New Coral Springs Mayor, Commissioners Elected

Transcription

New Coral Springs Mayor, Commissioners Elected
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New Coral Springs Mayor, Commissioners Elected
Left to right: Commissioner Scott Brook, Commissioner Roy Gold, Mayor Rhon Ernest-Jones,
Vice Mayor Rhonda Calhoun and Commissioner Ted Mena.
Newly-elected Mayor Rhon ErnestJones and Commissioners Roy Gold
and Ted Mena were sworn into office
on March 12 at City Hall before a
crowd of supporters and City
employees. The commission voted on
March 16 to appoint Rhonda Calhoun
to a one-year term as Vice Mayor.
“I am pleased with the collegiate
team atmosphere being established
from the beginning. I am very optimistic that together we can achieve
great things,” Ernest-Jones said.
The City had the highest voter
turnout in its 40-year history. The
March 9 election drew a 15 percent
turnout, which was more than double
that of the previous election.
The City made special efforts,
including a student poster contest and
high-visibility street banners, to
increase voter turnout.
Visit the Commission section at
www.coralsprings.org for more details.
City Celebrates Opening of Red Lichen Sanctuary
Public tours are now available at Red
Lichen Sanctuary, which was officially
opened on February 19 with a ribbon
cutting ceremony and educational tour.
This area, the City’s newest environmentally-sensitive land, is located on
the northeast corner of Wiles Road and
Riverside Drive.
Red Lichen is a 14-acre remnant of a
280-acre area known as the Leitner
Tract. Historically, this area was dominated by pine flatwoods with Cypress
and wetland features interspersed. The
Sanctuary includes all of these components, with pine flatwoods dominating
the western half, a remnant Cypress
dome in the center and a newly-created
wetland to the east. The wetland was
created in 2002 in an area that was primarily open field. As part of the
creation process, over 14,000 wetland
and upland plants were planted. Today,
the Red Lichen Sanctuary is a refuge
for numerous wildlife species including
Osprey, Wood Ducks, Pileated
Woodpeckers, Raccoons, Opossum and
even Red Shouldered Hawks.
“The wetland fluctuates seasonally as
it should, becoming drier in the winter,”
CITIZEN
Members of the Neighborhood and Environmental Committee were on hand to celebrate the
official opening of Red Lichen Sanctuary, the City’s newest environmentally-sensitive land.
Environmental Coordinator and City
Forester Mark Westfall said. To keep
the area from drying out and destroying
natural vegetation, a solar-powered
pump brings water from a nearby canal
to maintain a minimal hydration level.
Voters approved a $7.5 million bond
issue to purchase environmentally sensitive land in the March 1994 election.
Red Lichen Sanctuary was purchased
for $1.4 million, $500,000 of which
Broward County contributed from their
1989 environmental bond issue, making
the sanctuary a collaborative effort
between the County and the City.
The Sanctuary will serve as a
valuable educational tool for local
schools, groups and Eagle Scouts. The
Scouts have already contributed to the
Sanctuary, providing interpretive
signage of trees and various types of
wildlife, in addition to nesting boxes
and a Purple Martin house. Benches
have been added to allow bird watchers
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
See Red Lichen on page 4
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on the
cover
inside this issue
Tree Trimming
The Coral Springs Aquatic Complex is
the training home of diver Angelique
Rodriguez and swimmer Vlad Polyakov.
Both athletes will be participating
in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
CITIZEN
Proper tree care is vital
to maintaining property
values and keeping
up to City codes.
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Police ‘Storm’
the Ice for Charity
The Police Department Hockey Team’s
“Face Off Against Cancer” raised
more than $5,000 for the Relay for Life.
Mayor
Rhon Ernest-Jones
Vice Mayor
Rhonda Calhoun
City Commissioners
Scott Brook
Roy Gold
Ted Mena
Page 10
City Manager
Michael S. Levinson
Summer Camp
Information
Available
The Coral Springs Citizen
is produced quarterly by the
City of Coral Springs
Communications and
Marketing Department.
If you have questions or comments
regarding this publication, call
954-344-1197 or write to us at
City Hall, 9551 West Sample Rd.,
Coral Springs, FL 33065.
Send your e-mail to:
[email protected]
Communications
and Marketing Director
Sheri Chadwick
Publications Coordinator
Christine Parkinson
Contributing Writer
Katherine C. Connell
Photographers
Sheri Chadwick • Liz Kolodney
George Miller • Christine Parkinson
Questions about Coral Springs?
Call Citizen’s Services at 954-344-1001.
TTY for the hearing impaired: 954-344-1022.
Spring 2004
The 2004 Summer Fun Guide
contains information about summer
camps, classes and programs.
Page 13
contents
Water Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Building Department . . . . . . . 5
Slice of the Springs . . . . . . . .7
Police and Fire News . . . . . . .8
Veterans & Memorial Day . .11
Parks and Recreation . . . . . .12
Tennis Center . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Museum of Art . . . . . . . . . . .14
Multicultural Events . . . . . . .16
Flood Information . . . . . . . . .17
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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National Champion Swimmer Begins Training for Olympics
With a spectacular performance,
Coral Springs Swim Club swimmer
Vlad Polyakov won his first U.S.
National Championship in the 200m
breaststroke in 2:14.36 (50m course).
His victory took first place at the U.S.
Spring Senior National Championships,
recently held in Orlando.Competition
was intense among a field of the
nation’s top contenders.
Polyakov posted a 2:16.10 in the
prelims, which was the fastest time of
all swimmers in the morning. In the
finals, Polyakov took the lead from the
start. At the 100m he turned at 1:04.18
with a slight lead. On the third lap he
extended his lead to about 1 second
over the rest of the field, which he held
through the final lap. With a time of
2:14.36 he shaved off 1.5 second of his
previous best time of 2:15.88. He also
won the 100 breaststroke.
“I always knew that I could swim
this fast, but I had never done it before.
So it was a wonderful feeling to look to
Vlad Polyakov and Coach Michael Lohberg
are busy preparing for the Summer Olympics.
the scoreboard after the race and finally
see a 2:14 behind my name. That it was
fast enough to win makes it even
sweeter,” Polyakov said after his race.
Last week the Olympic Committee
of Kazakhstan officially nominated
Polyakov, who is a citizen of
Kazakhstan, to the 2004 Olympic
Games.
Polyakov has trained at the Coral
Springs Aquatics Complex for the past
four years. Polyakov’s coach, Michael
Lohberg, five-time Olympic Coach and
Head Coach of Coral Springs Swim
Club, said, “This was the breakthrough
swim that we had hoped for, and Vlad
has gained the confidence to prepare for
the Olympics. Not only is he an exceptional athlete, but mentally, he is
extremely tough and very determined.”
“We are extremely proud of Vlad’s
achievement, and are happy to have our
first ever National Champion for the
Coral Springs Swim Club. The Coral
Springs Aquatic Complex was
developed as a competitive training
facility to cultivate exactly this caliber
of swimmer,” said Mike McGoun,
Director of the Coral Springs Aquatics
Complex.
For more information on the Coral
Springs Swim Club, or the Coral
Springs Aquatic Complex, call 954345-2122 or visit www.csscswim.com.
Diver Qualifies for Second Olympics
When Angelique Rodriguez was a
child growing up in Puerto Rico, she
was, in her words, “a hyper kid.”
When she was seven years old, her
parents placed her in a gymnastics
class, which she enjoyed for eight
years. After that, her parents
encouraged Angelique to dance. At the
age of 19, she set her sights on diving,
and now, at 28, Angelique is training
for the 2004 Summer Olympics in
Athens, Greece.
“It feels like a relief to have qualified
for the Olympics, because it takes a lot
of sacrifice and determination,”
Rodriguez said.
Each day, Rodriguez is in the water
for five hours, and she lifts weights or
practices yoga six days a week.
She admits that qualifying for the
Olympics this time around – Rodriguez
went to Sydney four years ago – was
much more emotional for her.
It was the death of her father approximately five months ago that put her
true emotions to the test. “Training
through that was hard,” she said.
“Qualifying was beyond emotional. For
several months I have held it all inside,
but then I had to keep going.”
