http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/ News at Large Copyright � 2008-2011 MargateNews.net All Rights Reserved Solupress News - www.solupress.com http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article1005.asp [italic]2012 has gotten off to a rough start for Florida�s state animal - and the only large cat which remains east of the Mississippi River.[/italic] In just the first 2 weeks of the year, a total of 4 Florida panthers have died - two on highways, one in a territorial fight and one by apparent infection. For a species which resides on just 5 percent of its former range (estimated to be shrinking by 1 percent per year) and has a maximum population of 160 individuals - this is not a good sign of things to come. You can help. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article1005.asp [linkclose]Learn more...[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article981.asp Sitting in City Hall chambers ready to present at the December MCRA meeting, representatives from Ambit, a Fort Lauderdale advertising agency, were told their agenda item wouldn�t be heard. Margate Mayor, Pam Donovan, said selecting an agency would entail more than one bid and motioned to table the item until the January MCRA meeting. Commissioner David McLean seconded the motion. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article981.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article972.asp Sometimes it�s bad enough not being able to do everything we want in a day. Between work, family, community commitments and often too little time to relax, we wish for more of the cherished �dull moment� when we sit and do nothing, aka �veg out.� Forget that. Duty calls. Your city needs you. City of Margate officials have taken a heightened interest in the adequate and timely staffing of City boards and are looking for motivated citizens to fill seats. Seats on some boards require professional experience while others do not. Sitting on a city board is a privilege and is a great way to contribute to the good of the whole of your city. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article972.asp [linkclose]View vacant seats�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article965.asp Margate�s Korey Sarvas was a strong, kind man. His ability to defy gravity was amazing and his passion and commitment to the art of Parkour/Freerunning undeniable in all respects. He was on his way to being one of the world�s finest traceurs. To his family, friends and fellow artists, Korey Sarvas was truly an inspiring human being. Korey met with an [linkstart href=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-korey-sarvas-parkour-20111205,0,6793899.story[linkclose]untimely death[/linkend] Sunday morning as he drowned trying to cross Fort Lauderdale�s New River. He and friends were Freerunning through the city when Sarvas decided to part with his land sport and cross the 200-foot wide river known for swift deadly currents. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article965.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article946.asp An angry Margate parent voiced his concern at Wednesday�s city meeting over circus protestors yelling obscenities at him and his children on his family�s way into the Cole Bros Circus this past weekend. �What they were saying I can�t even repeat here,� the resident told city commissioners. �It was disgusting and should never have been allowed.� The resident said though protestors are entitled to feel the way they do about circus elephants and animal cruelty, it doesn�t give them the right to scream vulgarities at kids. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article946.asp[linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article933.asp District 2 Broward County Commissioner, Kristin Jacobs (D-Margate), addressed the Margate Democratic Club last Monday at the city�s community center. Topics included a countywide mayor, Tri-Rail, gaming, emergency dispatch services, managed toll roads and redistricting. Jacobs, speaking along party lines, cautioned Democrats to know who they are voting for in the upcoming 2012 election and to be sure of that candidate's ideals. The person they vote for should represent more than a saying on a bumper sticker, she said, and uphold family values in the highest regard. �That�s a Democrat,� she told the crowd of about 30 people Monday. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article933.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article922.asp The Omni Auditorium at Broward College swarmed last weekend with cat lovers and aficionados from all the over the country. Cats Exclusive, a Margate no-kill 501(c)3 adoption center and veterinary service for felines, held its 32 Annual Cat Show, a two-day affair attracting hundreds of kitty contestants from pedigrees to proletariats. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article922.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article896.asp Remember skee ball, air-hockey, hoops and other skill games on the midway that captivated adolescence? Well, they�re still around and most found at fun destinations like [linkstart href=http://www.chuckecheese.com/the-experience/games-rides.php[linkclose] Chuck E. Cheese�s,[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.daveandbusters.com/play/games.aspx[linkclose]Dave & Buster�s[/linkend] and the Game Room at [linkstart href=http://www.boomersparks.com/site/boca/attractions.html[linkclose]Boomers[/linkend] in Boca. To better attract arcades to Margate, city commissioners last week approved advertising an ordinance to allow arcades not only in the city�s B-3 Business District, but in the B-2 as well. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article896.