Annual Water Matters Day Set
For March 15th at Tree Tops Park

While Broward County remains under modified Phase III water restrictions, Broward County’s sixth annual Water Matters Day is taking on even more significance this year. The event, Saturday, March 15 at Tree Tops Park, 2900 S.W. 100th Ave., Davie, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., will focus on water conservation, protecting water quality and landscaping with native species.

Sponsored by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, the event is the County’s signature water conservation event. Although the event is free, admission to the park is $1.50 per person; admission for children five and under is free. It includes more than 40 educational exhibits—from governmental entities and businesses to not-for-profit organizations.

Water Matters Day will feature face painting and craft workshops for children; a rain barrel workshop and raffle; a variety of giveaways; and, the music of environmental fold-singer Grant Livingston.

Annual Waterway Cleanup
Adds Six Sites to March 8th Event

The 31st annual Waterway Cleanup, organized by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) in cooperation with civic, public and private partners, including Broward County’s Environmental Protection Department and Waste and Recycling Services, is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 36 sites around the County.

This year’s event includes five new cleanup sites: Cooley’s Landing, Fort Lauderdale; Everglades Holiday Park, Southwest Ranches; C.B. Smith Park, Pembroke Pines; Sailor’s Point, Hollywood; and the public works facility in Lauderdale Lakes.

Last year’s event drew nearly 3,000 community volunteers who collected 67 tons of trash and debris from the area’s navigable waterways. For additional information, a list of locations and volunteer opportunities, visit www.waterwaycleanup.org or call 954-524-2733.

Long Key Natural Area
Opens March 14th in Davie

On Friday, March 14, 4 p.m., opening ceremonies will be held to celebrate the official opening of the Long Key Natural Area in Davie, a 157-acre site located at 3501 S.W. 130th Avenue (west of Flamingo Road, between Griffin Road and I-595). The public is invited to the opening ceremonies. Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler, in whose district the nature preserve is located, will speak, in addition to Mayor Tom Truex of Davie and others.

At 157 acres, this site is one of the largest of the natural areas currently managed by the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division. The Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area is located in the Town of Davie and found just west off of Flamingo Road between Griffin Road and I-595.

Long Key Natural Area is the largest natural area in Broward County managed by the the County’s Parks & Recreation Division. As recently as 100 years ago, this elevated oak hammock was park of a series of islands surrounded by Everglades marshes. Long Key encompasses some of the most significant archaeological, historical, and ecological resources within the County. The hammock served as a habitation site within the Everglades by both the ancient Tequesta and the more recent Seminole Indians.

Long Key amenities include an 18,000-square foot Nature Center building and nature trails. The Nature Center building includes an exhibit hall, assembly hall, classroom, theatre and restrooms.

On Saturday, March 15, the natural area will be open for guided nature walks.

County’s 2007 Annual Report
Now Available Online and in Print

Broward County’s annual report for Fiscal Year 2007 is now available online and in a 17-page, full-color print format. The report outlines the progress, achievements and accomplishments of County government during the fiscal year which ended September 30, 2007. To view the report, visit www.broward.org.

The report includes excerpts from the Mayor’s State of the County Address and a message from Interim County Administrator Bertha Henry. The report focuses on the major regional services and programs managed by Broward County. For a printed copy of the report, contact the Public Communications Office, 954-357-6990.

County Commission Adopts
Management System, Vision Statement


Broward County Commissioners adopted the Sterling Management System as the official organizational improvement model for Broward County government in February, in addition to formally approving a 20-year Vision Statement.

The Sterling Management System seeks to:

• Improve overall performance and the bottom line
• Accelerate improvement efforts
• Exceed customer and stakeholder expectations
• Identify, focus, and engage all employees on a common set of goals
• Capitalize on today’s ever-changing environment

The process was recommended to the County Commission by the Broward County Management & Efficiency Study Committee in 2006.

In addition to adopting the Sterling model, Commissioners approved a 20-year Vision Statement for Broward County, including six vision statements and a number of goals, including transportation, cultural/recreational amenities, the social safety net, environmental concerns, economic development, sustainable growth/redevelopment and housing. To view the approved 20-year Vision Statement, visit: www.broward.org/administrator/vision.htm.

County Commission Creates
Blue-Ribbon Panel on Foreclosures

Broward County Commissioners last month approved the creation of a blue-ribbon panel to develop recommendations that will assist property owners involved in foreclosure of their properties. The Commission’s goal is to bring experts together to examine and discuss the problem and to identify opportunities to assist homeowners impacted by foreclosures, utilizing funding already available. The blue-ribbon panel will include Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler, five city officials, a number of housing experts, a representative from the Broward County Clerk of the Court’s office, Legal Aid, United Way of Broward County and mortgage bankers in Broward County. The panel will meet over the next six months and come back with recommendations for the Broward County Commission to review.

Broward County estimates that there were 24,672 foreclosure filings in 2007, a number that includes duplicate filings on a single residence from entities such as homeowners’ associations and second or third mortgages.

FAA Confers Safety Award
On International Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Southern Region Airports Division has awarded its “2007 Air Carrier Airport Safety Award” to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airport competed for the award with other air carrier airports throughout the southeast. The FAA cited the facility’s excellence in providing a safe airport environment, exemplified by numerous safety initiatives and efforts throughout the year.

Charter Review Commission
Seeks Input from Residents

Broward County’s Charter Review Commission (CRC) will hold two public hearings on recommended changes to the Broward County Charter: Wednesday, March 12, 5 p.m., and Wednesday, April 9, 1 p.m., Broward County Governmental Center, Room 422, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Both public hearings will be televised on participating cable stations and webcast on www.broward.org. The Charter Review Commission will accept questions via email at charterreview@broward.org.

To review the proposed charter amendments, visit www.broward.org/charter or call 954-357-8890 to request copies.

Residents Save Nearly $400,000
With Free County Rx Card

More than 2,000 Broward County residents have taken advantage of a free prescription drug card plan offered by Broward County to reduce the cost of drug prescriptions, saving nearly $400,000. Statistics released by the County’s Human Services Department indicate that the average consumer using the card saved 17 percent on each prescription.

The free program is managed by Caremark, a national pharmacy benefits manager, through an agreement with the National Association of Counties (NACo).

There is no enrollment fee for the card and it can by used by any resident, regardless of age, income level or existing health coverage. The card cannot be used in conjunction with other insurance. However, residents will be able to use the card to purchase prescriptions that are not covered by these plans, including prescription medicines for pets.

Free cards are available at all Broward County library locations, County parks, Family Success Centers, the downtown and the Fort Lauderdale Broward County Transit (BCT) bus terminal. For additional information, call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit www2.caremark.com/naco.

Broward Celebrates
National Bicycle Month

Broward County will officially celebrate National Bicycle Month in March with more than 60 events planned throughout the County. Sponsored by the County’s Parks & Recreation Division, the month is dedicated to promoting bicycle opportunities, bicycle safety and education.

Events include a bicycle rodeos and recreational and competitive rides, including nature bike hikes, social riding groups and tandem rides for the visually impaired. Some events will offer T-shirt give-a-ways courtesy of South Florida Commuter Services, a program of the Florida Department of Transportation. Memorial Healthcare System will distribute 250 new helmets at scheduled events.

For a complete schedule of events, call 954-985-1960 or visit www.broward.org/parks.

Subscribe to Free Hurricane
Update eMail System

To subscribe to Broward County’s free Hurricane Update eMail System, visit www.broward.org/hurricane. The system provides residents with important information from the Broward County Emergency Operations Center before, during and after a hurricane. eMail notifications will be sent to subscribers with news about hurricane watches and warnings, evacuation orders, recommended protective actions and related public safety information.

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Please Send Email to Us

Community Update, a monthly newsletter from the Board of County Commissioners, is produced by the Office of Public Communications. Address questions concerning articles to 954-357-6990. To receive Community Update electronically, send an email to publicinfo@broward.org. Please include your first and last name and email address. Hearing impaired residents can call the TTY line at 954-831-3940 for additional information..