ACCOUNT
CONTRIBUTING
HE’S READY to own the road
Thomas is most at peace when he’s riding down the open road. But when severe headaches kept him from his motorcycle, he turned to the expert neurosciences team at Broward Health who successfully removed a brain tumor. At Broward Health, we are committed to providing advanced, specialized neurological treatments to help patients like Thomas get back to doing what they love. Learn more at BrowardHealth.org/Neuro.
Thanksgiving Reflection Perspective, Progress, & Gratitude
It is more important than ever to be thankful this Thanksgiving season. The contentious election has bombarded each of us with messages about how dire the state of the country is, how things are going downhill, and how others are making things so much worse.
Understanding how good we have it requires a bit of perspective. Social media algorithms combined with the political environment can make our present-day problems seem insurmountable. The reality is we are living such fantastic lives that our great-grandparents wouldn’t be able to imagine them.
It is easy to be pessimistic. There are bloody wars in Europe and the Middle East, major storms have hit Florida and the Southeast, and, many live in despair. These challenges may be with us for some time but will be overcome. We have already come so far, so fast.
100 years ago, the life expectancy at birth was about 60 years; today it is 77. Antibiotics did not exist. There was about one vehicle on the road per 100 people. Two in three homes lacked electricity; six out of seven had no bathtub. A typical person completed about eight years of school; segregation was rampant across the southern U.S., and the most common job in America was a farm worker. And, this was during the “Roaring Twenties,” a period of relative excess. Things we take for granted today, like air conditioning, the internet, air travel, television, and higher education simply didn’t exist.
Taking stock of all we have today makes us incredibly thankful. We live in comfort in a beautiful community carved out of a swamp. Our children are relatively safe to pursue their passions. There are numerous educational opportunities for almost everyone. Each of us carries access to all the world’s knowledge in our pocket. Our community is an incredible melting pot of cultures. The necessities of life are almost universally provided for.
We are thankful for all we have.
November 2024 Calendar
NOVEMBER 1
Dancing With Seniors
The event joins professional dancers, city staff and the city commission for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, engagement and live performances. Registration is not required to attend this theater show. Hosted at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive. Show starts at noon. For more info, call 954-345-2110.
NOVEMBER 4
Parkland Farmers Market
The Farmers Market is back! Fresh produce, organically grown vegetables, fresh fruit, herbs, tasty fresh breads, chocolates, raw honey from local farmers, gourmet jams, fried doughnuts, pickles, cookies, coffee, gourmet cheese, guacamole dips, bounce house for kids, plants, and orchids, there’s something here for everyone. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Equestrian Center, 8350 Ranch Road, Parkland. For info, call 954-757-4107
NOVEMBER 11
Veterans Day
On Veterans Day, we honor and remember every man and woman who has served in the United States Armed Forces to serve and protect our nation, defend the Constitution, and the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. Originally observed as Armistice Day, commemorates the end of World War I when fighting ceased on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The holiday evolved to be a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good of our nation.
NOVEMBER 13
Family Fun Night
Coral Springs Family Fun Nights hosted by the Parks and Recreation department bring the community together, providing a fun and interactive way for residents and guests to engage with one another. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and kick off the holiday season by watching Dr. Seuss; The Grinch! Popcorn will be available! Show takes place 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm inside the Coral Springs Gymnasium. For info, email bxbrader@coralsprings.gov.
NOVEMBER 15
Hayride and Bonfire
Join us for a great time under the stars at the Parkland Equestrian Center for the annual Hayride and Bonfire. Don't miss out on smores, music, storytime, and good ole company. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Registration is available at P-REC at Pine Trails Park and online; however, call 954-757-4105 in advance if you do not have a WebTrac account. Registration is for Parkland Residents only. Scan the QR to register.
November 2024 Calendar
NOV 18 - DEC 13
Holiday Toy Drive
The Coral Springs Police hosts its annual Toy Drive, collecting unwrapped, new toys to distribute to any child in need throughout the community. Drop off locations are at Police Headquarters, Coral Springs City Hall, Gyroville (1750 N University Dr), Wing Plus (9880 W Sample Rd.), Let’s Chill (9739 W Sample Rd) and Walmart (10635 W. Atlantic Blvd). Scan the QR code for more info.
NOV 22 - DEC 1
Thrills & Chills
Load the whole family up in the car to experience South Florida’s most fantastic holiday light show. Drive through one of Broward County’s largest parks to fully get into the spirit of the holiday season. 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Tradewinds Park and Stables, 3600 W Sample Road, Coconut Creek. Scan the QR code to learn more. Scan the QR code for info.
