ScottB – The Galt Mile Community Association

Broward County Vice Mayor Fisher Reports on Many Issues

Our commissioner, Vice Mayor Lamar Fisher, in his January 2022 newsletter, reports on several issues important to the Galt Mile community. He starts by stating, “The start of a new year is a great opportunity for all to reflect on the challenges of the past year, make goals for the new year and a plan to attain those goals. As we enter 2022, I hope everyone is pursuing their news year’s resolution by making healthy choices and staying safe as we continue to navigate through this pandemic.”

In his newsletter, VM Fisher discusses an update on COVID-19, redistricting (changing the boundaries of the commission district – we are still in District 4 with the same commissioner), commuter rail meetings, opportunities for small businesses, and the upcoming count of homeless individuals in Broward County.

To read the full newsletter, click here

Automatic Senior Homestead Exemption Renewals for 2022

Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar reminds us about the renewal of senior homestead exemptions for 2022. Beginning this year (2022), after the initial application approval, the Senior Exemption automatically renews each year unless the senior notifies our office that they no longer meet the income requirement for this exemption. People who received the Senior Exemption in 2021 and are still living at the same address do not need to send in a signed renewal card to continue receiving this exemption. The Property Appraiser’s office will mail the Senior Exemption renewal information later this month with the annual income limitation set by the state of Florida.

Rep Chip LaMarca Updates Us on Local Happenings

In his latest newsletter, Rep. Chip LaMarca discusses various issues facing our state that could be addressed by the state legislature when it convenes on January 11. There are reprints of his articles in the Sun Sentinel 100 influential leaders as well as pictures from his activities in our community. We thank Chip for participating in our dedication of Pio Ieraci Place on the Galt Mile.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

Vice Mayor Moraitis Provides Year-end Report

In her year-end report to us. Vice Mayor Moraitis highlights the key activities and issues facing the city commission in 2021. Moraitis is very proud of all the accomplishments during the year including Inter Miami playing their first soccer match, reopening the War Memorial, International Swimming Hall of Fame, and Tortuga and the Boat Show returning to Fort Lauderdale.

As our city commissioner, we are thankful for all the assistance she provided us on issues directly affecting the Galt Mile and projects in the planning stage. Heather and her staff, Melissa and Erica, are always available and helpful in all inquiries regarding the Galt Mile. We are so fortunate to have her as our commissioner, proud she is the Vice Mayor, and look forward to 2022 with all the challenges we will face.

To read the full newsletter, click here.

Vice Mayor Fisher Reports on Events Important to the Galt

Vice Mayor Lamar Fisher, our Broward County Commissioner, reports on many exciting events taking place in Broward County that are important to residents of the Galt Mile. In his newsletter, he reports on the progress of the beach renourishment (replacing sand on our beaches) program and how it impacts the Galt Mile. Port Everglades is extending a welcome to the Disney Cruise Line, resulting in an additional 10.6 million passengers yearly. Broward County has embarked on a mission to attract more of the film and television industry to our community. Fisher participated in the Foundation Celebration for the Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC). The NJCC is Broward County’s only Certified Rape Crisis Center and Accredited Children’s Advocacy Center that helps those in our community who have experienced sexual violence, child abuse and human trafficking since 1977. The newsletter also describes recent county actions on a number of issues.

Click here to read Vice Mayor Fisher’s newsletter.

PIO IERACI PLACE DEDICATION

The Galt Mile community gathered on December 8 to dedicate Pio Ieraci Place at the end of Galt Ocean Drive. The ceremony commemorated the dedication, service and commitment of Pio Iearci to the Galt Mile community, our neighborhood, the city, county, and state.

Fred Nesbitt, President, opened the ceremony by describing the Galt Mile as an “elegant neighborhood with the best tropical climate, pristine beaches, shopping, dining and nightlife. It’s a place where the sun rises over the beach each morning and sets over the intracostal each evening.” He welcomed the Ieraci family to this special dedication: Lisa Ieraci along with Daniel and Alessia.

