewer commercials.

For daily updates on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis, you can join Bill’s 21,950 plus fans on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/thecreditreportwithbilllewis.

Stanley Blumenthal and Dick Farrel talk politics on Yom Kippur

An interesting guest returns to AM 740 WSBR and AM 1470 WWNN on Yom Kippur as veteran radio host Dick Farrel fills in on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis.

Comrade Stanley Blumenthal - an “independent socialist” congressional candidate – is making a return appearance to local political radio.

Blumenthal, an eccentric 87 year-old retired Merchant Marine and self described Socialist, is making his second run for Congress an NPA for US Congress in Florida’s District 25.  He is running against Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Miami) and Eddie Gonzalez, a Hialeah man who recently garnered attention by legally changing his name to VoteForEddie.com.

Spending tens of thousands of dollars with his full-page advertisements in The Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel, Blumenthal wrote about the economic threat posed by communist China, urged Americans to by “patriotic” T-bills and warned that neither political party would solve America’s economic problems.

“The American Dream has been outsourced to commie China, India, Mexico, Brazil, etc. by the money hungry job creators looking for the biggest bang for their buck treating their American workers like disposable cups and not caring about our USA problems,” Blumenthal stated.

Concluding his manifesto, Blumenthal chimed: “We are a big country so why are most of our jobs in the small and medium businesses? Shouldn’t the biggies like GE, IBM, Motorola, etc be made to supply their fair share of jobs? Shall we let commie China, etc get the heavy big high employment industries and the USA the small stuff? A Marxist principal: Workers should be paid enough to move the goods and services off the shelves. Anyone disagree? Note, Communist run China is now considered to have the 2nd highest economy next to ours in the world and moving up fast.”

Blumenthal promises to “shake-up” the political establishment as a “Socialist” or “American Patriotic Communist.”  In a race that boosts a strong Republican incumbent in Mario Diaz-Balart and the “VoteForEddie.com” domain name as a candidate, Elect Comrade Blumenthal is the motto of his campaign.

Florida’s 25th Congressional District includes parts of Broward, Collier and Miami-Dade counties.

Since the show’s inception, Bill Lewis has interviewed some of the country’s leading politicians, including: Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, Herman Cain, Chris Christie, Jon Huntsman, Allen West, Rick Scott, George LeMieux, Jeff Atwater, Pam Bondi, Marco Rubio, Sharon Day, Alex Sink, Adam Putnam, Charlie Crist, Bill McCollum, Jeff Kottkamp, Jennifer Carroll, Christine O’Donnell, among others.

In addition, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis has hosted a number of politicians as well as attorneys and financial experts in the south Florida area. Among the dozens that have appeared on the show are Carlos Reyes, Al Lamberti, Chip LaMarca, Adam Hasner, Ellyn Bogdanoff, Tom Rooney, Roger Stone, Bob Davids, Lori Parrish, Richard Denapoli, Rico Petrocelli, Jamie McDonnell, Jim Lewis, Tom Lauder, and John Contini.

The Credit Report with Bill Lewis airs live, Monday through Friday from 7am-8am with an encore presentation Saturday’s at 4pm on AM 740 WSBR. Streaming audio is available at http://www.wsbrradio.com and on air participation is welcome at (888) 721-0074.

If you miss the early broadcast, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis is still available weeknights at 9pm and Sunday’s at 12 noon on AM 1470 WWNN by streaming audio at http://www.wwnnradio.com.

Going head-to-head against Steve Kane and Jimmy Cefalo, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis promises more “talk” and fewer commercials.

For daily updates on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis, you can join Bill’s 33,350 plus fans on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/thecreditreportwithbilllewis.

William E. Lewis Jr & Associates announces the formation of a credit repair component

William E. Lewis Jr. & Associates, a solutions based professional consulting firm specializing in the discriminating individual, business or governmental entity, is proud to announce the formation of a credit repair component.

Facing uncertain economic times, Bill Lewis – formerly with Credit Restoration Consultants – has been widely sought by many in the restoration of their personal credit worthiness. 

Approximately 78% of credit profiles in the United States contain some sort of error or omission materially affecting credit worthiness.  Absent self-help and the “do-it-yourself” approach, a consumer may hire a credit repair company in the restoration of their good name and reputation within the community.

In tough economic times, your good name and reputation is more important than ever. Creditors have tightened their guidelines effectively barring millions of Americans from borrowing money. Even those with excellent credit are experiencing reduced credit limits and closed equity lines. Mortgage lenders, auto finance companies, credit card issuers and banks have all raised the bar.

The terms credit repair, credit restoration or credit rehabilitation are somewhat synonymous. Those with bad credit histories cannot afford to ignore the potential benefits of credit repair. In today’s economy, a strong FICO score is more important than ever.

Long gone are the days of obtaining credit, goods, benefits, services and/or employment with a 620 score. In most instances, a consumer will be denied if they maintain a credit score lower than 740. Even those with high credit scores have experienced closed credit card accounts and equity lines.  When an account has not been closed, credit limits have been reduced to the current balance due.

Borrowers with low credit scores can expect to be denied or to pay significantly higher interest rates than those with excellent credit.

