Fall 2006 - City of Plantation

Fall 2006
2007 City Calendars
Coming Soon
WELCOME:
Shade Brigade
NEW:
Economic
Development
Section
Art In The Park
Celebrates 40 Years!

Plant OF THE QUARTER
SIMPSON STOPPER
(Myrcianthes fragrans)
Patrice Sonnelitter,
Associate Landscape Architect
A BRIEF HISTORY AND SUMMARY
Stop! Everyone should have a Stopper! There
are several Stopper trees native to South Florida,
the Keys and the Caribbean. The Simpson
Stopper has also been commonly referred to as
Twinberry. The botanical name is Myrcianthes
fragrans. This makes the Simpson Stopper part
of the Myrtaceae (or Myrtle) family. It was first
named Myrtus fragrans in 1788, and has undergone
27 genus or species name changes since
then. Fragrans indicates that the species has a
fragrant component and the common name of
Stopper tell us (as lore would have it) that the
berries may have been used to stop diarrhea.
While there seems to be no true medicinal qualities
to any part of the plant, the orange-red edible
fruit is devoured by birds and animals and its
flower’s nectar is enjoyed by butterflies.
The Simpson Stopper is not only the tree for
all seasons, it is also the tree for all reasons.
This most adaptable native species will delight
you with its fragrance – leaf and flower; its seasonal
color – white flowers and red berries; its
interesting red peeling bark; its size – compact
enough for the smallest garden in the sun or as a
companion in the shade of a large canopy tree;
its shape – multi-stemmed for screening or single
trunk specimen; and its culture – sun to
deep shade, salt and drought tolerate in a variety
of soil types.
HABIT/HEIGHT/SPREAD
This is a slow growing, small tree or multistemmed
tree to 20 feet (+/-) with a 15-foot
spread. Used as a small specimen tree, its vase
shape provides graceful shade to a small space.
Used as a multi-stem large shrub this tree provides
screening and privacy.
FOLIAGE/FLOWERS/FRUIT
This tree is evergreen. The small, dark green
leaves are in scale with the size of the tree overall
and have a eucalyptus-like smell when
crushed. The small quarter-inch, white, fireworks
type flower is also fragrant. Bloom time is
throughout the year. The flower’s nectar attracts
butterflies and bees. The red-orange berry
appears in the fall and is staple to birds and
small animals.
BARK/BRANCHING
The branching is upright and vase-like. The
tree can be trained to be a small, single stem
tree or a multi-stem large shrub. Its smooth,
peeling bark is uncommonly handsome, and is
THE SIMPSON STOPPER IS
NOT ONLY THE TREE FOR ALL
SEASONS, IT IS
THE TREE FOR ALL REASONS.
its most unforgettable characteristic. It is what
makes this tree a specimen.
CULTURAL ASPECTS
The Simpson Stopper is one of the most adaptable
native in our South Florida tree palette.
Hardy from zone 9b to zone 11, it can be successfully
planted in light shade, partial to full
shade or full shade. In a full shade condition the
branches will elongate exposing more of it
sinewy branches. In partial sun the branches will
remain shorter. Soil pH can range from mildly
acidic to mildly alkaline; preferably moist yet
withstanding periods of wet or drought. Once
established, this species will not require additional
irrigation. This tough little tree is also salt
tolerant.
If you like to propagate, collect the berries,
remove the fleshy outer part, clean and dry the
seeds Plant directly outside in the fall.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
This tree is not utilized enough in the landscape.
It has many design applications: specimen
or mass planting; screening or canopy cover;
multi-seasonal color; soil and light adaptability;
fragrance and interesting bark. Its compact size
and root zones make it suitable for small lots
and concerns close to hardscape elements.
Consider grouping trees together to created a
small grove. Although they do well in storms,
current information suggests grouping trees for
added stability.
PURCHASING AND PLANTING
Native tree nurseries are good resources for
purchasing Simpson Stoppers. However, they
may be hard to find and will be small in size.
Call around and keep asking. Nurserymen are
encouraged to grow species that people want to
buy. Don’t be tempted, however, if it demonstrates
poor branch structure or girdled roots
(roots that encircle the roots and run around the
edge of the container). Keep looking. Look for a
straight trunk with a single trunk with evenly
spaced branches around the whole tree or multistem
without crossing branches. Always plant to
expose the root flare. Create a raised mulch ring
(two to three inches) several feet from the trunk
to retain the extra water you will be giving it until
it is established and to discourage weed growth
and that nasty string trimmer that loves to bite
into its tender bark. Don’t let the mulch touch
the bark either. This allows it to breathe and discourage
ants from nesting there.
GOOD LUCK AND
HAPPY BOTANIZING!

MAYOR
Rae Carole Armstrong
CITY COUNCIL
Jerry Fadgen, President
Dr. Robert A. Levy, President Pro Tem
Diane Veltri Bendekovic
Rico Petrocelli
Sharon Uria
CITY DEPARTMENTS
Daniel Keefe, Assistant to the Mayor
Marcia Berkley, Planning, Zoning & Econ. Dev. Director
Hank Breitenkam, Utilities Director
Brett Butler, City Engineer
Robert Castro, Information Technology Director
Frank DeCelles, Public Works Director
Danny Ezzeddine, Design & Constr. Mgmt. Director
Herbert Herriman, Financial Serv. Director
Monica Knapp, Library Director
Larry L. Massey, Chief of Police
Margie Moale, Human Resources Director
Robert S. Pudney, Fire Chief
James Romano, Parks & Recreation Director
Jeff Sabouri, Building Director
Jeffrey Siegel, Landscape Architect
Susan Slattery, City Clerk
PLANTATION QUARTERLY
and RECREATION QUARTERLY
STAFF
Susan DiLaura, Editor
Ginette Fogel, Graphic Designer
Ken Boyce, Recreation Editor
Cheryl Greenberg, Assistant Recreation Editor
Plantation
the grass is greener ®
City of Plantation
400 NW 73rd Avenue Plantation, FL 33317
954-797-2200
www.Plantation.org
AskCityHall@Plantation.org
Table
OF CONTENTS
Welcome the Shade Brigade 4
City Seeks NWF Certification 4
Art in the Park 5
Equestrian Center Programs 6
Provider Pals 6
It Starts in the Park 7
Coming Soon: City Calendar 7
Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library 8
Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club 9
Parks & Recreation 10
Get to Know...Plantation Athletic League 10
Grants & Sponsorships 11
Community Development Block Grant 11
Plantation’s New Radio Station 12
Public Safety 12
Flood Insurance Requirements 13
Checklist for Damaged Trees 14
Bulk Waste Pickup Schedule 15
Historical Museum Receives Donation 15
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Grove East Update 16
Welcome PGH’s New CEO 16
Gateway Business Update 17
Landscape Edge Project 17
Midtown Transit Moving Forward 18
American Express – 30 Years in Plantation 18
Targeting Technology 19
ON THE COVER: 40th Year of Art in the Park
At Art in the Park, visitors will find a beautiful paintings, sculptures, pottery
and glassware, along with live music, children’s crafts, food and more! The
City of Plantation congratulates the Plantation Junior Woman’s Club on
bringing this lively event to Plantation for 40 years.
For City of Plantation publications in alternative format, please contact the Purchasing
Division at 954-797-2648. The City of Plantation will provide reasonable accommodations
for disabled individuals requesting special assistance in order to attend or participate
in City functions. Request for assistance must be made to the Office of the City Clerk at
954-797-2236 at least five calendar days prior to the meeting (three calendar days
prior to a City Council meeting).

