Fort Lauderdale Civic Packet March 2011

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City of Fort Lauderdale Civic Packet March 2011

This Civic Packet contains news and information about events and programs available to

residents, businesses and visitors in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Regular City Commission meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, and Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

Headlines: Dolphin Isles Park Grand Opening – March 5 SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch – March 6 Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival – March 12 Citizen Recognition Awards – March 15 Happy Birthday Fort Lauderdale! – March 27 Fort Lauderdale Kicks-Off 25th Anniversary of Drop Savers Water Conservation

Poster Contest Sign Up for Our Exciting Trips and Tours Upcoming Recreational Programs City of Fort Lauderdale Launches Speakers Bureau to Commemorate Centennial

Celebration Attend A Centennial Event Call Us Convenient! Budget Advisory Board Announces Quarterly Commission Workshop Dates Short Term Residential Use Committee News Sign Up for CERT Classes Fort Lauderdale Launches Underage Drinking Prevention Initiative Makeover at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Parking Lot Begins Community Appearance Board Announces November ‘WOW Award’ Winner Community Appearance Board Announces December ‘WOW Award’ Winner Sistrunk Boulevard Traffic Advisory Effective February 8, 2011 Your Poison Control Center – A Valuable Resource for Everyone

Dolphin Isles Park Grand Opening – March 5 The grand opening of Dolphin Isles Park will be held on Saturday, March 5 at 9 a.m. Dolphin Isles Park is located at 2125 N.E 33rd Avenue. The opening ceremony will include remarks from elected officials, City staff and residents. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony. This neighborhood park is located on approximately a quarter-acre of land in the Dolphin Isles community. Park amenities include a small playground with swings, bicycle rack and native landscaping. To RSVP or for more information, call (954) 828-4754.

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SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch – March 6

The SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch is an ideal way to relax and enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Riverwalk from Esplanade Park to Riverfront. Listen to the soulful sounds of outstanding local jazz artists on three stages from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. The scheduled performers for Sunday, March 6, are: Esplanade Stage – Jimmy Cavallo Quintet Connie Hoffmann Gazebo – South Grove Peck Courtyard – Gold Coast Jazz Society Band The SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch is produced by the City of Fort Lauderdale and is sponsored by SunTrust, Ed Morse Bayview Cadillac, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, News 610 WIOD and Heineken. For more information, please call our 24-hour event hotline at (954) 828-5363 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov.life.

Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival – March 12 The Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival returns on March 12, 2011! The Parade will feature marching bands, pipe and drum bands, street performers, classic automobiles, and floats of all shapes and sizes! The Festival will include live music, entertainment, and dance performances. A special children's area will feature games, storytelling, amusements, delicious treats, contests and other activities. Additional highlights include historical education and ancestry areas, trivia, cooking demonstrations, authentic Irish cuisine and much more! Friday, March 11, 2011 Parade Stripe Painting – Noon Huizenga Plaza (Andrews Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard) Join us for an early celebration as Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler ceremoniously paints a green stripe marking the much-anticipated parade route!

Saturday, March 12, 2011 Parade – 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Along Las Olas Boulevard from S.E. 8th Avenue to Andrews Avenue Saturday, March 12, 2011 Festival - 1:30 to 9:00 p.m. Huizenga Plaza (Andrews Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard) and along the Riverwalk

For more information, please call (954) 828-5985 or visit www.ftlaudirishfest.com.

