Saturday, August 30, 2008

Caution Advised for Tropical Storm Hanna


While Hurricane Gustav is passing Cuba, and appears to be heading towards New Orleans, South Florida has to pay attention to another storm heading our way, Tropical Storm Hanna. While it is too early to determine if it will hit Florida, we still must keep watch and prepare.

Presently, if it stays on course, it could reach our area somewhere around next Saturday. However, the computer models show that it could turn to the north when it comes to the edge of the Bahamas on Thursday. Though encouraging, it is not 100% reliable. So please keep track of the storm and take appropriate action if it does approach.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Notes of the Commission Meeting of August 25

On August 25, the City Commission met and the following are notes on certain items of interest:

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS ----- FIRST READING:

1. ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-135: Approved PROVIDING FOR SEPARATION BETWEEN SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES, FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES, AND LARGE FAMILY DAY CARE HOMES.

2. ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-138: Approved amending SCHEDULE J. LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION, IRRIGATION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS, CREATING MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION, BY ADDING STANDARDS REFERENCE IN THE “FLORIDA GREEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT DESIGNATION LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE” MANUAL (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

3. ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-139: Tabled AN ORDINANCE creating Lighting standards, Energy Conservation in Lighting, and reducing Light Pollution and Glare. (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

4. ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-140: Tabled AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING AN INTERACTIVE VOICE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM (IVCS) UNIT BE DISPLAYED ON THE SITE PLAN to a Workshop to give specific notice to effected business (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

5. ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-141: Tabled to a Workshop TO REQUIRE WITHIN NEW DEVELOPMENTS AN IVCS UNIT IN ALL COMMERCIAL OFFICE (CO), COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC), GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG), COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (IL) ZONING DISTRICTS AND IN THE TRANSIT ORIENTED CORRIDOR FUTURE LAND USE MAP SERIES DESIGNATION, TO REQUIRE EXISTING SUCH DEVELOPMENT TO ADD SUCH IVCS UNITS WITHIN A SPECIFIED TIME, AND TO ADD NUISANCE REQUIREMENTS THAT CAN ALSO CAUSE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNITS. NUMBER OF UNITS ARE DEPENDENT UPON PARKING SPACES WITHIN A FACILITIES. (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

6. ORDINANCE NO. 08O-08-142: Approved AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 6, PROHIBITED SIGNS AND ALLOWING DYNAMIC DISPLAYS (REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER BENSON).

RESOLUTIONS

COMMISSION

7. RESOLUTION NO. 08R-08-177: APPROVED A RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL NUISANCE ABATEMENT BOARD BY THE CITY COMMISSIONERS INDIVIDUALLY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (REQUESTED BY CITY COMMISSION).

8. RESOLUTION NO. 08R-08-178: APPROVED A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION ESTABLISHING A POLICY OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO PARTNER WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) BY JOINING THE ENERGY STAR CHALLENGE AND TO PURCHASE ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES AND PRODUCTS WHEN IT IS APPROPRIATE AND COST EFFECTIVE FOR THE CITY (REQUESTED BY MAYOR RICHARD J. KAPLAN).

9. RESOLUTION NO. 08R-08-179: APPROVED A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES 2008 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES (REQUESTED BY VICE MAYOR M. MARGARET BATES).

10. RESOLUTION NO. 08R-08-180: Approved A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL REQUESTING THAT COMCAST TELEVISE THE ANNUAL CITY COMMISSION BUDGET WORKSHOPS MEETINGS OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET AND ALL REGULAR WORKSHOPS EACH YEAR WITHOUT COST TO THE CITY.

11. RESOLUTION NO. 08R-08-181: APPROVED A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULE DATES CALENDAR PRESENTED BY CITY STAFF FOR THE 2009 FISCAL YEAR; ENABLING STAFF TO PROVIDE ADVANCED NOTICE AND PUBLICATION TO THE PUBLIC OF SUCH DATES.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

12. RESOLUTION NO. 08R-08-183: APPROVED A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE BID TO JMW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $512,000.00 FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN APPROXIMATE 2,100 SQUARE FOOT ADDITION TO THE EXISTING FIRE STATION 73 BUILDING, AND FOR RE-ROOFING, PAINTING AND FIRE SPRINKLER UPGRADES TO THE EXISTING BUILDING.

M.I.S.

13. RESOLUTION NO. 08O-08-186: APPROVED A RESOLUTION WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS; AWARDING THE PURCHASE OF PROPRIETARY GPS DEVICES AND SOFTWARE LICENSING FOR VEHICLE TRACKING FROM GOMRM, INC., A SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $156,400.00.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

14. RESOLUTION NO. 08R-08-188: APPROVED A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,400.00 FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) TO THE BROWARD ESTATES CIVIC ASSOCIATION TO SUPPORT DRUG TREATMENT, DRUG EDUCATION OR DRUG PREVENTION, CRIME PREVENTION, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD, OR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE GUIDELINES.

15. RESOLUTION NO. 08R-08-189: APPROVED A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00 FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) TO LEARNING FOR SUCCESS, INC. TO HELP FUND THE “KIDS AND THE POWER OF WORK (KAPOW) PROGRAM” TO BE PRESENTED TO ROYAL PALM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND PAUL TURNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE GUIDELINES.

16. RESOLUTION NO. 08R-08-190: APPROVED A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,401.80 FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) WIRELESS AGPS TRACKING SYSTEMS FROM GPSIT, INC. BASED UPON THE GOVERNMENT SALES BID LIST FOR USE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT VICE, INTELLIGENCE AND NARCOTICS UNIT FOR COVERT SURVEILLANCE.