NOVEMBER 28
Thanksgiving Day
Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you gather with family and loved ones to celebrate each other and give thanks for all that we have. In the words of John F. Kennedy, “Over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness, set aside a time of thanksgiving. On the appointed day, they gave reverent thanks for their safety, for the health of their children, for the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them.
GET YOUR GLOW ON WITH BLO CORAL SPRINGS!
Blo Coral Springs is your local destination for blow outs and styling, conveniently located in the Turtle Crossing Shopping Center, just south of Wiles Road on Highway 441. As part of Blo Blow Dry Bar, the original and largest blow dry bar franchise in the country, we have been offering professional hairstyling services designed to help you look and feel your best for five years under owner Jessica Oster. Since opening, Blo Coral Springs has quickly become the go-to spot for anyone seeking professional hairstyling, blow outs, hair extensions, and makeup services— all without the need for a full salon experience. Our skilled team of experts is here to provide you with the exceptional services you've been searching for.
What makes your salon unique?
At Blo Coral Springs, we strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone while prioritizing self-care. Our talented team specializes in special events, makeup applications, and hair extensions, providing clients with a welcoming and pampered experience. Our dedication to clients earned us the Our City Media Reader's Choice Best Styling Salon Award. To enhance your experience further, we offer an exclusive Membership program, giving members access to special perks, discounts, and VIP treatment throughout the year. Join us in elevating your beauty routine with benefits tailored just for you.
What hair services do you offer?
We offer five signature styles—Sleek and Straight, Beach Waves, Hollywood Curls, Updos, and Braids—as well as hair tinsel to add a playful touch. In addition, we provide various hair treatments such as Deep Conditioning, Olaplex, and Silk Treatments. We also offer both ready-towear and semi-permanent hair extensions with Glam Seamless. Our membership program, available nationwide through Blo Blow Dry Bar, includes exclusive benefits and perks. Plus, our salon is open seven days a week with early and late appointments for your convenience.
Do you offer services for special occasions like weddings?
Absolutely! Our BloOn-The-Go services are perfect for weddings, baby showers, bat mitzvahs, and other special events. We take pride in helping our clients look and feel their best on those special days. Tell us about the makeup services you provide.
We offer an extensive selection of Bare Minerals makeup, providing a range of looks—from Full Face to Soft Glam, express touch-ups, and more— perfect for any occasion. We also sell Bare Minerals products and offer color-matching services to help clients find the perfect shades.
What
special promotions are available?
We offer a comprehensive membership program, available nationwide through Blo Blow Dry Bar, which includes two or four blow outs per month, a free blow out upon sign-up, 10% off retail, a complimentary birthday blow out, and more. We also offer packages of four or eight blow outs, which never expire and can be used at any of our locations. Gift cards are available both in-store and online, and we have a referral program as well as $5 off for first-time visits.
JESSICA OSTER
Blo Coral Springs 4348 FL 7 Coral Springs, FL 33073
blocoralsprings@bloblowdrybar.com 954.840.3750
@blocoralsprings blomedry.com
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
You can reach us 24/7 via text or phone at 954-840-3750, or book online at www. blomedry.com. For added convenience, download the Blo Blow Dry Bar app, available for iOS and Android, to schedule your appointment anytime.
We look forward to welcoming you soon at Blo Coral Springs and helping you feel and look your very best!
Ignite the Flame Coral Springs Girls Learn About Firefighting
Talk about Girl Power! On Monday, October 14, the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department hosted the first-ever Ignite the Flame event, a one-day camp designed to introduce girls to the fire profession. The event was held at the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety, 4150 NW 120th Avenue. 35 sixth through eighth-grade girls gained hands-on experience in firefighting and much more.
The campers took part in various physical challenges specifically designed to simulate real-life firefighting scenarios. Activities included learning how to handle and control a fire hose, operating a nozzle to control water flow, search and rescue exercises, and climbing and rappelling techniques. They also learned about essential firefighting skills, such as ventilation &
forcible entry, and practiced them under the guidance of experienced professionals.
The campers underwent physical fitness training, an essential component of the firefighting profession, to help them build strength and endurance, which is critical for physically demanding firefighting tasks. Ignite the Flame focuses on nurturing the self-confidence of the young girls who attend the camp.
