Looking for Dudey the Cat in Croissant Park

Hi All,

There was a fire on 834 16th Street, March 4. The owner, Anita, lost everything in the fire, including her cat, Dudey.

She not is not losing hope in finding Dudey.

Here is stock photo of a cat that looks similar to Dudey coloring.

We are praying that Anita finds her cat and she is able to start her life over again.
Please email her if you find Dudey.( Click Here )
God Bless,
John

An Up Hill Battle - Inspiration for Croissant Park Residence

Hi All,

I saw this story on CBS news today and it was so inspirational to me.

You have to see it....

Click on this image to see the Video story from CBS new

Once you get to page, you will see the video to click on. It shows the whole story I saw on the news.

What did you think? Was it inspirational to you? Can we do more for ourselves and our community?
God Bless,
John

Bryant Peney Park in Croissant Park

Hi All,

Since I posted about the new street named after Bryant Peney, I thought I would post of few photos of the jewel of park in our neighborhood. It is a nice size park, 1 acre in size, near SW 21st and 4th avenue.

Here are some photos I took of the park.



Do you use this Park? What do you like or dislike about the park? What do you think about adding more green space in our community?
God Bless,
John

Bryant Peney Street Dedication

Hi All,

As many of you know, we have a wonderful park in our community named after Bryant Peney. A young police officer who was shot in the line of Duty. Well, now the city is naming a street after him.

It is March 24th at 11am, on the corner of SE 15th Street and Miami Road.


If you plan to go, please RSVP at 954.828.4750
Please note that parking is limited so if possible, please carpool with friends and neighbors.
For more information, please contact Petula Burks at 954.828.4742

God Bless,
John

New Side Walk in Croissant Park

Hi All,

Did you see the new sidewalk on SW 4th Ave, from 20th Street to St Rd 84? It is a beautiful and wide sidewalk. I did not see this sidewalk go in and I don't know who authorized it be put there, there the city or the county. But whoever, it was a welcomed site.

View from the Cemetery looking South

View from the Corner of St Rd 84 and Looking North

Does anyone out there know how this sidewalk got installed? Are there any streets that need sidewalks in our community? Which ones?
God Bless,
John

Happy St Patty's Day from Ft Lauderdale

Hi All,

I went out to have a Corn Beef and Cabbage and to celebrate the Irish I have in me, which is only 25%. As we know, this day, everyone is 100% Irish. My wife and I went to South Port Raw Bar and the place was packed and so were all the places on 17th Street Causeway.

Here a few photos for the blog. I even ran into a few familiar faces at South Port.




Where is your favorite Fort Lauderdale St. Patty's place to celebrate? Why?
God Bless,
John
PS. Say a prayer for Ireland that violence does not happen again in Northern Ireland. As you may or may not know a few British soldiers where killed there recently.

From the Desk of Commissioner Romney Rogers

Hi All,

Here is message from our new commissioner.

And So We Begin

It is with heartfelt thanks that I write this first article as your new District IV Commissioner. I am both humbled and honored to be representing the district I grew up in and the city I love. You have honored me with your vote of confidence and as always, your attendance at the polls was twice the city average.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to our out-going commissioner Cindi Hutchinson, and we wish her the best. She served our district and city well during the last 9 years and worked very hard to address all of our concerns and quality-of-life issues.

The new commission is set to continue the work of addressing our budget, public safety, neighborhoods and economic development issues, all with decreases in our available revenues. We also need to develop plans for our city’s future and we need input from all of you to do that effectively. We will need to find ways to deliver services at lower cost and help jumpstart our economy by streamlining the permitting process.

I am excited about working with this commission who will have many talents and a depth of historical knowledge about our city with everyone having graduated high school locally (2 from Stranahan and 2 from Gibbons) with a combined presence in the city of 207 years. It always helps to know where you have been in order to have a clear view of where you want to go. We will look forward to taking great strides in the city’s progress. As pledged by each during our campaigns, this accomplishment will take a spirit of cooperation. Again, I pledge this to you and am looking forward to this spirit of cooperation permeating the entire city.

