Fort Lauderdale District 2: July 2020 Newsletter

Details: Last Updated: 21 July 2020

Dear Neighbor,

As we navigate our lives throughout this pandemic, please make sure to take every necessary precaution to protect yourself, your family and friends. Remember to always wear a face mask when out in public (Broward County imposed mandatory mask ordinance), wash your hands regularly and often for at least 20 seconds, and avoid any and all large gatherings.

It is imperative that we fight this virus together as a community to keep our neighbors safe. With extreme levels of COVID-19 infection in our community and local hospitals being stretched thin, Broward County issued a emergency order imposing a curfew from 11 PM - 5 am, as well as prohibiting private gatherings of more than 10 individuals. Additionally, vacation rentals are closed with a limited exception for properties where the owner or management lives on site. I understand that our daily routines are not as they once were, but we must all work together to defeat this virus, keep each other safe and healthy, and maintain the ability to make a living. Thank you for doing your part!

Following is an update from the City of Fort Lauderdale on the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Department of Health Information

According to the Florida Department of Health, as of July 20, 2020, results from approximately 322,618 tests administered in Broward County indicated 281,296 negative results; 40,976 positive results; and 346 inconclusive results. To see the latest data from the FDOH, visit bit.ly/2wb29D2.

Holiday Park Offering Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Self-Swab Testing

The Florida Division of Emergency Management in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale and American Medical Response (AMR) is offering free drive-thru self-swab testing for COVID-19 at Holiday Park. The site, located at U.S. 1 and N.E. 8 Street (just south of Sunrise Boulevard), is open Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Testing is available to anyone age 5 or older with or without COVID-19 symptoms. No doctor referral needed. Proper ID is required with name, date of birth, address, and photo. The site is currently operating on a first come, first served basis. Healthcare professionals from AMR are on site overseeing the testing procedures. The procedure for the oral self-swab test, which is less invasive than the nasal swab test, requires individuals to swab the inside of their mouth for approximately 20 seconds. The swab sample is then placed in a vial, sealed, and sent to a lab for analysis. Results are delivered to patients via email or text message. Patients who do not receive results after 72 hours, may contact Curative Inc. via email at support@curativeinc.com. For more details, visit bit.ly/ftlcovid19testing.

Free Walk-Up COVID-19 Testing at Lincoln Park

Free walk-up COVID-19 testing is available at Fort Lauderdale’s Lincoln Park. Located at 600 N.W. 19 Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, the Lincoln Park testing site is open Tuesday - Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Administered by the Florida Department of Health, the site offers free walk-up testing to anyone with or without COVID-19 symptoms. There are no age or identification requirements and no doctor referral is needed. Appointments are not required, but are preferred, and may be scheduled by calling 954-412-7300. For more details and to view a video of the Lincoln Park testing site, visit bit.ly/ftlcovid19testing.

School Board to Continue Discussing Reopening Plans at Special Meeting on July 22

The Broward County School Board will host a special virtual meeting to continue discussing reopening plans for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, July 22 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The public may listen to and view a live stream of the meeting on the Broward County Public Schools website atbit.ly/2YOKrRU. Questions and comments are welcome and may be submitted by visitingbit.ly/3jqrhcH. To view the agenda and supporting documentation for the special meeting, please visit bit.ly/39eTP4e.

Weekly Food Distribution at Mills Pond Park on July 23

The next drive-thru food distribution event hosted by the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors will take place on Thursday, July 23 beginning at 9 a.m. at Mills Pond Park, located at 2201 NW 9 Avenue. Produced in partnership with Feeding South Florida, the event provides healthy and nutritious food to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Food is distributed on a first come, first served basis (while supplies last). Recipients must remain in their vehicles and will be instructed to open their trunk when volunteers are ready to load it. To access Mills Pond Park, please enter from southbound NW 9 Avenue. For more details, visit bit.ly/2K8cnrn. For more information about Feeding South Florida, visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org. To make a donation to Feeding South Florida, please visit bit.ly/2WJVl8Y.

Help Us Raise the Count by Completing the 2020 Census Today!