The camp was led by a team of all-female fire instructors from across Florida, including Coral Springs & Parkland, Port St. Lucie, Miami, and more.
Scan the QR Code to learn more about the Coral Springs Fire Department
Parkland Resident Judge Ari Abraham Porth
The Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court has awarded, Broward Circuit Judge Ari Abraham Porth, the highly esteemed Chief Justice Award for Excellence. This award recognizes his "personification of judicial excellence" and dedication to the judicial branch. Judge Porth was honored for his outstanding contributions, with the recognition being given to only two judges in Florida—one from the circuit court and one from the county court.
A Parkland resident, Judge Porth currently presides over the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Felony Mental Health Court. His work has been instrumental in helping individuals with mental illness, emphasizing rehabilitation and recovery. Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz made the announcement last week, highlighting Porth’s significant impact.
“I am grateful and overwhelmed,” shared Judge Porth. “I share this Judicial Award
of Excellence with the many people in the 17th Circuit who support our Felony Mental Health Court. We work collaboratively to find resources for those in need while keeping the community’s safety in mind. It is the greatest honor to help people on their road to recovery.”
Since its inception in 2015, the Chief Justice Award for Excellence has honored judges who demonstrate exceptional character, professional ethics, compassion, and sound judgment.
“Judge Porth is a natural-born leader who exemplifies humility and wisdom in everything he does,” said Jack Tuter, Chief Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit.
Judge Porth has served Broward County in many capacities, including as a State Representative from 2004 to 2012, where he passed significant legislation. He continues to be a leader in the mental health community, serving as the chair of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Mental Health Task Force.
HE REALLY TAKES INCREDIBLE PHOTOS AND MAKES SURE TO BE EVERYWHERE! WE RECEIVED SO MANY COMPLIMENTS ON HOW OUR PHOTOGRAPHER WAS CAPTURING EVERYTHING! HILA L. • JARED IS SO PATIENT, GOES THE EXTRA MILE, AND REALLY CAPTURES THE EMOTIONS OF THE EVENTS. I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US HOW FANTASTIC OUR ALBUM IS. JARED HAS A TRUE GIFT FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. MICHAEL R. • HE WAS PERSONABLE AND PROFESSIONAL THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE AFFAIR... AND THE QUALITY OF THE PICTURES IS OUTSTANDING! I AM SELFISHLY DELIGHTED BECAUSE I DO NOT PHOTOGRAPH WELL AS A RULE, AND I LOVE THE WAY I LOOK! PAIGE K. • HE WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE EVERY MOMENT, FACIAL EXPRESSION AND EXPERIENCE. WE ARE GREATFUL FOR THE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES THAT WILL NOW LAST A LIFETIME. ADI G.
LEGACIES OF GREATNESS Broward Education Foundation Celebrates 2024 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
The Broward Education Foundation honored seven remarkable sports legends at the 2024 Broward County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on October 18, held at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. The evening recognized extraordinary athletes, coaches, and sports pioneers who have made a lasting impact on Broward County.
This year's inductees include:
• Elliot Bonner, a longtime football and baseball coach, known for his 50-year career mentoring Broward County athletes. As a leader in Coral Springs, Bonner’s influence extends beyond the field, shaping professional athletes and responsible community members alike.
• Darius Butler, a Coral Springs Charter School graduate, excelled in multiple sports and later enjoyed a successful nine-year NFL career. Now a well-known sports personality, Butler frequently appears on The Pat McAfee Show and co-hosts the Man-to-Man podcast.
• Abbas Karimi, a Paralympic swimmer born without arms in Kabul, Afghanistan, overcame extraordinary challenges to compete on the global stage. Karimi, who was resettled to the U.S. as a refugee, has since become a symbol of resilience, winning medals at world swimming events and serving as an ambassador for Visit Lauderdale.
• Diana Nyad, renowned long-distance swimmer, famously swam from Cuba to Florida after a 35-year quest. Nyad’s career spans sports journalism and motivational speaking, and her memoir, Find a Way, was adapted into the 2023 biopic Nyad. Her story of perseverance has inspired millions.
• Steve Shapiro, a beloved figure in South Florida sports broadcasting, covered major sporting events during his three-decade career at WSVN. From the Super Bowl to the Olympics, Shapiro’s dedication to his craft made him a trusted voice in the sports world.
• Lexi Thompson, a Coral Springs native and professional golfer, made history by qualifying for the U.S.
