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 THIS MONTH Calypso Deepwater Port Workshop
Rep. Jack Seiler, Chair of the Broward Legislative Delegation has scheduled a workshop to discuss the proposed Calypso Deepwater Port for Liquefied Natural Gas. One Port has been proposed to be located 8 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Beach and the other 10 miles from the Beach. This workshop will be held on MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2008 from 5:00 – 7:30 P.M. at the BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER, 3351 Northeast 33rd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale (Galt Ocean Mile). Please mark your calendars and let us know if you will be attending the Workshop. Thank you and have a wonderful weekend.
For information, call Executive Director Sandy Harris at 954 357-6555, 954 260-8894 to RSVP ASAP! CLICK HERE to the GMCA CALYPSO WEB PAGESunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch
SUNDAY - JULY 6, 2008 - From 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on the first Sunday of every month, the SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch fills the air with jazz music performed on four stages along the historic New River. Each month, bands perform a wide range of jazz in downtown Fort Lauderdale along the Riverwalk. Picnic baskets, blankets, chairs, dogs, children and people of all age groups blend into one large Jazz Appreciation Fest. ON JULY 6, 2008, Ruby Baker will be at the Esplanade, Mantra at the Broward Center Peck Courtyard, Jazzberry Patch will appear at the Connie Hoffman Gazebo and Nucklebusters Quintet will be at the Las Olas Riverfront. For additional information or to have the 2008 informational brochure mailed to you, Click Here to e-mail your name and address to Stephanie Brady or call 954-396-3696 and leave it on the responding voice mail.
CLICK HERE for Details30th Annual Bank of America Starlight Musicals
The Bank of America Starlight Musicals concert series runs through the entire summer EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT in HOLIDAY PARK, FROM 7:00 – 10:00 PM. The first concert is scheduled for JUNE 13 and continues through AUGUST 8, 2008 with the exception of FRIDAY JULY 4th, when fireworks will thrill you on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department proudly presents this concert series, celebrating 30 years under the stars. These FREE outdoor concerts provide a great way to enjoy the summer with family and friends. The series will feature an exciting line up of bands ranging from pop to country, rhythm and blues to tropical rock. As an added bonus, each week the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department will select a theme and hold a contest for the best decorated seating area. The shows take place on the football field at Holiday Park, which is located at East Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway. Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers. Please note that pets are not permitted in the park. We look forward to seeing you out there this summer! 30th Anniversary T-shirts can be purchased with a credit card. Look for surprise weekly activities in honor of 30 years under the stars! RECYCLE! easily and proudly at Starlight Musicals. Recycling bins will be provided throughout the park. ON JULY 11, 2008, enjoy TROPICAL ROCK & JIMMY BUFFET MUSIC by Jimmy Stowe & the Stowaways and the decorating theme is "Margaritaville", JULY 18 - Blues Music by the Joey Gilmore Band will accompany the the decorating theme of "Space Exploration", on JULY 25, The Fabulons will play Good ol' Rock 'n' Roll and the decorating theme is appropriately "Christmas in July". Be there or be square - ITS ALL GOOD and ITS ALL FREE.
For more information, please call Debbie Bylica at 954-396-3622 or Click Here to e-mail.
Also call the Parks and Recreation Special Events Hotline at 954-828-5363 or CLICK HERE for DetailsSouthern Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower (SDA)
During JULY and AUGUST the Aquarid-Capricornid complex becomes active---a region which contains the northern and southern branches of the Delta Aquarids and Iota Aquarids, as well as several distinct radiants in Capricornus. The strongest activity emanates from the two Delta Aquarid radiants. The duration of the southern Delta Aquarid meteor shower covers the period of JULY 14 to AUGUST 18. Maximum currently occurs on JULY 29/30 (?=125°), from an average radiant of RA=339°, DEC=-17°. The maximum hourly rate typically reaches 15-20. The radiant does not attain a high altitude for Northern Hemisphere observers, but it is enough to produce a consistent show each year. Since the radiant is above the southern horizon, meteors will primarily be fanning out toward the east, north, west horizons. Few meteors will be seen heading southward, unless they are fairly short and near the radiant. The Delta Aquarids are better seen by observers in the Southern Hemisphere, both because of the radiant's higher altitude and because it is winter, with more transparent skies. Activity was first noticed from the region of the Delta Aquarids in 1870, when G. L. Tupman (Mediterranean Ocean) plotted 65 meteors during JULY 27-AUGUST 6. Tupman found the radiant to have steadily moved during the period of observation, with the position beginning at RA=340°, DEC=-14°, and ending at RA=333°, DEC=-16°. The characteristics of the Delta Aquarid meteors have not been well studied. Observers tend to lump the Southern Delta Aquarids and Northern Delta Aquarids into one shower and, to make things even worse, the Southern Iota Aquarids and Alpha Capricornids are occasionally thrown in as well. The few instances of specific Southern Delta Aquarid meteor details being obtained reveal an average magnitude of about 3, while very few meteors exhibiting trains.
For more information, CLICK HERE to Meteor Shower Web Site. Publix Family Fitness Weekend
This annual event is scheduled for SATURDAY, JULY 12 and SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2008. Be prepared to sprint! The Fort Lauderdale race is one of the fastest of the season and makes a great race for both beginner and seasoned athletes. Featuring a swim in the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a bike along famous Florida state road A1A, and a race to the finish set within the tranquility of HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH STATE PARK (3109 East Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale), this action-packed course is sure to once again be a fan favorite. After the race, kick back and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that is synonymous with Fort Lauderdale Beach! Hungry for more; we’ve got you covered. Featuring four different ancillary events, our Fort Lauderdale destination has got it all! THE SWIM: The swim will be a fantastic 600 meter swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Once you finish the swim, you will run under A1A and into the park. We will allow athletes to set shoes at the finish of the swim to help them run across the concrete into transition. THE BIKE: Once on the bike, cyclists will head out onto A1A, where they can really turn up the revolutions on the bike. This course will take you out and back on A1A, heading south through many of the shops right on A1A, not too mention the great view and breeze from the ocean water. THE RUN: The run course will be fast and fun. This two loop 1.55 mile run will take you all around the park completing the 3.1 miles. With trees blocking out the sun and hiding opponents around corners, this one is sure to give athletes a tough workout.
For more information, Call Butch Cassidy at 561-241-3801 (Ext. 101) or Click to email. Click Here to Publix FAMILY FITNESS WEEKEND web site. Dig The Beach Volleyball Series
Our JULY 13th Tournament in Ft. Lauderdale – aka the Southern Open – will put our juniors to the test. To all of you juniors out there, this is a terrific opportunity to showcase your talents and prove that you have what it takes to play against some of the best teams in the country. Keep accumulating those points! Let’s make South Florida proud! This player driven tournament is scheduled for SATURDAY, JULY 12 and SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2008 at SOUTH BEACH PARK (1100 SEABREEZE BOULEVARD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33316) from 8 AM to 8 PM. The beer garden is open! Sun, beach, ice cold Corona Extra’s and volleyball in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, what more could you ask for? Get ready for an exciting weekend filled with hot bodies, strong competition, and the fun atmosphere that is Fort Lauderdale. We go from outstanding daytime beach volleyball action to an awesome night time player’s party at Lulu’s Bait Shack hosted by Corona Extra. Take the time to congratulate and celebrate with your fellow competitors as we party into the night!
For more information, call Troye Forte at 561-241-3801 or Click Here to email or Click Here to web site. 55th Annual David Deal Playday Events
Kids of all ages will enjoy the 55th ANNUAL DAVID DEAL PLAYDAY KIDS DAY, which will take place on WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, from 9 AM – 4 PM at JOSEPH C. CARTER PARK, located at 1450 W. SUNRISE BOULEVARD in FORT LAUDERDALE. Let the games begin! Olympic sports, novelty competitions, table games and wacky water sports are just a few of the activities planned. On the same day, DAVID DEAL PLAYDAY 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT will include kids from 10 to 18 years of age! Come as team or make one when you get here. High energy hoops only for the serious playground ball player. The B-Ball games will happen on WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, from 3 PM – 6 PM at JOSEPH C. CARTER PARK, located at 1450 W. SUNRISE BOULEVARD in FORT LAUDERDALE. BOTH EVENTS ARE FREE!
