in Tamarac, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, and Oakland Park
Broward Sheriff’s Office DUI Task Force and district personnel will be conducting a DUI saturation patrol per the above locations and times. They will be actively enforcing DUI laws and identifying impaired drivers.
This news release is being issued in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling mandating prior announcement of selective enforcement activities.
Pompano sets minor increase in tax rate
Posted July 26 at 12:16 p.m.
The Pompano Beach City Commission met last week to review its 2011 fiscal year budget and proposed just over a five percent increase in its tax rate to accommodate a $213 million dollar budget.
The proposed millage rate will be 4.9077, an increase of .2414 The proposed millage rollback rate represents an 8.31 percent decrease in the rollback rate.
Pompano’s budget breaks down into seven different funds: Community Development Block Grant Fund $1,950,032; Trust Fund $5,000; Capital Projects Fund $3,513,000; Internal Service Funds $21,867,837; Enterprise Funds $59,684,683; General Fund $111,978,222,and EMS Fund $14,091,866.
Property values in Pompano Beach have declined by 15.75 percent. Members of the commissioner are satisfied with the budget. The commission agreed to take $3 million from the Reserve Fund to balance the budget.
Commissioners in Pompano have set the tax rate, but have not officially approved the budget. The budget will be approved in two public hearings on Sept. 13 and Sept. 20. The tax rate can be reduced, but not increased now that official rates have been sent to the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office.
See the budgets in detail by clicking the links below.
Tonight’s Moonlight Melodies Concert on Deerfield’s main beach has been canceled due to inclement weather. The concert will be rescheduled for a future date. For more information on the Moonlight Melodies concert series, call 954-480-4433 or visit www.Deerfield-Beach.com.
Tropical warning extended north to Deerfield Beach; Bonnie wobbling
Updated July 23, 2010 @ 11:45am
SPECIAL MARINE WARNING: For waters from Jupiter inlet to Deerfield Beach. Warning issued for line of thunderstorms that can cause water spouts.
Posted July 23 at 8:31 a.m.
Tropical Storm Bonniem did not strengthen overnight, and is still not expected to cause much damage. The storm, as of 8 a.m. was about 80 ESE of Miami and was heading WNW, likely coming inland around the Keys or South Miami. The worst of the storm is in the northern quandarnt, so much of South Florida will be in squally, wet and gusty weather. The tropical storm warning has been extended north to Deerfield Beach. Government offices and other venues are still open, but caution is advised as the worst is expected to start coming ashore around 10 a.m. Visit our Hurricane Center by clicking here to stay up-to-date in real time. You can also follow us on Twitter.
Hurricane center says 100 percent chance of tropical storm
According to the National Weather Service the Depression is now Tropical Storm Bonnie. A Tropical Storm Watch is still in effect for the east coast of Florida North of Golden Beach to Jupiter Inlet and Lake Okeechobee. The Tropical Storm Warning is still in effect for Golden Beach south to and including the Florida Keys, and along the west coast of Florida North to Bonita Beach.
Updated July 22, 2010 @ 2:12 p.m.
According to NOAA a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
-Central and North West Bahamas, the east coast of Florida from Golden Beach south to and including the Florida Keys, and along the west coast of Florida North to Bonita Beach.
-A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the east coast of Florida North of Golden Beach to Jupiter Inlet and Lake Okeechobee.
Updated July 22, 2010 @ 11:24 p.m.
The storm has become a tropical depression near the Bahamas. A tropical storm watch has been issued for part of the east coast of Florida.
Posted July 22, 2010 @ 8:07 a.m.
The NHC has revised its position on the tropical disturbance currently making its way across the Turks and Cacos Islands. The NHC now shows 100% chance of tropical cyclone develpoment after satellite and wind data indicate that the wave has now formed a closed circulation with increasing orginization. Upgrade to tropical depression or tropical storm likly at 11am EST, with warnings or watches issued for Southern Florida.
BSO seeks filching felon in fedora
Posted July 21 at 4:35 p.m.
A nattily-dressed man in a tan suit, dress shoes and hat walked into a Deerfield Beach bank Tuesday morning, removed a note from his laptop case and handed it to the teller.
The message on the paper indicated that he had a gun and that he was robbing the bank. But when the teller screamed, the would-be robber calmly took back his note and walked out of the bank. He left in a car that appeared to be a 4-door, maroon, late-model Buick.
A bank surveillance camera captured images of the man and his getaway car. Broward Sheriff’s Office robbery detectives are hoping someone recognizes the well-dressed criminal and his stylish duds.
Anyone who knows anything about this crime or this bank robber is asked to call BSO Robbery Detective Brian Walker at (954) 321-4270, or anonymously report Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS or report information online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.
Use caution in ocean: Rough seas kill tourist; vacationing doctor tries to help
Posted July 21 at 10:19 a.m.
A man died in rough ocean waters after his kayak capsized Tuesday night in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.
Just after 6:30 p.m., Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies, LBTS Volunteer Fire Department and AMR Ambulance were called to the shore near the 4100 block of El Mar Drive. A couple was watching their friend in his kayak from the shore when they saw a wave capsize the craft, tossing the boater into the rough seas.
The male from the couple entered the water and pulled the boater to shore. A vacationing doctor from Maryland who saw the rescue began Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation on the unresponsive man. He was transported by ambulance to Holy Cross Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7:14 p.m.
BSO homicide and crime scene detectives responded to the scene and hospital. Witnesses told detectives that the kayaker was about 50 yards offshore when the boat overturned. The victim was not wearing a personal flotation device.
It should be noted that on Tuesday, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) issued a rip current advisory for South Florida waters, including Broward County. According to DEM, rip currents kill more people in Florida than thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. You should swim in beaches that have lifeguards and check the conditions with the guard before venturing into the water.
Alerts are being issued for potential tropical storm near Dominican
Updated July 22 at 8:10 a.m.
Alerts are being issued for a potential tropical storm that could potentially go anywhere from as far south as the tip of Cuba to the center of Florida. Overnight chances increased that the storm could potentially become Tropical Storm Bonnie. While the storm had been downgraded a bit on Wednesday, the storm picked up organization overnight and is expected to strengthen to a tropical storm again in 48 hours. It will likely begin impacting South Florida Friday afternoon. Regardless of status, the storm will bring heavy rains and wind.
A skeleton city commission – Vice Mayor Joe Miller presiding, Commissioner Marty Popelsky and Commissioner Bill Ganz -- voted 3-0 in favor of Interim City Manager Burgess Hanson’s recommendation at the July 15 IMPASSE hearing before the Deerfield commission. [Mayor Peggy Noland and Commissioner Sylvia Poitier did not attend the just over an hour-long meeting during the summer recess.]