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article889.asp �I recall getting to work that morning and everything was routine when all of a sudden TV monitors popped up with news of the attacks. We tried to call the New York offices, but there was no telephone service. They were cut off.� Sandra McCormick may not have been inside the Twin Towers 10 years ago on September 11th, but she felt it personally nearly 1,500 miles away at her office in Ft. Lauderdale. Ninety-seven employees working for her company perished when United Airlines Flight 175 hit the 78th floor of the South Tower at 9:03 am. that morning. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article889.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] [italic]Author Ismail Ercan is a 14-year-old intern reporter who comes to MargateNews.net from the [linkstart href=http://www.enrichmentcircle.com/[linkclose]Circle Gazette,[/linkend] a newspaper for children by children where he is published regularly. As a young journalist, we thank him for his time, effort and interest in covering Margate people, places and events.[/italic] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article879.asp You may be familiar with the fascinating physical art of Parkour. This spectacular sport features back-flips off buildings, bouncing off walls, twists, turns and toppling over obstacles. It�s rapidly gaining in popularity among world youth and is alive and well here in Margate. MargateNews.net caught up with the city�s Parkour pack at the community center park by the library. They�re a Parkour Freerunning team called Trace Unity and are competing for a spot in the Miami Cross Urban Scramble. The event takes place in March when over 100 athletes representing more than 40 countries will compete for the world title. Trace Unity needs your vote on Facebook. More on that after you read. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article879.asp[linkclose]Read more...[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article868.asp Margate Commissioners convened Tuesday for the first of two public hearings scheduled before approving Margate's 2012 Fiscal Year $57 million budget. The operating millage rate will remain at $7.75 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, but debt service (largely road bond) is going up a penny, making for a total $7.9892 per mil. Once approved, the budget takes effect October 1st. Few residents turned out for the public hearing, which some might say is an indication that government is doing things right. After all, this year�s budget is just about balanced, no city employees were laid off, services to residents haven�t been cut and property taxes aren�t going up. Moreover, the city has $16 million in various reserve accounts for emergencies and is moving forward with numerous Parks & Recreation projects. Margate has even offered its labor unions more money and benefits. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article868.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article860.asp Back in the day parents counted on schools to not only equip their kids with savvy smarts needed to get ahead, but with exercise, social activities, field trips and abundant options to explore art, music, math and science. With budget cuts and downsizing in Broward County Schools these days, it�s not that way anymore and might never be again. Give Girl Scouts a try. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article860.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article824.asp Known for helping kids and families in distress Margate Elks Lodge no. 2463 awarded the Margate Youth Baseball League a check for $4,000 as part of helping the league recover from the recent loss of more than $80,000 squandered by the league�s treasurer. �We raise money to give it away,� said Vincent Como, Past State President for the Elks. �The league has had a tough time of it and we don�t want the kids to suffer,� Como said while presenting the check to league official Mark Celesti at a July city meeting. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article824.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article817.asp If anyone committed his life to God, church, family and city it was Rev. Mr. Allen J. Asselin of Margate. Asselin, a longtime Deacon with St. Vincent Roman Catholic Church in Margate, died at age 62 July 1, 2011. Soon after his passing, family members, parishioners and others gathered at the church to pay their final respects. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article817.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article803.asp One family had a problem paying their mortgage. The Elk�s �Army of Hope� cut them a check. Making ends meet when the primary breadwinner of a family is called to active duty overseas can be a daunting task for some families, which is why the Elk�s have stepped up to provide financial assistance. �If anybody knows any families of deployed soldiers who need help making a car or house payment, need an appliance repaired or replaced - or even tires for their car - we can help them,� said Vincent Como of the Florida State Elk�s Association. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article803.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article799.asp Though most would have expected Margate�s first openly gay commissioner, Le Peerman, to declare June LGBT month in Margate, she didn�t. Mayor Pam Donovan did, saying she found no harm in making the proclamation at the behest of a resident. Other residents felt differently. One said he didn�t acknowledge the gay lifestyle as healthy while another said �the immorality in the city is out of control.� [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article799.asp [linkclose]Read more...