August 21, 2026

Hello Friends & Neighbors,

I am grateful to be able to reach you through this medium.

Community engagement is at the forefront of my mission to provide resources, events, and support for our residents and businesses. My motto of "Putting You First...Keeps Us First" will continue to be my guide. I look forward to engaging with you more in the future!  Please take a look at the various events, projects, programs and share with your contacts.

As we celebrate National Dog Month in the month of August, I’m proud to recognize the loyal companions who bring so much joy, comfort, and unconditional love into our lives. 🐾 This month is also a great opportunity to support Broward County Animal Care and the many dogs and cats waiting for loving homes. Whether you’re considering adoption, fostering, or simply helping spread the word, we can all play a part in giving animals throughout Broward County the care and compassion they deserve.

Save the Date!

I invite you to join me for the 7th Annual Black British Heritage Celebration on Saturday, October 24, 2026 — an evening honoring the achievements and contributions of the Black British community, featuring dinner, an awards presentation, and live entertainment.

Please note our new location: the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.

Tickets are $40 per person and include free valet. On sale August 31 — availability is limited, so mark your calendar.

Property Taxes

How Your Property Tax Dollars Support Broward County Services | Broward 311

I believe you deserve to know how your property tax dollars support the services you and your family rely on. Broward 311 is a multilingual resource that connects residents with County information and essential programs, including family assistance, veteran and senior services, transit, libraries, and much more. Watch this brief informational video to learn how County services are funded and how Broward 311 can help you access the resources you need.

Broward County

Division Spotlight: Broward County Animal Care

This week, we’re recognizing Broward County’s Animal Care Division for its important work protecting animals, supporting pet owners, and promoting responsible pet ownership throughout our community. Animal Care provides shelter and adoption services for homeless pets, helps reunite lost pets with their families, and offers spay/neuter services, community rabies clinics, and other resources designed to keep pets healthy and safe. The Division also works to support public safety through animal law enforcement and provides residents with opportunities to foster, volunteer, and help care for animals in need. Through its commitment to community animal care, equitable services, public safety, and quality shelter operations, Animal Care helps strengthen the bond between Broward County residents and their pets. I encourage our community to explore available pets, consider adopting or fostering, and take advantage of the resources offered by Broward County Animal Care.

Broward County Website Refresh

Broward County’s official government website, Broward.org, is getting an upgrade. The County web team is building a cleaner, simpler, and more user-friendly site. To ensure residents and visitors still have access to what they need, starting Monday, August 10, Broward.org will temporarily operate as a simplified site while upgrades are being made. This version will only feature essential pages and core information. Residents and visitors are reminded that main business services, support channels, and communication lines will remain fully active and open during this transition. We expect our site to be fully operational within a few months. 

Help Map Broward's Urban Tree Canopy

Have you received free trees at any of the County's giveaway events this year? Nature​Scape needs your help with a new initiative to map Broward's urban tree canopy. By registering the trees you have received via the Tree Plotter website, you are helping Broward track the growth and survival of Florida native and fruit trees throughout the county. This data allows NatureScape to map the canopy expansion and identify future planting needs, ultimately creating a more resilient community for all. Once you've added your trees, try to update their status annually. ​​

Interested in launching your career, switching fields, or looking to move up? Residents are invited to connect directly with hiring teams at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Job Fair, Friday, August 28 from 9AM to 1PM at the Broward County Convention Center. This event will feature companies and agencies that help keep the airport running, including retail and concessions, ground transportation, parking services, security, janitorial, law enforcement, airline subcontractors, and more. Information sessions covering professional image & etiquette, interview tips & techniques, andresources to help you improve your resume will also be available. Register Here

Join neighbors, local government officials, and community leaders for an afternoon focused on building resilience to the impacts of climate change, particularly flooding and extreme heat. Featuring renowned eco-artist Xavier Cortada, this interactive event will explore how art, collaboration, and community action can strengthen our collective response to a changing climate. Come share your voice, connect with others, and help shape a more resilient Broward County.

Registration is Open!​​

The 18th Annual Climate Leadership Summit will ​be Nov. 4-6, 2026 at the newly expanded Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. Register here before Aug. 31 to enjoy early bird pricing.

Join us for an engaging three-day program that will commence with a technology-focused Innovation Day on Wednesday, Nov. 4, followed by two days of programming featuring global, national, and local leaders and experts.​

Broward Cultural Division

Apply for up to $50,000 in funding!

The Broward Cultural Division is accepting applications for FY27 Arts & Cultural Sponsorship funding to support festivals and special events throughout Broward County.