The city’s stance is frozen Longevity pay for current employees (new hires would participate in the city’s Lump Sum plan), frozen merit pay increases, no COLA (cost of living adjustment) and one-year duration of contract. The contract expires Sept. 30, 2010.
“We’d love to give the money but we don’t have the money to give. I believe we need to give the manager the most latitude to run this city as fiscally responsible as possible,” said Miller.
Following the initial IMPASSE hearing March 23, Special Master Martin Soll recommended in favor of the city’s position – except in regard to “me too” language. His recommendation allowed for it, whereas the Interim City Manager’s recommendation (which the commission voted for) does not.
For story in full, see the July 22 Observer newspaper.
Hard Rock Live, Majic 102.7 host fundraiser for Josie Ratley
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Majic 102.7 FM’s Majic Children’s Fund will partner with the “Happy Together” 25th anniversary tour to benefit a local Deerfield Beach teenager in need.
A portion of the ticket sales from the July 29 Hard Rock Live show that stars The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie, The Grassroots Featuring Rob Grill, The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz, The Buckinghams and Mark Lindsay, Formerly of Paul Revere & The Raiders, will go to Josie Lou Ratley, the teen severely beaten at Deerfield Beach Middle School last March, and her family to pay for continuing medical and rehabilitation treatment.
Tickets cost $50, $40 & $30.* All seats are reserved and available at the Hard Rock Live Box Office, open Tuesday – Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and on Sunday & Monday – only open on event days at noon. Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one-hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply.
In 1985, fans came out in droves to see the “Happy Together” tour, which featured a handful of immensely popular music groups including The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams, The Mamas & the Papas and Gary Lewis & The Playboys that helped define the music of the previous two decades.
In 1971, "Indian Reservation" by Paul Revere & The Raiders hit #1 on the charts selling over four million copies which made it the biggest selling single for Columbia Records for almost a decade. This massive hit followed quite a few that came before it from the band including "Kicks," "Hungry," "Just Like Me" and "Good Thing" (as well as the Mark Lindsay Top Ten solo hit, "Arizona," from 1970). In all, the band would achieve no less than 15 Top 40 hits.
The Grass Rootsburst on the scene in '67 and would not only amass over a dozen Top 40 hits, but go on to perform in front of an estimated 600,000 people in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 1982 setting an all-time attendance record for a concert performance consisting of just one act. Between 1967 and 1972 -- thanks to numerous hits such as "Midnight Confessions," "Let's Live for Today," "Sooner or Later," "I'd Wait a Million Years" and "Temptation Eyes," the band would set a record for being on the Billboard charts for 307 consecutive weeks.
In 1966, hot on the heels of their new NBC television show, The Monkees would release a self-titled debut album that would top the U.S. charts for 13 consecutive weeks and sell an overwhelming 3.2 million copies in just three months. The single, "Last Train to Clarksville," from the album would be their first #1 hit. Their second #1 hit came quickly with "I'm a Believer" (featured on the band's second album, More of The Monkees), which had over a million advance orders.
"Kind of a Drag" from The Buckinghams would also reach the pinnacle of chart success, yet mark just one of many popular hits from the band including "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," "Don't You Care," "Susan" and "Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song)." Their success in 1967 would lead them to be named "The Most Listened to Band in America" by Billboard magazine.
Funds raised will go to the Majic Children's Fund. Since 1988, the Fund has helped South Florida children in need and their families get through difficult situations thanks to the generosity of Majic 102.7 listeners and sponsors. Local radio legend Rick Shaw, The President of the Majic Children’s Fund, has been a tireless supporter and his leadership has made a real difference in its success. Donations to the Majic Children's Fund are tax deductible. The Majic Children's Fund is a non-profit, charitable organization licensed with the State of Florida's Division of Licensing under the provisions of Chapter 496.
Blue Collar Union - Hearing THURSDAY
posted July 12 @ 3:55 p.m.
A special City Commission meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m.in City Commission Chambers for a hearing on the General Employee Union contract.
The City of Deerfield and Local 1010 held their original IMPASSE hearing March 23 before Special Master Martin Soll. Thursday’s hearing marks a second IMPASSE hearing for Local 1010.
Little Harbor "explosion"
UPDATE July 12 @ 1:45pm UPDATE
Little Harbor “explosion”
By Diane Emeott
Heavy, black smoke cloud and booms heard Monday morning, July 12, just before noon were “less an explosion, more of a fire,” said Assistant Chief John Quitoni. He was on scene in Little Harbor with Engine 4, 75, Rescue 4 and Squad 102. “There was a small hydraulic leak in the motor, which caused a fire. We are investigating it,” he said. Residents heard three explosions: front tires and a rear tire popped. The motor was on fire in the top of the vehicle.
Driver exited the vehicle at the first sign of smoke. He exited and was not injured. He was on scene when Fire-Rescue arrived. The driver was a Deerfield Beach city employee, doing his normal route, picking up trash.
The "explosion" happened in Little Harbor, cause of the explosion is currently being investigated.
*
posted July 12 @ 11:51am
A garbage truck "exploded" near the new Walgreens in a residential area in Deerfield Beach. Police and the Fire Department are on scene. Stay tuned for more updates.
Overnight wastewater work July 13 by Broward County
Posted Sunday July 11 at 11:03 a.m.
On Tuesday evening, July 13, all wastewater stations in the city will be turned off to allow Broward County to perform work on the pumping station on Goolsby Boulevard. Work will continue through the night. The pump stations will be continuously monitored by city crews during the shutdown, while the county replaces a main line valve.
THIS WORK SHOULD NOT ADVERSELY IMPACT THE CITY'S WASTEWATER SYSTEM.
Florida Humane Society has ribbon cutting
Posted July 10 at 2 p.m.
By David Volz
For Carol Ebert, the dedication of the new Florida Humane Society building represented a dream come true.
Ebert, the president of the Florida Humane Society wants to save as many cats and dogs as possible.
"I love animals and I want people to adopt the cats and dogs we have here," said Ebert. "I also want to encourage people to spay and neuter their pets."
On July 9, the Florida Humane Society celebrated the completion of its new nearly 10,000 square foot building with a ribbon cutting. Community leaders, volunteers and friends of the Humane Society were present.
The new building cost about $2.2 million. It includes facilities for dogs and cats. Many of the dogs and cats in the facility were facing death. The Florida Humane Society is a no kill shelter. Ebert hopes that people will adopt the dogs and cats at the shelter.
Ground was broken for the shelter in September 2007.
Photo: Carol Ebert, director of Florida Humane Society inside the new facility.
The Cove Shopping Center PARKING LOT
Posted July 9 at 11:45 a.m.
