Wedding venue in Blue Ridge, GA for couples in Coral Springs, FL

CORAL SPRINGS, FL – As the trend of micro-schooling sweeps the nation, Iman Alleyne is at the forefront with Kind Academy, a personalized learning institution that she founded and leads in Coral Springs.

Since establishing the school in 2016, the longtime Coral Springs resident said she has expanded her vision by helping to establish more than 40 micro-schools across the country – each focused on small class sizes and individualized instruction.

Her impact hasn’t gone unnoticed as she was named a semi-finalist for a national education award, she said.

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Alleyne’s journey has been one of resilience.

Growing up in low-income housing in New York, she faced challenges including dropping out of high school and struggling with substance abuse from age 14 to 18.

Moving to Florida marked a turning point in her life, she said, eventually leading her to earn a master’s degree and find her purpose in education.

"No one expected me to make it," Alleyne said in a recent interview with TAPinto Coral Springs, "but I kept going."

This sense of determination is something she said she now brings to Kind Academy and the families she supports.

Kind Academy offers a unique approach to education with a low student-to-teacher ratio of about one to five.

The model, Alleyne said, cultivates a close-knit community where families feel connected and supported.

The academy serves about 30 students, all of whom are homeschoolers, reflecting a broader rise in homeschooling in the U.S.

In Florida, homeschoolers now number around 154,000, the highest in the country, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

At Kind Academy, students attend in-person classes for about three hours a day. Classes are kept small, with some having as few as five or six students, which allows instructors to tailor lessons and provide targeted support quickly.

Alleyne describes the Kind Academy experience as a blend of small group tutoring and passion-led exploration.

"In the mornings, we focus on core academic skills in small groups, and in the afternoons, students can dive into projects they’re passionate about," she said.

Her vision for Kind Academy was inspired by her own experiences as a mother and former teacher, as well as her desire to create an educational environment where children can thrive at their own pace, she said.

Beyond her role at Kind Academy, Alleyne also mentors women seeking financial independence and entrepreneurship, aiming to empower others through her experiences and knowledge.

Located at 3266 NW 99th Way in Coral Springs, Kind Academy is growing, with another location currently being remodeled.

Alleyne said her ambitions for Kind Academy remain strong.

"We’re only getting started," she said, with hopes to double the school’s reach in the coming years.

(Our Small Business Spotlight section is sponsored by Office Evolution Coral Springs.

Located in the heart of Coral Springs, Office Evolution offers flexible workspace memberships to meet your unique needs and all the amenities and services to inspire your best work. We offer a fully stocked cafe with unlimited free coffee and tea, staffed reception, and a friendly inviting atmosphere. Let us help evolve your business!

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Address: 3301 North University Drive, Suite 100, in Coral Springs.)

CORAL SPRINGS, FL - Coral Springs was well-represented at the 2024 Broward County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony held last week.

The event, presented by the Broward Education Foundation, honored seven individuals — three with long-time Coral Springs connections — who have made significant contributions to sports and athletics in Broward County.

Among the inductees with Coral Springs ties are:

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- Elliot Bonner has been a Coral Springs resident since 1977 and has served as a leader in Broward County Public Schools for more than 50 years as a football and baseball coach.

"From founding programs at Mullins Park to his long coaching career at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, he instilled values of hard work and dedication in his players, shaping not just athletes but upstanding individuals in the community,” according to a statement from the Broward Education Foundation.

- Darius Butler is a graduate of Coral Springs Charter School, where he played quarterback and safety on the football team. He also ran track and played basketball, scoring more than 1,000 points during his high school career and earning All-County selection as well as All-State honorable mention.

Butler played football at the University of Connecticut and was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the NFL draft in 2009. He went on to play nine seasons in the NFL and is currently a sports personality, regularly appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show” and co-hosting the “Man-to-Man” podcast with Antoine Bethea.

- Lexi Thompson, a Coral Springs native, became one of the youngest golfers to ever qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open at just 12 years old.

Thompson has gone on to have a decorated career on the LPGA Tour, amassing 11 career wins and representing Team USA at two Olympic Games. Off the course, she is known for her philanthropic efforts and work promoting golf among young women.

Earlier this year, Thompson announced her retirement from the LPGA Tour at the end of the season.

The other inductees are Abbas Karimi, Diana Nyad, Steve Shapiro and the Hollywood Hills High School 1973 State 4A Championship Football team.

