Pembroke Pines UPDATE

By Mayor Frank C. Ortis

Dear Readers:

Hurricane season is upon us, June 1 to November 30, and the predictions continue to be updated. Colorado State University released its 2023 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, predicting 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). Each of these numbers is slightly below the typical season average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Early signs indicate there is more uncertainty than normal with this particular season – all thanks to El Niño.

Please remember that all storms need to be taken seriously. The City of Pembroke Pines has a comprehensive section on its website at www.ppines. com/hurricane called “Pembroke Pines Prepared.” You’ll find information, videos and important resources regarding what to do before, during and after a storm. I encourage everyone to please be prepared.

Each year, more than 1,000 children throughout the City of Pembroke Pines participate in Mayor’s Kids’ Day. This year, it will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023. As a host, I may be a bit biased, but this is an absolutely fun day held for Pembroke Pines residents/kids ages 15 and younger who are pre-registered and wearing the official Mayor’s Kids’ Day wristband.

Pre-registration for wristbands is required and free -- please check the city’s website at www.ppines.com for registration days and times. Residents can register at several locations throughout the city, including the Pines Recreation Center, Rose G. Price Park, Town Gate Park, the Pembroke Lakes Tennis Center, and the Charles F. Dodge City Center.

Wearing the special wristband entitles the children to hunt for deals and freebies from local businesses in the city throughout the day. Some of the things they might find include free bowling, swimming, haircuts, ice cream, mini golf, cookies, and breakfast. Businesses will also offer discounts on purchases, food samples, raffles and more.

The “Mayor’s Brunch” for the children will take place at 10:30 am at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, located at 601 City Center Way. They’ll be greeted by characters representing various city businesses, visit with fire and police personnel, and enjoy other new activities and surprises. For more information, please call 954-392-2116 or visit www.ppines.com/specialevents.

And, I just wanted to let you all know that I recently signed the “Mayor’s Monarch Pledge” through the National Wildlife Federation. The renewal of this Pledge is exciting because we want everyone in our community to know about our beautiful Monarch butterflies, and that they are now an endangered species. That doesn’t mean they are protected, but it does mean that actions should be taken to bring back the population of butterflies.

As a city, we know the importance of helping this species to thrive by planting native milkweed as a food source for monarch caterpillars, planting native flowering plants to provide nectar to adult monarchs, ceasing the use of pesticides in the home and municipal landscapes, turning lawns into Gardens for Wildlife, and protecting America’s rapidly disappearing grasslands (essential habitat for monarchs for reproduction and migration). We encourage all residents to do their part in helping save the Monarch. Their eastern populations have declined by 90% and western populations by 99% in recent years.

Through the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge, the City of Pembroke Pines, and other U.S. cities, municipalities, and communities are committing to create habitats for the monarch butterfly and pollinators and are helping to spread the word about how we can make a difference at home and in our community.

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.