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In a world where everything seems to change faster than one can blink an eye, sometimes it is reassuring to encounter something that stays the same. One of those things is the delivery of quality legal services, and MacLean and Ema has been providing quality legal services to our community for 50 years.
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LIGHT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER
4 Improper Naming: A Potential Tragedy For Your Estate
18 Legislative Session Update
22 You’re Never Too Old To Learn
BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE
8 Do We All Obey The Laws In The Same Way
10 The Importance Of Honeybees
14 Honey Do
16 How Some Of Our Sports Teams Became Boring 26 Have We Gone Mad
28 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV
30 Endangered Species: Javan Rhino
36 Giving Back: Tom Sheehan
40 When Receiving Unsolicited Help May Not Be Fully Appreciated
42 Escapes
46 Don’ts and Do’s For Restaurants
OTHER
34 Miami Heat Update
39 Miami Dolphins Update 50 Miami Marlins Update 52 The Scoop
69 The LightTM Contributors 72 Letter From The Editors
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THE
THE
IMPROPER NAMING:
A Potential Tragedy For Your Estate
“What’s in a name?
That which we
call a rose, by any
other name would
smell as sweet.”
William Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet
by FREDERICK R. MACLEAN
Creating your estate plan can be a major undertaking. It often involves hiring an attorney to draft a will, a health care directive, power(s) of attorney, and possibly one or more trust documents. But all too often, once the estate planning documents have been signed, some important details get overlooked. And details matter, especially with respect to the law. There is one seemingly small detail that often gets forgotten: the consistency between the estate plan and the proper titling of the accounts.
4 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
What’s In A Name?
You may think your assets will be fine no matter how you title them. After all, while you are alive, the assets are titled in your name and you are the legal owner. But an account title is not only a name; it is a legal designation that indicates the official ownership and eventual distribution of the account, and it can have a significant impact on taxes, asset protection, and how those assets are distributed after your death. Far too often, affluent people spend a great deal of time - perhaps their entire adult lives - planning their investments, tax strategy, and estate plan, but they fail to take the last critical step of properly titling their assets. Errors in this seemingly insignificant detail can have tragic consequences for your heirs and your legacy.
Who Does This Belong To?
First, consider whether an account belongs to you alone or to you and one or more other people. If you are the sole owner, you might think the simplest option would be to title it as an “individual” account. With an individual account, you would enjoy sole ownership and control over the account while you are alive and competent, and when you pass away, if no beneficiary has been designated the account would be distributed to the benefi- ciaries of your estate via a court proceeding known as probate. But probate can be ex- pensive, frustrating, and time consuming, so most experts recommend you avoid titling as- sets in your individual name.
One alternative to individual ownership is tenancy in common (TIC). The TIC designation is a form of joint ownership that indicates each named owner owns a pro rata share of the account. Upon the death of a named owner, that owner’s share transfers only to his or her estate and not to the other owners. Again, this form of titling requires probate for the account, so it is usually best to avoid TIC.
In contrast with TIC, joint tenancy with rights of survivorship (JTWROS) and tenancy by the entirety (TBE) will avoid probate upon the death of one of the owners. Each owner has full access to the account during his or her life, but upon the death of an owner, the decedent’s share accrues to the remain- ing owners, and not to the estate of the deceased. Ownership as TBE, which is restrict- ed to married couples, offers the additional benefit of protection against the liabilities of one spouse. It should be noted, however, that although Florida recognizes TBE, not all states do.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 5
Trust Me...
If joint ownership is not appropriate for you, consider creating a trust and titling your accounts in the trust’s name or naming the trust as a beneficiary. Generally, the person establishing the trust (the “grantor”) serves as the legal authority over the trust assets (the “trustee”) and is typically the beneficiary of the trust during their lifetime. Upon the death of the grantor, a successor trustee will manage the remaining assets for the named bene- ficiaries, usually without the need for a probate proceeding. If all your assets are titled in the name of the trust or list the trust as beneficiary, you can be sure your assets will pass accord- ing to your wishes.
Designate Your Beneficiary
An alternative to creating a trust is adding a named beneficiary to an account. Such a designation is known as a transfer on death (TOD) or payable on death (POD) account and passes title directly to the named benefi- ciary immediately upon your death.
TOD/POD designations can be made on bank, brokerage, and retirement accounts (such as IRAs and 401(k)s), and they typically allow the assets to transfer to the beneficiary without a probate proceeding. It is important to note, however, that beneficiary designations will supersede any provisions made elsewhere in a will, trust, or other document, so be sure that your beneficiary designations are consis- tent with your overall estate plan.
Whether you have spent months creating a complex estate plan or just a few hours draft- ing a will, it is easy to overlook the seemingly insignificant step of retitling your accounts at the end of the process. But beware, small errors or omissions in titling can lead to immense unintended consequences; the inputs can be 99% correct and still lead to an outcome that is 100% wrong. After your estate documents are signed, ask your attorney for a list of titling and beneficiary designations that must be made, and be sure to include your wealth manager in the titling process. Romeo and Juliet eventually learned that names do matter; even today, ignoring their significance can be tragic.
IMPROPER NAMING:
A Potential Tragedy For Your Estate
6 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
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Do We All Obey The Laws
In The Same Way
by LARRY TURNER
In many respects, we seem to be witnessing a time in the U.S. in which laws are broken almost as often as they are observed. No better evi- dence of this is the fact that millions of people have illegally crossed into the United States over the past few years, and most will never be identified and deported despite efforts of the administration in power to do so.
