March - April 2012

Broward County > Commission > District 8 - Barbara Sharief > Newsletter > Editions > March - April 2012

Commissioner on a Mission Newsletter: One Year Anniversary Edition

Happy Women’s History Month! This also represents the one year anniversary of the Broward County “Commissioner on a Mission” newsletter. You may recall, I created the original “Commissioner on a Mission” newsletter as Vice-Mayor in the City of Miramar. I will continue using this newsletter as one way to better communicate with you.

I invite you to visit my website to find useful links to topics such as small business development, human services, foreclosure assistance, affordable housing, bus schedules, park and library hours and locations.

My staff works very hard to accommodate you with whatever questions or concerns you may have. Torey Alston is my Chief of Staff and excels in legislative analysis and public policy. My Administrative Coordinator is Kelly Pierson and she is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the office.

It is important that there are always open lines of communication between you and me. I’d also like to hear your ideas and concerns. You can call my office at
954-357-7008 or send an e-mail to bsharief@broward.org. It is a privilege to serve you!

Barbara

95 Express Lanes Construction Begins

Construction started on the 95 Express Lanes in Broward on November 28. The 95 Express builds on the experience of the successful programs in other states which relieve congestion by addressing both transportation demand and supply. The 95 Express also offers both an incentive for transit and carpool formation. For more information on construction and future lane closures visit 95Express.com or call 954-325-8022.

Women’s History Month Events

Women take the stage to celebrate Women’s History Month and pay tribute to women whose commitment makes the world a better place. Women’s History Month events in March include:

April 28 – Children's Bookfest at South Regional Broward College Library
March 10 and 24 – Women’s History Month Movie (Topic: The Salem Witch Trials), 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Miramar Library, 2050 Civic Center Place.
March 17 – Culture in the Pines Women’s History Month Performance: She Wrote the Song, by Sonny & Perley, 2 p.m. at the Southwest Regional Library,16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines.
March 17 – Culture in the Pines Women’s History Month Performance: She Wrote the Song, by Sonny & Perley, 2 p.m. at the Southwest Regional Library,16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines.
April 28 – Children's Bookfest at South Regional Broward College Library

Florida Heritage Month Events

March 15, kicks off Florida Heritage Month, an initiative that honors both Florida’s rich history and raises awareness of our state’s cultural heritage. Celebrate the Sunshine State’s unique history with a visit to your Broward County Library. A free Broward County Heritage Month Program in our area:

March 18 – Book discussion in honor of Florida Heritage Month: Hoot, based on the Newberry Honor book by Carl Hiaasen, 3 p.m., Miramar Library, 2050 Civic Center Place.

Go to broward.org for additional events.

Broward County’s Annual Report

Broward County's Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2011 is now available online. The report details the progress, achievements and accomplishments of Broward County government and the impact on quality of life for its 1.7 million residents. Visit broward.org and click Helpful References.

The report includes significant accomplishments in the Board of County Commissioners' major goals including transportation, culture, recreation and learning, health and human services, environment, economic vitality, housing and fiscally sustainable and transparent government.

Program and service highlights of the year include:

The Green Lights program was launched in 2010 to retime and coordinate signal timing on the County's major highways. As of October 2011, 650 intersections had been retimed and all major east-west corridors and 70 percent of major north-south corridors were completed resulting in travel time improvements between 10-40 percent and fuel cost savings of $14 million.
Human Services used $51.6 million in state and federal grants to supplement funding for programs and services for the health and well-being of residents.
Environmental Protection introduced a $400,000 Energy Sense Appliance Rebate Program to help businesses and residents transition to more energy efficient appliances.
Broward County Transit (BCT) implemented a new 95 EXPRESS premium bus service route from Miramar to downtown Miami with more than 800 daily passengers.
Public/private partnerships resulted in 1,087 new jobs generating wages of at least $52 million, and 3,020 retained jobs.
Port Everglades accounted for $14 billion of economic activity supporting more than 10,000 direct jobs and 143,000 total jobs in Florida.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport provided 44,000 jobs and $2.6 billion in annual economic activity. The South Runway Expansion project is expected to create 11,000 jobs and at its peak in 2013 will contribute over $1 million per day to the local economy.

County Commissioner Sharief with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

County Commissioner Sharief with Congresswoman Frederica Wilson

County Commissioner Sharief with Congresswoman Frederica Wilson at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Bus Shelters Coming to Miramar and Pembroke Pines

Bus shelters are under construction or being surveyed for construction within the City of Miramar and City of Pembroke Pines. The estimated completion date is 2012/2013. Locations include:

Miramar Parkway and Island Drive
Miramar Parkway and Palm Avenue
Miramar Parkway and Knolls R-Bank
Miramar Parkway and Douglas Road
Miramar Parkway and State Road 7
University Drive and Pembroke Road
Pines Boulevard and S.W. 184 Avenue