The seven inductees will be memorialized on the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame Honor Wall at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.

(Our Giving Back section is sponsored by Darby’s Florist in Coral Springs.

The family owned and operated florist has been delivering smiles daily for more than 50 years.

Read here about the family.

Visit the store: 9615 Sample Road in Coral Springs

Call: (954) 227-2800

Order here: darbysflorist.com)

By Jason Perlow

Last updated October 25, 2024 at 1:39 PM

CORAL SPRINGS, FL – Coral Springs and Coconut Creek offer a variety of quick-service restaurants that focus on healthy eating. This includes regional and national chains and unique local spots serving fresh, nutritious meals.

Whether you’re in the mood for a poke bowl, hearty salad, or a quick wrap, there are plenty of options for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some of the best healthy dining choices in our area:

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- KYKUS Mediterranean Grill (Just Opened)

KYKUS, located at Coral Square Mall in Coral Springs, serves fresh pita wraps and bowls made-to-order with your choice of sun-soaked vegetables and proteins. The menu draws from flavors from across the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

Address: 9469 West Atlantic Boulevard in Coral Springs

- Clean Eatz

In nearby Coconut Creek, Clean Eatz is part of a chain offering healthy wraps, burgers, flatbreads, and meal prep services. The cafe’s low-calorie meals are ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

Address: 4800 Hillsboro Boulevard in Coconut Creek

- 3Natives (Just Opened)

Located in the Ramblewood Square shopping plaza, 3Natives is a fast-casual chain offering acai bowls, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, wraps, salads, and more. Coral Springs resident Babe Caruso owns this health-focused eatery, which is part of a growing chain with more than 30 locations. Known for its fresh ingredients and nutritious options, 3Natives began as a juice bar in 2013.

Address: 1213 University Drive in Coral Springs

- Just Salad (Coming Soon)

Just Salad, a fast-casual restaurant chain, is set to open in Coral Springs, taking over the former Pieology Pizzeria. Known for customizable salads, bowls, and wraps made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Just Salad also promotes sustainability by offering reusable bowls and reducing single-use plastics. The Coral Springs location is expected to open by the end of 2024.

Address: 4608 University Drive in Coral Springs

- Tropical Smoothie Café (Coming Soon)

Tropical Smoothie Café, a popular chain known for its refreshing smoothies and health-focused menu, is set to open a new location in Coral Springs. The café offers a wide variety of smoothies made with fresh fruits and vegetables and a selection of wraps, sandwiches, and bowls.

Address: 1750 University Drive in Coral Springs

- Giardino Gourmet Salads

A Florida-based chain, Giardino offers customizable salads, grain bowls, and wraps. Customers can create their perfect meal with over 80 fresh ingredients, including proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Giardino’s focus on hand-chopped, made-to-order meals makes it a favorite for those looking for a quick, nutritious option.

Address: 1750 University Drive in Coral Springs

-Playa Bowls

Playa Bowls is part of a rapidly expanding chain serving refreshing acai bowls, pitaya bowls, smoothies, and juices. With customizable toppings like granola, fresh fruits, and coconut, it’s a perfect stop for a nutrient-packed snack or meal.

Address: 3111 University Drive in Coral Springs

- Bolay

Bolay is a fast-growing chain known for its build-your-own bowls, combining nutrient-rich bases like quinoa or greens with proteins such as marinated tofu and roasted vegetables. The fresh and bold flavors cater to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free and plant-based options.

Address: 9204 Wiles Road in Coral Springs

- Chicken Salad Chick

This chain offers a variety of chicken salad options, from classic recipes to spicy variations. Paired with sides like fruit cups and broccoli salad, it’s a light and protein-packed meal option. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or snack.

Address: 2908 University Drive in Coral Springs

- Healthy Delights Café

A Miami-based local chain, Healthy Delights offers fresh wraps, salads, and smoothies. The menu includes gluten-free and dairy-free options, with popular items like buffalo chicken wraps and brown rice bowls. It’s a great choice for those seeking a fast, healthy meal.

Address: 5781 Coral Ridge Drive in Coral Springs

- That’s a Wrap

At the Coral Square Mall, That’s a Wrap focuses on fresh, made-to-order wraps, sandwiches, and salads. The customizable menu caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, offering a reliable option for a quick, healthy bite.