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Citizen Recognition Awards – March 15 Join the City of Fort Lauderdale and this year’s honorees in City Hall Commission Chambers on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. for the 37th Annual Awards Ceremony. This year's award winners are: Citizen of the Year – Lisa Scott-Founds Lisa Scott-Founds is a native of Fort Lauderdale, who has contributed her time and knowledge to various groups throughout the City. Her commitment to serve her community is shown through her dedication to organizations that benefit women, the arts, and economic development, which include the Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club, Women’s Way through the United Way, A Child is Missing Auxiliary, the Beaux Arts through the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art and the Marine Industries of South Florida. Additionally, Ms. Founds serves as the Executive Director of the Winterfest Celebration, which has been dubbed “The World’s Most Watched Boat Parade”. Lisa Scott-Founds has earned many appointments to various boards and received numerous honors for her dedication to the City of Fort Lauderdale, which include Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Board of Directors, City of Fort Lauderdale Centennial Board, Broward College 2010 Distinguished Alumnae, March of Dimes Woman of Distinction and Woman of the Year – Ms. Latina International. Lisa Scott-Founds tireless efforts have greatly improved the quality of life in our city. Distinguished Citizen of the Year – Elizabeth “BJ” Buntrock Elizabeth “BJ” Buntrock is known to all in the community simply as BJ. BJ is a long time resident and businesswoman in the City of Fort Lauderdale. She is also a community leader and philanthropist. BJ’s commitment to those less fortunate can be traced to organizations that strive to educate, clothe and feed which include: the Eagle Charter Academy (founder), Hospice of Broward County (co-founder), Seagull High School (contributor) and the Pantry of Broward, Inc. (co-founder). BJ is a significant supporter of Broward County Libraries and provides scholarships to economically challenged youth. In 2009, BJ was named a Women of Distinction by the March of Dimes for her outstanding achievements both professionally and personally. Honored Founder – George Burrows, Sr. George Burrows, Sr. is walking history. George Burrows has been a business force for over 55 years in the City of Fort Lauderdale. He obtained his electricians’ license in 1948 and was Fort Lauderdale’s first Black licensed master electrician. George Burrows has mentored many, trained hundreds of others in the business and because of his outreach was honored as a trailblazer by Carter Park. Mr. Burrows has been a civic activist working to integrate the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and improve services to the old Dillard High area. Exemplary Former City Employee – Ed Udvardy Ed Udvardy served the City of Fort Lauderdale for over 25 years as a member of the Public Works Department. During his tenure, Mr. Udvardy was responsible for the administration and coordination of the development of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the original Riverwalk Master Plan, the privatization of sanitation, the General Administration Board of 1986 and was the lead on the Public Works, Administration and Sanitation budgets. Ed Udvardy modeled the way to lead the City to success on several initiatives and performed his duties with enthusiasm and grace. Honorees are selected by the Citizens’ Committee of Recognition, which consists of all former Mayors of Fort Lauderdale as well as one former honoree and the President of the Fort Lauderdale Council of Civic Associations or designee. The Committee’s recommendations are forwarded to the City Commission for approval.

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In 1983, the Citizens’ Committee of Recognition recommended that effective in 1984, the Citizen Recognition Program would be revised to include a Citizen of the Year and a Distinguished Citizen honoree. The program was again amended in 1989 to include an Honored Founder category effective in 1990. In 1997, the category of Exemplary Former City Employee was added. Since the inception of the Citizen Recognition Program, 105 outstanding citizens have received such honors. For more information, contact Petula Burks at (954) 828-4742 or petulab@fortlauderdale.gov.

Happy Birthday Fort Lauderdale – March 27 You're invited to Centennial Riverfest to celebrate the 100th anniversaries of both the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Sun-Sentinel. The event will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 27, along the Riverwalk promenade in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Centennial Riverfest will showcase the Fort Lauderdale of yesterday, today and tomorrow at four different event sites along the Riverwalk, starting at Huizenga Plaza and continuing west to Esplanade Park, across from the Museum of Discovery and Science. The free event will feature live musical performances, children's activities, historical exhibits and vendor booths with a variety of food and crafts. For more information, call the City of Fort Lauderdale Special Event Hotline at (954) 828-5363 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov.

Fort Lauderdale Kicks-Off 25th Anniversary of Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest The City of Fort Lauderdale, in partnership with the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FS/AWWA), is sponsoring the Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest to celebrate Drinking Water Week, recognized May 1-7, 2011.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Drop Savers contest, which aims to promote water awareness and the importance of water conservation in hopes that it will encourage students to incorporate saving water into their daily routines. Contest Overview Fort Lauderdale public and private school students in grades K-12 are invited to create an 8½” x 11” poster using their own creative water conservation ideas, designs, and slogans that promote water conservation. The poster design must portray a water conservation drawing, slogan, or preferably both, and students may use crayons, pencils, markers, paint, oil paints, watercolors, etc. The deadline to submit posters is Monday, March 7, 2011. Winners Once students submit their water conservation posters, City of Fort Lauderdale utilities staff will select a first, second, and third place winner from each of the following grade categories – K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12. All first place winning entries will be submitted to the FS/AWWA for the state competition.

