tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260 2009-11-14T20:45:35Z Your source for frequent updates on everything you need to know in Coral Springs. Movable Type 3.36 tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.220655 2009-11-14T20:39:06Z 2009-11-14T20:45:35Z

Rabbi Mitch Feld has a simple reason for supporting Harvest Drive, a community driven fight against hunger going on in the county. “Food is a basic right. I believe hunger anywhere in the community is unacceptable,” Feld said. “I have...

Arun Sivasankaran Harvest Drive, a community driven fight against hunger going on in the county. “Food is a basic right. I believe hunger anywhere in the community is unacceptable,” Feld said. “I have food on the table. I have food in my fridge. I am lucky, but there are so many people out there who are not. I am glad there are people willing to help them.” For 17 years, Harvest Drive has helped make Thanksgiving a memorable time for families in need in Broward. The goal this year is to provide a complete Thanksgiving dinner and a week’s worth of groceries, new or gently used clothing, books, shoes and toys to 1,000 families who need a helping hand. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland is one of the six distribution sites in the county; the others are Western High School in Davie, Glades Middle School in Miramar, Plantation High School in Plantation, South Broward High in Hollywood, and Pompano High School in Pompano Beach. From 6 top 9 p.m. on Nov. 18, individuals, schools and businesses can drop off items at the school. The Parkland site fed 76 families last year, said Jodi Samson, who is one of the chief organizers of the event. “Out goal this year is 125 families. School social workers select families who will be given food and other items. Almost all the schools in Parkland and Coral Springs are donating good and other items. Most of the packing and sorting are done by students.” The highlight of this year’s event will be the community night on Nov. 18, said Liliana Pardo, chief worker bee for the Parkland site. “We are having that for the first time. People, groups, or businesses wishing to donate can drop off items at the school. All the items will benefit needy people in the community.” To volunteer, make a donation or for information, call Liliana Pardo at 954-536-6294 or Jodi Samson at 954-605-2914. Visit www.harvestdriveflorida.com. ]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.220964 2009-11-13T19:30:00Z 2009-11-13T19:37:45Z

The League of Women Voters of Broward County is organizing a discussion on the the realities of Health Care Reform. The event will be at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 17, at Northwest Regional Library, 3151 University Drive in Coral Springs....

Arun Sivasankaran The League of Women Voters of Broward County is organizing a discussion on the the realities of Health Care Reform. The event will be at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 17, at Northwest Regional Library, 3151 University Drive in Coral Springs. Registration and coffee will begin at noon. Speakers include Dr. Arthur Palamara, a noted vascular surgeon and past president of the Broward County Medical Association; Jack McRay, advocacy manager for state and federal policy for Florida AARP, and Charlotte Mather, vice president for government relations, and community affairs for Broward Health/Coral Springs Medical Center. The speakers will discuss the current legislation and the effects of passage on doctors, hospitals, and the general population. Refreshments will be provided by The Lenox on the Lake, Assisted Living and Memory Care Residence. Call 954-341-9221 or e-mail cssmith@att.net.]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.220955 2009-11-12T18:20:37Z 2009-11-12T18:32:56Z

Want a better insight into the life of Haitians in the community and their contributions to South Florida? At 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Cypress Hall in Cypress Hammock Park, Tekla Nicholas will present The Haitains Among Us, a...

Arun Sivasankaran Haitians in the community and their contributions to South Florida? At 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Cypress Hall in Cypress Hammock Park, Tekla Nicholas will present The Haitains Among Us, a program based on her experiences with the Haitians residing in the region. The event is organized as part of the monthly general membership meeting of the Coral Springs Woman's Club. Nicholas is a published author on this topic and volunteers within the Haitian community. She is presently an adjunct professor at Florida International University, where she teaches anthropology and is completing her doctorate. This program is open to all women in the community. Call Dee at 954-968-8567 or e-mail deesachar@bellsouth.net. Cypress Hammock Park is at 1300 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs. ]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.220954 2009-11-12T18:08:39Z 2009-11-12T18:16:38Z

The reward for the arrest of the individual responsible for vandalizing the Soref Jewish Center in Coral Springs with Swastika symbols and hateful words directed against the Jewish faith has gone up to $2,500. The Anti Defamation League is offering...

