Under The Sun - Fall 2022

City Commission Message

The arrival of fall means it’s time to say farewell to the long days of summer and welcome the golden glow of a new season.

The creation of the city’s official Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) is an example of our commitment to reducing local greenhouse gas emissions, managing resources wisely, enhancing operations, and engaging in environmental education. As this blueprint for people – planet – prosperity is laid out we plan to regularly showcase what members of our community are doing to work toward making a more sustainable Coral Springs. Last school year, the Environmental Awareness Club from Coral Springs Charter School created and implemented a successful recycling program. Learn more about what students did on page 6.

From dodging orange cones to merging lanes – we recognize ongoing roadway improvement projects can be frustrating. Yet, these short-term inconveniences will yield long-term benefits for Coral Springs and its infrastructure. We encourage our residents to regularly visit our website, CoralSprings.gov/workaroundtown to learn more about construction projects, their purpose, and proposed timelines.

Downtown Coral Springs is really taking shape with the near completion of phase one of Cornerstone. With the completion of the residential structure, we will start to see the vertical construction of Hyatt Place and the addition of retail along the new Main Street. The development, like our city, is part of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) master plan, which was adopted in 2014. Learn more about the CRA and provide valuable feedback on page 5.

As we head into event season, residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the city’s website, following our social media channels, and opting in for text messages by sending the keyword CORALSPRINGS (one word) to 888-777.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of your City Officials, please call 954-344-5911. Make sure to follow Coral Springs on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

FOLLOW US

Mayor Scott J. Brook

@CSCommissioner1

Commissioner Shawn Cerra

@CSCommissioner2

Commissioner Nancy Metayer

@CSCommissioner3

Vice Mayor Joshua Simmons

@CSCommissioner4

Commissioner Joy Carter

Photos by Michael Geronazzo.

Message from the City Manager

The City of Coral Springs is committed to building longterm financial stability through innovative, data-driven, and forward-thinking strategies that fulfill our strategic goals and best meet the needs of residents and businesses.

When the city was awarded $20 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we met with residents and key stakeholders to obtain feedback about the best use for this funding. Overwhelmingly, participants and our City Commission agreed that a reinvestment into our city was the highest, best use for federal funding. Some of the funding will go toward improving outdoor fitness, park upgrades, sidewalk improvements and roadway resurfacing.

To make it easier for residents to view city projects, including the size, scope, and timeline, we created a community dashboard and interactive mapping, CoralSprings.gov/fy2022. This allows residents to see first-hand what is being done to ensure Coral Springs remains the premier community in which to live, work, and raise a family.

A lot of time, attention and detail goes into the budget process. I encourage all residents to attend our City Commission meetings and Commission Workshops to learn more about city operations. For a complete list of public meetings, visit CoralSprings.gov/agenda

To view the city’s strategic plan and final adopted budget, visit CoralSprings.gov/budget

City’s Fiscal Year Projects interactive mapping:

FRANK BABINEC

The rate of inflation and rise in rental costs is a financial burden for many of our residents. As a result, the City Commission asked city staff to look for solutions to address the dramatic increase in rising residential rental costs. City staff presented a plan to reallocate more than $1 million of federal funding through Community Development Block Grant funds to address the issue. During the July 20 Commission meeting, the City Commission voted unanimously to approve the reallocation and implementation of the program.

The new program offers financial assistance to eligible Coral Springs renters who experienced more than 5% increase from April 2020 until now. Learn more: CoralSprings.gov/rent

ABOUTTHE CR A DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT

Community invited to provide input on CRA

The City of Coral Springs Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was established by the City Commission in 2002 to guide the city in its Downtown redevelopment efforts. The purpose of the CRA is to revitalize the physical environment and the economy of the Community Redevelopment Area.

The CRA is planned to “sunset” in 10 years. CRAs are typically established for a period of 30 years. Effectively, the CRA dissolves along with its benefits. The CRA Master Plan is being updated to reflect current conditions and prioritize projects, amongst other tasks. We want residents and businesses to provide their feedback as the city works to update the CRA master plan.

