They're Back — South Florida's Iguana Invasion Is in Full Force

☀️ GOOD MORNING, HOLLYWOOD! Happy Wednesday! The iguanas are back — and a Hollywood resident's story is making headlines. Plus your complete World Cup transport guide with 5 days to go, why Hollywood's schools are a hidden gem, the fascinating history of how Hallandale Beach broke free and became its own city, and Gulfstream Park is buzzing this summer. Plus — Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk is this Saturday and you won't want to miss it. Let's get into it! ☀️

📅 Wednesday, June 10 — Tonight!

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📅 Saturday, June 13

📅 Sunday, June 14

📌 They're Back — South Florida's Iguana Invasion Is in Full Force After the February Freeze

Remember when thousands of iguanas "froze" and dropped from trees during February's cold snap? That brief reprieve is officially over. The invasive reptiles are back in force across South Florida — and Hollywood residents are feeling it first. Mary Alex, a Hollywood homeowner, has been battling iguanas for 14 years — one even appeared in her toilet. "They are nasty, ugly, I can't stand them," she told CBS Miami, describing how the lizards destroyed her orchids, bougainvillea and flowering plants and may have burrowed under her pool patio. Wildlife removal experts say the comeback was inevitable — a single female iguana can lay up to 70 eggs and hatching season in April means populations are exploding right now. More aggressive spiny-tailed iguanas capable of burrowing up to 80 feet are also appearing in Broward. Experts recommend removing fallen fruit from mango trees and other food sources — and if your property has a serious infestation, removal companies are already fielding a surge of calls.

Source: CBS Miami

1. ⚽ World Cup Starts Sunday — Your Complete Hollywood Transport Guide

The first World Cup match at Hard Rock Stadium is just 5 days away — and if you're going, you need to plan now. Here's everything Hollywood residents need to know: Official stadium parking is sold out — but the Hard Rock Hotel Lot 70 Park & Ride is $10 with a free shuttle. Best option from Hollywood: Brightline from Fort Lauderdale or Aventura — the official transit partner, with round-trip tickets from $76–$150. Free dedicated game-day shuttles are available for verified ticket holders from four transit hubs. Rideshare works but expect surge pricing — get there early. Plan to arrive 2–3 hours before kickoff. Security is international-level thorough. And if you don't have a ticket — Hollywood's own massive free Watch Party on Hollywood Boulevard is June 27 for Colombia vs Portugal. Ronaldo. Hollywood Boulevard. Free. Mark it.

2. 🍝 Hallandale Beach's Restaurant Scene Is Quietly Becoming One of South Broward's Best

Hallandale Beach has quietly assembled one of the most impressive restaurant lineups in South Broward County — and food lovers are finally taking notice. The recently opened Signor Sassi at 1006 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd brought London's legendary Italian institution to US shores for the first time, earning rave TripAdvisor reviews for its lobster spaghettini and truffle carbonara. The waterfront dining along South Ocean Drive continues to draw diners from across the region. And with Patrizia's Waterfront — the beloved NYC Italian group's 18th location — preparing to open at 1975 S. Ocean Drive, Hallandale Beach's dining story is only getting better. TripAdvisor's latest roundup names Hallandale Beach among the top dining destinations in the Fort Lauderdale metro. If you haven't explored the scene yet — this summer is the time.

Source: TripAdvisor / Hoodline

3. 🏛️ The Fascinating Story of How Hallandale Beach Broke Free and Became Its Own City

Here's a piece of local history most people don't know. The City of Hollywood actually annexed Hallandale in January 1926 — only for Hallandale to break free and reincorporate as its own independent city in 1947. The reason Hallandale didn't boom like Hollywood in the 1920s real estate frenzy? Its old settlers simply refused to sell their land. When Hallandale reincorporated, it had just six policemen, seven firefighters — and had to carry its own water to fires because there was no water system. Today Hallandale Beach is an award-winning city with a national climate recognition, its own zero-emission electric bus fleet and a skyline that would be completely unrecognizable to those stubborn original settlers. Some of the best community character comes from its history.

4. 🏇 Gulfstream Park Is Back With Summer Racing — And the Village Is Buzzing

Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach has kicked off its summer meet and the energy at the track and Village is back. Whether you love thoroughbred racing or just want a great evening out, Gulfstream delivers — from the excitement of live racing to the Village's outdoor dining, fountain plaza and free entertainment. With World Cup fever in the air and summer in full swing, the Village at Gulfstream Park is one of South Florida's great free outdoor experiences right now. Go this week — the vibe is electric.

Source: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/racing-information

🎨 Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk — Free, This Saturday June 13 6–10 PM · Harrison Street & 20th Ave, Hollywood

One of Hollywood's most beloved monthly traditions returns this Saturday. The Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk transforms Harrison Street into an open-air gallery every third Saturday of the month — with galleries staying open late, restaurants buzzing and the street alive with art, music and community spirit. Make it even better by joining the free Choose954 guided tour starting at 7 PM sharp at the Information Tent at Harrison & 20th Ave. Local guide and Downtown Hollywood resident Evan Snow leads an intimate walk through his favorite galleries, murals and art highlights — a completely different side of Hollywood that most residents never discover. No ticket needed, no reservation required — just show up and explore.

🎟️ RSVP for the free guided tour here

Source: Eventbrite / Choose954