Welcome TO THE SHADE BRIGADE
Patrice Sonnelitter, Associate Landscape Architect
Shade Brigade meetings are held
the fourth Thursday of the month at
7:30 pm in the Developmental
Services building
Come rain or shine (or hurricane) the City
of Plantation will continue to be a tree city. It
has been a TREE CITY USA award recipient for
the past twenty-six years. Continuing in the
tradition, the City has recently formed a tree
advocacy group. This group has formally been
named the Shade Brigade. Its 30-plus
members meet the fourth Thursday evening of
each month at 7:30 in the Developmental
Services building, located at 401 NW 70th
Terrace, in the first floor conference room.
The Shade Brigade has been meeting for
several months. Activities include educational
and hands-on tree advocacy issues, fund
raisers and field trips. In March, David
McLean, noted horticulturalist and educator,
helped the group plant the Florida Wildflower
Foundation “Bird, Butterfly and People”
garden and refurbish the grounds of the
Developmental Services building. The City’s Urban
Forester, Keith Shriver, worked with the group
advising them on proper tree care and planting.
Recent activities include a meeting on butterflies,
a field trip to a resident’s wildscape garden and a
lecture on Landscape Design.
Patrice Sonnelitter, the City’s representative on
the group, wants everyone to know, “We are a
group of plant and tree enthusiasts that include
residents who have far reaching skills, botanical
or otherwise. No knowledge of trees is necessary
to enjoy learning about them.” If you are interested
in joining the group or attending a meeting
to see what they’re about, call or e-mail Patrice at
954-797-2639 or psonnelitter@plantation.org.
National Wildlife Federation
COMMUNITY WILDLIFE HABITAT
The City of Plantation is currently pursuing
the coveted title of Community Wildlife
Habitat from the National Wildlife Federation
(NWF), an organization that is dedicated to
protecting wildlife. This certification will
provide the City of Plantation with a method
of reaching out to homeowners, schools and
businesses, educating them on the importance
of water conservation and preservation,
while creating a safe habitat for its feathered
and four-legged friends.
A committee of registered volunteer
Wildlife Stewards and City staff will collaborate
to certify residential backyards, garner
support from government officials, identify
partners and research the ecological characteristics
of Plantation. This is an exciting
effort that will require a comprehensive fiveyear
plan and identifiable habitat demonstration
sites located within the City of
Plantation.
The team is already working towards certification,
with plans to hold the City’s kick-off
event in October at its annual TreeDay!
workshop. Wildlife Stewards recently created
4
Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006
a peaceful habitat retreat for citizens and
wildlife on the grounds of the Development
Services building at 401 NW 73rd Avenue,
which will serve as one of the NWF Wildlife
Habitat Demonstration sites. Demonstration
sites will also be located at the Plantation
Preserve and Volunteer Park wetlands areas.
What can you do to join in this worthy
effort? In the spirit of team cooperation, log
on to www.wildlifefederation.org and
follow the easy prompts to register your
personal property as a Backyard Wildlife
Habitat. We need a minimum of 200 registered
residential properties, as well as five
schools and six businesses in order to be
granted certification from NWF. Not an easy
task by any means, but certainly worth the
effort. Preservation and conservation of water
resources and the environment is the ultimate
mission in the pursuit of this certification,
and the importance of citizen participation
cannot be emphasized enough!
For information call 954-797-2246.
CityReceives
EMERALD AWARD
The Broward County Environmental Protection
Department recently selected several local entities
– including the City of Plantation – to honor with
Emerald Awards. The awards recognize environmentally
responsible businesses, homeowners,
governments and other groups in Broward County
that have displayed exceptional efforts to protect
the environment and have incorporated
“NatureScape Broward” techniques into their
landscaping. The Broward County Board of County
Commissioners presented trophies to the winners
at a special ceremony held April 25.
“These businesses are to be commended for the
extraordinary efforts that they have made to protect
Broward County’s environment,” said Broward
County Mayor Ben Graber. “They are committed to
implementing business practices that benefit their
own companies and the communities in which they
are located. Congratulations to them all.” The City
of Plantation received its Emerald Award in the
category of Municipality/Government for the
Butterfly Garden located at the Development
Services Building. Stop by and take a look; it’s
located at 401 NW 70th Terrace. More information,
including application procedures and guidelines, is
available at www.broward.org/environment, or
call 954-519-1257.

Art in thePark
LOOK WHO’S 40! ART IN THE PARK CELEBRATES ANOTHER MILESTONE
For two days late in October, all eyes are on Plantation’s Liberty Tree Park, located
on NW 5th Street, as the Plantation Junior Woman’s Club presents Art in the Park. This
year, they will be celebrating the event’s “40th birthday.”
130 artists from Florida and around the country gather to participate in this
successful, juried fine art show, where a total of $10,000 in prize money is awarded to
the participants by independent judges. In addition to a wide variety of art, live music
can be heard throughout the event, and children can enjoy crafts, entertainment and
activities in the Kids Corner. A variety of food, snacks and beverages is available for
purchase, with ample seating under shade trees.
Admission is free to this annual event, and there is free tram service from the
Fashion Mall, provided by the Plantation Tram. Attendance is estimated at 75,000.
Proceeds from the event (raised through sponsorships and food, poster, and t-shirt
sales) are returned to the community. Last year alone, over $26,000 was donated to
such worthwhile organizations as: Easter Seals of Broward County, Helen B. Hoffman
Plantation Library, Plantation High School, Plantation Historical Museum and
Plantation Parks & Recreation Department. Money was also used to fund scholarships
for two Plantation area high school seniors, provide holiday dinners for families in
need, and support beautification projects throughout the City, including post-Wilma
restoration and beautification at Liberty Tree Park.
This year’s event will be held October 28 and 29. For more information, or to
inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit
www.plantationjuniorwomansclub.org, or call 954-797-9762.
Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006
5

Plantation EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Jeff Cannon, Equestrian Supervisor
The Plantation Equestrian Center was a dream
for so many residents in the City. Since opening
in April 2005, it has been hosting horse shows
and competitions almost every weekend from
September through June. These events are free
for spectators and provide a venue for local
horse enthusiasts to meet and socialize. They
also offer novices an introduction to the world
of horses.
Shortly after opening, it became apparent that
the Equestrian Center could give back to the
residents of Plantation and the surrounding area
in much a greater capacity. Horse farms and
equestrian centers in Broward County are
closing down due to development pressures,
and parents are finding it harder and harder to
find places for their children to ride.
Realizing that so many life lessons are learned
as a child by participating in Parks & Recreation
activities, it was decided that in addition to the
shows and competitions, equestrian classes for
children would be offered. Riding as a child
provides many wonderful benefits such as
responsibility, discipline, respect, patience,
self-esteem, judgment and maturity. It’s
also a great source of exercise, and it’s a
lot of fun!
To encourage children’s participation in
equestrian activities, the Plantation
Equestrian Center introduce the Share-A-
Pony program. This program, which introduces
children ages 4-12 to the wonderful
world of equines, has already provided
over 300 children the opportunity to know
what it is like to be around, care for and
ride a pony in a safe non-threatening
atmosphere. Two classes are held every
Saturday morning between 9:30 am and
12:30 pm.
Additionally, two new riding programs were
offered this summer: one for children 7–17
years old and one for adults 18 and older.
These programs will continue this fall on
Tuesdays. New dates and times will be added as
demand grows.
The Equestrian programs introduce children and adults to
the wonderful world of horses in a safe non-threatening
atmosphere through group riding classes.
A variety of riding and Share-A-Pony programs
will also be offered during school winter and
spring breaks. Please call the Equestrian Center
at 954-476-4316 to find more information
about all of our new programs.
ProviderPals PROGRAM
ENRICHING PLANTATION MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Provider Pals helps build a bridge of understanding
between the nation’s youth and the cultures in this country
that provide the raw materials for the projects Americans
need to function in their daily lives. This national organization
received the Preserve America Presidential Award
from President George W. Bush in 2004. At an oval office
presentation, this award was presented for excellence in
showcasing the historic resources of the United States. The
City of Plantation is proud that its two middle schools are
the only two schools in Florida chosen to be affiliated with
the nationally recognized program.
At the beginning of the 2005/06 school year, the students
in Lynn Rudolph’s sixth-grade classes at Seminole Middle
School adopted Jason Williams, a Wyoming farmer and
rancher, and the students in Mariel Goff’s sixth-grade
advanced science classes at Plantation Middle School
adopted Jim Oldis, a logger from Washington State.
Throughout the year, the students learned about rural
lifestyles and their impact on the American environment by
communicating daily with their Provider Pals through video,
e-mail and letters. In addition, the Provider Pals provided
manuals suggesting various classroom activities that
promote the study of the environment.
At the end of the year, the Provider Pals traveled to
Plantation to visit their student friends at Plantation Middle
and Seminole Middle schools. After discussing his life on the
6 Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006
Classroom lectures provided an opportunity for
questions and answers.
ranch and how a ranch function within our
environment, Williams outfitted the students
with cowboy clothes so that they could practice
their roping skills with a plastic
cow head. Logger Oldis emphasized
sound conservation
practices, which he utilizes on the
450,000-acre tree farm in
Washington State where he is
employed. After slicing wooden
“cookies” from a log, Oldis taught
the students how to map the
history of a tree.
The City of Plantation is pleased
to be doing its part to make young
Students reported that the logger’s
chain saw demonstration was
“awesome!”
The rancher demonstrated how to lasso a “calf,” then
the students got to try.
adults aware of the important relationship that exists between humans, wildlife and
the environment.

