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Fort Lauderdale has a plethora of things to do, from beaches to fine dining to watersports. However, the Museum of Discovery and Science (MoDS) is an often overlooked attraction. With tons of fun for kids and adults alike, it's a trip you'll remember for years to come. If you've never been or don't know where to start, here's a quick guide to take you through the museum. 1. The IMAX Although you've probably only been to the IMAX in your local theater to see the latest Tom Cruise flick, the IMAX at MoDS takes it up a notch. Standing six stories high with a 52,000 watt digital sound system and Florida's only 4K Laser IMAX Projector, this 4,800-square-foot screen is something you have to see to believe. The theater currently seats 300 people, and regularly screens some of the biggest action blockbusters. "Transformers: The Last Knight" and "Spiderman: Homecoming" are due to hit the IMAX theater this July, and once you go, you'll find it hard to go back to the normal theater. 2. Minerals Rock Exhibit If you've ever wondered what's beneath the surface, the Minerals Rock Exhibit shows you. This immersive experience goes through every type of mineral and other rock, describing how they're the building blocks of the Earth, and what use they have in everyday life. You can even touch a lava rock and make your own "volcano" to see how land masses are formed over time. 3. Living in the Everglades Far from the hordes of tourists and sandy beaches of Florida's towns and cities lies the World Heritage Site of the Everglades. One of only 20 such sites in the United States, the Everglades is an ecosystem unlike any other in the world, full of exotic wildlife, aquatic life, and plants. At the Living in the Everglades exhibit, kids can learn about this fragile ecosystem and what the government is doing to help preserve the park from disappearing forever. You'll also have a close-up look at exhibits that detail each of the 300 species that call the park home. 4. Gizmo City Gizmo City is the most hands-on exhibit at MoDS, explaining to kids and adults how stuff works. By providing an interactive experience, MoDS provides you with a better understanding of the gadgets that make life easier. While you're here, you can program a robot, lift 400-pound blocks of concrete, and do other tasks that give you a better grasp of modern technology. 5. EcoDiscovery Center The EcoDiscovery Center is an immersive part of the museum that gives you the chance to learn about the weather, wildlife, and natural history of Florida. It starts off with a display of live otters that play before your eyes. Next, you'll head over to see how the weather affects Florida throughout the year. It's topped off with a look at prehistoric Florida, full of lifelike recreations of extinct animals. With so much to do at MoDS, there's no chance you'll end up bored. It's open seven days a week. Admission is $16 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $13 for children 12 and under.

When the Kia Rio hit American roads in 2000, it didn't garner great reviews. Sure, it provided a place to get from here to there with a cheap price tag and excellent fuel economy, but it didn't do anything to change the game. Eighteen years later, Kia brings the fourth generation of the Kia Rio to showrooms, and it looks every bit the part of a game changer. Available in both a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, the Kia breathes new life into the subcompact segment. Here's a look at all it has to offer in the upcoming year. Engine Options One of the most intriguing options of the 2018 Kia Rio is its three engine options. Ranging from super efficient to powerful, yet not pretentious, the Rio has an engine for every type of driver. The first option is a 1.2-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 83 horsepower and 90 pound-feet of torque. It won't win any land speed records, but it's sure to provide the fuel economy that entices buyers in the segment. The next choice is a turbocharged 1.4-liter, diesel inline four-cylinder that adds a bit more oomph with 89 horsepower and a surprising 177 pound-feet of torque. The only deal with this engine is that Kia hasn't yet revealed whether this option will be available in the U.S., Europe, or both. Finally, the Kia Rio may also have a rare, turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine aimed at providing both efficiency and speed. It