Tropical Storm Noel Update #1

Dear Residents of Lauderhill,

An update on Tropical Storm Noel. Noel has already pushed farther west onto Cuba than the computer models projected from 9 PM last night. Also, Noel may, for a time being, strengthen into a Hurricane, but is not expected to stay as a Hurricane. At 9 PM last night, we were in the cone of of potential impact, but not at this time because Noel is expected to take a sharp turm out to the east towards the Bahamas. The projected closest point to our area would now bring it by us Wednesday night, Halloween.

Our concern is that since the storm has already gone farther west than projected, we need to take some minimal steps to make sure we are prepared. Time will be limited if the projected path is not followed. Flying debris and flooding is the greatest concern. Make sure storm drains are clear in your area if you can safely address this. Minimally, we should receive scattered rain and lots of wind, some which you may have noticed this morning.

We hope that Noel will be an inconvenience, but we feel it is better to be prepared even if nothing ultimately happens. Please keep watching reports for further updates.

Very Truly Yours,

Richard J. Kaplan
Mayor, City of Lauderhill

Lauderhill Police Department Community Resource Fair

A Community support event sponsored by the Lauderhill Police Department Crime Prevention Unit, in partnership with the Broward Re-Entry Coalition. Join us on at the Cooperative Feeding Program:

Wednesday, November 7th, 2007
12:00pm-5:00pm
Edward Smith Center
1 Street N.W. 33 Terrace
Lauderhill, Florida 33311

Resources for support for Ex-Offenders, and others in need will be provided in the following areas:

§ Housing
§ Employment
§ Health Services
§ Legal Aid
§ Religious support
§ Social Security
§ Drivers License/ ID
§ HIV/AIDS
§ Transportation
§ Financial Services

For More Information contact Officer Y. Pubien: 954-553-2053

Tropical Storm Noel

Dear Residents of the City of Lauderhill,

I have not activated my Emergency Notification System, but I wanted to send you this message because of a possible weather condition which is a matter of concern. Presently, Tropical Storm Noel is heading in the general direction of Florida, but is not expect to hit the State. Towards the end of Tuesday, beginning of Wednesday, it is expected to veer to northeast, bringing wind and rain to the area. It is always possible that the route could take a change of direction, and either head closer to Florida or away from it. It could also pick up speed, which would result with a greater impact to our area, even if it stays on its presently projected course.

Being that we cannot guarantee the direction of the Storm, it is only prudent to take appropriate actions for safety reasons. Minimally, the precautions should address the concerns of flying debris. Please start looking at your hurricane plans. Address bringing items (items under 50 lbs.) which could take flight, (flower pots, lawn furniture, BBQ's, flags, tools, etc.) from outside, into a secure area. If you have loose branches, please take them by tomorrow night without injuring yourself or touching electric lines.

Right now would be a good time to make sure you have adequate supplies, batteries, flashlights, money, food and water supplies, etc., if power is lost. Also, you may wish to make sure you have sufficient gas for your car(s) and propane for your grill (storing it safely). Consult the guides the supermarkets and TV stations have been putting out for more information.

More announcements will be forthcoming as needed. It would be appreciated if you would notify others since this system does not reach everyone. If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.

Very Truly Yours,

Richard J. Kaplan
Mayor, City of Lauderhill

County Regional Park Recent Photos

Lauderhill Police Report

Recently, two undercover operations were closed with arrests. The identities and located are being withheld with possible informants being developed. The arrest charges do not go away.

While VIN detectives were surveilling the targeted dealer, who had already sold drugs to detectives, the target’s supplier arrived in his new SUV to deliver cannabis. Once the meet was complete both were arrested for felony charges.

2 pounds of cannabis was seized
$ 2,500.00 was seized
2008 Mercedes Benz ML 350 SUV seized

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A shoplifter at the Target store became combative after being stopped In his possession was six knives and 60 DVD’s in his pants. Suspect was arrested and taken to county jail.

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A Lauderhill Officer responded to a possible domestic dispute at XXXX Inverrary Blvd. He made contact with one of the parties. The resident kept reaching inside his coat. The Officer located an automatic firearm. Resident was arrested.

