FALL 2020
A NEW LOOK! THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY WITH EVERYTHING
ONE TEAM – ONE MISSION CORAL SPRINGS: UNDER THE SUN MAGAZINE
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CITY COMMISSION MESSAGE
MAYOR SCOTT BROOK
COMMISSIONER SHAWN CERRA
COMMISSIONER LARRY VIGNOLA
COMMISSIONER JOSHUA SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR JOY CARTER
During times of crisis, the Coral Springs community comes together. Although this year we have faced unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19, the Coral Springs community, as it always does, has come together to host food drives, donate blood and plasma and offer support of essential workers. We remain committed to the health and wellbeing of our residents and look for ways to offer financial assistance to those who are economically impacted as a result of the virus. As we look back on summer, and head into fall, we look towards the remaining months of 2020 with hope that through science, medicine and proper hygiene we can soon resume some sense of normalcy. We continue to be available to our residents and business owners – visit CoralSprings.org/commission to reach your elected officials or call 954-344-5911 to schedule a phone appointment.
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Now Featuring
QR Codes THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY WITH EVERYTHING
You will notice blue QR codes throughout this issue. Use your cell phone camera, by holding it over the code (no need to take a picture), which will then prompt you to open the link!
FEATURE ARTICLES 4 A Message From the City Manager 8 Give Where You Live campaign underway 10 City residents recover from COVID-19 15 Police Department prioritizes safety with Real Time Crime Center 19 Coral Springs grants help get companies ‘Back in Business’ 20 Coral Springs appoints new Director of Parks and Recreation 22 City selects new Coral Springs Museum of Art Director
COVID-19 RESPONSE
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GIVING BACK
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BUDGET
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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
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ONLINE SERVICES
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PUBLIC SAFETY
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BUSINESS
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PARKS AND RECREATION
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PUBLIC WORKS
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CSMoA
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Under the Sun magazine is produced by the City of Coral Springs Communications and Marketing Department. If you have questions or comments regarding this publication: editor@coralsprings.org Director of Communications and Marketing Lynne Martzall Creative Services Manager Christine Parkinson Graphic Design Juliana Newman Writing/Media Relations Paula Rubiano Alessandra Assenza Photography Ryan Himmel Claudia Gonzalez Garrett Julian
ON THE COVER : HD is staying safe from COVID-19 by wearing a mask! HD by Kimber Fiebiger, fondly known as Humpty Dumpty, now watches over the City Hall lawn. He sits on a wall built of bricks salvaged from the original City Hall building.
CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA
9500 West Sample Road Coral Springs, Florida 33065 954-344-1000
STAY CONNECTED : CityofCoralSprings
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CITY MANAGER MESSAGE
City staff and operations adapt to COVID-19 pandemic
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Manager Frank
Bab
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Working with the City Attorney’s Office and police department, members of our Code Compliance Unit assisted in education and enforcement efforts of emergency orders.
OR THE BETTER PART OF 2020, the City of Coral Springs has experienced many challenges as we continued to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As you learn through this publication, the employees of the City of Coral Springs remained committed to the residents and business they serve. From education and enforcement of Broward County Emergency Orders to increased oversight at nursing homes and assisted living facilities, our greatest priority continues to be the safety, health, and wellness of our residents – especially the most vulnerable. We embraced online opportunities to issue permits, host Commission Meetings and meet with residents. Our Office of Emergency Management worked with the state to implement two free public testing sites in the city. To replenish our blood supply and receive free antibody testing, the city organized with One Blood to host monthly Blood Drives. And we look to offer plasma donation opportunities in the future.
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Over the last several months, we hosted community meetings to better understand the needs of our residents and businesses. This included open dialogue with members of our police department to discuss police policies, procedures, and operations. We also hosted a live Mayor’s Town Hall Meeting, Slice of Springs and Q&A with our Medical Director, Dr. Peter Antevy. These efforts help engage, inform and promote inclusivity in our community. The Department of Budget & Strategy worked to prepare a balanced proposed budget for FY21, regardless of the financial shortfalls caused by the global pandemic. To inform residents about the budget process, how city services are funded, and how tax dollars are allocated, the department hosted a virtual one-hour Budget Academy. To further our efforts informing residents, we launched a new Community Performance Management Dashboard, which provides data analysis and outcomes for the city’s strategic priorities.
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We are one team, with one mission. We recognize many families are dealing with job loss as a result of COVID-19. The city provided a Rental Assistance Program, which assisted 31 families and distributed $130,000 for three-months of rental assistance. In addition, the city received $502,000 in CARES Act funding, which is being distributed to qualifying families for rental assistance. In partnership with the Coral Springs Community Chest, we promoted the Give Where You Live campaign, to raise funds for financial assistance for residents in need. If you can donate, we appreciate your support of this program for families in need.