Today, July 9, at 2 p.m. the Project Design Team and City of Deerfield staff is meeting with business owners in The Cove Shopping Center about parking lot improvements (City Project No. 11209-P). Purpose of the public meeting is to review terms, conditions, requirements and specifications for improvements with potential bidders before opening of the bid. There will be no public discussion. Meeting is being held at Royal Fiesta – The Cove Shopping Center, SE 3 Court, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441.
See the Observer newspaper for more on this story.
Atlantic Blvd. bridge closed this weekend
Posted July 9 at 10:39 a.m.
The Atlantic Boulevard Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway is scheduled to be closed to all road vehicles and pedestrians by the Florida Department of Transportation from Friday evening, July 9th, until Monday morning, July 12th. Boat traffic will not be affected. The weekend closure for painting was originally scheduled for the weekend of June 25-28 but had to be postponed to this weekend.
Nearest alternate routes between the beach and mainland are the N.E. 14th Street Bridge to the north and the Commercial Boulevard Bridge to the south from S.R. A1A (Ocean Boulevard) on the east and U.S. 1 (Federal Highway) on the west.
The total closure of the bridge is necessary to paint the tip of the bridge deck, which vehicles drive over. This work is part of an ongoing renovation project and will include sandblasting, followed by the application of three coats of paint.
Work on the bridge began in November 2009 and is expected to be completed in August. Besides painting, the $4.1 million project includes electrical, mechanical and structural repairs, replacement if the bridge tender facility and handrails and the addition of a scenic outlook.
The bridge has one eastbound lane closed 24 hours a day until the total closure Friday night. The lane closure will resume after the bridge re-opens Monday.
Stunning displays in nation's capital for 2010 Fourth of July
Posted July 5 at 11:53 a.m.
ObserverTV covered this year’s Independence Day celebrations in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. This year's parade featured 125 entries that included marching bands, drum and fifth corps, patriotic groups and much more. The firework display lasted 17 minutes, with a grand finale of over two minutes. Look for an inside perspective in this week’s Observer Newspaper with video highlights the following week.
DUI saturation patrols in Deerfield starting early evening on July 4
Posted July 3 at 7:56 p.m.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office will conduct a saturation patrol targeting intoxicated and impaired drivers this holiday weekend.
The enforcement effort will run from 7 p.m. Sunday, July 4 through 5 a.m. Monday, July 5. The BSO D. U. I. Task Force units will be joined by district deputies and will focus patrols on areas that have seen a high incidence of
D. U. I. arrests. The goal of the enforcement operation is to reduce traffic crashes and injuries by deploying deputies that will be on the lookout for impaired drivers in addition to enforcing traffic laws.
The areas planned for the D. U. I. crackdown include the cities of Deerfield Beach, Oakland Park, Pompano Beach and Tamarac.
Buxom bandit back in jail
Posted July 3 at 2:30 p.m.
A month and a half after her release from state prison, the woman dubbed the “Buxom Bandit” is back behind bars.
Following a tip, Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives searched for Samara Seward, 31, in Pompano Beach and found her walking in the 700 block of NW 16 Court Thursday (7/1/10) afternoon. She was arrested without incident and is facing several charges for stealing the wallets of teachers throughout Broward County and fraudulently using their IDs and credit cards. Seward recently returned from a trip to Orlando. At the time of her arrest, she was using the ID of one of her latest victims: a Central Florida woman named Jennifer.
Seward has a lengthy criminal history, including mostly charges of grand theft, uttering forged instruments and fraudulent use of personal ID. She was released from prison in May 2010 after serving four years for targeting teachers in Martin County for identity theft, much like the charges she’s facing in Broward County.
On May 27, Latoya Wallace-Morrison, a third-grade teacher at Pinewood Elementary School, went to the BSO North Lauderdale District Office to report her wallet had been stolen earlier that day from her classroom while she was escorting her class to dismissal. Her wallet turned up fourteen days later at a park with her ID and the IDs and credit cards of several other women inside.
Seward has been booked into the BSO Main Jail facing nine charges, though more are expected.
The investigation continues.
Treacy denied bond for beating Deerfield teen
Posted July 1 at 8:45 p.m.
Just as Josie Ratley comes in to the public eye, her teen attacker is denied bond by a judge. Ratley, a Deerfield Middle student was severely beated by Wayne Treacy, 15 on March 17. Treacy became enraged when Ratley texted comments to him about his brother.
This week, Treacy's attorney asked the judge for a $25,000 bond to be released from jail. The teenager is facing first degree attempted murder charges, as an adult after he dressed in his brother's clothes, left home and went to Deerfield Beach Middle where he beat Ratley within an inch of her life. Treacy says he snapped when she mentioned his brother who committed suicide sometime in October 2009.
Currently, Ratley is recovering at home, though is having to learn all the basics of living all over again. Josie is able to walk, but unable to read or talk well and her memory is not very good. She is going through various therapies to improve her skills.
Paramedics respond to pool
Posted July 01, 2010 at 12:57pm
by Diane Emeott
A little boy, age, 5, was flown to Jackson Memorial Hospital after taking in too much water at Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center, Thursday morning, July 1, at about 11 a.m. The boy has had recent surgery on his esophagus. Deerfield Beach Fire-Rescue responded to the scene. After working on him, he began to cry. Vitals were assessed as good. He was secured for transport. Helicopter picked him up from nearby ball field. Lifeguard said they are expecting an update on his condition later today [Thursday].
FCAT scores finally released
FCAT scores finally released
Florida Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith today announced 2010 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) results for grades 4-10 reading and mathematics, grades 5, 8 and 11 science and grades 4, 8, and 10 writing. The results show increases in the percent of students scoring proficient and above in almost every middle and high school grade level in reading and mathematics. Science achievement also showed positive momentum with gains in all tested grade levels.
“I would like to congratulate our teachers for their excellent work this past year, especially those serving in our mid and upper grade levels where we experienced some very positive movement in student achievement,” said Commissioner Smith. “I believe strongly that these increases are a sign of great things to come as the recent reform efforts to our accountability and school support systems take root and accelerate this progress at a more rapid pace.”
Highlights of this year’s FCAT results include the following:
The percentage of students scoring proficient and above in reading increased by one point in grades 6 (67 percent), 7 (68 percent), 8 (55 percent), and 9 (48 percent), and two points in grade 10 (39 percent).
The percentage of students scoring proficient and above in mathematics increased by one point in grades 5 (63 percent) and 7 (61 percent), two points in grades 6 (57 percent) and 8 (68 percent), and four points in grade 10 (73 percent).
