A Brush with History - City of Coral Springs

The Magazine for the Premier Community in Which to Live, Work and Raise a Family
A Brush
with History
Covered Bridge remodeling
features new paintings
100 Best Communities for Young People
A Day in the Life of a humane officer One Charter Place
Hurricane season tips Great Art Affair
and more inside...
Spring 2007

Your Coral Springs
City Commission and Charter Officers
Samuel S. Vincent M. Roy
Scott J. Claudette
Ted
Michael S.
Goren
Boccard
Gold
Brook
Bruck
Mena
Levinson
City Attorney Commissioner Vice Mayor Mayor Commissioner Commissioner City Manager
The City of Coral Springs was one of only two non-profit
organizations in the nation to receive a site visit last October
from Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award examiners.
A team of examiners visited City Hall, interviewed
employees, observed operations and examined documents
to evaluate the City’s level of performance excellence.
Some of the City’s strengths were the organization’s vision
and values; environment fostering legal and ethical behavior;
organizational sustainability; long-range planning and fiscal
responsibility; open communication; empowered employees;
emergency preparedness; and full compliance with federal,
state and county requirements.
According to the MBNQA Feedback Report, Coral Springs
uses multiple mechanisms for listening, learning and
responding to customer inquiries. The data gathered help
the City plan for new or improved services and demonstrates
Contact your Commissioners
The Mayor and Commissioners of Coral Springs have office hours throughout the year on a regular basis to give Coral Springs
residents the opportunity to meet with them one-on-one to discuss their concerns and City-related issues.
To view the Commission’s current office hours, please visit coralsprings.org/events.
Coral Springs receives feedback
from Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Program
the City’s commitment to let customer feedback drive quality
improvements.
Opportunities for growth were volunteer training,
succession planning and identifying improvement targets.
The examiners found that volunteers are clearly valued here
at the City but felt that development of training may improve
the benefits the City gains from this resource.
“It is rewarding to have received a site visit from the
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, but we recognize
that our journey to performance excellence is one that never
ends,” City Manager Michael Levinson said. “There is always
room for improvement.”
This program is the highest level of recognition for
corporate excellence in the nation, and the City will use
this feedback to apply again this year when non-profits are
eligible for the award.
Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

features
city
business
The Magazine for the Premier Community in Which to Live, Work and Raise a Family
A Day in the Life of a Coral Springs humane officer ....................Page 2
A Brush with History: Covered Bridge remodeling .......................Page 4
Building Customer Care Center .............................................................................Page 4
Support Our Troops event ...........................................................................................Page 5
Fire Chief Donald A Haupt, Jr. Retires ............................................................Page 6
Police Department cracks down on graffiti ............................................Page 7
Code Enforcement has new citation guidelines ...............................Page 7
Want to know more
about Coral Springs?
Visit our website at coralsprings.org
Call Citizens’ Services at 954-344-1001.
TTY for the hearing impaired: 954-344-1022.
Watch In the Loop on CityTV Channel 25
at 7am and 7pm daily, and visit
coralsprings.org/citytv25 to view
the program guide and to link to streaming
video and podcasts of the channel.
Register at coralsprings.org
for the e-News monthly newsletter.
community
is produced quarterly by the City of Coral Springs
Communications and Marketing Department.
If you have questions or comments regarding this publication,
e-mail editor@coralsprings.org, call 954-344-1197, or write to
Coral Springs Magazine at the address to the left.
Communications & Marketing Director
Kevin Knutson
Publications Coordinator
Christine Parkinson Jahrsdoerfer
Writer/Media Relations Coordinator
Maria Fuentes-Archilla
Writer
Staci Zavattaro
Photography
Maria Fuentes-Archilla • Kevin Knutson
George Miller • Christine Parkinson Jahrsdoerfer
Spring 2007
Coral Springs named Best Community for young people ....Page 8
Waste Management will enforce 32-gallon trash cans.............Page 8
Remembering Dr. Steven G. Paul ........................................................................Page 9
Guide to Doing Business ............................................................................................. Page 11
What’s Going Up? ................................................................................................................. Page 11
Museum of Art
to host Great
Art Affair
Page 12
environment
Our water: How
can you help the
environment?
Page 13
What’s
Happening?
Page 17
Around
the Town
Page 17
recreation
culture One Charter Place to open soon ....................................................................... Page 11
City of Coral Springs
9551 West Sample Road
Coral Springs, Florida 33065
954-344-1000
Learn to
Defend Yourself
Page 14
On the cover:
Local artist Valmiro Tascon
works on the new paintings
for the sides of the renovated
Covered Bridge.
See page 4.
Watch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • 1

features
The Humane Unit
deals with all types
of animals, such as
this raccoon that was
found with his head
stuck in a peanut
butter jar. After
sedating the raccoon,
the jar was cut free.
Humane Officer Ed Mancini
(above) cares for Max, a German
Shepherd who was picked up by
the Humane Unit after he got
loose in the City. Happily, Max
was found with a collar and ID tag
and was soon reunited with his
owner, Manny Pelaez (left).
Animals found in the City
are transported to a holding
facility, where the work of
tracking down their owner
begins. Officers photograph
lost pets and post them at
coralsprings.org/lostpets, and
try to find homes for each
animal before turning them
over to Broward County.
A Day
in theLife
The work of a humane officer
is never dull – or done
Ed
Mancini worked the streets of New York City
as a police officer for 17 years, when the animal
lover finally decided it was time for a change of
pace.
When he moved to Florida in 1998, he started working in
dispatch for the City of Coral Springs. A year later, Mancini
became a humane officer for the Police Department’s
Humane Unit, and nine years later, he’s still there.
Mancini clocks in at 7am. He checks through his messages
to see if there are any calls he should attend to, whether it be
a lost dog, neighbor complaints or injured wildlife.
On this particular morning, a raccoon was found with
his head stuck in a peanut butter jar he must have found
rummaging through someone’s garbage. Mancini and his
co-worker, Officer Lisa Freed, sedate the animal and try to
free the little rascal by lubricating his neck, but there’s no use.
After a couple of tries, Mancini goes for the pliers and cuts
the jar enough to free the raccoon.
“We work very closely with the Sawgrass Nature Center,
but in this case, we’ll release the raccoon once he wakes up,”
Mancini said.
The day before, the Unit found and picked up Max, a 5-year
old German shepherd. His owner, Manny Pelaez, is on his way
to get him. “We just got a new puppy, and he’s been driving
Max nuts,” Pelaez said. “He’s a good dog. He’s just having some
issues dealing with the new member of the family.” Max is a
“repeat offender” and because it’s the second time he has
escaped, the owner will have to pay a $125 fine.
“We highly recommend microchipping your pets, but it’s
very important that owners register their microchips so that
the pet could be traced back to the owner and not to the pet
store,” Mancini said. In Max’s case, the officers recognized him
and were able to pull up his records in the system. If it would
have been a first-time offender, a humane officer would have
photographed the dog and posted it under the Lost Pets
section on the City website, as well as other pet finder sites.
At 9:20am, Mancini gets a call from dispatch about a dog
attack. He hops in his truck and hits the road. Freckles was
hanging out in his yard, off the leash, while his owner, Vicente
2 • Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

