History of HBBA

Jimmie Fanning
Jimmie Fanning

Here are some recollections of the history and founding of the HBBA by people associated with the organization. Do you have a memory or anything to add?
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The creation of this association was to allow the small businesses on the Broadwalk and barrier island to have a voice during redevelopment by the newly formed Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of 1997. Today redevelopment continues successfully in cooperation with all departments of the City of Hollywood and Broward County and CRA Beach District and with input of residential community associations and the proud Hollywood Beach Business Association (HBBA). 
 
In the spring of 2000, James Fanning met with Anthony ‘Tony’ Provenzano to discuss the creation of a beach business organization. Jeffery Feinberg, P.A. prepared the corporate documents for the association which was later named the Hollywood Beach Business Association. In November 2000 the board was selected by recommendations of James, Anthony and Audrey Joynt who was selected to be the first president with James Fanning serving as the first Vice President. 
 
One of the first events involving our beach Broadwalk businesses was the ‘Best Decorated Beach Business’ contest. This was held during the famous Candy Cane Parade in early December which selected a new theme each year.  Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts department would make the award plaques and winners were announced at the January Commission meeting. It was amazing!

 

— Debra Case

Once there lived in Hollywood Florida a very caring man who decided to take on a mission. He was concerned about our little beach community and especially the many businesses on Hollywood Beach. James “Jimmie” Fanning took on the mission to bring positive attention and city resources to the beach.

In 1999, Jimmie walked street by street handing out invitations to attend a meeting at the old Howard Johnson’s on the beach. At that meeting he shared his frustrations and proposed businesses ban together to form an association. Over 75 beach businesses and residents in attendance agreed. He then approached Audrey Joynt and convinced her to take the lead and become the first president. Jim became the First Vice President and with the assistance of Tony Provanzano, the official Hollywood Beach Business Association, HBBA was founded.

Eventually the President position shifted to Debra Case then to our current president, Dan Serafini with me, Kathy DiBona serving as Vice President. Debra continues in our board as the Director of Government Affairs. our Treasurer is Olga Cherkasova and our Directors are Ron Jakubisin, Webmaster and Marketing and Jeff Hanson, Membership Chair and PR.

— Kathy DiBona