The percentage of students scoring proficient and above in science increased by three points in grade 5 (49 percent), two points in grade 8 (43 percent), and one point in grade 11 (38 percent).
For 2010, there were two changes made to the FCAT Writing administration, including providing only one prompt at all grade levels (4, 8, and 10) and reducing the number of hand-scorers to one. To accommodate this change, the writing component of the school grade calculation will be the average of the percentage of students scoring a 3 and above and the percentage of students scoring a 4 and above. For a summary of this year’s FCAT writing scores, see below:
In Writing, approximately 95 percent of students in grades 4 (94 percent), 8 (96 percent), and 10 (94 percent) scored at or above 3 on the six-point grading scale. The percent of students scoring a four or higher was 68 percent in grade 4, 76 percent in grade 8, and 72 percent in grade 10.
“Although our middle and high schools showed strong academic progress this year, our elementary grade levels remained relatively flat,” said Commissioner Smith. “Reasons for this will vary locally but I am confident that through careful analysis of the data and a redoubling of our efforts at both the state and district level, we will be able to move past this plateau and spark new levels of success in our early grades and beyond.”
Delays and Accuracy
The reporting of this year’s FCAT results experienced significant delays due to technology issues with the state’s new testing contractor, NCS Pearson. Extra time was needed to ensure each individual student’s results matched up perfectly with their demographic information. These technology issues were completely separate from the scoring process, and detailed analyses by the Department, Pearson, and an independent testing expert, The Buros Institute, all confirm the results are both accurate and reliable. Details regarding the delays, as well as information and reports about FCAT scoring and quality assurance procedures can be found at www.fldoe.org/fcat.asp.
“My frustrations regarding Pearson’s performance this year are widely known and we have already initiated action seeking liquidated damages from the company,” said Commissioner Smith. “I have made it clear to Pearson that this type of poor performance will not be tolerated and I am awaiting detailed assurances from them on how they plan to prevent these issues from ever occurring again.”
Individual student score reports are expected to be mailed to districts for receipt by July 8. Districts and schools can use their secure login and password provided by the Department to access electronic copies of their files and reports today.
ObserverTV found over 100 people in line at the Deerfield ATT store at 4th Street and Federal this morning at 630am with the first person in line saying he arrived at 1am. When asked if he had any concerns with the glitches in reception, he said “not really, but if he needs to he will buy a bumper case later”.
As ObserverTV pulled our camera out, a car pulled up with people holding the new iPhone out their window and shouting “your going to love it”!
A rep with the store told ObserverTV they had over 400 phones in stock.
Pageant queen climbs for a cure
Posted June 28 7:45 p.m.
Miss Florida USA Megan Clementi climbed the Hillsboro Beach
Lighthouse on Monday, June 28 in order to bring awareness to The Susan G. Komen fund for breast cancer. This is the 11th of 30 lighthouses total she plans to ascend as part of her Climb for a Cure campaign.
Photo by Jim Lusk
Fireworks, environmental safety this weekend
Posted June 28 at 3:22 p.m.
As thousands of visitors and residents flock to Deerfield Beach for the 4th of July, the city wants to remind everyone of the importance of protecting Deerfield Beach's fragile ocean life and endangered species. Please adhere to the following:
Spectator vessels should not anchor on a coral reef. If a vessel anchors in the Elkhorn/Staghorn coral critical habitat, it should anchor over a sandy bottom that is free from coral or Johnson’s seagrass.
All vessels should maintain a lookout for endangered species, especially sea turtles and manatees. Vessels should proceed at a safe speed, especially at night, in order to avoid striking any marine mammal or sea turtle.
Personal fireworks are not permitted on Deerfield Beach. Spectators should also refrain from utilizing flashlights on the beach. This could cause a distraction to nesting sea turtles. In addition, spectators are reminded not to disturb sea turtle nests. Also, spectators are encouraged to leave the beach at the conclusion of the fireworks display and throw away all of their trash. Additional information may be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
A federal or state agency may impose a civil fine of $25,000 and/or a criminal penalty of $50,000 and/or up to 1 year in jail for violating the Endangered Species Act or state statute by “taking” an endangered or threatened species or damaging coral.
A “take” is defined as harassing, harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, collecting, or attempting to engage in such conduct.
Josie Ratley shows up at Ride for Josie
Posted June 28 10:14 a.m.
On Sunday, June 27, Deerfield Beach Middle Schooler Josie Ratley made her first appearance at The Cove in Deerfield Beach during the Let’s Break the Cycle: A Ride for Josie, a benefit bike rally to help Ratley with her recovery after being attacked by Wayne Treacy in March.
The Bike Ride brought in approximately 350 riders who bicycled from The Cove to Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach. The trek was 65 miles or riders could opt for only 33 miles. Bicyclists were greeted with a party atmosphere upon return with music from Uproot Hootenanny and food from vendors like Casa Maya Grill, The Cove, JB’s On the beach, Oceans 234 and others. There were also raffles and a silent auction.
Josie’s mother, Hilda Gotay and their attorney, Sean Dominick, spoke to media. Gotay expressed her gratitude saying she and Josie had lots of “hugs and kisses” for everyone.
Josie is able to walk, but unable to read or talk well and her memory is not very good.
The attorney stressed that “what the community is doing continues to make a positive difference to Josie.”
When discussing her daughter’s recovery, Gotay broke down and the press conference ended.
Students made chalk drawings on the pavement expressing their well-wishes and love for Josie. Friends of Josie got together to buy her a yearbook, which Josie was able to look at too.
Mango Festival Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
Peacock charged with strong arm robbery
Posted June 22, 2010
Broward Sheriff’s Office robbery detectives have arrested a Deerfield Beach man responsible for snatching the purse of a 67-year-old woman as she left a grocery store ATM on June 1. The victim, Uther Pooler, had trouble getting the strap off her shoulder, and she was dragged by Thomas Peacocks’ Honda Accord for about 50 feet before she got loose. His wife, Kate Peacock, was at the wheel.
BSO detectives released surveillance video after that incident in the hopes that someone recognized the thin, mismatched man who skulked near the ATM outside of a Publix on Cypress Road in Pompano Beach before grabbing Pooler’s purse in the parking lot. Detectives say Peacock asked Pooler for directions, and when she approached his car to help, he grabbed her purse and yelled at his wife to hit the gas. After being dragged, Pooler had a large bruise on her elbow and one on her head. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue treated her on the scene.
Detectives say Thomas Peacock was also responsible for a June 19 purse distraction theft at the same Publix while his wife was in jail on other charges. He faces charges of strong arm robbery and battery on a person 65 or older, adding to his already extensive criminal history.
Storm knocks thousands out of power; city lift station on generator
Posted June 20 at 6:36 p.m.
