Kudos to the Middle River Terrace Improvement Club for coming together and rolling up their sleeves to refurbish the dock at NE 8th Avenue and NE 18th Street.  The group gathered volunteers recently to restore and paint the beloved neighborhood amenity.  Mayor Seiler pitched in to lend a hand with the restoration.  Tim Smith also participated, and recognized area contractor Robert Westbrook for lending his expertise to guide the group on the necessary repairs!  The Improvement Club invites you to bring a book or a neighbor to enjoy the revamped dock and picturesque surroundings.  We're happy to share great stories like these about neighbors coming together to build community in Fort Lauderdale.  If you have a story to tell, email it to publicaffairs@fortlauderdale.gov. 

The build-up of grass, leaves, litter and other debris clogs storm drains and causes flooding of streets, homes and businesses. Rain water oozes through the debris and becomes tainted with pollutants that get into our waterways.

Each year, the City spends over $980,000 to clean rotting grass, leaves and other smelly debris out of storm drains. It is unlawful to dump anything into a storm drain (Code of Ordinances Sec. 25-14). Homeowners and businesses are responsible for violations made by commercial landscapers they employ. Stormwater pollution from yard waste is preventable. Compliance with City ordinances will reduce pollution, flooding and lower clean-up costs. Visit the City website to learn how you can prevent stormwater pollution.

Thursday, July 16 

8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stranahan High School 

1800 Southwest 5th Place 
 

The Teen Summit is a community outreach event that gives youth the opportunity to take part in open and honest conversations on topics including: substance abuse, girls growing into women, boys growing into men, and police interaction. Attendees will enjoy breakfast and lunch, as well as local dance and step teams and raffle prizes.

The Fort Lauderdale Black Police Officers Association is hosting this enriching opportunity to teach valuable skills and give participants the knowledge and confidence to make sound decisions.  Raising awareness of positive opportunities can help reduce truancy and juvenile offenses such as burglary and gang violence. For more information or to reserve a seat at the summit, please contact Officer Dellica Harris at 754-244-6645, or Officer Nina Justice at 954-294-0686. 

Building on the success and popularity of household hazardous waste and electronics drop-off events held earlier this year, the City of Fort Lauderdale is hosting a new, expanded event on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mills Pond Park, 2201 NW 9th Avenue (Powerline Road), Fort Lauderdale. 

Already this year, a record 984 neighbors have seized the opportunity to divert 83,657 pounds of hazardous waste and electronics from improper and illegal disposal. The August 1st event includes drop-off sites for household hazardous waste and electronics, as well as a new program allowing the drop-off of up to four passenger or light truck tires (up to 20 inches), with or without rims.  A special collection site will be operated by The Salvation Army, which has reported a "clothing crisis" in Fort Lauderdale.

Proof of residency is required (driver's license or utility bill) for hazardous waste, electronics and tire drop-off.  There is no residency requirement for donations to The Salvation Army. Visit the City website for more information. 

David Deal Play Day is a week-long celebration that will take place August 7-15 and features a teen concert, boxing tournament, championship swim meet, family festival, jazz concert, and a golf tournament. 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. For a complete schedule, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/playday. 

South Florida residents are invited to participate in a free hurricane and disaster preparedness event to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2015, at the War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE 8th Street in Fort Lauderdale.

Hurricane Expo 2015 aims to raise public awareness about the need to be prepared and how to be prepared for hurricanes and other disasters. Participants will learn how to track storms, pack a family disaster kit, perform compression only CPR and prepare an emergency plan for their pets. The event will feature family-friendly exhibits for children and adults.  Vendors will exhibit safety products and residential retrofit programs.  Emergency assistance agencies will be on hand to promote personal disaster preparedness.

The City of Fort Lauderdale will temporarily return to using free chlorine in its drinking water system beginning on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 and ending on Tuesday, September 15, 2015.

This is a common preventive maintenance procedure for water systems using combined chlorine disinfection. For more information, contact the 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.

Slide off your shoes and slip in to the weekend at Friday Night Sound Waves on Fort Lauderdale Beach! The remaining lineup includes: Sosos (July 17), Bossas, Boleros & Blues (July 24), Blue Moon Beach Party (July 31), and The Shindigs (August 7). This FREE live music summer series takes place every Friday night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., through August 7, at The Fort Lauderdale Beach Hub at Las Olas and A1A. Bring a beach chair or towel, and tell your family and friends to #MeetMeAtTheHub.  

Join us for the Bank of America Starlight Musicals, a free concert series on Friday nights through August 7, 2015. The shows take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on the football field at Holiday Park, 1150 G. Harold Martin Drive. Neighbors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, and coolers. Upcoming performers include Viva Rock Band (July 17), Mr. Nice Guy (July 24), Chain Reaction (July 31), and Brass Evolution (August 7). For details, call 954-828-5363.