2 • CITIZEN
Rodriguez says her positive experience at the Coral Springs Aquatic
Complex greatly contributes to her
overall performance. “I love diving
outdoors and I love that in the
mornings, I have the individual
attention from my coach. In the
afternoon I have the kids and other
divers around me, so I’m not always by
myself. I have the best of both worlds.”
Dave Burgering, head diving coach
at the Aquatic Complex, was a 1980
Olympian and is proud to work with
divers of all ages and skill levels. He
feels the diving staff at the Aquatic
Complex is one of the strongest in the
country. “I think the diving program is
unique in that it offers something for
everyone, from the beginner who has
never stepped onto a diving board, to
the Olympic athlete. We have a knowledgeable staff that can handle every
level athlete,” he said.
In addition to Burgering, other diving
coaches include Jim Fisher, an NCAA
All-American diver, who was a member
of the U.S. National Team; Andrea
Bieger, an Exercise Specialist who was
a two-time Olympic gymnast for
Germany, and Osvaldo Alberty, an
Angelique Rodriguez trains for five hours
each day with her coach, Osvaldo Alberty.
Olympic diving coach for Puerto Rico.
Although she is representing Puerto
Rico in this summer’s games,
Rodriguez still serves as a positive
female role model for young budding
athletes in Coral Springs.
“So many times people told me I
couldn’t become what I wanted, that I
was too old to qualify for the
Olympics,” she said. “I tell young girls,
whether she’s a diver or any other
athlete, not to listen to people who tell
them they can’t do it. If she really has it
in herself, if she has a passion, she
should just try it. You never know
where it will take you.”
For more information on the diving
programs at the Aquatic Complex, call
954-345-2121.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Have Fun at Free April Pool’s Water Safety Day
Bring the entire family for April
Pool’s Water Safety Day on Saturday,
April 24 at Cypress Park Pool, which is
located at 1300 Coral Springs Drive.
The event will be held in two block
sessions, from 10 a.m. to noon, or from
noon to 2 p.m. April Pool’s Day will
include water safety demonstrations
provided by volunteers from Coral
Springs Medical Center, City lifeguards
and paramedics. The demonstrations
will feature five stations, all designed to
guide adults and children through the
basic steps to water safety. Participants
will learn about various safety and
flotation devices, an aquatic rescue
session called “Reach or Throw, Don’t
Go,” and home aquatic safety.
This free event is sponsored by the
Pediatric Drowning Prevention Task
Force, which was formed in January
2003 in an effort to educate the public
about water safety and to reduce the
number of drowning accidents in and
around Coral Springs. The Task Force
is a collaborative effort of the Coral
Springs Medical Center, the City of
Coral Springs and the Broward County
Chapter of the American Red Cross.
“With a 100 percent increase in child
drowning and near drowning in 2002 at
Coral Springs Medical Center, we know
first hand the importance of educating
parents on water safety,” said Deborah
Mulvihill, CEO of Coral Springs
Medical Center. “Drowning is preventable and the Task Force is leading
the way by educating the public on
water safety and most importantly
parental supervision.”
April P l's
Family Water Safety Day
According to the Task Force, approximately 300 children under the age of
five drown each year in swimming
pools, usually their own. In Florida,
drowning is the leading cause of death
for children under the age of five.
Because of these alarming statistics, the
Task Force’s mission is to reverse these
trends by providing education to the
residents in an effort to protect children
from drowning.
“April Pool's Day is a wonderful
community event for families to learn
about being safe when in and around
water. Safeguarding our children from
the devastating effects of drowning and
near-drowning disabilities requires a
community effort,” said Linda Olson,
Director of Health, Safety and
Community Services for the American
Red Cross Broward County Chapter.
In addition to free admission, residents will also be treated to music and
entertainment, including appearances
by the Miami HEAT’S Burnie (10:4511:15 a.m.) and Xtreme Team (1:151:45 p.m.), as well as a visit from
Lucky the Dolphin. Refreshments will
be available for purchase.
The Pediatric Drowning Prevention
Task Force also provides water safety
resource guides and speakers on water
safety. For more information on April
Pool’s Day, call 954-344-3344 or visit
www.watersafekids.org.
Cypress Park Pool is the perfect place to have fun while learning about water safety.
Summer Learn to Swim Classes Begin Registration May 8
Registration for summer Learn to
Swim classes will begin on Saturday,
May 8 from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the
Coral Springs Aquatic Complex,
located at 12441 Royal Palm
Boulevard. After 1:30 p.m., registrations will be taken at each pool for the
classes offered at that location.
The Cypress Park Pool is located at
1300 Coral Springs Drive, and Mullins
Park Pool is located in Mullins Park at
10180 NW 29 Street.
Most summer class sessions consist
Spring 2004
of eight 45-minute classes, and cost
$40. Weekday and weekend classes are
available.
For more information, visit
www.coralsprings.org/summerfun, get a
copy of the Summer Fun Guide at any
City recreation facility or call Aquatic
Services at 954-345-2121.
WSI CLASS OFFERED IN MAY
Mullins Park Pool offers classes
periodically for lifeguarding, CPR, and
other water safety classes. The next
Water Safety Instructor (WSI) class is
scheduled for May 4-27. The class will
be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 6-10 p.m. and on Saturdays from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Participants must be at least 17 years
old. The course provides certification in
Fundamentals of Instructor Training in
addition to WSI.
Call 954-345-2121 for the latest
information. Mullins Park Pool is
located at 10180 NW 29 Street in
Mullins Park.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Sterling Notes
Visioning Summit
Aims to Gather
Citizen Insight
for the Future
The City of Coral Springs
“Reaching New Heights” Visioning
Summit will be held April 15-17 at
the Marriott at Heron Bay.
A Summit Steering Committee
selected representatives from every
facet of the community, who will
come together for discussions and
forums to develop a proposed longrange direction for the City.
The visioning process will also
provide information on trends and
technologies that will affect residents and business owners in Coral
Springs over the coming years.
Visit www.coralsprings.org in the
coming months for details on the
topics and results of the Coral
Springs Visioning Summit.
Page 4
City Manager Michael S. Levinson Named
President Emeritus of Florida Sterling Council
The Florida Sterling
Council recently honored
City Manager Michael S.
Levinson by naming him to
the newly-created position of
President Emeritus.
In this role, he will serve
as a special advisor to the
Executive Board, to enhance Florida’s
competitive edge through promotion,
assessment and recognition of corporate excellence across all sectors of
Florida’s economy. Established in
1992, the Florida Sterling Council is a
public/private, not-for-profit corporation supported by the Executive
Office of the Governor.
“Mike deserves the recognition as
President Emeritus,” said Governor Jeb
Bush. “He’s contributed so much to the
Florida Sterling Council and the public
and private partnership to help make
Florida a better place to live and work.”
John Pieno, Chairman of the Florida
Sterling Council said, “Mike has been
active in the Sterling process since the
beginning. He is a role model for
corporate leadership and a great
ambassador for the Sterling
Council. Mike is leading the way
for all communities to pursue performance excellence. The City of
Coral Springs is a two-time
winner of the Governor’s Sterling
Award for Performance Excellence, and
is a role model for all other municipalities throughout Florida and the nation.”
“I’m honored to receive this
esteemed recognition from the Florida
Sterling Council,” said Levinson. “I
accept this honorarium on behalf of the
employees of the City of Coral Springs.
Their demonstrated devotion to performance excellence is world class. They,
above all, are the true Sterling role
models.”
Levinson has been City Manager of
Coral Springs for nearly nine years. He
serves on numerous boards and committees, and volunteers as an adjunct
lecturer at Florida International
University.
Red Lichen, continued from inside front cover
a place to observe the species of birds
that make the Sanctuary their home.
Former Mayor John Sommerer and
Vice Mayor Rhonda Calhoun were
present at the ceremony, and Sommerer
provided a brief history of the Red
Lichen project, which coincided with
his first term as Mayor ten years ago.
“I think the opening of this natural
environment is important because it’s a
teaching environment,” Sommerer said.
