City of Weston

 

NEWS FROM THE CITY OF WESTON January 4, 2022 Next Regular City Commission Meeting: Tuesday, January 18 Welcome Assistant Chief Fucci BSO Weston Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Weston’s new Assistant Fire Chief is William “Bill” Fucci. Bill most recently served as a Lieutenant assigned to Deerfield Beach within Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. His diverse experience includes: Technical Rescue Team, Hazardous Material Team, Air Rescue, Fire Boat Operator, Seaport Fire Fighter, and Training Officer.   Bill also works with the Department of Homeland Security as Plans Team Manager for FEMA Search and Rescue and has been responding to disasters in this capacity since 1997. Earlier in his career he served as the Fire Chief for the Seminole Tribe and Assistant Fire Chief for the Miccosukee Tribe. Welcome to Weston Chief Fucci! Coming Soon: Intersection Improvements at Royal Palm Blvd. & Weston Road If your morning commute involves entering Weston via Royal Palm Boulevard (RPB) from I-75, then you are going to love this project. Starting this month, construction is slated to begin on improvements to the RPB intersection with Weston Road – the most notable of which will involve the construction of a third turn lane from westbound RPB to southbound Weston Road. The addition of a third turn lane will help to alleviate congestion in this area at peak times and will improve traffic flow through the area.   Work will be done in phases during non-peak hours to minimize traffic impact. During construction, you may wish to seek an alternate route, accessing Weston Road from Griffin Road to the south or SR 84/I-75 to the North. Learn More » Curbside Christmas Tree Collection Continues through January 15 On Your Regular Garbage Service Days Are you ready to take down your Christmas tree? In Weston, Christmas tree curbside pick up collection will take place on your regular garbage collection day from Monday, January 3 through Saturday, January 15, 2022. There are just a few simple rules to follow for smooth pickup and disposal. Are you looking to recycle your Christmas Tree? There is a recycling option close by if you prefer to have your tree recycled. Click below to learn more.  Learn More » Moonlight Movie in the Park This Saturday Disney's Jungle Cruise Looking to enjoy a family adventure under the stars? Our Moonlight Movies in the Park series is starting the new year with a bang! Join us on Saturday, January 8 at Regional Park (Event Stage) at 7:30 p.m. for the feature film, Disney’s Jungle Cruise. A riverboat captain encounters an English researcher who looks to study a fabled tree with healing properties in the Amazon, but as they navigate the risks of the rainforest, they cross a group determined to use the tree for evil purposes.  Pack some snacks and a blanket or chairs and arrive early to pick your seating area. The movie starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. Learn More » Weston Foreign Film on January 10 Like Father, Like Son (Shoshite Chichi Ni Naru | Japan) The Weston Foreign Film series is presented by the Arts Council of Greater Weston and the City of Weston. On Monday, January 10, join Royota, a successful workaholic businessman who learns that his biological son was switched at birth and faces the difficult decision to choose his true son or the boy he and his wife have raised as their own.   Like Father, Like Son (Soshite Chichi Ni Naru) will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Showtimes are 4:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.   The Weston Foreign Film series runs from November 2021 through March 2022. You can purchase individual film tickets at the door, if available. You can also purchase tickets – check only – at: The Weston Community Center, 20200 Saddle Club Road Weston Branch Library, 4205 Bonaventure Blvd.  Learn More » Quarterly Bulk Trash Pick Up is This Month January 26 through 29 Start the year off with a clean sweep. The next Residential Bulk Trash pickup takes place on your regular garbage collection day between Wednesday, January 26 through Friday, January 28 for single-family homes and others with curbside collection; and Saturday, January 29 for multi-family units with dumpsters. Bulk trash includes appliances, vegetation from regular yard maintenance by the homeowner, mattresses, carpets, furniture and more! Glass items should be placed in a rigid container to ensure safety.  Learn More » Weston Explosion Softball Sign Up for Spring 2022 Season The Weston Explosion recreational softball league is open to players ages four to 16, of all skill levels. Season play runs from January through April 2022. Evaluations will be held on Saturday, January 22 at 10 a.m. at Vista Park, so be sure to register your aspiring ball player today! The league also operates a competitive travel softball program year-round.  Learn More » If I were Mayor . . . Essay Contest Deadline is January 31 Calling all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students, in private and public schools, to submit their Florida League of Cities “If I Were Mayor . . .” essay by January 31, 2022. Students are asked to describe how they would make a difference as Mayor and how Home Rule helps make the City of Weston a great place to live. The top three winners, chosen by a committee comprised of members from the Florida League of Mayor Board of Directors, will receive a gift card and a joint resolution to be presented by their mayor at a commission meeting.  Learn More » YMCA and Cleveland Clinic Virtual Workshops The YMCA of South Florida and the Cleveland Clinic Florida have your back to help with your health journey this new year. Check out the nutrition workshop with Candance O’Neill RD, LDN on Tuesday, January 11 at noon to learn simple ways to start eating healthier. Want to know what getting started looks like? Meet the physical therapist, Jonathan Goldberg on Wednesday, January 12 at noon.  Register for Nutrition Lecture » Register for Meet the Physical Therapist » FDOT Improvement Projects Impacting Weston SR84 Resurfacing Improvement Projects Keep alert when out and about in this area. For those who cycle, you may want to alter your route for awhile. One lane along Glades Parkway, Indian Trace Road, Bonaventure Boulevard, and Weston Road at SR-84 will be closed as needed, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the demolition of existing curb, excavation, and installation of new concrete curbs. The right lane on eastbound SR-84 between Glades Parkway and Weston Road will be closed as needed, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the demolition of existing curb, excavation, widening and installation of new concrete curbs. Learn More » Next Commission Meeting Tuesday, January 18 at 7 p.m. Regular City Commission meetings are scheduled to be held in person (limited seating) and virtual, and are available for viewing online and on our Weston Government Access TV Channel. January's meeting is held on a Tuesday evening, (rather than the third Monday of the month), due to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday observance on Monday, January 17. Learn More »