Garcia, worked nearby.
When he saw his buddy
across the street, Freckles, a
Shih Tzu, strolled over only
to be pounced on by two
bull terriers. Garcia ran over
to help his pup and was
able to loosen their grip,
but Freckles was already
wounded. Mancini talks to the owners of the terriers and tells
them they will be fined $250 for the dog bites, but Garcia
is also charged $50 for not having Freckles on a leash. The
neighbors discuss the situation and the owner of the terriers
also agrees to pay for Freckles’ hospital bills.
“A big issue right now is dog bite prevention both to
humans and other dogs,” Mancini said. Contrary to popular
belief, 60 percent of bites are to family members, not
strangers.
When Mancini returns to the office, he finds Gabby, the
Unit’s black cat, asleep on his co-workers desk. The cat has
been with them since the day after Hurricane Wilma hit.
Gabby was found under a shed, and it took weeks for him to
recover. He’s been there ever since.
“It’s hard sometimes because you fall in love with these
animals and you just want them to find a good home,”
Mancini said. He once got so attached to a pup, he took it
home.
By this time, the raccoon’s drugs have worn off, and it can
be released back into the wild. Later, Mancini takes the time
to type up the report for the dog bite and enters it into the
department’s tracking system.
While Mancini types up the report, Officer Freed receives
some great news. A bull terrier that was abandoned after
giving birth to
pups now has
a bright future
ahead of her.
After spending
a couple of
days in the
Unit, she was
rescued by Bull
Terrier Rescue
of Florida, who
took her in,
spayed her and
found her a new
home in Ocala.
Officer Freed is dedicated to the cause and works diligently
to find rescue groups for abandoned dogs.
“We try our best to find a rescue group for these pets
because if not, they’ll get sent to the Broward Animal Control
where they are put down after five days,” Freed said. “We try to
avoid that as much as possible.”
Dog bite prevention
Residents can take the following precautions to prevent
dogs from attacking:
• Teach your children how to deal with animals and do not
let them near dogs while they are eating.
• Never scream and run.
• Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye
contact with the dog.
• Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until
he is out of sight.
• If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse,
bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and
the dog.
• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball
with your hands over your ears and remain motionless.
To prevent your dog from biting, it’s important to socialize
your dog with as many people as possible and introduce him
to different situations so that he doesn’t become frightened.
If you’ve been bitten, call the Police non-emergency line at
954-344-1800 or the Humane Office at 954-346-4422, or in an
emergency, dial 911.
Clean up after your pets
Pet owners can be fined for breaking any of the City’s
codes dealing with pets. According to code 4-5 (b), it is illegal
for any person who owns or has control of any animal to let
the animal excrete on any area other than those designed
for that purpose. It is also illegal for them to defecate on any
private property not belonging to the owner of the animal.
Owners in charge of the animals can be fined up to $250
unless they have the tools to remove the feces immediately
from these locations. Different fines relating to animal
excrement include:
• Animal excrement (except in City Parks), $125
• Excrement in City park, $75
• No tool for removal (pooper scoopers, plastic bags), $125
• No tool for removal in a City park, $75
• Inappropriate disposal, $75
Dogs are not allowed in City parks, except for within the
fenced areas of the Dr. Steven G. Paul Dog Park in Sportsplex.
The fine for bringing a dog into a City park is $75.
These code and regulations are here to keep the City clean
and healthy. Animal excrement, including dog droppings,
attracts flies, spreads disease and contributes significant
pollution to the City’s waterways. If you have any questions,
call the Humane Unit at 954-346-4422.
Lost your pet?
Photos of animals found in the City of Coral Springs are
posted at coralsprings.org/lostpets, along with details of
where the animal was found. Anyone recognizing a lost pet
is asked to call the Humane Unit at 954-346-4422. Remember
to always keep your pet on a leash when outdoors.
Watch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs •
features

features
A
Brush
History
with
The City’s historical Covered Bridge has
undergone a complete makeover to repair the
damage done by time, sun and rain, as well
as Hurricane Wilma. The City is committed to
preserving and maintaining the historical feel of
the Covered Bridge, which was one of the first
structures in Coral Springs in 1964.
ABC Roofing donated labor, materials and
installation of the bridge’s roof, helping to lower the repair
cost. The City’s Public Works Department has assisted on the
planning side, and local artist Valmiro Tascon has colorfully
recreated the original tobacco advertising murals to preserve
their historic significance. The “Bull of the Woods” logo, first
used in 1876, is now repainted on the east side, and the
“Peach Sweet Snuff” logo, created in 1950 to appeal to the
ladies, is now on the west side of the bridge.
The bridge’s grand re-opening will be Saturday, April 14 at
3pm. Residents are encouraged to stop by the bridge, which is
located south of Wiles Road and just west of University Drive,
to see where the City’s history began.
Caring for our
Customers
Building call center fields
hundreds of calls each day
Trying to have a conversation in this crevice of the Building
Department is nearly impossible because of the constant
talking.
Patricia Cummings, Sheryl-Ann Delinois and Joan Dowling
field more than 350 calls to the Building Department each
day. This is their full-time job in the department’s Customer
Care Center – helping answer questions from residents
and contractors about anything and everything related to
permitting and building.
On a daily basis, the center will tell callers what inspections
are needed, the status of a permit, the cost for a door frame
permit, the steps to obtain a permit, and much more.
ABC Roofing owner John
Famularo (left), Project
Manager Gina Orlando, City
Historian Wendy Wangberg,
and artist Valmiro Tascon have
been working to renovate the
historic Covered Bridge.
Development Services Administrator Maryellen Serra
said the Building Department began the Customer Care
Center this fiscal year after the need for permits increased
dramatically after Hurricane Wilma.
With the Customer Care Center, the Building Department
strives to always provide a person to talk to, avoid transferring
calls to give the caller immediate feedback, answer general
questions, schedule inspections, and educate people about
the Web site features, such as permit tracking. Last quarter,
the Care Center’s first three months of operation, the three
women answered more than 23,000 phone calls.
Before the Care Center, one person was responsible for
answering the phones, sometimes fielding more than 500
calls per day. Hiring two more full-time employees eased the
load on the entire department, allowing individuals to focus
on their tasks and quickly complete permits.
“I like it when the people in town get to know how we
work,” Cummings said. “We’re protecting them to make sure
the work is done correctly and up to code.”
Residents and contractors can contact the Building
Department’s Customer Care Center at 954-344-1025 or visit
coralsprings.org/building.
• Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

