May 2013, the middle month of Spring, brings further activities, opportunities, and services from the Broward County Commission to the residents and visitors to our County. Unlike the gridlock in the nation’s Capital, we are moving forward in Broward County.
For individuals and families, the County’s aquatics season is being further expanded. Beginning May 2nd, the County’s four water parks will be open Thursdays-Sundays. The four water parks are: Castaway Island at T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park in Hollywood, Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, Tropical Splash at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, and Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. There are admission fees and a park entrance fee on weekends and holidays. However, the County offers seasonal passes for frequent swimmers and families with children. Please check the County Parks website.
The Broward County Cultural Division has launched the Creative Artist Advancement Program (CAAP). The Program is for local artists of all disciplines who want to develop their work in the public realm. Over an 18 month period into 2014, CAAP will present a variety of offerings including a professional development series, project funds, and technical assistance for individual Broward-based artists. For more information, contact the Cultural Division’s CAAP liaison at 954-357-7869.
Have you noticed any of the new gleaming 40-foot buses being introduced into Broward County’s bus fleet? As part of the County’s 2013 “Go-Green” Bus Replacement Program, 21 brand new hybrid/electric and 28 new diesel-powered buses are being phased-in. The buses are state-of-the-art hi-tech with on-board Wi-Fi and should be in service by July 2013. Funding for the 49 new buses was provided with Federal Transportation Administration Grants totaling over $27.6 million.
Or, have you been to downtown Fort Lauderdale of late? If so you probably saw the construction progress of the new Main Courthouse. I am pleased to report the long awaited $213 million facility is becoming a reality. All design aspects of the project are completed. It is exciting to see the building take shape as the underlying floors of the eventual 20 stories rise above ground.
Let me also take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day on May 12th. On May 18th, we reflect on Armed Forces Day. We close the month with Memorial Day, May 27th, especially remembering our fallen, thankful for our surviving veterans, and hopeful for the continued safety and eventual return of our service men and women still in harm’s way around the globe.
As always, if you have a question or a matter you would like to discuss with me, please contact the office at 954-357-7006, or e-mail me at sgunzburger@broward.org.
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