I am honored to serve as your County Commissioner, representing our coastal communities from Deerfield Beach to Fort Lauderdale and all of the amazing communities in between. Here are some recent highlights from around Broward County:
Beach Preservation
The 2017 Legislative Session resulted in a win for Florida’s beaches. The Legislature is providing unprecedented annual funding of $50 million, as well as recognizing and funding the top three ranked inlet management projects as part of the traditional beach management program. This includes Broward's Port Everglades Sand Bypass Project. While this is a great accomplishment for the beaches of Florida there is still much more that can be done. On August 18, 2017, Senator Jack Latvala filed Senate Bill 174 (SB 174) for consideration during the Florida Legislature's 2018 regular session. SB 174 updates the criteria for ranking and funding beach management, erosion control, and inlet management projects to consider (i) the environmental and economic importance of proposed projects, (ii) the use of regional sand management strategies to conserve sand and reduce project costs, (iii) the use of dune enhancement or restoration to reduce future upland storm damage costs, (iv) the use of environmental habitat enhancements, and (v) the overall readiness of the project. SB 174 also creates a three year work plan to help maximize federal and local funding matches and establishes a dedicated funding source from Amendment I revenue in the Land Acquisition Trust Fund.
I proposed a resolution in support of the passage of SB 174 and this resolution was passed unanimously by the Board of Broward County Commissioners. Passage of SB 174 supports the long-term planning and continued State funding necessary for the success of projects including the Broward County Shore Protection Projects. It is critical that we continue to advocate and support Florida's beaches as they provide both environmental and economic benefits, including a return on investment of $5.40 for each $1 spent on beach renourishment and erosion control. Furthermore, Broward's award winning beaches enhance the quality of life for residents and are vital for ourcommunity’s tourism industry, while also providing protection to our infrastructure.
FLL Receives $27 Million
The Florida Department of transportation (FDOT) has awarded Fort Lauderdale-HollywoodInternational Airport (FLL) $27 million to build a five-gate remote terminal. This funding, in addition to a $27 million investment from airport funds, will support the design and construction of the terminal, estimated to cost $54 million. Tentative plans are to build the remote terminal east of Terminal 4. It will be accessible to passengers via buses from a new bus station at Terminal 4. Travelers will benefit from the additional gates by relieving congestion, allowing airlines to offer additional service, and improving their travel experience. The addition of these five gates is a cost effective way to meet FLL’s significant growth, with increased flights from several airlines. For more information on FLL’s expansion please visit Broward.org/Airport.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Unveils Digital Brand Initiatives
Broward County increased its domestic tourism market in 2016 by 4 percent with 12.27 million visitors and increased international visitation by 13 percent over 2015 with 1.01 million visitors. The rest of the country saw a 2.1 percent decrease in overseas visitors. Recently, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (GFLCVB) unveiled marketing initiatives which included an increased media spend of $5 million, 25 percent more than last year, with at least 60 percent of the total media budget in the digital space including multi-lingual digital visitor collateral. Additionally, in order to overcome negative perceptions of the recent hurricane impact on South Florida, despite minimal damage, the GFLCVB pledged $1 million to defend the winter high season and increase the destination’s presence in key feeder markets in the Northeast, Midwest, Texas and California on social media, radio, and television.
King Tides
Low lying areas in Broward County are extremely vulnerable this time of year due to high tides. Flooding in low-lying areas is more likely with the close proximity of the moon, higher than average tides called King Tides, rising sea levels, and inclement weather conditions that combine to intensify flooding risks. These often occur during the fall (August-November) with the peak usually occurring with King Tides (Highest tide of year) in October.
Broward County is calling all citizen scientists interested in helping document tidal flooding in the community. If you or agroup want to "adopt" a site to monitor and report, download and read the King Tides Initiative Citizen Science Guidebook and then submit a Group Signup Form. (Individuals do not need to sign up). You can participate by uploading photos of flooding you observe in your neighborhood or community.
To sign up and for additional information please visit Broward.org/NaturalResources.
Animal Care and Adoption Makes an Offer
Through November 17th, adopt a Big Dog (40 lbs. or more) and receive free pet supplies! Adopters can name their own adoption fee for all dogs, additional fees for cats continue to be waived. A$20 non-refundable deposit applies to hold a stray/lost dog or cat. All adoptions include spaying/neutering, all necessary vaccinations, a Broward County Rabies Registration License tag and a microchip!
For additional information please visit Broward.org/Animal.
The Resident's Guide to Government provides a convenient resource to help people stay connected to their local government. It includes contact information for County officials and Federal, State and local agencies. Visitors can subscribe to E-news and social media sites. Please sign up at Broward.org/District4 to receive email updates from our office. If there is anything that we can do to assist you with your vision for a better Broward, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 954-357-7004 or by email at clamarca@broward.org.
As always, it is my honor and privilege to serve you.
Best regards,
