Speed enforcement cameras coming to Broad Street
The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Parking Authority launched the Automated Speed Enforcement camera program expansion to PA Route 611 – the entirety of Broad Street and a small section of Old York Road.
Cameras went into effect Sept. 15 and began a 60-day warning period in which drivers will not be officially ticketed but instead will receive warnings in the mail if recorded speeding.
Ticketing will begin on Nov. 14.
“Broad Street is one of the city’s busiest and most dangerous roads, and we’re taking steps to make it safer,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker. “Speed cameras save lives. Prior to 2020, Roosevelt Boulevard was the most dangerous road in the city. Since then, speed cameras on the Boulevard have slowed driver speeds, reduced pedestrian crashes and saved lives. Today marks another step closer to our goal of making Philadelphia the safest, cleanest and greenest city in America, with access to economic opportunity for all.”
The speed limit on Broad Street is 25 mph everywhere except small stretches near the stadium complex. Drivers traveling 11 mph over the speed limit will be ticketed. Fines are $100 for traveling 11-19 mph over the speed limit, $125 for 20-29 mph over and $150 for 30+ mph over. No points are assigned to the driver’s license.
There are 15 camera locations along Route 611 that are made publicly available on the PPA’s ASE program webpage.
South Philly locations include the intersections of Federal Street, Jackson Street, Oregon Avenue and Pattison Avenue.
“Speed enforcement cameras are critically important tools that have dramatically reduced speeding along Roosevelt Boulevard,” said Rich Lazer, executive director, Philadelphia Parking Authority. “We now hope to bring about similar results along Broad Street as well as other major arteries in the city.”
PUFF returns in October to Theatre Exile
The Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival is celebrating 10 years with a fresh new look and lineup. “PUFFX” will run from Oct. 1-5 at Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th St.
The festival will feature the return of the Filmmakers Meetup, where indie filmmakers of all backgrounds in the region are invited and encouraged to mingle and network.
“Last year’s Meetup was a huge success with filmmakers from all around the country attending, so we’ll excitedly be hosting another for our 10th edition,” said festival director Wil Keiper.
This year, the event will include a panel discussion led by David Greenberg, local filmmaker and professor at Drexel’s Westphal College.
PUFFX programming will begin with a collaboration on Oct. 2, featuring a repertory screening of 1985’s The Oracle, hosted by Christina Acevedo of Girls Like Horror, plus a Q&A with Whitney Strub, co-editor of the book ReFocus: The Films of Roberta Findlay. Patrons are encouraged to come early for free food and tarot readings, courtesy of Astral Botanica. PUFF’s infamous Bizarre Block of short films will also screen to cap the evening.
Oct. 3’s programming includes “PUFF Alumni Night,” with new feature-length projects: Tinsman Road, an emotional found-footage thriller odyssey from the director of “The Outwaters,” and Anything That Moves, a shot-on-16mm dreamlike erotic thriller from the director of All Jacked Up and Full of Worms. Friday will also see PUFF premiere an Animation Block of short films.
Oct. 4, PUFF welcomes MR. LOBO of CINEMA INSOMNIA to host a day packed with comedy, horror noir and independent cinema. PUFF’s busiest day will see screenings of wild occultist-horror Pater Noster & the Mission of Light, the psychologically rattling Head Like a Hole and the quirky crime-comedy Mooch in addition to PUFF’s Horror Block of short films.
Sunday will again feature free coffee and light fare for PUFF’s Music Video block, edited together with retro commercials. Afterward the Local Block of shorts will screen, followed by an awards ceremony where the PUFF Tiara will be crowned.
Tickets and information: On-sale via Eventive; all-access passes for $140, or Saturday-only pass for $60. Individual tickets for feature films and blocks on-sale for $15.
Fiedler, Haddock introduce worker heat protections legislation
State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Jim Haddock introduced legislation to protect workers in Pennsylvania from extreme heat on the job.
Each year, thousands of Pennsylvania workers are subjected to long hours in potentially fatal heat. Risk of heat-related illness or death is particularly great for outdoor construction workers, farmworkers and workers in warehouses or kitchens that lack adequate air conditioning. Many workers impacted are immigrants or non-union workers who may also be at increased risk of retaliation.
There are currently no federal or statewide heat protections for workers, and the consequences are disastrous, said the legislators. On average, heat kills more people each year than hurricanes, tornadoes and floods combined. About 40 workers per year died from exposure to extreme heat over the past decade, and those numbers, some believe, are likely underestimated.
House Bill 1580 is designed to prevent tragedies by requiring employers to offer paid rest breaks, water and access to shade during extreme heat.
“Labor Day is a reminder of our commitment to the workers who put food on our tables, build our roads and bridges and make Pennsylvania run,” Fiedler said. “When something as simple as a water break can mean the difference between life and death – between a mother coming home after work or her children never seeing her again – there is no excuse. Every workplace heat death is preventable, and these basic measures will save lives.”
The legislation would also require education on signs about symptoms of conditions like heat stroke; require training on emergency response procedures; and guarantee workers protection from retaliation or discrimination based on complaints, pursuit of care for heat-related symptoms or refusal to work in extreme heat.
$10K reward for info on armored truck robberies
The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office is seeking information regarding the robbery of four armored trucks and the attempted robbery of an additional armored truck in Philadelphia and Cheltenham from June 26 to Aug. 12.