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Prizes and Recognition City of Fort Lauderdale first, second, and third place Drop Savers poster contest winners will receive the following prizes and recognition:

A T-shirt with the winning design printed on it A Barnes & Noble gift card and framed certificate Winning designs will be posted to the City’s website Winners will be publicly recognized at a City of Fort Lauderdale Commission meeting

More Information For more information or to download contest guidelines and forms, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/dropsavers or contact Jolie Reed at (954) 828-7815 or e-mail jreed@fortlauderdale.gov.

Sign Up for Our Exciting Trips and Tours The Parks and Recreation Department invites you to partake in one of our upcoming trips and tours. For more information or to register, please call (954) 828-4610. Biscayne Underwater National Park March 9 $90 Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine water, emerald islands and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. This glass-bottom boat tour will allow you to glimpse the world’s third longest living coral reef. The reef is home to a variety of colorful plants and animals and you might even spot nurse sharks, blue neon gobies, purple sea fans and many other species living in the reef. Prior to the boat tour, a lavish Italian buffet will be held at the Capri Restaurant. The bus leaves from Holiday Park at 10:00 a.m. Chicago March 20 $99 The Miami Acting Company presents their performance of “Chicago.” This show has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all the jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen! “Chicago” is a satirical comedy about a woman who shoots her married lover and her trial is turned into a three-ring circus. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this great show! Prior to the show, lunch will be held at Calypso’s Seafood Grill in Tavernier Key. The bus leaves from Holiday Park at 9:30 a.m. Deering Estates Seafood Festival March 27 $59 Taste scrumptious seafood, enjoy cooking demos by local celebrity chefs, art exhibits, tours of the historical Deering Estates and more. Festival-goers will enjoy an outstanding array of South Florida’s freshest fish and seafood that can be enjoyed while relaxing on the lush lawn. Lunch will be on your own at one of the local vendors along Seafood Alley. Vendors will offer delicious cuisine that includes lobster, garlic blue crabs, fresh crawfish, oysters, conch, and much more. Don’t miss out on this tasty, fun-filled day! The bus leaves from Holiday Park at 10:00 a.m. Fort Myers Getaway March 30 - 31 $360 (single) $310 (double) We will travel to the west coast to beautiful Fort Myers where we will take a four-hour boat tour of the stunning Gulf of Mexico. Along the way we will enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat lunch. Afterwards, we will head to the hotel to check-in for some leisure time. For dinner we will enjoy an entertaining murder mystery show while eating an elegant, five-course meal.

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Day two will begin with breakfast at the hotel followed by a one-hour tour of the gorgeous Butterfly Estates. We will dine at the café in Butterfly Estates for lunch. After lunch we will head to Eden Vineyards for a wine tasting while learning a little about their varietals. The bus leaves from Holiday Park at 7:30 a.m.

Upcoming Recreational Programs The following is a list of current recreational programs being offered at our various parks and recreation facilities. For more information, please contact the park directly or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/life. Beach Community Center 3351 N.E. 33rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 (954) 828-4610

Pilates A complete physical fitness discipline centered on total body conditioning. Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Fees per Class: $9 for residents, $10 for non-residents 10-Class Pass: $80 for residents, $90 for non-residents Yoga Yoga systematically works through the entire body to strengthen and increase flexibility, while bringing harmony & balance to mind, body and spirit. Tuesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fees per Class: $9 for residents, $10 for non-residents 10-Class Pass: $80 for residents, $90 for non-residents Line Dance The basics of Waltz, Latin and Swing are incorporated into the classes along with line dance rhythms. Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fees per Class: $6 for residents, $9 for non-residents 5-Class Pass: $25 for residents, $37.50 for non-residents Latin Fusion Dance The Latin Fusion Dance class teaches adults basic steps of your favorite dances including the Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue and Salsa. Thursdays, 6 to 7 p.m. Fees per Class: $9 for residents, $10 for non-residents 10-Class Pass: $80 for residents, $90 for non-residents Floral Design Come enjoy this fun class and learn the basics to help you create unique floral designs. Mondays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fees per Class: $15 for residents, $22.50 for non-residents

