Our City Coral Springs: March 2023

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PUBLISHERS

Christy & Terry Jaillet

MANAGING EDITOR

Christy Jaillet

ART DIRECTOR Tom Rowe

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alana Brodie

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Nancy Koval nancy@ourcitymedia.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

John Brodie, Denise Caligiuri, Adrienne Collins, Mariem Garcia, Caleb Furlong, Carlos Medina, Kenny Rodgers, Silvia Silva

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Terry Jaillet, Jon Duka, Dr. Robert Donoway, Christine Hunschofsky, Mayor Rich Walker

ADVERTISING INFO sales@ourcitymedia.com

VISIT US ONLINE ourcitymedia.com

954-306-1007

400 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway Suite 200C • Sunrise, FL 33325

March Is Women’s History Month

This year, Women's History Month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate once again and honor the women who have made a significant impact on our society.

Over the past decades, we have seen incredible advancements in women's rights and empowerment, and we must continue to strive toward equality and equity for all women.

As we recognize the achievements of women in our community, it is important to also acknowledge the challenges that still exist. Despite the progress we have made, women continue to face barriers in many areas, including pay equity, representation in leadership roles, and access to education and healthcare.

However, the inspiring women who have come before us give us hope and motivation to keep fighting for a better future. Women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who broke down gender barriers in the legal field and became an iconic figure for women's rights, serve as a reminder of the power and potential of women.

Women's History Month is not just about celebrating the past, but it is also about inspiring the next generation of women to reach their full potential. Let us continue to uplift, empower, and celebrate women in all their diverse and incredible forms. Here's to another year of honoring the women who have made and continue to make history!

Sincerely,

Christy & Terry Jaillet

OUR CITY MEDIA PUBLISHERS

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MARCH 4

Broward County Waterway Cleanup

Join your neighbors across Broward County’s largest and longest-running environmental events. The annual event brings volunteers together for one today to celebrate our beautiful environment and remove trash from our community and waterways. There are over 30 locations across the county where you can help make a difference. 9:00 am till 1:00 pm. Scan the QR code to register and select a location. Turn to page 20 for more info.

MARCH 5

Parkland Car Show

Join us at the Parkland Farmers' Market for Parkland’s annual Car Show on from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Join in the music, food, and fun as you take a look at some classic and new cars alike. Judging will take place at 11:00 AM. Hosted at the Parkland Equestrian Center, 8350 Ranch Road. For more info scan the QR code or call 954-757-4107.

MARCH 4

Worldfest

Bring your family and friends to WorldFest and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up the community of Coral Springs. The event will include entertainment from Mompirris - Parranda Vallenata Columbiana, cooking demos, inflatables and games, and a kids corner. 11:00 am - 6:00 pm on the Coral Springs City Hall Lawn. For more info call 954-344-1000.

MARCH 8

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

MARCH 10

Coral Springs MLK Golf Classir

Hit the links and help raise money for Coral Springs’ MLK Scholarship, which provides funds to financially deserving local students who, through their words and actions, embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s teachings on peace, racial harmony, community service and bettering the lives of others. Participants will enjoy a continental breakfast, awards luncheon, live raffle, beverages on the course, on-course contests, and a signature gift pack. The tournament is hosted by the Country Club of Coral Springs, 10800 West Sample Road. Scan the QR code to register or learn about sponsorship opportunities. Email Nicky Vasquez at nvasquez@ coralsprings.gov for info.

MARCH 10

Dodgeball Championship

Get ready for an exciting competition to determine who will be crowned the champions of Dodgeball among Coral Springs' High Schools, Fire Department, Police Department, and other City Teams! A DJ will be on hand to spin tunes, and refreshments will be provided by popular local food trucks, including Chicago Me Up, NY Phat Pies, and Cecilie's Ices. 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm at Mullins Park, 10000 Ben Geiger Drive.

March 2023 Calendar

MARCH 11

Parkland Day

Celebrate the city of Parkland’s 60th anniversary with this very special observance of Parkland Day. Festivities kick off at 10:00 am with the Parkland Day Parade. The parade includes floats, marching bands, and displays of our local schools, organizations, and elected officials. It starts at Heron Heights Elementary, and ending at Pine Trails Park. The main event begins at 4:00 pm and culminates with a performance by local favorite band Sugar Ray at 7:30 pm. Hosted at Pine Trails Park from 4:00 pm till 10:30 pm. Turn to page 18 to learn more about all of the Parkland Day Activities.

