Reporter

Lois K. Solomon

Lois Solomon has been a reporter for the South Florida Sun Sentinel for over 20 years. She writes the “Essential South Florida” weekly newsletter and answers questions about South Florida life in her “Ask Lois” column. She is the winner of several awards, most recently a first-place prize in the 2024 Society for Features Journalism contest for her "Ask Lois" column.

Randi Petlakh, right, and her cousin Katya Bratslavsky stand in front of the home Bratslavsky and her husband recently purchased, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. The house was originally bought by Petlakh’s grandparents in 1996. After being sold and renovated by a contractor, Bratslavsky bought the property in May, unaware of the family connection. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

‘Pure joy:’ Cousin unknowingly buys back beloved South Florida family home

January 2, 2026 at 2:21 p.m.

A beloved family home in Boynton Beach, sold after the passing of a dear grandmother, found the most unlikely buyer: a relative who had no idea how significant the purchase...

Got a question about life in South Florida? Send to Lois at AskLois@sunsentinel.com.

‘Ask Lois’ your questions on Jewish life in South Florida

December 23, 2025 at 1:47 p.m.

If you've been wondering about whether to join a synagogue, or where to find a good kosher restaurant, or how to attend Jewish social events, she can find the answers.

Murals cover the walls at the Andre Design District in Delray Beach on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Another Wynwood? Head to Andre Design District in Delray for an eye-opening Art Walk

December 22, 2025 at 12:28 p.m.

A pockmarked, industrial road off Congress Avenue in Delray Beach leads to an astonishing revelation: The Andre Design District. If you haven't checked it out yet, an upcoming Art Walk...

A sample of the Florida Stands With Israel specialty license plate available in Florida. (Floridastandswithisrael.org/Courtesy)

Want to keep the Florida Stands With Israel license plate on the road? Here’s how

December 16, 2025 at 1:09 p.m.

A Boca Raton volunteer has been trying to drum up support through special events, celebrity promotions, email campaigns and a website.

These days, it's no big deal to walk into a restaurant by yourself and dine alone. Beverly To enjoys lunch alone at The Greek Joint Kitchen and Bar in Davie on June 3, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The Year in Food: Check out the 10 South Florida dining trends that defined 2025

December 23, 2025 at 2:24 p.m.

South Florida is a food trendsetter, from too-noisy restaurants to solo dining to an abundance of kosher eateries and international markets.

Stephanie Brown's sisters bought her a moose menorah as a birthday gift 25 years ago because of her love for the animal. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

In honor of Hanukkah, check out South Floridians’ beloved & distinctive menorahs | PHOTOS

December 9, 2025 at 9:52 p.m.

When we asked readers to share their pictures, we suspected that the local Jewish community was home to an abundance of these precious menorahs. But who knew? We didn't realize how...

Former Rockettes go through dance routines onstage at the Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University in Boca Raton on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. In Florida today, where at least 30 live, many are performers and teachers, Pilates instructors and choreographers. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Kicking it up: On 100th anniversary, meet the South Florida women who prove the Rockettes sisterhood is ageless

November 27, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

Dancing with the famous kickline, which has been a centerpiece of Radio City Music Hall in New York since 1932, was the seminal event in many of their lives, and...

Assistant store manager Derrick Hidden packs the Hanukkah Collection with fun-flavored chocolates at Norman Love Confections in Boca Raton on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Hanukkah 2025: Here are ideas for 8 days of fun South Florida activities

December 12, 2025 at 3:56 p.m.

It's a joy to light Hanukkah candles for eight straight nights, no question. But after the candles begin their burn, why not do something different this year?

Spices for sale at Dutchy's Gourmet Sausages in Plantation. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

A trip around the world: Find South Florida’s hidden gems in international food markets

November 20, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

Caribbean, European, Mediterranean, African and Asian foods await the adventurous shopper in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

David and Arlene Merves go for a walk near their Aventura home on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

ASK LOIS: Where in South Florida can I find an ‘oil change’ for my wife’s walker?

November 10, 2025 at 11:50 a.m.

It is so important to make sure a walker remains in excellent working order to prevent malfunctions and accidents. There are several levels of maintenance available.

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