This Civic Packet contains news and information about events and programs available to residents, businesses and visitors in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Regular City Commission meetings are scheduled for 6p, Tuesday, November 3, and Tuesday, November 17, 2009 

Headlines:

• Veterans Day Commemoration set for Nov. 11

• Special Events: Jazz Brunch, Holiday Craft Show & More

• Recreational Programming: Dodgeball, Fit Kidz Club & More

• 'Full Speed Ahead' - Greater Fort Lauderdale Shifts Into High Gear Ahead of 2010

• Get Your Passport to the World with Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International

• Riverwalk Trust Tree Harmony: Matchmaking Service for Trees Benefits City Parks

• The Centennial Celebration Committee Wants to Hear From You

• Proper Swale Maintenance Is Key to Flood Prevention

• Drinking water preventive maintenance starts Nov. 28

• Community Appearance Board Announces WOW Award Winners for August and September

• 2009/2010 Holiday Sanitation Services Schedule

• Census 2010 – It’s In Our Hands!

• War Memorial Auditorium Coming Attractions
   

Veterans Day Commemoration

Sabre Jet at Holiday Park to be rededicated
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
11a
Holiday Park
Sunrise Boulevard and N.E. 10th Avenue

The City of Fort Lauderdale will be honoring Veterans Day with a special dedication ceremony on Wednesday, November 11 at 11a in Holiday Park.

The ceremony will include several distinguished speakers who have served proudly in the Armed Services of the United States.

The ceremony capstone will be a rededication of the newly restored North American F-86H Sabre Jet memorial. 

For more information, please call (954) 828-4750. 

Special Events

Jazz Brunch – Holiday Craft Show

Sunday, November 1, 2009
11a to 2p
Along the Riverwalk from Esplanade Park to Riverfront

Join us on November 1 at the SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch for the inaugural Holiday Craft Show benefiting the People for Parks Foundation. The People for Parks Foundation raises funds for underserved local youth to participate in recreational programming. Enjoy the best in holiday crafts and design while listening to the soulful sounds of outstanding local jazz artists on four stages from 11a to 2p. For more information, please call our 24-hour hotline at (954) 828-5363 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/life.

The scheduled performers for Sunday, November 1, are:

Esplanade Stage – Big Band Era Music performed by local musicians
Connie Hoffmann Gazebo – Frank Hubbell’s Swing Quartet
Peck Courtyard – Harvey Nevins Trio
Las Olas Riverfront Stage – George Orr and the Hot Rod Band

Adult Trips and Tours – A Day at the Hard Rock Casino
Thursday, November 5, 2009
9a to 4:15p
Holiday Park
1200 G. Harold Martin Drive
$35 per person – Light to Moderate Walking

Join us for the next “Trips and Tours” event – a day at the Hard Rock Casino. Enjoy walking around this large entertainment venue. Play a few casino games or enjoy one of the many shopping and dining establishments! For more information, call (954) 828-4610 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/life.

Thanksgiving Feast at the Beach
Thursday, November 12, 2009
11a to 3p
Beach Community Center
3351 N.E. 33rd Avenue
$12 per person

Enjoy an afternoon of fun that includes a traditional turkey lunch, entertainment and bingo with fabulous prizes. Tickets are $12 per person and must be purchased by Friday, November 13. For more information, please call our 24-hour hotline at (954) 828-4610 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/life. 

Recreational Programming

A Dodgeball Tournament for the Whole Family
Saturday, November 7, 2009
10a
Holiday Park
1200 G. Harold Martin Drive
$75 per team – Adult Tournament
$40 per team – Youth Tournament

Holiday Park is hosting a dodgeball tournament for the whole family. The youth tournament is for children ages 8-14 and fees are $40 per team. Fees for the adult tournament are $75 per team. Register now at Holiday Park or call (954) 828-5993. For more information, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/life.

 

Fit Kidz After School Club

Join the club – the Fit Kidz Club! The Fit Kidz Club, an after school program, designed for children ages 6-12 years old, was created to increase the overall health of children with weekly fitness activities and youth sports. This affordable program is offered at a variety of community centers throughout the City of Fort Lauderdale. The program dates mirror the school calendar from August 24 to June 9. Fees are $270 for residents and $1,083 for non-residents. Reserve your child’s membership today! For more information or to register, please call (954) 828-PARK or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/life.