MARCH 17

St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrated on the 17th of March every year, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular days of the year to travel to Dublin. For centuries, the Irish have celebrated the day as both a religious and social holiday. South Florida has become one of the go-to locations to celebrate Saint Patricks day in the United States. So, kiss me if you’re Irish!

MARCH 22

Game Night at the Den

All ages are invited to the Panthers IceDen for a cool night of interactive games, plus a party DJ, food, ice skating and more! Admission is free. 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm at the Panthers IceDen, 3299 Sportsplex Drive. For more info call 954-344-1000.

MARCH 15

Coffee with the Mayor

Mayor Scott Brook invites veterans to join him for coffee during his office hours. Appointments are not necessary but preferred. C all 954-344-5911. 9:00 am till 10:00 am at Coral Springs City Hall.

MARCH 18-19

Coral Springs Festival of the Arts

Come and enjoy this fantastic weekend of art, culture, and entertainment! The 17th Annual Festival Of The Arts will highlight some of America’s finest artisans and contemporary crafters. There will also be exciting performing arts events, including fine dance, theatrical, and literary presentations. 10:00 am till 5:00 pm at The Walk at University, 2920 N University Drive. For more info visit www.csfoa.org.

MARCH 25

Lisa's Run/Walk for Hope 5K/12K

Lisa Boccard was an inspirational figure in our community who lost her battle to breast cancer. This event honors her memory and sheds a light on women's wellness. This is not only a 15-year celebration, this is also a tribute race to Lisa Boccard who lost her battle to breast cancer. The mission of the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund is to provide funding for care that may otherwise be unattainable for the women in our community to obtain screening mammograms and breast treatments if necessary. To register or learn more scan the QR code.

LET'S CELEBRATE! Parkland is Turning 60

The City of Parkland will celebrate its 60th anniversary on March 11th with a day-long schedule of activities and events.

“Parkland Day” will kick off at 10:00 am sharp with a parade, followed by a full schedule of events at Pine Trails Park beginning at 4:00 pm. Festivities will conclude with a live performance by South Florida favorite band Sugar Ray at the Pine Trails A mphitheater.

A Parkland Tradition

The first known Parkland Day celebration occurred in 1967 when Mrs. Betty Bell, a local artist, and two-term commissioner, held an event to show horses on her 2-1/2 acre property located on Trotters Lane near 87th Avenue. Two years later, the event would be held by Harold Bockhold on his 10-acre property in the Ranches.

Parkland Day grew, with the help of volunteer efforts, to include classic games such as barrel riding, apple bobbing, egg balance, cake or pie walks, and horse contests.

It wasn't until 1973 when Bockhold, the then mayor, acquired the land on the corner of 84th Avenue and Holmberg Road, establishing the first park for the City of Parkland, which we now know as the Parkland Equestrian Center at Temple Park.

Parkland Day grew with the addition of stage performances, live music, food, and games. However, at the center of each of these events was the continuation of Parkland's community efforts to keep our neighborly hometown feel a central aspect of each Parkland Day.

This year’s Schedule of events includes the following:.

Parkland Day Parade

The parade kicks off at 10:00am, starting at Heron Heights Elementary and ending at Pine Trails Park. Grab some fold chairs, and bring the kids to view the floats, marching bands, and displays of local schools, organizations, and elected officials.

Business Expo

Events move to Pine Trails Amphitheater at 4:00 pm. The Business Expo will feature many local businesses and organizations. It is a great opportunity to meet with local business owners, sample their goods and learn about local civic organizations.

Kid Zone

The Kid Zone will be open from 4:00 pm till 9:00 pm at Pine Trails Park. It will feature games, rides, contests and more. The little ones will be able to run free and enjoy activities in a safe, welcoming environment.

Concert

Around the time the sun goes down the music will turn up. Sugar Ray will play tunes from 7:30 pm and last till the end of the event at 9:00. Make sure you stake out a good spot and grab a dancing partner at the Amphitheater!

Food Court

There will be a food court open throughout the after events. A combination of Parkland restaurants and local food trucks will be serving favorites from around the area.

Help Make Broward County Beautiful at the Waterway Cleanup

Boward County Waterway Cleanup will be held on Saturday, March 4th, 2023. The cleanup is open to volunteers of all ages and is a great way for students to earn community service hours. This year’s event will be hosted at more than 30 different locations across the county.

