BEAUTIFUL HOMES, GREAT NEW LOCATIONS, EXCEPTIONAL VALUES!

Brand New Homes from the mid $100’s*

AntilleanAntillean IIslessles aatt OOasisasis EquusEquus JensenJensen BeBeachach CCountryountry ClubClub Single-FamilySingle-Family - HighHigh $100s* Single-FamilySingle-Family MidMid $400s* Single-FamilySingle-Family - MidMid $200s* Homestead - 305.230.9460 Boynton Beach - 561.739.8303 Jensen Beach - 855.949.3057

AzAzuraura EvergreenEvergrg een LyonsLLyyons RRanchesanches OrchidOrc hid GroveGrove TownhomesTToownhomes - HHighigh $100s* Single-FamilySingle-Family - ComingComing SSoonoon Single-FamilySingle-Family - MidMid $200s* TownhomesTToownhomes - MidMid $100s* Greenacres - 877.949.3068 Homestead - 855.949.3079 Boynton Beach - 877.949.3070 Pompano Beach - 855.949.3052

BellBellaa VViVistaista FFlorencelorence atat CrystalCrystal LakesLakkees ManateeManatee Cove,Cove, Lakes by the Bay RiverRiver PlacePlace VVillasillas & TownhomesTToownhomes - MidMid $100s* TownhomesTToownhomes - ComingComing SSoonoon Single-FamilySingle-Family - HighHigh $100s* Single-FamilySingle-Family - MidMid $100s* Lauderdale Lakes - 954.634.5244 Homestead - 866.825.6152 Cutler Bay 877.478.7143 Port St. Lucie - 772.785.9017

BonitaBonita GrandGrand EstatesEstates GramercyGramercy SquareSquare MandarinMandarin LLakesakkees SagewoodSagewood Single-FamilySingle-Family - ComingComing SSoonoon TownhomesTToownhomes - LowLow $200s* TownhomesTToownhomes & Single-FamilySingle-Family Single-FamilySingle-Family - MidMid $200s* /DadeMiami/Dade - 855.949.3053 Delray Beach 855.949.3054 MidMid $100s* Greenacres - 561.688.0213 Miami - 305.242.9535 CoconutCoconut CayCay HighlandsHighlandsR ReserveReeserve WWhisperinghispering WoodsWWooods Single-FamilySingle-Family - MidMid $200s* - CCypressypress SeriesSeries MirageMiraga e aatt OasisOasis SSingle-Familyingle-Family - HighHigh $200s* Miami Gardens - 305.652.0636 SSingle-Familyingle-Family - MidMid $200s* Single-FamilySingle-Family - HighHigh $100s* WWeellington 561.790.6155 - RRoyaloyal SerieSeriess Homestead - 305.230.9460 CoronadoCoronado aatt DDoraloral SSingle-Familyingle-Family - LLowow $300s* WindemereWindemere atat TheThe PiPinesnes LuxuryLuxury CondosCondos - Mid$200s*Mid$200s* Palm City - 772.219.0243 MMuranourano Single-FamilySingle-Family - MidMid $200s* Doral - 305.888.0197 SSingle-Familyingle-Family - LLowow $200s* Jensen Beach - 866.242.9090 Palm City - 855.949.3080 AskAAssk AAbAboutbbout New Incentives!Incentives!

Brokers Welcome Se Habla Español *Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Due to D.R.Horton, Inc.’s continual building research and possibility of material shortages, there may be existing or future changes made in building products, materials, methods, or designs used in our homes which are not reflected in our models. As a result, please consult one of our sales representatives for the latest community information. Pictures, photographs, features, colors and sizes are approximate for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. 5/19/11

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NEWMARKET SERVICES

ublisher of 95 U.S. and 32 International Relocation Guides, NewMarket PServices, Inc., is proud to introduce our online version. Now you may easily access the same information you find in each one of our 127 Relocation Guides at

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Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 5 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

The NewMarket Services Information Guide is designed as a valuable resource tool for you, the newcomer to Ft. Lauderdale. It is our intent in producing this publication to standardize important and helpful information on your new community in a format that is most useful to you. Stores and services are Ft. Lauderdale listed by category in the business directory.

Important telephone numbers, packing and Welcomes You! moving suggestions, and much, much more useful information is found throughout the Guide pages. Selected area businesses, many offering significant savings are found in the Business Directory Section, sorted by category.

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(866) 595-3792 Toll Free From everyone at NewMarket Services Welcome to Ft. Lauderdale!

6 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide www.newmarketservices.com Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ Volume 11 [ Number 8

LOCAL INFORMATION The Stare of 8 Area Codes, Important Information 13 Travel Information 14 About Ft. Lauderdale 9 Historical Background 11 Where to Stay 16 Publisher: NewMarket Services, Inc. Dining and Nightlife 17 Entertainment 18 President: Patrick Morgan Shopping 19 Managing Editor: Rebecca Wallace Sports & Recreation 20 Executive Editor: Jason Gerali Recommended Tours 22 Media 23 Contributing Writer: Amy Tennant Executive VP Sales & Marketing: Robert Fischer MOVING Regional Sales Manager: Beth Hurley Smooth Transitions 25 Choosing a Moving Company 26 Art Department: Sprague Design Packing Tips 25 Graphic Designer: Dean Sprague Staying Organized 26 NewMarket On-Line: Total Web Design, Inc. Settling Into Your New Home 26 What’s All The Talk About? 29 IT and Web Development: Larry Bongiovi Pre-Move Checklist 30 Research Assistant: Stephanie Cooper, Lora Price Circulation: Little Drummer Boy Dist., Inc. MOVING WITH CHILDREN & PETS Reinforce The Positives 33 Phoenix Office: Choosing a School 33 PO Box 30534 Selecting Child Care 34 Phoenix, AZ 85046-0534 Education 36 Phone: (602) 923-3415 Relocating Your Pet 40 Fax: (602) 923-0774 FITNESS & HEALTH Toll Free: (866) 595-3791 In the Kitchen 42 Office: Physical and Mental Well Being 43 902 North Ashland Volunteering 46 Chicago, IL 60622 Phone: (312) 226-6288 HOUSING Fax: (312) 226-6290 Making the Right Choice 48 Toll Free: (866) 595-3792 Choosing the Right Home 50 Home Inspection Checklist 51 NewMarket currently publishes Information Homecare Basics for New Homeowners 52 Guides for 95 North American and 32 International Markets. To order your Security 53 NewMarket Information Guides for $3.50 Home Buyer’s Glossary 54 each, please contact NewMarket Services Take Control of Your Energy Costs 56 toll free at (866) 595-3792. Who’s Who in Building 57 Selecting a Builder 58 In preparing this publication, every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of Selecting a Contractor 59 the information contained herein, but Banking & Mortgage Information 60 authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Listings are subject to omission, error or change BUSINESS DIRECTORY without notice. Business Directory Listings 64 All material in this publication is copyright protected and can only be reprinted with permission of the publisher.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 7 THE STATE OF FLORIDA

With 1,100 miles of beaches, if you were to walk one mile of Columbia Florida beach every day, it would take you longer than two-and-a- SC half years to get around the whole state. Each area has its own Atlanta Charleston personality and unique coastal strands. Some are relaxing and Birmingham quiet, places where one could look around and see nothing but GA sand, sea and sea grapes—no high rises. Others, well known for AL being exceptionally family-friendly, are full of kids. These beaches Atlantic Ocean may be dotted with rainbow-striped beach umbrellas, sand castles, surf boards, kites and maybe a pier or a mini-golf course. Each Tallahassee Jacksonville beach has something setting it apart—one may be in a national Daytona Beach wildlife refuge, one may have emerald green waters while another FL has clear blue water, and some have various museums. Gulf of Mexico Florida’s economy relies heavily on tourism. About 60 million Orlando visitors visit the state every year. Warm weather and hundreds of Port St. Lucie Tampa/St. Petersburg miles of beach attract vacationers from around the world. The Walt West Palm Beach Disney World Resort, a mega-resort consisting of four theme parks, Fort Myers/Naples Fort Lauderdale more than twenty hotels, water parks, shopping centers, and other attractions, is an important tourist attraction located in Lake Buena Miami Vista. Together, Walt Disney World, and other theme park resorts such as Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld, are an important driver of the Central Florida economy. Orlando attracts more visitors lorida is situated mostly on a large peninsula between the than any other amusement park destination in the . Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida. Other major industries include citrus fruit and juice production, FIt extends to the northwest into a panhandle, extending along banking, and phosphate mining within the Bone Valley region. With the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is bordered on the north by the states the arrival of the space program at Kennedy Space Center in the of Georgia and Alabama, and on the west, at the end of the 1960s, Florida has developed a sizeable aerospace industry. panhandle, by Alabama. It is near the countries of the Caribbean, particularly the Bahamas and Cuba. Florida’s nickname is the “Sunshine State,” but severe weather is Fast Facts a common occurrence in the state. Central Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, as it experiences more POPULATION: 17,789,864 lightning strikes than anywhere else in the country. Florida has the CAPITAL: Tallahassee highest average precipitation of any state, in large part because COUNTIES: 67 afternoon thunderstorms are common in most of the state from late spring until early autumn. A fair day may be interrupted with a TIME ZONE: Eastern Daylight Time storm, only to return to regular, gorgeous sunshine. These STATE MOTTO: “In God we trust” thunderstorms, caused by collisions between airflow from the Gulf LARGEST CITIES: Jacksonville , Miami, Tampa of Mexico and airflow from the Atlantic Ocean, pop up in the early afternoon and can bring heavy downpours, high winds, and HOUSING UNITS: 8,009,427 sometimes tornadoes. Florida leads the United States in tornadoes MEDIAN VALUE: $105,500 per square mile, but these tornadoes do not typically reach the MEDIAN INCOME: $38,985 intensity of those in the Midwest and Great Plains. Key West has the highest average temperature in the United States. STATE SALES TAX: 6%

8 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide ABOUT FT. LAUDERDALE

JUST THE FACTS

nce upon a time, one could look down the road along Fort Lauderdale beach and inland along U.S. 1 and see flat land and the occasional scrubby palmetto as far Oas the eye could see. No more Now villages meld into adjoining towns, towns into cities, suburbs into each other and the entire county has become one sprawling megalopolis that stretches from the sea to the Everglades and from the northern border of Miami to the southern border of Palm Beach and beyond. Enormous and rapid growth, marked by a continuing influx of young, old and everything in between, representing a variety of cultures and outlooks on life, continues apace, making the region one of the most vibrant in all of . While all that melding was going on, however, each of the communities that comprise what is loosely known as Greater Fort Lauderdale has fiercely protected its own identity, proud of its history and its growth, its amenities and its diversity. Hollywood, for instance, was one of the earliest communities in the region, tracing its history back to its founder Joseph Young, whose handsome house, complete with billiard room, still stands along Hollywood Boulevard. Once Young and his billiard buddies had a clear view of the ocean more than a mile away. Today many a house, hotel and development stand between his house and that long-gone view. While Young would no longer be able to see the sea, he would no doubt be pleased to see the sprawling metropolitan area he jump started with land sales and abundant hype. FT. LAUDERDALE Hollywood today, while stretching from the ocean far to the western reaches of the county, DEMOGRAPHICS still focuses its social life on the city’s diverting Boardwalk, which rolls alongside sand dunes and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bistros, rustic lounges and teeny boutiques. Here, bikes Population: 152,397 and roller blades roll, strollers ogle the sea and each other, and a bevy of visitors, many of Median Age: 39.3 them from Quebec, laze in the sun and luxuriate in the outdoor lifestyle that predominates Male: 52.38% here. Hollywood’s small but significantly entertaining downtown area is built around one of the Female: 47.62% several big traffic circles that characterize the city. Thanks to a redevelopment project that Ethnic Makeup beautified downtown streets with intriguing architectural touches, trees and flowers, African American: 20.88% downtown Hollywood has become a popular dining and shopping spot. Hispanic: 13.22% Not far away, the tiny town of Dania, founded by tomato farmers, has left its farms behind Native American: 0.23% and is best known for a street lined on both sides by dozens of antique shops brimming with an eclectic array of collectibles. Parimutuel fans flock here to Dania Jai-Alai, where White/Caucasian: 55.47% talented handball players compete, slamming a wooden ball around at speeds up to Other: 10.20% 100mph and catching it in a hand-held basket. Beach enthusiasts will find some of the region’s most intriguing sands here, many of them tucked away behind forests of palms, pines and palmetto bushes. Tops among the beach diversions is John U. Lloyd State Park, a lovely wooded strip of beach that’s a favorite for picnickers.

continued on page 10

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 9 ABOUT FT. LAUDERDALE

Just south of Hollywood, the seaside town of Hallandale is lined Continuing northward, you pass through Deerfield Beach, home with condominiums where many a snowbird whiles away the winter. to a few small resorts, before you reach Boca Raton. Boca’s love Equestrian fans flock here for an afternoon with the thoroughbreds and lure is its historic and elegant Boca Raton Hotel and Resort, a at Gulfstream Park Race Track, where the nation’s best racehorses creation of architect Addison Mizner, whose pseudo-Mediterranean appear for a three-month racing season. Greyhound racing is a architecture is a wonder to behold. popular sport here, too. Keep an eye out for the village of Gulfstream, one of the Traveling north of Fort Lauderdale, one wanders through a series wealthiest villages on the Gold Coast and home to many a Fortune of small towns including Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, which pretty much 500 executives. describes this tiny town that is home to a cluster of small hostelries Other communities of note on the approach to Palm Beach and a few seaside cafes. include Briny Breezes, Boynton Beach with an attractive beach high Beyond lies the city of Pompano, which gets its name from a atop a dune, Manalapan, and Lake Worth, home to a settlement of coveted fish found in abundance here. Pompano is particularly Finnish expatriates. proud of its sportfishing options and is home to a number of fishing To the west of Fort Lauderdale lies a host of smaller cities that are competitions, a big fishing pier and a popular seafood festival. the bedroom communities of the region, their residents working in For a pretty afternoon’s drive, travel north from Fort Lauderdale municipalities throughout the area or in Miami. Among those are along Route A1A, the beachside highway. Although the sands are Sunrise, Plantation, Tamarac, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Coral sometimes hidden behind condominiums and hotels, handsome Springs, Margate, Lauderdale Lakes, Davie—which is particularly landscaping and glimpses of the waters of the Intracoastal proud of its farmland and celebrates it with Western-style Waterway on one side and the Atlantic are entrancing. architectural touches—and the newest town of them all, Weston, a Hillsboro Beach, home to some of the region’s most imposing developer’s dream just minutes from the Everglades. seaside manses, is one of the loveliest parts of the drive, with the Wrap them all together and throw in miles of waterways and road rolling beneath massive trees and vegetation that must look rivers, acres of palms and pines, thousands of cafes, shops, much as it did a century ago when the fabled Barefoot Mailman lounges, nightclubs and festivals and you’ve got Greater Fort strode the sand, armed with mail for the region’s earliest settlers. Lauderdale, always an intriguing place to play. Hillsboro Inlet is home to a fishing fleet so you can always find a fishing trip here and fresh-from-the-sea seafood at the Pelican Restaurant.