It Starts IN THE PARK
The City of Plantation Parks and Recreation
has 5 community centers, 41 parks, an equestrian
center, 2 50 meter pools, 21 tot lots, 15
soccer fields, a golf course, 15 outdoor
basketball courts, a dog park and so much
more for the residents of Plantation to use and
enjoy.
These parks and facilities assist in fulfilling
the daily needs for exercise, recreation and
community building, These are the essential
places that host community festivals, public
performances, sporting events and civic
gatherings. This is where children participate
in baseball and soccer games, attend summer
camp and spend after-school hours. It is in
these settings that people work off the stress of
the day. In the aftermath of devastating hurricanes
and other stressful times, people look
for places to bring their families and neighbors
together to reconnect.
As new initiative from the Florida Recreation
and Park Association and supported by the
Florida League of Cities and the Trust for Public
Land points out It Starts In Parks!
A SENSE OF COMMUNITY:
What transforms a crowd into a community?
A chance for people to connect. Parks provide
that chance. Florida’s parks are where lifetime
friendships are formed, where the gap between
generations is bridged, where people discover
what they have in common. How do you grow a
hometown with a sense of community? It starts
in parks.
2007 CityCalendar
COMING THIS SEPTEMBER!
GOOD HEALTH:
Physical activity is the key to maintaining a
healthy body weight, preventing disease and
feeling better. A growing body of research
shows that physically active adults and children
are less prone to obesity, diabetes, heart
disease – even depression. Florida’s parks
offer a wide range of free and low-cost opportunities
to get out and play. Physical activity and
good health. It starts in parks.
ACHIEVEMENT:
Big achievements in life start with small
successes. Like learning how to be part of a
team. Or figuring out that excellence comes
from a daily commitment of time and hard
work. Florida’s parks give children a chance to
learn those life lessons, to experience success
early, and to dream big. Parks build future
leaders by giving youth the opportunity to lead.
Personal achievement. It starts in parks.
RESPECT FOR NATURE:
Whether it’s feeling the sun on your face,
learning how things grow or enjoying the aweinspiring
beauty of a summer’s day, nature’s
innovation sustains us from the inside out.
Spending time outside reminds us of our
unique place in the world. A connection to
nature. It starts in parks.
CONSERVATION OF OUR
NATURAL RESOURCES:
Air. Water. Land. These are our greatest
natural treasures. Yet, a growing population
threatens the quantity and quality of these vital
resources. Conserving green spaces and
waterways for the generations to come is
crucial for our very survival. Florida’s parks
hold a key. Preserving what’s precious. It starts
in parks.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Parks offer the perfect venue for community
and regional events – tournaments, concerts
exhibitions, food festivals – that draw visitors
and new dollars into our backyard. A vibrant,
growing community. It starts in parks.
The Plantation Parks and Recreation
Department continues the quest to provide
residents with quality open spaces, playgrounds
and sports complexes and facilities. Providing
our community with programs that create
balanced growth, advance the health and wellbeing
of our residents, that protect our water
and natural resources, generate economic
activity and help build a strong community.
For more information on any of the City’s
Parks and Recreation facilities, please call
954-452-2510 or visit the website
www.plantation.org.
Acknowledgements: Information taken from the publication Florida Parks in the 21st
Century, A sound investment for a Growing State, published by The Trust for Public Land,
F.R.P.A. and the Florida League of Cities.
Celebrate 2007 in STYLE! The City of Plantation is pleased to announce its first ever City calendar.
The calendar includes beautiful full color photographs of City locations and people, information about
City programs, school holidays and local civic organizations, plus discounts from Plantation business
sponsors. Included are coupons from the Parks and Recreation Department, Plantation General
Hospital, Westside Regional Medical Center, Contour Day Spa, Brinwo Development Corporation,
Landlubbers Raw Bar, Ofra European Day Spa and the Pink Pussycat Flower Shop.
Calendars are available for purchase for only $5 each at City Hall, City community centers, the
Development Services Building, Plantation Central Park, the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library,
the Historical Museum, Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club, Rena’s Flowers of Merritt and at
Art in the Park.
What a great way to start 2007: Buying the first-of-its-kind City Calendar, supporting City
parks and businesses, and taking advantage of discount coupons right here in Plantation!
Calendars make excellent gifts for neighbors, friends, students and teachers!
All proceeds go to Plantation Parks and Recreation Programs.
For information call 954-452-2500.
Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006
7

Library
ADOPT A SHELF PROGRAM
Brush up on your Dewey Decimal knowledge! The Helen B. Hoffman
Plantation is excited to introduce a new program: Adopt-A-Shelf Program. The
Adopt-A-Shelf program was developed to help maintain the order and
appearance of the library shelves so patrons and staff can locate materials
easily, and to provide opportunities for volunteerism and community service.
Volunteers choose a range of shelves in fiction, non-fiction or the children’s
room. Volunteers are asked to spend a minimum of one hour, one time per
week at their convenience to straighten their area. The books must be kept in
proper Dewey and/or alphabetical order. The shelves must be kept neat by
aligning books with the front shelf whenever possible and shifting when
necessary. Shelves need to be dusted when necessary. Any books that need new
covers, cleaning or repair will be brought to the Reference Librarian.
Volunteers will sign in and out in a log kept at the front desk. Staff will fill out
any necessary forms for community service hours based on this log.
Interested parties must be age 13 and older, and should be able to tolerate
stooping, stretching, standing and use of a footstool. Also required is the ability
to read top and bottom shelves; understand and work with the Dewey Decimal
System and alphabetical filing systems; and follow oral and written directions.
Proper library behavior is required at all times. Group or one-on-one training
and orientation will be provided at the time of placement. For more information,
please contact the program supervisor, Tanya Field at 954-797-2144.
Library GROWING!
“Building” was the buzz-word at the library this year. Come
by and see the progress we’ve made with our addition.
Construction began Monday, February 13, 2006 with a
ceremonial groundbreaking.
L to R: Happy Groundbreaking Day with Dee Anne Merritt, the
recently retired Library Director, Patricia Hague, Principal at Peters
Elementary School, Mayor Rae Carole Armstrong and Agnes Barrett,
Library Board Member.
FIND IT @ THE Library
As the 2006-2007 school year gets underway, the Reference Staff
would like to remind residents about the databases available at the
library. In addition to the Internet, patrons can access the following
from the library’s computers:
FLORIDA ELECTRONIC LIBRARY: online databases available
free of charge to all Florida residents with a public library card from
home, work or a public library. Resources include magazines,
newspapers, almanacs and encyclopedias covering current events,
education, business, technology, health and cultural, historical and
environmental resources about Florida. (www.flelibrary.org)
EBSCO: online gateway to journals, pamphlets and periodicals
providing full text articles and abstracts covering general reference
topics accessible from the library’s computers.
NEWSBANK SUN-SENTINEL: full text electronic edition of the
Sun-Sentinel from 1986-present, providing local, state, national and
international news. The Special Reports section also features timely
topics including world travel, health, science and natural disasters.
Accessible from both the library’s computers and from the library’s
home page on the City of Plantation website. (www.Plantation.org)
GALE LITERATURE RESOURCE CENTER: a complete literature
reference database designed for undergraduate and graduate
students that covers biographical, bibliographical and critical
content. Genres include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism,
drama, history and more for all time periods. Available on the
library’s computers and from home:
(http://infotrac.galegroup.com) User name: plan80534
Password: sugar
211 FirstCall FOR HELP
WHEN LIFE GETS TOUGH, HELP IS JUST A CALL AWAY
First Call For Help provides 24-hour comprehensive crisis intervention
assistance and/or information and referrals to health and human services
in Broward County. The service is available 24-hours. Your phone call is
confidential and FREE. You can obtain crisis/suicide counseling, empathetic
listening, community information and referrals for health and human
service resources in Broward County for your particular need:
• Food, clothing and shelter
• Child, youth, family and elder services
• Substance abuse, mental health or HIV/AIDS
• Health services, education and support groups
• Transportation, financial assistance, recreation and more
You don't have to go it alone. Trained counselors will listen and care...any
problem...any time.
FIRST CALL FOR HELP OF BROWARD, INC.
3217 NW 10th Terrace, Suite 308
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
• DIAL 2-1-1 OR 954-537-0211
FPL REPORTING PROCEDURES
To report inoperative or malfunctioning streetlights, please contact FPL at
800-4OUTAGE (800-468-8243) or visit them at www.FPL.com. You will be
asked to provide the following information: (1) The location of the street
light, including the closest address and any nearby landmarks (another
option is to look for the 11-digit number mounted on the telephone pole).
(2) A description of the problem. (3) Your contact information, including
name, address e-mail address and/or phone number.
8 Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006

