FINAL 2024 LRCA Newsletter-Oct : simplebooklet.com

For advertising info call 954-560-8649 LakeRidgeCivic.org 3President’s Message(continued from cover) Lake Ridge sits conveniently in the middle of a vibrant growing city; our boundaries extend from the FEC/ Brightline tracks to Middle River, Sunrise Blvd & NE 13th Street. Just 2 miles from the beach and close to downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas & the Galleria Mall. In this edition, we offer information on various local and municipal matters. We will feature things to do with and for the beneﬁt of OUR neighborhood (see details). Also, major thing to do on or before November 5th is to VOTE if you can. Just Do It! See the Early voting sites from Joe Scott, Broward County Supervisor of Elections ofﬁce. Very convenient and easy to vote!Did you know that we have two NATIONAL museums in YOUR backyard? The World AIDS Museum & National Stonewall Museum. Also, a free art gallery at ArtServe & a public library is there.The Lake Ridge Civic Association is YOUR neighborhood civic association. Formed in the early 1980’s to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood, we foster positive neighbor interaction, support the City’s Green Your Routine initiative, advocate & educate our residents on various local and municipal matters. Our guiding principle is “Unity in The Community.”This being the “Things to do” issue, the Most Important thing we must do to persevere our thriving Neighborhood is to support our community events. October 26th is Make A Difference Day. Or Green Your Routine Butterﬂy Garden or Taste of Italy/ Holiday Soirée at Cafe Vico ( see the Ad)Please join or renew your membership to Lake Ridge Civic Association. Go to Lakeridgecivic.org check out the LRCA website, Facebook page and Nextdoor for Green Your Routine opportunities to help maintain the Butterﬂy Garden and Food Forest at Snyder Park and other opportunities.Our Civic Association needs active people to join us & HELP us in OUR accomplishments in our community. All residents. RENTERS, property & business owners are WELCOMED to join the LRCA. There is a membership form in this newsletter. PLEASE come to our meetings. mini social n mini city hall, know your neighbors, enjoy a slice of Famous JETS PIZZA & a soft drink, learn the latest about our neighborhood and give US your input. Be safe, live in Peace & Thank you! See you soon!October 26th is Make A Difference Day. We will be sprucing up Flagler Drive; NE 17th street closure and restoring the Little Free Libraries we originally installed 4 years ago at the NE 14th Avenue Street closure. See the ﬂyer. We hope to see you at our annual social on December 5th at Cafe Vico, 1125 N Federal Hwy (see the ad) and mark your calendar for January 16, 2025 for our next General Meeting at ArtServeRespectfully,Michael Albetta, President, Lake Ridge Civic AssociationLAKERIDGECIVIC.ORG UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. OCT 2024n Accordance with Article III, Section 2 & 3 of the Lake Ridge Civic Association Bylaws, Michael Albetta, LRCA President, has appointed Rose Mather as Nominating Committee chairperson. If anyone who is good standing and paid member 45 days prior January 15th must submit your name, brief bio to rosemather.lrca@gmail.com

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For advertising info call 954-560-8649 LakeRidgeCivic.org 4LAKERIDGECIVIC.ORG UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. OCT 2024LRCA Board 2024President Michael AlbettaVice President Ed LunaTreasurer Juliette RocqueSecretary Fiona JohnsonBoard Members At Large Ted SpiliotesBoard Members At Large Cheryl RofranoBoard Members At Large Brian ClancyNewsletter Editor Ed LunaLRCA Hostess Barbara BennettDevelopment Sustainability/ Environmental committee! Ed LunaLRCA Historian Steve & GG Jacobson Beautiﬁcation Chair AvailableCommunity Redevelopment Available Agency RepresentativeInfrastructure Chair Available2nd Vice President of Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations Michael AlbettaThank You to ALL of the Lake Ridge community volunteers.The Lake Ridge News is published quarterly and is delivered to all residential and business addresses in Lake Ridge.Please go to our site and join today.https://www.lakeridgecivic.org/membership.htmlPlease contact us for advertising rates & deadlines for print-ready art at LRCA33304@gmail.com or 954-494-0063Please note: The views and opinions stated in this newsletter are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Board nor the members of the Lake Ridge Civic Association.Please Join Us at the next General Meeting: 🗓 Thursday January 16th 2025! ⏰ 6:30 pm Meet your neighbors, meet the board, meet city ofﬁcials at our MINI City Hall, and enjoy Jet’s Pizza⏰ 7:00 pm Meeting Begins Have a Great Summer☀ LRCA does not meet in July or August ☀ General Quaterly Meetings: January, March, June, October 📍 ArtServe - 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. Across form Publix and next to Holiday ParkThis is an in-person meeting. Membership to Lake Ridge Civic Assoc. is OPEN and we welcome new members. Lake Ridge Association Membership Rates$35.00 Residential Homeowner$10.00 Renter$20.00 Senior Citizen (age 62 or older)/Disabled$50.00 Multi Tenant Residential Property Owner or Commercial Business$10.00 Donation for Newsletter (Optional)Please check the membership page https://lakeridgecivic.org/membership/