Women's Open at just 12 years old. With 11 LPGA Tour wins and two appearances in the Olympics, Thompson continues to be a dominant force in women’s golf and a champion for growing the sport among young women.
• The 1973 Hollywood Hills High School State 4A Championship Football Team, a diverse group of players who overcame racial divides to win Broward County’s first state football championship. Led by Coach Dick Saltrick, the team’s undefeated season marked a significant moment in local sports history.
The event began with a cocktail reception and silent auction benefiting the Hall of Fame, followed by dinner and emotional tributes for each inductee. WSVN sports anchor Josh Moser served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. James A. Knapp, President and CEO of the Broward Education Foundation, highlighted the inductees' commitment to excellence: “Their legacy serves as an inspiration to both our students and the broader community.”
The Broward Education Foundation, the first and only education foundation in the U.S. with a dedicated athletic branch, has continually advocated for student-athletes in Broward County. “We are incredibly grateful for our sponsors and community partners who made this event possible after a six-year hiatus,” said Shawn Cerra, Director of Athletics for the Broward Education Foundation.
The 2024 inductees will be memorialized and enshrined on the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame Honor Wall at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, forever commemorating their contributions to sports and the community.
Photo Credit Broward Education Foundation Athletics
James A. Knapp, Elliott Bonner Jr.; Elliott Bonner; Todd Fitz-Gerald and Shawn Cerra
USING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICE
By Sheriff Gregory Tony
Technology plays a crucial role in safeguarding our community. To stay ahead, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) continuously adopts innovative technological solutions to deliver the highest level of public safety services to Broward County. A recent example is the arrest of 12 students by our Threat Management Unit (TMU) at the start of the school year for making online threats. Using real-time social media monitoring, the TMU swiftly identified, investigated and neutralized the threats, demonstrating the effectiveness of their advanced systems.
While this illustrates how technology enhances our ability to protect the community, BSO’s proactive and evolving use of technology extends well beyond threat detection and response—it’s a pivotal part of our organizational strategy. We consistently research and implement advanced tools to strengthen our overall response capabilities and safeguard our county. A few examples are highlighted below.
• The BSO Digital Forensics Unit has significantly boosted its technological capabilities by increasing storage capacity and accelerating data transfer, which speeds up processing time and allows our investigators to examine multiple devices simultaneously. These upgrades, alongside the unit’s expansion, have resulted in substantial time savings, improved efficiency and successful results in solving cases with critical digital information.
• The BSO Training Division is testing cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) systems to further augment our law enforcement training. This advanced technology allows for simultaneous training capabilities utilizing diverse scenarios, from de-escalation tactics to active shooter responses. It also supports the integration of detailed building plans, allowing deputies to train in specific environments, such as schools or courthouses. These VR systems will save time and reduce costs by allowing more frequent and efficient training sessions, with the added benefit of video review for post-training
analysis. A significant portion of the funding for these systems was secured through grants, and we anticipate rolling out introductory training in early 2025.
• The BSO Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) has incorporated new technology, including facial recognition and license plate reader software, to investigate, solve and prevent crimes. Recent technology upgrades have enhanced BSO’s ability to identify vehicles and link them to suspects, victims or crimes and better utilize mobile cameras strategically deployed in crime hotspots.
• The BSO Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services has adopted the GlideScope, an advanced tool that uses video to help guide intubation. This technology provides our firefighter/ paramedics with a clear view of a patient’s airway, significantly improving the success of securing an airway on the first attempt, which can be lifesaving in critical situations. As of today, we have 22 GlideScopes in use across the county.
• The BSO Crime Lab has made significant technological improvements to its investigative capabilities. One such advancement is Y-STR technology, which isolates DNA to identify suspects. It also enables familial searching within the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), providing leads in cases where traditional DNA analysis may fall short. The Crime Lab also uses the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), a national database that allows us to compare fired cartridge cases and identify potential connections to other crimes.
As public safety needs evolve, BSO remains dedicated to implementing cutting-edge technologies that enhance our ability to identify, track, monitor and prevent crime. We will continue to expand our use of innovative tools to uphold our commitment to excellence in service.
Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
NOVEMBER UPDATE
By State Representative Dan Daley
October is finally over, and November brings the anticipation of the holiday season. This past month we saw deadly hurricanes hit Florida. November 30th is the end of a typical Atlantic hurricane season, so it’s important to keep your shutters ready and your supplies prepared.
