Archives: March 2005
Wed Mar 30, 2005
Student of the Month Program
I attended the Student of the Month Program yesterday at the Davie Police Department Community Room. Chief George and other police personnel organize the program. This recognition is a very high honor for students who have excelled in their schools in Davie. Students from pre-K through high school are selected for their qualities of character .
I spoke to the students on the importance of honesty, integrity, charity and kindness.
These young people, and their families, are to be commended.
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Tue Mar 29, 2005
Meeting with residents in Highland Ranch Estates
One the best parts of being Mayor of Davie, is getting to meet some of the very nicest people. This week was no exception, as I had the opportunity to meet with several Davie residents from Highland Ranch Estates and some of the other communities abutting Shotgun Road in Western Davie.
I enjoy meeting with residents. Please ask me!
Photo: Entry sign at Highland Ranch Estates [*click* photo to enlarge]
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Mon Mar 28, 2005
Easter Church Services in Davie
Pastor Darrel Stuehrenberg, of Gloria Dei, Lutheran Church, in Davie, preached at the Easter Sunrise Service. The community Easter service has been held at Forrest Lawn Cemetery for years. The annual service, which is always well attended, began at 6:00 a.m. Numerous other clergy and church leaders participated, including Rev. James A. Cox, pastor of First Baptist Church, Cooper City; Rev. Harold Taylor, pastor of Gardens Baptist Church (formerly pastor of First Baptist Church of Davie for 37 years); and Rev. Dave Thomas, Pastor of Calvary Chapel Freewill Church. Rev. Taylor said he and the late Rev. John Gill started the annual community service years ago.
Photo: Pastor Darrel Stuehrenberg, of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church [*click* photo to enlarge]
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Sat Mar 26, 2005
Davie's 26th annual Egg Hunt
Davie's 26th annual Egg Hunt was a huge success again this year. Several thousand attended the annual event at Robbins Lodge. The egg hunt is a favorite amoung both children and adults.
Photo: The 26th Annual Davie Egg Hunt, Robbins Lodge [*click* photo to enlarge it]
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Fri Mar 25, 2005
Q: Do we need more airport @ FLL? A: No.
A field trip to Ft. Lauderdale to pick up my daughter and wife served as a crash course on what I don't want Broward County to be. [hint: we are getting there fast].
Admittedly, there may be excess air travel related to spring break and Easter, but overall, the place is a mess. I'm more convinced than ever that the Town of Davie is correct in our position to oppose additional airport expansion until a feasible plan is presented.
If the airport trip doesn't cure you of wanting to expand the airport, then I recommend a tour of the neighborhoods which will be made more unlivable by increasing noise pollution.
Photo: Ft. Lauderdale International Airport, Terminal 1 [*click* photo to enlarge]
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Thu Mar 24, 2005
H2O: the South New River flows toward the ocean at the Tony Salvino Bridge
I snapped this photo of the South New River (C-11 Canal) while I was waiting in traffic.
We have two major problems with water in South Florida:
1. There is too much of it; and
2. There is not enough of it.
When it rains, flooding is a major problem. The Town of Davie has undertaken a major capital improvement effort to better drain flood prone areas of Town.
Having enough water during dry or drought conditions is a major regional issue. Davie needs to do it's part by managing growth so as not to overburden our sources of water.
Photo: The South New River looking east from the Tony Salvino Bridge at Orange Drive and 61st Avenue [*click* photo to enlarge]
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Wed Mar 23, 2005
Chef Truex at the Grill
Here I am, last weekend, enjoying the great outdoors (at the grill).
When we moved to Davie in 1987, there were fewer cars, fewer airplanes and fewer people.
Preserving peace and tranquility in our neighborhoods, is one of my most important goals.
Photo: Chef Truex at the grill! [*click* photo to enlarge]
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Tue Mar 22, 2005
Davie Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
I attended the Town of Davie Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting on March 21st. Their main topic of conversation was the suggested names for Davie's newest parks. They'll forward their recommendations to the Town Council.
