Warren Redlich – Page 434

Human Trafficking in South Florida: A Growing Industry?

Over 32 billion dollars is annually garnered by the fastest growing industry in the world. This industry is second only to drug trafficking, but its impact is much more inhumane than drugs—it is human sex trafficking. This industry is occurring all over the world, yet the awareness remains low. Last Thursday, October 11th, Florida Atlantic University and Calvary Church tried to combat the low awareness levels by showing the hard-hitting documentary called Nefarious: Merchant of Souls. Hundreds of students, faculty, and guests gathered in the University theater to watch as a group of film makers travelled from Europe, to Asia, and back to the United States to get answers on the striking and complex industry.

Perhaps the most remarkable fact is that South Florida is one of the top entry points in the U.S. for foreign human trafficking victims. There have been multiple arrests made involving traffickers— including an infamous arrest during the 2010 Super Bowl where two men were arrested for advertising sex with a 14-year-old on Craigslist. While the facts are daunting, they can only do so much. The most important thing that citizens can do is be aware of the signs of human trafficking victims and raise awareness within the local community, because the horrors of this industry are not foreign to South Florida and are quickly spreading.
Ways to help:
1) Get involved with the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition
2) Learn the truth behind the industry – Shared Hope and Polaris Project
3) Spread the word or e-mail and/or write the state and federal legislation to support the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 1301/HR 2830)
This pamphlet by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (pdf) provides an overview of human trafficking, aid for the victims, and how to identify human trafficking victims.

Sun-Sentinel: Poor Analysis on Abruzzo-Peterson

The Sun Sentinel yesterday endorsed State Senate candidate Joseph Abruzzo over Melanie Peterson.
Here’s what the Sun-Sentinel said about Abruzzo that stood out to us:

His priorities include passing legislation that will outlaw texting while driving, cut the euthanasia rate of dogs and cats and will improve Florida’s workforce by giving state university and college students an incentive to learn languages to better connect with Florida’s largest global trading partners.

So, in a time when the economy is in deep trouble, Abruzzo’s priorities include harassing drivers, protecting dogs and cats, and foreign language education in state universities and colleges.
If this foreign language education is such a priority for Abruzzo, why doesn’t he mention it on his campaign issue page on education. Nor do the other two show up on his campaign site.
And here’s the short shrift they give to Peterson:

His opponent in the race is Republican Melanie Peterson, a 35 year-old horse trainer in Wellington. She shows promise as a first-time candidate, but Abruzzo’s experience and productivity gives him a sizeable edge.

Apparently there’s something wrong with “first-time candidates.” Some voters think we’ve had enough of experienced politicians.
When I asked Abruzzo how he’d pay for all the spending he wants, he said he’d collect sales taxes on internet purchases. For those of us who buy from Amazon and other online vendors, Abruzzo’s answer seems to be to raise our taxes.
If tax-and-spend is what the Sun-Sentinel wants, they should be open about it.

West Boca High Culinary: Food Truck Competition

Yesterday West Boca High’s Culinary Academy had a competition to create food truck displays. Six students competed.
–Update– Photos of the 1st and 2nd place winners at bottom —
We do not have the full results yet, but the third-place winner was sophomore Miah Shefer, whose display was made up of a sheet cake, icing, fondant and rice crispies. It was 100% edible (and possibly delicious). Last year as a Freshman Ms. Shefer took 2nd place in a cake competition.
Here’s a close-up of the Shefer entry and a shot of her at work:

West Boca News would love to feature additional information from this event, including pictures. Please send to me at [email protected].
Similarly, we’d love to hear about other events. Keep ’em coming!
And here are the photos of the 1st and 2nd place winning items (we don’t have their names yet):

Tonight: Candidate Forum at Temple Beth El – 7pm

This is just a reminder about the 2012 candidate forum at Temple Beth El in East Boca.
The event is from 7-9 pm. Since there is a presidential debate at 9 pm, the Temple will also host a debate watching party, so forum attendees won’t feel a need to rush out.
It’s a full event, with 2 congressional races including the hot Hasner-Frankel one, and the State Attorney candidates will also be there, along with the candidates from several other state and local races.

Downtown Delray Offers Friday Night Fun for Everyone

Across the Universe: A Beatles Tribute band plays the classics for a toe-tapping, head-bopping crowd during Delray Beach’s weekly free Friday night concerts.

After a long week of working and school, a Friday night out can either sound like a wonderful escape or a call for exhaustion. It is also very rare to find something to do on a Friday night that is good for all ages, inexpensive, enjoyable, and safe.
Enter the city of Delray Beach’s “Free Friday Concerts in the Pavilion.” Every Friday night at 7:30 PM from now until January, there will be a host of local bands and singers performing for free for all to enjoy. The event is located right on the Old School Square at at 51 N. Swinton Avenue. There will be food vendors and a cash bar on premises.
Last Friday was the opening night celebration, with over thousands coming to enjoy the sounds of a Beatles Tribute Band. Many danced while others sat out in the grass, tapping their toes to the Beatles’ iconic hits. The concert could be heard all throughout the downtown strip, providing great background music to walk the street to while scoping out restaurants and enjoying the cool October breeze floating from the ocean.
While admission is free, donations are appreciated. More information on upcoming performances can be found here: Delray Free Friday Concerts
Parking is available throughout downtown Delray, with garage parking costing $5 for the evening. Don’t forget to bring blankets and lawn chairs, and no pets or outside food/beverage.