Operating within William E. Lewis Jr. & Associates is a small credit service organization specializing in the restoration of consumer credit worthiness as well as identity theft. We assist consumers in achieving a favorable financial credit profile.

Everything we do at William E. Lewis Jr & Associates is legal utilizing laws enacted by Congress to dispute negative, erroneous, obsolete, and/or fraudulent information contained within your consumer credit profile.

Utilizing the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, William E. Lewis Jr & Associates will assist consumers in the submission of disputes electronically, verbally and in writing to the Equifax, Experian and Trans Union consumer reporting agencies in addition to creditors, collection agencies, third-party record providers and state/federal/private regulatory authorities.

Unlike most credit repair clinics that submit the same written dispute letters monthly, William E. Lewis Jr & Associates has devised a credit restoration strategy utilizing the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in addition to laws applicable to a consumers state of residence. 

Keep in mind that anything William E. Lewis Jr & Associates can do – you can do yourself.  That means that you do not have to hire William E. Lewis Jr & Associates – or any other credit repair company – to review, investigate and/or dispute alleged discrepancies on your credit report.

Where William E. Lewis Jr & Associates may have an edge over the average consumer is that we possess the education, knowledge and a source proven method that consistently yields results.

William E. Lewis Jr & Associates has obtained thousands of deletions and updates for its clients and can help remove erroneous and/or inaccurate judgments, liens, bankruptcies, student loans, inquiries, derogatory tradelines, personal identifiers, arrests, etc.  While the credit restoration process can take anywhere from 30 days to six months, most clients see dramatic results in 45-60 days.

Credit repair, credit restoration and/or credit rehabilitation is as legal as pleading “not guilty” in a court of law. With that said, one must understand that as a credit service organization William E. Lewis Jr & Associates is not a law firm and that none of their employees is an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.

As such, William E. Lewis Jr & Associates cannot provide legal advice nor represent any individual before any court or in any legal proceeding.  In the event that legal representation is required, William E. Lewis Jr & Associates may provide an appropriate attorney referral for consultation. 

Ordering Free Credit Reports:

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, as modified by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, consumers are entitled to a free copy of their credit report under a narrow set of circumstances.  If you have been denied credit, goods, benefits, services, insurance, and/or employment, the credit reporting agencies of Equifax, Experian and Trans Union are statutorily mandated to provide a copy free of charge.

Equifax can be contacted at (800) 685-1111 or www.Equifax.com; Experian can be contacted at (888) 397-3742 or www.Experian.com; and Trans Union can be contacted at (800) 916-8800 or www.TransUnion.com. Be sure to prompt that you were denied credit when requested to do so.

Absent these exceptions, consumers are entitled to one free “annual credit report” per year. Credit scores are not included with any of the “free credit reports” provided by the national credit reporting agencies.

For your free annual credit report, contact the central source at 877-FACT-ACT (877-322-8228) or www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Follow the voice prompts and obtain your credit report for review.

When self-help or the “do-it-yourself” approach is not feasible and you decide to hire a company to restore your credit, be sure to check them out.  While the majority of credit repair clinics are scams, a few good ones do exist.  Consumers can check out a credit service organization through their state Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or through the Better Business Bureau at www.BBB.org.

For more information, please contact William E. Lewis Jr & Associates at (954) 337-1530 or visit them on the Internet at www.williamlewis.us.

_____________________________________

Bill Lewis is principal of William E. Lewis Jr. & Associates, a solutions based professional consulting firm specializing in the discriminating individual, business or governmental entity.

The Credit Report with Bill Lewis airs live, Monday through Friday from 7am-8am Eastern Time with an encore presentation Saturday’s at 4pm on AM 740 WSBR. Streaming audio is available at http://www.wsbrradio.com and on air participation is welcome at (888) 721-0074.

If you miss the early broadcast, The Credit Report with Bill Lewis is still available weeknights at 9pm Eastern Time, Saturday’s at 6pm and Sunday’s at 8pm on AM 1470 WWNN by streaming audio at http://www.wwnnradio.com.

For daily updates on The Credit Report with Bill Lewis, you can join Bill’s 35,550 plus fans on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/thecreditreportwithbilllewis.

Broward law enforcement officers receive high honors

Law enforcement officers from agencies across Broward County were honored for their bravery, heroism and service to the community on Saturday by the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of ASIS International, the largest organization of security professionals and law enforcement.

Officer Don Hines of Pembroke Pines Police Department, Detective Joseph Hubbard from the Coral Springs Police Department, and Broward County Sheriff’s Deputy Kari Pallotto received awards at ceremonies in Hollywood.

Broward County Sheriff Captain Darin D. Dowe, who died earlier this year after a long battle with brain cancer, was also honored for 19 years of service on the SWAT team and gang unit. Among Dowe’s contributions; alerting Margate apartment residents in a burning building after a suicidal man fired shots and set his residence aflame.

“These officers represent the very best of the best in Broward County law enforcement,” said ASIS Region 13 Assistant Vice President Charles Kaplan. “Selecting them from the field of forty six candidates was no easy task because all of the nominees are extremely worthy of our honor and gratitude.”