For more information, the Park at 954-828-5411 or 954-828-5407; call Barbara Barber at 954-828-8945 or Click Here to email. CLICK HERE to the 55th Annual David Deal Playday Events web page.July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
The City of Fort Lauderdale invites residents and visitors to celebrate America's Independence by attending a free celebration on FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH from 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM on FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2008. The festivities will kick off at 1:00 PM, at SOUTHEAST 5th STREET and A1A, where a DJ will host contests and games for children of all ages, including a water balloon toss and hoola-hoop contest. The celebration will continue with a twilight concert featuring STORM RIDERS at 4:30 PM and THE BULLDOGS at 7:00 PM, on a stage at SOUTHEAST 5th STREET and A1A. When the sun goes down, watch the sky light up as the City of Fort Lauderdale presents its annual fireworks show at 9:00 PM The show will take place off of A1A and LAS OLAS BOULEVARD. Don’t miss this premier pyrotechnic event! The following is a summary of the City’s July 4 events: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM -- DJ PENN HOUSE, children’s activities (S.E. 5th STREET and A1A), 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM -- Live concerts (S.E. 5th STREET and A1A), 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM -- Fireworks (off of A1A and LAS OLAS BOULEVARD)
For more information about the City's July 4th fireworks spectacular, please call Stephanie Brady at 954-396-3696 (Click Here to email), call Debbie Bylica at 954-396-3622 (Click Here to email), the Parks and Recreation Special Events Hotline at 954-828-5363 OR Click Here to email. CLICK HERE to the JULY 4 FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR web page.St. Lawrence Gallery Spring & Summer Events
The St. Lawrence Gallery will be hosting many evenings of art and socializing at at 3556 N. Ocean Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Wine and Cheese will be served and raffles will be held as you mingle. Author of “Behind Our Eyes”, Sanford Rosenthal - Book Signing, Readings, and Cocktails with Live Music on FRIDAY JUNE 6, 2008, from 6 to 9 PM. On FRIDAY JUNE 13, 2008, Robert Dorman will be opening an exhibit from 6 to 9 PM. Enjoy complimentary Wine and Cheese when you buy your raffle ticket (benefiting organization TBA). The next day, SATURDAY JUNE 14, 2008, have Brunch with Robert Dorman from 11 AM to 2 PM. On THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2008, at 6 PM, enjoy the OPENING EVENT of the 2nd Annual Bonnet House "BEST OF THE ARTISTS" Summer Series. Featuring Nia Nakis, Alfred Phillips and Kent Planck, the event runs through July 12. On July 17, 6 PM, the Gallery will host the opening reception for Karen Eskesen, Stephen Left and Jane Washburn. The event will continue through August 9. An opening reception for Sandy Dolan, Mary Belle Cordell, Anne Edwards and Greg Little will occur on August 21 at 6 PM and run until September 13. On September 18 at 6 PM, an opening reception for Brenda Guillen, Marilyn Johansen, Lee Ann Ropes and Tricia Rutsis will run through October 11. The Best of the Artists Finale featuring your favorite pieces from the first four shows will be announced soon. Enjoy Complimentary Wine & Cheese at each of the opening receptions. There will also be a raffle of prints and / or originals donated by each of the artists.
For more information about St. Lawrence Gallery, CLICK HERE call 954-566-8011 or Click Here to email. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea July 4th Beach Blast
Everyone’s Invited to Join in the Town’s Fun-Filled Fourth of July Beach Blast!!! Join your town friends and neighbors for an entire day of good old-fashioned family fun! FOURTH OF JULY PARADE: 10 AM - Be in the parade! JOIN THE FUN! Build a float, decorate a vehicle, organize a group (BE CREATIVE). Anything goes! Decorate and win! best parade entry — 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prizes. Kids, decorate your bike, ride in the parade & compete for prizes! To sign-up, call PARADE ORGANIZER COMMISSIONER BIRUTE ANN CLOTTEY at 954 895-6595. THE PARADE ROUTE: North on BOUGAINVILLA from TOWN HALL to PINE AVENUE, east to EL MAR DRIVE, south down EL MAR, west on PALM AVENUE & then north on BOUGAINVILLA. BEACH BLAST: 11 AM - 3 PM - Right on the beach in the beautiful new EL PRADO PARK (at EL PRADO and EL MAR DRIVE, right across the street [STATE ROAD A1A] from TOWN HALL). Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken burgers, veggie burgers, potato salad, chips, pretzels, watermelon, snow cones, soda, cold beer and wine. TWOCAN BLUE, a 5-PIECE HEADLINER BAND FROM ARUBA, will perform on a float during the parade — and then keep you dancing at the party! Tons of Stuff for the KIDS - rides, slides and spins! A classic car show for the big kids. FIREWORKS SHOW! 8:30 PM - Anglin's Pier - All FREE
For more information, Call 954-229-1922 or Click Here to web site Mid Summer First Harvest Sun Celebration
The Moon Path Chapter of Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans will host this wonderful event. The Mid Summer First Harvest Sun Celebration will be held at 7 PM, SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2008 in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Lauderdale at 3970 NW 21st AVENUE (between Commercial Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard) in Fort Lauderdale. Bring canned or non-perishable food items, to be donated to the Cooperative Feeding Program of Broward County (or Cash Donation). The public is invited to attend the Mid Summer First Harvest Sun Celebration, which will conform to, and celebrate, the Ancient Tradition. During the Mid Summer First Harvest Sun Celebration there will be drumming, dancing and chanting. There will be a drum circle, and feasting after the celebration. Bring food and drink to share as well as your drums and percussion instruments for the feast and drum circle, to follow the Celebration. Feel free to come dressed in garb. Mid Summer First Harvest Cross Quarter is on August 6th when the Sun reaches 15 degrees Leo but it is always celebrated on July 31/August 1. The full moon in August is called the Corn Moon. This year the Corn Moon is 21 16 UT August 16, 2008. This is the time of year for a celebration and festival of the Mid Summer First Harvest. The early crops are being brought in and this is the start of winter storing. The grinding of the grain represents the harvest and death (or transition), adding sprouted wheat and yeast represents resurrection, and the consumption of the food represents the cycles of nature and new life. The Christian religion adopted this theme and called it 'Lammas', meaning 'loaf-mass', a time when newly baked loaves of bread are placed on the altar.SO - Druids, Pagans and anyone interested - come join us
For more information, call 954-484-6734 or Click Here to email or Click Here to web site. Jazz On The Square - JULY 4, 11, 18, 25 - Join us every Friday night from 7 PM - 10 PM for an outdoor festival of music and merriment sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce and THE VILLAGE GRILLE & VILLAGE PUMP! Commercial Boulevard and the Beach at Pelican Square. Phone 954-776-5092 for details or Click to Web Site. Additional information is available by contacting the L-B-T-S Chamber of Commerce at (954) 776-1000 or CLICK HERE to email. GMCA Presidents Council - The GMCA Presidents Council Meeting will be held on MONDAY JUNE 9, 2008 from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM in SOUTHPOINT Condominium at 3400 GALT OCEAN DRIVE. Many Thanks to MARTY GLAZER, President of Southpoint Condominium, and MANAGER JOANN WILSON for graciously hosting this important meeting. Pio Ieraci will chair the monthly Presidents Council meeting. Check GMCA CALENDAR for important meeting information.GMCA Advisory Board
will meet on THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at NICK’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - 35th Street & NORTH OCEAN DRIVE (A1A) in FORT LAUDERDALE. President Pio Ieraci will chair the monthly Advisory Board meeting. Check GMCA CALENDAR for important meeting information.Commissioner Christine Teel’s Pre-Agenda Meeting MONDAY - JULY 14, 2008 (6:00 PM) The meeting will be held at the Beach Community Center, 3351 NE 33rd Avenue. Two or more City Commissioners and/or Advisory Board members may be present at this meeting. All are welcome to attend.
CLICK HERE for Details or Check GMCA CALENDAR for Commissioner Teel’s bi-weekly Pre-Agenda MeetingsFort Lauderdale City Commission Meeting TUESDAY - JULY 1, 2008 CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL, 100 N ANDREWS AVE, FORT LAUDERDALE. Conference Agenda - 1:30 PM, Regular Agenda - 6:00 PM. The City Commission meetings are generally held on the first and third Tuesday of the Month - aberrations due to holiday conflicts, etc. are posted. All are welcome to attend.
CLICK HERE for Details or Check the GMCA CALENDAR for meeting dates and times of Fort Lauderdale's City CommissionFort Lauderdale Planning & Zoning Board Meeting WEDNESDAY - JULY 16, 2008 CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL, 100 N ANDREWS AVE, FORT LAUDERDALE at 6:30 PM. The Fort Lauderdale Planning & Zoning Board Meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the Month - aberrations due to holiday conflicts, etc. are posted. All are welcome to attend.
CLICK HERE for Details or Check the GMCA CALENDAR for meeting dates and times of Fort Lauderdale's City CommissionCouncil of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations General Meeting TUESDAY - JULY 8, 2008 (7:00 PM - MEET & GREET, 7:30 PM - MEETING) at City Hall, 100 ANDREWS AVENUE. President Genia Ellis convenes the monthly general meeting of the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations. The meeting will be held in the 8th Floor Commission Conference Room.