Attention Neighbors! Help the City of Fort Lauderdale be accurately counted in the 2020 Census. Currently, Fort Lauderdale’s response rate is 52%, which is more than 10 percentage points behind the current national response rate of 62.2%, and more than 7 percentage points under the current state of Florida response rate of 59.2%. Counting every neighbor in our City gives us an opportunity to receive our fair share of more than $1.5 trillion in federal funding for infrastructure, schools, housing, roads, healthcare, and public service programs. An accurate census count also provides critical funding for hospitals, disaster recovery, and emergency readiness for pandemics like COVID-19. Please respond to the 2020 Census today! Fill out and mail back the questionnaire sent to your home; complete the census form online www.my2020census.gov; or take the census over the phone by calling 1-844-330-2020.

Bahamas Bans Entry by U.S. Travelers

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis has announced that, effective Wednesday, July 22, commercial flights and ships from the United States will not be allowed to enter the country. The travel restrictions are being put in place in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19 as cases surge in the United States. Bahamasair, the country’s national airline, has ceased all outgoing flights to the United States. Outgoing commercial flights for visitors scheduled to leave the Bahamas after Wednesday will continue to be permitted. Visitors arriving from Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union will be permitted provided they have proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Private international flights and charters, along with private pleasure crafts and yachts will continue to be granted entry into the Bahamas. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/39f6Aff.

Countywide Curfew in Effect Through August 1

Emergency Order 20-22 has been issued by Broward County. The order imposes a countywide curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily through August 1 at 5 a.m. Exemptions to the curfew include: active duty police, fire rescue, first responders, news media, delivery or transportation drivers, government employees, persons seeking emergency medical care, and medical, health care and utility service personnel. In addition, people traveling to and from their place of employment, those returning home after commercial travel, and individuals walking their pets within 250 feet of their residence are exempt from the curfew. To read Emergency Order 20-22, visit https://bit.ly/bceo20-22

Private Gatherings Restricted to 10 People

Effective immediately, under Broward County Emergency Order 20-22, private gatherings that take place at residential properties, whether indoors or outdoors, are limited to no more than 10 people. Individuals who are present at gatherings of more than 10 people are subject to civil and criminal penalties. Owners of properties where violations take place are also liable regardless of whether they are present when the violations occur. In addition, residents of residential properties, whether they own or rent, must ensure that all individuals on their property comply with all applicable emergency orders and guidelines or be subject to civil and criminal penalties. To read Emergency Order 20-22, visit https://bit.ly/bceo20-22.

Vacation Rentals Must Be Actively Managed

Under Broward County Emergency Order 20-22, short-term vacation rentals are not allowed to operate unless they are being actively managed by on-site owners or on-site management companies with staffing or security on site 24 hours a day to enforce compliance with all applicable requirements. This requirement will take effect for check-ins starting on or after July 20, 2020 through August 20, 2020. Exceptions include vacation rentals that are rented by individuals conducting military, emergency, governmental, health, or infrastructure response to the COVID- 19 pandemic, or people primarily engaged in non-vacation commercial activities. To read Emergency Order 20-22, visithttps://bit.ly/bceo20-22.

Additional Restrictions in Place for Restaurants, Gyms, and Fitness Centers

Effective immediately, under Broward County Emergency Order 20-22, ordering food and/or beverages from a bar counter is strictly prohibited. Restaurant patrons must order and consume food and drinks at a table, and establishments must continue to follow all other applicable operating requirements as defined in Emergency Order 20-22 and previous orders. In addition, effective immediately, individuals using or visiting a gym or fitness center shall wear a facial covering at all times, including while exercising, except while in a pre-swim shower or swimming pool. To read Emergency Order 20-22, visithttps://bit.ly/bceo20-22.

Facial Coverings and Signage Requirements

Under Broward County Emergency Order 20-22, effective on Monday, July 20, establishments are prohibited from serving or transacting business with customers who are not complying with the facial covering requirements contained in Emergency Order 20-21. In addition, owners, operators and landlords of commercial property where retail, restaurants, or food establishments are located must ensure those establishments comply with the signage requirements contained in Emergency Order 20-17, including displaying information about proper social distancing and facial covering requirements, and ensuring that the required signage is conspicuously posted in common areas of the property such as mall entrances, food courts and hallways.

Find Local COVID-19 Statistics on Broward County Dashboard

To help residents understand the magnitude of the pandemic locally, Broward County is posting a daily statistical dashboard of COVID-19 indicators. The data includes statistics on number of positive cases, positivity rates, hospitalizations, hospital capacities, and deaths. To view the dashboard, visit https://bit.ly/2CncuPv.