kicks out 99 horsepower, which is awesome despite its tiny engine displacement. It's not yet known which transmission will come with each engine or if you can choose the options, but a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, and four-speed automatic are all on the table. more Additional Features You could purchase the entry-level Rio when it comes out, but you'd miss out on some of the amazing features that come with the high-end trims. Early details are scant, but it looks like there's a number of comforts, safety, and convenience features that are sure to please. Remote keyless entry, Bluetooth wireless technology, a rear camera display, 15-inch alloy wheels, and Kia UVO eServices will all come on upper-level models. However, the addition of autonomous emergency braking is the true standout, showing Kia's continued commitment to vehicle safety. Smartphone Connectivity In the past few years, Kia has put a premium on adding advanced technology features to their vehicles. The 2018 Rio is no different. This year, the Rio adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With these two systems, you can seamlessly connect your mobile device, which brings your apps and other gadgets to the car's head unit. Not only does this give you instant access to music, navigation, and apps, but it also keeps your eyes on the road. That way, you won't have to test out the autonomous emergency braking. The 2018 Kia Rio is a bold statement from the Korean automaker that shows they mean nothing but business. It's not yet known when the Rio will hit showrooms, so you'll just have to drool for a bit longer. Image by Kia

The Sunshine State has some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the world, lined with white sand and sapphire blue waters. However, most of these places aren't a secret, especially in South Florida. To the untrained eye, the best beaches are full of locals and tourists, while some of the area's lesser-known beaches remain untouched. If you want to go to the beach but you're tired of fighting the crowds, check out a few of these hidden beaches throughout South Florida. Fort De Soto Park Nestled just a few miles away from the super touristy, mini golf-laden main drag of St. Pete Beach, you'll find Fort De Soto Park. Once a military installation, this Pinellas County park is now listed among some of the best beaches in the country. However, it remains relatively untouched because of its location, and the $5 fee might deter some looking for a free trip. Once you arrive, you'll swear you were in a ghost town. The parking lot that was once designed to hold thousands of cars is hosting only a few, and if you walk far enough down the shore, you'll have the place to yourself. After you get your fill of the sun, your trip to Fort De Soto isn't complete without a trip to the eponymous fort. Built in 1906, the fort remains relatively intact, and you can see the giant mortars designed to keep enemies at bay. There's also fishing, short hiking trails, and refreshments available. more Caladesi Island State Park Caladesi Island State Park has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country primarily because it's not that easy to reach. If you take Florida Route 60 west as far as it goes, you'll eventually reach Clearwater Beach. Because of the town's white sand beaches that seem to extend forever, most people stop here. What they don't know is that on the northern tip of the island is Caladesi. The problem is that it's not easily accessible, and from Clearwater Beach, it requires permission to take private roads. The best way to get there is actually to stay on the mainland and take the Caladesi Island Ferry from Dunedin or take your own boat. Once you're there, you'll find some modern amenities such as a snack shop, but it's mostly open water, sand, and wildlife. Bahia Honda State Park Most people travel the Overseas Highway to get to the legendary Key West. However, they often miss the crystal clear waters of Bahia Honda State Park. There's a main beach that hosts a bevy of tourists throughout the year, but to escape it all you don't have to try hard. Rent a kayak and paddle your way in either direction to discover a beach that's yours. Plus, you can see all types of fish from the kayak, and maybe even a manta ray. Discovering Florida's most hidden beaches isn't something you can do in a day. But if you have the opportunity, it's a way to relax without any of the hassle.