 

Carter Park Youth Baseball - Register Now!

The Carter Park Kings Youth Baseball Club is now accepting registrations for the fall season. This program is open to children ages 9-14 years old. The season runs through December 7 with practices held each Sunday from 3:30p to 7p.  Registrations are being accepted at Carter Park on Monday through Friday from 9a to 5p. For more information, please call (954) 828-5411 or (954) 663-9498 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/life.

 

Stay Fit and Active at the Beach Community Center

The Beach Community Center offers a variety of convenient, affordable fitness classes and other activities. Fitness offerings include power lunch crunch, yoga, chair yoga and more. Other activities offered at the Beach Community Center include art classes and computer classes. For more information including class schedules and prices, please call (954) 828-4610 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/life.

 

'Full Speed Ahead' - Greater Fort Lauderdale Shifts Into High Gear Ahead of 2010

Exciting News from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

South Florida's all important winter season is coming up and Greater Fort Lauderdale is shifting into high gear. Aggressive new marketing initiatives and upcoming events such as Super Bowl and Pro Bowl, new air service, the expansion of the destination's Port Everglades to receive and home port the largest cruise ship in the world and new hospitality industry developments are destined to bolster year-end results and build a strong foundation for 2010.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) is spending more on marketing this fall than ever before, with plans to spend $1 million before the end of the year on accelerated initiatives to boost the 4th quarter and lay the groundwork for a prosperous high season. For the first time in the November-December timeframe, the GFLCVB will run television commercials in the New York market on such outlets as Bravo, CNN, MSNBC, Lifetime, WABC, WNBC and WCBS. The advertising features a strong call to action with messages that focus on "Luxury at a price that feels very comfortable," and "Big luxury. Teeny Price."

"The challenges of this economic transition have spurred us on to more ambitious goals and harder work, and we're already beginning to see results," said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. "In the months to come there will be marketing campaigns and new developments that are guaranteed to create tremendous buzz among visitors and, equally important, bottom-line benefits for our businesses and residents."

Following below is a synopsis of marketing and new developments in Greater Fort Lauderdale that demonstrate the tourism industry's aggressive strategy in generating high-profile awareness and sales:

New Service to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport

Virgin America will join the growing list of scheduled carriers serving Greater Fort Lauderdale on November 18, with twice daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco. One day earlier, on November 17, JetBlue will expand its FLL service with nonstop flights from San Francisco. Also in November, AirTran will add flights from Akron, Flint and Harrisburg.

Additionally, on the heels of a forecasted 15-percent plus increase in enplaned passengers by May 2010, airport officials have announced an FAA-approved major runway extension to be completed by 2014, plus expansion of Terminal Four.

Port Everglades Prepares World's Largest Terminal for World's Largest Ships

This November, the world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas, will welcome 5,400 passengers for the first time from Port Everglades. The two-floor, 240,000 square foot Terminal 18, specially constructed for the vessel and opening November 6, will be the largest single ship terminal in the world and will allow passengers to transition from curbside to ship in as little as 15 minutes. Independent analysis indicates that by the fifth year of RCI's 10-year agreement with the port, over 8,000 new jobs will be created, generating $356.5 million in personal income and $32.8 million in state and local taxes. With the home porting of Oasis of the Seas, followed by Royal Caribbean's equally grand Allure of the Seas slated to set sail in 2010, along with nearly a dozen other new ships, Port Everglades is destined to compete for a top spot among North American cruise ports.

Super Bowl and Pro Bowl to Generate Millions for Local Economy

With the Super Bowl being held in South Florida for the 10th time and the Pro Bowl being played outside Hawaii for the first time in 30 years, it will be NFL football festivities virtually 24/7 from January 31 to February 7, 2010. Greater Fort Lauderdale officials estimate that Super Bowl and Pro Bowl events could generate upwards of $350 million, of which Broward County would receive roughly 50 percent.

