The 2011 redistricting effort will provide for extensive public participation, including public workshops, public hearings, and a process for members of the public to submit maps for Commission consideration.

Public Workshops

A series of workshops will be held at various locations around the County to inform the public about the process and requirements for completing the new County Commission district map. Five workshops have been scheduled:

September 12, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
African American Research Library & Cultural Center
Library Auditorium
2650 Sistrunk Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

September 19, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
North Regional Library
Library Auditorium, Room 154
1100 Coconut Creek Boulevard
Coconut Creek, FL 33066

September 26, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Tree Tops Park
Oak Auditorium
3900 S.W. 100 Avenue
Davie, FL 33328

September 29, 2011 from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Government Center West
Hearing Room
1 University Drive
Plantation, FL 33324

October 3, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
West Lake Park – Anne Kolb Nature Center
Mangrove Hall
751 Sheridan Street
Hollywood, FL 33019

Public Hearings

The County Commission will hold two public hearings, in October and early November of 2011.

Public Submissions of Maps

The State of Florida is developing Web-based software, called “MyDistrictBuilder,” which the public can access for free to draw Federal congressional and State legislative maps that they want to submit for consideration. This software is expected to be fully operational in July 2011, and can also be used to draw custom maps for Broward County Commission districts.

Once the software is available, staff from Broward County Planning and Redevelopment Division will be available to help train members of the public on the use of the software and the process for submitting maps.

Paper maps will also be available, with voter precincts and current Commission district boundaries noted, for members of the public interested in drawing maps by hand.

Planning and Redevelopment Division staff will review all maps submitted by members of the public to ensure consistency with the Broward County Charter and Fair Districting Standards, and submit maps meeting those standards to the County Commission for consideration.

All maps submitted for consideration by the County Commission will be posted to this Web site.

By Gary Curreri 

Rebekah Escuage asks where the finish is for the standup paddleboard event at recent Chick-fil-A Ocean Series on Pompano Beach. Photo by Gary Curreri

Pompano Beach Piranhas head swim coach Jesse Vassallo is hoping to build a strong swim program in the city.

If a recent fundraising event at the beach is any indication, he could be well on his way. A total of 135 competitors recently participated in a Chick-fil-A Ocean Series on Pompano Beach.

The Chick-fil-A Ocean Series was presented by the Pompano Piranhas and featured a one-mile ocean swim, a 500-meter kids swim and a half-mile stand-up paddleboard race. The top three finishers in each event won Cow trophies and medals. There were also goodie bags and door prizes provided, as well as a Chick-fil-A breakfast.

“I am really excited about being here,” said Vassallo, who took over head coaching duties a month ago after spending the previous two years at Ft. Lauderdale Aquatics. He called the Chick-fil-A event “a tremendous success.”

Vassallo, who turns 50 next month, hopes to continue to grow the swim team in Pompano Beach, which is in just its second year as a United States Swim program. It had previously enjoyed success in the South Florida Recreational Swim League.

“We started a month ago with 45 swimmers and we now have 66,” Vassallo said. “We are trying to run the most professional swim team in the area …We have recreational levels for kids who just want to lose weight or have fun. We also want to be very competitive. You can’t have one without the other.”

“I have my goals,” Vassallo added. “The Pompano Piranhas is a small team that came from the rec league maybe three years ago so it is actually a new team in the U.S. Swimming environment. First, I want this to be a solid team so we have to grow in numbers.”

Julia Schulte, 14, the first female finisher in the standup paddleboard event at the competition who finished fourth overall, likes the direction the Piranhas are taking. She has been a member of the swim program for the past six years.

“It is such a black-and-white difference (with the competition),” said Schulte, who is also a junior lifeguard with Pompano. “With (the recreation swim league), I would win the heats like they were nothing and, here, I get my butt kicked and come in dead last. It is just a whole other world. It is like you go into the Twilight Zone and you feel like you are in a whole different world.”

Piranhas’ teammate Rebekah Escuage, 17, also from Pompano Beach, agreed that the competition is now stiffer.

“Rec (swimming) was a lot of fun, but this is a higher level of competition,” Escuage said. “It is nice to see how it is going to be by competing at such a high level, even with people who are going to the Olympics. It is really different.”

