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Spectator Magazine The Spectator has been the #1 family resource in Coral Springs and Parkland since 2002. Visit us online at http://www.myspectatoronline.com/

The Spectator has been the #1 family resource for area families since 2002 and is direct-mailed and distributed monthly to 20,000 families with incomes greater than $85,000. They refer to it to make social connections, to find activities for themselves and their children, and as a reference in finding like-minded businesses who will meet their family's needs. They tend to hold on to each magazine

until they receive the next, giving your advertising a shelf life of at least 30 days. Written at a college level, the target audience is parents, while the kids become engaged with photos of friends, teammates and featured events.

From Blue to Gold… Reinventing Real Estate with Michael LongoBy Icon RealtyMichael Longo is no stranger to bold ideas or...
12/06/2025

From Blue to Gold… Reinventing Real Estate with Michael Longo

By Icon Realty

Michael Longo is no stranger to bold ideas or to turning them into massive success stories. A Coral Springs native with deep roots in the South Florida community, Longo began his real estate career in 2013 with Remax. But even in those early years, he carried a vision far beyond the traditional path.

“I always wanted to create something that would make people stop and take notice,” Longo says. “Not just a company but a brand that made it clear we were passionate about excellence, not just in real estate, but in everything we do.”

That vision came to life in 2017 when he launched Blue Realty. Longo didn’t just want to build another brokerage—he wanted to build a movement. The breakthrough idea? Wrapping a fleet of cars in a bold, unmistakable shade of blue that would instantly stand out on the roads, in driveways, and at open houses.

“It was simple but effective,” he says. “People started recognizing us everywhere—grocery store parking lots, school pick-up lines, even on the highway. The cars became mobile billboards, and it created an incredible buzz.”

What started as a clever branding move quickly evolved into a powerful marketing engine. The blue cars became a symbol of professionalism, unity, and market presence, and they helped recruit top-tier agents who were excited to be part of something fresh and high-energy. Within two years, Blue Realty grew from a handful of close friends to over 50 realtors, becoming one of the most dominant real estate agencies in South Florida.

But, like any great story, Longo’s journey took an unexpected turn. “Recently, I was forced to start over,” he shares. “It’s a long story, but I still own nearly half of Blue Realty and have launched a luxury brand I’m extremely proud of: Icon Realty.”

With a new black-and-gold color scheme and 15 wrapped vehicles already hitting the streets, Icon Realty is more than a comeback—it’s a reinvention. Over 40 agents from Blue Realty have joined Longo in this new venture, and the team is currently undertaking a $250,000 office buildout at their new flagship location in “The Walk” at 2808 University Drive in Coral Springs. A second office is also open in Fort Lauderdale managed by seasoned real estate expert, Madison Gianchetta.

“Our goal isn’t just to sell luxury homes—it’s to set a new standard for what luxury real estate should feel like,” Longo says.

Now, Michael Longo is bringing his vision and energy to television. He’s set to star in a brand-new TV show titled Boss of Real Estate, which will be airing soon on two major networks. The show will spotlight Longo’s journey, his bold approach to business, and the high-stakes world of luxury real estate. “It’s going to be a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build an empire and the hustle that comes with it,” he says.

While his business accomplishments are impressive, it’s clear that Michael Longo is equally proud of the life he’s built outside the office. Having just celebrated his 40th birthday, Longo is a devoted husband and father. He recently married the love of his life, Ashley, and the couple lives in Parkland with their four beautiful children.
“I’m a very involved father,” he says with a smile. “My faith is a big part of my life. We go to Church by the Glades, and I try to lead my family with the same integrity and work ethic I bring into my business.”

From humble beginnings to building two of the most talked-about real estate brands in Florida—and now stepping into the national spotlight—Michael Longo’s story is one of vision, resilience, and unstoppable momentum. And if the past is any indication, the best is yet to come.

For more info on Icon Realty please visit www.IconRealtyAdvisors.com Michael Longo Ashley Longo

Parametric Insurance: The Smart Way to Weather the StormAfter more than 35 years in the insurance industry, Porter & Ass...
11/06/2025

Parametric Insurance: The Smart Way to Weather the Storm

After more than 35 years in the insurance industry, Porter & Associates is proud to introduce an innovative and cost-effective solution for hurricane coverage: Parametric Hurricane Insurance. This novel approach addresses the limitations of traditional insurance policies by offering faster payouts and broader protection.

Understanding Parametric Hurricane Insurance

Parametric hurricane insurance is designed to cover losses that are typically not addressed by conventional policies or fall below standard deductibles. Unlike traditional insurance, which requires proof of property damage and often involves lengthy claims processes, parametric insurance provides payouts based on predefined parameters, such as wind speed or storm category. This means no deductibles and no need for property damage to qualify for a claim. Claims are typically paid within days of a covered event, offering immediate financial relief.