“The opening of this particular site to
me means we have at least made a good
faith effort to save as much of our
natural environment as was feasible
starting ten years ago.”
“The future generations will see how
Florida really looked and lived without
having to travel a long way to do it. It’s
just beautiful out here,” Sommerer
added.
Special recognition was given to
members of the Neighborhood and
Environmental Committee, namely
newly-elected Commissioner Roy Gold,
Joan Kohl, Rhea Moss and Lynn
Sweetay. Broward County
Commissioner Ben Graber and Gil
4 • CITIZEN
Macadam, who is the Environmental
Administrator in the Broward County
Parks and Recreation Department,
praised the project.
Nesting boxes throughout Red Lichen
encourage many species of birds to make the
Sanctuary their home.
“At the county level, it’s our pleasure
to work in harmony with the cities, especially on issues such as the environment,”
Graber said. “The City of Coral Springs
has been very good about development
and planning, and they have been in the
forefront in doing these kinds of
projects.”
Macadam, who oversees the management and public use access for natural
areas that fall under Broward County
jurisdiction, explained the partnership as
a free exchange of tactics and information
about exotic pest plant removal, rewatering and working with any aspect of
management of county parks given to
local cities. “Exotic plants are being controlled, and the native community is
standing tall and free,” Macadam said.
The Red Lichen Sanctuary offers park
tours to the public every third Saturday of
the month at 9 a.m. The Sandy Ridge
Sanctuary, located at 8501 NW 40 Street,
offers park tours every first Saturday of
the month at 9 a.m. Weekday tours for
both sanctuaries are available by
appointment. For more information, call
954-344-1117.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Building, Licensing and Code Lobby Receives User-Friendly Facelift
The lobby that serves the Building
Division, Occupational Licensing, and
Code Enforcement in City Hall South
recently received a new look, with the
goal of making the busy area more
user-friendly.
Residents are also encouraged to use
the Building Services Online features at
www.coralsprings.org to schedule
inspections and check permit status.
Call 954-344-1025 to reach the
Building Division’s main line.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE
OF BUILDING CODES
AND PERMITS?
The purpose of building codes is to
give reasonable assurance that a home
is durable and safe from structural
failure, electrical shock, fire hazards
and health risks. The permit provides a
permanent record of the work and
inspections completed.
WHEN IS A BUILDING
PERMIT REQUIRED?
A building permit is required for:
• Any new construction,
• Alterations to your home or
business,
• All repairs due to fire,
• Any equipment repair or
Building Department information can be accessed online or by visiting City Hall South.
replacement on the following list
also requires a permit, even if the
value of the job is under $1,500:
Major repairs or equipment replacements such as air conditioners;
water heaters; heat pumps or
recovery units; an exterior door,
window or skylight; a tub or shower
pan; or an electrical service repair
or replacement.
Most minor repairs under $1,500 in
total do not require a permit. If you
have any questions, call 954-344-1025.
EarthFest 2004
Visit Sandy Ridge Sanctuary for EarthFest
In celebration of Earth Day and
Arbor Day, the City of Coral Springs
is hosting EarthFest 2004 on
Saturday, April 24 at Sandy Ridge
Sanctuary from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
EarthFest features wildlife
exhibits, guided tours, plant giveaways and refreshments. Sandy
Ridge Sanctuary is located east of
Spring 2004
University Drive between Sample
and Wiles Roads at 8501 NW 40
Street.
Regular park tours are offered
every first Saturday of the month at
9 a.m., and weekday tours are
available by appointment.
For more information, call
954-344-1117.
TIPS FOR HIRING
A CONTRACTOR:
Always hired a licensed and insured
contractor, and make sure the contractor
pulls the proper permits. Before issuing
a permit, the Building Division verifies
that the contractor’s license allows the
contractor to do that type of work and
that their required insurance is current.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU
ARE DEALING WITH A
LICENSED CONTRACTOR?
Homeowners and contractors are
required to apply for, and post a permit
card, as described in situations above. If
you are dealing with a contractor, be
sure to check the name on the posted
permit card. This name should match
the name of your contractor’s company.
If not, you may be dealing with an unlicensed contractor who is being aided
by a licensed contractor.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO USE
A LICENSED CONTRACTOR?
Using a licensed contractor means
the company has the proper insurance
should there be an injury on the job or
as a result of the job. It also helps
ensure that the job is completed safely,
and to your satisfaction. Prior to
making your final payment to the contractor, ask to see proof that all inspections have passed and make sure that
you are satisfied with the work. You can
do this by checking on the permit status
line at 954-344-1049.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Proper Trimming, Care Ensures Healthy Trees Year After Year
There’s no question that trees provide
beauty to our landscape. Trees also add
to the ambiance of our City and help
keep our property values intact.
Residents should be aware that the
City of Coral Springs, in conjunction
with Broward County, has in place
specific codes when it comes to tree
care.
Daniel Sanchez, a code officer for
the City of Coral Springs, provides
simple rules for keeping trees healthy
and viable year after year.
The City recommends trimming trees
once a year or so, before the summer
comes and before hurricane season
starts. “Trim in the winter time, when
the weather is calm and there are no
storms,” Sanchez said.
The most important aspect of tree
care frequently neglected is the regular
“cleaning” of the tree crown. The
removal of dead, dying and diseased
branches and twigs reduces the dead
weight in the crown and minimizes the
potential hazard for falling branches.
According to the Department of
Planning and Environmental Protection
in Broward County, pruning of tree
limbs on a regularly scheduled basis
will improve tree health, control growth
and enhance fruiting, flowering and
appearance. Starting young trees with a
regular pruning program will help to
give the tree good, sound structure
while it is still manageable, and it will
decrease the amount of pruning needed
in the future.
Sanchez provided a few tips
for proper pruning. “When
you go to trim your tree,
leave it the same shape.
Branches to be removed
should be evenly distributed throughout the
tree. If it is trimmed
improperly, it
won’t be as strong
as before.”
According to
Code Enforcement,
no more than 25
percent of the tree’s
total canopy should
be removed in a one-year
period. Removing too
much canopy at once stresses the tree
and makes it susceptible to disease
6 • CITIZEN
Professional tree trimmers must have a
Broward County license like the one above,
and should be insured for property damage,
personal liability and worker’s compensation.
agents and insects.
When it comes to hiring a professional service to prune trees, Sanchez
says it is imperative to find a reputable
company that is licensed to do so.
“Make sure you ask them to show
you they are a licensed tree trimmer in
Broward County,” he said. The
County’s Department of Planning says
that tree care professionals should also
be insured for property damage,
personal liability and worker’s compensation. Requiring the company to show
you their license up front is the best
way to ensure this.
A number of common pruning practices are detrimental to a tree’s longterm health and can result in potential
safety hazards. Among the most
common of these practices is topping or
“hatracking.” A tree is considered
“topped” when the canopy of a tree is
removed, leaving branch stubs.
Topping promotes decay in the trunk
and branches
and attracts
wood-boring insects. Even though the
tree may eventually sprout new leaves,
it is weaker as a result of this action.
The new twigs which sprout from a
stub cut are weakly attached, which can
lead to them breaking off more readily
during a storm. Topping a tree is considered a violation in both Broward
County and Coral Springs.
There are other forms of tree abuse
that people need to be aware of,
according to Sanchez. Nailing signs to
trees, or attaching swings from tree
branches also constitute abuse.
“Anything you attach to a tree can
cause some damage,” he said.
Vines that climb up a tree’s trunk
can suffocate the tree, which can also
contribute to decay.
Excessive lifting is also a form of
tree abuse. Lifting occurs when the
bottom branches of a tree are removed,
leaving excess growth at the top of the
tree. This practice increases the chance
of branches breaking, makes the tree
top-heavy and disfigures the natural
form of the tree, according to the
County’s Department of Environmental
Protection.
All forms of tree abuse are subject
to a fine by the City of Coral Springs.
The ordinances, which are part of the
Land Development Code, are strictly
enforced.
In addition to the inconvenience of a
fine, if a tree is continuously abused or
trimmed infrequently or improperly, it
will eventually die. “If a tree dies, the
City will require its removal, which
costs the resident extra time and
money,” he said.