Address: 9409 Atlantic Boulevard in Coral Springs

- Bamboo Healthy Foods

Unlike many other spots on this list, Bamboo Healthy Foods is not part of a chain. This Coral Springs local gem offers fresh, customizable protein and salad bowls, acai, and smoothies made with high-quality, natural ingredients. It’s popular with health-conscious diners looking for plant-based meals or a refreshing post-workout treat.

Address: 6240 Coral Ridge Drive in Coral Springs

- Poke Bros

A national chain, Poke Bros offers Hawaiian-style poke bowls filled with fresh fish, greens, and various toppings. The customizable bowl concept makes creating a healthy and protein-packed meal easy.

Address: 10653 Wiles Road in Coral Springs

- Carrot Express

Carrot Express, in the Promenade at Coconut Creek shopping center, is a popular chain spot for fresh, health-conscious meals. The menu includes salads, bowls, wraps, smoothies, and sandwiches made with wholesome ingredients. With options for plant-based diets and protein-packed dishes, it’s a great choice for those seeking nutritious meals on the go.

Address: Promenade at Coconut Creek

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Have an idea for a story? Looking to advertise? Email Editor/Publisher Leon Fooksman: lfooksman@tapinto.net.

Editor's Note: KYKUS Mediterranean Grill is an advertiser of TAPinto Coral Springs.

CORAL SPRINGS, FL - The General Election is just a couple of weeks away, and Coral Springs voters will find five important referendums on the November ballot.

- Compensation of the Mayor and Commissioners: The current city charter specifies a set compensation amount for the mayor and city commissioners, adjusted annually by the consumer price index.

Earlier this year, however, the Coral Springs city commissioners approved a proposal to introduce a new compensation formula, which would calculate the average compensation for mayors and commissioners from four neighboring cities — Coconut Creek, Margate, Pompano Beach, and Tamarac — and reduce that overall average by 2 percent. Read more here.

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- Lifetime Service Limits on the City Commission and Terms of Office for the Mayor: The charter currently imposes no lifetime service limits on the city commission, while the mayor serves with an eight-year consecutive term limit and two-year terms of office.

If voters approve the changes to the charter, it will establish a 16-year lifetime service limit for the city commission, maintain the eight-year consecutive term limit, and extend the mayor’s term of office to four years.

- Forfeiture of Office/Discipline: The charter presently lacks clear due process and rules regarding the removal or discipline of elected officials for misconduct.

The charter change would introduce provisions for due process and specify the procedures for disciplining or removing elected officials from office.

- Procedure for Qualifying for Office by Petition: Currently, candidates seeking a waiver from the qualifying fee must gather signatures from 5 percent of registered voters.

If voters approve the charter changes, candidates would instead be required to collect one signature for each dollar they would have paid if they paid the qualifying fee.

- Removal or Replacement of Obsolete, Superseded Provisions, Ineffective Language, and Other Non-Substantive Technical Errors: The existing charter contains certain provisions that are obsolete, superseded, gender-biased, or otherwise ineffective.

If voters approve the charter amendment, it will remove or replace these outdated provisions and resolve non-substantive technical errors.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Voters can find polling locations, candidates, and important deadlines here.

We’re committed to providing you with the election coverage you need as you cast your vote. We’re aiming to raise $2,750. If you value journalism like ours that strengthens democracy and holds our leaders accountable, please make a contribution today.

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Audio By Carbonatix

When world-famous paranormal investigator Bill Slevin spoke during our interview about ghosts and demons, the recording device on my computer started to skip around. Listening back on our conversation, portions became fuzzy, especially as he spoke about exorcisms. The hair stood up on my neck, but the Coral Springs resident was such a compelling storyteller that it was hard to stop chatting.

Slevin has been investigating these unknown forces for 35 years but has experienced paranormal events his whole life. Growing up in the 1970s and '80s, nobody talked about supernatural things. "I never knew what an empath was. I just knew I would go places and feel weird things," he recalls. As an empath, he felt other people's emotions and sometimes carried them with him. As a kid, he was also into horror movies and was never scared — except when he saw The Exorcist.

He was curious about paranormal experiences and started to research everything he could about them. He went on to get his PhD in parapsychology and metaphysical humanistic science and has studied quantum physics and mechanics.

The first of his more than 1,000 residential haunting jobs was in 1989. A friend brought him in on a frightening investigation. "Demons are very rare; it's not like TV," he says. "It happened to be a rare demonic case. The guy with me got full-on attacked. That team never did this again, but it gave me a million questions." He realized this was his calling. "I really wanted to know what was real and what was not," Slevin says.