I trust I can count on all of you to share your concerns with me. Contact my office any time during normal business hours at (954) 828-5004. If you would like to meet with me in person please call my aide, Sharon Brooks at (954) 828-5028, to set up an appointment.

Now, lets get to work!

Saving Marriages in Broward County

Hi All,

I saw this ABC news video about saving marriages in Oregon. It really hit home to me because I came from a divorce family and I really hate divorce.

Watch this video:



What do you think about this? Do you think it could work in Broward County Florida?
God Bless,
John

Good Bye Party for Cindi Hutchinson

Hi All,

Last night was a nice farewell party for Cindi Hutchinson, the Fort Lauderdale commissioner for our district. She served 9 years as our commissioner and worked hard as our commissioner. Here is a little bio I found on her.

Cindi Hutchinson was elected to the Fort Lauderdale City Commission District IV seat on March 14, 2000. She served as vice mayor from 2002 - 2003 and from 2006 - 2007.

Hutchinson is a native of Fort Lauderdale and has resided in the Edgewood neighborhood for 49 years. She has been self-employed for most of her adult life and has been actively involved in civic affairs, serving as president and board member of the Edgewood Civic Association for 11 years. During her term, she helped research, develop and implement Edgewood's Neighborhood Master Plan and she served as neighborhood liaison to the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.

Cindi with Croissant Park Neighbors

Cindi Mother

Farewell Speech

Fort Lauderdale City Manager and the Crowd

Cindi Gets Puppy as a Gift

Neighbors from Croissant Park wishing Cindi the best!!

Throughout her career in public service, Commissioner Hutchinson has been an active participant and advocate for City and neighborhood programs. Hutchinson is a graduate of the Fort Lauderdale Citizen's Police Academy, the Fire Rescue Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Neighborhood Leadership College ("Inside Your Local Government"). Hutchinson has been a proponent of local initiatives related to homelessness and airport relations; and has been instrumental in coordinating numerous public education and fundraising events. She was the initiator of the State Road 84 Design Charrette and coordinated the efforts of four adjoining neighborhoods (River Oaks, Edgewood, Croissant Park and Poinciana Park) to bring this plan into play. She also helped to secure a $500,000 enhancement grant from the State for State Road 84.

Commissioner Hutchinson is a member of Neighborhood USA (NUSA). She has been a workshop presenter at NUSA on topics such as "Neighborhood Revitalization" and "How to Groom Good Leaders." She has also been an attendee and workshop presenter at the Florida Neighborhood Conferences for the last 4 years. She was co-chair for the Florida Neighborhood Conference held in Fort Lauderdale October 6-7, 2000.

Commissioner Hutchinson is an active member of St. Jerome's Catholic Church and volunteers on a regular basis.

Pretty impressive resume if you ask me. Any comments from you all out there about Cindi and her job with the city?
God Bless,
John

Romney Rogers Wins District 4 Elections

Hi All,

As you may or may not know, Romney Rogers won the Fort Lauderdale District 4 Elections last night over Coleman Prewitt. Rogers had 55.25% of the votes to Prewitt 44.75% votes. It was hard fought election and a nail bitter till the end. I went to Romney's Election Results gathering last night and it was exciting to be part of.

Here are a few photos from the night.

If you want to see the election results by each precinct, < Click Here > .

I got to see first hand, how hard and how much effort Romney took to win this election, finding volunteers, gathering money, and especially his time. I am sure Coleman did the same for his side too. If you look at the election results and see how few votes the candidates are fighting for, it is amazing. I do not think I would do it.

What did you think about the election? What do you think about the election turn out? How do you think we can get more people be involve and vote in the future?
God Bless,
John

Best Clam Chowder in Fort Lauderdale

Hi All,

I have not been to Southport Raw Bar in a long time, but tonight I took a friend there for some Clam Chowder and Oysters. I love their New England style clam chowder and I must say South Port has the best in town that I know of.