Among the activities in Greater Fort Lauderdale, the Broward County Convention Center will host the NFL Commissioners Party, the Taste of the NFL and the media center for more than 4,000 North American and international media outlets. The NFL Super Bowl Saturday Night is scheduled to take place on Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa will host the NFL Alumni Player of the Year Awards and the NFL Alumni Golf Tournament will be at Grande Oaks in Hollywood. The Westin Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale will be the official NFL headquarters, with assistance from the nearby Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and the Atlantic Hotel & Spa. The Super Bowl AFC team and all players for the Pro Bowl will stay at the Harbor Beach Marriott.

Advertising Initiatives for Q4 Generate Awareness in Broadcast, Print and Online

In addition to the fall season TV campaign, upcoming advertising initiatives include November email blast campaigns with TravelZoo, the New York Times' Great Getaways, Visit Florida and BostonGlobe.com, along with website programs with Travelocity, American Express and Orbitz. The GFLCVB is also planning an online banner campaign with LOGO Online to target the GLBT market, and is advertising with ebookers.com and lastminute.com in the UK and Scandinavian markets. Additional online advertising will take place with PlanetOut.com, USAToday, The Weather Channel and AOL Travel, and the GFLCVB is working with TripAdvisor.com to promote its Superior Small Lodgings product.

Print advertising will appear in publications such as the New York Times T Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure among others, along with in-state newspapers in conjunction with Visit Florida's co-op advertising. The GFLCVB will also offer a co-op program promoting "SUNsational Savings" offers to the meetings and conventions market, including email blasts, telemarketing and print advertising in Successful Meetings magazine.

Marketing and Public Relations Initiatives Build Buzz and Generate Excitement

This October, the GFLCVB launched the "We Love Cruisers" travel agent incentive campaign, designed to reward agents for booking two-night pre- and post-cruise stays in Greater Fort Lauderdale. In October and November, the Lauderdale Spa Chic and Dine Out Lauderdale destination programs will create excitement for the destination's ever-growing collection of upscale restaurants and spas. Additional initiatives are designed to take advantage of the popularity of Facebook, Twitter and other social networks, and the GFLCVB is working with Apple to release a new iPhone application, iVisitLauderdale, to help visitors put Greater Fort Lauderdale in the palm of their hand. In November, a new major exhibition at the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale "American Chronicles: Norman Rockwell", is sure to generate further excitement among potential winter visitors to the destination.

New Hotel, Restaurant and Retail Developments Abound

The luxury vacation experience continues to grow in Greater Fort Lauderdale with new upscale hotels, restaurants and shopping entering the marketplace. This spring, the luxurious $205 million, 482-room W Fort Lauderdale opened as the company's first property in Florida. The Westin Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, formerly the Sheraton Yankee Trader, has reopened following a two-phase, multi-million makeover, and The Ritz-Carlton Company has assumed management of the $240-million, 166-room St. Regis, Fort Lauderdale, featuring the stylish Cero gourmet restaurant. The 589-room Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina recently completed a comprehensive $70 million transformation including the opening of Jeffrey Chodorow's China Grill, followed by the completion of a $100 million renovation of the 501-room Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa.

The destination also continues to add a variety of dining experiences to the menu: Recent arrivals include celebrity chef Todd English's da Campo Osteria in il Lugano Hotel, Stephen Starr's Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale, Bova Prime on East Las Olas Boulevard and Truluck's Steak and Crab House at the upscale Galleria shopping complex.

In retail news, Sawgrass Mills, Florida's largest outlet, value retail and entertainment destination, has announced a 22,000-square foot addition at The Colonnade Outlets, including new luxury outlet retailers Canali, Tag Heuer, Tommy Bahama's, Tumi, True Religion Brand Jeans, and Villagio, a free-standing restaurant. Construction of Phase I of the new Village at Gulfstream Park, an unsurpassed shopping, dining and entertainment complex including dozens of upscale fashion and home accessory shops, signature restaurants, outdoor cafés and future residential spaces, is now underway and is slated to be completed in February 2010. Phase I will include 70 specialty shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes, and office space will also be available above a portion of the retail buildings.

For more information about Greater Fort Lauderdale and the developments that are making headlines, visit www.sunny.org.