That shift in observance can be found all through the country, even down to the observance of local laws. Here’s an example: my wife and I have
eaten at several small, good restaurants fairly close to our home but, in some respects, they couldn’t be more different. At one of them, the clientele of the restaurant and of neighboring businesses regularly park in handicap parking zones even though they are unable to display a placard identifying the occupant as one who is severely mobility impaired, as required by Florida law to possess such a placard. At the other restaurant just a few blocks away, the handicap parking zones remain unoccupied until
8 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
someone displaying the required placard occupies the space.
So here you have two similar businesses in basically the same geographic area where visitors to
the sites have extremely different philosophies about parking zones
for the handicapped. In one case,
those pulling in to visit one of the businesses could care less about
taking advantage of an empty park-
ing space notwithstanding it’s clearly identified as being available only to handicapped drivers. In the other case, the visitors possess the mentality of protecting such spaces for those who require parking in close proximity to their destination. Quite a difference in mentalities. Undoubtedly, these are the same drivers who
regularly run stop signs and red lights, among other transgressions.
Okay so we recognize this puzzle about how different people in the same community react to abiding by our laws, but where is the enforcement? That’s a whole different story!
Capitol Hill, Tallahassee
THELIGHTMAG.COM 9
The Importance Of HONEYBEES
by ROBERTA B. TURNER
Honeybee
While honeybees aren’t currently facing extinc- tion, many wild bee species are at risk, with some, like the rusty-patched bumblebee, even listed as endangered. Habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and diseases are major threats to bee populations.
There are different species of bumblebees, which are more commonly known as Bees. Here is an overview of the some of the concerns about the various populations.
Bee populations are declining in many parts of the world, raising concerns about the future of our food supply and ecosystems. There are over 20,000 known bee species worldwide.
The Rusty-Patched Bumblebee, which is native to Ohio, has suffered a serious decline and was officially added to the endangered species list in 2017.
The American Bumblebee has seen a 90% drop in its numbers since 2000 and has disappeared from eight states, making it a prime candidate in the future for the endangered species list.
While humans wouldn’t go extinct without bees, our food supply and ecosystems would face severe consequences, with a significant decline in food production and diversity.
10 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
A Colony Of Honeybees Producing Honey
Rusty-Patched Bumblebee American Bumblebee
THELIGHTMAG.COM 11
The Importance Of HONEYBEES
Bees, especially honeybees, play a vital role in pollinating a wide variety of plants, including many crops that humans rely on for food.
Without bees, the production of many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other crops would be severely reduced or even impossible. Exam- ples of bee-dependent crops include apples, avocados, almonds, blueberries, coffee, and many other staple foods that rely heavily on bee pollination.
The decline or disappearance of bees could lead to food shortages, higher food prices, and a decline in the nutritional value of our diets.
While bees are extremely important, other pollinators such as wasps, beetles, flies,
moths, and butterflies also play a role in pollination.
Beekeepers play a crucial role in maintaining healthy honeybee colonies for honey product- ion, pollination services, and the collection of other hive products like beeswax and pollen. They manage bee colonies, ensuring their well- being and productivity, while also contribut- ing to the food chain and ecosystem health.
Beekeepers ensure bees have proper nu- trition, shelter, and protection from diseases and pests. They regularly inspect hives for signs of disease or infestation and take appro- priate action to treat or prevent problems. They may supplement bee colonies with food during periods of low nectar flow or provide water sources.
12 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
Flying Honeybees Collecting Pollen
Honey Harvesting: Beekeepers harvest honey from mature honeycombs, en- suring they leave enough for the bees to survive the winter.
If you find a bee nest in your yard, the best approach is to leave it alone un- less it poses a direct threat or you’re allergic to bee stings. If you must remove it, contact a beekeeper or pest control professional for safe removal and relocation.
When researching current information about this article we found there are many professional services available to assist you in removing the nests. Bees have a vital role in our lives and in future generations; lets make sure we recognize and respect this.
A Beekeeper Holds A Frame With Honey From A Bee Hive In Her Hands.
Honeybee On A Purple Flower
THELIGHTMAG.COM 13
Honey
Do
by ROBERTA B. TURNER
Modern science is finding that many of the historical claims that honey can be used as medicine may be true. And, when you research the benefits of honey, they are too numerous to be included in this article, but we will high- light some of the most common and important ones. One of the most important facts about honey is that it is good for you if consumed in moderation.
Honey is very high in fructose and on average it is about 53 percent fructose. It is recommend- ed that the daily dose of consuming fructose stay under 25 grams per day. So make sure you understand how much fructose is in your diet when adding honey to your daily routine. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol or are overweight, you are better off avoiding all sweeteners including honey.
Here are a few ways to enjoy the benefits of honey when you are starting your day: 1) Be- cause of its great taste you can simply enjoy a spoonful of honey and start your day, 2) Instead of sugar or artificial sweetener, use honey in your cup of tea in the morning, and 3) If tea is not your thing but coffee is, then spread some honey on your toast with your cup of coffee.
14 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
Some Of The Most Popular Benefits Of Honey
Honey is an energy booster because it is a great natural source of carbohydrates, which provide strength and energy to our bodies. The glucose in honey is absorbed quickly and gives an immediate energy boost. Honey can provide you with a better source of energy than coffee, energy drinks, sodas and other “energy boosting” products.
Honey can be a powerful immune system booster. Because of its antioxidant and anti-bacterial ingredients it can improve the digestive system and also help you fight disease.
Some people claim that Honey can relieve seasonal allergies but this has not been proven in clinical studies.
Honey contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.
Research has shown that Honey treatment may help disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis.