17. RESOLUTION NO. 08R-08-191: APPROVED A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE EQUITABLE SHARING OF SEIZED ASSETS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $135,660.00 FROM THE UNITED STATES (U.S.) MARSHALLS SERVICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND FLORIDA STATE LAW; AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO SPEND $59,087.00 OF THE SEIZED ASSETS TO PURCHASE VARIOUS EQUIPMENT TO BE LOANED TO THE U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE FOR THEIR USE; PROVIDING FOR THE DISTRIBUTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $76,573.00 TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR USE IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Lauderhill Crime Statistics Shows Crime Decreasing

Uniform Crime Reporting/ Lauderhill Police Department

For the first six months of 2008, the following data has been documented:

Total criminal offenses for the first six months of 2008 is down 1%

Murder No change

Sexual Battery down 41%

Robbery down 1.8%

Aggravated Assault down 3.2%

Burglary up 9.4%

Larceny(Theft) down 1.6%

Motor Vehicle Theft down 12.1%

Saturday, August 23, 2008

A Girl with an Apple, A True Story

August 1942, Piotrkow , Poland

The sky was gloomy that morning as we waited anxiously. All the men, women and children of Piotrkow's Jewish ghetto had been herded into a square. Word had gotten around that we were being moved. My father had only recently died from typhus, which had run rampant through the crowded ghetto. My greatest fear was that our family would be separated.

'Whatever you do,' Isidore, my eldest brother, whispered to me,'don't tell them your age. Say you're sixteen.' I was tall for a boy of 11, so I could pull it off. That way I might be deemed valuable as a worker.

An SS man approached me, boots clicking against the cobblestones. He looked me up and down, then asked my age. 'Sixteen,'I said. He directed me to the left, where my three brothers and other healthy young men already stood.

My mother was motioned to the right with the other women, children,sick and elderly people. I whispered to Isidore, 'Why?' He didn't answer. I ran to Mama's side and said I wanted to stay with her. 'No,'she said sternly. 'Get away. Don't be a nuisance. Go with your brothers.'

She had never spoken so harshly before. But I understood: She was protecting me. She loved me so much that, just this once, she pretended not to. It was the last I ever saw of her.

My brothers and I were transported in a cattle car to Germany . We arrived at the Buchenwald concentration camp one night weeks later and were led into a crowded barrack. The next day, we were issued uniforms and identification numbers.'Don't call me Herman anymore.' I said to my brothers. 'Call me 94983.'

I was put to work in the camp's crematorium, loading the dead into a hand-cranked elevator. I, too, felt dead. Hardened, I had become a number.

Soon, my brothers and I were sent to Schlieben, one of Buchenwald's sub-camps near Berlin . One morning I thought I heard my mother's voice,'Son,' she said softly but clearly, I am going to send you an angel.' Then I woke up. Just a dream. A beautiful dream. But in this place there could be no angels. There was only work. And hunger. And fear.

A couple of days later, I was walking around the camp, around the barracks, near the barbed-wire fence where the guards could not easily see. I was alone. On the other side of the fence, I spotted someone: a little girl with light, almost luminous curls. She was half-hidden behind a birch tree. I glanced around to make sure no one saw me. I called to her softly in German. 'Do you have something to eat?' She didn't understand. I inched closer to the fence and repeated the question in Polish. She stepped forward. I was thin and gaunt, with rags wrapped around my feet, but the girl looked unafraid. In her eyes, I saw life.

She pulled an apple from her woolen jacket and threw it over the fence. I grabbed the fruit and, as I started to run away, I heard her say faintly, 'I'll see you tomorrow.' I returned to the same spot by the fence at the same time every day. She was always there with something for me to eat - a hunk of bread or, better yet, an apple. We didn't dare speak or linger. To be caught would mean death for us both. I didn't know anything about her, just a kind farm girl, except that she understood Polish. What was her name? Why was she risking her life for me? Hope was in such short supply, and this girl on the other side of the fence gave me some, as nourishing in its way as the bread and apples.

Nearly seven months later, my brothers and I were crammed into a coal car and shipped to Theresienstadt camp in Czechoslovakia . 'Don't return,' I told the girl that day. 'We're leaving.' I turned toward the barracks and didn't look back, didn't even say good-bye to the little girl whose name I'd never learned, the girl with the apples.

We were in Theresienstadt for three months. The war was winding down and Allied forces were closing in, yet my fate seemed sealed. On May 10, 1945, I was scheduled to die in the gas chamber at 10:00 AM. In the quiet of dawn, I tried to prepare myself. So many times death seemed ready to claim me, but somehow I'd survived. Now, it was over. I thought of my parents. At least, I thought, we will be reunited.

But at 8 A.M. there was a commotion. I heard shouts, and saw people running every which way through camp. I caught up with my brothers. Russian troops had liberated the camp! The gates swung open. Everyone was running, so I did too. Amazingly, all of my brothers had survived; I'm not sure how. But I knew that the girl with the apples had been the key to my survival. In a place where evil seemed triumphant, one person's goodness had saved my life, had given me hope in a place where there was none. My mother had promised to send me an angel, and the angel had come.

Eventually I made my way to England where I was sponsored by a Jewish charity, put up in a hostel with other boys who had survived the Holocaust and trained in electronics. Then I came to America , where my brother Sam had already moved. I served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, and returned to New York City after two years. By August 1957 I'd opened my own electronics repair shop. I was starting to settle in.