The Broward County Waterway Cleanup, organized by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, is the county’s largest and longest-running environmental event.

The first Waterway Cleanup was held in the late 1970s to help ensure that both the community and the marine industry could enjoy our local waterways.

Last year more than 1,100 volunteers of all ages joined with more than 300 boats/personal watercraft throughout 35 sites across Broward County to remove 25 tons of trash and debris from our inland waterways.

To volunteer for the event, you must first complete the registration form and sign the waiver. When registering, you will be asked to choose one of our more than 30 site locations to clean up at.

Once you have registered, on the day of the event, you will arrive at your site location, and a site coordinator will provide you with additional instructions on cleaning up at that specific location.

Participants are strongly recommended to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for the event. Each volunteer will receive a Waterway Cleanup T-Shirt. The event is open to all ages. However, kids 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Waterway Cleanup Locations

THE CORAL SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS WELCOMES ALL

Come and enjoy a fantastic weekend of art, culture, and entertainment on March 18th and 19th! The 17th Annual Festival Of The Arts will highlight some of America’s finest artisans and contemporary crafters. There will also be exciting performing arts events, including fine dance, theatrical, and literary presentations.

The festival of the Arts redefines Coral Springs as a cultural destination by celebrating the arts and bringing focus to the new downtown area. It attracts 30,000 – 40,000 people from all over the South Florida area.

Held at The Walk of Coral Springs, the Coral Springs Festival of the Arts features a professional juried art and craft show with over 175 fine artisans and crafters. Nationally renowned art festival promoter Howard Alan Events is the producer of the show. With over 45 art fairs nationwide, Howard Alan Events, Ltd is America’s leading independent promoter of fine art festivals.

With its tree canopy, restaurants, and shops, The Walk of Coral Springs provides the perfect venue for the Festival. The Festival also features entertainment from all of the arts. Music, dance, theatre and literary performances will take place on two stages making the Festival unique in the area. With something for everyone, children to seniors, art lovers to music lovers, theatre enthusiasts to literary enthusiasts, the Coral Springs Festival of the Arts is the signature event for Western Broward County.

Live Music & Performing Arts

Musical Acts scheduled to perform

on Saturday include Island music by “Oceanik,” Eric Hansen & Jackson Bunn playing Jazz, and Latin Music performed by “Copa Cabana Revue.” Sunday’s artists include 19-piece big band, “The Last Flight Out,” playing 1940s and ‘50s music, followed by country band “Whisky Six.” The Billy Joel tribute band “Turnstiles” will close out the weekend in style.

The performing arts stage will host a number of popular groups, including The Drake Irish School of Dance, South Florida Cloggers, Mariachi Voces De America, Gold Coast Banjo Band, Tama Leaos Polynesian Show, World of Dance, Ronin Taiko Drummers, Jonathan Sanchez Latin Music, Bollywood India Dancers and Jazz by Sound of Vision. There will also be a children’s area where budding artists can hone their craft and explore their creativity.

▸ The Coral Springs Festival of the Arts will be held at The Walk of Coral Springs on March 18 and 19. For more info on the event, visit www.csfow.org.

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) observed the five-year anniversary of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School by holding a Day of Service and Love. MSD and district students conducted projects and activities that encourage service to others and raise awareness about important and meaningful causes. Parkland & Coral Springs students and faculty pitched in to help bring our community together. Students at MSD were given the option of staying home or particpating in one of the many projects.

Dr. Earlean Smiley agreed to terms with Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) to serve as the school district’s interim superintendent. The retired school administrator was selected by the school board in a 7-2 vote. She was Superintendent of McCormick County Public School District in South Carolina from 2010 to 2013 and was the Principal of Blanche Ely High School. School Board negotiations were led by Chair Lori Alhadeff. Smiley’s compensation package is said to be valued at approximately $300,000.

The move comes after the departure of controversial Superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartwright. After agreeing to a separation agreement, Cartwright said, “I am confident that the district will continue to thrive under new leadership, and I do wish the district continued success in the future. Thank you for your support and your understanding.”

Smiley’s initial focus will be on improving the culture within the district’s administration.

“I’ve heard many board members talk about toxic culture,” Smiley said, “I want to move out of the culture that we’re in, to a

SUPERINTENDENT

culture where we can thrive at every level.”

Smiley, who is 71 years old, will fill the role as the School District looks for its fourth leader in just three years.

