RIOVISTA! Issue · number of homes for sale. Broward County home sales, including existing...

December 2011January 2012

HolidaysIssueRIOVISTA!

The Official Neighborhood Newsletter of the Rio Vista Civic Association

in this issueMayor’s Holiday Message • Rio Vista Neighborhood Holiday Party!

RVCA President’s Message • Protect Rio Vista Security ReviewCommissioner’s Message • Neighborhood News, Updates and Events

www.riovistaonline.com • RIOVISTA! 1

2 Mayor’s Holiday Message

4 Commissioner’s Holiday Message

6 RVCA President’s Message

8 Rio Vista ‘2011 Holiday Homes’ Honor Roll

10 Rio Vista Holiday Party Photos

12 RVCA Seeks ‘Stranahan Landing’ Name

13 Neighborhood News & Updates

16 Protect Rio Vista Security Update

Table of Contents

Copyright 2011, Rio Vista Civic Association, Inc. and GMStrategic Media, Inc., Publisher. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part, regardless oftechnology used, without express written consent from RVCA or publisher. The Rio Vista Civic Association and publisher reserve the right to reject any advertising or copy it may deemto be objectionable or otherwise unacceptable for any reason at their sole discretion. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of this publication and noliability can be attached to or be accepted by the publisher or the Rio Vista Civic Association for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies.

Rio Vista Civic Association, Inc.

PO Box 460386Fort Lauderdale, FL 33346

www.riovistaftl.comwww.riovistaonline.com

EditorialJudge Michael Orlando

Warren Sturman, MDNancy Messing

Mark SneadLucy Weber

George Mihaiu

RiO ViSTA! is the officialnewsletter publication of the

Rio Vista Civic Association, Inc.it is published bimonthly and

mailed or delivered directly toall Rio Vista homeowners and

residences. Visit our companionwebsite at www.riovistaonline.com

for more information.

PublisherGeorge Mihaiu

GMStrategic MediaFort Lauderdale, FL

Tel: 954.828.1337www.gmstrategic.com

[email protected]

Cover shotBill Bodor, Warren Sturman and

Tracey Bartholomew at the RVCA Holiday Party

photo courtesy of Christina Currie

Member

Santa made his annual visit to our Rio Vista Holiday Party! More pictures inside!

As we head into the busiestpart of the holiday season,I’m happy to report that the

City of Fort Lauderdale is seeingstrong signs of an economic turn-around!

While the national economyremains sluggish, locally many ofFort Lauderdale’s leading economic

indicators are on the upswing. Fueling this resurgence aregains in key industry sectors including tourism, marine com-merce, housing, film, and capital investment.

When it comes to tourism. Fort Lauderdale remains a topdestination for domestic and international visitors. Thisyear, we’re on pace to host more than 11 million visitorswho will spend in excess of $8 billion at our hotels, restau-rants, stores and businesses. Hotel occupancy continues tohover near 75% for the year, which is the highest in the stateand 27% higher than the national average. Cruise traffic atPort Everglades jumped 25 percent during the first quarter of2011, setting a world record for total passengers, and FortLauderdale-Hollywood International Airport expects to see a7% overall increase in passenger traffic.

And the news gets better. Fort Lauderdale now ranks as thecity with the lowest tourist taxes among the top 50 U.S. trav-el destinations. According to a new analysis by the GlobalBusiness Travel Association, the typical visitor to Fort Laud-erdale will pay up to 80% less in taxes than a tourist inChicago, New York, Boston or Seattle. Being home to thenation’s lowest tourist taxes provides us with a significantcompetitive advantage for attracting visitors, corporate andbusiness travelers, meetings, events and conventions.

This advantage was clearly evident at the recent Fort Laud-erdale International Boat Show, which many exhibitorscalled the most successful event in the last five years. TheBoat Show attracted more than 130,000 visitors, featured $3billion in products and merchandise, stimulated new busi-ness development, and generated millions of dollars inmarine commerce. Its total economic impact to our City isalmost half a billion dollars, which is more than any otherevent in Florida.

