West Park News November 2012

Let me begin bysaying that we area small city but

one with a very largeheart. A heart and fervorthat has been carried onthrough the athleticefforts of our young

football players from the inception of ourfootball program. The game of football isone we play with lots of passion, enthusi-asm, and in good spirit. Unfortunately theintolerable actions that witnessed by manydisplayed the opposite of what we preach inour program and are not a representation ofwho we are as a City, a Community, or anOrganization. We are a hardworking andproud community that rallies behind theefforts of our young student-athletes as theystrive to represent us on the gridiron in apositive manner. We take great pride inguiding the path of our children as theycarry on through life to become the futureforefathers of this community and leadersof tomorrow. Since July our children havebeen working hard to properly represent usand have done so bravely earning therespect of every opponent along the way.Now, this year, their efforts have been halt-ed by the actions of one person. Theirdreams have been shattered and their right-fully earned opportunity to play has beentaken from them as the league has suspend-ed the football teams for the remainder ofthe season. The actions that have takenplace are intolerable and saddening to saythe least. We take great pride in properlyrepresenting the Miami Extreme YouthFootball League, the Orange Bowl YouthFootball Alliance, and all of their affiliates.We hope that the actions of one individualdo not continue to negatively portray thepositive work being done to make a differ-ence in the lives of our youth. We haveasked that the Miami Extreme YouthFootball League reconsider their suspen-sion of the children in our program who arenot at fault for this incident and allow ourchildren to finish what they have started

this season. Thanks to all of you for yourunderstanding in this matter.

By the time you read this paper the elec-tions probably will be over and our presi-dent for the next four years will be waitingto be inaugurated. Regardless of whom itmay be let us be thankful for the greatestnation on earth and continue our climbtoward higher heights. As this year windsdown there are many things that we as a citycan be thankful for. Once again we havebalanced our budget and ended this year inthe black. We have received grants thathelped in many of our city projects and ourprospect for more businesses look good.There are many other things that can be saidbut the time and space does not allow. Onlyknow that our city is fiscally sound.

For these things I give thanks during thisseason. The Masai tribe in West Africa hasan unusual way of saying "thank you."Translators tell us that when the Masaiexpress thanks, they bow, put their foreheadon the ground and say, "My head is in the

dirt." When members of another Africantribe want to express thanks, they sit for along time in front of the hut of the personwho did the favor and literally say, "I sit onthe ground before you." Those Africansunderstand well what Thanksgiving is andwhy it is different for us: at its core, thanks-giving is an act of humility. Our countryrecognizes this also. In 1789, our nation’sfirst President, George Washington, issuedthe following proclamation: “Whereas, it isthe duty of all nations to acknowledge theprovidence of Almighty God, to obey Hiswill, to be grateful for His benefits, andhumbly to implore His protection and favor,and Whereas both houses of Congress haveby their joint committee requested me torecommend to the people of the UnitedStates a day of public thanksgiving andprayer, to be observed by acknowledging

Community NewspapersNOVEMBER 2012

www.communitynewspapers.com

WEST PARK NEWSThanks for Everything

W E

S T

P

A R

K

C I

T Y

O

F F

I C

I A

L S

WHO’S WHOIn City Government

MayorEric H. Jones, Jr.

Vice MayorFelicia M. Brunson

CommissionerThomas Dorsett

CommissionerSharon Fyffe

CommissionerRita “Peaches”

Mack

City ManagerW. Ajibola Balogun

––––––––––––------------------––– See UPDATE, page 3

BY MAYOR ERIC H. JONES JR.

Mayors Accept $5000.00 Grant from Community Foundation of Broward, Inc.

Pictured in this photo, President/CEO CFB- Linda B. Carter and Mayor Eric H. Jones, Jr. with Mayors from other Cities.

Page 2 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM November 2012

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with grateful hearts the many signal favorsof Almighty God, Now therefore, I do rec-ommend and assign Thursday, the 26th dayof November next, to be devoted by thepeople of these states to the service of thatgreat and glorious being who is the benefi-cent author of all the good that was, that is,or that will be.” Our forefathers were notso much thankful for something as theywere thankful in something. In abundanceor in want, they were thankful. In feast or infamine, they were thankful. In joy or inmisery, they were thankful. There is a bigdifference between being thankful forthings and being thankful in all things.When we look at the big picture it shouldprompt us to give thanks. If we could shrinkthe earth’s population to a village of onehundred people; here’s the way the worldwould look: There would be 57 Asians, 21Europeans, 14 from the WesternHemisphere, and 8 Africans. There wouldbe 50 suffering from malnutrition and onewould be near death. Only one would havea college education, and only one wouldown a computer. There would be 80 livingin substandard housing; 70 would be unableto read; 6 would possess 59% of theworld’s wealth and all six would be fromNorth America. As a nation we are betteroff than three billion people in this regard.