Get Your Passport to the World with Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International

Greater Fort Lauderdale Sister Cities International (GFLSCI) is a non-profit citizen diplomacy network dedicated to creating and strengthening partnerships between Fort Lauderdale and cities around the world in an effort to increase global cooperation based on cultural understanding, humanitarian programming, economic development and educational exchange. 

Other exchanges include municipal, medical and technological exchanges. Members of GFLSCI benefit from participating in our events where they have the unprecedented opportunity to network with international dignitaries and leaders in our community and have the possibility to help our sister cities in need through different humanitarian, environmental, cultural and educational programs.

In the past years, GFLSCI has provided assistance to its sister cities in Haiti, Ghana, Costa Rica and Argentina and organizes a successful student exchange program with Italy and Taiwan.

Initiated after the second-world war, to promote peace around the world, The National Sister Cities International Foundation has played an active role around the world for over 53 years and represents communities in all 50 states, District of Columbia and territories. The City of Fort Lauderdale revitalized its Sister Cities International program in 1986.  The organization has established diplomatic relationships with 17 sister cities around the globe.

To find out more on how you can get your passport to the world by becoming a member of GFLSCI and to participate in all their interesting programs and events, log on to our website at www.gflsci.org 

GFLSCI Upcoming Events:

GFSLCI Annual Boat Show Celebration
November 1, 2009
7:30p
Residence of  Nuccia McCormick, Chairman Emeritus

The Honorable Oscar Monge Maykall, Mayor of Quepos, Costa Rica invites you to celebrate the international flavors of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show and our Sister City, Quepos, Costa Rica. Come network with international dignitaries and maritime alliances and enjoy cocktails, dinner and entertainment. For more details on admission and to RSVP: www.gflsci.org/events.html

GFSLCI Annual Boat Parade Celebration to benefit the Thomas McCormick Scholarship Fund
December 12, 2009
5:30p
Residence of  Nuccia McCormick, Chairman Emeritus

Enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing under the stars with a magnificent front view of this memorable show. All proceeds from this celebration will benefit The Thomas McCormick Fund Scholarship for the 2010 GFLSCI Youth Ambassador Student Exchange Program. For more information on admission and to RSVP:  www.gflsci.org/events.html 

Riverwalk Trust Tree Harmony:

Matchmaking Service for Trees Benefits City Parks
Program Launch Rescues Giant Palms, Transplants Them Along Riverwalk

A new “matchmaking service for trees” marked its successful launch this month, as the Riverwalk Trust Tree Harmony program saved 14 massive coconut palms from destruction – and transplanted them to create an instant tree canopy along a sunny stretch of the Riverwalk Park.

A “green” program of the Riverwalk Trust in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale, Riverwalk Trust Tree Harmony is dedicated to saving trees on privately owned properties that would otherwise be lost, by transplanting them in the Riverwalk Park and other public spaces. 

“An amazing group of volunteers pooled their talents to create Riverwalk Trust Tree Harmony as a sustainable, long-term community initiative,” said Scott Strawbridge, Riverwalk Trust board member who, with committee member Kathy Schauer, envisioned the program.  “The goals are replacing trees along the Riverwalk that were lost to disease or other natural causes, saving established trees at development sites from an untimely death – and enhancing the shade canopy for Riverwalk,” Strawbridge added.

The Riverwalk Trust Tree Harmony initiative matches healthy, donated trees with receptor sites and guides donors in preparing trees for transport, obtaining permits, moving trees to the new location and replanting.  Donors bear the cost of removing and transporting trees, and City crews receive and replant them.

Donor A1A Clipper, LLC, had been preparing to remove the 14 palms from its beachfront hotel property, where construction is underway to transform the former Yankee Clipper Hotel to the soon-to-open Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel.  “When our landscape design consultant EDSA brought the Riverwalk Trust Tree Harmony program to our attention, we were delighted that established trees up to 50 feet tall could find a new home instead of being destroyed,” said Robert Geimer, senior vice president, Starwood Capital Group Global.

With the donation valued at about $30,000, transplanting the massive trees was an exercise in precision.  Within 36 hours, A1A Clipper’s contractor removed and transported the trees on a flatbed truck, and the City’s landscape crews replanted them along a 130-foot stretch of Riverwalk Park behind the Broward County Courthouse.