Virtual Workshops

Learn about eligibility and the application process via Zoom:

• October 14 | 10:30 AM

RSVP through Eventbrite to receive login details.

Learn more at Broward.org/Arts/Funding or contact Amanda Covach at 954-357-7458 or acovach@broward.org.

Film Lauderdale

NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS

Submissions must be received by October 31st, 2026!

Apply for the Roy W. Dean Fall Grant, open to filmmakers worldwide including students, with projects in the form of documentaries, short films, narrative features, or web series all eligible for consideration. The grant seeks films that are unique & make a contribution to society.

The winner will receive $3,500 to assist in the completion of their project! In addition to the cash prize, the winner will also receive $15,000 in theme music from award-winning composer David Raiklen, $500 in expendables, grip, or lighting from Filmtools, and much more from their generous donors!

Inspire Others with Your Story

Calling all certified small businesses (CBE, SBE, DBE, ACDBE), film and TV professionals, and all other OESBD clients to share your success stories, journeys, challenges, and triumphs. From our Kauffman FastTrac® NewVenture graduates to businesses provided with international trade assistance or designated prime contractors, entrepreneurs excel in Broward County and we want to hear from you. 

Let us highlight your business milestones.

Telling your story can spotlight your business; help others; attract customers, highlight your organization to potential partners or investors; and motivate other entrepreneurs. That's a win-win!

Click here to share your story today! 

Tune In to Broward Connects 

Step into the heart of Broward County with Broward Connects—the podcast that brings you closer to the people, policies, and stories shaping our community. From local government updates to inspiring human-interest features, each episode offers engaging conversations that both inform and connect.

Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or simply curious about life in Broward County, Broward Connects is your front-row seat to everything that matters.

Connect with Broward

Residents and businesses can easily report and track service requests to the County 24/7 using the free MyBroward app, offered on both Android and iOS devices, or by accessing the system online through MyBroward.Broward.org. From reporting missed garbage pickup and general consumer complaints to updating a certificate of insurance or pet owner information, MyBroward, a service of 311 Broward, is here to help. Residents can choose to receive status updates by text or email. Similar assistance is available by dialing 3-1-1 or visiting them online.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

OESBD has assigned small business goals to projects . These projects have not yet been advertised for solicitation. However, this is the time to get your business certified and prepared! If you have not already done so, please ensure that your company is a registered vendor with Broward County. It's free to do so! Become a registered vendor by signing up for BPRO, powered by Bonfire, the new Broward County Procurement system.

Get Certified as a Broward County Business Enterprise and Access New Opportunities for Government Procurement, Projects, and More!

🏭 Join the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, and OpenAI for the first-ever Manufacturing Workforce Expo at Atlantic Technical College. This half-day event will connect small manufacturers, students, and aspiring apprentices with resources focused on workforce development, apprenticeship programs, SBA opportunities, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve productivity. Employers will also have the opportunity to connect with students seeking careers in manufacturing.

City of Pembroke Pines

The Planning and Economic Development Department is responsible for coordinating the City’s housing programs available through state and federal programs. The City partners with a local vendor, Community Redevelopment Associates of Florida, Inc. (CRAFLA), to implement and process the City’s housing programs.  

• Housing Grant Programs: The City of Pembroke Pines is pleased to offer purchase assistance for very low-to-moderate-income households seeking to buy a property for use as their primary residence. Funding is available on a first-come, first-qualified basis until program funds are exhausted. Assistance comes in the form of a 0% interest deferred second loan that converts to a grant if all program conditions are met.
• Sewer Connection Grant: The City of Pembroke Pines is pleased to offer a grant program to assist low- to moderate-income homeowners who are required to connect to Broward County’s sewer system. The program is administered by Community Redevelopment Associates of Florida, Inc. (CRA) on behalf of the City. CRA will manage the intake process and review applications for eligibility. This program provides eligible Pembroke Pines residents with up to $10,000 in financial assistance to cover costs.

 Business Opportunities 

Pembroke Pines is committed to supporting businesses of all sizes by providing resources, connections, and opportunities to grow and thrive. Whether you’re starting a new venture, expanding, or relocating, the City offers a variety of tools to help your business succeed:

• Bids & Awards: Explore current bids and awarded contracts.
• Building Permits: Access information and applications for permits.
• Local Business Tax Receipt (LBTR): Learn how to obtain your business tax receipt.
• Business Relocation: Discover the benefits of bringing your business to Pembroke Pines.
• Chamber of Commerce: Connect with the Miramar–Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• City Charter & Code of Ordinances: Review local regulations and ordinances.
• Demographics: Gain insights from city demographics and census data.
• Film Permits: Apply for film permits and learn filming guidelines.
• Shop Local / Business Directory: Support and explore local businesses in the Pines.