We have money in the bank and sparechange in a dish, food in the refrigerator,clothes on our backs, and a roof over ourheads. We are richer than 75% of thisworld. However, we only remember to bethankful when our creature comforts areinterrupted. Our power is shut off, and sud-denly we become thankful for electricity.Our garbage is not picked up, and suddenlywe become thankful for the garbage collec-tor’s weekly stop. A good friend dies, andsuddenly we discover how much he meantto us. Our water becomes too polluted todrink and suddenly we appreciate havinggood water. Why is it that, we take forgranted the uncounted blessings of life untilthey are removed from us? In and oldcomic strip, It is Thanksgiving Day and thearoma of roast turkey fills Charlie Brown’shouse. Snoopy, outside lying on top of hisdoghouse, smells that aroma and he is

thinking, “It’s Thanksgiving Day. Everybody eats turkey on

Thanksgiving Day.” So he lies there,watching the back door, eagerly awaitinghis Thanksgiving dinner. Finally, the dooropens and here comes Charlie Brown witha bowl of dog food, and he puts it on theground. Snoopy gets off his house andstares at the dog food with a forlorn look onhis face, and he thinks, “Just because I’m adog, I have to eat dog food on ThanksgivingDay.” Then the next square shows Snoopylooking at the dog food more intently, andhe is thinking, “It could be worse. I could bethe turkey.” Let us remember, thisThanksgiving to be thankful for what wehave. Thankful for those on whose shoul-ders we stand that made possible our free-dom. Alex Haley, the author of “Roots,”had an unusual picture hanging on his officewall. It was a picture of a turtle on top of afence post. When asked, “Why is thatthere?” Alex Haley answered, “Every timeI write something significant, every time Iread my words and think that they are won-derful, and begin to feel proud of myself, Ilook at the turtle on top of the fence postand remember that he didn’t get there onhis own. He had help.” That is the basis ofthankfulness - to remember that we got herewith the sacrifice of brave men and womenand the help of God, and that He is theprovider of every blessing we have.Thanksgiving has come a long way sincethe time of the Pilgrims and Indians. Today,it is an opportunity to get the family togeth-er to watch football and feast on turkey,stuffing, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.Sure, we know that you are thankful whenyour favorite team wins the big game, butdo you really take the time to verbalizeyour gratitude for bigger things? Do youtell your loved ones how much they meanto you? Take advantage of this holiday andthe month that surrounds it and rememberthis statement, “People who are truly thank-ful do not complain they find a reason to begrateful.” In closing I would like to wisheveryone a Happy Thanksgiving as yougive thanks for what you have as you strivefor the things you want.

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THANKS FOR, from page 1 –––––––––––

November 2012 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 3

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Page 4 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM September 2012

BY VICE MAYOR FELICIA M. BRUNSON

Although we shouldremember the significanceof all our holidays, Ibelieve that Thanksgivingis the holiday which shouldbe used for a time of quietreflection. We would all dowell to pause and remem-

ber those brave souls who risked their livesto travel to a new and uncharted land insearch of freedom. A freedom which often-times we now all take for granted. I hopethat you will gather with your family andfriends and take a moment to reflect,remember, and give thanks.

Every year around Thanksgiving, weare reminded about the things for which weare thankful. As every year, I am thankfulfor my family, health, friends old and new.I’m thankful for life itself, and everythingthat we are able to do and accomplish.

This is also a time to think about those lessfortunate than ourselves. This is the time to con-sider offering our time to volunteer in our com-munity or making a donation to our favorite char-ity. There are many volunteering opportunitiesright here in our city.

Let us take a moment during thisThanksgiving holiday season to reflect onour lives and on our blessings. We haveendured hardships this past year. Our econ-omy has not been as vibrant as in yearspast. Property values are low and many areunemployed. Many of us have lost lovedones, or have faced other personal crises.We grieve with our friends and neighborsover their losses and problems, but werejoice with them in their good times. Andyet, we are blessed to live in a city wherewe can learn from, and appreciate, the dif-ferences which make us unique.