The housing sector is also showing signs of a rebound.According to Realtor.com, Fort Lauderdale ranks 5th amongthe nation’s top 10 metro areas where housing conditions areon the upswing. The rankings are based on several factors,including recent price appreciation and a decrease in thenumber of homes for sale. Broward County home sales,

including existing single-family homes and condominiums,increased 13 percent in the third quarter of 2011. The aver-age sales price rose 5 percent for single-family homes and 6percent for condominiums. The number of homes for salehas declined by nearly 38 percent in the past year demon-strating that market conditions are improving.

Investment in our City has never been stronger. Major proj-ects include a $2 billion expansion at Port Everglades; a $790million runway expansion at Fort Lauderdale-HollywoodInternational Airport; construction of a $73 million FECcontainer transfer facility with a direct rail link to the Port;and a $1 billion investment by FPL to replace its powerplant with a state-of-the-art clean energy facility.

Filming in our City is also at an all time high. Since lastApril, we’ve seen close to 400 film and entertainment proj-ects bring nearly $150 million into the local economy.Highlights included the filming of A&E's popular series, TheGlades, as well as the major motion picture Rock of Ages,starring Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand.

As the City of Fort Lauderdale continues to celebrate ourCentennial year, I’m optimistic that our future is bright.We’re initiating new plans to build upon our economicmomentum, stimulate job retention and business expansion,and enhance our attractions and amenities.

We’ve also launched a citywide Visioning initiative to devel-op a vision for our future that reflects input from the entirecommunity, identifies long-term priorities, and providesdirection for future policy and decision-making.

As Mayor, I remain passionate and committed to workingwith residents, business and visitors to make Fort Lauderdalean even better place to live, work, play, visit and raise a fami-ly.

On behalf of the City of Fort Lauderdale, I wish your fami-lies and you a joyous holiday season and a happy, healthyand prosperous New Year!

John P. “Jack” SeilerMayor

Holiday Season Brings Economic Optimism

RIOVISTA! • www.riovistaonline.com2

Message From The Mayor

As the year draws to a closeand the City embarks on anew century, I wish you and

your family a joyous holiday seasonand a healthy, prosperous 2012. Iam grateful for the opportunity towork with and serve you, as we findsolutions so that Fort Lauderdaleremains one of the most beautifuland best cities in which to live,work, and play.

Redistricting – The BrowardCounty Supervisor of Elections Office has determined thatthe City did not have enough time to finalize proposed dis-trict lines for the next election. Current boundaries will stillbe in place for the citywide elections in 2012. We will contin-ue this discussion in January. Please refer to the City’s redis-tricting page athttp://www.fortlauderdale.gov/news/2011/redistricting.htm.

Shippey House – The efforts of many individuals havehelped keep the wrecking ball at bay, and the 98-year-oldhome of Broward County’s second judge, Fred Shippey, is onthe verge of being relocated. I want to extend my very specialthanks to Alysa Plummer and Jackie Scott of Friends ofShippey House, Inc., and to City staff, especially, BobDunckel, Anthony Fajardo, City Manager Feldman, andMayor Seiler, among others. We received dozens of com-ments from residents, urging us to do whatever it takes topreserve this unique treasure. For more information, pleasevisit http://shippeyhouse.org.

Visioning – To stay current on the City’s visioning initiative,“Fort Lauderdale – Our City, Our Vision”: • Visit the Visioning page at www.fortlauderdalevision.org • Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ourvisionftl • Follow us on Twitter @OurVisionFTLIN OTHER NEWS –

Help Us Take A Bite Out Of Crime! Our Police Depart-ment has begun hosting community outreach events in Dis-trict IV on the 2nd Tuesday and Thursday of every month.These meetings are part of the new initiative, “Your Neigh-borhood, Your City, Your Police.” The first meeting was heldon November 8th at the Riverside Park Community Center(555 SW 11th Avenue), and we discussed issues in the west-ern neighborhoods (west of the New River). The November10th Meeting encompassed the eastern neighborhoods, fromthe Downtown area to points east. It was held at the Crois-sant Park Community Center (245 West Park Drive). Meet-ings begin at 7:30 p.m., and I encourage you and your neigh-bors to participate.

Reports of Flooding: If you experience flood damage, pleasecontact the City’s 24-hour Customer Service Center directlyat 954-828-8000 or online athttp://www.fortlauderdale.gov/customerservice, so your reportcan be logged and tracked. The new android app,http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/lauderserv, may also be used.