How Honey Is Made
It is important to know that hon- ey has no added preservatives, no added flavorings, and no add- ed coloring, and honey is the only food that includes all the sub- stances necessary to sustain life.
Honey has been around for mil-
lions of years and bees, the creator of honey, are the only insects that produce food eaten by man.
Flower nectar is collected by bees and is naturally broken down into simple sugars and stored in honeycombs. A honey bee visits 50 to 100 flowers during a collection trip. Constant fanning by the bee’s wings causes evaporation to occur which creates the thick sweet liquid of honey. Honey will vary from hive to hive based on the type of flower nectar collected by the bees.
Beekeepers then harvest the honey by collecting the honeycomb frames and scraping off the wax cap that bees make to seal off honey in each cell. After the honey is extracted, it is strained to remove any remaining pieces of wax or other particles. Some- time this is done by a heating method.
Honey is commonly used to treat sore throats and coughing. A mixture of warm water, lemon and honey is a home remedy that has been used for many years. Some people prefer to add lemon and honey to chamomile.
Honey can be used to treat arthritis when used with apple cider vinegar.
Surprisingly Honey can heal wounds and burns as external application of honey has been shown to be as effective as conventional treatment.
Honey is also good for your skin. Its anti-bacterial qualities when combined with the other ingredients can be moisturizing and nourishing.
Honey is natural and considered harm- less for adults. But pediatricians strongly caution against feeding honey to children under 1 year old. “Do not let babies eat honey,” states foodsafety.gov, a website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Why? Because of the risk of botulism which can be found in the dust and soil that may make their way into honey. Keep in mind that infants do not have a developed immune system to defend against infection. However, prod- ucts with cooked honey such as cereals are fine for infants.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 15
How Some Of Our Sports
Teams Became Boring
by LARRY TURNER
I grew up as what is generously referred to as a “sports nut” because of my day-to- day interest in several major sports, includ- ing baseball, football and basketball, in no particular order. The teams stayed pretty much the same from year to year and fans like yours truly watched our favorite players improve or decline as time passed. That is no longer the case, with new rules about trades and acquisitions having been loos- ened to the point that your star performer this year may be an arch enemy in the fu-
ture. There is no “home” team to follow as you grow. That has impacted the previous level of love people felt for sports teams.
There are other changes in sports that don’t sit too well with fans either. One is how professional basketball is currently being played, which I have blessed with the name “Hop and Pop,” which is what each team does when it secures possession of the ball. They race down court, find the open team member no matter where he is in the arena, and launch a three-point missile towards
16 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
the basket. This style of play is boring, and I am not the only one to say so.
Recently, Draymond Green, a forward for the San Francisco Warriors, said for publica- tion that, in his opinion, the game has “be- come boring.”
On the other side of the coin, when baseball was losing fans a few years ago the commis- sioner’s office adopted changes to hope- fully reverse that trend. Time limits were placed on pitchers as well as on coaches trying to help their pitchers with advice on the mound. The game has gathered some speed, but it could use a few more nudges to reduce the length of games.
And don’t get me started on the NIL system adopted by the NCAA for college athletes or the motivation for NFL referees to make
patently bad calls at crucial times during games. My bet is that there will be signifi- cant changes in the NIL system before you can say Arch Manning and, with respect to the NFL, I can only wonder what the results of an investigation would show regarding motivation.
So there you have it. One fan’s opinion about the current state of some of our national sports. If some corrections are not introduced soon, advertisers won’t wait to pull their financial support of our favorite teams. Without financial support, elec- tronic coverage of games will disappear, followed by fans in the stands. None of us want to see that happen.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 17
Legislative
Session Update
by CHIP LAMARCA
Aerial View Of South Florida Suburban Housing Community
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Team 100 has been hard at work in Tallahas- see during the 2025 Legislative Session. It has been an eventful and impactful year, full of big ideas and important legislation. I have remain- ed focused on advancing our bills through the process and securing key appropriations to bring resources back to District 100.
This session has brought forward several note- worthy proposals from leaders across the state. Among them are efforts to raise the Homestead Exemption to reduce the Property Tax burden on Floridians, and a proposal to permanently lower the sales tax. This would also reduce the business rent tax. I believe both of these initiatives are strong steps toward easing the financial pressures on Florida families and businesses.
I am especially proud to be sponsoring HB 797 Veteran and Spouse Nursing Home Beds, a bill that supports our veterans by expanding access to nursing home beds. HB 797 would allow a 501(c)(3) nonprofit retirement community - one that serves only veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses, to create “Veteran and Spouse Designated Nursing Home Beds” within a skilled nursing facility.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 19
Legislative Session Update
The bill also permits the transfer of nursing home beds within 100 miles if there is no facility currently available, ensuring that our veterans receive the care they deserve closer to home. Our veterans deserve our respect and the best care in the twilight of their lives.
Another piece of legislation that I am sup- porting is HB 383, by Representative Lopez. This bill establishes the My Safe Florida Home Condo Pilot Program. I am pleased with the updates made to the bill this session, particu- larly the change that now allows condo boards
to approve grants with 75% board approval, rather than requiring a unanimous vote. In addition, associations are now eligible for grants of up to $175,000, which can be used for crucial improvements like:
• Exterior doors
• Garage doors
• Windows and skylights
• Roof improvements, including:
• Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections • Strengthening roof-deck attachments • Installing secondary water resistance • Replacing the roof covering
Each session, my goal is to help make Florida a better place for every resident. Every bill I file and every appropriation I pursue is done with that mission in mind. I also want to thank all of our constituents who made the trip to Tallahassee this year to share their priorities and advocate for the issues they care about. Your voices make a difference, and I believe the best way to influence the process is to show up and speak up.