WEATHER

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temp. Average Max 75.7 76.3 79.6 83.4 86.2 89.2 91.2 91.4 90.1 86.2 81.2 77.7

Temp. Average Min 56.8 57.0 62.1 65.4 69.4 72.8 73.8 74.4 73.7 70.0 64.4 59.5

Average Precipitation 2.5 2.9 2.9 2.9 6.7 8.0 6.0 6.6 7.2 7.6 3.5 2.3

Temperature in °F and Precipitation in inches

10 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide HISTORIC BACKGROUND

Florida’s Gold Coast, of which Fort Lauderdale is such an integral No shrinking violets when it came to promotion, he and his part, is proof that contemporary alchemy exists. cronies lured the famed and infamous of the day, perfecting an Seven decades ago, what is now seductive sands, swaying sea enduring technique Mizner called, ”Get the big snobs, and the little oats and glittering hotels and condominiums was palmetto scrub ones will follow.” and swampland. Along these sands, only the occasional beached Mizner’s boom spread southward to Fort Lauderdale and sailor and the fabled barefoot mailman strode. environs, where canny characters salted the seaside with ”pirate Many generations ago, the Abaniki tribe of Native Americans lived gold” to lure buyers who already were pouring $2 million a week into beside the sea here, followed generations later by pirates who Mizner’s sales coffers. So wildly farcical and often felonious did it all awaited an opportunity to attack Spanish galleons heading home become that Boca Raton earned the nickname Beaucoup Rotten. from Central America, loaded with gold. While this investors’ feeding frenzy was luring wealth-seekers to Some didn’t just await an opportunity—they created it. Early the Gold Coast, down in Fort Lauderdale, a young man named entrepreneurs called ”wreckers” lured ships onto the spiky shoreline Frank Stranahan was seeking his fortune in the sunshine along the stones that gave Boca Raton, which translates loosely to ”rat’s city’s New River. There he opened a general store and built a mouth,” its unglamorous Spanish name, a salute to the rocks’ ferryboat to sail Miami-bound travelers across the river. To his resemblance to rat’s teeth. Wreckers had a pretty easy job of it, humble home and store, which still stands, Seminoles paddled however as hurricanes and inadequate navigational aids sent many downstream from the marshes. They would sleep over on his porch a ship to a watery death. So often did this happen, in fact, that the before beginning the upstream return. Later, boarders of a more locals often went to church to pray not only for booty, but for conventional nature slept in his extra rooms. When a young teacher specific booty, designed to meet the need of the moment. So named Ivy arrived, he married her, and the town of Fort Lauderdale, handsomely were some prayers answered that a massive party named for Maj. William Lauderdale, who had once commanded a went on for days in Boca Raton when a Spanish shipwreck fort on the site, was born. produced hundreds of barrels of sherry. All the bubbles burst when the Depression spread its depressing The wreckers were such a demanding crowd that, by the late tentacles across the nation, but at least Addison Mizner sunk into 1800s, they were accusing ship owners of sending out worthless fiscal gloom with characteristic style. Mizner sold a barren plot of cargo to collect insurance money. Audacity like that is nothing new land to an entrepreneur, whose efforts to grow coconuts failed in these climes, where some of the nation’s most flamboyant miserably. The buyer sued Mizner, claiming he had been told he characters have made miracles and millions, trading on pride and could ”grow nuts” on the land. ”Oh no,” Mizner responded to the sunny circumstances. judge, ”I told him you could go nuts on the land.” One of these characters was long-ailing architect Addison Mizner, In the years that followed, some went nuts, some went broke, but who rode railroad entrepreneur Henry Flagler’s train to Palm Beach as the decades passed, the lure of year-round sun, sparkling sea to swim in healing sunshine. He ended up swimming in millions of and swaying palms proved irresistible to buyers. Another spiral of dollars, happily paid by those who commissioned him to build good fortune began, rising to an apex when Mizner’s Cloister Inn massive homes along the Gold Coast. Palm Beach and Boca Raton was bought by financier Arthur Vining Davis in 1956 for $22.5 soon became the stronghold of Addison’s flashy ”Bastard-Spanish- million—$17 million more than the United Stated paid for the entire Moorish-Romanesque-Gothic-Renaissance-Bull Market- Damn- state! the-Expense” architectural style. That booms continued—and continues—as Fort Lauderdale In 1925, he created Boca’s Cloisters Hotel, which stands still as became Greater Fort Lauderdale, encompassing a host of smaller part of a massive resort complex. He created the Breakers Hotel. urban areas stretching from the southern border of Palm Beach to He created Palm Beach’s toney Worth Avenue. He created half of the northern edge of Miami, luring thousands to a golden coastline Palm Beach, at least, and what he didn’t create, others created by that has become one of the nation’s best-loved sunspots. copying his embellished style.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 11 NATIONAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION PHONE NUMBERS

National Health Organization Mental Health Simply dial plus the number below 1-800-*… National Alliance for the Mentally Illness (NAMI) 950-6264 Allergy National Down Syndrome Society 244-4444 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AFFA) 727-8462 National Mental Health Association Resource Ctr 969-6642 Cancer Neurology American Cancer Society 227-2345 National Alzheimer’s Association 272-3900 American Institute for Cancer Research. 843-8114 Christopher Reeve’s Paralysis Foundation 225-0292 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America 955-4572 American Parkinson Disease Association 223-2732 National Cancer Institute (CIS) 422-6237 Epilepsy Foundation of America. 332-1000 Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) 754-6490 United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA) 872-5827 Children’s Health Huntington’s Disease Society of America 345-4372 American SIDS Foundation 232-7437 Brain Injury Association of America Family Hotline 444-6443 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) 344-4823 National Headache Foundation 843-2256 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 223-1138 National Multiple Sclerosis Society 344-4867 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance 221-7437 National Stroke Association 787-6537 National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc. 233-7393 Patient Care Spina Bifida Association of American 621-3141 Medic Alert Foundation U.S. 863-3425 or 432-5378 Infectious Diseases National Hospice Organization 658-8898 AIDS Hotline, CDC National, National STD Hotline 342-AIDS Shriner’s Hospital Referral Line 237-5055 (Spanish) 344-7432 Visiting Nurse Association of America 426-2547 (Hearing Impaired) 243-7889 Physical Disabilities Internal Medicine American Council of the Blind. 424-8666 American Diabetes Association 232-3472 American Speech/Language/Hearing Association 638-8255 American Heart Association 242-8721 or 968-1793 National Easter Seals Society 221-6827 American Kidney Association 638-8299 Woman’s Health American Lung Association 586-4872 Endometriosis Association. 992-3636 Arthritis Foundation 283-7800 Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. 221-2141 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. 932-2423 *This is a Toll-Free Number! Lupus Foundation of America 558-0121 This is only a partial list of national health organizations. National Kidney Foundation 622-9010 Contact the National Health Information Center (NHIC) Spondylitis Association of American (SAA) 777-8189 at (800) 336-4797 for a more complete list. NOTE: This general information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional as it relates to your specific situation.

12 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide IMPORTANT INFORMATION

City Area Code(s) Shipping & Postal Service The area code for Ft. Lauderdale is 954 Airborne Express (800) 247-2676 Federal Express (800) 463-3339 Emergency UPS (800) 742-5877 All Emergencies 911 Utilities Police (Non-Emergency) (954) 828-5700 Fire-Rescue (Non-Emergency) (954) 828-6800 Florida Power & Light Company (954) 797-5000, (954) 581-5668 Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 City Public Works Dept for Water and Sanitation (954) 828-8000 Poison Control (800) 764-7661 Billing Inquiries (954) 828-5150 Cable Providers Establishing Legal Residency Time Warner Cable (941) 657-6401 Adelphia Cable (561) 627-3600 To become a resident of Florida, a person must establish a home Comcast Digital Cable (954) 252-1937 or a permanent dwelling place and demonstrate the intent to make Florida the place of permanent legal residence. Transportation Laws Clerk of the Court Office (954) 831-5504 201 S.E. 6th Street, Room 130 Vehicle Registration Fort Lauderdale, 33301 New residents may apply for their auto tag or mobile home- www.browardclerk.org registration and a Florida title at any one of the County’s auto tag agencies. Call the Auto Tag Information Center at (954) 831-4000 Financial Services before you visit a tag agency to insure that you bring the proper Automatic Teller Information documents. ATM Locator (800) 248-4286 Your Florida vehicle title is processed in Tallahassee and will be MasterCrd ATM (800) 424-7787 mailed to you by the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles. Be prepared VISA Plus System (800) 843-7587 to submit proof of required Florida insurance, the driver’s license Lost or Stolen Credit Cards numbers-of all owners and the color of the vehicle. American Express (800) 233-5432 AT&T Universal Card (800) 423-4343 Driver’s License Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (954) 497-1570 Diners Club (800) 234-6377 www.hsmv.state.fl.us Discover Card (800) 347-2683 New state residents who wish to drive in Florida must obtain a JCB (800) 736-8111 Florida driver’s license within 30 days of moving here. U.S. citizens, MasterCard (800) 826-2181 take your driver’s license, social security card and birth certificate. VISA (800) 336-8472 Non-U.S. citizens must have an INS or other document of legal Lost or Stolen Travelers Checks American Express (800) 221-7282 presence. Canadians without INS documents must provide proof of Thomas Cook MasterCard (800) 223-7373 Canadian citizenship. Travelers Check Customer Service (800) 645-6556 Contact the DMV to find a local office. VISA (800) 227-6811 Seat Belts Florida law requires that all passengers in the front seat of a Government Numbers vehicle wear seat belts. Children 6-15 must be belted when either City Hall - General Information (954) 828-5000 in the front or rear seat of a vehicle. Children age five and younger Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 must be secured in federally approved child-restraint devices. Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 Children through age three must be secured in separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child safety seat. For children Support Networks age four through five years, a separate carrier, an integrated child Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 safety seat or a seat belt may be used. Teen Link (Various Topics) (800) 235-9678 Voter Registration Services In the State of Florida, you must be a U.S. Citizen and 18 years Directory Assistance 411 old by Election Day to register to vote. Supervisor of Elections Main Office (954) 357-7050 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 102 Fort Lauderdale, 33301

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 13 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airports Spirit Airlines, spiritair.com (800) 772-7117 Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) SunCountry Airlines, suncountry.com (800) 359-6786 320 Terminal Drive United Airlines, ual.com (800) 864-8331 Fort Lauderdale, 33315 US Airways, usairways.com (800) 428-4322 (954) 359-1200 Virgin Atlantic, virgin-atlantic.com (800) 862-8621 www.broward.org/airport Airlines - International • Non-stop service to more than 40 U.S. cities. Aer Lingus, www.aerlingus.ie (866) 886 8844 • International service to, Canada, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Aeroflot, www.aeroflot.aero/eng (650) 615-9278 Mexico, Latin America and South America. Aeromexico, www.AeroMexico.com (800) 237-6639 • Parking for nearly 12,000 cars reachable via covered walkway. Aerolineas Argentina, www.aerolineas.com.ar (800) 333-0276 Thousands more spaces in remote parking lots accessible by Air Canada, www.aircanada.ca (800) 247-2262 free shuttle service. Air China, www.china-airlines.com (800 )986-1985 • Wireless connectivity throughout the airport for convenient laptop Air France, www.airfrance.com (800) 237-2747 operation and Internet access. Air India, www.airindia.com Driving Directions Air Jamaica, www.airjamaica.com (800) 523-5585 FLL is located at 320 Terminal Drive, Fort Lauderdale , FL 33315, Air New Zealand, www.airnewzealand.com (800) 262-1234 If you are driving to FLL, follow the directions provided below or Alitalia, www.alitaliausa.com (800) 223-5730 click here for specific driving directions from your location Asiana, us.flyasiana.com (800) 227-9262 From the North: Take I-95 South to I-595 East. Bear right onto British Airways, www.british-airways.com (800) 247-9297 U.S. 1 South Federal Highway-and take the Airport exit. Follow the Cathay Pacific Airways, www.cathaypacific.com (800) 233-2742 directions into the Airport. China Airlines, www.china-airlines.com (800) 227-5118 From the South: Take I-95 North to I-595 East. Bear right onto China Eastern Airlines, www.chinaeastern.co.uk (800) 200-5118 U.S. 1 South Federal Highway-and take the Airport exit. Follow the Egypt Air, www.egyptair.com.eg (800) 334-6787 directions into the Airport. El Al, www.elal.co.il (800) 223-6700 From Fort Lauderdale beach: From AIA, go West on Sunrise Blvd. Eurofly, www.eurofly.it (800) 477-6492 or Las Olas Blvd.-to Federal Highway. Go South on U.S. 1 South Eva Airways, www.evaair.com (800) 695-1188 Federal Highway-to the Airport exit. Follow the directions into the Japan Airlines, www.jal.co.jp/en (800) 525-3663 Airport. KLM Airlines, www.klm.com (800) 374-7747 Parking at the Airport Korean Air, www.koreanair.com (800) 438-5000 Stay to your left as you approach the airport on Terminal Drive. LACSA, centralamerica.com/cr/lacsa/lacsa (800) 225-2272 Use the second lane from the left to access all parking. Follow the LOT Polish, www.lot.com (800) 223-0593 signs for short or long-term parking and choose one of our three Lufthansa, www.lufthansa.com (800) 645-3880 garages. Valet parking is available for all terminals just follow the Mexicana, www.mexicana.com (800) 531-7821 signs for long-term parking to areas marked valet parking. Philippine Airlines, www.philippineairlines.com (800) 435-9725 Airlines - Domestic Quantas, www.qantas.com (800) 227-4500 Singapore Airlines, www.singaporeair.com (800) 742-3333 AirTran Airlines, airtran.com (800) 247-8726 Skyservice USA, www.skyserviceairlines.com (877) 485-6060 Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, alaskaair.com (800) 252-7522 Swissai, www.swiss.com (800) 221-4750 Allegiant Air, allegiantair.com (800) 432-3810 TACA, www.taca.com (800) 535-8780 American Airlines, aa.com (800) 433-7300 USA 3000 Y Airlines, www.usa3000.com (800) 872-3000 Atlantic Southeast, flyasa.com (800) 282-3424 Comair, comair.com (800) 221-1212 Cruises/Resorts Continental Airlines, continental.com (800) 525-0280 Disney World Reservations (800) 227-1500 Delta Airlines, delta.com (800) 221-1212 Holland America Cruises (800) 426-0327 Frontier Airlines, frontierairlines.com (800) 432-1359 Princess Cruises (800) 774-6237 Hawaiian Airlines, hawaiianair.com (800) 367-5320 Royal Caribbean International (800) 327-6700 JetBlue Airlines, JetBlue.com (800) 538-2583 Midwest Airlines, midwestairlines.com (800) 452-2022 Northwest Airlines, nwa.com (800) 225-2525 SkywestAirlines, skywest.com (800) 453-9417 Southwest Airlines, southwest.com (800) 435-9792

