March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the brave, bold, and fearless women who have influenced history.
 
For all of human history, women have and continue to play a significant and unique role in the growth and development of society and the workforce. Their work has positively impacted and shaped the economy, tourism, politics, education, health, culture, art, media, and much more, especially in Broward County.

It has been inspiring to witness the collective strength of women working together here in Broward County through organizations such as League of Women Voters of Broward County, Women of Color Empowerment Institute, National Council of Negro Women, National Association of Black Women in Construction, and many others, who provide a great service and also help to uplift women in our community.

There has been an increasing trend of women leadership positions across government and non-profit organizations here in Broward County. Our County Administrator, Bertha Henry, is the first African-American female in her role. She has worked diligently to champion the issues and ideas that impact Broward County, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
As we continue to work toward greater equality and equity across the nation, it is important to highlight and recognize the growing number of women-owned businesses. During my tenure as an elected official, I have worked with our Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) to address the challenges that specifically impact women and other minority-owned businesses in the certification and bidding process. 

County Business Enterprise (CBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) programs help increase participation of small, minority, and women-owned businesses in projects as both prime contractors and subcontractors. Through our program, Broward County CBE/SBE Women-Owned Businesses by industry are 119 contract services, 61 construction services, 25 architectural & engineering, 14 commodities supplier, 11 licensed professional services, and 5 contract services/commodity supplier.
Vaccine Registration
Who Can Get Vaccinated?
The State is currently prioritizing vaccination for (1) individuals 60 years of age and older; (2) long-term care facility residents and staff; (3) health care personnel with direct patient contact; (4) K-12 school employees 50 years of age and older; (5) sworn law enforcement officers 50 years and older; (6) firefighters 50 years of age and older; (7) individuals deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by a physician.

Where Can I Get A Vaccine?
State-Run Appointment System and Locations:
The Florida Division of Emergency Management launched a statewide preregistration system for COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Eligible residents can visit myvaccine.fl.gov to pre-register for vaccine appointments that become available in their area.

Those who have registered will be contacted by phone call, text, or email when appointments become available.

If you would prefer to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in Broward County by phone, please call 866-201-6313 (TTY: 833-476-1526).

For a list of state and county-run vaccine locations, please visit: https://www.broward.org/CoronaVirus

In addition to​​ the Department of Health initiatives, numerous hospitals and local pharmacies and retail stores in Broward County are administering the vaccine. Check websites frequently for updates.

Hospitals and Clinic Locations:

Local Pharmacies and Retail Stores:
  • Walmart and Sam’s Club registration
  • Publix registration
  • CVS registration

Vaccinations are free. Appointments are required at all sites.
Black History Month Celebration
In honor of Black History Month this year, Broward Black Elected Officials (BBEO) presented a virtual celebration discussing Black history from Africa to the Americas: Trials, Tribulations, Triumphs, and a Bright Future.
Community Initiatives' Progress Report
On February 23rd, I sponsored three resolutions that were approved by the County Commission:
  • Renaming NW 6th Court in the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD) in honor of Congressman Alcee L. Hastings's service to the community.
  • Renaming NW 7th Street in the BMSD in honor of Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore's service to the community.
  • Ban the Box Ordinance for Vendors seeking contracts.
Business Resources - Loans and Grants
County Resource
SBA Resources
  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - Help businesses continue to employ their staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. As long as you use the loan for eligible purposes, these loans will be 100% forgiven and will turn into a grant for your business.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) - Available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofit organizations. The loan helps with meeting financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
Community Resources
Broward County Port Everglade's Largest Low-Profile Container Gantry Cranes Ever Built
I recently had the unique opportunity of operating and touring our new Gantry Cranes at Port Everglades along with the International Longshoremen's Association and Port Everglades Executive staff. At a cost of $13.8 million each, these Super Post-Panamax container Gantry Cranes are the largest in the world. The ability to unload ships is critical to the economic vitality of our Port and Broward County.

The new cranes are part of the largest expansion project in the Port’s history, which includes lengthening the Southport Turning Notch from 900 feet (274 meters) to 2,400 feet (731.5 meters) to allow for up to five new cargo berths. The cranes are 175-feet tall (53.3 meters) and are designed as “low profile” with booms that extend out and back rather than raise up, thus staying out of the flight path of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which is less than two miles away.
Encouraging Full Female Engagement in Construction Training (EFFECT) Program - FREE for Females 18+ in Broward County
Gang Alternative, Inc.’s (GA) EFFECT (Encouraging Full Female Engagement in Construction Training) is an integrated, comprehensive program that provides women-focused occupational skills training in basic construction and link to apprenticeship programs where participants can earn while they learn. Childcare is available. Must be female, 18+ and a Broward County resident. 

An information session is planned for those who might have an interest in upskilling or embarking on training that can lead to a promising career in construction:

Mar 21, 2021 10:00 AM:              



In addition to registering, interested candidates can email: [email protected] for questions.
Women's History Exhibit Now Open
Learn about the struggle for women to obtain the right to vote at two special poster exhibits on display in libraries this March. 
Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence, a poster exhibition from the Smithsonian, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment and explores the complexity of the women's suffrage movement and the relevance of this history to Americans' lives today. Based on the National Portrait Gallery exhibition of the same name, Votes for Women seeks to expand visitors’ understanding of the suffrage movement in the United States.

The poster exhibition addresses women's political activism, explores the racism that challenged universal suffrage, and documents the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment which prohibits the government from denying U.S. citizens the right to vote on the basis of sex. It also touches upon the suffrage movement's relevance to current conversations on voting and voting rights across America.
North Regional/Broward College Library
1100 Coconut Creek Blvd, Building 62, Coconut Creek FL 33066
Tel: (954) 201-2601

Monday & Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday & Sunday: Closed 
Upcoming Events
2021 UNCF 20th Anniversary Virtual Leader's Luncheon - South Florida
Info Session: Kauffman NewVenture™ Entrepreneur Development Program
Economic Development & Job Creation Council Virtual Meeting
Community Engagements - #DaleEverywhere
I attended the groundbreaking of the C-51 Reservoir project - a 15-year regional collaboration to bring an alternate water supply to South Florida.
I was a special guest at the Electrical Trade and Apprenticeship Career Fair at Great Bethel AME Church. Power Design Inc. encouraged residents to apply for electrical apprenticeship, electrician, skilled laborer, and foreman positions. Learn more here: http://powerdesigninc.us/about/
I served as a judge for the Boy & Girls Club of Broward County 2021 Youth of the Year Competition. 

The Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated Broward's most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County premier leadership and recognition program for teens.
I participated in the 2021 Street Tree Beautification Project and planted trees in the 200-300 blocks of NW 30th Ave. in the Boulevard Gardens neighborhood of the BMSD. By doing this we anticipate the intrinsic and real property value in these neighborhoods to increase.
I joined Coach Eddie Rhodes and former Commissioner Janet Taylor at the grand reopening and renaming of the City of Pahokee in the Glades Gymnasium in honor of Eddie Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes is a 7x time State Championship coach for Football, Basketball, and Track and Field and a mentor for children. 
The South Florida Black Prosperity Alliance held an Introductory Press Conference. The Alliance is committed to increasing the economic and social prosperity of the Black diaspora.
I had the opportunity to present the Key to the County to the DRC Deputy Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gilbert Kankonde Malamba.
Goodwill South Florida, the 17th largest employer in South Florida, is working to train and employ people with disabilities and other barriers while helping individuals increase productivity and achieve greater independence.
Contact Us
Dale V.C. Holness
District 9 Commissioner & FY 2021 Mayor
I look forward to continue serving Broward County in 2021 and beyond.

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