Local Amateur Radio Operators Simulate Emergency Drill

When Category III Hurricane Dave slammed ashore in Broward County on Saturday, October 6, 2007, with sustained winds of 110 miles per hour and gusts of 115, only a few citizens were aware of this dangerous storm. Those few were the local amateur radio operators conducting a simulated emergency drill from the Lauderhill Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and receiving reports called in by hams from the Red Cross, the Oakland Park EOC, various hurricane shelters and their mobile units.

Dave Wagner, WA2DXQ, Emergency Coordinator for the Broward Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), directed the drill, which was designed to give ham radio operators an opportunity to practice the skills necessary to provide reliable communications during actual disasters. Wagner said he hopes to conduct further drills from the EOCs of other communities in the county, giving each the chance to act in simulation of the Broward County EOC in Plantation.

Also participating in the drill were members of the other ham radio emergency organization, the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). Together, the members of ARES and RACES support one another and the community in their effort to give truth to the motto of hams everywhere, "When all else fails, amateur radio works." Further information on the emergency capabilities of amateur radio can be found at http://www.emergency-radio.org/.

Following the drill, some of the participants visited the Fire-Rescue Station 73 open house at 7801 NW 50th Street, Lauderhill, where they demonstrated the amateur radio equipment installed in their vehicles.

Editor's Note: The Amateur Radio Operators (also known as Ham Radio Operators) have a club in Lauderhill and in Broward County. They are looking for those that have an interest in becoming involved. If so, contact:

Carl Zettelmeyer, WA4CZ
Public Information Officer
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
zettz@bellsouth.net
954-303-8548

Lauderhill Parks New Schedule and Sunday Closings of Recreational Centers

Effective Nov. 1, due to the cut backs in funding by the mandatory 9% reduction in property tax, the city is proposing new hours of operation for its parks:

WESTWIND PARK: M-F 8 AM to 10 PM, Sat. and Sun. 8 AM to 8 PM, Recreation Center Closed Sunday;

WEST KEN LARK PARK and ST. GEORGE PARK: M-F 8 AM to 10 PM, Sat. 10 AM to 10 PM, Sat. 10 AM to 8 PM, Sun. 12 PM to 8 PM, Recreation Center Closed Sunday, no staff;

SADKIN CENTER: M-F 8 AM to 10 PM, Sat. 10 AM to 6 PM, not opened on Sunday;

WOLK PARK: M-F 8 AM to 10 PM, Sat. 10 AM to 6 PM, Sun. 12 PM to 6 PM, Recreation Center Closed Sunday, no staff;

VETERANS PARK: M-F 9 AM to 10 PM, Sat. 9 AM to 6 PM, Sun. 9 AM to 6 PM, Recreation Center Closed Sunday, no staff;

SPORTS PARK: M-F 6 AM to 10 PM, Sat. and Sun 7 AM to 7 PM. Staff available but office building closed.

During "WINTER HOURS"(November 4, 2007 through March 9, 2008), Westwind, West Ken Lark, St. George and Wolk Park will close at 6 PM, irrespective of the above.

MySafeFloridaHome.com Fair

Join the My Safe Florida Home Fair. The fair is free to the public and will include a variety of exhibitors who will provide information on strengthening homes against catastrophic losses.

State representatives from the program will be on hand to help educate eligible homeowners about the services provided through the My Safe Florida Home program, including free wind inspections and grant funds.

Date: Saturday, November 3, 2007
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: Broward County Community College
Omni Auditorium
1000 Coconut Creek Blvd.
Coconut Creek, FL 33066

● Eligible homeowners will be able to sign up for their free wind inspections.

● Homeowners who have received inspections from the program may be eligible for a discount on their wind insurance premiums.


For more information on the program visit http://www.mysafefloridahome.com/ or if you have any questions or suggestions, call 954-321-2900.

Lauderhill Police Report Update

Officer XXXXX observed suspect consuming alcohol in public. 1.5 grams of Cannabis was located on his person at 5590 W. Oakland Park Blvd. He was placed under arrest.

Two back flow diverters were taken from 1621 NW 46 Ave.

Officer XXXX responded to suspect receiving a xanax prescription by using a false name and her grandfather’s credit card. She put six pills in her mouth. The six pills were retrieved, along with the remaining 120 on her person. She was arrested at 7730 W. Commerical Blvd.

