The fun-filled program includes various classes indoors and outdoors, and field trips to interesting destinations. A child must be 6 years old before June 9th, or have completed kindergarten. Proof of age and residency is required.

The Summer Recreation program begins on Monday June 9th and ends Friday August 1st. The program will be closed Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.

Through the generosity of various private sponsors, is the 4th of July celebration possible. “Without them, this year’s celebration would not be possible…and the July 4th parade and fireworks is a steadfast tradition in Margate,” stated Mayor Pam Donovan.

A list of sponsors will be officially announced at a future date. This year, the fireworks will be even more spectacular than years past. Please note that the evening festivities including the fireworks display will be located at a new location; the former swap shop property located on the east side of State Road 7 at Margate Boulevard.

To be held Monday, May 26, at 9:00 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Park located at 7044 NW 1st Street, at the corner of Rock Island and NW 1st Street.

Property Tax Exemption Filing Dates Announced For May 2008

(Fort Lauderdale) The Broward County Property Appraiser's Office hosts a series of community outreach events each month throughout Broward County.  Deputy Appraisers will be available to assist with Homestead, Senior and other property tax exemption applications, as well as answer questions on property taxes.  We are also accepting applications for Portability.  The outreach program is designed to provide convenient and accessible service to the residents of Broward County.  All outreach events are open to the public.

Documents required to file a Homestead Exemption include:

• A current Florida driver's license or Florida identification card, and
• A current voter registration card or declaration of domicile
• Non-US citizens must also provide proof of permanent residency.

Qualified residents 65 years of age or older as of January 1, 2008 may also apply for the additional Senior Exemption. Eligible seniors must have a total household adjusted gross income not to exceed $24,916.  Documents required for the Senior Exemption include a 2007 income tax return or, if one does not file income taxes, a copy of the 2007 Social Security 1099 Form.

South Florida Moves to Two-Day-A-Week Emergency Water Restrictions

SFWMD revises landscape irrigation restrictions for most of region effective April 18

Registration deadline is May 1, 2008. Registration forms can be downloaded from the City Website www.margatefl.com or picked up at the Margate Community Center, 6199 NW 10th St.

Designed for all levels, for more information call:
954-974-4566.

Our office administers and enforces the Broward County Consumer Protection Code which prohibits unfair and deceptive trade practices by businesses.  If any resident of your city has a problem with a merchant, whether located in Broward County or elsewhere, we encourage that resident to file a complaint with our office.

Rabid Raccoon Found in Fort Lauderdale
38th case in Broward County since July 2000

Laboratory tests performed on a raccoon that killed a cat and bit another cat came back positive for rabies, according to the Broward County Health Department. This is the 38th rabies case in Broward County since July 2000. The bite occurred on Thursday, March 6, 2008, at the 600 block of Northeast 14th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

The County Health Department has advised that a rabies alert has been issued for the areas east of I-95 to the ocean and from Sunrise Boulevard south to Sheridan Street. This area includes the cities of Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood.  

Following the attack, the rabid raccoon was taken to the Health Department, who sent it to a laboratory where the tests were performed.  

Animal Care and Regulation Division (Division) and Broward County Health Department (Health Department) officials remain diligent in their efforts to protect the public against rabies. The Division sponsors low-cost rabies vaccination clinics for cats and dogs at various places throughout the county, and routinely monitors areas where rabies alerts have been issued. 

Additionally, the Board of County Commissioners implemented an Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) Program which is designed to vaccinate raccoons and other wildlife for rabies.  The fourth year of the ORV baiting distribution started this morning countywide.

Animal care officers will visit homes in the City of Fort Lauderdale around the area of the incident to inform residents about the current rabies situation, provide safety tips, and check for current pet license and rabies vaccinations. Animal care officers will issue 30-day warnings to pet owners not in compliance of the pet license and vaccination ordinance. If a pet owner fails to acquire a pet license and vaccination within 30 days, a $135 citation will be issued for each animal.  A pet’s vaccination is essential to protect cats and dogs against rabies and is the first line of defense against human infection. In addition, the Division will increase its surveillance in the rabies alert area and impound any stray cats or dogs.

To protect the public against rabies, the Health Department and the Division recommend the following:  

·  Have a veterinarian vaccinate your cats and dogs every year and purchase a Broward County pet license. Keep pets away from wildlife especially at night when wildlife is most active.
 

·  Do not feed or touch wild animals. Teach children to leave wildlife alone. Stay away from animals that appear to be ill or behaving strangely. Rabid animals do not always appear ill or vicious.
 

·  Never leave pet food outside as this attracts wildlife.
 

·  Tightly close garbage cans and dumpsters. Open trash attracts wild animals.
 

·  If bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately clean the wound with soap and water, and then seek medical attention.
 

·  Animal bites should be reported immediately to the Division at 954-359-1313, ext. 231.
 

·  Report any sick or injured raccoons, foxes or bats. Call the Wildlife Care Center at 954-524-4302 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. seven days a week. Or call Fire Central Dispatch at 954-765-5124 between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Broward Beautiful Community Grant Dollars Available to Homeowner Groups

- Workshops Help Homeowner Groups Apply For Landscape Grant -  

Broward County will conduct workshops to help homeowner groups apply for the Broward Beautiful Community Grants program. Approximately $200,000 may be available for grants in 2008.

Workshops dates and locations are as follows:

Thursday, April 3, 6:30 p.m.
Southwest Regional Library
16835 Sheridan St.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33331
954-538-9996

Monday, April 7, 6:30 p.m.
North Regional Library
1100 Coconut Creek Blvd.
Coconut Creek, FL 33066
954-201-2600

Tuesday, April 29, 6:30 p.m.
African-American Research Library
2650 Sistrunk Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-625-2800

Broward Beautiful Community Grants is a program of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ Broward Beautiful Advisory Board, supporting local efforts to implement landscape enhancement projects improving the beauty and environment of our community.

Grant projects must be visible to the general public. At least 60% of the project must consist of Florida Native Plant species and no invasive plants or annual plants may be used.

Only homeowner associations, condominium associations, civic associations, religious organizations and other not-for-profit organizations may apply.  Individual homeowners, for profit businesses, public schools and city governments are NOT eligible under this program. 

Grants funds are paid on a reimbursement basis following project installation by applicant.

Except in designated disadvantaged communities, applicants must match grant funds on a 1:1 basis, in cash, donations or in-kind services (e.g. volunteer time) directly benefiting the project. No match is required for projects in designated disadvantaged communities.

Applicants must provide (or arrange for another entity to provide) for the perpetual care of the project.  

No plantings proposed in the grant application may be required by any code or ordinance, or tree removal permit. 

The minimum grant amount is $1,500; the maximum grant amount is $7,500.