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For advertising info call 954-560-8649 LakeRidgeCivic.org 5LAKERIDGECIVIC.ORG UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. OCT 2024https://lakeridgecivic.org/membership/AT HOMEI pledge to:TAKE5 Only put the items from the acceptable list in my blue recycle cart. Plastic Paper Glass Containers Metal Cans CardboardReduce Waste Buy only what I need. By consuming less, I dispose of less waste.Go Electronic Choose to receive bills and other subscriptions electronically. AT THE OFFICEI pledge to:Think Before Printing Print only when necessary. Print items double-sided whenever possible.Buy Smart Purchase 100 percent post-consumer recycled printer paper.Waste LessPack my lunch in reusable containers along with reusable utensils. AT PLAYI pledge to:Travel Smart Choose eco-friendly hotels that actively practice recycling, water, and energy conservation efforts.Bring a Reusable BottleReduce plastic use by using my own reusable bottle.Say No to the ExtrasWhen dining out or taking out, say no to extra napkins, plastic utensils, Styrofoam, and plastic straws. SMART CONSUMERISMI pledge to:BYOB Bring my own reusable shopping bags to grocery, retail, and other stores.Be Creative Find cool and unique ways to reuse an item instead of throwing them out. Donate when I can.Check the Materials Buy products made from recycled materials. It encourages brands to be more sustainable. GET INVOLVEDI pledge to:Volunteer Participate in community environmental projects and events.Speak Up Use my voice to help my friends, family, and neighbors be more sustainable. Commit to Stay InformedExplore everyday practices to help protect the environment. • Walk or bike to places• Turn the lights off• Take shorter showers• Get a metal straw• Buy second handPaperMetal CansGlass ContainersCardboardPlastic Containers (#1-7)WE ONLYWE ONLYWE ONLYTAKE55The ﬁrst 100 Fort Lauderdale residents to sign the 5TAKE5 pledge will receive a sustainable prize.Post a picture on social media and show how you plan to make a change. Use Hashtag #Take5FortLauderdale.The City of Fort Lauderdale invites you to sign the 5TAKE5 pledge and commit to making small changes that will help protect the environment. 1223123454

