Hometown News and Views

By Judy Wilson

Deerfield Beach – Commissioners gave final approval to a  $77.8 million operating budget this week that will be financed in part by a property tax rate of 5.768 mils, no increase over the current  year. The city’s fiscal plan for 2012-13 requires no employee layoffs nor any increase in the fire fee. Also approved was a $40 million loan from the Florida Municipal Bond Council to refinance prior loans and provide funds for local road projects, the development of a maritime village at Sullivan Park and improvements to the neighborhood west of the Cove Shopping Center.

 The size of the park, at Hillsboro Blvd. and the Intracoastal Waterway, was increased this year by the $2 million purchase of the former Riverview Restaurant site.  It will be developed by the Community Redevelopment Agency and is anticipated to cost $4 million, 50 percent of that refundable through a grant from the Florida Inland Navigational District.  Improvements to Cove Gardens, at a cost of $1.2 million, will include drainage, sidewalks, paving, landscaping and lighting.

Agreement gives city more indoor recreational space

Deerfield Beach –The city is expanding its recreational facilities through an agreement with the Indoor Sports Complex at Powerline Road and SW 10 St.  The parks and recreation department is making available its outdoor athletic facilities in return for the use of the indoor courts and arenas at the complex.  Owners of the Sports Complex will have the use of four of the city’s recreational facilities and the parks and recreation department will have access to the basketball/volleyball courts, roller hockey and skate rinks, soccer field, fitness center, and multi-purpose room within the Sports Complex.

The agreement calls for the Sports Complex to meet all city rules and regulations. Scheduling will be done by parks and recreation personnel.

Available for Sports Complex activities will be the city aquatic center, Westside Park and gymnasium, the middle school athletic complex and the beach sand volley ball courts.

Pioneer resident dies;  historical society marks 40h year here

Deerfield Beach – Pioneer resident Jackie Stewart died this week. Born here in 1925, Stewart was the daughter of William Gaskin, owner of a general store on W. Hillsboro blvd. and NW 1 Street. Gaskin was also the police chief for a time, a situation Amie Kay Tanner characterized as “everyone had a lot of jobs in the old days.”

Stewart had two daughters and Tanner, president of the Deerfield Beach Historical Society, said visiting with the family this week was a “walk through history.”

Tanner takes oral histories of the town’s long time residents and told city commissioners Tuesday that, “If we don’t save yesterday today, it won’t be here tomorrow.”

 She also took time to remind the public that this year is the 40th anniversary of the local historical society headquartered at the Butler House at SE 4 Avenue and Hillsboro Blvd.

“It’s the Ruby Celebration,” Tanner said. “So if you have any rubies you would like to donate, feel free.” Vice Mayor Bill Ganz did not offer up any jewelry, but did say he intends to become a member of the historical society and urged other citizens to follow his lead.

New recycling program is underway

Deerfield Beach- The big blue recycling carts are being rolled out this week starting at the east end of town.  The 65-gallon bins handle all household recyclables and residents will receive points based on the amount they recycle. Points will be redeemable at local stores. A bonus of 75  points will be awarded to those who turn in the handheld yellow and blue bins to the recycling center at 401 SW 4 ST., or they can be placed at the curb. The big blue carts are to be set three to five feet away for other objects- mailboxes, other bins, etc., so they can be emptied by automated trucks.   For more information on the new recycling program, go to the ALL IN link on the city’s website, deerfield- beach.com.

Woman’s Club hosting discussion of November ballot amendments            

Deerfield Beach – The 11 amendments to the state constitution appearing on the November ballot will be explained by a representative of the League of Women Voters Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2 p.m. at a meeting being hosted by the Deerfield Beach Woman’s Club. The League is a non-partisan organization that aims to educate voters on the issues. The amendments address issues ranging from additional Homestead Exemption benefits for disabled veterans, their surviving spouses and low-income seniors to public funding of religious institutions to removal of privacy rights in cases of abortion. The League is urging ‘no’ votes on all of the amendments. Persons interested in attending this session should call the Woman’s Club, 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-421-4700.

McKeithan Pavilion being rebuilt

Deerfield Beach – The pavilion at Johnnie McKeithan Park, damaged last February by vandals who set fire to the structure, is getting a new roof. Commissioners voted this week to spend $110,000 for a metal roof rather than less expensive shingles. The metal will last five to 10 years longer, City Manager Burgess Hanson said. Also being replaced at the park at 629 N. Deerfield Ave. is an outdoor barbecue grill.

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Ocean Way closed for pier construction

Deerfield Beach – Ocean Way will be closed next week as the entrance to the fishing pier is being constructed. No traffic or parking will be permitted in front of the Wyndham Resort from NE 2 Street to the juncture of  NE 21 Avenue from Sept 24 to 28.  A guest drop-off area will be provided for the hotel.

Commissioners getting meeting breaks           

Deerfield Beach – Commissioners will meet only once a month for the next four months. Due to conflicts presented by holidays, four regularly scheduled meetings have been cancelled. Still on the schedule are commission meetings on Tuesday, Oct. 15, Tuesday, Nov. 6, Tuesday, Dec. 4 and Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Special meetings will be called as needed.