There are few things that I love about South Port, really friendly staff, the food is always good and fresh, the service is quick and fast, and the price is right.

The servers are always smiling and moving at Southport. They are always checking to see if you need something else and get the food to your table fast and Hot / or Cold.

My pastor says, people in Florida don't like change. That is way they move to Florida because the weather is always the same. I must say I am one of them, because I always order the same thing at Southport, but what I order is soooo good. The prices are really good here too. Two people could easily eat under $40, which is really unheard in this day and age.


Buddy - One of the Owners of Southport

To find out more on SouthPort Rawbar .... Click Here
10% off Coupon .... Click Here

To get back to the main topic, I put it out there that Southport Raw Bar has the best Clam Chowder in Fort Lauderdale. How do you feel about it? Do you agree or disagree?
God Bless,
John

Lights out all over the Earth

This is pretty cool - lets all try and mark the date!

Another E-mail from Commissioner John Rodstrom's office.


It's Lights Out for "Earth Hour" in Broward County on March 28

Residents Asked to Participate in Worldwide Event


Broward County residents are being asked to turn all "non-essential" lights out for one hour beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28 in recognition of "Earth Hour." Earth Hour was first celebrated two years ago in Sydney, Australia when 2..2 million people and thousands of businesses turned off their lights to send a message about climate change. Now, Earth Hour is celebrated in more than 400 cities by an estimated 50 million people worldwide. In the United States, 36 million Americans reported participating. On Tuesday, March 3, Broward County Commissioners passed a resolution asking all residents and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for the hour between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on March 28 to conserve energy and raise awareness about climate change.

Commissioner Kristin Jacobs, who is Chair of the Broward County Climate Change Task Force, brought the resolution to the Commission for approval. "Earth Hour isn't only about saving energy, it's to promote the idea that each of us as individuals can make a big difference when we combine our efforts toward a common cause," said Commissioner Jacobs. "It's a visual symbol to the world's leaders that we are counting on them to work together to find solutions."It is estimated that if every American participated in Earth Hour, 16,610 tons of carbon dioxide would not released."We're calling this the power of one campaign," said Commissioner Jacobs. "This is something that one person can do, and if we do it collectively, it gives you an idea of the impact we have when we band together."

Some of the world's most iconic landmarks have participated in Earth Hour.. Lights have gone out at the Sydney Opera House, Bangkok's Watt Arun Buddhist temple, the Coliseum in Rome, the Empire State Building in New York, the Sears Tower in Chicago and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in recognition of Earth Hour.For more information on Broward County's environmental programs and services, visit www.broward.org/gogreen. The Web site also provides information and tips on what residents and businesses can do to "go green." Visit www.EarthHourUS.org for more information on Earth Hour.

Low Cost Rabies Vaccinations- and $10 spaying or neutering

This is certainly timely in light of John's recent post about pet legislation- for all you people out there feeding the ferral cats- just an idea..............


Broward County Animal Care to Offer Low-Cost Rabies Vaccinations to Broward County Dogs and Cats, Saturday, March 14


This was an E-Mail from County Commissioner Rodstrom’s office

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation will hold a Rabies Clinic on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Roosevelt Park, 2841 N.W. 11th St., Fort Lauderdale. At the clinic, pet owners will be able to get their pet vaccinated against rabies. In addition, they will receive a Broward County pet license. Cost for the vaccination and license is $15 per pet -- cash only. "Rabies is one of the deadliest of diseases, but also is easy to prevent," said Dr. Tim Johnston, veterinarian of Animal Care and Regulation. "A simple yearly vaccination is all it takes to ensure the health and safety of our pets and our residents."