You can participate in the pubic survey (scan QR code), visit us at events like Bites-n-Sips, or email CSCRA@Sepiinc.com

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO TAKE OUR SURVEY.

City Commission approves rental assistance for residents BUDGET & FINANCE

PUBLIC WORKS AND SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

A SHIFT IN THINKING

Proper Tree Pruning Tips

Trees and shrubs contribute to the beauty of the landscape and offer many environmental benefits, but they must also be properly maintained, especially during hurricane season. The City of Coral Springs has regulations in place to protect trees and to ensure they are trimmed properly.

DO

• Properly prune trees. The type of pruning needed depends on age, location, and species.

• Hire a Certified Arborist or a Broward County Licensed Tree Trimmer.

• Contact the city’s forester if you have questions: Casey Lee, 954-344-1117.

DON’T

• Cut down a tree without a permit.

• Hire non-licensed tree companies or landscape companies to prune trees.

Commerce Park Stormwater Improvement

The Stormwater Improvement Project is completed! The project included pavement and swale restoration in the area to better respond to, and recover from, intense flooding in the 442-acre Commerce Park business area. The project is part of a $2.8 million grant awarded to Coral Springs by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in 2019.

Environmental Club recycles thousands of gallons of materials

Coral Springs Charter School Social Studies teacher, Oscar Toro, was inspired to form the Environmental Awareness Club (EAC), a re-ignited environmental initiative at the school, to serve as both an educational awareness club and community service group for students.

Toro knew running an after-school club would mean taking on extra duties, but he recognized that forming and advising the club would empower students and inspire the community.

The EAC members ensure that every classroom and office in the building has a small recycle bin. They coordinate with the city’s Public Works Department to schedule periodic pick-ups from the school. As an added measure, students stay after school and pick through all the school’s recyclables by hand to ensure there is no waste in the contents.

As demand for recycling quickly soared, the club added additional large bins and scheduled additional pick-ups. Toro estimates that during the 2021-2022 school year the club recycled more than 1,000 gallons of materials every two weeks.

Toro hopes that the program will make a larger-scale impact, specifically to create a shift in thinking and habits in the future.

The club is already making an impact beyond the school walls by participating in the city’s 2021 Holiday Parade and at city events to further promote recycling education. In addition, the club has held informative workshops, screened environmental documentaries, and created a social media presence to share fun and informative content about environmental sustainability.

COMMUNITY

Neighborhoods with Integrity

A friendly kickball game, a neighborhood cleanup, an informative Q&A – the Neighborhoods with Integrity (NWI) program is a city-wide effort to build relationships within our neighborhoods and address community needs in a proactive and positive manner.

Recently, the Forest Hills neighborhood brought forward the idea to host a neighborhood “spruce up.” With help from the city staff, the residents developed a cost-effective plan to enhance the entranceway on NW 84th Terrace into their cul-de-sac. A total of six robellini palms and 48 crotons were planted.

The NWI team hosted their second event, “Snacks & Sacks,” a cornhole tournament with neighbors who live along 120th Avenue on Friday, July 15. Commissioner Shawn Cerra stopped by to chat with residents, and “Ozzie,” a beloved neighborhood dog, posed for the group photo.

Learn more about the program or submit your idea for a neighborhood project or program.

School’s back in session

It is hard to believe another school year has arrived. We are pleased to share that 10 Coral Springs schools received a grade of ‘A’ from the Department of Education for the 20212022 school year. Coral Springs is proud to have excellent schools in our community.

The 2022-2023 Coral Springs Neighborhood Schools Guide is now available to view either in print or online. The guide features an overview of the city’s many top-rated public and charter schools.

Visit City Hall to pick up a copy or view it online at CoralSprings.gov/schools.

Elections 2022

ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 8

The Midterm Elections are around the corner. Due to the redistricting of voting precincts, your voting location may have changed. To view your polling location for the upcoming midterm elections, or view more election links, visit CoralSprings.gov/vote.

