Celebrity Photo of the Week.

This week's celebrity (on the right) is none other than the great local journalist and educator, David Voltz. I spoke to him at the reception before being sworn in for my second term as Mayor of Davie.

Photo: Celebrity photo of the week. [*click* photo to enlarge]

Tenth Annual Waterway Cleanup

I've been at most of the 10 annual waterway cleanups on the South New River. Although not technically called a "cleanup party," this event is about as much fun as any event can be.

Every year we have more volunteers and less trash. Which is a positive sign that people are more concerned about keeping the canal banks clean.

Photo: Mayor Tom Truex (far left) with family and friends at the Tenth Annual Waterway Cleanup on the South New River (C-11 Canal). [*click* photo to enlarge]

Tenth Annual Waterway Cleanup sponsored by the Town of Davie and the Central Broward Control District

Photo: (from Left: Councilmember Mike Crowley; Teddy the Turtle; Mayor Tom Truex; and Central Broward Control District Chairman, Dave Donzella at the tenth annual Waterway Cleanup. [*click* photo to enlarge]

The Agenda for the March 29, 2006 Davie Town Council Meeting is online.

The Davie Town Council Meets at Davie Town Hall for our regular meeting on March 29, 2006. The Agenda is online.

Note the following items, in which there may be general public interest*:

1. Certification of Results. 3-14-2006 Town Council Election. (Agenda Item 4).
   
2. Outgoing Councilmember's Message, from Lisa Hubert. (Agenda Item 5).
   
3. Selection of new Vice-Mayor. (Agenda Item 7).
   
4. Incoming Councilmember's Comments, by Bryan Caletka and Tom Truex (Agenda Item 7A).
   
5. Forensic Auditor firms presentations. Four firms interested in serving Davie in forensic auditing services will make presentations. (Agenda Item 9).
   
6. Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). Review and adaption of this important report. (Agenda Item 12.2).
   
7. Vacaction. Ordinance proposing vacation of easements at Long Key - Flamingo Park. (Agenda Item 12.3).
   
8. Community Chest. Discussion on possibility of creating a Community Chest. (Agenda Item 14.1).
   
9. Status of the Town Attorney. (Agenda Item 15.4).

Broward League of Mayors Meeting

Last Friday, I met with other Mayors in Broward County at the Broward League of Mayors Special Workshop Meeting. The main topic of discussion was the Federal, State and local response to last year's hurricanes. One especially interesting document which received some mention was the Emergency Operations Center Task Force Recommendations for Improving Coordination Between Broward County and Local Fire & Police Agencies. This March 2006 report bears the names of the FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION OF BROWARD COUNTY, BROWARD COUNTY POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION and FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT — REGION 7.

Waterway cleanup set for Tomorrow, March 25, 2006

The Town of Davie and the Central Broward Water Control District are sponsoring our 10th Annual Waterway Clean-Up tomorrow, Saturday, March 25, 2006 from 8:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. This is a great event for Davie Officials, residents and students. In fact, although not technically billed as a "Clean-Up Party," the event is about as much fun as you can have--even while performing a worthwhile project like cleaning the banks of the South New River (C-11 Canal).

Photo: Mayor Tom Truex (holding the bag) at last year's waterway cleanup. [*click* photo to enlarge]

Maggie Moo's Ice Cream opens in Davie at Tower Shops

Davie's newest ice cream parlor held it's ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday. Maggie Moo's Ice Cream is located at 2124 S. University Drive, which is in the Tower Shops shopping center, north of the Home Depot. Their ice cream is delicious. Highly, highly recommended!

Photo: Mayor Tom Truex Joins the owners of Maggie Moo's Ice Cream and other members of the Davie-Cooper City Chamber of Commerce at the ribbon cutting ceremony. [*click* photo to enlarge]

NSU's Library is a Major Attraction in Davie, open to all residents.

The Alvin Sherman Library, Reaseach, and Information Technology Center is a unique resource in the Town of Davie. This University Library is also open to residents of Broward of County, whether or not they are students of NSU. Besides the normal academic material one might expect in a major university library, this library also include materials for children, younger students and the general public. The library is a joint-use facility of the Broward County Commission and NSU.

Photo: NSU's Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and IT Center. I snapped this photo on a recent bike ride to the NSU campus. [*click* photo to enlarge]

Mayor Tom Truex Attends Meeting of Green Airport Initiative

This evening I attended the meeting in Davie for the Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Broward County Green Air Intiative. Much of the discussion focussed on Davie's prime concern--aviation NOISE--although other environmental factors, such as air pollution, and traffic were discussed.

"The Green Air Initiative is a five-phase process designed to help FLL improve environmental quality and efficiency, and become a community model for sustainable development. The first phase is to measure the environment conditions at the Airport in five areas:

* Air quality
* Water quality
* Solid waste
* Noise
* Energy consumption"

Photo: Staff member from Broward Aviation answers a question at the Green Airport Intiative Meeting. [*click* photo to enlarge]

Student of the Month Awards Today

This morning I attended Davie's Student of the Month program at the Davie Police Station. Congratulations to the students--and their families--who were honored today.