As a resident of Coral Springs, I am proud to live and work in a community that consistently goes the extra mile to serve its residents. I also admire and applaud the efforts of our community during these tough times. By us working together, our city is one of the best places to live, work and raise a family.
City staff has worked to provide local businesses with support and resources. This included the Coral Springs Back in Business Grant Program and Connecting Local Businesses to Grants and Loans Program and the implementation of the Economic Recovery Task Force.
Frank Babinec City Manager
Stay safe!
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COVID-19 RESPONSE HEALTH & SAFETY
Meet the employee Health and Safety Team
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HE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS remains committed to protecting the safety, health and wellbeing of residents in addition to ensuring our continuity of operations. To meet that need, we established Health and Safety Team, to provide support for all departments within our organization and assist management in reporting individual cases, facilitate case management (employee health checks), and track COVID-19 test results to ensure consistent application of Return to Work procedures.
The safety team visited departments throughout the city to explain the proper use of N-95 and surgical masks, reaffirm our safety protocols, coordinate wellness checks, and speak about the importance of mental wellness. The team, which is comprised of (pictured above, left to right) Rebecca Hill, Battalion Chief Chris Bator and Sgt. Carla Miller, have developed policies, procedures and guidelines to best care for our staff.
City hosts blood drives with wellness checkup & COVID-19 antibody testing for donors CoralSprings.org/events
TO REPLENISH OUR BLOOD SUPPLY and receive free antibody testing, the city, in partnership with One Blood, organized to host monthly Blood Drives where all blood donors receive a free wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol
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screening, in addition to a FREE COVID-19 antibody test. The blood drive is an absolute necessity for our hospitals to replenish their blood supply, and the free COVID-19 antibody test has helped our residents know about potential exposure to the virus.
COVID-19 test sites & hours In Coral Springs CoralSprings.org/testingsites
Mullins Hall 10150 NW 29th Street, Coral Springs • 954-412-7300
Testing Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Publix Parking Lot 11600 West Sample Road, Coral Springs
Testing Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Protecting our vulnerable populations CoralSprings.org/fire
THE CORAL SPRINGS-PARKLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT has been working with other city departments to ensure we provide the highest level of response to keep our residents safe. One of our primary goals has been to prevent the spread of this deadly virus to our vulnerable populations. From the very start, the department understood our vulnerable population was most at-risk, so the department established a team which focused on assisted living facilities (ALFs), nursing homes and senior communities. Of the many initiatives implemented to protect the vulnerable population, Coral Springs issued emergency orders and through our Code Compliance Unit, each ALF and nursing home were required to submit an affidavit of compliance. We then initiated periodic conference calls with department staff and our Medical Director, Dr. Peter Antevy, to educate
and inform ALF and nursing home management about the virus. Additionally, our team worked with these facilities to help submit requests on the State of Florida level for crucial personal protective equipment (PPE). When crucial PPE orders were delayed, the department provided necessary equipment and assisted with COVID-19 related cases the team were experiencing. Furthermore, we continue to offer a free webinar to our ALFs and nursing homes and continually look for ways to ensure the health and welfare of our residents. As a city, we adopted a common message for all staff: “One Team – One Mission.” That is evident in everything we are committed to doing to protect our community.
Coral Springs provides antibody testing for its workforce
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INCE THE START OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, the City of Coral Springs worked closely with our Medical Director, Dr. Peter Antevy, and the Health and Safety Team, to ensure city staff were virus free so they could continue serving the public in the safest manner possible – especially our most vulnerable and at risk population.
Thanks to a partnership with the State of Florida Department of Health, Coral Springs led a comprehensive multi-city study evaluating the use of antibody testing in asymptomatic employees. Coral Springs obtained the rapid test kits from the State and tested staff to evaluate the antibody status of employees every 6 weeks for a total of 3 episodes. It’s been widely reported that the global pandemic has caused the public to avoid seeking assistance from public safety and health officials due to fear of contracting COVID-19. We recognize how imperative it is for our residents to feel safe when interacting with our staff – especially our public safety personnel. CORAL SPRINGS: UNDER THE SUN MAGAZINE
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GIVING BACK Give Where You Live campaign underway
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GIVE WHERE YOU
LIVE
WITH CORAL SPRINGS COMMUNIT Y CHEST
DONATE NOW
GIVE
WHERE YOU O INSPIRE those who have the financial ability to assist their neighbors through donations, the city partnered with theLIVE Coral Springs Community Chest, a local charitable organization, DONATE NOW to raise funds for temporary financial assistance through the “Give Where You Live” program.
