| September, 2020

Broward County loosens more restrictions

Posted on 25 September 2020 by JLusk

As the number of COVID-19 cases in Broward continues to decline as a result of the restrictions in place and residents and businesses abiding by those restrictions, County Administrator Bertha Henry has issued Emergency Order 20-25, which relaxes some business, athletic event, and function space restrictions. County Administrator Henry said, “We thank the community for its compliance to Emergency Orders which has reduced the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Broward. As a result of that compliance, we can provide our businesses and residents with more flexibility by relaxing some restrictions. Our goal is to keep the numbers low enough so that schools can safely reopen.”

Highlights of Emergency Order 20-25 include:

• Function spaces (ballrooms, banquet halls, catering halls, other event spaces) and other commercial facilities may operate on a limited basis. • Spectators are permitted to attend non-professional sporting events such as high school athletic events with certain restrictions.

• Small groups (no larger than 10) can engage in athletic activities at beaches and in parks.

• Allows for additional flexibility for Homeowner Association amenities by relaxing some restrictions related to pool furnishings, common areas, and guests.

It is still vitally important that residents and business owners remain vigilant by continuing to follow safety protocols. Facial coverings and social distancing of six feet are still required under current Emergency Orders. The Emergency Order is effective immediately, however the provision allowing banquet halls and other event spaces to reopen shall be effective on October 2, 2020. 

Whenever possible people are urged to avoid the Three C’s – Confined and Closed Spaces, Crowded Places, and Close-Contact Settings. Residents are urged to visit Mybroward.Broward.org or call 311 to anonymously report violations. 311 can also be called for answers to questions contained in Emergency Orders.

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Free Chlorination–Pompano– Oct. 5-Nov. 2

Posted on 23 September 2020 by JLusk

From Oct. 5 through Nov. 2, the City of Pompano will be conducting a free chlorination treatment of its water supply, which may lead to a change in the taste and smell of the water, but will remain safe to drink. Those undergoing dialysis or with a compromised immune system may want to consult with their doctor to see if any changes need to be made to their treatment. In addition, if you have a fish aquarium or pond, etc., contact a pet store to find out if you need to make any changes. The city also will be flushing out fire hydrants, which may lead to periods of discolored water. If that happens, let it run until it runs clear. The water is still okay to cook with, bathe in, drink, etc. If you have any questions, call 954-786-4637.

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Students to return to school

Posted on 22 September 2020 by Rachel Galvin

After a workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Broward County School Board proposed that students will return to classroom starting Oct. 14. The first wave of students will include Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st graders, students with disabilities, 6th graders and 9th graders. All students would return Oct. 20. This still needs to be voted upon by the board at their next meeting.

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Does your teacher need an office makeover?

Posted on 16 September 2020 by JLusk

BrightStar Credit Union is giving away a home office makeover to one lucky teacher. They have launched a contest to reward one deserving Broward County teacher (or displaced entrepreneur) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, who needs a new or revamped workspace in their home. The grand prize winner will receive a makeover valued at $5,000, designed by celebrity interior designer Marianna Dubinsky of Nouvelle Home. Four runners-up will also receive a “financial wellness check-up,” a complimentary meeting with a financial expert from BrightStar to discuss any financial questions they may have.

To enter, participants need to share a short 30 to 60-second video explaining why they think they, or a teacher or entrepreneur they are nominating, should receive a home office makeover. Entrants must be based in Broward County and at least 21 years old to enter and win. All videos need to be submitted via BrightStar’s website at http://www.bscu.org/makeover/.  

Entrants will also need to:

  • Follow @brightstarcu on Instagram
  • Post the video onto their own Instagram page
  • Tag @brightstarcu 
  • Use #BSCUofficemakeover
 
Submissions will be accepted between September 15, 2020, and October 31, 2020. All entries will be judged by BrightStar Credit Union who will judge entries based on the following criteria: the most cluttered area; the least amount of workable space; the most difficult set up; and the most need for an organizational system. The grand prize winner and four runner-ups will be announced by November 15, 2020.
 
“This is BrightStar Credit Union’s way of saying thank you to our local community,” said Dustin Jacobs, VP of Marketing at BrightStar Credit Union and Board Member of Broward Education Foundation. “Through this giveaway, we hope to continue aiding Florida teachers and entrepreneurs in our communities so they can worry less when educating or becoming tomorrow’s leaders.”
 