14 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION

Hotels/Motels Commuter Rail Tri-Rail (800) 874-7245 Best Western (800) 528-1234 800 N.W. 33rd Street Budgetel Inns (800) 428-3438 Pompano Beach, 33064 Clarion Hotels (800) 424-6423 www.tri-rail.com Comfort Inns (800) 424-6423 Tri-Rail, Florida’s commuter rail system, connects Miami, Fort Courtyard by Marriott (800) 321-2211 Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Operated by the South Florida Days Inn (800) 329-7466 Regional Transportation Authority, Tri-Rail offers 30 weekday trains, Doubletree Hotels (800) 222-8733 14 trains on Saturday and 12 on Sunday serving 18 stations, seven Econo Lodges (800) 446-4777 of which are in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. Fares start at $2. Embassy Suites (800) 362-2779 Greyhound Bus (954) 764-6551, (800) 231-2222 Fairmont Hotels (800) 527-4727 515 N.E. 3rd Street Four Seasons (800) 332-3442 Fort Lauderdale, 33301 Hilton Hotels (800) 445-8667 www.greyhound.com Holiday Inns (800) 465-4329 Greyhound offers approximately 27 schedules daily to Howard Johnson Motor Lodges (800) 654-2000 destinations such as Orlando, , and Atlanta. Hyatt Hotels (800) 233-1234 Publlic Transportation La Quinta Motor Inn (800) 531-5900 Broward County Transit Authority (954) 357-8400 Loews Hotels (800) 223-6397 3201 W. Copans Road Marriott Hotels (800) 228-9290 Fort Lauderdale, 33069 Meridien Hotels (800) 543-4390 www.co.broward.fl.us/bct Omni International (800) 843-6664 The Broward County Transit BCT-is a public transportation option Quality Inns (800) 228-5151 for getting around Broward County. The service covers a large Radisson Hotels International (800) 333-3333 chunk of Broward county, and Route 18 provides a bus route to Ramada Inns (800) 228-2828 service the tri-county area of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Red Roof Inns (800) 843-7663 Beach. Ritz Carlton Hotels (800) 241-3333 Rental Cars Sheraton Hotels (800) 325-3535 Advantage, advantage.com (800) 777-5500 Stouffer Hotels (800) 468-3571 Alamo, alamo.com (800) 462-5266 Super 8 Motels (800) 800-8000 Avis, avis.com (800) 331-1212 TraveLodge Motels (800) 578-7878 Budget, budget.com (800) 527-0700 Westin Hotels (800) 228-3000 Dollar, dollar.com (800) 800-4000 Highway Transportation Enterprise, enterprise.com (800) 736-8222 E-Z, e-zrentacar.com (972) 574-3360 A comprehensive highway system connects the Florida Turnpike, federal highways and state roads. Broward County’s major east- Fox/Payless, www.foxrentacar.com (800) 225-4369 west artery, I-595, offers convenient connections to I-95, Alligator Hertz, hertz.com (800) 654-3131 Alley and I-75, serving as a crucial link to Miami in the south and National, nationalcar.com (800) 227-7368 Naples to the west. Interstate 95 provides the north-south link that Thrifty, www.thrifty.com (800) 367-2277 merges South Florida with the entire East Coast of the country. Five Water Taxi miles west of I-95 is the Florida Turnpike, the state’s main toll road, Water Taxi (954) 467-6677 which extends from Miami to Orlando in the center of the state and 651 Seabreeze Boulevard beyond. Its southwestern extension leads to Homestead and the Fort Lauderdale, 33316 Florida Keys. www.watertaxi.com You can enjoy the “Venice of America” on Water Taxi’s floating Inter-City Transportation buses. Goes to and from hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, Amtrak (800) 872-7245 shops, beaches, marinas and more. Travel daily between Oakland Offers daily trips to and from New York, while the Sunset Limited Park Boulevard to 17th Street Causeway, including the New River. rolls in from Los Angeles three times a week. America’s national passenger railroad system. Tickets may be purchased in person at any Amtrak station, via phone by calling 800-USA-RAIL or via the Internet at www.amtrak.com.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 15 WHERE TO STAY

Whether you want to view the ocean and hear early morning courses and clay court tennis, not to mention a dazzling tropical waves breaking along Fort Lauderdale’s famous beach, relax in garden complete with swans and waterfalls. They offer luxurious luxury amid serene Everglades preserves on its western borders, or seclusion from the fast-paced world to the east, but with easy anything in between, there’s a wide variety of accommodations to access to major highways to get right back in. The Sawgrass Mills, fit every comfort, style and budget. a shopper’s paradise and one of the largest outlets in the United It’s all here: charming bed and breakfasts in historic inns, tall high States with over 250 stores, is only a few minutes away. rises with spectacular sights, private beaches and designer Many places to stay in the Fort Lauderdale area are comfortable swimming pools, or simple but convenient motels within walking but unpretentious, offering simple amenities, but are close to distance to sand and surf. Amenities offered are numerous and attractions and the beach, such as the Oceanside Inn, the Ronny varied from health clubs and pet sitters to business traveler services Dee Resort Motel, and the Sea Downs. and childcare, or just the basic pot of coffee to start the day. Just north of Fort Lauderdale on the beach is the Plaza Hotel and Most accommodations are seasonal in prices. During the Resort, offering many conveniences such as coffeemaker, hair summer months from May to September, rates are lowest. Many dryer, and data port. Also, the Best Inn Polynesian Hotel is a have multilingual staff. beautiful resort close to attractions, shopping and the beach. Many of the older and smaller motels, built in the 1950’s, provide When a charming bed and breakfast is your desire near the comfortable places to spend a week or two or even a month, all downtown area, the Caribbean Quarters, the Ocean Hacienda Inn , within a short distance to the beach. Amenities include refrigerator, and the River Inn (The) which is right on the Middle River, offer laundry facilities, and picnic areas. Some are visited year after year delightful accommodations in a warm, historic setting. by regular Florida bound Northerners. For older and smaller beach accommodations near Fort Along the Intracoastal Waterway at Port Everglades where cruise Lauderdale Beach with only a few rooms, but the draw is a ships abound, the Hyatt Regency at Pier 66, an established multilingual staff, stay at Three Suns Motel, A Little Inn by-the-Sea, landmark since 1959, has a revolving lounge at the top and 142 Jasmin Villa Motel, or Estoril Paradise Inn Motel . boat slips at its marina. The Fort Lauderdale Marina Marriott, or the Accommodations just southwest of the downtown area near the Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale offer luxurious accommodations, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, you’ll find the all close to the Convention Center, shopping and restaurants near Sheraton Suites Plantation, adjacent to the Fashion Mall, a two- downtown Fort Lauderdale. tiered enclosed shopping center, the Sunrise Hilton, and the Fort If you prefer apartment style lodging, there are many large, Lauderdale Airport Hilton. Although they are chain hotels, they offer furnished units such as the Ocean Terrace Suites, Tropic Isle Beach busy travelers convenient lodging with excellent amenities, close to Resort, and the Pelican Beach Resort. Near the famous downtown main highways, attractions, shopping and restaurants. shopping along famous Las Olas Blvd, one and two bedroom If you’re a camper and want to be one with nature, try Everglades accommodations can also be found at the Banyan Marina Holiday Park , Seminole Park Campground , Easterlin Parkor Apartments. Buglewood RV Resort. There’s nothing like the great outdoors to Just south of Fort Lauderdale proper is the landmark Hollywood truly appreciate the natural wonders of the Florida Everglades and Beach Resort, a famed 1920’s grand hotel, now a condominium wildlife. located right on the beach. The boardwalk is filled with strollers and Whether you want to escape from your busy world and relax on skaters as well as with many shops, cafes and restaurants with Florida’s golden beaches, enjoying the warm Gulfstream waters, or umbrella shaded tables. There’s plenty of entertainment and passing through on business, there’s a wide range of excellent nightlife right outside your door. Also on the south beach area close accommodations. You’ll have no trouble finding just the right place to local attractions, you’ll find the Clarion Hotel Hollywood Beach. to stay to meet your needs or expectations. Along the western edge of the Everglades boundary about ten Welcome to Fort Lauderdale! miles from the international airport, is the Coral Springs Wellesley Inn, or the Wyndham Resort and Spa with its championship golf

16 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

Once billed as the possessor of more restaurants per capita than As you while away a long, lazy day in a cafe, lo and behold, it’s any city in the nation, Fort Lauderdale loves—and virtually lives in— time for dinner and the choices become nearly as numerous as the its restaurants. stars overhead. Those who delight in the combination of casual and Hardly a party goes by in the city that the discussion doesn’t turn gourmet may head for By Word of Mouth, where the menu is as to the latest great restaurant find, the favorite seafood haven, the intriguing as the green-striped exterior, or to Burt & Jack’s, where best spot for steak, a great waterside spot or a new romantic-dining massive cruise ships set out to sea, sailing by just a few feet away discovery. from this Mediterranean-style hideaway tucked into a corner of You will soon discover that folks here do business, entertain, bustling Port Everglades. meet, greet, and, oh yes, eat, at dining spots chic or simple, tucked Folks here have strong opinions on many things, but no opinion in from sea to suburb, from urban core to the back of beyond, from is more staunchly defended than a decision on what’s the best shopping center to chic street. restaurant for....fill in the blank. Before the city’s famed sunshine spreads its warmth over the If the focus of discussion is seafood, you are likely to hear sand, coffee cups are being filled in popular breakfast spots enraptured tales of dinner at 15th Street Fisheries, tucked away in populated by beach joggers. That focus on food continues through a marina where impressive yachts provide entertainment, or Old brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late-night ice cream runs. Florida Seafood House, where much of the staff has been around On weekends, you will find a crowd waiting for a table at such long enough to recognize regular customers. casual, easygoing seaside spots as The Deck, an outdoor cafe If steak is spoken, the conversation turns to such renowned perched high over the street with a view of swaying palms and spots as Gibby’s, Shula’s On the Beach, casual Chuck’s Steak waves lapping over the sands. Platters of eggs Benedict garnished House or the woodsy Raindancer, the latter two as popular for their with orange slices, heaping fruit platters and the scent of toast and brimming salad bars and French onion soup as for their beef and bacon draw crowds that fill umbrella-topped tables, and not even seafood selections. the occasional spattering of raindrops stops the joggers and Trendy crowds head for the seaside H2O, where an intriguing walkers, the cross-town crowd or the throngs of visitors from pulling menu is abetted by an equally diverting seaside location, to Sage, up a plastic chair and living the good life in the sunshine. While the where French touches are applied to contemporary cuisine, or to Deck is a favorite, it is just one of many seaside bistros out to lure such dining-drinking beach spots as Lulu’s Bait Shack, Howl at the tan fans. Moon Saloon, or Quarterdeck, where the food is simple, the Not far away on chic Las Olas Boulevard, lines form on weekends people-watching complex. at The Floridian, where judges and lawyers, politicians and regular When the flavors of France tempt, thundering herds head for Le folks gather to gossip as they down a creative collection of egg Cafe de Paris, La Ferme or the Left Bank, where chefs of selections—one even including a bottle of champagne—in the considerable local renown have been presiding over their ultimate in casual surroundings, inside and out. Boulevardiers who respective, and respected, kitchens for decades. aren’t at the Floridian can likely be found at Vie de France Cafe & If an evening that includes both fine food and enchanting Bakery just down the way, or up on Federal Highway at entertainment is in order, no Fort Lauderdale devotee would fail to Croissan’Time Cafe, where French-speaking bakers create what name the Mai-Kai, one of the city’s oldest restaurants and perhaps the name suggests, along with baguettes, epis and a host of its most revered. Here since the city was a baby, this thatched-roof downright irresistible pastries, sandwiches and sweets. dining spot is a wonderland of waterfalls and tropical greenery, For some it’s not long before lunch rolls around, and it’s time to massive paddle fans and Polynesian artifacts. From its kitchens find someone of similar intent to stroll with to one of the dozens of pour award-winning cuisine that ranges from Chinese-oven grilled seaside cafes that stretch along the city’s seven miles of open treats to tempting flavors of the islands. On stage, lovely lasses and oceanfront, where bikinis play and beach blanket bingo was once a muscular drummers perform authentic dances choreographed by major sport...and perhaps still is for some. the Tahitian owner of this entertaining spot that shows you why Work does get done in Fort Lauderdale but much of it gets done Bora-Bora is never boring-boring. over lunch at such popular downtown spots as Mango’s, where It goes on like that from Southwestern fare at Canyon to comfort streetside tables are packed by 11am. At Mark’s Las Olas, where foods at Ireland’s Ocean Inn, from elegant Oriental options at an award-winning chef and a sleekly sophisticated atmosphere Rainbow Palace to pizazz and pizza at Bistro Mezzaluna, from cool- cater to the wants of the well-heeled, the tables are full from midday chic at Bimini Boatyard to waterside chic at Casablanca, from to nearly midnight. hammers and tongs for an attack on blue crabs at Rustic Inn to Those who want the sand almost between their toes as they dine chopsticks at Lotus, a tiny neighborhood Chinese-kitchen favorite, head for the north end of the beach where Aruba, an on-the- from lemon grass at Sukho Thai to steak and kitsch in a den at The beach—quite literally—casual dining spot offers views of swimmers Caves, from a yodel at Alpine Village to picadillo and plantains at and suntan fans frolicking alongside a fishing pier, where Las Vegas, from bouillabaisse at the beach in Sea Watch to fish and determined anglers dangle a hook in hopes of snagging supper. chips on the river at Shirttail Charlie’s, from—the list goes on and on...and on. Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 17 ENTERTAINMENT