Find the nearest early voting site or drop box, find your election day precinct, and track your vote-by-mail ballot at www.browardvotes.gov.

RECOGNITIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The City of Coral Springs was honored by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) as the recipient of ICMA’s Strategic Leadership & Governance award for the city’s Behavioral Health Access Program (BHAP), a robust program offering free mental health services to more than 1,000 Coral Springs first responders and general employees.

The award recognizes innovative and successful local government programs or processes that have significantly affected a local government organization’s culture or strategic direction.

WATCH NOW!

Police Explorers

Congratulations to the members of our Coral Springs Police Department Explorer Post 276 and Police Advisors on their recent achievements at the 2022 Florida Association of Police Explorers competition. There were 24 jurisdictions that represented explorer posts from across the state who were tested in multiple law enforcement real-life scenarios, including active shooter, crisis intervention, high-risk traffic stops, physical agility, and crime scene. Our team placed third for inprogress calls and fifth place for active shooter. Explorer Lt. Julian Rodriguez earned second place in the physical agilities course.

ICMA recognizes city’s behavioral health program

Photographed left to right are: Connor France, Lillian Sandberg, Julian Rodriguez, Jordan Ramage, Nicole Tarantino and Ilana Kuritz

Videos honored with Telly Awards

The Telly Awards, the world’s largest honor for video and television content across all screens, announced in June that the City of Coral Springs had been named a Bronze Winner for two of the city’s 2021 social media videos.

Selected from more than 11,000 entries from across the globe, the Coral Springs videos, produced by the Coral Springs Communications and Marketing Department, were selected as winners for the Social Video - Health and Wellness and Recruitment categories.

The videos selected focused on Suicide Awareness, featuring Mayor Scott Brook, and Police Recruitment, which has helped our Police Department attract new hires.

The City of Coral Springs has officially changed its domain name from CoralSprings.org to CoralSprings.gov as of June 2022.

The switch is part of a national security effort to streamline and more easily identify government websites. When government organizations use a .gov domain name to provide public services and information online, the consistent extension makes it easy to know that the domain’s services are official. It also makes the site less susceptible to online scammers, imitation, and fraud.

Residents are encouraged to update their browser, bookmark, and e-contacts with the new .Gov domain.

.Gov Transition

Suicide Awareness

Police Recruitment

PARKS AND RECREATION

Celebrating our sports leagues, volunteers and staff

The Parks and Recreation Department celebrated with their sports leagues and volunteers during a July evening at Mullins Park. At the event, the department launched their new visionExceptional Today, Greater Tomorrow!

Park Updates

Visit CoralSprings.gov/workaroundtown.

Cypress Basketball Courts

Commissioners gathered in June to celebrate the opening of new basketball courts at Cypress Hammock Park. (1300 Coral Springs Drive)

Coral Springs Middle School Courts

Coral Springs Middle School now offers both tennis courts (2) and pickleball courts (4). Residents may enjoy the courts on weekdays from 5 to 10 p.m., and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (10300 Wiles Road)

Betti Stradling Park

This park will be fully open soon with the relocated fitness gym and long-anticipated Splash-N-Play pad, featuring custom water features, shaded seating areas, and lights for nighttime fun! (10301 Wiles Road)

Persevering through Pickleball

Swimming through waves, dancing to a favorite song, sailing a tennis ball over the net –simple pleasures like these can add immeasurable value to life, but are so often taken for granted. When one Coral Springs resident found himself faced with the likelihood of losing the ability to do the things he loved, he knew he needed to rise above the adversity.

Kemit-Amon Lewis is an avid athlete, marine scientist, scuba diver, and dancer who contracted a rare bacterial infection while in St. Croix in 2019. The infection was so severe that it required a partial amputation of his limbs and extremities.

Lewis spent months re-learning basic daily tasks like walking, getting dressed, cooking, and driving, but once he re-mastered the basics, he was determined to get back to dancing, diving, and playing sports – especially tennis. With the encouragement of his doctors, a positive attitude, and a newfound knowledge of the latest prosthetic technology, Lewis is once again enjoying the activities that he loves.