Support Our Troops event honors local members of the military
As a loving mother posts a
photograph of her son, Joe Langlois,
on a City’s bulletin board, she smiles
with pride. Carole Langlois wishes
her son was by her side, but said she
and her husband support our troops
because they realize their country
needs them.
In March, Coral Springs’ residents
came together at the City’s Support
Our Troops ceremony to show their
appreciation for men and women
currently serving in the U.S. military and military veterans.
All five divisions of the U.S. military, which includes the
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, were
represented and recognized.
City officials expressed their gratitude for those men and
women serving our country and to their families and friends
who took time out of their day to honor and represent them.
To salute those men and women, the Coral Springs Charter
School Chorus sang the national anthem and ‘God Bless
America.’ Afterwards, Mayor Scott Brook acknowledged active
military members present, as well as those who have family
members in the service, and they were given the opportunity
to speak.
When Janice and Pete Minchenberg, of Coconut Creek,
won a trip to the Dominican Republic, they were elated. But
their joy quickly turned into frustration when they found out
that anyone flying between the United States and Canada,
Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean or
Bermuda is now required to present a valid passport.
To make matters worse, their local post office doesn’t
offer passport services and
Coconut Creek’s City Hall is
closed on Fridays. Luckily,
Janice and Pete were able
to take care of business at
City Hall in the Mall in Coral
Springs.
“The new law caused me
to stress out and rush to
take care of our passport
situation, but I’m glad we
can do it here all in one
shot,” Janice Minchenberg
said of the services offered
at City Hall in the Mall.
Since the beginning of
the new year, staff at City
Hall in the Mall has noticed a
Vicki DuVal, a City employee whose
son is serving in Iraq, has helped
coordinate the past two events. Her
son, Lance Corporal Troy DuVal of the
United States Marine Corps, is serving
his second deployment.
“Regardless of whether you
support the war or not, these men
and women are putting their lives at
stake, and as a community it’s nice
to come together and show our
support,” DuVal said.
Be sure to visit the City’s Web site at coralsprings.org/
militaryfamilies to access resources, to view photos of the
event, and to submit “Soldier’s Stories” of local military troops.
Memorial Day ceremony
The City will once again host its annual Memorial Day
ceremony at 9am Monday, May 28 at Veterans Park, 8601
Royal Palm Boulevard. During this ceremony, the City honors
area veterans for their commitment and service to their
country. Also visit the City’s online community calendar
at coralsprings.org/events for information about the Flag
Day celebration on June 14 as the date nears. For more
information, call 954-345-2200.
City passport processing available as new laws take effect
When applying for a U.S. Passport,
you must bring the following items:
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as an original certified birth
certificate, Original Naturalization Certificate or expired U.S. Passport.
• Proof of Identity – Current photo ID such as a valid driver’s license
or State Identification Card.
• Two recent, identical, color photographs.
Please keep in mind that the State Department is taking from 10 to
12 weeks to process applications due to influx. You may expedite the
process for an additional $60. For an adult passport (16 years or older)
the total fee is $97 payable in two separate checks or money orders.
The first check for $67 must be made out to the U.S. Department of
State, and the second check for $30 must be made out to the City
of Coral Springs. For children 15 or younger, the fee is $82 payable in
two separate checks or money orders. The first check for $52 must be
made out to the U.S. Department of State, and the second check for
$30 must be made out to the City of Coral Springs.
For renewals, you may download the form at travel.state.gov and
send it via mail. The renewal fee is $67.
major rush in passport applications due to this policy change.
“Our office has been extremely busy because people
love our hours and the convenience of being able to take
their photos here and apply for their passports,” Community
Relations Coordinator Marie Giacalone said.
So if you plan on traveling this summer, stop by City
Hall in the Mall, located inside Coral Square Mall at 9239
W. Atlantic Boulevard.
Passport service hours
are Monday through
Friday, 10am to 6pm, and
Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Passport photos are also
available for $8. For more
information, call 954-344-
1828.
Passport applications
may also be turned in at
Citizens’ Service in City
Hall, 9551 W. Sample
Road, weekdays from 8am
to noon and 2 to 4pm.
This location does not
take passport photos. For
details, call 954-344-1001.
Watch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • 5
features

city
Fire Department leads by example as County is ‘abuzz’
Recent bee attacks in Broward County
can be traced back more than half a
century to biologist Warwick Kerr, who took
African bees to Brazil in 1956 and crossbred
them with European honeybees. A year
later, they were released into the wild and
began swiftly spreading northward. U.S.
officials tried to barricade the bees along
the Panama Canal, but some got through
and reached Texas in 1990. Because it
would be impossible to eliminate them, our
emergency response officials have no other
choice but to learn to live with them.
The December attack in Fort Lauderdale
was confirmed work of Africanized
honeybees, also known as killer bees. While these bees
have been found before in Broward County, this is the first
known incident in which they have stung. Luckily, everyone
recovered, including a dog.
The State Department of Agriculture stated that 14 out of
22 counties in South Florida have had sightings, and our Fire
Department’s standard operating procedure to combat them
is considered a best practice.
“The only thing we needed to add to our repertoire of
equipment was a honeybee net to cover the firefighters’
faces,” Chief Training Officer Bob Bertone said. Firefighters also
use the same foam that is commonly used to extinguish fires
to suffocate the killer bees in 60 seconds.
Our firefighters have responded to at least two Africanized
honeybee calls a week for the past couple of months, with
one successful intervention near an elementary school.
Coral Springs Fire Chief Donald A. Haupt,
Jr. will be truly missed as he retires on April
30 after serving our community for 61/2 years.
Chief Haupt came to Coral Springs in August
2000 from Norfolk, Virginia, where he had been
the Fire Chief for many years. He has had a
long and distinguished career, including the
honor of becoming the first person certified
as a paramedic in the State of Virginia in
1979. One of Haupt’s first challenges upon
arriving in Coral Springs was transitioning the
department from a mostly volunteer force to a
paid department, growing from 66 employees
to 172. He also established more demanding
minimum firefighter standards, mandated the use of GPS
technology on fire equipment, expanded the Coral Springs
Fire Academy, and helped to create the City’s Community
Emergency Response Team.
Recently, the City opened the new Public Safety Training
Firefighter/Paramedic Jesse Kautz is
surrounded by bees at a recent sighting
in Coral Springs. Firefighters used foam
to suffocate the swarm of bees.
Experts expect these honeybees to be
found soon throughout the state since their
arrival five years ago. Although the sting of
an Africanized bee is no more dangerous
than that of an ordinary bee, they are far
more aggressive in attacking people near
their nests and seizing territory from other
bees.
If a resident finds a hive in an unusual,
low location, it’s likely to be the home
of Africanized honeybees. In this case,
residents should call an approved pest
control specialist to remove the hive. If
someone is being attacked, please call 911
and dispatch will send someone to assist
you. Do not squash the bees, as they will release a chemical
that will attract more bees to the area. Keep in mind that
even if firefighters have a successful intervention, a pest
control specialist must still come out and remove the hive or
the bees may return.
Chief Bertone said all you can do is run far and run fast.
Your best bet is to get inside your home or car, and lock the
door behind you. Africanized honeybees will chase someone
up to a quarter or half a mile, and jumping into a pool won’t
help. “Diving into a pool or canal will not save the victim
because the bees will hover above a lot longer than you can
hold your breath,” Bertone said. “The best thing you can do is
avoid them.”
Although there have been no reports of a stinging in Coral
Springs so far, rest assured that our Fire Department is trained
and ready.
Retiring Fire Chief led department to new heights
& Technology Center, a project that Chief Haupt
championed from early on. The facility, located
in the industrial park, houses the Coral Springs
Fire Academy, a regional program recognized
as one of the state’s best.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve the
citizens of Coral Springs and Parkland,” Haupt
said. “It’s been the best part of my 36 years in
the fire service.” In his letter to City Manager
Michael Levinson, Haupt said he is retiring due
to a medical illness.
Haupt is well respected by his staff and
co-workers.
“Chief Haupt is a very dedicated and hard
working person,” Assistant Chief John Whalen said. “He was a
pleasure to work with and we are very sorry to see him go,”
Whalen added.
“Chief Haupt will be sorely missed,” Levinson said. “He has
created one of the finest agencies in the country.”
• Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