“She has a no-nonsense personality, and I believe that is what Broward County Public Schools needs right now,” said Broward School Board Chair Lori Alhadeff, “This is how I know that she’s going to be tough but fair and a very strong leader.”

Leadership at BCPS has been a political hotbed since the Tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. The fact that the school board and Dr. Cartwright were frequently at odds with Governor Ron Desantis during the COVID pandemic made matters only more difficult. Desantis frequently quarreled with Broward County over back-to-school rules and mask requirements.

The rift between Tallahassee and BCPS culminated when Desantis removed four board members last August. He had convened a Grand Jury to investigate the root causes of the Parkland tragedy and used his powers as governor to remove the board members after the grand jury’s findings suggested the

school board was partially at fault.

Desantis’ hand-picked replacement board members were at odds with Cartwright from the moment they took their seats, eventually voting to terminate her during a late-night meeting just days before three of them were to be replaced following the November election. In a twist of fate worthy of a TV melodrama, Cartwright was reinstated by the new board two weeks later, only to be pushed out for good a month later.

Dr. Smiley will remain interim superintendent until the board recruits a new, permanent leader. Finding the best candidate to lead the nation’s sixth-largest school district will likely be a challenge, given the chaotic history of the last three years. Dr. Cartwright was hired after former Superintendent Dr. Robert Runcie was indicted for allegedly lying to a grand jury in 2021.

“We’re not looking to rush it, but we want to make sure that we have Dr. Smiley in place for enough time for us to be able to do the national search for a permanent superintendent,” said Alhadeff.

CLINICAL TRIALS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR ACNE, ECZEMA, ALOPECIA, VITILIGO & PLAQUE PSORIASIS STUDIES

Skin Care Research (SCR), a clinical research center in Boca Raton, Hollywood and Tampa, FL, is dedicated to finding new and improved treatments for skin diseases. They conduct clinical studies for a variety of skin conditions, ranging from acne, eczema, alopecia (hair loss), vitiligo and plaque psoriasis to wrinkles.

The team at Skin Care Research is comprised of experienced board-certified dermatologists, and clinical coordinators. These professionals collaborate to provide an outstanding level of care and for patients participating in the research studies. SCR is at the forefront of skin disease research, working to conduct studies with medications or devices that can improve the lives of people affected by these conditions.

SCR works closely with large pharmaceutical companies and small biotech’s to ensure that all studies are conducted according to the highest standards under FDA and international guidelines. Participants in the research studies can rest assured that their safety and well-being are of paramount importance.

Patients receive access to cutting-edge new therapies that may be able to assist in the treatment of their skin condition. For most studies, there is no cost to the patient, no insurance is required, and compensation will be provided for time and travel if qualified for the study.

Skin Care Research is committed to helping people suffering from skin diseases. Through the studies, they are working to improve the lives of people with dermatological conditions, and to find new treatments that can provide long-term relief. By taking part in their research studies, patients can help to advance the field of dermatological care and make a real difference in the lives of those affected by skin conditions.

Mellesia Nelson

Head of School

Sagemont Preparatory School

About Mellesia

Mellesia has been part of the Sagemont Prep family since 2004. She began her career as a Guidance Counselor, where she successfully implemented and facilitated drug prevention, self-esteem, and anti-bullying programs by building strong, lasting community partnerships. She transitioned after five years and became the school’s College Counselor. While in that position, Mellesia increased college and university representation on the Sagemont Prep campus by over 550%. She also raised scholarship dollars awarded for Sagemont graduates. Her journey at Sagemont Prep continued as the Assistant Principal, Principal of the Upper School, and the past three years as Head of School.

Mellesia’s days are all different, and that is a fun part of being Head of School at Sagemont Prep. She defines instructional practices to construct a meaningful educational experience. She works alongside a team of educators to facilitate students’ ability to reach their full potential and tap into their passions and talents. Mellesia’s vision for Sagemont Prep students is that they own their education. She creates opportunities that put students in the driver’s seat to their future and set high standards for their educational growth.

What Makes Sagemont Prep Unique

Sagemont Preparatory School embodies a transformative approach to private school education through a focus on intellectual exploration, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which inspires both academic excellence and a connection to real-world applications for each student.

Sagemont Prep’s curriculum fosters an appreciation for and cultivation of intellectual curiosity and creativity; adeptness at analytical thinking; a balance of self-directed, independent exploration and collaboration; the pursuit of educational endeavors with responsible risk-taking and reflection; and a dedication to social responsibility. Student-powered innovation and a spirit of entrepreneurship at every age are ingrained in Sagemont Prep’s educational philosophy.