[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article788.asp It�s the ultimate place to ride a bike, walk a dog, jog, skateboard or rollerblade. An eight-foot wide multi-purpose sidewalk connecting Tamarac and Coral Springs to Margate and running westward alongside the C-14 Canal. A sanctuary for pedestrians, bicyclists and runners in favor of wide-open spaces but tired of traffic. A destination for fishing, lovers of green space and pedestrians who enjoy Florida sunshine. Though a quality of life improvement for some, residents on SW 1st Street in Margate whose backyards abut the project say it doesn't quite jive with their lifestyle. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article788.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article776.asp While paying tribute to soldiers fighting and dying for American freedoms, Keynote Speaker, Army Lieutenant Colonel, John Uharriet called on Americans not only to remember soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in past wars, but to join in the [italic]Warrior Ethos:[/italic] never leave a fallen comrade behind and never forget the missing. Uharriet said today�s soldiers share the same loyalty, duty, respect, integrity and selfless service with soldiers who fought in World Wars I & II, Korea, Vietnam, and in early Middle East actions. �Everyday these soldiers perform acts of bravery against extraordinary odds. They focus not on conflict and death, but on passion and life,� Uharriet told a crowd of about 150 under mostly clear skies and cooler temperatures Monday morning at Margate�s Veteran Memorial Park. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article776.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article763.asp At a May 5 Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (MCRA) special meeting, Tampa-based developer DeBartolo unveiled a feasibility study commissioned to determine the highest and best use of the roughly 38-acres of undeveloped MCRA property. DeBartolo, the sole developer answering the city�s 2010 RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for the first phase of Downtown Margate development, expressed limited optimism, saying that Margate is a �mature� city in need of a younger population to stimulate its economy. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article763.asp[linkclose]Read more�[/linkend]  [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article768.asp[linkclose]Reader Email[/linkend]  [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/article_files/article_file112.pdf[linkclose]Learn more about Place-making[/linkend]  [linkstart href=http://newurbannetwork.com/article/retrofitting-suburbia-state-art-14716[linkclose]Read �Retrofitting Suburbia: the State of the Art�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article754.asp At the April City Commission Workshop - a meeting more relaxed and less formal than a City Commission Meeting - Margate elected officials talked about rekindling a volunteer/intern program in the city and ways to restructure city board appointments. Additionally commissioners discussed the downsizing of voter precincts and the need for a sign code workshop where local business owners could supply city officials with needed input to modernize sign laws in the city. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article754.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article745.asp Restaurants are low margin ventures. They cost about as much to operate when slow than when busy and for every greenback spent on marketing it takes three to break even. On a good day, a busy full-service restaurant might make $0.10 to $0.12 on the dollar. On a bad day: five cents, a penny � maybe less. Saving money is vital at every turn and any type of waste cuts into profits, good day or bad; liquid, solid or gas. [bold]No better reason for Margate restaurants to apply now for a FREE high-efficiency pre-rinse spray nozzle replacement for their dishwashing systems.[/bold] [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article745.asp[linkclose]Find out how to get yours�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article729.asp Every year Margate city officials compile a list of legislative priorities that reflect the wishes of Margate government in Tallahassee during Florida�s Legislative Session (March � May). This year, Margate Commissioners unanimously supported 10 of the 11 items sent to state lawmakers. One item: �Red Light Cameras� - legislation aimed at enforcing traffic control signals using high tech traffic infraction detectors - got a no vote from Commissioner David McLean. The three-term commissioner agrees with critics in that he thinks the cameras violate the constitutional rights of motorists. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article729.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article711.asp You have to wonder sometimes if Margate isn�t better at small town charm than big city luster. Thursday�s St. Patrick�s Day Parade is a good example. Though not a city-sponsored event, Margate Mayor, Pam Donovan, along with Commissioners Joe Varsallone and Le Peerman took time out to participate. Sponsors of the parade, Oriole Gardens III Condominium Association, hope to enlist the city�s help next year in bringing their annual event to Margate Boulevard. Varsallone responded favorably to the organization's request at a recent city meeting. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article711.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.theseen.net/parade2011.htm[linkclose]Click here[/linkend] to view, download and resize Margate St. Patrick Day Parade Photos. You may find yourself in one. __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article682.asp As part of revisiting the city�s sign code to �To see if we have what�s working best for both the citizens and businesses,� said MCRA Board member, Le Peerman, the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency and the City will be conducting a sign code workshop the date of which is TBA (To Be Announced). [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article682.asp [linkclose]Read more...