✨ Join the City of Pembroke Pines for the opening reception of Kaleidoscope: Shifting Perspectives! This vibrant exhibition features South Florida artists working across painting, sculpture, mixed media, and more, exploring themes of identity, memory, place, and perspective.

🎨 Friday, August 21 | 7–9 PM

📍 Studio 18, 1101 Poinciana Drive

🎟️ FREE admission with light refreshments.

Come experience the creativity and diverse voices shaping South Florida’s arts community.

Honoring Service. Preserving Stories. Celebrating Heroes.

The City of Pembroke Pines is inviting local veterans to participate in a special Veterans Project honoring their service through personal stories and professional portraits that will be featured during the City’s Veterans Day event. This meaningful project will help preserve the experiences, sacrifice, and legacy of those who have served our country. Space is limited. To register, call 954-392-2122 or email hbonkowski@ppines.com.

Night Bingo is BACK!

Mark your calendars! Night Bingo returns this fall for an evening packed with fun, prizes, and FREE refreshments!

Tuesday, September 1 and Tuesday, October 6

Doors Open: 5PM

Games Begin: 6PM

Packets start at $20

No registration needed!

Gather your friends, grab your lucky dauber, and get ready to play all night long!

Please note: There will be no Night Bingo in August.

🚒 Join the City of Pembroke Pines for Touch-A-Truck! Kids and families can explore emergency vehicles, heavy machinery, trucks, and more while meeting the people who help serve and protect our community.

📅 Saturday, September 19 | 10 AM–12 PM

📍 Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way

🎟️ FREE admission

Special giveaways are available for the first kids in attendance, including Touch-A-Truck T-shirts, Hot Wheels cars, and hard hats. For more information, call 954-392-2116.

City of Miramar

Housing Assistance Programs

The City of Miramar's Housing Division is dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and stable housing to enhance community well-being and support low- to moderate-income families in achieving economic success and a high quality of life. The city has created the following programs to aid with housing:

• First-time Homebuyer Program: This program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to very-low and low-income first-time homebuyers. The amount of assistance varies with income level and is available on a first-come, first-qualified basis until no more funding remains under the program. Assistance is in the form of a 15-year, 0% interest deferred second loan that reverts to a grant if all program conditions are met. Please contact City’s grant consultant, Community Revitalization Affiliates, Inc at (954) 939-3271 for up-to-date funding availability
• Residential Utility Connection: This program provides grant assistance up to $5,000 to connect to the City’s main sewer system. This activity benefits low income persons. This is a one-time grant provided by the City of Miramar. A second mortgage is not applied to the property.
• Rental Assistance Program: This program provides up to $8,000 to assist eligible households with the required upfront rental deposit (first and/or last month’s rent) and/or utility connection/start-ups to move into a new unit. This is a one-time grant provided by the City of Miramar and is not on-going monthly rental assistance.

Business Opportunities in Miramar

Miramar offers a variety of programs and resources to help businesses succeed by fostering growth, supporting local entrepreneurs, and creating opportunities to connect with city contracts and the broader business community. From grants and financial incentives to counseling services, networking events, and streamlined permitting, the City is dedicated to making Miramar a place where businesses can start strong, expand with confidence, and thrive for the long term.

• Business Industry Development (BID) Program – Supports local, small, minority, and women-owned businesses by facilitating contracting and development opportunities.
• Contracting Opportunities – The city maintains bid opportunities, with notifications available through Onvia DemandStar. Preference points are available for local and small business bidders.
• Small Business Signage Program – Provides up to $10,000 in financial assistance for signage improvements.
• Small Business Grant Program – Offers funds to help businesses grow and expand operations.
• Vacant Storefront Cover Program – A no-cost program to install artistic coverings on vacant storefronts to improve commercial corridors.
• Vendor Registration – Businesses can register online to do business with the City of Miramar, with a brochure available to guide the process.
• Business Services – Free counseling through SCORE and the Miramar-Pembroke Pines Chamber, commercial rehabilitation assistance for property owners, expedited permitting for certain projects, and planning/zoning support.

Explore Miramar with the Mira Motion Community Shuttle

Getting around Miramar is easy and free with the Mira Motion Community Shuttle. Four routes connect neighborhoods to key destinations, local attractions, and Broward County Transit, offering a convenient option for work, school, appointments, and more. All routes begin and end at the Miramar Town Center Transportation Hub.

Hours: Monday through Friday

(No service on weekends or holidays)

Key Stops Include:

• Pembroke Lakes Mall

• Miramar Town Center

• Multi Service Complex

The shuttle is free to ride. Connecting to Broward County Transit may require fares.

