A Message from Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief

As we encounter the final quarter of 2018, I trust that you have had an amazing year thus far! Yet, there are still three exciting months ahead of us. That’s right, Fall is here! During this time of year, we look forward to seeing the changing color of the leaves on the trees, experience slight weather changes, and draw closer to family and friends to reflect on the things we are most thankful for during the holiday season. I encourage you to make holiday plans that will enable you to create memorable moments and new traditions that will last a lifetime.

As your District 8 Commissioner, I am thankful to have been elected unopposed to continue serving each of you over the next four years. Together we have made our neighborhoods, business community, and local tourist attractions some of the best our County has to offer. Broward is definitely a great place to call home. I anticipate continued success!

Although the primary election is over, we are still in campaign season, which is a time that warrants everyone’s participation. It’s a time when each registered voter in Broward County can actively participate in the political process which ultimately shapes the future outcomes of our local communities. Voting is a privilege that every American Citizen has, and to have your voice heard, you must vote. The General Election is on Tuesday, November 6th. During the General Election, we will vote and confirm local elected officials and our next Florida Governor. No matter your political affiliation, your participation is encouraged. I look forward to seeing you at the polls, and wish you a safe, joyful, and prosperous holiday season!

Sincerely,

Barbara

I welcome your comments and want to hear which issues are important to you. Send an email to me at Bsharief@Broward.org or call my office at 954-357-7008. Also, check out the Barbara Sharief Facebook page at Facebook.com/Barbara.sharief or follow Barbara Sharief at Twitter.com/Bestmom39.

Holiday Travel

With the holidays swiftly approaching, we anticipate an increase in travelers arriving and departing from Broward’s Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL).  CLEAR, a biometrics technology platform is launching at FLL on Wednesday, October 10th at 11:30 AM in Terminal 2.  CLEAR provides FLL travelers another option for members to move through a dedicated lane at airport security where they instantly validate their identities using fingerprint and iris scan data before moving on to the bag checks and x-ray machines. Company officials say the technology speeds participants through security lines in five minutes or less. The addition of CLEAR is good news for fast-growing FLL as it provides departing travelers with a new way to potentially reduce their security wait times and helps boost the airport’s overall guest experience.  Enrollment is open to U.S. citizens and legal residents 18 years and older who sign up online at Clearme.com or at a participating airport such as FLL. An annual membership costs $179 for individuals 18 years and older.  FLL is the second South Florida airport and third statewide after Orlando International and Miami International Airports to offer CLEAR. Today, CLEAR has more than two million enrolled members and has been used more than 17 million times by travelers at airports and select stadiums nationwide.

Halloween Safety Tips

To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of Halloween safety tips:   

• A responsible adult should accompany young children on neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you.
• Agree on a specific time children should return home.
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• Avoid masks which can obstruct vision.
• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks.
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is non-toxic and  always test it on a small area of the skin first.
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, look both ways before crossing the street and don't run. 

“Go Orange Day” Feeding South Florida

September was Hunger Action Month. Did you know in South Florida, more than 706,130 individuals don't know where their next meal will come from?  More than 240,000 are children and nearly 110,000 are seniors.  As individuals, businesses, and government we can play a role in feeding those in need. Broward County celebrated Hunger Action Day, a.k.a. “GO ORANGE DAY,” on Thursday, September 13th to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in our community. Feeding South Florida has many opportunities where you can still participate and help by donating money, food, volunteering, and advocating. Visit Feeding South Florida. 
www.feedingsouthflorida.org/

Community Exchange: Solutions for Affordable Housing 

District 8 residents had the opportunity to attend a Community Exchange to learn about Solutions for Affordable Housing.  The event was hosted in collaboration with the Coordinating Council of Broward. Local residents learned about the Broward County Affordable Housing Trust Fund Referendum, which is on the November 6th General Election Ballot.  For more information visit browardhousingtrust.com or call (954) 546-2707. 

Penny for Transportation 

On the November 6th ballot, back of page three, look for a County transportation question to fund countywide transportation improvements. Broward’s broad 30-year plan targets our biggest traffic problems and is designed to: 

• Create Connectivity – Connecting and integrating multiple technologies is key to creating a “smart” grid and “smart” community. The ordinance authorizing the surtax prioritizes projects that create connectivity and demonstrate the ability to reduce congestion.
• Relieve Traffic Congestion – Plans incorporate intersection improvements including resurfacing, sidewalk and ADA updates, pavement markings, mast arm upgrades, drainage improvements, more turn lanes and through lanes, light synchronization, and fiber optic networks to increase traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks.
• Improve Transit Service – The Plan incorporates full funding for existing Community Shuttles and expanded service, full funding for high-demand, specialized transportation services for persons with disabling conditions (Paratransit), and a more reliable, responsive and accessible Transit Service System.
• Expand the Availability of Multimodal Transportation – Multimodal means creating communities where various ways of getting around – walking, biking, using public transit, skating, driving – are safe and made available. The plan is also designed to add more green, open space for walking, biking, and recreation across the County.​
  

Alert Broward 

Even though Hurricane Season officially ends December 1st, you can still get alerts about life threatening emergencies and public safety threats by signing up for Broward County’s Emergency Alert Notification System. AlertBroward notifications will provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, localized or countywide, such as severe weather, evacuations, and public health emergencies. You’ll receive time-sensitive calls to your home, business or mobile phones, or you can sign up for text messages or emails. Visit: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085614962#/signup​ and choose the type of alerts you want to receive OR Text "AlertBroward" to 888777 to receive Emergency Notifications only (zip code is required).

Holiday Safety Tips   

The following tips can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season.

• Try to shop during the day, but if you do shop at night, do not shop  alone and park in well-lit areas.
  
• Dress casually and comfortably.
  
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
  
• Do not carry a purse or wallet if possible. Consider bringing a security travel pouch instead.
  
• Always carry your driver's license or identification along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
  
• Recognize when you are rushed, distracted and stressed out, and stay alert to what is going on around you.
  
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
  
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
  
• If you discover that a credit card is missing, notify the credit card company as soon as possible. Don't assume that you misplaced it and will find it later.
  
• Keep a record of all your credit card numbers in a safe place at home. Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
  
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion if you are approached.
  
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you, including working in teams, with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
  
• Stay off of your phone while walking to your car so you are totally aware of your surroundings. 
  
• Do not leave valuables in your car and do not put stuff in your trunk after you park.