Trees that are not pruned properly
can also be a safety hazard. When hurricane season is upon us, a tree may
not be able to withstand high winds,
as improper pruning leads to
weaker trees.
For tips on proper tree pruning
and current City ordinances, visit
www.coralsprings.org/trees.htm.
Residents can download pertinent
information about tree care, in
addition to a list of approved trees
that can be added to a landscape.
Brochures on proper tree pruning and
palm tree care are available at the
Community Development Office,
located at 9530 West Sample Road.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Page 7
Slice of the Springs Meetings Provide
City Information at One Place, One Time
Police Chief Roy Arigo is one of many City officials who provide important information and
answers to questions, directly to residents.
Each year, the City hosts six district
“Slice of Springs” neighborhood
meetings, of which two remain for the
2003-2004 series. Residents in the
Northside section have already been
notified by mail of their April 15
meeting at Coral Park Elementary, and
those in the Northeast area will receive
notices soon of the May 13 meeting at
Park Springs Elementary. Notices
include a survey card that can be filled
out with any issues citizens would like
addressed at their meeting.
At each meeting, residents receive an
overview of specific neighborhood
issues. City staff from Community
Development, Code, Fire, Police, Parks
and Public Works are on hand to meet
with residents and answer questions.
Information including the number of
code violations, cleared code cases, and
the types and location of EMS calls and
fires, are just some of the facts detailed
at each meeting. The number of accidents, area crime rates, planned traffic
improvements and parks and public
works initiatives are also provided.
Residents are encouraged to participate
in neighborhood partnerships with the
City as well.
Meeting results and answers to frequently-asked survey questions are
posted in the Neighborhoods section of
www.coralsprings.org.
Meeting attendees also receive City
publications, informational fact sheets,
and giveaways. Post-meeting surveys
have shown that more than 96 percent
of all attendees found the meetings to
be productive.
Slice of the Springs Neighborhood
Meetings each begin at 7 p.m. and are
held each fall and spring. For more
information, call Community
Development at 954-344-1114 or
visit www.coralsprings.org.
Know the Code: Fences, Walls & Hedges
The continuous maintenance of
fences, walls and hedges is the
responsibility of the property owner.
This includes repairs, cleaning,
painting or the use of stains on
wooden fences. The installation of
shrubs is required along the perimeter
of a fence or wall that abuts a
waterway (i.e., a lake or canal) or a
street right-of-way. The maximum
spacing between each shrub must be
31/2 feet on center.
Shrubs and other landscaping must
also be maintained in a healthy, neat
and orderly condition, which includes
mowing, watering, trimming, weeding
Spring 2004
and fertilizing. Hedges should be
well-trimmed and not exceed four
feet in the front yard (or six feet for
estate-size lots), 10 feet in the rear
yard and interior side yards, and for
corner lots, no more than six feet in
the side street yard.
Lawns must be irrigated and be
kept trimmed to less than eight
inches in height.
For more information about City
codes, call 954-344-5964. To report a
possible code violation, leave a
message at 954-344-1017, or click on
“Comments & Complaints” at
www.coralsprings.org.
Web Notes
Recycle Your Phone
Books Through May 31
Single family residents can
recycle their old phone books
curbside through May 31 by placing
them on top of their newspapers or
other recycling material.
Multi-family residents should
place phone books in their newspaper recycling cart.
Businesses, and others who do not
have access to phone book recycling,
may drop off used directories
through May 31 at the City recycling
drop off in the parking lot behind
City Hall South, 9530 West Sample
Road.
Waste Transfer
Station Open May 31
The Waste Transfer Station,
located at Wiles Road and NW
126th Avenue, will be open on
Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, in
addition to its regular Saturday and
Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.
The station is available free of
charge to City residents only. Proof
of residency, such as a driver license
or electric or water bill, is required.
Materials should be brought in an
automobile or average sized pick-up
truck. Commercial vehicles, vans
larger than seven persons, pick up
trucks with beds larger that 4x8 feet
or trailers with beds larger than
4x8x3 feet may not access the
transfer station. Commercial waste,
hazardous materials and raw garbage
are not accepted.
Median Update:
Improvements Continue
As part of our multi-year median
improvement plan, all major roads
have received median improvements.
Currently, Royal Palm between
University Drive and Margate is
receiving landscaping and irrigation;
and the City is working to get
permits from the County to begin
work on Sample Road from the
Sawgrass Expressway to Coral
Springs Drive and on Atlantic Blvd.
from Riverside Drive east to the
Margate border.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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New Public Safety Training and Technology Center Underway
In order to provide adequate space
and equipment for the combined
training programs of both the Fire and
Police Departments, a Public Safety
Training and Technology Center
is being built on a four-acre site at
NW 120 Avenue, between NW 41 and
42 Streets.
This facility will allow for enhanced
training opportunities for our own staff,
and further enhance our regional
training center capabilities as well.
The Coral Springs Fire Department
Training Division provides State of
Florida Minimum Standards
Firefighting, Emergency Medical
Technician and Paramedic training for
both our own Fire Department and
members of other agencies. The Coral
Springs Police Department also
provides extensive training for our
officers.
Phase I of this project began in 2003
with the acquisition of the site, and
Phase I is continuing into Fiscal Year
2004 with the design and construction
of a 30,000 square-foot building that
will house multi-purpose classrooms,
fire and police administrative space for
instructors, fire apparatus training bays
and storage for the Police Emergency
Mobile Command Unit. As funding
becomes available, construction of a
fire training tower is also planned for
Phase II.
Once completed, the Training and Technology Center will expand the capabilities of the Police
and Fire Department training programs.
Coral Springs Fire Academy Becomes EMS Certified
The City of Coral Springs Fire
Training Academy is now certified as
an EMS training facility by the State of
Florida. Firefighter recruits attend the
Academy to learn the state-required
skills to become employed by Florida
fire departments. The Academy has set
some of the highest standards in the
state, including a 91 percent passing
rate on the Florida certification test.
Since opening in 2001, the Academy
has graduated more then 500 students.
In February 2004, the Academy
started an EMT-b program. It is the
only municipal, fire department-based
EMS training program in the State of
Florida. The 256-hour class trains
students to become skilled in carrying
out emergency measures to save lives
and reduce injury.
Every year, hundreds of applications
are received for the 360 available spots
in eight Minimum Standards classes.
The 450-hour course is offered as a
full-time day class or a part-time night
class, four times a year.
The new Training and Technology
Center will allow the Academy to offer
more Minimum Standards and EMT-b
classes, along with new courses such as
EVOC, Fire Officer I and II, Rope
Rescue I and II, and Confined Space.
For more information about the Coral
Springs Fire Training Academy, visit
www.coralspringsfireacademy.org or
call 954-346-1774.
Protect Yourself from an Auto Burglary
These practices may deter a burglar
from breaking into your vehicle:
1. Close all windows, lock all the
doors, activate any anti-theft devices
and take the keys with you.
2. Never hide a second set of keys
anywhere on your vehicle.
3. Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
4. DO NOT leave valuables in plain
view inside your vehicle, especially
wallets and purses.
5. Do not leave anything of value in
the trunk, unless you deactivate the
interior trunk release button. Also,
place your items in the trunk before
you arrive at your destination.
6. Park in well-lit areas. Avoid
parking next to vans or larger
vehicles which could easily conceal
8 • CITIZEN
a criminal’s presence.
8. Don’t leave your original registration in the vehicle. File it in your
wallet. If there is more than one driver,
make a copy for each driver to keep in
his or her wallet. Never leave the car’s
title inside your vehicle.
If your vehicle is burglarized, do not
touch or go through the vehicle.
Contact the police as soon as possible.
Be sure to notify the appropriate
credit card agencies and banks if credit
cards, checks, or bank cards are stolen.
If a cell phone is stolen, notify the
billing company and have the phone
number deactivated.
For more information about crime
prevention, contact the Police
Community Involvement Unit at
954-344-1833.