One day, my friend Sid who I knew from England called me. 'I've got a date. She's got a Polish friend. Let's double date.' A blind date? Nah, that wasn't for me. But Sid kept pestering me, and a few days later we headed up to the Bronx to pick up his date and her friend Roma. I had to admit, for a blind date this wasn't so bad. Roma was a nurse at a Bronx hospital. She was kind and smart. Beautiful, too, with swirling brown curls and green, almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with life.

The four of us drove out to Coney Island . Roma was easy to talk to,easy to be with. Turned out she was wary of blind dates too! We were both just doing our friends a favor. We took a stroll on the boardwalk, enjoying the salty Atlantic breeze, and then had dinner by the shore. I couldn't remember having a better time.

We piled back into Sid's car, Roma and I sharing the backseat. As European Jews who had survived the war, we were aware that much had been left unsaid between us. She broached the subject, 'Where were you,' she asked softly, 'during the war?' 'The camps,' I said, the terrible memories still vivid, the irreparable loss. I had tried to forget. But you can never forget. She nodded. 'My family was hiding on a farm in Germany , not far from Berlin ,' she told me. 'My father knew a priest, and he got us Aryan papers.' I imagined how she must have suffered too, fear, a constant companion. And yet here we were, both survivors, in a new world. 'There was a camp next to the farm.' Roma continued. 'I saw a boy there and I would throw him apples every day.'

What an amazing coincidence that she had helped some other boy. 'What did he look like? I asked. 'He was tall, skinny, and hungry. I must have seen him every day for six months.' My heart was racing. I couldn't believe it. This couldn't be. 'Did he tell you one day not to come back because he was leaving Schlieben?' Roma looked at me in amazement. 'Yes!' 'That was me! ' I was ready to burst with joy and awe, flooded with emotions. I couldn't believe it! My angel.

'I'm not letting you go.' I said to Roma. And in the back of the car on that blind date, I proposed to her. I didn't want to wait. 'You're crazy!' she said. But she invited me to meet her parents for Shabbat dinner the following week. There was so much I looked forward to learning about Roma, but the most important things I always knew: her steadfastness, her goodness. For many months, in the worst of circumstances, she had come to the fence and given me hope. Now that I'd found her again, I could never let her go.

That day, she said yes. And I kept my word. After nearly 50 years of marriage, two children and three grandchildren, I have never let her go.

Herman Rosenblat, Miami Beach , Florida



This is a true story and you can find out more by Googling Herman Rosenblat. He was Bar Mitzvahed at age 75. This story is being made into a movie called The Fence.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

26 DISTRICT SCHOOLS OPEN 2008/09 YEAR WITH NEW PRINCIPALS

Twenty-six Broward County Public Schools will open the 2008/09 year under the leadership of new principals. Below is a partial list of principals that may service Lauderhill students which includes first-year educational leaders and those who were reassigned from other schools or positions in the District.

PRINCIPAL SCHOOL
Frances Fuce-Ollivierre - Castle Hill Elementary (Interim Principal)
Marvis Ward - King, Martin Luther Elementary (Interim Principal)
Valoria Latson - Larkdale Elementary
Patricia Hague - Plantation Middle
Oslay Gil - Sunrise Middle School (Interim Principal)

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The City of Lauderhill Will Resume Full Operations After Tropical Storm Fay

After The City of Lauderhill’s encounter with Tropical Storm Fay, we are pleased to report the City is intact and unscathed from any damage.

As of 11:58 AM, the Tropical Storm Warnings and Watch were lifted for our area. A Tornado Watch is still in effect until 4 PM. Watch for local flooding and heavy rains as bans of weather from Fay are still passing through our area.

All City Buildings and Parks and subsequent operations will reopen for business as usual on Wednesday, the 20th of August. Employees shall return to work at that time as well. Regularly scheduled garbage pick up shall proceed as normal. City buses and meetings will resume as scheduled.

As always, if anything should change, an additional City Press Release will be sent and posted on the City website at www.lauderhill-fl.gov. Or you can tune into 1650 am for City related updates. Residents are encouraged to monitor the television and radio for announcements related to County services.

The Broward County Hurricane Hotline will remain in operations on a 24-hour basis until the threat from Tropical Storm Fay has passed. Call 3-1-1 if you have any questions.

Update #8 on Tropical Storm Fay

The Broward County Emergency Operation Center is continuing to monitor the impacts of Tropical Storm Fay and will continue to do so throughout the day. The Rapid Impact Assessment conducted by Broward County and all municipalities determined that there was minimal damage as a result of the storm.

Broward County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning. A flood watch is in effect until 8:00 p.m. this evening and a tornado watch until 4:00 p.m.

FPL reports that 5,300 customers are currently without power, primarily in northern Broward County. They are working continuously to restore power and have brought in extra crews to expedite the restoration process.

Approximately 30 traffic signals are not working at this time; however, that is primarily due to power outages. There are no reports of debris that would impact traffic. When a traffic signal is inoperable, motorists should treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

The City of Lauderhill and Broward County is in the process of returning to normal operations. The following information is provided:

Broward County School Board Chair Robin Bartleman announced that all Broward County schools and administrative offices will be open tomorrow, Wednesday, August 20. This will be the first day of schools and motorists are reminded to be aware of school zones and obey posted speed limits.

All Broward County government offices will be open tomorrow. This includes the Clerk of Courts, Public Defender's Office, State Attorney's Office, the judiciary, Property Appraiser's Office and the Supervisor of Election Office. It is expected that the Secretary of State will make a decision concerning the resumption of early voting later today.