Key Features and Benefits

Parametric insurance offers several advantages:

• No Deductible: Eliminates out-of-pocket expenses before coverage kicks in.

• Limited Exclusions: Provides broader coverage with fewer limitations.

• Quick Claims Process: Accelerates financial support when it’s needed most.

• Broad Coverage Policy: Protects against a wide range of economic losses, including those not typically covered by traditional insurance.

• Flexible Terms: Offers annual policies with potential multi-year options.

• Reliable Underwriting: Backed by highly rated insurance carriers, ensuring dependable support.

Innovative Trigger Mechanisms

Hurricane PM® employs advanced trigger designs to ensure accurate and fair payouts:

• Proxy Windfield Measurement: Utilizes data from Moody’s HWind to assess 60-second sustained wind speeds during a hurricane.

• Cat-In-A-Circle: Extends coverage based on the highest wind speed or hurricane category recorded within a predefined area, as determined by the National Hurricane Center.

• Highest Payout Principle: When multiple triggers are used, the highest reading determines the payout, ensuring maximum benefit to the insured.

Real-Time Monitoring and Transparency

Policyholders can access real-time hurricane data through the WeatherFlow website or the WindAlert App, allowing them to track wind speeds and storm developments live. This transparency ensures that clients are informed and prepared during hurricane events.

Why Choose Parametric Insurance?

Traditional insurance often comes with high deductibles, numerous exclusions, and prolonged claims processes. Parametric insurance addresses these issues by providing swift, objective payouts based on measurable data, reducing disputes and ensuring timely financial support. This makes it an ideal supplement to existing insurance policies, especially in hurricane-prone areas.

Contact Porter & Associates

Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and help you explore how parametric insurance can enhance your coverage and provide peace of mind.

Porter & Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and Porter & Associates Ins Co. LLC

3010 N Military Trail, Suite #310
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: 561.771.8025
Fax: 561.680.2109
www.Porterinsurance.us

Discover the future of hurricane insurance with
Porter & Associates. Brett Porter Porter & Associates Insurance Agency, Inc.

Proudly Celebrating 25 Years of Service in Coral SpringsBy Scott J. Brook P.A.I’m deeply grateful for the dedicated team...
27/05/2025

Proudly Celebrating 25 Years of Service in Coral Springs

By Scott J. Brook P.A.

I’m deeply grateful for the dedicated team members I’ve worked with and the clients whose lives we’ve impacted.

Divorce is challenging—emotionally and financially. Our mission is to guide clients through this difficult process, helping them envision and build new futures.

My legal journey began in 1993, focusing on Workers’ Compensation. However, before 2000, friends approached me for assistance with family law matters, seeking accessible and affordable counsel. One of my earliest cases involved terminating the parental rights of a father absent from his child’s life for years. Though emotionally complex, this experience underscored the importance of compassionate advocacy—a principle that continues to guide our practice.

Today, our firm addresses a broad spectrum of family law issues, including paternity matters, relocation challenges, and domestic violence cases. Our dedicated team comprises two attorneys and 12 staff members. This summer, we’re excited to welcome eight or nine interns who will gain hands-on experience in discovery processes, attend hearings, and familiarize themselves with family law and estate planning.

Effective legal representation demands thorough research, meticulous preparation, and consistent client communication. I provide my clients with my personal cell phone number, ensuring accessibility beyond standard office hours—a commitment made possible by the unwavering support of my understanding wife.
Beyond my legal practice, I have the honor of serving as a six-term Mayor of Coral Springs. I’m also the founder of the Mental Wellness Networking Alliance, Premier Networking Alliance, and the Veterans Networking Alliance. Through the Premier Networking Alliance, we’ve initiated Project Leadership, mentoring over 2,500 students across 49 leadership programs. In May, we’ll celebrate our 50th session. Additionally, we’ll host our second Mind, Body, and Soul Summit to promote su***de prevention and holistic community well-being.

In our practice, we frequently assist clients grappling with mental health and substance abuse issues. My MBA in Finance equips me to guide clients toward favorable financial outcomes. We’re particularly committed to advocating for children affected by these circumstances, striving to be empathetic, zealous, and compassionate champions for justice.

To help you navigate your family law matter more efficiently, consider these tips:

• Organize all relevant financial documents early.
• Maintain open and honest communication with
your attorney.
• Prioritize your well-being and daily life alongside
legal proceedings.
• Make decisions based on strategy, not emotion.
• Be open to compromise when appropriate.
• Understand that legal outcomes can’t be guaranteed.
• Focus on your desired future, not past grievances.