A nasty storm that blew through Deerfield Beach early Sunday morning knocked out power to several thousand homes in the area. Officials with FPL said one meter, around 2:30 a.m. had 2,000 customers knocked out, with other lightning strikes causing scattered outages throughout the city.
“Compared to other summer storms, this was minor—we get a lot of strikes to the system,” said Mayco Villafana, spokesperson with FPL, who was not aware that city lift stations stations were running on generators due to outages. City employees told the Observer Newspaper that three pumps were being manually run by generators. As of 5:30 p.m., the Observer was not aware it had been resolved.
Villafana said all the outages were resolved early Sunday morning, though the Observer Newspaper spotted several FPL trucks around the city still working late Sunday afternoon.
When asked what FPL has done to harden the systems in advance of hurricane season to prevent as many of these outages as possible, Villafana said that the company, in all 35 counties it works in, has strengthen all the “critical” lines.
“We have hardened all of the hospitals and are working on communications—911, police, fire and other infrastructure local governments have identified as important to get back as quickly ,” said Villafana. “When we had 12 storms in 15 months in 2004 and 2005, the key thing we learned was to strengthen hospitals, communication, water, so that infrastructure will stay intact we can move to other areas much faster.”
FPL has also strengthen main distribution lines that have a number of gas stations and grocery store.
“We learned that if we have some lines operating after a major hurricane, it brings the community back much faster because they can begin operating and provide essential needs to the community.
Villanova said he will provide the Observer Newspaper with documents detailing what FPL has done to harden the sytem. Check an upcoming Observer Newspaper for this article.
25th Mango Festival Cancelled; Promoter Lacks Payments
Posted June 20 at 2:38 p.m.
Sources told The Observer Newspaper that on Saturday the sound system company was not paid by the Mango Festival promoter.
So the unidentified company pulled their equipment. The promoter tried to bring in another sound company with the promise of paying and after they came in today, they too pulled their equipment for no payment.
Also, the performers were still waiting to paid. The national acts planned for today were reported to be waiting in area hotel s for payment conformation that never came. Vendors were upset as many Invested money for supplies that are perishable. One vendor told The Observer she had purchased over $5,000 for food.
Read full story in this Thursdays Observer Newspaper.
Former suspect in Brewer case arrested for burglary
Posted June 16 at 12:44 p.m.
A former suspect in the Michael Brewer burning incident has been arrested on burglary charges, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Jeremy Jarvis, who was one of three teenagers who lit Brewer on fire last fall, was arrested June 15 for charges related to breaking into a Pompano home. On May 24, Jarvis broke into a house to steal a $200 Nintendo Wii system. A computer inside the room had a video camera with a motion detector and caught Jarvis and another teen in the home.
Jarvis, who went to court Wednesday, June 16, was placed on house arrest with a new court date on July 13 to determinje charges.
Downtown Pompano connectivity plan meeting June 29; public welcome
Posted June 15 at 9:04 a.m.
The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will hold a public workshop for community input to the proposed 'Downtown Pompano Connectivity Plan' on Tuesday, June 29th, 2010, at 6pm at the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, 520 Martin Luther King, Boulevard, in Pompano Beach. The meeting will take place from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Design plans for streetscape improvements on Blanche Ely (NW 6th) Avenue and NW 6 Street will be presented, and existing conditions along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard east of I-95, throughout historic Old Pompano, and within a proposed City Hall/Library Campus at the current site of Pompano Beach City Hall. The meeting will be the first of three meetings planned for community participation in the planning process. The second meeting, tentatively planned for late August will present design alternatives for the streetscape and infrastructure improvements. The third meeting, this fall, will be held to present final recommendations.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Neil Fritz at the Pompano Beach CRA, 954-786-4046.
Deerfield firefighers approve contract
Posted June 11, at 9:45 p.m.
By Diane Emeott
On Friday, June 11, Deerfield Beach Firefighters and Paramedics Local 1673 ratified both contracts presented by the city May 17.
- Rank–and-file firefighters voted 80/5 for the city’s proposal.
- Battalion chiefs voted 3/0 for the city’s proposal.
Final step is for the city commission to ratify the contracts at the Tuesday, June 15 commission meeting.
Because firefighters voted for the city’s proposal, the contracts would be valid through Sept. 30, 2011. [Had they not voted for it, contract terms would have been imposed by the city through Sept. 30, 2010.] Negotiations between the City of Deerfield and firefighters began last July 2009 and included two IMPASSE hearings on May 17 and Feb. 26.
“Yes it has [been a long process],” said President of Local 1673 Sean Crofutt.
For more on the firefighters’ contract, see the June 17 Observer Newspaper.
Newly remodeled Splash Adventure opens at Quiet Waters Park
Posted June 10, at 9:39 a.m.
WHAT: Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach announces the Reopening of Splash Adventure. The new and improved water park reopens to the public at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 10. Admission remains $4.50 per person per session. Summer hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. daily.
WHERE: Splash Adventure, Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, 954-357-5100
WHEN: Thursday, June 10, 9:30 a.m.-5:20 p.m.
WHO: For all ages.
HOW: $4.50/person per session.
For further information, call the park at 954-357-5100. The park is accessible via Broward County Transit Routes #14 and #48.
Ratley family shares Josie's homecoming video
Posted June 8 at at 10:02 p.m.
Crist signs pill mill bill as Broward looks to moratorium on clinics
Posted June 7 at 5:07 p.m.
The pill bill mill, that puts stringent requirements on who can operate a pain clinic in Florida was signed by Gov. Charlie Crist. As the ink dries on that bill, Broward County officials are working to put their own laws in place to curb the clinics which are famous for dispensing mass amounts of pain pills to customers, from both in-state and out-of-state.
On Tuesday, June 8th at the 2:00 PM public hearing portion of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the County Commission will be considering an agenda item about pain management clinics, also known as “pill mills.”
Broward County leads the state in prescription drug overdoses, and the number of pain management clinics in Broward more than doubled from August 2008 to November 2009. The proliferation of pill mills throughout Broward is a grave problem with potentially deadly consequences, and our local community is no different, with locals raising issue with several clinics in Deerfield, including Coast to Coast on Hillsboro Blvd., near the post office.
Recently, County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs asked the county attorney to prepare an ordinance that would place a one-year moratorium on these clinics in unincorporated Broward County. The ordinance is designed to help dramatically slow the growth of pill mills while the Commission considers the best approaches to regulating these clinics throughout our county.
"Your voice will be critical in passage of this important ordinance, so please contact your Commissioner (their contact information is listed below)to tell them you want us to fight back against those who engage in this predatory practice," said Jacobs. "If possible, please consider attending the above-mentioned public hearing on June 8th at 2:00 PM in the Commission Chambers at Governmental Center to speak in favor of the ordinance."