Officer XXXXX conducted a traffic stop. The driver had a revoked drivers license. Incident to arrest, 343.6 grams of cannabis was located along with scales and 6.8 grams of cocaine. She was arrested and her motor vehicle seized at 2200 NW 58 Ave.

Officer XXXX arrested suspect for an active warrant for operating a motor vehicle without a DL. She was arrested at 4391 NW 19th St.

Officer XXXX conducted a traffic stop at 6000 W. Oakland Park Blvd. and arrested the suspect for possession of 238.9 grams of cannabis, extasy and a .380 cal handgun. The motor vehicle was seized.

Officer XXXXX conducted a traffic stop and arrested a suspect for possession of 5.3 grams of cannabis and a small amount of cocaine. The motor vehicle was seized at 1200 NW 55 Ave.

Officers responded to a report of a shooting incident at 5518 W. Oakland Park Blvd. No one was found at that location, but a victim was located at the Florida Medical Center with a leg wound from a firearm. The subject was very uncooperative and refused to talk about the incident.

Officer XXXXX conducted a traffic stop at 5400 University Drive and arrested a suspect for 499 pills of MDMA. The motor vehicle was seized.

Update on Lauderhill

BUILDING DEPARTMENT:

1) Brookfield Square Condominiums is currently being processed for the Unsafe Structure Board. This was as a result of an inspection of their guardrail system, which suffered substantial damage due to Hurricane Wilma. Flying debris from the hurricane has severely compromised the structural integrity of the guardrail and is actually a hazard and not a safeguard. It is suggested that the entire system be replaced.

2) The situation at Stonebridge remains unchanged. There appears to still be insurance issues. A special review by staff was made at the end of September. They found that the only work being done was observed in section 4 where new railing was being installed. No activity was taking place in section 1 & 3. The construction company for sections 1 & 3 have advised they have finalized the revised pricing schedule with their estimating team and numerous subcontractors. Matters will be submitted to the association when complete. Subcontractors were on site during the week to provide proposals for additional items, including drywall, windows, plumbing, countertops, painting, flooring, specialities, insulation and cabinets. Insurance and code issues are being worked on between the contractor and Board of Directors. Work will then follow once these issues are agreed upon. As to Section 2, the contractor is waiting for the association to get back with them concerning subcontractors, Electrical and Plumbing. The association has been provided with 3 bids and construction cannot move forward until the association chooses its subcontractors.

3) A unsafe structure in the St. George Area is being scheduled for demolition. The structure is a health/safety matter to the community, and is at the request of the Homeowners Association President to take action to remedy the situation.


CODE ENFORCEMENT:

1) A suspected illegal ALF was reported, and ordered to close.

2) From 8/26 to 9/22, 275 Notice of Violations were issued, 40 parking tickets and 3 water violations.


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA):

1) Multiple cities are discussing a joint Cultural Planning Grant, with support of other organizations.

2) The Arts Incubator at Mission Lake Plaza is completed and opened. Further expansion is being planned.

3) Notice has been received by several Lauderhill banks to develop a Lauderhill small business loan program.

4) At a County Commission meeting a $995,000 RCP grant for the Lauderhill Town Suites project was approved on consent agenda.


DEES:

1) Work is proceeding on the NW 31st Avenue signalization installation.

2) Work is proceeding on the completion date for the Windermere Community Center.


FIRE DEPARTMENT:

From 8/26 to 9/22, the department responded to 19 Fire Calls, 643 Emergency Calls, 11 Hazardous Condition Call, 53 Service Calls, and 72 False Calls. Average Response Time for Fire was from around 4 minutes and 14 seconds to a high of 6 minutes 28 seconds, and from 5 minutes and 16 seconds to 5 minutes and 46 seconds on average for EMS. The standard is under 6 minutes for 90% of the time, which was complied with.


PARKS AND LEISURE SERVICES (PALS):

1) Family Golf Day was held on October 6.

2) Lauderhill Shuttle Bus transported 27,501 people in August.

3) Lauderhill Demand Response Shuttle transported 2003 in August.

4) The Lauderhill Shuttle Bus stop at Stiles was found to be unsafe. After reviewing the situation, it was concluded that a better location would be the stop at NW 64th Ave. and West Oakland Park, at the corner 3 stores aways from Stiles.

5) 80 children participated in swim lessons.

6) 50th Anniversary Committee is preparing to present the Commission a proposal for the city's anniversary.