November also marks Election Day, on November 5th. Make sure you find a location to vote, as your voice is an integral part of our democracy. It’s important to make sure you go out and research the candidates and issues before making a choice on the ballot.
The cities in District 96 are hosting many events this month as the holiday season begins. The City of Tamarac is hosting the 44th Annual Tamarac Turkey Trot 5k on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. The Coral Springs Police is hosting an annual toy drive for our community on November 18th and is hosting a cultural festival Saturday, November 9th. As the weather begins to cool, be sure to go out and enjoy these events with your friends and family!
Veterans Day is also this month on November 11th. The cities of Coral Springs, Sunrise, and Tamarac will all be holding ceremonies in the morning to honor our veterans for their patriotism and sacrifice for our country.
For Members of the Florida House of Representatives, an organizational session will begin this November ahead of the beginning of committee weeks. I’m excited to continue sponsoring the Democracy in Action program again this year, which encourages middle and high school students to submit their bill ideas for one of my seven yearly bill slots. The deadline for submitting is November 22nd.
I wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving and hope you spend this month surrounded by your cherished loved ones.
NOVEMBER UPDATE
By State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky
The month of November and the anticipation of the holiday season can be exciting for many of us as we look forward to celebrating and spending time with loved ones. It’s a time of gratitude and hopefully some cooler weather. However, it is also a time when many of us reflect on our own personal challenges or deal with the loss of loved ones no longer with us. This holiday season, I wish all of you much love, gratitude, and happiness. If you can, please reach out to those you know who may be struggling; sometimes just checking in with others can be enough to make a difference. As a reminder, we also have 211-Broward.org and EaglesHaven.org that can help connect you with resources available in the community.
The Parkland Farmers Market and the Coconut Creek Hometown Markets are back for the season. The Parkland Farmer’s Market takes place the first and third Sunday of the month from November through April, from 9 am to 1 pm, at the Parkland Equestrian Center, 8530 Ranch Road. The Coconut Creek Hometown Market happens on the first and third Saturday of the month from October through March, from 9 am to 2 pm, at the Township Plaza on the Southeast corner of Sample and Lyons Roads, by Veterans Park. Both markets feature local vendors and provide a wonderful opportunity to see our friends, neighbors, community organizations, and local elected officials.
This Veterans Day, we come together to honor our veterans for their service to our great nation. While these brave men and women come from different backgrounds and life experiences, they are united by their devotion to our country and their willingness to serve and put themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedoms. To all who served in our Armed Forces, we thank you, not just today but every day, for your service, patriotism, and sacrifice to protect our way of life here at home. The cities of Coconut Creek (coconutcreek.net), Margate (margatefl.com), Parkland (cityofparkland.org), and Coral Springs (coral springs.gov) are hosting Veteran’s Day events the morning of Monday, November 11, at their respective Veterans Parks.
One of my favorite events to kick off Thanksgiving is the PreThanksgiving Interfaith Unity Service held this year on Tuesday, November 26, at 7:00 pm at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 9950 NW 29 Street, Coral Springs. Hosted by the Clergy Coalition of Coral Springs & Parkland, this beautiful interfaith service brings together houses of worship from across northwest Broward as we come together and give thanks for our blessings. I highly recommend attending if you haven’t before, and for those who do, there will be a canned food collection for those in need.
My office team, my family, and I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope you are surrounded by loved ones. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state representative in Tallahassee. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us at 954-9565600. To stay updated about our work in Tallahassee and in District 95, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter by emailing HD095@ myfloridahouse.gov with “subscribe” in the subject line. Also follow me on Facebook at @RepChristineHunschofsky, X @RepHunschofsky, and Instagram @ChrisHunschofsky for regular updates. I look forward to hearing from you and staying connected!
CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION NOVEMBER MESSAGE
We have many reasons to be thankful this November as this month brings festive events and ushers in the official start to the holiday season.
Residents who qualify are encouraged to have their voices heard by voting in the General Election on Tuesday, November 5. In addition to voting on issues and races of national and state importance, residents will also have the opportunity to vote on city referendum titles and questions that will be included on the general election ballot. The referendums were decided after a yearlong Charter Review by an independent group of Coral Springs residents. View all election information, including local referendum descriptions, at CoralSprings.gov/Vote.