“That was a beginner type thing, but when we switched here it was like a whole different world of competition and people who can beat you,” Escuage added. “Training got a lot harder, but it was more worth it and it was something to strive for.”

DB Chamber After Hours

Thursday, July 21, 5:30 p.m.

Say Fitness Inc. , 801 SE 10 St., Suite 1 & 2, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, call 954-421-2116.

Lobster Slayer Seminar

Friday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.

Dixie Divers, 455 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Learn lobstering techniques from the “Lobster Slayer” Jim “Chiefy” Mathie. $20 per person, includes guidebook “Catching the Bug.” Reservations: 954-420-0009 or go to Dixie Divers Facebook Page.

Cover more ground on the Lady Go Diver this Mini Lobster Season, July 27 & 28.  Contact Dixie Divers for  details.

Moonlight Melodies Concert

Friday, July 22, 7 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot, SE 1st Street and Ocean Way, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Performance by Stampede Movement (reggae). FREE. Bring beach chair or blanket. 954-480-4430 or www.Deerfield-Beach.com.

Splash Luau

Friday, July 22, 6 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

This family-oriented event will include a movie, luau games and other activities, along with splash time in the park’s Splash Adventure water park. $5.50-per-person admission fee does not include refreshments. Space is limited. Advance tickets required. 954-357-5100.

Sol Children Theatre:  “Little Women”

Saturday, July 23, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday July 24, 2 p.m.

Sol Children Theatre, 3333 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL  33431

Reservations suggested. Tickets $12 ea., including refreshments. For reservations, 561-447-8829. www.solchildren.org.

Card party

Tuesday, July 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pompano Beach Elks, 700 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Held by Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does, Drove 142. Open to public. Cost: $4, which includes dessert, coffee or tea. 561-479-2002.

NE Focal Point Family Fundraiser Night

Tuesday, July 26, 4 to 10 p.m.

Duffy’s Sports Grill, 401 N. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Eat, drink, have fun, meet staff, learn about NE Focal Point. Ten percent of proceeds benefit NE Focal Point. If you are planning to attend, call 954-480-4460 or 954-480-4449 for “special certificate” to benefit NE Focal Point.

North Broward Democratic Club meets

Wednesday, July 27, 7:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Speaker: Rodney Statham, Zone Coordinator for Florida AFL-CIO. Topic: Update on redistricting and new congressional and state legislative maps. FREE, open to the public. Light refreshments served.

It’s a Harry Potter World!

Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

• Wednesday, July 27 to Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2nd floor: Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance, Science, Magic and Medicine explores the world of Harry Potter and its roots in Renaissance magic, science and medicine.

• Friday, July 29, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 6th floor: Suzy Hammer portrays Professor McGonagall, runs Hogwarts Contest. Enjoy magic, stories, potions class and Harry himself (puppet).

• Thursday, August 11, noon to 1 p.m., 6th floor: Associate Professor of History at Florida Atlantic University Dr. Ben Lowe presents “Medicine, Magic and the Culture of Humanism in Renaissance Europe,” discusses how science and medicine during this time often  crossed over into magic.

Harry Potter movies will show in the first floor auditorium from 2 to 5 p.m; July 28: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone; July 29: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Aug. 4: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Aug. 5:  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; Aug. 11: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix;  Aug. 12: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince; Aug. 17: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1.

For information, call 954-357-7443.

Save the Date: Battle of the Singing Preachers!

Thursday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.

South Florida Event Conference Center, 6101 NW 31 St., Margate, FL 33063

The Battle of the Singing Preachers kicks off the 1st Annual Praise and Worship Conference & Choir Revival, hosted by Rev. Gene Townsel, beginning the following day at the Deerfield Beach Hampton Inn, 660 W. Hillsboro Blvd., 33441. Singing preachers include locals like Patrick Kelly of Cathedral Church Of God in Deerfield Beach, Rev. Ernest Gonder of Love Fellowship Church in Pompano Beach and Minister Adrian Wilson of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pompano Beach. Tickets for the dinner show are $40 single, $75 couple and $35 each for a table of 10.

Scheduled to share in the conference at the Hampton Inn is nationally acclaimed composer, clinician and director Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux.  Conference closes with a Choir Revival  at the Word Of The Living God Ministries in Pompano Beach.