Golf ACADEMY
PLANTATION PRESERVE GOLF
COURSE & CLUB’S
NEW TEACHING ACADEMY
Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club is please to
announce the addition of the Jimmy Rockelman Golf
Academy to its golf facility. Jimmy Rockelman has 14 years
of teaching experience from beginning golfers to professionals.
Prior to joining Plantation Preserve, Jimmy was lead
instructor at Grande Oaks Golf Academy (2004-2006) and
the Mark Wood Golf Academy (2001-2004). Jimmy
graduated from Ferris State University in Big Rapids,
Michigan and is currently a member of the PGA of America.
The Jimmy Rockelman Golf Academy (JRGA) was
designed to create a teaching and training environment that
helps golfers of all levels of play improve their development,
understanding and enjoyment of the game of golf. JRGA is
open to the public and offers instruction to both adults and
children. Video/computer analysis with take home DVD is
also available.
JRGA’s presence is visible all the way from the clubhouse,
as his teaching facility is a 1,300 square-foot maroon canopy
located at the back of the driving range, providing a
comfortable shaded grass teaching area. For more information
on clinics or lessons, you can contact Jimmy at 954-
240- 2573 or e-mail at Jimmyrock@pga.com. Good luck
and welcome, Jimmy!
Tips FROM THE GOLF PRO
Brian Schuler, Plantation Preserve Head Golf Pro
Follow these basic tips to make your short game
as simple as possible, and your scores will come
down dramatically. Using one basic motion, you can
eliminate guesswork and hit the ball close from just
about any greenside situation. You can hit this shot
inside 30 yards of the green or whenever you have
some green to work with, as long as the ball is not
in sand or deep rough.
CLUB SELECTION: You should choose a club based on the carry-to-roll ratio
you need. To fly the ball half the total distance and let it roll the final half, use a
pitching wedge. PW = 50 percent air, 50 percent roll. SW = 70 percent air and 30
percent roll. A 9 or 8-iron will carry about one-third the distance to the hole and
roll about two-thirds. An 8-iron = 35 percent air, 65 percent roll. I recommend
taking no more than a 7-iron, which should fly the ball about a quarter of the way. A
7 iron = 25 percent air, 75 percent roll.
SETUP: Because this shot should always roll a little, play the ball one inch back
from the middle of your stance. Your hands should be in line with your left heel so
the shaft of the club leans forward. Put 60 percent of your weight on your front foot.
This setup encourages you to make contact while the club is descending.
THE SWING: Keep the hands soft with a light grip pressure. Arms will swing
back with a little shoulder turn and a partial wrist hinge. Allow your arms and the
handle to lead the club head in the downswing. As the leading edge of the club
strikes the bottom of the ball, allow the legs and stomach to turn through the shot.
The length of the follow-through should be the same length as the back swing.
For more help with your golf game, see Brian Schuler or any of the golf pros at
Plantation Preserve. Call 954-585-5020 for more information.
COLLEEN CASHMAN-MCSWEEN QUALIFIES FOR THE
U.S.Women’s Open CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Colleen Cashman-McSween, Plantation
Preserve Golf Course & Club Sponsorship
and Membership Director, qualified for
the U.S. Women’s Open Championships
which took place June 29 – July 2, 2006
at Newport Country Club in Newport,
Rhode Island.
Prior to the event Colleen confessed “I
am definitely ‘all smiles’ going into this
one! Being away from the competitive
side of the game has made me realize
how much I love playing golf and that I
should enjoy it and have fun again. And
besides, what’s not to look forward to
when you have the opportunity to
compete in the most prestigious women’s
golf tournament in existence!”
Cashman-McSween’s game has
remained consistent throughout the past
several years. However, for this Women’s
U.S. Open, she has had to add an
additional element. “With all the phone
calls and congratulations I have received
during the past couple of days, I can’t
help but get excited! I need to prepare
myself mentally for the thousands of
people that I am going to be playing in
front of and I am going to concentrate
on getting the ball in the air off the first
tee, as I am sure the nerves are going to
be flying! I would love to make
Plantation and the whole South Florida
community proud of their long-time
resident and professional golfer.”
Colleen Cashman-McSween joined the
City of Plantation and Plantation Preserve
Golf Course & Club in December 2004
after a successful career with the
FUTURES Golf Tour, the Official
Developmental Tour of the LPGA. While
touring with the FUTURES Tour, she
competed in over 100 professional golf
tournaments around the country. In
2003, Colleen won her first tournament:
Colleen practices for the US
Women’s Open in Newport, RI.
Mayor Armstrong wishes
Colleen “good luck.”
the 2003 Tampa Bay Next Generation FUTURES Golf Classic,
held in Tampa, Florida. She has also carded three thirdplace
finishes over the past six years.
Colleen is a Plantation native currently living in Tamarac.
During her professional career, she dedicated much of her
time in the off-seasons to coaching the St. Thomas Aquinas
High School Girls Golf Team. During that time, she has
coached her team to a State Championship in 2001 and a
Runner-up finish in 2003. She was named the Florida State
High School Coach of the Year in 2001 and has been the
Miami Herald Coach of the Year numerous times.
Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006
9

Scholarship DONORS – 2006 SUMMER CAMP
The Parks and Recreation department
would like to thank the many organizations
and individuals who generously donated to
the 2006 Summer Recreation Scholarship
Program. These donations help provide a
safe and enjoyable recreational experience
for those children whose parents are
unable to afford the cost of the City’s recreation
programs. Thanks to the financial
support of the organizations and
individuals listed below, the Parks &
Recreation department was able to offer
partial scholarships to 19 families, giving
33 children the opportunity to attend
summer camp this year. On behalf of the
children receiving these scholarships, our
sincere thanks!
$25 – $50 DONATIONS
Deborah Hospital Foundation
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
$100 – $250 DONATIONS
Brent & Susanna Bott
Steven Eisenberg
Plantation Chapter of Women’s American O.R.T.
Plantation L’Chayim Chapter of Hadassah
Plantation Woman’s Club
Wm. Kretchman Ladies Aux. #730
Wm. Kretchman Post 730 Jewish War Vets of USA
Telecom Pioneers Florida Chapter 39
$300 – $500 DONATIONS
AARP Plantation Chapter #3175
Knights of Phythias
Plantation Acres Woman’s Club
United Order of True Sisters #69
$550 – $1,000 DONATIONS
National Beverage Corp.
Plantation Newcomers Club
Senior Club of Plantation
$2,000+ DONATIONS
Plantation Junior Woman’s Club
Get to Know PLANTATION ATHLETIC LEAGUE
The City of Plantation is
deeply appreciative of
the hard work, dedication
and community spirit
exhibited by the many volunteer organizations
throughout the City. From large-scale
fund raising efforts to the simple act of
making a new family feel welcome –
volunteer efforts supporting the existing
governmental structure are what give
Plantation its “hometown” feel. Each
quarter, we would like to introduce you to
one of our many partnership organizations.
PAL MISSION STATEMENT:
To make a difference in the
lives of the children of
the City of Plantation.
It is the intent of the Plantation Athletic
League (PAL) to increase the private and
business community’s awareness of the
benefits and potential of PAL’s programs. PAL
will achieve this through channeled communications
to the City of Plantation, the community
and the media, and through its newly
redesigned website, PALsports.org.
The purpose of PAL is to provide a service to
the community that is consistently fair to all
who participate and to provide opportunities
for recreation, personal and athletic growth
and sportsmanship for its participants. This is
achieved through its team selection processes,
coaches training and certification, adherence
to code of ethics and opportunities for participants
to referee.
In order to provide services at the lowest
cost possible, PAL solicits participation from
our community businesses in the form of
sponsorship, marketing, promotion and advertisement,
and maximizes its purchasing power
through volume pricing of sports equipment,
uniforms, trophies, pictures and more.
PAL also serves as a central resource for the
recruitment, training and deployment of volunteers
who coach Plantation’s children. It
defines and schedules volunteer resources and
facilities in a manner that accommodates
sports programs and special events, keeping
an eye on the broader perspective in order to
minimize conflicts that can arise from
overlapping seasons and travel programs.
The safety and welfare of children are PAL’s
primary concerns. Since today’s youth are
tomorrow’s leaders, the mental and physical
abilities developed today can determine how
well they handle responsibility in the future. To
this end, PAL seeks to demonstrate and
promote the concepts of team participation,
spirit of competitiveness and fair play, both on
and off the field, by players, coaches, officials,
family and fans alike.
Visit PAL’s website, www.PALsports.org, for
more information on its mission and purpose
statements, and to obtain bylaws and meeting
minutes, board of directors contact information,
and registration, policies, schedules
and locations for each PAL sport. Online registration
is also now available! Their message
center is available by calling 954-571-3618.
www.palsports.org
10 Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006

