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The Bears of South Florida are on a four-year run of incredible growth and the community is reaping the benefits.
Like this newsletter? We’re now offering newsletter management and email marketing services to our advertisers and business community. Email Jason@outsfl.com for more information.
- Kim Swan, Editor
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Bears of South Florida Celebrate Record Philanthropy
By John Hayden
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They growl and they give. The Bears of South Florida (BOSFL) are on a four-year run of incredible growth and the community is reaping the benefits. During their holiday party at Hunters on Dec. 1, they gave a total of $200,000 to 13 local LGBTQ groups.
“We had a monstrous year. I’m so proud of what we did,” BOSFL president Brock Boyd told the crowd.
While the numbers, $200,000 raised, 3,500 members and 25% growth, are impressive, Boyd told OutSFL that it’s what the numbers represent that truly hit home.
“Our mission is to have a safe and welcoming space for bears and their admirers. When we do that, everything aligns. People want to be part of that, people want to give.”
The money was raised from 73 events, each of which takes a team to plan, run the event the day of, and clean up. Funds have grown along with the organization. In 2021, they gave away $7,000.
Arts programs are the main beneficiaries, garnering $135,000. The effect of the money will be visible in the community throughout 2026.
“It feels so good to partner with them and lift them up and protect what they’re doing. It’s the best feeling in the world.”
Plays of Wilton (POW) received $20,000, and founder Ronnie Larsen expressed how important this money is.
“It’s so overwhelming. This community comes together, they see your work, they like what you do and they hand you a check. It’s so moving.”
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Holiday Dining: Your Options for Dining Out on Christmas Eve or Day
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If you’re planning on dining out on Christmas Eve or Day, you’d better make your reservations early. Places tend to get booked up quickly. As I hear of restaurants offering dining specials, I’ll pass them along to you.
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Frozen in Time: A Holiday Cocktail Escape at Room Nine 01
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There’s something about the holidays that makes us crave a little extra magic, the kind that sparkles and lets you forget the outside world for just a moment.
This season, Sebastian and I found exactly that at Room Nine 01, which has transformed into a wintery, immersive cocktail experience aptly titled “Frozen in Time: Santa’s Arctic Workshop.” And yes, it’s every bit as festive, playful, and cozy as it sounds.
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City Looks to Fight Future Floods
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Heavy rains create sewage backups with increasing frequency in Wilton Manors. Fixes are expensive and take time, but the city is making progress.
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TODAY: Toy Drive Party
Join Space Untitled Art Gallery for a beautiful evening where art and giving come together for a meaningful cause.
SAT: Island City Yard Sale Find new treasures or clean out your garage at this community yard sale, featuring everything from furniture and antiques to plants, home decor and collectibles.
SUN: Camelot Days Medieval Festival Travel back in time to Camelot (aka TY Park in Hollywood) for jousting, sword fighting, music, dancing, artisans, games, food, magic and more.
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Outbound Sales Representative -- Fort Lauderdale
Venture Tech Solutions is hiring an Outbound Sales Representative to examine credit reports and statements into financial wellness program that will help them with their un-secured debts, and more. $60,000 - $85,000 a year.
Business Development Representative -- Fort Lauderdale
Valet Living is seeking a Business Development Representative to identify, engage, and secure new clients through property visits, outbound prospecting, cold calling, referrals, and networking efforts, and more. From $59,000 a year.
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Meet this gentle, goofy big puppy!
Atlas (ID 709511) is a 3-year-old, friendly, affectionate youngster who loves being petted and absolutely melts for belly rubs. He came from another shelter where he spent time in a foster home, and they only had great things to say about him. Atlas seems to like every dog he meets, is good with kids and ok with cats. He was adopted but returned because the cat at home was not happy about a dog being in the house. (They only gave it a few days.) This fellow is playful with toys and enjoys interactive fun, yet he’s also polite, calm, and remarkably gentle for a 59-pound fellow.
While he may get excited and hop up occasionally, he does it with soft enthusiasm, never rough or overwhelming. He seems to adore other dogs and would likely thrive with a companion who matches his sweet, social nature. Can Atlas be your new best friend?
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InTarotGate by Dooney
WANING GIBBOUS MOON IN LEO: Strength for the final stretch.
As the year closes, you may feel the urge to leap into a new chapter, leaving behind the frustrations that pushed you to the edge. But timing matters: there is one last challenge to face before the path opens fully. Professionally and in relationships, persistence—not escape—is the magic ingredient now. Your efforts have been quietly accumulating, preparing you for a breakthrough that is truly yours. Stand your ground against doubt, critics, or internal fear; the foundation beneath you is solid and fertile. What you’ve planted is ready to take root. Care for your body, spirit, and vision as you make this final push.
(Key numbers: 0, 7)
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Our mailing address is: The Islander |
PO Box 23817 • Oakland Park, FL 33307
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