Code Enforcement has new citation guidelines
The City of Coral Springs might be one of the cities with
the most codes and courtesies, but it’s what keeps our City
clean and beautiful.
When code violations occur, the Code Enforcement
Division has several actions it may take and as of April 1, code
officers will follow new administrative citation guidelines,
which allow certain violations to be taken to a special
magistrate at City Hall rather than a county court.
“This new program is intended to encourage a faster
voluntary compliance,” Chief Code Enforcement Officer Ken
Maroney said.
If a code officer finds a violation, the first step of action
will be a warning notice with a time to comply. If you receive
such a notice, it is important that you contact the officer
Volunteer
Spotlight
She’s the Fire Department’s
favorite baker, and the staff
always looks forward to her
unexpected visits and her
exquisite angel food cakes and
snickerdoodle cookies.
“After the attacks on
September 11, I started baking
for all of the fire stations and
dispatch,” volunteer Lynne
Johnson said. When a local
Publix found out what she was
doing, they were kind enough
to donate the cake covers. “I live near Station 64, and I always
tell the firefighters this is in case you carry me out and I can’t
say thank you.”
Johnson, 83, has been volunteering with the City since
January 1998, and she drives proudly with a bumper sticker
that says “I love my career. I’m a volunteer.”
A native from Ohio, Johnson moved from South
Carolina to Florida in 1996 to be closer to her daughter and
grandchildren. To make friends, she decided to get involved
in local groups, such as Seniors and Law Enforcement
Together. That’s when she met City staff and soon got
involved with Safety Town. Since then, she has volunteered
for nearly every City department, putting in at least 40 hours
a month. She has a deep love for reading and music, but
enjoys getting out and volunteering.
“I plan to volunteer until I can’t anymore,” Johnson said. She
proudly wears her City badge and when people ask where
she works, she smiles and tells them, “I volunteer for the City
of Coral Springs.”
For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact
Volunteer Coordinator Kim Sanecki at 954-346-4430.
to find out what you need to do to reach compliance. The
code officer will then show up to reinspect the property and
determine if the violation has been corrected.
If the property still does not meet compliance, Code
Enforcement will take the person to a special magistrate,
who will determine a fine for each day the property is not in
compliance.
Depending on the severity of the violation, code officers
will now have the authority to determine if the hearing
should be conducted at the county court.
For more information on violations and fines, please visit
coralsprings.org/code or call 954-344-5964. Business owners
and residents may report potential code issues by visiting
coralsprings.org/servicerequest or by calling 954-344-1017.
Police Department cracks
down on graffiti
The Coral Springs Police Department launched a
proactive initiative this fiscal year to help combat graffiti in
the City.
Each member of the Department’s patrol unit has graffiti
tracking forms to fill out when they spot graffiti, which
could be anything from a painting on a building to small
writing on a Florida Power and Light box. The form includes
information about where and when the officer saw the
graffiti, along with the property owner’s name.
According to City Ordinance 8-24, property owners then
have 120 hours to remove the graffiti, be it by cleaning
or painting. Capt. Rich Nicorvo said the patrol officer who
reports the graffiti is responsible for ensuring property
owner compliance.
“We want to make sure the graffiti is cleaned up as soon
as possible,” Nicorvo said. “Studies show that the sooner
you clean up graffiti, the less of a chance there is for repeat
occurrences.”
City ordinance defines graffiti as “any writing, drawing,
painting, inscription, figure, or mark of any type on any
structure, public or private, or any other property, real or
personal, that has been made without the consent of the
owner of the property.”
Since January 1, patrol officers turned in almost 50
graffiti tracking forms. But Nicorvo said that does not mean
there are that many large murals; it ranges from unlawfully
painted walls to illegal writing on poles or benches.
The Police Department began the initiative after officers
noticed an increase of graffiti along Sample Road. This
tracking system is meant to help property owners and
deter offenders, who, if caught, could face state first degree
misdemeanor charges that carry punishment of up to one
year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Watch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • 7
city

community
Coral Springs
named one of
Best Communities
for Young People
Ask your neighbors why they chose to live in Coral
Springs, and most of them will tell you that it’s a great
place to raise their children. Well, they’re not exaggerating.
In January, America’s Promise named our City one of the
100 Best Communities for Young People for the second
consecutive year. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell
founded America’s Promise in 2005 to increase the health
and success of young people from birth to 21 years of age.
More than 750 applicant cities were judged on criteria
regarding the community’s commitment to fulfill five
essential promises critical to the well-being of young
people: caring adults who are actively involved in their
lives; safe places in which to learn and grow; a healthy
start toward adulthood; an effective education that builds
marketable skills; and opportunities to help others.
Coral Springs was selected for many attributes, including
youth leadership opportunities through the Student
Advisory Council (SAC), a “junior commission” that meets
to discuss issues affecting the entire community. Other
City programs that distinguished Coral Springs are Digital
Divide, which provides online access to disadvantaged
young people; and our Study Circles, which allowed focus
groups to brainstorm on how the City could get youth to
become more involved.
Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook said he was
extremely proud to be a repeat winner. “Our City remains
extraordinarily committed to our youth and provides them
with numerous opportunities for growth. As the Mayor, I
am grateful to our employees and countless volunteers
who contribute so much to our community’s future. As a
father of five, there is nowhere else I would want to raise my
children.”
A Waste Management employee was recently injured while
lifting a 50-gallon trash can. As a result, Waste Management
will enforce the 32-gallon trash can requirement in single
family, duplex, triplex, and those multi-family buildings with
can service. Although 32-gallon containers have always been
the requirement, Waste Management was kind enough to
collect residents’ trash even if it exceeded the limit.
As of April 1, Waste Management will no longer pick up
residents’ trash if it is not in the right size container.
Coral Springs offers the highest service level for waste
City working with neighboring
governments to evaluate
casino expansion proposal
Coral Springs is cooperating with neighboring cities and
Broward County to evaluate the potential regional impact
of a proposed Seminole tribe casino expansion in Coconut
Creek.
The City is working with Margate, Coconut Creek, Parkland
and the County to determine the effects of the casino
expansion project, which, upon approval from the governor’s
office, would include Las Vegas-style gaming, retail space, a
6,500-vehicle parking garage, and a 1,000-room hotel.
A casino with category 2-type gaming already exists in
Coconut Creek along State Road 7 and Sample Road, directly
east of Coral Springs. The proposed Seminole expansion
seeks to make 53 acres of land sovereign – immune to United
States laws – upon which the tribe wants to install category
3, Vegas-style gaming that Gov. Charlie Crist must approve.
Category 3 gaming already exists in Broward County,
including at Pompano Park.
Assistant City Manager Erdal Dönmez said the City wanted
to have a unified stand with Margate, Coconut Creek and
Parkland when asking the Seminole tribe for resources to
help mitigate additional impacts on the cities, including more
public service personnel and infrastructure improvements.
Further, the South Florida Regional Planning Council is
applying its comprehensive development impact model to
the preliminary casino plans to assess the direct impact of
this major development on the surrounding communities.
The cities plan to present their recommendations to
the governor’s office so he can take those into account
when signing legislation to make the land tribal. Even if the
governor does not approve a conversion to sovereign land
and Category 3 gaming, the Seminole tribe already owns the
property and can develop it in any other way they see fit.
Donmez emphasized that Coral Springs is not attempting
to halt the project; rather the City, he said, wants to make sure
“any and all potential negative impact is being identified and
properly mitigated.”
Waste Management will now enforce 2-gallon trash cans
collection at the lowest rate of any city in Broward County.
Side door service is included in residents’ solid waste fee, and
residents are entitled have two garbage cans collected per
pickup. Anything in excess of two cans should be taken out
to the curb. Waste Management also offers bulk pickup twice
a week on regular collection days for those residents with
side yard or curbside pickup.
For more information on proper disposal, visit coralsprings.
org and click the ‘Garbage and Recycling Guide for Residents’
under the ‘Publications’ Section.
• Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