CLICK HERE for Details or Check GMCA CALENDAR for information about the monthly meetings Ask Lori!
Read the JULY 2008 question asked of Lori Parrish by a Broward resident - Broward County Property Appraiser LORI PARRISH answers questions posed about property appraisals (of course), Save Our Homes amendment ramifications and the ubiquitous “Homestead Exemption”. Located in the Broward County Property Appraiser page on the Galt Mile Community Association web site, Lori Parrish clarifies confusion surrounding the appraisal process and explains our rights in simple Q & A format.
CLICK HERE for Details!
CLICK HERE For Details!
Commissioner Teel’s Budget Newsletter
JULY 22, 2007 - Commissioner Christine Teel represents the residents of District 1 on Fort Lauderdale’s City Commission. As the Galt Mile neighborhood’s voice in City government, Commissioner Teel has fought tirelessly to advance our interests as part of a progressive citywide agenda - a difficult balancing act under the best conditions. A political veteran of Fort Lauderdale’s fiscal decline and subsequent recovery, every summer she composes a correspondence dedicated to detailing goals, objectives and consequences adherent to the City’s budgetary intentions. Summarizing City Manager George Gretsas’ fiscal handiwork and the impending budget’s anticipated constituent impact, her annual “Budget Newsletter” is replete with tools useful for determining how new tax reform legislation affects each taxpayer.
CLICK HERE for Details!
 VOTE EASY VOTE EARLY DECEMBER 2007 - You do not have to wait until Election Day to vote. You do not need an absentee ballot or some special dispensation. In fact, it’s significantly easier to vote early than to wait until January 29th. On Election Day, you must vote at a single designated polling location. Alternatively, early voters can make known their will at a variety of different Broward sites. From Monday, January 14th through Sunday, January 27, 2008, registered voters can avoid the traffic and the lines that plague overcrowded polling places. If you bring a signature-bearing photo id and a previously marked sample ballot, you'll whiz through the experience. VOTE EARLY! TRAFFIC PLUGS JUNE 2008 - STREET CLOSURES - Beginning May 21, 2008, construction crews will perform swale replacement work in the public right-of-ways on N.W. 7 Street between N.W. 19 and 20 Avenues and on N.W. 19 Avenue between N.W. 6 and 7 Streets. The work, part of a soil removal and remediation project, will take place from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is expected to be completed within 30 days. No detours are expected; however, motorists should expect temporary delays and intermittent lane closures throughout the duration of the project. NW 19th St between NW 15th and Powerline Road, east- and westbound traffic will be shifted to the north side of NW 19th St., 03/24/08 to 06/24/08, 24 hours. The Davie Boulevard Bridge over the South Fork of the New River in Fort Lauderdale WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL ROAD TRAFFIC from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22. Westbound traffic may travel north to Broward Boulevard from S.W. 4th Avenue or south to S.R. 84 from S.W. 9th Avenue. EASTBOUND traffic may travel south to S.R. 84 from I-95. The bridge will be closed to road traffic again June 28-29 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. S.R. 84 has an EASTBOUND lane closed approaching U.S. 1 (Federal Highway) AT ALL TIMES through mid-July. Sixth Avenue at U.S. 1 is closed AT ALL TIMES. A lane on State Road 84 in Fort Lauderdale will be closed in various locations IN EACH DIRECTION Monday, June 15, through Friday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. S.R. 84 will have two lanes closed IN ONE DIRECTION AT A TIME overnight from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday night, June 15, through Thursday night, June 19. ROAD CLOSED – NO THRU TRAFFIC FROM 06/16/08 to 06/21/08: Cypress Creek Road, 2400 Block east side. Intermittent lane closures east bound for sidewalk repair, Carolina Avenue from Auburn Blvd to Glendale Blvd., Alabama Avenue from Carolina Avenue to Glendale Blvd., Delaware Avenue from Carolina Ave to Dayton Circle, Arizona Ave from Alabama Ave to Glendale Blvd.; NE 38 Street will be closed from NE 11 Avenue to North Dixie Highway (Under construction, local traffic only, closed to all others), NE 38 Street will be closed from North Dixie Highway to NE 13 Avenue (Under construction, local traffic only, closed to all others), NE 41 Street will be closed from North Andrews Avenue to NE 5 Avenue (Under construction, local traffic only, closed to all others), NE 23 Street will be closed between NE 32 Avenue and NE 33 Avenue (Under construction, open to all traffic)
CLICK HERE for full details - YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!
CLICK HERE TO READ GMCA PRESIDENT ROBERT ROZEMA'S NEW PRESIDENTS COLUMN!
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GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS RELEVANT TO OUR COMMUNITY! READ THE GMCA'S CURRENT POLITICAL UPDATES FROM:
REPRESENTATIVE ELLYN BOGDANOFF On NOVEMBER 12, 2007, District 91 Statehouse Representative Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff addressed the GMCA Presidents Council. Reviewing the legislature's 2007 session accomplishments, she matched her early session expectations of legislating insurance relief and tax reform to the bills passed in 2007. She points to two examples of self insurance funds enabled by the legislative facilitation of association risk pooling passed to help resolve skyrocketing insurance costs. Speaker Rubio, Senate President Ken Pruitt, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Governor Crist unilaterally credited Representative Bogdanoff and Senate Insurance Chair Bill Posey with rescuing Florida's No-Fault protection by drafting strong anti-fraud measures. Ellyn accurately describes the property tax reform passed by the legislature as a disappointment. A House plan to which she contributed heavily would have created an incremental exemption equal to 40% of a County's median home value, portending exemptions in Broward County of $101,647 plus the $25,000 Homestead or $126,647 total - more than triple the $40,000 total exemption forced by the Senate. The House plan also would have capped annual non-homesteaded tax increases at 5% instead of the functionally useless 10% demanded by the Senate.
BROWARD COMMISSIONER KEN KEECHL On SEPTEMBER 20, 2007, Broward Commissioner Ken Keechl addressed a luncheon meeting of the Galt Mile Community Association Advisory Board. Of the myriad County issues he was confronted with during his first term, our District 4 representative on Broward Board of County Commissioners has repeatedly demonstrated a priority interest in two areas. Initially key planks in his campaign platform, Commissioner Keechl steadfastly supports sound fiscal and environmental policies. As such, the Commissioner spoke to the Broward County Budget and the tax reform legislation undertaken in Tallahassee after the regular session. He also conveyed what he learned about the upcoming Segment II beach renourishment from Broward Beach Administrator Stephen Higgins.
COMMISSIONER CHRISTINE TEEL On JULY 22, 2007, City Commissioner Christine Teel issued a correspondence dedicated to detailing goals, objectives and consequences adherent to the City’s budgetary intentions. A political veteran of Fort Lauderdale’s fiscal decline and subsequent recovery, every summer she composes a newsletter devoted to the City's fiscal health as reflected in the newly drawn budget proposal. Summarizing City Manager George Gretsas’ fiscal handiwork and the impending budget’s anticipated constituent impact, her annual “Budget Newsletter” is replete with tools useful for determining how new tax reform legislation affects each taxpayer.
SENATOR JEFF ATWATER, REPRESENTATIVE ELLYN BOGDANOFF & COMMISSIONER CHRISTINE TEEL - Special Meeting on Property Insurance and Property Taxes
On Thursday, MARCH 1, 2007, Florida Senator Jeffrey Atwater, Statehouse Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff and Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Christine Teel hosted a meeting at the Beach Community Center. Inviting civic and Association leaders from the member co-ops and condos of the Galt Mile Community Association, they solicited “grass roots” input about issues threatening to undermine Florida’s economic viability and its popularity as a place to live. For the first time, Florida emigration exceeded immigration - more people left the State last year than moved here! Both of our State Legislators agreed that the underlying reasons for this untenable situation are skyrocketing property insurance costs and an unsustainable property tax formula. Not surprisingly, these two issues are also central to many of the dilemmas currently faced by members of every Galt Mile Association.
FORT LAUDERDALE MAYOR JAMES NAUGLE On NOVEMBER 16, 2006, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle imparted his vision for the city to the Galt Mile Community Association Advisory Board. At the meeting’s outset, he passed out a table comparing the tax consequences of eleven Florida municipalities to those experienced in the Venice of America. In the last column on the table - 2006 Per Capita Taxes Levied - Fort Lauderdale topped all twelve cities for this adverse statistic, showing an average levy of $821.64. Why was our tax bite comparatively exorbitant? Mayor Naugle diagnosed the problem as stemming from labor costs. In particular, he identified our nemesis as the City’s pension plans. Warning that the growing pension burden would undermine the city's recovery, Naugle exclaimed, “Paying lifetime benefits to employees that retire in their 40s is not sustainable.”