Safety Notes
Remember: ‘It’s Our
Town, Slow It Down’
Speeding reduction remains a
priority for the Coral Springs Police
Department. Since implementing the
“It’s Our Town, Slow It Down” initiative, the number of roadway accidents in 2003 has decreased to
2,856, which is down from 2,995 in
2002. Also, traffic-related citations
were up slightly to 35,629 in 2003,
compared to 35,133 in 2002.
Drivers are reminded to maintain
a safe, legal speed on City streets.
Visit the Neighborhoods section at
www.coralsprings.org and print, sign
and return the pledge not to speed,
and receive a free “It’s Our Town,
Slow It Down” bumper sticker.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Police, Fire Departments Honor Employees of the Year
The Coral Springs Police and Fire
Departments honored their employees
of the year at recent City Commission
meetings.
ALDEN PRINCE,
FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
OF THE YEAR
Firefighter/Paramedic Alden Prince
has been a member of the Coral
Springs Fire Department for five years.
Prince actively volunteers for tasks
and committees that he knows will have
an impact on his department and the
community. He also saved the
Department money by enlisting his
grandmother as a volunteer seamstress
to repair several Broselow Pediatric
Bags. The bags contain emergency
equipment for pediatric patients, and
would have cost thousands of dollars to
replace. Prince has also updated the
forms used by the Department for daily
operations.
Prince has consistently excelled in all
aspects of his career, and has worked
numerous hours both on and off duty to
accomplish his goals.
GERMAN ARISTEGUI,
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER
OF THE YEAR
Firefighter German Aristegui has
been a member of the Coral Springs
Fire Department since May 2002.
Aristegui dedicates his time between
Fire Suppression and Fire Prevention
when he is not working for American
German Aristgui (second from left) and Alden Prince (fourth from left) received Firefighter of
the Year awards due to their hard work and efforts for the Department in 2003.
Express or spending time with his
family. His work ethic and attitude are
exemplary, and his dedication to the
Department is unsurpassed.
Aristegui is a hard worker, a team
player and a true asset to the Coral
Springs community.
INVESTIGATOR KIM EVEKER,
OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Investigator Kim Eveker investigates
sexual and child abuse cases. She is a
dedicated and compassionate officer,
who provides excellent investigative
services to the children of Coral Springs.
Eveker consistently goes beyond
what is required of a police officer by
participating in extra duties, including
S.R.T. scenarios, charity fundraisers
and the Citizen’s Police Academy, and
by encouraging fellow employees to
Investigator Kim Eveker and Traffic Accident Investigator Stephen Wilke were recognized as
Police Employees of the Year by Chief Roy Arigo (left) and Mayor Rhon Ernest-Jones (right).
Spring 2004
participate in wellness programs.
Eveker has received compliments
from victims, victims’ family members
and other department members about
her outstanding interpersonal and investigative skills.
In addition, Eveker is in charge of
coordinating the sexual offender and
predator sweeps, which the Child
Abuse/Sex Crimes Unit completes
every quarter. She has received letters
of commendation from other law
enforcement agencies and praise from
other employees regarding assistance
she rendered during cases.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATOR STEPHEN WILKE,
CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR
Traffic Accident Investigator Stephen
Wilke has been a dedicated member of
the Coral Springs Police Department
since October 2000. Wilke handled a
large volume of calls during the year,
and numerous hours of overtime and
off duty hours were necessary for him
to perform thorough investigations
involving serious bodily injuries,
fatalities and DUI accidents.
Wilke also has the responsibility of
processing crime scenes, and has
recovered suspect fingerprints from a
burglarized vehicle, which led to their
arrest. He has participated in many
child safety seat checkpoints and
continues to work on joint projects
with Coral Springs police substations.
Wilke has received numerous
compliments from department members
and the public and for his efforts and
excellent customer service.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Police ‘Storm’ the Ice for Charity
Safety Notes
Call the Police Tipline
at 227-COPS to report
Call 954-227-COPS (2677) to
leave an anonymous, non-emergency
message relating to crime, traffic,
narcotics, gangs or graffiti.
Police Department
Offers Self Defense
Classes Each Month
The Coral Springs Police
Department offers free victimization
prevention SAFE self defense
classes on a monthly basis.
Women over age 13 can develop
the strength, mental focus, and
physical skills to help survive a
criminal attack. Classes are held in
Mullins Park at the Sartory Senior
Center, 10150 NW 29 Street, on
Thursdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Upcoming classes will be held
May 6, June 3 and July 1; register
by calling 954-346-1227.
Registration for
Safety Town
Summer Sessions
Begins May 8
Celebrating 18 years in Coral
Springs, Safety Town is a comprehensive early childhood, hands-on
safety education program designed
to introduce all types of safety situations to children between the ages of
41/2 to and 61/2 years old.
Registration is Saturday, May 8
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kiwanis
Park, which is located at 520
Ramblewood Drive. The park is
north of Ramblewood Middle
School and the Fire Station.
The cost is $42, and scholarships
are available. Children born between
September 1, 1997 and January 1,
2000 are eligible, and proof of age is
required at registration.
Parents must register their own
child(ren). Registration is on a firstcome, first-served basis, with limited
class sizes.
Program dates are available for
June 14-25, July 12-23, and July
26-August 6.
For more information, call
954-344-1811.
10 • CITIZEN
“Storm,” the Coral Springs Police
Department Hockey Team, defeated the
Fort Lauderdale Police team, “Force,”
by a score of 8-2 in front of a crowd of
hundreds on March 19 at Incredible Ice
in the Sportsplex.
The event raised more than $5,000
for the Coral Springs Relay for Life,
which benefits the American Cancer
Society. Appearances by Florida
Panthers players and auctions featuring
autographed items highlighted the event.
Relay for Life organizers have had a
record-breaking year — they exceeded
their goal of having $55,000 in raised
Former Florida Panther Paul Laus,
Coral Springs Police Officer Joe Gavita,
NHL Linesman Pierre Racicut, Panthers
Strength Coach Chris Reichart, and
Coral Springs Police Officer Alan Brodsky
(above, left to right) and the entire
“Storm” team (top) lent a helping hand
to raise funds for Relay for Life.
funds in the bank before the main
charity event, which was held March
26-27 at Coral Springs High School.
Volunteer Spotlight
Harris Moyer retired as a
Metallurgical Engineer in 1980 and
has kept busy since then playing golf,
tennis and bike riding. In 1987,
Harris and his wife wanted to move
closer to their daughters and grandchildren who live in Broward County,
so they moved from Clearwater and
settled in Coral Springs.
Harris says the key to a long,
healthy life is to keep moving and at
90 years young, he does just that. A
valued volunteer in the Records Unit
of the Police Department, Harris volunteers an average of 35 hours each
month answering the requests
for copies of crash reports, shredding
of confidential information, maintenance and preparation for filing
of Officer’s Daily Logs, etc. Records
supervisor Loretta Cedola said, “he
provides the happy smile and energetic sense of humor, that makes us
laugh. He is a great inspiration and
role model for us to look up to.”
Harris Moyer
Between his tennis games, fitness
center workouts and biking, he not
only volunteers for the Police
Department but also finds time to
volunteer for Vitas Hospice as a
payback for the compassionate care
they gave to Betty, his wife of 66
years, before her death in 2002.
For more information on volunteering with the City of Coral
Springs, contact Volunteer
Coordinator Kim Sanecki, at
954-346-4430.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Local Veteran to be Honored at National Memorial
The City of Coral Springs recently
commemorated the contribution and
patriotism of local veteran Joseph
Fennimore. An American flag created
by Fennimore during World War II is
currently on display at the
Smithsonian’s National Museum of
American History, and is one of four
that will be included in a special
display titled, “So Proudly We Hail,”
from May 25 to September 6.
Fennimore has also been invited to
be present at the dedication of the new
National World War II Memorial on the
National Mall in Washington D.C., on
May 29.
In addition to the dedication, a fourday “Tribute to a Generation” celebration will honor the sacrifices and
dedication of America’s World War II
generation.