20 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
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When I was growing up in the Sunshine State and the golden beaches were still being cleared of congregations of alli- gators and basks of crocs, dealing with the various trades was quite simple. If your home required some type of equipment, you simply contacted the local store that specialized in that prod- uct and arranged for its installation. Thereafter, if some problem developed with the new addition the store, usually the owner, would schedule a visit and correct the problem. Simple!
You’re Never Too Old To Learn
by LARRY TURNER
22 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
The gators and crocs may have disap- peared but so too have most of the local trades. Because they were mainly successful and their owners were approaching the age of retirement, many were sold to large state-wide or even national conglomerates. You could still find the equipment desired and even find tradesmen taught to install it, but that’s as far as it goes. When there is a problem, good luck in convincing the new business to offer assistance. They mainly encourage you to discuss the problem with them over the telephone and then hope you can
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absorb enough information to correct the problem yourself. Other than that, you’re on your own.
In some circles, that change is regarded as an improvement in the way business is done. To me, that is a disaster especially as one ages and no longer possesses the patience to deal with such matters.
My advice is that, notwithstanding the great ads for a product on national TV under- written by a multi-state business with local affiliates, stick with the local trade store run by your neighbor who will be at your front door when an issue arises with a purchase. Why pay for something that may not work and that you may not be sufficiently know- ledgeable to fix?
Sometimes “progress” is only a term to define enlarging something that was better when smaller!
THELIGHTMAG.COM 23
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NEW CONSTRUCTION
1.85 ACRES
2.35 ACRES
2.44 ACRES
16745 Stratford Court, Landmark Ranch Estates.
OFFERED AT $39,499,000 | 2.39 ACRES
BROCHURE:
The Formal Living
Total Under Roof: 34,353 sqft Total Under Air: 23,977 sqft
Movie Theater 25+ Car Garage
An indulgence of luxury and sophistication
First Floor: 10,332 sqft Second Floor: 13,645 sqft
Area Calculation
20900 N.E. 30th Ave, Suite # 1001, Aventura, FL, 33180 T. 305-401-2223 / [email protected] www.tomadesigngroup.com / @tomadesign
Main House: 6 Bedrooms | 8 Full Baths | 6 Powder Rooms Guest Wing: 2 Bedrooms | 2 Baths
Staff Quarters: 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath
25+ Car Garage: 17-foot-high ceilings, room for 3 high car lifts.
Luxury Amenities: dual elevators, salon, movie theater, spa, sauna/steam room, full gym, 1,200+ bottle wine cellar, multiple sitting & social areas.
Chef’s Dream Kitchen: Gaggenau luxury series appliances. Outdoor resort-style experience: 30x70 sleek modern
pool with tanning shelf, jacuzzi, comfortable built-in firepit, and fountains.
Peace-of-Mind: 24-hour armed guard patrol.
360° VIEW:
VIRTUAL TOUR:
Resort-style lanai
Have We Gone Mad by LARRY TURNER
Sometimes we read or hear about something important that has happened but dismiss it as “just one of those things.” But when several such things happen in a cluster we close our eyes and wonder if we were dreaming, hoping that when we open our eyes and wake up it will all have been but a dream. The following events transpired within a short time frame that made us wonder if we were dreaming or whether the nation had lost its mind:
• The president commented that he would not rule out the use of military force in order to take over Greenland. We recognize the possible future value of having that territory as a close friend and ally, but few feel that our need rises to the level of demanding military action to achieve it; and, even if it
did, why would the president alert the targeted territory in advance of our intentions?
• I believe the vast majority of us would agree that our children are our most precious as sets, to be protected and raised to the best of our abilities. If so, then why would the governor of our Sunshine State promote the conscription of minors to replace immigrants being deported? Is that the proper way to rear our most important assets to prepare to accept leadership positions in the future? That action by the State would force children into unwanted low-end jobs where their education will end and their hatred for the country will fester until the inevitable human explosion occurs ripping our country apart.
26 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
• Almost as an afterthought, a recent article commented that one of our senior leaders invited his wife to attend a meeting to discuss strategies to be employed in certain inter- national situations. Who does that?
• In the same vein, the name of a magazine executive was included in a list of indiv- iduals able to access sensitive military information prior to its implementation. How could anyone make such a serious mistake?
• Finally, the president was quoted as saying that he “couldn’t care less” whether auto- mobile prices increase because of the impact of the newly imposed tariffs. Regardless of
what effect those tariffs might eventually have on the pricing of various products, why would any executive appear to be so unconcerned about his constituents. Obviously, it was an off-the-cuff remark, but can’t the leaders of a country control their public statements a little more carefully?
You probably wouldn’t believe any one of these occurrences if you dreamed it, and you would certainly make an appointment with your psychiatrist if they all teamed up in one dream, but each of them actually occurred and you have to wonder about our country’s security if we cannot do a more accurate job in communicating with our citizens.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 27
2025 CHEVROLET
EQUINOX EV
In today’s market the public is gaining more know- ledge about the values of electric vehicles (EV) thereby increasing the acceptance level of the technology. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is a model that is expanding in the market due to its price and range of features.
Chevrolet’s Bolt was its predecessor, but it is on hiatus with the Equinox filling the void nicely. It may share a name with the gas-powered Equinox SUV, but this is an entirely different beast.
Very few EV’s are on the market for under $35,000, but the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV comes to the showroom starting at $33,600. It has an EPA- estimated range of 319 miles with FWD and 285 with AWD powered by its 85-kWh battery.
