organizations Archives -

January 29, 2021January 20, 2021

Commissioner Michael Udine (3rd District, Broward County)

Broward County is on the move. Investing in the future, creating sustainable job growth, and working with leading stakeholders to create a strong economy will provide opportunity for all. In the past two months, several new companies have announced they will be moving their headquarters here to Broward County. I am excited to work in partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance to attract even more this year and will work tirelessly through all platforms to make sure everyone knows that Broward County is the place to be!

As Vice-Mayor of Broward County one of my top priorities is to encourage investment in the South Florida region by attracting top level tech and financial companies to call our community home. In collaboration with the Mayors of the City of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, I have been meeting with local officials to see how we can work together to bring investment, and good quality jobs, to our community. Creating a tech corridor with a solid foundation, led by our hometown universities like FAU and NSU, will create strong job growth for years to come.

In January I made a site visit to Port Everglades to see firsthand the dock expansion, and the brand-new gantry cranes that will service the supersized Panamax cargo vessels once the projects are complete. These new cranes, which I saw up close and in person (not for those afraid of heights), will increase our port’s economic potential. In addition, the port is working with Florida Department of Environmental Protection to protect and expand the mangrove habitats on site. This will help keep our water and wildlife healthy for future generations. I was honored to meet several District 3 residents who operate these cranes on a daily basis and learn everything that goes into doing their job for Broward County.

Over the past two months, the brand-new Motorola public safety radio system has come online in Broward County. This replacement was necessary to protect Broward County residents in the event of an emergency. From new towers, to new radios, and interoperability with neighboring counties like Palm Beach, we are focused on providing the fastest service when every second counts. I would like to thank the whole team of Broward County Emergency Management, and all stakeholders, for their steadfast support in getting this done.

It is difficult to find the words when I reflect on the three years that have gone by since the tragedy at MSD on February 14th. Our community has been forever changed by that fateful day. We miss those we have lost, continue to heal with those who are hurting, and fight for changes that will make schools safer and prioritize mental health. To all members of our community: the anniversary of this day will never get easier, but we will get through it together.

My staff and I have made staying connected with the residents of District 3 a top priority. We have been available by phone, answering questions by email, and getting out the most up-to-date and accurate information available. I can be reached as always at MUdine@ Broward.org or at my office at (954) 357-7003.

Follow me on social media @CommissionerMichaelUdine on Facebook and @MichaelUdine on Twitter or Instagram to receive important updates and see what is happening in our community. I look forward to connecting with you.

January 22, 2021December 30, 2020

Van carries free legal aid to Broward seniors

Like the Mystery Machine on Scooby Doo or Bruce Wayne’s famous Batmobile, a new rolling problem solver is bringing free legal aid to Broward County seniors.

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida has launched the Mobile Justice Squad, a mobile division of its high quality free civil legal services.

The squad will provide legal services for homebound seniors or those seniors with limited mobility. Legal services offered through the MobileJustice Squad include but are not limited to health and public benefits, housing and foreclosure defense, domestic violence and financial exploitation, consumer fraud, and naturalization.

“With the Mobile Justice Squad, we are bringing our resources and services out on the road to the most vulnerable,” said Patrice Paldino, Executive Director of Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. “This initiative is an integral part of what we can do to continue our mission to provide high quality free civil legal advice, representation, and education to those who need it.”

Alterations to the van have been made in response to COVID-19 to allow social distancing through a plexiglass shield. Attorneys will be able to screen clients, review legal issues, prepare, scan, and copy documents all in one visit, eliminating the need for clients to travel to the office or send documents through the mail.

To obtain access to the Mobile Justice Squad, individuals or community organizations should call 954-736-2400. Eligible senior citizens (60+ years old) can make an appointment and the Mobile Justice Squad will then arrive at their location.

Funding for this innovative project was generously provided by the American Bar Endowment and The Jim Moran Foundation.

January 8, 2021December 29, 2020

Consider the Greek way

Growing up, I often heard my mom, aunt, and older sister talk about the times they spent in their sororities. All the philanthropic events, sisterhood programs, formal and semi-formal dances: There was never a dull moment.

Between the countless leadership experiences available and lifelong friendships, why not consider joining a fraternity or sorority organization? When I started my freshman year of college, I knew I wanted to attend a university that had sorority organizations.

When I first joined my sorority, people around me would always tell me how the organization was not just four years, but it was for life. Now, a year after graduating, I can proudly say they were right.