Kia first came to the United States in 1992 with the intention of selling economical cars that appealed to commuters, college graduates, and those looking for a value buy. With this mantra, the Korean automaker never dared to approach the sports car realm. Most sports car manufacturers had already established a loyal following and cornered the market. Yet here we are 25 years later, and it's finally happened. Kia has breached the sports car segment. If you haven't heard the news, the 2018 Kia Stinger looks, feels, and plays the part of a sports sedan masterpiece. Here's a quick look at the stunning 2018 Stinger. The Peter Schreyer Touch If you hadn't noticed, Kia started to undergo a revolution of design and ingenuity starting in 2006. That's the year Kia lured Peter Schreyer from the Volkswagen Group, which manufactures Bentley, Audi, and Lamborghini. When he arrived, he turned his interests to making Kia a more reputable brand through attractive design. The Kia Stinger was just one of his brainchildren. Combining European styling with Korean innovation, the Stinger was born, and just 12 years later, it's finally made its way to production. more A Driver's Car With two turbocharged engine options, the 2018 Kia Stinger is the ultimate driver's car. What makes this even more remarkable is that it's Kia's first attempt to create a sports car, and it seems like they hit on all cylinders. The stock engine for the Stinger is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that kicks out 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. If that's not enough to satisfy your zest for speed, an upgrade to the 3.3-liter twin turbo V6 will undoubtedly do the trick. Behind this engine, the Kia pumps out an impressive 365 horsepower and up to 376 pound-feet of torque. That's enough power to compare with the big boys of the industry. Both engine choices mate with a swift, sporty eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance Hardware Performance isn't just about having a mammoth engine. It's about having the underpinnings to tackle any obstacle, curve, or straightaway thrown in your path. Fortunately, the Stinger contributes a number of specs that easily propel it around the tightest spaces and turns. Brembo vented disc brakes allow you to stop on a dime or slow your speed enough to turn comfortably, while dynamic stability control with five modes allows you to grip the road with ease. A MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension provides even more comfort as you drive, while rack-mounted motor driven power steering allows you to navigate with no trouble at all. Safety Features The Kia Stinger looks and plays the part of a sports car, but it has tons of active safety features you don't see often in the genre. All of this tech is 100 percent designed to prevent accidents. Highlights include a Kia-first driver attention alert, forward collision assistance, blind spot detection, and rear cross traffic alert. With these features, you can feel safe and confident even when you're cruising with some pace. The 2018 Kia Stinger is a roll of the dice for Kia, but everything about it seems like a winner. Don't miss your chance to be a part of Kia history by getting behind the wheel of the Stinger in late 2017.   Image by Kia

With its striking use of herbs and pungent spices and a distinctly Caribbean influence, Cuban cuisine features an exciting blend of tasty dishes. Finding good Cuban food around Fort Lauderdale is about knowing where the best Cuban restaurants in the city are. Make your search easier by reading below about the three best Cuban restaurants around Fort Lauderdale. 925 Nuevo's Cubano's Situated on 925 North Andrews Avenue, 925 Nuevo's Cubano's is a quintessential Cuban restaurant with a range of delicious and authentic Cuban dishes on the menu. A delicious tilapia burrito comes with lots of sumptuous fillings, such as tomatoes, cucumber, and lime for that zesty Cuban hit. The fish is perfectly cooked and comes shredded so you can eat it in handy bite-sized chunks. Another essential dish at Nuevo's Cubano's is the Cuban sandwich, which comes with an assortment of juicy meats served on crispy Cuban-style bread. For a tasty caffeine hit, order a fresh cup of Cuban coffee. The exterior design is eclectic and welcoming at the same time while the vibrant atmosphere inside and the Cuban music transports you into the heart of Havana. more Juana La Cubana Cafe The chefs at Juana La Cabana serve homemade Cuban food that tastes like it would in Cuba, and the open plan kitchen lets you watch the cooks at work and verify that this restaurant does, in fact, cook everything to order. The low-key location on 2850 SW 54th Street gives a sense of charm to this Cuban eatery and it almost feels like you're unearthing a hidden gem when you encounter Juana La Cabana for the first time in the unexpected surroundings of a trailer park. Sample some delicious plantains cooked until golden brown with salt and lime juice sprinkled on top for a real taste of Cuba. This restaurant also serves a fantastic rendition of the famous Cuban dish known as Vaca Frita, which is a dish of fried beef first marinated in salt, lime, and garlic. The crispy seared beef comes with black beans, rice, and onions. The staff are friendly, the interior is aesthetically pleasing without being pretentious, and the atmosphere is as relaxed as it gets. Little Cuban Cafe The next time you're near Griffin Road, make sure to stop for a bite to eat and a freshly brewed cup of Cuban coffee at the wonderful Little Cuban Cafe. The owners of this eatery arrived from Cuba 20 years ago, and they have pleased hungry diners every year since with their bona fide Cuban cuisine. Grab a seat and order a fresh cup of Cuban coffee or two while mulling over your food choice. Opt for the Cuban sandwich that comes with three types of ham, pickles, and some mustard wrapped in Cuban bread. Another stellar choice is a guava cheese pastry that combines the sweet and sour tang of guava with peppery melted cheese for a contrasting combination that just works. Visit these restaurants in Fort Lauderdale to try some of the tastiest Cuban dishes in the city.

