Wow, we finally made it through 2020 and what a year it was! We all started 2020 with optimism and hope, and then as life would have it, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and infected the world and life as we knew it instantly changed. As we enter 2021, we must continue moving forward and adapting to our new normal of safe distancing, wearing masks, virtual schools, colleges, classes, meetings, and family zoom gatherings. But there is a bright side. January is a time for us to set new, realistic goals for the upcoming year, and I challenge you to take the time to write your goals down and read them out loud every day. Then make a vision board with your goals so as you are reading your goals out loud, you are also envisioning them.
As your District 8 Commissioner, I am thankful to have the opportunity to continue serving you and all of our residents in Broward County. Broward is a great place to live, work, and play, and as we begin the new year, proclaim that 2021 will be a year of unlimited possibilities.
I look forward to our continued success, and wish you an abundance of love, health, wealth, and success.
~ Barbara
I welcome your comments and want to hear which issues are important to you. Send an email to me at bsharief@broward.org or call my office at 954-357-7008. Also, check out the Barbara Sharief Facebook page at
Facebook.com/barbara.sharief.3, follow me at
Twitter.com/bestmom39, or on Instagram
@barbarasharief.
COVID-19 On-Site Testing at Broward County Airport
On December 9th, Broward County Airport (FLL), in partnership with Nomi Health and Spirit Airlines, began offering COVID-19 testing for passengers who can provide proof of upcoming travel plans from FLL Airport. Testing site is in Terminal-3, lower-level near baggage claim from 7AM to 9PM daily. Two tests are offered with our online appointment system: a Rapid Antigen test $74 that gives results in 30 minutes and a PCR-saliva swab test $106 with results within 48 hours. To schedule an appointment, visit
Nomi Health's FLL website. Please note that we are only accepting FLL ticketed passengers at the site and NOT travelers from MIA or PBI as originally communicated.
Setting Measurable “Goals” Not Resolutions for the New Year
2020 is finally over and thankfully a new year is upon us. The new year provides a fresh start and should motivate us to achieve something new or to recommit to those dreams, tasks or goals that were put on hold. January is a great time to start writing down our goals and prioritizing them. You cannot achieve them if you cannot see them! People do not plan to fail, they fail to plan. To help ensure your success in achieving your goals, here are a few suggestions to help you get started on your journey:
1. Write your goals down, prioritize and review them daily
2. Create goals for different areas of your life
3. Set goals that are realistic and attainable
4. Make goals that are measurable
5. Create a vision board and look at it every day
6. Reward yourself every time you achieve a goal
“A little progress each day adds up to big results.” - Author Unknown
Flying with a REAL ID
Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the national emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline from October 1, 2020 to
October 1, 2021.
Beginning
October 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another
acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
Check for the star
REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you are not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.
For information by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the
DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map.
Broward County Small Businesses
What Does it Mean to be Certified?
As a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) we reserve solicitations JUST FOR YOU! In 2018, 118 projects under $250,000 were reserved for small businesses totaling $8.9 million. Additionally, projects with small business opportunities require that at least 25% of the contract be allocated for County Business Enterprise (CBE) firms. Now is the time to Get Certified and it is FREE!
The Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) provides certification services to local small businesses in order to bid on Broward County procurement contracts with Small Business Enterprise (SBE), County Business Enterprise (CBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise* (ACDBE) program requirements.
Certification in these programs provides a gateway to other OESBD services that support the growth and sustainability of Broward County's business community.
We offer four types of certifications: two local certification programs and two federal certification programs. For more information, visit:
Broward.org/EconDev/SmallBusiness/Pages/Certification.aspx.
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On January 18, 2021, we will honor the birth, life, and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only national holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities, according to the corporation for National & Community Service. It is a time to remember the injustices that Dr. King fought. A time to remember his fight for the freedom, equality, and dignity of all races and people.
Feeding South Florida & Hunger Action Month
Every year Broward Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief and Broward County Government partners with Feeding South Florida to support and promote September as Hunger Action Month. This year, Hunger Action Month was extended through November due to the increased community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest statistics from Feeding South Florida indicate that 17.1%, or 333,925 people living in Broward County are food insecure. Sadly, approximately 107,000 children in our county go to bed hungry every night. Our most recent countywide food collection netted 2,112 pounds of food which is the equivalent of 1,760 meals, due to the generous donations throughout Broward County. Commissioner Sharief also presented Feeding South Florida with a check for $10,000 to help this amazing organization continue serving our community and feeding families in need throughout South Florida. To volunteer or donate food, please visit
FeedingSouthFlorida.org or
Broward.org/FoodDrive.
Serving on County Boards
We are seeking residents with an interest in public service to represent the needs of the district. If you are interested in being considered, please forward a detailed resume to
bsharief@broward.org. Be sure to include your permanent address, phone number and email address; whether you are a registered voter; whether you are a registered lobbyist; whether you serve on any other board, authority or agency (dual office holding); whether you are related to any Commissioner; and whether you have any potential conflicting business relationship. For a description of Boards, visit Broward.org/Intergovernmental and select BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
Helpful Resources
Many people may have financial difficulties throughout the year. Here are a few numbers and contacts that may be of assistance: 2-1-1 Broward is the live, 24-hour helpline, providing all people with crisis, health and human services support and connecting them to resources in our community. 2-1-1 Broward is your first call for help.
To receive communications (such as this newsletter) from my office via email, or to arrange for myself or my Community Outreach Liaison, Suzanne Bailey to attend your neighborhood or homeowner association meeting, please contact Suzanne at 954-357-7008 or
sbailey@broward.org.
