Before you take the plunge and head out boating this holiday weekend, which is the unofficial start of summer, be sure to take refresher course.

Memorial Day weekend boating traffic is traditionally heavy and boaters must take every necessary precaution.

“Take a boating safety course, get the boat inspected, the coast guard gives free inspections, said Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti at a boating safety news conference Friday. “Everyone needs to have a life jacket, under the age of six its required to wear, but there should be one for every person.”

BSO has teamed up with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in order to keep our waterways safe.

Boaters should expect to see extra patrols on the water and don’t be surprised if you get stopped for a routine check.

“Every summer unfortunately someone dies in Florida because of carelessness on the waterway, with these kinds of partnerships hopefully one year we won’t have to tell a family member someone died,” said the FWC’s Jorge Pino.

So far this year, 17 people have died statewide in boating accidents.

According to the FWC, inattentiveness of the boat operator often contributes to boating accidents, and statistics show that more than 64 percent of the 66 boating-related deaths confirmed last year were attributed to drowning, so it’s clear that personal flotation devices save lives.

Boaters like Ryan Jacobson said he knows what should be happening.

“They have to have their safety gear, have a plan in case something goes wrong and be careful,” Jacobson said.

If you are heading out on the seas, FWC and BSO said you should:

• Take a safety course
• Have life jackets
• Share your plan
• Monitor the weather
• Have a designated operator

And don’t think that the focus will be completely on the water. Extra patrols from law enforcement across South Florida will try to keep the roads safe while you have your fun over the holiday weekend.

Federal offices: Closed

State offices: Closed

Miami-Dade and Broward offices: Closed

Miami-Dade and Broward courts: Closed

Miami-Dade and Broward public schools: Closed

• Garbage collection: Regular schedule in most cities.
• Banks: Closed.
• Stock markets: Closed.
• Postal service: Closed. Express Mail Delivery only.
• Miami-Dade and Broward transit: Run on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
• Miami-Dade and Broward libraries: Closed.
• Malls: Open
• Supermarkets: Open

The Miami Beach Police Department is beefing up security, while the city faces a lawsuit for negligence stemming from last year’s highly-publicized shooting that left one person dead and four others hit in the chaos.

The shooting took place around 4 a.m. on May 30, after police say Raymond Herisse tried to hit them with his car. Police said they thought he was armed and dangerous. Cops opened fire near 14th St. and Collins Ave., in a barrage of bullets captured on camera and posted on YouTube, which was then repeatedly played on TV newscasts.

Records show police fired more than 115 rounds. Herisse was killed.

Two bullets hit 25-year-old Sarah Garcia from Naples. She ended up in a wheelchair for months and hasn’t been able to return to her job. She filed the negligence suit against the city.

Thursday, another lawsuit is expected to filed by four other victims of the shooting. They joined together to file a public-records lawsuit demanding ballistics results and other key evidence. The lawsuit accuses the agencies involved of deliberately withholding the records in an effort to cover up responsibility.

The plaintiffs want to know whether a gun found in Herisse’s car was ever fired.

In the year since the shooting, police haven’t released any records about who fired the shots that hit the bystanders.

The Miami Beach Police Department is investigating the incident, which involved seven officers from Miami Beach and four from Hialeah. The department has turned evidence over to the state attorney’s office, which will decide whether the officers should be criminally prosecuted.

The plaintiffs, all of whom say they sustained permanent injuries, ultimately want compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering.

Meantime, the city is working to make sure this weekend’s Memorial Day festivities remain fun and safe for everyone while launching the most aggressive crowd control plan ever done.

It includes the use of 600 officers, a DUI checkpoint entering the beach and scanning every license plate pulling onto the island.

The moves have drawn criticism that the beach will become a police state, unlike any other major event that they have had.

Miami Beach police expect to arrest as many as 2,000 people this weekend. It’s not a quota, said Police Chief Raymond Martinez, it’s simply a higher number than usual due to the stricter rules this year.

Miami Beach wants to minimize the impact for residents so certain streets will be open for local residents only.

Those road closures start Friday May 25th and will remain closed until Tuesday May 29th.

Here is the list of road closures:

• Ocean Drive will be shut down to vehicular traffic from 5th to 15th Street from 7:00 a.m. Friday to 7:00 a.m. Tuesday.
• Collins Avenue will be northbound traffic only between 5th to 15th Street from 7:00 a.m. Friday to 7:00 a.m. Tuesday.
• Washington Avenue will be southbound traffic only between 5th to 15th Street from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
• Proof of Residency will be required to enter the following residential areas:
• North of 5th Street to Lincoln Road from Washington Avenue west to Alton Road
• South of 5th Street to Government Cut
• Dade Blvd to 41st Street and Pine Tree Drive

A Traffic Loop will be activated Friday through Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The Traffic Loop will send traffic north on Collins Avenue and South on Washington Avenue. Ocean Drive will be completely closed off to vehicular traffic.

Proof of residency will be required to enter the residential areas north of 5th Street – 11th Street from Washington Avenue west to Alton Road.

A DUI check point will be operational from Friday night-Saturday morning. There will be DUI saturation and enforcement throughout the remainder of the weekend.

The police department is also erecting 4 surveillance towers with video equipment where officers can rewind and view video. The cameras, which can see up to a mile, will be perched on four towers stationed in Lummus Park, on Collins Avenue and on the east end of the Lincoln Road Mall.

Police will also be using license tag readers for the first time along the Julia Tuttle and MacArthur Causeways, checking for expired registration, stolen vehicles and wanted vehicles. Vehicles with tags that kick back violations to police will be stopped.

Pairs of police will be stationed up and down Fifth Street, Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington Avenues.

The Venetian Causeway will be open only to Miami and Miami Beach residents, although restricted access will be based on the honor system.

The City will also continue using Goodwill Ambassadors. The program was started more than a decade ago, after the huge crowds attracted by what was then known as “Hip Hop Weekend” angered and intimidated residents, and led to what many called excessive police response and hundreds of arrests.

Goodwill Ambassadors, all wearing red shirts, assist with crowd control issues, distribute courtesy litterbags and safety brochures, report service issues that need immediate attention and answer visitors’ questions.

Police say they hope the new tactics and equipment will control the crowds that come to town not just for club events but for the jam-packed, non-sanctioned street parties on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue that have come to define the weekend since 2001.

“This year we looked at everything possible that we could do to make sure that we have a safe environment,” Miami Beach Police Chief Ray Martinez told CBS4.

Martinez has his hands full, rolling out the most aggressive crowd control plan ever done here. It includes the use of 600 officers, a DUI checkpoint entering the beach and scanning every license plate pulling onto the island.

The moves have drawn criticism that the beach will become a police state, unlike any other major event that they have had.

Martinez responded to the criticism Tuesday, saying, “Well, I think Memorial Day weekend is unlike any other major event that we have here. It’s really an issue of capacity. Earlier today we gave the analogy of a stadium. You can only fit so many people into the stadium.”

The city is dropping nearly $2 million dollars to control the crowd. From deadly police-involved shootings to total disregard for residents and businesses; Martinez hopes to avoid problems this year by arresting people.

According to Miami Beach’s police union the order this weekend is for “patrol officers will need to meet an arrest quota of 2,000 arrests.” That’s twice the record of roughly a thousand set a few years ago.

Martinez explained Tuesday it’s not an order, but a directive to be more strict.

“I think if you let the smaller problems go, the smaller things, later on become bigger problems and it’s really an officer safety thing.” Martinez said.

The police department has been reviewing policies with their officers the past few weeks. It was a refresher course on things like use of force, deadly force, even the public’s right to film them with their cell phones. Call them lessons from the past. If things become too wild the city is prepared to shut down the causeway.

Miami Beach wants to minimize the impact for residents so certain streets will be open for local residents only.

Those road closures start Friday May 25th and will remain closed until Tuesday May 29th.