Take the time to thank God for all ofthe blessings in your life. For some, theblessings may seem sparse this year, butthat just means that we need to reflectdeeper to find the good in our lives.Everyone has something to be thankful for:

Our freedom as Americans, the love offamily and friends. Be thankful for thethings in your life that you wouldn’t wantto live without. It is easier at this time ofyear. But let Thanksgiving be the start of anew outlook - a reconfigured attitudetoward the events in the past and what thefuture holds.

Additionally, we are privileged to livein the City of West Park. We are fortunateto have a Commission and Staff who arecommitted to providing the best servicepossible to our citizens. People of allraces, ages and socio-economic levelscome together annually at the MaryKendrick’s “Feed the Needy Feast” wherethey give love offerings to help the seniorsin our community. We live in a communi-ty that finds time to laugh and enjoy life.We have many blessings, large and small.The list is endless. Only when we begin totake stock, do we realize just how blessedwe truly are. I encourage you to also thinkabout our community’s needs and find thetime, or the money, to give back.

I wish you all a very happyThanksgiving, and wish you and your fam-ilies all the best during this holiday season!

Remember to contact me at City Hallwith your ideas, suggestions or concerns.I represent you and appreciate your inputinto the continued success of our belovedcity. I can be reached at (954) 889-4164 oremail [email protected].

Be Thankful

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Okay, it’s that time again –October in a presidentialelection year. Maybe I

should expect that, at least untilNovember, I’m not going to getthrough a nightly newscast withoutat least a dozen or so politicalcommercials cautioning that a vote forone candidate is a vote for tripled taxesand a vote for the other will send BigBird straight to a KFC fryer.I get it, that’s politics. But when our

justice system gets political that’swhen we all need to worry.30 Years ago, Florida had a political

high court and with that came spectac-ular political scandals includingcharges of litigant-funded gamblingjunkets; bribery and case fixing forcampaign donors. In response, Floridastopped electing its Supreme Courtand empowered the Governor toappoint Justices with the appointmentterms renewed by “merit retention”elections every 6 years. The systemwas a model that shielded courts fromhaving politics dictate justice-systemdecision-making while maintainingaccountability.Fast-forward 30 years and politics is

again trampling the notion of a fair andindependent judiciary. Eyeing an

opportunity to replace 3 “NO”votes with 3 “YES” votes andremove prickly constitutionalroadblocks, Governor Scott and thestate Republican Party (with financialhelp from a pair of Kansas oil and gasbillionaires) have launched Florida’sfirst ever party-sponsored initiative tooust and replace Supreme Courtjustices. This time, though thecampaign isn’t about the integrity orcompetence of the judges (in fact a barsurvey shows exceptional approvalratings between 89% - 92% for each ofthe justices). The fight this time isabout who will influence the future ofFlorida’s judiciary.I for one say, let’s leave politics to

the politicians, leave the Muppets toFrank Oz and leave our high court inits capable hands.

Russel Lazega is an attorney andpast president of the North Dade BarAssociation. He is also the authorof several of Florida’s most widelydistributed legal textbooks on FloridaInsurance Law and representsaccident victims, insurance policy-h o l d e r s a n d c o n d om i n i umassociations throughout the state.Contact: Lazegalaw.com

HOW POLITICS CAN SHATTER

AHEALTHY JUSTICE SYSTEM

By Russel Lazega, Attorney and Author

From the Code Enforcement Department

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AA:: The most common complaints involvepublic nuisances such as overgrowngrass/weeds on properties, unsightlybulk trash, building code violations,illegal signage, and business taxlicense and zoning violations.

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AA:: You may come into the City Hall inperson and speak to either the codeenforcement inspector or any memberof staff. You may call the codeenforcement officer directly at either305-814-8549 or 954- 921-7781 or theCity Hall at 954-989-2688.

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mmyy ccoommppllaaiinnttss??AA:: If you wish to be re-contacted, please

leave your name & number so that thecode enforcement inspector can callyou and discuss the incident.

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AA:: The code enforcement inspector willtry to perform an initial investigationwithin 48 hours of receiving your com-plaint. Complaints are prioritized withissues dealing with the health and safe-ty of our community getting first prior-ity. Some investigations may takelonger. The code enforcement inspec-tor may monitor a situation for days orweeks to ensure compliance.

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CODE ENFORCEMENT – FAQS

Page 6 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM September 2012

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The Broward Sheriff’s OfficeDepartment of Fire Rescue and Emergencyservices want to remind the residents ofWest Park that many injuries and deathscome from accidents within a person’shome.