What Contributed to Mellesia’s success?

The factor Mellesia credits most to her success is her remarkable team. “What we do together to ascend to lofty heights does not happen in a vacuum. It is with sincere collaboration that new leaps and bounds can be made,” she says, “Together with remarkable Sagemont Prep educators, we accomplish the extraordinary and remarkable. The foundation for this is building and continuously developing relationships with each other, students, educators, and parents. It is a joint effort in partnership to empower our incredible students to lead.”

About Vivian

Vivian is a civil and commercial litigator. More simply, she helps good people who find themselves in bad situations. These are ordinary people going about their daily lives who suddenly find themselves in situations they never expected a young lady rear-ended on her way home from work, a mother who slipped and fell while shopping with her kids at Target, a grandmother injured when her plane landed in Fort Lauderdale from Jamaica, a couple from Texas injured during their stay at a local hotel before the start of their Caribbean cruise, or a young man attacked while he was a patient at a local mental health hospital. These are just a few examples of the people injured due to others’ negligence that Vivian has been honored to help.

She also helps small businesses when they face lawsuits. She has been fortunate to obtain dismissals or other favorable relief for them, allowing them to continue to focus on what they do best - running their businesses. She also sues individuals and businesses that have taken advantage of an individual or business – by not honoring a contract, engaging in deceptive practices, or fraud, to name a few.

Vivian has been awarded an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Only attorneys who consistently demonstrate extraordinary legal ability and the highest ethical standards receive an AV Preeminent rating. Only an estimated five percent of all attorneys receive such recognition.

What Makes Vivian’s Practice Unique

Vivian only takes on cases she believes in. She gives potential clients an honest evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of their case and does not create false expectations. Oftentimes, she will advise against proceeding with a case. If there are other options available, e.g., your insurance will provide you a defense for free, Vivian will tell you that. Clients appreciate Vivian’s consistent honesty.

What Contributed to Vivian’s’ Success

Vivian credits being authentic and credible, employing creativity, persistence, and resilience, and taking chances to her ongoing success.

Something to Know About Vivian

Even if Vivian cannot help you, she is committed to helping you find the right attorney to help you.

Vivian Fazio Trial Attorney Law Offices of Vivian H. Fazio, P.A.

Dr. Monique Gusmao Rodriguez

Acupuncture Physician & Founder Five Element Wellness Center

About Dr. Rodriguez

Dr. Rodriguez is a board-certified and licensed acupuncture physician. She graduated from the Academy of Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, Florida, with her degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine after attaining a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Florida Atlantic University.

Her role as an owner is to lead Five Element’s wonderful staff by encouraging, motivating, and influencing them to collaborate and use their abilities to serve their patients best. As a physician, she manages disease and pain using holistic approaches while educating patients on maintaining health and focusing on them as individuals rather than their pain or illness.

What Makes Five Element Wellness Center Unique

Five Element differs from other care providers because they have created and nurtured a culture that is centered around their patients. Every day, Dr. Rodriguez and her team focus on patient needs in the journey back to health and living life pain-free.

They have consistently delivered high-quality healthcare over the last 21 years and maintain a close relationship with their patients. In fact, they consider their patients to be part of their extended family.

What Contributed to Dr. Rodriguez’s Success?

The biggest factor that has contributed to her success is Dr. Rodriguez’s passion for medicine and the great joy and fulfillment she gets from helping patients live life to the fullest. She also values her personal connection with the people she cares for. She is persistent and has a deep commitment to learning. Dr. Rodriguez knows that failure is part of the journey and maintenance of success and that “every setback is a setup for a comeback.”

Something to Know About Dr. Rodriguez

One of Dr. Rodriguez’s biggest accomplishments is being able to juggle her career, and family life. She has four children, including two beautiful daughters, who are now resilient, adults, a son who is almost done with high school, and her daughter Fenix, who is just five years old. In addition to raising a family, managing her practice, and caring for patients, Dr. Rodriguez is working toward yet another degree.

About Christy

Christy is the Co-Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at Our City Media. She manages all of the positive community news stories that go into Our City’s eight magazines every month. Christy leads our editorial team and ensures we get the word out about all of the amazing things happening in South Florida! She is also the primary conduit for our guest writers and expert columnists to reach our readers with their informative stories.

