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CBS News
6 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Holocaust survivors gather in Cooper City to share stories, warn of rising antisemitism
On Holocaust Survivor Day, more than 125 Holocaust survivors gathered in Cooper City, brought together by the Goodman Jewish Family Services organization. They got together to reflect on their harrowing pasts and express growing concern over the resurgence of antisemitism. Memories of a traumatized childhood Izabella Markovskaya and Willy Lipschutz, both infants during World War II, shared memories of lives uprooted by the Nazis. "We were running. We were trying to hide. That was my life. Many years again and again and again," said Markovskaya. "By the time I was six months old my father was taken away. Most my family was taken away. Somehow by miracle my mother was able to escape with me to Switzerland," Lipschutz recalled. After the war, he and his mother were the only family members to return to Belgium. "The [city] was just in a state of panics. Very very depressed. You know and I was put into a Jewish orphanage," he said. A warning for the future Despite the music and dancing with children at the commemorative event, both survivors say today's growing antisemitism is deeply disturbing. "Oh my God, I feel that I am about to die, and I am experiencing the same horrible situation I experienced as a baby. The antisemitism is growing. It's growing. It's growing. It's unbelievable," said Lipschutz. "I am thinking all the time about God. God give us freedom. Give us that freedom in the world," said Markovskaya. According to the Goodman Jewish Family Services, this event represents only a small portion of Broward County's approximately 1,500 Holocaust survivors.
CBS News
29-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Florida homeowners urged to review insurance before hurricane season as options grow, premiums drop
As hurricane season approaches, South Florida residents like Daniel Benjamin and his wife, attorney Lindsey Abbondandolo, are taking steps to protect what matters most: their homes. On a quiet night in May, the couple sat in the dining room of their Cooper City home for what they call an "insurance check-up" — a review of their homeowners insurance to ensure their policy was up-to-date before hurricane threats rise. "The home is our biggest asset," said Abbondandolo, who handles insurance cases professionally. "Our home has everything we own in it, so protecting it should be our biggest priority." Florida's insurance landscape improves Despite three hurricanes — Debby, Helene and Milton — hitting Florida in 2024, the insurance market in 2025 is showing signs of improvement. According to Mark Friedlander, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, more insurers are entering Florida's market, making coverage more affordable and competitive for consumers. "There are many new insurance companies coming to Florida and writing in South Florida, something we haven't seen in years," Friedlander said. "Florida consumers have more choices this year." The shift is largely credited to recent legislative reforms aimed at reducing insurance fraud, particularly involving roof claims and excessive litigation. As a result, more than a dozen new companies have started writing policies, many absorbing customers who previously relied on Citizens Property Insurance, the state-run insurer of last resort. "Citizens has reduced their exposure by 50 percent over the last two years," Friedlander said. "A healthier private market means new companies are now willing to take over Citizens' policies through the depopulation program." Smart shopping and flood protection Benjamin and Abbondandolo compared policy options and found better rates with a company offering discounts for features like leak detectors, impact windows, a new roof and a clean claims history. But they also made sure to have sufficient flood insurance, which is typically not included in standard hurricane policies. "Even if it's a hurricane, you need flood coverage because the type of damage can be caused by rising water, which is not covered by windstorm insurance," Abbondandolo said. Friedlander echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that flood risk in South Florida is constant. "If you live in South Florida, you're going to be prone to flooding," he said. "Whether it's a spring storm or king tides, you're always going to have a flood event throughout the year." The encouraging news for homeowners is that multiple insurers are now writing flood policies, often at competitive prices — another reason for residents to review and update their coverage before the storms arrive.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Sicilian Oven dishes up authentic wood-fired pizza, creates community gathering spots