Broward County bridges are now fully operational.

Mass Transit is operating on their normal bus schedule today. The number to call to check on bus schedules and routes is 954-357-8400. The telephone number for the hearing impaired is 954-357-8302.

Residents that have taken advantage of the Broward County mass care and special medical needs shelters are returning home. Transportation is being provided for those residents that need assistance.

The Coast Guard has opened Port Everglades to all ship traffic effective 10:30 a.m. this morning and the Greater Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is operating under normal conditions.

Starting on Wednesday, August 20, as per normal schedule, regular collection of recyclables and garbage will resume in all of Broward County. Items not picked up (while services were suspended) will be collected on the next regularly scheduled collection day. Residents that have sustained damage to their homes and need assistance should call the Red Cross at 954-797-3800 for assistance.

The 3-1-1 hotline will remain operational throughout the day for residents that may need assistance.

Update #7 on Tropical Storm Fay

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

As we approach the end of Tropical Storm Fay, we have some final information. This should be my last advisory unless conditions dictate otherwise. Normal services should be starting to come back starting tomorrow, and by the end of the week, everything should be back to normal. Keep following the city's web site for more information: http://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/.

To assist us in the future, I would appreciate if you would respond as to what methods of local Lauderhill communication you used, and if they were useful to you. We utilize the city's web site, e-mails from the Mayor's Emergency Contact System, other e-mails from Press Releases issued by the city, this Blog, 1650 AM (for which would be more utilized in times of power failures and more significant damage), and any other method I may have left out.

My interest is to determine the effectiveness of each method and where improvement could lie. Thank you.

Mayor Kaplan

FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL

Luckily Fay's impact on us was far less than anticipated. We can expect improving conditions now except for some mild trailing end squalls.

The City Manager drove the city between 3 and 6 AM and did not see any flooding or signs of damage. However, there were sporadic and short power outages (no downed power lines). Our crews will be doing a full tour of the City later today to search for damage and problems.

We can expect tropical windforce gusts and rain bands throughout the day today, with most of the bad weather ending after 2 p.m.

FROM BROWARD COUNTY

It is important that you inspect your property for any storm damage as soon as it is safe to do so. For the purposes of reporting to FEMA, you should advise the County's Economic Development Office ntaylor@broward.org or dwilkinson@broward.org of any damage you may have had. That office will assist you in directing your damage reports to the appropriate local and federal officials. You will also need to make your damage claim to your insurance company.

We met with representatives from Florida Power and Light company this morning. There are approximately 5,200 customers without power in Broward County, mainly transformer issues. The expectation is that power would be restored by 2 p.m.

As of 7 a.m., Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport continues to operate smoothly after a long evening of heavy rain and high winds. We have an additional 3 cancelled flights this morning in addition to the 17 cancelled flights Monday evening. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines on the status of their flights before heading to the airport.

Please be aware of standing water or flooded streets during the course of the day.

All bridges in Broward County will resume normal operations at 9:00 a.m. this morning. This includes bridges operated by Broward County and the Florida Department of Transportation.

Broward County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Tornado Watch this morning. Early damage assessments indicate that Broward County has experienced very little damage. Residents are advised to continue to monitor weather conditions and only travel this morning if necessary.

Rapid Impact Assessment teams are currently working throughout Broward County to confirm that there are no major roadway problems or debris issues. No major flooding issues have been reported.

Residents are reminded that children should not be permitted to wade in standing water for health and safety reasons.

Mass Transit is operating on their normal bus schedule today. The number to call to check on bus schedules and routes is 954-357-8400. The telephone number for the hearing impaired is 954-357-8302.

The Arthur Ashe mass care shelter operated by Red Cross and the Special Medical Needs Shelter housed a total of 67 people. Plans are underway to return residents in shelters to their homes later this morning.

The Broward County Hotline 3-1-1 will remain operational throughout the day to assist residents.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Update #6 on Tropical Storm Fay

Given the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, TS Fay will be showing its strongest presence in our area (Broward County) between Tuesday around 1 am and 11am, with sustained winds between 40 to 50 mph. with the strongest winds between 1 am and 4 am. Residents and visitors are urged to stay off the roads during these times.

There has been no annoucement from the Aviation Department regarding a closure of the airport; however, it is strongly advised that anyone holding airline reservations for tonight and early tomorrow morning check with their airline.

Broward County residents should be prepared for sustained Tropical Storm Force winds beginning at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, August 19. The Broward County Emergency Operations Center will remain activated at a Level II to respond to any protective actions that may be necessary during this time.

Residents are strongly advised to remain indoors tonight and tomorrow morning while the tropical force winds are impacting Broward County. Broward County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, Tornado Watch and Flood Watch.

Mass Transit will continue bus service this evening with their normal bus service ending at 12:45 a.m. when they will cease operations. Bus service will not resume operations until sustained tropical force winds have subsided. An update when bus service is expected to resume will be announced at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. Early morning bus riders can call 3-1-1 for updated information on when bus service will resume.

Three shelters opened today at 3:00 p.m. for residents that need to evacuate. The mass care shelter is located at Arthur Ashe Middle School, 1701 N.W. 23 Ave., Fort Lauderdale, and a pet-friendly shelter is open at Millennium Middle School, 5803 N.W. 94 Ave., Tamarac.

A Special Medical Needs shelter also opened today at 3:00 p.m. Residents can still call 3-1-1 if they need assistance to evacuate to a medical needs shelter.