Fort Lauderdale is nothing if not entertaining. If history is your book, the city’s small Himmarshee Village area From—thankfully—long-gone days when an unremarkable film focuses on the past. The city’s first hotel sits serenely by the water, called Where the Boys Are skyrocketed the city to collegiate fame, and some of its first homes are now on display, or in use as chic to these simply sunny days when sophisticates have taken over the riverside restaurants. Star of the history scene is tiny Stranahan sands and ousted the undergrads, the city has learned many a House, the antique, New River home of the city’s founders: she a lesson about entertainment. teacher, he operating the ferry that was once the only way to cross Today, you won’t find cavorting students hanging from the the river and make your way to Miami. lampposts but you will still find the satisfying selection of to-dos that Farther north, in Palm Beach, the home of railroad entrepreneur has long drawn sun-seekers. Diversions are wide- ranging, from Henry Morrison Flagler provides a look at quite the other side of the discos to down-under adventures among the just-offshore reefs, housing coin with its dozens of gilded, marbled rooms and its from alligator feedings to riverboat rides through a myriad of canals towering facade. that have given this seaside city the nickname Venice of the In the urbanity that now characterizes the Gold Coast, it is easy Americas. to forget that an unusual tribe of runaway Creek Indians from Disneyworld and all its offshoot attractions are just a few hours Georgia and the Carolinas were among the first inhabitants here. To drive away, but most folks do not come to Fort Lauderdale for wild learn a little about the Seminoles, whose flight from their own tribe rides—although those are available—and endless lines. Rather, they ended in yet another flight from British, Spanish and American come here to recover from those and other stresses on more than usurpers, visit Ah Tah Thi Ki Museum, in the heart of Big Cypress 20 miles of soft sands that bake in sunshine that is just as reliable Reservation. One Seminole, a member of the Billie clan, created the in the sludgy, slushy days of February as in the breezy days of May. Everglades’ Billie Swamp Safari. You can paddle a dugout canoe, Temperatures here rarely reach below 60 and generally stay at a tune in to a Seminole storyteller or stay overnight in palm-thatched toasty 70-plus; rains may be torrential but they are short-lived; and ”chickee” huts. C-O-L-D is considered a four-letter word. That means that any time If sports are the diversion of choice, Fort Lauderdale and environs of year you can come out to play here and find plenty of ways to do present not dozens but hundreds of golf courses and tennis courts, it. a bicycle velodrome, a skateboard park and plenty of oceanfront Nature fans head to such spots as Everglades Holiday Park, rollerblading space. where strange contraptions known as airboats skim across shallow Stage, ballet and opera performances take place at a variety of waters for a look at that vast ”river of grass” heralded by authors venues throughout the city, with touring Broadway plays going on and closely guarded by environmentalists. Here baby alligators play, stage at the showy waterfront Broward Center for the Performing deer seek refuge on high spots, birds swoop and squawk and Arts. Just across the street, the Museum of Discovery and Science visitors marvel at miles and miles and more miles of tropical trees, offers its own kind of theater in a huge-screen IMAX Theater, as well greenery and grasses as far as the eye can see. as in a variety of intriguing exhibits, even including a spot that’s for For a man-made look at the creatures with whom we share the children only, off-limits to adults. Theater productions also take planet, a stop at Lion Country Safari is a not-to-be-missed place at cozy Parker Playhouse, the city’s first full-fledged theater, diversion. Animals of the African veldt roam free while you stay and touring bands and singers take to the boards at the Sunrise caged in your car as they stare curiously at those strange creatures Musical Theater. behind the glass—a nice twist on the zoo scene and an intriguing Nightclubs, discos, dance spots? Of course. Fort Lauderdale way to go nose-to-nose with a giraffe. didn’t earn its Fort Liquordale nickname for nothing! Those set on having a toe or a whole body immersed in water as Finally, to unite history, water, nature—and to toss in a little dining, often and as long as possible can find no more serene spot on the singing and comedy that’s tame enough for any age or sensibility— Gold Coast to do just that. Of course, the beauty of serenity is in the a visit to Fort Lauderdale simply must include a lunch or dinner sail eye of the beholder, so various parts of the city’s famed seven-mile aboard the venerable Jungle Queen Riverboat, one of the state’s strip of uninterrupted sand is staked out by a variety of special oldest attractions. As you float by, homeowners come out on their interests. There are beach areas favored by families, by alternative- lawns to wave, proving once again the joys of a small town that’s lifestyle folks, by teens and coeds, by tourists and locals, so you are small, but significant. sure to find a crowd that suits your style. Many are prepared to help you find your diversion du jour, whether it be a rip-roaring ride across the waters on a speeding race craft or a slow sail along the coastline in a sleek sailboat. If you would rather be under the water than atop it, dive shops will sail you off to nearby reefs where rafts of rainbow-hued marine creatures will give you a curious look as you snorkel or scuba through their realm.

18 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide SHOPPING

Broward Mall (954) 473-8100 Pompano Fashion Square (954) 943-4683 8000 W. Broward Blvd. 1 Pompano Square Plantation, FL 33388 Federal Hwy and Copans Rd.

Coral Ridge Mall (954) 537-2700 Sawgrass Mills (954) 846-2350 3200 N. Federal Hwy 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 Sunrise, FL 33323 World’s largest outlet mall. 270 stores. Coral Square Mall (954) 755-5550 9469 W. Atlantic Blvd. Coral Springs, FL 33071 The Shops of Las Olas (954) 487-6260 Las Olas Boulevard Fashion Mall at Plantation (954) 370-1884 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 321 N. University Drive Upscale, tree-lined shopping promenade. 100 shops, Plantation, FL 33324 restaurants, salons, sidewalk cafes and galleries.

Festival Flea Market Mall (954) 979-4555 Swap Shop (954) 791-7927 2900 W. Sample Rd. 3291 W. Sunrise Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33073 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Occupies 80 acres. Indoor shopping. Outside, largest flea market The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale (954) 564-1015 2414 E. Sunrise Blvd. in eastern U.S. Largest farmer’s market in South Florida. Circus Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 performs daily. Open every day. Occupies over 1 million square feet. 150 stores, restaurants. Grocery Stores

Hollywood Dog Track Flea Market (954) 454-8666 Albertson’s–SavOn: Albertsons is now the second largest food- 831 N. Federal Highway drug retailer in the nation it has a membership card and weekly Hallandale, FL 33009 sales papers. Indoor/outdoor market. 600 vendors. Whole Foods: A specialty grocer, focusing on organic and locally grown products. More expensive than your average store, but Hollywood Mall (954) 981-1000 paradise if you’re a member of the organic crowd. 3251 Hollywood Blvd. Winn Dixie: Just like Albertson’s, Winn Dixie has a membership Hollywood, FL 33021 card for extra savings and weekly sales. Las Olas Riverfront (954) 522-6556 Publix: The nation’s largest employee-owned grocer, Publix is 300 S.W. 1st Ave. similar to Winn Dixie and Alberson’s in their programs: club Card, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 weekly ad, etc. Shopping, dining, and entertainment on the Riverwalk.

Oceanside Shopping Center (954) 942-7010 3337 E. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 19 SPORTS & RECREATION

With an average daily temperature of 77°F in the winter and 89°F Golf in the summer, South Florida is a sports enthusiast’s paradise. Bonaventure Country Club (954) 389-2100 Outdoor activities are endless with more than sixty golf courses, 200 Bonaventure Boulevard hundreds of parks, miles of coral reefs and of course, the ever- Fort Lauderdale, FL 33326 present Florida sunshine. Yardage – West: 6128 East: 7001 Spectators enjoy all of the major league sporting team action in Coral Ridge Country Club (954) 566-4746 the area. The Miami Heat play just a short drive away at the 3801 Bayview Drive waterfront American Airlines arena. Additionally, the Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33308 and Florida Marlins take center stage at Miami’s Dolphins Stadium. Yardage – 7095 Diplomat Resort Country Club (954) 457-2082 Fishing & Hunting 501 Diplomat Parkway Hollywood FL 33309 Freshwater Fishing Yardage – 6728 If you are a resident or non-resident of Florida, you need a valid Florida Fishing license to fish in the State’s freshwater areas. If you Tournament Players Club at Heron Bay (954) 796-2000 11801 Heron Bay Boulevard are 15 years old or younger, or you fish with a cane pole in the Coral Springs, FL 33706 county of your residence, you don’t need a license. Also, if you are Yardage – 7260 over the age of 65 and a resident of Florida, hunting and fishing are Weston Hills Country Club (954) 384-4653 permitted without a license. You may get a Fishing License at the 2600 Country Club Way offices of Broward County Revenue Collection or at one of the many Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332 subagent offices located around the County. 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA Yardage – Tour: 7069 Players: 7272 (347-4356). Saltwater Fishing Parks A valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License is required in Broward Broward County Parks and Recreation Division (954) 357-8100 County. The license is valid for 12 months from the day you 950 N.W. 38th Street Oakland Park, 33309 purchase it. www.broward.org/parks A Saltwater Fishing License is not required if you are; a resident Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Dept(954) 828-PARK (7275) fishing in saltwater from land or a structure fixed to land; fishing from 1350 West Broward Boulevard a vessel if the operator holds a valid saltwater vessel license; a Fort Lauderdale, 33312 resident and a member of U.S. Armed Forces at home on leave for www.fortlauderdale.gov 30 days or less; or an individual fishing from a licensed pier. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling You can get a Saltwater and/or Freshwater License at the Offices The South Florida climate is perfect for enjoyable diving and of the Broward County Revenue Collection Division located at the snorkeling all year round. Greater Fort Lauderdale was named one Governmental Center Annex, 115 South Andrews Avenue Room of the “Top Ten World’s Best Wreck Diving, Marine Life and Value A100, Fort Lauderdale, or at one of the subagents located Dive Destination” by the readers of Scuba Diving magazine. throughout the County. Pro Dive (954) 761-3413 Hunting 515 Seabreeze Boulevard If you live in Broward County, you can get your hunting license Fort Lauderdale, 33316 www.prodiveusa.com from the Revenue Collection Division. The general hunting license is Scuba School & Dive Center valid for 12 months from the day you purchase it. There are specific 3331 E. Oakland Park Boulevard seasons, areas, types of equipment, requirements and limitations Fort Lauderdale, 33308 for hunting in the State of Florida. Ask for current rules and www.scuba-school.com regulations by calling the Broward County Revenue Collection Division at (954) 831-4000.

20 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide SPORTS & RECREATION

Tennis Professional Sports For more information about the City’s tennis facilities, please call More in the mood to watch sports than play them? Some of the (954) 828-5378. world’s best athletes play in the area. Jimmy Evert Tennis Center Miami Heat 786-777-HOOP 701 N.E. 12th Avenue The HEAT play at the American Airlines Arena located off Inside Holiday Park Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, about a 35 min drive from Ft. 18 lighted clay courts, three hard courts, a clubhouse with locker Lauderdale. and shower facilities, lounge. Hourly fee 601 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33132 George English Tennis Center Miami Dolphins 1-888-FINS-TIX 1101 Bayview Drive Dolphins Stadium Seven Deco-Turf lighted hard courts. Hourly fee 2269 Dan Marino Blvd Opa-Locka, FL 33056 Benenson Park www.MiamiDolphins.com 1400 S.W. 33rd Terrace Florida Marlins 877-MARLINS Three hard courts. Dolphins Stadium 2269 Dan Marino Blvd Bayview Park Opa-Locka, FL 33056 4400 Bayview Drive www.floridamarlins.com. Two lighted hard courts. Baltimore Orioles (954) 776-1921 The Baltimore Orioles return to south Florida for their 10th season Hardy Park 25 S.W. 9th Street of spring training, with 14 home games at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. Four lighted hard courts. Workouts are free and open to the public until games begin. Fort Lauderdale Stadium Riverside Park 1301 N.W. 55th Street 500 S.W. 11th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Two hard courts. www.orioles.com Florida Panthers (954) 835-PUCK Bass Park BankAtlantic Center 2750 N.W. 19th Street 2555 Panther Pkwy Two hard courts. Sunrise, FL 33323 www.floridapanthers.com Carter Park 1-800-GO-CANES 1450 W. Sunrise Boulevard The is a short drive away. With a perennially Six hard courts. ranked football team and many other sports teams, the ’Canes can provide your fix for a variety of competition. www.hurricanesports.collegesports.com

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 21 RECOMMENDED TOURS

A national magazine once took a close look at Florida’s Gold On a clockwise circular journey beginning at South Bay, you pass Coast and ranked its cities and their residents by karats. Fort the village of Clewiston, capital of Florida’s sugar industry. In the Lauderdale, Manalapan and Boca Raton, all settled by some of the fields surrounding the town, giant green cane stalks rise in nation’s most successful entrepreneurs, earned 18-19 karats. impressive splendor across 300,000 acres of fields. Harvesting by Delray Beach, Miami’s Coral Gables and Coconut Grove and the machete and machine takes place from October to May and village of Gulfstream near Palm Beach earned 20-23 karats. Posh produces 7,000 tons of cane and 1.5 million pounds of raw sugar, Palm Beach got a solid gold rating, no surprise. providing sweet stuff for about half the nation. To see history at its On a seaside drive north of Fort Lauderdale, you’ll see why Palm best here, visit the Clewiston Inn. With its tall white pillars, arched Beach glows with such a gleam and it won’t take much looking. windows and double doors, it’s not hard to spot. Inside, beamed Massive mansions rise in pastel splendor, at least one of them—the ceilings, polished cypress paneling and a fireplace create the look of former home of Marjorie Merryweather Post of Post cereals fame, Old Florida. now owned by financier Donald Trump—stretches from the ocean Near Clewiston, you’ll also find Ah-Ta-Thi-Ki, a museum built by across many acres to the glittering waters of Lake Worth, which the Seminoles. You can learn about tribal history, their longtime separates the island from mainland Florida. A great deal more successful use of medicinal herbs, how they made the dugout separates Palm Beach from mainland Florida, including the elegant canoes in which they negotiated Florida’s shallow waterways, and lifestyle of the high society that parties away the winter months, the intricate quilting techniques developed by the women. adorned in diamonds by night, sipping champagne at polo games Moore Haven is a tiny cow town where you will spot some of the attended by the likes of Britain’s Prince Charles by day. As you drive huge-horned, hump-backed Brahma cattle. Imported years ago along the ocean highway, the opulence of it all stuns your senses: from India to infuse local cattle with immunity to mosquito-borne diamond-tipped waves and golden sands on one side, enormous diseases, the odd-looking cattle helped Florida become one of the homes adorned in ornate plasterwork on the other, Rolls Royces, nation’s top cattle-producing states. Moore Haven is also home to flashy sports cars and whale-like limousines on every side. the Lone Cypress, a 450-year-old tree that was once a hitching post Palm Beach is the crown in a drive that can begin in Fort for swamp boats but is now high and dry a mile inland. Lauderdale and continue along Route A1A through the beachfront At the northern tip of the lake, the town of Okeechobee marks the communities of Pompano and lovely Hillsboro, with its oceanside spot at which Gen. Zachary Taylor fought the Seminoles in one of mansions and acres of tropical woodsiness. Glimpses of the sea two grim wars. Today, Seminole descendants live at the Big appear as you travel A1A, spreading out before you in glittering Cypress Reservation here. A monument to the battle stands on U.S. splendor at Fort Lauderdale and again in the Delray area, where 441, south of town. For a good view of Lake Okeechobee, head for construction on the sand has been prohibited, opening the view to Port Mayaca where you can turn toward the lake for a walk along passersby. the locks. Other lakeside entry areas allow you to climb high levees For a look at a most unusual part of Florida, head for Lake built following a disastrous 1928 hurricane that blew the water right Okeechobee, one of the world’s largest inland lakes. Occupying out of the lake and drowned more than 2,000. At several pretty thousands of acres west of Palm Beach and about a 90-minute parks, you can picnic and rent boats for a ride over this shallow drive from Fort Lauderdale, this vast shallow lake is the heart of lake, which is rarely more than 15 feet deep. Pahokee State South Florida’s sugar cane fields and cattle pastures. You can travel Recreation Area offers a marina, tent camping sites and a towering there from Fort Lauderdale on U.S. Route 27, which cuts straight observation post. through the heart of fishing, cattle and farming country. A word Belle Glade is the breadbasket of the region, producing more about this road, however: it is a busy two-lane stretch traveled by than 30 kinds of vegetables from the rich soil that surrounds the trucks, so very alert driving is required. You can also get to the lake town. In early April, the city has a Black Gold Jubilee barbecue feast from Fort Lauderdale on Florida’s Sunshine State Parkway, traveling to celebrate the harvest. Small lakeside fishing camps offer guides north to Lake Worth, then turning west. Either way, you arrive at the and boats for the bass, crappie and bream fishing that lures edge of the lake that is the centerpost of the water system that anglers. Florida’s version of the Old West lives on in rodeos and sustains South Florida and the Everglades. This massive freshwater Seminole celebrations. They offer marvelous opportunities for lake spreads across 730 square miles and nearly 500,000 acres. snapshots of tribal members adorned in jackets, skirts and shirts The entire region depends on water that travels through the porous featuring the complicated quilting unique to the tribe. limestone aquifer beneath the state’s surface. This lake, the remains Other expeditions from Fort Lauderdale can take you into the of a prehistoric sea, is the linchpin not only of South Florida’s water Everglades for jet boat rides across the shallow waters and for a supply but also supports fish, vegetables, sugar and cattle that feed look at South Florida that once was—and still is—beyond its urban Florida and many other markets. core.