Water and Sewer Rates: City Manager Feldman has deter-mined that, in comparison to other Broward Countyproviders, Fort Lauderdale remains the lowest-cost provider atthe 3,000- and 5,000-gallons/month residential-use levels forsystems with both water and sewer (wastewater service). Sixty-one percent of all residential bills in the City are for 5,000gallons/month or less.

Hardy Park Update: A new multi-purpose sports field withBermuda grass is being installed, and two existing light poleswill be moved to maximize the playing area. The projectincludes adding a crown to the field and new turf designed towithstand daily use from youth athletic programs, primarilysoccer. Project completion is expected by the end of January.Staff has been working with the neighborhood, and we haveordered some adult fitness equipment to add to the passive-park experience.

911 Dispatch: A short-term solution has been reached, andDistrict I Commissioner Bruce Roberts (former Police Chief)is serving on the Broward County Consolidated Communica-tions Committee, which is charged with developing a long-term, regionalized solution to this issue within the next fewmonths.

As a reminder and as part of our ongoing Centennial Cele-bration, three bronze plaques are planned for parks in my district at Croissant, Snyder, and Abreu. Please watch for announcements on specific dates and times for these events,as well as news about upcoming park openings for Harbor-dale Park and Tunnel Top Park.

My staff contact is MJ Matthews, phone 954-828-5028 or e-mail [email protected].

RRomney RogersDistrict 4 Commissioner


District IV Commissioner’s Message


RVCA OFFICERS&

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WARREN STURMAN

President954.735-9200

[email protected]

NANCY MESSING

Vice President954.779.7449

[email protected]

MARK SNEAD

[email protected]

CHRISTINA CURRIE

Secretary954.533.4498

[email protected]

BILL BODOR

[email protected]

SHIRLEY CHATHAM

[email protected]

WINGATE PAYNE

[email protected]

LUNA PHILLIPS

[email protected]

MICHAEL ORLANDO

[email protected]

FRED STRESAU

[email protected]

CHUCK TATELBAUM

[email protected]

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Winter has arrived. Now is the time to call all our rela-tives up north and complain about our sunburns andthe sand in our shoes. We are grateful that the hurri-

cane season is behind us and look forward to enjoying the bestSouth Florida has to offer.Our Security Patrol reported that Halloween evening went well.While we did have the usual large crowd, it was tempered byrainy weather. The traditional houses and decorations were a bighit again this year. Our patrol continues to do an outstandingjob. Please support our patrol in order to ensure that we have a

safe neighborhood and continue to enhance the quality of life in Rio Vista.At our last RVCA General Meeting Commissioner Romney Rogers introduced us to thenew city manager, Lee Feldman. Mr. Feldman spoke about his view of the city and ourneighborhoods. Sergeant Steven Scelfo of our Security Patrol gave us his update. OfficerLee Hancock was presented with a gift of recognition for his work aborting a home burgla-ry in our neighborhood.The proposed fire station for Hardy Park has been put on hold. Issues relating to BrowardCounty land use and use of park space to build a fire station have come up. While we seri-ously need a fire station on our side of the river and tracks, the ultimate site is still beingdebated.On December 3, we celebrated our latest Rio Vista Holiday Party in Young Park. By allaccounts, this was the best party we had in a long time. There was Texas BBQ and Turkishplatters. We had a rock climbing wall and Coach Jim for the kids. A black jack table keptthe adults occupied. Steve Philips ran the music, while Luna Phillips ran the arts & craftstable. Michael Orlando was once again found behind the bar serving up good cheer. Newthis year was a Hay Ride Holiday Light Display Tour (see below). The turnout was greatand everyone had a chance to catch up with their friends and neighbors under a clear, coolnight sky. I want to thank everyone who came together to pull this off. First off is NancyBrand who once again chaired this event. Nancy anticipated and took care of every littledetail. Considering the time she put in, I also need to thank her family, Ely and Peter, who“donated” her to us for the last 2 months. I also want to thank Bill Bodor, who helped putup banners, set up the site, and took care of electrical and lighting. Fred Stressau set upthe bar, handled the sign, and helped with the planning. Christina Currie helped with setup and planning, Tracey Bartholomew helped with organization (and Phil’s Punch), andGunnar Sturman manned the petition table. I apologize if I missed anyone else whohelped make this a special occasion.This year we have a new addition to the holiday spirit in our neighborhood. Our firstannual Rio Vista Outdoor Decorations Competition is in full swing. Every home that wasregistered was assigned a number and was included on our hay ride tour of the neighbor-hood the evening of the Holiday Party. The registered homes are listed in this newsletter,as well as posted at Young Park and on our web page. From now until the end of the yearRio Vista residents can still vote for their favorite displays on-line. Simply send an email [email protected] type “Display Vote” in the subject box, and indicate the three (3)favorite homes you want for first, second and third place. BREAKING NEWS: for thosewho missed the Holiday Party, we are planning an encore Rio Vista Parade of Lights,departing from Young Park by fire truck, tentatively scheduled for the evening of Saturday,December 17.(continued page 8)

