Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine.
By: County Commissioner Michael Udine
As part of Broward County’s major upgrades to our public safety communications platform, I am happy to report that we rolled out “Text to 911” in April as a new emergency communications service. This emergency service gives residents another option for requesting police, fire or medical assistance in the event a regular voice call to 911 cannot be made. “Text to 911” will help members of our community who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired as well as those who cannot talk because of a dangerous situation.
Be sure to include your location and describe the nature of the emergency so emergency services can assist. Remember, CALL 911 if you can, TEXT ONLY if you can’t.
Small Business Week is the second week of May. Our office wants to see your Northwest Broward businesses succeed. Each year, we try to promote some of our small businesses and this year we are asking for your help. Please share your favorite #SmallBusinessShoutouts with us on our social media platforms. Tag us @CommissionerMichaelUdine on Facebook and @MichaelUdine Instagram with your small businesses and we will share them. This is a great way to showcase and support the small business community in Northwest Broward. Be sure to tell us why you recommend them, what they do, and where they can be found.
Also, if you are a small business owner, you should seriously consider getting certified as a Broward Small Business. This way, you can increase your odds of doing business with one of Broward’s many agencies that are looking to procure goods and services. Check out Broward.org/EconDev for more information.
This month, Revolution’s Rise of the Rest team will be in South Florida. As you may have seen on 60 Minutes, the premise of Rise of the Rest is to showcase venture capital funding in areas outside of Silicon Valley. Our area offers great weather, a less taxing atmosphere, tons of entrepreneurial spirit, and is ripe for these types of startup investments and companies. We are seeing more and more startups form and expand in Broward County. I have been following this and will be meeting with the Rise of the Rest team to promote Broward’s ideal startup economy.
Hurricane season is quickly approaching. Now is the time to start thinking about your emergency supplies and review your emergency plans. Being prepared is imperative to protect your family, home and business. Sign up today for Alert Broward at Broward.org/emergency for emergency notifications and check your city’s website for more information.
From my family to yours, I wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day. Take time not only on Mother’s Day, but every day, to show them how much they are appreciated. In addition, I look forward to seeing you throughout the district on Memorial Day at one of several events to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Staying connected with the residents of District 3 is a top priority for me. Every month, we hold office hours at the following locations: on the third Wednesday: 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Northwest Regional Library in Coral Springs, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Tamarac Community Library, and 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in North Lauderdale at the Saraniero Branch Library.
Please feel free to stop by and say hello. If those times don’t work for you, I can be reached at MUdine@Broward.org or 954-357-7003. Please follow me on social media @CommissionerMichaelUdine on Facebook and @MichaelUdine on Twitter or Instagram, to receive important updates and see what is happening in our community.
Michael Udine
Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine represents Seat Three which covers Coral Springs, Parkland, Tamarac and North Lauderdale.