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Below is an article published by theNational Safety Council:

Each year, it is estimated that one inten people will seek medical treatment forinjuries. For some, the injury causes tempo-rary pain and inconvenience, but for manyindividuals, the injury leads to chronicpain, disability, a change in lifestyle oreven death. Fortunately, there are manythings you can do to reduce the risk ofinjury to yourself and your family. It iscommon to label injuries as “accidents.”Yes, accidents happen – but they don’t justhappen by chance. Most of them happenfor a reason. You can protect your health

and your family’s health by understandingwhy injuries occur, recognizing potentiallyharmful situations and taking action to pre-vent injuries.

A good place to start is in your home.While we like to think of our home as theone place where we can let our guard downand relax in comfort and safety, the fact ismany things in your home can be haz-ardous to your health.

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Protect yourself and your family byinspecting each room in your home andtaking the following simple, low-cost steps,recommended by the Home SafetyCouncil, to make safety a priority and pre-vent falls.

FFlloooorrssFloor coverings and obstacles can pose

hazards. To reduce risk of tripping or slip-ping:

• Remove scatter rugs or replace them witha low nap rug with non-slip backing.

• Secure scatter rugs and edges of area rugswith adhesive carpet tape or non-skid mat-ting under the rugs.

• Remove or relocate electrical cords thatare stretched across walkways.

• Organize the house and clean up items orfurniture cluttering primary trafficpaths. Stairs, even those with just two orthree steps, pose significant hazards thatrequire attention.

• Add properly shaped handrails to bothsides of all stairs, including those on theexterior of the house, even if they haveonly two or three steps.

• Often the existing handrail is hard to grip.Install handrails that are round or oval inshape. Of course, hold on to the handrailswhenever going up or down stairs.

• Check your stair carpet regularly for looseor torn areas; re-secure or replace loose car-pet.

• Use reflective or contrasting tape at thefront edge of each step to make themmore visible.

LLiigghhttiinnggA darkened entrance or a poorly lit

stairway, hallway or room can be haz-ardous, particularly for older adults.

• Replace outside light fixtures withmotion-detecting lighting that will auto-matically illuminate when movement isdetected.

• Use a light-sensitive fixture or add-ondevice that will turn on at dusk.

• Replace standard wall-mounted lightswitches with movement detecting versionsthat will automatically turn on lights whensomeone enters the area.

• Use glow-in-the-dark switches to makefinding switches at night easier.

• Use night lights in hallways, bathroomsand bedrooms.

• Keep a flashlight in a convenient locationto use as a portable light source.

BBaatthhrroooommMany falls occur in the bathroom

because wet surfaces are slippery.

• Have grab bars in showers, tub areas andnear toilets. Don’t substitute towelbars or wall-mounted soap dishes as grabbars; they can easily come loose and causea fall.

• Use a low nap rubber-backed bath mat toabsorb water and reduce slipping dueto wet floors.

• Use a non-slip mat in the tub or shower.

• Use a hand-held shower, installed withinreach of everyone in the household.

• Use waterproof seats or chairs with armrests and backs in the tub or shower.

These will allow the user – particular-ly elderly, physically frail or less agileusers – to bathe or shower more safely.

This is not an all-inclusive list of homehazards. Inspect your home regularly andcustomize your safety measures to meet theneeds dictated by the age, condition, designand features of your home. Such things asfireplaces, hot tubs, and decks require addi-tional safety provisions. Take advantage ofcommunity programs that offer free homesafety assessments, particularly for house-holds with children or older adults.

Any resident who desires a HomeSafety evaluation can call the BSO FireDepartment to schedule one. If you haveany further questions please contact ChiefKenneth Kronheim at 954.831.8200.

Tips to avoid injuries at home


Say thank you!BY VICE MAYOR FELICIA M. BRUNSON

Veterans Day is a time tohonor all the men andwomen who served in ourarmed forces since thefounding of our country236 years ago. It’s also thetime to display love of ourcountry, patriotism and rec-

ognize sacrifices made for our country. As we enjoy this Veterans Day in the

company of family and friends, we paytribute to the brave men and women in ournation’s military who are presently servingoverseas and are in harm’s way. Let usremember all of those who have served inour nation’s armed forces, and let us reflecton the freedoms we enjoy in this nation thatwere paid for by those who made the ulti-mate sacrifice. Not all veterans have seenwar, but a common bond they share is anoath they took to defend our constitutionand express their willingness to die defend-ing this nation.