I am impressed with its eye-catching exterior design, elegant and comfortable interior, and oversized infotainment touch screen. Further, I am impressed that the base model is well-equipped and gives its limited field of rivals a run for the money.
Chevy changed its numbered trim levels for 2025 for a simpler duo of the LT and RS trims, with options packages adding additional equipment. This is down significantly from five for the 2024 model. Both trims come standard with the 220- horsepower (hp) electric motor and front-wheel drive (FWD). Dual electric motors that produce all- wheel drive (AWD) are available as an option and bump the output up to 300hp.
At 57 cubic feet with the rear seat stowed, the Equinox EV’s cargo capacity is not as spacey as its gasoline-powered brother, but the rest of the interior feels about as roomy. Inside, buyers will find an 11-inch digital dashboard like that of the Silverado EV as well as a large 17.7-inch touch- screen in the center of the dashboard. Base models are basic and lack even power-adjustable front seats, but the higher LT trims or RS models come with an array of features including heated seats, power seats, a sunroof, forward-collision warning
28 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
by RIC GREENE
with automated emergency braking, front-pedestrian and cyclist braking, intersection automatic braking, reverse automatic braking, side cyclist alert, and dual-zone climate control. Choose the RS and you can order the racy red interior theme.
The LT trim comes from
Chevrolet with three choices of packages. The Comfort and Active Safety 2 Package (starting at $36,995) adds an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, a heated synthetic leather- wrapped steering wheel, rear-pedestrian alert, and a surround-view camera system.
Bundling in the Convenience Package I for $43,295 adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a hands- free liftgate, multi-color interior ambient lighting,
synthetic leather upholstery, and a wireless charging pad. Last, the Convenience Pack- age II, at $46,395, adds sporty 21-inch black wheels, driver-seat memory, a head- up display, heated rear seats, a power front passenger seat, and ventilated front seats.
Add the Comfort and Active Safety 2 Package and a 360-degree camera system, and a handful of driver-assistance features. Keep in mind that the electric Equinox qualifies for the full $7500 federal tax credit, which is applied at
the point of sale.
There are numerous high-end EV’s on the market, but if you want to dip your toe in the new automotive technology, check out the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV; it has a lot going for it at an acceptable price.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 29
Endangered Species
JAVAN RHINOS
by ROBERTA B. TURNER
30 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025 30 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
Javan Rhino
Javan rhinos are the most threatened of the five rhino species, with only around 76 individuals that live only in Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia. Javan rhinos once lived throughout northeast India and Southeast Asia. Vietnam’s last Javan rhino was poached in 2010.
The Javan rhino is a critically endangered species. There are two species of rhino in Indonesia: the Javan rhino and the Sumatran rhino. The Javan rhino is the rarest of the five remaining rhino species globally.
Javan rhinos were killed by trophy hunters during colonial times. They were also killed as agricultural pests and for their horn, a highly prized commodity in traditional Asian medicine. Poaching remains an ever-present threat.
Aerial View Of Cigenter River In Ujung Kulon National Park In Indonesia, Where The Javan Rhino Lives
THELIGHTMAG.COM 31
This species is a dusky grey color and has a single horn of up to about 10 inches. Its skin has a number of loose folds, giving the appear- ance of armor plating. The Javan rhino is very similar in appearance to the closely-related greater one-horned rhinoceros, but has a much smaller head and less
apparent skin folds.
The Javan rhinoceros eats diverse plant species, espec- ially their shoots, twigs, young foliage and fallen fruit. Most of the plants favored by the species grow
in sunny areas in forest clearings, shrubland and other vegetation types with no large trees. The rhino knocks down saplings to reach its food and grabs it with its prehensile upper lip. It is the most adaptable feeder of all the rhino species.
Endangered Species JAVAN RHINOS
Javan Rhino Feeding
32 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
Baby Javan Rhino
The Javan rhinoceros can live around 30 - 45 years in the wild. It historically inhabited dense lowland rainforest, wet grasslands, and vast floodplains at forest-edges. It is mostly solitary, except for court-
ship and rearing off-spring, though groups may occasionally congregate near wallows and salt licks. Aside from humans, whom they usually avoid, adult rhinos have no natural predators in their range. Very small juveniles may be preyed upon, if left unsupervised, typically by leo- pards, Sumatran tigers or, rarely, crocodiles.
Rhinos share their habitat with a multitude of other plant and animal species. The protection of rhinos also helps protect the ecosystems on which they depend, as well
Javan Rhinos
as other species, including elephants, buffalo,
large carnivores, and antelopes that share their habitat.
Cigenter River, At Handeuleum Island, Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia
THELIGHTMAG.COM 33
Jimmy Bulter
HE WAS A PAIN BUT A GOOD PAIN
by LARRY TURNER
Before Butler fled Miami, the expectations for the Heat to run deep into the playoffs were not very strong. In fact, very little was expected of them. Once the dust settled behind Butler’s departure, “very little” became “nothing.”
The talent the team received in exchange for Jimmy is good but not consistently great, and every team needs one or two “go-to” players. Players like Bam and Herro are exceptional but are not always going to get open for the winning basket.
34 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
Injuries have also resulted in reduced minutes for good players like Jovic and Jaquez, but they are not yet at levels that replace the consistency of a Butler. And, yes, Ware has proven that he belongs, but all of the absent teammates together cannot replace a player of Butler’s talent.
Then there’s the issue of how frequently the Heat starts games slowly, warms up in the second and third periods, and then de- flates as the game comes to its conclusion. In all that’s been written about the team, I have not read one logical analysis of why this is occurring and how to deal with it.
