A Message from Broward County Vice Mayor Sharief

As you know, my peers recently elected me to serve as vice mayor of Broward County. I am truly humbled by their vote of confidence and support of my leadership abilities. As the new vice mayor, I will continue to highlight important issues facing our community and explore new opportunities to make Broward County the best place to live, work and play.

I encourage you to take advantage of the information provided in this newsletter. Our office will continue to provide on-going helpful updates to you and I will continue being a strong advocate for our issues. I always enjoy hearing from you about your ideas and suggestions to improve our community. Feel free to contact me directly at bsharief@broward.org. I look forward to continue working and fighting for you!

Barbara Sharief
Broward County Vice Mayor

National and State Foreclosure Programs

Homeowners looking for help as they face foreclosure or the associated problems that may come with it, can now click on my web page, broward.org/Commission/District8, and view a new video and documents offering advice and assistance.

I provide information on the National Mortgage Settlement Program, the Florida Hardest Hit Program and the Making Home Affordable Mortgage Modification Program.

The National Mortgage Settlement Program provides as much as $25 billion in relief to distressed borrowers and direct payments to states and the federal government.

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation was directed by the U.S. Treasury to create and administer foreclosure prevention assistance programs that address the unique issues of Florida. Two programs are available.

Through Making Home Affordable Mortgage Modifications, homeowners have been able to obtain lower mortgage payments and realize significant savings each month. For homeowners who have seen their home values drop, there are other options that can provide relief.

Additional information on foreclosure assistance and prevention programs, affordable housing in Broward County and other services can be found at the Broward Housing Council website at broward.org/BrowardHousingCouncil. Information on housing program services can be found at broward.org/Housing.

Serving on County Boards

We are seeking residents with an interest in public service to represent the needs of the district. If you are interested in being considered, please forward a detailed resume to bsharief@broward.org. Be sure to include: your residency/permanent address; phone number and email address; whether you are a registered voter; whether you are a registered lobbyist; whether you serve on any other board, authority or agency (dual office holding); whether you are related to any Commissioner; and whether you have any potential conflicting business relationship.  

The vacant boards are:

• Animal Care Advisory Committee (one County health department affiliation)
• Broward County Planning Council (one resident who lives in the district)
• Broward Cultural Council (one open vacancy)
• Diversity Advisory Council (two open vacancies)
• Library Advisory Board (one registered voter)
• Substance Abuse Advisory Board (one open vacancy)
• Urban Wilderness Advisory Board (one to represent the sciences)

Broward County Hosts “How to Do Business with Broward County” Series

Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development and the Broward County Purchasing Division will host “How to Do Business with Broward County,” a series of informational workshops designed to assist local entrepreneurs in accessing County procurement opportunities.

For more information on the “How to Do Business with Broward County” workshops, contact the Office of Economic and Small Business Development at 954-357-6400, 954-357-5664 (TTY) or visit broward.org/EconDev.

"How to Do Business with Broward County" – South Broward Workshop Schedule

Saturday, March 16
10:30 a.m. – Noon
Miramar Library
2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar

Tuesday, December 17
6 - 7:30 p.m.
South Regional/Broward County Library
7300 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines

Updates on District 8 Projects

Miramar Pineland Natural Area (County Parks Improvements)

The plans include new nature trails, boardwalks, playground, picnic shelters, restroom building, storage building, landscaping, utilities, asphalt road and parking.

Current Status: The design-build contractor, MBR Construction, Inc. has completed 98 percent of the project work.

Pembroke Road from Southwest 145 Avenue to Silver Shores Boulevard (County Highway Improvements)

The plans detail a new four-lane segment of Pembroke Road for 1.1 miles, including a bridge over I-75, drainage improvements, sidewalk, bike lanes, signalizations, lighting, landscaping and irrigation. The projected construction completion date is June 2016. 

I-75 Express Lanes (FDOT Improvements)

Florida Department of Transportation is working to implement Express Lanes along 27 miles of I-75 and State Road 826 corridors from I-595 to just south of State Road 836.

Construction will begin in early 2014 and open to the public by early 2018. By late 2014, it is anticipated that all segments will be under construction. 

State Road 817 (University Drive) and Miramar Parkway (FDOT Improvements)

The plans call for upgrades to pedestrian curb ramps, street light modifications, new countdown pedestrian heads and guardrail modifications. Construction is expected to begin spring 2013 and end fall 2013.

State Road 824 (Pembroke Road) and Southeast 31 Avenue (FDOT Improvements)

The plans detail milling and resurfacing the exiting intersection, upgrading the intersection to mast arm signal, new countdown pedestrian signals and extending the westbound left turn lane. Construction is expected to begin spring 2013 and end fall 2013.