The Kia Cadenza is a great choice for anyone in the market for a four-door full-size sedan. The Cadenza combines an attractive design with a slew of safety and technology features. Crossovers are more popular these days, but a well-made sedan like the Kia Cadenza causes you to think twice about automatically opting for a crossover. Discover below all you need to know about the 2017 Kia Cadenza and what makes it so good. Excellent Safety It's a given that your car comes with the bare minimum level of safety that protects you and your occupants. But Kia goes way beyond the bare minimum with the 2017 Cadenza. At its very foundation, Kia designed the Cadenza for maximum protection. A special 'Iso-Structure' construction gives the Cadenza a lightweight yet incredibly strong build. Then, there are a plethora of active safety features, including traction control to keep the wheels from spinning out of control upon acceleration. You also reap the benefit of a vehicle stability management system that increases driving control in tough conditions. An antilock braking system reduces skidding while a brake assist system helps you out in emergencies. Finally, an advanced airbag system with included sensors ensures complete protection for all occupants during an accident. more Top Technology Kia excels with the available tech features in the 2017 Kia Cadenza. In addition to the active safety features, you get a 360-degree parking camera. For entertainment, smartphone integration is standard. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come included, meaning you can access important phone functions right from the dashboard. You'll even have your texts read aloud to you via the available 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. There are two USB ports to charge your mobile devices with. Impressive Powertrain The base engine comes included across all three trim levels of the 2017 Kia Cadenza. You get a 3.3-liter V6 engine for your money that outputs power ratings of 290 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The base engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth shifting and a comfortable, easy ride. The standard driving system across all trims is a front-wheel drive system. In terms of performance from the engine, you can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.8-seconds, which is impressive. Expect to come to a complete stop from a speed of 60 mph within 115 feet. Combined with the responsive brake pedal, the Kia Cadenza is easy to slow down in. Smooth Aesthetics The interior brings a sense of luxury to you with quilted seat bolsters and a padded driver's knee rest for superior comfort. Available LED daytime lighting and a stylish tiger nose grille gives the Kia Cadenza a bold, attractive exterior. The Z-shaped daytime running lights are particularly eye-catching. A heated steering wheel and heated seats add another element of comfort. The panoramic sunroof provides more light and some pleasant fresh air for warm weather driving. If you're looking for a sleek sedan with a reliable engine and the full range of both safety and technology features, you can't go wrong with the 2017 Kia Cadenza.   Image by Kia

There's so much to see and do in the Fort Lauderdale area. Whether you like the beach, want to try out new dining experiences, or just see the sites, you can find a unique way to do it. Here are some out-of-the-ordinary ways to tour Fort Lauderdale. The Intracoastal Water Taxi See the city from the water when you take a tour on the Intracoastal Water Taxi. The Fort Lauderdale route has many stops in and around the area and connects to Hollywood and the Margaritaville Express. Cruise in and out of the canals and see the islands and waterfront homes as you ride through some of the 330 miles of waterways. You might even see some dolphins who ventured into the intercoastal waters. The water taxis pick up passengers at the stops along the route every 30 minutes so make sure to be ready to hop aboard. more Fort Lauderdale Airboat Rides Kick up the adventure a little and take an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades. This a great way for the whole family to experience the beautiful wetlands and the wildlife that lives there. See white-tailed deer, birds, and even some alligators as your captain drives the airboat over the waters. Choose a daytime tour or head out