They also announced that Davie did well in it's request for a $2 million dollar grant from the County for purchase of a "Farm Park." (Total estimated purchase price is about $11 Million)
Davie is moving forward with an upcoming addition of playground equipment at Pine Island Park for children with special needs.
The upcoming meeting with the Town Council regarding a Davie Dog Park was discussed. There appears to be considerable support for the concept--with identification of a suitable location the main barrier at this point.
Upcoming Town Council Workshops relating to Parks and Recreation:
1. Dog Park Workshop - April 11, 2005, 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall
2. Sports Programs Workshop - April 28, 2005, 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall (the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board requested this meeting be re-scheduled)
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Mon Mar 21, 2005
Palm Sunday at Davie United Methodist Church
We got to visit with friends, family and neighbors at Davie United Methodist Church on Palm Sunday. Janet and I were married in their sanctuary in 1984.
The Children of Bright Beginnings Preschool sang. The church Chancel Choir sang their Easter Cantata [1.6 MB video -- WMV, best with broadband connection] .
Photo: Palm Sunday Service at Davie United Methodist Church -- Easter Cantata [*click* photo to enlarge]
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Sat Mar 19, 2005
Annual Banquet for Hope Pregnancy Centers of Broward County
Janet and I attended the annual banquet for Hope Pregnancy Centers of Broward County on Friday. Over 1,000 other guests in attendance filled every bit of the main room at Signature Grand in Davie. The guest speaker, Scott Klusendorf , spoke on issues important to the Pro-Life movement, such as "what really constitutes human life?" An awesome event, with an incredibly important purpose.
Photo: Scott Klusendorf, the guest speaker at Hope's 2005 Banquet. [*click* photo to enlarge]
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Fri Mar 18, 2005
Search for Town Administrator Moves Forward

Proving once again, that good government does not come easy, the Davie Town Council moved forward with an open process to select a permanent Town Administrator, after a lengthy debate. The Town Council selected the Range Riders , which is a group of retired volunteers associated with the Florida City and County Management Association. Frankly, the Range Riders were not my first choice. The Town would be better served by a full service executive search firm, such as one of the four who made presentations to the Town Council on Wednesday (3/16/2005). All of the full service firms handle the entire search process including:
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Thu Mar 17, 2005
Lisa Hubert elected to one year term as Vice Mayor by the Davie Town Council
Congratulations to Vice Mayor Lisa Hubert who began her one year term as Vice Mayor, having been elected by the Davie Town Council on March 16, 2005.
Photo: Vice Mayor Lisa Hubert [*click* photo to enlarge]
Councilmember
Lisa Hubert—District
Councilmember Hubert has been a Davie resident since 1994. She is a member of the Broward County Foster Parent Association and is a notary for the state.
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Wed Mar 16, 2005
Saturday, March 19, 2005 is Broward Waters Day 2005.
Remember, Saturday, March 19, 2005 is Broward Waters Day 2005. For more information call 954.519.1270 or *click* the Water Matters Day poster.
GIVEAWAYS:
* Free Plants
* Free Trees
* Free Mulch (bring your own bags)
* Free Rain Gauges
MINI WORKSHOPS
* Selecting and caring for drought tolerant plants
* Designing a NatureScape
* Transform your backyard into a wildlife habitat
* Broward County water history . Environmentally friendly pest control
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
* Clowns and face painting
* Make your own birdhouse
* And more!
Special musical entertainment by Grant Livingston
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Tue Mar 15, 2005
Town Council Meeting, March 16, 2005
The Davie Town Council Meets at Davie Town Hall for our regular meeting on March 16, 2005. The Agenda is online.
I have the following Advisory Board/Committee vacancies:
1. Child Safety Board
2. Open Space Advisory Board
3. Water and Evironmental Advisory Board.
Please call me if you have an interest in these (or other) official Town Boards.