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For advertising info call 954-560-8649 LakeRidgeCivic.org 10FLPD PRESERVES COMMUNITY STANDARDS AT LINK HOTELhe Lake Ridge Civic Association would also like to acknowledge Detective Stylianee Hayes for her role in securing the Link Hotel. Her efforts were crucial in identifying the property owner and maintaining an open line of communication. She assisted the Construction Inspectors to identify violations and post notice of violations. She also assisted in conducting property checks and removing trespassers before the property was boarded up.Fort Lauderdale Sergeant Joshua Reich said it best“In my opinion, Det. Hayes speaking to the property owners, letting them know what was occurring at the property, the violations observed, potential ﬁnancial penalties for said violations, and how to rectify them was without a doubt the key to the rapid boarding up of the hotel. Without Det Hayes' quick actions and continuing to follow up on this issue we would likely be facing a situation that would still be worsening rather than beginning to get better”.The Lake Ridge community is greatly appreciative of the care and concern shown by Detective Hayes and Ofﬁcer Herring.LAKERIDGECIVIC.ORG UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. OCT 2024 NR# 2024-004 OR# N/A FLPD.gov Casey Liening | Office of the Chief | 954-828-5593 | cliening@fortlauderdale.gov February 20, 2024 FLPD CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY Through our partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Fort Lauderdale Police Department continues to educate pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists on traffic laws pertaining to pedestrian and bicycle safety in an effort to increase compliance with those laws. Now through May 10, 2024, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will be conducting high-visibility traffic enforcement, saturating areas where a high volume of traffic crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians occur. All drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who are contacted by our officers will receive safety tips and educational brochures that will include a link to www.AlertTodayFlorida.com – an interactive website established by the FDOT. Motorists will notice an increased officer presence throughout the city as the campaign takes place. At any point throughout the campaign, officers can issue traffic citations or written warnings to violators. Partnering with FDOT in this campaign will assist The Fort Lauderdale Police Department in providing safer roadways for our neighbors and visitors. (FDOT Alert Today Logo) ### NR# 2024-004 OR# N/A FLPD.gov Casey Liening | Office of the Chief | 954-828-5593 | cliening@fortlauderdale.gov February 20, 2024 FLPD CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY Through our partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Fort Lauderdale Police Department continues to educate pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists on traffic laws pertaining to pedestrian and bicycle safety in an effort to increase compliance with those laws. Now through May 10, 2024, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will be conducting high-visibility traffic enforcement, saturating areas where a high volume of traffic crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians occur. All drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who are contacted by our officers will receive safety tips and educational brochures that will include a link to www.AlertTodayFlorida.com – an interactive website established by the FDOT. Motorists will notice an increased officer presence throughout the city as the campaign takes place. At any point throughout the campaign, officers can issue traffic citations or written warnings to violators. Partnering with FDOT in this campaign will assist The Fort Lauderdale Police Department in providing safer roadways for our neighbors and visitors. (FDOT Alert Today Logo) ### NR# 2024-004 OR# N/A FLPD.gov Casey Liening | Office of the Chief | 954-828-5593 | cliening@fortlauderdale.gov February 20, 2024 FLPD CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY Through our partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Fort Lauderdale Police Department continues to educate pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists on traffic laws pertaining to pedestrian and bicycle safety in an effort to increase compliance with those laws. Now through May 10, 2024, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will be conducting high-visibility traffic enforcement, saturating areas where a high volume of traffic crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians occur. All drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who are contacted by our officers will receive safety tips and educational brochures that will include a link to www.AlertTodayFlorida.com – an interactive website established by the FDOT. Motorists will notice an increased officer presence throughout the city as the campaign takes place. At any point throughout the campaign, officers can issue traffic citations or written warnings to violators. Partnering with FDOT in this campaign will assist The Fort Lauderdale Police Department in providing safer roadways for our neighbors and visitors. (FDOT Alert Today Logo) ### We AppreciateAll You Do!ank YouCity of Fort LauderdaleCommunity CourtAvailable Wednesdays from 9 am to Noon18 NW 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301HOMELESS AND NEED ASSISTANCE?Call 954-563-HELP (4357) to get connected to available resources.Let us help connect you with resources to make a difference in your life.• Showers• Medical Services • Mental Health Services• Housing Assistance• Substance Abuse Treatment• Employment Services• And More!City of Fort LauderdaleCommunity CourtAvailable Wednesdays from 9 am to Noon18 NW 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301HOMELESS AND NEED ASSISTANCE?Call 954-563-HELP (4357) to get connected to available resources.Let us help connect you with resources to make a difference in your life.• Showers• Medical Services • Mental Health Services• Housing Assistance• Substance Abuse Treatment• Employment Services• And More!City of Fort LauderdaleCommunity CourtAvailable Wednesdays from 9 am to Noon18 NW 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301HOMELESS AND NEED ASSISTANCE?Call 954-563-HELP (4357) to get connected to available resources.Let us help connect you with resources to make a difference in your life.• Showers• Medical Services • Mental Health Services• Housing Assistance• Substance Abuse Treatment• Employment Services• And More!City of Fort LauderdaleCommunity CourtAvailable Wednesdays from 9 am to Noon18 NW 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301HOMELESS AND NEED ASSISTANCE?Call 954-563-HELP (4357) to get connected to available resources.Let us help connect you with resources to make a difference in your life.• Showers• Medical Services • Mental Health Services• Housing Assistance• Substance Abuse Treatment• Employment Services• And More!City of Fort LauderdaleCommunity CourtAvailable Wednesdays from 9 am to Noon18 NW 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301HOMELESS AND NEED ASSISTANCE?Call 954-563-HELP (4357) to get connected to available resources.Let us help connect you with resources to make a difference in your life.• Showers• Medical Services • Mental Health Services• Housing Assistance• Substance Abuse Treatment• Employment Services• And More!City of Fort LauderdaleCommunity CourtAvailable Wednesdays from 9 am to Noon18 NW 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301HOMELESS AND NEED ASSISTANCE?Call 954-563-HELP (4357) to get connected to available resources.Let us help connect you with resources to make a difference in your life.• Showers• Medical Services • Mental Health Services• Housing Assistance• Substance Abuse Treatment• Employment Services• And More!