just before sunset and watch the sun go down. They will even take you out in the early morning so you can watch as the Everglades come to life. You can book a tour right from the Fort Lauderdale Air Boat Rides website, and the cost of the ride depends on the tour and how many passengers on the boat. Segway Fort Lauderdale Do you want to see the sites, but don't feel like walking? Join one of the Segway tours and cruise your way through the streets of Fort Lauderdale. The tours vary in length and start after you go through training. You can choose from several different tours depending on what you want to see. The Yacht & Mansion Tour goes through downtown Fort Lauderdale where you can see some of the huge celebrity mansions, or try the 17th Street Causeway Tour which is ten miles long and brings you to the top of the Causeway Bridge. Cycle Party Fort Lauderdale Turn your tour into a party, and maybe even get some exercise with a Cycle Party tour of Fort Lauderdale. The cycles have room for ten peddlers and five riders for a total of 15 passengers. They offer several different tours including a pub crawl tour, a foodie tour, and Sunday Funday which starts with mimosas and includes three of the best daytime stops in Fort Lauderdale. Book a tour for your group online and spend the day out pedaling your way around the fun city while seeing some local sites. Grab some friends and spend the day getting to know the Fort Lauderdale area on one of these fun and unusual ways to see the city. Whether you prefer spending your time land or you like the water, there is something for everyone.`

According to some experts, Fort Lauderdale is one of the top ten places in the country when it comes to dining diversity. Whether you want to sit down for a nice dinner or grab something quick and delicious from a food truck, Fort Lauderdale has it. Check out these ways to explore Fort Lauderdale's food scene, so you don't miss anything good to eat. Dine Out Lauderdale In August 2017 restaurants in the Fort Lauderdale area will participate in Dine Out Lauderdale. This six-week event celebrates the best restaurants in the area along with their top chefs and meals. Participating restaurants offer special menus consisting of three courses for just $36. The event allows you to try some new restaurants and taste the best they have to offer. You can find out which restaurants a part of the event by visiting the Hello Sunny website. more Get the Fork Lauderdale App The Fork Lauderdale dining app is a great way to find out about the dining and nightlife in Fort Lauderdale. Use the app to find just the right restaurant with the atmosphere you want to fit your night out. Whether you want to find a romantic waterfront place or the newest trending place with a good bar scene, you'll find it on the app. Just turn the dial on the app to select the type of cuisine, the atmosphere, and the budget, and you'll get a list of options. You can also read reviews from other diners and get insider tips. Fort Lauderdale Food Tours Take part in a Taste of Las Olas Food Tour and taste your way through the city. You can get a tour of the area while you experience the local flavors. The tours take place every Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $79 for adults and $69 for kids if they want to eat. The tour is just a half a mile, and the participating restaurants feature a wide range of flavors. You'll visit small local eateries and gourmet restaurants while you learn about the history of the neighborhood and see local landmarks. Food Trucks Fort Lauderdale Follow the food trucks in Fort Lauderdale website to get some of the best local food around. These restaurants on wheels offer all kinds of cuisine from burgers to tacos and dessert. The Food Trucks Fort Lauderdale website keeps a calendar with the locations of all the food trucks and information about special events, so you don't miss a thing. Find out where your favorite truck is serving lunch and if they have anything special going on to make it even more fun. The calendar also has information about featured events such as the Pompano Pier Monthly Food Truck Round Up and the Food In Motion event at Peter Feldman Park. There are lots of ways to find out what is going on with the food scene in the Fort Lauderdale. Check out one of these events, or use an app to find just the right place for a special night out.

