The
Green Issue
Yo u r u lt im at e s o u r c e f o r a l l t hin g s h o l ly w o o d
IN THIS ISSUE early voting ends nov. 2
Vol. VIII No. 3 • NOVEMBER 2008 • www.hollywoodgazette.com
Iguanas gone wild! From lien to ‘green’
in 7.5 million dollars
7.5 million and outreach program provide ‘hope’ for local homeowners
Over one third of the nation’s electorate are expected to vote before the Nov. 4 election.
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It ain’t easy being green He may be ‘green,’ but he’s not doing much to help the envirornment.
by Caron Conway Lead Correspondent The green iguana has evolved in recent years Find out what responsible Hollywood business owners have from a popular exotic pet done to help the environment. to a commonplace pest that PAGE 7 runs wild across Broward County, destroying the local landscaping and depositing get the scoop their droppings on lawns, Roughly 40% docks, patios and pool decks. of Americans The iguana’s do not clean reproductive prowess – one up after their male can court several dogs. Find females who can each out why they should. produce up to 50 eggs per clutch – and the general PAGE 10 lack of natural predators have resulted in a dramatic spike in the feral iguana population. But the blame for this iguana invasion ultimately The lighter side........... 8 lies not with nature, but with man. WhAt to eat, where.. 6 Native to Central and Hollywood crossword 4 2 South America, the green iguana arrived in South ‘double-take’ puzzle.25 Florida in 1966, according PET OF THE MONTH....... 10 to the Florida Fish and Baby of the Month.... 22 Wildlife Conservation Commission. Through the CalendarofEvents......21-26 years, the iguana’s calm disposition, bright colors and
IN EVERY ISSUE
exotic appeal have made it a popular pet, with more than three-quarters of a million lizards imported into the United States annually. Hatchling green iguanas measuring only 7 or 8 inches are sold in pet stores all over the country for about $10. Unfortunately, most pet buyers’ fascination with iguanas far exceeds their understanding of how to care for these exotic animals, which can live up to 20 years in captivity. Far from lowmaintenance, the fastgrowing iguana’s need for space as well as special lighting and heat presents challenges to amateur hobbyists who lack the knowledge or resources to properly care for their pet – and end up releasing them into the wild. In addition, handling and caring for iguanas require meticulous hygiene, as their droppings may harbor salmonella bacteria that can cause life-threatening illness in IGUANAS cont. on pg. 8
Chances are you know or are acquainted with someone who has either lost their home to foreclosure or is in foreclosure. If it’s the former, there is reason to smile, for the city of Hollywood is about to get a bit greener…no, make that a lot greener. With the passage of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, residents
LEIN TO GREEN cont. on pg. 5
Photo by jennifer sandomir
by Paul Pagano Municipal Correspondent
who lost homes to foreclosure may now have a chance to be homeowners once again, courtesy of the 7.5 million dollars allocated to the city. And if you or someone you know is facing possible foreclosure, there’s hope— “Hope Now”—the awardwinning outreach program that has prevented nearly 2.3 million foreclosures. According to Jeanette Smith, Interim Director of the Department of Housing & Community Redevelopment, the City of Hollywood has had more than its share of foreclosed homes—the third highest in the state.
According to Jeanette Smith, Interim Director of the Department of Housing & CommunityRedevelopment,thecityiscurrently“lookingtoacquireandrehab foreclosedhomes,withtheexpresspurposeofstabilizingneighborhoods”likethe one pictured above in Hollywood. Postmaster:Timesensitivematerial.Pleasedeliverbynovember4. 1200 S. Federal Highway Hollywood, FL 33020