It's fall y’all! Bites-N-Sips, our popular food truck event, returns to the City Hall Lawn (9500 W Sample Road) on Friday, November 8 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. featuring delicious bites, craft cocktails, live entertainment, and a festive fall theme. Entertainment and activities include live music from The Shane Duncan Band, inflatable corn maze, fall-themed arts & crafts, and more. New this year: A Sensory-Friendly Hour will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. Bites-N-Sips is free and open to the public. Cost of food and drinks is additional.
Lights, camera, popcorn! Residents can bring blankets and lawn chairs for an indoor, holiday-themed movie at the Coral Springs Gymnasium (2501 Coral Springs Drive) as part of Family Fun Night taking place on Wednesday, November 13 at 6 p.m., featuring the holiday favorite “Elf.” Popcorn will be served.
Our community’s military heroes will be honored with a Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, November 11 at 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Park (8601 Royal Palm Blvd) in partnership with the Veterans Coalition of Coral Springs.
We invite all local veterans to participate in our Hometown Heroes banner program The program was specifically designed to show our hometown pride for the men and women who selflessly serve or served our nation in the armed forces by displaying individual banners along “Freedom Lane” in Coral Springs. More information can be found at CoralSprings.gov/Heroes.
Game on! Residents are invited to get active as part of our Move with the Mayor series. This month residents are invited to take part in a friendly game of Flag Football with Commissioner Joshua Simmons taking place on Saturday, November 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Aiello Field, Mullins Park (10000 Ben Geiger Drive.)
All event details can be found at CoralSprings.gov/Events.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for our amazing community. We consider it a privilege to call Coral Springs home and to serve this city. As a reminder, with our new service contract with Coastal Waste and Recycling, there is no trash, bulk or recycling collected on Thanksgiving Day.
This month’s Commission Meetings will take place on Wednesday, November 6 at 9 a.m. and Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m. As always, the public is invited to attend Commission meetings. The 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 on CityTV.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of your City Officials, please call 954-344-5911.
DR. BRAKES
PARKL AND UPDATE
By Mayor Rich Walker
While we work together on the important business of Parkland, I also consider them my friends. That isn’t to say we always agree. Sometimes we do, but many times we disagree. And that’s exactly the way it should be. We share a passion for our City, but we have different views of it and that naturally produces varying opinions.
The real value of those varied opinions to the residents of Parkland, however, lies in our ability to disagree amicably. It’s nothing personal, you’re entitled to your opinion as I am mine, I want to know why you hold a particular opinion, and I hope you want to know why I hold mine. Sure, there are easy issues that come before us on which all members of the Commission agree. But when the choices are hard, and when we’re faced with choosing the lesser of several bad options, varied views help all of us understand all perspectives and cast responsible votes in the best interest of our residents.
So, as Commissioners Cutler and Mayersohn have reached their term limits and depart this month, I want to thank them for their service to the City of Parkland. For eight years they have been tireless advocates for the residents of their districts and for all
Parklanders. They are the only remaining members of the Commission who were serving on our City’s darkest day. On February 14, 2018, the unthinkable happened.
We were stunned, we were devastated, we grieved together, we grew together, and to this day we continue to deal with the aftermath while remembering the victims we lost. We do our best to support the families of the 17, the injured victims, and the countless victims who were at school or in our community that day and still feel the trauma.
All of that support began on that Wednesday afternoon while Commissioners Cutler and Mayersohn helped lead the City through those difficult times. And to be sure, they have instilled in those of us on the Commission now, that we will never stop supporting those who need it and we will always remember those we lost.
It is an honor to serve this City, and it is a luxury to do so with friends. Bob and Ken have been that to all of us on the Commission. But their service to our community began long before they were elected by our residents to the City Commission. Ken has always been a historian for Parkland and heavily involved in the Parkland Historical Society and the Parkland Friends of the Library, that dates back nearly 30 years. Bob has been involved in Parkland Buddy Sports and has
served the City as a member of the Education Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Advisory Board before running for a seat on the City Commission.
They have long since had others in mind. So, thank you Commissioner Ken Cutler and Commissioner Bob Mayersohn for your unwavering service to the City of Parkland and all of its residents. Thank you for your thoughtful input, your tireless efforts, the long nights and weekend work, and your passion for the City we all love. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you. And while we wish you the best of luck in everything you do in the future, we will never forget the lasting impact you have had on Parkland.
Mayor Rich Walker
If you would like to share your thoughts or if you have questions or comments you would like to share, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached via e-mail at rwalker@cityofparkland.org or via cell phone at (973) 390-1453. I am frequently available monthly at Parkland businesses and love to talk with residents there. 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.