Arun Sivasankaran Soref Jewish Center in Coral Springs with Swastika symbols and hateful words directed against the Jewish faith has gone up to $2,500. The Anti Defamation League is offering $1,000, Coral Springs Police Department is offering $500 and Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for the arrest of the suspect. The anti-semitic messages were found by authorities Monday. The center is at 5601 Coral Ridge Drive. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS or Det. Edward DeRosa of the Coral Springs Police Department at 954-346-1214. ]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.220660 2009-11-09T21:00:33Z 2009-11-10T17:21:03Z

The Coral Springs Police Department is investigating hateful symbols and words that where spray painted on a Jewish Community Center wall. At approximately 8:30 a.m. Monday, police were called to the Soref Jewish Community Center, 5601 Coral Ridge Drive,...

Arun Sivasankaran The Coral Springs Police Department is investigating hateful symbols and words that where spray painted on a Jewish Community Center wall. At approximately 8:30 a.m. Monday, police were called to the Soref Jewish Community Center, 5601 Coral Ridge Drive, in reference to vandalism that occurred overnight. The vandalism consists of Swastika symbols and hateful words directed against the Jewish faith. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS or detective Edward DeRosa of the Coral Springs Police Department at 954-346-1214.]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.220657 2009-11-09T20:42:30Z 2009-11-12T17:30:20Z

Coral Springs officials, spurred into action by a group of high school students who are discussing possible ways to stop texting while driving, are contemplating bringing in an ordinance to deal with the issue. Mayor Scott Brook said he would...

Arun Sivasankaran Coral Springs officials, spurred into action by a group of high school students who are discussing possible ways to stop texting while driving, are contemplating bringing in an ordinance to deal with the issue. Mayor Scott Brook said he would like the city to do something by January as the state laws may not pass until July. “[An ordinance] might help the movement [for a ban on texting while driving] across the state. I had brought up this issue a year ago. I am hopeful that we will have support.” Earlier, Laura Glicksman, a member of the city’s high school student advisory committee, informed city officials the group wanted to create awareness among people in the community about the dangers of texting. “Texting while driving is a great concern among many people in the community," Glicksman said. “It is one of the main reasons for accidents. People aren’t aware how dangerous it is. Teens do it more than anyone else. We want to focus on them. We have plans to have presentations on the subject at all the high schools in the city.” Nedra Lyons, city parks and recreation coordinator, said the students on the committee had discussed doing something similar to Hands Across America to focus attention on the issue. “They talked about doing it around Coral Springs, but that was not feasible. They want to do something like that in high schools.” Parkland recently passed an ordinance banning texting while driving within the city. Broward Sheriff's Office, however, can only warn erring drivers because the city is yet to get the Attorney General’s opinion on the issue. ]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.219144 2009-10-29T22:22:01Z 2009-11-03T16:32:46Z

Distraught over the recent stabbing death of a local teenager by his older brother, Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook made an emotionally-charged plea to other city officials to support his idea for a community forum to discuss teen violence in...

Arun Sivasankaran Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook made an emotionally-charged plea to other city officials to support his idea for a community forum to discuss teen violence in the community. There wasn’t much support coming his way. Brook wanted the city to organize a community forum or a town hall meeting “as soon as possible,” preferably in November. “Addressing mental health issues will be helpful to combat teen violence,’ he said. “I want to see what we can do as a community to address the issue. We can invite students, leaders in the community and guidance counselors to the meeting. I spoke with Shawn Cerra, J.P. Taravella High School principal, and he would also like to do something,” the mayor added. The city should “let some healing occur” before it did anything, said Commissioner Tom Powers. “This is a tragedy. Tragedies are first dealt with emotionally. We should let the emotional side of it to take its course. Let us let some healing occur. When we have data, let us see how we can address it. We have the potential to do more harm than good by not letting the healing take place.” Commissioner Claudette Bruck said there wasn’t much city officials or the city could offer. “We are ill equipped to address the situation. Therapists have talents; we certainly do not. I have a hard time understanding what we have to offer in terms of telling parents how to look after their children.” Brook is going ahead with his plans to talk to the community on teen violence and ways to address it. He has invited residents to come to his Coffee with the Mayor event from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Nov. 2 at Cafe Creme Brulee, 1263 University Drive.]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.218972 2009-10-28T20:20:21Z 2009-11-03T16:17:36Z

Business owners in Coral Springs have generally given the city a high customer satisfaction rating but there are at least a few among them who feel the city’s sign code is adding to their woes, even as they try to...

