County Agencies are Winners

Several Broward County agencies have been recognized for superior programs and service delivery in the annual special issues of local publications. Be sure to visit these Broward County winners:

• Best Dog Park – Barkham at Markham

• Best Nature Trail – Fern Forest Nature Center

• Best Place to Get Wet – Ski Rixen at Quiet Waters

• Best Water Park for any Age – C.B. Smith Park’s Paradise Cove

• Best Nature Encounters and Preschool Programs – Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center

• Best Playground Equipment for Kids – Plantation Heritage Park

• Best “Old” Park That’s Like Brand New – T.Y. Park

• Best Free Children’s Services – Afterschool @ Your Library

In addition, the 4-H Junior Master Gardener Program from Parks and Recreation Division’s Extension Education section has received a Program of Excellence award from Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents. For more information on these and other County parks and libraries programs, visit www.broward.org/parks and www.broward.org/libraries.

Public Meeting on New Code of Ethics Planned for September 9

The Broward County Ethics Commission will host a public meeting on a proposed new Code of Ethics for the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, September 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 430 of the Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Public comments will be accepted. The Ethics Commission, approved by voters in the November 2008 general election, was charged with establishing a Code of Ethics for the Broward County Commission by March 2010. More…

Construction To Affect Roadways at Airport Terminals

Traffic entering the departure level roadway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will experience traffic delays due to construction work on repairs to the upper level roadway. The work is expected to continue through October 2009, and will cause lane reductions throughout Terminals 2, 3, and 4, causing delays during peak travel times. Travelers are encouraged to allow extra time when using the departure level for passenger drop off.

Libraries Seeks Senior Volunteers to Read to Children

Broward County Library’s award-winning early literacy program, “Prime Time,” is seeking senior volunteers who want to read stories to young children, ages 3 to 5, at day care centers in Broward County. Potential volunteers are being recruited through August 31. The next training workshop will be held September 14 at a library location to be announced. For more information, volunteers should leave their name and phone number at 954-357-7846.

Coastal Reef Clean-up Project Earns National Award

Broward County, representatives from the U.S. Navy, Army, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection were among those chosen to receive the Coastal America Partnership Award with special recognition from President Barack Obama for the Florida Artificial Tire Reef Clean-up effort, also known as the Osborne Reef Tire Removal Project.

The award was presented at a special ceremony August 12 at Anne Kolb Nature Center. Broward County agencies receiving the Coastal America Award and Presidential recognition include Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management, Port Everglades and Broward County Parks and Recreation. More…

Save Water and Natural Resources with Water Conservation

Natural Resource Specialists with Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management will present “From Your Lawn to the Everglades: Save Money and Natural Resources with Water Conservation” at the North Regional/Broward College Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, at 3:15 p.m. Sunday, August 30. The free presentation will cover Florida’s unique environment, the history of drainage in the state, the significance of aquifers and Everglades restoration efforts. Solutions such as drought tolerant planting and smart irrigation techniques will also be discussed.

Residents Challenged to “Change the World” and “Drive Smarter”

Broward County is once again challenging its residents and employees to “change the world” and “drive smarter” as part of the 2009 Annual National Association of Counties (NACo) annual Green County Competitions: the Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR® Campaign and the Drive $marter Challenge. Both contests continue through November. More…

Applications Being Accepted for Master Gardener Program

Broward County Parks and Recreation Division, Extension Education Section and the University of Florida-Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences are accepting applications from Broward County residents for the next Master Gardener Training Session. The course will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting on September 2 and ending on December 16. For more information and an application, call Brenda Roby at 954-370-3725 or email broby@broward.org.

To Receive Community Update Please Send Email to Us

Community Update, a monthly newsletter from the Board of County Commissioners, is produced by the Office of Public Communications. Address questions concerning articles to 954-357-6990. To receive Community Update electronically, send an email to publicinfo@broward.org. Please include your first and last name and email address. Hearing impaired residents can call the TTY line at 954-831-3940 for additional information.