Along with all the residents of the Cityof West Park, I want to thank our military

personnel who have proudly served underthe flag of the United States – includingmembers of the VFW Post#8195 whoserved under that flag in faraway lands, butnow are home.

Don’t undervalue the effect of simplysaying “thank you” to veterans you meet.There are approximately 23 million livingAmericans who have served, includingthose who continue to serve in uniform. Ofthese veterans, 1.2 million are women.Showing your appreciation is the least wecan do.

I encourage all to take time to recog-nize and pay homage to those who havesacrificed, and continue to sacrifice, fortheir country. On this Veterans Day, wehonor our military members, along with themembers of the VFW Post #8195 whosacrificeD abroad and at home for our free-dom and that of others.

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BY SARAH SINATRAPlanning Department

City staff has reviewed a number ofapplications for new businesses in theUtopia industrial area. Certain types ofbusinesses such as auto repair provide sig-nificant employment opportunities, but cansometimes lead to unsightly conditions thatmay detract from other businesses. TheCity’s zoning code requires that these typesof businesses receive approval by the CityCommission to protect the overall businessenvironment through the special exceptionprocess. The special exception processallows the City Commission additionalreview of businesses that are consideredbasically suitable for the district in whichthey are listed, but the character and natureof the uses are such that they may necessi-tate additional requirements to fit into thecommunity.

Through the special exception applica-tion process, City staff recommended con-ditions for approval to ensure continuingattractiveness for the business community.For example, conditions include preventing“visual clutter,” such as prohibiting ban-ners, pennants, and vehicle signs.

Other conditions for approval include:• All flags must be on a flagpole and land-scaping must be installed on the property.

• Buildings to be painted according theTransit Oriented Corridor color palette toimprove the overall look of the property.

• “Right Turn Only” sign placed at the exitof the property onto West HallandaleBeach Boulevard for safety issues.

• Maintenance of screening on rollinggates.

• No storage of vehicles outside fencedareas.

• Installation of “No Parking” signs alongthe swale.

• Auto repair work must be done complete-ly within the building.

This special exception process and theconditions for approval allow City staff andthe City Commission to maintain WestPark’s high standards for quality business-es that affirm the values of “The City ofPositive Progression.”

New Businesses Meet CityRequirements


WHAT IS NPDES? The National Pollutant DischargeElimination System - CleanWater Section 402

From the Programs and Services Department

The NPDES program controls directdischarges into navigable waters of theUnited States of America. The State ofFlorida has been delegated the responsibili-ty of managing the federal requirements ofthe NPDES program which involves pointsource discharges (pipes and sewers), andnon-point sources (construction sites).NPDES permits, issued by eitherEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) oran authorized state (such as Florida) containindustry-specific, technology-based and/orwater-quality-based limits, and establishpollutant monitoring and reporting require-ments. A facility that intends to dischargeinto a water system must obtain a permitbefore initiating a discharge. A permitapplicant must provide quantitative analyti-cal data identifying the types of pollutantspresent in the facility’s effluent. The permitwill then set forth the conditions andsewage limitations under which a facilitymay make a discharge.

An NPDES permit may also include

discharge limits based on federal or statewater quality criteria or standards that weredesigned to protect designated uses of sur-face waters, such as supporting aquatic lifeor recreation. Water quality criteria andstandards vary from state to state and site tosite, depending on the use classification ofthe receiving body of water. Most states fol-low EPA guidelines that propose aquaticlife and human health criteria for many ofthe priority pollutants. The goal is to pre-vent SSTTOORRMMWWAATTEERR PPOOLLLLUUTTIIOONN.

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Stormwaterpollution isurban runoffwater that haspicked up pollu-tants as it flowsthrough thestorm drain sys-tem-a network

of channels, gutters and pipes that collectrunoff from city streets, neighborhoods,

farms, construction sites and parking lots-and empties directly into local waterways.Unlike sewage, which goes to treatmentplants, urban runoff flows untreatedthrough the storm drain system. Anythingthrown, swept or poured into the street, gut-ter or a catch basin (the curbside openingsthat lead into the storm drain system) canflow directly into our channels, creeks, baysand ocean. This includes pollutants liketrash, pet waste, cigarette butts, motor oil,anti-freeze, runoff from pesticides and fer-tilizers, construction debris, paint frombrushes and containers rinsed in the gutterand toxic household chemicals.