Dr. Paul’s memory lives on at
dog park named in his honor
Local veterinarian Dr. Steven
G. Paul, who was a lifelong
non-smoker, succumbed to an
aggressive form of lung cancer at
the early age of 50. In remembrance
of him and all his love and
dedication to pets, the City of Coral
Springs gave a special proclamation
the day before Dr. Paul passed
away renaming the dog park as
Dr. Steven G. Paul Dog Park.
At age 10, he knew he wanted
to become a veterinarian, but little
did he know that he would become
such an asset to his community. To
Dr. Steven G. Paul
and family at the
2005 Dog Day Run
the City of Coral Springs, he was a collaborator and a good
friend. Even during his battle against cancer, he attended
commission meetings and fought for what he believed.
“We love you and appreciate everything you’ve done,”
Mayor Brook said to Dr. Paul, as he and his family watched the
commission meeting from his hospital room at Coral Springs
Medical Center.
Dr. Paul founded the state’s first dog park in 1997 right here
at Sportsplex. He was also involved with the Coral Springs
Police and Fire Departments, leading pet CPR training and
providing pet oxygen masks for every transport vehicle in our
City and Parkland.
“Dr. Paul was a valuable asset to our City,” Fire Department
Public Information Officer Mike Moser said. “The City of Coral
Springs has lost a dear friend.”
Years ago, Dr. Paul served as an active member of the Civic
Culture and Education Cultural Foundation, which was the
predecessor of the Coral Springs Museum of Art Board of
Directors. He also participated in Vision 20/20 and served
for the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Coral
Springs Economic Development Council.
“He has helped plow the way for much of what we have
been able to accomplish in recent years, and for that we are
eternally grateful,” City Manager Michael Levinson said.
Dr. Paul is survived by his loving wife Jill, his sons Jordan
and Kevin, and his golden retriever and best friend, Parker.
Visit peoplehelpingpets.org for details on how you can
honor Dr. Paul’s legacy by helping local pet charities.
My
Coral Springs
Photos submitted by our readers
Coral Springs is inviting residents to submit their best
photos of Coral Springs. Submitted photos may be
featured in an upcoming issue of Coral Springs Magazine,
on CityTV 25 or on the City’s website. Please e-mail your
full-resolution photographs to editor@coralsprings.org.
Don’t forget to include your name, description of the
people or places pictured, as well as why your photo
signifies what Coral Springs means to you.
Congratulations to
members of Coral
Springs Girl Scout
Troop 842, who
collected the most
donations for the
“Feeding Broward
Together” annual
food drive.
Pictured left to right
are: top row – Marni
Shabash, E’lan Cole,
Arianna Ruiz, Florida
Panthers mascot
Stanley C. Panther;
standing – Chelsie Hall, Amanda Van Wettering,
Samantha Moroney, Aviva Edrich, Samantha Rabucha,
Kayla Wymann; and bottom row – Jordan Roimi,
Jenna Cohen, Gaby Roimi, Bailey Moroney.
City is ready to go green
Climate change is a major concern and greenhouse
gases, resulting from human activity, are accumulating at an
unprecedented rate. Research has shown that Florida releases
the most of these gases in the nation.
The City of Coral Springs has been involved in initiatives
to reduce our local impact on climate change. Our City also
passed a resolution in January to support the U.S. Conference
of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, and as a result, the
City plans to develop policies for Green building and Green
maintenance. Currently, the City has nine hybrid vehicles and
uses biodiesel fuels for all trucks, back hoes and lawn mowers,
as they are cleaner than gas and diesel.
In the future, Downtown Coral Springs will create a more
pedestrian-friendly place for living, in hopes of decreasing
the use of vehicles. By 2014, Coral Springs also plans
to reach a citywide 30 percent tree canopy increase to
reduce carbon dioxide and the urban heat island effect, in
which a metropolitan area is significantly warmer than its
surroundings.
For more information on how you can help, visit epa.gov.
Watch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs •
community

community
Be prepared for hurricanes Hurricane Preparedness Tips
Even though Florida escaped a direct hit during last year’s
hurricane season, residents should be vigilant and prepare for
this year. A good first step to getting ready is to stock up on
enough supplies to last at least three days.
With only two months before the start of hurricane season,
the City also is alerting residents to the myriad programs and
special services offered before, during and after a hurricane or
other emergency.
The City of Coral Springs Hurricane Call Center will be
available to assist residents with vital information before and
after a storm. Residents can reach the call center at 954-344-
1001. Staff at the Call Center are available to answer questions
about City-related issues and not concerns such as canals,
cable television or electricity.
City TV 25, on Advanced Cable Communications, will air
the latest community updates, including curfew information,
business openings and closings, debris removal and other
emergency preparedness instructions.
Coral Springs residents will soon be able to tune their
dials to 1670-AM as the City prepares to launch its own
radio station. Coral Springs CityRadio will deliver information
about City services, upcoming events, weather updates, and
emergency bulletins when necessary.
The City’s Web site, coralsprings.org, will be constantly
updated with detailed information. Before the storm,
residents can register for several e-newsletters designed to
give not only storm information but regular notices from the
City as well. Go to coralsprings.org and scroll to the E-Coral
Springs Section where you can click on “Sign up for e-News”
to register. Residents also have the option of signing up for a
Community Awareness e-mail, which provides information
about domestic security and tropical updates. To be
included on the list, send an e-mail to csdomesticsecurity@
coralsprings.org.
Monarch High School, 5050 Wiles Road in Coconut Creek,
serves as Coral Springs’ primary shelter. The American Red
Cross is responsible for opening this and other shelters as
need demands. The media and various alter programs will
announce shelter openings. It is important to note that Coral
Springs is not considered an evacuation area.
Help for Seniors
The City of Coral Springs has a program to assist the
City’s senior and physically challenged communities. The
Fire Department maintains a database to alert fire rescue
personnel of any special needs required by a senior or
disabled resident during an emergency. Visit coralsprings.
org/assistance to register your information with the Fire
Department. Those needing to go to a Broward County
Special Needs or Red Cross shelter during an emergency
must pre-register with Broward County Elderly and Veterans
Services Division’s Evacuation Transportation Assistance
Program. Transportation to the shelter also is available. To
For more hurricane preparedness tips or information
during a storm, call the Broward County Hurricane Hotline
at 954-831-4000 or visit the following Web sites:
coralsprings.org/hurricane • Broward.org/disaster
Floridadisaster.org • Mysafeflorida.org • Ready.gov
receive more information or to register, call 954-537-2888.
CodeRED
Residents and business owners alike are encouraged to
sign up for CodeRED, a voice messaging system used to alert
residents about events or concerns in their area including:
local criminal activity, weather emergencies, missing persons,
evacuation orders and other situations requiring immediate
attention. Those who sign up can enter multiple phone
numbers, including cell phones and non-local numbers as
long as a Coral Springs address is registered to the number.
To register or obtain more information, visit coralsprings.org/
police/codered.cfm.
SavingMinutes
The Coral Springs Fire Department recently launched
SavingMinutes, a program that allows City residents to enter
critical information about their home that first responders
can use during an emergency to help save minutes.
Residents can fill out on online form with the information
feeding directly and securely to the Fire Department. Sign
up by going to coralsprings.org/savingminutes. For help or
further information, e-mail savingminutes@coralsprings.org
or call 954-344-5934.
Join the CERT team
The Community Emergency Response Team is made
up of residents like you specially trained in emergency
response procedures. Those taking part in the 25-hour CERT
course receive training in disaster preparedness, basic fire
suppression, medical treatment strategies for life-threatening
conditions, search-and-rescue techniques, and coping with
post-disaster stress. CERT members are called upon to help
the community during many types of events. No previous
experience or training is necessary. Interested participants
must be at least 16 years old. For more information call
954-346-1774 or visit coralsprings.org/cert, where those
interested also can download an application.
Hurricane Pet Shelter
In case of an evacuation order in Broward County, residents
with pets have the option of going to a pet-friendly hurricane
shelter. The nearest pet-friendly shelter is Millennium Middle
School, 5803 N.W. 94th Ave., in Tamarac. Those wanting to use
the shelter during an emergency must pre-register because
of space limitations. Owners are required to show proof that
they reside in a County evacuation zone and that their pets
have up-to-date vaccinations, including a rabies shot.
10 • Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