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Carter Park 1450 W. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 (954) 828-5411

Men’s Open Basketball League February 15 – March 29 Tuesday Nights Fees: $600 per team Women’s Open Basketball League February 17 – March 31 Thursday Nights Fees: $600 per team Youth Baseball Division T-Ball 4-6 years old Mon/Wed 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rookie 7-8 years old Mon/Wed 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Minor 9-10 years old Tue/Thu 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sat 2 to 4:30 p.m. Major 11-12 years old Tue/Thu 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sat 2 to 4:30 p.m. Senior 13-15 years old Mon/Wed 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sat 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Croissant Park 245 W. Park Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 (954) 523-1063 All-in-One Fitness This class offers a fun, core-conditioning experience based on a Pilates/yoga inspired

workout. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. 10-Class Pass: $60 for residents, $90 for non-residents

Teen Scene Teen Scene is full of fun and exciting programs including pizza parties, movie nights, video game tournaments, recreational sports games, art shows, volunteer projects and much more! Wednesdays (through March 16), 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays (March 25 - April 1), 6 to 8 p.m. Ages: 13-16 years old Fees: $20 for residents, $30 for non-residents, $5 for Y.E.S. recipients Youth Basketball Participants will learn the basic fundamentals of the game including dribbling, shooting, passing, defense and teamwork. Mondays – Thursdays (March 21 – May 12), 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration: Begins February 1 Ages: 4-11 years old Fees: $44 for residents, $66 for non-residents, $11 for Y.E.S. recipients

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Holiday Park 1200 G. Harold Martin Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 828-5383 Pee Wee Golf An instructional-based program designed to teach the fundamental skills of golf while

developing motor skills and providing social interaction. Thursdays (March 31 – May 5), 6 to 7 p.m. Registration: February 28 – March 25 Ages: 4-5 years old Fees: $60 for residents, $90 for non-residents

Mills Pond Park 2201 N.W. 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 (954) 828-8943

Adult Flag Football Registration includes 10 regular season games, playoff games for the top four teams in each division, individual awards for team members of the season and playoff championships, and team plaques for the season and playoff champions and season runners-up. Divisions: Men’s Division 1, Men’s Division 2, Coed Division and Women’s Division Monday or Tuesday Nights (beginning March 7) Registration: February 7 – March 2 Fees: $500 per team Within-Reach Soccer Academy Classes instill the fundamentals of soccer and encourage a sense of accomplishment. Sessions: March 2-30, April 6-29 or May 4-25 Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration: February 14 – May 13 Ages: 5-12 years old (boys and girls) Fees per Session: $77 for residents, $115.50 for non-residents, $19.25 for Y.E.S. recipients

Riverland Park 950 S.W. 27th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 321-1234 Riverland Gourmet Chefs Teaches children how to prepare healthy, gourmet snacks. Sessions: February 16 – March 9 or March 23 – April 13 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ages: 5-11 years old Fees: $30 for residents, $45 for non-residents, $7.50 for Y.E.S. recipients Spring Break Camps Croissant Park 245 W. Park Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

(954) 523-1063

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March 14-18, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration: February 1 – March 10 Ages: 5-11 years old (K-5 grades) Fees: $99 for residents, $148.50 for non-residents, $25 for Y.E.S. recipients

George English Tennis Center 1101 Bayview Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 396-3620 March 14-18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ages: 6-16 years old Fees per Session: $170 for residents, $255 for non-residents Fees per Day (based on availability): $44 for residents, $66 for non-residents Riverland Park

950 S.W. 27th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (954) 321-1234 March 14-18, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration: Begins February 14 Ages: 5-11 years old (K-5 grades) Fees: $60 for residents, $90 for non-residents, $12.50 for Y.E.S. recipients

City of Fort Lauderdale Launches Speakers Bureau to Commemorate Centennial Celebration Sign Up for Free Presentation on the History of Fort Lauderdale As part of the yearlong celebration of its 100th birthday in 2011, Fort Lauderdale and its Centennial Celebration Committee are committed to offering all residents an opportunity to learn the city’s history.