Welcoming the attendees were Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis and Fort Lauderale Mayor Dean Trantalis. Sharing remembrances of Pio were Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steve Glassman, Andy Mitchell and Ellyn Bogdanoff. Additional comments were offered by State Representative Chip LaMarca, Broward County Vice Mayor Lamar Fisher, and State Senator Gary Farmer. Recognized in the audience were former State Representative George Moraitis, Fort Lauderdale City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, Fort Lauderdale Director of Parks and Rec Phil Thornberg, and Sgt Tom Gestal, Police Liaison to the Galt Mile.

After the ceremony, a reception was held at Café Vico, hosted by the owner/chef Marco Rodrigues. I would personally like to thank Chef Marco for his generosity and warm welcome to our neighborhood restaurant on the Galt Mile. If you have not visited this great new Italian restaurant on the Galt, you are missing out on something wonderful. Visit their Facebook page.

The picture shows the monument with family and dignitaries gathered around. From left to right: Broward County Vice Mayor Lamar Fisher, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Alessia Ieraci, Daniel Ieraci, Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steve Glassman, Lisa Ieraci, Galt Mile President Fred Nesbitt, State Rep. Chip LaMarca, and Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis.

To see more pictures, visit the Galt Mile Facebook page at facebook.com/galtmilecommunity.

Legislative Committee Weeks Update from Rep LaMarca

In his latest update, Rep LaMarca reports that the Legislature had a very productive committee week process before this year’s legislative session, which will begin on January 11^th. During these six committee weeks, the Florida House discussed gaming, education, held special session, and more.

After last year’s historic budget due to the pandemic, economists have estimated that we will have more in general revenue than previously expected for this fiscal year, along with following 2022-2023 fiscal year. This additional revenue does not include the $6 billion in Coronavirus stimulus money, which has not been tapped into and remains in the State’s reserves.

Rep. LaMarca goes on to report on several important legislative bills filed in the State House. Click here to read the full Legislative Update.

Marty Kiar Answers Two Key Homesteading Questions

In his latest newsletter, Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar answers two key questions about Homestead Exemptions. The first is: Does my homestead exemption automatically renew? After your initial application for Homestead Exemption has been approved, it automatically renews each year unless there is a change of ownership or eligible use of your homesteaded property. If you have any questions relating to the death of the owner, the Change Card or need assistance in filing for Homestead or other tax-saving exemptions, please visit their website at web.bcpa.net or contact their Customer Service Department at 954-357-6830.

The second question is: Where did my portability savings go? When the website is updated to display subsequent year property values, your portability deduction is no longer shown independently because it is already factored into your new Assessed/Save Our Homes value.

Read Marty Kiar’s newsletter for more information about both questions.

Vice Mayor Lamar Fisher Reports on Broward County

In his November newsletter, Vice Mayor Lamar Fisher states, “and I have been chosen as your new Vice Mayor. I’m incredibly honored and grateful to have been selected as your new Vice Mayor by my colleagues. I’m excited and look forward to working with our new Mayor, the Commission and most importantly our communities, as we continue to build on Broward County’s successes for a bright future.” The Vice Mayor also reports on the rental assistance program, beach renourishment (which includes the Galt Mile beaches), turtles and manatees, and new cruise ships docking in our port.

Click here to read the full November newsletter.

Vice Mayor Moraitis Reports on Light Up the Galt

Vice Mayor Moraitis reported on Light Up the Galt night on November 18. She stated, the rain could not stop us from kicking off the 4th annual Light up the Galt! Thank you, North Beach Restaurants and Shoppes owners and city staff for working with us to plan this event. The beautiful holiday decorations along with the many business owners and residents make this a special area of our city to visit all year long. Her report also describes activities in our community in which the Vice Mayor participated.

Click here to read the full newsletter.