Despite being incredibly talented at her current role, what makes Christy truly remarkable is the fact that Our City is actually her second career. Dr. Christy Jaillet is also a board-certified Optometrist. Prior to moving to Florida, Christy owned an Optometry practice in Johns Creek, Georgia. She practiced Optometry for more than 20 years, taking care of the ocular health of thousands of patients.

What Contributed to Christy’s Success?

Christy is a principled person. Her integrity is very important to her, and it shows in all of her business dealings. Deadline week at a community magazine publisher can be stressful for anyone. Having a consistent, level-headed leader like Christy keeps the team on task.

She is also a voracious reader, often finishing two books a week. Christy’s continuous absorption of new ideas and information makes her particularly adept in her role

Fun Fact About Christy

Like many South Floridians, Christy loves the beach and the ocean. When she isn’t working, watching one of her children’s sporting events, or attending a community event, you will likely find her at the beach or on the Intracoastal waterway. In fact, she and her husband plan to complete the “Great Loop” boating trip one day.

Christy Jaillet

Co-Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Our City Media of Florida, LLC

March UPDATE

By State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky

March is typically a month that many families take advantage of that weeklong Spring Break. It is the month when we move our clocks ahead and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, and March Madness. For me, as your State Representative, this March signifies the start of the 2023 Legislative Session. The 60-day period begins on March 7th and is scheduled to end on May 5th.

During session, each State Representative is given seven bill slots to file legislation. Unfortunately, this limitation prohibits me from taking all your great ideas up to Tallahassee. Session is also a busy time as I am constantly monitoring bills as they move through the legislative process, scheduling appointments, and advocating for the needs of my constituents by voting bills up or down.

Currently, I have filed the following bills:

HB 33/35 Psychology Inter-jurisdictional Compact - which would make Florida a compact state and allow psychologists in our State to also treat their patients in a compact state. This will provide a continuum of care for our residents who are students, snowbirds, or spend time in another compact state.

HB 111, Public Financing of Potentially At-Risk Structures and Infrastructure requires a sea level impact study on any infrastructure built in flood-prone areas with public dollars.

HB 165 legalizes fentanyl test strips to add this as a legal harm reduction tool

HB 199, Conflicting Employment or Contractual Relationships for Public Officers or Employees, closes a loophole and prevents special district officers or employees from doing business with their district.

HB 521, Time Limitation for Prosecution of Certain Sexual Offenses, allows reporting not just to law enforcement but also to certain licensed medical professionals within 21 days.

You can review all filed legislation, backup documentation, and committee schedules at myfloridahouse.gov. In the meantime, I will continue to advocate for the priorities that are important to you. Thank you to everyone who filled out our pre-session survey and who contacted my office on legislation. Please continue to share your thoughts with us. I appreciate your input!

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you in the Florida House. My office is here to help wherever we can, so please reach out at 954-956-5600 or HD095@myfloridahouse.gov with any questions or concerns you may have. Our office will have upcoming town halls and updates on the legislative session. You can email us at HD095@myfloridahouse.gov to be added to our email list for newsletters and other updates.

▸ You can follow my updates on social media on Facebook at @RepChristineHunschofsky and on Twitter at @chunschofsky.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you!

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CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION MARCH MESSAGE

Coral Springs business owners, residents, and community leaders are soaring toward a smooth spring, blooming with family-friendly happenings, and special events.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to highlight the accomplishments of leading ladies in our community. Coral Springs is proud to position women for lifelong success and personal fulfillment. Follow along on the city’s social media channels to meet some of the marvelous women in our community. Spring Break is here! Residents can make a splash at Cypress Water Park which will be open through spring break week. Located on Coral Springs Drive across from Cypress Park, the water park features a unique clover-shaped pool, a splash pad, a water playground, and a twisting water slide. Residents can visit the park from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 26 with daily hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A full list of city parks details and hours can be found at CoralSprings.gov/parks.

As the year “marches” on, this month will feature a variety of family-friendly events and activities. Worldfest celebrates the diversity of our community with ethnic foods, cultural performances, and art activities for kids. The event will be held on Saturday, March 4 at City Hall. Families can have a blast with free ice skating, games, and more at Game Night at the Den on Wednesday, March 22 at 6 p.m. at Panthers Ice Den. Admission is free.