Special “Pre-Registration” group discounts are available for registrations that are in by July 25. Register at www.genetownselministries.com or call 561-436-0868.

Volunteer Day

Saturday, July 9, 9 a.m.

The Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Bring your own work gloves. We will supply both water and lunch. E-mail Jerry@treezoo.com or call 954-480-4494

Sol Children Theatre Troupe –“The Last Five Years”

Friday, July 15, 7 p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, July 17, 2 p.m.

Sol Children Theatre, 3333 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Discretion advised due to language and adult content. Early reservations recommended. Tickets: $12 includes refreshments. Call 561-447-8829 for reservations or info. www.solchildren.org.

“Summer in the City” music series – Soul Survivors Band

Friday, July 15, 7 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater, 327 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Free concert. The state-of-the-art backup band, that sounds like a 16-piece orchestra, has recorded the original music in Miami studios for people like The BeeGees, Barbra Streisand, Marc Anthony and others. They are joined by four musically-diverse singers. 561-393-7827. www.myboca.us/rec/specialevents

Luminotti plays

Saturday, July 16, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The French Quarter Bar & Grill, 2341 N. Federal Hwy. (in front of Muvico), Pompano Beach, FL  33062

Local classic rock band Luminotti is playing a new venue – The French Quarter,  this Saturday night. Bring a friend to hear lead singer Steve Minotti with bandmates Mark Barovich, Kenny Minotti, Chris Korzen and Paul Vouté. Save the date for next gig: Deerfield Beach’s Firewater, Friday, July 29.

Pompano Beach free tree giveaway

Saturdays, July 16 and 23, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pompano Beach Nursery, 1000 NE 3 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Two trees per residence; first come, first served basis.  Must live within city limits and provide identification, such as a driver’s license or water bill to verify residency. Varieties include: Mahogany, Live Oak, Dahoon, Holly, Red Maple, Red Cedar, Queen Palm, Foxtail Palm, Crape Myrtle, Paradise, Bulnesia and Simpson Stopper. Instruction sheets for planting included. 954-786-5516.

COBRA launches

Saturday, July 16, 5 to 8 p.m.

Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton 33432

COBRA stands for City of Boca Raton Athletics. This new program will be announced. Event is part of the Florida Panthers Blueprint Parks “We See Red” tour. Panthers Patrol will bring along their inflatables, interactive games, Panther facepainters, live music, giveaways and other activities to complete a “sports-fun” experience. Special appearances by Panthers Ice Dancers, Stanley C. Panther and other Panthers personalities. 561-393-7827, www.floridapanthers.com.

Zonta comes to Deerfield Beach

Tuesday, July 19, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. (networking), noon (lunch)

Duffy’s  Restaurant, 401 N. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Held on third Tuesday of each month. Zonta International is a classified service organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women locally and world-wide through service and advocacy.  The organization has more than 1,200 clubs in 67 countries, with a membership of nearly 33,000.  The Zonta Club of Greater Deerfield Beach is a 501(c) 3 organization, registered in the United States. RSVP to  Sandy Manning at 561-392-2223 for reservations.

The Democratic Women’s Club of NE Broward meets

Wednesday, July 20, 7 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St. , Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Topic: New voting laws enacted in the 2011 legislative session. Refreshments served. 954-942-8711.

Save the Date: 2nd Annual Bowling Fundraiser

Friday, July 29, 7 to 10 p.m.

Diamond Strikes Lanes, 2200 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

“Spare Lives and Strike Out Cancer” by participating in a friendly competition of spares and strikes with this Relay for Life fundraiser. Team packages of $150 include 6 bowlers ($25 per person), 3 hours of bowling, shoes, pizza and wings, raffles, prizes, free bowling coupons, and more.  N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach.  Contact Nona at 954-304-4248 to sign up by July 15.

Yoga in the forest

Thursday, July 7, 6 p.m.

Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. S., Coconut Creek, FL 33063

Every Thursday. Hatha Yoga. For 18 and up. $10. Wear loose-fitting clothing, bring mat. Registration not required. 954-357-5198.

Update your driving skills

Friday, July 8, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Century Plaza Branch Library, 1856-A West Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Presented by AARP. One-day class for auto insurance credit. Cost: AARP Members-$12, non-members-$14. Register: 954-360-1330.

