Broward news briefs

From Broward County’s Public Information Office

Commission Plans Two Public Hearings on 2011 Budget

Broward County Commissioners will conduct two public hearings in September on the 2011 Fiscal Year budget recommended by County Administrator Bertha Henry. Public testimony will be taken at both hearings, held in Room 422 in the Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, on Tuesday, September 14, at 5:01 p.m., and Tuesday, September 28, at 5:01 p.m. Hearings will be televised live on participating cable channels and Webcast live on www.broward.org/video. Budget documents, including the County Administrator’s recommended budget reductions, are posted online at http://broward.org/budget.

Broward County Offers New Ways to “Stay Connected”

Broward County is using popular social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to help keep residents and visitors informed about County programs, services and events. A new feature on the Broward County Web site offers subscriptions to more than 30 Twitter, Facebook and YouTube sites, mobile device apps and e-newsletters as part of an initiative to keep residents connected with County government. The new Web page lists all of the County’s participating agencies, and offers links to their respective sites. Residents and visitors are encouraged to pick and choose the information they are most interested in receiving. To participate, visit www.broward.org and click STAY CONNECTED.

Airfares to Fort Lauderdale Among Nation’s Cheapest

According to data from the Department of Transportation, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is among the cheapest airports in the nation to fly to, because it attracts more leisure travelers than business travelers. Of the top 100 U.S. airports, FLL ranks as the sixth-cheapest with an average fare of $250.08. Reported average fares are based on domestic itineraries – round-trip or one-way for which no return is purchased – including government taxes and fees. Fares do not account for ancillary fees charged by the airline, such as those for checked baggage.

Broward County Transit Receives $8 Million Grant

Broward County Transit (BCT) received more than $8 million from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Bus and Bus Livability Initiative Grant Program aimed at upgrading bus services and facilities. The competitive grant program is part of a nearly $300 million investment of the Obama administration’s livability initiative to better coordinate transportation, housing and commercial development for residents and their communities.
FTA’s Bus and Livability Initiative Grant Program is investing more than $163 million in 47 projects around the nation. BCT will apply the grant toward enhancements along the Broward Boulevard corridor between the Broward Central Terminal at Northwest First Avenue in Fort Lauderdale and the West Regional Terminal at Northwest 84 Avenue in Plantation. The grant program goals are to improve transit travel time along the corridor, reduce reliance on automobiles and reduce emissions and improve air quality by increasing public transportation use. For more information about the Bus and Bus Livability Grant Program, call Broward County Transit at For information about Broward County Transit, visit www.broward.org/bct or call

Broward County Saves Lives With Medical Services Grant

Broward County is saving lives through a $105,000 County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Grant being administered by the Broward Regional EMS Council and coordinated by the Broward County Office of Medical Examiner and Trauma Services.
The grant awarded to Broward County fire rescue providers is for the implementation of the LIFENET System that enables paramedics, in the field, to rapidly identify a possible heart attack patient and then transmit a 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG), via wireless modem, directly to the receiving hospital. Currently there are 19 Broward County fire rescue agencies and nine area hospitals utilizing the new technology. The transmitted ECG appears on computer screens in the emergency department and the cardiac treatment area, known as the catheterization (cath) laboratory. In many cases, an on-call cardiologist will also get paged and receive a copy of the ECG to any preferred hand-held mobile device.

First “Snack Shack” Donations Are Delivered

Two van loads of dog and cat food, totaling 1,681 pounds, were delivered in mid-August to Broward County Animal Care and Regulation from the “Pet Snack Shack” donation drive. The Snack Shack food drive offers Broward County employees and residents the opportunity to donate cat and dog food, pet treats and cat litter at special “Pet Snack Shack” collection boxes located at Animal Care’s two adoption centers, all Broward County libraries, courthouses, and other County government buildings.
All donations will go to feed and care for the dogs and cats at Broward County Animal Care’s two adoption centers, located in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. The centers care for more than 20,000 lost and abandoned animals each year. For more information, call Lisa Mendheim, public education coordinator for Broward County Animal Care, at or visit www.broward.org/animal.

Broward Commission Unanimously Passes Code of Ethics

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed a Code of Ethics that governs many aspects of how County business is conducted. The formation of a Broward County Ethics Commission was approved by voters in 2008 and tasked with creating a Code of Ethics. To read the Broward County Ethics Code in its entirety, visit www.broward.org/EthicsCommission and click CODE OF ETHICS ORDINANCE — FINAL.

It’s “Souper” September for 365 Food Drive

Broward County’s yearlong 365 Food Drive continues through the month of September with a focus on canned and instant soups. Visit any of the 12 collection sites across the County to donate your favorite non-perishable food items. Small toiletry items are also appreciated. Collection boxes are available at the Governmental Center, Government Center West, main and regional courthouses, all Broward County libraries, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Administration building, and Port Everglades Administration building. For a complete list of donation sites, visit www.broward.org/fooddrive.

Broward County Emergency Management Hosts SKYWARN Class

September is National Preparedness Month and residents are encouraged to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. As part of National Preparedness Month, Broward Emergency Management Division will host a training class for SKYWARN Storm Spotters on Saturday, September 25, at the Broward County Emergency Operations Center in Plantation. The registration deadline is September 20 and preregistration is required by phone or email. Space is limited; only 60 seats are available on a first come, first served basis. To register, call or email .

Animal Care and Regulation to Host Rabies Clinic September 11

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation will hold a Rabies Clinic on Saturday, September 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Collins Community Center, 3900 N.E. Third Ave., Oakland Park. At the clinic, pet owners will be able to get their pet vaccinated against Rabies. In addition, they will receive a Broward County pet license. Cost for the vaccination and license is $15 per pet with cash only payment accepted. To qualify to attend the Rabies Clinic, a pet owner must prove they are a Broward County resident by producing a valid Florida driver’s license or a current utility bill. No appointment is necessary and customers are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. All dogs must be on leashes and all cats must be in carriers. Broward County Animal Care will host one more Rabies Clinics later this year: Saturday, November 6, in West Park. For more information about the agency, visit www.broward.org/animal or on Twitter at BrowardPetPals.

Important Reminder Regarding Broward County Regional Park Hours

Broward County regional parks, nature centers and natural areas will resume Tuesday and Wednesday closings through September 30, 2010, due to Fiscal Year 2010 budget reductions. The following four County parks, however, will continue to be open daily: Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium, 3700 N.W. 11th Place, Lauderhill, Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, Topeekeegee Yugnee (T.Y.) Park, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood, and Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, More…

Related posts:

1. Final budget hearing for Fort Lauderdale Sept. 23
2. Broward passes FY10 budget with no tax increase; big loss in arts, services
3. Parkland briefs
4. Broward Parks & Rec. hosting public forum Sept. 1
5. Fort Lauderdale residents invited to participate in 2010 budget process

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