22 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide MEDIA

TV Stations FM WPBT 2 PBS WIRP 88.3 Religious WFOR 4 CBS WDNA 88.9 Jazz WTVJ 6 NBC WMCU 89.7 Christian Contemporary WSVN 7 FOX WVUM 90.5 University of Miami College radio WPLG 10 ABC WLRN 91.3 Public Radio WLRN 17 PBS WCMQ 92.3 Spanish WLTV 23 Univision WHDR 93.1 Rock WBFS 33 MyTV WLVE 93.9 Smooth Jazz WBZ 39 CW WMGE 94.9 Spanish WAMI 69 Telefutura WXDJ 95.7 Beach Spanish WPOW 96.5 Rhythmic CHR Print WFLC 97.3 Adult Contemporary Fort Lauderdale is served by two English-language newspapers, WRTO 98.3 Spanish the South Florida Sun Sentinel and The Miami Herald. The Sun- WEDR 99.1 Mainstream Urban Sentinel is Fort Lauderdale’s primary newspaper with over a million WHYI 100.7 Top-40 subscribers focusing mainly on issues that affect the Fort WLYF 101.5 Adult Contemporary Lauderdale and Broward County area. WMXJ 102.7 Oldies Miami Herald 1-800-HERALD5 (437-2535) WMIB 103.5 Mainstream Urban One Herald Plaza WHQT 105.1 Miami, FL 33132 WBGG 105.9 Classic Rock WRMA 106.7 Spanish Sun-Sentinel (954) 356-4000 WAMR 107.5 Spanish 00 E. Las Olas Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 AM WQAM 560 Sports WIOD 610 News/Talk WJNA 640 Various WWFE 670 Spanish WAQI 710 Spanish WAXY 790 Sports WACC 830 Spanish WINZ 940 Talk WMYM 990 Children’s WRHB 1020 Caribbean WVCG 1080 Caribbean WQBA 1140 Spanish WAVS 1170 Caribbean WNMA 1210 Springs Spanish WSUA 1260 Spanish WLQY 1320 Ethnic WKAT 1360 News/Talk WOIR 1430 Spanish WOCN 1450 Spanish WMBM 1490 Gospel WRHC 1550 Spanish WRHC 1560 Spanish WJCC 1700 Springs Caribbean

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24 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide MOVING

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Choosing a Moving Company Have at least three movers come to your home and give estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non-binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. Obtain each company’s assigned Motor Carrier number and call the USDOT at (202) 358-7000 to determine if they are registered and have the proper insurance on file. Ask your prospective moving company for a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. Relocation to Your New Town If you’re one of the 40 million Americans planning to move this year, you need a strategy. Starting early and staying organized is the key to a painless move. In general, follow the pre- move checklists provided. These lists will help you track the myriad of details needed to facilitate your move. If you are selling your present home and/or buying a new one, refer to the home inspection checklist, choosing a morgage, and the mortgage glossary. If you are planning to rent in your new city, read the article on rental tips. And, if you are undecided, we hope the article entitled “Buying vs. Renting” will help you assess the pros and cons of each. Whatever decisions you face based on your particular circumstances, stay positive, calm and organized. And, don’t forget to make some time just for yourself. It will probably save you a lot of time in the long run! Packing Tips • Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it. • Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they should be placed. • Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose of all volatile or corrosive chemicals. • After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew. • Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. • Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape. • Put no more than 50 pounds in each container. • Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter items on top. • Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in paper. • Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can rub off and stain items packed with it. • Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move. • Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or in special boxes with compartments. • Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances. • Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed containers. Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent damage.

continued on page 26

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 25 SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

• Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued where these boxes go. This way, movers will be directed to the furniture joints could collapse. correct rooms if you’re not available to tell them where to put • Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved each box. by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be • Make a detailed floor plan for where you want things to go in your individually boxed and cushioned. new home. Photocopy it so you can tack up copies in every room • You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment for the movers. hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales • Take snapshots of wall units and shelves, so you know how agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually things were arranged on them. considered legally part of your residence.Let the moving Settling Into Your New Home company pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage. • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and Stay Organized eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. Here are some basic tips to help make moving less traumatic: • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children • Pack an “Immediate Box” or an overnight suitcase with the will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to necessities you’ll be needing right away. Don’t forget to include position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using medicines and a first aid kit, toilet paper, tissue, and paper within their reach. towels. • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box • Pack an “Immediate Kitchen” box including trash bags, the has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling coffee pot or tea kettle, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates, “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. styrofoam cups and some non-perishable snacks, such as crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit. This way, there will be some • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem instant sustenance while you get organized. overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. • Affix colored labels to the moving boxes according to destination. • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today! Put the same-color labels or signs on the door of the rooms

26 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide 12/31/10. 28 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide WHAT’S ALL THE TALK ABOUT. YOU PACK, THEY DRIVE MOVING?

Moving Decisions Save Time and Money Are you faced with an upcoming job relocation? With so many The “you pack, they drive” moving alternative saves you the options for moving your household items, it can be a difficult trouble of driving an unfamiliar vehicle as well as the stress and decision to determine which service best fits your moving needs. difficulty during a long-distance drive. Since the estimates provided Also, with a limited relocation budget from your employer to cover for this service are based on volume (space) and not weight, you will your moving costs, finding a service that complements your avoid unexpected higher moving costs and hidden fees associated pocketbook is important as well. While hiring a professional moving with other full-service moving companies. Unlike a rental truck, the company may be time-saving, the cost for full-service moving could normal moving expenses such as fuel, taxes, tolls, and unexpected be several thousand dollars. A recent trend in the moving industry costs such as flat tires and engine blowouts are covered by the is the do-it-yourself moving option. Most people associate do-it- service provider. yourself with the truck rental option; however, the “you pack, they Loading Service Options drive” moving alternative is becoming increasingly popular. The cost savings of using the “you pack, they drive” service New Moving Alternative largely result from packing and loading your trailer. Some customers With this type of service, you are expected to pack and load your may not have the physical ability or manpower to pack and load items in an adequately-sized commercial trailer. You are given up to their own trailer. This problem is relatively easy to solve—simply two business days to pack and load your goods. The cost of the check with one of the packing and loading companies suggested move is controlled by the customer because this service allows you by the “you pack, they drive” service provider. You can locate to pay for only the spaced used in the trailer. Once you have packing and loading assistance in both your origin and destination completed the packing and loading process, the trailer is picked up cities. By combining the “you pack, they drive” service with local by the local dispatch office. The trailer is then transported by a loading and unloading assistance, you can save money versus professional driver to your destination. You will receive an estimated using a full-service moving company. arrival time for delivery of your goods and will also have the ability to The Choice is Yours track your goods during the transit of your move. Upon arrival at During your search for the best moving option for your upcoming your new home, the trailer is delivered at the appointed time and job relocation, consider the “you pack, they drive” moving option you will unpack and unload your goods. The local dispatch office and know that you are in control of every aspect of your move. You will then come and remove the empty trailer. will not only save time and money, you will experience less stress and headache during an already stressful part of your life.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 29 PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Month Before Two Weeks Before

 Take Inventory. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  Notify Phone Company: Your new local phone company should be notified of your move no sooner than 30 business  Reserve a rental truck or select a moving company. Look for days prior to move, and no later than 5 business days before rental trucks and moving companies in local brochures, yellow moving. The service representative will run a quick credit check pages, or through your rental agent/ real estate broker. and assign you a new telephone number.  Make a moving file for important documents, such as family  Notify Utilities: The electric and gas service companies should medical and dental records, school records, legal documents be contacted at least two weeks before your move. The old and titles, banking and financial statements, stock and bond service will need your move out date and you should request certificates, tax returns, birth certificates and insurance the return of any deposits at this time. The new service will documents. Include all receipts – many expenses are tax need your move in date to determine when service will be deductible. turned on or transferred to your name. You can inquire if they  Make any car rental, airline or hotel arrangements. have a billing plan to balance out of season differences by paying a set amount each month. If moving into an apartment,  Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and check with the property manager to see if service was left on paper for wrapping. before you call the utility companies. Write down the emergency numbers to call in event of a problem or outage.  Post Office: A week before you move, you should stop by your local post office to fill out a change of address cards.  Banks: (checking accounts, investments, etc.): Before you Correspondence cards are also available to send to various move to your new city, make sure all existing accounts in your companies such as credit card companies, magazine old bank are closed. Find a new bank to fill your personal publishers and any other organizations that should be needs and open accounts, order checks and obtain direct informed of your move. The mail will be forwarded to your new deposit forms if applicable. home for a full year. After a year, the mail will be returned to the sender with your new address stamped on it. You can get an  Find a new doctor and dentist and have your family’s medical official change form at the local post office or on the Internet at records transferred to them. www.usps.gov/movernet.  Refill any prescription medications which must be taken  Credit Card Companies: Immediately notify all your credit card regularly and arrange to have those prescriptions transferred to companies of your move. Keeping an individual file on each your new city. one makes this process much easier. We suggest using the  Arrange to register your children in their new school(s). Contact correspondence cards offered at the post office in addition to their current school(s) to have their records forwarded. requesting in writing that they send you a letter of confirmation. It is also recommended to make a follow up call.

 Purchase Insurance: If you are moving from out of state and are insured by a fairly large company, they will most likely have an office in the city you are moving to. If you need to find a new company, it is important to get homeowners insurance at least one month before the move. Those moving to an apartment need to contact the insurance company two weeks before the move. If you have large amounts of jewelry and/or furs coats it’s important to contact the agency as soon as possible since you will be needing additional coverage.

 Remember to request the return of any security deposits.

30 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Week Before Moving Day

 Confirm any travel plans or reservations.  Early on moving day, reserve a large place for the moving truck to park. Mark off an area with cones or chairs. If you need to  Finish packing and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. obtain parking permission from your apartment complex  Subscribe to the local newspaper and visit the Chamber of manager or the city, do so in advance. Commerce in your new city for additional community  Before work starts, walk through the house with the movers information. and describe the loading order. Show them items you intend to  Change of Address Notification: You will need to notify the transport yourself. You should have these items grouped in an Postal Service that you are moving. It is now possible to do so area prior to the movers arriving. Remain on site to answer the without visiting the post office. Go to website listed above. For movers’ questions and to provide special instructions. the fee of $1.00 you may fill out the address change  Walk through your home and make sure that everything was information online and receive an email confirmation. Or you loaded. Make sure you have the keys to your new home. may choose to print the form and mail it to your local post office. US Postal Service, www.usps.com  Remember that professional movers expect to be paid in full before your goods are unloaded. Check for damage, as items  Notify IRS: You will also need to notify the IRS that you have are unloaded and report any problems right away. moved. This will ensure you receive your IRS refund and/or any other correspondence. To change your address with the IRS,  Unless the company’s policy prohibits the acceptance of complete a Form 8822 (PDF), Address Change Request. This gratuities, it is customary to tip each mover. $20 is a good is available on the IRS website. IRS, www.irs.gov amount; you may want to tip more or less based on the service you received. One Day Before  If you are moving yourself and getting help from friends, make  sure you create a task list. Be sure to have everything packed Pick up your rental truck or confirm your move with the moving before your help arrives. It is natural for people to work in pairs, company. but you should consider each person’s physical ability and  Make sure you and your movers have the directions to your health status. Plan to provide beverages and food for your new home. Plan your travel so that you will be there to greet volunteers. Load the truck according to the directions your them and unlock your home. Have a backup plan in case one truck rental agency gave you, and make sure that you of you gets delayed. understand how to operate and drive the rental truck before you leave the agency.  Obtain the driver’s cell phone number and give him/her yours so you can stay in touch in case one of you is delayed.