As of this writing, the Heat is still eligible for the “play-in,” but there is little reason to anticipate them going very far in the post-season. Perhaps the best approach to the balance of the season is for Spo to utilize this time to put certain players to the test to determine their long-term future with the club. There is probably nothing better to do as the season wears down.
Photos Courtesy Of The Miami Heat
Jamie Jaquez
Bam Adebayo
Tyler Herro
THELIGHTMAG.COM 35
by WILLIAM J. GALLO Tom Sheehan
Throughout the past few years,
Giving Back has been exemplified
by individuals or couples who have
generously given their time, treasure
and talent to the Community. They
typically have done this service in
concert with their professional and/
or business lives. However, it seems
that the events of the past year,
both politically at home and inter-
nationally, are begging for a humble common-sense definition of the
wonderful act of giving to one’s
community and might I be so
bold as to imply, “humanity in general.” Mahatma Gandhi was one of those unique individuals who gave birth to a phrase that describes what I am proposing. Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service to others.” This quote led me to find the local person that best exemplifies what I have professed rep- resents a humble common-sense approach to Giving Back.
Jeremiah T. Sheehan, or as we in South Florida know him, Tom Sheehan, is like a silent river that runs very deep. He lives his life through strict adherence to a passage from the New Testament from Matthew Chapter 6: 2-18. This scripture fundamentally states that one should not seek publicity for one’s good deeds but to always perform them humbly and quietly. This philosophy of living is a result of his upbringing. Tom comes from a large family that relocated to Florida from Buffalo, NY in 1966. They
hail from Irish roots and believed in hard work, loving one’s neighbor and always duty to country, com- munity and the Catholic Church. Tom’s father, Sherwood Sheehan, didn’t just profess these charac- teristics, he lived them to the full- est. He built successful auto deal- erships in Buffalo, NY from scratch using his determination, wit, will- ingness to take chances, hard work and what few dollars he had. Quite frankly, a very few dollars. This road to success began after
he served in WW II in the South Pacific. Sherwood and his brother June enlisted in the Army Air Corps at a very young age after they each learned to fly bi-planes in upstate NY. Unfortunately, his brother June was killed in a training exercise in Jackson- ville, FL prior to deploying overseas. Sherwood followed on and became a B-17 and B-24 pilot and was stationed in Darwin, Australia. In those days a pilot was deployed for 22 missions and, if they survived the 22, they were released from combat service. Sherwood completed his 22 and re-upped for another 22. To this day, he is one of the very few that successfully completed 44 mis- sions, one of which he and his crew single hand- edly took on 20 Japanese zeros and successfully returned to base. As a result, he received the Dis- tinguished Flying Cross with two Oakleaf Clusters.
After the war, Sherwood returned to Buffalo, NY, married his high school sweetheart Norma, and
36 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
began growing the family. By the end of the 1950s, they had five children, Sharon, Tim, Sher- wood, Tom and Pauline. While raising the family, Sherwood was working selling cars and, ul- timately, he opened an auto re- pair shop that he leveraged into a Packard dealership. When Packard failed, he refused the same fate and leveraged that into a Nash Rambler dealership. When that failed, he once again pivoted and was able to obtain DeSoto and Plymouth dealer- ships. Along with the
growing success of his
dealerships and the
support of his wife and
high school sweet-
heart Norma, he also
took on a Ford dealer-
ship as well. Sherwood
had another goal in
mind, one which had
antecedents in his
memory of the wonderful weather in Florida and his general distaste for cold weather. This goal was to relocate the family to Florida. In 1967 he applied for and was granted the Pontiac Motor Company rights to a dealership in Light- house Point, FL. Sherwood and Norma packed up the station wagon, loaded the kids and headed south. Sherwood had the courage and foresight to use every dime the family had and purchased the 2800 block of North Federal Highway in the newly founded City of Lighthouse Point. A very gutsy move considering in those days no one wanted to live east of Dixie Highway and the City of Lighthouse Point was just growing out of bean farming.
And so begins the story of Tom Sheehan, a young man whose foundation is constructed from the same principles transmitted to him by his parents and especially his dad Sherwood. These principles are
Tom Sheehan & His Team At Sheehan Buick GMC
still on their company website today, Integrity, Honesty & Respect. In addition to those business ethics, Tom learned fundamental life principles as well. They are Faith, Family, Common Sense and a Humble persona. In fact, both Tom
and Dad believed the real formula for success is founded in a biblical doctrine, “treat others as you would have them treat you.” Armed with these life lessons and a good education, both High School at Cardinal Gibbons and College at Spring Hill College a Jesuit University in Mobile, Alabama, Tom came home to work in the family business. During that time the Pontiac dealerships grew to a total of nine throughout South Florida. The business also took on additional dealerships from General Motors Corporation, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Honda and Acura. By the turn of the century and in response to changing industry market appeal, Sheehan focused on GMC and Buick. Unfortunately, Sherwood passed away in 2003 and Tom assumed the position of President with the goal of moving the company forward. During the next 20 years under Tom’s and his brother Tim’s leadership, the company grew its automotive dealership footprint
THELIGHTMAG.COM 37
Tom Sheehan
in South Florida. They acquired
multiple locations along North
Federal Highway in Lighthouse
Point and Pompano Beach and, in
2016, made a major acqu-isition
by purchasing the Cadillac/Hum-
mer dealership located in Deer-
field Beach. Additionally, the
company performed major reno-
vations to all locations to modern-
ize and bring each location into
concert with flagship dealer stan-
dards and a contemporary approach to dealership sales and service. Today the locations are the jew- els of the East Side North County. This success was accomplished with the assistance of family and the loyal employees of the Sheehan dealer- ships. At one time or another, all of the Sheehan children worked in the family business and con- tributed that same work ethic they were taught by Sherwood and Norma. Leadership was, how- ever, the province of Tom and Tim who always evolved a culture of engaging their employees at every level of service.