Don’t Let Your Guard Down

With COVID-19 cases are on the rise, the City of Fort Lauderdale reminds residents, visitors, and businesses that this is no time to let your guard down. Please remain vigilant and continue to follow local emergency orders and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to help fight the spread of the coronavirus. Individuals testing positive for COVID-19, or who are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, should:

self-isolate to the greatest extent possible and avoid contact with other people
avoid visiting establishments and amenities except when medically necessary
avoid use of common areas such as shared kitchens, laundry rooms or recreational facilities, especially in shared housing or multi-housing developments

In addition, remember to wear a mask or facial covering to protect yourself and others, maintain six feet of social distancing, avoid group gatherings of more than 10 people, and stay at home if you are sick. In addition, wash your hands frequently; use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; avoid close contact with people who are sick; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. For more information about steps you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitbit.ly/3acut6g.

Masks Mandatory in Broward County; Violators Risk Fines

Broward County Emergency Order 20-21 clarifies that facial coverings are required to be worn in public and private spaces, including at all establishments where social distancing cannot be maintained. The order also requires the mandatory use of facial coverings in residential facilities and condominium common areas (including reception areas, hallways, lobbies, and elevators), and requires that masks be worn by all persons in any establishment other than amenities regardless of social distancing; all people working in any establishment allowed to operate; all individuals who are obtaining any good or service from any establishment; and all workers in any establishment involved in preparing, handling or serving food. Any individual or establishment that violates the facial covering requirements is subject to a criminal and/or civil infraction, with fines up to $500 per violation for a criminal misdemeanor, $1,000 per day per violation for a civil citation, or up to $15,000 per violation for a known violation that is irreparable or irreversible. To read Emergency Order 20-21, visit bit.ly/2O9GSis.

Urban Land Institute (ULI) to Host Recovery Webinar on August 4

The ULI Southeast Florida/Caribbean will host "The Key to Recovery: How Can South Florida Cities Thrive After COVID-19," a webinar that will take place on Tuesday, August 4 from 2 – 3 p.m. via Zoom. The event will feature guest speaker Richard Florida, Co-Founder and Senior Editor of The Atlantic City Lab, who will lead a keynote conversation focused on a recovery playbook for our region as we consider the next phase of the coronavirus crisis and beyond. For details and registration information, visithttps://bit.ly/3fZFT0V.

Avoid the Three Cs to Help Slow the Spread

The City of Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Department of Health remind everyone to protect themselves and others by avoiding the Three Cs: Closed Spaces, Crowded Places, and Close-Contact Settings and by wearing a mask in public:

Closed Spaces. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation that could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air.
Crowded Places. Avoid crowded places with many people nearby; the greater the number of individuals in an area, the greater the chances of COVID-19 spreading from person-to-person.
Close-Contact Settings. Avoid close-range conversations and stay at least six-feet from others.

In addition to avoiding the three Cs and wearing facial coverings in all public spaces, individuals should continue to practice social distancing by staying at least six-feet away from others; stay home when sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms; clean and disinfect countertops and frequently used surfaces often; and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol). For additional prevention tips, visit www.floridahealthcovid19.gov/prevention.

For Additional Information

For additional information regarding Coronavirus, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended protective measures, please visit:

· www.coronavirus.gov

· www.floridahealth.gov

· www.cdc.gov

Ways to Stay in Touch

The City of Fort Lauderdale offers numerous ways for neighbors to receive important information and updates:

· Monitor the City website at www.fortlauderdale.gov

· Register for Alert FTL at www.fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl

· If you live in Fort Lauderdale, join Nextdoor

· Follow us on Twitter @FTLCityNews

· Like us on Facebook @CityofFortLauderdale

· Get E-news delivered to your inbox

· Download the Lauderserv App on your smartphone or tablet

· Contact our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000

Beach Projects Swimming Along Nicely!

Aquatic Center and Las Olas Marina Moving Full Steam Ahead

(My article for August 2020 Riverwalk Magazine)

The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed down work on major capital improvement projects throughout our City. Two initiatives continuing to make progress are the Aquatic Center renovation and the Las Olas Marina project on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Originally constructed in 1965, the Aquatic Center boasts over half a century of swimming history, including being the site of 10 world records. The current renovation project is designed to restore its former glory, by enabling the complex to once again attract national and international championship events and recapture its standing as one of world’s top facilities for swimming, diving, and training.

