Free Monthly Seminar Offered on How to Become a Licensed Contractor

The Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division offers free contractor license seminars on the first Tuesday of every month, beginning at 9 a.m. at Broward County Government Center West, Building A-Hearing Room, 1 N. University Drive, Plantation. The next seminars will be held on Tuesday, March 2, and Tuesday, April 6.

To be eligible, an individual must be at least 18 years old and have the minimum years of experience in a specific contracting category. Many of the contractor license categories, such as fencing, acoustical ceilings, screen enclosures, and interior and exterior painting, only require a minimum of one year of experience. Some license categories may require experience as a journeyman. To reserve your seat or to obtain additional information, contact the Broward County Licensing and Enforcement Section at 954-765-4400, extension 9845. More...

Courthouse Funding Approved

The Broward County Commission has approved funding to build a new Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The new building will be financed with $208 million in non-voted debt and with Build America Bonds. The total cost of the courthouse, including demolition, landscaping, connectors and 120 secured parking spaces, is $328 million. The County currently has $120 million in the budget for courthouse capital projects.

The Broward County Courthouse Task Force recommended the financing method, which allows the County to finance the project immediately, taking advantage of historically low financing rates and bond programs made available through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The impact of the estimated $7 to $9 million dollar annual debt service payment will cost the average homeowner about $8 per year. However, this will be offset by the completion of payment on bonds previously used to finance library and park projects, which will reduce the average homeowner’s taxes by $37 annually. More...

Paint the Town Red in Support of Census 2010

All of Broward County residents are encouraged to wear red to work on designated 2010 Census Awareness Days. Census Awareness Days, sponsored by the Broward League of Cities, are Tuesday, March 2 and on Census Day, Thursday, April 1. More information about the 2010 Broward County Census is available at www.broward.org/census.

Libraries and AT&T Partner in Haitian Relief Effort

Three branch libraries of the Broward County Library system – Tamarac, North Lauderdale and Pompano Beach – are offering the public free long distance phone service and internet access to contact loved ones in Haiti. A total of 15 phones and 11 additional computers are fully operational. AT&T reports that approximately 30 to 40 percent of the calls are getting through despite the devastation to Haiti’s infrastructure. The program will continue for approximately 30 days.

Locations of the branch libraries are: Tamarac, 8701 W. Commercial Blvd.; North Lauderdale, 6901 Kimberly Blvd., Suite 1; and Pompano Beach, 1213 E. Atlantic Blvd.

Parks and Recreation Announces Theme-Based Teen Socials

The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division’s Special Populations Section announces its schedule of Teen Socials for 2010. These free events are for middle and high school students, ages 13 to 21, with developmental disabilities. Preregistration is required by at least 10 days before the event. Each social features deejay music, dancing, socializing, refreshments and fun.

Events are scheduled for May 29 at Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek and November 5 at Tree Tops Park in Davie. For further information, call the Special Populations Section at 954-357-9170 or 954-357-8160.

Broward County Offers Financial Assistance

Are you a Broward County resident who is highly motivated but needs a little help to achieve your goals? If so, the Broward County Community Action Agency is offering assistance through an American Recovery Reinvestment Act - Community Services Block Grant.

Program benefits include employment and training assistance, case management with financial assistance (including emergency rent, mortgage and utilities), tuition and education expenses assistance, childcare assistance and vehicle maintenance. For more information, call Broward County Community Action Agency at 954-761-2121 or visit www.broward.org/family and click COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY.

County Offers Incentives for “Green” Building and Remodeling

Under a new program designed to reward contractors and homeowner-builders whose plans are designated “green” by a recognized certification program, Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division will speed those projects through the permitting process in less than five business days.

There are various entities recognized by the County and the construction industry, such as the United States Green Building Council, that evaluate and certify the “greenness” of a project according to the energy-saving features it contains. In addition, any contractor or homeowner can ask to have a plan reviewed by the Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division, whose staff may suggest such energy-saving ideas as installing water conservation devices, adding motion sensors to light fixtures and applying reflective film on windows which receive direct sunlight. Visit www.broward.org/permittingandlicensing for more information.

Chip-A-Tree Program Keeps Tons of Material from Landfills

The Parks and Recreation Division’s Chip-A-Tree initiative recycled 9,225 holiday trees in December and January, representing approximately 115 tons of material that would otherwise have gone to landfills. Those numbers are down only slightly from the previous year, a strong indicator that the program remains successful despite the recessionary economy. Many municipalities also now offer their own curbside pickup of holiday trees. For further information, call the Parks and Recreation Division at 954-357-8177, or e-mail praglin@broward.org.

Broward County’s Stimulus Grant Awards in Excess of $50 Million

AAs of January 2010, Broward County has received more than $584 million in federal stimulus funding as a result of the Federal government’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Of that total, in excess of $50 million has been awarded directly to Broward County government in the form of 12 stimulus grant projects. A recovery Web site has been created at www.broward.org/recovery to track and update the implementation of the various stimulus projects.

Gator Run Elementary Wins First Climate Change Challenge

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners recently recognized Gator Run Elementary School in Weston for winning the Conservation and Climate Change Challenge (C3 Challenge). The C3 Challenge is an educational competition intended to engage students, teachers, school administrators, staff and parents in practical strategies to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions school-wide and at home.

Gator Run had 72 teachers pledge to educate their students to reduce their carbon footprint at home and in school. Through the commitment of teachers, students, parents and school administrators, the school will reduce an estimated 1.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide. This is equivalent to the emissions reduced by removing 139 passenger vehicles off the road.

365 Food Drive “Goes for the Green” in March

The yearlong 365 Food Drive to benefit area food banks continues in March with a focus on “green” foods in recognition of St. Patrick’s Day. While all non-perishable food items are appreciated, there is a special call for items such as canned green beans or peas, asparagus, split-pea soup, etc. Small toiletry items are also appreciated. Collection boxes are available at the Governmental Center, Government Center West, main and regional courthouses, all Broward County libraries, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Administration building, and Port Everglades Administration building.

Water Matters Day is March 13

“Saving Water Makes $ense” is the theme of 2010’s Eighth Annual Broward Water Matters Day on Saturday, March 13, at Tree Tops Park, 3900 S.W. 100th Ave., Davie. Get tips on how to save water and money at home, and learn how to “green” your yard while lowering your water bill. Water Matters Day is Broward County’s signature water conservation event where residents can learn what they can do to protect our drinking water supplies, and can get free native plants or trees just for learning how to do the right thing. Admission to Water Matters Day is free, but the park’s weekend and holiday admission fee of $1.50 per person will be in effect. Children five and under are admitted to the park free. For more information on Water Matters Day or water conservation, visit www.broward.org/watermatters.

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.