Pembroke Pines Update

Fighting for Broward Families

By Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book

This past January, I packed up my 5-yearold twins and headed to Tallahassee for the 2022 legislative session to be a voice for Broward County. For those of you I have not had the pleasure to meet, I am Lauren Book, your State Senator and the Senate’s Democratic Leader.

As a working mom, fighting for Broward families is one of my top priorities. This year, I was able to pass meaningful legislation to benefit families in our local community and across the state, including two long-standing priorities I’ve held since first being elected to the Senate in 2016 while pregnant: a sales tax exemption on diapers that will save families hundreds of dollars a year, and expanding Medicaid to cover prescribed breast milk for medically at-risk babies. In addition, I passed legislation to combat digital sex crimes – making sure the law has caught up with technology, our use of cell phones, and the Internet.

Budget Victories for Pembroke Pines

This year, I fought to bring home more than 24 million in taxpayers’ dollars to be reinvested back into Broward County. These funds will go towards hardening our infrastructure against storms and climate change and expanding healthcare initiatives for vulnerable populations. My office has secured over $1 million to maintain the fire training facility, create a special needs inclusive park and playground, and install flood management pumps in Pembroke Pines. These pumps are designed to inhibit water from flowing out of the everglades and into the city, keeping our neighborhoods dry and natural water system clean.

Despite legislative leadership’s continued focus on passing controversial “culture war” bills that garnered national attention this year, my focus remains squarely on addressing critical issues facing Floridians. I was proud to lead the Senate Democrats in a bipartisan call for a Special Session to address the current property insurance crisis, which needs immediate attention to protect Floridians’ property and their pocketbooks.

▸Whether I am in Tallahassee or home, I am here for you. If you or a loved one are in need, please contact my office for support. Reach Senate

Democratic Leader Lauren Book to discuss legislative issues or other needs at 954-424-6674 or at book.lauren.web@flsenate.gov. MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Pembroke Pines

UPDATE

By Frank C. Ortis

Dear Readers, I am deeply honored and humbled to have been chosen to be a 2022 inductee into the Broward County Senior Hall of Fame. For 38 years, the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County has honored seniors for their contributions to the community through this recognition. When I was told, I actually had to catch my breath. I do what I do out of love for my community, concern regarding difficult issues and because I honestly like helping. I encourage our youth to get involved and give of their time. I’m glad my life has taken me in this direction

Throughout the month of May, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and other mental health organizations across the country organize events, webinars, and more to improve mental health access across the country. At our May Commission Meeting, I will issue a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. In the Proclamation, I strongly urge the citizens in our community to commit to increasing and understanding mental health illnesses, reducing stigma and discrimination, and promoting appreciation and accessible services for all people with mental illnesses.

If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health issues, please visit the resources we’ve posted on the city’s website at www.ppines. com. Simply click on Resident Resources at the top of the website and Mental Health Resources under Living in Pines.

It’s also time to reassess your hurricane preparations or begin preparing. On Sunday, May 9, 2022, through Saturday, May 13, 2022, we recognize National Hurricane Preparedness Week. National Hurricane Preparedness is a nationwide effort to inform the public about hurricane hazards and to disseminate information and share knowledge which can be used to prepare and take action. Hurricane preparedness is essential to all of us living in South Florida which is why we provide an extensive and comprehensive section regarding hurricanes, preparation, and resources on the city’s website at www. ppines.com/hurricane called Pembroke Pines Prepared. There will also continually be helpful information posted on the city’s social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter throughout the season and year, and during National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

The Mayor’s Annual Chess Challenge is back in Pembroke Pines and being held on Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Pembroke Lakes Golf Club 19 Restaurant, located at 10500 Taft Street. This is the last chess challenge being held throughout Broward County as part of a free and friendly series of chess meet-ups in over 20 different cities created to draw attention to the benefits of chess in both the academic environment and in our community. For more information about the Mayor’s Chess Challenge in Pembroke Pines, please visit www.ppines.com/specialevents.

Please be sure to attend our Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 30, 2022, to honor our country’s men and women who have died in the military. It will begin at 9 a.m. at Fletcher Park, located at 7900 Johnson Street.

And, please remain safe. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 954-450-1020, or by email at fortis@ppines.com. Mayor Frank C. Ortis