7) Meetings are being conducted for new playground canopies.

Broward Meals on Wheels - Chocolate Extravaganza

Grand Opening of Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill

It was announced that the Central Broward Regional Park, a 110-acre multipurpose facility located at Sunrise Boulevard and State Road 7 in Lauderhill, is scheduled to host its official opening ceremony on Friday, November 9, 2007, at 4 p.m.

The park will be home to a new 560-foot-diameter multipurpose main event field, which can host special events, concerts, festivals, and local and international sporting activities such as cricket, soccer, and football (meeting International Cricket Council guidelines), and has 5,000 covered seats and additional seating for 15,000 to 25,000 spectators. A 17,000-square-feet main event field building will include a concession area, locker rooms, restrooms, and a press viewing room on the first floor, and a VIP viewing room, a VIP lounge, and a presidential viewing box on the second floor.

Other park amenities include two lighted basketball courts, four lighted multipurpose fields that can be used as either two cricket fields or four soccer/football fields, two lighted netball courts with spectator seating, interactive aquatics playground area and teaching pool, paddleboat rentals, seven picnic shelters, two corporate pavilions, two ADA-accessible playgrounds, 1.5-mile nature trail, and an 80-foot-high clock tower. The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division will manage the facility.

All America Cultural Mall Video Update

For a new video on the All America Cultural Mall, to be built adjacent to Carrishoca, the Central Broward Regional Park and the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL_dt5xSdgA

Recent Photo On The Central County Regional Park Construction

Stonebridge Gardens Cash Distributions from Hurricane Wilma

The City of Lauderhill will distribute $990,000 to Hurricane Wilma victims from Stonebridge Gardens Condominium. The funds are through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Funds received in the amount of $15,000 each to 66 families displaced from Stonebridge Condominiums, who were already approved.

The distribution of funds will take place between the hours of 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM, on Wednesday, October 17, 2007, in the City’s Commission Chambers - 3800 Inverrary Blvd. Suite #111.

Stonebridge residents who have not applied for funds or were previously not approved will have another opportunity to apply for additional available aid. The application process will begin again November 1st – November 30th, at the Business and Neighborhood Enrichment Office at Lauderhill’s City Hall – 3800 Inverrary Blvd., Suite #307.

If you need any additional information please call 954-730-3036.

Volunteers Needed

The city has created numerous volunteer boards to handle many of the issues come up each day in the city. Presently we are in need of volunteers to serve on these boards. Most, but not all boards, require you to be a city resident. Some board members must hold specialized qualifications. However, if you are interested in serving, we can find a board for you to work on.

A few of the boards are: Code Enforcement Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Nuisance Abatement Board, Public Arts Board, Unsafe Structures Board, Recreational Advisory Board, Civil Service Board, several Pension Boards, ACT Board (Arts, Cultural & Tourism), Educational Advisory Board, and some new boards being considered.

If you have interest, contact the City Clerk's office, 954-730-3010, for more information. Typically a resume is required, which can be faxed to 954-730-3062, or e-mailed to the City Clerk: cityclerk@lauderhill-fl.gov.

Joint MPO/County Commission Workshop and Mayor's Transit Summit

On Tuesday, October 16 at Convention Center, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Broward County Commission and the Mayor of Broward County will conduct a Transit Workshop and Summit. Some of the topics to be covered will be, "What will it take to alleviate traffic congestion in our growing region?" and "What can be done now and in the future to improve public transportation?

The Transit Workshop between the MPO and the County Commission will be from 10 to noon. From 1 to 4:30 PM, the Mayor will conduct his Transit Summit. Complementary parking will be provided and public attendance, with public participation at the Summit is encouraged.

Presentations will include information from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Broward County Transit, Miami-Dade Transit, Palm Tran, South Florida Regional Transit Authority (Tri-Rail), and the Regional Planning Councils. Roundtable discussions will provide a forum for attendees to voice their concerns, ideas and recommendations during the Transit Summit in the afternoon. For further information, call 954-357-8355.

