South Regional/BCC Library
Set to Become “Green” Building

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held on February 1 for the new South Regional/BCC Library in Pembroke Pines, which could become the County’s first certified “Green” building.

The library, on the south campus of Broward Community College (BCC), 7300 Pines Boulevard, is a joint effort between Broward County and BCC. The library, designed as an environmentally sound and energy-efficient structure, was built in accordance with guidelines developed by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The concept embraces the design, construction and operation of high-performance buildings, promoting five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

The two-story high building was designed in a box shape that is extremely efficient for both library functions and energy efficiency. Windows were placed to maximize natural light and minimize glare, and the roof was painted white to reflect heat from the sun. Additionally, the building’s structural system and mechanical system were designed to preserve energy and keep operating costs low.

In addition to adhering to LEED guidelines, the South Regional Library also features bicycle storage and changing rooms; carpooling spaces adjacent to the building; on-site storm water retention; light pollution reduction; and landscaping that uses only native, drought-tolerant plants. Inside, only low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints and carpet were used in the construction.

Broward County has filed with the United States Green Building Council to have the library certified a “Green Building.” Official certification is expected in the spring.

Among the nation’s leaders in energy conservation, Broward County garnered the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 1999 Government Partner of the Year award for its voluntary installation of energy-efficient technologies. In 2000, the County’s North Regional Courthouse became the first public building in Florida to earn an “Energy Star Label” from the federal government, followed by the Governmental Center Annex in Fort Lauderdale. With annual spending for electricity near $17 million annually, Broward County has invested significant dollars in energy upgrades, resulting in savings of approximately 1.5 million a year.

Pan-Africanists Exhibit Opens
At South Regional/BCC Library

In conjunction with the opening of the new South Regional/BCC Library in Pembroke Pines (7300 Pines Boulevard), an art exhibition entitled The Pan-Africanists will be featured during February and March.

On display will be a series of oil paintings by Barrington Watson, which features portraits of prominent black personalities who represent the spirit of the Pan-Africanist movement. Pan-Africanism is movement that draws its ideas from black American and West Indian writers and activists, reflecting a pride in the African continent and culture, including a commitment to self-rule. The exhibit is sponsored by the Broward Public Library Foundation and Broward Community College in honor of Black History Month. A reception will be held on Thursday, February 22, 5 p.m., at the library, when Watson, the artist, will make a presentation.

Charter Review Commission
Schedules Public Hearing

Broward County’s Charter Review Commission (CRC) has scheduled two public hearings in February to receive community input as they continue to review the operations of County government. The CRC, a 19-member board appointed by the County Commission, is empowered to conduct a comprehensive study of any and/or all phases of County government. Any amendments to the current Broward County Charter proposed by the CRC must be submitted to the electorate for the general election on November 4, 2008.

• Thursday, February 8, 7-9 p.m., South Florida Regional Planning Council, 3440 Hollywood Blvd., Room 140, Hollywood

• Thursday, February 14, 2-4 p.m., Broward County Governmental Center, Commission Chambers, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale
Broward County’s Charter provides for the appointment of a Charter Review Commission every six years. The CRC’s term runs from June 2006 until November 2008. For a list of members and other information relating to the CRC, visit www.broward.org/charter.

Council Election Scheduled
For Roosevelt Gardens

Residents living in Roosevelt Gardens will choose a five-member neighborhood council on Monday, February 19, 7 p.m., Franklin Park Community Center, 2501 Franklin Drive. The unincorporated neighborhood of 1,800, located north of Sunrise Boulevard and east of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (N.W. 31 Avenue), is designated as a Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement district, in accordance with Florida Statute 163.524. The district enables residents to maintain their own neighborhood enhancement plan. Nomination of candidates will immediately precede the election. For additional information, contact Ted Vitale, Planning Services Division, 954-357-6617.

Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
Set for Coral Springs

Broward County residents are encouraged to take advantage of a free hazardous waste and electronics drop-off event, scheduled for Sunday, February 11, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Coral Springs City Hall South, 9530 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs. Proof of Broward County residency is required.

Residents can dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, motor oil, pesticides, household chemicals, lawn and pool chemicals, mercury thermometers, propane tanks and fire extinguishers. Acceptable used electronics include televisions, computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, fax machines, cell phones and rechargeable batteries.

Annual Valentine’s Concert Slated
For C.B. Smith Park on February 10

An evening Love & Jazz Valentine’s Concert under the stars at C.B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, will be held on Saturday, February 10. Gates open at 6 p.m.; concert begins a 7:30 p.m. The annual concert, appropriate for both couples and families, features celebrated recording artist Patti Austin, best known for her song Cry Me a River and her classic duet with James Ingram, Baby Come to Me. Ticket prices are $20 in advance ($22 day of show) at the park and $17 in advance ($19 day of show) through Ticketmaster (plus a service fee).

New Bus System Map
Lists BCT and City Routes

A new, four-color public bus map is available from Broward County Transit (BCT), which details the County’s fixed-route system and individual routes of all 21 municipal community bus services. The maps are free and available on community buses, at participating municipal locations, at the Central Bus Terminal in Fort Lauderdale and by calling the BCT customer service center at 954-357-8400. An online version of the map is available online at www.broward.org/bct.

First Tri-County Workshop
On Palms Set for February 17

A tri-county program designed for landscape and nursery professionals, master gardeners and homeowners, entitled Everything Palms, will be held Saturday, February 17, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., on the campus of Broward County Extension Education, 3245 College Avenue, Davie. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. A $50 fee, payable by check or money order, will be charged in advance; no credit cards will be accepted. To register, call Shawanni Mobley, 954-370-3725, ext. 228, or email smobley@broward.org.

Topics to be covered include stormscaping with palms, underutilized species, care and cultivation, new diseases, and more. Speakers will be representing some of the best known botanical gardens and research centers in South Florida.

Program Offers Pet Sterilizations
For Qualified County Residents

In an effort to reduce the number of animals euthanized or impounded in County animal shelters, Broward County’s Animal Care and Regulation Division is offering low-cost sterilization for cats and dogs to low-to-moderate income pet owners through its S.P.O.T. (Stop Pet Overpopulation Together) Program.

For $10 per animal, qualified residents can have their dogs and cats sterilized at participating veterinarian offices throughout the county. A rabies vaccination and county animal license are included. Animal Care is presently accepting applications for the S.P.O.T. program. To qualify, the owner and pet must live in Broward County and meet income requirements. Income eligibility is based on the number of people in the household and the monthly income compared to the median income in Broward County. To apply, call 954-359-2231 or visit www.broward.org/animal.

Turkish Festival Planned
For C.B. Smith Park

In what organizers hope will become an annual event, the Anatolia Culture Center of Fort Lauderdale, in cooperation with Broward County, will conduct a full-day Turkish Festival on Sunday, February 25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., C. B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines. The event is free and open to the public.

The festival will feature live music, costumes, folk dances, Turkish food and desserts. In addition to face painting and a bounce house for children, the festival will include an exhibition of Turkish rug making, calligraphy, folk dancing and marbling—a unique art form, popular in Turkey. In addition, exhibits, a concert and door prizes are planned. For additional information, contact C.B. Smith Park, 954-437-2650 or visit www.MiamiTurkishFest.org.