The location was far from arbitrary.  Months ago, as Riverwalk Trust Tree Harmony began to take shape, the City’s Urban Forester Gene Dempsey and Chief Horticulturalist Jim Romeo surveyed the mile-long Riverwalk Park, using GPS satellite imaging technology to pinpoint locations where different tree species can thrive.  That plan has in turn already been aligned with the Riverwalk District Arts & Entertainment Public Realm Plan that expert national design consultants are now formulating for the Riverwalk area.

“Riverwalk Trust Tree Harmony has real potential as a model for communities striving to conserve trees for public benefit,” said Phil Thornburg, the City’s director of parks and recreation, one of the program’s leaders.  “We’re working to create an ongoing network of developers, architects, planners, contractors and individual residents who will encourage donation of trees from construction sites. 

“Initially, trees are being transplanted to the Riverwalk Park,” Thornburg explained.  “As the program grows, it can add lasting beautify and shade to many of our public spaces.”  

For information on Riverwalk Trust Tree Harmony, visit www.goriverwalk.com
or call 954-468-1541. 

The Centennial Celebration Committee Wants to Hear From You

Planning is underway for Fort Lauderdale’s 100th birthday in 2011.  Last year the City Commission established the Centennial Celebration Committee to plan events and activities that commemorate the birthday by celebrating Fort Lauderdale’s past, present and future. 

Chaired by former Mayor and U.S. Congressman E. Clay Shaw, the Centennial Celebration Committee is comprised of 21 Fort Lauderdale residents with ties to the local business, historical, educational and cultural communities.  Committee members are utilizing their diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise to plan an inclusive yearlong commemoration that appeals to a wide variety of residents, businesses and visitors.

The Committee is seeking input from the community to ensure they plan and exciting celebration for the entire City.  The public is encouraged to send their ideas to centennial@fortlauderdale.gov, or provide input at a Centennial Celebration Committee meeting. If your organization is interested in getting involved in the Centennial or if you would like to learn more about the Committee, contact the Committee liaison, Shannon Vezina, at (954) 828-4743 or send her an email at svezina@fortlauderdale.gov. 

Proper Swale Maintenance Is Key to Flood Prevention

Tropical storms, hurricanes and an overall active rainy season have created flooding in many areas of South Florida, and may continue do to so until the end of the season this November.  Stormwater management is particularly challenging during this time of year and the need to minimize flooding, conserve water and reduce pollution increases. One of the major contributors to good stormwater management is a properly designed and functioning swale. 

A swale is a long narrow depression, which varies in depth from six inches to a few feet and is typically wider than it is deep.  Swales are designed to provide water quality treatment that will reduce pollution because they retain and treat stormwater runoff by acting as filters. They also help control flooding during storm events by intercepting and conveying water to inlets or canals.

In order for swales to function as designed, maintenance is essential. Swales that have been filled with debris will hamper the movement/conveyance of stormwater and may cause flooding. However, swales that have been maintained will provide storage, filtration and conveyance of stormwater for a cleaner, safer and more efficient stormwater management system.

Here are a few maintenance tips to help you improve potential neighborhood flooding.

1. Maintain your swale.  Keep swales on your property "open" and free of piles of clippings, leaves, limbs and other garden debris so that nothing obstructs the flow of stormwater drainage.

2.  Do not misuse your swale. Avoid parking vehicles in the swale because this compacts the soil and allows less stormwater runoff to soak into the ground.

3.  Let stormwater pond. When water ponds in the swale for 24 to 36 hours, the swale is doing its job and will eventually convey water to an inlet or allow it to percolate into the soil. Advise local officials about flooding only if water ponds so long that swale vegetation begins to die.

4. Perform regular clean-outs of catch basins on your property to remove built-up sediment and other potential contaminants from your system that will slow or prevent drainage and affect water quality. 

5.  Keep an eye on neighborhood storm drains. Make sure that all debris such as leaves, yard clippings, street trash and animal waste is removed from storm drain openings and does not get into stormwater.

6.  Sweep the debris off a storm drain.  Do not use a hose, as it will only wash more pollutants into storm drain systems.

