District 3 Newsletter - Commissioner Michael Udine August 2017

August 2017

I hope everyone had a fantastic summer. Whether you are traveling or taking a much needed break in our own beautiful South Florida backyard, remember to stay safe and cool during these summer months.

Serving the Residents of Broward

During the past month, I have continued to meet with several County departments to learn more about how Broward serves its nearly 1.9 million residents. I had the opportunity to get a more in-depth look at Broward’s Human Services Department, Broward County Transit, and the Broward Addiction Recovery Center (BARC). Each of these departments is complex and has its own unique set of challenges and goals. Staying updated on the operations and objectives of our different County departments is a priority when it comes to making decisions on County matters.

Community Corner

This summer, I have also been spending time out and about in the District visiting with constituents. I recently visited the Coral Springs Museum of Art to learn more about their Art for Warriors program. Art for Warriors is a free art program with a mission to provide a creative, therapeutic outlet for veterans and their families. Veterans who participate have the opportunity to work with a board certified art therapist and explore a variety of art techniques alongside their fellow veterans and family members. This is an excellent program that offers support for our veterans and strengthens the arts in our local community.

The Art for Warriors program meets weekly and is always welcoming new members. If you know a veteran who would like to attend the Art for Warriors program, contact Ernie Ospina at 954-340-5000 or museuminfo@coralsprings.org.

Zap Zika Broward

As we all know, summertime in South Florida means heavy rains, and with that comes an increase in mosquito populations. Broward County is continuing its #ZapZikaBroward efforts to reduce mosquito populations that can potentially carry the Zika virus and preventative larvicide spraying is one of these efforts. The particular larvicide used is VectoBac WDG, which is a naturally occurring bacterial larvicide that is not harmful to humans, pets, bees, aquatic habitats or environmentally sensitive areas. Spraying is done by truck between the hours of 10PM and 6AM and it is worth noting that Broward County has specially designed a mosquito spraying truck that will save the County $1.5 million. Job well done by Broward’s Mosquito Control Section for finding a more efficient way to protect our residents and save money.

Economic Engines

One of Broward County’s top economic engines, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), is experiencing tremendous growth. Can you believe there are more than 80,000 passengers traveling through our airport daily? This is great news for the County because the money generated from travel and tourism helps support our economy. To keep up with the growth, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has invested $2 billion in improvements and expansion. Since the airport is an enterprise fund zone, property tax dollars are not utilized for this budget. Some of the recent renovation highlights include the addition of more than 3,000 new parking spaces, expansion of Terminal 4 with domestic and international gates, and more than 100 new food and retail concessions to improve the travel experience for locals and visitors. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is also offering more flight options for travelers. In July we celebrated British Airways’ inaugural flight with non-stop service from London’s Gatwick International Airport to FLL. Flyers can now get “across the pond” in just over 8 hours. Tourism in Broward County is growing, and this is an exciting time to develop and invest in one of our strongest economic engines.

Upcoming Events

Sept 9th - City of Coral Springs Remembrance 5K
Start Time: 7:00 AM
Northwest Regional Library
3151 University Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33071

Coming together as a community, Honoring and Remembering.
Each year, the City remembers the victims and honors the heroes of September 11, 2001. The City will hold a Remembrance 5K Run/Walk starting at the Northwest Regional Library on #csremembers

Sept 14th - Tamarac 7th Annual Day of Play Event
1:30 – 3:30 PM

Tamarac Park, 7501 N. University Dr.

Fee: Free

Celebrate Tamarac’s Play Day with your family and friends and get on the right track to a healthier lifestyle and the benefits of playing in your City’s parks. The City’s “Day of Play” will consist of organized games, inflatable rides, prizes, give-a-ways, and much more.

Sept 16th - Tamarac Community Garage Sale
7:30 am – 12:00 PM
Tamarac Park,
7501 N. University Drive

Early registration (July 10 to Sept 1): $20 per space
Late registration - (Sept 2 to Sept 13): $35 per space

Sept 20th - International Day of Peace
7:45 A.M

International Peace Garden
2855 Coral Springs Dr.
Coral Springs, FL 33065

Breakfast follows and admission is free

Contact Us

As always, our office is available to assist you with County matters. Please feel free to reach us at 954-357-7003, mudine@broward.org or check us out on Facebook @commissionermichaeludine and Instagram at @MichaelUdine.

Phone: 954-357-7003 • Fax: 954-357-7044 • mudine@broward.org
115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 411, Fort Lauderdale FL 33301
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