To help achieve this goal, the City Commission recently approved funding for enhancements to the project that include constructing the world’s first 27-meter permanent dive tower, featuring a full complement of springboards and nine platform levels (1M, 3M, 5M, 7.5M, 10M, 15M, 20M, 24M and 27M). We also agreed to move forward with the design and construction of a new, two-story south building that will include locker rooms, restrooms, a weight room, administrative support space, meeting rooms, first aid stations, timing rooms, and other associated amenities. Additionally, the Commission gave the go-ahead to add a north observation deck to the project that will include 2,800 square feet of public viewing space, an elevator and stair tower, decorative lighting, exterior architectural cladding, and decorative railings.

Significant progress is being made on this landmark project. Crews have successfully completed the Aquatic Center’s deep foundation system, which included installing a series of concrete cylinders (called augercast piles) that are drilled 60 feet into the ground to support the pools, pool deck, dive well and buildings. The floor and walls of the competition pool have been poured, and a waterproof seal has been installed in the dive pool. Commercial divers worked 20 feet underwater to construct the seal, which required 1,200 cubic yards of concrete, 136 cement trucks, and two boom lifts to track and monitor the placement of the concrete.

The next phase of the project will focus on coordinating concrete pours for the floor and walls of the dive well and for a large surge tank to regulate water levels in the competition pool. In the coming weeks, work will also begin on the Aquatic Center’s new grandstand, bleachers, and concession areas.

Upon completion, this game-changing project will redefine the beach for generations and restore our rightful position atop the world of swimming and diving.

A second major initiative moving forward on the beach is the new Las Olas Marina. Earlier this summer, Mayor Trantalis and I welcomed U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt to town and provided him with an overview of the project.

Plans for the new Las Olas Marina include 7,000 linear feet of dockage, a three-story 24,000 square-foot marine services building with a casual restaurant, ship store, and office space, along with a gym, swimming pool, and outdoor patio. The marina will also feature a two-story 11,000 square foot upscale waterfront restaurant with outdoor dining areas offering spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

The $70 million project, which will be built, paid for, and operated by Suntex Marinas through a public/private partnership agreement with the City, recently received approval for a $1.1 million matching federal grant through the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIGP). Funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the BIGP is a nationally competitive grant program that provides federal dollars to construct, renovate, and maintain boating infrastructure facilities for transient recreational vessels 26 feet or longer.

During his visit, Secretary Bernhardt talked about the importance of providing federal support for projects like the Las Olas Marina that strive to achieve a balance to meet the needs of outdoor marine recreation, prosperity of the local economy, and protection of the natural environment. He also mentioned the possibility of federal funding to assist local communities with efforts to clean and protect local waterways.

The Las Olas Marina is projected to create more than 650 jobs during construction and 1,110 full-time equivalent jobs. The project is expected to generate $221 million in annual economic impact, $6 million in annual state and local tax revenue, and $446,000 in annual real estate property tax revenue.

Since obtaining site plan approval from the City Commission, developers of the Las Olas Marina have been working closely with staff and regulatory agencies including the Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to secure the necessary permits to begin construction. As part of the permitting process, an extensive environmental assessment has been completed on the upland and submerged portions of the property, riparian boundaries have been established, and additional analysis and data collection have been conducted and submitted to the appropriate agencies. Permit applications are now being reviewed at the local and state level, with final approval expected this fall.

Pending permit approvals, construction of the Las Olas Marina is expected to begin during the fourth quarter, and is estimated to take 18 months to complete.

We look forward to breaking ground on this signature project that will enhance Fort Lauderdale’s position as the “Yachting Capital of the World.”

FY 2021 Budget Timeline:

July 7

The City Commission adopted a resolution setting the proposed millage rate for the FY 2021 Budget at 4.1193 per $1,000 of taxable value and the debt service rate at .2218 per $1,000 of taxable value – same rate as last year.

August

Property Appraiser will send TRIM notices

August 18

Commission Joint Workshop with the Budget Advisory Board Meeting and City Commission Meeting.