Grants andSponsorships
GRANTS RECEIVED:
THE PLANTATION HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Approval of a $209,250 grant from the State of Florida to expand
the Museum facilities
THE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Approval of a $5,475 grant from Broward County for recycling trash
in City parks
Approval of two Florida Recreation Assistance Program grants for
park improvements at the Liberty Tree Park and SW 45th Avenue
Park sites
THE PLANNING, ZONING AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Approval of a $40,000 grant from the South Florida Planning
Council for two bus shelters to be located on State Road 7
THE HELEN B. HOFFMAN PLANTATION LIBRARY
Approval of a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant for $10,500
for computers
APPLICATIONS RECENTLY SUBMITTED:
THE DEPARTMENT OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Applied for $25,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Emergency Hurricane Supplemental Program, $22,500 from the
Broward Beautiful Greenshade Program to replace trees destroyed
by Hurricane Wilma, $10,000 from the Broward Beautiful
Community Grant Program for Thrower’s Park, and $69,098 from
the Broward Beautiful State Thoroughfare Grant Program to replace
trees along Sunrise Boulevard destroyed by Hurricane Wilma.
You can reach Priscilla Richards,
Resource Development and Grant Manager at
954-797-2723 or prichards@plantation.org
THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
Submitted applications to the State of Florida Hazard Mitigation
Program for emergency generators and the South Florida Water
Management District for an Advanced Water Treatment Pilot
Program.
SPONSORSHIPS:
The City would like to acknowledge the following sponsors for their
generosity in supporting City Parks & Recreation’s 2006
Independence Day Celebration. To find out how you can sponsor a
program or a park, call Priscilla Richards at 954-797-2723.
TITLE SPONSORS
Sun-Sentinel
Plantation General Hospital & Westside Regional Medical Center
SILVER SPONSORS
Interstate Towing
National Beverage Corporation
BRONZE SPONSOR
Landlubbers
RADIO SPONSORS
Radio 610 WIOD
AM 940 WINZ
CAR SPONSORS
Gunther Kia Mazda Volkswagen Motor Company
Massey Yardley Chrysler Jeep
Plantation Ford
CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
Albertson’s
Publix
Walgreens
Walmart (store #2151)
Winn-Dixie (store #348)
Block Grant PROJECTS UNDERWAY
Several Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) projects throughout the City are
now underway. One such project involves
installation of sewer lines for Westgate Lake
Manors’ residents. A portion of the funds for
the project was provided through the City’s
Community Development Block Grant
program. Construction began shortly after the
holidays and will continue through October.
The City also recently began construction of
entry walls and columns in the Lauderdale West
neighborhood. Public Works are constructing
entry walls at the 12th Street entrance, and
columns at the northern and southern
Lauderdale West Drive entrances, the 10th
Court entrance, and the 17th Street entrance.
Lauderdale West is one of two neighborhoods
CITYWIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
that are CDBG-eligible, so funds for materials
have come from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development’s Community
Block Grant program.
Finally, sidewalk construction and
replacement work has begun in Lauderdale
West, Park East and the area adjacent to
Plantation General Hospital. Construction in
these areas will be ongoing for the next several
months.
Anyone with questions regarding the CDBG
should contact Community Development Grant
Coordinator, Patrick Haggerty at 954-797-2656.
Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006
11

Officer OF THE MONTH
May
OFFICER CRAIG BOERMEESTER
June
OFFICER WILLIAM PLEASANTS
Life Saving AWARD
On May 8, 2006, Plantation Police Officers Marco Lopez
and Thomas Bickham responded to a call from a woman
who had driven her car into a canal. She was inside the
sinking vehicle, and was unable to roll down the window
or open the door. The two officers jumped into the canal
and swam out to the vehicle. Officer Lopez used a
hammer borrowed from a bystander to smash one of the
windows. At this point, Officers Charles Watts, William
Hamilton and Melissa Johns arrived on the scene and also
swam out to the vehicle. Together the officers were able to
remove the passenger from the vehicle and bring her to
awaiting paramedics. She was badly shaken, but not
injured, and was brought to Westside Regional Medical
Center for evaluation.
Officers Thomas Bickham, William Hamilton, Melissa
Johns, Marco Lopez and Charles Watts clearly distinguished
themselves by performing an exceptional service
of great importance to law enforcement and our
community. On June 1, 2006 these officers were issued a
Life Saving Award, which indicates that their actions saved
the life of a fellow citizen in an emergency. In addition,
Lead Dispatcher JoAnne Kokofsky was issued a
Distinguished Performance Award for her actions during
this incident. These awards exemplify the best practices of
the Plantation Police Department.
HELP STOP CRIME
Report suspicious activity to the
PLANTATION POLICE DEPARTMENT
NON-EMERGENCY
PHONE NUMBER
954-797-2100
Plantation Radio
IS ON THE AIR – TUNE TO 1620 AM
Plantation City Council has approved
the purchase, installation and operation
of the City’s own AM Radio Station.
Within a few short weeks, you will be
able to tune to 1620 on your AM dial and
hear the latest news and information that
specifically affects residents, businesses
and City employees.
Once complete, Plantation’s
Informational Radio Station will operate
around the clock, notifying listeners of
events occurring within Plantation, Cityrelated
news and project updates, recreation
class schedules and registration
dates, local traffic emergencies, or
hazard information.
The primary purpose of the station is
to broadcast news and related information
about emergencies such as hurricanes,
flooding or other serious situations.
Listeners will be advised about
evacuation orders, distribution sites,
shelters and other information.
Dust off that battery operated AM radio
and add it to your hurricane supply kit,
because Plantation Radio is “On The Air!”
Autumn Winds BRING BIG CHANGES
…BUT SOME THINGS REMAIN THE SAME!
As summer draws to a close,
we start looking toward the
events of autumn. The kids return
to school, the weather begins to
change, and with any luck, the
remainder of hurricane season
will be quiet! What’s important to
remember about autumn is that
even though we see many
changes, some things remain the
same.
We think of hot humid days as
relating to the summer months.
However, it’s important to keep in
mind that in South Florida, the
weather remains rather warm through October. The same precautions you applied all
summer long need to remain in effect until the mercury begins to drop. For instance,
when outside wear a hat, drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Yes! For those of
you new to South Florida, wearing sunscreen in October is not unheard of.
Because the weather stays warm, kids can still use the pool, so remember to always
“Watch the Water – Watch The Kids.” Drowning is still one of the leading causes of
death among children in Florida. Simply put, adult supervision can prevent such
tragedies whenever children are near ANY body of water. Plantation is now celebrating
four consecutive summers without a child drowning. Let’s keep it that way.
It’s also important to remember that hurricane season lasts until November 30.
Don’t put away the shutters or empty your emergency kits just yet! As we learned last
year, it’s not over ‘til the weatherman says it’s over.
Finally, as the kids return to school be aware of school zones, as well as kids
walking and riding bicycles to and from school. Please drive carefully.
12 Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006