Here is the list of road closures:

• Ocean Drive will be shut down to vehicular traffic from 5th to 15th Street from 7:00 a.m. Friday to 7:00 a.m. Tuesday.
• Collins Avenue will be northbound traffic only between 5th to 15th Street from 7:00 a.m. Friday to 7:00 a.m. Tuesday.
• Washington Avenue will be southbound traffic only between 5th to 15th Street from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Proof of Residency will be required to enter the following residential areas:

• North of 5th Street to Lincoln Road from Washington Avenue west to Alton Road
• South of 5th Street to Government Cut
• Dade Blvd to 41st Street and Pine Tree Drive

A Traffic Loop will be activated Friday through Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The Traffic Loop will send traffic north on Collins Avenue and South on Washington Avenue. Ocean Drive will be completely closed off to vehicular traffic.

Proof of residency will be required to enter the residential areas north of 5th Street – 11th Street from Washington Avenue west to Alton Road.

A DUI check point will be operational from Friday night-Saturday morning. There will be DUI saturation and enforcement throughout the remainder of the weekend.

The police department is also erecting 4 surveillance towers with video equipment where officers can rewind and view video. The cameras, which can see up to a mile, will be perched on four towers stationed in Lummus Park, on Collins Avenue and on the east end of the Lincoln Road Mall.

Police will also be using license tag readers for the first time along the Julia Tuttle and MacArthur Causeways, checking for expired registration, stolen vehicles and wanted vehicles. Vehicles with tags that kick back violations to police will be stopped.

Pairs of police will be stationed up and down Fifth Street, Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington Avenues.

The Venetian Causeway will be open only to Miami and Miami Beach residents, although restricted access will be based on the honor system.

The City will also continue using Goodwill Ambassadors. The program was started more than a decade ago, after the huge crowds attracted by what was then known as “Hip Hop Weekend” angered and intimidated residents, and led to what many called excessive police response and hundreds of arrests.

Goodwill Ambassadors, all wearing red shirts, assist with crowd control issues, distribute courtesy litterbags and safety brochures, report service issues that need immediate attention and answer visitors’ questions.

Police say they hope the new tactics and equipment will control the crowds that come to town not just for club events but for the jam-packed, non-sanctioned street parties on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue that have come to define the weekend since 2001.

Due to the large number of people expected, upwards of 300,000 to 350,000 people, Miami Beach police are implementing some new procedures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.

A highly publicized shooting on Collins Avenue during the waning hours of Memorial Day weekend in 2011 prompted members of the community to protest the high-traffic, noise and other issues that dominate the long holiday weekend period.

Data reviewed by CBS4 News shows most of the people arrested last year during Memorial Day weekend actually came from other parts of South Florida. Only 8 percent of those arrested were Miami Beach residents. That’s why the City is looking to potentially use License Plate Readers during other major weekends.

City officials came up with an extensive traffic plan to discourage the general public from driving into residential neighborhoods.

For the first time ever, residents are going to have show “proof of residency” if they live in key sections west of Washington Avenue between 5th and 15th Streets and south of 5th street.

“Proof of residency is required so residents can have easier access while they are dealing with an unexpected amount of traffic that is double to triple the amount of a normal weekend,” said Miami Beach Police detective Vivian Hernandez.

When CBS4′s Peter D’Oench asked her what police had to say to people who felt these measures were unfair, she told D’Oench, “Unfortunately people have to realize they are guests in the city and residents are our number one priority. We need to make sure they are safe.”

Some residents who live west of Washington Avenue applaud the restrictions.

As Bethany Youngs walked her 7-year-old Wheaton Terrier named “Ziggy” along Pennsylvania Avenue, she said she could not help but think about the serious traffic problems and outbreaks of violence on previous Memorial Day Weekends on South Beach.

“I think it’s good that police try something,” Youngs told D’Oench. “They have to do something. It is always a mess with traffic out here.”

“I think it’s good for crowd control,” said Miami Beach resident Paul Johnson. “Safety is a huge issue. You have children around, having cookouts. There are families out there. And there are safety issues.”

But some like Miami Beach retail stylist Adrian Richards wondered how the city could enforce the restrictions.

“It’s going to be almost impossible to keep track of everyone out there,” said Richards. “How are they going to handle that? How are they going to put enough people out there to handle that?”

The American Civil Liberties Union is taking issue with the restrictions.

“We have been working with the city on these issues and the restrictions will make people feel unwelcome and cast the city in a poor light.,” said A.C.L.U. attorney Jeanne Baker.

John DeLeon of the A.C.L.U. echoed the same sentiments and said the city had not imposed similar restrictions for other events.

In addition, the City wants to minimize the impact for residents so certain streets will be open for local residents only.

Those road closures start Friday May 25th and will remain closed until Tuesday May 29th.

Here is the list of road closures:

Proof of Residency will be required to enter the following residential areas:

• North of 5th Street to Lincoln Road from Washington Avenue west to Alton Road
• South of 5th Street to Government Cut
• Dade Blvd to 41st Street and Pine Tree Drive

A Traffic Loop will be activated Friday through Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The Traffic Loop will send traffic north on Collins Avenue and South on Washington Avenue. Ocean Drive will be completely closed off to vehicular traffic.

Proof of residency will be required to enter the residential areas north of 5th Street – 11th Street from Washington Avenue west to Alton Road.

A DUI check point will be operational from Friday night-Saturday morning. There will be DUI saturation and enforcement throughout the remainder of the weekend.

The police department is also erecting 4 surveillance towers with video equipment where officers can rewind and view video. The cameras, which can see up to a mile, will be perched on four towers stationed in Lummus Park, on Collins Avenue and on the east end of the Lincoln Road Mall.

Police will also be using license tag readers for the first time along the Julia Tuttle and MacArthur Causeways, checking for expired registration, stolen vehicles and wanted vehicles. Vehicles with tags that kick back violations to police will be stopped.

Pairs of police will be stationed up and down Fifth Street, Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington Avenues.

The Venetian Causeway will be open only to Miami and Miami Beach residents, although restricted access will be based on the honor system.

The City will also continue using Goodwill Ambassadors. The program was started more than a decade ago, after the huge crowds attracted by what was then known as “Hip Hop Weekend” angered and intimidated residents, and led to what many called excessive police response and hundreds of arrests. Goodwill Ambassadors, all wearing red shirts, assist with crowd control issues, distribute courtesy litterbags and safety brochures, report service issues that need immediate attention and answer visitors’ questions.

Unlike major events such as the Miami International Boat Show, Super Bowl, South Beach Wine and Food Festival and Art Basel Miami Beach, the City of Miami Beach does not sponsor any of the Urban Beach Weekend events.

Police say they hope the new tactics and equipment will control the crowds that come to town not just for club events but for the jam-packed, non-sanctioned street parties on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue that have come to define the weekend since 2001.

Last year, hotel occupancy was at its highest Memorial Day weekend level in years, and tourism numbers remain high this year. Hoteliers, club owners and other select businesses pull in profits, while other businesses shutter their doors due to lack of business or chaos.

Many locals leave town or hole up in their homes.

The Greater Miami Chapter of the ACLU will scrutinize how Miami Beach Police and city officials handle themselves.

City officials have already made their decisions on how they will make this yea’rs even safer and more convenient and the looming sessions are informational in nature, but public comment will be welcome.

One proposal by City Manager Jorge Gonzales is a traffic loop which would close all side street access to everyone except residents from Alton Road, 5th Street, Washington Avenue and Collins Avenue.

Police would also have the option to close the eastbound lanes of the MacArthur Causeway if the traffic becomes too much.

Gonzalez has also requested that the police set up more DUI check points.

City leaders are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year when police shot and killed a man they say tried to run over an officer with his car. Four innocent bystanders were hurt in the shooting.

The community meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The city plans to hold these meeting every Thursday through May 17th.

In what has become a Florida Keys tradition, Atlantis Dive Shop owner Spencer Slate donned his larger-than-life bunny suit and dove to pre-position some of the eggs in the sand along the edge of the reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary off Key Largo on Monday.

He uses real hard-boiled eggs dyed with non-toxic colors to avoid damage to the delicate reef environment.

Local divers will participate in Sunday’s underwater hide-and-seek game and are awarded prizes including one for the finder of a “golden egg.”

The popular hunt serves as a fundraiser for Kids In Special Situations, a local organization that provides holiday gifts for needy children.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Florida Keys News Bureau contributed to this report.)

Ready, Set, Scramble for Eggs! Peter Cottontail will be busy come Easter weekend. Check out a number of fun-filled events happening on Easter weekend across South Florida. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, your camera and an Easter basket, if required.

