Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Parkway Middle Annual Art Fair

Parkway Middle Annual Art Fair is taking place next Thursday evening, April 30th at 6:30 pm in the theatre.  All are invited and the event is free.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Arrest in Homicide at McDonalds on Oakland Park Blvd.


C i t y  o f  L a u d e r h i l l
Lauderhill Police Department
6279 West Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill, Florida 33313
Telephone (954) 497-4700
 Police Department


RELEASE # LPDPIO2015-04-03 (A)
Date: April 25, 2015

Contact: Major Rick Rocco
Public Information Officer
(954) 497-4705 Office
(954) 279-9784 - Mobile

SUBJECT: Homicide Arrest
WHO: Khambrel Grant, DOB: 12/16/93 (ARRESTEE)        Victim:  Javaris Domineck
WHAT: Homicide
WHEN: Arrest Date: April 26, 2015      Incident Date: April 24, 2015 approximately 7:00 PM
WHERE:  Arrest Location: US 441 / W. Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderdale Lakes 
              Incident location: 5510 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill, FL 33313

SUMMARY: The Lauderhill Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division has made an arrest in the homicide of Javaris Domineck. Domineck was shot and killed on Friday, April 24, 2015 at around 7PM at 5510 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill, FL.

Detectives identified Khambrel Grant as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest.  Grant was located and arrested at US 441 and W. Oakland Park Blvd on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at approximately 5:00PM by Lauderhill PD detectives. Grant is being charged with second degree murder.

Anyone with information on the shooting please contact Detective Chad Williams at 954 497 4700, or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954 493 TIPS (8477), or by texting anonymously to TIPS 411, enter “LPD” and the information.

###

Final 2015 Dolphin Draft Review - Update #5

When talk about the draft began certain positions were identified as of great need to the Dolphins.  Today those needs are almost the same as when they begin but at the same time they have crafted the draft to their philosophy of being in the position of drafting the best player available.

That said, the Dolphins still need more draft picks, so personally I believe they will be trading down.  Possibly in the 1st round, but also possibly in the 2nd round.  Though they could draft up, I certainly hope not because the talent is quite even and if you look at how teams are constructed, a good part of the roster comes from rounds 2 through 4.  Also, the Dolphins have had a poor history on early 1st round draft picks, particularly when they trade up.  Overall, usually their best talent also comes after the 1st round.

The major area they have vastly improved in is at DT with the acquisition of Suh.  In other areas, Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Tight End and Cornerback, they have added a few free agents to help hold the line and possibly make some upgrades.  However, they still don't have the talent to really say they have solidified those positions long term.  Plus they still haven't addressed the Linebacker spot, particularly with the issues related to Dion Jordan and getting a bruising Running Back that can get short yard gains in tough situations.

What they do have is now the ability to draft what they want when their selection comes up.  Flexibility is a key advantage to this draft that has a lot of very good deep talent.  It also shows that while the Dolphins want to do well this year, they really are working on a 3 year plan.  This is only year two and it will take at least one more year for the team to fully develop to its full potential through the draft.

Nevertheless, what will the Dolphins be looking for from this draft?  In no particular order, a #1 Wide Receiver, an Inside Linebacker, probably an Outside Linebacker, one to two Guards (possibly one that can also play Tackle), as stated before a strong Running Back to take advantage of short yard situations, and a top line Cornerback.  Don't be surprised in the 6th or 7th round, but more likely as being undrafted, a Kicker, and at some point a Defensive End (because of Jordan).

So what is likely?  In the first round, whether they trade back or not, I think they will be looking at WR like Parker if they stay at 14 and he is still available.  Though not my preference, they could be looking at a RB like Gurley.  CB like Waynes is also possible.  If you are looking at OT/OG then Collins may be available.

Now if you trade down lower into the 1st round and pick up another 2nd round selection, you could have a choice between, OT/OG Collins (still may be available), Humphries or Erving; WR Agholor, Perriman or Dorsett; RB Gordon; ILB Kendricks; or CB Collins.  Not necessarily bad choices.  Then in the 2nd round you can pick up a lot of talent from any of the remaining positions other than what was pick in the 1st Round.  There is a lot of quality CB's, ILB/OLB's, OT/OG's and WR's that could help the team.  Having two choices among them would be a huge help.

Even in the 3rd round (if a the Dolphins obtain a pick there) there is a lot of quality Offensive Lineman left and could be some very good CB's too.  Looking as far as the 5th round there is a lot of potential talent.  I personally like Mike Hull there at ILB if one hasn't previously been selected.

