Fiscal Year 2013 Broward County Budget Passed

Broward County Commissioners have given final approval to the fiscal year 2013 budget, which keeps the tax rate stable. The proposed millage rate, including voted debt service, is 5.553. This is the same as the current fiscal year 2012 combined millage rate. The total budget for fiscal year 2013, which includes tax supported as well as nontax supported funds, is $3.7 billion. More…

Last Month to Help Animal Care and Adoption Win $100,000 Grand Prize

Broward County’s Animal Care and Adoption Center enters its last month to successfully adopt 1,636 dogs and cats in its quest for the $100,000 grand prize in the 2012 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge Event, continuing through October 31. Check out the weekly events at the Broward County Animal Care and Adoption Center, 1870 S.W. 39 St., Fort Lauderdale.

Tourism in Broward County Shows 32 Consecutive Months of Growth

Despite the challenges facing the national economy, Greater Fort Lauderdale's tourism industry is surging forward fueled by 11.1 million visitors from around the world spending $9 billion and continuing a 32-month growth in occupancy and more than a year of steady hotel rate increases. More…

October 9 is Last Day to Register to Vote for 2012 General Election; Early Voting Starts October 27

The last day to register to vote for the upcoming November General Election is Tuesday, October 9. If you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a legal resident of Florida, you may register to vote. Simply visit the Broward County Supervisor of Elections’ website and complete an online application form and mail it in, or obtain a voter registration application in person or telephone the Supervisor of Elections, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Room 102, Fort Lauderdale; 954-357-7050. Applications are also available at Broward County Libraries. Early voting for the 2012 Election Day will be held Saturday through Saturday, October 27 – November 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 17 early voting sites throughout the County.

Terminal Improvements to Enhance Passenger Experience at the Airport

A $100 million Terminal Modernization Program began in September in Terminals 1 and 3 at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The carpeting in Concourses B, C, E and F will be replaced with modern, terrazzo floors. The floor in Terminal 3 is a Public Art project with an artist team designing the functionally integrated flooring. This is part of a five-year program to make the passenger experience more enjoyable at the Airport. More…

Learn “How to do Business with Broward County” at Monthly Workshop

Business owners interested in contracting with Broward County can attend a free seminar titled “How to Do Business with Broward County,” presented monthly by the Office of Economic and Small Business Development and the Purchasing Division. The next workshop is Thursday, October 18, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. To register or for more information, call 954-357-6400 or visit broward.org/EconDev.

Broward Bans Misleading Posted Prices at Gasoline Stations

County Commissioners approved an amended ordinance that will put an end to the practice of gasoline stations advertising the lower price charged when customers are paying cash as opposed to a credit or debit card. Gas prices posted on signs at gasoline stations in Broward County must now reveal the highest price for any grade of gasoline that you'll pay for at the pump, whether you're paying with cash, a credit card or a debit card. More…

County Receives Master Building Permit for Main Tower; Construction to Begin mid-October

Broward County has received the Master Building Permit authorizing construction of the new courthouse tower. The permit allows the contractor, who has completed installation of test piles, to begin construction on the main portion of the building in mid-October. The courthouse is expected to be completed in 2015. Follow courthouse construction developments on twitter.com/CourtNewsFlash. More…

Final Installment of Iron Man 3 to Film in Broward County

The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Office of Film & Entertainment has announced that Marvel Studios will be filming the final installment in the superhero saga Iron Man 3 in Dania Beach and other neighboring South Florida communities. The Iron Man 3 cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Guy Pearce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Kingsley, Rebecca Hall, Don Cheadle, and Jon Favreau. More…

Recycling is Up by 13 Percent in Broward County

Solid Waste and Recycling Services recently announced that recycling in Broward County is up 13 percent over 2011. Because of Solid Waste and Recycling’s education outreach efforts, with help from partner cities, more residents are participating in the recycling program. The County is now on its way toward meeting Florida’s 75 percent recycling goal as residents recycle paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and metal and glass containers. More…

10 Ways to Save Money with a Broward County Library Card

Savvy spenders and savers can find big savings in one small (and free) package. One of the best bargains in town is a little plastic card that’s free of charge but can save you a lot – your Broward County Library card. Enjoy services such as free use of public computers or WiFi, borrowing video games, trying out an eReader, online one-on-one tutoring and more.

“Dine Out Lauderdale” Event is Back for Fifth Straight Year

It's that delicious time of year again as Greater "Fork" Lauderdale celebrates its sixth consecutive year of “Dine Out Lauderdale,” a six-week culinary event promoting the area's gourmet restaurants and renowned chefs. From October 1 through November 8, three-course meals are available at $35 each at nearly 40 restaurants. For more information, visit sunny.org/dineout.

Young At Art Museum/Broward County Library Wins Top Awards from USGBC

The Young At Art Museum/Broward County Library, an innovative and energy-efficient children's arts education complex and public library, was recognized with two prestigious awards at this year's U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) South Florida Chapter’s Gala Verde: The 2012 LEEDership and Green Awards program, held on September 15. The building won both the “Outstanding LEED for New Construction - Public” and the “Outstanding LEED for New Construction - Overall” categories for 2012. More…

West Atlantic Boulevard Project Underway Through November

Broward County's Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division will be constructing improvements and repairs on the culvert crossing under West Atlantic Boulevard, between Northwest 68 Terrace and Northwest 69 Avenue in the City of Margate beginning October 1. The project should be completed by the end of November 2012, barring any unforeseen conditions or weather delays. More…

County Libraries Present Breast Cancer Awareness Programs

For the eighth consecutive year, Broward County Libraries has received grant funding from Susan G. Komen for the Cure to offer health programs and information to County residents. In recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Libraries will host a series of special programs to help educate the community. All County Libraries will have Susan G. Komen for the Cure materials and informational displays. More…

FEMA Invites Residents to Join National Preparedness Coalition

If you or someone you know support community preparedness efforts in your community, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) invites you to join the National Preparedness Coalition. National Preparedness Coalition members empower themselves to prepare and to coordinate preparedness activities for their families, neighbors, co-workers and those with whom they may study or worship. The program is free and open to anyone who wishes to join.

Not Already a Subscriber to Community Update?

Be sure to get the latest news about your community delivered to your email inbox each month. To subscribe, email PublicInfo@broward.org. Homeowner associations please pass this newsletter along to your members, or invite them to subscribe.