Centennial Historian Susan Gillis has worked with nearly two-dozen volunteers to form a Speakers Bureau that is available to give historic presentations to community groups and school children. The free presentations include slide shows and mounted historic photographs of the city from the collections from the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society and the Broward County Historical Commission.

The two topics for the Speakers Bureau are “Fort Lauderdale: A Brief History,” which provides an overview of the last century, and “Fort Lauderdale 100 Years Ago,” which tells the story of the City’s settlement.

To obtain a speaker for your organization, please call Shannon Vezina in the City of Fort Lauderdale Public information Office at (954) 828-4743, or send an email to svezina@fortlauderdale.gov. A speaker request form is available on the City website at www.fortlauderdale.gov/centennial. Simply select the "Participate" button from the menu on the right side of the Centennial home page.

To learn more about the Centennial Celebration, visit the City for Fort Lauderdale website at www.fortlauderdale.gov or call the Centennial Celebration Committee staff liaison, Shannon Vezina, at (954) 828-4743.

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Attend A Centennial Event Plan to celebrate the Centennial with us! The City will host several free events throughout the year to commemorate Fort Lauderdale's 100th Birthday. The City will also partner with local organizations to sanction other events around town. The following is a snapshot of events scheduled to take place through March. To register your event, simply complete the free form, which is available online at www.fortlauderdale.gov/centennial/participate.htm. A list of sanctioned events scheduled to take place throughout 2011 can be found on the “Centennial Events” page.

March 3 - Centennial Sue, a friend of Ivy (Stranahan) and Julia (Tuttle), shares memories 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at the almost 100-year-old First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale

March 4 - School Board of Broward County Centennial History Fair March 5 - Too Hot to Hide one-hour walking tour starting at 2 p.m. at the Fort

Lauderdale Woman’s Club, featuring history of Annie Jumper, Katherine Rawls, Ivy Stranahan and Frankee Lewis

March 10 - Riverwalk Trust Centennial Tribute to the Seminole Tribe of Florida at Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bar

March 12 - Centennial Parade and Festival celebrating St. Patrick's Day March 14 - Centennial Life in Fort Lauderdale 1911-1920 lecture at the Bonnet

House March 17 - The 49th Annual and Centennial Fort Lauderdale Mayor’s Prayer

Breakfast with speakers George LeMieux and the Honorable John P. "Jack" Seiler at the Broward County Convention Center, Grand Ballroom, Third Floor, 1950

March 22, 23, 24 - Business Fair demonstrating the economic development links between Fort Lauderdale and Medellin, Columbia, sponsored by Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International

March 26 - Centennial Bonnet House Tour by Dr. George March 27 - Centennial Birthday Party! 100th Anniversary of the

incorporation of Fort Lauderdale. Free, family-friendly event with live entertainment on the Riverwalk from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

March 27 - 9:00 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m. Dr. Paul George will host a Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Fort Lauderdale

March 28 – Keith Hendee says the Gateway Theatre once was a zoo! These and other historic facts discussed with the Broward House Alliance lunch at the Bimini Boatyard, call (954) 772-9647

Call Us Convenient! Introducing the City of Fort Lauderdale's new pay by phone service, a convenient new payment option for city parking. You no longer need cash for parking. Simply park your car, make one short phone call, and then head for your destination. You can even choose to receive a text message reminder before your parking time expires. And, you have the option of calling back and extending your parking session from anywhere, subject to meter time limits. Pay By Phone parking is convenient, easy, and safe. You can sign up for a free account now. For details, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/parking or call 1-888-680-PARK (7275).

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Budget Advisory Board Announces Quarterly Commission Workshop Dates The following is the list of Budget Advisory Board Quarterly Budget Meeting dates for 2011. The meetings will be held at City Hall, 100 N. Andrews Avenue, in the 8th Floor Conference Room at 7 p.m.

February 21 May 23 August 22 November 7 For more information, please visit fortlauderdale.gov/documents/bab/bab_agenda.htm.