A perpetrator with a bad sense of fashion attempted to snatch a purse from Uther Pooler in Pompano Beach June 1 at approximately 7:30 a.m. at the Publix on Cypress Road (411 S. Cypress).
Wearing what looks like a tight turquoise shirt over a white shirt with baggy plaid pants, the unidentified white male, aged 25-35, watched Poole go to the ATM, pretended like he was going to go and then, instead, walked toward the parking lot, got into his grey Honda Accord and approached her, asking for directions. When he asked her to come closer, he grabbed Poole’s purse and accelerated, dragging her about 50 feet in the process and leaving her with a large bruise on her elbow and head. She was treated by Pompano Beach Fire Rescue on scene. The man is still at large.
Information? Call BSO Robbery Detective Matthew Marks at 954-321-4270 or report anonymously to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS or online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.
To see surveillance video, visit ObserverTV (click 'Crime Stopper Videos' in the ON-DEMAND section)
Ratley officially home from rehab
Posted June 2 at 9 a.m.
Josie Ratley is finally at home with her family after spending over two months in hospitals and rehab centers. The teen, who was beaten nearly to death by Wayne Treacy on March 17, is still struggling to learn her basic skills, but has been switched to outpatient care primarily because Medicare would not pay for an extended stay.
Ratley went into the hospital after Treacy beat her after she allegedly made comments about his dead brother. Ratley has suffered severe brain damage, and Treacy is now facing first-degree attempted manslaughter charges while a friend, Kayla Manson, 13, has been charged as an accomplice because she pointed Ratley out to Treacy when he came to Deerfield Middle School to find and "kill" her.
Photo: Josie Ratley left rehab on May 25. Here she is on May 18. Photo from www.nveee.org.
The community has raised over $50,000 to help the family with her bills, and funds being donated are now being funneled through a local charity, National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment. Learn more about her needs, or donate at http://www.nveee.org. Here is a list of items Ratley needs in addition to money: http://acallforjustice.com/html/help-josie.pdf.
Another fundraiser for the teen is being held June 27 called "Let's Break the Cycle: A Ride for Josie." The event is either a 33-mile or 65-mile route leaving from the Cove Restaurant in Deerfield Beach: 1754 SE Third Court. Visit http://www.zmotion.org/v/Events.asp?id=16 for more details.
Five car pileup in Hillsboro Beach
Posted June 2 at 11:15 p.m.
Hillsboro Police responded to a major car accident on A-1-A on Hillsboro Mile near the 1221 C-Club. Around 8:15 p.m., police responded to the scene of an accident that left at least one condo building without power.
One vehicle lost control of the steering wheel and ran into five cars, a scooter a tree and a sign as well as knocking out the power to at least one building. Hillsboro police are still investigating the incident to determine the actual cause of the wreck at this time. Check back for more details.
Photo by Rachel Galvin.
Memorial Day in Deerfield Beach
Posted on May 28 at 6:01 p.m.
Observances will take place at Pineview Cemetery at 400 Southwest 4th Streetat 10:00 a.m., Memorial Cemetery at 380 Northeast 6th Avenueat 10:30 a.m., and the International Fishing Pier at 200 Northeast 21st Avenue at 11:00 a.m. A motorcade will proceed from one location to the next.
Gas leak at Muddy Water’s
Posted May 28 at 12:04p.m.
Please be advised that a gas leak at Muddy Water's has forced the closure of the Shoppes of Hillsboro strip mall. It will remain closed until the leak is repaired. It is expected to reopen later today [Friday, May 28].
Dispute leads to double shooting of teens by Deerfield High
Posted May 27 at 11:19 p.m.
Two teens were shot and two suspects are in custody following a dispute between the victims Thursday night.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 900 block of SW 15 Street for a reported shooting at 9:50 p.m. When they arrived, they found 15-year-old Justin Perry, an eighth-grader at Deerfield Beach Middle School, shot multiple times. The shooter, Carlos Young, 16, a Pompano Beach High School student, was with Tyrail Brantley, also 16, when Perry was shot. Brantley attends Ely High School. Brantley and Young fled the scene and Perry was transported by BSO Air Rescue helicopter to Broward General Medical Center.
About 30 minutes following the first shooting, Willie F. Perry, the victim’s father, went to Brantley’s house and fired multiple shots, hitting Brantley. The elder Perry fled the scene. Brantley was transported by Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue to North Broward Medical Center. BSO deputies quickly arrested Young. Around 12:15 a.m. Friday, Perry was taken into custody after BSO detectives learned that he was en route to Broward General Medical Center to check on his son.
The shooting of Perry was precipitated by a dispute among the teens. Both Young and Perry will face attempted murder charges. There are additional charges against Perry as well. Young was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center and Perry booked into the BSO Main Jail, both in Ft. Lauderdale.
Broward preparing to respond to oil spill if needed
Updated May 28, 3:40 p.m.
With tendrils of oil expected to reach around to the Florida Keys over the next few weeks, officials in Florida are ramping up protection efforts for our state’s sensitive areas, wildlife, coral reefs, as well as the tourism industry from the recent BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Recently, Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties were granted a state of emergency, which will allow support funds to come into the area.
Concerns over many vulnerable environmental areas up and down the shoreline have Broward officials preparing resources and contacting cities for any resources such as pumps, booms, skimmers and more — and even putting out the call for volunteers and experts interested in helping.
On Wednesday night, the monthly CERT training in Deerfield centered on Hazardous Materials. Assistant Chief John Quitoni talked about the oil spill and what Deerfield is doing to prepare should there be the threat of local impact.
Residents who have any resources or skills to clean up oil off Broward’s beaches are asked to call 311 to basically “register” those resources to be called upon if needed.
Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale already has an extensive contingency plan in place to deal with oil because of the large amounts of oil coming in and out of the ports each day, said Broward Mayor Ken Keechl.
A large focus, other than beach/wildlife cleanup would prevent the oil from entering Broward’s waterways through the port or through the Hillsboro Inlet, which has been widened in recent years to allow more boat passage through its channels into the Intracoastal. It is expected that if oil does get caught up in the stream, both the Port and Inlet could be closed or limited to traffic in order to place booms and other measures to trap the oil before it travels inland. Other areas of concern are the Boca Inlet and Baker’s Haulover at the south end of the county.
Broward County has set up a webpage to keep up-to-date on the situation in Broward: http://broward.org/News/PagesOilSpill.aspx. State information is at www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon and www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com is another source. Four-hour HazMat courses have been started for any resident wanting to help clean up any oil on our beaches. Contact the local OSHA office a 954-424-0242.