Overall, this appears to be a very deep draft and a lot of potential talent especially in the later rounds.  The key is that you can't get any of it if you don't have a pick.  So that is why I believe the Dolphins should be looking at trying to do.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

The City of Lauderhill is Set to Host the 4th Annual Jammin’ in the Park and Art Fest Featuring 1980’s Rappers, the Sugarhill Gang and Gigolo Tony

The City of Lauderhill and Commissioner M. Margaret Bates will host the 4th Annual Jammin’ in the Park and Art Fest in conjunction with the 7th Annual Throw Back Celebrity Golf Weekend on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens.

This year’s throwback concert will feature the sounds of 1980’s rap group, the Sugarhill Gang who will perform their 1980’s hits, Rappers Delight, Apache and 8thWonder.  Opening for the Sugarhill Gang will be South Florida’s 1980’s rapping phenom the “Smurf Rock” rapper,Gigolo Tony, and soulful Motown hits from the Old Skool Gang, all girl group Siloet and Ms.  “NAMPHUYO” Aisha Wright McCray.  Legendary DJ, Chico the Virgo, will host the evening along with DJ Big Man Kelly from the Rick Party in the Afternoon Show who will be spinning on the turntables.

For the past four year’s the City of Lauderhill has partnered with the Annual Throwback Celebrity Golf Weekend hosted by WPGA Paula Tucker and the greatLawrence Taylor of the Fore Life Organization to bring this magnificent event to the City of Lauderhill, which gives local businesses and vendors an opportunity to showcase their skills and products to the South Florida Community.

The 4th Annual Jammin’ in the Park and Art Fest

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens

3801 Inverrary Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33319

4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

This is a free event sponsored and funded in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council, Phil Smith Chevrolet, WE Florida Financial, Fore Life, Lauderhill Arts Center, Westside Gazette, Caribbean National Weekly, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Visitors & Convention Bureau and the Inverrary Association, Inc.

There will be an Art Show and Sale by the Lauderhill Art Center Artists – selling contemporary and affordable art. Parking is FREE – Food trucks will be on site – Bring your beach chairs and take it back to the old school at Jammin’ in the Park Art Fest.
For information about the 4th Annual Jammin’ in the Park and Art Fest, call (954) 730-3000.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Lauderhill LIVE! a free concert for all ages

Experience Juggernaut, a powerful force that can’t be stopped. These talented artists from Encore Performing Arts Center have teamed up with the Lauderhill Mall to present Lauderhill LIVE! A Free Concert for All Ages. Join us on this musical journey from old school to new school. The fun starts at 3 pm. Live music, contests, raffles, prizes, and free popcorn and cotton candy. Free for the entire family.

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015

Time: 3 pm

Location: Lauderhill Mall 1267 NW 40th Avenue Lauderhill, FL 33313

Contact: Georgette “Gigi” Belton Event Contact: 954-309-5665

Friday, April 17, 2015

Notes of the Regular Commission Meeting of April 13

On Monday, April 13, the City Commission met in regular session and the following are notes of interest (all items passed unanimously unless otherwise indicated):

ORDINANCES & PUBLIC HEARINGS - FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 15O-04-108:   APPROVING THE SIX MONTH BUDGET REVIEW OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE AMENDMENTS; APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION; REFLECTING ADJUSTMENTS TO VARIOUS REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS.

ORDINANCE NO. 15O-04-109:  AMENDING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 9, FIRE PROTECTION, PREVENTION AND LIFE SAFETY, ARTICLE IV, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, SECTION 9-61, USER FEES TO UPDATE THE MEDICAL SERVICES TRANSPORT FEES.

ORDINANCE NO. 15O-04-110:  AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 4, ANIMALS AND FOWL, ARTICLE III, PET SHOPS AND COMMERCIAL KENNELS; AMENDING THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE SALE OF DOGS AND CATS; AMENDING SECTION 4-31, DEFINITIONS; AMENDING SECTION 4-41, PET SHOPS; CREATING SECTION 4-41.5, CERTIFICATE OF SOURCE OF DOGS AND CATS.

ORDINANCE NO. 15O-04-111:   APPROVING THE SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND WE FLORIDA FINANCIAL FOR WE FLORIDA FINANCIAL TO PURCHASE THE VACANT PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED AT 6279 WEST OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD, LAUDERHILL SUBJECT TO DEED RESTRICTIONS FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE OF $850,000.00.