 Ask what form of payment the movers will accept (check, money order, certified check, travelers checks) and make necessary arrangements.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 31 32 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide MOVING WITH CHILDREN & PETS

REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

Get family members focused on and involved in the process of moving. Hold a family meeting to discuss why, where, when and how the family will move. Encourage everyone to ask questions and express feelings. If possible, drive the family to see the new home and take a tour of the new neighborhood schools, shops and parks. Take photos or videotape the new house and neighborhood. Make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, they can read and inform other family members about the area history, landmarks, special events and amusements. Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with packing. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at their new home. Let each family member help plan how to set up his or her bedroom. Have them help select paint or wallpaper. Let them share ideas how to arrange the furniture. When the move takes place, set up the children’s rooms first. Choosing a School One of the most satisfying experiences a family can have is finding a school that fits its needs. That school will “feel right” because its administrators, teachers, and parents are part of a strong community that shares the family’s educational values. Children are eager to go there because the school program stimulates their curiosity and provides them with outlets for their interests. Parents will be pleased because their involvement in their children’s education will be welcomed and encouraged. In order to find the best school for your child, you should begin by observing your child’s learning habits. Even as preschoolers, children begin to develop different approaches to learning. These inclinations provide strong clues about what kind of school would serve them best. In her book Your Child’s First School, educational consultant Diana Townsend- Butterworth offers these suggestions of things to watch for in determining your child’s orientation to learning: • What does your child enjoy doing? • What excites your child and arouses his or her curiosity? • What seems to be frustrating? • Does your child thrive in a structured environment or seem to prefer one that offers more freedom? • Is your child quiet or rambunctious? • Does he or she prefer to work on projects alone or with other children? • Does he or she have any special interests or abilities? Make a list of answers to these questions as well as taking note of any other characteristics you notice about your child. As you read more about individual schools, and when you visit the ones that interest you, you will be better able to choose a school that suits your child. continued on page 34

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 33 REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

For high school, parents often choose a new school for their set of expectations for the youngsters. Admissions directors will children. This is frequently because their current school goes only gladly connect you with parents of current students so you can through 8th grade. As you look for a high school, consider your make an informed choice for your child. child’s learning style as well as his or her interests when deciding Schools believe parents should have a strong role in their upon a school. Also keep in mind your own family goals, which may children’s education. Being involved in a child’s education involve preparing for college, in making this important choice. strengthens the whole family and sends a message to children that What about family expectations? In order to provide a good education is an important part of their lives. Schools know that the match, a child’s school must also meet a family’s needs. Here again, way in which parents choose to become active in their children’s you may want to prepare a list of expectations and use it as a guide schools varies greatly. Schools should provide many different in the search for the best school for your child: opportunities for parental involvement. Most schools have strong parent associations that organize social events, help coordinate • What goal do you have for your child’s long-term education? Is volunteer activitied, and provide an organized means of college preparation a priority? communication between parents and school. • How important to you is parental involvement in school activities? Each of these encounters strengthens the life of the schools and • Do you expect the school to have a role in developing a child’s creates a community of committed adults supporting the goals of character by encouraging respect for adults and peers as well as the schools and the students. This feeling of community, with adults others in society, including the disadvantaged? and students working together for a common purpose, is one of the • How important is it to you that you have a strong relationship and distinguishing strengths of a sucessfull school. share a philosophy with other parents at the school? Broward County School District 754-321-2600 • How interested are you in providing a home setting that gives www.browardschools.com your child time for homework? When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program • How important to you is a before-school and after-school to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to program? expanding demand, just finding an opening can be difficult. Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most Before beginning a search for a school, parents should reflect on importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of these questions, and their expectations for schools. Parents who persistent phoning and visits. choose schools wisely are pleased after their children enroll because the family and the school work in harmony with a common

SELECTING CHILD CARE

When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program In home to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to Some parents may prefer the one-on-one contact an in-home expanding demand, just finding an opening may be difficult. care provider can offer, especially for an infant. The International Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most Nanny Association (INA) recommends that you interview any importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of prospective hire at least twice and that you conduct a criminal persistent phoning and visits. background check, which is usually done by most placement As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is agencies. safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, One key to good child care is whether the caregiver can adapt to and nurturing. You will need to consider many questions. But you the needs of each child and family. Not all children of the same age are not alone — an increasing number of parents rely on quality are at the same level of development; each child has unique child care so that they may work. About 70% of parents place their character traits. A good caregiver understands these personal and young children in some type of daily care. Knowing in advance that developmental differences and creates a program to meet each this is not an overnight process makes it a bit less overwhelming. child’s needs. Center-Based Care Types of Child Care The most popular type because there are so many options for You might like the home-like feel of a family child care home, or children of all ages. You take your child to a place that is organized maybe you want your child to have opportunity to socialize with and staffed specifically to care for a group or groups of children. peers in a larger child care center. You might be looking for after Some types include day care centers, preschool programs, school care for your child, a summer camp experience or a program before/after school programs. that can accommodate his or her special needs. It will help you in your search to learn more about each type of child care setting.

34 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide SELECTING CHILD CARE

Day Care Center should wear disposable gloves when changing diapers. Toys should If you’re considering a day care center or another group setting, be disinfected on a regular basis and frequent hand washing should you should spend some time observing the center and talking to be promoted among the staff and children to minimize the spread parents with children in the center. You should also expect that your of infection. child will be assigned to the same caregiver to promote a sense of security and consistency. Inquire about the rate of staff resignations; Preparing Your Child for Child Care low staff turnover minimizes the need for young children to Most young infants, up to seven months, adapt to caring adults repeatedly adjust to new caregivers. and seldom have problems adjusting to good child care. Older Preschool Programs infants may be upset when left with strangers. They may feel Preschool programs are offered through Head Start, child care separation anxiety, which is a normal part of development for some centers or local public and private schools. They can be offered as children. They will need extra time and your support to “get to a half-day program for three or four days a week or they can be part know” the caregiver. Some children show changes in behavior of a full day program at a child care center. when they start child care. Toddlers may cry, pout, refuse to go to or act angry in other ways. Preschoolers may regress and behave Before/After School Programs like a younger child. They may be more wakeful at night. This These programs give children additional time and opportunity to behavior usually goes away after a few days or weeks in high-quality engage in hands-on enrichment activities in reading, science, math, child care, just be sure to monitor. art, drama, and specific “safety” topics that include conflict You may help your child adjust to a new child care arrangement. resolution and drug abuse. Most programs offer homework Arrange a visit with in-home caregivers while you are at home or assistance and some offer tutoring. Most also provide supervised when you need child care for a short time. Visit the center or family physical activity and healthy snacks, or even dinner. School age child care home that you have chosen with your child before programs are often provided through local schools, child care beginning care. Show your child that you like and trust the caregiver. centers, churches, or youth-oriented community organizations. Some children like to carry a reminder of home when they go to Quality features include opportunities for children to make individual child care. A family photograph or small toy can be helpful. Talking and group choices about activities, opportunity to improve to your child about child care and the caregiver is helpful. Being academic skills, spaces for children to relax and rest, well prepared makes any new experience easier for children. There also supervised spaces where they can be active, nutritious snacks, and are storybooks about child care that you and your child can read parental involvement. together. (Check with your local library, another great outing for a Choosing Child Care parent and child) In addition to the forms of child care, you want to take into After a child has been in child care, a sudden change in account the following factors: caregivers may be upsetting. This can happen even if the new • Age and personality of your child. caregiver is kind and competent. If you are concerned about your • Child care needs of all the children in your family. child's feelings, you may want to arrange a meeting with the • Location of your workplace, home and child care facility. caregiver or ask your pediatrician for advice. Parents need to help • Hours you need child care. the caregivers and the child deal with any changes in the child's routine at home or child care. High-quality child care helps children • What you can afford. grow in every way and promotes their physical, social and mental When you begin your search, start with the telephone. Plan to development. It offers support to working parents. Your pediatrician spend a few minutes with each call. Describe your needs and ask wants your child to grow and develop with enjoyment in a setting about the program, staff, location, other children in care, and what that supports you as a parent. is included in the cost. Make an appointment and visit the center, In the final analysis, locating a child care provider with whom you school or home, and plan on spending at least an hour at each are confident is well worth the searching. Why? Your child benefits place. Visit once to observe the children in care and at another time greatly from such an arrangement, meeting and interacting with outside of regular structured hours to spend time with provider or other children and adults. The child learns and grows from director. experience, often times a major step in establishing independence In any group center, health, safety, and hygiene must be given and becoming his or her “own person.” And you feel more at ease priority in all settings. All children and staff members should have leaving them. current immunizations; staff should have clear criminal background For more information you may want to visit the following website: checks. The facility must be child-proof and all staff members American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 35 HIGHER EDUCATION - WHERE TO GO?

A List to Consider When Making Decisions About College Campus and Residential Life Admissions experts from Baruch College, a senior college in the 7. What’s new at school? It’s been several months since you and City University of New York, offer some tips to help parents cope your child did all that college research. Go back on the colleges’ with the stress of guiding their child through that all-important websites and see what’s up! Schools may be offering new question: Where should I go to college? programs, hosting unique events on campus, renovating facilities, or announcing new faculty appointments— any of Academics which could affect your child’s decision. 1. Remember why your child is going to college in the first place. Now is the time for your child to reflect on what she truly wants. 8. Finding the right fit. Every school has a personality; you don’t Compare her preferences and ambitions to the resources that want to spend thousands of dollars on one that clashes with each school offers. Consider each school’s academics, study your child’s. Visit the campus again—or for the first time if you abroad programs, student life, extracurricular activities, career haven’t been yet! Encourage your child to attend an accepted services, internship programs, etc., and ask how it will further student reception; sit in on a class; go to a sporting event; and your child’s educational and career goals. Reassure your child talk to current students—without you hovering in the that it’s okay to be uncertain about her career ambitions but, if background! Students will speak candidly to each other about she is, a college with flexible academic programs and multiple real-life college issues like the social scene, academic options is probably a good bet. pressures, and drinking on campus— all things your child should be aware of in advance. 2. What happens to people who graduate from this school? Look into what most of the graduates of the schools your child likes 9. Safety first. Let’s face it: sending your child off to college is scary wind up doing. If your child is interested in the fine arts, and the enough without worrying about crime. Take note of a school’s majority of students at a particular school end up working in the location and ask college officials about security: Is there a 24- financial industry, it should give you both pause. hour security team? What kind of campus alert systems are in place? What are the crime statistics for the area? What security 3. The downside of high school success. Sometimes, even a top- precautions exist in the residence halls? While you’re asking performing high school student is surprised by the rigorous questions, explore the college’s mental health and counseling demands of college courses and professors. Even if your child services—college can be stressful for kids as well as parents. was accepted at the school of his dreams, he needs to understand that he’s starting all over once he gets to college; his Coping sterling SAT score won’t matter if he skips class or studying. 10. Breathe deeply and stay calm. Make clear to your child that you Have an honest conversation with your child about the level of are available to talk things through, weigh the pros and cons, ask commitment required at the schools he likes and make sure he’s questions, and visit campuses with her but that, ultimately, the prepared for it. It’s (Almost) All About the Money decision about where to go to college must be her’s. It’s hard to hand over the keys to her future, but when you watch her receive 4. Factor college tuition into family budgeting. Try plugging the her diploma, you’ll realize it was well worth it. estimated cost of attendance (tuition, room and board, books, transportation, student fees) for each school at which your child is accepted into your family’s budget. This will provide you with a better long-term financial plan. And don’t forget about graduate school, if that is in your child’s plans; it’ll be upon you both before you know it. 5. Explore all avenues of financing. Don’t count solely on the college’s financial aid award for help. Learn about scholarships being offered by local businesses, community organizations, and employers; your family could qualify for additional aid monies. 6. Get to know your school’s financial aid team. Most financial aid departments offer free workshops on how to plan for the cost of attending college. Take advantage of such sessions, and don’t be bashful; ask as many questions as occur to you. Now is the best time to consider all your options.

36 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 37 TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Community Colleges Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 college- all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of bound high-school graduates start their college education this way. private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, The second function of community colleges is to prepare only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some at four-year schools, like fashion design. programs require students to attend some campus classes or Liberal Arts Colleges orientations, but many are delivered completely online. Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional. focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small Public vs. Private and personal attention is available. Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state Online Learning residents. They get most of their money from the state or local Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The offer more personalized attention and often more prestige. costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— Universities and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more can be much less. majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance size and some classes may taught by graduate students. learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to Upper Division research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division online universities out there. college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a second year of study at a four-year college.

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificate or Diploma Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree (or Joint Degree) These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an Complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or first-professional occupational field. For example, to enter fields such as computer degree in less than the usual amount of time. In most programs, science or teaching, you may first have to get a certificate or students apply to the graduate program during their first three years diploma. of undergraduate study, and begin the graduate program in their Associate Degree fourth year of college. Successful completion results in awarding of You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) both bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These are sometimes degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two referred to as “4 +1” programs. years of a four-year college. After earning an AA or an AS, you may Masters Degree transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a These signify more specialized training in a particular field. They bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is are competed after the bachelor’s degree, usually over the course awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of of 2 years for the full time student. study. Doctorates Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree These generally signify some significant research in the field, and Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its are an upper level degree. part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common. PAYING FOR SCHOOL

FAFSA www.fafsa.gov • Federal Student Loans made to parents: Much higher limit, but FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form payments start immediately that must be filled out annually by university to determine their • Private Student Loans made to students or parents: Higher limits eligibility for federal financial aid (including grants, loans, and work- and no payments until after graduation. study programs). In addition, most states and schools use Getting Your MBA Part-time information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. Getting your MBA may be imperative to you and your career. The FAFSA consists of numerous questions regarding the More than 40% of all graduate students are working adults, so it is student’s finances, as well as those of his or her family; these are possible to balance the rest of your life with your desire to continue entered into a formula that determines the Expected Family your education. Contribution. The amount of the EFC can vary widely, depending on You’ll generally spend three to four hours a week with the a number of factors; for example, one such factor is whether a instructor in a 3-credit class. It’s generally recommended that you student has siblings in college at the time. spend about 8 additional hours a week studying and preparing for The best place to look for help before you start filling out your the next classroom session, so 12-15 hrs a week total. FAFSA is at your school’s financial aid office. So where are you going to find an extra 15 hrs a week? It helps Other Sources to journal how you do spend your time during the week, and then FAFSA only scratches the surface of the money available to list priorities. Lower priority items, like watching TV, may take up students for school. There are many state and private scholarships more time than you realize, and can be shelved so you can continue out there. The easiest way to find listings of what scholarships that your education. you may qualify for is by going to a scholarship database online and doing a search. Some handy sites for this are: Re-prioritizing your time is the most crucial step in ensuring you’ll have success on your path to your degree. Make sure you discuss Lunch-money.com your goals with your boss, friends, and family, so they know what to Finaid.org expect as you add this major commitment to your life. Fastweb.com Collegeboard.com It’s not recommended that you participate in any website that asks you to pay a fee to search for a scholarship; there are many wonderful free sites available. Types of Financial Aid Financial aid may be classified into two types based on the criteria through which the financial aid is awarded: merit-based or need-based. Merit-Based Merit-scholarships are typically awarded for outstanding academic achievements, although some merit scholarships can also be awarded for special talents, leadership potential and other personal characteristics. Merit scholarships are sometimes awarded without regard for the financial need of the applicant. Athletic scholarships are a form of merit aid that takes athletic talent into account. Need-Based Need-based financial aid is awarded on the basis of the financial need of the student. The amount of need based aid is generally based off the criteria on the FAFSA. Loans While included in the term “financial aid” Higher Education Loans differ from scholarships and grants in that they must be paid back. They come in several varieties in the United States • Federal Student Loans made to students directly: No payments until after graduation, but amounts are quite limited

