Letter from Mayor Frank C. Ortis

Dear Readers,

As you know, August is one of our hottest months of the year, so I urge parents and others to remain vigilant about the ongoing danger of leaving children and pets in hot cars. Temperatures that might seem comfortable for adults can quickly become dangerous for children and pets. Even elderly passengers who can’t care for themselves, or those with cognitive problems, can also be at risk if they’re left in a car on even a mild day. Never, ever leave your kids or pets in a parked car, even for a moment. This is also the time for the new school year to begin. Another important reminder is for motorists to slow down and proceed with caution in school zones, stop for buses and be alert for children walking in the street or biking to school. The first day of school in Broward County is August 18th so school zones will once again be operational.

It is hard to believe that 20 years have passed since terrorists commandeered airplanes, taking the lives of nearly 3,000 people, in horrific attacks on our country. Despite the time, the memories remain vivid and all too recent for many, especially those directly affected.

I would like to personally invite everyone to attend the 9/11 Ceremony on Saturday, September 11, 2021 as the City of Pembroke Pines remembers and honors those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The ceremony will take place at Memorial Park adjacent to the Charles F. Dodge City Center, located at 601 City Center Way. For more information regarding the City of Pembroke Pines observance of Patriot Day, please call 954-392-2116.

Beginning September 1, 2021, visitors of the Charles F. Dodge City Center, located at 601 City Center Way, can discover and celebrate diverse histories and rich culture through a new pop-up exhibition series in the lobby. Presented by The City of Pembroke Pines Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, Upfront in The Pines is a rotating exhibition series that focuses on culture, education and history.

In collaboration with Florida Memory, Upfront in The Pines offers a special opportunity to view media from the Florida State Library and Archives of Florida.

Displays will include documentary photography, literature and maps. Additionally,

QR codes will provide links to Florida Memory’s digital archives containing related film media and audio clips. Guests can enjoy the pop-up exhibit during a short visit, or follow links to Florida’s state archives to uncover cultural moments and reveal hidden histories. Masks are required in City Hall. We also have some exciting news for the kids in the city. The Touch-A-Truck Vehicle Expo is coming back and will take place on September 25, 2021 from 10am to noon at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, located at 601 City Center Way. Children will have the opportunity to get up close and explore, climb and touch trucks, emergency response vehicles, heavy machinery, construction vehicles and all sorts of other equipment used for transportation. Guests of all ages also will be able to meet the personnel who serve and protect the community, including Fire and Police Officers. Visitors will be able to ask questions and actually experience what the vehicles are truly like. An added bonus as part of this learning experience is having the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with local and national transportation representatives. Admission and parking are free. For more information, please call 954-392-2116 or visit www.ppines.com/specialevents. As you can see the City has many exciting things this month and we are only getting started. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 954-450-1020, or by email at fortis@ppines.com.

Your Mayor,