Happy Friday, Fort Lauderdale. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! In today’s edition: Publix registration kiosks, a Barbra Streisand tribute, free museum day, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Renew while you shop: Broward County is installing Publix kiosks for vehicle registration renewals, starting in Hollywood, Coconut Creek, Plantation, Coral Springs, and Cooper City, with additional locations and addresses expected before year’s end — get cities, fees, and steps.

Major South Florida infrastructure updates: Broward County Convention Center has expanded with larger halls, new ballrooms, and access via the Port Everglades bypass. Miami’s I-395 bridge progresses as Broward’s BCR North rail remains in planning — get all the details.

Wait-time claims under scrutiny: Florida officials tout 20-minute waits at Broward driver’s license offices, but lawmakers and customers report hours-long lines and a glitchy appointment portal as the state shifts operations to county control — see why numbers are disputed.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: Last week, my step-dad got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Annual plans are 55% off until Sunday — check it out here.

Highlights this week

• Join Broward House’s candlelight World AIDS walk
• Breakfast to benefit people experiencing homelessness
• Join MODS for a free beach cleanup
• Celebrate Florida Singing Sons’ 50th holiday concert
• Experience holiday magic at Bonnet House
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals
• Pet parents: Don’t miss Chewy’s Black Friday sale

🫶 We got your back

Fresh openings to watch: Four newcomers are queued up in Broward. Talkin’ Tacos opens in Coconut Creek on Dec 5 with late-night birria. Blue Crab Shack & Seafood debuts its full-service waterfront spot Jan 2. Smalls Sliders targets its first Broward container restaurant for Q3 2026. Plus a tiny coffee roastery pouring Jamaica Blue Mountain. Get all the details.

New holiday tradition arrives: Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is launching “Hard Rock the Holidays,” a 35-day light spectacular that turns the Guitar Hotel into a winter wonderland from Nov. 29 to Jan. 3. Expect 2+ million LEDs, 20+ themed zones, a synchronized light-and-music show, festive eats, a kid-friendly scavenger hunt, and VIP upgrades. Get all the details.

Spin-worthy treasure hunt: From pop divas and 12-inch remixes to metal, jazz, punk, and soundtracks, We Got The Beats Record Store keeps bins deep and well-curated. They also buy and trade, so your shelves can breathe while the turntable meets new friends. Expect sharp finds without the dig-fatigue.

Health drinks that don’t taste like grass: With tasty tea and matcha blends for everything from recovery and radiant skin to energy without the crash, a metabolism boost, and immune support, everything in Pique’s lineup tastes as good as it makes you feel. They’re clean, there are no additives, and all new monthly subscriptions are 20% off for liferight now. Yup… literally forever (or until you cancel).

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🎭 Standing On Ceremony @ The Foundry | Friday (11/28) at 8:00pm – Think you’ve heard every vow joke? Over at The Foundry in Wilton Manors, POW! serves a witty, heartfelt lineup of nine short plays on marriage equality, directed by a who’s-who of South Florida talent. Expect satire, tender gut-punches, and truth that lingers.

⏰ Better Late @ Empire Stage | Friday (11/28) at 8:00pm – Come laugh at an adult living arrangement, a guy recuperating in the spare room of his ex and her new husband. It starts awkward, then spirals. Smart, bitingly funny, and surprisingly tender, it pokes at love, divorce, aging, and the stuff we avoid at brunch.

This weekend

🎤 Her Name is Barbra @ Pompano Beach Cultural Center | Saturday (11/29) at 2:00pm – Calling all Barbra devotees and curious newcomers: Joy Altman is serving a tribute so good it practically time-travels. From Funny Girl to A Star Is Born, she hits the beloved classics with Broadway polish and Brooklyn heart. Come ready to sing silently in your seat and maybe tear up a little (we won’t tell).