WITH CORAL SPRINGS COMMUNIT Y CHEST
The temporary financial assistance focuses on essential needs for 30-60 days, including rent or mortgage payments, medical and pharmacy payments, utility payments, vehicle repair/ maintenance payments and public transportation monthly pass costs. To date the program has raised more than $25,000, which includes $10,000 from city employees. Each application is reviewed and the Community Chest interviews the recipient to determine if the assistance is for COVID-19 support. Funds are distributed directly to the landlord or business owed, to further ensure these local support dollars go to the right place. Donations can be made online at the Community Chest website. CoralSpringsCommunityChest.org
CLASS OF 2020
Coral Springs honors high school graduates with drive-by parades THOUGH THE YEAR HAS BEEN CHALLENGING, the pandemic did not stop us from celebrating milestones and accomplishments – especially of our graduating seniors. The City of Coral Springs, in partnership with the principals of our local high schools, hosted a graduation drive-by parade for local high schools to honor the graduating class of 2020.
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City distributes backpacks to local youth in need CoralSprings.org/police
THE CORAL SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT distributed 200 backpacks filled with the tools and supplies needed to assist students during the upcoming school year. The distribution, which was coordinated by the Community Involvement Unit, was supported with the assistance of area schools, business sponsors and city staff. It is one of the many ways our police department supports our local youth.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Meet our ‘Food for the Soul’ team CoralSprings.org/coronavirus
The City of Coral Springs celebrated its 57th year as a formally-recognized municipal government entity on July 10, 2020. To celebrate, we reaffirmed the city’s commitment to its residents and community spirit by supporting Coral Springs food banks and hosting a food collection drive.
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N RESPONSE to the alarming numbers of persons unemployed nationwide and in the State of Florida due to the pandemic, we activated a team to work on food supply and distribution to our most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents.
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Now that the mall is open for business and we have resumed our own operations, we transitioned this service to other organizations equipped to provide food and sustenance to families, however, the Food for the Soul Team continues to help families by deo! r vi connecting them ou to resources. Vi e
The team, aptly named Food for the Soul, made great strides by securing Feeding South Florida to come to Coral Springs Coral Square Mall where we hosted seven food distribution events. Thanks to great organization, inventory control, and planning, we served more than 5,000 families in our local community with food donations during the pandemic. The team’s efforts were out of the realm of their normal duties, and when asked, they stepped up to develop a solution – it is that type of problem-solving that helps us navigate through this crisis.
City marks its 57th birthday with food collection
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FORWARD TOGETHER
If you have recovered from COVID-19 and would like to donate plasma, visit www.oneblood.org.
City residents recover from COVID-19 RESIDENT ASSISTS OTHER COVID-19 PATIENTS Mark Allen Swanson, Partnership Specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau and City of Coral Springs resident for the last six years, started to feel daunting symptoms on March 22, 2020 and on April 1st, he learned he was positive for COVID-19. After weeks of strict isolation, his re-tested results came back negative on April 23. Swanson had not traveled nor been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19, leading him to believe he may have been infected through community spread. Abiding by the “Safer at Home” Emergency Order issued by Coral Springs, Swanson and his family quarantined. Once he began to feel strong symptoms – four days into quarantine – he feared infecting his family and decided to self-isolate. After his positive test and as requested by the Department of Health, Swanson remained in quarantine for two-weeks.
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With hydration, fever management and rest, Swanson’s symptoms subsided, and he felt massive relief. In an update email sent to relatives, he said, “I feel like my body has been released.” Ever since contracting the virus, Swanson felt an obligation to donate plasma to help someone once he recovered. “I was one of the lucky ones,” he said. “Many people in our communities have been impacted far worse than I was and too many are dying as result of COVID-19.” His body had produced an antidote, and he believed it was a potential gift for someone who might be in dire need of it.
I was one of the lucky ones. Ten days after receiving his negative test results, on Saturday, May 2nd, Swanson donated 650 milliliters of plasma in hopes to help another victim recover. His act of kindness and selflessness could potentially help three individuals fighting for their lives against COVID-19.
PUBLIC SERVICE ON AND OFF THE JOB After being infected with COVID-19, Coral Springs Police Lt. Scott Myers felt it was an obligation to give back and to help other struggling patients recover by donating his plasma on April 16, 2020. Myers said his symptoms started with a minor
I was one of the first responders to be tested. cough. “A couple of days later, I woke up with a fever,” he said.“ I was one of the first responders to be tested.”
Myers received his positive test results, and soon after his symptoms worsened. He was extremely exhausted and felt little energy to get out of bed, so once he started to recover, he knew that he wanted to donate his plasma in hopes to help someone else. Antibody-rich plasma is given to those ill in the hospital battling COVID-19 and it helps the patient’s antibodies fight the virus, which could potentially save their lives.
