Oakland Park now has a new dog park
From David Volz
Dog lovers in Oakland Park have a new place to take their furry friends to play.
The Wag Dog Park is officially open for playtime and dog fun. It is nestled beside the Richard E. Giusti Heart Par Cours at 600 NE 38th Street, this canine paradise is not just a dog park; it’s a vibrant hub of excitement for dogs and their devoted owners.
The Wag Dog Park site has undergone a magnificent transformation, boasting new benches, lush trees, picturesque landscaping, sleek trash receptacles, refreshing water stations, accessible parking, a revamped sidewalk, and improved drainage.
Oakland Park has invested in modern furnishings that mirror those installed at new parks, including City Park, the North Andrews Gardens Community Center, and the promenade at BLYS to create a consistent look throughout our vibrant community.
Next there will be Phase II improvements at Richard E. Giusti Heart Par Cours. The City is gearing up to elevate the experience with a renovated walking trail, modern signage, shade pergolas, picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles, and water fountains. As part of our commitment to enhancing Oakland Park for the next century, Wag Dog Park joins a sold lineup of recent additions. If you haven’t been, be sure to stop by the fabulous North Andrews Gardens Community Center at 250 NE 56th Court and the splendid City Park at 3900 NE 3rd Avenue.
New restaurant opens in Hollywood
From David Volz
Christian and Francys Fragozo arrived from Columbia six years ago and fell in love with Downtown Hollywood.
They began exploring the area with the intention of opening a café. They created a restaurant known as Dos Pecados, which translates to Two Sins, at 2019 Harrison Street.
“When people think of fast, tasty, simple, sometimes inexpensive food, tacos and hamburgers are some of the first ones that come to mind,” he explained. “I had thought of some other names, but I think that this is the best way to say that we have both in one place.”
Before starting out, though, Fragozo brainstormed with family, friends, and investors in the industry. He showed them Harrison Street, the whole area of Downtown Hollywood, and once they got to know it, he said, they all pushed him to open the business.
“It is a family effort,” he said, adding that he greatly values all the input and opinions of his team of mentors.
“I want to grow, so I have to take advantage of the people around me, their many years of knowledge and experience,” he acknowledged. “I asked for their support, their advice, their opinions, and they said yes, it’s a good idea, we will help you. I want the business to grow, so it’s very important to have that support. I know it’s hard work, but I am ready for it.”
In the few weeks since they opened, Dos Pecados has already attracted a strong, local following for the two different but equally crave-worthy menus. Fragozo reports that the most popular items so far have been the Cheese Loaded Burger, a juicy beef patty topped with caramelized onions, two melted cheeses and the Dos Pecados special sauce and the Birria Taco, a tortilla filled with meat stew bathed in a mix of chiles and spices. Hot dogs, burritos and bowls are also on the menu, along with beer and wine.
The bright and colorful interior is complemented by a cozy outdoor patio dining area, where diners can relax, eat, and drink.
“I’ve spent the last six years thinking, working, deciding, and now finally opening,” Fragozo explained. “I think the good thing here in Downtown Hollywood is that you have many types of food from different countries right here. And that’s crazy! But it’s good.”
Fort Lauderdale Commission approves major projects.
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved some major projects during a recent meeting.
The Commission approved a comprehensive agreement with David Mancini and Sons, Inc. in the amount of approximately $48.6 million to design and construct a 48-inch water transmission main from the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center to the Fiveash Water Treatment Plant. The project includes the construction of approximately 17,600 linear feet of the transmission main to Fiveash, where the water will be held in ground storage tanks before distribution. The water transmission main has been identified as one of the enabling works projects for the new Prospect Lake Clean Water Center.
The Commission approved an agreement with LMK Pipe Renewal, LLC in the amount of $2.86 million for the Tarpon River A-11 Sewer Basin Rehabilitation project. The project includes lining of the mainline gravity sewers and lateral piping, clean-out installation, root and grease removal, sectional liners, and pre- and post-closed-circuit television survey. The fiscal impact to the city is $2.86 million including allowances, $311,110 for estimated construction engineering and inspection services, and $104,000 for in-house project management fees, for a total of approximately $3.28 million.
The Commission adopted a resolution approving a fiscal year 2024 not-for-profit grant participation agreement with The Stranahan House, Inc. to fund up to $100,000 for the construction of a new welcome center. The welcome center will be a hub where visitors can learn about the Stranahan House, the oldest and most historically significant structure in Broward County, and the history of the region. This fourth installment of $100,000 follows three previous installments of the same amount and will be added to an escrow account for distribution when the welcome center is ready to be built. The organization has requested that the city contribute a total of $500,000 over a five-year period.
The Commission adopted a resolution waiving the competitive solicitation and selection process and approving a development agreement, with Las Olas SMI, LLC in the amount of approximately $2.9 million for the replacement of an existing seawall that the City of Fort Lauderdale is responsible for. Las Olas SMI, LLC is actively replacing adjacent seawalls as part of the Las Olas Marina project, and with seawall conditions worse than anticipated, the developer recommended that the city consider replacing its seawall at the same time. The seawall construction is expected to be completed by July 2024
The Commission approved a motion that authorizes the City Manager to execute a Hold Harmless Agreement with Waypoint Contracting, Inc. The Hold Harmless agreement allows the City to open the new parking lot located near the intersection of A1A and Vistamar Street, on or before January 12.