What's New?
ASSOCIATIONS
All of the members of the Galt Mile Community Association are entitled to maintain a website that reflects the relevant features and qualities of their residences. This is the link to the websites of the individual Associations. Recently added sites include Caribé, L’Hermitage II, the current L’Hermitage Link Newsletter, The Commodore, The Royal Ambassador, Coral Ridge Towers South, and The Galt Merchants Association! In addition, 90% of the existing Association Sites have been recently upgraded. Check yours out! We’re delighted to see that the PLAYA DEL MAR website is BACK UP and RUNNING thanks to the efforts of Manager Keith Tannenbaum. In addition to their regular web site, PLAYA DEL MAR also installed a site restricted to Playa del Mar Residents! THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS! ANOTHER SURPRISE! The CORAL RIDGE TOWERS EAST Web Site has also been reincarnated. CORAL RIDGE TOWERS EAST resident and Webmaster Warren Eisenberg has done a wonderful job in bringing an online presence back for one of the first GMCA member Associations to create a web site! In April 2005, CORAL RIDGE TOWERS ORIGINAL and RIVIERA both established web sites. PLAZA EAST and the GALLEON set up independent web sites and REGENCY TOWER'S web site was up and running again after an unexpected hiatus. In August, 2006, Director Jack Zink took the initiative to set up an independent web site for FOUNTAINHEAD. Also, PLAZA SOUTH has joined the club, kicking of its web site in June of 2008... congratulations! More good news! COMMODORE CONDOMINIUM has also created their own fully self-maintained web site.
Click to CONDOS
DIRECTORS
The Galt Mile Community Association is administered by a Board of Directors, an Advisory Board, and the Presidents Council (an assembly of the Presidents of each member Association). They are depicted and briefly biographied in this section.
Who Are They?
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 July 22, 2008 - You have probably heard about the planned 18-story Calypso Gasworks that could soon adorn your ocean view. Calypso's parent company, a French energy conglomerate called SUEZ, submitted the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for approval on July 11th. After they hold a mandated Public Meeting, Governor Crist will have 45 days to approve or veto the project, depending primarily on what he hears from us. To help spin a significant boost to their balance sheet, SUEZ has sponsored a multi-million dollar public relations campaign contending that Calypso is safe. However, they neglected to mention that SUEZ was fined $220,000 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission a few years ago for “training violations” of personnel charged with managing public safety at their Distrigas LNG facility in Everett, Massachusettes. WHOOPS! Not surprisingly, after investigating the project, our federal, state, county and municipal representatives have condemned Calypso, citing its placement adjacent to the heavily populated beach as dangerous and irresponsible.
To assist residents interested in learning the facts surrounding this catastrophic threat to life and property, all of the articles about Calypso have been consolidated into a “Calypso Page” on the GMCA web site. The articles contain links to documentation from the Government Accountability Office, the Pentagon, the Congressional Research Service and the Energy Information Administration that clearly validate concerns about the project's safety, its cost to local taxpayers, why it was suddenly moved here and who actually benefits (CLUE: not one cubic meter of gas will be reserved for Floridians!).
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Comm. Keechl Reviews Shared Vision
 July 15, 2008 - In January of 2007, newly elected Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl released a newsletter entitled “Our Shared Vision for Broward County”. It reviewed his first five weeks in office, expressed gratitude to his constituents (whether or not supportive of his candidacy) and issued a series of promises. His then proclaimed policy program entailed “lowering taxes, protecting our green spaces from development, lessening density on our beaches, and ensuring fiscal accountability”. A few months later, he added “enhancing Broward’s attraction to business, both old and new.” His July/August 2008 Newsletter holds a mirror to those nascent commitments. To match his promises against his achievements, read on...
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An Apple for the Judge
 July 7, 2008 - On Wednesday, July 2, 2008, the Third District Court of Appeal filed a decision that could overturn existing Association insurance policy for items and/or elements located outside association units. The Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes issued a declaratory statement contending that Associations must insure property that doesn’t belong to the Association. Known as the Costa Del Sol Declaratory Statement (DS 2006-024), authoritative characterizations of the Division’s controversial policy have ranged from “contradictory” to “a self-reinforcing delusion” since its 2006 inception. As an unfortunate consequence of this monument to illogic, hundreds of associations forced thousands of unit owners to subsidize the insurance costs of their neighbors’ personal outdoor furnishings. A local Association Attorney exclaimed, “At least I will no longer have to explain the inexplicable!”
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DTV: Congress Gives Viewers the Digit
 June 28, 2008 - On February 17, 2009, the era of analog broadcast television in the United States will end as the nation’s full power television stations complete their transition to an all-digital system. Digital Television (DTV) is an advanced broadcasting technology that enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. It can also offer multiple programming choices, called multicasting, and interactive capabilities. If you subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider, the change will not affect you unless you have an analog TV not connected to the service. If not, you need to read about your options. Did Congress want to usher in the digital age? Not exactly...
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Galt Mile Loses James T. Gill
  June 22, 2008 - The Galt Mile Community lost a good friend whose contributions continued until the day of his passing on Monday, June 9th. At 99, James T. Gill outpaced peers half his age, effectively blending common sense with fiscal insights borne of extensive experience. He faithfully represented Plaza South Condominium in the Galt Mile Community Association as a longtime member of the neighborhood association’s Board of Directors. James masterfully balanced the needs of his association with those of the overall community. From the streets of Manhattan and educated in Columbia University, Jim flexed his familiarity with commodities to rise through the ranks of the Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company until he notched a Vice Presidency. Loved and respected, Jim used his heart and head equally when making decisions or friends. He will be missed!
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Bogdanoff Spring Newsletter: No Calypso!
 June 17, 2008 - Last December, an article posted on the GMCA web site and reprinted in the January Galt Mile News exposed an obscure plan to offload liquefied natural gas near the Galt Mile beach. Shortly after confirming that a breach in the Calypso project’s delivery system would release an ignitable vapor cloud capable of a 2000 BTU conflagration, residents wondered why their public officials would expose them to this catastrophic danger. Surprise quickly turned to anger when they learned that local communities and their governments had been excised from the approval process 3 years earlier. In her Spring Newsletter, Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff explains her characterization of the project to the Governor, the only official in Florida empowered to stop Calypso. The Statehouse Majority Whip also considers pulling the plug on Calypso as the State's opportunity to step down its debilitating energy dependence by assuming a leadership role in the fast-growing alternative energy field!
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SUEZ Bait & Switch Backfires in Dania
 June 8, 2008 - At the May 20th City Commission meeting, SUEZ North America Vice President Dan McGinnis promised to hold a meeting in Plaza South on Wednesday, May 28th wherein the Coast Guard would address the threat posed to concerned Galt Mile residents by the Calypso Deepwater Port gasworks. To discourage participation by the communities most threatened by a potential holocaust, SUEZ decided to “bait and switch” the venue to the IGFA (International Game Fishing Association) building, halfway across the county. Despite the single business day's notice, Commissioner Christine Teel secured a bus that conveyed scores of Galt Mile residents to the Dania meeting. They were joined by Senator Jeffrey Atwater, Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff, Broward Commissioner Ken Keechl, City Commissioner Teel, L-b-t-S Mayor Roseann Minnet and other local officials with the shared objective of preventing SUEZ from limiting participation to planted supporters with admittedly vested interests.
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Keechl Prepares for Budget Battle
June 2, 2008 - In our County Commissioner’s Spring Newsletter, Ken Keechl reminds us that beneath his mild-mannered public persona is a two fisted budget hawk. Commissioner Keechl illustrates last year’s forward progress and exhorts that we prepare for the likely service trade-offs of a lower tax bill. The Broward Board of County Commissioners sifted through their appropriations laundry list last year, weeding out questionable programs, unnecessary projects that were seemingly funded annually by force of habit and expenses that can only be accurately described as embarrassingly overt political pork. Trimming the second $100 million from the budget will entail an intimidating stroll through a political minefield by Commissioner Keechl and his peers.
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City Rips Calypso: Emergency Meeting
 May 27, 2008 - On May 20th, the City Commission of Fort Lauderdale held its usual conference meeting at 1:30 PM to review agenda items and their regular meeting at 6 PM. GMCA Advisory Board member Fred Nesbitt of Playa del Mar and Bill Claire of Plaza South attended both meetings. The motivation for their appearance was not some vague political objective. Along with several other Galt Mile residents, they were there because they were afraid. When the City Commission heard their testimony, they realized that their fears were well founded. They voted to issue a resolution opposing the Calypso project at its current location. They decided that barrier island residents should not have to live with prospective incineration by a 2000 BTU fireball from an ignited natural gas vapor cloud. They were also unwilling to see Fort Lauderdale rocketed to the top of Al Queda's hit list.