[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article671.asp Extending hours of operation for Margate restaurants, bars and nightclubs serving beer, wine and liquor in the city is commonplace. As long as business owners comply with all applicable laws and the police don�t get called to establishments too often to break up fights, bust drug traffickers or address complaints of disorderly conduct, city commissioners typically offer little resistance to those applying for the privilege of serving liquor in the wee hours of the morning � say until 4 am. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article671.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article651.asp Roughly 6.22 percent of Margate�s 32,184 registered voters turned out at the polls on Tuesday for Margate�s Special Election to replace late commissioner Arthur Bross. According to Broward Supervisor of Elections(SOE), only two Broward cities have had worse voter turnout for municipal elections in the past 43 years: Cooper City in February 2004 � 5.4 percent voter turnout; Miramar / Plantation in August 2005 � 5.47 percent voter turnout. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article651.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article996.asp Every year Margate spends roughly $42,000 in taxpayer dollars advertising legally required public notices and proceedings in newspapers of general circulation. To alleviate this expense, Margate city officials support [linkstart href= http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/0292[linkclose]legislation at the state level[/linkend] that would allow the city to advertise these notices by means other than a newspaper, such as the city�s website or other electronic medium. �The amount of dollars we spend now could be eliminated if we just go digital,� said Margate City Manager, Yolanda Rodriguez, at a December city meeting. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article996.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article638.asp For Margate voters assigned to cast ballots at the Atlantic Baptist Church 4850 West Atlantic Boulevard, your polling place has been temporarily changed to the Margate Neighborhood Policing building at 311 S. State Road 7, Margate (Get driving directions from your home or office by clicking [linkstart href=http://maps.yahoo.com/[linkclose]Yahoo Maps[/linkend]). The Baptist Church already had an event scheduled for January 11, 2011 prior to the advent of Margate�s Special Election, according to the Margate City Clerk�s Office, and the relocation of the polling place is a one-time, Special Election occurrence. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article638.asp[linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article612.asp As part of lining up polling locations for the January 11, 2011 special election in Margate, the Margate City Clerk reaches out to polling places used in past elections to confirm their participation. In contacting the First Presbyterian Church in Margate, known as voting Precinct G007, the church requested the city hold it harmless in case of claims, suits or judgments potentially brought about by voters injured or property damaged at the poll on election day. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article612.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article588.asp As part of encouraging businesses to set up shop in Margate�s community redevelopment district, city officials have agreed to explore the federal Brownfield program, an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) sponsored initiative that results in rebates for job creation, tax credits, and loan guarantees for site rehabilitation and affordable housing. The [linkstart href=http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/[linkclose]Brownfield program[/linkend] is designed to assist commercial and industrial land owners in cleaning up, redeveloping and reusing real properties that have been contaminated with hazardous waste. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article588.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article569.asp Though Margate continues to be at impasse with its fire union, the International Association of FireFighters (IAFF) Local 3080, Margate city commissioners approved a resolution Wednesday to enter into a 4-year contract with the City of Coconut Creek to continue to provide fire services to that city. In the contract, Coconut Creek agrees to pay Margate $5,458,021 for fire rescue services in fiscal year 2010-2011, which amounts to roughly 56 percent of Margate�s proposed $9,679,619 fire rescue budget for FY 2010-2011. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article569.asp[linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article597.asp Back in October, Margate city staff orchestrated a buyout program for 38 high salaried Margate employees at the top of their job class. A program that included full payout of accrued leave and longevity, no health care premiums for two years, and two more years of health care at a reduced rate. Fifteen employees took the buyout, saving taxpayers approximately $240,000 in the current fiscal year, said Margate City Manager, Frank Porcella, and about $990,000 in years 2011-2014. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article597.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article543.asp Moments of silence and prayers at city meetings in recent weeks have been dedicated to long-time Margate City Commissioner, Arthur Bross, who passed on October 13, 2010. Bross was first elected to the Margate City Commission in 1988. Since, he has been a cautious advocate of development in the city and has played a major role in modernizing city codes, rezoning business districts and moving community redevelopment forward. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article543.asp [linkclose]Read more...[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article545.asp[linkclose]Read condolences.[/linkend] _________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article534.asp Back in April, Florida Governor, Charlie Crist, signed the Seminole Gaming Compact into law, awarding Margate roughly eight and a half percent of the $5 million dollars going to cities surrounding the Coconut Creek Seminole Casino. The award is to satisfy the impact that casino business has on city streets, city services and local economies in general. Based on the sizable amount of the total award going to casino border cities and the county, and the potential for the Seminoles to construct a 1,000-rooom hotel on 47 additional acres of sovereign land should the federal Department of Indian Affairs allow; Margate Commissioner, Pam Donovan, thinks Margate should get a bigger piece of the pie. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article534.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article517.asp Moments of silence and prayers at city meetings in recent months have been dedicated to long-time Margate City Commissioner, Arthur Bross. His is ill, say colleagues, and his date of return to the dais remains undetermined. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article517.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article506.asp Classic car guru, Russ Gagliano Jr., presented Susan B. Anthony CEO, Marsha Currant, with a check for $670 from monies he and Dave Amchir (aka �Tattoo Dave�) gathered up from motorcycle and classic car enthusiasts and vendors at the Stop the Cycle Poker Run event in Downtown Margate last month. The benefit, sponsored by Margate�s Trattoria Bella Cibo, Mugshots and other area businesses, raised a total of almost $6,000 in support of the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center, said event organizer Mary Becerra. [linkstart href= http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article506.asp[linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article482.asp August 7, or the first Saturday of every August, was declared �Possum Day� by the Florida Legislature in 1982. In fact, the City of Wassau, Florida celebrates the day every year with their Annual Possum Festival & Funday complete with parade, outdoor activities and various tributes to the great North American Opossum. Margate Resident, Robert Perkis, suggested a similar day to Margate City Commissioners last week, a day with the polarizing uniqueness of Possum Day to put Margate on the map. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article482.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article475.asp Margate firefighters have already burned through $250,000 in overtime the first eight months of Fiscal Year 2010 and have been granted another $50,000 to cover OT costs through to September. Last year, Fire Department OT reached $250,000 in the city and in 2008 fire rescue overtime cost taxpayers roughly half a million dollars � ten times the amount originally adopted by elected officials that year. What are Margate officials doing about out-of-control overtime costs during one of the most cash-strapped times in Margate history since city coffers ran red in the 1980s? [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article475.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article444.asp Confirming fears of some Margate city officials, the Northwest Broward Raiders youth football team might not "play by the rules." A source once close to the league in which the Raiders play told MargateNews.net that the organization has ethics problems, whereas kids and their families are paid to play for the team and parents and coaches wager on games. �Coaches bet $4,000 on last year�s championship,� said the source. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article444.asp [linkclose]Read more�[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article436.asp Speaking with several in attendance at Margate's City Commission meeting Wednesday night, Margate residents say they would like to see both union pay and benefits cut for all three Margate unions (General Employee, Police, Fire). Margate residents say they are genuinely offended by the fire union�s recent request for pay raises and are giving second thoughts as to whether to support the union any longer. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article436.asp [linkclose]Read more...[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/article_files/article_file68.pdf[linkclose]Fire Department direct salary and wages[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article412.asp According to a [italic]Paradise Gardens III[/italic] Margate homeowner, eight cars were towed off [italic]PG III[/italic] streets on Mother�s Day by his homeowners association. Add to that his HOA covenants have been amended to include �no parking allowed� on either side of the street. Both moves conflict with Margate law, says City Attorney, Eugene Steinfeld. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article412.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article419.asp[linkclose]Reader Opinion.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article400.asp Unethical behavior among firefighters is a growing problem nationwide; the focus of a [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/article_files/article_file53.pdf[linkclose]fire service reputation report[/linkend] that aims to identify the detrimental impact of immoral and inappropriate behavior by fire rescue personnel on the departments and communities they serve. �Like every other profession, we in the fire service suffer from the embarrassment and damage to our hard-earned reputation because of the very few who choose to break the law or rules. While that may be unfair; it is our reality in today�s world of instant, mass communication.