I opened this article with a strong polemic about how giving back is at a point of inflection based upon our contemporary milieu. Well, I believe this is true and best exemplified in Tom Sheehan. Truth be known, he has consistently been a major donor
of time, talent and Treasure (emphasis noted) but main- tains the lowest profile of most about whom I have written. Tom has always answered the call to support The Archdicese of Miami, St. Paul the Apostle in Lighthouse Point, The First Responders in the City of Lighthouse Point, Major County Non-Profit organiza- tions, Our Lady of Victory
Cathy & Tom Sheehan
(OLV) National Shrine and Basilica, and his family has provided major support to the Carmelite Nuns in Buffalo, NY along with 50 plus national charities since the 1920s. Perhaps their common- sense approach is best summed up as follows, “to support others who have not been as fortunate as the Sheehan Family.”
Thus, my point about what our society needs now more than ever. It is individuals like Tom who give back by example. Examples of faith, common sense and losing oneself in the service to others. Perhaps the current mandate from our populace is screaming precisely for these concepts. C.S. Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” Tom is a living example of this statement. Remember, “Sheehan’s Believin.”
38 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
Lighthouse Point Police Officer And Firefighter Of The Year Lunch
The Dolpins
Are Flawed In
Several Areas
by LARRY TURNER
This article is being drafted before the NFL draft commences because to delay it any further would cause this space to become a bank page in the mag- azine which is about to be delivered to the printer.
Even before the NFL draft is held there are a few apparent weaknesses in the team and in the league in general.
First, many fans, and I am one of them, feel less loyalty to “their” teams because the rosters change so dramatically every year that it is difficult to connect with the players. This reduced loyalty demonstrates itself in the reduced attendance at home games and fewer viewers on our electronic devices. That is not healthy for the future of the sport.
Next, the weakness that has plagued the team for the past several years still persists, that being the offensive line. Now, with the retire- ment of Armstead, the weakness is even more glaring. It would take just short of a miracle for the team to build itself to where it belongs before the start of the season.
Then there’s the ever-present issue of having a fragile quarterback. It seems that we hold our breath un- til Tua survives each play. And, with a weak line in front of him, the challenge becomes even greater.
Finally, the team’s attitude does not appear very solid, and that was even before the departure of Calais Campbell. With his positive attitude removed from the roster and the daily question of whether Tyreek Hill is or is not a devoted member of the team, the result cannot be favorable to the devel- opment of new roster additions or to the improve- ment of other holdover roster players. Everything
Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill
needs to be on the right track for a team to experi- ence a successful season.
I have commented on the officials in the past and will conclude with another shot at them. It is essential that the individuals charged with offici- ating games be more diligent in discharging their responsibilities to eliminate criticism and the often heard “snarls” about how they are exposing their favoritisms for certain teams.
Let’s hope that the upcoming draft will provide good reason for us to improve our outlook for the upcoming season.
Photos Courtesy Of The Miami Dolphins
THELIGHTMAG.COM 39
When Receiving Unsolicited Help
May Not Be Fully Appreciated
by LARRY TURNER
Most of the time, when a stranger lets you get in line before them, or opens the store door for you, you are grateful because you were in a rush or were carrying a couple of bags and couldn’t do it yourself.
But as you get older, some of those niceties can be regarded negatively, like you don’t have the strength or ability to perform the function yourself. Some recent examples in my life included a grocery store cashier
calling on one of the workers to roll my cart out to the car for me; the dry cleaner asking if I wanted them to carry out the clothes I was picking up; the staff at our mail facility taking the mail from our box and meeting me at the door so I didn’t have to walk into the store; and a wine store staff member carrying a case of refreshment to the trunk of my car so I wouldn’t have to.
Providing assistance to someone in these
40 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
situations can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it demonstrates that our fellow residents possess good genes and demon- strate it by helping others whenever the need arises. On the other hand, the recipient of the kindness may feel that others don’t believe they are capable of being responsible for themselves and prove that by interfering, even though not asked to do so. The older one gets, the more likely it is that they may misinterpret such an “interference” as a judgment about one’s ability to take care of themselves, even though that interpretation of the person’s physical ability might be correct. Of course, no one wants to believe that their looks could lead to a negative
judgment about their being able to fend for themselves.
The better approach is to inquire of the person in question whether they would like some assistance in performing the task at hand. If the answer is in the affirmative, the decision is a mutual one, whereas if the help is simply provided without consent the recipient might regard themselves as a “victim” and refuse the offer even though the assistance was sorely needed to avoid an accident or injury.
It’s interesting how many things in our lives can have multiple meanings depending on how they are presented, especially to some- one by a stranger.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 41
escapes
by ROBERTA B. TURNER
The Perry Hotel Naples
Naples offers an excellent choice when you simply want to escape and experience a relaxed atmosphere with many sophisticated choices for attractions, shopping and dining.
I must admit, as somewhat of an east coast snob, my personal experience visiting the area was that I also enjoyed the beautiful beaches and local laid-back atmosphere.
42 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
The Perry Hotel Naples
Lobby Area
The Perry Hotel Naples located in North Naples, features 160 stylish guest rooms and an array of world-class amenities.