This nightmare will come true unless its stopped. A virtually unannounced meeting wherein the Coast Guard is supposed to address local concerns has been moved to the IGFA building in Dania - with one day's notice! Transportation to and from the meeting for concerned Galt Mile residents has been organized by the Galt Mile Community Association. Read on...
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Senator Atwater: Post-Session Update
 May 21, 2008 - Armed with instinctive networking skills, unique fiscal expertise and a natural talent for achieving consensus, Senator Jeffrey Atwater has earned the gratitude of battalions of his legislation's beneficiaries and the respect of his peers. Unlike many legislators whose advancement accompanies a benign neglect of constituents, Atwater is always a phone call away. Named as the next Senate President, the District 25 Senator remained in constant communication with constituents throughout the legislative session. Now that the session is over, he issued a summary of the legislature's achievements. He reviews legislation designed to enforce insurance carrier accountability, a long sought after anti-gang bill, environmental regulations targeting Beach Renourishment and spending cuts created to relieve pressure on the Budget without sacrificing important programs.
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Galt Mile Residents: No Calypso
 May 15, 2008 - On April 7th, a meeting of the Galt Mile Presidents Council was convened to inform Association officials about the planned placement of a “Deepwater Port” for the offloading of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) 7 to 10 miles from the densely populated Galt Mile beach. Representatives of SUEZ Energy North America, Inc. or SENA, developer of the “Calypso” project, were invited to explain the project variables and respond to questions raised by concerned community participants. The SENA spokespersons understood that association representatives would transmit what they learned to their association constituencies whose feedback would determine whether the project would encounter community support or opposition. Galt Mile residents subsequently clarified that they are understandably unwilling to risk their lives to provide this company with improved product distribution. In view of the horrific consequences attendant to a security oversight, an error in judgment or hurricane microbursts, no prospective benefit to the State can justify the potential for catastrophic property damage and loss of life.
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Omnibus Condo Bill Becomes Law
May 8, 2008 - As the legislative session entered its final weeks, numerous community association bills containing provisions that impact condominiums were consolidated into an omnibus condominium bill, House Bill 995. An analysis by condominium, civic and neighborhood associations from all over Florida revealed that House Bill 995 and its sister Senate Bill 2084 were double-edged swords as originally drafted, combining critically important elements with provisions that were contradictory, expensive and destructive. To salvage the bills’ useful provisions, Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff, association experts such as Peter Dunbar and a statewide aggregation of civic leaders and association officials worked with bill sponsors Representative Julio Robaina and Senator Alex Villalobos to equip condo owners with tools to address unintended consequences, thereby enhancing the bills' flexibility. By opening the bills to corrective input, the sponsors substantially broadened support for the legislation, enabling its virtually unopposed passage and swift enactment by the Governor. For a comprehensive review of the new law's impact, Read On...
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Parking Ticket Amnesty Program
 May 3, 2008 - They are still there, hiding out in the back of the night table drawer. Right under the 20% discount card from Bed Bath & Beyond that expired in March. Remember those old parking tickets you never paid? They cost more now than when you received them... as indicated in the reminder notices with late penalties. That’s an extra 20 bucks... for each ticket. You planned on calling the City to report that the meter was out of commission when you got tagged. Fear not, this is your lucky month. The city has declared a parking ticket amnesty, offering drivers with unpaid parking tickets a deal. If you pay off all the outstanding tickets between April 1 and May 30, 2008 in the amount of the original fine, the City will waive all late fees. That’s right - all the penalties get wiped out and you can start with a fresh slate.
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Bogdanoff Prepares for Session Close
April 29, 2008 - As the legislative session winds down, District 91 Statehouse Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff annually morphs into the State’s busiest official. During her relatively short tenure, the “Majority Whip” has become a crucial component of the operational machinery that fuels progress in the Statehouse. Despite Herculean demands on her time, Bogdanoff remains in close and constant touch with constituents. Her April Newsletter summarizes some issues under the hot lights in Tallahassee. Since she was instrumental in correcting fatal flaws threatening to sink an omnibus condominium bill, it passed the House unanimously. She touches on the transition of Broward Community College into an accredited 4-year school, a global claim’s bill to address compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration such as Alan Crotzer, access to affordable healthcare for Floridians and the neverending Battle of the Budget.
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Homeowners' Bill of Rights
 April 24, 2008 - The Galt Mile’s District 25 voice in the Florida Senate, Jeffrey Atwater, has succeeded in passing a set of insurance guidelines that will solidify the industry’s accountability to its Florida customers. The bill represents another volley in the Senator’s struggle to revive a competitive Florida insurance market. The legislation, aptly termed the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights, was composed and filed following the refusal of certain carriers to comply with insurance regulations that were negotiated and enacted last year. Since some industry elements seem determined to test regulatory boundaries as a precursor to exploitation, such as submitting fraudulently engineered documentation to substantiate rate increases, the Senator’s legislation enhances the State’s enforcement capabilities. A review of the controversy precipitating his initiative follows Atwater's press release to constituents.
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Commissioner Teel's Budget Preview
 April 18, 2008 - Following the city’s humiliating 2003 admission that the former City Manager's budgetary practices compared unfavorably to those of Enron, rookie City Commissioner Christine Teel decided to ignore the recommendations of professional head-hunters charged with finding a replacement City Manager, voting instead for New Yorker George Gretsas to direct Fort Lauderdale’s fiscal recovery. Having shared this “baptism under fire”, the two neophyte workaholics hammered out a working relationship based on mutual respect and meticulous fiscal oversight. Since then, she has religiously kept constituents abreast of events affecting the city’s financial status. Her latest newsletter summarizes Fort Lauderdale’s assets and liabilities as part of a pre-budget season overall fiscal diagnostic. For this year's diminished tax revenues to underwrite the full complement of city services, the budget team must control pension and insurance costs while stretching resources.
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Condo & Coop Bills Tour State Capitol
 April 12, 2008 - The 2008 legislative session in our State Capitol is heading into the final weeks. Legislators file thousands of bills that presumably will either benefit some component of their constituency or contribute to the general welfare. If bills aren’t painstakingly researched and properly drafted, their unintended consequences are often far worse than the problems for which the legislation was designed. Some of the bills described by their sponsors as improvements to existing association law are currently being vetted by members of specialized committees in the House and Senate. Since they don’t have time to familiarize themselves with all the bills they are charged with reviewing, they often rely on their constituents for voting guidance. That means you! Check out some of the association bills that are still alive.
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Property Appraiser Extends Hours
 April 8, 2008 - On April 7th, Bob Wolfe from the Broward County Property Appraiser’s office sent this information to Galt Mile residents who may have missed the March 3rd deadline for submitting Homestead and other exemption applications. While there is a process available to apply for these exemptions after the deadline, it is somewhat complicated. Such residents may want to consider requesting assistance from the Property Appraiser to prepare the necessary petition for late filing. The Property Appraiser also extends assistance to residents expecting to take advantage of the recently passed Save our Homes portability provision. A representative from the Property Appraiser's office is scheduled to help Galt Mile residents at the Beach Community Center (3351 NE 33rd Avenue) from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on April 25th. Check it out...
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Edgewater Arms Named Grand Champion
  March 29, 2008 - Currently Broward County’s lead agency in the provision of services to the hungry and homeless, the Cooperative Feeding Program’s dramatic evolution reflects the burgeoning numbers and needs of the poor in our community. For the second consecutive year, the Galt Ocean Mile Community has sponsored a competitive Food Drive to help feed hungry Broward families down on their luck. 21 of our 26 member associations participated in the collection of nearly 6 tons of food and sundries to help keep the Cooperative Feeding Program’s pantry well stocked. Lightning has evidently struck twice, as Edgewater Arms (GMCA’s smallest association) surpassed 2nd and 3rd place runners-up Coral Ridge Towers South and Plaza East to again establish itself as the undisputed GRAND CHAMPION! See each association’s statistical contributions to this year’s effort. The numbers tell all! READ ON...
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Ombudsman Danille Carroll to Galt Mile
 March 23, 2008 - Danille R. Carroll (pronounced Danielle) is one of two Condominium Ombudsmen functioning in the United States. Florida and Nevada each created an office to serve as an educational intermediary between millions of condominium dwellers and the State bureaucracy responsible for administering regulatory guidelines. By adopting unwavering neutrality following her appointment by Governor Jeb Bush in 2006, she mitigated much of the adversarial atmosphere that surrounded the office under former occupant Dr. Virgil Rizzo. On March 10th, the Ombudsman addressed a meeting of the GMCA Presidents Council at Plaza East. About 140 attending Directors, Officers, managers and residents from almost every Galt Mile association were pleased to learn that she’s the real deal, equipped with the brains, courage, patience and stamina to fulfill her mission to “improve the quality of life for Florida condominium owners through prompt, professional and courteous service as a neutral, informative and accessible resource.”
