DATE: January 12, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe
Public Information Manager, Broward County Commission
PHONE: (954) 357-8053
EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Community programs, non-profit organizations, social services, recreational opportunities and economic development programs will be funded throughout Broward County using County Commission district funds saved in Fiscal Year 2015.
Broward County Mayor Marty Kiar directed $40,064 from his District 1 office budget to develop and construct a splash pad within Vista View Park. In addition, Commissioner Lois Wexler directed up to $60,000 in separate funds from her Commission District 5 Discretionary Bond Funds included in the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond to the Vista View Park splash pad project which will provide a new amenity for residents and visitors. The money will support the planning, design and construction of the new recreational feature.
Commissioner Wexler also allocated $10,000 from District 5 office funds to the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention (FISP) HOPE Club for programs that help to prevent teenage suicide, bullying and substance abuse in schools.
Commissioner Chip LaMarca allocated $44,255 from his District 4 office budget to the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County. The one time funding will support the non-profit organization in the shortfall of their operating budget in an effort to provide ongoing services to children and teenagers at the three Broward County clubs.
"These local clubs provide important services to young people in Broward County. Designated funding for them has been reduced over the years and it's our responsibility to make sure they stay up and running," said Commissioner LaMarca.
Commissioner LaMarca also directed $25,000 to the Friends of Birch State Park to restore and improve Long Lake located within Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in District 4. The money will be used to rid Long Lake of exotic and non-indigenous plant growth and restoration and upgrades to improve the lake for continued public use and recreation.
Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness used money remaining in his District 9 office budget from last year to finance a number of community organizations.
The Commissioner allocated $1,000 to Mount Bethel Human Services Corporation to fund social service programs assisting low and moderate income families through community development activities. One-thousand dollars was also earmarked to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Broward County to increase community awareness about the disease. The Mount Olive Development Corporation will also receive $1,000 in District 9 funds to finance economic development programs and create jobs through social service programs, affordable housing projects and entrepreneurial ventures.
"These community organizations oftentimes act as a lifeline for many of the people that live in district nine and it's important they all be supported. This money is to enhance and highlight the work that they do and ensure that they understand that what they do is important and that we support them," said Commissioner Holness.
The Friends of the African American Library and Cultural Center, the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale, the American Legion Post 220 of Fort Lauderdale and Trailblazer of Broward County will each receive $500 from Commissioner Holness' District 9 funds to finance various educational and cultural programs and veteran support services.
Commissioner Mark Bogen allocated funds to promote economic development in each of the cities he represents in District 2. The cities of Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coconut Creek, Margate and Coral Springs will receive up to $6,800 for each city economic development program.
"I want to bring economic development programs that will facilitate small businesses and create jobs in my district. This funding will assist in doing that," said Commissioner Bogen.
Commissioner Bogen also directed $3,000 to the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church to support its non-sectarian program "Manna for the Multitude" which feeds the homeless and individuals in need. The Coconut Creek Multicultural Circle will also receive $1,000 to support the non-profit organization's mission of uniting the local community by exchanging ideas and celebrating the community's culture and customs.
Commissioner Tim Ryan earmarked $5,000 from his District 7 funds for the Project Stable Foundation to support the organization's agricultural education and therapeutic horseback riding programs for children and young adults with physical and developmental special needs.
Commissioner Stacy Ritter supported two projects commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. using District 3 office funds. The Commissioner gave $5,000 to fund the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. monument in Coral Springs and directed an additional $5,000 to the MLK, Jr. scholarship fund. Five-thousand dollars will also support the Coral Springs Community Chest which donates money to support local service organizations.
Commissioners from each of Broward County's nine districts can allocate funds from their district office budgets that were not expended during the previous fiscal year and other funds shared by the districts provided they meet specific requirements and receive final approval from the Board.
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