For more information on how to participate in this giveaway, please visit http://www.bscu.org/makeover/ or follow BrightStar Credit Union on Instagram.
 

 

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Coping with Back to School, Superintendent announces opening

Posted on 16 September 2020 by JLusk

Waverly does Back to School in style.

By Rachel Galvin

COVID-19 has caused a lot of changes in our daily lives, one of them is in the school system. The Observer had the chance to speak to a few people affected by these changes to get their opinions on how it is going this year.

“The first day of virtual school at Deerfield Beach Middle School (DBMS) exceeded my expectations,” said one parent, Lisa Cornell Davis. “Communications from Superintendent Runcie and principal Dr. Fulton have been informative, detailed and helpful. It was smooth sailing thanks to the leadership. One of our initial fears was lack of social interaction with a 100% online experience, but each teacher did a wonderful job encouraging engagement using Teams Video Conferencing while introducing icebreakers to get to know everyone on a personal level.  The teachers, students and leadership are resilient, creative and flexible. They are history in the making. They care about our health and safety.  They are pioneers in education … and it’s not only working, it’s working well!”

Avery is all smiles on the first day.

Michelle Olson-Rogers, whose daughter attends Grandview Prep, a private school in Boca Raton, where they are back to having in person classes, said, “I think every family’s decision to go back to school is extremely personal. There is no right one during a pandemic. However, as a parent, you know in your gut what is best for your child. It is up to God and good hygiene to keep us safe this year! We personally decided to go back to school in person because our school has created small cohort environments where we feel extremely safe.” 

Jack can’t wait for Kindergarten.

Joanie Cox-Henry, whose son, Jack, is in Kindergarten this year, said, We did distance learning for pre-k 4 once the school closed due to the pandemic. St. Joan of Arc Catholic School (in Boca Raton) and its teachers and staff did an outstanding job bringing the curriculum online. We had math, reading, art, science, religious education and even PE online. My son, however, really struggled with the isolation of not being in a classroom setting. He deeply missed the in-person connection of learning and he, of course, missed seeing his classmates and teachers at school each day. As a parent, I struggled with juggling home life and school life all in our living room. Daily life became more chaotic, especially with a 2-year-old child home as well.”

Emily looks happy to start the school year.

Sam is ready to get to work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virtual school at A.D. Henderson University School (in Boca Raton) has gone remarkably smooth,” said Leslie Moore. “My 7th grader and 2nd grader spend most of their school day on video conferences with their teachers at opposite sides of the house. The video conferences can get loud. Emily also video conferences with the P.E., Media and STEAM teachers weekly. She also has designated break times each day for physical movement, reading, recess and lunch. I’m close by to help with technical issues which can get frustrating at times. Her teacher has been amazing. My 7th grader has eight subjects spread over two days taught through 90 min. video meetings. She talks a lot about her electives: art, robotics and chorus. She seems to have easily transitioned to online learning though I know she wants to be with her friends. We picked up computers and course materials from the school over the summer an, other than a few technical issues, this process has been fairly easy.”

Sophia is ready for 8th grade.

Tinka Ellington-Hooper’s daughter Sophia attends Saint Andrew’s School in Boca. She said about working from home, “Everyone at school has worked really hard to implement virtual schooling effectively. The new school year has been going very well. It’s different of course but also has it’s positive aspects. Through virtual schooling, we are doing what needs to be done right now to keep everyone safe and still have the kids receive a quality education.”

On Sept. 15, Superintendent Runcie announced that he is planning on reopening schools on Oct. 5 with certain procedures, like mask wearing, in place and certain things like science labs not being open, and homework turned in electronically. For info. on how things will be reopened, visit https://storage.googleapis.com/pt06-1/messages/attachments/85c2b4b2f814ce639a96deadc732c6bc/BCPS202021BoardApprovedFinalPlan.pdf

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Pedestrian Dies After Hit & Run

Posted on 09 September 2020 by JLusk

Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) traffic homicide detectives are searching for multiple drivers involved in a hit-and-run that left a pedestrian dead early Sunday morning. 
 
