Saturday, February 28, 2015

DOLPHINS DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY 2015 UPDATE

Well the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Games have been played, and now it is time for the Combines.  While still early, certain patterns and needs are developing for the Dolphins.  So another review is given, concentrating on what are the top needs.

Like before an examination of each position is provided,

OFFENSE:

QB – Tannenhill is developing into a 2nd tier QB.  Whether he can break into the top tier next season is a question, but he has exceeded the abilities of most of the QB’s on the Dolphins of the near past.  His back up, Moore, is also very good, but expensive.  The Dolphins may let Moore go in Free Agency, but then they need a back up.  Free Agency gives some experience, but at a cost and little upside, and due to needs from the draft and high draft pick is problematic for a quarterback.  As a 4th or 5th round draft pick, Shane Carden of East Carolina may be a smart move.

RB – This has been a troubling group in that you know what you got, but you’re not quite sure what you will get.  With a lot of potential, but only Miller showing anything, another free agent may be in order (assuming Moreno will be gone due to constant injury problems).  Since we have so many backups, I wouldn’t draft a RB unless it was a high pick (and there are too many other areas in need first).  So unless some sleeper falls to a lower round, free agency may be the only answer.  Maybe Frank Gore that we can get a year or two out of him.

WR – A lot of talent that is getting better.  The question revolves around the future of Wallace and if he stays with the team.  If he does, then it is not a pressing need.  If he leaves then Landry will move up and a replacement will be needed.  The decision on Wallace will dictate which round a WR should be drafted.

TE – If we maintain the players we have, and don’t lose any to free agency, then it is developing nicely.  If we lose Clay, then another TE will be needed somewhere in the middle to late in the draft.

C – If we hold our players we are pretty well set.   It is said Pouncey will be going back to C, so what happens to Satele.  Do we keep him or let him go?  At best he will be another backup but he can start on a limited basis.   

G- If Pouncey goes back to C, you now have a huge gap at both G positions.  All of our players are serviceable Guards and maybe can start now and again.  But this is a major need, with a lot depending upon Turner.  It seems best if the team signs a free agent like Franklin (expensive), Boling (more reasonable and hopefully healthy) or Sims (even cheaper but older).  Then with the Dolphins 2nd round pick they must go for a G like Kouandjio or Matias, though in the 3rd could be Erving or Poutasi (both of which who could be a T too).  But one of these four must be taken to shore up the unit.  I also like a lot Marpet, but I can't tell right now if he should be a 3rd, 4th or 5th round pick and if he may be just another good backup which the Dolphins don't need.

T - Between starters James and Brennan, the Dolphins were strong.  When Brennan went down then back-ups tried to fill the gap.  Eventually this became a glaring weakness.   Again a lot will depend upon Turner, but a high draft pick or free agent is needed to be a back-up but could easily start.  Having too many quality players that can start is a nice luxury.

DEFENSE:

NT – We got by for the first part of the season but then the weakness started showing through.  We need a much bigger and stronger NT that can plug a hole.  Mitchell would be very good as a back-up and potential starter when needed and it is unclear about Johnson.  So I can see a high draft pick (top 2 rounds).   Shelton and Goldman are my 1st round preference, unless one sneaks into the 2nd round (doubtful). 

DT – This is a very similar situation to NT if we lose Odrick to free agency.   Actually the loss of Odrick makes it even more of a need for a NT/DT.

DE – A pretty strong position depending upon whom the Dolphins keep and who will become a salary cap cut.  Dion Jordan is the question.  Is he a DE or OLB?  Either way, he is going to have to step it out or will be out when his contract comes up.

LB – While Jenkins has improved as a LB and Misi is better, it is only average group, with some glaring weaknesses.  A mid round draft pick is in order and I have like Hull and Ryan for quite awhile.

CB – It was an up and down year, especially with injuries.  Depending who we may lose, at minimum someone has to be brought in, and those already there better improve quickly.  This may be a top 3 round pick.

S – We have R. Jones right now, and I think that is about it (D. Jones is a really good Special Teams player but it is too early to know if he will be a starter).  There are some OK back-ups and those that can play well on special teams (who knows, maybe someone steps it up) , but either we bring in a free agency and/or a top 5 draft pick.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

P – We are set with Fields

K – We need to bring in another K to challenge.  Traditionally it is a low round draft or an undrafted free agent.  However, if a quality veteran becomes available we should give them a serious look.

LS – We are set unless Denney becomes too expensive.  However, the best LS are the ones you never remember, and it’s hard to remember him since he never makes a mistake. 

