Once again...
"SOUPY" ABDUCTED BY SANTA'S NAUGHTY HELPERS
AT TOY RUN!

AMBER ALERT!  Sunday, while attending the 2007 Toy Run Event, "Soupy", better known as "Soupy" (barely visible in this photo) was abducted again, by a  gang of Santa's "naughty helpers"!  This is the last known photo sighting of Soupy.  The "smile" on his face was clearly forced with tooth picks and scotch tape, and it is suspected he is being "tortured".  Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts, please inform authorities so he can be returned to his "semi-normal" life.  More photos coming soon...

 IT WAS A "MEGA" HOLIDAY CAR SHOW WEEKEND!
Mega-event brought to you by:  Dick Barton 'DB Entertainment' & Show Coordinator Russ Gagliano

Update Oct 23:  Hello South Florida!  It's been some time since I dropped an update, and it's a little overdue.  We DID it! We hit another milestone...3 MILLION pages viewed!  I never imagined this!  Coincidentally, this web site was started exactly 2 years ago on this week...and has come a long way since it's early days.  I had to teach myself web design, and I am still figuring it out.  My purpose for providing South Florida with classic car show related info and pictures is a reality, and your support has made this site a huge success.

Well, as you probably realized, I am way behind with presenting photos from the various recent car shows.  With nothing new to view lately, it's part of the reason it took so long to get from 2.9 to 3 million pages.  I am now juggling 3 jobs, and a personal family life when I get a chance, and there is only so much time to do it all. 

Some of the previous show photos I am currently working on include:

It's a huge task to select, edit, crop, process, and upload the thousand of photos I have waiting, knowing that there are more shows coming each weekend!  But it's a labor of love that I enjoy when I can find the time.

I did finally manage to successfully rebuild the TH350 transmission in my '71 Cutlass!  The clutches were worn, and were very easy to replace, and the complete rebuild cost me less than $100.  I added some upgrades while I was in there...a B&M shift kit and B&M Holeshot converter!  Dick Murray of 'Murray's Speed & Custom' in WPB took good care of me with the performance goodies!  He is a very knowledgeable and helpful person.  The upgrades brought the car to life, and I consider them a necessity.  Now I just need find time to put some new tires on, and renew the tag!  LOL

This is a great time of year for us, because we are in prime season for car shows!  We have some GREAT shows coming up starting off with this weekends "5th Annual Downtowner Halloween Rod Run"  hosted by 'Keith's Rod & Custom'.  This one always draws a nice crowd, and for those who missed the last one, will be another benefit for "Lou Torres".  Memorial plaques will be available, and all proceeds go to Lou's family.  There will be a costume contest for the kids too.  I will be on hand taking photos of course.  Also this weekend Moroso is bringing back the 3 day event "Super Chevy Show"  Some of our friends are going Saturday, so they can be at the 'Downtowner' on Sunday.

November brings us some great old, and new shows.  They include the "Bass Pro Shops Open Car Show" at Outdoor World in Dania, the "Annual Mainstreet 'Veterans Day' Cruise Night" at Miami Lakes hosted by Jumpin Jack, and the "2nd Annual Kiwanis Mardi Gras Casino Benefit Car Show" at a new location in Hallandale Beach, brought to you by Russ Gagliano.  He will also be hosting another "Ocean's Eleven' "Back To The Beach Cruise Night"  on Hollywood Beach.  Of course, other great cruises include "Zo's Off The Hook Sports Grille" Cruise Night in Ft. Lauderdale, "All Stars Sports Bar & Grill' Classic & Cool Cruise" in N. Lauderdale, and "Crabby Jack's Sunday Night Cruise's" in Pompano by my buddy and partner "Rockin' Rich".

