Twenty-Nine New Florida Master Gardeners to Serve Broward County

Twenty-nine Broward residents recently passed written and laboratory exams at the UF-IFAS/Broward County Extension Office in Davie as the culmination of their intensive 14-week, 112-hour lecture, laboratory and field Master Gardener training. They join the ranks of 183 active Florida Master Gardeners, bringing the total serving the County to 212.

Florida Master Gardeners of Broward County are guided by 40 Local Master Gardener Coordinators in charge of activities in 30 cities. This class included students from Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, Margate, Oakland Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Sunrise and Tamarac.

Master Gardeners learn about sustainable landscaping, including the use of native species, water and soil conservation, best management practices for irrigation, and pest management for homes and landscapes. The Master Gardeners receive intensive instruction in their central role of working the Public Answer Hotline (954-370-3725 or via email at mastergardener@broward.org) and as Florida Yards & Neighborhoods/NatureScape Yard Inspectors as they serve the residents of Broward County.

The next Master Gardener training course will take place from March 15 to June 21, 2010. Applications and interviews for that class will be scheduled for mid-February. For information and to apply, contact broby@broward.org, visit www.broward.org/extension, or call 954-370-3725.

“Know the Flow” Presentation Offered to Homeowner Associations

The Broward County Natural Resources Planning and Management Division offers a free, fun and informative, 20-minute “Know the Flow” presentation to homeowner associations that teaches residents how to save money, save water and “go green.” All attendees receive prizes. To schedule a presentation for your group, contact Asif Ali at 954-519-1222 or email aali@broward.org.

Grant Funds Responsible Pet Ownership Program

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation, in partnership with Broward County Parks and Recreation, has received a $6,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Broward to implement a pet education outreach program for school-age children who attend summer and after-school programs in County and municipal parks.

“Paw Heroes: Summer and After School Youth Pet Care Program” focuses on the importance of recognizing animal cruelty, animal laws and basic education about dog and cat breeds. It is the goal of the12-month project to reach more than 4,000 children county wide.

Historical Commission Hosts Grand Opening

The Broward County Historical Commission and Museum celebrated a grand opening of its new location, 301 S.W. 13th Ave. (Harmon Ave.), Fort Lauderdale on February 4. The Commission’s new location − in the rehabilitated historic West Side Grade School building in the Sailboat Bend district − features new gallery exhibits, a research library, historical archives and archeological artifacts. For more information, call 954-357-5553.

2010 County Food Drive Will Last All Year

Broward County’s Fall Festival Food Drive concluded December 31, 2009, and resulted in 1,500 pounds of food that helped feed many families over the holidays. But the needs of our community continue. As a result, Broward County has launched a “365 Food Drive,” a yearlong effort to collect food and toiletries to benefit area food banks. County employees and the public are encouraged to participate. Collection points include government centers, main and regional courthouses and Broward County libraries.

All non-perishable food items, such as canned meat, vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, jelly or jam, soups, pasta and toiletries, are welcome at any time. Participants are also encouraged to watch for monthly announcements about special areas of need. February is recognized as Healthy Heart Month and donations, such as reduced sodium soups, whole-grain pasta and oatmeal are encouraged.

Watering Restrictions Now Permanent in Broward County

Broward County Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance on Tuesday, January 12, that makes two-day per week, year-round landscape watering restrictions mandatory for County, city and private water customers.

Even-numbered addresses are permitted to water on Thursday and/or Sunday and odd-numbered addresses can water on Wednesday and/or Saturday. The County’s adoption of the two-day per week schedule supports the South Florida Water Management District’s recent adoption of a regional water conservation rule also limiting landscape irrigation.

Irrigation is prohibited daily between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., except for watering new landscaping, irrigation system repair and maintenance, watering-in insecticides, fungicides and herbicides, and hand watering with a low-volume sprayer.

Broward County Schedules 2010 Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation has scheduled its series of Low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics for 2010. At the clinic, Broward County dogs and cats will be able to receive a one-year rabies vaccination and Broward County pet license. The cost is $15 with cash only payment accepted.

No appointment is necessary and customers are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. All dogs must be on leashes and all cats must be in carriers. The 2010 Rabies Clinics, all scheduled on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in various locations countywide, are:

• March 13 - Roosevelt Park, 2841 N.W. 11th St., Fort Lauderdale
• May 15 - David Park Community Center, 108 N. 33rd Court, Hollywood
• July 10 - Catharine Young Branch Library, 5810 Park Drive, Margate
• September 11 - Collins Community Center, 3900 N.E. Third Ave., Oakland Park
• November 6 - Mary Saunders Park, 4750 S.W. 21st St., West Park

To qualify to attend the rabies clinic, a pet owner must have proof of residency, such as a valid Florida driver’s license or a current utility bill. In addition, the pet owner must bring proof they meet low-income guidelines based on income and family size by producing a current pay check stub, or proof that they are receiving public assistance or food stamps, worker’s compensation or unemployment and Social Security or Disability. For more information, call 954-359-1010.

County Promotes Healthy Aging

The Broward County Commission recently approved a $171,495 agreement with Health Foundation of South Florida to implement evidence-based health programming with at least 900 older adults beginning in January 2010. The County’s Elderly and Veterans Services Division will be implementing the Living Healthy, EnhanceFitness and Healthy IDEAS programs, which are part of Health Foundation’s Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative of South Florida.

This collaborative brings together a Leadership Council comprised of local, state and national community leaders, policy makers and aging experts in an effort to ensure health promotion among older adults in South Florida. The Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative seeks to raise regional awareness of the importance of healthy aging, recommend and facilitate community partnerships and advocate for relevant public policies. For more information, call 305-374-7200 or visit www.hfsf.org.

Severe Weather Awareness Week in Florida Observed

All of Florida observed Severe Weather Awareness Week recently, and the Broward County Emergency Management Division reminds all County residents that severe weather can happen at any time and everyone needs to be prepared year-around. All residents are encouraged to learn and review the proper safety precautions necessary for protecting their lives during severe weather. For more information, visit 2010 Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Property Tax Exemption Filing Dates Announced For February 2010

The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office hosts a series of community outreach events each month throughout Broward County. Deputy Appraisers will be available to assist with Homestead and other property tax exemption applications, as well as answer questions on assessments and property taxes. The outreach program is designed to provide convenient and accessible service to the residents of Broward County. For further information visit www.bcpa.net or contact the Outreach Department by phone at 954-357-5579 or email at kbrown@bcpa.net.

Lots of Kisses and Hugs at ‘Adopt-A-Sweetheart’ Pet Adoption

On Valentine’s Day, candy and roses may be traditional gifts, but nothing beats a lifelong furry friend to love. If you’re looking for a perfect “match,” come to the Valentine’s Day “Adopt-A-Sweetheart” Pet Adoption at the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, on Thursday, February 11, beginning at 9 a.m.

Prospective adopters must complete a short adoption application. The adoption fee of $74.95 cash or credit (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), includes a health exam, sterilization, pet license, tattoo, vaccinations, and a 14-day return policy. Adopters can usually take their new pet home the same day. Free pet gifts will be given to animals adopted at the event. For more information, call 954-359-1010.

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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.