The hotel’s modern design is complemented by local influences, and integrates with the natural beauty of its surroundings, including a neighboring nature conservation area com- plete with a riverwalk and a serene waterfront pier. Additional highlights include a two-story lobby, state-of-the-art fitness center, a cozy coffee bar, a quick-service tapas restaurant, and a rooftop dining experience.
Ground Pool
The Perry Coffee Shop
THELIGHTMAG.COM 43
escapes
Guest Room
Roof Top Adult Pool
Guests can indulge in a variety of food and bever- age options, including a signature restaurant with breathtaking panoramic views, a rooftop bar, and multiple pool areas, from a ground-level oasis to a stunning rooftop pool. Nestled along the Coco- hatchee River with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, the hotel offers many opportunities for boat- ing, watersports, and exploration, with an on-site marina boasting eight slips exclusively for guests.
Balcony With Riverside View
The hotel offers both riverfront rooms and one-bedroom suites. The bathrooms feature a bathing area with a rejuvenating walk-in shower and a deep soaking tub - ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring Naples’ attractions.
44 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
Perry Dock By Cocohatshee River
Tigress Cantonese Chophouse
Tigress Restaurant & Rooftop Bar is located on the seventh-floor rooftop of The Perry Hotel Naples. This Cantonese influenced restaurant offers chic ambiance and panoramic views of the River & Gulf of America, and is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. The tapas bar and coffee shop also offer guests a variety of choices.
Through the hotel’s partnership with All Water Excursions, they offer a collection of outdoor
Easy Tiger Rooftop Bar
adventures designed to enhance your stay. This includes kayak tours, fishing options, and sunset cruises to name a few.
One of the other features of Naples for a week- end escape is its close proximity to South Florida, being a little over an hour away.
Private Backwater Fishing Charters
Dolphin Eco Tours
THELIGHTMAG.COM 45
DON’TS AND DO’S
FOR RESTAURANTS
by LARRY TURNER
I’m sure the first reaction of readers of this story is where does the writer get the license to grade restaurants. My two responses are that I am older and that most of my senior years have found me in a restaurant at least once a day. Big ones, small ones and every- thing in between. I have pretty much seen it all and have my own opinions based on actual life experiences.
To me, the most important component of a good restaurant is the quality of the food, especially in times when prices are rising and the temptation is strong to reduce quality to preserve desired profit margins. My interest in such restaurants begins to wane if this decision continues for any length of time.
Even if the quality of the food is suspicious, the atmosphere of a restaurant’s space and finishes can attract me to visit it on a regular basis. Most restaurant spaces are basic and not terribly interesting. If one delivers some- thing special, however, it can win me over several times a year.
Of equal importance is service. Again, in an effort to maintain profit margins, many res- taurants reduce staff even during their bus- iest times hoping that the quality of food and atmosphere will enable patrons to overlook the delays and mistakes in service. That I cannot do. Not having to be constantly look- ing for my server enables me to enjoy the food and have a relaxing lunch or evening out.
46 THE LIGHT MAY / JUNE 2025
Pricing only becomes a problem for me when the prices for principal food items like steaks remain stable but everything else that use to accompany the meat becomes a` la carte. If I have to pay additional amounts for side dish- es like potatoes and vegetables, my natural reaction is that prices have risen, no matter how the restaurant labels it. When that oc- curs, I have to think twice about return visits not just based on increased pricing but also the honesty of the approach.
Then there are a few things that don’t impact my selection process very much at all. One is the quantity of food included in the menu items. I guess the amount of my usual con- sumption has declined over time
so a little more or less food doesn’t impress me one way or another.
Another factor that seems to be of central concern to many diners is the spacing of tables. The closer the tables are, the more the restaurant can set-up to feed the maximum number of customers. But to some of those customers, that makes for a noisier room and little confiden-
tiality in conversations that can be overheard by many at surrounding tables. I rarely have conversations requiring several feet of confidentiality between tables, but if I were that nervous about what was being said I might change my mind; but for now, that is not a concern of mine in selecting a dining spot.
Finally, I become a bit paranoid about the temperature setting in a restaurant if the main doors, or several windows, are open pre- sumably to save air conditioning costs. If a business is willing to resort to little cost-sav- ing measures like that, what else might they do to preserve or improve profits?
So that is how I compare restaurants when my wife and I are selecting a place to dine. If you boil the various considerations down to one decision maker or breaker it is the quality of the food. If we can enjoy the food and not have people falling all over us during the meal we are happy diners.
THELIGHTMAG.COM 47
The Shoppes at Beacon Light The Center That Has It All
RESTAURANTS & LOUNGES
Byte and Coffee
Dua Gelato & Coffee
Fetta Republic
Fish Shack
Jugo Boss
Lighthouse Thai & Sushi Manta Peruvian Cuisine Midnight Cookies & Cream Offerdahl’s
Sicilian Oven
The Social Club & Lounge
INSURANCE, FINANCE & REAL ESTATE
Allstate
Bee Insurance Edward Jones ReMax
State Farm Summit Builders
PERSONAL SERVICES
Beacon Coin Laundry
Chip LaMarca State Representative
Complete Fitness Education Station Healthy Weight Loss 4 U Medical Diagnostic Rehab Nob Hill Medical Center Pet Haven
Venetian Luggage and Shoe Repair
SALONS & SPAS
Beacon Light Barber & Salon
Blue Room Salon Extravagant Pampering Madeline’s Beauty Shop Shear Excitement
Top Nails
Wellness Center
RETAIL
Altier Rare Coins Belle D’Amour
Body & Soul Boutique Dazzles
French Blooms Sally Beauty The UPS Store