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Galt Ocean Mile Library in Limbo
 March 17, 2008 - The Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center has possibly been the most popular landmark on Galt Ocean Drive. It has provided residents with a convenient location to research almost anything, meet with friends or simply log in some quiet time. Despite its modest designation as a “Reading Room”, since the library was networked into the overall Broward library system, it was a doorway to a voluminous compendium of information. Why “was”? Primarily because the doors have been closed for a long time. While the Reading Room was undergoing renovation, the contractor encountered a disconcerting obstacle. The floor and ceiling are laced with Asbestos. The Galt Ocean Mile Friends of the Library and the Galt Mile Community Association have joined to reanimate the frozen project and oversee the reopening of this neighborhood jewel.
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Rep. Bogdanoff’s Pre-Session Objectives
March 11, 2008 - Given her responsibilities as our Statehouse Representative and as policy educator for her peers in the Florida House of Representatives (as the “Majority Whip”), constituents are largely unaware of Ellyn Bogdanoff’s personal legislative agenda. During her tenure in the Statehouse, Ellyn has fought for an eclectic collection of ideological issues. Her commitment to ending tyrannical schoolyard intimidation exercised by abusive students against their schoolmates (and teachers) has gained national notoriety. Named for a 15-year old Cape Coral student whose tragic suicide followed two years of “cyber-bullying” by a classmate, “Jeff’s Law” is poised to become a legislative model for discouraging this little known high-tech predatory behavior. She has also made palpable inroads in her campaign to improve access to the national wine market by Floridians. The victims of these low profile issues are fortunate that Ellyn has a weakness for adopting orphaned causes.
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Keechl Asks Help to Save Green Space
March 5, 2008 - Recognizing that officials charged with protecting Broward’s natural resources have often bartered them as an accommodation to unscrupulous developers, a June 12, 2007 Broward Planning Services Division report entitled “Broward County Golf Course Conversion Study” embodied an authoritative recommendation for safeguarding the county’s dwindling green space. While the report language resonated with Commissioner Keechl, whose legal experience with similar land use abuses was honed battling developers as a Plantation city attorney, some of his Commission peers are wavering under the expected lobbying pressure to facilitate the construction of “McMansions” in the County’s few remaining sizable green spaces. In his Newsletter, Commissioner Keechl describes several methodologies through which constituents can influence whether these resources become recreational areas or development fodder. It’s time to chime in!
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Commissioner Teel on Amendment 1
 February 29, 2008 - Virtually every responsible State official exclaimed that effective tax reform and insurance relief were critical to any strategic reversal of the economic recession. Not surprisingly, legislators patched together a tax reform plan that incomprehensibly adds to the burden of those it was promised to help. While acknowledging the resulting tax Amendment's shortcomings, Commissioner Christine Teel’s Newsletter considers its impact on Fort Lauderdale taxpayers. With fewer dollars available to feed the municipal machine, our City Commissioner focuses on the City’s responsibility to maintain adequate services despite the diminished resources. Since the team managing this new fiscal balancing act was originally assembled to address the City's 2003 fiscal crisis, their proven talent and experience in this arena is serendipitous and provident. She also asserts that constituent input is a necessary ingredient for a successful outcome.
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95 Express - Managed Lane Mystery Toll
 February 25, 2008 - District 2 Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs notified the GMCA Advisory Board about an issue that affects every driver in South Florida. To relieve congestion in the vital I-95 regional corridor, the Florida Department of Transportation – together with local transit partners - is planning a Pilot Project to provide Managed Lanes on I-95 (from I-395 in Miami-Dade County to I-595 in Broward County). By converting the existing High Occupancy Vehicle lanes (HOV) into limited access High Occupancy Toll lanes (HOT) - cynically called the “Lexus Lanes”, FDOT foresees a 50 mph alternative to rush hour crawl. Since the amount of the toll will fluctuate according to the real-time traffic volume, drivers using the managed lanes will never know the toll amounts until their SunPasses are invoiced. This - and other - controversial Project plan aspects concern local officials.
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Air & Sea Show Flies the Coop
 February 20, 2008 - Central to the annual National Salute to America’s Heroes, the Air & Sea Show that supposedly dumps between $3 and $4 million per annum into local businesses has flown the coop, ostensibly because they couldn’t find a corporate angel willing to cough up $3 million to buy jet fuel and high-end play toys for VIP military "guests". McDonald's replaced Shell Oil as Title Sponsor after the event migrated from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. Ironically, Shell Oil still sponsors the Chicago Air and Water Show. Whether the annual Fort Lauderdale signature exhibition was closed out because McDonald’s canceled Mickey Markoff’s debit card or as part of a corporate strategy to relocate to a more cooperative jurisdiction remains a mystery. However, if the show does move to a more responsive municipality, it will NOT be for the mythical economic benefit to local vendors.
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Meters Fixed & Insurance Plan Revived
 February 14, 2008 - A February 4th GMCA Presidents Council meeting convened at Regency Tower included several important agenda items. Because Commissioner Christine Teel and City Manager George Gretsas heeded community concerns about a serious threat to the neighborhood’s post-Wilma commercial revival, local parking meters for which functionality was extended through midnight last September can again be safely ignored after 6 PM. More importantly, recent Senate and State Insurance Department hearings revealed that a strategy of corporate collusion orchestrated by major insurance carriers has undermined the prospect for reasonable windstorm rates in the near future. However, with the successful creation of the Palm Beach Windstorm Self-Insurance Trust, every Galt Mile Association is positioned to utilize the template as a road map to saving from $200,000 to $500,000 annually - without sacrificing coverage or security!
 Attention: GMCA Presidents Council members - The requested Galt Mile Windstorm PowerPoint presentation is available for viewing or download following the article!
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Mystery Bugs Bring Beach Ban
 February 8, 2008 - At 3 PM on February 8th, City of Fort Lauderdale Public Information Specialist Matt Little got the bad news. He grabbed his directory and picked up the phone. He would spend the afternoon calling every neighborhood contact on his directory list. A few minutes later, GMCA President Pio Ieraci received a call from Matt explaining that “Fort Lauderdale is closing the beach due to a bacterial infestation discovered by Broward’s Environmental Health Services unit.” He continued, “Tests revealed high levels of fecal coliform and enterococcus bacteria from Hallandale Beach to Pompano Beach. Until readings indicate that the threat has abated, the beaches will remain closed.” Later in the afternoon, Fort Lauderdale resampled the water. Based on independent lab results that contradicted those determined by the County, the beaches were reopened. You might consider confining the kids to the pool until the test results concur. Better safe than sorry.
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Atwater Investigates Rate Irregularities
 February 2, 2008 - Last year, the Insurance Industry contended that skyrocketing rates were in large part exacerbated by nervous reinsurers responding to consecutive devastating Hurricane Seasons. As part of last January's Special Session insurance reform, carriers were afforded open access to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund’s below-market reinsurance rates with the caveat that private insurers pass all of the realized savings to their ratepayers. When many of the major carriers, including Allstate, applied for huge rate increases last month instead of lowering rates as promised, Insurance officials went ballistic. Hearings convened by Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty revealed the prospect of corporate collusion to justify artificially engineered rate increases. Senator Jeffrey Atwater, one of the legislation's primary engineers and Co-Chair of a Senate Insurance watchdog Committee, is also investigating what may be an Industry attempt to further victimize ratepayers.
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Teel: Lake Okeechobee in Hot Water
 January 24, 2008 - During the spring and summer of 2007, water levels in Lake Okeechobee experienced record-breaking minimums, prompting the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to institute conservation measures. As the governmental agency charged with managing water resources in the 16 counties from Orlando to the Keys, SFWMD sought to stretch local area reserves of drinking water by implementing Phase II and Phase III restrictions on its use. Unfortunately, an unproductive rainy season left the Kissimmee watershed incapable of replenishing Lake Okeechobee. In her January 2008 Newsletter, District 1 City Commissioner Christine Teel explains how the revived water shortage requires another round of rationing. Starting on January 15th, residents will be permitted a few hours each week to irrigate their lawns - for which they will be invoiced an additional drought charge. Welcome to the Venice of America?