Flood Insurance REQUIREMENTS
FOR PLANTATION PROPERTY OWNERS
In light of our City’s experience with Hurricane Wilma last fall, the
Engineering Department offers the following refresher course on flood
insurance that was presented in an earlier edition of the Plantation
Quarterly.
In 1973, the federal government passed the Flood Disaster
Protection Act, which implemented the requirement for flood
insurance coverage on property located within a Special Flood Hazard
Area (SFHA) in communities participating in the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP). Subsequently, the National Flood
Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was passed. Although the intent of the
Reform Act of 1994 is to require borrowers to purchase flood
insurance, it significantly tightened the 1973 Act by imposing
important new obligations on both mortgage originators and
servicers. The 1994 Reform Act’s directives and prohibitions are
directed to federally regulated primary lenders and to secondary
market entities involved in mortgage loan transactions. The flood
insurance requirements do not apply to lenders or servicers that are
not federally regulated and that do not sell loans to the Federal
National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) or other Government
Sponsored Enterprises. Specifically, federally regulated lenders cannot
make, increase, extend or renew any loan on property with buildings
located in any SFHA in NFIP participating communities unless flood
insurance is purchased on the buildings. The 1994 Reform Act’s
mandatory purchase requirement applies to all federally backed loans
outstanding on or after the date of the Act’s enactment, September 23,
1994. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) enforces
the Acts. While the mandatory purchase requirement applies only to
buildings located within SFHAs of participating communities, NFIP
flood insurance is available in all areas of participating communities.
Also, in January 1989, to facilitate the purchase of flood insurance
outside of SFHAs, the NFIP began offering a low-cost “preferred risk”
policy for buildings located in designated Zones B, C and X. A
requirement for flood insurance on property secured with a federally
backed loan that is not subject to the Federal flood insurance statutes
is a matter of contract between the lender and borrower.
Whether or not a property is located within a SFHA is determined by
locating the property on the applicable Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM) prepared by FEMA. The FIRM will identify the specific flood
zone designation for the property, and it is from this flood zone designation
that lenders will make their determination for flood insurance
coverage.
Occasionally, a FIRM will show a property as clearly being in an
SFHA, even though the building on the property is above the designated
base flood elevation for that location. In practice, FIRMS do not
reflect every change in terrain, and there will be instances of high
ground that are inadvertently included in the SFHAs. Until the map is
physically revised, lenders are bound by the information shown on the
FEMA maps. However, FEMA makes available a mechanism for
resolving such a situation. A property owner can submit property and
elevation materials in support of a request for a Letter of Map
Amendment (LOMA) removing the property from the SFHA. This
process involves the property owner and FEMA. If a LOMA is approved
by FEMA, the property will be removed from the SFHA. The property
owner will qualify for a “preferred risk” policy and may apply to their
insurance carrier to receive the maximum available premium discount
for flood insurance coverage. If the property is secured by a federally
backed loan, the owner may cancel flood insurance coverage only if
approved by the lender. It is important to note that materials used for
a LOMA typically do not identify local flooding conditions that may
exist which could impact the property, and FEMA is not encouraging
the property owner to cancel their flood insurance policy. As a result,
property owners should exercise caution with regard to consideration
of canceling their flood insurance policy.
IN SUMMARY, HERE ARE SOME BASIC FACTS TO KEEP IN MIND:
The City of Plantation is an NFIP participating community.
With exception of certain properties with FEMA approved
LOMAs, properties within the corporate boundaries of the City of
Plantation are within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area
(SFHA).
Owners of property in the City of Plantation within a Special
Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) that are secured with a federally backed
loan must carry flood insurance on the secured buildings.
The City of Plantation, through its voluntary participation in the
NFIP Community Rating System, qualifies all property owners in the
City for a 15% reduction in the cost for flood insurance.
If a property owner secures approval from FEMA to have his/her
property removed from the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA),
he/she can present this information to his/her insurance carrier for
to have their flood insurance adjusted to a “preferred risk” policy
and receive the maximum available premium reduction.
If a property owner secures approval from FEMA to have his/her
property removed from the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA),
he/she must first obtain his/her mortgage lender’s approval to cancel
his/her flood insurance policy (assuming the lender is federally
backed).
Approval of a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) from FEMA to
have a property removed from the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
does not provide a guarantee that the property will not be impacted
by local flooding conditions. The property owner should exercise
care to research local drainage conditions if considering canceling
flood insurance coverage.
For more information on the NFIP and flood insurance requirements,
or other programs and projects administered through the
Engineering Department, please send your request to the
Department e-mail address engineering@plantation.org or
contact us at 954-797-2282.
Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006
13

Check List FOR STORM DAMAGED TREES
Patrice Sonnelitter, Associate Landscape Architect
Trees with wide stretching roots
provided more anchorage
in the storm.
After the storm, remove hanging branches that could
break free and injure people or property.
Hire a certified arborist to inspect your tree’s canopy
and root structure for faults and perform corrective
pruning.
When shopping for new trees,
avoid roots that are circling in
the container. This condition will
not allow the trees roots to
provide support.
The Landscape Department chose to reprint
this article, which provides valuable, and
timely, arboricultural information for
handling storm-damaged trees. As our
residents have noted, the City of Plantation
did not remove all storm-damaged trees after
Hurricane Wilma. Only those trees that posed
immediate safety hazards were removed. This
approach proved to be the most appropriate.
City staff took sufficient time to evaluate the
City’s canopy, waiting for signs of recovery
and to obtain the latest information on
storm-damaged trees. In June, the City
authorized the removal of nearly 500 that
had lost a significant part of their canopy,
were incapable of restoration or could pose
future hazards. The trees that remain,
although severely pruned and misshapen by
Mother Nature, may be restorable over the
next few years. Note the highlighted items
below for new information on corrective
pruning.
BEFORE THE STORM:
Contact the International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA-arbor.com and
treesaregood.com) to find a qualified local
arborist. They must also hold a Tree
Trimmer’s license with Broward County.
Hire a certified arborist to inspect your
tree’s canopy and root structure for faults
and evaluate tree growth, root and crown
structure. Allow the arborist to perform
corrective pruning.
Do not over irrigate. Over irrigation
loosens the soil structure providing less
anchorage during a storm.
2006 UPDATE: More trees went over
in areas with frequent irrigation than
in areas with little, moderate or no
irrigation.
AFTER THE STORM:
Remove hanging branches that could
break free and injure people or property.
Stake trees: Stabilize trees in loose soil
and/or right trees with a caliper of four
inches or less.
Prune broken branches back to a lateral
branch (a previous fork in the branches).
2006 UPDATE: If you cannot cut
back to a lateral, clean cut the branch.
This will create a stub. The stub will
regenerate several new branches. This
is generally regarded as the point of
weak new growth (although it looks
healthy). Have an arborist evaluate
these attachments six months to a year
after the storm. At that time he will
advise you to:
(1) allow some of the new branches
on the stub to REMAIN;
(2) REMOVE some of the newly
attached branches; or
(3) REDUCE some of the length of
the newly attached branches. This will
allow a new branch to develop into a
main branch and develop strong branch
tissue and the others into subordinate
lateral branches.
Inspect the tree for cracks between two
large branches (included bark). Remove the
weaker branch.
Watch trees left in standing water. They
may decline later due to lack of oxygen.
REPLANTING:
Consider mature size. Allow ample space
from structures, walks, overhead power lines
and other site features. Don’t consider large
trees (ex. Ficus benjamina) that will not fit in
the future.
Provide ample irrigation initially. Gradually
wean the new tree.
Diversify the trees on your property:
consider fruit trees, flowering trees, canopy
trees, trees that encourage wildlife, conifers,
etc.
2006 UPDATE: Trees planted in
groups did better in the storm. One
tree in the group will assist the
adjacent tree to withstand hurricane
force winds.
2006 UPDATE: Trees with wide
stretching roots provided more
anchorage in the storm. When shopping
for new trees, avoid roots that are
circling in the container. This condition
will not allow the trees roots to provide
support, and will be the first ones to
blow over. It will also constrict the
growth of the trunk, causing
catastrophic failure as the tree matures.
14 Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006