If we can be of service, it would be our pleasure. Please visit www.scottjbrookpa.com or call 954-757-5551 for more information.

All gave some, some gave all.
25/05/2025

All gave some, some gave all.

22/05/2025
17/05/2025

Join us in congratulating this year’s NSLL 7/8 SELECT TEAM. Tonight they beat Coconut Creek 7-3. Join us for tomorrow’s game at 10am as they face Parkland in the winner’s bracket @ Deerfield Beach Athletic Complex.

Meet the Apatov FamilyParkland residents Joe and Amy Apatov have been excited to call the community home since 2019, jus...
16/05/2025

Meet the Apatov Family

Parkland residents Joe and Amy Apatov have been excited to call the community home since 2019, just a few months before welcoming their first child. Since then, their family has grown and thrived alongside their deepening roots in the neighborhood. Today, they are raising three vibrant children—Logan, 6, Harper, 4, and Sloane, 18 months, —in a home filled with love, energy, and just a little bit of sports rivalry.

Joe is a partner and attorney specializing in financial services and privacy law, tackling complex litigation and class action cases across the country. Amy runs her own digital marketing consultancy where she helps businesses enhance their online presence through strategy, advertising, and web optimization.

The kids are equally as active as their parents. Logan is a sports enthusiast, currently playing baseball in Parkland Little League and basketball with Parkland Basketball Club. He also enjoys Coding & Robotics Club, already showing signs of being both an athlete and a thinker. Harper dances and plays soccer through i9 Sports, all while loving her time in preschool. Sloane, though not yet in school, is right there with her siblings—climbing, cheering, and keeping everyone on their toes.

The Apatovs are a family on the move, quite literally. Joe and Amy are avid runners and love exploring local trails together. Amy is also actively involved in the community, currently serving as PTO President at Phylis J. Green ECC at Congregation Kol Tikvah.

“We love the Parkland community and its close-knit and welcoming vibes,” says Amy. “We moved here only knowing my sister, but we quickly developed wonderful friendships.”

In their downtime, the family enjoys traveling—especially to Disney—attending sports games, and dining out together. Game days are always fun (and perhaps a bit competitive) with Amy being a Yankees and Jets fan and Joe cheering for the Mets and Dolphins. In true marital compromise, the kids have been “committed” to a lifetime of Mets and Jets fandom.

Logan currently attends Heron Heights Elementary and loves math, while Harper is enjoying learning her letters in preschool at Kol Tikvah. As the youngest, Sloane is soaking it all in and keeping everyone smiling.

“There is no greater joy or challenge than having the privilege of raising Logan, Harper, and Sloane,” says Amy. “I’m grateful every single day to mold their minds, expand their hearts, and build a foundation of love and laughter in our home.”

Joe echoes that sentiment, sharing, “Parkland has been an amazing place to grow our family. Great neighbors, great friends, and a terrific community. We couldn’t ask for a better situation.”

The Apatov family attends services at Congregation Kol Tikvah.

16/05/2025

Mark your calendars for May 31, 2025. Fundraiser for Juliet at the Fish Joint Coral Springs. Please come by and help us help Juliet on her recovery from a major stroke at just 14 years old.

Parkland Soccer Club Enters 2025–2026 Season on the Heels of Record Season!By Ashley FerraroParkland Soccer Club continu...
15/05/2025

Parkland Soccer Club Enters 2025–2026 Season on the Heels of Record Season!

By Ashley Ferraro

Parkland Soccer Club continues to grow its footprint in the youth soccer community, both locally and abroad. As they gear up to head into the 2025–2026 season, the club reports a significant increase in player participation, almost doubling its size in the past couple of years.

Director of Coaching and Soccer Operations Luis Valente attributes this momentum to the club’s consistent focus on player development, values-based instruction, and inclusive growth. In alignment with this mission, the club introduced a new slogan this season: “More than a soccer club, a soccer family.” Emphasizing the Club’s family and community focus. Coach Dumel Decius, Director of Competitive Performance, puts it best, “We all have to understand that none of us is better than all of us. So we do better when we work together.”

In particular, this past couple of years have marked notable growth on the girls' side of the program, with Parkland Soccer Club expanding from five to twelve girls' teams, highlighting the club’s increasing reputation for developing female talent.

Parkland Soccer Club recently traveled to Barcelona, Spain, to compete in the MIC Cup, a widely regarded youth tournament that draws top-tier teams from around the world. Two boys' teams earned the trip by placing in the top three of their ECNL divisions last season. Matches included opponents such as France’s PSG Academy, Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk, England’s Steven Gerrard Academy, and other international and local Spanish teams.