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Bogdanoff: Communications 101
 January 17, 2008 - Since their survival depends in part on promoting or supporting legislation advantageous to the voters that seat them, legislators are generally guided by constituent input. As such, both Galt Mile residents and their lawmakers stand to benefit from effective communication. In her January Newsletter, District 91 Statehouse Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff describes how and when interested constituents can productively express their concerns. In her capacity as Majority Whip, Ellyn enjoys a unique familiarity with the session's legislative offerings. If apprised of your concerns prior to the session, she is well-positioned to utilize that input as guidance for supporting or opposing newly filed relevant bills. Since her recommendations are intuitive, simple and straightforward, anyone can take advantage of her "insider" perspective to effectively participate in the legislative process.
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Beach Progress and a New County Govt
January 11, 2008 - On December 20th, the Galt Mile Community Association Advisory Board convened its final meeting for 2007. As per GMCA’s mandate to keep abreast of local projects, founder Jack Ireland and proprietor Andy Mitchell updated the board about the development progress of Ireland’s Inn. Following the project update, Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl addressed the Advisory Board, reviewing the progress of the County’s Beach Renourishment project and expressing his approval of Al Lamberti as the new Broward County Sheriff. Focusing on prospective tweaks to the Broward County Charter, the Charter Commission has agreed on a new County governance format that expands the Commission size and establishes an independent Mayor! Admitting that the County has been kept “out of the loop”, he expressed concern about the dangers inherent in the clandestine construction of the Calypso Deepwater Port near the Galt Mile beach.
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Galt Mile Preps for 2008 Food Drive
 January 3, 2008 - Last year, every Galt Mile resident earned the warm fuzzy feeling generally reserved for people who anonymously bring safety, sustenance and smiles to their neighbors in need. Eight of our twenty-six member associations participated in a friendly competition to collect donated food and personal needs products for distribution and consumption by Broward families and individuals temporarily unable to provide for themselves. The Cooperative Feeding Program’s Scott Woodburn has contacted every member of the Galt Mile Community Association and reports having solicited full participation for the 2008 competition. He hopes to triple last year’s 2.6 tons of food and personal hygiene products raised by the Galt Mile to brighten the outlook for distressed Broward families. Although Plaza South and Edgewater Arms took last year's trophies, the real payoff is immeasurable.
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Vote Easy – Vote Early!
 December 29, 2007 - On January 29, 2008, Broward County voters will pile into polling places to make known their will. This pungent experience can be softened! As part of election reform legislation in Florida, early voting has been an available option since 2002. For two weeks prior to the election, registered voters can opt to cast their votes at any of several different Broward sites. From Monday, January 14th through Sunday, January 27, 2008, registered voters can avoid the traffic and the lines that plague overcrowded polling places. Voters need only bring a signature-bearing photo ID. To further expedite the experience, bring a sample ballot, palm card or newspaper listing with your choices already marked. Over the next month, each day carries an event relevant to the election. These “deadlines” are listed and available for your perusal.
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Commissioner Teel: Neighborhood Plans
December 24, 2007 - In her December Newsletter, District 1 City Commissioner Christine Teel postulates a plan to provide effective guidance for coherent and responsive neighborhood redevelopment. Having witnessed less than satisfactory alteration to the character of their communities, neighborhood associations are stressing the importance of preserving their residents’ "neighborhood vision" in the face of future growth. Her recommendation is to lay the groundwork for solidifying and enforcing the tenets of that vision before the next significant growth cycle. Armed with input from the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations, her two-part plan includes tailoring the Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR) to address expressed concerns followed by drafting ordinances to ensure that anticipated local redevelopment conforms to the “neighborhood vision.”
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Rep. Bogdanoff on Tribal Gaming Glitch
 December 17, 2007 - On November 14, 2007, Governor Crist signed an agreement with the Seminole Tribal Council allowing the installation of Las Vegas style slot machines in their gambling venues. In her December Newsletter, District 91 Statehouse Representative Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff focuses concern on an unintended consequence of the Governor’s effort to conclude this long-delayed negotiation - a threat to the State’s separation of powers. By negotiating the details of the state’s deal with the Seminoles, Governor Crist usurped the Legislature’s constitutionally mandated policy-making responsibilities. Our Statehouse Representative simplifies for constituents why House Speaker Rubio petitioned the Supreme Court to enforce constitutional checks and balances by requiring the agreement to be legislatively ratified. On January 30th, the Court will hear opening arguments, raising the curtain on what promises to be engaging entertainment.
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Death Traps, Trip Hazards and Calypso?
December 9, 2007 - On December 3, 2007, City Commissioner Christine Teel addressed a meeting of the GMCA Presidents Council at L’Hermitage I. Dozens of attending association officials were briefed about several previously expressed concerns relevant to the neighborhood’s well-being. Among the issues undertaken by our District 1 City Commissioner were repairs to sidewalks along Galt Ocean Drive, properties long-frozen in a state of disrepair and the city’s consideration of Calypso – a mysterious project designed to enhance and diversify natural gas delivery capabilities while protecting energy access during catastrophic weather events. However, do we really want an offshore gas station directly across from the Galt Mile Beach?
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Charles P. Rossi Passes in Hawaii
  November 30, 2007 - Former GMCA Director Charles P. Rossi passed away on November 6, 2007 at 87 years of age. A longtime resident of Coral Ridge Towers North, Charles moved to Hawaii several years ago. Hailing from Coral Ridge Towers North, Charles was the sole representative to the Board of Directors of a Cooperative during his tenure. As such, he fought to insure that the four cooperatives comprising the Coral Ridge Towers Complex were never neglected while designing community objectives - serving as their unofficial spokesperson. His proclivity for history and humor was demonstrated in his Newsletter contributions, including a prosaic timeline History of the Galt Ocean Mile neighborhood.
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Commissioner Keechl Reviews 2007
November 24, 2007 - Having survived his first full year of County employment, Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl reviews “the most fulfilling and exciting time of my life!” In his November/December Newsletter, he describes his contribution to resolving Broward’s challenges during 2007. Our District 4 representative catalyzed the Commission's use of spending cuts to mollify a threatened $54 million budget deficit and the newly enacted State-mandated tax reduction targets. Faithful to his campaign commitment to preserve Broward's dwindling green space, Keechl supported the toughening of land use regulations to deter the developer-driven conversion of County golf courses into “McMansions”. He voted to relieve airport congestion and the shortage of County boat slips while enhancing the County's regulatory business climate. The Commissioner integrated each of his policy objectives with strong fiscal and environmental protections. Not too shabby for a rookie year!
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Ellyn Bogdanoff’s Tallahassee Update
November 17, 2007 - Having redefined the function of “Majority Whip” in the Florida Statehouse, Representative Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff’s November Newsletter reviews the legislature’s accomplishments, comparing her early session expectations for insurance relief and tax reform to the bills ultimately enacted in 2007. While pleased with the legislative facilitation of association risk pooling that has recently borne fruit and the anti-fraud provisions that revived Florida’s No-Fault protection, she expresses understandable disappointment with the final version of critical tax reform. In particular, she is perplexed by the Senate’s refusal to even consider a progressive house plan that would have delivered on the Legislature’s - and the Governor’s - earlier promises. So are we.
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Third Turn at the Tallahassee Tax Table
 November 12, 2007 - After initially acknowledging the critical need to stem an exodus of businesses and non-homesteaded property owners from the state, lawmakers joined the Crist Administration in promising to implement the tax relief necessary to mitigate a worsening recession. Following months of sound bytes and psychobabble, they passed a tepid two-part “compromise” during Special Session B that functionally ignored businesses, intensified the tax burden for snowbirds and saved homesteaded property owners about $18 per month (about a half tank of gas). When Circuit Court Chief Judge Charles A. Francis of Tallahassee tossed out their handiwork, they were given a third opportunity to create effective tax reform during another Special Session (D). Since political obstacles in the Senate undermined attempts to improve on the obscure tax reforms originally passed, State officials are “spinning” that the proposed “Save Our Homes” portability will rescue Florida’s stalled economy. Why? How? Read on.
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Commissioner Teel: City Plans Parks Fix
 November 7, 2007 - Planning for the future is one of the critical responsibilities assumed by City Commissioners. As expressed by Commissioner Christine Teel in her November Newsletter, the key to planning is input. The City hired Colorado-based Parks and Recreation consulting firm GreenPlay LLC to help formulate plans for molding our limited green spaces into thriving recreational resources. While this authoritative guidance and the intuitive contributions from city officials are important adjuncts to an effective plan, its success will ultimately turn on public input. Your opinions are the key catalyst required to actualize the Parks and Recreation Long Range Strategic Plan.