Design Workshop on Davie Regional Activity Center

This evening I attended the first of two "Design Workshops" for the future of the Davie Regional Activity Center (RAC). The RAC is a huge area in eastern Davie. Together with the Transit Oriented Corridor (State Road 7 / US 441 Corridor), the Town is in the beginning stages in mapping out the economic heart of Davie's future. These areas will also contain the bulk of Davie's increases in residential and commercial density in years to come.

The second Design Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, April 4, 2006, at the East Side Community Hall. These meetings are open to the public. All residents and other interested parties are urged to attend.

Town of Davie RAC-South Florida Educational RAC
Acreage: Approximately 2,244 acres
General Location: Between University Drive and Florida's Turnpike, south of State Road 84 and north of Griffin Road.
Purpose: Site is a center of regional education and employment activity.

Davie-South Florida Educational RAC:

SOURCE: Broward County

Podcast Number 14 is online. The (so-called) Separation of Church and State

Podcast Number 14: Mayor Tom Truex discusses the concept of a separation of Church and State; and why an idea with so little foundation in history and the law has gained such a devoted following among politicians.

Town of Davie Officials present award to Seminole Tribal Council.

This morning I attended the regular meeting of the Seminole Tribal Council. I was joined by Councilwomen, Susan Starkey, and Judy Paul; Police Chief John George; Fire Chief Don DiPetrillo; acting Town Administrator Ken Cohen; and others. We presented a plaque, and thanked the Seminole Tribe for assistance they provided to the Town of Davie during the last hurricane season. The Town of Davie and Seminole Tribe remain good neighbors with a lot in common.

Photo: Town of Davie Officials with Tribal Council Members. Mayor Truex in the center presenting a plaque to the Chairman of the Seminole Tribal Council, Mitchell Cypress.

National Day of Prayer on May 4, 2006.

This morning, I attended a planning meeting for Davie's observance of the National Day of Prayer on May 4, 2006. This year's Prayer Breakfast will be held at the Signature Grand in Davie.

Tickets are available for $15.00 each or $150.00 for a table of 10. As in the past, Councilwoman Susan Starkey and I will take part in the Prayer Breakfast, together with the Broward Sheriff's Honor Guard, and several area pastors and community leaders. For more information, call 954-797-1077.

"The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations." (source: National Day of Prayer Web Site)

Large Oak Trees cover much of Davie

Large Live Oak trees provide shade for a good part of the Town of Davie. Can you guess where in the Town of Davie I took the photo at left? You might guess Pine Island Park, Robbins Lodge, or one of Davie's many other scenic spots. (*Hint: it's a trick question). Click "MORE", below for the answer.

Photo: Can you guess where in these Oak Trees are in Davie??? [*click* photo to enlarge] More...

Bryan Caletka elected to represent Davie's District One; Mayor Truex Re-Elected Without Opposition

Congratulations to Bryan Caletka, who posted a convincing victory in today's District One election in the Town of Davie. Although I had supported Lisa Hubert's re-election efforts, I expect the transition to the new District representative to be a smooth one. I will be meeting with Town Staff soon to insure that Mr. Caletka receives all the assistance and resources he requires in order to assume his new position. I look forward to working with Mr. Caletka in the next three years.

The swearing in ceremony for District One and the Mayor (I was re-elected without opposition) will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Council Meeting on March 29, 2006.

Photo: Councilmember-Elect Bryan Caletka [*click* photo to enlarge]

Rededication of the Mar Thoma Church in Davie, Florida

This past Friday, I was honored to represent the Town of Davie at the re-dedication ceremony of the Mar Thoma Church on 82nd Avenue in Davie. The church building, which suffered serious damage in Hurrican Wilma, was repaired and refurbished. From the website:

"The Mar Thoma Church has been dynamically involved in the socio-cultural settings of North America and Europe for the past 30 years. Fundamentally an immigrant Church, she has contextualized her ministry in her new life situation without compromising the rich ethos and tradition received from her motherland of Kerala, India. Currently, under the rubric of the Diocese, there are 51 parishes and 20 congregations. In order to cater to the ministerial needs of the Diocese, there are 48 clergy as well as functioning organizations for children, youth, women, and evangelistic work. The Diocese is presided over by the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos, Episcopa."

Photo: Logo for the Mar Thoma Church

Sign Waving in Support of Lisa Hubert's Re-Election in District 1

As the campaign for Davie's Town Council re-election winds down, I helped support Council Member, Lisa Hubert, at a "sign waving" today.

Only registered voters in Davie's District 1, may vote on Tuesday, March 14, 2006. I urge all voters to follow the recommendations of both the Miami Herald and the Sun-Sentinel to re-elect Lisa Hubert!

Photo: Mayor Truex, "sign waving" with family and friends in support of re-election of Vice-Mayor and District 1 Town Council Member, Lisa Hubert. [*click* photo to enlarge]

Groundbreaking for "Downtown Davie" development on March 9, 2006.