RVCA President’s Message


The park at the top of the tunnel is FINALLY completed. Itnow stands as the eastern edge of Riverwalk South. Land-scaping is in, benches are there, and it hosts a beautiful viewof the river, Las Olas, and downtown. The name “StranahanLanding” has been proposed for this park (please see accom-panying article). The city will be planning a dedication andgrand opening in the next few months. When the date is setwe will post it in our next issue of RioVista! as well as on-line. Many of your neighbors put a lot of time and effortinto making this park a beautiful entrance to our communityand the riverfront, and we would like a nice turnout for thisdedication ceremony.Here are a few upcoming events you will want to put onyour calendars. Our annual Campout at Young Park andCarti Gras Golf Cart Parade is scheduled for Saturday,

February 11 (the weekend after the Super Bowl). The city’sSaint Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is March 10. TheJunior League Riverwalk Run through Rio Vista is set forSaturday, March 24. Rio Vista’s annual Sports Car / AntiqueAuto Show at the end of Ponce will be in the spring. And itlooks like we will be having Fort Lauderdale’s Air Show onthe beach this year in the beginning of May.Our next RVCA General Meeting will be the beginning ofnext year. See you in the neighborhood.Sincerely,Warren Sturman, MDPresident, RVCA

RIO VISTA “2011 HOLIDAYHOMES” HONOR ROLL1. 1001 SE 9 Avenue: “A very Kozich Christmas”

2. 908 S. Rio Vista Blvd.: “Nigel & Leslie Ghotbi”

3. 1105 S. Rio Vista Blvd: “North Pole on S. Rio Vista”

4. 1024 SE 9 Street: “Bartholomew 5”

5. 708 SE 9 Avenue: “Veale Christmas”

6. 924 SE 7 Street: “Candy Canes”

7. 1216 SE 7 Street: “Tanner’s Twinkling Christmas”

8. 1600 SE 7 Street: “Bella Vista”

9. 1521 Ponce De Leon Dr.: “Bertoletts Holidays”

10. 1334 Ponce De Leon Dr.: “A Southern Christmas”

11. 1331 Ponce De Leon Dr.: “McCawley Christmas”

12. 1320 Ponce De Leon Dr.: “Happy Holidays”

13. 1204 Ponce De Leon Dr.: “Tropical Christmas”

14. 1025 Ponce De Leon Dr.: “Dreaming of WhiteChristmas”

15. 708 SE 7 Street: “Santa Vista”

16. 907 SE 6 Court: “Lehman’s Christmas”

17. 800 SE 6 Street: “Camp Christmas”

18. 605 SE 9 Avenue: “Cantor Chsritmas”

19. 908 SE 7 Street: “Winter Wonderland”

Thanks for sharing your Holiday Spirt with our neighborsand friends here in Rio Vista!

President’s Message (cont.)


ANNUAL RIO VISTA HOLIDAY PARTY!

‘Thank You!’ to our Volunteers and Sponsors!!!



The RVCA has requested that the City of Fort Lauderdale consider officially naming Tunnel Top Park, a temporary name giventhe project, to STRANAHAN’S LANDING. Here’s how th ename cambe about and the communication to the city:

Date: November 9, 2011

To: Phil Thornburg, Director of Parks and RecreationCity of Fort Lauderdale

From: Warren Sturman, MD, PresidentRio Vista Civic Association

Subject: Name Proposal for Tunnel Top Park “STRANAHAN LANDING”

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Rio Vista Civic Association, I have been asked to submit a proposed name for the tunnel top park, located on top of the Henry Tunnel / Federal Highway, on the south bank of the New River. We request that thecity consider the name STRANAHAN LANDING. This nameis being proposed for the following reasons:

1. In the late 1890’s, Mr. Frank Stranahan, who owned property at the site of the current Stranahan House, set up a ferry service to allow travelers to cross the New River. Southbound travelers on the Military Trail/Dixie Highway route would come to theend of the road, find Mr. Stranahan, and negotiate a ferry ride tocross the river. However, those traveling from south to north had

an obstacle to overcome Mr. Stranahan’s house waslocated across the river on the north side. To accommodate them, Frank set up a large, loud bell that heplaced on the south bank of the New River. Travelerswould hit this site, ring the bell to alert Mr. Stranahanthat they were there waiting, and he would know tocome to the river to arrange for the ferry crossing.There is a replica of this bell in the Stranahan HouseMuseum. This “Stranahan Landing” sits at the site ofwhat is currently known as Tunnel Top Park.

2. Since it was first suggested, there has beentremendous support for this proposed name. All theneighbors we contacted are in favor of it. The RVCABoard unanimously endorses it. Officials at the Stranahan House were very excited with this idea. One of ourneighbors spontaneously said he would volunteer todonate funds to have a monument with a replica of thebell placed at this site.

3. Over the years, the city has considered implementing a ferry for pedestrians/bicycles/strollers to crossthe New River. Recently talk of this ferry idea hascome up again. “Stranahan Landing” would be an idealsite, especially during signature events such as the LasOlas Art Fair or Christmas on Las Olas. Instead ofparking far away or fighting for the limited meteredspaces, visitors could park in the courthouse garage,walk less than a block to catch the ferry, and cross theriver like travelers did over 100 years ago making agrand entrance at the doorstep of Stranahan House /Las Olas.

Thank you for your consideration. If I can be of anyfurther assistance please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Warren Sturman, MD, PresidentRio Vista Civic Association

RVCA seeks to name park “Stranahan Landing”

RIO VISTA RESIDENTS CLOWN AROUNDIN MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAYPARADE!If you know RVCA Board member Charles ‘Chuck’ Tatelbaumand wife, Kitty, you know they have a sense of humor. Andwhen the chance to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as‘breakfast clowns’ after Chuck’s many years of legal service toMacy’s, it was a ‘piece of toast’...literally! The two were dressed asa piece of toast Chuck and a stick of butter Kitty.

“It’s one thing to be a clown that looks like a clown,” Chuck saidin an interview with the Bankruptcy Beat. “We’re clowns thatlook like toast and butter!”

But there was some serious work to be donebefore all the clowning around could takeplace. Chuck and Kitty had to attend athreehour “Clown U.” workshop in Manhattan on November 12, where the professional clowns of Big Apple Circus trained thenew and returning clowns on how to makeclown sounds and how NOT to scare thekids along the parade route. They also had totake a “clown pledge” to show up on time,always be happy and to refrain from using acell phone during the parade.

The Tatelbaum’s and approximately 800other parade clowns started the day at 5:00am Thanksgiving morning by reporting forduty at the New Yorker Hotel near Macy’sfor costumes, makeup and a bus trip to theparade’s starting location. Once the paradebegan, Chuck says he thinks it took about anhour and a half to travel the entire threemileparade route.

“I was totally lost in the euphoria of what Iwas doing. You have no concept of time.” he said.

The Tatelbaum’s group of breakfast clownsinteracted with several million people gathered on Manhattan’s sidewalks to view theparade, celebrating with highfives, confettiand big smiles for everyone. along the way.

“Everybody’s yelling ‘Happy Thanksgiving!’and ‘I love toast!’, he said. “The kids loved itand the adults are saying, ‘Hey, are youFrench Toast? Whole Wheat? Rye?”

When asked if Macy’s offered them a chanceto do it again as clowns next year, would theydo it?, Chuck replied, “In a heartbeat!”

Neighborhood News & Notes



Neighborhood News & Notes (cont.)

RVCA SETS ANNUAL CARTI GRASPARADE AND CAMPOUT IN THE PARKDATE FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2012As the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays wind down throughJanuary, Rio Vista residents turn their attention to yet anotherpopular set of neighborhood events: the annual Rio Vista CartiGras Golf Cart Parade & Decorating Contest and the oneofakind overnight Campout in the Park at Virginia Young Park.Organized again by Ted Bertolett, both events promise to onceagain bring together old friends, neighbors and new friends fromaround the neigbhorhood.