As announced earlier, all County government offices will remain closed on Tuesday. The Broward County Commission meeting and workshop has been cancelled as well. Broward County employees can call the employee hotline at 954-831-8589 or 3-1-1 for information.

All Broward County bridges are now in a "locked down" position. During tropical storm force winds the roadways can be very dangerous. If a traffic signal is not working, the intersection should be treated as a four-way stop. Residents are asked not to drive unless it is an emergency during tropical storm force winds.

Waste Management, Inc. will provide recycling, garbage and bulk waste collection in Lauderhill on Tuesday, August 19, as soon as weather conditions allow. Do not put out your garbage early.

The Southwest Regional (BIC) Landfill and Broward County's three Trash Transfer stations will be closed on Tuesday, August 19.

Update #5 on Tropical Storm Fay

FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL

Broward County is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Flood and Tornado Watch.

All City Buildings and Parks will close at 3 pm today, August 18th, 2008 and remain closed on Tuesday, August 19th. Any scheduled City Meetings are cancelled as well until Wednesday, August 20th. Regularly scheduled garbage pickup for residents serviced by All Service Refuse is suspended until Wednesday, August 20th while residents serviced by Waste Management is tentative for Tuesday, August 19th.

Subsequent weather advisories may dictate changes in services. If anything should change, an additional City Press Release will be sent and posted on the City website at www.lauderhill-fl.gov. Also, please tune into 1650 am for City related updates. Residents are encouraged to monitor television and radio for emergency announcements related to County services like Mass Transit, School, Airports and Seaport.

The Broward County Hurricane Hotline will remain in operations on a 24-hour basis until the threat from Tropical Storm Fay has passed. Call 3-1-1 if you have any questions.

Update #4 on Tropical Storm Fay

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

Another update on Tropical Storm Fay:

FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL

Broward County emergency management is advising that sustained Tropical Storm force winds will be felt in our area beginning this evening. Subsequently, BC has issued a 'declaration of local state of emergency', and the City Manager has opened Lauderhill's Emergency Operations Center with a low level of staffing to deal with any issues that may occur during the night. Additionally, the City has issued a local state of emergency in order to properly documents the actions of our staff during this storm.

Finally, Lauderhill will be closing general City operations at 3:00 pm, and the City will remain closed until Wednesday 08/19.

Additional information may also be received by listening to Lauderhill's Radio Station, 1650 AM, going to the city web site: www.lauderhill-fl.gov, which will be updated as needed.

FROM BROWARD COUNTY

Winds tonight between 25-35 MPH with gusts up to 43 MPH. Tomorrow, 28-33 MPH, with gusts up to 47 MPH mainly in the earlier part of the day.

Broward County Emergency Operations Center remains at a Level II activation and is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Fay. The following protective actions are being taken:

Broward County School Board Chair Robin Bartleman announced that Broward County Schools will be closed tomorrow. This includes all charter schools.

Broward County Government will remain closed on Tuesday. This includes the Clerk of Courts, Public Defender's Office, State Attorney's Office, the judiciary and the Property Appraiser's Office. The Supervisor of Election Office will be closed tomorrow as well as all the early voting locations.

A voluntary evacuation for residents that live in mobile home and low-lying areas prone to flooding is in place. One Red Cross mass care shelter will be opened at 3:00 p.m. today at Arthur Ashe Middle School, 1701 N.W. 23 Ave., Fort Lauderdale and a pet-friendly shelter will open at Millennium Middle School, 5803 N.W. 94 Ave., Tamarac. If you plan to go to the pet-friendly shelter you must bring proof of pet vaccination, pet license and any special medications or food required.

One special medical needs shelter will be opened for residents that have a medical condition that requires a greater level of care than that provided at a Red Cross mass care shelter, but does not require hospitalization. If you have not already preregistered for the special medical needs shelter you can call 3-1-1 for assistance.

Three bridges operated by the Broward County Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division will close (locked in the down position) at 6:00 p.m. today. They are the Andrews Avenue Bridge, 3rd Avenue Bridge and the SW4/7 Avenue Bridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The Florida Department of Transportation has not announced closure of bridges that they operate in Broward County.

Broward College is canceling all classes after 5 p.m. today. All Broward College campuses will close at 6 p.m. today. All classes have been canceled on Tuesday.

Travelers should check with their cruise and airlines before leaving for Port Everglades or the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.

Hospice Care of Southeast Florida has announced that patients and families in Monroe, Miami-Dade, and Broward counties contact 1-800-372-1757 to determine special needs they may have due to Tropical Storm Fay.

Broward County remains under a Tropical Storm warning, flood watch and tornado watch. Residents are advised to remain indoors during severe weather.
The Broward County Hotline will remain operational until the threat of Tropical Storm Fay is over. Residents should call 3-1-1 for information.

Update #3 on Tropical Storm Fay

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

We have been receiving some updates that I wanted to make you aware of.

Mayor Kaplan


FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL

Broward County is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Flood Watch.

All City Buildings and Parks are currently open for business as usual. Regularly scheduled garbage pick up shall proceed as normal. Please wait until tomorrow morning to put on Tuesdays garbage if weather conditions should change. City buses are running as scheduled as well.

Subsequent weather advisories may dictate changes in services. If anything should change, an additional City Press Release will be sent and posted on the City website at www.lauderhill-fl.gov. Also, please tune into Lauderhill's Radio Station, 1650 AM for City related updates. Residents are encouraged to monitor television and radio for emergency announcements related to County services like Mass Transit, School, Airports and Seaport.

The Broward County Hurricane Hotline will remain in operations on a 24-hour basis until the threat from Tropical Storm Fay has passed. Call 3-1-1 if you have any questions.