Mayor Tom Truex
954-797-1030 Town Hall
954-792-6800 Office
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Mon Mar 14, 2005
New Mayor and Commissioners in Cooper City
Councilmember Susan Starkey and I represented the Town of Davie at the swearing in ceremony at Cooper City tonight. Congratulations to Commissioners BART ROPER, JR., ELLIOT KLEIMAN, and Mayor DEBBY EISINGER.
PHOTO: Mayor Debby Eisinger of Cooper City joins Mayor Tom Truex and Councilmember Susan Starkey of the Town of Davie. [*click* photo to enlarge]
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Sat Mar 12, 2005
Getting Ready for Davie's Family Bike Rally
Getting Ready for the Town of Davie Family Bike Rally on Saturday, April 9, 2005. After church we rode our bikes to the Carnival at St. David's Catholic Church; and then along Davie's Linear Park past Robbins Lodge. Janet calculates we rode about 12 miles, altogether.
Davie's system of bike, equestrian and recreation trails are great!
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Bonfire in west Davie.
Wow! Thanks to Ricky, Robert and Renee, young cattle and sheep farmers in West Davie. Janet and I enjoyed a great bonfire under the stars, with old and new friends. A memorable evening of fellowship, hayrides and music. Not to mention roasting hotdogs and Marshmellows.
The cows had a good time too. Eating bagels by starlight...
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Davie - Cooper City Relay for Life at Pioneer Middle School
I attended the opening ceremony for the annual Davie - Cooper City Relay for Life at Pioneer Middle School. This year was the 6th annual event for Davie - Cooper City, and the 20th Nationally. This is a great event for an important cause. Hundreds of volunteers raised money to help in the fight against cancer.
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Tue Mar 08, 2005
Slot Machines approved in Broward
Slot machines were approved in Broward County. I opposed the measure, as did the Davie Town Council. Only time will tell the wisdom of the decision by voters.
In this picture, I'm holding a Greyhound dog. These animals are routinely killed when they are no longer able to win races. Animal rights activists opposed the slot machine referendum because slot machines will prop up the otherwise failing paramutual industry--which includes the dog tracks.
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Thu Mar 03, 2005
DAVIE MOVES FORWARD WITH "FARM PARK" CONCEPT
The Davie Town Council directed Town staff to process papers to apply for grants to obtain property and to develop a "Farm Park" in Davie. The concept would permit Davie small farmers to have available land in perpetuity. Davie would add to it's stock of protected open space, and gain an important educational facility. Mayor Tom Truex--who spent much of his childhood in Indiana farm country--enthusiastically supported the idea with an important condition: NO DAVIE TAX dollars to be spent on the project. The majority of the Town Council, which supported the project as well, agreed. The project would be funded entirely through local, state and federal grants. Once established, the farm park would be fully self sustaining through production of agricultural products.
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Tom Truex and family greets Wings of Gold
My family is getting together with Wings of Gold motorcycle club, in this picture. Also pictured is Davie Town Councilmember, Mike Crowley. Wings of Gold is an unbelievable charitable group, and tremendous community asset.
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Wed Mar 02, 2005
Town Council Agenda for March 2, 2005 is online
Davie Town Council Meeting tonight at Davie Town Hall. The Agenda is online. Mayor Tom Truex has the following Advisory Board/Committee vacancies:
1. Child Safety Board
2. Open Space Advisory Board
3. Water and Evironmental Advisory Board.
Please call the Mayor if you have an interest in these (or other) official Town Boards.
Mayor Tom Truex
954-797-1030 Town Hall
954-792-6800 Office
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Tue Mar 01, 2005
Pioneers at the Orange Blossom Parade
Davie pioneers get ready for the 68th Annual Orange Blossom Parade and Festival.
"One the things which makes Davie so special is our sense of community and our rich history. With such diversity in our Town, it's great to find common ground--things we can all be proud of as residents. The Orange Blossom Festival is one of those things." --Mayor Tom Truex
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