7. Never pour household chemicals, pesticides, oil, auto care products or paint into drainage systems. It is against the law! Remember, what is washed down these drains could wind up in your water supply.

8. If a swale is located in the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Right of Way, it cannot be altered by re-grading or filling with concrete, rock, dirt, landscaping, trees, or anything other than grass unless a City permit has been obtained. (Note: Please see Section 24-100 of the Code of Ordinances for more information.)

9. When landscaping your property, remember that you should never change the grading of slopes that drain into canals, waterways or lakes. The grading is based on state and local minimum requirements and was designed by a State of Florida Registered Professional Engineer to meet water quantity and quality criteria.

10. Report clogged storm drains or illegal dumping into the stormwater system by contacting the 24-Hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000 or online at http://fortlauderdale.gov/customerservice/index.htm.

Drinking water preventive maintenance starts Nov. 28

The City of Fort Lauderdale is temporarily returning to using free chlorine in its drinking water system.  This preventive maintenance procedure will be conducted beginning at 11 p.m. on Saturday, November 28 through 11 p.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2009. 

Free chlorination is a common practice for water systems using combined chlorine disinfection.  The chlorination period is anticipated to be transparent to our customers; however, some may notice a slight change in the taste or smell of their tap water.

This procedure will affect the City of Fort Lauderdale, as well as Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Oakland Park, Port Everglades Authority, Village of Sea Ranch Lakes, Wilton Manors and sections of Davie and Tamarac.

The City of Fort Lauderdale maintains the highest standards to ensure that clean, high quality drinking water is delivered to water customers. The City's drinking water meets federal, state and local drinking water quality standards.

Water customers who receive a utility bill from the City of Fort Lauderdale may contact the City’s 24-Hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000 or online at http://fortlauderdale.gov/customerservice/index.htm for more information.

Customers who do not receive a utility bill from the City of Fort Lauderdale should call their respective city’s customer service phone number for more information. 

Community Appearance Board Announces WOW Award Winners for August and September

August 2009
Kathy LaSalle
Imperial Point Association – District I

Kathy LaSalle purchased her home in the Imperial Point neighborhood in 1983. Feeling as if her house was the “ugliest on the block,” Ms. LaSalle undertook an extensive renovation, starting with its exterior.

The jalousie windows and doors were replaced with impact glass.  Decorative lighting was added to the paver walkways that meander though the property.   The outside of the property was completely re-landscaped and includes an abundance of native and low water eco-friendly plantings. In addition, a new irrigation system was also installed.

Kathy knew she wanted to have a home that was unique and special, so she worked closely with her contractor to design and build her own Shangri-La.  Kathy’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by her neighbors, as her house was recently listed as a “Home of Notable Mention” in the Imperial Point Association’s newsletter.   Kathy’s home has truly wowed the community.   

September 2009
Ann Stanfa
Victoria Park Civic Association – District II

Ann Stanfa’s charming home was built in 1941 and had suffered from aging and neglect.  After purchasing it, Ann carefully restored the exterior of her home to its original “Victoria Park” charm and completely re-landscaped the property, which includes utilizing Florida-friendly plants and trees.  In addition, the brick walkway and driveway she had installed greatly enhance the property. 
 

WOW Award Recognizes Stellar Fort Lauderdale Properties

If you see a house that makes you stop and say “WOW,” or you think your house has the “WOW” factor, nominate it for a monthly WOW award. The Community Appearance Board recognizes residential properties throughout the City that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood through its WOW Award Program. Board members nominate homes for a WOW award; however, residents may nominate their homes or a neighbor’s home for an award.  Nominations may be for landscaping, renovation, property maintenance, overall exterior beauty and style, and neighborhood enhancement.

If a property is selected as a WOW winner, the homeowner will receive special recognition at a City Commission meeting, a gift certificate from a program sponsor, and a WOW Winner yard sign to display on their property. The owner’s home will also be featured on Channel 78, the City’s government access cable station, and possibly be featured in local and City publications.