December brings us some of the biggest shows of the year, including the return of the 5 city block long "S.A.B.A. Car Show"  on Andrews Av in Ft. Lauderdale.  The "Cruisers" will host another "South Florida "Fun In The Sun Toy Run" Open Car Show"  at Markham Park in Davie.  This includes one of the largest bike run's in the country with over 30,000 bikes, and a huge event with "live national entertainment".  Of course, cars in the show will get the usual VIP parking!  'Pompano Lincoln Mercury' will also host it's "19th Annual Christmas Show"  in Pompano.  Not last, and certainly not least, will be this years BIGGEST show of the year, the "FESTIVAL" 2nd Annual Holiday Car Show"  in Pompano!  The last show at this location brought an unheard of 550+ cars... and this year's show has expanded the parking to accommodate up to 700+ of South Florida's best show cars!  There will be free food and other free stuff, along with over 100+ trophies and $2000 in cash awards!  This show is coordinated by Russ Gagliano and promoted by "DB Entertainment", and is the largest show in South Florida.  I will be providing music and trailering in additional sound system equipment, and providing photo coverage as well.  Everyone is invited!

The lineup for next year is already booked well into 2008, and will bring us another GREAT year!  See more:  Events
   
I have some other great things going on in my life I'd love to share too.  I also found an amazing secret to GREAT new health that is changing the lives of so many, including myself, some of my family, and some close car friends that I'd also love to tell you about... just ask or email me, or Russ Gagliano, or Joe Bevelacqua (Blue Cobra) about it. Joe's story is even more incredible, and he will be sharing it with folks at some of the car shows!  I sleep great too, and can't remember when I've felt better!  It's VERY REAL! ...VERY COOL! ...and VERY AWESOME!  Interested?

Have a GREAT show season!  I'll see you at the next car show!

- DJ Scott    scott@cruisinsouthflorida.com
 

 

THE GREAT AMERICAN RACE! Featuring: Russ Gagliano!

July 14:  The "2007 GREAT AMERICAN RACE" finished this weekend. Our guy Russ Gagliano has been living a dream of his, to participate in this world class event!  The race officially started June 30, in Concord North Carolina, and raced 2 weeks across county to finish on July 14 in Anaheim California.  You can see a map of the race here...Map.  Read a log of our team "DJ Racing" as they raced across America in their "1931 Model A Ford Speedster"! Their adventures have been posted daily, and it's quite an amazing story!  Congratulations Russ on a truly awesome accomplishment! 

Full Story  < (read from bottom up)

(photo of 1st stop in S.Carolina courtesy of Russ Kelly) >  

July 11:  "Hello South Florida!"  Nothing says South Florida like summer time!  HOT and rainy!  Well, as you realize, it's been a little slow with regards to shows and weather.  The relentless summer downpours have many of our classic cars tucked away in the garage, waiting for better times.  Towershoppes has been rained out on Friday nights for almost 2 months now.  Having a car show this time of year is a real gamble with rain, but you can definitely count on the heat.  There are some night time shows and cruises happening, but again, they are always "weather permitting".

The "Miami Springs Car Show" was quite unusual.  Cars were lined up waiting to park and for the show to start, while the weather started moving in.  But clear patches of sky and hopes of improving weather led the show to go on.  The cars kept rolling in, and so did the weather.  Eventually, we started getting pounded with rain along with thunder & lightning.  It was hitting hard, and everywhere.  What was the most amazing thing I think I've seen, is that most of the car people just took refuge at surrounding buildings and stuck it out!  We had over 50 cars in this bad weather, which is more than I have seen at some good weather shows!  Hats off to the folks for hanging in there.  Eventually, we got a break, where we handed out trophies and gave away a flat panel TV.  Nice job by City Manager Jim Borgmann and Jumpin' Jack.

Did you know the "Crabby Jacks Sunday Night Cruise" in Deerfield Beach is back in full swing? This favorite cruise spot has returned, with all the great classics, music, and great food.  Every Sunday night (weather permitting) from 5pm-8pm, you'll find some of South Florida's best classic cars, along with great oldies music by Rockin Rich.  Great food and meal discounts, great folks, great parking, and giveaways make this a happening event.  See you there!

