Summer 2016

Join the Broward Academy 2016 Class

The Broward County Academy is back and now accepting applications for the 2016 class. The Academy is a community education outreach series that provides participants a unique opportunity to learn about County government and the services it provides to enhance and promote the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The 2016 Academy sessions will be held on ten consecutive Thursdays from 6-9PM beginning September 8 and concludes with graduation ceremonies on November 10. The goal of the program is to increase resident involvement in local government, improve communication with the community, inform the community on the role, structure and complexity of County government, encourage community participation in volunteer opportunities, and build potential community leaders. Classroom lectures will be combined with behind-the-scenes tours and interactive experiences. Participants must complete an application and if selected, will be required to submit to a background screening. For more information regarding the program, please call 954-357-6990 or visit BrowardAcademy@broward.org.

Pups will have their own space at Holiday Park

Our favorite four legged friends will soon have their own space to roam free at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale. Broward County Commissioners approved $50,000 in funding through the Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Program to cover a portion of the cost for a dog park within the city park. The project received matching funds from the city and residents of Victoria Park. Initial plans call for about 61,000 square feet of space (approximately 1.4 acres) northeast of the War Memorial Auditorium and provide separate areas for large and small dogs. The funding from the County will provide fencing, archway gates, and a pavilion.

Expanded Library Hours

Many Broward County Library locations will feature expanded service hours that will allow libraries to stay open additional day/s of the week. Expanded library hours means more access to the Library's resources and services such as free public computers, events, literacy and computer classes, children's programs and more. Below is a list of updated hours for the Fort Lauderdale Reading Center (pictured) and Riverland Branch Library. The Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Branch, Main Library, and Stirling Road Branch locations will also have increased hours of service to the public once vacant staff positions are filled to accommodate the additional hours.

Fort Lauderdale Reading Center
1300 E Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, 33304
954-357-7890
Hours: Monday (NEW), Wednesday (NEW), Thursday (NEW) and Friday: 10AM to 6PM;
Tuesday: 12 to 8PM; Saturday, Sunday: Closed

Riverland Branch Library
2710 W Davie Bvld.
Fort Lauderdale, 33312
954-357-7455 Hours: Monday, Thursday: 12 to 8PM; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (NEW),
Saturday: 10AM to 6PM; Sunday: Closed

County Advisory Board and Committee Opportunities

Broward County Advisory Boards and Committees give residents an opportunity to participate in County government by providing their input, expertise, experience, and guidance on a variety of issues affecting our community. We are always seeking volunteers who are interested in public service. You can view our current Board and Committee vacancies today.

If you are interested in making a difference and would like to be considered for a board appointment, please submit the following to my County Commission Aide, Pratima Raju at praju@broward.org: detailed resume, permanent address, phone number, email address and the board or committee you would like to serve. Residents who serve provide their board and the County with valuable insights, and their contributions to the community are greatly appreciated.

The Primary Election is Tuesday, August 30th

The next opportunity to cast your vote is TUESDAY, AUGUST 30th for the Primary Election. You must be registered by Monday, August 1st to participate in the upcoming Primary Election. Early voting will be available Saturday, August 20th to Sunday, August 28th from 10:00AM to 7:00PM at 20 locations throughout Broward County. To register or check your current registration, visit browardsoe.org or call 954-357-7050.

Celebrating Pride Month

It was a pleasure for me to join with friends, neighbors and fellow community leaders in celebrating Pride Month at the Wilton Manors Stonewall Festival June 18th. This year’s celebration was bittersweet, coming just days after 49 people lost their lives and 53 more were injured in the horrific attack at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub. The Stonewall Parade began with a solemn procession featuring placards bearing the names of those killed in the massacre. It was a moving tribute.

Even though we live in a community that welcomes and celebrates LGBTQ residents and visitors, there is still inequality and hate in the world. We must be ever vigilant to ensure Broward County remains a leader in our state and nation on this fundamental human rights issue.

Commissioner Tim Ryan and Congresswomen Lois Frankel attended the annual
City of Wilton Manors Stonewall Parade on Saturday, June 18th.

Prepare Now for the 2016 Hurricane Season

Hurricane season began June 1. A new Emergency Checklist and Hurricane Preparedness Guide is available as a reference to help prepare you and your family for an emergency. Residents are encouraged to make a plan and know what to do during an emergency. For more information regarding a tropical storm or hurricane visit Broward.org/Hurricane.