Author: Diane Del Rio

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Coral Springs Commission

In the blink of an eye Spring is upon us. With an increase in COVID-19 vaccines available at more distribution points and greater eligibility for the general population, we are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel from this public health crisis. As a result, we began looking at planning for in-person events and meetings.

In April, our Commission Meetings will be held as a hybrid, with some in-person and others attending virtually. Members of the Commission, key city staff and those who are being honored, will be inside of Commission Chambers at City Hall. Since social distancing requirements limits space inside of chambers, residents are encouraged to participate by attending the meetings remotely. You can learn more about viewing options at coralsprings.org/citytv. The April meetings are scheduled for the 7th and 21st at 6:30 p.m.

In the City of Coral Springs, we are incredibly fortunate to have one of the best Public Safety Communications Divisions in the state, if not the nation. During the second week of April, we honor the men and women who serve our community as call-takers and dispatchers, in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. We are grateful to have such dedicated staff, who are passionate about protecting and serving our residents, and ensuring effective communication with their colleagues in Police and Fire. If you have ever called our non-emergency number or had to dial 9-1-1, you know they are the lifeline to vital services, and for that, we are truly grateful for their service.

Also deserving of recognition this month, and all year long, are our amazing volunteers who we celebrate during National Volunteer Week from April 18 to 24. Our city has 430 monthly active volunteers,
who dedicate their time, talent and compassion to the Coral Springs community. Follow the city’s social platforms as we highlight the men, women and young adults making a difference in our community.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate Mother Earth during our annual EarthFest plant distribution event on April 24, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Sportsplex. For details, visit our website www.coralsprings.org/events.

The city is excited to announce the expansion of our drop-off recycling program for residents who would like to ensure non-contaminated recycling. A recycling container is now located at Mullins Park (2501 Coral Springs Drive) next to the Coral Springs Gymnasium and is open for drop off 24/7. This new collection point is in addition to the recycling option at the Waste Transfer Station, which is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. (12600 Wiles Road). The container only allows for the drop off of plastic material with the number 1 or 2 on the containers, metal and aluminum cans, newspaper and mixed paper, and broken-down cardboard. We ask residents who utilize this container to please refrain from contaminating it with non-recyclable materials. P

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Congressman Ted Deutch

Dear friends!

The COVID-19 crisis has taken so much from Floridians in the past year. No family or business has been untouched by the pandemic. Now, help is finally on the way for Americans nationwide in the form of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

The American Rescue Plan is a victory for all Americans. It puts money in American pockets and vaccines in their arms; it safely sends children back to school and workers back to their jobs; and will crush this virus and get Americans back on their feet.

This bill will send direct payments of $1,400 to 85% of American households. It will help lift 27 million children out of poverty. It enhances assistance for unemployed workers and small business owners. It expands ACA healthcare coverage, funds housing assistance and food security programs, and much more.

Congress can help save lives from gun violence, keep guns out of the wrong hands, and prevent mass shootings. But eight years after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, three years after the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and after countless other gun violence tragedies, Congress has waited too long and wasted too much time when we could have saved lives.

We can’t have safe communities until we fix the background check system. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act builds on federal law by ensuring that all gun purchases and transfers require background checks regardless of the vendor. Additionally, the Enhanced Background Checks Act will close the Charleston Loophole that lets individuals with incomplete background checks purchase firearms by allowing more time for the FBI to clear them.

In March, President Biden expanded Temporary Protected Status to roughly 320,000 Venezuelans living in the US after fleeing the humanitarian crisis brought on by Nicolás Maduro’s government. The TPS status offers legal protections for 18 months, alleviating some fears of deportation and allowing Venezuelans to continue living their lives in the United States.

The corrupt Maduro regime has devastated Venezuela, creating dire economic and humanitarian conditions that have made the country unsafe and unlivable for millions of people. Congress and the White House must do more to punish the brutal Maduro regime and stand with the Venezuelan people.

As the pandemic continues to impact our daily lives, I am ready to work with Congress to pass legislation to meet the needs of our community. Please feel free to reach out to my office if we can be of any assistance.

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Broward County Vice Mayor Michael Udine

April has arrived, the weather is getting warm, and people are ready to travel again safely. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is ready to go as people take to the skies. From new amenities like lounges, local restaurants, and a library, the airport will be working to meet your needs every time you fly. At a recent workshop, Director of Aviation, Mark Gale, showed the new stats indicating that passenger traffic is growing and has landed FLL in the top 15 airports nationwide. Wherever you decide to go in the post pandemic world, choose FLL for flying the friendly skies.

I have been working towards sustainable economic development for Broward County. By working with our small businesses, and recruiting others, our economy will continue to grow. A wide range of industries means a diverse offering of jobs and business opportunities for residents. Whether you are a tradesperson, an administrative worker, or brand new to the work force, Broward County will have the right opportunities. Expansion of a wide array of industry means investment in our community, and growth for all.

Broward County is learning more about what happens beneath the waves. Along with Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, Broward County has approved a grant that will fund the Marine Research Hub for local oceanographic institutions. Funds will go toward determining oceanic sustainability, and the effects that climate change has on our ecosystems. This exciting project will help us understand the continuing effects and protect our shores for generations to come.