The Museum of American History
exhibit will bring together four historic
flags for the first time: the flag raised at
Iwo Jima, the first American flag to
enter Berlin, the flag aboard the USS
Missouri when Japan formally surren-
Retired Corporal Joseph Fennimore (center) received a standing ovation at a recent City
Commission meeting, pictured with fellow members of American Legion Post 178, retired
Col. John Smiley and retired Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Robert B. Jones.
dered to the United States, and an
American flag comprised of pieces of a
Nazi flag, made by Fennimore.
Using a captured Nazi flag, a blue
dress uniform, and
some salvaged red
fabric, Fennimore
stitched together an
American flag for his
company command
post during World
War II.
Fennimore was a
scout with the Eighth
Regiment of the
Fourth Infantry
Division, one of the
first Allied units to hit
the beach at
Normandy on D day,
June 6, 1944.
World War II Veteran
and Coral Springs
resident Joseph
Fennimore (holding the
top corner of the flag,
second from left) made
an American flag out of
scrap material, including
a captured Nazi flag,
which will be on display
with three other
important historical flags
at the National Musuem
of American History this
summer.
Spring 2004
After helping to liberate Paris in
August 1944, the Fourth Division
moved on into Belgium and
Luxembourg and eventually spearheaded the Allied invasion of Germany
in early 1945.
At his daughter’s urging in 1986,
Fennimore donated his flag to the
Smithsonian, along with a photograph
of his squad proudly posing with the
banner on May 7, 1945, the day
Germany surrendered unconditionally
to the Allies. He is one of many local
veterans who deserve special recognition for their service to our country.
FLAG DAY, JUNE 14, 2004
IS JOSEPH FENNIMORE DAY
Flag Day, June 14, 2004 has been
proclaimed as Joseph Fennimore Day
in Coral Springs in order to commemorate his contribution and patriotism
during World War II. Check the Events
Calendar at www.coralsprings.org for
information about the Flag Day
Ceremony as the date nears.
MAY 31 MEMORIAL DAY
CEREMONY PLANNED
The City will be holding a Memorial
Day ceremony on Monday, May 31 at
9 a.m. at the Monument to the
Forgotten Americans in Mullins Park,
10000 NW 29 Street. For more information, call 954-345-2200.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Classes Continue Through Summer at Gymnasium
Tennis Notes
Men’s Masters
Basketball Returns
to Gymnasium in May
The 20th Annual Men’s Masters
Basketball National Championships
will be held at the Coral Springs
Gymnasium from May 16-22.
The tournament draws both
national and international teams in
age divisions ranging from age 40 to
over 70 years old.
The Men’s Masters Basketball
Tournament is a unique event, and
participants are former high school,
college and professional players.
Some individuals and teams have
participated in every tournament
since 1985.
Teams from Chicago, Detroit,
New York, St. Louis, California and
Indiana as well as from Florida have
been long time participants.
Play begins Monday, May 17 and
continues through Saturday, May 22,
with game times throughout each
day. Admission to the tournament is
free. The public is welcome to stop
by the Coral Springs Gymnasium at
2501 Coral Springs Drive to watch
the tournament, including the championship games from 9:30 a.m. to 5
p.m. on Saturday, May 22.
For more information about this
event or for details about how to get
involved, call Committee Chair Dave
Hulett at 954-753-7485 or visit the
Men’s Masters Basketball website at
www.mastersbasketball.org.
July 4th Fireworks
This year, there will be a Fourth of
July fireworks show, beginning
promptly at 9 p.m., at the Sportsplex.
However, due to construction of
the new Coral Glades High School,
there will not be any entertainment
prior to the show. Residents will be
able to park at either end of
Sportsplex Drive to view the show.
12 • CITIZEN
Page 12
In addition to camp programs, many
classes are offered during the summer
at the Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501
Coral Springs Drive, such as:
KID’S CUISINE
Children ages 6-11 can learn the
basics of microwave cooking and how
to make healthy snacks in Kid’s
Cuisine classes. A four-week session is
$25, plus a $10 supply fee paid to the
instructor at the first class. Classes are
held on Saturdays from 9-10 a.m.
Upcoming sessions begin May 1,
June 5, and July 10.
HIGH TOUCH-HIGH TECH
Children in grades kindergarten
through fifth can participate in handson science experiments during the
afterschool High Touch-High Tech
program on Wednesdays from 3:304:30 p.m. The next four-week session
begins May 5, and costs $60, plus a
$15 supply fee, paid to the instructor at
the first class.
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Web users can browse the catalog of
classes by visiting the Recreation
Online section at www.coralsprings.org:
In order to complete registrations
and pay for classes online, you must
first download an application at
www.coralsprings.org/registration.pdf
and mail or fax it back, or stop by the
gymnasium to establish a user account
for Recreation Online. For more
information, call 954-345-2200.
Skateboard Facility, Park Upgrades Underway
There are a number of new projects
underway in the Parks and Recreation
Department, just in time for summer.
Equipment for the new Skateboard
Park in Betti Stradling Park is currently
being installed, and the area is expected
to open in April.
The Coral Springs Gymnasium has
been open for more than three years,
and programming levels are at capacity,
with classes for all ages. A new 2,000
square-foot addition to the gym for
additional class space is planned for
next year using Community
Development Block Grant funds.
Improvements to Veterans Park landscaping and irrigation are being worked
on, as well as the addition of two picnic
pavilions and flag poles.
Eleven acres of land for a park near
Whispering Woods on Wiles Road
has been acquired with the help of a
$2 million grant from Broward County.
Conceptual designs include a jogging
and bike path, and the park will provide
additional parking for the neighboring
Red Lichen Sanctuary.
Cypress Park has received a new
pavilion and bridge, as well as a new
boardwalk made out of recycled materials. Riverside Park renovations are
complete — this $500,000 project was
mostly funded through a $425,000
reimbursement grant from the County.
For more details on these and other
upcoming recreation projects, visit the
Sports and Recreation section at
www.coralsprings.org.
Senior Health Programs, Bus Service Available
Coral Springs residents age 62 and
older may participate in any programs
offered by the Sartory Senior Center,
10150 NW 29 Street, in Mullins Park.
A monthly calendar is mailed to all
regular visitors to the center, and
www.sartoryseniorcenter.com is
updated regularly with current class
information.
FREE NUTRITION CLASSES
Senior nutrition classes are offered
free at the Sartory Senior Center. The
next class will be offered April 18 at
11:30 a.m. The topic covered will be
herbal cures for colds and the flu. To
register, call 954-345-2209.
SENIOR PRIDE BUS SERVICE
The Senior Pride Bus Service offers
on-demand transportation to shopping
facilities. Priority is afforded to those in
the greatest economic and social need,
with little family or community
support. The annual fee is $20. Call
954-344-1837 to apply for this service.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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New Summer Camp Guide Available
The City of Coral Springs offers an abundance of exciting adventures for campers. Many
programs break away from traditional summer camps by taking kids on journeys they’ll
treasure forever. Sign up now for Kamp Kool, dance camps, etiquette camps, sports camps, or
special needs camps. Make a splash in an aquatics program, learn to swim, or even take a
swing at tennis. The City offers something for everyone, including extended hours camps.
Get your 2004 Summer Fun Guide and applications at the Coral Springs Gymnasium,
2501 Coral Springs Drive; City Hall in the Mall, Coral Square Mall; the Coral Springs
Aquatic Complex and Tennis Center of Coral Springs, 2575 Sportsplex Drive; and the
Cypress Park Tennis Center, 1301 Coral Springs Drive. Guides are also available at City
Hall, 9551 West Sample Road. Or if you chose, visit www.coralsprings.org/summerfun to
view the Summer Fun Guide and applicable forms. For more information, call 954-345-2200.
Tennis Center Offers Free Clinics in April
The Tennis Center of Coral Springs
will conduct three free one-hour clinics
in April for adults, ages 16 and older.
The clinics are geared toward people
who have never played tennis or who
have not played in a long time.
The clinics are free, but players must
register in advance by calling the
Tennis Center at 954-344-1840 to participate, so that the appropriate number
of instructors will be on hand.
Clinics will be offered on Monday,
April 19 at 10 a.m. (register by April
16), Monday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.
(register by April 16), and Saturday,
April 24 at 11 a.m. (register by
April 21).
All clinics and lessons are conducted
by USPTA-Certified professionals.
NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER
DATABASE AVAILABLE
The Tennis Center has joined
“TennisWelcomeCenter.com.”
This national program encourages
the development of new tennis players
and allows players who are on the road
or new to an area to type in the zip
code of their location to find a tennis
center. The site also offers tips for new
learners and information on the health
benefits of playing tennis.
Visit www.tenniswelcomecenter.com
to find out more.
Community Bus Service Runs Monday to Saturday
The City of Coral Springs
Community Bus Service continues to provide transportation
throughout the City, and riders
of all ages are encouraged to
use this fee program.
conditions may cause the community bus to arrive slightly
early or late.
The community buses are all
wheelchair accessible.
OPERATING TIMES
The Community Bus Service
operates Monday to Friday from 8 a.m.
to 5:55 p.m. and on Saturday from
8 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. There is no service
on Sundays and on Thanksgiving Day,
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The Community Bus Service works
in conjunction with connections to
BCT Routes 2, 34, 62, 83 and 88.
There is no fare for the community
bus within the City of Coral Springs.
Riders making the connection with
BCT will need to pay the appropriate
fares.
The buses operate as close to
schedule as possible, although traffic
Spring 2004
WHERE DOES THE BUS GO?
The Green Route Bus, which runs in
the north side of Coral Springs, and the
Blue Route Bus, which runs in the
south side of the City, both make stops
at Sample Road and University Drive
on the hour, allowing riders to change
routes. There are several stops along
each route, including shopping centers,
parks and some City facilities.
The community buses are white with
green or blue striping to indicate the
route color.
For a detailed map of bus stops and
a time schedule, visit City Hall, City
Hall in the Mall, the Coral Springs
Gymnasium, or the Neighborhoods
section at www.coralsprings.org.
Recreation Notes
Find Treasures at
Garage Sale on May 1
The City of Coral Springs Parks
and Recreation Department is sponsoring its annual spring Garage Sale
at Mullins Park on Saturday, May 1
from 8 to 11 a.m.
Bargain hunters won’t be disappointed at the huge selection of
clothing, household goods, and
other treasures offered by dozens of
vendors in Mullins Park, which is
located at 10000 NW 29th Street.
Vendor spaces cost $15, plus a
separate deposit check for $15
which will be returned after the
event if the space is clean.
Deposits and reservations must be
made in advance at the Coral
Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral
Springs Drive, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
daily. Space is limited, so vendors
should register early.
For more information, call
954-345-2200 or 954-345-2209.
City Seeks Details on
Past Park Dedications
The City plans to place markers
at all parks and fields that, over the
years, have been dedicated to or
named after residents and other
individuals.
Information is still needed on
Three Friends Park, MacElderry
Field, and the following people:
Paul Barre, Sal Bosco, Bill Collins,
John Demming, Pat Finney, and
Hugh Murphy. Call 954-344-1121
if you have any information that
will assist with this project.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Great Art Plate Affair, New Exhibits Highlight Museum Offerings
On Friday, April 23 at 7 p.m., the
Coral Springs Museum of Art will host
the 5th Annual Great Art Plate Affair —
Taste of Tuscany. Guests will enjoy an
evening of delectable food, wine, music
and bid on original, affordable art.
Artists graciously donate original
ceramic art pieces and paintings for the
spirited silent and live auctions. All
auction items will be on exhibit in the
Museum April 12 through April 23.
A special bonus this year is a travel
drawing for a Harvest Festival & Grape
Stomp with weekend accommodations
in St. Augustine August 28 and 29,
2004. For event tickets and travel
drawing tickets, call 954-340-5000.
FAMILY FUNDAYS
Bring the entire family to the Coral
Springs Museum of Art on the second
Saturday of every month at 3:30 p.m.
to enjoy Family Funday. Parents and
children ages 3 and up will enjoy
creating art using the current Museum
exhibition as an inspiration.
Funday projects include: Stained
Glass on April 10, Mobiles on May 8,
Paper Designs on June 12, and Foil
Etching on July 10. The fee is $3 per
person, per session. Participants are
asked to reserve their art space by
calling 954-340-5000.
EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
An exhibition by Joan Brechin
Sonnenberg with etchings and mixed
media pieces continues through
June 19. Robert Corredera and Olga
The Great Art
Plate Affair
will raise
funds for
exhibitions
and programs
through a
silent and live
auction of
original,
affordable art
on April 23.
Dueñas will exhibit in the East Gallery
April 16 through May 22. From June 5
through August 21, Laurence Gartel
will exhibit Digital Old and New.
Tools as Art: the Hechinger Collection
opens on July 9. Artists will host
scheduled Walk and Talks — call
954-340-5000 for dates and times.
WINE TASTING
On Tuesday, June 8, the public is
invited to the Third Annual Wine
Tasting at The Fresh Market, located at
4633 University Drive, in the Pine
Ridge Plaza. For the past two years, the
Fresh Market has sponsored this
popular fundraising event. Proceeds
directly benefit the Museum.
Participants can sample wines from
around the world, which can be purchased during the tasting for a 10
percent discount. Tickets are available
at both The Fresh Market and the
Museum, or can be purchased at the
door the night of the event.
Camp Workshops, which begin
Monday, June 14 and run through
August 6. Young artists may sign up for
one or more weeks. Morning and
afternoon workshops are from 9 a.m. to
noon and 1-4 p.m., fees begin at $75.
All supplies are included. Art Camp
Workshops include: Ceramics, Art of
the Animal, Drawing for the Young,
Exploring Sculpture, Acrylic Painting,
Cartooning, Techniques of Drawing,
Art Sampler and Papiér Mache. Call
954-340-5000 for more information.
OPEN JURIED ART SHOW
The Coral Springs Artist Guild will
be hosting an Open Juried Art Show
titled “The Mixed Palette” in the Lobby
Gallery of the Coral Springs Museum
of Art from April 7 through May 2.
An awards reception will be held on
April 14, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. For more
information, call 954-753-5533.
SUMMER ART CAMP
Children and teens ages 6 to 15 can
explore creativity and fun during Art
CORAL SPRINGS
MUSEUM OF ART
Monday through
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Adults $4,
Seniors & Students $3
Museum Members FREE
Under 18 FREE
Wednesday FREE for all
Suspended by ... • Robert S. Corredera
14 • CITIZEN
2855 Coral Springs Drive
Phone: 954 340 5000
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
Ancient Tree • Olga Dueñas
Spring 2004
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Artists in Residence Complete Tile Everglades Mural
Artists in Residence Jan Kolenda and
John Foster recently completed work
on The Everglades ... a Relief Ceramic
Tile Mural after more than a year of
hard work.
Each of the 7,000 tiles on the 54-foot
by 17-foot mural was handmade by
Kolenda, Foster, and a team of 30 adult
and children volunteers.
The entire production process was
observed by museum guests, and the
finished work can now be viewed day
or night by the public on the east wall
of the Coral Springs Musuem of Art,
located at 2855 Coral Springs Drive.
The tile Everglades mural on the Museum wall is complemented by a landscaped walkway.
Coral Springs Coloring Book Brings
City History to Life for Children
“A Colorful
History of
Coral
Springs”
features
images
of City
landmarks,
including the
Covered
Bridge, as
well as
puzzles and
games for
children.
The Coral Springs Historical
Advisory Committee has produced a
coloring book, “A Colorful History of
Coral Springs,” which will be used to
give local children a perspective of how
the City grew from its humble beginnings into the City it is today.
The book shows how the first three
commercial structures in town came
into being: the Covered Bridge and the
Coral Ridge Properties Real Estate
Sales Office and administration
building, which now serves as City
Hall. The book follows the adventure of
the little sales office as it became the
police department, a fire department
training facility and finally a museum.
The illustrations throughout the book
also show how City Hall was designed
after Thomas Jefferson’s University of
Virginia. To see the resemblance, visit
the “Historical Coral Springs” display
in the Coral Springs Center for the Arts
lobby, located at 2855 Coral Springs
Drive. The display includes architectural plans, drawn by Jefferson, and
pictures of his master plan and drafting
tools. There is also a model of City
Hall as it was originally built in 1966
and the original building permit, blueprints and a construction photo.