Today, Davie Town officials joined builders, Mark Schmidt and Harvey Mattel, in the groundbreaking ceremony for "Downtown Davie." This mixed use (residential and business) development on the Southeast Corner of Davie Road and Griffin Road, promises to be a focal point for the whole community, and a catalyst to spur redevelopment in the downtown area.

Photo: Groundbreaking ceremony for Downtown Davie on March 9, 2006. [*click* photo to enlarge]

Broward Symphonic Band performs in Davie

We attended the 2006 Spring Concert of the Broward Symphonic Band on Sunday. They played at Bailey Hall, in Davie, at Broward Community College.

Photo: Broward Symphonic Band, 2006 Spring Concert [*click* photo for a short video clip (WMV format) featuring this solo by a talented Davie Student, Luke Sobiechowski, playing the tuba. *NOTE* Broadband connection recommended to download this 1.9 MB file.]

Mayors' Breakfast at the meeting of the Commercial-Industrial Real Estate Brokers Association

I represented the Town of Davie at the Mayors' Breakfast at the meeting of the Commercial-Industrial Real Estate Brokers Association. The Mayors from several other Broward municipalities joined me in this forum to discuss commercial real estate in each of our cities/towns. The issues of redevelopment and mass transit were common themes.

Citizen Participation Meeting for Griffin Corridor Project

Tonight I attended a Citizen Participation Meeting for a proposed mixed use (business and residential) development on Griffin between 58th Avenue and 61st Avenue. Actually, tonight's meeting was the second scheduled meeting with residents to discuss the owner's proposed rezoning and site plan. I joined other Town Council members in pushing for this type of required Citizen Participation Meeting for many types of development applications. Instituting the requirement for these types of meetings was a giant step forward, in involving residents in the process of reviewing plans for development. The people who live near proposed development should have a voice in what gets built. Getting residents involved early in the process helps build consensus, and results in generally better development projects being approved.

Groundbreaking Ceremony at Western High School in Davie

Today I attended the groundbreaking ceremony at Western High School, for their new 24 classroom addition. The building will feature state of the art science facilities. Also part of the plan are improvements to the grounds and athletic facilities.

Photo: Artist's rendering of new 24 classroom science building at Western High School, in Davie. [*click* photo to enlarge]

Davie's Orange Blossom Festival a Huge Success Again This Year

Davie's 75th Annual Orange Blossom Festival was a HUGE success again this year. Guided by Davie's Special Events Department, and with plenty of community participation, this year's parade and festival were better than ever. The parade started off a two day festival, which included a rodeo, concert, street fair, continuous stage performances, pancake breakfast, strawberry shortcake--just to name of few of many Orange Blossom traditions.

Photo: View on Orange Drive, looking at the Orange Blossom Festival. Not a bad crowd for a rainy Sunday afternoon! [*click* photo to enlarge]

The Agenda for the March 1, 2006 Davie Town Council Meeting is online.

The Davie Town Council Meets at Davie Town Hall for our regular meeting on March 1, 2006. The Agenda is online.

Note the following items, in which there may be general public interest*:

1. Sunrise Water System. A Resolution to stop plans to try to buy the City of Sunrise utility infrastucture within Davie. (Agenda Item 5.2).
   
2. FDOT plans for the Turnpike and Stirling Road. A presentation by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a proposed plan for a new interchange at the Turnpike and Stirling Road. (Agenda Item 4.2).
   
3. Delegation Request. Proposed amendment to the plat for "the Plaza"; at 11200 State Road 84. (Agenda Item 5.3).
   
4. Plat for "Lorson Estates". Applicant seeking approval of a plat at 1275 SW 130 Avenue. See also Agenda items 5.18 (Site Plan) and 7.5 (Rezoning) for the same parcel. (Agenda Item 5.12).
   
5. Resolution relating to the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. A resolution supporting Hollywood and Dania Beach in opposition to part of the County's airport expansion plans. (Agenda Item 5.16).
   
6. Site Plan, Hollywood Video/Wendys. Proposed site plan for 11200 State Road 84. (Agenda Item 5.17).
   
7. Site Plan for Lorson Estates. Site plan at 1275 SW 130 Avenue. See also 5.12 (Plat) and 7.5 (Rezoning). (Agenda Item 5.18).
   
8. Vacation and dedication of rights of way.. This item was tabled at the January 4, 2006 Town Council because of concerns about placement of trails in this county facility. (Agenda Item 7.2).
   
9. Land use change. Proposal to change land use from Commercial to 16 units per acre for 2.9 acres, Generally located at the southeast quadrant of Stirling Road and Davie Road Extension. (Agenda Item 7.3).
   
10. Land Use Amendment, State Road 7 / U.S. 441 Corridor. This is the plan for dramatic changes in land use and development in the area between the Florida Turnpike and U.S. 441. (Agenda Item 7.4).
    
11. Rezoning, Lorson One. This is the Rezoning application which goes with item 5.12 (Plat) and 5.18 (Site Plan) at 1275 SW 130 Avenue. (Agenda Item 7.5).
    
12. Community Chest. Discussion on the Town helping to establish a "Community Chest." (Agenda Item 9.1).