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 39 RELOCATING YOUR PET

Your coffee is finally brewing after what seemed like an endless and at least have a first impression to help you make your choice. search through the boxes left by the moving company. The disk Pet Regulations jockey on the radio reads the weather forecast and you learn that it Broward County law requires both dogs and cats that are two is 70 degrees outside with an expected high of 75. Your company months or older to wear license tags. doesn’t even have to gave you a raise to move here. There are over 160 veterinarian offices in Broward, Palm Beach, Just as you start thinking that everything is proceeding smoothly and Miami-Dade Counties that sell Broward County license tags. and that your new city really does have a lot to offer, you realize The Animal Care Division also sells the license tags through the mail Prince, your four-year old Great Dane, isn’t acting right. Now what? or by visiting a shelter. Is he really sick? Homesick? What’s worse is that you don1t know You can obtain additional information by contacting the Broward where the closest veterinarian is located and, of course, he or she County Animal Care and Regulation Division at (954) 359-1313 or can’t be as good as Dr. Morris…and Prince just loved Dr. Morris. (954) 970-0130. Farfetched? Not really. Pets are probably most overlooked when Finally, ask your neighbors which veterinarians they take their it comes to relocating. Most people just expect their pets to wake pets to and why. Then, of course, it’s your decision, but at least you up completely adapted to their new surroundings as if nothing have gathered some information on which to base your decision. changed. Although this is true for many pets, just as many find Remember to NEVER leave your pet in a car in hot weather, as relocating to be traumatic. Furthermore, most people wait until their heat conditions in cars can quickly become fatal to animals. pet is ill before finding a new veterinarian. What should you do then for your pet when relocating? Actually the place to begin is in your hometown before you move. Speak to your own veterinarian and tell him/her where you are moving and ask his/her advice. In most cases, this alone will be sufficient to find out what is necessary to prepare your pet for transition. Further, people will be surprised how often their veterinarian can recommend someone in the area where they are moving. Whether or not this person will actually become your new veterinarian is not as important as the peace of mind that the recommendation is from someone you trust. Finally, don’t wait until your pet is ill before looking for a veterinarian. This is an extremely emotional time and nothing can be more traumatic than having to find a veterinarian in the midst of a crisis. It is obvious, then, that you should find a new veterinarian before that first crisis occurs so that when the need arises, you will be prepared. How do you go about finding a new veterinarian in a new city? The best place to begin is simply the NewMarket Services Information Guide. Location is an important factor, as many pets don’t travel well and, in the case of emergency, distance may be a factor in receiving timely treatment. After making a list of local veterinary clinics, take the time to go visit them. Talk to the staff. Ask about office hours, fees, whether appointments are required, and what services are available. Also, ask if it is possible to talk to the doctor so that you can introduce yourself

40 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 41 FITNESS AND HEALTH

IN THE KITCHEN

received this recipe in an email from one of my co-workers. Well actually since he will be reading this, I’d better be more precise. He’s my boss! But it’s a summer Friday Iafternoon, so we’re a little relaxed. Anyway, in spite of it being a Friday afternoon, it inspired me to write this article. The avocado (Persea Americana) is a tree native to Mexico. The oldest evidence of avocado use was found in a cave located in Coxcatlán, Puebla, Mexico, that dates to around 10,000 BC. About 95% of United States avocado production – is located in Southern California. Fallbrook, California, claims the title of “Avocado Capital of the World”, I've been there and it's amazing to see all those rows of trees filled with ripe avocados! The Hass avocado is today the most common. It produces fruit year-round and accounts for 80% of cultivated avocados in the world. Hass avocados have ovate fruit with a dark green or black, rough, pebbled skin. All Hass avocado trees are descended from a single “mother tree” raised by a mail carrier named Rudolph Hass, of La Habra Heights, California. Hass patented the productive tree in 1935. Spinks is another type you may be familiar with. Mostly grown in Florida, the fruit is larger

and rounder, with a smooth, medium-green skin, and a less-fatty, firmer and fibrous flesh. for more recipes. www.NewMarketServices Please visit our website, Because it has less oil it often isn't as flavorful. A fun project is to grow your own plant indoors. This is done by removing the pit from a ripe, unrefrigerated avocado. Poke the pit with three or four tooth picks, about one third of the way up. Place the pit in a jar with tepid water. In four to six weeks, it should split and out should come roots and a sprout. (If there is no change by this time discard and try again.) Once the stem has grown a few inches, it is placed in a pot with soil. It should be watered every few days. Avocados have been known to grow large, so be ready to repot the plant several times. Enough about avocados. A small warning about the recipe. If you have been reading my recipes you will notice this one digresses from my normal format. I try to be very precise with my ingredients and directions, leaving nothing to chance. Patrick allows for you to be creative. Tonight Patrick, in Chicago, and I, in Scottsdale will be comparing our creations. I hope you enjoy yours.

Patrick’s Authentic Irish Guacamole*

Ingredients Directions 4-6 ripe avocados, depending on how Cut, spoon out avocado into a bowl. Mash many you people you are serving. them up, we decided we both prefer left About 1/2 or so of a medium to large chunky but you may prefer creamy. white onion, depending on how much Dice onion, jalapeños, add to avocado you like Chop up the cilantro fine – few stems won’t Couple nice tomatoes – plum if you hurt, add Chop tomatoes into small squares, want, depending on what you prefer. add salt and olive oil. 2 jalapenos Cut and squeeze limes into mix Bunch of cilantro Mix all and enjoy with good tortilla chips & 2 limes some hot sauce on the side!!!! Sea Salt

Tablespoon or so of olive oil Irish. therefore green, *It’s

42 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Health Club • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might Your move is filled with many new challenges. If your life style want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)? includes working out a priority will be to find a club that meets your • Does the club offer a variety of leagues? If you want to compete needs. Or a new move may bring the perfect time to implement - is the club affiliated to the right leagues, and does it have teams those healthy lifestyle changes that were on your New Year’s of the right standard for your competencies? Resolution list for the past several years. • Does the club offer a variety of high-quality weight equipment? It Begin your search before you move. Ask your current club for should include free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, and recommendations or perhaps they even have reciprocity with a club machine weights, you really need both to get a proper workout. in your new location. If you belong to a national chain, chances are • Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs good that you will be able to transfer your membership. for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight However if you do find yourself looking for a new club, use this management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)? check list to help you find the place that will work best for you. • Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics When visiting a club use your own observations and question the classes, at the time that you would be using the club? staff and current members. Be sure your new club will be able to • What are the real costs? Make sure you understand all rates, meet your fitness, social, and safety needs. charges and fees because these can vary widely, and many clubs • IIs the club clean and well maintained, especially the locker require contracts ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. Be rooms and the shower areas? sure you’re entitled to use all facilities, such as pools and spas at • Are staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure there is always no extra charge. someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new • Is child care available if you need it? exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. • Is there adequate parking available if you need it? • Does the location for work for you? It’s best to select a club that’s One way to find out whether a club is right for you is to try it out near where you live or work. for a few days. Some clubs offer a special guest pass for • Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational prospective members. But even if you have to pay for a week to try backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized it out, it’s better to spend the money than to make a long-term certifying agencies? commitment to a club that doesn’t work out. Try the club during the • Are new members provided with a club orientation and hours you will normally be using it. It will give you a realistic idea of instruction on how to use equipment? what the club environment while you are there. • What age group do you see while visiting? If you are in your 50’s, It’s important to read health club contracts carefully. Don’t do you really want to work out with a group in their 20’s (and vice assume the club offers classes such as aerobics as part of the versa)? Be sure to visit club at the time you will be normally using membership. While some do, others charge extra. If the health club the facilities. requires a long-term commitment, find out whether you’ll be able to • Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you get a refund if you need to cancel your membership due to a job want and need to achieve your fitness goals? transfer, an injury or if you simply find that the club isn’t working for you. • Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, It’s a fact that of every three people who join a health club, only basketball, etc.)? If classes or group activities help to motivate one will work out there 100 days a year. Find a club that you are you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, comfortable with and you will greatly increase your chances of sticking with your exercise program won’t be realistic. being the one of three people that are there more than 100 days a year. NewMarket Services wishes you good health.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 43 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Coping With Change where to go to make new friends can bring feelings of isolation and Did you know that your body and mind sense change as stress? loneliness. Whether you change the place you live or where you work, it all Creatures of habit adds up to stress. The more changes that come at one time, the Psychologically, most of us are creatures of habit and quickly more stress you experience. develop repetitive patterns that make us feel comfortable and Self-Image secure. Ever notice that most people find the same seat or section Your attitudes towards change often depend on your self image of the commuter train or bus? Drivers usually take the same route and expectations of how difficult it may be. Your self image is the every day. We do this in order to reduce stress. inner vision of who you are. It is the basis of your every thought, The sameness of established behavior develops a sense of word and action. Moving, with the many changes it entails, offers an control over ourselves and surroundings. By seeking repetitive excellent opportunity to modify and/or improve your self image habits, we save our energy for new events that are either through the risks of taking positive action. unpredictable or uncontrollable. When change removes the Some people welcome change as a challenge or an exciting new sameness from our lives, we attempt to relieve the tension experience. Others may resent the inconvenience and extra effort produced by uncertainty and newness. We look for ways to develop they need to make to re-establish a comfortable routine. Still others other familiar patterns. feel overwhelmed by the unknown and are not sure where to go or to whom to turn. Often, stress causes old issues, defeats or concerns to resurface. Perhaps new worries and fears form unexpectedly, or you feel tired and fatigued most of the time. Decision making abilities are affected, and you seem to be having less fun and enjoyment. These are all telltale signs of stress brought on by change. When signs of stress affect you, it may be a time of emotional transition, indicating old behavior patterns are not as effective as they once were. This is often a good time for self-reflection-to look at what you like in yourself and what you do not like. Stress When you relocate to a new city, all categories of your life are changed. Along with the obvious changes listed above, moving to a new community requires finding new sources for familiar services. Finding a new hairdresser, barber, drugstore, food market, doctor, lawyer, cleaner and shoemaker are all necessary. You not only have to locate these services, but you need to determine if you are satisfied with the quality of the services provided. Forming a comfortable working relationship with the service provider adds more stress to the change itself. Perhaps your whole lifestyle changes if you are moving from a Management of change smaller or larger community. With long-distance moves, you will have to make new friends and develop a different emotional support To manage change effectively, several simple steps will help you system. When these changes are not made through your own adjust to the newness and extra effort needed to establish different choices, but are the decisions of a boss or someone in your family, patterns in your life. then the stress is even greater. Children have to make changes • Organize your time so you can finish the tasks you have planned. because of their parents. They need special help and understanding • Have realistic expectations. Do not plan to complete everything getting settled in school and making new friends. Often, they will within the first few weeks. have difficulties as they adjust to the new surroundings. • List your priorities and finish each one before you go on to the Changes produce stress not only within yourself, but also with next. the people with whom you are close. It may cause you to react • Provide your body with recreational time and time to relax. differently from your usual behavior. If you are in a relationship or • Trust your first impressions; they are most often right. marriage, you may find more tension developing, with less patience Periods of change can offer you an opportunity for growth within or tolerance of the other person. If you live alone, not knowing yourself. Professional consultation may be useful during this period.

44 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Primary Care Provider Guidelines to Narrow Your Choices One of the most important decisions that you will make in your • Insurance – With the risings costs of health care, be sure your relocation process is choosing a Primary Care Provider for you and insurance will be accepted. your family. Don’t put off the decision until you get sick. Your PCP • Professional credentials - any provider you consider should have will be responsible for approximately 90% of your health care. The graduated from an accredited medical school, and be sure relationship you develop with this health professional can be the key they’re board certified. to keeping illness at bay, and it is your best connection into the rest • Professional affiliations - Your provider should be affiliated with a of the medical system. Your PCP can help you seek appropriate large, well-equipped hospital, either as a staff member or as an consultations with specialists if or when the medical problem is attending physician, a title that carries with it admitting privileges. beyond the realm of his expertise. • Practice arrangements - You may choose a solo practitioner or a A generation ago, people relied on General Practitioners (GPs) for group practice, in which two or more doctors in the same all their medical needs, from treating colds, and backaches to specialty or different specialties share the same office. setting broken arms and delivering babies. The competent GP • Location and office hours - If these aren’t convenient, you may knew the medical histories of every member of a patient’s family have a difficult time making an appointment. because he treated them all. Today, Primary Care Providers are bringing this tradition back with the addition of providing preventive Make a Consultation Visit and Consider the Following health measures. More emphasis is now placed on preventive • Office is clean and the staff is courteous and helpful. medicine. You are now responsible for the health of you and your • You are seen by the doctor within a reasonable time of your family by making informed decisions, improving your diet and appointment or you are given a good explanation for any delay. exercising. A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner • You are not rushed through the visit. The provider listens to you, who sees people of all ages for common medical problems. Your does not interrupt you and encourages you to voice your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important concerns about your health. to select someone with whom you will work well. You will want to • The doctor is well-informed about preventive health measures, choose someone that emphasizes wellness and self-care by giving such as nutrition, exercise and the widely recommended use of you the information needed to make healthy lifestyle choices and screening tests. He should be quick to inform you of healthy health care decisions. lifestyle choices. Below are some guidelines to help you make your decision. • You’re comfortable talking to the doctor and the doctor explains Begin by Gathering Some Choices. things so that you can understand. • Before you move ask your current health care provider for a Most importantly, don’t put off the decision until you get sick. If a referral. You can also ask other doctors you respect and see health care problem arises, and you have not yet chosen a provider, regularly. it is usually best to seek non-emergency care from an “urgent care • If you belong to a managed care plan, find out what doctors are center” rather than a hospital emergency room. This will often save affiliated with it. you time and money. However recent years, many emergency • Ask friends, relatives or business associates. Referrals from rooms have expanded their services to include reasonably priced people you know are usually based on trust and confidence in the urgent care within the emergency room itself or an adjoining area— provider. to find out, call the hospital first. • Hospitals usually offer a referral service that can provide you with the names of staff doctors who meet certain criteria you may be seeking, however they will not vouch for the quality of care.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 45 VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to become involved in your new community Many people are reminded of their wish to volunteer during is through volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are many, for holiday seasons, but this is when organizations might have an everyone involved. Ask your employer for advice. Many companies excess of help. If you want to volunteer during the holiday, give employees paid time off to volunteer and will often publicize remember to contact the organization in advance. Otherwise, time their employees’ community service. According to the research your work for the lean season. group Independent Sector, the U.S. volunteer sector is equivalent to Volunteering is fun, leads to learning new skills, meeting 9 million full-time workers. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, interesting people, making new friends, sharing your talents, and if you want to help kids or the environment, there are great keeping in touch with the community in which you live. Whether it is organizations that will excite your particular interest, broaden your important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy horizons and fit into your time schedule. cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits Don’t forget to include your family. If your children are school age in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. chances are there are many opportunities to volunteer at their Once you have chosen an area of interest, how should you go school, or even in their classroom. That is a great way to meet other about involving yourself? See what the Web can do for you. 1-800- parents with children the same age. Clean up a neighborhood park Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & with your children. Spend a morning at a homeless shelter with your Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and children. You’ll find that volunteering is not only a fun family-bonding virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer experience but a great way to teach children the importance of Centers across the nation. Open the classified section of your local giving back to the community. paper. Check out the bulletin boards in your office. Or just start How you get involved with your community depends on your calling the local agencies you’re interested in. interests, skills and time. Choose something that fits well in to your One of the best ways to make these contacts is to walk right into schedule and makes you excited about working together to help the organization—a library, a shelter, training facility, or a political make a difference. Every person has that capability. Each of us can office—and find out who organizes volunteers. You can tell a lot by right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park, and that meeting the volunteer coordinator and any volunteers who happen does make the world a better place. to be on duty. While you won’t earn a paycheck for volunteering, There are several things to consider when choosing in what to you will earn valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and involve yourself. First of all be selective, think about what matters to the satisfaction that only comes from personally making the world a you, and where you wish to spend your time. If you have certain better place to live. social issues that you feel passionate about, it’s a great place to put your energy. You may have particular skills that will steer you toward a certain organization. Are you willing to explore new opportunities? Volunteering can teach you valuable new skills that you may use in other parts of your life. "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." - Winston Churchill

46 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide An enclosed, gated community comprising one, two and three bedroom apartment homes. Private, enclosed garages optional. Clubhouse featuring exercise facilities, business center and library. Two swimming pools, two tennis courts, racquetball court and lavishly landscaped garden grounds. The Citation Club Apartments… Because how you live is as important as where you live.