� - Kelvin Cochran, United States Fire Administrator [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article400.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article395.asp A 990 Square foot condominium at the 76-unit Atlantic Palms condominium complex at 400 Atlantic Boulevard in Margate sold for $172,900 in January 2008. Two years later in March 2010, the condominium unit - originally purchased with a HUD backed loan - was sold to a new owner for $24,600, an almost 700 percent drop in value. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article395.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article378.asp Only 52% of Margate residents have mailed in their census forms vs. 54% on average for Broward County cities. Margate city officials are urging residents who have not yet mailed in their census to do so promptly, so that Margate doesn�t lose its fair share of state and federal funding based on population. �The more people we have accounted for the more money we get,� said Margate Commissioner, Frank Talerico. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article378.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more[/linkend]. __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article349.asp In December, the Sun-sentinel published a [linkstart href= http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/rothstein/fl-rothstein-crist-20091217,0,7084991.story[linkclose] video interview[/linkend] with Florida Governor, Charlie Crist, about his dealings with fraudster and ponzi scheme elitist,[linkstart href= http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/rothstein/fl-rothstein-winners-losers-20100403,0,4353040.story [linkclose]Scott Rothstein[/linkend], a South Florida attorney who bilked Florida taxpayers out of millions. Rothstein donated $2.8 million to Republican concerns in 2006, much of which hasn't been rightfully returned to the taxpayers to whom the money belongs. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article349.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article339.asp Florida�s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program takes effect in December, which lawmakers hope will bring some relief to the problems caused by the proliferation of pain clinics in South Florida, states a report by Florida State Attorney, Michael J. Satz. �Until Florida gets off the pot and does something about this problem, they�re just killing us all,� said Sheriff Terry Keelin of Boyd County, Kentucky. �They�re killing our citizens. It�s a mess.�* [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article339.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article315.asp At Margate�s Second Annual Street Festival along Margate Boulevard last week, local politicians and business leaders presented gift baskets and plaques to local military troops committed to American efforts in the global war on terror. Remembered at the festival were the more than 1,000 American soldiers reported killed in wars in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Yemen, and the more than 4,000 American troops who have sacrified their lives fighting for democracy in Iraq. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article315.asp [linkclose]Click here for list of those awarded.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article296.asp As car after car passed a struggling seagull with a leg injury in commuter traffic on Rock Island Road, one concerned Margate resident pulled over to help the bird. After stopping traffic and shuffling the bird into a cage, the resident, who requested to remain anonymous, called the Wildlife Care Center in Fort Lauderdale for help. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article296.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article253.asp Margate City Commissioners selected a Red Light Camera vendor last Wednesday to install the devices at numerous intersections in Margate. Wasting no time, crews have already hit the road and have begun putting the cameras atop poles across the city. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article253.asp [linkclose]Click here for tips on how to avoid a ticket.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article229.asp Separation of Church and State around the holidays typically comes in the form of arguments regarding the placement of religious symbols on city-owned land. This year in Margate, it�s about whether to allow the Hebrew Academy on State Road 7 to portray the City of Margate as a sponsor in marketing materials for an upcoming event. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article229.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article219.asp In so many respects Margate is ideal for first time homebuyers and young professionals in search of a good place to settle down. As Broward County�s first city west, Margate�s housing stock is old and primarily cement block � so you know your house can weather the storm. To sweeten the deal, 2/2s are selling anywhere from $75K and up. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article219.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article209.asp Although the official deadline for appealing your property tax has passed, a local company continues to bring appeals before the county tax office with a 100% success rate. For a nominal one-time fee, Pat Kennedy of CORE Associates can help homeowners reduce the tax-assessed value of their homes, even if they�ve already paid this year�s tax. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article209.