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-04-80:  SUPPORTING THE CARIBBEAN VILLAGE HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR TO BE HELD ON JUNE 14, 2015; PROVIDING THAT THE CITY WILL PROVIDE IN-KIND SERVICES TO BE DETERMINED BY THE CITY MANAGER IN EXCHANGE FOR THE CITY BEING RECOGNIZED AND LISTED AS A SPONSOR OF THE EVENT.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-04-81:  APPROVING THE SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE CONTRACT BETWEEN BROWARD COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE ONE (1) YEAR EXTENSION OF THE LAUDERHILL MALL LEASE.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-04-82:   ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF JMW CONSTRUCTION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $172,000.00 FOR REFURBISHMENT OF THE MEDITATION PARK FOUNTAIN AND POND AT INVERRARY; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 450-925-6225.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-04-83:   AUTHORIZING THE SETTLEMENT OF THE LITIGATION STYLED CITY OF SUNRISE, ET. AL. VS. BROWARD COUNTY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH BROWARD COUNTY; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SETTLEMENT PROCEEDS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH THE SETTLING MUNICIPALITIES.


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Red Cross Continues Campaign to Reduce Home Fire Deaths and Injuries in Lauderhill

The American Red Cross continued its Home Fire Preparedness Campaign in Lauderhill and across the country.  The campaign aims to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires by as much as 25% over the next five years. The campaign focuses on increasing the use of smoke alarms in neighborhoods with high numbers of home fires.  Red Cross volunteers with help from Lauderhill Fire-Rescue and the Lauderhill Police Department canvassed an estimated 200 homes installing 48 smoke alarms and changed 15 smoke alarm batteries.

WHAT:     Red Cross volunteers with the help from Lauderhill Fire-Rescue and the Lauderhill Police Department canvassed an estimated 200 homes in Lauderhill installing 48 smoke alarms as part of Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign.

WHERE:   Lauderhill
·         NW 42nd Avenue
·         NW 42nd Terrace
·         NW 43rd Avenue
·         NW 43rd Terrace
·         NW 44th Avenue
·         NW 44th Terrace
·         NW 46th Avenue
·         NW 47th Avenue
·         NW 26th Street
·         NW 27th Street
·         NW 25th Place

WHY:      The Red Cross is asking every household in America to take two simple steps that can save lives: check or install smoke alarms and practice fire drills at home.

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Mayor's Report Card and Upcoming Goals

Every once in awhile it is important to look at what you planned, evaluate if you succeeded and what you are looking forward to in the future. As Mayor, I have done this periodically, the most recent time before being in January.  Therefore now, 3 months later, is a good time to update and reflect.

1)  7th Season of Jazz Picnic in the Park - December through April
     The season started in December and ends tomorrow.  We have had a lot of success and already we are looking at next season.  As usual 5 Jazz Concerts will be planned for the 8th Season, running on the 2nd Sunday from December to April.  More info at www.lauderhilljazz.com

2)  3rd Season of Tribute Concerts (Beatles and Journey) - February and March
     These concerts were highly successful.  Again we are looking on our 4th Season with expanding it to 3 concerts.  We are looking at Tributes to the Beatles, and possibly such other groups as the Eagles, Elton John, Fleetwood Mack or Motown as possibilities.  The concerts are going to move to permanently scheduled Saturday nights.   Some options are the 1st Saturday of each month from March through May, or the 4th or last Saturday of February to April.   More info will be posted at www.lauderhilljazz.com

3)  Posting our Concert Season on Facebook
      We now have a Facebook Page for Lauderhill Jazz Picnic and Tribute Concerts as well as a Mayor's Aide page which you can like or friend.  The most updated information on our concerts are posted there.

4)  Kids of Character Pizza Party with Royal Palm Elementary and adding another school - December and May
     The December Party took place in Royal Palm Elementary and Paul Turner Elementary.  Also, the other Commissioners have adopted other elementary schools in Lauderhill to duplicate this program.  We are now planning the next parties in May.

5)  Regional Chess Tournament for under 18 years of age - March
     While a Regional Chess Tournament is not taking place, we have had the Mayor's Chess Challenge been played in many cities.  Also, Lauderhill hosted in March a Chess Challenge.  Approximately 20 challengers played against the Florida State Champion at the Lauderhill Cultural Museum.  The results, the Champion one all of the games but one which was a draw.  

6)  Completion of "Guide to the City of Lauderhill" and distribution - December/January
     This has taken longer than expected since we wanted to be as thorough as possible.  Now in our 11th Revisions we believe the guide is finished and we are seeking bids to have copies published.  We hope to have this available in May. 

7)  Completion of Early Childhood Programs Brochure for Parents to teach their children from birth to 5 years of age, in conjunction with Vroom and the Bezos Family Foundation - 2014
     This program was launched and the brochures are being distributed to parents throughout the area.