For route information or assistance, call 954 602 3194 (Monday through Friday, 7 am to 4:30 pm). TTY users may dial 954 602 3802 or AT&T Relay 7 1 1.

Holidays with no service include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

No registration required—bring a cart as we support our community with fresh food.

Wednesday August 26 | 12pm - 2pm

Alexandra P. Davis Multi-Service Complex

6700 Miramar Parkway

Miramar, FL 33023

For more information, contact 954-889-2719

Join the City of Miramar for the Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off!

Don't miss out on this vibrant celebration of Hispanic culture as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Miramar! Stick around for the Paella cooking demonstration immediately after!

Monday, September 14, 2026 | 10 AM - Noon

Botanical Gardens at the Miramar Cultural Center

2400 Civic Center Place

Miramar, FL 33025

City of Hollywood

The City of Hollywood and Broward County are committed to supporting residents through a variety of affordable housing initiatives. Both local governments offer housing assistance programs designed to increase access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a renter facing financial hardship, there are resources available to help.

• City of Hollywood First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program​: Qualified buyers can receive a deferred payment loan at 0% interest, 15-year term, up to $50,000 to purchase property within Hollywood's eligible Neighborhood Pride areas. For more information visit the Hollywood Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Program
• The City of Hollywood’s Rental Assistance - Eviction Prevention program, using State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) funds, offers help to renters who might be on the verge of homelessness due to not being able to afford their rent. The funds for the program are administered, by the City of Hollywood Community Development Division, as a grant and no repayment is required. For more information visit the Rental Assistance - Eviction Prevention
• The Housing Rehabilitation Loan is secured by a mortgage and promissory note prepared by the City. The terms of the mortgage and note are as follows: A deferred payment loan for thirty 30 years, unless the home is sold, rented, ceases to be the primary residence of the homeowner, or is transferred or conveyed by any other means. Zero (0) percent interest. The debt is payable in full on the maturity date set forth in the Mortgage that is thirty years from the date of the signing of the Promissory Note and Mortgage. For more information visit Home Rehabilitation & Repair

Business Opportunities in Hollywood

Hollywood is the ideal place to open or relocate a business. Centrally located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the city offers direct access to Port Everglades, one of the largest passenger and cargo ports in the world, and is minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, making it a hub for commerce and connectivity. Combined with Hollywood’s world-class beaches, vibrant downtown, welcoming residents, and business-friendly city administration, the city creates an environment where businesses can thrive.Hollywood provides a variety of resources and services to support new and existing businesses:

• Bids – View active vendor bids and learn how to become a registered city vendor.
• Building Permits – Apply for the permits required to start or expand your business.
• Business Disaster Preparedness – Guidance to help businesses prepare for emergencies.
• Film Permits – Obtain permits to film productions within the City of Hollywood.
• Local Business Tax Receipt – Requirements for obtaining and renewing a business tax receipt to legally operate.
• New Business Listings – Monthly updates on new and transferred businesses in Hollywood.
• Security Alarm Registration – Information on permits and fees for installing business security alarm systems.

The city also partners with regional resources such as Enterprise Florida, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency, and Port Everglades to further support business growth.

City of Hollywood Transit Options

The City of Hollywood offers two convenient local shuttle services for residents and visitors:

Sun Shuttle (Ride Circuit app)

• On-demand service in two zones (East and West), with transfers at City Hall
• Cost: $2 per rider
• Hours:
• Zone 1 East: Weekdays 10 am to 9 pm, Weekends 10 am to 10 pm
• Zone 2 West: Weekdays 7 am to 6 pm, Weekends 11 am to 7 pm
• Download the "Ride Circuit" app from Google Play or the App Store and check for promo codes

Holly Go Community Shuttle

• Free fixed-route shuttle within Hollywood
• Connects to Broward County Transit, Sun Shuttle, and other regional transit options
• Hours:
• Orange Line: Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm, Weekends 9 am to 5 pm
• Red Line: Off-peak season weekends 8 am to 7 pm; peak season weekends 8 am to 8 pm
• Blue Line: Daily 9 am to 5 pm
• Green Line: Daily 9 am to 5 pm

For more information, call 954 967 4357 or email transit@hollywoodfl.org

,Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 6 pm.

Make Your Home Safer, More Comfortable, and More Beautiful

The City of Hollywood is offering two incredible Home Repair Programs to help homeowners make upgrades that improve safety, comfort, and affordability. Don’t wait — there is no waiting list, and you could qualify today!

