CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

Exactly one year ago our lives were dramatically changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was in March 2020 that we saw our first COVID-19 case confirmed in Florida and declared a State of Emergency for the City of Coral Springs. We quickly shifted our focus to the health, safety, and welfare of the community – especially our most vulnerable citizens. One year later our attention remains on the virus, but our efforts have shifted to the mass distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

We are proud to have opened a vaccine distribution site at the Coral Square Mall and implemented a mobile distribution plan to include senior living communities, homebound seniors, and underserved communities. To date we have administered about 31,000 doses. Appointments for COVID- 19 vaccination sites for seniors ages 65 and older, and frontline healthcare workers, are scheduled through the State of Florida website myvaccine.fl.gov or by calling (866) 201-6313, for TTY use (844) 252-2003.

March is Women’s History Month, and in the City of Coral Springs we are excited to celebrate women for their outstanding contributions to our city through the newly launched ‘Her Story’ campaign. We encourage residents and local businesses to nominate inspirational women who are making an impact and influencing others in our city by visiting www.coralsprings.org/herstory.

Looking for a way to serve your community and keep Coral Springs clean? Join us on March 6 for the 44th Annual Broward County Waterway Clean Up. Register online to participate, www.waterwaycleanup.org.

On March 10, the City of Coral Springs will host its third Open Play Chess Session at the Coral Springs Gymnasium from 6 to 8 p.m. Pre-registration is required for participants and spectators. For more information, please visit www.coralsprings.org/events.

We are excited to announce the launch of our city’s newly designed website. The city recognizes coralsprings.org as the digital front door to the services we provide our citizens and businesses. This digital transformation makes it convenient to access City Hall virtually 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In addition to the newly designed website, we are proud to announce the launch of our official social media accounts! To better serve our community, we are using social media accounts as an added outlet for city business conversations and engagement with residents.

You can follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook! Mayor Scott Brook @CSCommissioner1, Vice Mayor Joshua Simmons @CSCommissioner4, Commissioner Shawn Cerra @CSCommissioner2, Commissioner Nancy Metayer @CSCommissioner3, and Commissioner Joy Carter @CSCommissioner5.

There is a change to our Commission Meeting schedule in March. The meetings will take place on Wednesday, March 3 and Monday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. You can view our public meetings and provide public comment, visit coralsprings.org/agendas for details.

Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL, 22nd District)

Dear Friends!

This year, our community has faced tremendous challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the lives of loved ones far too soon and placed millions of families into economic hardship. Many celebrations, traditions, and even daily activities have been put on hold as we isolated ourselves to keep each other safe from harm. As we all hope to return to a sense of normalcy, we must continue to follow social distancing guidelines as we try to heal from the pandemic. Although this year has been difficult for us all, our community has shown incredible strength. Throughout the past few months, we have seen heroes emerge to keep us safe, healthy, and thriving. But our work is not over. As public health experts warn of a COVID-19 resurgence, we must all continue to do our part to keep each other safe. In Congress, I will keep fighting to get Floridians the help they need to get back on their feet.

Ted Deutch

One in twenty seniors in the U.S. is a target of fraud schemes, costing them at least $36.5 billion per year. Yet, the National Adult Protective Services Association has found that only 1 in 44 seniors actually report that they are victims of a fraud scheme. Recently the House passed my bill, the Seniors Fraud Prevention Act, that would help protect seniors and their families from becoming the  victims of fraudulent schemes designed to steal their assets. I was proud to work with Rep. Buchanan, Rep. Peter Welch, Senator Klobuchar, and Senator Collins to introduce this legislation that would create an office within the Federal Trade Commission charged with tracking scams, educating and alerting seniors to new scams, and establishing a more effective complaint system to ensure reports of fraud are quickly addressed by the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Recently, I joined Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Rep. Kathy Castor to release a climate report prepared by the House Oversight Committee outlining the health benefits for the state of Florida if the United States meets the goals of the Paris Agreement. The report outlines that in Florida alone, meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement could prevent 101,000 deaths and 40,000 emergency room visits and hospitalizations for cardiovascular and respiratory disease over the next 50 years. The state would avoid more than 23 million lost workdays. Collectively, avoiding these health issues would save Florida over $750 billion. I wish you and your family a safe and happy new year and encourage you to visit CDC.gov for current social distancing guidelines. As always, please feel free to reach out to our office if we can be of assistance.

CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

As we head into the month of October, we are so proud of how Coral Springs and its residents have proven to be resilient and have unified in strength. We are fortunate to see a downward trend in COVID-19 cases within the state and county allowing certain restrictions to be lifted. However, it is important to remember there are still patients battling this virus and we must remain vigilant to prevent further spread in our community.

Certainly, how we meet, gather, and celebrate has changed due to the pandemic; however, city staff believes it’s important to continue traditions and celebrations, leading us to reimagine events. This season, we are planning for events such as, ‘Monster Splash,’ ‘Far out Flicks’ Drive-in Movie, and, sponsored by the Coral Springs Police Department Foundation, “Cops and Kids Drive-Through Trick or Treat.” Residents can learn more about all the city events by visiting https://coralsprings.org/events.

The General Election is on November 3 and early voting in Florida kicks-off on October 19th through November 1st. Your nearest early voting location is the Northwest Regional Library, hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We encourage all residents to exercise their right to vote. If you are not a registered voter, you have until October 5 to register. If you prefer to Vote-By-Mail please request your ballot before the deadline of October 24, 2020. All information regarding the upcoming election can be found at https://browardsoe.org.

This month, we also highlight Fire Prevention Week from October 4th through October 10th. This year’s emphasis is kitchen safety. The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department shares important safety tips to help prevent fires and protect your family:

  • Never leave cooking food unattended. Remain in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly and use a timer.
  • Alertness is important when cooking. If you are sleepy, taking medication that makes you drowsy, or consuming alcohol, refrain from cooking.
  • Keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire ignites, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame, turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool. Never use water on a grease fire. Consider installing a small fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place in the kitchen.
  • Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.

The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department offers additional information on their Facebook page, follow them at @coralspringsfd for more safety tips.

We are excited about our 2nd Annual Restaurant Week – Savor the Springs, which takes place on October 9-18, 2020. Sponsored by the Economic Development Office, the event features local restaurants offering great deals with prefixed menus featuring delicious dining options. For a full list of participating restaurants and culinary offerings, please visit https://SavorTheSprings.com. When you participate with friends and family, share on social using the hashtag #SavorCS, or tag us @CoralSpringsEDO.

You can stay informed and up to date by visiting https://coralsprings.org, following our city social media accounts, and through text message: text the keyword CORALSPRINGS to 888-777.

Our October Commission Meetings will take place virtually on Wednesday, the 7th at 9:00 a.m., and Wednesday, the 21st at 6:30 p.m.; residents are invited to watch and offer public comment by calling (954) 344-5900. Meetings are aired on CityTV, Blue Stream Channels 25, 25.2, 725, and on AT&T U-Verse channel 99. Meetings are also live-streamed at https://coralsprings.org/citytv.

As always, if you would like to schedule an appointment with any of your City Officials, please call (954) 344-5911.

CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

It has been six months since Florida had its first official reported case of COVID-19 and since then we have seen cases increase to over half a million. As summer comes to a close, we look towards the remaining months of 2020 and are hopeful that through science, medicine, and proper hygiene we will soon resume some sense of normalcy.

We recognize that during times of great adversity, it is imperative to reflect on the past to realize that this too will pass. September serves as a historic reminder of hope. As a nation, we have overcome challenges by leaning on personal responsibility, unity, and hard work. We must apply these qualities to solve and overcome our current hardships.

Personal responsibility. We must emphasize the power in personal responsibility as this is the most critical action taken to overcome the difficulties we are faced with today. The responsibility you have to ensure your safety, health, and wellbeing are actions that will protect you and your loved ones. In addition, it will help protect doctors, nurses, first responders, essential workers, all others on the frontlines, and local businesses. Do your part, wear your mask when in public, and practice safe social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Unity. Nineteen years ago, unity was essential after our nation and its people were attacked on September 11, 2001. We must honor, remember, and never forget the lives we lost on that day, as well as the families they held dear. As one American family, we must come together in service and remembrance that we must never let others divide our nation. The city will host its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, albeit virtually, at the September 11th Memorial located at the Northwest Regional Library. Details for times and speakers will be located on our website, coralsprings.org.

Hard work. On September 7th we honor and recognize the hard work and contributions of laborers across our country as we celebrate Labor Day. The COVID-19 crisis has made us truly recognize the value of hard-working Americans. We honor, thank, and appreciate every hard-working woman and man that make Coral Springs, the best city to live, work, and raise a family.