Two to three unknown suspects have been observed at each of the robberies, and law enforcement officials believe the suspects to be the same at each robbery. The suspects are described as black males in their 20s with a thin to medium build. One suspect has a light complexion, hazel eyes and freckles. The suspects have been seen wearing all black clothing, black or gray hooded sweatshirts and black or gray pants. They wear gloves and face coverings during the robberies. In three of the four robberies, the suspects took the duty weapons of the armored truck drivers, and in each of the robberies, the suspects were armed with a black handgun and AR-style rifles.
The suspects used the following vehicles, which were previously reported stolen: a brown Nissan Altima, silver Honda Accord, black Nissan Maxima, black Dodge Durango and black Acura TLX, each with dark-tinted windows.
Suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.
If you have any information concerning these robberies, contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of these unknown suspects.
Learn good oral health habits
Pediatric dental practice Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters has a Community Outreach Department that provides a free, year-round early childhood dental education program for children ages 2-6 in preschools, daycares, kindergartens, libraries and community organizations. Cavity Busters dental educators bring colorful teaching props, books and activities that can help young children learn about taking care of their teeth and not fear going to the dentist. Children will learn about correct brushing and flossing techniques, healthy eating and snacking, how the dentist is your “friend” and that a dental checkup and cleaning visit can be fun. After each lesson, every child goes home with a goody bag filled with a Cavity Busters toothbrush and coloring book and information that reinforces the lessons.
There is a Cavity Busters location at 330 Oregon Ave.
To have a Cavity Busters Community Outreach dental educator visit your preschool, kindergarten, daycare or organization and provide a free, fun and age-appropriate lesson about good oral health habits, email [email protected]. ••
Try out for Wheel of Fortune
The long-running game show Wheel of Fortune is looking for contestants. A team of Wheel producers will be at The Event Center at Rivers Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave., for a contestant search. Attendees have the chance to win prizes, and there is no cost for admission. People 21 and older are invited to attend on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 18-19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contestants may begin lining up at 10 a.m. for the casting call. Parking is free. For more information, visit WheelOfFortune.com. ••
Hero Thrill Show on Sept. 20
The 70th annual Hero Thrill Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, from noon to 5 p.m., outside the Xfinity Mobile Arena (formerly Wells Fargo Center). Tickets cost $15 apiece or $35 for a family up to five. Parking will be free. There will be food, music by Bob Pantano, fire truck rides, police motorcycle stunts, performances by police bicycle units, K-9 unit dogs on rescue attacks, fire rescue exercises, mounted police horses, firearms instruction and appearances by the police aviation unit, marine unit, bomb squad and counterterrorism operations. The grand marshal will be former City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. Proceeds pay for the college tuition of the children of Philadelphia police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. For more information, visit herothrillshow.org. ••
Housing fair
On Sept. 27, PHDC will be hosting its annual free housing fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Temple University Aramark Student Training and Recreation Complex at 1816 N. 15th St. There will be housing resources for first-time homeowners, renters, landlords and developers, along with face painting, crafts, the 76ers Drumline and a meet and greet with the Philadelphia Union’s mascot, Phang. ••
Production of Mary Poppins
The Star Players will present the musical Mary Poppins from Oct. 10-12 at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets are available on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, call director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714. ••
Philly Bike Ride in October
The fourth annual Philly Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18, starting at 7:30 a.m., starting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Philly Bike Ride offers the “Cruise At Your Own Pace” experience, a 20-mile, car-free ride that invites participants of all ages and abilities to pedal through the heart of the city.
Whether you’re a first-time rider, casual cruiser or avid cyclist, the ride offers a scenic way to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks including Independence Hall, City Hall, LOVE Park, Chinatown, Penn’s Landing and Boathouse Row.
Participants can choose the 20-mile route or a shorter 7.6-mile course, both culminating near the art museum and the Rocky Steps, where a festival awaits. This festival includes live music, a beverage garden, food trucks and wellness activities.
The cost is $85. The beneficiary is Graduation on Wheels, which provides children in “underserved communities” with bikes, helmets and locks.
For more information, visit www.phillybikeride.com ••
Sign up for free newsletter
The South Philly Review has returned to its original website, southphillyreview.com.
The website includes news, arts and entertainment, crime, sports, opinion and a way to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox.
Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, on Facebook and on X @SoPhReview. ••
Community Showcase
Join Presbyterian Senior Living for its Community Showcase on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cathedral Village, 600 E. Cathedral Road, in Roxborough. Visitors will sample cuisine and learn about community life and resident-led activities. Reservations are requested. Visit https://www.presbyterianseniorliving.org/communityshowcase ••
LF class of ‘75 reunion
Little Flower Class of 1975 will hold a 50-year reunion on Sunday, Oct. 26, at Bustleton Manor, 50 Bustleton Pike, in Feasterville. Mass will be at noon, followed by the reunion from 1-5 p.m. The cost is $75, including a buffet meal, soft drinks, coffee, DJ and a donation to an LF scholarship fund in the Class of 1975’s name. There will be a cash bar. To buy a ticket, visit https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=GiTZoy. For more information, go to “Little Flower Class of ‘75 – Reunion Planning” on Facebook. ••
Host foreign exchange student
World Heritage International Student Exchange Program is seeking local families to host foreign exchange students. World Heritage students come from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, Germany, Ukraine, Japan and Australia. They are ages 15-18. Host families may be single parents, couples and single persons.
The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance.
If interested in hosting an exchange student, call Debra at 800-888-9040, visit www.world-heritage.org or send an email to [email protected] to request more information or start the application process. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road.
Meetings start at 7:30 p.m.
If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW.
Call Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••