DHL to Expand Corporate Presence in Broward County

DHL, one of the world’s leading express and logistics providers, announced it will expand its existing headquarters in Plantation over the next three years, retaining 650 jobs and creating more than 600 new high-value jobs.

DHL, with 160,000 employees worldwide, acquired Seattle-based Airborne Express in August 2003, adding substantially to its U.S. presence. One result of the merger led to a site search for a new home for its corporate campus. Broward County’s competition for this project included Seattle and locations in Texas and Arizona. DHL’s annual economic impact in Florida—including payroll, payments to independent contractors and taxes—exceeds $160 million annually.

“The decision by DHL is a culmination of a year-long effort by local officials working with company representatives to find the ideal location,” said Norman Taylor, director of the County’s Office of Economic Development.

The decision by DHL to expand its corporate presence in Broward County was lauded by Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman and Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Both officials have promoted diversifying the economy and expanding international trade. In addition to support from Broward County and Florida, the expansion was also promoted by the Broward Alliance, Enterprise Florida and the City of Plantation.

“We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to Broward County through adding 600 new jobs to the local economy as part of our Americas headquarters presence,” said John Fellows, chief executive officer of DHL Americas. “Having examined a number of sites for consolidation of these new jobs, we felt that the positive pro-business environment of South Florida made Broward County the optimal choice.”

DHL currently has 650 employees at its existing headquarters and a network of 16 service centers across the state. A major focus of the expansion involves the consolidation of DHL’s and Airborne’s U. S. operations, resulting the creation of 600 new, well-paying jobs, including corporate officers and senior managers, along with marketing, finance, human resources and administrative divisions.

DHL provides courier service for Broward County and is the state’s sole statewide, national and international courier service.

County Purchases Farm Land for Winston Park Preserve
Broward County Commissioners recently purchased a 1.67-acre parcel of land in Coconut Creek to be preserved as part of the Winston Park Preserve.

The farm land, originally owned by Richard Grolier and Bill Conway, was deeded to the Audubon Society in 1986 because they wanted to prevent the parcel from being developed. Using 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond funds, the County purchased the land, south of Winston Park Blvd, for $82,500. It will be deeded to Coconut Creek as part of the Winston Park Preserve.

“This is a wonderful piece of natural land at a good price,” said Broward County Vice Mayor Kristin Jacobs. “This purchase insures that this land will be preserved. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

The property is representative of two of South Florida’s widespread ecologies: cypress wetlands and pine forest. It contains a number of very large trees, a myriad of bird species, and a variety of small mammals and reptiles. Located within a residential area where only a few parcels remain, public ownership of the site will prevent development and provide for sustainable land management through the removal of invasive vegetation.

Household Hazardous Waste Accepted on Saturdays
Broward County residents can bring household hazardous waste and electronics to two locations on Saturdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.: 2780 N. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach, and 5601 W. Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hollywood. Acceptable household hazardous waste items include motor oil, paint, pesticides, pool and lawn chemicals and household cleaners. Acceptable electronic items include computers, monitors, keyboards, and televisions. The collection program is available to all Broward County residents. Proof of residency is required—a driver’s license or a tax bill.

South County Residents Vote to Create New City
Voters in Lake Forest, Miami Gardens, Utopia and Carver Ranches voted on November 2 to create Broward County’s 31st municipality. The new city, tentatively known as West Park, includes approximately 15,000 people. The vote to incorporate was approved with a 3,400 to 956 vote.

Residents in the unincorporated area elected an interim transition committee in September to work with Broward County on the incorporation process. It is estimated that the city will operate on a budget of approximately $7 million. The transition committee will be meeting in public schools and community centers. In March 2005, residents will elect a city commission and mayor. They will later choose a permanent name for the municipality.