Birch Park Beach HOA President, Brian Donaldson serves as Chair of the Budget Advisory Board. He has kindly provided his email for individuals who would like to provide feedback regarding the upcoming budget. briandonaldson@comcast.net

(Please submit your comments before the August 18 joint workshop)

September 3

First Commission Budget Hearing

September 14

Second Budget Hearing and Budget Adoption Meeting

October 1

New 2021 Fiscal Year begins

FY 2021 Primary and Proposed Budget Documents

Provide Your Budget Input Here

2020 CENSUS SELF-RESPONSE RATES

National: 62% | Florida: 59.1% | Fort Lauderdale: 51.9%

Fort Lauderdale 2010 Total Response Rate: 67%

(as of July 14, 2020)

Nearly 52 percent of Fort Lauderdale households have responded to the 2020 Census. The City is just past the halfway mark, and there’s only one way to go from here...up!

It’s important that Fort Lauderdale residents continue to raise the City's census count. The census guides how $1.5 trillion in federal dollars is distributed across more than 300 federal programs including Medicaid, Head Start, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), direct student loans, highway construction grants, low income tax credits and loans and adoption assistance programs. And, 2020 Census data will impact that distribution of funds over the next 10 years.

A complete and accurate count of the City's residents, including our youth, also means more funding opportunities for new infrastructure; facilities like community centers, schools and health centers; and services that support everyone.

Do your part to raise the count. Complete your census today and encourage others to do so too. The more accurate the City's 2020 count, the more equitable its share of federal funds will be for shaping the future for everyone.

You count, Fort Lauderdale counts, everyone counts.

Let's raise the count!

Three Great Reasons to Respond to the Census

1. You count! Every person in the U.S. is required to respond.

2. Census data impacts community funding for the next 10 years.

3. Your answers are confidential and protected.

Click here to learn more about the Census!

Watch Vice Mayor Glassman's Census Video Below!

Primary Election on August 18

Last day to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot: August 8

General Election November 3: Deadline to register October 5

Last day to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot: October 24

Contact your county Supervisor of Elections for the most up-to-date information.

The District 2 Neighborhood Association Presidents' Roundtable brings together a fearless group every quarter. These folks are so educated and so amazingly in tune with all aspects of the City. Thank you to our new Police Chief, our City Manager, and our Budget Director for taking time from your busy day to join us! Read Chief Dietrich's biography here.

Kudos to the Central Beach Alliance for hosting a Zoom neighborhood meeting for 125 participants! So well-organized and managed - not an easy task. Excellent presenters and always spot-on questions and comments. Always a pleasure for the opportunity to join you.

Weather got wild, but did not have to drive to attend the Victoria Park Civic Association Zoom meeting! Excellent meeting as always and kudos to this neighborhood which always packs a lot in, moves quickly, and somehow consistently wraps it up in one hour - amazing!

102 years ago and they understood the importance of wearing a mask.

Congrats to new historic Sailboat Bend Civic Association president Ruth Clarke and thank you for your service, outgoing president Wanda Beachum. Very much appreciated the opportunity to join the neighborhood and discuss the parks bond options. Thank you all for your input.

News Article

COVID-19 hot spots: Comparing Florida cases and deaths to other U.S. states

Mosquito Service Request

These hot summer days also bring many summer showers and as south Floridians, we all know that summer showers bring plenty of mosquitoes. Mosquitos carry serious diseases and you can help diminish the spread of these diseases by eliminating standing water in and around your property. Due to COVID and the need to practice social distancing, our Mosquito Control staff have temporarily suspended home inspections, but you can still request spraying to be done by truck-dispersed larvicide and adulticide to control mosquitoes in your area. For more information please visit, www.Broward.org/Mosquito.

Need Immediate Assistance?

COVID Questions or Assistance: 311

Crisis, Health and Human Services Assistance: 211

Family Success Centers (financial assistance): www.Broward.org/FamilySuccess 954-357-6367

Business Assistance: www.Broward.org/CoronaVirus/Pages/BusinessAssistance 954-357-6400

Food Distribution Finder: www.Broward.org/together4broward

Elderly and Veteran Assistance: www.Broward.org/ElderlyandVeterans 954-357-6622

Homelessness Assistance: www.Broward.org/EndHomelessness 954-563-HELP (4357)

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

& Informational Links

Broward School Coronavirus Updates

Broward Food Resources

Search COVID-19 In Your Area By Zip Code

The greatness of our community starts with passionate citizens like you.

Please do not hesitate to contact our District 2 Outreach Coordinator, Celia Gisleson, with any questions, comments or thoughtful suggestions cgisleson@fortlauderdale.gov or 954-828-5923.

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Steve Glassman

Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor, District 2

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