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Contaminated urban runoff is an

uncontrolled non-point source ofpollution intolocal waters, andmay contribute tobeach closures.Litter, leaves andother debris clogcatch basins,which cause flooding when it rains.Flooding can damage property (cars, build-ings and equipment), create health hazards(fleas, mosquitoes and bacteria) and hurtthe City’s image as a desirable place to liveand work. It is illegal for businesses withouta permit to discharge wastewater or othermaterials into the storm drain system.

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From the Finance Department

A lien search can be an importantdecision-making tool for buyers and sell-ers of real estate. A lien search with theCity of West Park will provide informationon open building permits, permits thathave expired before completion and otherissues that may require further inquiry withthe building department. A lien search willalso inform the interested party of activecode violations, assessments, fines or otherliens that may have been placed on a spe-cific property.

Violations, fines, liens and permitsmay exist on any type of property. In somecases the buyer must decide if the fines,liens, or actions required for a property tocome into compliance are an added costthey wish to incur. Code violations, finesand liens are not removed when a propertyis sold, these actions are attached to theproperty and stay with the property regard-less of the owner. For the relatively smallfee of a lien search, a buyer and seller canmake informed decisions.

In the City of West Park a lien searchcosts $35. To request a lien search, pleasefollow these steps:1 – Mail all requests to the FinanceDepartment at 3921 SW 47th Ave, Suite1008, Davie, FL 33314.2 – Prepare a $35 check or money orderpayable to the City of West Park3 - Mail the check along with a letterrequesting a lien search with the followinginformation – Property ID (folio number

that can be found at www.bcpa.net),Property address and current owner’sname. If you have a special form thatrequires specific information, you caninclude it as well.4 – Include in your letter how you wish toreceive the information; by fax, email orregular mail (if regular mail, enclose a selfaddressed stamped envelope) or a combi-nation of the above.5 – We have a 3-5 business day turnaroundon the responses, but very often we areable to respond the next day. 6 – You may fax a copy of your request tous at 954-903-0712, but we will not releaseour response until we receive the check inthe mail.

Other liens may also be attached to apiece of real property and most of theseliens are recorded in the Broward Countyrecords. Some lines, like a water bill, donot have to be recorded, and usually aren’t.Lien letters (or letters of estoppel) are usu-ally sent to Homeowners’ Associations,Condominium Associations, the localmunicipality, the local government-ownedwater and sewer utility (Broward CountyUtilities serves properties within the Cityof West Park), and other local govern-ments such as drainage districts. Becausethis can be a complex process for many,most people rely upon their attorney orclosing agent to research property forliens.

For more information regarding liensearches you may contact the FinanceDepartment at 954-903-0712.

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Qualified participants will receive:• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.• Investigational Study Medication at no cost.• Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $800.00.

¿Tienee ustedd oo alguienn quee ustedd conozcaa Acnéé Facial?FXMResearch enMiami está buscando hombres y mujeres de 12 a 35 años de edad quesufran de Acné Facial, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiereocho [8] visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio.

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FXM Research in Miami is looking for males and females 18 to 70 years of age thatsuffer from Toenail Fungus, to participate in a fifteen [15] study-visit clinical researchstudy. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation.

Qualified participants will receive:• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.• Investigational Study Medication at no cost.• Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $950.00.

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The City of West Park has establisheda period of Code Enforcement Liens andAccrued Fines Amnesty that would addressthe back-log of liens on record/daily finesaccruing and sought to provide relief to theproperty owners. Also, this CodeEnforcement Liens and Accrued FinesAmnesty Program will be beneficial inachieving the goal of compliance and it willfurther serve a public benefit by increasingproperty value throughout the city.

The following are the City’s criteriafor the Code Enforcement Liens andAccrued Fines Amnesty Program:1. Applications will be accepted for a pro-gram for 6 months, until February 28, 2013and payment of all liens must occur prior toApril 30, 2013.2. All property violations on the propertymust be in compliance and there cannot beany other active code enforcement caseswith ongoing violations on the subjectproperty owner in the City.3. All Unsafe Structures Board liens on anyproperty owned by the property owner inthe City must be paid in full prior to beingapproved for participation in the program.4. Eligible liens or fines must exceed$1,000 and the liens or fines must not havebeen under an order of the City’s SpecialMagistrate to reduce the subject liens orfines.5. The property owner must submit a CodeEnforcement Liens and Accrued FinesAmnesty Program Application andParticipation Agreement for each lien orfine on the property by February 28, 2013.