Neighborhood Pride

• Up to $40,000 Conditional Grant for exterior improvements like roofs, impact windows & doors, fences & driveways, exterior paint, and landscaping

• Income limit: 120% AMI

• Homes must be in an eligible census tract

Housing Rehabilitation

• Up to $150,000 Deferred Loan for interior & exterior repairs including HVAC, electrical, roof, structural, and more

• No monthly payments required

• Income limit: 80% AMI

• Available citywide and can be combined with Neighborhood Pride

Apply Today — No Waiting List!

🎨 Experience Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk!

Enjoy an evening of art, live music, gallery tours, murals, local vendors, shopping, and entertainment throughout Downtown Hollywood.

📅 Saturday, September 19 | 6–10 PM

📍 Downtown Hollywood

🎟️ Free

Highlights include a mural tour, gallery tour, Artisan Market, live music, and a 9 PM magic show.

Broward County

Broward County employs more than 6,500 people across 60+ agencies including Aviation, Finance and Administrative, Human Services, Environmental, Public Works, Enterprise Technology Services, Parks & Recreation, Libraries, Communications, and many more. Career opportunities are posted regularly across a variety of departments. Check out the latest openings and explore the great benefits of joining our team.

City of Pembroke Pines

Do you have experience in the field of civil engineering? Maybe you have a more artistic background? The City is NOW HIRING for a City Engineer/Division Director, as well as a Part-Time Art Teacher.

Send your resumes to HRResumes@ppines.com.

Looking to build a rewarding career with the City of Pembroke Pines?

Discover a range of exciting job opportunities with a team that values growth, innovation, and community impact. Whether you’re seeking full-time, part-time, or apprenticeship roles, the City of Pembroke Pines offers a variety of positions with great benefits and the chance to contribute to a thriving community.

Explore our current job openings and take the next step toward a meaningful career in one of South Florida’s most vibrant cities!

City of Miramar

Explore Exciting Career Opportunities with the City of Miramar!

Your journey to make a difference starts here! Join their team and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence and growth. The City of Miramar offers a variety of rewarding opportunities, including full-time positions, part-time roles, and apprenticeships and a comprehensive benefits package.



Discover how you can contribute to this vibrant city—explore our current job openings today and take the first step toward an exciting and impactful career!

City of Hollywood

If you’re an experienced communications pro who thrives in a busy office full of creatives and you are looking for your next role in public service, than this is an excellent opportunity for you to consider. The Communications Manager role is ideal for candidates with experience in:

• Team and Project Management

• Strategic Communications

• Media Relations & PR

• Digital & Social Media Strategy

• Marketing, Branding & Advertising

• Economic Development

• Crisis Communications

Join a team dedicated to accuracy, innovation, transparency, and community connections in one of Broward County’s largest and most exciting cities on the move. The application window is open until June 10th.

Join the City of Hollywood – Where Opportunities are Open to All!

The City of Hollywood is proud to offer Equal Opportunity Employment for all applicants. They encourage a diverse workforce and provide consideration for employment regardless of age, race, gender, disability, or any other non-merit factor. They are committed to fair and equitable hiring practices.

Veterans and individuals with special needs are also encouraged to apply and can receive reasonable accommodations as needed. For more information, including copies of their Equal Opportunity Action Plan and Veterans’ Recruitment Plan, contact the Human Resources Office at 954.921.3216.

Flashback Friday: Bringing Healthcare Directly to Residents

This Flashback Friday, I’m looking back at my partnership with Memorial Healthcare System and the City of Miramar through the One City at a Time initiative. The program brought free adult and pediatric healthcare services directly into our community, giving residents access to screenings, vaccinations, physicals, sick visits, telehealth services, referrals, and more — without requiring insurance. It was a meaningful example of how partnerships can remove barriers and bring essential resources closer to the residents who need them most.

Click below to watch the full video.

Celebrating a Special Family Milestone

Finding time to celebrate the One Son on his new role as Senior Director at one of the leading pharmaceutical companies during this election season was a blessing! #familymoments #thankful

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of Auction Autohouse

I was pleased to join community leaders and the Kassim Automotive Group team for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Auction AutoHouse in Hollywood. It was a great opportunity to celebrate another business investing in our community and contributing to the continued growth of the State Road 7 corridor. I remain committed to supporting our local businesses and entrepreneurs and ensuring they are connected with the resources and opportunities available through Broward County.

Get the latest updates on community events, important Broward County news, and initiatives straight from the Office of Broward County District 7 Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis.

✅ Be the first to know about upcoming events

✅ Learn about new programs and local resources

✅ Stay informed on key issues affecting our community

Subscribe to our newsletter today and stay connected with the work we’re doing to make Broward County even better!