There are some old things, and some new things coming up, so keep an eye on the schedule.  A free concert & cruise featuring the "Fabulons" will happen this weekend in Hollywood at Montella Park, brought to you by Russ Gagliano.  There is a big show next weekend in Pompano that will feature a dinner, dancing, car show, and awards...also brought to you by Russ Gagliano.  See full details here... Events.  Check out the new  "Zo's Off The Hook Sports Grille" Cruise Night at the end of the month!  There is some great stuff coming in August too, like "Hot Rod Sunday" at Moroso, the "Tattoo Expo Car Show", and "Nostalgia Saturday Night" in Weston.

If summer isn't HOT enough for you, then check Fergie out in her classic Mustang...
...super sexy Fergie!  >

Well, that's about all I have for now.  Have a great summer...and we'll see you at the night spots!

Have a great day!
 

May 20:  "Good Morning South Florida!"  Not much going on this weekend for car shows, although I have been keeping very busy.  Thursday I took off from work to do some A/C work on 'DeeJayDee's' car.  She drove my '71 Cutlass convertible to work, and returned it with a badly slipping transmission.  I guess my car projects will never end.  Friday, I took off from work to provide sound for a corporate event with Tom Caminiti at "Regional Memorial Hospital" in Hollywood. The Top 10 finalist for a singing competition performed in what they called "Memorial Idol".  The event was televised, and large cash awards went to the winners.  It was a lot of fun, and the talent was amazing.  Yesterday, I did a private pool-side party and BBQ for the "Classic T-Bird Club".  Ed & Liz Brown opened up their beautiful and spacious home in Miramar for a wonderful afternoon of fun and some of the best grilled BBQ I've ever had.  It was 1st class all the way!

Sunday, I will be doing the "Hooter's / Peterson's 5th Birthday Event" in Pembroke Pines.  Advertised on local radio, we will feature an outdoor stage with a regional bikini contest, right on the busy corner of University Dr and Pines Blvd.  It's always interesting to watch the "rubber-neckers" sitting at the traffic lights!  I will be providing sound and playing the best classic rock of the 60's, 70's, and 80's (sorry...no moldy oldies).  It'll be an afternoon of cold beer, hot babes, great music, and fun!  This event is open to bikes only, and is NOT a car show, but spectators are welcome.  Parking may be an issue, but there is additional parking behind the shopping center if needed.  I hope to have some "colorful" photos from the event to share!

Our next local car show is the "Shipwreck Classic Car Show"  Sunday, May 20, in Ft. Lauderdale.  It's easy to find...just east of US1 on 17th St Causeway on the way to the beach.  I'll provide a map sometime later this week.

Have a great day!
 

May 10:  600 photos from the Festival Spring Car Show are now available!  2007 Festival Show Photos!

May 6:  We had a great car show Sunday at Coconut Creek!  Weather was beautiful...clear, hot, and sunny!  Over 150 cars came out to enjoy Coconut Creek's 40th Anniversary at this FREE show!  We enjoyed live entertainment by "Trebel in Paradise", as well as the "Abbot & Costello" comedy act of Bill Barlow & Jim Park.  It was a great show by "Jumpin Jack" and his team...as always!  Look for this new show venue to return again next year!  Amazingly, shortly after the show ended and we packed up and got home, the skies opened up on South Florida as severe weather moved through. 

The next "Jumpin Jack" show will be this Sunday at "Maroone Auto Plaza" for the "Mother's Day" Classic Car Show" in Pembroke Pines!  70 awards in 35 classes, free BBQ, and live entertainment by "Johnny Derose" doing his "Tribute to Elvis" will have the makings for another great show!  Bring the "moms"...we will have something special for them too!

May 5:  Russ Gagliano and myself are no longer associated with the "Dream Car Classic" show in Hollywood, and will no longer be doing this show.  Just to be very clear and avoid any possible misunderstandings, "Downtown Hollywood" has decided to do take over complete control of the show and do it themselves.  I hope this clears up any confussion.

April 30:  I just got back from a long weekend at Moroso's "Jet & Truck Nationals".  The weather was beautiful and hot, but so were the jet cars, trucks, and bikini babes!  The good news is it was a great event all weekend...the bad news is that when I got there I discovered my memory card was not in my camera.  Bummer!  The further good news...just before the bikini contest started at 7pm Saturday night, I turned to see Eugene Reidy there with his "award winning smile", and camera too! The bad news is when I asked him later how the bikini photo shots came out, he said he went off somewhere else!  Will someone please check his "man card"!!!  Sorry...there won't be any bikini photos this time.  He did manage to get some great shots of the jets from the center of the track, so we will post them if he sends them in.

