| Hollywood Police Athletic League to received a donation On August 26, 2021 AT&T will present the Hollywood Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) with a $25,000 check. This money comes from the AT&T Foundation Education Grant and will be used to fund school supplies and two educational tutors (grades 2-12). P.A.L. is a youth activities program run by Police Officers of the Hollywood Police Department and a volunteer Board of Directors. “The program works to prevent juvenile crime, provide positive role models for youth, and create strong relationships between Officers and the children in our community. Helping our youth get the most out of their education is extremely important to us,” said Deanna Bettineschi, spokesperson for the Hollywood Police Department. |
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VISIT FLORDA reports a large increase in tourists
VISIT FLORIDA announced that preliminary visitation estimates show Florida welcomed a total of 31.7 million travelers from April through June 2021, representing an increase of more than 220 percent over the prior year. Approximately 30.6 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in Q2, reflecting a 216 percent increase from 2020, and a 6 percent increase from 2019. Over the past year, VISIT FLORIDA had several marketing successes that accelerated tourism’s recovery and positioned Florida as a leading destination for travelers across the U.S.
“Florida continues to serve as an example for the country that when you reject lockdowns and unnecessary mandates, your economy will thrive,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Not only did Florida have more visitors in the second quarter than we did in 2020, but the data shows that domestic visitation has already fully recovered to 2019 levels. I’m grateful for the dedication of thousands of Florida business owners, who demonstrated the highest commitment to their employees and their customers, and I’m proud of VISIT FLORIDA’s hard work to market the Sunshine State. The revitalization of our tourism industry will have a positive impact on every Floridian.”
“Florida tourism’s skyrocketing growth in Q2 2021 is an incredible achievement for our state’s economic recovery and underscores the effectiveness of VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing,” said Dana Young, VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO. “With Governor DeSantis’ support, we have not only helped propel travel well past 2020 levels, but also achieved a 6 percent increase from 2019 domestic visitation. VISIT FLORIDA remains wholly focused on driving even more results for Florida’s tourism economy and showcasing everything our great state has to offer to travelers.”
Despite ongoing international travel restrictions, preliminary estimates also indicate that 1.1 million overseas visitors came to Florida in Q2 of 2021, an increase of 854 percent from last year. Travel from Canada rose by over 74 percent, with 15,000 Canadian travelers visiting the state between April and June.
Additionally, after receiving updated information for quarter one 2021 visitation numbers, VISIT FLORIDA estimates the state welcomed a total of 27.3 million visitors from January to March this year, slightly more than what was previously reported.
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Fort Lauderdale CRA approves incentive program for Pantry Lofts
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners, approved a $640,000 Development Incentive Program Loan for The Pantry Lofts. Green Mills Holdings, LLC and The Pantry of Broward, Inc. are partnering to co-develop and co-own a proposed mixed-use, affordable/workforce housing community that is expected to feature a new 8-story, 90-unit residential tower. The proposed project will offer affordable senior housing, new facilities for The Pantry of Broward, structured parking, and building amenities in the Progresso Village area of the Northwest portion of the CRA at the corner of Sistrunk Boulevard and NW 3 Avenue.
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City of Fort Lauderdale to require masks in city facilities
The City of Fort Lauderdale will require people to wear masks inside city facilities. This decision was made at a commission meeting where a discussion took place on COVID-19 and preventative measures that the City can take in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.
Masks will be required in City facilities, capacity will be limited in elevators, and sanitation stations will be made available to the public and City employees. At upcoming meetings of the City Commission, seating capacity in Commission Chambers will be limited to encourage social distancing; overflow seating will be available in the 8th floor conference room. City Commissioners and members of the public will be able to participate virtually through Zoom. This option will also be made available to participants in City advisory board, committee, and authority meetings. These requirements and accommodations will be implemented as soon possible and are pursuant to the State of Emergency that is currently in effect in Broward County and is reviewed by the County Administrator every seven days.
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City of Fort Lauderdale discusses budget
During a recent meeting, the City’s Budget Advisory Board (BAB) unanimously passed a motion recommending approval of the City Manager’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 2022). At that meeting, the BAB expressed support for additional funding related to rent costs for partially relocating staff from the City Clerk’s Office to better accommodate the City Commission at City Hall and appropriating funding for the acquisition of a boat that will allow code enforcement officers to inspect properties from the water.
In addition to these items, the City Commission discussed funding for additional not-for-profit organizations and staffing for the City’s Fire Department. The City Auditor, John Herbst, also presented his review of the City Manager’s FY 2022 Proposed Budget and FY 2022-FY 2026 Community Investment Plan. His review concluded that the City Manager’s Proposed Budget for the primary government as presented is balanced, the proposed millage is in compliance with Florida Statutes, and the priorities identified by the Commission all show funding allocations in the coming year. The City Commission will hold budget hearings on Wednesday, September 8 and Monday, September 13 to adopt the FY 2022 budget.
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Coral Springs Police officer dies of complications from COVID-19
The Coral Springs Police Department announces the passing of Sergeant Patrick “Pat” Madison, a decorated 15-year member of the Coral Springs Police Department. Sergeant Madison succumbed to complications of COVID-19 on Friday, August 20, 2021.
Pat, 43, is survived by his son, Patrick Jr. “PJ”, fiancé, Hazel Mullings, mother, Charlotte Madison, brother, Carl Madison and sister, Deatreaus Johnson.
A graduate of Southern University and A&M College, Pat joined the Coral Springs Police Department in 2006. After three years on road patrol, Pat was selected to serve as a Field Training Officer, helping newly hired officers learn how to provide effective and safe law enforcement service to our community. In 2012, Pat was transferred to the Youth Liaison Unit where he served as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Sawgrass Springs Middle School and later at Coral Springs High School. Many students, parents and faculty will remember Pat as a mentor during his tenure as an SRO. As an advisor for our Police Explorer Program, Pat instilled the importance of public service for youth interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. While serving in the Youth Liaison Unit, Pat identified and assisted families in need and regularly participated in community outreach programs.
Pat was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2018, returning to road patrol. After two years of leading his squad, Pat was selected to supervise General Investigations in 2020.
Pat was a tremendous leader whose passion for his job was only surpassed by his commitment to his community and the citizens he served. Pat was recognized by his peers and the community for his outstanding service, as evident with the many awards and commendations he received. Pat was a servant leader whose unwavering support for the men and women he supervised speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to them. He was the kind of boss that everyone wanted to work for, according to a statement from the Coral Springs Police Department.
