FORT LAUDERDALE — The Broward League of Cities has announced the winners of its second annual Cities of Excellence awards, which honors municipalities for outstanding initiatives implemented to improve the quality of life for residents.
Selected as winners in three categories were the cities of Parkland, Pompano Beach and Miramar. Judging was conducted by a panel of associate members of the league, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing the 31 municipal governments and more than 80 associate government, nonprofit and business organizations within Broward County.
Pompano Beach won the Green Leaf Award for the best eco-friendly and sustainable project. Its “I Can Water Reuse Connection” program connects single-family residential customers with the city’s reuse water system. Once fully implemented, the program will save more than 94 million gallons of water each year, officials say, as well as help the environment in other ways.
Parkland won the Community Spirit Award for the best special events program, its Farmer’s Market founded in 2007, which provides more than 3,000 Parkland residents and 80 local vendors with a place where neighbors and families can share a bonding experience while shopping for fresh, quality produce.
‘BEST PRACTICES’
Miramar won the Peacock Award for the best beautification project, its “Bloom Where You Are Planted” project, which teaches children at the Sunset Lakes Community Center about the life cycle of plants while beautifying the area and stressing the importance of community involvement and civic pride.
“The Cities of Excellence awards program helps our cities share best practices," said Broward League of Cities President and Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Bobby DuBose. "After a successful program last year, we continue to recognize cities that are dedicated to improving the quality of life for Broward County residents in innovative ways.”
He also has issued the League’s first ever Million Hour Volunteer Challenge. DuBose is encouraging Broward residents to complete One Million volunteer service hours by May 31, 2013, in an effort to increase community service activity throughout the county.
To participate, residents can log service hours online at browardleague.org/volunteerchallenge. The Web page features a barometer showing the county's progress and how many hours are needed to reach the million-hour goal. Residents can participate in any volunteer project of their choice.
COMMON GOOD
“The theme of my tenure as League President is 'Together We Serve,' because I believe Broward County’s future will be determined by how effectively its elected officials and residents work together for the common good,” DuBose said.
He added that he had no doubt that county citizens “can meet and even surpass my goal of One Million volunteer service hours in the coming year.”
For more information visit BrowardLeague.org
*Pictured above is Broward League of Cities President and Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Bobby DuBose, Miramar Mayor Lori Mosley, Parkland Commissioner David Rosenof and Pompano Beach Vice Mayor George Brummer.
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