8)  Design and prepare to distribute a new Tell the Mayor Survey specifically on Economic Development, use of Social Media, and use of recreational facilities - Results in March
     Due to time constraints this survey has not been worked on very much.  At this point we are not looking to move forward on it.

9)  Launch the Lauderhill Mobile App
     Though attempts to launch a Mobile App were tried, the city is still working on it.  It is funded in the budget.

10)  Launch the Economic Development LoopLink to allow users to search commercial properties in Lauderhill through the City’s website.
      This is funded in the budget and is now available on the city's web site.

11)  Launch Bank on Lauderhill as part of the Bank on Florida Program
      This is a new program to deal with un-banked and under-banked residents.  In Lauderhill alone it is estimated that almost 50% of the population fall into these categories.  This means that instead of using banks, our residents are using much more expensive alternative financial companies such as Check Cashing Stores, Pay Day Stores and Pawn Shops to handle their business affairs.  The program involves Banks, Credit Unions and Non-Profit Agencies getting together and helping provide residents with very low costs accounts at traditional financial institutions.  Soft opening of this program is starting in April and a Public Announcement with Financial Fair is planned for May.  Information will be posted on the city's web site.

12)  Create new regulations concerning Charter and Private Schools
     Presently the city has a 6 month moratorium concerning new Charter and Private Schools, to give the city time to create regulations to help protect our students and assure them the education that they are expecting.  State laws severely prevent the School Board from handling much of this responsibility so it now falls onto cities to see to the Health, Safety and Welfare, often through our zoning laws, to accomplish this.  New ordinances are expected to be in front of the Commission in May/June.

13)  Redesign of Evaluation Forms for Charter Officers and Contracted Attorneys
     New forms are being created to better address how we evaluate personnel of the city.  It is expected to be ready for use this summer when evaluations occur.  It is also being expanded to Contracted Attorneys working for the Safe Neighborhood District and Code Enforcement Board.

Monday, April 06, 2015

Jazz Picnic in the Park - Last Concert of the Season

The last jazz concert of the 7th season is being performed April 12, starting at 10:30 am.  This free event is performed at the Lieberman Botanical Garden's Amphitheatre on Inverrary Blvd., next to the Inverrary Hotel.

An old favorite band, Jazz Survivors, will be performing.

Bring your blankets, chairs and picnic baskets and enjoy the sun and sounds of Jazz.  For more information go to www.lauderhilljazz.com.

Next season's schedule of Jazz and Tribute concerts is starting to be worked on and updates will be posted on the lauderhilljazz web site.  Also you can like or friend us on Facebook at Lauderhill Jazz Picnic in the Park or Mayor's Aide pages.

Friday, April 03, 2015

Notes of the Commission Meeting of March 30

On March 30, 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-03-56:  AUTHORIZING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND THE BROWARD CULTURAL COUNCIL FOR THE CULTURAL TOURISM PROGRAM GRANT; PROVIDING FOR GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,300.00; WITH THE CITY PROVIDING MATCHING FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,300.00 FROM THE APPROPRIATE BUDGET CODE NUMBER.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-03-58:   APPROVING THE DONATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00 FROM THE STATE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) TO SUPPORT THE LAUDERHILL 6-12 STEM-MED 2015 TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP CAMP FOR CODING AND GAME DEVELOPMENT; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT FROM BUDGET CODE NUMBER 120-683-9935.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-03-71:   APPROVING THE LETTER OF INTENT FROM CENTRE-LINE REAL ESTATE SERVICES, LLC. AS AGENT FOR WE FLORIDA FINANCIAL F/K/A CITY COUNTY CREDIT UNION TO THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6279 W. OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD, LAUDERHILL, FLORIDA, FROM THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE OF $850,000.00.

RESOLUTION NO. 15R-03-72:   RESCINDING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION 15R-03-50; APPROVING THE LOCAL AGENCY PROGRAM AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE N.W. 35TH AVENUE CORRIDOR FROM N.W. 1ST STREET TO N.W. 5TH PLACE INCLUDING A MULITPURPOSE PATH EXPANSION AND PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE IMPROVEMENTS, TO INSTALL LANDSCAPING, IRRIGATION AND OTHER SCENIC AMENITIES AND TO PROVIDE FOR BICYCLE LAND STRIPING ALONG N.W. 1ST STREET AND N.W. 36TH AVENUE, PROVIDING THAT THE CITY WILL RECEIVE $577,102.00 IN GRANT FUNDS FOR THIS PURPOSE; PROVIDING THAT THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF THE PROJECT IS $698,566.00.