Spectator Magazine August 2019

By Michael Udine, Broward County Commissioner
Hard to believe that
August is already here!
For some of us it means
getting the kids back to school and, for others, it means
reconnecting with their community and getting back into
the swing of the fall season. Many community events are
coming in the fall, and I look forward to seeing everyone.
The Florida sales tax holiday for school supplies will take
place from August 2nd to the 6th. Parents and teachers
can take advantage purchasing supplies, clothing,
shoes, and more tax-free. Check out http://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool
for the full list of items that are
eligible for purchase tax free. In addition, throughout the
community, fall sports such as football, cross country running,
and swimming are starting up again. Make sure to
check with your school and local resources for information
about leagues and activities available.
Recently, we have seen many environmental challenges
in Northwest Broward. This summer we experienced
smoke from brush fires in the Everglades that impacted
our area. During summer months we also see a rise in
mosquito populations due to heavy rains. Broward
County takes these issues very seriously and strives to
provide the most up-to-date information and services.
Residents have the option to track daily air quality and
request mosquito spraying in your local area. Please visit
www.broward.org for more information on both programs.
Broward County is in the process of implementing new
technology to facilitate closest unit response for emergency
services. The closest unit response system was
demanded by Broward County voters. Broward County
cities border each other closely, and often you don’t know
you have crossed the municipal line. Closest unit
response means that if there is an emergency in Coral
Springs, but a Tamarac response unit is closer, the
Tamarac unit will arrive first to assist. In an emergency
when every second counts, saving time will save lives.
This summer roadways across Broward County are
being upgraded. Broward’s Highway Division will be servicing
numerous miles throughout Broward County. In
Coral Springs, Riverside Drive will experience partial closures
until August 13th. These projects are being completed
during summer months so as not to interfere with
schools coming back to session. Please plan on taking
alternative routes, and check for traffic updates before
traveling.
Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a great family filled
Labor Day weekend! As the summer concludes and we
transition into fall, I wish all our teachers and students a
successful start to the school year. I look forward to seeing
all of you around the community.
Staying connected with the residents of broward
County’s District 3 is a top priority for me. Every month,
we hold office hours on the third Wednesday. I can be
reached at MUdine@Broward.org or (954) 357-7003.
Follow me on social media @ Commissioner
MichaelUdine on Facebook and @MichaelUdine on
Twitter or Instagram to receive important updates and
see what is happening in our community.
Office Hour Locations:
• 10:00-11:00 AM at the Northwest
Regional Library,
• 2:00-3:00 PM at the Tamarac Community
Library, and
• 4:00 to 5:00 PM in North Lauderdale at
the Saraniero Branch Library
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