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Rubio Says: Bogdanoff Rescued No-Fault
 November 1, 2007 - On September 28th, Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt and Statehouse Speaker Marco Rubio issued a Joint Proclamation announcing a 10 day Special Legislative Session to address a $1.1 billion budget shortfall. Special Session C was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 3, and end on Friday, October 12, 2007. Speaker Rubio sent a correspondence to Governor Crist about two other critical issues facing deadlines – property taxes and the State’s heavily abused No-Fault Law that the legislature deliberately allowed to sunset on October 1st. Although the legislature failed to agree on an acceptable replacement during the regular session, when informed that Majority Whip Ellyn Bogdanoff had successfully negotiated a bill mitigating the fraud responsible for its failure, the Governor added it to the Session C agenda.
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Commissioner Teel Tackles FXE Disasters
 October 25, 2007 - Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport is an important General Aviation transportation facility serving Southeast Florida. Unfortunately, the airport has been the site of a series of mysterious accidents. Although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tasked with investigating these disasters, they have failed to adequately explain why four aircraft crashed into nearby local roadways during the past few years and, more importantly, implement whatever operational improvements are required to address this disturbingly dangerous proclivity. To this end, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission passed a resolution insisting that the FAA fulfill its obligation. In her October Newsletter, District 1 City Commissioner Christine Teel frames the issue, explains the Commission’s action to help mitigate the recurring disasters and asks for our help.
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Ellyn Bogdanoff’s October Newsletter
 October 20, 2007 - Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff’s historical commitment to fiscal responsibility provides the framework for her October Newsletter. District 91’s ears and voice in the Florida Statehouse describes an effort to contain deficit spending based on soliciting State agency proposals for budgetary cost-cutting. She asserts that living within our means is sustainable while spending one time monies or raiding the state’s reserves to pay for today’s recurring expenses will mortgage our fiscal future. Although painful, our Representative assures constituents that the belt tightening will not undermine adequate funding for healthcare or education.
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Captain Peney Catalyzes Security Patrol
 October 14, 2007 - This past June, those beachfront members of the Galt Mile Community Association located within the City of Fort Lauderdale initiated a neighborhood security patrol. The patrol is comprised of active Fort Lauderdale Police officers contracted to patrol the beach and Galt Ocean Drive north to Galt Towers before turning around and heading south again. Organized as a private professional police unit, the patrol is supervised by Captain Todd Peney, the recipient of 23 Departmental and 57 Public Commendations. Fort Lauderdale Chief of Police Bruce G. Roberts applauded the Galt Mile community for establishing a neighborhood security patrol at a June 10th Advisory Board kickoff event in the Galt Ocean Club. At the October 1st GMCA Presidents Council meeting at Plaza South, Captain Peney described some of the neighborhood’s changing security vulnerabilities and answered questions about the patrol’s organization.
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Keechl Backs Beach and Budget
 October 6, 2007 - Broward Commissioner Ken Keechl addressed the September 20th luncheon meeting of the Galt Mile Community Association Advisory Board. Of the myriad County issues he was confronted with during his first term, our District 4 representative on the Broward Board of County Commissioners has repeatedly demonstrated a dedicated interest in two areas. Initially key planks in his campaign platform, Commissioner Keechl steadfastly supports sound fiscal and environmental policies. As such, the Commissioner spoke to the Broward County Budget and the tax reform legislation undertaken in Tallahassee after the regular session. He also conveyed what he learned about the upcoming Segment II beach renourishment from Broward Beach Administrator Stephen Higgins.
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Commissioner Teel’s Autumn Newsletter
September 30, 2007 - Commissioner Christine Teel’s Autumn Newsletter applauds the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) committee for having approved the funds to replace the fountain in Jack Kaye Park on Bayview Drive. Our City Commissioner took the opportunity to edify constituents about the park being officially renamed. Jack Kaye’s late wife Harriet will join her husband as the park’s namesake next year when the park is redesignated Jack and Harriet Kaye Park. Jack’s recently deceased better half served as the Broward County anchor of a national patriotic organization - Freedoms Foundation. In accord with the Foundation’s mission to “teach Americans about America,” an endowment Harriet arranged will educate hundreds of Broward students about the historical legacy upon which our nation was built. READ ON...
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Parking Meter Madness
 September 24, 2007 - In the public parking lots along the south end of Galt Ocean Drive, Galt Mile residents have utilized the available spaces after hours as a “free parking” opportunity for years. From 6 PM until early the next morning, residents of Southpoint, Commodore, Playa del Sol and Ocean Riviera could leave their vehicles in these lots without having to feed the meter when construction projects narrowed parking availability on their premises. Since the city recently raised the meter rates and extended their functionality through midnight, hundreds of unwitting residents have been ambushed with $thousands in tickets. While this ticket blitz is an unwarranted inconvenience, a poorly coordinated parking policy is threatening to push local merchants out of business. They are wondering whether a proposed resolution to this threat will be implemented before their doors are permanently closed.
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Comm Keechl’s Committee Appointments
September 19, 2007 - Broward County governance is a function of the Broward County Charter and State law as interpreted and applied by the Broward Board of County Commissioners. The County Commission elicits the assistance of 76 boards, committees, commissions, task forces, agencies, and authorities to diagnose, update and implement policy. While assigning County Commissioners to join the 700 County citizens appointed to these vehicles, Broward County Mayor Josephus Eggelletion, Jr. seated District 4 Commissioner Ken Keechl on the Broward Alliance, the Downtown Ft. Lauderdale Transportation Management Authority (DFLTMA), the Public Safety Coordinating Council and the Value Adjustment Board. His September/October Newsletter reviews these appointments and discusses how they affect YOU.
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Homestead Express - 2007
 September 14, 2007 - The Florida Constitution provides all legal Florida residents with a tax-saving exemption on the first $25,000 of the assessed value of their owner/occupied homes, condominiums, co-op apartments, and certain mobile home lots if they qualify. The exemption is contingent on the property being a permanent residence of the owner or a dependent (legal or natural) as of January 1st. Homesteaded properties are eligible for the protective “Save Our Homes” tax cap. Also available are host of traditional and new exemptions for seniors, veterans, widows/widowers, the blind, disabled persons and properties with build-outs for Mom, Dad, Grandma and/or Grandpa. BCPA sponsors an outreach program (Beach Community Center, L-B-T-S Town Hall), online applications, re-assessment requests and even a “homesteads-on-wheels” for house-bound applicants. Learn about the 2007 incarnation of the Homestead Express!
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Broward Fills Gap in Feeble Fed Drug Plan
 September 5, 2007 - After waiting the greater part of a century for a Medicare prescription drug benefit, seniors were disappointed with the feeble effort passed off as “a great leap forward” in American healthcare. Upon learning about the “donut hole”, the statutory preclusion against negotiating bulk prices or purchasing cheaper Canadian drugs, no one was surprised to learn that the pharmaceutical industry wrote the bill and brazenly paid off dozens of congressmen, senators, staffers and federal officials. To help fill the void, Broward County made a FREE Prescription Drug Discount Card available to every Broward resident. It costs taxpayers NOTHING and can save you a bundle! Unfortunately, they neglected to tell anyone about it!
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BCPA Expands TRIM Season Access
 August 28, 2007 - Now that the TRIM Notices have been distributed, Broward County Property Appraiser media liaison Bob Wolfe notified Galt Mile residents on August 20th that BCPA assistance with understanding components of this critical document has been expanded. The basis for upcoming assessments, the TRIM notice is often the key to successfully adjusting potential tax indebtedness. A longtime link between the Property Appraiser’s office and GMCA residents, Bob paves the way to receiving the answers to your inquiries. P.S. - Many of your questions have already been addressed in the “Ask Lori” section of the BCPA page.
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Driven to Distraction
 August 22, 2007 - Over the summer, 58 Galt Mile residents corresponded with the Galt Mile Community Association after having received notification that a law was passed during the 2007 legislative session governing newly enacted draconian penalties for traffic violations. Although two letters and one telephone call were received, the vast majority of communications were forwarded emails containing the original threatening content or emails describing the penalties at issue. The forwarded emails revealed a statistically improbable similarity in structure and content generally indicative of an organized agenda – otherwise known as a hoax!
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New Hurdles Slow Beach Renourishment
 August 16, 2007 - Galt Milers have participated in a long and difficult fight for the promised renourishment of their critically eroded beaches. To demonstrate their support, hundreds attended a public hearing in Hollywood, thousands signed petitions, thousands more sent emails, letters and faxes and dozens traveled to Tallahassee to testify on behalf of the renourishment. Following completion of the southern component of the project in March of 2006 (Segment III), monitors from Nova Southeast University began an 18-month diagnostic oversight aimed at refining procedural techniques for use in the upcoming Segment II (Fort Lauderdale) renourishment. When asked about the impending Segment II start date, Beach Administrator Stephen Higgins responded with a May 2007 report compiled for the County's City Managers. It was accompanied by a disappointing surprise. Read on...
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Galt Mile Pillar Dick Tymeson Passes
 August 10, 2007 - One of the pillars |