Federal offices: Closed

State offices: Closed

Miami-Dade and Broward offices: Closed

Miami-Dade and Broward courts: Closed

Miami-Dade and Broward public schools: Closed

• Garbage collection: Regular schedule in most cities.
•  Banks: Closed.
•  Stock markets: Closed.
•  Postal service: Closed. Express Mail Delivery only.
•  Miami-Dade and Broward transit: Regular schedule.
•  Tri-Rail: Regular schedule.
•  Miami-Dade and Broward libraries: Closed.
•  Malls: Open
• Supermarkets: Open

But one South Florida Santa has a deeper story.

“I see a lot of children who don’t have anything. so I try to give as much of my free time as I can,” said Santa, who grew up as Russell James Alexander. he worked as a Miami taxi driver for three decades. he wasn’t always Santa.

But his brother, Dave, was Santa all his life.

“He just was Santa Claus. He loved doing it,” said Alexander.

Two years ago, Dave died and left behind a Christmas legacy. His brother did not want Santa to disappear. He grew the beard, put on the suit, and delivered smiles.

“Everyday when I go out the door, I say here we go Dave,” said Alexander.

Thursday morning was no different. Santa walked into Miami Children’s Hospital to give sick children teddy bears from the Neighbors 4 Neighbors Adopt-a-Bear program.

After one of the visits, away from our cameras, Santa began to cry.

“There was one little girl, it’s just, you could see was very frightened, and just being sick, it was very hard,” he said.

But he continued delivering teddy bears.

“I get a lot of happiness out of it, that I’m doing something good for children and giving joy, because that’s what it’s all about. The love in your heart, and to keep the love that represents Christmas, all throughout the year, that’s my message,” he said.

Santa delivers happiness all over Miami anywhere the Christmas Spirit lives, all while thinking of that other Santa who changed his life.

“He motivates me a lot. I know he’d be proud of me,” he said.

To visit Santa’s new Facebook page, visit http://www.facebook.com/santainmiami.

Kids are waiting for that much anticipated video game only to later do more lounging around playing with it, but there’s help.

Alex Martinez, sports director for i9 Sports, provided CBS4’s Marybel Rodriguez with the “Top 10 Ways To Prevent Laziness During The Holiday Break.”  There are key points to remember to make the task an easier one.

Topping the list is: While on vacation keep it active.

“Take footballs, soccer balls and frisbees on your trip, think ahead of time” Martinez said.

Second on the list: Hand deliver your gifts.

“Instead of mailing your holiday cards and baked goods to nearby neighbors take them personally. It makes it more personal” Martinez said.

Watching television the creative way: While on the couch take advantage of the commercial breaks. For example, have a contest to see who could come up with the most fun exercise.

Create an active holiday tradition: Perhaps visiting a skating rink  is a great way to get the whole family involved.

Buy active holiday gifts. Giving is better than receiving, and your kids will be up and ready for what’s ahead.

Walk to see holiday decorations and lights. Instead of driving around the neighborhood, round up the troops and hit the pavement to enjoy the holiday sights.

If you have a dog, take the dog for the tour as well.

To make it feel much more like the holidays, enjoy the cool temperatures indoors, take advantage of indoor activity centers.

Create your own winter Olympics.

 “Get together one morning out in a park with your neighbors to compete in good old fashioned games, like freeze tag, kickball or even a game of softball” Martinez said.

Rounding out the list is an option all parents will love: Have a cleaning competition. See who can clean out the most items and donate the unwanted items to charity.

While these tips will help keep the family active, the best part is they won’t even realize it.

“For me I can’t put into words what it means to me to be here,” Dwyane Wade shared with CBS4’s Nicole Maristany.

The Heat guard and his foundation, Wade’s World, teamed up once again with Neighbors 4 Neighbors to adopt 5 families for the holidays.

“On behalf of my foundation, working with Neighbors 4 Neighbors, and everything that they do, I mean it’s just a great partnership,” said Wade.

And for these families, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

“It means a lot because right now they are cutting hours at my job, so this Christmas I didn’t think was going to be so good,” explained LaTonya Carter, who is taking care of her son and fosters three children from another family member.

It was also a close call this Christmas for Nicole Carasquillo’s family.

“It’s been very rough this year, we’ve had some health issues in the family, and I really appreciate this because I have not been able to buy my family a single thing this Christmas so this is a big blessing,” said Carasquillo.

They are feelings Wade himself can relate to.

“I just remember me growing up and you know I wish that my family had these opportunities, if we’d of had these opportunities I don’t know what I’d of done as a kid,” said Wade.

The families headed out into the aisles and filled their carts with toys, but for the parents, essentials were important.

“I told them I was going to buy groceries and the rest they were able to pick something out each of them,” said Carasquillo.

Although Christmas is around the corner, you can still help families in need through Neighbors 4 Neighbors. For more information on the Family Fund, visit neighbors4neighbors.org or call 305-597-4404.

So what news stories were the most popular? Most importantly, what insights can we gather about contemporary culture from this list? Well, after culling through CBSMiami.com’s long list of headlines, we came to the conclusion that bizarre stories always have a way with our readers. Of course, bizarre is an elusive term. What may fit the ‘bazarro’ bill for one may be the everyday, run of the mill story for another.

Without further ado, the number one story out of the CBSMiami.com news site was – drum roll, please – Miami-Dade’s newest crime fighting tool: The Micro Air Vehicle or ‘eye in the sky’ drone.

Making the number two, three and four of the list, news lovers were also captivated by political interruptions, police inter-agency wars and South Florida happenings, specifically the “rowdy” Urban Beach Week hip hop extravaganza.

Remember that story about the Miami cop whose patrol car ended up a pole? Well…not into it, but up it? That story made its way to the fifth spot.

Copper wire is a high commodity, and this year copper wire-related crimes made it twice on the list.

For the full list of the Top  CBSMiami.com stories that made the list, check out our slideshow by clicking here.

Group and individual volunteers are chipped in throughout the day, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the campus located at 2020 NW 1st Avenue in Miami. Coffee, fruit and pastries were provided.

Orion Roberts, a Miami Rescue Mission graduate said the event, “Helps people to enjoy Christmas and to enjoy what Christmas is all about.”

At 11 a.m. full Christmas meals were served. The menu includes ham, mash potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, rolls and holidays pies. In Miami, the mission was ready to feed 3,000 people.

The kitchen fast at work preparing all the holiday fixings since Monday.

CBS4′s Kara Kostanich spoke with head chef and Miami Rescue Mission graduate Calvin McFadden who said it’s all about helping, and returning the favor.

“This program here at the mission has been good to us so we in return are turning around and giving something back to somebody else,” he said.

The 2000 block of NW 1st Avenue was blocked off to accommodate the over 2,000 homeless and needy expected to attend.

Multiple organizations, including ARAMARK, State Farm, The Hackett Group and others have helped supply and collect toys for the needy children of South Florida. More than 400 families will benefit from the toy giveaway.

Not only is there food and toys, but entertainment will also be one of the highlights of the event. The Regeneration Singers, a group of the formerly homeless, performances from various local churches and entertainment groups will entertain the crowd.

“For so many people this is going to be their Christmas because they’re going to go home to an empty refrigerator or an empty tree or no tree at all,” Casey Angel of the Miami Rescue Mission said.

The mission also provided Christmas trees for families who would like one for the holiday.

For Roberts and so many others that are homeless and hungry in South Florida the event is a

Christmas blessing that the mission said could be the beginning of a new start.

“It’s given me a lot more clarity for a purpose in life and a meaning in life… something to do with my life…for the rest of my life,” he said.

That event concluded at 1 p.m.

Events in Broward were also planned throughout the day.

Beginning at 10 a.m., The Broward Outreach Center at 1700 Blount Road in Pompano Beach featured dozens of individual volunteers and Santa Claus. Over 200 gifts were given out to needy children. All adults received a Hope Tote bag filled with hygiene products and clothes.

A Christmas feast was also served at 12 p.m. as those in attendance enjoy music, activities and entertainment.

The Broward Outreach Center at 2056 Scott Street in Hollywood is hosting a Christmas celebration, beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Volunteers helping to celebrate with formerly homeless men, women and children will assist in various give-a-ways, including shoes donated by Running with Sole, cosmetics donated by Ofra Cosmetics and Sunday Riley Cosmetics, clothing donated by Justus Clothing, football tickets donated by the Miami Dolphins, just to name a few.