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For advertising info call 954-560-8649 LakeRidgeCivic.org 11General Election – November 5, 2024Vote-by-Mail Ballot Request Deadline: October 24, 2024 The deadline to request that a vote-by-mail ballot be mailed is no later than 5:00 p.m. (local time) on the 12th day before the election. Early Voting Period: October 21st - November 3rd from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. What is a General Election? A General Election is held in November of every even-numbered year. During a General Election, all registered voters may vote for any candidate or question on the ballot. If there are write-in candidates who have qualified for a particular office, a space will be left on the General Election ballot where their name can be written. IMPORTANT: The deadline for a vote-by-mail ballot to be returned and received is no later than 7:00 p.m. (local time) on Election Day. LAKERIDGECIVIC.ORG UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. OCT 2024CONTACT US jim@jimbrenner.com | 954 910-6296Champion for HomeownersAdvocate for homeowners’ rights and fight against skyrocketing insurance costs. Pro-Choice & Reproductive RightsStrongly support a woman’s right to choose and ensure access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.Climate Change & ResiliencyAdvocate for strong government action to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.LGBT RightsStand firmly in support of LGBT rights and work to ensure equality and protection for all individuals.While politicians in Tallahassee have stirred division, costs have risen and living standards have fallen. With my decades of experience as a policy expert, I’m ready to tackle these issues and get Florida working for Floridians!”Political advertisement paid for and approved by Jim Brenner Democrat, for State Representative, House District 100.VOTE November 5thJim BrennerCANDIDATE FOR HD 100jimbrenner.com

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For advertising info call 954-560-8649 LakeRidgeCivic.org 12Vote-By-Mail Voting The supervisor shall mail vote-by-mail ballots within 2 business days after receiving a request for such a ballot, but no later than the 10th day before election day. The deadline to submit a request for a ballot to be mailed is 5 p.m. on the 12th day before an upcoming election. Please note, Vote-By-Mail ballots cannot be forwarded. If you want your Vote-By-Mail ballot sent to an address that's different from the one on file with the Elections Office, you must send a signed written request which contains the following information: ▪Full name of voter ▪Date of birth ▪Florida driver license number, Florida identification number or last four digits of your social security number ▪Residence address ▪Mailing address ▪Voter registration number (optional) ▪Date of the election or elections for which a vote-by-mail is needed ▪Signature of voter (written requests only) ONLINE: Mail Ballot Request Service Below PHONE: (954) 357-7055 IN PERSON: At any of our offices. Click here to contact us. MAIL: P.O. Box 29001 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302 EMAIL: Written signed requests may be sent as an attachment via email by clicking here. To track the status of your vote-by-mail ballot, you may click here. ▪How to return my Vote-By-Mail Ballot ▪Update signature ▪Cure your signature ▪Vote by Mail Instructions General Election – November 5, 2024 Vote-by-Mail Ballot Request Deadline: October 24, 2024 The deadline to request that a vote-by-mail ballot be mailed is no later than 5:00 p.m. (local time) on the 12th day before the election. Early Voting Period: October 21st - November 3rd from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.LAKERIDGECIVIC.ORG UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. OCT 2024