SUMMARY:

High Draft Pick Areas – OG/OT, NT/DT
Mid to High Draft Pick Areas – LB, CB, S, CB
Mid to Late Draft Pick Areas – TE, WR

Late Draft Pick/Undrafted Areas – K

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Encore Performing Arts Center Open Auditions

Want to Join ENCORE?
 
FREE FOR AGES 6 TO 21
 
MUSICAL THEATRE * DANCE * SINGING * ACTING * BAND * MUSIC THEORY
 
OPEN AUDITIONS
 
Saturday - February 28
 
Registration Starts at 12 PM
 
at Herbert G. Sadkin Center
 
1176 NW 42 Way, Lauderhill
 
audition details - visit www.encorepac.com

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Notes of Interest of the February 9 Commission Meeting

On February 9, the City Commission held its regular Commission Meeting.  The following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-02-31:   APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $26,253.00 TO REPAINT AND APPLY GRAPHICS TO SEVENTEEN (17) POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLES BASED UPON QUOTES RECEIVED; APPROVING THE AWARD TO MAACO IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $21,000.00 TO PAINT THE VEHICLES; APPROVING THE AWARD TO GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERNATIONAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,253.00 FOR THE REMOVAL AND APPLICATION OF GRAPHICS; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 120-683-9935.

QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, FIRST READING:

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-02-33:   GRANTING TO KRADLE TO KINDERGARTEN PRESCHOOL II, INC. A SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDER WITH CONDITIONS TO ALLOW IN THE COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC) ZONING DISTRICT DAYTIME CHILDCARE AND BEFORE AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE WITH TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AT  1269 N.W. 40TH AVENUE, BAYS 8-11, LAUDERHILL.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Municipal Services District Landscape Improvements Approved for Sunrise Boulevard

The Board of County Commissioners has approved a Memorandum of 
Agreement between Broward County and the Florida Department of 
Transportation (FDOT) for the installation and maintenance of landscape 
improvements in the Broward Municipal Services District along Sunrise 
Boulevard.

The Central Neighborhood Beautification Project is scheduled to begin 
in June, 2015 and will enhance roadways in the Roosevelt Gardens, 
Washington Park and Franklin Park neighborhoods. The project 
includes the installation of landscape and irrigation improvements 
costing $192,000 within the medians on Sunrise Boulevard between 
NW 31st Avenue and NW 24th Avenue. The landscaping 
will comply with the requirement for minimum 50% native 
species by plant types and with the Broward County NatureScape 
Program and Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles.

As this portion of Sunrise Boulevard is a State road, the County must 
obtain a permit from FDOT for installation and maintenance of the 
proposed improvements. 

Landscape design will be presented to the Central 
County Community Advisory Board on February 18, 2015. 

Friday, February 13, 2015

Let It Be . . . a Tribute to the Beatles - Free Concert

On Saturday, February 21 starting at 7 pm, the nationally touring band Let It Be will be performing a Tribute to the Beatles at the Lauderhill Sports Park.  The park is located just east of University Drive.

Bring your blanket, chairs, picnic baskets, and step into another time.  Food Trucks will be on site.

For more information go to www.lauderhilljazz.com or call 954-730-3000.

Sponsored by TD Bank, Inverrary Association and the City of Lauderhill

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Operation Green Light Broward

If you currently have an overdue Broward County traffic ticket (misdemeanor or felony), the Broward County Clerk’s Office has an offer they hope you won’t refuse. Misdemeanor traffic payments at all locations and Felony traffic payments at Central Courthouse Room 160 ONLY.

Individuals paying their tickets or overdue court costs between Monday, February 9, 2015 and Friday, February 13, 2015 will not be required to pay the 35% collection surcharge that would otherwise be assessed.  Individuals will be able to restore their driving privileges, which may have been suspended, once they pay the outstanding fines and late fees in full. All four courthouse and DHSMV locations will be participating in this program and will be open for normal business hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm).

Central Courthouse     
201 S.E. 6th Street                 
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

West Satellite Courthouse   
100 N. Pine Island Rd.  
Plantation, FL  33442
        
South Satellite Courthouse
3550 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, FL  33021

North Satellite Courthouse          
1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd.
Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Lauderdale Lakes DHSMV          
3718 W Oakland Pk Blvd.
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313

Margate DHSMV
1135 Banks Rd.
Margate, FL  33063

Payments in full will be accepted by cash, money order or credit card.


Operation Green Light Broward is an opportunity to pay your fines without paying the extra 35% collection surcharge and to restore your driving privilege.

