The City Commission will meet on Tuesday,
August 19, 2014.
100 N. Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Conference Meeting- 1:30 Regular Meeting- 6:00 p.m.
|
|
Announce your
event here!
Submit HOA news or events for the next issue.
Send an email to
Ryan Henderson,
Neighbor Support Office,
rhenderson@fortlauderdale.gov
or call (954) 828-5213.
|
|
|
|
|
The City of Fort Lauderdale's property valuation came in 6.9% higher than last year. This marks the third consecutive year that Fort Lauderdale's property values have climbed and is another indication that our economy is back on track. Earlier this month, the fiscal year 2015 Proposed Budget was presented to the City Commission. After much discussion, the Commission unanimously adopted a resolution proposing no increase to the current operating millage rate and no increase to the fire assessment fee. The proposed millage rate for fiscal year 2015 was kept at its current level of 4.1193 per $1,000 of taxable value. This represents the eighth consecutive fiscal year that the City Commission has held the line on property taxes. In fact, you would have to go back 28 years -- to 1986 -- to find a time when Fort Lauderdale had a lower property tax rate than 4.1193.
The FY 2015 Proposed Budget provides the resources to deliver quality, cost effective services to our neighbors while investing in social capital to build community, expand civic engagement, and enhance quality of life. It calls for continued investments to maintain and strengthen our infrastructure, enhance citywide public safety, bolster direct service delivery, enrich programming in parks and recreation, and replace and upgrade critical fire-rescue equipment. In short, the Proposed Budget moves us closer to achieving our citywide Vision of creating a diverse, active, livable and sustainable community. Neighbors are encouraged to review the Proposed Budget document and the Proposed Community Investment Plan on the City's website. Please also make plans to attend the two public hearings on the Proposed Budget that will take place on Wednesday, September 3rd and Wednesday, September 10th at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Chambers.
|
The City of Fort Lauderdale recently launched the Uptown Link, which is a FREE midday shuttle bus for the Uptown Business District that was implemented to elevate connectivity, enhance mobility, improve traffic flow, and to create a City that offers viable, sustainable public transportation alternatives.
The Link also fulfills one of the top priorities outlined in the City's Vision and Strategic Plans, which is to transform Fort Lauderdale into a fully connected, pedestrian friendly, multimodal City. Click here to learn more about the Uptown Link and how it is helping to support our local businesses and provide a foundation for continued growth and prosperity.
|
Strengthening our Community
The City of Fort Lauderdale hosted another international delegation for a week-long visit to develop climate change adaptation strategies. The second delegation to visit Fort Lauderdale in 2014, this group consisted of four city officials from Legazpi City, Albay, in the Philippines. Legazpi is a coastal city that has many features in common with Fort Lauderdale, including a vulnerability to climate change, tropical climate, strong tourism sector, and engaged community.
The visit was part of the CityLinks Association of Southeast Asian Nations Cities Climate Change partnership program, an initiative focused on developing climate change adaptation strategies to strengthen urban resiliency. Fort Lauderdale was selected to participate because of its proactive efforts to understand and plan for future challenges associated with climate change and sea level rise. Working together, the two cities will develop projects targeted toward adapting and preparing for future climate conditions. Click here to read the complete story.
|
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reviewed and updated flood zones throughout Broward County. FEMA used vertical datum to develop consistent comparisons of land and water elevations across the nation. The new flood zone maps, also called Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), are used to determine the flood risk to properties. FIRMs help community officials and neighbors prepare for flood-related disasters by providing an accurate depiction of local flood hazards.
The new FIRMs will go into effect on August 18, 2014. Click here to access the draft proposed maps. Please note the final FIRMs may reflect additional changes before they go into effect in August. Beginning August 18, neighbors can click here to access the final and adopted FIRMs on the City website.
If your structure is mapped into a high-risk area and you have a mortgage with a federally-regulated lender, you will need to purchase flood insurance. If your property is mapped into a low-or moderate-risk area, you are not required to purchase or maintain insurance, but are strongly encouraged to do so. The cost to properly protect your home and contents from flood damage is typically less expensive than the cost to repair or replace the structure or contents after a flood has occurred.
To help residents save money on their flood insurance premiums, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in National Flood Insurance Program's voluntary Community Rating System and implements floodplain management activities and promotes public information regarding flood hazards and ways to reduce flood damage. In exchange for the City conducting numerous annual activities, the NFIP offers eligible homeowners in the Special Flood Hazard Area a 20% discount on flood insurance premiums.
|
As part of Broward County's new regionalized communication system, beginning August 1, the City of Fort Lauderdale will have a new phone number for non-emergency public safety calls. Neighbors should dial (954) 764-HELP for non-emergency police or fire services beginning August 1, 2014. In an emergency, please call 911.
