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

Dear Friends!

Public health experts have raised concerns over renewed outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus throughout the country. While we have seen some progress, the evidence is clear that we are not completely out of the woods yet. We have seen the heartbreaking losses of the pandemic across the country and in our own community. Many Floridians are still experiencing the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. We must continue to listen to health experts so that we can move past this public health crisis safely.

As a unified community, we all have a duty to care for one another’s safety, especially during these unprecedented times. I encourage everyone to continue social distancing whenever possible. When we follow these rules, we are showing the love that we have for our neighbors and the respect we have for their safety. If we are to successfully get through this crisis and avoid its prolonged effects, we must be able to do it together.

While we continue to face new challenges, I will continue to represent the interests of our district both locally and in Washington. To keep up with recent COVID-19 developments, please visit Deutch.House.Gov. If you would like to express an opinion or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to call my office.

Alyssa Alhadeff was 14 years old when she was killed in the Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy. Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law “Alyssa’s Law,” which will require teachers and school staff to have panic buttons that directly alert law enforcement in case of emergencies.

“I will never forget hearing Lori Alhadeff passionately call for action after her beautiful daughter, Alyssa, was killed at Stoneman Douglas High School. I have seen the love she has for Alyssa through her tireless work to get Alyssa’s Law passed and signed, not only in Florida but in states around the country. I will continue to work with Lori and the Parkland families to prevent school violence and to make Alyssa’s Law a part of a comprehensive strategy to save lives in school emergencies in every state.”

Rep. Roger Williams’ and my bipartisan School Violence Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2019 would expand Alyssa’s Law across the country.

Representatives Max Rose (NY-11), Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and myself, recently introduced the Countering Global White Supremacist Terrorism Act, a bicameral legislation to strengthen the U.S. government’s counter-terrorism efforts against transnational white supremacy and identity groups.

As white identity and other far-right violent groups continue growing around the world, this new bicameral legislation is a recognition that the Trump Administration must align its countering violent extremism programming to address this form of radicalization. Despite the increasingly transnational nature of white identity terrorism, U.S. efforts to address this global threat lag well behind our counter- terrorism efforts against ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other Islamist violent extremist organizations. The bill directs the U.S. Department of State to develop a strategy with other government agencies to respond to the interconnected global white identity terrorist movement. The bill also requires that the State Department report on these groups and determine whether they should be subject to sanctions under existing U.S. law.

“White identity groups pose a severe and deadly threat to societies around the world. The world has seen how a white supremacist attack in one country can inspire people in other countries to use violence and the role of the dark web in spreading their hateful ideology

and terrorist tactics. The United States must develop a whole-of-government strategy to confront these terrorist groups as seriously as any other transnational extremist group.”

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if we can be of assistance. Warm Regards.

Commissioner Michael Udine (3rd District, Broward County)

Congratulations to the Broward County Library Division for being recognized by the Florida Library Association as the Library of the Year, and by the American Library Association as the 2020 Library of the Future, among several other achievements. Over the last few years, they have launched innovative initiatives to enhance library services and programs. In response to the pandemic, Libraries developed a curbside pick-up service for patrons to check out books and materials, and expanded their online offerings with even more eBooks, music, movies, and classes. Hats off and thank you for all you do for the residents of Broward County!

I was proud to see so many residents and District 3 cities getting in the Fourth of July spirit. Although we were not able to gather for traditional parades and parties, our community reimagined Independence Day celebrations. The City of Tamarac organized a yard decorating contest, with participants sharing their patriotic decorations on social media. In North Lauderdale, the Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Drive-In Fireworks Show, where residents enjoyed a beautiful firework display while staying safe and socially distant. As our holiday traditions continue to adapt from years past, it is great to know the spirit and celebration remains the same.

As Floridians, we know that August is when hurricane season really kicks into gear. Staying prepared and vigilant is key. Make sure you and your family (including pets) have all the necessary food, supplies, and medications needed if a storm comes our way. If you are a resident at-risk, now is the time to make sure you are registered for Broward County’s Vulnerable Population Registry or special needs shelters. All residents should sign up for Broward’s emergency notification system, AlertBroward, in addition to your city’s community alert system. Visit Broward.org/Hurricane to register and find all the info you need to be Storm Ready.

Soon we will be transitioning out of summer and into fall. I applaud all teachers, students, parents, and staff for their resilience and innovation. I would like to wish everyone a successful start to the school year. The Florida “Back-to- School” Sales Tax holiday will take place this year from August 7th to 9th. Take advantage of savings on school supplies, clothing, backpacks, personal computers, and more so you can be prepared before classes begin. I have no doubt that this will be a year full of learning, growing, and making memories for our students.