On September 15th we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, a month that pays tribute to the positive influences, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Their history, culture, and successes undeniably enrich our nation and society. Make sure to commemorate this national month by thanking and appreciating Hispanic Americans in our city. We will be featuring city staff and sharing their stories of Hispanic pride on our social media platforms.

Stay tuned and up to date by visiting coralsprings.org, following our social media accounts, and texting the keyword CORALSPRINGS to 888-777 for important updates.

CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

During the last several months, so much has taken place in our nation, state, and here locally in Coral Springs. We never imagined we would approach our “Back to School” season and still face COVID-19 as a global health issue; yet, here we are.

We are stepping into August with an unfortunate rise in positive cases in the State of Florida; these numbers showcase how critical it is for residents and businesses to comply with Emergency Orders in order to mitigate the spread of this virus. We remind the community to follow CDC guidelines, stay informed with all Broward County Emergency Orders, and be vigilant when leaving your homes.

Mark your calendars because the primary election in Florida is on August 18th! As citizens of the land of the free, it is our duty to safeguard our democracy and express our right to vote. If you are not a registered voter, you may still register to vote for the general election and can do so online at www. RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. For more information visit www. browardsoe.org.

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season is expected to be busier than in previous years. It is important for our community to be prepared beforehand to stay safe. Here are tips to ensure you and your family are prepared for this year’s hurricane season:

  • Make an emergency plan that includes your evacuation zone and make sure all members of your household know and understand the hurricane plan.
  • Gather supplies ahead of time including medication, disinfectant supplies, cloth face coverings, pet supplies, and anything else you consider to be essential.
  • Strengthen your home by decluttering drains and gutters, bring the outside furniture inside, and consider investing in hurricane shutters.

For more details on how to properly prepare for hurricanes, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

Stay tuned and up to date by visiting www.coralsprings.org and following our social media accounts, also make sure to text the keyword CORALSPRINGS to 888-777 for important updates.

Our August Commission Meeting will take place virtually on August 5 at 9 a.m., and August 19 at 6:30 p.m.; residents are invited to watch and offer public comment. Meetings are aired on CityTV, Blue Stream Channels 25, 25.2, 725 and on AT&T U-Verse channel 99. Meetings are also live streamed.

As always, if you would like to schedule an appointment with any of your City Officials, please call 954- 344- 5911.

CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

When we started the year, no one knew what 2020 would bring to our nation, our state, or our city. One thing is for certain – this has been an unprecedented year, and the challenges we face are not over yet.

This year, we struggled with the global impacts COVID-19 has had on our health and economy, we have experienced the disappointment of missed milestone celebrations and the grief of losing so many lives as a result of the Coronavirus. We then saw a nation in turmoil, with anger and frustration turning to protest against police brutality as a result of the death of George Floyd, while being placed under arrest in Minnesota.

While this year has been challenging, we also saw our community come together to assist others. Through weekly food distribution events, we provided groceries to nearly 6,000 families. We launched a Give Where You Live Campaign in partnership with the Coral Springs Community Chest to assist struggling families. And, our Economic Development Office launched a grant program, connecting businesses to grants and loans totaling more than $1 million.

When faced with adversity, as citizens we need to remember the very foundation our nation was built upon, freedom. Freedom of speech and the freedom to exercise your right to vote! We urge our residents, especially our young adults, to register to vote and cast their ballots in the upcoming elections in August and November. Also, we remind residents that much of the federal funding we receive for hospitals and schools are a result of the numbers provided by the census. So remember, Coral Springs Counts, please complete your 2020 Census.

All of us who work for the City of Coral Springs are public servants who strive to find solutions to our problems. One of those is the reimagining of events during the COVID-19 pandemic. For Memorial Day, we proudly hosted a virtual ceremony to honor the men and women who lost their lives in service to our nation. As we approach July 4th, one of our greatest traditions is the fireworks display at Mullins Park. Due to social distancing, that event is not possible, so we came up with a new way to honor our nation’s independence, while promoting community spirit.

We invite our residents and businesses to join our Wave & Drive By Parade on July 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Festively decorated city vehicles representing each department will visit all of our Coral Springs communities. We will be providing a timeline of arrival so residents can enjoy the parade from their driveways and front lawns. Remember to wave your flags as we pass by. Visit our website for more details and route information, www.coralsprings.org/events.

Stay tuned and up to date by visiting www.coralsprings.org, following our social media accounts and make sure to text the keyword CORALSPRINGS to 888-777 for important updates.