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For advertising info call 954-560-8649 LakeRidgeCivic.org 14The 2024-25 school year started with great news, we are now an "A" School District with no D or F schools!! What a fantastic way to start the school year!! The district hosted 8 community meetings to discuss schools that meet the criteria for repurposing to develop a plan.! The meetings were well attended and the community was very honest and positive about what changes they wanted to see in their schools.! We have narrowed the list down to 14 schools to be addressed this school year and community meetings will continue with the schools affected and the school board will make a ﬁnal vote in December.! If you have any thoughts or suggestions about schools in your area, please feel free to contact me at debbihixon@browardschools.com.!!https://bit.ly/4cMioWEebbi Hixon, one of your Countywide School Board Members. 😊 .LAKERIDGECIVIC.ORG UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. OCT 2024he Lake Ridge Civic Association participates in the City’s Green Your Routine (GYR). The program is designed to promote sustainability, waste reduction, and recycling. Participating Associations commit to at least four hours of volunteering per month at City sanction projects and events and can earn grant funds for their neighborhood or condominium association.YR volunteers assist with recycling, events, and butterﬂy gardens, and educate residents on sustainability. Recently Lake Ridge volunteered at Snyder Park’s Food Forest under the direction of Joan Star. Joan, a master gardener, artist and originator.

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For advertising info call 954-560-8649 LakeRidgeCivic.org 15After listening to countless emails, phone calls, and comments during our public town halls, Dr. Hepburn revised the Redeﬁning BCPS plan. Fortunately, Dr. Hepburn removed a controversial proposal to close the Montessori magnet program at Virginia Shuman Young Elementary School that I did not support. The board will still need to vote on plans to repurpose schools in June, and your involvement in this process is crucial. Your voice matters, and we value your input. One of my top priorities is ensuring that our students and employees have safe and digniﬁed schools to learn and work in. That's why I share facilities updates with you in each newsletter. The cafeteria at Stranahan continues to progress ahead of schedule, which is great news for our students’ comfort and convenience. The superintendent provides me with regular updates on the progress of both projects, and I will continue to keep you informed. You can also learn more about our SMART Bond progress at https://bcpssmartfutures.com/.As always, I am here to serve you. Please know you can contact me at sarah.leonardi@browardschools.com or 954-412-9188. Sarah Leonardi LAKERIDGECIVIC.ORG UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. OCT 2024reetings Lake Ridge! Broward Schools has unfortunately experienced another transition in leadership. Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata announced his retirement in April due to health reasons. The board moved swiftly to appoint Dr. Howard Hepburn, who was at the time serving as the deputy superintendent of academics, as the new superintendent of Broward County Public Schools. Superintendent Dr. Hepburn has gone straight to work developing a new organizational chart and changing course with the Redeﬁning Schools initiative.Sarah Leonardi

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For advertising info call 954-560-8649 LakeRidgeCivic.org 16IT'S THE LAW Section 6-4(c)LAKERIDGECIVIC.ORG UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. OCT 20242025 Homestead ExemptionsIf you applied and were approved for Homestead Exemption for tax year 2025, this exemption will post to your property record online in December. Once approved, Homestead Exemption automatically renews each year provided there is no change in the ownership or use of the property. Once approved, you do not need to reapply as long as the property remains your permanent residence.Has Your Mailing Address or Email Address Changed?To help ensure you receive any correspondence from our oﬃce, please let us know if your mailing address or email address has changed. To update your contact information, please email us at address@bcpa.net with your name, property address and new mailing/email address.If my oﬃce can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at martykiar@bcpa.net.Did You Acquire or Take Ownership of Your Property in 2024?If you acquired your home in 2024, the TRIM (proposed tax) Notice you received in August reﬂected the previous owner’s exemption status. These exemptions will be removed at the end of this year. If you believe you qualify for Homestead Exemption or any other tax-saving exemptions at this property, you must complete an application in your name. Homestead Exemption does not automatically transfer from one property to another. You can easily apply for Homestead Exemption and any other tax-saving exemptions online at https://web.bcpa.net/bcpaclient/#/Homestead. The timely deadline to apply for all 2025 exemptions is March 3, 2025. For additional information on Homestead and other exemption ﬁling, please visit our website at https://web.bcpa.net/ or call 954.357.6830.Take care, Marty Kiar, JD, CFABroward County Property Appraiser

FINAL 2024 LRCA Newsletter-Oct

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