A local pizza institution that began as a single restaurant has now grown into a beloved South Florida chain with 20 locations throughout the region. Sicilian Oven isn't just serving up wood-fired pizza, it's creating community gathering spots where regulars are treated like family. "Oh, we love it. I bring my mom here all the time. She's in a home and we bring her here and she loves the pizza and she loves the place and they're so nice to us," Vicky Helms, a regular customer, said. Former Cooper City Mayor Greg Ross shared the same sentiment. "It's, I mean, you can't get better food and you can't get better service and people. It's like going to Cheers. Everybody knows you," he said. Co-owners Andrew Garavuso and Ralph Di Salvo bring authentic Italian heritage to their restaurants. "We've been in the business all our lives," Garavuso explained . "I started when I was 9-years-old in Brooklyn making pizza, and his family started pizzerias back in 1985. Then we joined together, about 16 years ago, and we started this concept: wood-fired pizza, Italian specialties, and it's been good so far." That might be the understatement of the year. At their Cooper City location, the kitchen is bustling well before noon. Garavuso is particularly proud of their wood-fired approach. "You hear that crunch? The crunch comes from the wood-fired oven, baby. A lot of people use gas and cheat. The wood is good," he said. Sicilian Oven prices food, prices keep customers coming back While pizza remains their signature offering, Sicilian Oven's menu extends far beyond, with fresh-to-order pastas, salads, sandwiches, and cocktails, all at accessible prices with regular promotions. "On Tuesday we have 2-for-Tuesday on beers, buy one, get one free. On Wednesday, which is the best, it's 50% off any bottle of wine all day long. Cheers. And on Thirsty Thursdays we have all our specialty cocktails for $10 each," Garavuso explained. These value-oriented items keep customers coming back multiple times per week. "We want you to come here, feel free to enjoy it two or three times a week, and you'll see a lot of people that do that. Sometimes people will tell me, 'You know what, I haven't washed a dish in my house in a couple of weeks,' but that's okay, they're coming in here," Garavuso said. The restaurant's atmosphere aims to transport diners to Italy. "We want you to get maybe a little feel that you're back in Italy even though you're not in Sicily," Garavuso said. The cozy colors and playful "FUGGEDABOUDIT!" signage (which also inspired a sandwich name) completes the experience. Menu Highlights Sicilian salad with homemade roasted peppers, chickpeas, olives, red onions, celery, and shaved parmesan Penne alla vodka Fresh tomato basil pizza Wood-fired specialty pizzas Italian sandwiches including the "Fuggedaboudit" Sicilian Oven is open daily for lunch and dinner from Monday through Friday, with happy hour running from 11:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily. Drink specials range from $6 to $10.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Former Cooper City Optimist Club president denies embezzlement charges, calls case politically motivated
The former head of the Cooper City Optimist Club is accused of theft The former head of the Cooper City Optimist Club is accused of theft The former head of the Cooper City Optimist Club is accused of theft The former president of the Cooper City Optimist Club is out of jail and pushing back against embezzlement allegations, claiming the charges are an attempt to damage his reputation ahead of a political campaign. Molina: Charges politically driven "I'm shocked. People who know me, know me," said Herminio Molina, who has been involved with the youth sports organization for 18 years. He insists the case is politically motivated. "Nothing was hidden. There's someone in the city trying to ruin my name. Elections are coming up. I'm running (for commissioner) and he wants to ruin me." Prosecutors allege pattern of misconduct Broward County prosecutors allege Molina embezzled money from the nonprofit. According to an arrest affidavit, he rented out a soccer field for $200 without authorization and failed to turn over donations and concession proceeds in a timely manner, what prosecutors describe as "a pattern of conduct that's deceitful." "We are here because of a $200 Zelle payment," said defense attorney Marwan Porter, who also has a son playing on an Optimist team. He claims the allegations are exaggerated. "All the money ended up where it's supposed to go." Community reacts as Molina vows to fight charges Anthony Espinoza, who played Optimist soccer a decade ago, said if the allegations are true, it would be a blow to the community's trust. "The families come out and watch the kids play and many families have met him. So for him to ruin trust, it's unfortunate." Molina said he intends to fight the grand theft charges and appealed to the community for continued support. "If you believe in what I did for your children, continue to believe in me. I'm not going away."