🖼️ Art Exhibition by John Potter @ Canvas Films | Saturday (11/29) at 6:00pm – One-night-only art fix, John Potter rolls in with mesmerizing halftone works for a quick dose of culture without the homework. Think pointillism’s graphic cousin, all texture, contrast, and stare-worthy detail. Free admission, which leaves budget for parking, a proper pour, and post-show takeout.

🎶 Last Minute Men @ Original Fat Cats | Saturday (11/29) at 11:00pm – If your sleep schedule can handle it, rally for Last Minute Men blasting rock at Fat Cats downtown, going straight through to 3 a.m. Expect loud guitars, cold beer, and the kind of lively crowd that still remembers when Himmarshee was gloriously unruly.

🦩 Flamingo Flea @ Marina Village | Sunday (11/30) at 11:00am – Holiday shopping without the mall meltdown. Hit Marina Village for Flamingo Flea’s Merry Market, with handmade goods and local decor, a two-story boat bar, a live DJ, and a beachside food hall. Shop for them, treat yourself, and call it supporting small business.

🤝 Free Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Day @ NSU Art Museum | Sunday (11/30) at 12:00pm – Every last Sunday in Fort Lauderdale means free entry to NSU Art Museum for residents, plus 2-for-1 wine and 10% off museum-published books. Show proof of address, stroll the galleries, then enjoy a civilized buzz, and call it quality time that doesn’t involve I-95.

❤️ World AIDS Day Concert @ Las Olas Oceanfront Park | Sunday (11/30) at 6:00pm – Think you know every lyric to Rent? Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp hit the beach at Las Olas Oceanside Park, part concert, part call to action for World AIDS Day. Come for nostalgia, stay for advocacy, and bring your generous side.

Next week

🕯️ World AIDS Day Candlelight Walk @ Esplanade Park | Monday (12/1) at 5:30pm – World AIDS Day is gathering us at Esplanade Park for a candlelight walk that actually matters, not just another selfie stroll. Honor those we’ve lost, support neighbors living with HIV, then stick around for food trucks, L. Michele’s hosting, Frankie Red Wordz, and Richard Fulks.

✨ 24th Annual Light Up Downtown @ The Plaza on Las Olas | Tuesday (12/2) at 5:30pm – Whether you brave Christmas on Las Olas every year or just come for the twinkle lights, this ticketed, private fundraiser is the grown-up stop. Unlimited cocktails, endless apps, and live cheer, all before a 30-foot tree lights up the Plaza, benefiting Jack & Jill Center.

🎨 Caravaggio @ Savor Cinema | Tuesday (12/2) at 6:00pm – Ready to dive headfirst into art-world drama? This brand-new film pulls you into Caravaggio’s wild life and brilliant mind, letting you follow the clues he hid inside his own masterpieces. If you love mystery mixed with jaw-dropping visuals, this is your kind of night.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 11/28 Vini Vici @ Kemistry – 10 pm
• 12/3 Chelcie Lynn @ The Parker – 7 pm
• 12/4 Charlie Berens @ The Parker – 7 pm
• 12/4 Comedy and Cocktails December Edition @ ChainBridge Distillery – 7:30 pm
• 12/5 Blondie & No Doubt @ Las Olas Oceanside Park – 7 pm
• 12/6 Oceans of Soul Jazz Festival @ Fort Lauderdale Beach Park – 4 pm
• 12/7 Folk Music Series: Violeta de la Guardia @ Stirling Road Library – 3 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Fort Lauderdale edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Les Waites (The Keyes Company)

Three lots from the Intracoastal, this 6-bed, 7-bath Seven Isles estate pairs soaring glass with porcelain tile, a private elevator, and a fireplace. The remodeled gourmet kitchen flexes double islands, quartzite counters, stainless appliances, and a gas cooktop, turning meals into chef content with water views.

Backyard perks include turf, a sparkling pool, outdoor bath, sauna, and a deeded dock for launches. Upstairs brings rich wood floors, a primary suite with private balcony and spa-style bath, plus a second oversized ensuite. Lush landscaping, a laundry room, and polished upgrades complete the Seven Isles resort vibe in Fort Lauderdale.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →