It’s Time to Prepare For 2008 Hurricane Season

It’s time to prepare for the 2008 Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th.

2008 Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Guide

To assist residents with preparing a hurricane plan, all residents in Broward County will be sent a copy of the official 2008 Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Guide in June. The 12-page, color tabloid features important tips, information, maps, telephone numbers and website addresses. The guide is also available online at www.broward.org/hurricane.

Free Subscription to Hurricane Update E-mail System

To keep informed on impending storms, residents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to Broward County’s free Hurricane Update E-mail System. The system provides residents with important information from the Broward County Emergency Operations Center before, during and after a hurricane. E-mail notifications will be sent to subscribers with news about hurricane watches and warnings, evacuation orders, recommended protective actions and related public safety issues. To subscribe, visit www.broward.org/hurricane and click on the Hurricane Update E-mail System box.

Vulnerable Population Registry

The Vulnerable Population Registry allows people who are disabled, frail or have health issues to register in advance with their city so that emergency workers may plan a better response to vulnerable residents in a recovery effort following a hurricane or other emergency. Each municipality may use the registry list in a different way, based on the city’s recovery effort. For additional information, visit www.broward.org/hurricane or call 954-831-4000.

Free Disposal of Yard Waste

To assist residents in preparing for the hurricane season, Broward County will accept residential yard waste at no charge at the County’s three trash transfer stations every Saturday through September 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free service is available to all Broward County residents (except residents living in Pembroke Pines, Parkland, Pompano Beach and Hallandale Beach, which are not Broward County Resource Recovery partners). Proof of Broward County residency is required. Acceptable materials include tree trimmings, residential yard waste and fencing. Scrap metal items will also be accepted, as long as they are kept separate from other items. Debris brought in on commercial vehicles, by private contractors, or on trailers longer than 8 feet, will not be accepted.

Disposal sites include: 2780 N. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach; 5490 Reese Road, Davie; and, 5601 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd, West Park. For additional information, call 954-765-4999 or visit www.broward.org/waste.

Water Restrictions Could Become Permanent in Fall

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) continues the rule development process for expanding year-round landscape irrigation measures across the agency’s 16-county region, which includes Broward County. The proposed rule limits landscape irrigation to two days per week, year round.

Workshops have been held throughout the district and the SFWMD Governing Board will meet June 12 to make a final decision. If approved, district-wide implementation is anticipated this fall after a subsequent review by the state and possible subsequent public workshops. Additional information is available on the district’s website, www.sfwmd.org.

Pompano Beach Firm Named Environmental Business of the Year

Cyclone Power Technologies, Inc., a research and development company in Pompano Beach, was recently recognized by the County’s Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department as the County’s “Environmental Business of the Year,” receiving a coveted “Emerald Award.”

The North Broward company, with more than 68 patents, was cited for its outstanding environmentally-responsible business practices along with a number of other businesses and government agencies. The Emerald Awards program recognizes businesses and agencies for their voluntary efforts in four areas: waste reduction, recycling, improved operating practices and other “green” strategies that reduce pollution and waste.

Cyclone Power Technologies’ achievements include holding a U.S. patent and exclusive commercial rights to the cyclone engine, an environmentally-friendly and highly-efficient external combustion, heat-regenerative engine, capable of running on any liquid or gaseous fuel, including ethanol, bio-diesel, and propane. It is lubricated with de-ionized water instead of motor oil.

For a list of additional winners, visit www.broward.org and click on News Center, then click on “County Commission Names Environmental Business of the Year…”

Annual Reef Sweep and Beach Cleanup Slated for June 14

Ocean Watch Foundation’s 2008 Annual Reef Sweep and Beach Cleanup will be held on Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m. to noon. The 20th annual event is being held in cooperation with Broward County and coastal municipalities, corporate sponsors and volunteer groups. Ocean Watch Foundation is a leading non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the coral reef ecosystems in South Florida.

Beach walkers and divers can obtain a list of meeting locations at www.oceanwatch.org or email info@oceanwatch. For additional information, call 954-467-1366. The highlight of the event is the fun-filled post Reef Sweep party, where complimentary food, drinks and prizes will be distributed.

Beautification Project Underway For I-95/Oakland Park Interchange

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held May 22 for the third Greening Gateways project to beautify interchanges along I-95.

The new project, at I-95 and Oakland Park Boulevard, is a partnership between Broward County, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the City of Oakland Park and the City of Wilton Manors. The $1.1 million project, funded mostly by grants, will add more than 22,000 trees and plants and will significantly beautify one of Broward County’s busiest interchanges.

Greening Gateways projects already completed include I-95 interchanges at Sunrise Boulevard and Broward Boulevard.

Temporary Runway Closure Could Impact Airport Neighborhoods

The north runway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will be closed to air traffic from midnight until 5:30 a.m., on Monday, June 2, through Monday, June 9. The closure will allow workers to perform routine maintenance on the runway. During the closure, the crosswind runway will be used. Residents living in northeast Dania Beach and southwest Fort Lauderdale may notice an increase in aircraft operations over their communities during this closure period. Residents with noise concerns should contact Winston Cannicle, the airport’s noise information officer, at 954-359-6181.

County Partners with Cities For Bus to State Conference

The 12th annual Florida Neighborhoods Conference will be held in Tallahassee June 26 – 28 for neighborhood and community leaders from throughout Florida. The conference will provide a full array of workshops, tours and exhibits, in addition to the social events that will allow attendees the opportunity to network and share examples of best practices in approaches to organizing and strengthening neighborhoods. This year Broward County has partnered with the cities of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood to provide charter bus service to the conference. For registration and details on the conference visit www.broward.org or call 954-357-6673.

Magical Transit Day At C. B. Smith Park

Join Broward County Transit (BCT) and Radio Disney AM 990 on Saturday, June 14, from 1 to 3 p.m., for Magical Transit Day at C.B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines. Activities for this free event, which takes place at Shelter 19, will include face painting, arts and crafts, a transit hunt, music, games and prizes. For more information, call Broward County Transit at 954-357-8355 or visit www.broward.org/bct. The park’s regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect.

Parks & Recreation Offers Individual and Family Passports

Residents can save money this summer by purchasing Broward County Parks and Recreation Division’s Individual or Family Parks Passports. The passports allow for unlimited access to the parks (excluding some special events, an optional parking fee at Hollywood North Beach Park and the gate entrance fee on weekends and holidays at regional parks). The passports are prorated on a quarterly basis. Cost of an individual passport is $12.50 and a family passport (good for up to six people) is $30. The passports are available at regional park offices. For more information, visit www.broward.org/parks.

Adopt Two Felines For the Price of One
From now until September 30, residents will be able to adopt two cats at the single adoption fee of $74.95. The adoption fee for both felines includes health exams, vaccinations, feline leukemia/AIDS tests and spaying or neutering. Each cat will also receive a county license. There is a 14-day return policy on all adopted pets. Visit one of Broward County’s two Animal Care and Regulation locations:

To Receive Community Update 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.