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR ACTING DIRECTOR The holiday season means new beginnings are on the horizon, and this is certainly true for the Florida Park Service. As you may have read in this space a month ago, Director Eric Draper has retired. Eric had an outstanding tenure as director, highlighted by his guidance in helping our state parks receive a fourth National Gold Medal for Excellence. Although he leaves big shoes to fill, it is my great honor to serve as Acting Director of the Florida Park Service. I’ve been fortunate to serve in our central office for six years, and each one of those years seems to have been better and more memorable than the last. I expect this to continue next year, as we prepare to open two new properties – the Bluffs of St. Teresa in Franklin County and the William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area on Cape San Blas – along with an already full calendar of planned enhancements, renovations, construction projects and events. There’s plenty to look forward to, but, before we turn the page on 2021, I’d like to remind you that most parks and trails are open 365 days a year, making them perfect places where friends and family can gather during the holidays. Several parks offer holiday-themed events and decorations, and, no matter where you go, you’ll find an opportunity to enjoy Florida’s natural wonders and take a break from what can be a busy time of year. If you do visit a park during the holiday season, I hope you’ll offer a smile and a hello for the staff and volunteers you meet. These remarkable people work tirelessly to provide our visitors the best experience possible throughout the year, and especially during the holidays. Happy holidays. Sincerely, Chuck Hatcher

FEATURED STORIES  LAST-MINUTE GIFTS FOR NATURE LOVERS December is the season of giving, and there are some great gift options available for the park and nature lovers in your life. START 2022 ON THE RIGHT FOOT WITH FIRST DAY HIKES Get a head start on your goals or simply enjoy a leisurely walk through nature at a First Day Hike event hosted in a state park near you. BEST TIPS FOR CAMPFIRE COOKING Cooler weather offers the perfect time to gather around a campfire for everything from s'mores to full gourmet meals. NATIONAL BIRD DAY FLYING YOUR WAY SOON National Bird Day is Jan. 5, 2022, and birding in a Florida state park is a great way to observe our feathery friends in their natural habitats.  SPOTLIGHT Celebrate the season at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Join in on the holiday fun and bring the family to Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park for its annual Festival of Lights. While marveling at the light displays under the moonlight, enjoy buttery popcorn, hot cocoa and roasted marshmallows by the bonfire. Visit the food and craft vendors for additional festival favorites. Keep an eye out for a special appearance from Santa. Don’t forget a camera to catch him before he heads back to the North Pole in preparation for Christmas! There will also be a kids' craft area where children can make festive holiday crafts to take home. The event runs through Dec. 23, with a Silent Night on Dec. 24. On this night, the lights will be illuminated, but there will not be any additional activities. Admission is $4 per person. Children under 3 are admitted free. The event begins at dusk each night. Last admission is at 8:30 p.m. and the park will close at 9 p.m.