“We want our homeless to know that they are not forgotten and that we love them,” Rev. Ronald Brummitt, President of the Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers, said. “We also want to thank all of our donors and volunteers who help us make this wonderful day an awesome celebration for those that otherwise would have nothing or very little for Christmas.”

Since 1922 the Miami Rescue Mission Centers have served the homeless and needy men, women, and children of Miami. Every day the organization provides food, shelter, clothing, education, job training, spiritual direction and long-term rehabilitation programs in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano to nearly 1,000 homeless on a daily basis.

The mission also has at-risk after-school and summer day camp youth programs.

The show will also include moving performances by country superstar entertainer McBride, pop/R&B superstar Justin Bieber, Grammy Award-winning singer Mary J. Blige, platinum recording artist Gavin DeGraw, rock group OneRepublic and singer/songwriter Christina Perri.

Katherine Heigl, who adopted a child, her sister Meg Heigl-Beltran, who was adopted, and Denise Richards, who adopted a child, will be among the talent set to present.

Click here to watch preview.

There are more than half a million children currently in foster care in the United States. The segment gives voice to these children by creating an intimate portrait of youth who need permanent loving homes.

The show will be broadcasted Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network.

Read more here.

One South Florida man who wants to make sure everyone is able to celebrate the holidays is paying off the balances of layaway accounts at a Walmart in North Miami Beach at 1425 NE 163rd Street.

At least 50 people tried to pay down their Christmas layaway debt at the Walmart and ran out of funds to finish. But that’s where RS Schmitt came in.

“We looked at how many were in default how many accounts were … so we put together a $1,000 and you know that represents 18 families that will be helped,” Schmitt said.

Schmitt is one of about 100 people at the South Beach Athletic Club that is paying it forward by pay off layaway tabs at Walmart.

“It’s exactly like paying it forward,” Schmitt said. “It’s a great thing to do… I hope everybody does that.”

Their goodwill came just in time too. The Christmas layaway deadline was this past Friday and customers who didn’t pick it up and paid it off would have had to pay a small fee and start all over again.

“I thought that was very awesome for someone to be so selfless and to put these families first,” Walmart manager Julie Burns said.

Burns got to break the good news to some of the families Saturday over the phone.

“You have a special secret Santa that is going to pay for your layaway,” Burns said.

On the other line was Sabrine Henry, who told CBS4′s Tiffani Helberg she was particularly grateful.

Another reciepient Equeena McDonald said the good deed helps her and her family for the holidays.

“I’m a single mom with two kids it will really help me because I didn’t have the money to get it off layaway,” McDonald said.

Now her two young sons will have the Christmas they deserve as Santa Claus arrives just in the knick of time.

“When I shop, so I see something I like, I buy,” this shopper told CBS4′s Jorge Estevez.

Estevez asked him, “For yourself?”

“Of course,” he replied.

Shoppers at Aventura mall have the right idea.

“You have more people shopping for themselves than shopping for anyone else,” said this store manager.

“Really?” asked Estevez. “That doesn’t seem right.”

“I know,” she replied.

But it is right, and it is part of a growing trend. Consumers seem to be all aboard the self-gifting train, mainly because experts say the economy is doing even better.

“It is going to be up 16% this year, consumers are going to spend $130 dollars on themselves, in order to get what they want for Christmas this year,” explained Ken Perkins with Retail Metrics.

They even have a method to their shopping madness. Some ”block out” when they self-gift.

“You snuck in some gifts for yourself.” Estevez said to a shopper.

“Yes. Black Friday I shop for me,” she confessed.

They also budget personal shopping.

“I always pad my list in case,” said this shopper.

“You pad your list?” asked Estevez.

“In case there is something there,” was her reply.

“For you?” asked Estevez.

“Yes.”

Some shoppers try to lie about their self-gifting.

“I try to spend most of my money…I save for other people,” said one customer.

Estevez pushed on. “Are you lieing about that?”

“No I am not,” was the reply.

“So you don’t shop for yourself?” he asked the shopper.

“If I do shop for myself it is one thing,” the shopper insisted.

“So you did lie to me,” Estevez exclaimed as they both laughed.

Others get caught red-handed.

“What’s in the bag Bobbie? asked Estevez of a new customer.

“It’s for my son,  Abercrombie Aftershave. Oh, that’s for me. It’s a top. What? It was a cheap one though,” insisted Bobbie.

Cheap or not, people feel they deserve to treat themselves.

“I think that it is a very good thing,” said Dr. Charles Foster of the Chestnut Hill Institute. He thinks getting exactly what you want is ultimately more rewarding.

“The most satisfying gift is the one you’ve asked for, because it’s what you know you want. Surprises we all say we want, we’re, in fact, least happy with.”

Self-gifting is something so popular even guys are doing it.

“All the time,” said this male shopper.

“Really?” quizzed Estevez.

“Yeah! Who loves you better than you. That is what I am saying.”

Who can argue with that shopping logic?

CBS4′S Lisa Petrillo hit a list of local stores and websites to find some great holiday gift ideas for those on your list.

Looking for a funky gift that also includes diamonds? DuePunti Diamonds premieres their silicone diamond rings at .02 Karats. The fun and funky rings can be stacked or worn alone, and they’re price at $98.

Emporium Boutique in Coral Gables has some fun and affordable cocktail dresses that are perfect for the holiday season. A gold mini is on sale for $32.

Need a clutch? For $65 you can snag a cute sparkle clutch.

Soy-scented candles in delicious holiday scents are a wonderful gift for the host, priced at $ 35.

Every lady loves a perfect red lipstick, and one that comes in a cute velvet bag is a super stocking stuffer. It’s by Besame Cosmetics.

Grey Goose Vodka has a great holiday gift set. The set features a 750ml of Vodka, in all flavors, and a shiny steel shaker. The set is priced at $29, a price normally found on just the shaker alone.

Here are some of the other items featured in Lisa’s holiday finds and where you can find them:

• Emporium Boutique features: Pashminas, candles, clutch bags,  dresses and the red shirt, featured on CBS4.  Emporium Boutique: 2606 Ponce de Leon Boulevard  Coral Gables, FL 33134. Phone: 786.268.068 www.facebook.com/emporiummiami

• Gold shoes- www.XiomaraLisette.com

• Red lipstick in velvet bag : www.besamecosmetics.com

• Grey Goose Gift Package-   available at local liquor stores.

• Custom made labels and wines from Millbrook Winery www.millbrookwine.com

• Ruinart-Blanc De Blanc Champagne- available at local liquor Stores

• DuePunti Diamonds: (silicone diamond rings) www.shopbop.com and www.thebreakers.com

• Daniella Swaebe Jewelry (“Black Tie,”Bubbles” and “Candy” necklaces)  at www.Finestacorp.com

• Cashmere and silk scarves – available at 120% Lino at The Village of Merrick Park- 305 774- 1212. www.120percento.com

The agency’s is hoping members of the community will create a holiday miracle for its’ Angel Tree program.

The angels represent the Christmas wishes of an impoverished child in Broward County. Salvation Army Major Gene Hogg believes the sour economy has forced many people to cut back on charitable giving.

“Nearly 1,000 of our children were not adopted this year on our angel tree,” Hogg told CBS 4′s Carey Codd. “We’re scrounging right now to make sure that those children have Christmas.”

Hogg said giving is down this year and the need is up. There are lots of toys to give away but not enough to meet the need. Hogg said there are 35-hundred poor children who need toys this year — an increase of more than 500 children over last year.

Hogg said he knows firsthand how important it is for these children to have a new toy to open on Christmas morning.

“I grew up homeless,” he said. “I know what it is to wake up on a Christmas morning and not having anything underneath the tree so when I see this empty table and I know there are children — at least 100 children in this age group and gender alone that’s not gonna have a toy — it’s hard for me not to show emotion about that.”

The Salvation Army of Broward County tries to give two toys to each child — the toys cost about $30-40.

“(Donors) are very generous in the community,” Hogg said. “Unfortunately, the economy this year has affected them.”