Guide to Doing Business
Are you doing business or want to do business in Coral
Springs? Our City is a vibrant community with a diverse
population with growing retail and commercial needs. Of
course, there are City policies, procedures and regulations
that affect your business. Check out our Guide to Doing
Business in Coral Springs, an easy-to-understand handbook
that answers some of the most frequently asked questions
about the City of Coral Springs Community Development,
Building, Licensing, Code and Fire Inspection procedures, as
well as our Land Development Code and Municipal Code.
In this guide, you will find important information on how to
make doing business in our City a pleasant experience. To
view the guide online, visit coralsprings.org/business and
click on ‘Guide to Doing Business,’ or pick up a copy at the
Building Department, 9530 West Sample Road.
What’s Going Up?
Two more Publix Supermarkets are springing up in Coral
Springs. One store, which will open soon, is located on the
corner of Sample Road and Coral Ridge Drive. That store,
said Stephen Brandon of Brandon Partners, is approximately
35,000 square feet, making it a mid-size Publix. Publix stores,
he said, range anywhere from 28,000 square feet to 62,000
square feet.
“It’s their newest prototype,” Brandon said about the Coral
Ridge store.
Another Publix is under construction on the opposite side
of the City on Sample Road close to Turtle Run Boulevard
near Target. When the two sites are complete, that will bring
the total numbers of Publix stores in Coral Springs to eight.
There are approximately 50 development areas in Coral
Springs. To view the list, visit coralsprings.org/goingup.
One Charter Place to open soon
What was once an empty parking lot will soon become
a vibrant pedestrian downtown. Downtown Coral Springs,
located in the heart of the City, will become a reality when
it opens this Spring.
Back in 2004, more than 100 residents gathered at a
Visioning Summit to discuss where they saw the City
of Coral Springs in the next 10 years, and a thriving
downtown was one of their top priorities.
After years of planning and construction, One Charter
Place is now a $26 million office and retail center set on a
3.9-acre site at the southeast corner of Sample Road and
University Drive. The distinctive buildings curve around
the intersection and include approximately 96,000 square
feet of commercial office and retail space, and a 423-space
multi-purpose parking garage.
While most of the City’s shopping plazas have parking
lots in front of the buildings, One Charter Place is the exact
opposite with no visible parking lots.
The Coral Springs Charter School’s faculty and staff
will have access to the top floor of the parking garage
and an exclusive elevator. Amera Corp., the developer of
Downtown and The Walk, has also enhanced the school’s
parking lot with landscaping.
In February, the school broke ground for its new Fine
Arts Wing, which should be completed by next school
year. The City contributed more than $1.5 million of the
proceeds of the sale of the downtown project site toward
this educational enhancement.
The Fine Arts Wing will include a band room, practice
rooms, vocal room, and a small auditorium with a capacity
of 300.
“This Wing will truly enhance the quality of education we
provide our students, and we’re very thankful to the City of
Coral Springs,” Principal Billie Miller said.
Confirmed One Charter Place tenants include a regional
State Farm office, Merrill Lynch, SouthTrust Bank, Wachovia
Bank, GMAC Realty and Starbucks, among others.
“This corner gives residents a flavor of urban
architecture,” Assistant City Manager Erdal Dönmez said.
The other quadrants will have the same urban feel, and
some will include residential units. Negotiations are still
pending, but Amera is ready to move on any of the three
remaining corners.
Watch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • 11
business

culture
Ryan Mash
4th grade
Country Hills
Elementary
Holes by Louis Sachar
“My favorite part is when
the warden makes the boys
spend all day, every day, digging holes. I
thought the book was better than the
movie because it had more details.”
Museum of Art to host Great Art Affair
The Coral Springs Museum of Art will host The
Great Art Affair: An Evening of Art and Fantasy,
on Friday, April 20 at 7pm. This event brings people
to the Museum for an evening of art, food and
entertainment.
Patrons will also participate in a live
auction of original art by Romero Britto,
Royo and other art notables, plus a sevenday
Caribbean cruise for two from Royal
Caribbean Cruise lines and airfare for two
on Spirit Airlines. Original ceramic art plates and
vessels will be bid on during the silent auction.
A Chinese auction of small artworks, gift
certificates and services from local businesses
will take place early in the evening, along with
food sampling and wine tasting.
Matilda Hippo
This year’s special highlights will be celebrity artist by Pablo Cano
Pablo Cano and a concert by Work Release, a local
rock and roll band. This major fundraiser helps the Museum
support exhibitions and educational programs throughout
the year.
All original pieces donated by the artists will be on display
during the Great Art Exhibition April 9 through April 20,
Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. The artwork will
then be available for purchase by silent auction the evening
of The Great Art Affair.
Great Art Affair tickets are $75 per person and space is
limited. The Museum would like to thank its event sponsors
Hertz Jewelers, CHCS Services, Parkland Life Magazine,
Bacardi, Trinchero Estates, WXEL, WLRN, Our Town News,
Coral Springs Nursery and Hearts & Flowers Florist. For more
information or to purchase tickets, please call the Museum at
954-340-5000.
Current exhibits
Experience Marionettes as Sculpture, a collection
of Pablo Cano’s artwork. His exhibit will be on display
What are you reading?
Elizabeth
Whitton
10th grade
Coral Springs
Charter School
Flowers for Algernon
by Daniel Keyes
“It’s a psychological book about an
experiment in which a man’s IQ dramatically
improves. The author did an amazing job
in narrating the story because it’s written
though the eyes of the main character.”
through Saturday, May 19. Since his childhood,
marionettes have always fascinated Cano, and
he creates them using debris from everyday
life, including signs and violins. Cano, born
in Havana, Cuba, incorporates his family’s
culture and traditions, along with his own
American childhood. Aside from being a
puppeteer, Cano is a painter, sculptor, and
set designer.
Cano will perform with his musical
marionettes at Family Funday at the Coral
Springs Museum of Art on Saturday, May 12 at
3pm. Admission is $3 per person, but moms are
free. An art project of Pretty Puppets will follow the
performance.
Sculpture: Then and Now will also be on display
until Saturday, May 19. Sig Lichterman’s sculptures
are created from laminated wood and Shelley Parriott
will feature an installation of powder coated mesh called
“Color Fields.”
Summer camps
The Coral Springs Museum of Art is offering Art Camp for
children and teens ages 6 to 15. Art Camp begins June 4
and runs 10 weeks. Children may sign up by the week. The
camp consists of either a morning or afternoon session. The
morning sessions run from 9am to noon and the afternoon
session runs from 1 to 4pm. Children may attend both
sessions. The Museum offers lunchtime supervision for $5 a
day, but attendees must bring their own lunch.
Art Camp Workshops fees are $110 and up. Workshops are
by age groups and media, and some workshops offered are
Ceramic Hand-building, Exploring Sculpture, Comic Book
Design, Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Cartooning, Papiér Mache,
and much more. Classes are taught by professional artists and
class size is limited. Call the Museum at 954-340-5000 or visit
csmart.org for more information.
Kilee Machado
12th grade
Coral Springs
Charter School
Crazy for You
by Jennifer Crusie
“This book is about a woman who realizes
she’s living a life she doesn’t want to live,
and she wants to change that, but her exboyfriend
turns psychotic because he is
literally crazy for her.”
12 • Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