With all the unfamiliarity that comes with starting college, having an instant connection with individuals like yourself makes the transition alot easier.

Together, you and your sorority and fraternity pledge class will learn the ins and outs of navigating college together while experiencing many firsts.

Greek life can provide many benefits for members, but a primary advantage of being in a sorority or fraternity in college is having a place to call home.

Being miles away from home, it was nice to have a support system through the good times and the bad. For example, if I did well on a test, I knew I had sisters ready to go celebrate. If I did not perform at my best, I had sisters to bring ice cream over and make me feel better.

No matter if you are in a sorority or fraternity, both organizations offer a diverse group of individuals ranging in ages 18-22.

For example, some people were religious, some people were atheists, and some people were in the organization to amp up their social lives. It really depends on the individual.

The two most popular benefits these organizations provide are
professional and social connections.

1987 University of Florida Alumna, Corinne Rosner, believes that being a sorority alumna is a great way to build up a network of professional and personal connections.

“I have had friends for life who have stood by me through it all. Even people with whom I did not stay in contact, when I ran into them/saw them we had an immediate connection and affiliation because of the sorority,” Corinne said.

According to writer Neil Kokemuller from SeattlePi, a local Seattle Newspaper, a sorority or fraternity is a social community where students engage in bonding and fun activities.

“This provides a supportive, homelike environment which helps ease
the transition into school and allows for growth and independence
during school,” Kokemuller said.

1984 Davidson College alumnae, Andy Rock, believes that being in a
fraternity opened up the world for him socially.

“Being in a fraternity allowed me to get to know interesting people from different places, and through them, we got to know the places. I felt like I was being supported through my brothers and the connections we made through the years,” Rock said.

Corinne agrees. “No matter where the person went to school or the year they went, we still have this connection,” She said.

Not only does being in a Greek organization help you socially or professionally, but it allows individuals to stay up to date with the world around them.

“It has enabled me to be in contact with people from the community and resources that otherwise I would not know about,” Rock said.

In my three and half years of being in a sorority, I never thought that it would leave such an impact on my life. Not only was I given multiple leadership experiences and memories for a lifetime, but I have made numerous connections to help me in my graduate and adult life today.

Even though I am miles away from my friends and now working on another degree, I have wonderful memories I hold so dearly.

For families deciding on college choices or if you should be a part of the Greek community at your school, think about all the added benefits and experiences coming your way.

January 1, 2021December 28, 2020

Commissioner Michael Udine (3rd District, Broward County)

WELCOME 2021! Here we go, and we are off and running! We are all excited to welcome the new year and all its possibilities. From the rollout of a vaccine, to getting back to business, and eventually getting our lives back to some normalcy in 2021. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing more friends and neighbors in District 3 whenever it becomes possible. We have come through the challenges of 2020, and we are now ready to roll as Broward moves into the future.

Titans of the investment world are taking the opportunity to make the jump to South Florida. Goldman Sachs, Black Rock, and others have started making significant investments by moving departments or even potential headquarters to our neck of the woods. These moves are long term positives for Broward that will bring a variety of jobs and investments to our community. Companies, if you are listening, why wouldn’t you want to be in Broward? The sun, surf, and life with less taxing await your arrival!

Broward County is nearing completion on the switch over to the new P25 radio system that will serve our residents and visitors. The towers and radio systems, backed by Motorola, provide additional capacity, and improve our communication ability during a crisis. Feedback from first responders utilizing the system has been overwhelmingly positive. I have been a strong advocate for this critical public safety system and have worked with all stakeholders to make it a reality.

I have been in discussion with the Broward County Cultural Divisionto push for more financial support to eligible artists and non-profit organizations in District 3.

Recently, the Division has restructured its grant programs to create a more accessible, transparent, and equitable process. Grant programs support individual artists and organizations throughout Broward County. If you or your organization is interested in participating, please visit Broward. org/arts for more information, or call my office at 954-357-7003. Deadlines are approaching soon!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 18th. This past year has seen many events that have made us question whether our country has made any progress towards his dream. I believe that while we have made significant changes, we still have a long way to go. We need to listen more carefully to each other and put ourselves in our neighbor’s shoes. While we honor Dr. King on January 18th, we must take the principles that he advocated for, and have them be our north star every day.

As always, I can be reached at MUdine@Broward.org or my office at (954) 357 7003.