Pembroke Pines UPDATE

By Frank C. Ortis

Dear Readers, Our Pembroke Pines Fire Department is celebrating! It’s been 50 years since the City of Pembroke Pines first incorporated in 1960, with its first fire station of volunteers next to North Perry Airport. In 1973, the City then hired its first four paid firefighters, marking the inception of the City’s Fire Department. In 1978 the second fire station opened at 9500 Pines Blvd, and more were built in 1981 (old station 79), 1987 (station 89), 1996 (station 99), and 2001 (station 101). To commemorate this accomplishment, 50th-anniversary badges have been given to the city’s firefighters and personnel to be worn throughout the year. The badge itself represents both authority and protection. As firefighters, they are in a field that enjoys one of the highest levels of public trust. The badges proudly display the number “50” on the emblem with the American Flag in the background. The eagle, a symbol of strength, courage, valor, and freedom sits atop the badge, with the established date of 1973 underneath. We are very proud of our Fire Department and sincerely thank them for their service to our residents.

Applications for the 18th Annual Art Competition are now being accepted. Artists 18 years or older residing in Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties are eligible to participate. Categories and prizes include: $500 Best of Show, $200 Best Photography, $200 Best Drawing, $200 Digital Art, $200 Best Painting, $200 Best Mixed Media, $200 Best Sculpture, and $200 Best watercolor. Artists can submit up to 3 pieces of artwork. Each submission is $15. Accepted artwork into the Competition will be exhibited from Friday, May 5 through July 12, 2023, at the Studio 18 Art Complex located at 1101 Poinciana Drive, Pembroke Pines. Winners will be announced on Friday, May 5, 2023, 7 p.m. @ Studio 18 Art Complex. The application deadline is Monday, April 10, 2023. For more information, please contact Amelia Mohamed at 954- 961-6067 or amohamed@ppines.com.

Just a reminder that daylight savings time begins at 2 am on Sunday, March 12, 2023. This is also a good time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month and the batteries should be replaced at least once or twice a year. Smoke alarms have become such a common feature in our homes that it is easy to take them for granted and forget about them. Let’s keep our smoke alarms working properly and stay safe.

Did you know, that every Monday & Thursday, February 2 through April 17, 2023, between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, AARP will provide Tax Aide at the Carl Shechter Southwest Focal Point Community Center Campus, 301 NW 103rd Avenue, Pembroke Pines? You can receive free assistance for all tax questions. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 561-739-2595 or go online to http://AARP.org/findtaxhelp . Walk-Ins are accepted however, anyone with an appointment will have priority.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 954-450-1020, or by e-mail at fortis@ ppines.com. Wishing you all a great, safe and prosperous new year!

Frank C. Ortis