BROTHER AND SISTER RECOVER FROM COVID-19 AND DONATE PLASMA In late March 2020, Coral Springs siblings, Miraya, 27, and Anthony Vargas, 20, contracted COVID-19. It is unknown how they contracted the virus and thankfully, their parents who they live with, remained virus-free. When resident and college student, Anthony, began to feel symptoms, he believed it was a minor cold or possibly he overworked himself. It wasn’t until he received a positive test result that went into quarantine. “I put others at risk for not taking it serious enough at the start of this pandemic,” says Anthony. Adding, “Regardless of age, if you are feeling fatigued or sick, don’t brush it off as a common cold or allergies. Self-isolate and get tested.” In mid-April, Anthony was re-tested for the virus twice, and both results came back negative. Unlike Anthony, his sister Miraya, self-isolated as instructed by the state prior to contracting the virus. She began to develop symptoms after her brother had already been infected with COVID-19. Miraya remained in quarantine and did not fully-recover until about a month after the
initial symptoms. Although she too is virus free, Miraya is still experiencing trouble breathing and occasionally experiences chest pain. Of her experience, she says, “During these unprecedented times, it’s important to enjoy your family and remain confident in the fact that hard times don’t last forever.” Both Miraya and Anthony have a sense of urgency to help others who are suffering. Motivated to help others in a time like this, they plan to donate plasma to assist COVID-19 victims in their recovery.
During these unprecedented times, it’s important to enjoy your family. When asked what advice he would give to young adults like him, Anthony said, “This virus affects all ages, not just the elderly or immune compromised. Younger people need to protect themselves and others by following CDC guidelines, and stay home when they are sick.”
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GENERAL ELECTION This election year will be different from previous election years; however, the pandemic should not keep you from exercising your right to vote. We remind you that the general election will take place on
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020
The last day to register to vote is October 5.
You may register online at www.browardsoe.org
City Commission has two seats on the ballot Seat 3
Qualified Candidates:
Commissioner, four-year term
Randal Cutter Noor Fawzy Andy Kasten
Seat 5
Qualified Candidates:
Commissioner, four-year term
Joy Carter Cathy Remy
Nancy Metayer Jose “Joe” Morera Abel Pena
Mayor Scott J. Brook was re-elected for Seat 1, a two-year term, by virtue of being unopposed. *Seat 1 will not appear on the ballot.
COVID-19 RESPONSE
Coral Springs reimagines city events during pandemic CoralSprings.org/events
HOW WE MEET, GATHER AND CELEBRATE has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of continuing traditions and celebrations led us to reimagine events. We honored our nations fallen military men and women by airing a pre-recorded Memorial Day Ceremony via social media and on CityTV, followed by placing a wreath at Veterans Park for those who wished to stop by and pay their respects to all who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. We hosted a virtual Teen Political Forum for high school students to address and engage in Q&A
sessions with county and local elected officials. We hosted a virtual celebration in honor of Juneteenth, a day that symbolizes the abolition of slavery in the United States of America. Broadcast live, the commemoration included a wide range of celebratory performances, literature, spoken word, guest speakers and a special message from the City Commission. Although we were not able to host our annual Fourth of July celebration at Mullins Park, we honored our country’s independence through our first parade celebration with festively decorated city vehicles representing each department. The parade drove a 34-mile route through neighborhoods and communities. Most recently, we honored the lives that were tragically lost 19 years ago, lives that we will never forget from the attacks on September 11, 2001. The city hosted its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, albeit virtually, with a recorded wreath-laying at the September 11th Memorial located at the Northwest Regional Library, that was shared via our social media pages and on CityTV.
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BUDGET New Community Performance Management Dashboard launches CoralSprings.clearpointstrategy.com
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HE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS LAUNCHED a new Community Performance Management Dashboard, a tool designed to keep residents and businesses informed about key city projects and the performance of city operations. Through this tool, the public will have access to information and data analysis that generates a better understanding of city operations; furthermore, the public will have the most up-to-date information on what
city officials and staff are doing to improve our community. The projects included within the tool are part of the City’s Strategic and Business Plans, which are directly linked and support achieving the city’s vision, mission, strategic goals, and core values, all of which emphasize what is of value to our residents and businesses. Updates to the Community Performance Management Dashboard will be provided quarterly.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
Budget Academy receives high ratings from participants
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THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND STRATEGY hosted an online Budget Academy on August 11 for 23 registered participants. The feedback was outstanding with a content ranking of 1-10 (10 being the highest), all gave the academy a 10, one gave a 9. Director Catherine Givens, who hosted the academy, says, “The session was high-level with many questions focused about how to read the tax bill.” Additional questions were related to budget shortfalls due to COVID-19, the Tree Trust Fund and debt services. One pleased resident indicated they joined because they often read about city spending, but instead of complaining they wanted to know how the budget works. The academy, in addition to our Finance Friday features on social media, have served as great community engagement strategies to ensure our residents are well-informed.