And it’s not just toys. Hogg says donations to the Salvation Army kettles in Broward are down 13 percent.

“We have more kettles out,” he said. “We’re raising less money. We’re off our goal about $75-100,000 dollars.”

Shopper George Bassett donated Thursday night to a kettle in Fort Lauderdale. He hopes others do too.

“The economy is maybe holding every one back a little bit,” Basset said. “You still gotta try and help out and give a little bit to people that don’t have as much.”

The Salvation Army is grateful for what it does have — thousands of toys for kids that will put a smile on a child’s face on Christmas morning. But the agency wants to make sure all the kids it promised to help will share the same joy.

“We have received a lot of generosity from the community,” Hogg said. “If we’re down a thousand children that means 2,500 children have been provided toys so we’re very grateful for that. We just need a little bit more help.”

Plus, Hogg said donations are down through the Salvation Army’s direct mail program. It’s alarming, Hogg said, because this time of year is critical for fundraising.

“Our services don’t end after we give the angel tree,” he said. “We’re here 365 days a year. We’re feeding people every night. People are sleeping here every night. If we don’t have raise our funds, we have to cut programming. That’s where we are.”

If you can adopt a child or donate money to help purchase toys for a child, contact the Salvation Army of Broward County at 954 712-2431.

She also gave him her smart phone. The plan was for him to park the car somewhere in the Dadeland Mall parking lot, unknown to Demos, bring back her phone and see if she could locate her car.

Hassan found a spot, opened up the App, hit “parked here” so the GPS would take note of the spot, and then headed back to Cynthia.

“Welcome back,” exclaimed Cynthia. “I’m never going to find it. Let’s see. Where did I park?

Cynthia then opened up the GPS G-Park App. “Ok, I’m the blue dot and my car is the red dot. Let’s go take a look for it.”

As Demos begins to walk, the GPS points north.

“Which way is North,” Demos asked out loud. “The red dot is where I parked…”

As she is on her journey at Dadeland, Demos met Pam Rice, an avid App user who told Cynthia that her trips to the grocery store aren’t always merry.

“Often, I would write down my list on a piece of paper and then turn, you know, hop in the car, and leave it on the counter,” said Rice.

Now Pam Rice uses ZipList. It’s an App on her smart phone that helps keep her grocery list in check.

From bagging food to bagging discounts, technology expert Jennifer Jolly explained how a slew of smart phone Apps can prevent holiday headaches.

One of her favorite is Shop-N-Tella. It rounds up product reviews and recommendations from industry experts such as the Shop-N-Tella social networking community and sites like Facebook and Twitter.

“Say you want to buy a new smart phone. You ask it a question, and it sends it out to your entire social media base, to cell phone and smart phone experts, and you get a real-time answer,” said Jolly.

And the answer to where Hassan parked Cynthia’s car is quickly being revealed.

“It’s a few more turns,” said Demos.

Demos also discovered the Gift Plan App. It allows you to easily keep track of what you need to buy and jot down notes on gift ideas, personal tastes and clothing sizes. You can also plan your holiday menu with ZipList, a digital grocery list.

Erin Gifford is with ZipList. “It automatically sorts everything by aisle. You can also start searching for recipes and add everything you need to your shopping list with one click.”

Pam Rice likes the sharing feature. “Say I’m out running errands and my husband thinks of something that he needs, he can actually add something to the list.”

So while Pam’s at the grocery store… Demos is still looking for her car.

“There it is! It worked,” cried Demos. ”It’s here where Hassan parked it.”

The Apps cost you anywhere from 99-cents to $2.99. The one Demos downloaded for free didn’t work, but the G-Park App did.

Santiago Rojo, a  costume designer for Cirque Dreams’ Holidaze, has been fulfilling the dreams of those attending the show but has also had his dream of costume design come true.

“Every day I walk in here it is a dream. I am just proud to be a part of it. I am so proud,” said Rojo.

Rojo’s work is essential to the show. Each costume, custom-made for the actor and their talent, helps bring the Holidaze show to life. They range from tight lycra body suits for acrobats to a life-size penguin.  There are about 300 costumes in the show.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Rojo came to the U.S. as an actor/model but quickly found his passion for costume design which has taken center stage in Cirque Dreams Holidaze.

“When I was into acting and dancing I noticed the costumes were old and not well made. So I kind of got into developing them, creating them and remodeling them. That is how I got my passion into sewing,” said Rojo.

After 15 years with Cirque Dreams Studio, head-quartered in Pompano Beach, Rojo still considers himself to be living the dream.

“You get so much joy because you are always developing different ideas, you are always doing different things,” said Rojo.

The show which boasts 30 multi-talented artists has its characters performing amazing feats like gingerbread men which flip through the air, toy soldiers marching on thin wires and snowmen which perform a daring balancing act.

“The costumes were all inspired by each one of these ornaments which is the thread of the show,” said Neil Goldberg, the creator of Cirque Dreams.

For those who want to see these costumes in action, the show runs from Dec. 27 to Jan 1 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Tickets start at $29.25.

As part of the Latin Chamber of Commerce’s annual holiday basket giveaway, representatives from the organization handed out food vouchers on Flagler Street between 14th and 15th Avenues in Little Havana.

Some people began to line up last Friday. Many of those who waited in line for hours were either unemployed or they live on a fixed income and can’t afford any extras.

“It’s very, very hard,” said Mosas Hernandez. “We need something free because right now,  I lost my job, I need to pay my rent, so believe me it’s very hard.”

By mid-morning, thousands waited in a line which wrapped around the block outside the voucher distribution location. Concerned about safety, the City of Miami Police Department was in attendance to keep order and look after the sick and elderly.

Those who received a voucher Wednesday will return on December 14th and exchange it for bags of food.

Each voucher can be redeemed for five bags of groceries worth $120. They are filled with pork, rice, beans, milk, bread and other delicious items which are often used in a traditional Noche Buena dinner.

This is the 26th year the Latin American Chamber of Commerce has given Christmas food away. It began with a holiday gift bag for just ten families. The organization now provides families with food bags, truckloads of food that are  donated by several companies

Mario Gutierrez is the Chamber’s President. “This year was a little more difficult.”

In all his years doing this, Gutierrez said he has rarely seen the demand so high, the need so great.

“It was tough to get donations?” asked CBS4′s Stephen Stock.

“It was tough for everybody. Tough for everybody,” Guitierrez told him.

Perhaps no one symbolized the change in economic fortunes more than Angela Llamas who, with her friends and family, stood in line for more than 24 hours.

“Who wants to be here? Not me. It’s just tough,” said Llamas, who said the food vouchers are a necessity for her family who are all out of work and out of luck.  “This is actually the first year this has happened. Usually my mom comes and we give it other people who really need it. But now we’re the ones who need it the most. It sucks really bad.”

The Chamber finished giving away all 3,000 vouchers in two hours. Even so, the line of people continued to snake around the block leading organizers to conclude they could have given away twice as many vouchers this year, because the  need is that great.

One woman in Southwest Miami-Dade says she wants to be the first to get her hands on the bargains and has a good reason for doing it three days early.

“You want what you want, you better be number one,” said Ana Giaras, who pitched a tent right in front of the Best Buy store on Bird Road.

She says she’s done this every year since her kids were about five, but this year, she says getting a good deal is important.

Ana lost her banking job in June. She works part-time. Her husband, Michael, is unemployed. But they still want to give their teenagers good gifts.

“It’s a certain, like, oh my god, I waited all this time and I got it,” said Ana.

If you think they’re uncomfortable, not quite. They’ve got a pretty good bed inside the tent, some food, some drinks, and even some Oreo cookies.

“Plus I have my daughter’s panda bear, to keep me company,” said Ana.

She also has her husband of 22 years.

“She’s constantly looking for the best deal. Constantly. Money or no money,” said Michael Giaras.

Michael will often stay behind so Ana could go home to shower. He’ll admit, it’s a little bizarre, but, “she needs support on this. This is my Christmas present to her,” he said.

Shoppers walking by have something to say.

“I mean, they want to get a good buy! Go for it,” said shopper Renee Penrod.

“I think it’s interesting. More power to them. I hope they get whatever they want,” said shopper Amanda Gancedo.

“Everybody has there opinion. So have a nice day,” said Michael.