At around 5:45 a.m. Sept. 6, Alan Warren was traveling southbound in a white 2008 Ford Escape, in the inside thru lane of South Cypress Road in Pompano Beach, when he struck a pedestrian walking westbound. The pedestrian was crossing South Cypress Road in an area not designated for pedestrian crossing. Following the impact, Warren came to a complete stop in the area of Southwest Fifth Court and, while on foot, approached the pedestrian who was lying on the ground. 
 
After a brief conversation with the pedestrian, Warren attempted to locate an address on a nearby building to provide to authorities. While doing so with his back turned, the pedestrian was struck multiple times by three unknown vehicles traveling southbound on South Cypress Road. 
 
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue was dispatched and the pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene. 
 
Warren remained at the crash site and was cooperative with investigators. The other vehicles failed to remain on scene to render aid and/or provide information to law enforcement officers as required by law. Witness statements indicate that at least one of the vehicles turned around to see what they hit, but then continued northbound. It is unknown at this time which vehicle caused the pedestrian’s fatal injuries.
 
According to investigators, at the time of the crash there was poor roadway visibility, as it was dark and raining. Evidence and witness statements suggest excessive speed was not a factor in this crash. The investigation continues. 
 
Anyone with information regarding this case is being asked to contact BSO Traffic Homicide Detective Sean Williams at 954-321-4840. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.

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DB Special Commission Mtg.-Sept. 14

Posted on 09 September 2020 by JLusk

A Special City Commission meeting will be held on Monday, September 14 at 6 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers located at the City Hall Complex, 150 NE 2 Avenue, Deerfield Beach, via Zoom.
 
The purpose of the Special City Commission Meeting is to conduct public hearings regarding consideration of re-imposing fire rescue special assessments for the provision of fire rescue services as well as nuisance abatement services assessments on the 2020 tax roll; adopting the non-ad valorem assessment roll. 
 
Those individuals wishing to attend physically are required to adhere to a temperature check, wear facial coverings and maintain social distancing. A copy of the agenda(s) for the  meeting(s) will be available at http://www.deerfield-beach.com/1554/Meetings-Agendas.
 
There are several options available to the public to view the meeting from home:
 
Via Zoom- Access to the meeting will begin at 5:45 p.m. Use the following link below to access the meeting:
 
(The video camera display feature is disabled for public use). Join the meeting via telephone (audio only) using the Call-in number below, followed by the Meeting ID when prompted. No computer or access code is required. Call-in Number: 301-715-8592, Meeting ID: 870 0441 7931#, Participant ID: #, Password: 804669#
 
For more information on using Zoom, please visit Zoom Support at the following link: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us .
 
 
The meeting will also be available to the public via YouTube for audio and video access; however, public participation, i.e. comments are not possible. The link to watch the meeting via YouTube will be active no later than 5:45 p.m. and can be found by clicking the camera icon in the Media column at http://www.deerfield-beach.com/1554/Meetings-Agendas .
 
Public participation is strongly encouraged. Your comments will be limited to three minutes per person. To participate, please choose the option best for you and remember to include your name and address for the record.
 
Public comments and documents may be submitted via email to web.clerk@dfb.city  Public comments will be read aloud during the meeting and added to the record. Emails can be submitted prior to the meeting or until the public hearing session is closed. If attending via Zoom online, at the appropriate public comment period, click “raise hand” on the bottom of the “participants” tab, and your audio will be unmuted when you are recognized. If attending via Zoom by telephone, at the appropriate public comment period, press *9 to “raise your hand” and your audio will be unmuted when you are recognized.
 
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AND FLORIDA STATUTE 286.26, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES NEEDING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING SHOULD CONTACT THE CITY CLERK NO LATER THAN 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT (954) 480-4213 FOR ASSISTANCE.
 
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the City Clerk’s Office at 954-480-4213. For additional information on the agenda items for the Commission meeting, please visit www.dfb.city . 

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Deerfield is Getting Fishy

Posted on 09 September 2020 by JLusk

The City of Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency would like to commission local artists to submit renderings of fish species commonly caught in the waters surrounding the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier to be installed as part of the Pier Fishing Improvements Project.

The fish species requiring visual renderings include:
 
King Fish
Spanish Mackerel 
Barracuda
Mutton Snapper
Bluefish
Mangrove Snapper
Crevalle Jack
Lookdown Fish 
Bonita
Pompano 
 
The visual rendering must be an accurate account of species look, dimensions and species name; however, the artist is encouraged to be creative with background and surrounding white space.
 