CoralSprings.org/budget
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Hurricane Preparedness
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While we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also be prepared for this year’s Hurricane Season, which lasts through November 30. CoralSprings.org/hurricane
AlertCoralSprings.org
ALERT CORAL SPRINGS is an Emergency Notification System for the City of Coral Springs, which allows citizens to opt-in to receive time sensitive notifications via phone call, text messaging and email. Participants can manage the way they receive alerts and types of alerts by registering through the website. The system is utilized during incidents that are deemed an emergency due to the imminent threat to person(s) safety and welfare. In addition, the system allows for informational notifications regarding: severe weather, flooding, utility disruptions, public safety response and road closures.
Here are some measures that we have actively taken to protect our city from hurricane season while keeping COVID-19 in mind. We made sure to have sufficient personal protective equipment and sanitation supplies to continue operations before, during, and after a storm. We created a new Emergency Operations Plan to adjust to COVID-19 restrictions so that we can continue to provide our residents the service they deserve while keeping our employees safe. We worked closely with the county to coordinate shelter operations located in our city.
PLEDGE TO PREPARE THOUGH WE AT THE CITY have an immense role and obligation to respond to these natural disasters, ultimately it is every resident’s responsibility to be as prepared as possible. At the minimum, residents should strengthen their homes, and ensure a fully stocked disaster supply kit.
Actions all residents should take to ensure they are prepared for a storm include: Have 5-7 days of cleaning supplies as well as nonperishable food. Be equipped to be without power for a longer period of time due to slower FPL response. Sign up to our text message communication service to receive in-real-time notifications related to city services affected due to the hurricane and more information by texting ALERTCS as one word to 888-777.
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TECH THAT PROTECTS
Police Department prioritizes safety with Real Time Crime Center Technology allows for faster response to emergency situations in schools and businesses Vie
CoralSprings.org/police
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HE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT is committed to ensuring our schools are safe for students, faculty and visitors. With the implementation of new technology connected directly into our Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), we can provide additional resources and connectivity to better protect our schools. We encourage our schools to stay connected and protected through the Coral Springs Police Department’s RTCC, while meeting the state mandate for Alyssa’s Law. Through the use of advanced software, security systems are integrated directly into the RTCC improving response times and saving critical seconds during emergency situations – when time matters the most. To help fund school safety enhancements nationwide, Andrew Pollack’s School Safety Grant was created to
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When time matters the most. award a number of custom-built grants to school districts, law enforcement agencies and places of mass gathering nationwide. The Coral Springs Charter School and Chabad of Coral Springs are the first in the nation to receive grant funding from the program and implement the technology. Coral Springs businesses now have an opportunity to connect with the RTCC. There are costs associated with connection, to determine the best software solutions and how to integrate into the RTCC, call 954-346-4440 or email realtimecc@coralsprings.org.
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ONLINE SERVICES City Hall in the Mall launches virtual check-in system CoralSprings.org/chm
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N AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY and reduce the time spent waiting for services, City Hall in the Mall launched the QLess Virtual Check-In System for customers to make an appointment, reserve a spot in line from home or check current wait time.
customer is signed up, they will receive notifications via text message. Customers may also join the queue in-person through a kiosk located in our storefront at the mall. Currently, appointments are only offered for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To enhance the overall customer experience for individuals seeking passport services, the queuing system QLess eliminated long lines in City Hall in the Mall by offering virtual lines instead. This provides more freedom to shop, dine, or relax, while waiting for service. Once a
The courtesy service is currently available for passport and fingerprinting services. For those in need of special assistance, staff members are available over the phone to assist with assigning customers to the queue. Customers may call the passport office for further assistance at 954-344-1828.
Rental and mortgage assistance for families in need The City of Coral Springs was allocated $502,500 in Coronavirus Relief Funds through the State of Florida. These funds are being used for assistance with mortgages and rent due beginning April 1, 2020 through the month of December 2020. The city has already assisted 31 income-eligible families who experienced job or income loss as a direct result of COVID-19, through the city’s Rental Assistance Program using State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) funds, which totaled $150,000.
Learn more about additional assistance as programs become available by visiting CoralSprings.org/rentals.