Report evidence of oil by calling the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from a cell phone. The state will send out trained staff to respond.
Find this story online to see more about what you might find on the beaches and waterways. Photos of tarballs, tar patches and oil slicks, a copy of the Hillsboro Inlet contingency plan, as well as additional information can be found at www.observernews
paperonline.com.
Parks to step down from Broward School Board
Posted May 26 at 6:33 p.m.
Dr. Robert D. Parks, School Board member, District 7, issued the following statement today, May 26, 2010:
After three months of thoughtful discussions and weighing the pros and cons of seeking a seventh term, I have decided not to run again at the end of my term in November.
Many elected officials and friends in my District urged me to run one more time, and I was honored by their support and encouragement. But after serious discussions with my wife Linda, we decided it was time for us to enjoy retirement .
I want to thank all those people who have supported and worked with me to make Broward schools and all those in District 7 the best in Broward County.
I want to personally thank Jim Notter, my friends on the School Board, the District and school administrators, teachers and especially Marcia Simmons, who made my time on the School Board a wonderful experience during my career in education.
Bob Parks
School Board Member, District 7
Local officials announce campaign to prevent drowning and to promote pool safety
Posted May 24 at 6:44 p.m.
As the summer swimming season begins, local officials have begun a pool safety campaign to prevent drowning. Already, South Florida has seen at least seven drowning, not including a Deerfield toddler who was resuscitated after falling into the pool several weeks ago.
On Monday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) held a press conference at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex to kick off the Pool Safely campaign. (www.poolsafely.gov). It is a a national public education effort to reduce child drownings and non-fatal submersions, and entrapments in swimming pools and spas.
The CPSC's campaign will provide information and education called for in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act), federal legislation signed into law in 2007 mandating new safety equipment requirements for public pool and spas. The national campaign will raise public awareness about drowning and entrapment prevention, promote industry compliance, and improve safety at pools and spas. The new anti-entrapment drain covers and other equipment protect children and all bathers against the dangers of suction entrapment from broken or loose drain covers. Seven-year-old Virginia Graeme Baker drowned when she became trapped on a broken drain cover in a hot tub in 2002.
Inez Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), the chief House sponsor of the Act, Nancy Baker, the mother of the Act's namesake, and Olympic Swimmers Jason Lezak and Janet Evans, both parents, will join together to announce the Pool Safely campaign.
The CPSC estimates that nearly 300 children younger than five drown in swimming pools and spas each year and more than 3,000 that age go to hospital emergency rooms due to non-fatal submersion injuries. An unknown number of these hospitalizations result in permanent disability, including brain damage. The Pool Safely campaign will remind the public that drowning deaths and injuries among young children are preventable.
Today, CPSC released its annual reports on children's submersion and entrapment incidents which showed:
From 2005-2007 there was an annual average of 385 pool and spa-related drownings for children younger than 15; about 78 percent, or 299, of these children were younger than five.
From 2007-2009, there were an estimated average of 4,200 pool or spa emergency department-treated submersions for children younger than 15; and children between the ages of 12 to 35 months represented 47 percent of estimated injuries for these years.
About 54 percent of the estimated injuries for 2007 - 2009 and 74 percent of the fatalities for 2005 - 2007 involving children younger than fifteen occurred at a residence.
Most reported fatalities occurred on the day of (73 percent) or within a week of (additional 23 percent) the submersion incident. Just four percent of fatal victims survived beyond a week of the submersion; these victims had severe injuries and required intensive medical care.
There were no reported entrapment fatalities for 2009. CPSC did receive eight reports of entrapment incidents in which seven people were injured during 2009.
"It is important to keep in mind that these numbers represent family tragedies. Preventing child drownings year round is a priority for the CPSC," said Chairman Tenenbaum. "The Pool Safely campaign will start a national conversation with parents and children, pool owners and operators and industry professionals about the simple safety steps they can take to protect themselves and their families in and around pools and spas. These incidents are preventable, so our mission is to change the way families think and act about pool and spa safety."
The Pool Safely campaign will deliver an important and simple message: just adding an extra safety step in and around the water can make all the difference. Your greatest water safety assurance comes from adopting and practicing as many water safety measures as possible, including: barriers that completely surround the pool with self-closing, self-latching gates; staying close, being alert, and watching children at the pool; learning and practicing water safety skills (knowing how to swim and perform CPR); and having the appropriate equipment (compliant drain covers, alarms, barriers and sensors).
"I have been involved in the issue of pool safety throughout my career and today marks a key milestone in the ongoing fight to reduce accidental drowning," said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, author of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. "Educating communities on the potential dangers of swimming pools is a critical tool in saving the lives of our children. I am so pleased to have worked with my colleagues in Congress to provide the funds needed for implementation of this important campaign."
The campaign will also highlight the need to implement a "personal system of safety" that consists of adding as many proven water safety practices as possible in and around pools and spas.
"As a parent of young children, I know there's no single, sure-fire way to ensure their safety around pools and spas," added Evans, five-time Olympic medalist in swimming. "Whether it's enrolling them in swimming lessons or simply watching them at all times, there is always one more thing I can do. The Pool Safely campaign offers a variety of simple steps we can all take to protect our children in pools and spas."
Pool Safely will serve as an information hub delivering campaign tools and resources to various outreach channels. CPSC has taken the lead by partnering with national, regional and local organizations in the children's safety and drowning prevention communities. By engaging key partners such as the Red Cross, the YMCA and other, the campaign will reach the widest possible audience and build a sustainable network that will ensure the campaign's messaging is delivered for years to come.
"Knowing how to swim helped me win gold in the water, but it takes adding as many water safety steps as possible to ensure a safe environment for children in and around pools and spas, " said seven-time Olympic medalist in swimming Jason Lezak. "No matter how responsible you already are, there is always one more safety step you can take to protect your child. That is how you can Pool Safely. "
"I understand the need to bring together the public and dedicated partners in the water safety community to begin a national conversation about water safety," said Nancy Baker, the mother of Virginia Graeme for whom the Act is named. "I am honored to be involved in the Pool Safely campaign and look forward to working together to promote additional water safety steps we all can take in protecting our loved ones in and around pools and spas. Simple steps save lives."
The Pool Safely campaign - a national public education effort by the Consumer Product Safety Commission - is proud to partner with leading organizations, including American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA, Safe Kids USA, National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), World Waterpark Association (WWA), and Abbey's Hope. For more information, visit the website at www.poolsafely.gov or follow the campaign on Twitter @poolsafely
Josie Ratley released from rehab
Posted May 18 at 5:27 p.m.