Sol Children’s Theatre: “Seussical”

Friday, July 8, 2 and 7 p.m.

Olympic Heights Fine Arts Theatre, 20101 Lyons Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33434

$10. Available on www.solchildren.org. 561-447-8829.

Splash Luau at Quiet Waters Park

Friday, July 8, 6 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Movie, luau games and more, along with splash time in the Splash Adventure water park. $5.50-per-person admission fee does not include refreshments. Space limited. Advance ticket sales required. 954-357-5100

American Flyers cookout and open house

Saturday, July 9, noon

Pompano Beach Airpark, 801 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free BBQ lunch followed by facility tour given by a certified flight instructor. Tour classrooms, flight line and simulators. Flight instructor will conduct free FAA WINGS seminar, covering congested airspace considerations. Guests eligible to receive certificate for two free hours of instruction in flight simulator. Arrive 10-15 mins. early. No reservations needed. 954-785-1450 or www.americanflyers.net/about/aviation_ seminars.asp.

Best-selling author book signing

Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m.

Barnes & Noble, 2790 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33065

Best-selling children’s author, Laura Duksta, will be autographing and selling her popular book “I Love You More” in addition to her new book, which flips to read the title “You Are a Gift to the World” on one side, “The World is a Gift to You” on the other. If you missed her book signing in Boca, it is worth the drive to see this inspiring author. www.LauraDuksta.com.

Humane Society shelter 1-year anniversary

Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3870 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Raffles, food, animal CPR, dog agility, K-9 demonstrations and fun. No pets. www.floridahumanesociety.com.

Pancake breakfast

Sunday, July 10, 9 a.m. to noon

Elks Lodge, 700 N.E. 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by the Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does, Drove 142. Adults $5, children $2.50. 954-725-5192.

Deerfield Beach Democratic Club meets

Monday, July 11, 7 p.m.

Century Village, Activity Center, 2400 Century Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker: Mr. Owen Walker from the Broward County Services for the elderly and Veterans Dept. RE: Veteran benefits. 954-415-5658.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Wednesday, July 13, 10 a.m. to noon

301 NW 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441    

Also 20 & 27. Share experiences, become informed. Speaker: David Ruberg, MPS, Old Friends Geriatric Care Management. Topic: Medicaid and veterans benefits. 954-480-4463.

Looking for affordable quality childcare?

NE Focal Point has certified staff on hand to care for children 3 to 5 years old. Their full day program is Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It includes breakfast, lunch and snacks and a developmentally appropriate curriculum. They include art and music in their programs and have a computer lab. They have a low teacher to child ratio and a nurse on the premises. Their free VPK program is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. Family Central is welcome. NE Focal Point has an Apple accreditation, a State of Florida Gold Seal, has received the Points of Light Award and has a Broward County 5+ Star Quality Rating.

Hospice volunteers needed

VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Broward needs volunteers to make friendly visits to terminally ill patients and their families, provide relief for weary caregivers, visit veterans, accompany dog for Pet Therapy visits, sew Memory Bears, play musical instruments, sing or read to patients. Licensed hairstylists needed to give free haircuts to patients at home. Volunteers must take two-day orientation. 954-777-5396.

FAU to test emergency alert system

Thursday, June 30, 9:50 a.m.

Don’t worry, it’s not ringing in your ears. FAU is scheduled to test its emergency broadcasting system this morning. Those near the campus are likely to hear the loud sirens and a spoken message. They will also test their toll-free emergency number – 1-888-8FAU-OWL (8328-695).

Barefoot on the Beach

Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.

Residence Inn Marriott, 1350 N. Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Drinks by Barefoot wine. Raffles, door prizes and art will be on sale. Proceeds benefit Food For The Poor. Monies from event will specifically go to 11-year-old philanthropist Rachel Wheeler’s effort to build a school in Haiti in Rachel’s Village, a village she helped build through her fundraising efforts. $15. R.S.V.P.: 954-783-5327.

East Village Uncorked Event

Friday, July 1, 6 to 9 p.m.

Harbor Village , 2600-2700 block of E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free. Art and wine strolling event. Find out about planned improvements in East Community Redevelopment Agency. Free parking available. 954-786-7824.

About Boating Safety (ABS) Course

Saturday, July 2, 8 a.m.