Arun Sivasankaran Coral Springs have generally given the city a high customer satisfaction rating but there are at least a few among them who feel the city’s sign code is adding to their woes, even as they try to cope with the ongoing recession. Two business owners came to the City Commission meeting last week and complained of being warned by city code enforcement as they tried to promote their businesses. Unless the city toned down its rules on signage, businesses would continue to suffer, they said. Aman Sappal, who has owned Sheridan Eye Care in the city since June 2008, said he was recently reprimanded for hiring a street advertiser to hold up a sign promoting his business. He said the city’s code was “draconian” and “antiquated” and sought a moratorium of six months on enforcing signage rules. Susanne Wolfe, who owns Nordic Interiors in the city, said she was cited by code enforcement when she tried to draw customers in by putting a piece of furniture in front of her shop. “My business is located on Wiles and University and you can’t see it because of the landscaping,” Wolfe said. “Business owners feel they are not being seen or heard. There are ways of having nice signs that are not tacky.” While Mayor Scott Brook was in favor of finding out if another round of signage reforms or tweaking of existing laws were needed, other city officials and City Manager Mike Levinson said the city’s rules contributed much in making the city different from others. The city is planning to organize a meeting, in the next few weeks, to hear all sides of the issue. ]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.218970 2009-10-27T20:06:57Z 2009-11-03T16:17:29Z

BJ’s Wholesale Club in Parkland is asking residents of Parkland and nearby cities to donate groceries for hunger relief. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the store wants Parkland, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, and Margate residents to collect non-perishable food...

Arun Sivasankaran BJ’s Wholesale Club in Parkland is asking residents of Parkland and nearby cities to donate groceries for hunger relief. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the store wants Parkland, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, and Margate residents to collect non-perishable food items to help meet its nationwide goal of 25 tons of groceries. Groceries can be donated until Nov. 8. They should be placed in the “25-Ton Challenge” bins in front of the club at 5901 Hillsboro Blvd. in Parkland. In turn, BJ’s Charitable Foundation will donate the financial equivalent of one million meals to local network partners of Feeding America’s Food Bank. In Broward, he collected food items will be donated to the Daily Bread Food Bank. A fire recently destroyed much of the food bank's stored food. Contact Tricia Maddrey Baker at pbaker1@bjs.com or 954-249-7979. tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.218966 2009-10-27T20:02:06Z 2009-10-27T20:20:10Z

The Coral Springs Police Department is investigating the stabbing death of a 14-year-old boy that occurred in the 1700 block of Nothwest 92nd Way at approximately 3:30 p.m. Monday. Matthew Gorzynski, 14, and William Gorzynski, 15, were having an argument...

Arun Sivasankaran Coral Springs Police Department is investigating the stabbing death of a 14-year-old boy that occurred in the 1700 block of Nothwest 92nd Way at approximately 3:30 p.m. Monday. Matthew Gorzynski, 14, and William Gorzynski, 15, were having an argument over the sound of the speakers on the computer when it escalated into a physical altercation. William armed himself with a kitchen knife and stabbed his brother Matthew in the chest. Matthew was air lifted to Broward General Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 4:34 p.m. William was arrested and charged with second degree murder. He was later transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center. “Although this is the second violent incident that we have had recently between teenagers, this appears to be a isolated domestic violence altercation and it is completely unrelated to any other incident,” said Police Chief Duncan Foster.]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.218770 2009-10-26T17:48:54Z 2009-10-26T18:05:19Z

The Coral Springs Police Department and the Broward Sheriff’s Office are investigating a kidnapping and shooting that occurred approximately at 5:40 p.m. on Sunday in the 11400 block of Lakeview Drive. Coral Springs police responded to a report of a...

Arun Sivasankaran Coral Springs Police Department and the Broward Sheriff’s Office are investigating a kidnapping and shooting that occurred approximately at 5:40 p.m. on Sunday in the 11400 block of Lakeview Drive. Coral Springs police responded to a report of a female in her early 20’s being forced into a vehicle. When police arrived, the victim and the suspect vehicle were no longer on scene. At approximately 5:58 p.m., the Broward Sheriff’s Office received a call that a female was found shot in the 10100 block of Northwest 67th Street in Tamarac. The female that was found shot is the woman that was kidnapped in Coral Springs. The victim was air lifted to Broward General Medical Center in critical condition. Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Randy Rosenberg of the Coral Springs Police Department at 954-346-1262 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.216476 2009-10-09T20:35:09Z 2009-10-23T14:58:32Z

The Coral Springs 2009 Fall Fun Guide, which has information on dance, etiquette, sport and special needs camps to swimming and tennis programs, is now available. The Fall Fun Guide and applications are available at the Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501...