CITY HALL UPDATES
One Stop Shop services available online, via City Hall dropbox CoralSprings.org/building
THE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS offers several ways to conduct business without requiring a visit to the City Hall One Stop Shop. In 2019, Coral Springs launched a new online interactive tool for residential and commercial construction permitting. You can use this tool when applying for hurricane shutters or any construction project around the house. During the pandemic, our online E-Permit service has allowed residents and businesses to continue with upgrades and construction projects. We are happy to announce that we have issued 4,415 permits online since March 1.
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How to pay your water bill CoralSprings.org/waterbilling
WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO OUR FACILITIES during the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Coral Springs Water Department customers can make water bill payments with a credit card online by visiting our website. Other options to pay water bills include the use of online bill pay through any major bank. Customers may also choose to mail their payment to: City of Coral Springs Attn: Water Billing Department 9500 West Sample Road Coral Springs, FL 33065
PUBLIC SAFETY VIRTUAL LEARNING
Safety Town reimagined CoralSprings.org/safetytown
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HIS SUMMER the city hosted a free Virtual Safety Town, where elementary aged children had the opportunity to learn important and valuable lessons about safety through videos and printable e-books. It’s evident that now more than ever, our businesses and residents need to be vigilant and practice safety protocols consistently. Since we know how challenging it can be for parents to discuss these tough topics with their children and how valuable the Safety Town program has been for our
CoralSprings.org/conversations
FOLLOWING SEVERAL MEETINGS held with Commissioner Joshua Simmons, community leaders and police personnel, the city launched an in-depth series called “Conversations with a Commissioner.” The four-part series opened with a wide-ranging conversation with Chief Clyde Parry, where they discuss police policies, training, diversity in law enforcement, inclusivity, civil unrest and how we must create a path forward. The weekly series features additional conversations
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Video series explores community issues r video!
with members of the Coral Springs Police Department including, Sergeant A.J. King, Lt. Edmond DeRosa and Sgt. Francis Capre. They cover important issues like mental health, training, community policing and their personal experiences. The episodes can be viewed on the City of Coral Springs YouTube channel.
young residents and their families, we were proud to have offered Safety Town virtually. You can still participate in the online program by visiting our website.
Fire Department retains ISO Class 1 Rating CoralSprings.org/fire
IN 2016, THE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS-PARKLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT was among 125 organizations throughout the country that were rated the Public Protection Classification (PPC®) ISO Class 1. In May 2020, the department was honored to retain this highest rating and classify as one of only 348 Class 1-ranked communities in the country, out of more than 39,000 total ranked entities. The PPC program is known to help communities prepare to fight fires effectively through the community’s investment in fire mitigation. The classification generally determines the price of
fire insurance in a community – the better the rating the lower the price, assuming all other factors are equal. When a community invests in fire mitigation, it is proven to be easier to predict future fire losses more effectively and the PPC program has significant benefit in its effect on losses. The program measures the connection between excellent fire protection and low fire losses by evaluating statistical data on insurance losses.
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BUSINESS
Restaurant Week: Savor the Springs 2020 Friday, October 9 - October 18 SavorTheSprings.com
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HE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
will launch Savor the Springs Restaurant Week 2020. For 10 days, local restaurants participating in Savor the Springs 2020 will offer great deals and prefixed menus with delicious options highlighting a wide variety of culinary choices available in the city. We encourage residents to participate with friends and family and enjoy a meal, offered for a great deal. Get social with us too, use the hashtag #SavorCS or tag us @CoralSpringsEDO. For the full list of participating restaurants and culinary offerings, please visit the Savor the Springs website.
SAVOR THE SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK 2020
BUSINESS SAFETY
Kits provided for businesses to re-open safely CoralspringsEDO.com
THE CITY, in partnership with the Coral Springs Chamber of
Commerce and Broward Health Coral Springs, distributed 12,000 cloth masks, along with important safety information and hand sanitizer to local business for their employees and customers, ensuring they are safe and compliant to CDC guidelines before reopening. Limited kits may still be available, visit the Economic Development website to request business resources.
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SAVOR THERESTAURANT SPRINGS WEEK 2020
BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Coral Springs grants help get companies ‘Back in Business’
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HE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND CITY STAFF have worked
to assist local businesses navigate the pandemic through multiple programs. The Coral Springs Back in Business Grant Program was launched to support the local business community with opportunities designed to address their reopening needs during this crisis. The Back in Business fund helped 250 Coral Springs companies during the summer. The city was able to allocate $250,000 to award grants in the amount of $1,000 to small businesses. The funds have all been distributed and came from the Business Incentive Program and Economic Development operating budget.