“Family is number one and to make your family happy, however it may be, with whatever little money you may have, you have to make it happen and make sacrifices. That’s what it’s all about. It’s for the family,” said Ana.

Through his charity he is giving away hundreds of meals to less fortunate families this Thanksgiving ensuring they have a hot plate of food on Thursday.

What started out 11 years ago with Thanksgiving deliveries to only 33 homes has since grown to over 500 deliveries to families in need throughout South Florida.

“We as responsible adults have to be change we want to see in the world,” Mourning said.

The boxes contain turkey, apple cranberry cobbler, mashed potatoes, corn bread dressing, gravy and cranberry sauce.

One box is equivalent to about $40, which for many families, is too high of a price tag.

“This year it’s been hard for me and my kids, being a single mom and everything, so this is wonderful,” said one mother.

A group of woman who walked to the Overtown Youth Center to receive their box of food were surprised by another generous act by Zo.  He lent his own car to one of his volunteers to drive all the women home.

“That’s the only way we are gonna fix things. We can’t sit back and wait for our government to do it we have to do it ourselves,” Mourning said.

For more information on how you can contribute or to volunteer your organization, please contact Nile Patrick at Alonzo Mourning Charities at (305) 476-0095 or Nile@AMCharities.org

How Much Should You Tip:

Your Manicurist: If you see the same manicurist/pedicurist regularly, consider a tip between $10-$15. The general rule of thumb is to tip the price of one manicure.

Hairdresser/Stylist: This can vary greatly. Some etiquette experts suggest a $15 tip. Do you see the same hair stylist regularly? If they provide you with a quality cut/style each time, tip them the cost of one typical haircut.

Personal trainer: $25 up to 1 week’s pay (or cost of 1 session)

Massage therapist: $50-$100 or cost of 1 session

Babysitter: If you have a regular babysitter, tip them the amount you would pay them for one evening’s work. A small gift from your child is also a nice touch.

Full-time Nanny or Au Pair: One week’s pay plus a small gift from your child.

Dog Walker/regular dog sitter: One week’s pay. A small gift is optional.

Dog groomer: Small gift + 1/4 to 1/2 the cost of 1 session

Daycare Provider: $20-$70/each and a small gift from child

Teacher: A small gift of about $20 value, given to the teacher by your child.

Coaches, tutors, music teachers, ballet instructors, etc: A small gift from the child

Mail carrier: By law, the Postal Service cannot accept tips or gifts. If you do decide to tip anyway, a tip of about $20 is a safe bet.

Paper carrier: $15-$25 for daily delivery ($5-$15 for weekend delivery)

Cleaning Person: Does the person visit once or twice a week? Tip them one week’s pay. Consider tipping more if they do work more frequently.

Trash collectors: $15-$20 each

Parking attendants: $10-$35 each or up to half a month’s parking bill for the group if they regularly provide extra service

Gardener: $20-$50.

General Tips On Tipping:

Remember cash is king. Choose to give cash over a check, and do your best to make sure it’s a fresh, crisp bill.

If you can’t afford to give a little extra – or at all – a handwritten note to show your gratitude is something you should consider. Be sure to express your appreciation in some way to the folks who make your life easier. Suggestions include a holiday card or a handmade gift or treat like cookies or candy.

See local marching bands, bag pipers, stilt walkers, a junkanoo band, mariachi bands, Brazilian dancers, vintage cars, a Dixieland Band, internationally recognized costume characters, and local celebrities including CBS4 News anchors Marybel Rodriguez and Jawan Strader who will be waving to the crowd in a vintage vehicle.

The Holiday Parade also features Grand Marshall Jennifer Stone, star of Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place where she plays Selena Gomez’s best friend.

Culminating with the arrival of Santa, the Holiday Parade is free and open to the public. The annual parade attracts some 20,000 people every year.

This year, the parade will benefit the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education.

Following the Parade, the lights of the season will come aglow at The Falls as hundreds of thousands of lights that showcase giant animal topiaries and elaborate water elements will illuminate the shopping center’s gardens and waterfalls.

Santa also will take up residence and be available for photos in Center Court at the Santa House, which will remain open until early January through Three Kings Day.

The parade route, which is located on the Boulevard between the center and the parking lot, will start at the east end of The Falls in front of Bloomingdale’s and traverse the entire length of the center, west to Macy’s.

Spectators are asked to arrive early and line both sides of the parade route.

The Falls is located at 8888 SW 136 Street.

Triple-A released its Thanksgiving travel forecast Thursday and said 42-point-5 million people plan to hit the road in the United States to visit family and friends this Thanksgiving, the highest number since the start of the recession.

AAA says that 4 percent more Americans than last year will journey at least 50 miles from home, with about 90 percent of them driving. Another 8 percent plan to fly, but AAA notes that higher airfares and less available seats have forced many would-be fliers to drive instead. The remaining travelers plan to take buses, trains or other forms of transport.

One point three million people are expected to travel in and out of South Florida airports over the Thanksgiving travel period.

According to officials at Miami International Airport, more than 839,000 passengers, or an average of 105,000 passengers per day, are expected at MIA during the eight-day Thanksgiving travel period that begins Monday, November 21st.

Total Thanksgiving week travelers at MIA are projected to increase 2.5 percent from last year, in contrast to the Air Transport Association of America’s (ATA) forecast for a two-percent decrease nationwide.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is expecting more than half a million passengers to fly in and out its terminals.

The Broward County Aviation Department anticipates an average of 66,000 passengers a day during the eight-day travel period. The holiday period runs from Monday, November 21, through Monday, November 28. Aviation Department officials expect the busiest travel days to be Wednesday, November 23, and Sunday, November 27. The Thanksgiving travel period reflects a decrease of approximately 5.6 percent over the same period in 2010.

If you are traveling, be sure to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights. Remember the Transportation Security Administration’s 3-1-1 liquid rules for carry-on baggage.

Be sure to call your airline or check their websites for the latest information on flight status.

Across the world, people have saved the date and even the moment to say their vows. At popular South Florida wedding venues, like the Biltmore hotel, available wedding times have been long sold out.

South Florida hospitals are on the lookout for babies born at the special moment. But besides the odd date, why are people so excited about 11/11?

The number 11.11.11 is a classic example of apophenia, the human urge to see patterns in essentially random events.

- 11.11.11 is special because there is no other date that consists of all the same number, in this century. The day comes around once every 100 years, meaning Friday is the only time many people will be alive to experience the unique date.

A footnote: if like most people in the US you measure time by AM and PM, you will actually have 2 special moments, 11:11:11 a.m, 11/11/11 and the same time, p.m.

- Some websites are predicting the date 11.11.11 marks the end of the world because the comet Elenin, Earth, Venus and Mercury are expected to align. cbsmiami.com makes no such predictions, but check back with us at the end of the day to see who was right.

- 111111 x 111111 = 12345654321. We don’t know what that means, but it’s really weird.

- The movie 11.11.11 is being released Friday, on 11.11.11. It follows a famed American author whose wife and child are killed. He keeps seeing the number 11 and soon realizes 11.11.11 is more than just a date, it’s a warning. Please note this is fiction, we think.

- 11.11.11 marks the 93rd anniversary of Armistice Day, the end of World War One, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It is observed with one minute of silence at 11am.

Many believe this is the most important reason 11/11/11 is special.

On Miami Beach, a parade was held down Washington Avenue saluting veterans. Following the parade, Commissioner Jerry Libbin will spoke along with other presenters to commence the wreath laying ceremony and 21-gun salute at Flamingo Park. A moment of silence was held at 11am in honor of our First World War Armistice Day Tradition.

“Thank you for all the hard work you’ve done for us. You’re the reason why I’m here. I go to school, I’m safe.,” Miami Beach resident Varlie Velasquez told a veteran at the event. “I really appreciate everything they’ve done for us.”

“It’s all about those who have gone before us that have laid down the foundation for our freedoms and those that are serving right now overseas and those who are coming in the future,” said Petty Officer Carlos Suaraz.

Commissioner Libbin, an active supporter of local veterans, has recently introduced several city initiatives which support local veterans including a newly and unanimously passed ordinance that gives vendor preference to veteran-owned businesses bidding on contracts for goods and services. He also introduced an initiative to bestow a key to the city of Miami Beach for any resident veteran returning from Iraq, Iran or Afghanistan.