The Carti Gras Parade is a sight to behold, with owners of thepopular street legal golf carts going all out to decorate their cartswith the most imaginative themes ever in a quest for the coveted‘Carti Gras Trophy’ for the bestdecorated cart in the parade! Ofcourse, the competition is always in good fun and the smiles andlaughs the parade brings makes winners of all the participants!

Following the parade through the neighborhood, everyone movesto Virginia Young Park for a wellearned barbeque and refreshments celebration, and to the task of setting up tents in the parkfor an evening under the stars and stories around the bonfire. It’sa day and night not to be missed...and we hope to see you there!

US1/HENRY E. KINNEY TUNNEL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS IN FULL SWING!Construction along US1/Henry E. Kinney Tunnel betweenBroward Boulevard and SE 17th Street began in April 2011 andincludes the following roadway improvements: median widening,drainage installations, sign installation, bridge maintenance, tunnel repair, tunnel leak prevention and roadway repaving.

Recently, you may have driven through a new traffic pattern overthe Tarpon River, this change was implemented in midOctoberand aides’ workers in completing bridge maintenance along thewestside of US1. Once work is complete in January 2012, theproject team will shift to the eastside of US1 and implement asimilar traffic pattern. Since this traffic shift was implemented,speeding has increased in the area and the project team is requesting the community use caution and to follow speed limits whentravelling through the construction zone.

Another roadway improvement on the horizon is the repair andleak prevention of the Henry E. Kinney Tunnel. This work isexpected to begin at the earliest in midNovember and willextend two to three months. The work will take place from 9p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Friday morning, and the projectteam will use the same detour implemented for bimonthly tunnel cleaning.


News & Notes (cont.)

While the traffic shift and tunnel improvements include majortraffic changes, drainage installation and median widening willcontinue throughout the project limits. This work includes occasional lane closures and the project team will do its best to informthe community about these changes before they occur.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about theUS1/Henry E. Kinney Tunnel Roadway Improvements Project,please contact the project’s Public Information Officer MirandaIglesias at 9542182955 or miglesiascorradino.com.

For information on advertising in ourRIO VISTA! Newsletter Program, in print & online,

please contact our publisher,George Mihaiu, GMStrategic Media

Tel: 954.828.1337Email: [email protected]

or see our ad rates & program info onlineat www.riovistaonline.com

Thanks to all of our advertisers!Rio Vista appreciates your support!


PROTECT RIO VISTA Security Update

Protect Rio Vista (PRV) was founded by a group ofconcerned Rio Vista neighbours in late 2007. Ourofficial launch was in January of 2008. PRV has had a

significant impact in reducing crime in our neighborhood.Our streets and homes are safer as a result of the Protect RioVista officers. Many of you have gotten to know the officerswho make up our detail. They are committed to safeguard-ing our lives and property.

Protect Rio Vista will end 2011 with 335 subscriber house-holds. That represents 37% of the total number of house-holds in Rio Vista. We were recently told by Fort Laud-erdale’s new City Manager that we should be pleased withthat level of participation. But we are not. The current levelof support allows us to schedule approximately 7 hours ofpatrol coverage per day. This leaves us with enough funds tobe able to schedule additional hours during Holidays and spe-cial events (Halloween, Boat Parade, New Year’s Eve, etc.)

The more Households that participate the more patrol hourswe can schedule. You will find a 2012 PRV Membershiponline at www.riovistaonline.com. Please fill it out, andsend it in. You will make a difference for our community.

I am reminded of a quote that I heard many years ago: “Theworld is full of willing people, some willing to do, the restwilling to let them.”

This month we are featuring Financial Professionals whosubscribe to the PROTECT RIO VISTA patrol. And wewill be again be featuring financial, accounting and bankingprofessionals who live in Rio Vista in our February/Marchissue. Our thanks to the following Financial Professionalswho contribute to the Protect Rio Vista! fund:

Chris Garbin - UBS Financial ServicesRhonda Hill - Wells Fargo BankJan Klein - UBS Financial ServicesRon Lane - Fairlane Financial Corp.Simon Noonan & Catherine Lidy - Metis FinancialJohnathan Robertson - TG Capital Corp.Lance Ross - Openheimer & Co. Inc.Margaret Smith - Glass Ratner Advisory & Capital GroupPaul Tanner - UBS Financial ServicesMichael Turner - Farlie Turner & Co.Les Zuckerman - FDR Financial Group, Inc.