ChiefOsceola BUST CREATED
FOR THE PLANTATION HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Plantation resident and famous painter and sculptor, Gerson
Frank, recently created and donated a bronzed bust sculpture of
Seminole Chief Osceola to the Plantation Historical Museum. Mr.
Frank’s subjects are Native American Indian, ballet dancers and
the human form, with special interest in Western American art.
Gerson Frank has exhibited his work in the Smithsonian
Institution of the American Indian, the Western Art Expositions,
the Southern Ohio Museum, Scottsdale, Arizona galleries and
other sites specializing in Western Art.
Chief Osceola gave his life in the defense of his beloved Florida
homelands. In the 1830s, when the U.S. Government began
ordering the Seminoles to leave their Florida home, Osceola
organized his people to resist. His clever and cunning strategies
outwitted the U.S. Government time and again for over seven
years. He soon became a symbol of Native American power and
courage, and represented the perseverance of a great people
struggling against enormous odds to preserve their freedom. The
U.S. troops ignored the Seminole white “truce” flag and
ambushed the Chief and his people. Chief Osceola was held
captive at Fort Moultrie in Charleston, SC and died in 1838.
The Osceola bust project was sponsored and funded by Mr.
Bill Aberback. Mr. Aberback, a retired school principal, is a
Wedgewood blue glass collector and a lifetime member of the
N.Y. Wedgewood Society, the International Wedgewood Society
and the International Mojolica Society. His Wedgewood glass
The beautiful bronze Chief Osceola bust was made especially for and donated to the
Museum as a gift from the artist, Mr. Gerson Frank (L) and Mr. Bill Aberback, who
sponsored the project. The Chief Osceola bust is on display at the Plantation Historical
Museum.
collection will be on loan to the Plantation Historical Museum from
September 16 to October 21, 2006. Additionally, he will give a lecture on
Thursday, September 28, at a brown bag luncheon meeting, sponsored by the
Historical Society at the Museum, 511 North Fig Tree Lane at 12 noon. The
event is free, and the Historical Society will supply beverages and dessert. For
more information, please call 954-797-2722.
2006 BULK WASTE REMOVAL SCHEDULE
EAST OF UNIVERSITY DRIVE:
August 1 – 5
September 4 – 9
October 2 – 7
October 30 – November 4
November 27 – December 2
Multi Family Condominium:
October 4
Aluminum & steel Cans
Newspaper
Glass: Clear, amber or
green glass. No blue.
Food & Beverage
Containers: Tin, steel,
aluminum and
plastic #1, 2, 3
Milk & Juice Cartons
PLEASE RECYCLE
WEST OF UNIVERSITY DRIVE:
August 7 – 9 & 12
September 11 – 13 & 16
October 9 – 11 & 14
November 6 – 8 & 11
December 4 – 6 & 9
Multi Family Condominium:
October 11
NO: Plastics, lids*, caps or spray
nozzles.
NO: Styrofoam, bubble wrap or
packing.
NO: Magazines, Books, Cardboard,
plastic grocery bags, brown bags.
NO: Aluminum chairs, aluminum foil or
take-out food containers.
NO: Paint, batteries or toxic materials.
*If caps are not removed, material is considered “CONTAMINATED”
and CANNOT be recycled.
Plantation Radio
STAY INFORMED STAY TUNED
1620 AM
Set your radio dial to WQFD1620AM
and hear the latest Plantation news
for residents and businesses.
Plantation’s informational radio station will
operate around the clock, notifying listeners of
events occurring within Plantation, City-related
news, project updates, recreation class
schedules and registration dates, local traffic
emergencies or hazard information.
When severe weather threatens the area,
stay tuned for City-specific updates on
hurricanes, flooding or other serious
situations, evacuations, distribution sites,
shelters and more.
STAY TUNED
Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006
15

Radiance
FROM RUBBLE TO
GROVE EAST UPDATE
Demolition of the old Plaza Center, located on the corner of Broward Boulevard and
State Road 7, continued through the summer. The Altman Company will convert the
existing demolition rubble and debris into Grove East, a beautiful mixed-use project
that will glow throughout the Plantation Gateway.
Grove East is a great example of the growth and revitalization of the Plantation
Gateway area. The completed complex will improve over 11 acres in the district by
adding 220 residential units and 17, 000 square feet of retail. The project will have a
Plantation Tropical design – a blend of traditional Colonial architecture influenced by
tropical themes. The buildings will be accented with Bahamas awnings, concrete tile
roofs, metal seam accents and balconies. The development will be lushly landscaped
with Royal Palm Trees, Sabal Palms and other tropical shrubs. Grove East will also
include many amenities residents will relish using like a resort style pool, cyber café
and playground. Construction is scheduled to be complete by December 2007.
Grove East is a great example of the
growth and revitalization of the
Plantation Gateway area.
For sales information please call 954-924-4107
or visit www.groveeastcondos.com
PlantationGeneral HOSPITAL
NAMES BARBARA SIMMONS AS NEW CEO
Barbara J. Simmons, R.N.,
Plantation General Hospital’s
newly appointed Chief
Executive Officer.
Plantation General Hospital (PGH), one of Plantation Gateway's major employers, has recently
appointed Barbara J. Simmons, R.N. as its Chief Executive Officer. Celebrating 13 years with PGH on
May 5, 2006, Ms. Simmons started her career in 1975 as a staff RN/Clinician in the Medical/Surgical
Orthopedics Department. She then worked in the Adult Intensive and Critical Care Units (CU/CCU) as
Head Nurse, and the Critical Care Supervisor covering various areas such as the ICU, CCU and High
Risk Maternity.
Ms. Simmons became the Director of Nursing Operations in 1993, and has held the position of
Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 1995, overseeing all operations and day-to-day management of
the facility, including new services and construction.
She has been a resident of Plantation for over 20 years and has two sons, Mathew 26 and Michael
24. Ms. Simmons is currently an Executive Board Member of the Greater Plantation Chamber of
Commerce and has been appointed to the Plantation Gateway Advisory Board.
16 Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006

Plantation Gateway CONTINUES TO GROW WITH NEW BUSINESSES
The Plantation Gateway has quickly become a destination for residents,
visitors and businesses. The area is generally defined as properties
fronting State Road 7 from Sunrise Boulevard to Davie Boulevard. It also
includes commercial property just west of State Road 7 on Peters Road,
Broward Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard. The area is home to over 400
businesses including retailers, professional and medical offices, national
auto dealerships, service-oriented business and Plantation General
Hospital.
The Plantation Gateway was created after the adoption of the City of
Plantation CRA Redevelopment Plan in 2000. Previously, the area was
known as the Gateway 7 under the Florida Safe Neighborhoods Act. To
effectively market the newly created redevelopment area, the combined
development district and CRA were renamed Plantation Gateway. Through
the projects scheduled in the CRA Plan, the Plantation Gateway area
continues to be transformed into a flourishing district.
In the last six months the Plantation Gateway has seen the opening of
many exciting businesses. Captain Max, 551 North State Road 7, has
opened a festive and tropical restaurant to serve the area with seafood.
Their menu includes Tilapia, Jack Perch, Catfish, Ocean Perch, steamed
crabs, chicken and wings.
Sherwin Williams opened next to IHOP on the northeast corner of
Broward Boulevard and State Road 7. Founded in 1866 by Henry
Sherwin and Edward Williams, the Sherwin-Williams Company has not
only grown to be the largest producer of paints and coatings in the
United States, but is among the largest producers in the world. Sherwin
Williams’s stores are all owned and operated by the Sherwin Williams
Company to ensure that the best service and quality is always provided to
customers.
Be sure to remember these Plantation Gateway businesses when
looking to fulfill your needs. Soon the Plantation Gateway will be home to
Guiseppi’s Pizzeria Italian Restaurant and Plantation Inn Plaza,
featuring Dunkin’ Donuts and Quizno’s.
Landscape Edge PROJECT
COMPLETED ON
THE SOUTHWEST QUADRANT
When drivers look at the southwest quadrant of
State Road 7 and Broward Boulevard, they will now
see a vibrant and colorful view. This busy roadway,
already adorned with decorative light poles and
seasonal banners, has now been enhanced with over
125 Royal Palm trees, Coconut Palms and Coco Plum
shrubs, surrounded by St. Augustine grass and bark.
This same Landscape Edge Treatment is also near
completion on the northwest quadrant’s Parallel
Shopping Drive. In 2007, the northeast quadrant will
also begin a Landscape Edge project. These
enhancement projects are implemented in the
Plantation Gateway to enliven and invigorate this
vibrant business area.
Before the trees, sod and
bushes were installed.
The beautiful
Landscape
Edge
Treatment
includes
the planting of
Royal Palm
trees,
Coconut
Palms,
Coco Plum
shrubs, bushes
and
St. Augustine
grass.
State Road 7/441 (above) and the
Plantation Plaza (below) enjoy the shade
and greenery.
After: A dramatic improvement.
Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006
17