Connecting local businesses to grants and loans The City of Coral Springs Budget and Strategy Department launched the “Connecting Local Businesses to Grants and Loans” program to mitigate the effect of the COVID-19 virus within the community by connecting local businesses with possible grant and loan opportunities. The program launched on April 16, 2020, and as a result, Coral Springs businesses have received a total of $1,047,413 in grant and federal funding. A total of 64 businesses reported receiving funding. The program has helped connect local businesses to grants and loans from the state and federal government, as well as other grant opportunities through extensive research and guidance by city staff.
For more information about our Economic Development programs, visit: CoralSpringsEDO.com
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PARKS AND RECREATION Coral Springs appoints new Director of Parks and Recreation CoralSprings.org/parks
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N THURSDAY, MAY 14, City Manager Frank Babinec announced the selection of Robert Hunter to serve as the Director of Parks and Recreation for Coral Springs.
Hunter joined the city in 2018 to serve as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. In February 2020, he was named Interim Director. Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of city parks, Hunter and his team have worked to improve the aesthetics of our park grounds and facilities. Born and raised in Murrysville,
Pennsylvania, Hunter began his public service career as a Youth Coordinator, followed by Recreation Director in Penn Hills, PA, before returning to his hometown to serve as their Recreation Director. Prior to joining Coral Springs, he served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for West Feliciana Parish in Saint Francisville, Louisiana. Hunter holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, specializing in Sport Management. He is also highly skilled in event management and is a certified lifeguard and playground
safety inspector. Hunter has also attended aquatics facility training and oversees the city’s aquatics facilities. View ou r vi
de
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WHAT’S NEW?
Coral Springs parks renovated WHILE RESIDENTS PRACTICED SOCIAL DISTANCING and took all preventative measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, city staff worked hard to plan for recovery and enhance city parks.
Here are some of the improvements we made to our parks: The Veterans Park monument area has been refreshed with new plant material. At Mullins Park, we removed plant material at the Volunteer Building and installed fresh landscaping at the park. We also removed broken concrete parking stops and replaced them with new recycled plastic ones at the Aiello and Mullins Pool parking lots. We deep steam-cleaned the restrooms located in the American Little League, Mullins Hall, Mullins West and Mullins East buildings. We renovated Collins and Heafy Fields at Mullins Park. At Paul Britton Park, we installed concrete curbs around equipment and sidewalks as well as new wood fiber. At Fern Glen Park we rebuilt and curbed the volleyball court. At Cypress Park, we made sure concrete areas were pressure cleaned and the turf field drains were cleaned and painted. We installed artificial turf at the North Community and Cypress Park batting cages. The pickleball courts were resurfaced at Riverside Park.
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CORAL SPRINGS: UNDER THE SUN MAGAZINE
PUBLIC WORKS
Hazardous Household Waste Special Collection Day
City receives 2020 NatureScape Broward Emerald Award THE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS was awarded the 2020 NatureScape Emerald Award for its Master Parking Planting project, located on West Sample Road from Coral Hills Drive to Northwest 99 Way and from Northwest 101 Avenue to Northwest 104 Avenue. The purpose of the city’s Master Parking Planting project was to remove invasive tree species and replace them with native, low-maintenance trees. Focused on improving aesthetics, the city created a more uniform landscape with a more diverse plant palette. The objective to provide added benefits to the city by using plant species that are used by wildlife was driven by
selecting the right tree for the right place.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
The award recognizes the City of Coral Springs for creating a Florida-friendly landscape, led by Public Works Arbor and Horticulture Manager Claudia Alzate, that demonstrates visible ecological practices through the Master Parking Planting project.
Coral Springs will host a special collection for hazardous household waste in the city’s West Side Complex, located at 4181 NW 121 Avenue within the Corporate Park. Residents may dispose of a full range of materials such as paints, propane tanks, electronics and more. For a list of items accepted visit CoralSprings.org/hhw. All visitors are required to wear face masks and remain in their vehicles at all times to comply with social distancing requirements. Materials for drop-off will only be collected from trunks and the bed of trucks.
City re-directs recyclables to ‘Waste to Energy’ facility CoralSprings.org/recycleright
T
HE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS CITY COMMISSION voted to redirect the city’s recyclables to the Wheelabrator “Waste to Energy”plant, a facility that recovers energy produced by burning waste and converts it into electricity.
contamination rate of more than 36 percent and rising costs for recyclable processing. The difference in rate per ton is at a minimum of $76 for recyclable processing to $45.86 per ton for Waste to Energy disposal.
“Waste to Energy” is a program that Coral Springs has participated in since 1991 by hauling household garbage to a Davie energy plant. The inclusion of recycling material to the existing Coral Springs Waste to Energy plan will save the city roughly $300,000 per fiscal year.