After a long period of recovery at Broward General and then at an unnamed rehabilitation center, Josie Lou Ratley is finally ready to go home, although the exact date is in question. Ratley, who suffered brain damage from being attacked by Wayne Treacy on March 17, was left unable to walk, talk or use her right arm. Despite a three-week period of rehabilitation, the 15-year-old will be recovering for quite some time.
Another new update in the ongoing story is the inclusion of a new attorney in the mix. Although Rick Freedman, the former attorney, says he will still represent Storm Ratley, Josie’s father, Sean Domnick will represent Josie’s interest and her mother Hilda Gotay. Josie’s parents are divorced.
Hilda Gotay will be holding a press conference on Wednesday morning to discuss Josie’s condition.
The Observer has been following this story since the beginning and will bring updated coverage as we can.
Deerfield commission votes 3-1 for proposal at impasse hearing
Posted May 17 at 10:57 p.m
By Diane Emeott
The city commission voted in favor of the Interim City Manager’s May 12 proposal at the May 17 IMPASSE hearing for Firefighters and Paramedics Local 1673 and the City of Deerfield Beach.
The two issues on the table were Article 17, Salaries and Wages, and Article 20, Longevity Pay.
It was the second vote of the night that produced the 3-1 decision. (Commissioner Sylvia Poitier voted against.) Monday night was the second IMPASSE hearing for the two parties. On Feb. 26, Special Master Martin O. Holland presided over the first hearing.
Holland’s recommendation, dated April 23, sided with neither firefighters nor the city. It came somewhere in the middle.
For story in full, see the May 20 Observer Newspaper.
Prescribed burn beginning at Tradewinds Park
Posted May 17 at 5:12 p.m.
The Florida Division of Forestry is scheduled to burn a parcel of land in Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, weather permitting, between Monday, May 17 and Friday, May 21. The burn may be attempted on any day during this time period in which the required weather conditions are met, such as winds from the east or southeast and adequate moisture levels - neither too dry nor too wet.
A prescribed fire will take place in the pine flatwoods about a quarter of a mile south of Wiles Road and just west of Florida's Turnpike. The burn will help to maintain the health and regenerate the vegetation of this area. Without burning, invasive plants such as Brazilian pepper will invade the pine flatwoods, suppress the native vegetation, and make the site unsuitable for native wildlife. Prescribed burning also reduces the amount of dried and dead plants on the property, which could easily be ignited and create an uncontrolled wildfire.
The prescribed burn will be conducted by the professionally trained firefighters of the Florida Division of Forestry in conjunction with Broward County Parks and Recreation Division. Every effort will be made to minimize the smoke from this activity, although residents with preexisting lung or cardiovascular conditions, the elderly, and small children should consider remaining indoors or leaving the vicinity for the duration of the burn. Anyone who needs to know the exact day of the burn should call 954-357-8114 and leave a name and number to be added to a contact list.
Specific weather conditions are required, such as easterly or southeasterly winds and adequate humidity, for the prescribed burn to be conducted. If the weather conditions are not met during the week of the tentatively scheduled burn, the fire will be postponed.
WHERE: Tradewinds Environmentally Sensitive Lands within Tradewinds Park
3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek
WHEN: Between Monday, May 17 and Friday, May 21.
WHO: Florida Division of Forestry in conjunction with Broward County Parks and Recreation Division
For further information, call Tradewinds at 954-357-8870.
I-95 opens again after wreck sends child flying over wall
Posted May 14 at 12:55 p.m.
At least one child was critically injured in an I-95 wreck after he went flying over the wall. Around noon today, Bob and Jan Blount of Pompano were sitting in their kitchen playing cards when they heard a major crash on I-95. Their Leisureville home is next to the wall that separates their home from the highway. They immediately went to call 911, something the couple says they are used to doing, living so close to the highway.
However, today’s accident was extremely unusual, even for this couple who participates in the Broward Sheriff’s office Citizen on Patrol program. Just after they heard the wreck, the couple saw a young child, around three-years-old, fly over the wall and land in their backyard.
“I don’t ever want to experience that again,” said Jan Blount. “He landed and immediately started crying. He kept touching his arm—I think it is broken.”
Bob said he laid down with the child while they waited for rescue services to arrive.
“He was trying to climb up my leg and I laid him back down and we covered him with a towel in case he was getting cold from shock,” said Bob. “He was taken to North Broward where a helicopter was meeting him to take to a trauma center.
“I did not expect this—I’ve seen a lot of things, but never this.”
Photos: Top right: This car came to a stop just west of the wall separating the Blount's home from I-95. Left: Bob Blount shows how far the child flew before he landed near the gutter of the house next door.
Police completely shut down I-95 past Copans Rd. while the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene.
Traffic is slowly moving now after a tow truck began removing vehicles from the scene. The parents of the child are reportedly still alive, and there was at least one other child in the car.
A nattily-dressed man in a tan suit, dress shoes and hat walked into a Deerfield Beach bank Tuesday morning, removed a note from his laptop case a
nd handed it to the teller.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Majic 102.7 FM’s Majic Children’s Fund will partner with the “Happy Together” 25th anniversary tour to benefit a local Deerfield Beach teenager in need.
700 block of NW 16 Court Thursday (7/1/10) afternoon. She was arrested without incident and is facing several charges for stealing the wallets of teachers throughout Broward County and fraudulently using their IDs and credit cards. Seward recently returned from a trip to Orlando. At the time of her arrest, she was using the ID of one of her latest victims: a Central Florida woman named Jennifer.
On Sunday, June 27, Deerfield Beach Middle Schooler Josie Ratley made her first appearance at The Cove in Deerfield Beach during the Let’s Break the Cycle: A Ride for Josie, a benefit bike rally to help Ratley with her recovery after being attacked by Wayne Treacy in March.
-year-old woman as she left a grocery store ATM on June 1. The victim, Uther Pooler, had trouble getting the strap off her shoulder, and she was dragged by Thomas Peacocks’ Honda Accord for about 50 feet before she got loose. His wife, Kate Peacock, was at the wheel.
A nasty storm that blew through Deerfield Beach early Sunday morning knocked out power to several thousand homes in the area. Officials with FPL said one meter, around 2:30 a.m. had 2,000 customers knocked out, with other lightning strikes causing scattered outages throughout the city.
Sources told The Observer Newspaper that on Saturday the sound system company was not paid by the Mango Festival promoter.
Josie Ratley is finally at home with her family after spending over two months in hospitals and rehab centers. The teen, who was beaten nearly to death by Wayne Treacy on March 17, is still struggling to learn her basic skills, but has been switched to outpatient care primarily because Medicare would not pay for an extended stay.
m.
een a lot of things, but never this.”