Some residents are preparing for Tropical Storm Isaac, scheduled to hit here some time Sunday or Monday.

The lines of cars at gas stations and folks withdrawing money from ATMs are longer than usual. Some grocery stores have sold out of water, flashlights and batteries.

No school in Monroe County on Monday and some municipal offices will be closed. No decision has been made on Miami-Dade and Broward yet. Stay tuned. Be safe.

At its August 15 meeting, the Miami-Dade County School Board approved placing a $1.2 billion General Obligation (GO) Bond referendum before voters in the upcoming November 6 election.  Proceeds from the bond issue would be used to modernize and construct schools throughout the district, including technology upgrades at all schools. 
The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) approved Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ request to issue the GO Bond last week. The FLDOE’s review included validating projects’ needs, confirming the lack of available funding and reviewing the proposed GO Bond financing plan.

Queen of Comedy Sommore

Be a part of comedy history when One Thousand Kisses, Inc. and the Miramar Cultural Center present a live television taping of Chandelier Status starring the Queen of Comedy Sommore on Friday, September 14 at 8 p.m. at the Miramar Cultural Center | ArtsPark. 

Elizabeth Falkner

The Miami Culinary Institute (MCI) at Miami Dade College (MDC) and LivingSocial have teamed up to offer a three-night pop-up restaurant experience with the Food Network’s Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs finalist, Elizabeth Falkner, from August 23 – 25.

Entessari

Florida Memorial University’s (FMU) School of Business recently earned reaffirmation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The reaffirmation is valid through 2020.

“This reaffirmation proves that our business school is credible and competitive,” said Abbass Entessari, Ph.D., dean of FMU’s School of Business. “We have a challenging and stimulating environment that is producing the next generation of business leaders.”

The university received official notification from ACBSP following an extensive process that started in 2010 and included a site visit by education and industry experts.

Winners to Perform Live on Knight Concert Hall Stage,

Opening the FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS Concert on September 16, 2012

Featuring

Grammy-Nominated Urban Gospel Superstar

J MOSS

MIAMI, FL­­­ August 15, 2012 - The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, in partnership with Sony Pictures and Myspace, is proud to announce Miami native Bianca Sirgany-Castro as the national winner of the “Sparkle Singing Challenge,” a singing contest held on behalf of the soon-to-be-released filmSparkle starring Jordin Sparks and the late Whitney Houston. In addition, the Arsht Center is also excited to announce local gospel group S.I.G.N. (Singing In God’s Name) as the winner of its inaugural “New Gospel Talent Search,” a local singing contest set to discover Miami’s next top gospel artists. Both winners will perform as theFREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS opening acts on September 16, 2012, headlined by Grammy-nominated contemporary gospel superstar J MOSS.

With the fall football season quickly approaching, Florida A&M University announces an enhanced football experience and halftime entertainment for fans of FAMU football. This 2012 football season takes on a special meaning as the university celebrates 125 years of excellence.

Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson arrested for domestic violence against Evelyn Lozada and released from the Miami Dolphins.

Much of South Florida is talking about the arrest of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chad Johnson, formerly known as Chad Ochocinco, on domestic violence charges. It seems Johnson and wife Evelyn Lozada become embroiled in an argument Saturday night when she found a receipt for condoms in the trunk of their car.

By Rosalie Whiley, Community Activist

“Hope Dealer” is the perfect description for Alison Austin. In her bid to become the next commissioner for District 3, she has my full support because of the trust that she has established with this community; the integrity that we’ve come to know her for and the courage she exhibits day in and day out as the CEO at the Belafonte TACOLCY Center.

Today is the last day for Early voting in Miami-Dade County. Get to an Early Voting site by 7 pm and let your voice heard in this year’s Primary Election. Conventional wisdom dictates a number of races will be decided on August 14 with some hotly contested races to be decided in November’s General Election.

If you haven’t voted by today, vote Tuesday. If you don’t vote Tuesday, keep your complaints to yourself.