In addition, attendees will be able to register their pet to be spayed or neutered -- fixed -- for $10 through the County's S.P.O.T. (Stop Pet Overpopulation Together) Program. To qualify to attend the rabies clinic, a pet owner must prove they are a Broward County resident by producing a valid Florida driver's license or a current utility bill. In addition, the pet owner must bring proof that they meet low-income guidelines based on income and family size by producing a current pay check stub, or prove that they are receiving: • Public assistance or food stamps • Worker's compensation or unemployment • Social Security or Disability No appointment is necessary and customers are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. All dogs must be on leashes and all cats must be in carriers. For more information, call 954-359-1010.

Dangerous Dog Legislation

Hi All,

I have not had this problem personally but my wife who has a co-worker who was riding his bike in our neighborhood and got attacked by a dog and bitten pretty badly. This guy did not sue the owner and nothing happened to the dog.

Anyway, here is an email I got from Victoria Park:

Hello Fort Lauderdale, South Florida Friends and Residents.
A new bill before the Florida Legislature, House Bill 189/Senate Bill 922, would allow any Florida community or city to adopt regulations that target or ban specific dog breeds.

I just filled this out and sent it on so we can start some legislation in reference to dangerous dogs. In Victoria Park we have had way too many attacks on our residents and pets. Please read this over and if you are in agreement send it on and pass it to others you know.

Thanks

Pat Mayers

Victoria Park Crime Committee

President of Citizens Crime Alert of Fort Lauderdale Inc.

Do you think Croissant Park should get involved in this by supporting or not supporting the bill? Does anyone know about this bill and can explain more about it?
God Bless,
John

S.O.S. - SAVE OUR SAND!

Hi All,

I got this email from Council of Civic Association:

I am not totally familiar with this situation but I thought you need to read this to make up your mind if you need to get involved with this. Read on to see if you need to get involved. God Bless. John

Our shoreline is eroding at an alarming rate! Fort Lauderdale was next in line to undergo a critical beach renourishment program, but now Broward County is considering delaying the program.

The Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners need your help to make sure that Fort Lauderdale is not pushed to the back of the line. Let Broward County know that you oppose the proposed Port Everglades Sand Bypass Project and that you want them to implement the Segment II Beach Renourishment Project as promised.

The Sand Bypass Project will benefit Hollywood at the expense of Fort Lauderdale residents, visitors, and businesses. There are unresolved concerns that the project could jeopardize public safety and have significant repercussions for our local tourism, boating, and fishing industries.

What Can You Do?

Call or e-mail your County Commissioner today and urge them to do the right thing and protect our beaches here in Fort Lauderdale! Let them know that you don’t want to wait any longer and that you won’t stand by as they put your community and its most vital industries in harm's way.

We have prepared the following letter that you can copy and paste into your e-mail message:

Dear Broward County Commission:

I support the Fort Lauderdale City Commission’s position strongly opposing the Port Everglades Entrance Sand Bypass Project.

I urge the Broward County Commission to immediately suspend all work and activities related to this project. I further urge the County Commission to fulfill its commitment to the City of Fort Lauderdale by completing the Segment II Beach Renourishment project.

Broward County promised that when Hollywood Beach was finished, the renourishment of Fort Lauderdale Beach would begin. The County would be breaking its promise if it moves forward with the Sand Bypass Project.

This initiative will not help Fort Lauderdale Beach and will only succeed in putting even more sand on the recently renourished Hollywood Beach at the expense of Fort Lauderdale residents, visitors and businesses. The project itself could change the structural integrity of surrounding buildings. In addition, blasting and the disruptive and noisy construction will have significant repercussions for our local tourism, boating and fishing industries.

Although the Hollywood Beach project was completed three years ago, the renourishment of Fort Lauderdale Beach has still not begun. In the meantime, Fort Lauderdale Beach continues to lose sand at an alarming rate.

Each day the City waits, a portion of our beach loses close to 2,000 cubic feet of sand, or enough sand to fill five dump trucks each day. Please don’t make us wait any longer. Don’t put our community or its most vital industries at risk. Please do what you promised and renourish our beach now.