FROM BROWARD COUNTY:

Broward County Emergency Operations Center has been elevated from a monitoring level to a Level II activation at 7:00 a.m. Monday, August 18 in response to Tropical Storm Fay. A Level II activation is a partial activation of the Emergency Operations Center which will allow the Broward Emergency Response Team to respond to changing conditions quickly.

Broward County is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Flood Watch. County government will close today, August 18, at noon, as well as all Courthouse facilities, including the Clerk of Courts, Public Defender's Office, State Attorney's Office, and the judiciary. The Property Appraiser's Office will also close at noon today.

Mass Transit will remain operational today and this evening. A decision will be made later today concerning the overnight transit operations.

While we are not currently in the storm cone for a direct hit, we are on the Northeast side of the storm where the heaviest weather is expected. We can likely expect strong winds, heavy rain, gusts of 39-54 miles per hour throughout the next 12-24 hours, as well as the possibility of tornadoes during that time. Due to this and for the safety of our employees, The Broward Alliance, along with County government offices will close today at noon.

Normal operations continue for Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Cruise and airline passengers should check with their cruise line or airline for the latest information. The Coast Guard will cease new ship arrivals by noon today. All ships in port must sail by 5:00 p.m. today. Truck traffic at Port Everglades will continue until such time that winds reach tropical storm force.

The Broward County Hurricane Hotline will remain in operation on a 24-hour basis until the threat from Tropical Storm Fay has passed. To reach the Hotline, call 3-1-1. The hotline has received more than 2,600 calls since Monday when it activated with 1,000 calls received during the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. period.

FURTHER UPDATE FROM BROWARD COUNTY

According to the 11 a.m. Advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Fay has moved slightly further east, creating a stronger possibility for worsening weather in Broward County over the next 12-24 hours. There has been no change in the status of the TROPICAL STORM WARNING, currently in effect. There is expectation for more than 2-4 inches of rain, winds with gusts reaching 39-54 miles per hour, and a strong possibility of tornadoes associated with feeder bands passing through Broward County.

County offices and Broward Schools, Courts, and other Constitutional offices will be closed tomorrow, August 19th, since the effects of this tropical storm will be felt until approximately 6 p.m. tomorrow. Area bridges will be locked down to boat traffic beginning at 6 p.m. this afternoon. Boats should seek safe harbor prior to that time.

The Port and Airport are presently open; we will advise you if there is any change in that regard. The Coast Guard currently has the Port on Level Yankee, which requires ocean going vessels to depart the Port. Landside operations are still open. Passengers are urged to verify flight and cruise information with their carrier. Aviation has advised us that there has not yet been any forecast of sustained winds of over 40 miles per hour, which would be the point at which the airport would consider closing. Other decisions concerning flights and schedules are made by the airlines. We have not yet been notified of any schedule changes into or out of FLL.

Please be certain that you have removed all outdoor furniture and decorations, as well as any debris that can become a projectile in high winds. Again, please take all precautions to assure your safety and well being.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Update #2 on Tropical Storm Fay

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

The following was received from Broward County that you should be aware of:

Broward County will close County Government offices effective Monday, August 18 at noon in order to facilitate protective response actions resulting from Tropical Storm Fay. In addition, the Broward County Superintendent of Schools has announced that all Broward County public schools will be closed on Monday. The following exceptions and clarifications are provided:

.Broward County Courts will be open on Monday.
.Broward County Port Everglades and the Greater Fort Lauderdale International Airport will be open on Monday and will remain open unless weather conditions require closure.
.Broward County libraries will be closed all day on Monday.
.Broward County parks will be close at noon.
.Bus service will continue with normal operations on Monday as weather conditions permit.
.Animal Care shelters will be closed on Monday.

There is a possibility that the Broward County Emergency Operations Center will announce a mandatory evacuation tomorrow of all residents living in mobile homes and those residents that live in low-lying areas. A coastal evacuation will not be ordered. If an evacuation is ordered, regional shelters will be opened on Monday to accommodate evacuees. Shelter locations will be announced as they are readied. Residents that must evacuate are encouraged to stay with family or friends whenever possible. Special medical needs shelters may also be open on Monday to accommodate those residents that require special assistance.

Shelters will also be opened for homeless persons if necessary. Transportation will be provided from three pick-up points in the County beginning at noon on Monday. The pick-up points include Pompano Beach City Hall, 100 West Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, the Salvation Army Lodge, 1445 West Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale and in south Broward at the corner of N. 21 Avenue and Lincoln Street and/or the corner of N. 21 Ave. and Sherman Street.

The Broward County Emergency Operations Center is monitoring Tropical Storm Fay and is partially activated. A full activation is scheduled for 7:00 a.m. on Monday. The Broward County hurricane hotline is open. Residents can reach the hotline by calling 3-1-1 or 954-831-4000 or visit the Broward County web site at www.broward.org.

As to Lauderhill services, more is planned to be forthcoming.

Update on Tropical Storm Fay

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

I have been receiving the following information which I am passing on to you.

Mayor Kaplan

FROM BROWARD COUNTY:

As of 4 p.m. this afternoon, the Broward County Emergency Operations Center will be open in order to serve the residents, visitors and businesses of Broward County.

The current track has the storm heading northwest, making a gradual turn to the north toward Key West, and continuing west of Naples and Fort Myers late Monday and early Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center has issued a TROPICAL STORM WATCH for Miami Dade and Broward Counties. This means that it is possible that tropical storm winds in excess of 35 miles per hour and strong rains (2 to 4 inches) could be felt here as early as noon on Monday. There is a possibility of tornadoes as the storm moves west of us through the Florida straits.