Dixon Ahl Recreation Center, 2200 NE 38 St. , Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Presented by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-7, Lighthouse Point. Cost: $45 (includes materials/lunch). Limited space. Information/registration, call Gene Cain, 954-557-0582 or auxcain@hotmail.com. www.flotilla37.org.

Fortnight of Freedom, Fourth of July sale

Saturday, July 2 to Saturday, July 16

The Book Nook, Percy White Library, 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Buy any item (books, CD’s, tapes, art, everything goes). Get a 2nd item of equal  or lesser value FREE, mix or match. Proceeds generated by the store are used to help the library. 954-360-1380.

Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives are looking for a man who tried to rob an IHOP restaurant in Pompano shortly after 1 a.m. today. There is no surveillance video, but the man had a distinctive sleeve tattoo of flames that covered his entire right arm. He carried a rifle and demanded money from employees but then left before taking the money. T Any member of the public with knowledge about the crime or the criminal can report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Broward County, which will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. That number is 954-493-TIPS (8477).

Pompano Beach Library, located at 1213 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, is currently closed due to flooding caused by a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. It is anticipated that the library will reopen on Monday, June 6, provided necessary repairs are completed.

Other nearby Broward County Library locations include:
• Beach Library, 221 Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach, 954-786-2197: Open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Saturdays.

• Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library, 2800 N.W. Ninth Court, Pompano Beach, 954-968-3820: Open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Saturdays.

• North Regional/Broward College Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., 954-201-2600: Open Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Northwest Library, 1580 N.W. Third Ave., Pompano Beach, 954-786-2186: Closed Fridays; open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Customers are also encouraged to visit the Broward County Library Web site, www.broward.org/library to find information on other library locations; to check out, place holds on and renew materials; check the status of their library account; and gain access to the library catalog, specialized databases, event calendars and more.

The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is pleased to announce the Grand Opening celebration of the Pompano Beach CRA Business Resource Center located at 50 NE 1st Street, on Tuesday, May 31st from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

In 2010, through the dynamic economic development vision of the Pompano Beach CRA, the Pompano Beach CRA Business Resource Center was born. This 2,234 square foot facility located in Old Pompano has been newly renovated to house the Microenterprise Business Loan Fund Program, along with the Business Incubator and the Job Placement Center, the latest programs supported by the CRA. International Enterprise Development, Inc. (IED) has been contracted to create, develop, administer and operate these additional programs as well.

The Microenterprise Business Loan Fund Program offers training workshops, one-to-one technical assistance, business support, loan application, loan approval process, loan disbursements and collections and on-going business monitoring. This program has been successfully operating since 2006 and over $500,000 in micro loans have been approved and disbursed in the community. The Business Incubator
provides an opportunity for the next step of growth for micro and small businesses, offering seven private offices with business services, such as marketing, bookkeeping, business coaching and office space for client meetings as well as use of office equipment at a very reasonable rate.

Micro/small businesses can also have the opportunity to take advantage of this new facility, in a virtual way. Training will be offered to incubator businesses and on-site staff will be there to assist. The Job Placement Center will focus on providing links to the people of Pompano Beach to job opportunities through the creation of partnerships, training, education and individual support.

The Grand Opening event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Plaques will be given to Florida Shores Bank for its generous support of the Center and to Mr. Stephen Cohen of Regent Bank in appreciation for his years of leadership as the Chairman of the NW Pompano Beach CRA Microenterprise Business Loan Fund Loan Committee. A plaque will also be hung in the center to recognize the Pompano Beach CRA Board, the NW Advisory Committee, Florida Shores Bank, Regent Bank, Comerica Bank, SunTrust Bank, Bank Atlantic, PNC Bank and Metro Broward Economic Development Corp. for all of their dedication and support to economic development in Pompano Beach.

For more information, call 954-786-7867.

The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for Streetscape Improvements to East Atlantic Boulevard between AIA and Pompano Beach Boulevard on April 27.

This is the first shovel in the ground project in the East CRA District. Planned improvements include reconfigured street lanes, wider sidewalks for outside dining and improved landscaping, according to Sandra King, spokesperson for Pompano Beach.

Construction will officially begin on May 2.

During the ceremony, Mayor Lamar Fisher said, “This has been a long journey. Now we can celebrate that a vision has become a reality and that dreams do come true.”