There are many reasons to drive a compact car. They are often less expensive, and they don't take up much room for those concerned about parking. The good news is that even if you need a compact, you don't have to give up power or technology. Take a look at these vehicles and decide which compact Kia is right for you. The Kia Rio The Kia Rio is a subcompact sedan with an abundance of both standard and optional features in two different trim levels. Both of these come standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and front wheel drive. The base LX is the entry-level model, or you can bump up to the EX and add additional packages for extra features. There is a good amount of room inside the Rio and Kia uses quality materials throughout. The trunk of the sedan has 13.7 cubic feet of storage, and the rear seats have a 60/40 split to add more space if you need it. more The Kia Rio 5-Door If you want a sportier Rio, the Kia Rio 5-Door is a hatchback version of the compact car. This model adds an extra SX trim level that is not available on the sedan. The SX trim has all the features of the EX and adds a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a sunroof. You'll also get automatic headlights and leather upholstery in the hatchback SX. Inside the 5-Door, you'll have 15 cubic feet of storage space behind the back seats, and if you lay them down, this opens up to 49.8 cubic feet. The Kia Forte The Kia Forte is a compact sedan loaded with technology and a new powerful engine. The base engine is now a 2.0-liter, and it comes with a new six-speed automatic transmission. Kia combined these two for increased fuel-efficiency of up to 32 miles per gallon combined. The Forte sedan comes in three different trim levels so you can choose from the LX, S, and the EX. The Sportier S trim is only available on the sedan and features sport-tuned suspension and a rear spoiler. Choose this model for the option to add lane departure warning with mitigation and blind-spot monitoring. The Kia Forte5 The Forte5 is the hatchback version of the Forte. This comes in LX, EX, and SX trims.The SX trim brings the S level up a little higher by adding 18-inch wheels and larger front brakes. You'll also get Kia's UVO eServices system as a standard feature. The Forte5 also has the option for a 1.6-liter turbo engine with the SX trim that delivers more horsepower than the standard engine. For safety features, the Forte5 offers the option for blind spot monitoring along with the other standard features. Kia has several compact vehicles to choose from that are fuel-efficient, fun to drive, and offer a good amount of space. With so many options, you're sure to find the one that fits your lifestyle, aesthetic, and budget.   Image by Kia

The Kia Niro is the first hybrid crossover SUV to hit the market, and it delivers an excellent mix of fuel-efficiency and functionality in a well-packaged vehicle. This is also the first time that Kia is only offering a vehicle as a hybrid/electric with no gas-fueled option. Here are some reasons why the 2017 Kia Niro should be your next hybrid. The Style The Niro's exterior design is a combination between a wagon and a utility vehicle. It features the Kia grille with shutters that close when the vehicle travels at higher speeds for better aerodynamics. You'll get roof rails and a rear skid plate along with an aerodynamic shape to help with its efficiency along with a spoiler in the back. more The Power The power of the Niro comes from a 1.6-liter direct injection engine with 104 horsepower combined with a 32-kilowatt electric motor. Kia makes the Niro stand out from other hybrids by getting rid of the CVT and putting in a six-speed dual clutch transmission. This allows the engine to rev and shift like a regular gas-powered car, so when you are behind the wheel, it feels like you're driving a regular car. There is also a choice between a Sport mode and an Eco mode depending on what you want for a driving experience. The Interior Features Inside the cabin of the Niro, you'll find high-quality materials and an ergonomic layout with controls that are easy to access and use. An open bin in the front offers both small-item storage and USB phone charging. In the back, this car has 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space. If you lay the seats down, this opens up to 54.5 cubic feet of storage. Technology The Niro comes with Kia's UVO3 infotainment system. This includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with roadside assistance and vehicle diagnostics. The car also comes with features linked to the navigation system to help increase fuel economy. The system analyzes the route that you put in, then coaches the driver about when to coast and when to brake to get the most out of the car. The Predictive Energy Control System works to manage the energy flow by anticipating hills along your driving route. The Performance Since this a hybrid vehicle, performance is paramount. The Niro drives a lot like a regular car and offers a tight turning radius for efficient and confident city driving. When you get up to speed on the highway, the ride is comfortable and quiet and stays easily on track, so you don't need a lot of steering movement. Where it really impresses, though, is in its fuel economy. Most of the models will get 43 miles per gallon with 46 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The 2017 Kia Niro is an innovative new hybrid vehicle that offers great mileage and a stylish ride. Image by Kia