The property owner shall pay a $50 non-refundable application fee per property.6. After verifying that the property owneris eligible for participation in the program,the City will approve the application andadministratively reduce the amountrequired to satisfy the eligible liens or finesto fifteen percent (15%) of the face valueof the liens or fines, plus the cost of lienpreparation and recording.7. The property owner must pay the Cityby cashier’s check or money order onlyand the total of the following must be paidby April 30, 2012:

a. The reduced value of the eligiblelien(s) or fine(s) on the property; and/or

b. The unreduced face value of anylien under $1,000; and/or

c. The fuyll amount due for any lien orfine that was reduced by order of theSpecial Magistrate; and/or

d. The cost per lien or lien preparationand recording8. After the property owner has paid thetotal sum due prior to April 30, 2012, thecity will execute and record a release oflien(s).9. Failure of the property owner to pay thetotal sum due to April 30, 2013 shall resultin the approved lien reductions being nulland void, and the property will be liable forthe entire face value of the liens or fines asif no reductions had ever been imposed.

For more information about the CodeEnforcement Liens and Accrued FinesAmnesty Program, please call City Hall at954-989-2688.

***ATTENTION: PROPERTY OWNERS***City of West Park Offers

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Continued from previous page RECENT CITY EVENTS


RECENT CITY EVENTS



BY LEE STEPHENS

Big changes are in store this year forfans of the South Florida InternationalAuto Show. Most notably, the show willofficially change its name to the MiamiInternational Auto Show (MIAS), payinghomage to the alluring destination it hascalled home for the last 42 years.

The show also will be sporting a wholenew look, complete with new exhibits andinteractive elements when it opens Nov. 9for its annual 10-day run at the MiamiBeach Convention Center.

“We are so excited to unveil the new fea-tures of the Miami International AutoShow, and feel the name now truly reflectsthe culture and history of this time-honoredSouth Beach event,” said show chairmanMario Murgado.

Among the new exhibits planned for thisyear’s show is Eco Experience, which willeducate environmentally conscious con-sumers with cutting-edge displays focusedon renewable energy and alternative fuelvehicles. Show-goers will also be able toexperience select electric cars inside on themain show floor, during a first-time-everinside track event.

The redesigned show also will debut itsfirst ever “Topless in Miami” exhibit, pre-sented in partnership with the SouthernAutomotive Media Association (SAMA).This unique showcase will allow guests tofully experience a convertible car in a pic-turesque Miami environment, while neverleaving the showroom floor.

Recognizing the impact of social media,the 2012 show also will offer the hundreds

of thousands of show attendees an opportu-nity to connect and interact with each otherin real time via Twitter. Prominent screenswill be displayed at high traffic pointsacross the show floor, encouraging visitorsto engage in a conversation about theirexperience at the Miami Show.

In addition to the new exhibits, show-goers can also expect to see returningfavorites such as Memory Lane, which willfeature American muscle vehicles and aspecial exhibit showcasing classic automo-biles from Havana. In Million DollarAlley, visitors can fantasize about theirultimate joy toy, a six-figure motorcar.Camp Jeep and an outside test drive pro-gram will put visitors behind the wheel ofpopular new models.

“As always at this auto show, car enthu-siasts and the general public alike can seeand experience hundreds of new cars upclose and personal, all under one roof,”said Murgado. “It’s a once-a-year chanceto get a glimpse of the newest models andto see what the future of the industry will hold.”

Each year, approximately 40 auto manu-facturers fill the hall with several hundrednew cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs,making this event one of America’s topfive in attendance. The South FloridaAutomobile Dealers Association, whichtoday comprises more than 190 dealershipsin Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach andMonroe counties, has been the officialsponsor of the show since its inception in1971.

For more information, call 305-981-1448 or go to <www.sfliautoshow.com>.

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BY DEBBIE MARTINEZ

My ex-husband isalways calling me on hisweekend with the kidscomplaining that the kidsare not doing chores at hishouse, talking back to him,etc. I have tried in the pastto have us work together

on “house rules” so we are consistent in bothhouseholds but it hasn’t worked. I’m tired ofhim calling me and demanding that I step inand do something. What can I do?

What you can do is tell your ex that on hisweekends he needs to handle his householdissues with the children. As with anythingthat has to be conveyed, do it nicely, butfirmly. Realistically, him bringing you intothe mix to “do something” actually takes thepower away from him as a parent. That isbetween him and his children. I’m not talk-ing about major issues when the two of youshould be on the same page, but the day-to-day “stuff” can frustrate any parent. Whenhe has the children, that is your time to giveyour mind and nerves a break and to rejuve-nate so upon their return you are refreshedand on your game.