Update on Lauderhill FCAT Prep Camp

At the September 17th Workshop, the Commission discussed the Florida Education Fund camp programs to assist students in preparing for FCAT, SAT, etc. The proposal was for a Lauderhill FCAT Prep Camp for 60 students at a cost of $25,150. The Commission consensus was to fund it $10,000, and consider giving $5000 from the upcoming Educational Fund, and an additional $5000 from other sources, which may include from remaining funds from Commissioners Administrative Expenses funds which remain from this fiscal year. The City Manager was instructed to decide how to fund the $10,000 from the city.

The results to fund this $10,000 was $5000 from the Administrative Expense Accounts of Mayor Kaplan, Commissioners Bates, Benson and Holness, with an additional $5000 from the Commission promotion account which was unused in the 2006-7 budget. Commissioner Berger did not contribute to the funding of this program.

Lauderhill Fire Rescue Open House

Road Closure on 55th and 56th Avenue

Due to construction there will be Road Closures in the City of Lauderhill on NW 56 Avenue and NW 55 Avenue - between Sunrise Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard.

Beginning Friday, 10/5/07 at 4:00 pm and until further notice, the City of Lauderhill will CLOSE NW 56th Avenue between Sunrise Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard to all traffic except for local residents.

There will be absolutely NO access to Oakland Park Boulevard from NW 56 Avenue. Local traffic can utilize NW 55th Avenue to access Oakland Park Boulevard.

We apologize for the inconvenience. The City of Lauderhill is working diligently to complete this work as fast as possible.

If you have any questions regarding the construction, please call the City of Lauderhill’s Department of Environmental and Engineering Services Department at 954-730-2960.

Redevelopment Agency is Proud to Announce the Opening of The Arts Office Lauderhill

The Arts Office Lauderhill is an Arts Incubator where several local and regional artists will utilize shared retail space to collaborate, network, develop skills and interact with the community. The Ribbon Cutting is on Friday, the 5th of October at 6 PM, and is Open to the Public.

You can see more evidence of Lauderhill’s much publicized “Renaissance” when you stop by the Arts Office Lauderhill, at 5450 NW 19th Street, Lauderhill, 33313. Both emerging and well established artists will work, exhibit, and teach out of the 2,500 square foot store front in Mission Lake Plaza.

The artists have a lot going on both individually and collectively. For instance, several community projects are already in the works. The Arts Office has assisted local artists in gaining invaluable international exposure and will expand these programs in partnership with Lauderhill Sister Cities International. Tonietta Walters, Executive Director of The Arts Office Lauderhill explains, “Since initial talks in 2005, there has been a continued program of exchange with Suzano, São Paulo, Brazil. In May, several of our artists participated in TAO em Brasil at the Suzano Cultural Center. The ribbon cutting event will also feature a Suzanese artist, Aline Baliberdin, whose painting was the 2nd place winner of our 2006 Brasil, Arte e Espiritualidade competition.” In addition, the professional development of the artists will be a focus, through participation in the programs such as the Artist as Entrepreneur Institute® offered by the Broward Cultural Affairs Division. Finally, the artists – will begin interaction with the community through workshops and classes.

The Arts Office Lauderhill will facilitate several art mediums. The initial resident artists include:
Tonietta Walters – Sculptor & Digital Artist, Vaughn Tucker – Painter, Simone de Bernard Mas – Jeweler & Metalsmith, Terresa Ford – Painter, Maura Casanovas – Digital Artist & Jaime Ferreyra – Photographer.

The Director of Lauderhill’s CRA, Don Giancoli, explains, “As Lauderhill’s Cultural Arts District on 441 and Sunrise develops with the opening of the Central Broward Regional Park and Carishoca, the Arts Office Lauderhill is opening at an ideal time. The development of artists in our community is an economic stimulus within our CRA and Lauderhill. As the artists gain international exposure, so does Lauderhill. Lauderhill’s Cultural Arts Center is currently being designed and should be expected to open in two years.”

If you have any further questions regarding the Arts Office Lauderhill, call (954) 730-3026.

Presidential Candidate Survey: Find Out Who You Agree With

Don't know which Presidential Candidate agrees with your views the most. Don't know who you should support for President. The following website is a presidential survey and will ask you a series of questions based upon the major issues being asked of all presidential candidates at the debates they participate in. You can answer YES, NO or UNSURE. If you "click" on each question for better understanding of the issue you will get complete background and current information on the issue. After you complete the survey click the results tab and you will get the name of the presidential candidate that matches your beliefs and attitude about the issues presented.


http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html