Christmas in July: Donate to Help Homeless Children
The Broward County Commission has joined with the Kiwanis Division 23 to collect donations for the fourth annual Christmas in July event. Residents are asked to donate NEW clothing, books and toys, which will be used to prepare homeless children for the upcoming school year.

Collection boxes are located at the following locations through July 15:
• Herald Broward – 2010 N.W. 150th Ave., Pembroke Pines (On the corner of I-75 & Sheridan Street)
• Governmental Center Lobby – 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
• North Regional Courthouse – 1600 W. Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach
• South Regional Courthouse – 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
• West Regional Courthouse – 100 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation
• Main Courthouse – 201 S.E. 6 Street, Fort Lauderdale

Items being collected include pants/slacks, shirts, belts, socks, shoes, undergarments, baby clothing, diapers, books, games and toys. Items can be for a girl or boy ranging in age from infants to 18 years.

The number of children helped by Christmas in July has grown annually since its inception in 2002. Last year’s event helped clothe and entertain more than 800 homeless children. There are an estimated 3,000 homeless children enrolled in the Broward County School system annually.

Homeowners Urged to Hire Licensed Tree Trimmers
Homeowners who need to trim their trees in preparation for hurricane season are urged to beware of unlicensed tree trimmers.

With hurricane season underway, the summer months are traditionally the time of year when unlicensed tree trimmer activity is high. To protect homeowners from fly-by-night amateurs and ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community, the County Commission adopted an ordinance in 2000 requiring licensing for all commercial tree trimmers.
While hiring an unlicensed tree trimmer could be cheaper, unlicensed tree trimmers often deliver poor quality work, resulting in greater long-term costs. Homeowners with hat-racked, unsightly or abused trees are also subject to fines.

To avoid being taken advantage of by unlicensed or amateur tree trimmers, homeowners can call the Biological Resources Division at 954-519-1456 to verify a tree trimmer’s license, or go online to www.broward.org/bio for a complete list of licensed tree trimmers. Click on Uplands/Trees Program and choose List of Licensed Tree Trimmers.

Commission Approves Park Funds for Davie, Coconut Creek
The County Commission voted in June to purchase 17 acres of land in Davie for a park and seven acres of environmentally sensitive land in Coconut Creek.. The funding comes from the 2000 Broward County Parks and Land Preservation Bond program.

The parcel in Davie is located on the southwest corner of Griffin Road and Southwest 52nd Avenue, adjacent to the Florida Turnpike. The Commission approved the use of $1.7 million towards the purchase of this property, which will be maintained as a park by the Town of Davie. The park will include picnic facilities, a playground, water and land observation areas as well as a nature trail. In addition, the Town of Davie plans on incorporating all of the applicable principles of NatureScape Broward into the park’s development. NatureScape Broward encourages the use of native plants to conserve water, decreasing the need for pesticides, and providing a comfortable nurturing environment for wildlife.

The Commission also approved the purchase of seven acres of environmentally sensitive land at the northwest corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and Northwest 39th Avenue in Coconut Creek for $2.2 million. The acreage will be preserved with native trees and shrubs.

Pet Friendly Shelter Available for Hurricane Season
If an evacuation order or emergency is declared in Broward County this year, residents with pets will now have the option of relocating to a “pet friendly” hurricane shelter. The shelter will be located at Millennium Middle School, 5803 N.W. 94 Ave., Tamarac. The shelter is the creation of the Humane Society of Broward County, in cooperation with the Broward Chapter of the American Red Cross and the School Board of Broward County. The project is supported by Broward County’s Emergency Management Agency.

Because of space limitations, those who want to use the shelter during declared emergencies must pre-register. Owners will be required to show proof that they reside in a County evacuation zone and that their pets have up-to-date vaccinations and rabies shots. Registration began last month at the Humane Society, 2070 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale (one block west of I-95). For additional information, call 954-266-6871 or visit www.humanebroward.com.

“Barkham at Markham” Chosen Name for Dog Park
County Commissioners have chosen “Barkham at Markham” as the official name for the dog park at Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise. The name was chosen from a list of entries submitted by southwest County residents and members of an ad-hoc citizens’ group that organized in support of a dog park. “Barkham at Markham” was the brainchild of Jim Silvestri, grounds maintenance supervisor for Markham Park.

“This is a most popular dog park, and I think the new name plays well because it’s located within Markham Park,” said Broward County Commissioner Lois Wexler, whose district encompasses the dog park. Opened with much fanfare in March, the four-acre dog park at Markham quickly became a popular destination for canines and their owners to play and socialize.

County Offers Assistance in Combating Mosquitoes
Broward County’s Mosquito Control Section operates a countywide control program and will spray for mosquitoes upon request. The service is free. Residents can request service by calling 954-765-4062. Callers should leave their name, phone number and address to ensure proper service.

The Mosquito Control Section also combats mosquitoes through regular trapping each week, especially in areas where mosquitoes are most prevalent, such as flood-prone areas or anywhere standing water could create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
For tips on how to control mosquitoes, visit www.broward.org/streets and click on Mosquito Control.

County to Establish Hispanic Cultural Center
In June, the County Commission approved plans for a Hispanic Cultural and Educational Center to be located on the third floor of the Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.

The center will showcase the literature, history and many cultures of Central America, Mexico, Portugal, South American, Spain and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. “It has been a long-time goal of mine to create a Hispanic Cultural and Educational Center where the public can come to see, learn and experience the many aspects of Hispanic history and culture,” said Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin.

Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Davie
Broward County residents can dispose of household hazardous waste and used electronics at a special one-day drop-off for household hazardous waste on Sunday, July 17, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pine Island Park, 3801 S. Pine Island Road, Davie.

Acceptable household hazardous waste items include leftover paint, pesticides, used motor oil, fire extinguishers, lawn and pool chemicals, and household cleaners. Acceptable used electronics include computers, printers, televisions, cell phones, and fax machines.
There is no charge for dropping off materials. Proof of Broward County residency through a driver’s license or tax bill is required. For safety reasons, keep products in their original containers or clearly label any products that are not in original containers. Tightly seal all lids, and place any leaking products in larger plastic containers. Business-generated waste, explosives, and medical/biohazardous waste will NOT be accepted.

Low Cost Rabies Vaccinations Available with License Tags
Broward County’s Animal Care and Regulation Division is scheduling a series of $15 rabies vaccination and license tag clinics to stem the outbreak of rabies in the County. Since July of 2000, 32 confirmed cases have been reported. To qualify, pet owners must be Broward residents, meet certain income guidelines and provide proof of residency. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers. The clinics are held on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cash only.
•July 30, McTyre Park, 3501 S.W. 56 Ave., Pembroke Park
•August 27, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 2400 Charleston St., Hollywood
•September 24, Westside Park, 445 S.W. 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach

Airport to Open New Garage with 4,400 Parking Spaces
Cypress Garage, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s newest parking facility, opened on June 28 with accommodations for 4,400 cars. The garage, located near Terminal 1 (Levels 6 through 9), also houses the Rental Car Center (Levels 1 through 5). A moving sidewalk connects the garage to Terminal 1. Travelers entering the airport should use the Arrival Level roadway and bear left, following the signage.