I received several reports that the Cooper City "Founder's Day Car Show" went nicely.  That's a fine show hosted by the "Ft. Lauderdale Region AACA".  Anyone with photos...send them in and I'll post them.

This weekend there is no shortage of shows to attend.  Saturday, I will be in Miami with Russ Gagliano for the "Northside Centre Car Show".  This "open" show will feature appearances from the "Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders"!  "DMD Magazine" will be on hand to cover the event too.

Sunday, come join me in North Broward for the all new "Coconut Creek Classic Car & Truck Show"!  This show will feature "Top 60" awards, live entertainment, a food court, free stuff, a flat screen TV raffle, and best of all, the show is absolutely FREE!  Hosted by "Jumpin Jack"...you can be sure we will have this NEW show jumpin!

Important notice:  Russ Gagliano & I are no longer doing the Dream Car Classic show.

We just had our highest views ever in a 1 week period...53,734 pages and photos viewed!

I'm finally getting caught up.  I had to figure out how to repair a 700R4 transmission this week and install it in the DJ van. It turned out to have a broken "sprag" in the "forward clutch pack"...ha!  There were a couple of times I could have used some tips, but I was force to figure it out on my own. That's when I thought about maybe starting a "technical help" section here on the website.  Well anyway...I put the transmission in Saturday morning and test drove it to Moroso!  All went well.  It's nice to have lock-up and overdrive again, but it's too easy to get those highway speeds up over 80 now!  I will be working on the Festival Show photos this week, and hope to have them posted as soon as possible.

April 27:  Photos from the "Ford Show" and "Pines Pontiac BOP Show" are now available!

April  22:  WOW!  What can I say!  You may have already heard a rumor that Sunday's "Festival Spring Car Show" was BIG, but that may be nothing short of a major understatement!  We didn't just have over 200 cars...we didn't just have over 300 cars...(about what we had expected)...we didn't just have over 400 cars...but we DID have over 500+ cars!!!  In fact, the final total (if my facts are correct) was an unprecedented 556 cars!!!  WOW!! . . . ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Today's show included perfect weather, vendors, food, music, shopping, over 80 great awards, trophies, and cash giveaways, free food cards, free gas cards, thousands of spectators, and of course South Florida's best cars and car people too!  There was some shade and the show stretched the entire parking lot!  I am sorry to the folks who were parked near the speakers as I flexed some new power in an attempt to push the sound out to the far reaches of the show. 

Updated: Hats off to Russ Gagliano our car show coordinator for his amazing effort and dedication to this event, Dick Barten of 'DB Entertainment the Festival Promoter, Joe Bevelaqua (with the blue Cobra) for sponsoring the free food and helping out in so many ways (in fact he never even got a chance to unload his car off his trailer), you people (the car community) for coming out in style and in force, and to all the many folks behind the scenes that made today's show an amazing SUCCESS!  Watch for this show again as it returns on December 2!  Thanks from me to Russ & Joe for the surprise birthday cake which was enjoyed by many, and for the award which was a complete surprise and shock.  You guys made me feel pretty special at this mega show! 

As much as I appreciate the award, there are many others who work hard and deserve credit too.  I "share" this award with all of you.  It is a 'team" effort and a great bunch of folks who make it all happen.  It's what we love...and what we do!

Watch for updates to this article as I assemble more information.  As always...tons of photos will be available as soon as possible.

Update April 24:  Wow...am I getting further behind.  I now have photo coverage from 4 shows I am working on now...Chevy Show, Ford Show, Pontiac Show, and over 700 photos from the Festival Show.  There were soooo many cars at this last show, I often had to take photos with 2 or 3 (or more) in it at a time.  If it turns out I missed your car...it's probably because there were too many people standing around it when I came by.  I usually try to get front and back shots, but that wasn't possible this time in most cases.  I also have wedding photos to go through as well.  Some of you don't know I have a full time day job, and I have a long list of projects for around the house too.  I'm not complaining...Lots of work...but it's all good!

