From David Volz
Oakland Park residents Mr. Peck and Mr. Mundo were recognized with a POP Star Award at the Wednesday, June 5th Commission meeting for wonderful improvements to their home on NE 16th Avenue.
Peck and Mundo took on a major rebuild project on their waterfront home, completely transforming it while maintaining an overall look harmonious with the surrounding neighborhood. A new driveway, landscaping, and decorative elements also enhance the home and give it a modern South Florida look and feel.
Their improvements are an example of the City’s P.O.P. (Proud Oakland Park) Star program, which encourages owners to take pride in their property and supports ongoing efforts to beautify and improve our community. POP Star Award winners alternate between private residences and commercial properties or businesses that have made a special effort to enhance their property through façade improvements, landscaping, remodeling, or reconstruction projects.
Fort Lauderdale Commission approves major contracts
From David Volz
During a recent meeting, the Fort Lauderdale Commission approved major contracts to improve the city.
The Commission adopted a resolution to accept a financial charitable contribution and grant of $1.5 million to enhance improvements at the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center, 701 NE 12th Avenue. An additional $3.5 million has been allocated from Parks Bond to assist with the improvements. The United States Tennis Association has expressed interest in making the tennis center at Holiday Park the home of the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship and host of other tennis tournaments. The improvements will include paved pathways to improve accessibility, converting three hard courts to clay surfaces, and new fencing and lighting. A new stadium court, to be named the Chris Evert Stadium Court, with 210 seats will be constructed, and O.B. Tennis, LLC will install an electronic scoreboard and create the opportunity to add an additional 500 temporary seats when needed.
“This partnership with the Orange Bowl will be a significant part of the revitalization of the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center. We will return this center to its former prominence,” said Commissioner Steve Glassman.
The Commission approved an increase to the Melrose Manors neighborhood stormwater improvements consultant services agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. by approximately $2.1 million. The agreement was initially approved in 2022 and has a total estimated design fee of $4.3 million. Due to funding restraints at the time, only $2.2 million was awarded. The monetary increase is required for final design, permitting, and bidding services. Construction, engineering, and inspection services will be addressed at a later date.
The Commission approved an agreement with Conengineers Builders LLC for improvements at Florence C. Hardy Park, located at 25 SW 9th Street, for approximately $732,000. Renovations to the park include the removal of most existing amenities such as playground equipment, benches, signage and fencing. New surfaces, playground equipment, sidewalks, and more will be installed and the landscape will be improved and enhanced. This improvements project is part of phase one of the Parks Bond Program.
The Commission adopted a resolution renaming Waverly Park, located at 1016 Waverly Road, to Tequesta Park. The name change is the result of a request from the president of the Sailboat Bend Civic Association, which then held a formal vote of its members with 91% in favor. The park is home to a Tequesta Indian midden and other artifacts. The Tequesta lived in southeast Florida dating back to the 3rd century BC.