Midtown Transit IN HIGH GEAR
Wayne Burns, Economic Development Coordinator
Local transit glides into Plantation Midtown, providing a solution that is
destined to ease traffic and provide convenience for office workers,
shoppers and visitors alike. Within the next several months, Phase I of a
multi-phase Midtown Transit Circulator plan will be launched in the
center of Midtown, providing transit access to and from the Broward
County Government Center, Westside Regional Hospital, the Broward
County Library, the Fashion Mall, the Broward Mall and surrounding
office complexes. Riders will enjoy a comfortable experience as the airconditioned
trolley moves past the traffic to their destination, with the
benefit of nine-minute headways. The plan is to make the trolley free to
all riders by receiving added support from private sector sponsors.
On April 5, 2006, City Council authorized staff to proceed with Phase I
of the Midtown Transit Circulator. Then on June 14, 2006, Council
selected the trolley from among several choices. Members of the
Plantation Midtown Advisory Board recommended the trolley because
they believed its appearance and comfort blended nicely with the old
world charm being incorporated into all new architectural designs and
streetscapes in Midtown. City Council agreed after getting the opportunity
to stroll aboard the actual trolley that was parked in front of City Hall
during the Council meeting. Citing the enjoyment that transit users will
experience when riding in such a comfortable yet novel vehicle, Council
members agreed unanimously to authorize the City to purchase the six
trolleys needed to implement Phase I of the Midtown Transit Circulator.
The vehicles will travel along two loops with three moving clockwise
and three moving counterclockwise so that wait times are minimal,
allowing for workers to reach shopping and eating destinations with
enough time to enjoy their lunch breaks and return to their offices in a
timely manner. County employees parked on the east side of Midtown at
University Drive will be able to travel to the Government Center on the
west side at Pine Island without having to find parking, allowing more
parking for residents who are seeking services at the Center. Library and
hospital access are also key components of the Phase I route. Two Florida
Department of Transportation Grants; one for $220,000 and a second for
$600,000 paid over three years in combination with the Special District
Ad Valorem Tax Increment of .5 mills will fund acquisition and ongoing
operations. Timing of Phase II implementation of the Midtown Transit
Circulator will, in part, be dependent upon the rapid success of Phase I.
Come enjoy Plantation Midtown and take a ride on the trolley!
American Express CHARGES FORWARD
Wayne Burns, Economic Development Coordinator
The American Express Fort Lauderdale Service Center, located on the
north end of the Plantation Midtown District, celebrated 30 years of
providing world-class service to customers and to the local community. As
one of the largest employers in Plantation and in Broward County, American
Express is a valuable economic asset to the City’s residents. For the opening
of the Operations Center on April 2, 1976, over 1,000 employees were
hired, and the size and scope of the facility has increased ever since.
American Express was recognized for their 30-year commitment to
Plantation in a congratulatory letter from Mayor Rae Carole Armstrong,
recognizing the significance of the tremendous commitment American
Express has made to our community. Several senior executives from the
American Express New York headquarters visited Plantation to participate in
the 30th anniversary celebration. In addition to celebrating their 30th
anniversary in Plantation during the month of April, April is also “Make a
Difference Month” company-wide at American Express. In South Florida,
18
Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006

Targeting TECHNOLOGY
Wayne Burns, Economic Development Coordinator
Plantation’s focus during the past several years has been to encourage
in-fill and new development along State Road 7 (Plantation Gateway / CRA
District), and in Plantation Midtown. Commercial development in both of
these Special Districts remains of vital importance in maintaining the
City’s solid fiscal stability while continuing our path of sound economic
growth. The added residential component in both Districts is a critical
element in creating an environment in which people can both live and
work – a design set forth in our Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive
Plan is in essence a road map for development within the City. The Plan
was well thought out at its inception and remains the cornerstone
document of zoning and land use policies for the entire City of Plantation.
There is another business area in the City that is prime for commercial
redevelopment and this area carries considerable significance in
maintaining the only commercial area in Plantation zoned for industrial
use. Yes, we do have an industrial park in Plantation: the Plantation
Technology Park, located on the north side of Sunrise Boulevard, west of
the Florida Turnpike, approximately half-way between the Turnpike and
University Drive. The Technology Park is home to a number of tech firms
including Imaging Diagnostics Incorporated, Goodwin Biotechnologies,
Universal Electric and Kenig Aerospace.
When it was named, the idea behind the Technology Park was to
populate the park with technology-based companies. However, over the
years, in an effort to keep park occupancy high and to provide a home
for business sectors that could not locate elsewhere in the City for zoning
reasons, the Technology Park has become a bit of a mixed bag of many
different industries. With a renewed focus on the Technology Park, the
City Economic Development Division is working in partnership with the
Technology Park Board, made up of a core group of property owners
from within the park, and dedicated to its revitalization. With support
from Planning & Zoning, Engineering, the Police Department and Code
Enforcement, Economic Development and the Technology Board
endeavor to accomplish several goals, both short term and long term.
The park has an expansive layout with a lot of open spaces, and
businesses enjoy a secure environment in which to conduct their day-today
activities, however, there are ways to modernize and upgrade the
Park. In the short term, the focus will be on Park beautification,
upgraded security and consideration of highest and best use. In the long
term, additional emphasis will be placed on landscape, roadway improvements
and other infrastructure enhancements. Ultimately, the City and the
property owners want to take advantage of the industrial land boom
sweeping the country. South Florida is still a hot spot for industrial development,
with a demand for one million square feet more industrial space
than is currently available. Together we plan on capitalizing on this
tremendous opportunity
nearly 1,200 employees, many of them from the American Express
Fort Lauderdale Service Center, donated 2,200 hours of volunteer time
to benefit numerous projects around the local community.
American Express employees also give thousands of volunteer hours
to local South Florida communities by participating on the company’s
Community Involvement Council, by taking part in our annual
Employee Giving Campaign, or by joining colleagues and peers in
“done in a day” volunteerism projects. Other employees give of their
talent by serving on non-profit Boards of Directors. In Plantation,
American Express Director of Communications, Stacey Orange, is a
member of the Midtown Advisory Board and the Greater Plantation
Chamber of Commerce Executive Board.
There are a number of corporate programs that revolve around
enhancing employee life, one of which is Summer Camp Expo. This is
a very popular and valuable resource for employees with children
who welcome the opportunity each March to preview a variety of
summer camp programs so that they can make an informed decision
on the right program for their children. Each year the participants
vary and include City programs, programs offered by non-profit
organizations and others. Representatives from different camps bring
program and educational material with them, and employees can ask
questions to gain a firm understanding of the types of programs being
offered. Parents can select the type of program that best fits their
child’s needs and meshes well with their work schedules.
American Express is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, with
employees working primarily across three main shifts. Employees
serve in a wide range of positions such as customer service
associates, supervisors, credit analysts and project managers.
American Express is actively hiring for a number of positions, which
can be viewed at www.americanexpress.com. The City of Plantation
is proud to have such a well recognized corporation as a deeply
invested member of our business community dedicated to enhancing
Plantation’s quality of life!
Plantation Quarterly Fall 2006
19