For all other City of Fort Lauderdale inquiries, please contact our 24-Hour Customer Service Center at (954) 828-8000 or download our new Lauderserv app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
|
 Adopt-A-Street
The City of Fort Lauderdale invites neighbors to transform their favorite streets into healthy, beautiful green spaces by participating in the Adopt-A-Street program, which is a volunteer-driven cleanup and beautification campaign that creates awareness for litter prevention. By participating in the program, neighbors have an opportunity to partner with the City and take a hands-on approach to litter removal, street maintenance, and roadway beautification.
Click here for more information about the Adopt-A-Street program, or contact the Neighbor Support Office at (954) 828-5213, or email rhenderson@fortlauderdale.gov.
|
Fort Lauderdale proudly displays original artwork from local artists each month on the first floor of City Hall. For the month of July 2014, Fort Lauderdale selected participants from its Fit Kidz After School Program. Click here to read more and be sure to stop by City Hall to see the Fit Kidz art on display through the end of the month.
|
|
Nonstop Service to Panama
Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International is very proud of the Sister Cities Relationship with Panama and congratulates Copa Airlines for the decision to fly from Fort Lauderdale to Panama.
The Panama Canal, with its unique location at the narrowest point between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has had a far-reaching impact on the global economy and commercial development. By providing a short, relatively inexpensive passageway between these two great bodies of water, the Canal has influenced world trade patterns, spurred growth in developed countries, and has been the primary impetus for economic expansion in many remote areas of the world. For example, a vessel carrying coal, sailing from the east coast of the United States to Japan via the Panama Canal saves about 3,000 miles, versus the shortest alternative all-water route, and a vessel transporting bananas sailing from Ecuador to Europe saves about 5,000 miles.
The majority of Canal traffic moves between the east coast of the United States and the Far East, while the route from Europe and the west coast of the United States and Canada comprises the second most popular trade route. Other regions and countries, however, such as the neighboring countries of Central and South America, are dependent on this vital artery to promote their economic development and expand trade.
|
 NCIP & BCIP WorkshopsTo enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission has established four Community Investment Programs: the Neighborhood Community Investment Program (NCIP), the Neighborhood Community Investment Grant Program (NCIGP), the Business Community Investment Program (BCIP), and the Business Community Investment Grant Program (BCIGP).
Neighbors are invited to a free workshop to learn more about the NCIP/NCIGP and the BCIP/BCIGP process. The orientation workshop will take place Thursday, July 17, 2014, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at George English Park, which is located at 1101 Bayview Drive. A The Technical Assistance Workshop will be held at George English Park on Monday, July 28, 2014, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
|
Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue invites you to join them during their fourth annual Back to School Drive to benefit Kids In Distress (KID). You can help ease the stress for children returning to school by giving them a healthy boost of confidence and the tools they need for a successful start to the new school year.
Kids In Distress is a nationally-accredited, community-supported agency based in South Florida, specializing in children and families. KID prevents child abuse, preserves families, and treats children who have been abused and neglected.
SUGGESTED DONATIONS FOR AGES 5-17:
Financial Assistance, Gift Cards, New Clothing, New Sneakers, Backpacks and School Supplies.
Donations are being accepted at every Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Station from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, now through August 11, 2014.
|
 David Deal Play Day is a week-long celebration that will take place July 25 - August 9, 2014 and feature a golf tournament, teen concert, basketball tournaments, jazz concert, boxing tournament, and championship swim meet. Playday was introduced in 1953 by Joseph C. Carter, the first director of Sunland Park (renamed Carter Park), as a way for youth to participate in track and field events. In 1954, the event was renamed David Deal Playday in honor of the Broward County educator and community activist. Click here for a complete schedule. |
Join us for the Bank of America Starlight Musicals, a free concert series on Friday nights through August 1, 2014. The shows take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on the football field at Holiday Park, 1300 E. Sunrise Boulevard. For details, call (954) 828-5363 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/starlight.
|
Mark your calendar and make plans to get in the groove at the 3rd annual Midtown Summerfest on Historic Sistrunk Boulevard when it returns Friday August 1, 2014, from 4 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Midtown Summerfest is a lively extravaganza of art and culture that highlights the booming Historic Sistrunk corridor. Bring your family and friends to this fabulous event that will feature live music, food trucks, and merchandise vendors. For more information, visit the City website.
|
Free Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
The City of Fort Lauderdale is offering residents a responsible way to dispose of hazardous waste and electronics at a drop-off event set for 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Mills Pond Park, 2201 NW 9th Avenue (Powerline Road), in Fort Lauderdale.
Proof of residence is required (drivers license or utility bill).
Drop-off events are critical to protecting the environment by reducing the volume of waste in landfills and preventing the contamination of ground water.
For drop-off guidelines, click here or call the 24 Hour Customer Service Center at (954) 828-8000.
|
|
|
|
|