Pembroke Pines Officer Don Hines was recognized with the Police Officer of the Year Award for outstanding performance in the line of duty and for a consistent history of professionalism.

On September 22, 2011 Officer Hines pursued an armed robbery suspect vehicle leaving the Space Coast Federal Credit Union on Pines Blvd. Hines maintained the pursuit with a calm, professional demeanor and took minor, evasive action as the suspect pointed an AK-47 assault rifle at him. He continued the chase to its conclusion resulting in the successful arrest of the primary suspect and the getaway car driver.

Coral Springs Police Detective Hubbard received the Award of Valor for exhibiting extraordinary bravery and heroism during a firearm trafficking investigation.

In January of 2012 Det. Hubbard intervened on behalf of an undercover officer preventing his fellow detective from being shot. The suspected firearms dealers pointed guns at the undercover officer, threatening his life and attempting to rob him. When Hubbard arrived on scene, one of the suspects fled on foot and raised his gun to shoot Detective Hubbard who then fired on the suspect. Hubbard blocked the path of the suspect’s vehicle preventing their escape and arresting both armed suspects.

Deputy Kari Pallotto of the Broward Sheriff’s Weston District received the Community Policing Officer of the Year Award for her work coordinating with residents and officers in Weston’s 107 registered Homeowner’s Associations (HOA’s), hosting a summer police services academy for youth, establishing community watch groups and developing a mobile community van called “Crime Prevention On Your Corner.”

“These officers and their families make incredible personal sacrifices for our communities every day. This is our opportunity to recognize them and to say thank you,” noted Kaplan.
 

Friday Job Fair at Signature Grand in Davie

The South Florida Diversity Job Expo, a community outreach event, will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Friday, October 28th, at the Signature Grand, in Davie.

Approximately 25 employers are scheduled for the job fair.  Positions are available in virtually all industries.

Employers hiring for jobs in South Florida include: DiversityJobsUSA & Diversity Job Expos (USA), New York Life, AFLAC, Concorde Career Institute, Coventry Healthcare, Fast Tax, Broward College, AXA-Advisors, Colonial Life, Hispanic Unity, American Intercontinental University, The Flyer Publishing Company, The Broward County Urban League, American Express Consumer Travel, The Art Institutes, C.H. Robinson Company, Strayer University, Home Depot, Sullivan & Cogliano Training Centers, Cellular Sales, Fast Train, The Miami Herald, WorkForce One, and Natha Communications.

In addition to exhibiting employers, the job fair will offer instructional information designed to provide participants with the tools necessary to aide them in their job search.  Workshops will cover such topics as résumé critiquing, “Why am I Still Unemployed,” interview techniques and tips on networking and “working the room.”

A “First Arrival” and “Best Dressed” contest is also being featured at the job fair.

The event is sponsored by The South Florida Employment Coalition Planning Board and DiversityJobsUSA.  For more information, call 954-537-3045 or go online to www.diversityjobsusa.com.

The Signature Grand is located at 6900 State Road 84, in Davie. 

William E. Lewis Jr. & Associates is a solutions based professional consulting firm specializing in the discriminating individual, business or governmental entity. To learn more, tune into “The Credit Report with Bill Lewis,” a daily forum for business and financial news, politics, economic trends, and cutting edge issues on AM 1470 WWNN.

Fort Lauderdale Attorney Jim Lewis Enters Race for Broward State Attorney

Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Jim Lewis has entered the race to unseat Mike Satz as Broward State Attorney in 2012.  A registered Republican, Lewis, 54, filed his campaign paperwork Wednesday with the Florida Division of Elections.

Best known for his representation of twelve-year old Lionel Tate in the murder of six-year old Tiffany Eunick, Lewis knows what it’s like to run for political office. He has unsuccessfully run for Florida Attorney General, Fort Lauderdale mayor, Fort Lauderdale city commission, Broward Public Defender, Broward Circuit Court Judge and state representative.

“I’ve learned from prior campaigns, most recently in my 2010 unsuccessful run for Florida Attorney General, that successful campaigns have to be well financed, organized, and run by professional campaign staff,” stated Jim Lewis.  “I have budgeted $300,000.00 for this campaign and have retained a professional campaign manager.”

Satz, a Democrat, has been Broward’s top prosecutor since 1976.  Lewis started his career in 1981 as a prosecutor in Orlando and later moved in 1987 to the state Attorney General’s Office, remaining until 1992.  He became a criminal defense lawyer in 1993, frequently defending criminal cases against Satz’s prosecutors at the Broward County Courthouse.

“As Broward’s State Attorney I will strive to be progressive, with a primary objective to find new and better ways to keep our community safe,” continued Lewis.  “For non-violent offenders, I want real attempts to rehabilitate low risk offenders instead of using valuable prison space on drug addicts and the mentally ill.”

Meanwhile, Satz welcomed the challenge.

“Anybody in public office knows that a formidable challenge is always a possibility and prepares for it,” stated Satz. “You get ready every time.”

Note:  The author is not related to Jim Lewis.