Sunday, February 08, 2015

Notes on the Commission Meeting of January 26, 2015

On January 26, the City Commission met at a Regular Commission Meeting and the following are notes of interest (all items below pass unanimously unless otherwise noted; Commissioner Berger Absent):

PROCLAMATIONS / COMMENDATIONS:

A PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING CHARLIE CUYLER DAY IN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN CHESS AND AS THE FOUNDER OF THE LAUDERHILL CHESS CLUB.


SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

PRESENTATION FOR JAKOB KELLY ON WINNING THE MAYOR’S “ANTI-BULLY ESSAY CONTEST” FOR LAUDERHILL 6-12.


ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - SECOND READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 15O-01-100:   IMPOSING A NINE (9) MONTH MORATORIUM ON ANY AND USE INVOLVED IN THE SALE, PURCHASE, EXCHANGE, BARTER, TRANSFER, OR CONVEYANCE OF SMOKING PIPES AND SMOKING DEVICES AS DEFINED IN FLORIDA STATUTES SUBSECTION 569.0073(2) AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA AS DEFINED IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 893.145 WITHIN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL; APPLYING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE DEVELOPMENT ORDERS, CERTIFICATES OF USE AND LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ESTABLISHMENTS, CONVENIENCE STORES, PHARMACIES, RETAIL SALES USES AND OTHER LAND USES WHERE SUCH ITEMS ARE SOLD, PURCHASED, EXCHANGED, BARTERED, TRANSFERRED OR CONVEYED.


RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-01-20:   NAMING THE MAIN FIRE STATION LOCATED AT N.W. 55TH AVENUE THE “EDWARD T. CURRAN, JR. MAIN FIRE RESCUE HEADQUARTERS” IN HONOR OF ALL HIS DEDICATION AND YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL ( REQUEST BY MAYOR RICHARD J KAPLAN).

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-01-26:   APPROVING THE CORRECTIVE ACTION TO THE STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (SHIP) CLOSE OUT ANNUAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010; AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT $9,425 FOR EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR.


QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS, THIRD READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 14O-12-163:  AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP IN THE STATE ROAD 7 OVERLAY ZONE  FOR RESIDENTIAL TOWNHOUSE AT 15 DWELLING UNITS PER GROSS ACRE AND REMOVING FROM THE SR-7 OVERLAY ZONE AND CONNECTIONS PLAN MAP 1.302+ ACRES OF TRANSECT 4 AND 9.045+ ACRES OF TRANSECT 5, FOR AN UNDEVELOPED SITE LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS THE FORMER MCARTHUR DAIRY SITE.

Thursday, February 05, 2015

Tropical Exhibit Embodies Nature’s Luminosity

Lauderhill Arts Center Gallery presents “Orchidaceous: Rhythm of the Tropics” a solo exhibit featuring the art work of nationally recognized South Florida artist Clara Hada. The exhibit comprises a large selection of Hada’s tropically themed oils and watercolors and features her collection of colorful and masterfully created orchid paintings. Orchids have been a recognized as symbol of love for centuries and the timing of the exhibit coincides with February being the month of romance and expressions of love. The opening reception is Saturday, February 7th, 6-9 pm and is open to the public. The exhibit will be open February 4th through March 4th, 2015. The address for Lauderhill Art Center is 5450 NW 19th St., Lauderhill, FL.

Lauderhill Arts Center aims to promote and develop the visual and performing arts in the City of Lauderhill and its surrounding communities. The center serves as a place where artists, arts enthusiasts and local residents can meet to practice, learn, view and interact with the arts. The Lauderhill Arts Center houses studio spaces for visual and performing artists, an art gallery, an open ceramics studio, classroom, and workshop areas.

For more details visit the Lauderhill Arts Center website at http://lauderhillartscenter.wordpress.com/ or Ms. Hada’s website at www.clarahada.com/.

Monday, February 02, 2015

Jazz Picnic in the Park - Debbie Orta Jazz Quintet

On Sunday, February 8 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, Jazz Picnic in the Park is proud to present Debbie Orta Jazz Quintet at the Lieberman Botanical Garden's Amphitheatre.  The Gardens are located at 3801 Inverrary Blvd., Lauderhill.

Bring your blanket, chairs, picnic baskets, and soak up the sun and the sounds of jazz.

For more information go to www.lauderhilljazz.com or call 954-730-3000.

Sponsored by TD Bank, Inverrary Association, the Inverrary Vacation Resort Hotel, and the City of Lauderhill.