There is no evacuation order issued for Broward at this time. There is not expected to be a tidal storm surge related to this tropical storm, so we are not anticipating an evacuation of the eastern portion of the county.

Please take all appropriate precautions to insure the safety and well being of your family, your guests and your property.

FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL:

* Currently under a Tropical Storm Watch.

* BC EM Director states most likely will be under a Tropical Storm Warning late tonight early tomorrow.

* Full activation of Broward County EOC will be tomorrow at 0700 hours, municipal reps need to report.

*Announcement on Schools will be sent out in an email to municipalities just before a 3:30 pm conference call announcement today advising on what they plan on doing.

* Broward County Government will open in morning and close at noon after employees secure their offices.

* No news on Bus Transportation or garbage. But if county controls your landfill they may be gone by noon.

* Expect 2 to 4 inches of rain as of the latest report may change on any change in the storm.

* BC Will open a few special needs shelters initially may need to prepare for West Coast resident sheltering.

* The County is prepared to issue a State of Emergency when needed, and if they do, we will likewise issue a Lauderhill State of Emergency. Govenor has declared a state emergency already.

We will make a decission tomorrow moring if we will close early, but so far Lauderhill is open for business tomorrow

Information on Tropical Storm Fay

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

At this point we are following the movement of Tropical Storm Fay. Presently, projectories show that it could come into our area, but it is too far off to know for sure where it may travel. The path shows that it can pass as far west as along the west coast of Florida, to over the east coast of Florida. The best information for now is that if it passes through the state, it would have an impact from mid Monday to mid Wednesday, with the closest approach on mid Tuesday. It does look like that at a minimum we will receive some wind and rain, but that also could change.

The recommendation is that since this is a weekend, it would be wise to make sure that any loose exterior landscaping, or loose objects that could fly, be disposed of/secured. Also, if there are drains in the area, that they be inspected so that they are not clogged. You may also wish to look over your emergency plans to make sure that you will be prepared in the event Fay does approach our area, i.e., food, water, batteries, etc. It is easier to plan ahead, then to wait until everyone else is trying to do the same thing at the same time.

The best course of action is to be prepared. Also, if you are doing any work around your house, you need to be careful about it. Don't hurt yourself, and get help if you need it to avoid injuries.

The Broward County School District has posted an emergency hotline message about Tropical Storm Fay, 754-321-0321. They still expected to hold classes Monday, subject to further advances by Fay.

As matters develop, more postings will be made as warranted.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Cardio Kickboxing


Every Wednesday from 6 to 7 PM, at St. George Community Park, participate free in Cardio Kickboxing. Dress comfortably (sneakers and work out attire). Bring your own towel, water, etc.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Get Free Help on Foreclsures

In these difficult times, many in our community are facing foreclosure on their homes. The Florida Bar, along with Florida Legal Services and the Real Estate, Probate, and Trust Lawyers Division (RPPTL) of the Bar, has set up a program called FLASH - Florida Attorneys Saving Homes. The purpose of the program is to provide free legal representation to those facing foreclosure to help people keep their homes. If you are a homeowner facing foreclosure, please call toll free 1-866-607-2187 for assistance.

Also, the City of Tamarac and Coral Springs will be conducting a Foreclosure Seminar to help all residents in the region in getting the help they need. Lauderhill residents are invited to attend.

Saturday, August 09, 2008

eLauderhill Recommends

On August 26, 2008, residents of the City of Lauderhill will be able to vote in the Primary. Prior to August 26, residents will be able to vote through requesting an absentee ballot, or by early voting at one of the centers around the county (August 11 - August 24). Early Voting Precincts, in or near Lauderhill, are at the Lauderhill Mall and the Tamarac Library on Commercial Blvd. If you wait until August 26, you will only be able to vote at your assigned precinct. For more voting information: http://www.browardsoe.org/ and click on sample ballot.

As to your vote, eLauderhill News gives the following recommendations:

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 94
Roshawn Banks DEM
Eric Hammond DEM Qualified
Robert L. Lynch DEM
Hazelle Rogers DEM Qualified
Ken Thurston DEM Qualified
Rubin Young DEM

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 29
Michael E. Carn DEM
Earlean C. Smiley DEM
Christopher “Chris” Smith DEM Endorsed
Terry A. Williams Edden

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS DISTRICT 23
Alcee L. Hastings DEM Endorsed
Ray Torres Sanchez DEM

SHERIFF
S. “Shak” Dhanji DEM
Scott J. Israel DEM Endorsed
Richard “Rick” Lemack DEM
Wiley Thompson DEM Qualified
Bruce Lee Udolf DEM

PROPERTY APPRAISER
Lori Parrish DEM Endorsed
Sara E. Truini DEM

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Adriane P. Reesey DEM
Brenda C. Snipes DEM Endorsed

COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 9
John Billingsley, Jr. DEM Qualified
Josephus Eggelletion, Jr. DEM
Allen B. Jackson DEM
Dale V.C. Holness DEM Endorsed

PUBLIC DEFENDER, 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Alex Arreaza DEM
Howard Finkelstein DEM

CIRCUIT JUDGE 17TH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT, GROUP 3
Bernard Isaac “Bernie” Bober
Pedro E. Dijols
Mardi Anne Levey Qualified

CIRCUIT JUDGE 17TH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT, GROUP 21
Merrilee Ehrlich
Paul D. Eichner Endorsed
John Robert Howes