Short Term Residential Use Committee News The purpose and duties of the Short Term Residential Use Committee are to define parameters for use of residentially zoned property in light of protecting neighborhood tranquility and peaceful enjoyment of residential property. The Committee will be holding their upcoming February meeting in an Open House format on February 24, 2011 in the City Hall 1st Floor Chambers. All interested person are encouraged to attend at any time between 5 to 8 p.m. to read the Interim Outline (attached) and provide comments. Comments forms will be available at the meeting for people to submit suggestions in writing and can also be mailed to: ATTN: STRU Committee Liaison Planning & Zoning Department 700 NW 19th Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 For more information about the Committee's efforts thus far or to review the Committee's information file, which includes items of discussion at previous meetings, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (954) 828-8980 or visit the following link to see agendas and meeting minutes: www.fortlauderdale.gov/documents/stru/stru_agenda.htm. Also, please see the attached Committee documents attached to the civic packet: - February 24, 2011 Agenda - The Short Term Residential Use Committee's Interim Outline - Short Term Residential Use Comments form - Sun Sentinel Article February 3, 2011 "South Florida cities try to capitalize on boom in short-term rentals.”

Sign Up for CERT Classes CERT classes provide training on two Saturdays for two weeks by City of Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue personnel all at no charge! As a volunteer CERT member, you will learn life-saving skills for major emergencies including hurricanes, floods, and/or fires. You will also learn fire suppression and injury care for everyday situations. As a CERT graduate, your skills will be valuable to you, your family and your community in the event of a major

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disaster. CERT members may be assigned to a team in their neighborhood where they will play an important community safety role, as well as assist Fire-Rescue professionals in the event of an emergency. April 23 & 30, 2011 (both Saturdays) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Station 53 2200 Executive Airport Way Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Register by contacting Carladean Ferguson at (954) 828-6700 or email at carladeanf@fortlauderdale.gov. Fort Lauderdale Launches Underage Drinking Prevention Initiative The City of Fort Lauderdale is timing new warnings aimed at preventing underage drinking to coincide with the busy season at the beach. The City is targeting messages at businesses that sell alcohol and minors seeking to buy it.

Letters from the Police Department have been mailed to businesses that sell alcohol in the city. “Failure to check for valid identification can result in significant criminal sanctions and the loss of a license to sell alcohol,” the letter warns, followed by a promise of undercover stings. With funding from a federal underage drinking prevention grant, the letter is also scheduled for insertion as a display advertisement in the Sun-Sentinel on Sunday, February 20.

To reach minors, the Police Department corresponded with colleges, universities and high schools to raise awareness about Fort Lauderdale’s “zero tolerance” rules which prohibit alcohol on the beach, underage drinking and open containers in public places. “Violation of ordinances may result in arrest or issuance of a Notice to Appear before a judge,” students were warned.

The City is also partnering with businesses along A1A to raise awareness. City liaisons are making personal visits to businesses, offering free posters with the message, “Watch where you drink…we are,” and “If you’re headed out, leave the drink behind. It’s the law.”

The underage drinking prevention program is a component of Fort Lauderdale’s spring initiative aimed at protecting public safety, promoting a clean and orderly environment on the beach and protecting the quality of life for residents, visitors, business owners and employees.

Approximately 6,000 people, under the age of 21, die in the United States each year due to underage drinking. Underage drinking is the leading cause of death for persons under age 21.

Makeover at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Parking Lot Begins The renovation of the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park parking lot has begun. Last week, the City began demolition of the parking lot at 1100 Seabreeze Boulevard as part of a 1-year project that will include improved access, ADA enhancements, and beautification of the parking area.

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Under the renovation plan, the City will place utilities under ground. The existing retaining wall will be replaced with a new wave wall that will match the existing wall located north of the park. Trees will be setback from A1A as required by the Florida Department of Transportation. The existing sidewalk will be widened from seven feet to 13 feet and turtle compliant lighting will be installed.

Landscaping plans include 104 new Coconut Palms, 12 relocated Sabal Palms, 45 new Green Buttonwood Trees, seven Thatch Palm Trees as well as ground cover, shrubs and a decorative fence. The parking lot will be milled and resurfaced in phases for the purpose of accommodating parking customers during much of the construction project.