Brittany Fournier photo

He and his team at the nonprofit Paranormal Existence Research Society (PERS) are based out of Coral Springs, with teams in other Florida cities, Georgia, Nebraska, the UK, Italy, and Greece. They don't charge people for their work — it's all free — but if someone out of state wants to work with them, they will let them pay for travel. "We don't feel it's ethical [to charge] because it's not 100 percent science." His team is a diverse group of talents and includes a Peruvian shaman, hypnotherapist, licensed psychologist, mediums, and psychics.

"We're a mix of intuition and science," he says. "We help these people no matter what." That includes people who are suffering from mental illness or substance use issues. Slevin works a day job as an IT director for a psychiatric drug and alcohol treatment facility, which has provided him with the knowledge to identify when clients are suffering from these issues and not an actual haunting.

When they first get asked to investigate, the team interviews the clients. If they take the case, they go to the homes at night using a combination of his empath abilities and certain devices. "Being IT and paranormal — a very bad mix," he jokes. "I have a ridiculous amount of equipment." They experiment with audio and video tools and observe environmental cues with a healthy amount of skepticism. They first assess to see if there are natural causes for the experiences of the clients, like animals in the walls, and they determine if it's a case of the paranormal.

"Everything is energy. When you die, your energy doesn't die. Energy can't be destroyed or created," he says. The most common thing his team finds is residual hauntings, in which a person leaves behind energy. He remembers a haunting incident in New Jersey when a client in an old house said that every day at 7 p.m., they heard footsteps up the stairs. The team heard them but couldn't connect with a spirit. It was likely, he says, a "footprint" left by someone who passed that walked there daily. The solution? To cleanse the area is something his team teaches people to do for themselves. "Anybody can wave sage around the house, and it's not going to do anything. It's your intention [that matters]," and even then, energy can return.

To cleanse or protect themselves and their clients, they respect the religious and spiritual beliefs of the people they're helping. If someone is Jewish, for instance, they won't come in waving crucifixes. Unless, that is, if they suspect it's a demonic entity, then they'll use everything in their arsenal to protect themselves.

It's usually not anything that sinister. Even funky energy from living clients can cause hauntings. "Sometimes people can watch five hours of Ghost Adventures, and now they're panicked, and they can actually manifest stuff to the house. It might not be real." He says parapsychology studies have shown that "a lot of Poltergeist activity is caused by teenagers. That their energy shift is so strong, especially females, that it can actually make things move," he says. "It's not going to pick up a couch and throw it across the room."

In South Florida, you may not have very old houses, but there are a lot of Indigenous American burial grounds. He used to bring new members of his team to Belgrade, Florida, where there was a 280-acre abandoned prison in the middle of a sugarcane field. "Because you can say you're into this, but when you're in an abandoned prison at two o'clock in the morning, there's a lot of activity in that place," he says. There's now a warehouse built in that spot. "If they'd built houses there, I'd be going door to door to drop off my card."

Bill Slevin photo

Slevin educates the public about issues related to the supernatural. He's the director and manager of the Warren Legacy Foundation for Paranormal Research, founded by Lorraine Warren and Chris McKinnell, the grandson of Ed and Lorraine Warren, who investigated the Amityville haunting. He speaks as a celebrity guest at conferences and has appeared on TV, radio, podcasts, magazines, and newspapers. He's been on the cover of American Paranormal magazine five times.

He also spoke about demonology on the Travel Channel documentary The Devil's Academy, which also streams on Discovery+ and Max. It explores a possible mass possession at the Miami Aerospace Academy High School in 1970. Students ripped doors off the hinges, one girl levitated, and another boy jumped out of the second-floor window unscathed, landing face-first on the concrete and then threw the security guard across the parking lot. The interviewing process unnerved him because when the producers asked specific demonology questions, he didn't want to share any misinformation with the public. He says they're very real but very rare.

Slevin will speak at upcoming events at the Coconut Grove and Coral Springs libraries. At his library shows, you can hear more of Slevin's spooky stories, learn about haunted places in South Florida, and see evidence that the paranormal is actually quite normal.

Bill Slevin. 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 26, Coconut Grove Branch Library, 2875 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove; and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 9, Northwest Regional Library, 3151 N. University Dr., Coral Springs; billslevin.com. Admission is free.