Broward briefs
Port Everglades Gets “Green Light” to Explore “Cold Ironing”
Port Everglades has gotten the “green light” from the Broward County Commission to explore the possibility of installing shore-side power, commonly called “cold ironing,” at the new Cruise Terminal 18, which will be the year-round homeport terminal for Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class ships. If deemed fiscally and operationally feasible, Port Everglades will become the first seaport on the East Coast of the United States to install cold ironing.
Cold ironing allows a ship to shut off its engines and operate with shore-side electrical power as opposed to burning diesel fuel while the ship is docked in the port. The Oasis-class ships, the two largest cruise ships in the world, would experience annual reductions of 40.9 percent less CO2 emissions, 97.7 percent less nitrogen oxide emissions, 95.2 percent less sulfur dioxide emissions, and 88.1 percent less particulate matter.
County Gets Ready for Census 2010
Every 10 years since 1790, the U.S. Bureau of the Census counts residents across the country. All residents are counted, including citizens, non-citizens, mobile families, the homeless, people of all ages and all ethnicities. A complete count for Broward County is critical as Census numbers are used to determine Congressional representation and funding for important projects in the local community.
A Broward County Complete Count Committee has been formed with broad representation from businesses, the media, human service agencies, not-for-profit agencies, community groups and government. The purpose of this committee is to raise awareness about the importance of Census 2010, reach out to hard-to-enumerate groups, and encourage participation in the Census.
Census forms will be mailed to every household in March 2010 and Census Day is April 1, 2010. The brief questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete, and asks for the name, gender, age, race, ethnicity and relationship to the householder, and whether the householder owns or rents their home. Information is completely confidential and cannot be shared with any government agency – not law enforcement, welfare agencies, the IRS, FBI or Immigration.
You should fill out your census form wherever you are on the day you receive it, regardless of where you live at other times of the year.
For more information, visit www.broward.org/census2010. Representatives from the Complete Count Committee are available to speak to community groups and associations. Email census2010@broward.org to request a speaker.
Broward County Commission in Recess until August
The Broward County Commission is on a summer recess. The meeting schedule will resume on August 4, 2009.
Online Historical City Directories Available at Main Library
A new, free service allows customers to access historical phone directories through an online database now available at Broward County’s Main Library. The database allows anyone to look up names, phone numbers and addresses from cities in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Directories available are:
• Fort Lauderdale, 1936-37 through 1981
• Hollywood, 1940 through 1983
• Pompano Beach, 1955 through 1982
• Suburban Fort Lauderdale: 1975 through 1986
For more information, visit www.broward.org/library.
Green Efforts Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A recently released environmental report finds that Broward County government exceeded its annual reduction goal of greenhouse (GHG) emissions – carbon footprint – in 2008 with an estimated reduction of 10,184 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalence (eCO2). This exceeds the target of 6,389 tonnes per year established by the Broward County Climate Change Government Operations Workgroup.
The County’s goal is to reduce government operations GHG emissions by 7 percent below the 1997 baseline by 2015. In order to accomplish that target, the County must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,389 tonnes per year.
For questions about the 2009 Progress Report or more information about climate change programs call the Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Division at 954-519-1220 or visit www.broward.org/climatechange.
Build Character at a 4-H Camp
Looking for a constructive way for your kid to spend part of his/her summer vacation? Broward County youths, ages 10 to 14 (as of September 1, 2008), are eligible to enroll in Broward County 4-H Character Connection Kids’ Camp. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, July 13-17 and July 20-24. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Fees are $60 for one week and $100 for both weeks (make checks payable to Broward County 4-H Foundation). The camp is held at the Broward County Extension Education Office, 3245 College Ave., Davie. For more information and registration forms, email Broward County 4-H or call 954-370-3725.
State Implements New License Requirement for Shoreline Anglers
Beginning August 1, 2009, Broward County resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore are now required to purchase a shoreline fishing license, unless they have a regular resident saltwater fishing license. The new license goes on sale July 15.
Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division, working in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), is responsible for the sale of the fishing licenses, which are valid for one year from date of issue. They can be purchased at the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Room A100, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online at www.broward.org. Click on “Purchase Hunting/Fishing License” under Top Online Services. The cost of the shoreline fishing license is $7.50, plus administrative and handling fees. See Licenses.
For more information about outdoor recreation and FWC programs, go to MyFWC.com.
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