Both teams advanced from the group stage to the Round of 16, showcasing impressive skill and earning praise from opponents and officials alike, though ultimately falling short in closely contested matches.

Building on the success of this international experience, the club is now exploring similar opportunities for its ECNL-RL teams and teams in its girls program.

Off the field, Parkland Soccer Club has also enhanced its college recruitment resources this past season. After previously outsourcing this support, the club has now brought the role in-house.

The newly appointed Director of College Recruiting, Jona Andrade, works directly with student-athletes to provide both administrative guidance and long-term planning support. So far this season, four players have committed to college programs, with several more in active conversations with institutions.

Consistent with its comprehensive approach, Parkland Soccer Club continues to prioritize character development alongside athletic training by drilling in on a key set of values: Commitment, Resilience, Excellence, Winning Mentality, Humility, Growth Mindset, Respect, Effort, and, new this year, Generosity.

Bridget Jacobsen, the club administrator, stated, “We truly try to make the club feel like a soccer family. Our values help to create great athletes, teammates, and people. Our focus is to help each athlete grow and succeed in whatever they choose, whether that is playing soccer at the next level or committing to full-time academic life.”

The Club has also expanded its Mini and Mighty Kickers program, which is designed for children ages 4 to 7. In just its first year, the program has doubled in participation, and its graduating players have successfully transitioned to competitive play within the club’s teams.

Tryouts for the 2025–2026 season run May 1–8, with registration now open. Additional dates may be added as needed to accommodate new players or evaluate additional talent. Players ages 6–19 are encouraged to attend.

To learn more about Parkland Soccer Club or to register for tryouts, visit parklandtravelsoccer.com.
Parkland Travel Soccer

Summer’s Almost Here… Get Your Pool Ready with These Expert Care TipsBy Michael PuyaAs temperatures rise and summer near...
14/05/2025

Summer’s Almost Here… Get Your Pool Ready with These Expert Care Tips

By Michael Puya

As temperatures rise and summer nears, now is the time for South Florida pool owners to give their backyard oasis a little extra attention. According to Mike Puya, Certified Pool Operator and founder of Puya Pools, taking a few simple steps now can save time, money, and frustration later in the season.

As spring arrives and temperatures begin to rise, many homeowners notice changes in their pool's appearance, such as cloudy water or the early signs of algae. According to Mike, this seasonal shift is common. “Warmer weather and increased rainfall both impact water chemistry,” he explains. “Chlorine gets used up more quickly, and the pool becomes more vulnerable to imbalances if it’s not properly maintained.”

Mike explains that Florida’s heat and spring rain put stress on pool systems. With more sun, more swimmers, and more precipitation, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance. That starts with checking your chemical balance more frequently. “You want your pool to have enough chlorine and other chemicals to last between services or your own cleanings,” he says.

“In the winter, water conditions tend to remain stable because there’s less heat, sunlight, and activity. But as temperatures rise, chemical levels fluctuate more quickly and the pool requires more active maintenance.”

Another must-do? Stay on top of cleaning or replacing your pool filter. “If the filter is over a year old, it should be replaced,” Mike advises. “You want strong filtration and good water flow—both are key for keeping the water clean and safe.” In addition, he recommends running your pump at least eight hours a day to ensure the entire pool volume cycles through the filtration system twice daily.

Finally, Mike suggests staying ahead of algae by brushing the pool walls regularly and keeping an eye on water clarity. “Cloudy water is an early warning sign of poor circulation or chemical imbalance,” he adds. “If you see it, take action.”

Mike’s company, Puya Pools, has been serving the Coral Springs and Parkland communities exclusively since 2014. By focusing on a tight geographic area, the company is able to provide prompt, personalized service with quick response times and strong attention to detail.

The company’s six technicians are fully licensed, insured, and CPO-certified (Certified Pool Operators), with each team member bringing at least five years of hands-on experience. “All of my guys have been handpicked,” says Puya. “They’ve been with me for a long time, and many have over two decades in the business.”

Puya Pools’ most popular offering is a comprehensive weekly maintenance package that includes vacuuming, debris removal, wall brushing, chemical testing and balancing, and filter cleaning every 4–6 weeks. After each visit, customers receive a service report and a photo of their pool, providing transparency and peace of mind that their investment is being carefully maintained.

If you’re noticing signs of algae, unbalanced water, or just want to leave your pool care to the experts, Puya Pools is just a call or click away. For more information or a complimentary estimate, visit puyapools.com or call/text Mike and his team directly at 754-802-6759. Puya Pools Inc. Michael Puya

11/05/2025

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