While the work is being completed, convenient barrier island parking alternatives include the following:

"E Lot" on East Las Olas Circle (Located below the Las Olas Boulevard bridge,

adjacent to the Las Olas Marina) "Oceanside Lot" at 400 Seabreeze Boulevard (A1A & E Las Olas Boulevard) "R Lot" at 3031 Sebastian Street (A1A at Sebastian Street) "U Lot" at SE 5 Street & A1A (Adjacent to Alexander Park, across from the Swimming

Hall of Fame)

Street parking is also available at several locations.

Community Appearance Board Announces November ‘WOW Award’ Winner The WOW Award for November 2010 was presented to Jonna and Brett Circe, who are residents of the River Oaks neighborhood located in District IV. Jonna and Brett shopped for a home in many Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods. In 2000, when their first child was born, a house in “The Grove” caught their eye so they put in an offer and purchased it. The house was a 1950s home, typical of the time period. It was solidly built with a good layout and plenty of room for a small family. The location is what drew Jonna and Brett to the area, as the home is close to work, excellent schools, downtown, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and all major highways. Even with many features of a big city location, the neighborhood is still very quiet with little through traffic. And, once they began meeting their neighbors, the location was that much more desirable. After living in their home for a year, Jonna and Brett started developing plans for the future. If they were going to stay, their home was going to need some work. Jonna and Brett developed a renovation plan in several phases so they would be able to live in their home during the construction process. They also strived to maintain an outward appearance that would complement the style of homes on the street and remain true to the old Florida style. First on Jonna and Brett’s renovation list was creating more storage space and adding on a garage. Following that, they added a new kitchen, office, paved driveway, and an upstairs master suite with patios. The inside of the home was updated with everything they would need to stay in the home long term.

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This year, Jonna and Brett celebrated their 10th anniversary in their home and they are extremely happy to be a part of such a wonderful neighborhood. The transformation of their home has enhanced the neighborhood and serves as an example for others to follow. The Fort Lauderdale City Commission and the Community Appearance Board proudly present the November WOW Award to Jonna and Brett and thank them for enhancing their community and the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Community Appearance Board Announces December ‘WOW Award’ Winner The WOW Award for December 2010 was presented to Michele and Ben Benavente, who are residents of the Coral Ridge Association, Inc. located in District I. In March 2009, Michele and Ben, along with a Boxer, Great Dane, and a baby on the way (Emma), decided it was time to trade their charming, yet less than spacious two-bedroom Rio Vista home for something with a little more room to grow. Since they were born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, they didn’t want to stray far so they looked to the Coral Ridge neighborhood where they both grew up. Ironically, the house they ended up falling in love with was nestled along Bayview Drive, directly between the two homes they each grew up in. Michele and Ben’s vision throughout the renovation process was to retain the home’s quiet, solid sense of dignity and poise, while adding their individual flair. The first step was repainting the house to a warm shade of green and changing the front door and garage to a natural mahogany stain. Then, they traded the old windows in for more energy efficient and hurricane friendly impact windows. Next, they redesigned the original circular driveway and island into two separate straight driveways and a courtyard, which allowed for a clean-cut look and provided more useable open, green space. They used tumbled marble pavers to create eight large quadrants divided by grass borders on each driveway. Next, four columns were installed to flank the sides of each driveway that were joined in the middle by a low-lying wall. They topped each of the four columns with authentic, New-Orleans-style gas lamps that cast a secluded and private estate feel at night. Rather than tear out and replace the already existing mature plants and trees, they decided to relocate and reuse them in a way that would be better suited to the property. They now have a vast array of palms trees that include several Sago, Florida Royal, and Foxtails. They also added White Crepe Jasmine vines to flank the garage door and wind along the iron gates. Almost two years later, Michele and Ben finally get to enjoy all the hard work they put in. They come home to their dream house every day and are so very proud and flattered whenever neighbors stop by to admire their home. The Fort Lauderdale City Commission and the Community Appearance Board proudly present the December WOW Award to Michelle and Ben and thank them for enhancing their community and the City of Fort Lauderdale. WOW Award Recognizes Stellar Fort Lauderdale Properties