For more information about the WOW Award Program or to nominate a home for an award, please visit
www.fortlauderdale.gov/neighborhoods.  Nominations can be made online 

2009/2010 Holiday Sanitation Services Schedule

The City of Fort Lauderdale provides sanitation service every day of the year except Christmas Day, December 25.  The following information outlines the City’s sanitation schedule for the 2009/2010 holiday season.

Thanksgiving Day

There will be no changes to any City of Fort Lauderdale sanitation services, (e.g., garbage, bulk trash, yard waste and recycling collection) for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2009. 

Christmas Day

GARBAGE

There will be no garbage collection on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25.  Garbage collection for residents whose regular pickup schedule is Friday will receive service on Tuesday, December 29, 2009.

BULK TRASH PICK UP

There will be no Bulk Trash collection on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25.  Bulk trash collection for residents whose regular pickup schedule is the fourth Friday of the month will receive service on Tuesday, December 29, 2009.

YARD WASTE COLLECTION

There will be no yard waste collection on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25.  Yard waste collection service will resume on the next regularly scheduled pick up date, which is Friday, January 1, 2010.

RECYCLING

There will be no recycling collection on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25.  Recycling service will resume on the next regularly scheduled pick up date, which is Friday, January 1, 2010.

New Year’s Day

There will be no changes to any City of Fort Lauderdale sanitation services, (e.g., garbage, bulk trash, yard waste and recycling collection) for New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2010. 

For more information about the City of Fort Lauderdale’s holiday sanitation schedule, please contact the City of Fort Lauderdale 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000 or via the City’s website at http://fortlauderdale.gov/customerservice/index.htm.

Census 2010 – It’s In Our Hands!

The City of Fort Lauderdale wants you to be counted!  The 2010 Census is just around the corner and we want you in the number. 

Over $300 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year based on Census data.  Let’s make sure the City of Fort Lauderdale receives its piece of the pie.

The Census is important for many reasons, but the most important is funding for our community.  Every citizen counts.  Just one person not counted means less funding for programs such as:  Head Start, Title I grants, public transportation, road rehabilitation and construction, programs for the elderly, emergency food and shelter and empowerment zones.

Not only does the Census ensure funding for meaningful human service programs, but it also helps the private sector determine where jobs and job programs are needed.  Corporations use population data for market research to determine locations for commercial enterprises, including food stores, pharmacies and other essential services.  The Census determines how many seats we have in the House of Representatives.

This year’s Census Survey is short and simple.  It’s just 10 easy questions.  All of your information is secure and confidential. 

We need your help to: 

• Increase the response rate for the City of Fort Lauderdale;

• Bring together a cross section of our community to focus on and create awareness for the 2010 Census;

• Make certain your neighbors don’t get left out;

• Make certain we are represented; and

• Make certain we receive the funding we deserve as a community.

For more information about the Census or if you would like to be considered for the City of Fort Lauderdale Complete Count Committee, visit the City of Fort Lauderdale’s website – www.fortlauderdale.gov/census. 

 

War Memorial Auditorium Coming Attractions

The historic War Memorial Auditorium is a multi-purpose facility that is owned and operated by the City of Fort Lauderdale. Conveniently located in Holiday Park, this facility is proud to present several exciting events that will take place before the end of the year. 

A list of upcoming events that will be open to the public can be found below.  A complete event listing can be found online at www.fortlauderdale.gov/wma.  For more information, please call (954) 828-5380.

War Memorial Auditorium
800 NE 8th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

FAME INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
November 7
Preliminaries 9a
$20 General Admission only
Finals Saturday 7p
$20 General Admission; $30 Reserved; $40 VIP Reserved

www.ticketmaster.com

www.FAMEworldtour.com

        

THEATREWORKS
November 17
JUNIE B. JONES
9:45a
Ticket Information:1-800-497-5007
www.twusa.org 

SLIM GOODBODY HEALTH SHOW
November 18
9:50a & 11:45a
Ticket Information:1-800-962-7546

HOLIDAY ANTIQUES SHOW
December 26-28
Saturday 2p – 5p
Sunday 11a – 5p
Monday 11a – 4p
$6 ticket good all three days
www.dolphinfairs.com         

Please send change of address information to:
Matt Little, PIO
City of Fort Lauderdale
mlittle@fortlauderdale.gov 

or

101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 300
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301