CIRCUIT JUDGE 17TH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT, GROUP 27
Steven Brian Feren Endorsed
Mark W. Rickard
Ed Sugar

CIRCUIT JUDGE 17TH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT, GROUP 34

Renee Goldenberg Endorsed
Kim T. Mollica

COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 18
Ellen A. Feld Qualified
Julio E. Gonzalez Qualified

COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 27
Catalina M. Avalos Endorsed
Ian Richards

SCHOOL BOARD AT LARGE, SEAT 9
Robin Bartleman Endorsed
Dee Schroeder

COUNTY REFERENDUM
FINANCIAL IMPACT OF PROPOSED COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENT
Shall the County Charter be amended to require that, for all elections, beginning with the November 4, 2008, General Election, the County Auditor prepare, and the County Commission place on the ballot, immediately following the ballot question, a separate financial impact statement, not exceeding seventy-five words, estimating the increase or decrease in revenues or costs to the County resulting from approval of any proposed Charter amendment? Recommends Yes

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Updated on Lauderhill

The following is some information that may be of interest concerning the ongoing activities of the city:

ADMINISTRATION:

GO Bond - 66% of GO Bonds projects are complete. Approximately 1/2 of the money has been spent. The bond was approved by voters 11/12/04, the Official Issue Date of the bond was 8/18/05, the required completion date for projects under the GO Bond is August 17, 2010.

CODE/BUILDING SERVICES:

Commercial Blvd. Shoppes - Petsmart and Office Max are awaiting TCO finals and TCO package.

The Villas had a meeting, and they are shortly expected to submit plans to the city.

Code Enforcement issued 75 Notices of Violation and 4 tickets for the week of July 28.

The city has hired a contractor to cut the over grown grass for abandoned property around the city. Six more empty homes were found last week.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA):

We are receiving $30,000 for grant from the Design Arts Panel for a Cultural Planning Grant. The request was for $45,000, but due to budget cuts the County only funded $30,000 for the entire year. We were the only applicant.

The Broward Alliance is co-sponsoring the joint booth at the ULI Conference in Miami coming up in October.

DEES:

Completed the layout for Renaissance Park wall installation.

FIRE-RESCUE:

Meeting occurred to discuss special events at the Central Regional Park.

Working on Vehicle Accident Revenue Study

Bid was reviewed for Station 73 addition.

Staff is redesigning the Paint Palette Program.

The department, for the week of July 28, responded to 5 fire calls, 148 EMS calls, 1 hazardous condition call, 26 false calls. Average response time was under 6 minutes.

PALS:

The city terminated Quality Transportation contract, and is entering into a contract with Limousines of South Florida to provide Community Shuttle Bus service in the city.

Ridership on the Community Shuttle Bus was 28,791 in May, averaging 1300/day of operation. That is up from the last report of 1200/day.

Demand response transport was 405.

A women's exercises group was started by a volunteer (Looby) at the Sports Park. See preceding article on this topic.

PLANNING & ZONING:

Ongoing Projects
* Smart Code
* Ten Year Water Supply Plan
* Lauderhill City Center DRI
* EAR Based Amendments
* LEED Certification/Green Building

COMMENDATIONS:

Letter was received from USDOT to the police department notifying them that they had been declared the 2007-8 International Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Challenge First Place Winner for Municipalities (101-200 sworn officers).

Letter was received from the Police Chief of Maplewood, NJ, thanking Det. Robert Chifford for his assistance with locating a suspect who had been calling in numerous bogus bomb threats in his city.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Broward Commission to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Bus Route Changes

The Broward County Commission will hold a public hearing at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, at the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, to receive public comments on proposed changes to Broward County Transit (BCT) routes 2, 4, 5, 7, 16, 28 and the new, proposed “University Drive Breeze” service. If approved by the Commission, the changes would become effective on Sunday, September 21. To view maps of the proposed routes, visit www.broward.org/bct.

The new, limited-stop “University Breeze” service will travel along University Drive from Westview Drive in Coral Springs to Northwest 183 Street in North Miami-Dade County, continuing to State Road 441, then south to the Golden Glades Park and Ride lot, making stops at major street intersections only. Service frequency will be every 30 minutes on weekdays during morning and afternoon peak hours. There will be no service during the midday and on weekends.

Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations to participate in the public hearing should call 954-357-8355 or 954-357-8302 (TTY) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. For persons unable to attend the meeting, comments should be mailed to Broward County Transit, Marketing Section, 3201 W. Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33069.

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Broward County Transit Hosts Public Workshops On Transportation Development Plan

Broward County Transit (BCT) is hosting a public workshop to receive public input on a multi-year Transportation Development Plan (TDP) that provides guidance on the capital and operating priorities for public transit for 2009 through 2018.

The public workshop is designed to provide feedback to the Broward County Commission for developing a public transportation plan to meet current and future needs of Broward County residents and visitors.

The workshop will be held as follows:

• Thursday, August 14, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.,
Broward County Lauderhill Towne Centre Library
6399 W. Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderhill
Accessible by BCT route 72

The public will be asked to provide their comments to the following questions: What are the three major public transportation issues in our region? What should be done now and in the future to improve public transportation?

Comments to the workshop should be sent to bctsurvey@broward.org. Please indicate in the subject field: TDP Workshop Comments. To learn more about the TDP, go to www.broward.org/bct/transitplan.htm.

For additional information about the meeting, or to request an interpreter for the hearing impaired, contact Jonathan Roberson, Broward County Transportation Department, at 954-357-8338.