Thank you so much for your support! If you would like tobe included on this list next month, please contact us.

Lucy Weber, Co-ChairBroker/Associate Better Homes and Gardens Real EstateTel: 954-648-2976Gerry Weber, Co-ChairTel: 954-610-1128

27TH COMMUNITYPOLICE ACADEMYWhere: Fort Lauderdale Police Dept.1300 West Broward BoulevardFort Lauderdale, FL 33312

When: Feb. 9, 2012 – May 10, 2012

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Thursday evenings)

(Note: This 14-week instructional course is not the requiredcourse for employment as a sworn officer.)

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is offering a 14-weekCommunity Police Academy to residents of the City of FortLauderdale as well as civic and government organizationmembers. The Community Police Academy is designed tofoster an active partnership with the community. Wellinformed citizens, who have an awareness of the mission,resources, policies and services of their Police Department, arecritical to the success of this partnership. Topics addressed inthe academy will include: Community Policing, OfficerSelection and Recruiting, Drug Enforcement, Special Investi-gations, Range/Firearms, Communications, and much more.In addition to scheduled classes, an eight-hour “ride along”with Patrol Officers will be made available to the attendees.

Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Selec-tion preference will focus upon Fort Lauderdale residents andthose who work or own a business/property within the City.

This is your opportunity to be involved in a dynamic, reward-ing partnership with your Police Department. We need yourparticipation to ensure the success of the Community PoliceAcademy. Don’t hesitate! Complete your application today.

Applications are available in the Fort Lauderdale PoliceDepartment website, lobby or by calling the Fort LauderdalePolice Department, Training Unit at (954) 828-6428. Youmay also download an application from the following websiteaddress: http://www.fpd.org. Please remember to attach alongwith your application a valid, legible copy of your driver’slicense and/or passport or valid military I.D.

Successful graduates of this Community Police Academy(CPA) will have an opportunity to sign up for the CitizensOn Patrol (COP) course/program! This CPA course is a pre-requisite to becoming a COP member!

Mail or fax your completed application to:

Fort Lauderdale Police Department1300 W. Broward BoulevardFort Lauderdale, FL 33312Fax (954) 828-5891


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by Chris WrenDDA Executive Director

Downtown Fort Lauderdale

For more information email us at: [email protected]. Or call: 954.463.6574

Five years ago during the height of the boom, the DDA sought to answer the

question: Who bought all the new condos? The Downtown by the Numbers

study determined that many of the condos were purchased by a mix of second

homeowners, investors from the Northern states, and those looking to live down-

town full time. And now, the 2010 Census information has shown that the majority

(55%) of people living in these units are between the ages of 20 and 39. Down-

town has proven to be a magnet for the young professional who desires conve-

nient amenities and a dense, walkable urban environment.

The other notable finding from the Census information is the fact that the

Downtown residential population has increased by an astounding 80% since

2000. This new influx of residents means more consumers in Downtown,

more social activities, an increased demand for services such as grocery

stores, (and streetcars!), and more registered voters. This trend is further

corroborated by a recent survey performed by the Flagler Village Civic

Association, which posed the question: Why did you move to Flagler

Village? 48.4% said they moved to the neighborhood because they wanted

to live downtown, 32.3% said they moved here because they wanted to

live in a hip/artist neighborhood, and 30% said they moved here to be

centrally located. 150 residents and workers participated in the survey.

While not a full representation of the Downtown population, the survey is a

revealing sampling of the folks who have moved here and the reasons why

they have done so.

These new residents are an invaluable asset to the current and future vitality

of Downtown and they’ve shown their commitment to their adopted city in

many ways. The Downtown Civic Association unveiled the safety lighting it

spearheaded on the Riverwalk and co-hosted Discover Downtown with the

DDA in October. Not only do these new residents lend valuable support to

their neighborhood’s improvement, but they also contribute immensely to the

Wave Streetcar project and other major capital improvements led by downtown

organizations. From a macro level, academics would call these new

residents social capital. From a local downtown level, we call them

neighbors. And we’re happy they call Downtown home.

Keith Douglas Photography

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