The popular Hoppin’ Into Springs egg hunt bounces back into the city on Saturday, April 1 for ages 3 to 8. This event is for Coral Springs residents only and pre-registration is required. Learn more at CoralSprings.gov/events.

The city will welcome back the 17th Annual Festival of the Arts, held at The Walk at University Drive. The event will feature a professional, juried art show with hundreds of fine artisans and crafters and will take place on Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Finally, Coral Springs is pleased to, once again, support the Lisa Boccard 5K/12K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 25. The first race will start at 7 a.m. and takes place along Sportsplex Drive. Lisa Boccard was an inspirational figure in our community who lost her battle to breast cancer. More information can be found at CoralSprings.gov/RunforHope.

The next Commission meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, March 1 and Wednesday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are aired on CityTV, Blue Stream Channels 25, 25.7, 725 and on AT&T U-Verse channel 99. Meetings are also live streamed at CoralSprings.gov/CityTV.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of your City Officials, please call 954-344-5911. Make sure to follow Coral Springs on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Mayor Scott Brook @CSCommissioner1, Vice Mayor Shawn Cerra @CSCommissioner2, Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen @CSCommissioner3, Commissioner Joshua Simmons @CSCommissioner4, and Commissioner Joy Carter @CSCommissioner5.

FROM THE VICE MAYOR PARKLAND UPDATE

By Vice Mayor Simeon Brier

he month of March represents several worthy causes that are near and dear to all of our hearts. While there are too many to list, for me personally, this month is about how community pride can put a smile on our faces, and how the support of those around us can help keep us safe, informed, and healthy. Parkland Day—March 11—marks the City’s 60th birthday, when we will come together to celebrate the vibrant history and small-town character that anchors us as a community. One of my favorite childhood memories is the Parkland Day parades, and I can recall attending the parade as a child as Parkland’s ninth Mayor, Sal Pagliara, drove by wearing his signature cowboy hat. As friends waved from parade floats and horses trotted by, you could just feel everyone collectively set aside their cares for that moment and come together as a community. While Parkland has certainly grown since then, I am so happy that the city is bringing Parkland Day back.

While the Parkland Day Parade starts at 10:00 a.m., the day will be filled with a Kid Zone with rides and games, a Car Show, a Business Expo,

Ta Food Court, a Concert, opportunities to learn about Parkland’s history, and announcement of the winners of an essay contest. I can’t help but smile from ear to ear to know that the children, families and residents in our community will have the opportunity to experience the same level of anticipation and hometown pride I felt years ago during our upcoming celebration.

More recently, that same sense of warmth and community I experienced as a child growing up in Parkland also served as a comfort when I was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2020. With early screening and proper treatment, I was able to beat the diagnosis. And because March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, I want to encourage residents to consider their screening options as well.

I think back on the wealth of support from friends, family, and community members, and I reflect on how grateful I was, and still am, to know that people not only cared, but also went out of their way to show it.

At the time, I didn’t know that colorectal cancer, while very treatable if caught early, is the third most common cancer in the world and the second most deadly. I didn’t know that in 2020, 2 million

people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and that in that same year, 1 million people lost their lives because of the disease. I also didn’t know that colorectal cancer was and is on the rise among younger people. The recommended screening age was 50 and now it is 45. Ironically, I was diagnosed at 45.

As Parkland residents, we take caring for others seriously. We are a community of Dads, Moms, daughters and sons, grandparents, coaches and mentors. We are teachers and guides. Entrepreneurs and healers. Caretakers and artists. And when we all come together to let others know we care, those in need receive the assurance of support and love at a time when they need it the most.

This March, remember to take care of yourselves and others. Even if you are in your 40s, it might be a good time to ask your doctor about colorectal cancer screening. I took the step to get screened in 2020 because someone who loved me encouraged me to do so.

Early detection, my family, faith, excellent doctors and this community’s support helped saved my life.

If you have questions or comments you would like to share, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached via e-mail at sbrier@cityofparkland. org. I encourage you to visit the City’s website, cityofparkland.org and click on the social media icon that you prefer, to ensure that you stay informed on events and helpful information.

Pet of the Month

Hi my name is Riley. I'm a Sato (a street dog from Puerto Rico). I was rescued from the Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca. My two daddies think the world of me. It has been a huge adjustment going from a frightened little street dog to a well mannered, very spoiled puppy with many many toys. I love everyone, especially other dogs. My favorite pastime is frolicking in the lake and chasing lizards and squirrels. So when you think of new pets, please think of rescues!