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If you see a house that makes you stop and say “WOW,” or you think your house has the “WOW” factor, nominate it for a monthly WOW award. The Community Appearance Board recognizes residential properties throughout the City that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood through its WOW Award Program. Board members nominate homes for a WOW award and residents may also nominate their homes or a neighbor’s home for an award. Nominations may be for landscaping, renovation, property maintenance, overall exterior beauty and style, and neighborhood enhancement. If a property is selected as a WOW winner, the homeowner will receive special recognition at a City Commission meeting, a gift certificate from a program sponsor, and a WOW Winner yard sign to display on their property. The owner’s home will also be featured on Channel 78, the City’s government access cable station, and possibly be featured in local and City publications. For more information about the WOW Award Program or to nominate a home for an award, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/neighborhoods. Nominations can be made online! Join the Community Appearance Board The Community Appearance Board recognizes residential properties throughout the City that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood through its monthly WOW Award and annual Community Appearance Awards programs. If you are a Fort Lauderdale resident and would like to become a member of the City’s Community Appearance Board, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/clerk/boards.htm. Board members are appointed by the City Commission and are charged with presenting educational programs and events that acknowledge excellence in design, landscaping and property management that improves the overall appearance of the City of Fort Lauderdale. For more information about becoming a Community Appearance Board member, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/clerk/boards.htm.

Sistrunk Boulevard Traffic Advisory Effective February 8, 2011 Effective Tuesday, February 8, 2011, N.E. 6 Street will close from Andrews Avenue to Federal Hwy/US 1. Only local traffic will be allowed to access the area during this period to the extent possible. The following traffic restrictions are in place. • N.E. 6th Street from Andrews Ave to Federal Highway/US1 will be closed effective February 8, 2011. • Motorists will be detoured around the affected area via N.E. 7th Street to the north and N.E. 5th Street to the south. • Signs will be posted to alert motorists of the traffic restrictions and detours. • Motorists are reminded to travel slowly in the work zone to ensure safety of workers, pedestrians, and other motorists. Scope of Work: The project extends along Sistrunk Blvd (6th Street) from N.W. 24th Avenue to Federal Highway/US1. It consists of reducing portions of the roadway from four lanes to three lanes with on-street parking; relocating segments of overhead utility lines underground; widening sidewalks to enhance pedestrian access and accommodate outdoor dining; incorporating decorative lighting; median and landscape enhancements and new bus shelters.  

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For more information about the Sistrunk Boulevard Infrastructure Project, please call (954) 525-1818. For traffic updates, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov.

Your Poison Control Center – A Valuable Resource for Everyone In 2009, more than 2,600 Floridians died after being poisoned accidentally from their medications, household products, alcohol, or combinations of products. Most people believe that poisoning is almost exclusively a problem in small children, but this is not the case. The majority of deaths from poisoning occur in adults between the ages of 25-54 and, according to the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Injury Prevention, poisoning now kills more Floridians than car accidents! Poisons can seriously injure or even kill you. Examples of the common types of poisonings include:

An adult takes medicine prescribed for another family member. Someone swallows a household chemical or cleaner after mistaking it for juice. A child eats a yard plant or small object from the floor.

If one of these situations or a similar situation happens to you, someone in your family, or someone you know, call the toll-free nationwide Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. The Poison Help Line is available 24 hours a day and connects callers with doctors and nurses staffing South Florida’s regional Poison Control Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Calls to the Poison Help Line are confidential, free, and offer immediate professional advice to determine whether poisoning victims require additional medical care and whether the situation can be safely managed at home. To prevent accidental poisonings, the Poison Control Center recommends the following:

Secure all medications in the home and safely dispose of old or expired drugs. Store hazardous chemicals and medicines out of the reach of children and secure

cabinets with a sturdy lock. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Add the 1-800-222-1222 Poison Help Line phone number to your list of emergency

contacts. Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 for any poison-related question or

suspected poison exposure. Your Poison Control Center can help. Don’t take a chance, call! For more information about poison prevention, visit www.miamipoison.org or call 1-800-222-1222.

If you are receiving a print edition of the Civic Packet but would prefer to only receive the

electronic version, please let us know via email. Thank you! Angela Sabina DiPietro, PIO angelas@fortlauderdale.gov