 

  • Email: mudine@broward.org

  • Phone: (954)357-7003

  • Facebook: @CommissionerMichaelUdine

  • Twitter and Instagram: @MichaelUdine

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.

Message from Parkland Mayor : Christine Hunschofsky – July 2020

At the time of this writing, Broward County just allowed summer camps and sports activities to take place. Graduation parades and virtual ceremonies were taking place and most families were adjusting their summer

plans. The City has been working to adopt the Broward County orders safely, while also preparing for the summer budget season.

This month, the City Commission will meet on July 8 at 6pm for
a workshop and at 7pm for a meeting. At our meeting we will be voting on a millage (tax) rate that will appear on the TRIM (Truth In Millage Notices) that are sent to every homeowner in August. This millage rate is only a placeholder, but when the Commission votes on the final millage rate at the two budget hearings in September, we cannot vote for a millage rate higher than the one we approve in July. At the July commission meeting, our city manager will
give the Commission her proposed budget. During July, August, and September, the proposed budget is available online to the public. Additionally, there is a link online to ask questions about the budget, and city staff are available to answer any questions any resident has on the budget. The Commission reviews the budget in July and has workshops on the budget in August and September. The final votes on the millage rate and the budget take place during two meetings in September. To view the current proposed budget (which will be available online after July 8, 2020) and previous budgets, please visit cityofparkland.org/budget.

The only ad valorem part of your tax bill that the Parkland City Commission votes on is the City of Parkland millage rate. Your tax bill is made up of many other governmental entities, not just the City of Parkland ad valorem. By making a quick online search at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s website at bcpa.net you can find your property and then click on the “Click here to display your tax bill” link at the top. This will take you to your property’s tax history and give you the ability to review the full details of your tax bill. In 2019, the ad valorem charges on your tax bill included (percentages are rounded to the nearest .01%):

Broward County (29.89%), Broward Schools (37.26%), South Florida Water Management (1.4%), North Broward Hospital District (5.44%), Children’s Services Council (2.57%), City of Parkland (23.30%) and Fl. Inland Navigation (.17%).

In addition to the ad valorem charges, you will also find a City of Parkland Fire Assessment Fee, a direct charge from your drainage district and a direct charge from Waste Management. I highly recommend going online, reviewing your 2019 tax bill and then reviewing your proposed 2020 taxes that are in the TRIM notice you should receive by mail in August.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy July 4th! Enjoy these summer weeks with your family and friends. I hope you will all have time to relax and recharge. As always, feel free to reach out to me at any time at chunschofsky@cityofparkland.org with your questions or comments. I look forward to hearing from you!

Still pursuing a ‘perfect union’

The formation of the United States of America began with an idea. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. The problem with implementing ideas is that humans are flawed. Even the best among us are not perfect, and therefore we can only hope to work towards perfection. The founders knew this. They knew they had written a document that contradicted the owning of slaves. Fourteen prominent founding fathers owned slaves, seven did not. As a group, however, they believed that the liberty and independence of the United States was the larger goal at the time.

The Constitution was signed September 17, 1787. “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, to ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” In Order to form a more perfect Union, the Founders were admitting that they, and this country, were not perfect. A great deal of work still needed to be done.

The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 freed many slaves, but it wasn’t until the Thirteenth Amendment, adopted December 18, 1865, that slavery and involuntary servitude were abolished (except as a punishment for a crime). Ever so slowly, steps continued to be taken towards the idea that is the foundation of this country, equality. Initially introduced to Congress in 1878, a (white) women’s suffrage amendment was officially adopted on August 26, 1920. This was the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

In August 1892, one of the original Pledges of Allegiance was composed by Francis Bellamy: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” “…He had initially also considered using the words equality and fraternity, but decided against it, knowing that the state superintendents of education on his committee were against equality for women and African Americans.” Per Dr. John Baer in his book, The Pledge of Allegiance: A Short History.

June 22, 1942 saw the Pledge changed to “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” “Under God” was added on June 14, 1954.

The Civil Rights Act was enacted on July 2, 1964. As Americans we must work together to continue to bring the founders’ idea to fruition. All are created equal, with liberty and justice for all. As human beings we may never achieve perfection, but as Americans our ambition is to always keep working to “create a more perfect Union”.

On this Independence Day, let us truly reflect on the history of this country we love. Let us think about the things we are able to do, no matter how small, to make things better, and to continue working towards the original foundational idea of equality. Let us listen and open our hearts with love to our fellow Americans who don’t look like us, love like us, or worship like us.

We MUST do these things “not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because the challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win…” President John F. Kennedy, Sept. 12, 1962.

By Sheryl Dunn, Publisher