Artists are encouraged to submit visuals for at least two species for consideration. 
 
Must be 16 years or older to be considered. Please be advised that the selected artist will create visuals for all 10 species listed above. Please be advised that this is an uncompensated commission . The artists name will be visible on each piece selected.
 
The deadline to submit for the call is Tuesday, Sept.  22 by noon.
 
Please send all submissions to atemple@deerfield-beach.com . Any additional questions please contact the City of Deerfield Beach CRA at 954-495-5430 .

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Palm Beach Enters Phase 2

Posted on 08 September 2020 by JLusk

 

COVID-19 has had a huge effect on all of us. We have been not os patiently waiting for businesses to open up to full capacity, but, as we know, it is happening in stages. Today, Sept. 8, Palm Beach County is entering Phase 2 of its reopening plan. Although things are opening, certain measures, such as social distancing, mask wearing and increased hygiene are still in place to prevent any jump in the numbers, which would lead to closing businesses once again. In addition, most have only certain percentages of people who are allowed in each and there are other stipulations. Under this new phase, the following is opening:

  • Bowling alleys: Limit to 50% of total lanes operational; 4 players/lane maximum; Restricted access to house balls and on-cohort spectators must sit 6-feet apart (no standing or congregating)

  • Escape rooms: No mixed-player games, only private parties; staggered reservations or start times; maximum 6 persons per room

  • Movie theaters (up to a maximum of 50% total seating capacity)

  • Playhouses (33% total seating capacity)

  • Skating centers: Maximum of 25 skaters per standard rink; non-cohort spectators must sit 6-feet apart (no standing or congregating)

  • Trampoline centers: Limit to 50% of equipment/venue capacity; only one person per trampoline, battle beam, tumble mat, ninja pit, or other attraction/piece of equipment; all shared equipment must be sanitized between patrons; no shared equipment where cleaning between patron contact is not feasible (e.g., dodge ball); no groups/parties/activities more than 10 people; non-cohort spectators must sit 6-feet apart (no standing or congregating)

  • Other indoor entertainment venues offering, either for participation or observation, recreational opportunities or games of skill in an enclosed building: Examples include but not limited to, billiard halls not licensed as bars, indoor soccer, laser tag, axe throwing, and paintball; 50% equipment/venue capacity; restricted equipment will be clearly prohibited from operation (e.g., signage or covered); no shared equipment or high contact equipment among patrons where cleaning between patrons is not feasible; no groups/parties/activities more than 10 people; non-cohort spectators must sit 6-feet apart (no standing or congregating).

Questions regarding Phase 2 openings should be directed to the Division of Emergency Management. Call 561-712-6400 or e-mail ComplianceReopening@pbcgov.org

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Sheriff Talks Shop

Posted on 05 September 2020 by Rachel Galvin

The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) is joining the airwaves to discuss issues important to our community in an open and honest conversation.
 
The first episode of the Shop Talk with the Sheriff podcast will focus on reform efforts taking place at the Broward Sheriff’s Office and how these reforms are changing the conversation between BSO and the public we serve.
 
“As the national conversation continues to call for changes in policing, we need to address these concerns and how they relate to our men and women of BSO and within our own neighborhoods,” Sheriff Gregory Tony said. “It’s important now more than ever to have a public discussion about creating real accountability, policy and encouraging mutual understanding.”
 
BSO also launched a podcast called On the Beat in Parkland with the district command staff, community members and residents as a new way to connect, answer frequently asked questions and advise safety tips. The podcasts will feature interviews with an array of individuals including deputies, detectives, specialized units and community stakeholders.
 
Episodes of Shop Talk with the Sheriff and On the Beat in Parkland will be available to listen to for free on sites including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Podbean later this month. Listen to Shop Talk with the Sheriff trailer here and listen to the first episode of On the Beat in Parkland here.
 
If you are interested in submitting questions or topics to discuss on an episode, please send a direct message via Facebook (@BrowardSheriffsOffice), Twitter (@browardsheriff), Instagram (@BrowardSheriffsOffice) or email the questions to AskTheSheriff@sheriff.org.

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