Sincerely,

Name:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Phone:

E-mail:

Contact information for the County Commissioners is below. If you need to, you can find your county commission district at http://www.broward.org/countygov.htm.

District I

Ilene Lieberman

(954) 357-7001

ilieberman@broward.org

District II

Kristin Jacobs

(954) 357-7002

kjacobs@broward.org

District III

Stacy Ritter

(954) 357-7003

sritter@broward.org

District IV

Ken Keechl

(954) 357-7004

kkeechl@broward.org

District V

Lois Wexler

(954) 357-7005

lwexler@broward.org

District VI

Sue Gunzburger

(954) 357-7006

sgunzburger@broward.org

District VII

John E. Rodstrom, Jr.

(954) 357-7007

jrodstrom@broward.org

District VIII

Diana Wasserman-Rubin

(954) 357-7008

dwassermanrubin@broward.org

District IX

Josephus Eggelletion, Jr.

(954) 357-7009

jeggelletion@broward.org

Going to a Miami Heat Game

Hi All,

I received this email and wondering is there any interest in going to a Miami Heat Game as a community?

Here is the letter I received:

Good Afternoon,

My name is Chad Goldman and I set up group outings for the Miami HEAT. I am reaching out to you today because you are listed as a leader of a civic organization. I wanted to introduce myself and extend an opportunity to bring the members of your organization to a night out with the Miami HEAT! I’m excited about having your organization feel the HEAT EXPERIENCE!

Here are some of the main points of an event with the HEAT:

· Group discount pricing starting as low as $10 (reg. price $35)
· Half-time recognition of your organization
· The members of your organization taking part in a personalized Fan Experience

Allow me the opportunity to work with you to coordinate an UNFORGETTABLE event for your organization. For more information, give me a call directly at (786) 777-4881.

Attached is our schedule for your review.

Thank you,
Chad Goldman
786.777.4881

MARCH
2 Mon. CLEVELAND 7:30 PM
4 Wed. PHOENIX 7:30 PM
6 Fri. @ Toronto 7:00 PM
7 Sat. @ Cleveland 7:30 PM
9 Mon. CHICAGO 7:30 PM
11 Wed. BOSTON 7:30 PM
14 Sat. UTAH 1:00 PM
15 Sun. @ Philadelphia 1:00 PM
18 Wed. @ Boston 7:00 PM ESPN
20 Fri. @ New Jersey 7:30 PM
22 Sun. @ Detroit 1:00 PM ABC
23 Mon. MEMPHIS 7:30 PM
25 Wed. @ Indiana 7:00 PM
26 Thurs. @ Chicago 8:00 PM TNT
28 Sat. MILWAUKEE 7:30 PM
30 Mon. ORLANDO 7:30 PM

APRIL
1 Wed. @ Dallas 8:30 PM
3 Fri. @ Charlotte 7:00 PM
4 Sat. @ Washington 7:00 PM
7 Tues. NEW ORLEANS 7:30 PM
10 Fri. @ Boston 7:30 PM
12 Sun. NEW YORK 6:00 PM
14 Tues. @ Atlanta 7:00 PM
15 Wed. DETROIT 8:00 PM

I am on the fence about it. I have a van and can fit up to 11 people. I would go if there is any interest. Reply to this blog to see if there interest.
God Bless,
John

Saying GoodBye to Cindi Hutchinson

Hi All,

There is an open invitation to say good bye to Cindi. The details are the following:

When: March 11, 2009
Where: Riverhouse Restaurants - 301 SW 3rd Ave, Ft. Lauderdale
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

It is open to anyone but they do need a RSVP. Call Sharon Hynds, 954-562-6127, hynds57@bellsouth.net.

RSVP by March 4th - There is a charge. $15 prepay for Hors d'oeurvers, Cash Bar.

God Bless,
John