“My personal journey has been filled with effort, troubleshooting, adapting, etc. but we live in an era where just about any tool that you need to do the things that you once did are available or can be created,” Lewis said. “Like “there’s an app for that” -- there’s probably a prosthesis for that!”

Today, Lewis is a regular on pickleball and tennis courts in Coral Springs. He used pickleball, which is played in a smaller area, but uses similar techniques as tennis, to improve his ability to play tennis. While according to

“His determination, effort, and enthusiasm for the for the sport is unmatched,” Bobrow said. “He never gives up on any shot and always strives to improve in every area of the game. I look forward to every time I get to coach Kemit because I know we will always have long rallies and he will always give 110% effort. He has more heart than anyone I know on the court.”

Despite finding life on a very challenging trajectory, Lewis’ ability to remain positive and be solution oriented has allowed him to overcome

“He never gives up on any shot and always strives to improve in every area of the game.”

Photo by Michael Geronazzo

CORAL SPRINGS: UNDER THE SUN MAGAZINE

New Chief of Police sworn in PUBLIC SAFETY

Bradley “Brad” McKeone was sworn in as the city’s seventh Chief of Police on Thursday, June 9. During his swearing-in ceremony, McKeone set forth his vision for the department and the community, which he equated to the four stars worn on the chief’s uniform. To him, each star represents four areas where he promises to honor and serve: the community, the members of the police

Beat the Heat campaign

The summer months in South Florida often include playing at local parks, spending time outside with friends, and gathering at outdoor events. However, spending too much time in extreme heat can lead to an increased risk of dangerous illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, or other heat-related conditions. Since South Florida weather is warm all year round, we remind our residents to “Play Safe Under the Sun” by following a few simple summer safety tips:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible during extreme heat (especially afternoon hours).

• Drink water; do not wait until you are thirsty, and continually hydrate.

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

• Check on at-risk neighbors and friends (persons who are 65 years or older and those with pre-existing conditions are especially at risk).

department, their families, and the position of Chief of Police.

McKeone was raised in Coral Springs and has worked in the Coral Springs Police Department since 1997, starting as a volunteer and working his way up through the ranks.

Meet our new Community Paramedic

Talia Hunter has been selected as the Community Paramedic for the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department as a result of the retirement of Community Paramedic Susan Toolan.

In her role, Hunter will coordinate the care of patients who are enrolled in the community paramedic program as well as provide services in critical areas such as baby safe sleep, drowning prevention education, safe bicycle riding, car seat safety, and hurricane preparedness education.

Prior to her role, Hunter served as the Assistant Community Paramedic. Hunter has been involved in the community, including serving as the Benevolent Association Vice President for 13 years and organizing several memorial races. She also implemented the Baby Safe Sleep initiative, which educates new parents on safe sleep practices. She began her career as a volunteer for the department and was hired less than one year later.

Follow our Public Safety TikTok account!

We look forward to seeing the community impact that Hunter will have in her new role.

Contact Talia at: thunter@coralsprings.gov

MUSEUM OF ART

CoralSpringsMuseum.org • 954-340-5000 2855 Coral Springs Drive

EXHIBITIONS

Through October 8

Ask the Artist Art Talk: Thursday, September 8 | 6:30 p.m.

Reception: Thursday, September 22 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The evolution of ecologically explicit art in Miami based artist, Gretchen Scharnagl’s practice culminates in the exhibition, Terra Ephemera. The work cannibalizes the mundane fragments of her own life, the remains of other lives, with a strong sense of place, while addressing timely environmental issues. The origins were the exploration of suburban backyards in South Florida, and the human and non-human residents’ impact and relationship to; each other, local ecosystems, and eventually our mutual home, Earth. The human made stuff that created a layer in Earth’s crust now evokes discourse, creates narrative, and unmasks anthropomorphic recognition.

PROGRAMS

ARTventures October 8 2 – 3 p.m.