Tax season is upon us. The deadline to file or process an extension is now moved to May 17th. For simple tax returns, check out local approved providers via irs.gov. Additionally, if you have not received your stimulus benefits for the previous year, this is your opportunity to claim any funds you are entitled to that have not yet been distributed. Using a tax pro to file your return this year will help you navigate all your questions and ensure your return is submitted correctly.

To all who celebrate, I would like to wish you and yours a Happy Easter and Passover. As we head in a positive direction, many of us are looking forward to seeing family after many holidays apart. Let’s enjoy this time as we move towards safer gatherings.

The top priority for my staff and I is staying connected with the residents of District 3. We are available by phone, email, and social media. Reach me at MUdine@Broward.org or at my office at (954) 357-7003. Follow on social media @CommissionerMichaelUdine on Facebook and @MichaelUdine on Twitter or Instagram to receive important updates and see what is happening in our community. Let’s connect!

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State Representative D-96 Christine Haunschofsky

April starts off the second half of the 60-day 2021 Legislative Session. This session has been extremely active. Thousands of bills have been filed and while every bill is important, only a few hundred will become law. During these 30 days, a state budget must be voted on in addition to the many bills that will affect all Floridians. As we head to the conclusion of session, this is a time when legislators are scrambling to get bills moved through committees in hopes that they be voted on the floor. During the committee process, amendments are made sometimes to make a bad bill better or to strengthen a good bill. Debate on the floor is always vital in order to argue the merits of pieces of legislation that greatly impact our constituents.

I encourage you to please visit www.myfloridahouse.gov to see which bills have been filed and which are moving. You can also track them and see which committee is voting on them next. Please feel free to email my office at HDIST096@myfloridahouse.gov to voice your concerns on any of these bills.

Let us not forget that Earth Day is Thursday, April 22. The legacy of this day reminds us of the many laws that have been passed to protect our climate and environment.

In Florida we are especially impacted by environmental issues such as rising sea levels, flooding, water issues, and more frequent and intense storms. The Florida Legislature is working on tackling several of these issues through laws that would mitigate the impacts of sea level rise while investing in Everglades restoration and allowing cities to reduce the use of plastics within their city limits. In our own homes we can make a difference by reducing our water and electricity usage, making use of reusable containers and bottles, composting, and recycling effectively lowering contamination.

I personally want to wish a Happy Easter and Passover to all who celebrate. As we continue to cope with the effects of COVID-19 please visit http://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ for updated information or contact my office for help.

I want to thank all of you who have reached out to me with concerns, comments, questions, and support.
To learn more about our work please subscribe
to our weekly newsletter, by emailing HDIST096@ myfloridahouse.gov with “subscribe” in the subject line. Also follow me on Facebook at @RepHunschofsky and Twitter @RepHunschofsky for regular updates.

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Parkland Mayor Rich Walker

Happy April, Parkland. With April upon us, our City Commission enthusiastically steps into our Strategic Planning Session. This is an opportunity that enables our commission an ideal setting to discuss the multitude of ideas presented by our residents. We utilize these subject matters to set the stage for our Budget for the next year (which begins in October). We also set the stage for years moving forward. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate as a team and discuss important things together, ultimately setting out a course for our beautiful city. We always welcome ideas and look forward to these valuable discussions.

Unfortunately, last year with the onset of COVID-19, our strategic planning session was canceled. However, we continued our progress with capital projects that will be happening later this year such as the drainage repairs in Pine Trails Park for Fields 6, 7, 8, and 9.

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. We need to be mindful
of the multitude of stresses impacted upon our youth growing
up in today’s unprecedented environment. The combination of social media, the pandemic, and an overall decrease in personal interaction can be incredibly overwhelming. This is stressful for all of us, but even more so for our children.

As a community, we can encourage and motivate one other with positive relationships, kind hearts, support, and love.

Child Abuse Prevention Guidelines:

• Never discipline your child when your anger is out of control.
• Participate in your child’s activities and get to know your child’s friends.
• Teach your child to use their voice to allow them to prevent abuse in their own life. • Listen to them and believe what they say.
• Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior or attitude and inquire into it.

Report abuses or neglect:

1-800-962-2873, Florida Relay 711 or TTY: 1-800-955-8771

On a lighter note, Let’s Play Ball!

April 1st is the start of the Major League Baseball season. To me, this is the start of the BEST season (Go Phillies!). Some of my favorite childhood memories center upon watching a baseball game with my father and younger brother. These are the traditions that I enjoy sharing with my very own family.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday April 3rd, we have our Family Eggstravaganza. We will begin at 5:30pm with fun-filled activities and culminate with a movie at 7:45pm. We also have our fabulous Farmers Markets on Sunday, April 11th and 25th from 9-1.

Meetings:

Our Commission meetings this month are Wednesday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 21 at 7PM in City Hall. For information and agendas for our meetings, please visit our website. https://www.cityofparkland.org/1434/Agendas-Minutes

Your thoughts matter to me. Communication with our residents is vital to the overall success of our City.

I encourage you to reach out to me.

I can always be reached via email at rwalker@cityofparkland.org or via cell phone 973.390.1453.

Thank you.

 

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