In Homestead, The Veterans Post 4127 of Homestead is sponsored the 25th Annual Veterans Day Parade which began at Losner Park. Military commands, local businesses, Boy Scout groups, school bands, horse clubs, Shriners, and other organizations took part in the grand parade.

Before the parade, a ceremony was held at Losner Park Memorial Monument honoring a group of World War II Veterans. Representatives from the Miami French Embassy awarded the veterans with the French Legion of Honour for having fought in France during WWII. In addition to the ceremony, another group of veterans will be sworn-in as US citizens.

The Miami Heat aren’t letting the ongoing lockout keep them from celebrating the holiday. The team held a special youth basketball clinic  for children of military families at United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) headquarters in Doral. Heat President Pat Riley and Heat Legend Tim Hardaway made a special appearance, along with several other players and staff.

In Broward County, fallen Marine SGT. Marlon E. Myrie, 25 of Oakland Park.  was honored with a brick in the wall of honor at the Sandy Ninninger statue on the Riverwalk in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.  Sgt. Myrie was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Division and was killed in action on June 25, 2010. The event was held by the  the William C. Morris POST 36, American Legion, Sons of American Legion, American Legion Riders, and Ladies Auxilliary.

“September is usually back to school, fall, Halloween, and Christmas is, is, it’s very surprising,” said shopper Marie Wicoff.

At Costco stores across the country, they’re decking the halls with holiday merchandise. From Frosty the Snowman’s, to wreaths and nativities, the big box retailer has practically everything but the mistletoe.

“When I saw them taking Christmas trees out, I was like here we go, not even Halloween and they’re already selling this stuff,” said shopper Trisha Fallon.

The only items that will come late in the season: Fresh-cut trees.

“Retailers have been preparing all year for the holiday and they know that in many cases Christmas is going to make or break their year,” explained Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation. “It’s very important for them to have a good strategy.”

Costco rolled out the Christmas merchandise at the beginning of September, dedicating eight aisles to the December holiday. General Manager Neil Lynch has been with the company 16 years. He says this is nothing new for his company.

“Costco’s philosophy is to be in first and to be out first. We’re ahead of everyone on this kind of stuff. This is normal for us,” said Lynch.

But other retailers are catching up.

Home Depot will start selling Christmas items on Monday. Kmart and Sears on the 25th, and Wal-Mart and J.C. Penney by the end of the month.

Retail analysts say it’s a trend that accelerated at the beginning of the recession in 2008. In a down economy consumers need to spread their spending over 4 months, not 4 days.

“It’s a little rushed, however, with the economy and the times I can understand it because it gives people a chance to see what’s out there and then save and hopefully be able to do a nice Christmas,” said Wicoff.

Wary shoppers shouldn’t expect to see big ticket gifts on sale just yet, or Santa in the mall anytime soon.

“Retailers are still very sensitive to the fact that many people don’t like to think about the holiday season at least until we get to the fall,” said Davis. “But rest assured, many retailers will have a special section in their stores, just for you.”

The big question: when will you get the best deals? Analysts believe most people will wait to buy big gifts until November and December when retailers roll out the big bargains. Right now customers are mostly stocking up on stocking stuffers and decorations.

It’s that time of year again for the Jewish community – Passover is almost here, with the first Seder set for the night of Monday, April 18. Besides retelling the story of the Jews’ exodus from Egypt, the Seder is a time when the whole family gets together for a festive meal, without the bread, which is prohibited for consumption during this weeklong holiday. 

What is a Passover Seder?
 
 

Here is a list of Passover Seder events locations in Miami-Dade:

Chabad Israeli Center of Miami
Monday, April 18
8:00 pm
Social Hall of Beth Torah
20350 NE 26 Ave.
Miami, FL
(786) 353-3770

Chabad of South Dade
Monday, April 18
8:30 pm
3713 Main Highway
Miami, FL
(305) 445-5444

The Shul of Downtown
Monday, April 18
8:00 pm
The Shul on Brickell
Jewish Center 1101 Brickell Ave. – 6th Floor
Miami, FL
(305) 373-8303

Chabad of Downtown Coral Gables
Monday, April 18
8:30 pm
3713 Main Highway
Miami, FL
(305) 490-7572

Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center
Monday, April 18 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday, April 19 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
20400 NE 30th Avenue
Aventura, FL
(305) 937-1880

Beth Torah
April 19th
7:30 pm
Benny Rok Campus
20350 NE 26th Ave.
North Miami Beach
(305) 932-2829, ext. 7818
Cost: $50 per adult, $15 for children younger than 12.
RSVP by April 12

Here is a list of Passover Seder events locations in Broward:

Chabad Lubavitch of Fort Lauderdale
April 18 and 19th
8:00 pm
3500 N. Ocean Blvd.
Cost: $60 per person per night
(954) 568-1190.

Temple Torah of West Boynton Beach
April 18th and 19th
7:00 pm
8600 Jog Road
(561) 369-1112.
Cost: $65 per adult, $25 for children younger than 12. $5 discount on second Seder, for adults attending both.

Chabad of Delray
April 18
8:00 pm.
7495 W. Atlantic Ave.,
Delray Beach
(561) 496-6228
Cost: $54 for adults, $25 for children.

Temple Sinai of Delray Beach
April 18
6:00 pm
2475 W. Atlantic Ave.
(561) 276-6161, ext. 28.
Cost: $55 per adult, $25 for children 3 to 12 years old.

Temple Anshei Shalom
April 19th & 19th
6:45 pm
7099 W. Atlantic Ave.,
Delray Beach, FL.
(561) 495-1300
Cost: $65 per adult, $27 per child 10 and younger. Two-night discount, $125 per person.
Reservations due April 12

Temple Shaarei Shalom
April 19
6:00 pm
9085 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach
(561) 364-9054
Cost: $65 for adults, $25 for children younger than 12.

Temple Beth Chai
April 19th
6:00 pm
Jacaranda Country Club
9200 W. Broward Blvd.
Plantation, Fl.
(954) 346-5030.
Cost: $40 per adult, $25 per child 5-12, free for children younger than 5.

Aish HaTorah
April 19th
Aish Center
4010 N. 46th Ave.
Hollywood, Fl.
(954) 989-2474
Cost: $50 for adults, $25 for college students 18-26, $25 for children 5-12.

 Chabad at Florida International University
Monday, April 18
8:15 pm
10031 SW 15th Terrace
Miami, FL
(305) 226-5533

Couples can renew their vows under a beautiful flowered arch with a bouquet of roses. It’s a romantic moment under the beautiful South Florida sunshine or under the stars because the vow renewals take place from Noon to 9:00 p.m. with the price of admission. They’ll have notaries on hand to assist with the honors.

The mysterious Coral Castle was built by a reclusive Latvian immigrant as a tribute to love. Edward Leedskalnin built the amazing complex after being jilted by his 16-year-old sweetheart on their wedding day. He single-handedly carved, sculpted and moved more than than 1,100 tons of coral rock to create the castle currently known as one of the world’s most mysterious accomplishments. He began his work in 1920 and continued until his death in 1951. To this day, nobody knows how he did it. When asked why he did it, he would answer, for his “Sweet Sixteen.”

Coral Castle is located at 28655 South Dixie Highway in Homestead. Call (305) 248-6345 for more information or go to their website, coralcastle.com/valentine.

The 2000-year-old story began with Valentine growing up in Terni, Italy, a town just to the north of Rome. By his early 20′s, the charismatic priest was ordained as the town’s first bishop. Young people flocked to see Valentine, but his passion soon came into direct confrontation with the Roman emperor.

Claudius, known as Claudius the Cruel, decided to ban marriage in order to increase the number of men who were willing to die for him in his wars. But Valentine defied the emperor and married scores of young couples that turned to him in love. Eventually, many came to see Valentine as their protector.

At the same time Valentine was defying the emperor’s marriage ban, he was called upon to tend to sick children. It was said many of the children under his care actually made miraculous recoveries.

The Roman Empire feared Valentine was becoming too powerful and popular among the citizens, and an order was given to imprison the Bishop. Legend says from his cell, Valentine sent word to the people of Terni that he was alive, and sent his message with a dove. He reportedly signed the note, Love, your Valentine.