Limited Seats Ages 2+ $6 Members $8 Non-Members

Join the Coral Springs Museum of Art for ARTventures Family Fun Day every second Saturday of the month. Together families will enhance their education in arts and culture with creative activities such as storytelling, music, and art production. ARTventures starts with a tour of the current exhibit and culminates with a fun and engaging activity for the whole family.

Pine and Palm Holiday Market + Exhibition

Market: December 9-10

Exhibition: December 9-31

The second annual Pine and Palm Holiday Market is a two-day shopping event filled with original art and wares from local artists and makers. This is a great opportunity to “Sip, Shop and Celebrate!” the holidays with your friends and family.

Christina Nicola

October 18 - December 3

Reception: Thursday, October 20 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

I Want to Be Wonderful comprises self-portraits and installations as Nicola explores abstraction, romanticism, and a variety of mediums to create her ‘self.’ Driven by a vision of romancing the black femme identity, Nicola is inspired by the art of romanticizing one’s life and finding beauty and joy in every moment.

This year we have expanded our event to include a juried exhibition and hands on workshops throughout the month. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details as they become available! We are currently accepting vendor applications and submission for Exhibition.

Spring Migration by Gretchen Scharnagl

AfroGalactic Girl II by Christina Nicola

Terra Ephermera | Gretchen Scharnagl

CORAL SPRINGS: UNDER THE

EVENTS

Bites-N-Sips • Friday September 16 & November 4

5:30 – 9:30 p.m. • City Hall Lawn 9500 W. Sample Road

Don’t miss these themed event with food trucks, music, entertainment, and more. Parking is free at the City Hall garage. For more information, visit CoralSprings.gov/bitesnsips

Coral Springs Fire Pasta Dinner

Saturday, October 8

5 – 9 p.m. • Fire Station 80 • $8 per-plate 2825 Coral Springs Drive

The Coral Springs Fire Department is excited to announce the return of their Annual Pasta Dinner in support of Cancer Awareness. This event is in partnership with the Coral Springs Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association.

SIGNATURE EVENT

Oktoberfest • Saturday, October 15

4 – 10 p.m. • City Hall Lawn 9500 W. Sample Road

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Coral Springs! The event will feature fun for kids, authentic German fare, entertainment, beer, wine and Bavarian treats. Parking is free at the City Hall garage.

Senior Health Fair • Wednesday, October 12

9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. • Coral Springs Gymnasium • 2501 Coral Springs Drive

Seniors are invited to a free Health Fair! The fair will feature a variety of health screenings and wellness advice. The event is open to all seniors, family members, residents or business owners who offer services to seniors.

DOWNTOWN CORAL SPRINGS

Thrills ‘N’ Chills

Saturday, October 22

4 – 9 p.m. • Coral Springs Gymnasium

2501 Coral Springs Drive

You are invited to a spooktacular Halloween event hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department. Enjoy music, arts and crafts, bounce houses, a haunted house, and more!

Veterans Day Ceremony

Friday, November 11

10:45 a.m. • Veterans Park

8601 Royal Palm Boulevard

On November 11, the Veterans Coalition of Coral Springs and the City of Coral Springs will honor our military members on Veterans Day.

SIGNATURE EVENT

Downtown in December

Saturday, December 3

5 – 9 p.m. • City Hall Lawn 9500 W. Sample Road

Coral Springs will usher in the holiday season with the Downtown in December free event celebration on the City Hall lawn, located at 9500 West Sample Road. Families and children of all ages can expect to have a great time at this event which will include a formal tree lighting, kid-friendly activities, artificial snow, free milk and cookies, and a visit from Santa.

Holiday Parade

Wednesday, December 14

7 – 9 p.m. • Along Sample Road

The city will host its annual Holiday Parade along Sample Road, starting at Coral Springs Drive and ending at City Hall. With more than 60 entries to enjoy, it’s a tradition you won’t want to miss!

To participate, visit CoralSprings.gov/ holidayparade. Entry information will be available by October 1!

FOR EVERYTHING CITY EVENTS, VISIT: CoralSprings.gov/events