As one of Florida's most popular tourist destinations, Ft. Lauderdale is home to gorgeous weather, pristine beaches, and many great events. If you're visiting the city this spring, here are five events worth checking out. Las Olas Art Fair Every March, Ft. Lauderdale's iconic Las Olas Boulevard springs to life with colorful paintings, life-sized sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, and incredible photography. As the second art show of the season, the Las Olas Art Fair features an eclectic mix of well-known artists and newer names who specialize in everything from ceramics to mixed media. Event-goers can stroll the boulevard to more view art, purchase items, or simply mingle with artists and other visitors. The Las Olas Art Fair is easily accessible from the Ft. Lauderdale Airport and is close to many wonderful shopping and dining options. Walk for the Animals If you're an animal lover, fitness fanatic, or both, the annual Walk for the Animals event is an absolute treat. Each March, the Humane Society of Broward County hosts its largest fundraiser: a leisurely 1.25-mile walk that attracts thousands of locals and visitors alike, along with their dogs. The walk begins at Ft. Lauderdale's Huizenga Plaza and winds along the river and through downtown. Along the way, walkers and dogs can enjoy live entertainment, free treats, a dog agility performance, and more. Best of all, the Humane Society of Broward County dedicates all funds raised to advancing its mission of providing shelter, aid, and responsible adoptions to animals in need. Hollywood St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, the city of Hollywood hosts a parade and festival every March. The event features a traditional float parade with dozens of floats and local marching bands, as well as traditional Irish entertainment and food. In addition, Hollywood's newly renovated Anniversary Park is transformed into a fantasy land full of fun games and activities for children. This year, the event will feature the New York Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps, Joe Dougherty, and UV's U2 tribute show. Tortuga Music Festival Every April, the Tortuga Music Festival brings together fans of country, rock, and roots music for three days of celebration on the beautiful sands of Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park. The event was created in partnership with Rock the Ocean, a foundation that's dedicated to raising awareness about marine conservation and to supporting ocean conservation initiatives. Since its inception five years ago, the event has provided thousands of dollars to marine conservation efforts. This year, the festival will feature performances by Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, and many more. Pompano Beach Seafood Festival The Pompano Beach Seafood Festival is an annual two-day event celebrating delicious seafood, live music, local vendors and adorable arts and crafts. For all day fun, the event also provides beach activities and a special Kids' Zone for children. Like many springtime events in the Ft. Lauderdale area, the Seafood Festival is nonprofit and dedicated to benefiting local charities. Whether you're interested in art fairs, charity walks, cultural events, music, or seafood, Ft. Lauderdale's springtime events offer something special for everyone.

When it comes to maintaining your Kia, there are many exterior components that you'll want inspected for spring. Wondering which ones are at the top of the list? Here are six that you should never neglect as springtime rolls around. The Tires Changing temperatures can cause your tires to lose pressure easily, so they should always be inspected after winter. Keep in mind: Under-inflated tires don't perform as well as properly inflated ones and are very dangerous. The tire tread should also be inspected for wear, bulging, and bald spots. These conditions may signal the need for a tire rotation, wheel alignment, or tire replacement service. more If you're curious about the condition of your tires, an easy way to test tread depth is by doing the Abe Lincoln Penny Test. Simply stick a penny into the tread of a tire. If the top of Lincoln's head shows, your tires are worn and may need replacement. To confirm, always check with an automotive professional. The Windshield Wipers Chilly winter weather can do a number on windshield wipers and cause them to lose their effectiveness. If you notice that your windshield wipers are cracked, torn, cut, chattering, or streaking you'll want to have them replaced in time for spring and summer showers. If you do need new wipers, you can select ones that are optimized for warm weather conditions. This would also a great time to have your windshield washer fluid topped off. The Paint As the seasons change you may notice minor scratches, dings, or chips in your Kia's paint. If you do, be sure to have the damaged areas touched up and repaired. The spring is also a good time to have the exterior of your Kia thoroughly washed and waxed. This will not only make your car sparkle, but will also seal in the shine, protect the finish, and make future washes easier. The Shocks and Struts Although the shocks and struts are located underneath the vehicle, it's still just as important that they be inspected for spring. During the check, these components should be examined for leaking, rusting, dents, or any other signs of physical damage. If your vehicle rolls or sways when turning, sits lower in the front or rear, loses control on a sudden stop, bounces or slides sideways on windy roads, or the front end or back-end dips when braking, the shocks and struts may need replacement. The Undercarriage In fact, inspecting the entire undercarriage of your vehicle in preparation for spring is very important. If you live in a cold climate, road salt can get stuck to the undercarriage, corrode the metal, and cause rust to form. This is most likely to affect the exhaust system, muffler, coil springs, and hydraulic brake system. If you don't live in a cold climate but do live near the ocean, your vehicle's undercarriage may be at similar risk due to salt water, so you should still make it a point to have the undercarriage inspected. Ensure that your Kia stays in tip-top shape by having the tires, windshield wipers, paint, shocks and struts, and undercarriage inspected for spring.