Our Water
How can you
help the environment?
S ay goodbye to watering your lawns
every other day, and don’t forget
to close your faucet while brushing your
teeth – at least for a while, until the
water restrictions simmer down.
The South Florida Water Management District has set limits
on how much water municipal utilities can draw out of the
Biscayne Aquifer, and Broward and Palm Beach Counties are
feeling the pressure.
The SFWMD hopes to reduce water consumption by 15
percent. As of March 22, lawn watering and car washing
has been limited to only three times a week from 4 to 8am.
Odd addresses can only water Monday, Wednesday and
Saturday. Even addresses can water Tuesday, Thursday and
Sunday. You can also wash your car on water days from 5 to
7pm. No watering is permitted Fridays. The City will oversee
these restrictions, and violators may be fined up to $500 or
sentenced to six months in jail.
While Broward County’s average water use is about 150
gallons per person, per day, City of Coral Springs officials
estimate that our residents use about 123 gallons. The
anticipated increase of new residents in South Florida means
more water and more money needed to cover the demand.
As a result, the City has made water conservation a priority in
this year’s Business Plan.
“The City is working to establish demand management
and efficient use of water,” Utilities Superintendent Dave
Moore said. “By developing water conservation measures,
programs and incentives, we hope to avoid wasting water
and promote the reasonable and efficient use of our available
supplies.”
The South Florida Water Management District also offers
many water conservation tips anyone can follow, including:
• Not overwatering lawns and watering them during early
morning hours when wind speeds are calmer;
• Taking less time in the shower;
• Operating dishwashers and clothes washers at full
capacity; and,
• Checking your water meter to determine if there are leaks
in the home.
Due to the lack of rainfall in 2006, the water level in Lake
Okeechobee is about 3.5 feet below its historical average. A
low water level in Lake Okeechobee is a concern because
the lake serves as the main back-up water supply for
customers in the Lower East Coast region, which stretches
from Palm Beach to Monroe Counties. Lower water levels in
the Everglades also damages animal habitat, drying out the
swamp and making it more susceptible to catching fire.
There are many advantages to conserving water. Not
only will it save residents money, but it has the potential of
extending the life of the Biscayne aquifer and help protect
the environment.
For more information, residents are encouraged to call the
SFWMD’s Water Conservation Hotline at 1-800-662-8876 or
visit the District’s Web site at sfwmd.gov.
This article is the third in a series about our water.
Hundreds volunteer at annual Waterway Cleanup
For the 12th year, the Coral Springs site of the Broward
Waterway Cleanup was a huge success. Volunteer turnout at
the site was again the highest in the County, with more than
450 people registering to help. Those volunteers retrieved an
entire waste bin worth of trash from waterways in the City.
Items ranged from old tires and lawn chairs to shopping
carts and portable toilets, and hundreds of pieces of trash.
“It’s great to be part of the single largest volunteer event
in the City,” Vice Mayor Roy Gold, who leads the Coral Springs
site along with the Adopt-a-Mile organization, said. “I am so
grateful to all the dedicated volunteers who participated.”
The site organizers would like to thank the City of Coral
Springs, Adopt-a-Mile, Broward Beautiful, the Coral Springs
Improvement District, Target, Lowe’s and Kilwin’s for their
support and donations to this annual effort.
Report canal dumping
To report illegal dumping in a canal, call Code Enforcement
at 954-344-5964 or the Police Department at 954-344-1800.
To view the Coral Springs Canal District Drainage Map, visit
coralsprings.org/publicworks/canals.cfm.
For problems, questions or information regarding canal
maintenance, improvements within and regulations for
these local Drainage Districts: North Springs Improvement,
Coral Springs Improvement, Sunshine Water Control, Turtle
Run Improvement District, and the Pine Tree Water Control
District, call 954-753-0380. Residents of the Crossings
Drainage District should call 954-846-7545.
Watch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • 1
environment

ecreation
Learning to
Defend
Yourself
I t’s dark. The parking lot is empty, except for
one flickering light. You walk quickly toward
your car. Are those footsteps you hear over
your pounding heart? Is someone else here?
Suddenly, a figure rushes behind you. Now what?
The Coral Springs Police Department offers a Rape
Aggression Defense class that teaches women how to answer
that question while empowering them to avoid becoming a
target of violence.
Officers began teaching the RAD curriculum two years
ago after people who participated in the Department’s
successful SAFE defense program wanted additional training.
Five officers are certified RAD instructors, with three more
expected to join the team.
“It really is about empowering women to use their body as
a tool to survive an attack,” Training Officer Karla Hines said.
The Department offers the program free, which is unusual,
because Police Chief Duncan Foster champions the course
and what it teaches female Coral Springs residents. Women
must be 12 or older to participate.
Courses are offered in four-week sessions from 5:30 to
8:30pm at the Northwest Regional Library, 3151 N. University
Drive, as follows: April 3, 10, 17 and 24; June 5, 12, 19, and 26;
and August 7, 14, 21 and 28.
Families with younger children are encouraged to travel to
Parkland for the Broward Sheriff’s Office-sponsored RAD Kids
program. For information, call 954-753-5050.
Even though the RAD course offers many opportunities
for hands-on training, no previous self-defense experience
is required. Courses are tailored to meet each individual
participant’s needs and fitness level.
For more information, visit coralsprings.org/police/rad.cfm,
or call 954-346-1227. Pre-registration is required.
Experience EarthFest at Sandy Ridge Sanctuary
Come experience one of the City’s hidden treasures
firsthand during this year’s EarthFest. Each year, Coral Springs
celebrates Earth Day by hosting EarthFest, a community
event putting residents in touch with the nature at Sandy
Ridge Sanctuary, 8501 N.W. 40 Street, which is just east of
University Drive between Sample and Wiles roads.
EarthFest features wildlife exhibits, guided tours of the
sanctuary, plant giveaways and refreshments. Also returning
this year is Master Falconer Ray Pena. Pena runs Flight of the
Raptor, a private organization that strives to raise awareness
about birds of prey in our environment. Pena will bring birds
for a demonstration, as well as offer educational information
about the birds’ history, nesting habits, wildlife adaptations
and more. The program kicks off at 9am April 21 at Sandy
Ridge and lasts until 1pm. For more details, call 954-344-1117.
1 • Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

The Unitown experience
Jessica Klein’s best friend just moved away and she had
never felt so alone, but after attending Unitown, she now has
made some great new friends.
In February, more than 50 high school students decided
to go along for the ride, but Unitown turned out to be
more than just a weekend getaway. Now that it is over, they
wish they could go back because they all feel it was a lifechanging
experience.
All of them admit that during the bus ride to the camp,
each high school stuck together and thought there would be
conflict. Within two hours, the students quickly got to know
each other. Now, they are inseparable.
“I would have never talked to some of these people, but
we turned into a family,” Matthew Lumpkins, a junior at Nova
High School, said.
At Unitown, the teens participated in bonding exercises to
help them open up to one another, share their experiences
and discuss diversity. The teens came clean and admitted
that they used to laugh at discriminating jokes and gossiped
about their classmates, but now they are more open-minded.
“We may not share the color of our skin, but now I look at
the inside and I don’t judge people automatically,” Cassandra
Booker, a junior at J.P. Taravella High School, said.
Unitown also changed their perspective on their parents.
“I have so much more respect for my parents because if it
wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here,” Saul Sanchez, a freshman
at Coral Springs Charter School, said.
At a Unitown reunion, the teens jumped into each other’s
arms and said a heartfelt “I’ve missed you,” although they all
keep in touch through MySpace.com.
They all can’t wait for next year and this time they’re telling
everyone they know that they shouldn’t miss it.
“I thought it was going to be some boring weekend, but
it turned out to be more than I expected,” Gardimy “Dimy”
Jospitre, a sophomore at Stoneman Douglas High, said.
The Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee sponsors the
program, which is available to local high school students and
other participating schools from Lauderhill. Coral Springs is
the only city in Broward that hosts this event and offers it at
no cost to the students. Keep your ears open for details on
next year’s Unitown.
Keep your family safe this
upcoming Fourth of July
The personal use of fireworks in our neighborhoods
has prompted the Coral Springs Police Department
to take a firmer stance in addressing illegal fireworks.
Last year alone, fireworks caused four brush fires and one
injury in Coral Springs. Anyone caught possessing illegal
fireworks will have them confiscated. Setting off illegal
fireworks could result in criminal charges against the user.
Please keep in mind that any firework that explodes
or flies in the air is illegal. As for the legal fireworks,
please follow these tips to ensure the safety of your
loved ones:
• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
• Always have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher
nearby.
• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
• Stand several feet away from lighted fireworks.
• If fireworks do not go off, do not stand over them.
• Supervise children around fireworks at all times.
Police recommend attending a professional fireworks
display instead, such as the one scheduled at the Fourth
of July Celebration at the Sportsplex Athletic Complex. For
details as the event nears, visit coralsprings.org/events.
Ready to Rock?
The City is looking for performers to showcase at
upcoming teen concerts. All genres are welcome. Show us
what you’ve got! Send your demo to: Jacqueline Gouge,
Parks and Recreation, 2501 Coral Springs Drive, Coral
Springs, Florida 33065.
Get wild this summer
at Sawgrass Nature Center
The Sawgrass Nature Center is sponsoring its Camp
Wild summer program focusing on science, nature and
the environment. The camp, for children ages 6 to 12,
provides a hands-on learning experience where campers
interact with plants and animals, while also participating in
outdoor exploration and nature craft projects.
Camp sessions are in June and July and cost $200
per week or $180 per week for Sawgrass Nature Center
members. Camp fees include all activities and supplies.
Certified science teachers and environmental educators
make up the camp’s staff.
For registration or further information, call the Center
at 954-752-WILD or visit the new Sawgrass Nature Center
and Wildlife Hospital in the Sportsplex, at 3000 Sportsplex
Drive. Space is limited.
Watch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • 15
recreation