He would ultimately be freed from prison, but he would never make it back to the city of Terni. On his way back, Bishop Valentine was abducted and beheaded. It is said he was killed on February 14th.

To this day, couples flock to Valentine’s chapel in Terni. They come on February 14 to make a promise to each other. Thousands have left love letters to the Saint asking for his blessing and protection for their loves or to help them find their soul mate.

*City of Miami Commissioner Richard P. Dunn II along with the District 5 Ministerial Alliance will hold a MLK Ecumenical Service in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 4:00pm at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, located at 1140 Northwest 62nd Street. The guests speaker will be Reverend Johnny L. Barber II. of Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church

*King Holiday Parade And Mentors March: Join the county’s largest King Holiday Parade featuring local high school bands, drum lines, floats and thousands of school children and representatives from social, civic, cultural and religious organizations. This year’s parade will have special focus on mentoring. We are extending a special invitation to organizations that mentor to lead this year’s parade. Line-up begins at 7:30 AM at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School (Sistrunk & MLK Boulevards). Parade starts at 9:00 AM. To register your group, band, or organization call 954-828-8945 or register online at www.kingholidaycelebration.com.

*34th Annual MLK Parade In Liberty City: This year’s annual parade celebrating the slain civil rights leader kicks off at 10:30 a.m. in the Winn-Dixie parking lot, 1100 NW 54th St. in Liberty City and will end at approximately 2:00 PM within the city limits. It travels along Northwest 54thStreet from 12th Avenue to 19th Avenue. For more information, call 305-835-2464.

*Day Of Service: Volunteers will spend the 25th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day helping to serve and entertain the formerly homeless residents of the Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers, which will have a variety of volunteer groups and schools on all three campuses in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano Beach to honor Dr. King’s vision of uniting humanity and service to others. The centers are located at Miami Rescue Mission: Miami Rescue Mission: Center for Men at 2020 NW 1st Ave. in Miami; Broward Outreach Center: 2056 Scott St. in Hollywood; and the Broward Outreach Center: 1700 Blount Rd. in Pompano Beach.

Grace weighs 8.9 pounds. She came into the world just four hours after her mom, Virginia Miranda Perez, 38, checked into the hospital. Grace is the fourth daughter in the Jarquin family.

Miami’s second born in 2011 was at Baptist Hospital in Kendall. Their spokesperson said their first baby was born at about 1 a.m. and weighs just over 7 pounds and is 20.5 inches long, said hospital spokeswoman Barbara Moore. Parents Emelia and Lenin Hernandez expected their second child to be born Jan. 14. But he came two weeks early, according to CBS4 news partner, The Miami Herald.

(© MMX CBS Television Stations. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report)

That’s why, once again, the AAA Auto Club South has teamed up with Budweiser for their annual ‘Tow to Go’ program which offers a confidential ride home and tow – both free of charge – by simply calling 1-800-AAA-HELP.

Triple-A says since 1998, ‘Tow to Go’ has kept more than 12,300 drunk drivers off the roads and saved twice as many lives since it was designed to protect everyone on the roads, not just the intoxicated driver.

‘Tow to Go’ services are offered throughout the states of Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee through January 2nd.

Local malls were packed with people Sunday for yet another big shopping day for retailers. At this point many businesses say they are offering special sales to continue to pad their pockets. Retail experts are calling this one of the highest spending holiday seasons since 2007.

Across South Florida the stores and malls were mobbed as thousands of people returned unwanted gifts and used gift cards to pick up items Santa may have missed. Retailers are doing their part with huge clearance sections and mark downs that will continue for at least a week.

Retailers are counting on the days after Christmas to perk up overall holiday sales. The upcoming days are only 10 percent of the 61  shopping days leading up to the holidays, but can account for more than 15 percent of spending.

The day after Christmas was the second-highest revenue day for retailers last year with $7.9 billion spent, according to ShopperTrak.

This year is no different, attracting shoppers such as Roxie Bretzer, who stopped by to see what Allende had to offer.

“My husband is at the football game and we’re shopping,” Bretzer said, smiling. Her cart was full of items she had purchased during her day of shopping.

Meanwhile, Marcos Guerrero also was on a shopping mission “to return items gifts that you didn’t want,” he said. “Socks, I think that would be the worst thing I’ve gotten.”

Guerrero should have been pleased with deals such as the one at discount chain Target Corp., which opened at 7 a.m., and offered $10 off video games such as “Just Dance 2,” 50 percent off many DVD and Blu-ray movies and 30 percent or more off toys, including Lego sets.

Toys R Us has a $50 gift card with any $299.99 Xbox 360 250GB System and a $20 gift card with any $149.99 Nintendo DSi or $169.99 DSiXL.

J.C. Penney has 75 percent off gourmet candy, 60 percent off lambskin leather jackets, from $300 to $120 and 25 percent off kitchen gadgets.

Kohl’s Inc., which opened at 5 a.m., offered specials until 1 p.m. including 50 percent to 60 percent off dress shirts for men.

Bargains on the most desirable merchandise, however, may be scarce.

“There will be good stuff on sale after Christmas, but what you really wanted will be sold out,” Stifel Nicolas analyst Richard Jaffe said. “You wanted the sweater in blue, the prettiest color, and it’s gone.”

Strong sales in the coming week would build on the highest-spending holiday season since 2007, which was a record year.

(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

And now that Christmas has come and gone, some travelers may face delays with other airlines if they plan to catch a flight home out of Miami International Airport or Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.

Hundreds of flights have been canceled and the National Weather Service said the storm could bring 6 to 10 inches of snow to the Washington and Baltimore region starting Sunday while affecting states all around. The Weather Service was also forecasting possible Sunday snow for the New York and Boston areas, with overnight temperatures in the 20s and wind gusts up to 30 mph.

Delta Air Lines said it’s canceled about 850 flights for Sunday.

Continental Airlines has canceled 250 departures from Newark Liberty International Airport outside New York City. United Airlines canceled dozens of departures today from New York, Philadelphia, Boston and other cities.

AirTran and Southwest Airlines also canceled flights, mostly in or out of Washington Dulles, Baltimore and Newark.

Travelers are urged to contact the airline before heading out to make sure their flight is still scheduled to depart on time. Most carriers are waiving the fees they normally charge for one-time changes in affected areas. They’re urging passengers to make changes through their websites.

(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Ramos has been serving in the Army National Guard, and is not expected to deploy again anytime soon. It has been a homecoming long overdue, he said.

Ramos has spent four years in the military, and for the last year, he was stationed in Kuwait running missions into Iraq as a Private First Class.

“Every day, you wake up every morning thanking God,” he said.

And since last week, Ramos has awakened in his new Miami apartment. Life has been hectic since he arrived on Tuesday. He has not even had time to unpack.

On Christmas Day, he was getting ready to watch the Heat game with his longtime friends and family.

His brother, Manny Mayorga, worried about his brother every day.

“It was kind of hard. We didn’t know if he was going to come back,” Mayorga said.

But he did come back and his mother could not be happier.

“I’m very, very, very, proud,” she said.

Why was Ramos so willing to sacrifice time away from family and friends? It was the principle, he said.

“You want to put that uniform on with integrity. You know you’re fighting, not only for that name you wear on your chest, but also for that country on your sleeve,” Ramos said.

While Ramos does not expect to go back to war, he says he does expect to continue to improve himself by spending lots of time at school working on his next big adventure in criminal justice.

Mayra Mesa, 49, has been arrested and charged with solicitation of funds and grand theft after she allegedly convinced Miami-Dade Police to contribute toys to a defunct charity she claimed to run known as “Manos en Accion.”

The donated toys were delivered Dec. 14 to Mesa’s her residence before police took a closer look at the non-profit forms she faxed over.

Apparently the inconsistencies on the forms, and the crossed out information clued the cops into looking deeper into the situation, especially after they contacted Mesa and asked where they could go to attend the event and she told them it had been rescheduled.

She said she did not know when or where the event was going to happen.

Police say they were able to confirm that Mesa was misleading them, and that she had never worked for the charity.

The investigation revealed that Mesa allegedly obtained the toys for her personal use through deception of a “non-existent” charitable organization.  Investigators recovered 46 out of the 64 toys.