Other annexation issues on the ballot November 2:
ROCK ISLAND: Residents voted to join the City of Fort Lauderdale on September 15, 2005.
CENTRAL COUNTY: Residents rejected, by a two-to-one margin, a proposal to merge their neighborhood with Lauderdale Lakes.
TWIN LAKES NORTH: Residents chose the City of Fort Lauderdale over Oakland Park, with annexation effective September 15, 2005.
For the 2005 Legislative Session, annexation bills have been filed for Broadview Park, Country Acres (Godfrey Road), Pine Island Ridge and United Ranches.

Federal Grant Helps Residents Buy Homes, Start Businesses
A federal grant designed to help low-income residents buy a home, further their education and start a small business was jointly awarded to Broward County and the Urban League of Broward County by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HRS). The five-year, $130,000 grant will be matched by $430,000 in local funding.

“This program is an example of true partnership and cooperation,” said Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman. The program will provide funding to help 30 families establish Individual Development Accounts, a special savings program, with BankAtlantic. Program participants are required to invest at least $1 for every $2 provided through grant funding. Broward County’s Family Success Administration will administer the program, which is being sponsored by more than a dozen private business, community groups and non-profit agencies.

To qualify for the program, residents must be employed and meet certain financial guidelines, including a net-worth of less than $10,000, excluding the value of their home or car. For details or information, residents should call 954-357-6367.

Libraries Celebrate Jewish History Month
More than 25 library programs will be held in November in celebration of Jewish Heritage Month. On November 14, 2-4 p.m., a Family Celebration of the Jewish Sabbath will be held at the Northwest Regional Library, 3151 University Drive, Coral Springs. The celebration will feature Sabbath rituals with music, refreshments and children’s crafts with Rabbi Gross of Temple Beth Orr. On November 10, a book discussion, In Our Hearts We Were Giants, with authors Yehuda Koren and Eilat Nageb, will be held from 1- 2 p.m., at the Stirling Road Branch, 3151 Stirline Road, Hollywood. The book is about a family, most of whom were dwarfs, and how their size enabled them to survive the Holocaust. For additional events, see the Library newsletter Bookings, available at all Broward County Library Branches or online at www.broward.org/library.

Free Trees Available at County Parks
Broward County Parks and Recreation Division joins Replant Broward in a partnership to offer free trees for adult Broward residents, daily at five parks. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends and holidays. The program will continue through the end of the year or while supplies last.

Replant Broward originated as a grant initiative to provide replacements for residents who lost trees during the state’s canker eradication program. More than a dozen varieties are available, including shade trees, flowering trees, and a limited quantity of fruit trees (no citrus). Proof of Broward County residency must be provided, and a limited number of trees will be available for each household. For more information, call 954-436-7579.

Raccoon with Rabies Confirmed in Davie
Tests conducted on a raccoon killed by a dog in Davie confirm the animal tested positive for rabies, according to the state’s Department of Health. This is the third rabies case in Broward County this year and the 28th case reported since July 2000. In March, another raccoon in Davie, which came in contact with a dog, tested positive for rabies.

Animal Care officers from the County’s Animal Care and Regulation Division will walk door-to-door in the immediate area where the most recent raccoon was found—131 st Terrace in Davie. The officers will inform residents about the rabies incident and recommend vaccinations and licenses for pets. Residents are advised to report any aggressive, sick or injured raccoons, foxes and bats to Animal Care Dispatch, 954-359-1313, ext. 400, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. During other times, call Fire Central Dispatch at 954-765-5124.

Fantasy of Lights Opens at Tradewinds Park
Broward County’s annual Fantasy of Lights, consisting of more than two miles of captivating holiday light displays, opens at Tradewinds Park, on Sample Road, just west of the Florida Turnpike, on November 19. The extravaganza will run through Sunday, January 2, 2005.

The drive-thru holiday spectacular will be open seven days a week, including holidays, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission for vehicles with fewer than 20 passengers is $6, Mondays through Thursdays, and $9, Fridays through Sundays and holidays. Vehicles with 20 passengers or more pay $35. For details on how to purchase a $5 gift certificate, good for prepaid admission anytime during the show, call 954-357-8118.