Arun Sivasankaran Coral Springs 2009 Fall Fun Guide, which has information on dance, etiquette, sport and special needs camps to swimming and tennis programs, is now available. The Fall Fun Guide and applications are available at the Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Drive; City Hall in the Mall, Coral Square Mall; the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex, Tennis Center of Coral Springs, and the Cypress Park Tennis Center, 1301 Coral Springs Drive. Guides are also available at City Hall, 9551 W. Sample Road. To view and download the Fall Fun Guide, visit www.CoralSprings.org/fallfun. Call 954-345-2200. ]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.216475 2009-10-08T20:31:53Z 2009-10-23T14:58:32Z

The Coral Springs Fire Academy is on its way to becoming a world-renowned facility. Last year, six members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade trained at the facility. They plan to come back next year. Another batch of six brigade instructors...

Arun Sivasankaran The Coral Springs Fire Academy is on its way to becoming a world-renowned facility. Last year, six members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade trained at the facility. They plan to come back next year. Another batch of six brigade instructors will participate in a weeklong training in January 2010. Deputy Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade Errol Mowatt met with Fire Chief Mark Curran, City Manager Michael S. Levinson and Vice Mayor Vince Boccard recently to explore a partnership in the near future. Since last year, the brigade instructors who trained at the Coral Springs facility have worked toward implementing some of the academy’s best practices, and Mowatt was excited about the positive attitude his instructors brought back to the island. North Lauderdale Firefighter/Paramedic Owen Wallace, who graduated from the Coral Springs Fire Academy, wanted to bring some of the skills he learned back to Jamaica and was instrumental in creating this partnership. North Lauderdale and Margate have also provided training to the members of the brigade. Coral Springs officials are excited to explore the possibility of a partnership. “The brigade is fairly young and it has reached a stage where they want to move the next level,” Chief Robert Bertone said. “Fire services traditionally help one another and it’s our responsibility to share our knowledge and learn from each other.” ]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.216473 2009-10-07T20:28:29Z 2009-10-23T14:58:31Z

Coral Springs has asked residents to become park moms, thereby helping the city ensure the safety and overall enjoyment of its parks. Saundra Tanne initiated the program in 2007 with hopes of getting one volunteer mother, father or grandparent for...

Arun Sivasankaran Coral Springs has asked residents to become park moms, thereby helping the city ensure the safety and overall enjoyment of its parks. Saundra Tanne initiated the program in 2007 with hopes of getting one volunteer mother, father or grandparent for each of the city’s 48 parks. The city is encouraging residents to join this effort as many parks are still awaiting a park mom. Volunteers are required to visit a park twice a week and attend two meetings a year at the Coral Springs Gymnasium. While at a park, volunteers will scope the area for any apparent necessary repairs, graffiti or other issues. All volunteers will receive training on what to look for on playground equipment and toddler play areas. To become a park mom, call 954-345-2200. Betti Stradling Park is at 10301 Wiles Road. ]]> tag:blogs.trb.com,2009:/community/news/coralsprings//260.216463 2009-10-04T20:03:06Z 2009-10-23T14:25:34Z

The Coral Springs Sports Commission is now accepting applications for 2010 events funding. The commission was established by the City Commission to identify, attract and retain quality sporting events, which will have a substantial positive economic impact on the community....

Arun Sivasankaran Coral Springs Sports Commission is now accepting applications for 2010 events funding. The commission was established by the City Commission to identify, attract and retain quality sporting events, which will have a substantial positive economic impact on the community. A selection committee will review the applications and make recommendations to the Sports Commission, and the City Commission will make the final decision for events to be funded in November. Sports Commission Event Funding applications may be obtained at the Tennis Center, 2575 Sportsplex Drive; City Hall, 9551 W. Sample Road; City Hall in the Mall, at the Coral Square Mall; or at www.coralsprings.org. For more information, call 954-344-1841. The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m. Oct. 16. ]]>