ecreation
Now is the time to register
for summer programs
The City of Coral Springs offers an abundance of
exciting adventures for campers. Many programs break
away from traditional summer camps by taking kids on
journeys they’ll treasure forever. Sign up now for one of
the many camps available, including Kamp Kool, dance,
etiquette, sport, or special needs camps. Make a splash
in the aquatics, learn to swim, or even take a swing at
tennis. The City offers something for everyone, including
extended hours camps.
Get your 2007 Summer Fun Guide and applications at
the Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Drive;
City Hall in the Mall, Coral Square Mall; the Coral Springs
Aquatic Complex and Tennis Center of Coral Springs, 2575
Sportsplex Drive; and the Cypress Park Tennis Center, 1301
Coral Springs Drive. Guides are also available at City Hall,
located at 9551 W. Sample Road.
To view and download the Summer Fun Guide and
application forms, visit coralsprings.org/summerfun. For
more details, call 954-345-2200.
Safety Town teaches
children valuable skills
More than 1,600 kindergarten students in Coral Springs
participate in Safety Town each year, and the chance is
coming up again soon to have your child learn valuable
safety skills that will remain with them and your family for
a lifetime.
In a hands-on learning environment, children will
discuss a variety of topics including stranger danger and
fire, water, bicycle and traffic safety.
Celebrating 21 years in Coral Springs, Safety Town caters
to children between the ages of 4 ½ and 6 ½. Registration
for upcoming programs is Saturday, April 28 from 9am to
1pm at Kiwanis Park, 520 Ramblewood Drive just north of
Ramblewood Middle School.
The coast is $45, and participants must be 4 years old by
December 31, 2006. Proof of age such as a birth certificate
or passport is required at the time of registration.
Upcoming Safety Town sessions are as follows:
• June 4 to 15: 9:30 to 11:30am
• June 4 to 15: 12:30 to 2:30pm
• June 18 to 29: 9:30 to 11:30am
• June 18 to 29: 12:30 to 2:30pm
• July 23 to August 3: 9:30 to 11:30am
Parents must register their own children. No more than
two children, either siblings or friends, can enroll as a
group. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, call 954-344-1811.
Child drownings:
What you can do to prevent them
It takes an instant and just several inches of water to drown
a child younger than one. Any amount of water that can
cover their mouth and nose is potentially dangerous, be it in
a bucket, bathtub or toilet.
Toddlers are also often at risk as they follow their natural
curiosity and can be out the door and in the pool within
minutes.
Sixty-nine percent of the time, one or both parents are
in the immediate area. And in more than 77 percent of
drowning deaths, the child had been seen five minutes or
less before being missed and found in the pool. If your child
is missing, check the pool immediately.
“Drowning is not caused by a lack of supervision, but by a
lapse in supervision,” Coral Springs Aquatic Services Director
Mike McGoun said.
Pool safety seems obvious but is often neglected. Aside
from alarms, fences, pool covers, etc., the best security is
constant adult supervision. Be sure your children know how
to swim and, as a parent, learn CPR.
The Coral Springs
Medical Center, the
City of Coral Springs
and the American Red
Cross have also joined
together as the Pediatric
Drowning Prevention Task Force to help prevent pediatric
drowning. The Coral Springs Fire Department regularly offers
CPR classes. To sign up for the City’s CPR classes, please call
954-346-1774.
Also this month, don’t miss
April Pool’s Day on Sunday,
April 15, from noon to 4pm
at the Coral Springs Medical
Center. The hospital will be
celebrating its 20th birthday, and the Fire Department will
offer drowning prevention demonstrations.
For more information, visit watersafekids.org.
Register for Learn to Swim Classes Beginning May 5
Registration for summer Learn to Swim classes will begin
on Saturday, May 5 from 7:30am to 5pm at the Coral Springs
Aquatic Complex, located at 12441 Royal Palm Blvd. As of
May 6, registration will be taken at the respective pools where
classes will be offered. The Cypress Park Pool is located at
1300 Coral Springs Drive, and Mullins Park Pool is located at
10180 N.W. 29th Street.
Most summer class sessions consist of eight, 45-minute
classes and cost $45. Weekday and weekend classes are
available. For more information, visit coralsprings.org/
summerfun, get a copy of the Summer Fun Guide at any City
recreation facility or call Aquatic Services at 954-345-2121.
1 • Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

WorldFest 2007
What’s
Happening?
Hoppin’ Into Spring
Saturday, April 7 • 9am to noon
$5 per child • Sportsplex Athletic Field • 954-345-2200
Police Motorcycle Rodeo
Saturday, April 14 • 8am to 4pm
Coral Square Mall • southeastpolice.com
Coral Springs Police Car Show
Sunday, April 15 • Noon to 4pm
$12 • Coral Square Mall • 954-344-1833
Free Family Concert featuring the Bulldogs
Saturday, April 21 • 7pm
Betti Stradling Park, 10301 Wiles Road • 954-345-2200
Around
theTown
Coral Springs Charter School Fine Arts Wing
ground breaking
Martin Luther
King, Jr.
Celebration
Waterway
Cleanup
Festival
of the Arts
Always visit coralsprings.org/events for the latest
updates and additions to this list of events happening
in Coral Springs in the coming months.
Unity in the Community
Sunday, April 29 • 4pm • $8 admission
opunited.org • Center for the Arts • 954-340-2115
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 3 • 7pm • City Hall, 9551 W. Sample Road
Free and open to all faiths • 954-344-1063
Masters Basketball National Championship
Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19 • 954-345-2200
Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Drive
Visit mastersbasketball.org for game schedules
Memorial Day
Monday, May 28 • 9am • Free
Veterans Park, 8601 Royal Palm Blvd. • 954-345-2200
around the town
New Fire Engine Ceremonial Hose-down
Watch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • 17
calendar

Spend the summer at the
Center for the Arts’ theater camp
The Coral Springs Institute for the Performing Arts is
currently accepting registrations for the exciting 2007
Summer Session of Next Stop Broadway Summer Camp.
Our first-rate youth theater program has its permanent
home at one of South Florida’s finest performing arts centers
– the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.
Campers attend a variety of classes including acting,
music, dance, and stagecraft. All staff members are selected
for their talent and experience and ability to teach with
compassion and patience.
CITy OF CORAL SPRINGS
9551 West Sample Road
Coral Springs, Florida 33065
youth Camp (ages 6–13)
Session 1: June 4–22 • Once Upon A Mattress • $595
Session 2: June 25–July 20 • High School Musical • $900
Session 3: July 23–August 17 • Grease is the Word • $780
Teen Camp (ages 14 & up)
Session 1: June 25–August 3 • High School Musical • $1170
Session prices include: tuition, 2 tickets to the show,
1 DVD of the performance, costume fee, pizza party.
Coral Springs Center for the Arts
2855 Coral Springs Drive
www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com
For more information
call the Box Office
at 954-344-5990.
PRSRT STD
ECR
U.S. POSTAGE
P A I D
So. Florida, FL
PERMIT #1401