My ex has taken to picking and choosingwhat he will and will not follow through onaccording to my MSA. What can I do, I’mgetting overwhelmed and frustrated, not tomention exceedingly angry. This was anagreement we both agreed to.

Welcome to the real world. Lesson #1 inthe divorce game is whatever you bothagreed to doesn’t necessarily translate intofollowing it. My suggestions are as follows:1) Take a deep breath and don’t let this con-sume you, because it can if you let it and,quite frankly, that is probably what he wants.2) When he doesn’t follow through on some-thing, send him an email with the infractionlisted in the subject and in a very businesslike fashion, address the infraction referenc-ing the page and paragraph that clearly out-lines his obligation from the MSA. 3) Create

a folder on your desktop for these emails sothey are all in one place. 4) The least expen-sive way to resolve this would be to mediate;but if he is unwilling, I would suggest seek-ing legal counsel to discuss your options.Just remember that divorce is not fair onmany different levels and you can lose a lotof happiness trying to make it so.

My ex has moved on rather quickly and itappears that he hasn’t missed a beat. Hisbusiness is flourishing, his mistress hasmoved in with him, they travel all the timeand, oh yeah, he got a new car. Meanwhile,I have to start all over and am struggling inevery aspect of my life. When is it going to bemy time?

I hear you and I understand. You, my dear,hold that answer and no one else. Your timestarts when you decide it starts. Stop lookingover the fence in his backyard and put thatenergy and focus on your Plan B. First stepis to change your thoughts from that of a vic-tim to that of a warrior. You can make a bet-ter way for yourself but it begins with onesimple thing — your mindset. Change thatand brace yourself for an amazing ride.

Note to Self: My life begins with me andno one else. I have the power to direct my des-tiny.

Debbie’s Library – I Will Not Die anUnlived Life by Dawna Markova

Debbie Martinez is a Certified Life Coachspecializing in divorce, relationships andwomen’s issues. She has given workshops onvarious topics and has offices in SouthMiami. For more information, go to<www.thepowerofdivorcecoach.com>

Advice for getting through a divorce






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My dear Aunt Peggydied not long ago afterbeing sick for quite sometime. As with any death,those left behind are sad-dened by her passing.

Yet, mixed with thosefeelings of sadness and

loss are also feelings of happiness and joy.Aunt Peggy lived a full, rich life during her82 years. She was one of those special peo-ple who had a way of brightening the livesof others and finding happiness in smallpleasures.

As often happens when we lose someoneclose to us, I began to think more about myown life. Experiencing Aunt Peggy’s deathwas a reminder for me about the impor-tance of being intentional in creating a ful-filling life here and now that I truly enjoy.

Few people at the end of their lives saythat they wish they would have spent moretime working, worrying and agonizingover life. Most of them say things like, Iwish I would have taken more risks andtried more things, I wish I would have toldothers how much I care about them moreoften, I wish I would have worried less, Iwish I would have gone for my dream. Lincoln once said, “It’s not the years inyour life that count. It’s the life in youryears.” Every day is a gift and a newopportunity to choose life. What will youdo today to put more life in your years?

• Reconnect with your dreams — In the nitty-gritty of daily life, it is easy

to lose sight of what is most important toyou. What is your dream for your life?Travel? Start your own business? Write abook? Take up a new hobby, sport or activ-ity? Run for office? Sing? Dance? Make animpact on the world? Ask yourself: What ismy dream for my life?

• Do something every day for yourdream —

Make it a priority to do one thing everyday that will move you closer to yourdream. Great success comes from consis-tently doing the little things that eventuallygrow to be big accomplishments. Askyourself: What is one thing I will do todayfor my dream?

• Enjoy the journey — Life was made for living. Make time to

enjoy it along the way. Give yourself per-mission to do something just for the fun ofit. Ask yourself: What will I do today toenjoy life?

• Get the support you need to createthe life you want —

Build in the support you need to makeyour dreams a reality. Having a mentor orcoach can help you stay focused to createthe outcomes you most want. Ask yourself:Who will ask to support me in making mydream a reality?

If you are ready to make the most ofyour life and would like to explore howcoaching may support you, call me toschedule your discovery session. Here’s toyour best life now!

Pat Morgan, MBA and professionalcoach, works with busy professionals tohelp them become more profitable andproductive by capitalizing on theirstrengths and taking focused action tocreate powerful change. Call her at 305-458-2849, or email<[email protected]> or visit her website at<www.SmoothSailingSuccess.com>.

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