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article202.asp Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars, The World's Largest Circus Under the Big Top, guarantees to delight children and adults of all ages with a two-hour show filled with thrilling human performers and amazing animals on the year of the legendary Circus� 125th Anniversary. It�s all happening at the Old Swap Shop grounds at Margate Blvd and State Road 7 on November 12-15. The event is presented by the Margate Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the city�s Community Redevelopment Agency. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article202.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article175.asp Luis Rivera of Margate recently failed in an attempt to appeal a ruling that determined his Pit Bull was dangerous. The dog got loose one day, got away from Rivera and attacked a neighbor walking his dog. Representing himself before a Margate Magistrate last week, Rivera makes a solid case for a profile recently established by the [italic]Journal of Forensic Sciences[/italic] that points to a heightened level of psychopathy among vicious dog owners. Check out this shocking [linkstart href= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmTptwotYGg [linkclose][bold]YouTube video of Rivera�s testimony[/bold][/linkend] in Margate Chambers. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article175.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article164.asp Son of a Florida Highway Patrolman of 27 years, Margate-born, Brian Blum is off to the races next week as he joins the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Team for races in Tennessee, Virginia and Taladega Alabama. Blending frozen concoctions over the summer, Blum, a Computer Networking graduate from Atlantic Technical Center in Margate, is paying his bills selling Ritter�s Frozen Custard for now, but has his eyes set on the NASCAR truck circuit and eventually winning a few bucks competing there. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article164.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article157.asp George Mudd, 75, Margate�s original Parks & Recreation Director, later promoted to Deputy City Manager, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2009 surrounded by his family at Boca Raton Hospital. �He was a fantastic guy,� said Margate City Commissioner, David McLean, he got me involved in the city when I was a kid. He�s one of those guys that would do anything for you.� [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article157.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article150.asp After a five-year hiatus, the Margate Motion swim team is back. Led by Coach Eric Smith Norman and sister Kaitlin, Motion took home a trophy this year, competed in four meets and won 100 ribbons. �I�m proud to bring it back,� said Norman. �It�s our first year and the team has done well.� [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article150.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article137.asp South Florida is no stranger to poorly planned land deals and developments gone awry. It�s been the nature of our beast for years. Somebody always makes out like a bandit, but it�s never a city or its residents � if it were, we wouldn�t be buried in budget shortfalls, joblessness, crime and a governor who says we can�t effectively fund education without casino gambling. [linkstart href=http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article137.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article128.asp In an effort to dispatch early responders to areas of the county hardest hit after a hurricane, Broward County encourages residents to call 311 and report damage to their home, or complete a brief [linkstart href=http://www.broward.org/hurricane/damageassessment.htm[linkclose] home damage assessment online form[/linkend] as soon as it is safe to go outside and survey storm damage. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article128.asp[linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article327.asp Why would a Class-A Recreational Vehicle owner want to park their rig in Margate? A: hundreds of great restaurants within a 2-mile radius, seven months of beautiful weather, less than a 30-minute drive to Fort Lauderdale and Deerfield beaches, two casinos within ten miles and fresh water sport fishing inland for snook, tarpin and peacock bass. Add to that two 18-hole golf courses and the priceless benefits and convenience of urban sprawl and discount shopping. But will wealthy RVers spend money in Margate? The answer depends on what Margate businesses have to offer. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article327.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________ http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article302.asp Many of you have read in the local [italic]Forum[/italic] that Margate is being sued by cell provider, T-Mobile, for denying the company cell towers in Margate on two occasions: first in Centennial Park and again on Oriole Golf Course. Both times, Margate City Attorney, Eugene Steinfeld, warned elected officials that denial could result in a federal lawsuit, as FCC regulations block cities from saying no to site approval. [linkstart href= http://margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article302.asp[linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article270.asp Rich Popovic attends just about every Margate City Commission meeting. Each time, he takes advantage of the three minutes every resident is entitled to speak about how the City of Margate is run. He often addresses the commission in an unpleasant way, lambasting elected officials for what he refers to as their ineptness, poor oversight, haphazard policy making and overall lack of integrity in the political process. Commissioners sometimes thrash back at Popovic and come just short of having him removed from city meetings. [linkstart href=http://www.margatenews.net/margatenews/news/articles/article270.asp [linkclose]Click here to read more.[/linkend] __________________________________________