“A Colorful History of Coral
Springs” books are available free of
charge at City Hall and City Hall in the
Mall, or visit the City History section at
www.coralsprings.org to download and
print coloring pages from the book.
For information on historical preservation in the City of Coral Springs, call
954-344-1121.
Volunteers Make Waterway Cleanup a Success
On March 6, a record 273 volunteers
gathered at Riverside Park to participate
in the annual Broward Waterway
Cleanup. Newly-elected Commissioner
Roy Gold, who has coordinated this
effort for the past nine years, said,
“Coral Springs again has done a
tremendous job on the Waterway
Cleanup. Our site again had the largest
number of volunteers countywide, and
the largest number of volunteers in the
history of the Coral Springs site.”
“The good news is that we collected
less trash overall, which means people
are getting the message about not polluting our waterways,” he added.
Spring 2004
“This is what distinguishes this great
City — our volunteers,” said Mayor
Rhon Ernest-Jones.
Volunteers never know what items
they will collect from the waterways.
This year, along with the usual litter,
they removed a car door, an engine
block, six bicycles, eight shopping
carts, an iron garden bench, a birdcage,
six car batteries, six propane tanks, a
BBQ grill, a water heater, a stove, cans
of paint and three Christmas trees.
Hundreds of student and adult volunteers
scoured Coral Springs canals and lakes in the
annual Broward Waterway Cleanup.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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Celebrate Fiesta Coral Springs May 1 at NW Regional Library
Join the City of Coral Springs for
“Fiesta Coral Springs” which will take
place on Saturday, May 1 from noon
to 9 p.m. at the Northwest Regional
Library parking lot in Coral Springs.
Fiesta Coral Springs will replace the
former Cinco de Mayo Festival and is
designed to appeal to all our Latin
groups in Coral Springs and surrounding areas. The event will feature a
variety of food, entertainment, and
cultural items for display or sale as well
as educational activities of interest to
the children. The event is hosted by the
Coral Springs Multi-Cultural Advisory
Committee, in cooperation with the
Northwest Regional Library.
For more information, or to become
a vendor or to provide entertainment,
call 954-344-1005.
Student Exchange With Paraiso, Costa Rica Finishes Second Year
Exchange students from Paraiso,
Costa Rica recently completed their
three-week visit to Coral Springs.
Andrea Arce Torres and Juan Eliseo
Hernandez stayed with the families of
Coral Springs High School student
Christine Brady and J. P. Taravella High
School student Tyler Raszick in
January. Both Brady and Raszick
visited Paraiso last summer.
The exchange student program,
organized by Coral Springs
International Partnerships, Inc., is
looking forward to its third year.
Applications are currently being
accepted for the program. For more
information, call 954-344-1005.
Costa Rican exchange students Andrea Arce
Torres and Juan Eliseo Hernandez were
recognized at a recent Commission meeting.
National Day of Prayer Gathering May 6
Community Notes
May is Asian-Pacific
Heritage Month
Residents are invited to celebrate
Asian-Pacific American Heritage
Month at the Northwest Regional
Library on Saturday, May 15 from
2-4 p.m. “Freedom For All, A
Nation We Call Our Own” will
feature dancing, music and
refreshments. This event is sponsored by the Organization of
Chinese Americans South Florida
Chapter, the Coral Springs Chinese
Culture Association, the Coral
Springs Multi-Cultural Advisory
Committee, and the Broward County
Northwest Regional Library.
Network Group for
the Disabled Available
The Disability, Advocacy and
Access Network is available to assist
disabled persons residing in the
Northwest Broward area.
The group helps disabled citizens
with information & referrals, a
website, monthly meetings, a
newsletter and a hotline for disability-related issues. For more
information, call 954-663-ABLE
(954-663-2253).
16 • CITIZEN
Residents are invited for an interfaith
evening of “Faith, Hope and
Togetherness” at a community prayer
gathering and candlelight ceremony in
observance of National Day of Prayer
on Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m. in front
of City Hall, 9551 West Sample Road.
This annual commemoration of our
country’s rich religious heritage, brings
community leaders, residents, youth
groups and representatives of various
faiths together for a candlelight
ceremony and to pray for our City and
nation, followed by community fellowship and light refreshments. For
more information, call 954-344-1063.
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
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National Flood Insurance Program Grants
Discount to Coral Springs Residents
The NFIP’s Community Rating System gives Coral Springs a very good rating for its flood protection activities,
which includes publishing flood information at www.coralsprings.org and in print publications twice a year.
Our residents receive a 10 percent discount on NFIP insurance as a result of our good rating.
Flood Warnings
Flood Insurance
The City and Broward County have warning systems and
severe weather emergency operating plans. When severe
weather threatens, warnings will be issued on radio and television, including CityTV Channel 25.
Homeowner insurance policies do not cover loss due to
flooding. Coral Springs participates in the National Flood
Insurance Program, which makes coverage available to
everyone in the City.
The City urges residents and business owners to buy flood
insurance to protect against potential devastating loss. Property
owners may insure buildings and contents; renters may insure
their possessions. Just because you haven’t been flooded
doesn’t mean you won’t be. Call your insurance agent today.
Flood Safety
Even if your area is not directly hit by heavy winds,
flooding is a potential threat. Knowing what to do to minimize
your loss is the first step to storm survival.
1. Turn off electricity and natural gas.
2. Have a battery-powered radio or television to monitor
flood warning information.
3. Heed warnings from
officials and evacuate when
orders are given, usually
over radio and television.
4. Know your evacuation
zone and route to a shelter. It
may be difficult to distinguish between roads and
canals during severe
flooding.
5. Be particularly careful when moving about at night.
Floodplain Development Permits
All development, including new construction, repair/
replacement work and additions, signs, fences, fill and tree
removal requires a permit. Contact the Building Department at
954-344-1025.
Storm Drain Maintenance
The City has a system of drainage catch basins for storm
water management that is maintained on a regular basis by the
Public Works Department. Basins drain into canals that are
maintained by specific drainage districts. State law prohibits
dumping in waterways. Violations should be reported to
Citizen’s Services, 954-344-1001; or the Police Department,
954-344-1800.
Take Measures to Protect Your Property From a Storm
1. Check everything outside your
home that could blow away or be blown
against the house. Garbage cans, gardening tools, toys, lawn furniture,
awnings and the like can become deadly
missiles in hurricane-force winds.
Carefully secure objects that cannot be
taken inside.
2. Park your car on high ground,
preferably inside a garage or other
shelter and set the parking brake. Fill the
gas tank and make sure your windshield
wipers are in working order in case you
must evacuate later.
3. Cut down loose tree limbs and palm
fronds. If you have a swimming pool,
drain half of the water to prevent the
pool from overflowing.
4. Move furniture to the second floor
or at least elevate expensive items on
concrete blocks. Put electronic devices
and other easily damaged items inside
plastic bags and place on high shelves.
Sandbag around doors and other
openings to minimize flood damage.
5. Put up storm shutters or boards and
tape windows and other openings. Tape
may not keep a window from breaking
but it can minimize damage from flying
glass.
6. Small boats should be pulled from
the water and secured. Filling the boat
with water may keep it from being
blown away. For trailered boats, strip
them of accessories, let the air out of the
tires and last down the boat and trailer.
7. Severe storms may cause prolonged
power or water failure. Keep emergency
supplies on hand, including several
flashlights, candles, a camp store or
canned heat, a battery-powered radio and
prescription medicines.
8. Stock food that requires no refrigeration and little preparation. Be sure you
have plenty of water for drinking and fill
the bathtub to ensure water is
available for washing and
flushing the toilet.
The Northwest Regional Library, located at 3151 University Drive, has flood protection information,
copies of flood insurance rate maps and flood zone explanations.
More than 90 percent of Coral Springs is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area,
which means your home could be prone to flooding. For information about your property,
call the Engineering Division at 954-344-1170.
Spring 2004
Visit www.coralsprings.org • Watch CityTV Channel 25
CITIZEN • 17
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Coral Springs, FL 33065
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