The State recycling goal of 75 percent recognizes a Recycling Credit for disposal at Waste to Energy facilities. Residents will still be able to use the blue cart for the processing of all recyclables. Pick-up days will not change.
The City Commission approval arises after multiple years of Coral Springs battling with a recycling
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CSMoA City selects new Coral Springs Museum of Art Director
I
N JULY, City Manager Frank Babinec an-
nounced the selection of Jill M. Brown to serve as Director of the Coral Springs Museum of Art (CSMoA). Brown’s experience will elevate the CSMoA’s reach through cultural development, new program initiative and strategic planning. A dedicated and studious art enthusiast, Brown graduated from three universities. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Art from Ohio University, Teaching Certification in Visual Arts from Bowling Green State University, and her Master of Education in Art Education from University of Toledo. Brown’s expansive career in the Arts includes developing multifaceted cultural initiatives that encourage organizational growth, economic development and tourism. Her focus encompasses developing the arts community supporters through education, exhibition, project management, art administration, marketing, special event implementation and more. In her new position as Director of the CSMoA, Brown will be instrumental in introducing new operational approaches, enhancing marketing and social media strategies, and developing revenue-generating programs.
VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITY
Museum provides summer education for underserved youth CoralSpringsMuseum.org
ON JULY 13, 2020 THE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS MUSEUM OF ART and Coral Springs Police Department partnered up to provide educational opportunities for children in the Summer Breakspot Program, a police-run camp for underserved youth. As COVID-19 caused summer program cancelations across the nation, state and city, the Coral Springs Museum of Art quickly pivoted their educational strategies and launched their first-ever virtual summer camp program, Zoom into the Studio, which continued through August 14, 2020. At the same time, the Police Department’s Summer Breakspot Program was required to cancel their classes due to the global health crisis. Committed to serving the community, especially during these difficult times, the Museum of Art offered their summer program, Zoom into the Studio, to the Police Department’s Summer Breakspot Program granting six underprivileged children with live and interactive educational art classes every day. While these classes require students to purchase supplies prior to the start of the session, the Coral Springs Police Department provided the supplies for their enrolled students, ensuring these families were not overwhelmed with any financial burdens related to the courses.
To learn more about the CSMoA and its programming, visit: CoralSpringsMuseum.org
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CORAL SPRINGS: UNDER THE SUN MAGAZINE
YOUR SAFETY FIRST
Flooding: Know your risk CoralSprings.org/living/flood-zone-information
THE SOUTH FLORIDA RAINY SEASON proved difficult for the City of Coral Springs with reports of street flooding and rising canal levels. Our Public Works Division works to ensure the storm drains are clear of debris all year round, however, large amounts of rainfall during a short period can burden any drainage system. The City of Coral Springs voluntarily participates in the Community Ratings System program in an effort to increase the awareness of flood protection and prevention principles throughout the City.
Know your flood hazard:
Insure your property for those hazards:
Protect people from the hazard:
The most common events for flooding in Coral Springs are rainfall events. Between hurricanes and heavy summer storms, we face these events on a yearly basis. Even though the majority of the City is not considered within the special flood hazard area, that does not mean properties are exempt from flooding.
Based on the frequency of heavy rain fall events and the fact that over 25% of all flood insurance claims are issued to properties that are not located in the special flood hazard area, officials strongly encourage all property owners to invest in flood insurance.
When encountering flood waters of an unknown depth, DO NOT attempt to cross. There may be underlying hazards that are not visible. In the case of a flood, you should avoid all flood waters and in the unlikely event of an evacuation order, you should designate a location where your family can meet if needed.
General Emergency preparedness:
Build Responsibility:
Protect floodplan functions:
In addition to hurricane preparations, CoralSprings.org provides information for general emergency preparations, including tips and recommendations, such as taking a photo inventory of all of your belongings and placing your important financial and insurance information in a safe place.
Be sure to obtain a building permit from the Building Department. The permit review process will ensure your project is at or above any required elevations. Most properties contain a designated drainage easement along the property line that should not be impeded into.
Chemicals and other pollutants should not be dumped into the storm drain. Other pollutants can also include open soil areas on construction sites. If you see a broken silt fence, please report it to the Engineering Department at 954-344-3458.
Hurricane preparedness:
Protect your property from the hazard:
Be “flood” educated:
The City of Coral Springs provides detailed information regarding Hurricane Preparation. Visit CoralSprings.org/hurricane for Family Emergency Plans, Evacuation Routes and Shelter locations.
The simplest way to protect your property is to keep our stormwater system free of debris and trash. Manufactured debris should be properly disposed of. Grass clippings and yard waste should not be blown into the storm system.
It’s important to familiarize yourself and your family with the various topics covered here, as well as the information provided through the various flood safety articles available at the public library.
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