I will be a Moroso this entire weekend for 2 days for the "Jet & Truck Nationals", which will add to the work pile.  The following weekend I will be doing 2 more shows...Russ's show on Saturday May 5 in Miami, and the new Coconut Creek show on Sunday May 6 with Jumpin' Jack.  This is going to be another BIG show...totally new...lots of trophies...we will have a stage with live entertainment...and best of all...the show is completely FREE!  We'll be raffling off another flat screen TV...count on a day of fun!

April  6:  I received more emails about the Cheetah show photos than any other show.  Over 500  photos are now available!  ...check them all out!  >  2007 Photos!

April  4:  I have received numerous inquiries regarding the photos from the Cheetah Show.  They are almost ready to be posted.  I hope to have them available Thursday night.  I am also working on photos from the Chevy Show, and this past weekend's Hollywood show.  It's a never ending stream of work, but it's rewarding too.  Take care...

April 2:  The "Pirate's World 2nd Reunion Show" was Saturday.  It was a very nice show, featuring a big stage with numerous live bands.  I happened to catch "Jimmy Stowe and the Stowaways" who entertained us with some great oldies! Legendary Rick Shaw from Majic 102.7 was on hand to visit with the folks, emcee, and hand out awards. This year's show was moved to "Frost Park" which was a nice improvement. Weather was perfect, but attendance was low with about 40 cars or so.  I spoke with a lot of folks who didn't attend because they said last years show went way too long as awards were handed out after 6:30pm.  No one knew the awards this year were going to be handed out much earlier at 2:30.  Photos are already posted.

Sunday's "Dream Car Classic" show in downtown Hollywood drew a near record crowd & cars!  Once again, weather was ideal, and some of South Florida's finest classic cars lined 2 blocks of Hollywood Blvd.  Photos will be available soon.

< Russ Gagliano was not available this week, as he is in preparation of some major events in his life!  Not only is he preparing for his wedding this Easter Sunday, but he was in Texas preparing for a life long dream of his ... to participate in "The Great American Race"!  He is involved with a team that will be driving a true vintage "open air" racer across America this summer in one of the oldest and most prestigious races in history.  We will be following his daily adventures here as we root for our guy!  Watch for full details of Russ's Most Excellent Adventures as we bring them to you! 

< "Our" racer is pictured here on left.

If you are looking for something different to do this Easter, come join my family, me, and tens of thousands of people for a Sunrise Easter Service at Lockhart Stadium this Sunday.  The "Sunrise Service" starts at 6am, and it's free of course.  It will feature an amazing concert with a full modern band & stadium sound!  Mrs. "DJ Dee" will also be making her chorus debut. This band features very talented entertainers along with keyboards & grand piano, Hammond B3 organ, drums, guitars, horns section, and more...and really rocks!  Parking is easy...but you want to arrive by at least 5:30.  You'll enjoy!  Map

March 27:  "Downtowner" show photos are now available! 2007 Photos

March 25:  What a "happening" show it was at "Cheetah's 5th Annual Car & Truck Show"!  Ideal weather and over 135 cars made this event great!  Free food, great folks, and Cheetah girls made today's show extra smokin' hot.  More on the show including some "sneak preview" photos coming very soon!  Here's one sent in by "Soupy" >

Friday night was cancelled due to rain at Towershoppes...however, we enjoyed a great FREE concert with the "Fabulons" in Oakland Park.  Saturday the 2 day event continued with appearances by Rich Shaw as parade Grand Marshal, followed by more free oldies concerts wrapping up with an awesome show with Chris MacDonald's "Tribute to Elvis".

"Side Pockets Sunday Night Cruise" is still temporarily suspended until further notice...pending issues with city of Margate.

Take care all...see you at the shows!  -Scott
 

"Side Pockets Sunday Night Cruise" is still temporarily suspended until further notice...pending issues with city of Margate.

Feb 14:  "Goldfinger's" car show photos are (see below) available!   HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!