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News for Our Galt Mile Neighbors

The December 2022 issue of On The Galt Mile has information important to all residents and businesses.  Topics help update residents and businesses about issues impacting them, as well as community activities and items of general interest.  Read and enjoy this issue – and be looking for the next issue.  The current issue contains the following stories.

Meet our new local elected officials:  Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner John Herbst; Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher; and Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca.

Fort Lauderdale is listed in the top of the real estate market for commercial growth and development.

Track what is happening in Fort Lauderdale by going to several key websites.

To read the full issue, click here


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Mayor Fisher Update on 911 Call Center

In his latest newsletter, Mayor Lamar Fisher updates us on the issues surrounding the 911 call center.  On December 6, the County Commission discussed the issues with the Regional 911 system. During the discussions we confirmed that we are committed to make the necessary adaptations as recommended by the draft FITCH report. My colleagues, administration and I are fully committed to working with BSO to enhance the regional system and enhance public safety.

The newsletter also discusses travel information and tips for those using the Fort Lauderdale airport.  The Port Everglades cargo volumes fell one day short of breaking its own annual record by just 919 containers.  The Port was recently awarded a $19 million federal grant to modernize several cargo docks and ensure efficient operations over the next 75 years.  Broward County Cultural Division presents the third annual art and light festival, IGNITE Broward, January 26-29, 2023. For more information and a list of special events, visit IgniteBroward.com.

To read Mayor Fisher’s full newsletter, click here.

 


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Understanding Homestead Exemptions

In his latest newsletter, Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar discusses many aspects of the homestead exemption.  Important information includes the question:  do I have to renew my homestead exemption in 2023?

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.  Each January, our office mails a Homestead Renewal Notice and “Change Card” to all Homesteaded properties. If your name is not printed above the mailing address section on this card, it means you are not protected by Homestead Exemption at this property.  You may be on title to the property, but you are not receiving Homestead Exemption.

The newsletter also discusses homestead portability and where did the savings go.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

 


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Mayor Lamar Fisher is our New Broward County Mayor

In his first newsletter as Mayor, Lamar Fisher shares with us many important items affecting county residents.  We congratulate Lamar on his selection as Mayor and look forward to working with him in 2023.  Mayor Fisher stated, “I’m honored to take on this role and I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues and County Administration to move the County forward. The mayor’s functions include serving as presiding officer, and as the County’s official representative. Although, I’m taking on this role, I will continue to represent residents of District 4.”

The outgoing Mayor (Mayor Michael Udine) made the annual State of the County presentation. Our County is currently at a very strong point with all our economic engines regaining momentum as we come out of the pandemic. Tourism is at an all-time high, our unemployment rate is below the national average, and businesses continue to move to Broward County for all the greatness we have to offer.

Other issues covered include Manatee Season started November 15 and runs through March 31.  U.S. Flag Disposal Program – Broward County participates in the national campaign to support flag etiquette with the U.S. flag disposal program.  Climate Summit Broward County is excited to host the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Summit, a major regional event. County.  Coastal Dune Grant Program is now accepting applications for new dune restoration and enhancement projects, visit CoastalDunes.Broward.org. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2023.

Click here to read Lamar Fisher’s full newsletter.


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October News for Our Galt Mile Neighbors

The October 2022 issue of On The Galt Mile has information important to all residents and businesses on the Galt Mile.  Topics discussed in this issue help update residents and businesses about issues impacting them, as well as community activities and items of general interest.  Read and enjoy this issue – and be looking for the next issue.  The current issue contains the following stories.

Light Up the Galt – November 17 from 6-9 pm – tree lighting at 7 pm

Retirement of Our City Commissioner Heather Moraitis

Smoking and Vaping Ban on Fort Lauderdale Beach

Video of the Galt Mile and Its Beauty

Tracking Progress on Commission Priorities

To read the full issue, click here



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Broward Vice Mayor Lamar Fisher Shares His Thoughts

In his October newsletter, Vice Mayor Lamar Fisher shares his reactions to Hurricane Ian.  Southeast Florida dodged a major catastrophe in late September, but our neighbors to the west and central Florida were not so lucky. The end of hurricane season is November 30 and as we witnessed, there is always an uncertainty of where these storms will make landfall. This is why everyone must be prepared before a major weather storm comes our way. Our County Administrator was in constant communication with administrations from the west coast. After assessing that Broward’s damage was minimal, we quickly mobilized to send assistance.  He details all the assistance provided by Broward County.  For more information on the County’s efforts and for vital hurricane preparedness information, visit Broward.org/Hurricane.

Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) will be hosting the 7th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) October 19 and 20 at the Convention Center. This is a great opportunity for businesses big and small to learn about international trade resources and assistance, engage with leaders from more than 60 countries to sell products or services and learn from special sessions

 With the housing crises continuing to burden our residents in South Florida, Broward County is making a greater effort to invite landlords that have vacant units to participate in the Project Home Again project. Project Home Again is an easy, convenient way for landlords to fill vacant units in Broward County with paying tenants while helping veterans, families and others rebuild their lives. And rent is guaranteed! All tenants are pre-screened, payments are on-time and security paid up front. As evictions continue to rise, this is a great way for landlords to help us give more residents a place to call home. For more information visit Broward.org/ProjectHomeAgain.

Libraries Overdue Fines: The Board of Commissioners approved an initiative that has eliminated late fines for library books, DVDs and other materials returned after the due date. Additionally, any existing late fines on current library cardholders accounts were cancelled. For more information visit Broward.org/Library.

 

To read the complete newsletter, click here.


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Good Advice from Our Property Appraiser Marty Kiar

In his latest newsletter, Marty Kiar clarifies that the Property Appraiser’s Office does not set your tax rates, collect property taxes, or determine how the tax revenue is allocated by local government. Florida law requires his office to assess all property based on the market data on January 1 of each year. The tax bill you receive this November from the Broward County Tax Collector is for the 2022 tax year. If you purchased your home in 2022 and the previous owners of your new home were entitled to and received Homestead Exemption or any other exemption on January 1, 2022, you may have inherited their exemptions on your 2022 property tax bill. Florida Statutes require these 2022 exemptions be removed for 2023 and the property be reassessed at the 2023 Just/Market Value. This will often result in an increase in your 2023 property taxes so it is important you apply for 2023 Homestead Exemption and any other exemptions for which you may qualify. If you have any questions regarding your Homestead Exemption or other tax-saving exemptions, please contact the Customer Service Department at 954.357.6830.

The newsletter goes on to discuss escrow adjustments based on your 2022 tax bill and you can pay your taxes through a quarterly installment plan offered by Broward County, where the newly approved 2022 exemptions will be applied to the 3rd and 4th installment payments.

Click here to read Marty Kiar’s full newsletter.


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News for Our Galt Mile Neighbors

The September issue of On The Galt Mile has important information for all residents and businesses on the Galt Mile.  Topics discussed in this issue help update residents and businesses about issues impacting them, as well as community activities and items of general interest.  Read and enjoy this issue – and be looking for the next issue.  The current issues contains the following stories.

Welcome to On The Galt Mile

Property Owners’ Get Advice on Deed Fraud

State of the City Address

City Aims to Improve Safety on Public Streets

Light Up the Galt November 17

Motorcycles/ATVs Racing on Our Streets

To read the full issue, click here


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Vice Mayor Fisher’s September Newsletter – Great Information

Vice Mayor Fisher’s September Newsletter – Great Information

 In his September newsletter, Vice Mayor Fisher discusses the impact of King Tides on our area – important for those driving in various parts of Broward County. Residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor conditions and stay alert during these high tide times. Future expected King Tide dates have been predicted for October 8-11, October 25-27, October 28-29, and November 24-26. For more information, please visit Broward.org/resilience/localconditions.

Broward County’s FY23 Budget was adopted and the millage rate stayed the same for FY2023.  For more information on the budget, visit Broward.org/Budget. Electric buses are become more common – 12 of the 413 buses are electric, and 46 are hybrid electric.  This next year, an additional 26 electric buses will be added.

Click here to read Vice Mayor Fisher’s complete newsletter.