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Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 47 HOUSING

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE…

Real Estate Overview New construction continues to boom in Northeast Florida, while resales are rapidly turning over to accommodate buyers who are interested in pre-owned homes, may not have the time to build a new home, or are interested in an area that may not have new construction. Waterfront property will always sell at a premium because of the limited amount of property available. With such a varied market you should be able to find a new home that meets your budget and personal preferences. Rent or Buy? The decision to rent or buy in your new location is dependent upon many considerations unique to your personal situation. Some of the potential factors involve the tax implications, down payment, other investment vehicles, the length of time you are anticipating being in your new location and whether or not your current home has sold. If you decide to buy, should you purchase an existing home or build a new one? Again, many factors have to be considered. Will an existing home need a lot of repair or remodeling to bring it to your standards? What about the difference in the cost of operation and maintenance between new and an existing structure? How should you finance a renovation? Which home will appreciate faster? Will it be difficult to get a construction loan? Is it better to rent for a while to become familiar with neighborhoods in your new city? What about capital gains tax if you don’t close in time? We suggest you seek the advice of a certified financial planner and a realtor to thoroughly clarify your options. These choices can become quite complex. Some Advantages to Renting Whether you’re in your first apartment or a longtime resident, there are many advantages you are afforded by choosing apartment living. Mobility: You enjoy the freedom to move, to accept that better job, to take the vacation you’ve dreamed of. No maintenance: Just relax and delight in the grounds and facilities maintenance technicians keeps attractive for you. Flexibility: You have the ability to increase or decrease your living space without the burden of sales pitches, closing costs, interest rates or the high cost of maintaining a home and property. Location: The choice is yours! Recreation: Chances are, you’ve chosen an apartment community with a swimming pool, tennis court, weight room or sauna. Apartments have the equipment and people to maintain them, which is no small task for the homeowner. No waiting: If you’re like most apartment residents, moving into your apartment was easy and fast. You settled into your new home without lengthy paperwork, a loan approval period or a large financial investment.

48 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Your Current Residence Inspect kitchen appliances. Check the stove to see if all burners As you prepare to move, a big decision may include whether to work. Does the range have a hood with a fan? Is the oven self- sell or rent your current property. Ask yourself the following cleaning? Is the stove gas or electric? If it is gas, you may have an questions as you make this decision. You may also want to ask extra monthly charge for cooking gas. This would also be true if you advice from a real estate agent. had a gas clothes dryer in your unit. Check out the Financial refrigerator/freezer for storage space. Is there enough counter and Is this property good for rental income? Can you charge more for cabinet space? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs, especially rent than you pay for mortgage, taxes and upkeep? How will selling in a high-rise building. affect your federal and state tax situation? Furthermore, if your Inspect the central air conditioning and heating systems. Ask property does not sell quickly, can you afford to keep the home other tenants if there is enough heat in the winter. It can be costly if vacant while it’s on the market? If not, do you feel you will be able you have to buy or rent window air conditioning units. to find a renter on a short-term basis? Are you likely to want to move Is there enough storage space? Do you have enough closets for back into the home some day? clothes, linens and general items. Are there built-in shelves and Market bookcases for books and DVDs? Do you also get a storage space Is it a seller’s market? Signs include low interest rates and that is not adjacent to the unit? shortage of homes for sale. How long have similar homes been on Does the building have special amenities such as a swimming the market and how long are you willing to let your home be on the pool, game room, barbecue area, and exercise room or tennis market? Or is it a good rental market and do rental units have tenant courts? Keep in mind that recreational amenities generally will waiting lists? Is your property in a trendy area? Desirable areas increase your rent. You should consider what features you will really typically garner higher rents and seldom have vacancies. use. Rental Tips How is the noise level in the complex? Have neighbors been Apartment experts say that some detective work is needed to playing music louder than you prefer? Are you located by a major conduct a search that finds the most livable rental residence for the airport, freeway or train tracks? money. After you have weeded out a good apartment complex from Do you need an apartment that takes pets? If not, do you want many rent signs and/or listings, scanned the neighborhood you like to live in an area that does? Do tenants appear to be cleaning up for the best rental possibilities, you will be ready to scrutinize each after their pets? What is the management policy for pet size and property and landlord for shortcomings. It is easy for a prospective maintenance? tenant to gather quick clues about the general care, maintenance of Rental experts suggest that tenants should tour several the building, and cleanliness of the area overall. Try to talk to the apartment complexes before placing a deposit on a unit. The tenant who is vacating the apartment you are planning to rent. He minimum deposit to hold a unit is usually $100. Prospective renters or she can tell you a great deal about the pluses and minuses of still need to fill out an application and pay an application fee. This living there. Here are some tips for inspecting the inside of the will hold your unit while your employment, credit and rental histories apartment: are being checked out. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days to Is it clean? Carpet should be cleaned and walls/ceilings should complete. be freshly painted. Does the apartment have a bad odor? It could be a tip that the prior tenant had a pet or cooked spicy foods. Check room sizes with a floor plan. Make sure the furniture that you will be moving will fit. Is the bedroom near the bathroom? Does the dining room adjoin the kitchen?

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 49 CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an Property Taxes offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made Property taxes may vary from one neighborhood to another. This rationally and not guided by emotion. You most likely won’t have the can sometimes affect whether you view a community as a desirable luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to place to live. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more pursue. However, since it is such a major decision you would like to modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community base it on factual information. Some broad categories to consider services. are: Schools Appreciation If you have school-aged children and plan to send them to public Ask your real estate agent to retrieve sales of homes in the school, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the neighborhood over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows neighborhood school. If you plan on sending your child to a private an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing school, how long is the commute? You will likely spend a lot of time at 15 percent, you may have your decision made. driving your child not only during the school day but for extra- Crime curricular events outside the daily school schedule. Which ever Go to the local police or sheriff department and ask about crime school you decide, you can usually find general district information in your specific neighborhood. You might find theft or vandalism to and state standardized test results online. Always plan a visit to the be more prevalent in one area than another. Also please the school and receive the information first-hand from school website, www.familywatchdog.us. When you visit this site you can administrators. You should also talk to teachers and parents. enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the Sellers’ Situations small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your If you don’t know already, ask your real estate agent how long the entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a house has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been person will appear with an address and the description of the crime listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than he or she had committed. asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for Drawbacks just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if Rarely will you be lucky enough to find a perfect place. Think you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also about the cons associated with each house and determine to be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why correct them or how much of a negative impact each will have. they’re selling. If it’s a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely The House want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better Make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house shot at them accepting a lower price. to have. Be specific. Prioritize that list. Then, rate how each house Style and Substance measures up to each need on your list. The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the Neighborhoods location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor If you have kids or pets and being close to a park is important, plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with churches, and other services? Are the streets maintained? How do good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to your prospective neighbors keep up their property? How long will match your tastes. your commute to work be?

50 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Finding faults in a home doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t Plumbing buy it. But it will help you to know the type of repair costs that Turn on the bathroom sink faucet and shower and then flush the should be anticipated, and sellers often will make adjustments in toilet. When the toilet starts to refill, does the water pressure their asking price on the basis of problems discovered in an diminish? Fill sinks and tub with three inches of water. Do they drain inspection. properly? Do faucets leak? Lift up the carpeting. Are there any signs Inspectors look for the following: of flooding or decay? Exterior Electrical Is the house well maintained? Does the roof sag? Are the exterior Open the door on the fuse box or circuit-breaker panel. Is the walls out of line? What is the condition of the paint, especially on the electrical service adequate? The average house should have 100- south and west sides, where sun exposure is greatest? Is there amp service. Is it wired for 220 volts, which is necessary for electric adequate drainage away from the house? dryers and ranges? Roof Heating & Cooling Are shingles curling and lifting? Find out how old the roof is, and How old is the heating/cooling system? Has it been maintained? you will have a pretty good idea of when you will have to replace it. Ask to see the owner’s cooling bills for the previous year. This will Windows and Doors give you an idea of its energy efficiency. Has the glazing putty dried and shrunk, allowing water and air Termites and Carpenter Ants seepage? Is the wood decayed? Are the window and door frames Look for evidence of termites and carpenter ants on basement caulked and weather-stripped? wood framing. Is there saw dust like wood or paper debris? Can Brick and Concrete you find evidence of termite tubes or tunnels? Termites live in earth, Check pavement, driveways and horizontal brick surfaces for so make sure that there are no places where earth is closer than six cracks. Is there damage from freezing? What is the condition of the inches to wood. Like termites, carpenter ants like wood and wood mortar between the bricks? Is any pavement buckling from products. spreading underground tree roots? Water Damage Insulation Look in the basement for signs of leakage. This could be a result Check the attic and crawl space. Is the insulation adequate and of poor drainage around the house. Water damage also is caused complete? Has it been properly installed? Does the insulation by seepage through porous basement walls and condensation, obstruct the air vents, preventing the house from “breathing” and which frequently is caused by inadequate ventilation. Basement possibly causing wood rot? Does the home have storm windows? walls painted a dark color may be an effort to disguise a past Interior problem. Beware of chalky white water stains on foundation walls The kitchen and baths are the most expensive rooms to or partitions; stains on wood and drywall; delamination of paneling renovate, so check their condition carefully. A newly-painted interior and lifting or buckling floor tiles; or a damp, mildew odor. may look nice, but it could be hiding something.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 51 HOME CARE BASICS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

You’ve finally done it—you’ve just moved into your brand new Here are some additional tips for properly maintaining specific home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You’re likely systems in your new home. consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, Appliances decorating—energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. Remember to read the instruction manual for every appliance in But once you’ve signed the thick pile of closing documents, the your new home. The manuals provide recommended cleaning and moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do maintenance schedules and sometimes your warranty will become you do next? It’s time to get a handle on the routine maintenance void if you don’t follow these recommendations. you’ll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family Driveways live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here’s some If you have an asphalt driveway, remove oil, gasoline and similar advice to get you started and help save money while you’re at it: substances immediately with soapy water. Maintaining a clean home will ensures it will last longer and works To avoid holes in your asphalt driveway, refrain from resting patio better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes furniture or bicycle stands on it. on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, Do not burn anything on your driveway. tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it Gutters and Downspouts with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. Clear away leaves, tree limbs and other debris from gutters and On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and downspouts. downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The Downspouts should be turned away from your home’s exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the foundation. elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, Every four to six years, paint gutters that are not are made of in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior aluminum or vinyl to help prevent rust. products. Heating and Cooling Systems When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty Late summer or early fall are the ideal time to do an annual from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty inspection and cleaning of these systems. applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform Make sure you change the filters every three months. routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after Keeping your pilot light burning during the summer will help keep six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would the furnace dry and prevent corrosion. cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in Registers help regulate the flow of air and maintain the desired clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not temperature in your home. Keeping registers closed in rooms you responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may don’t use will save on cooling/heating costs. be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the Using heat generating appliances in the evening and reducing the responsibility of the builder. number of lights on will help keep the temperature down and save You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your on costs during the summer. warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the Plumbing excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have Every member of your family should know where the intake little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal valves are located. Label each one. document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty If any of your appliances develops a leak, inspect your drain trap. until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights A partially clogged drain can cause overflow. Use a plunger or a and responsibilities are from the outset. plumber’s snake to unclog the drain. If you need to, use boiling water to help unclog a partially opened drain. Call a plumber if these techniques don’t work. A worn washer, a loose part in a faucet or steam in a hot water pipe generally causes a noisy pipe. Do not hesitate to repair the noise because vibrations can follow the noise and lead to leaks.

52 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide SECURITY

Each year more than six million residential burglaries occur Computer Security throughout the United States. That’s one every ten seconds! In Computer security is the process of preventing unauthorized use addition to the worry of home burglaries, we now also need to of your computer. concern ourselves with computer hackers and personal identity • Use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers. theft. Listed below are some things that you can do to reduce your Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. chances of becoming a victim. • Use of some type of firewall product, such as a network Home Security Checklist appliance or a personal firewall software package. • Have home security system professionally installed that offers a • Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when 24 hour monitoring system. Make sure to post the home system you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it stickers and window decals: this should alert and deter would be is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the intruders. network. • Never stop mail or newspaper deliveries, it signals that you are • Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup away. Have a neighbor pick up all deliveries if possible. disks somewhere away from the computer. • When recording your answering machine message, do not state Identity Theft that you are not home or out of town. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal • When leaving for an extended period, put lights and stereo or information without your permission to commit fraud or other television on a timer to give the appearance that someone is crimes. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a home. victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Exterior/Interior Security • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal • Replace all locks immediately upon moving into your new home information before you discard them. and install deadbolts on all outside doors. • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social • Secure your sliding glass doors with pins to prevent all horizontal Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number and vertical movement. Also install security film over the glass on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use panes for additional protection. another identifier. • Remember to lock all doors and windows. • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the • Provide remote panic buttons for children and/or elderly mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing residents. with. • Never keep garage door openers in cars that are parked outside • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a of your home. web address you know. Keep Your Valuables Safe • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your • Keep your important papers, heirloom jewelry and large amounts mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social of cash in a safe deposit box. Security number. • Engrave your valuables with your social security number or drivers license number. • Store jewelry, firearms, furs and like in a small closet with a non- hinged solid core door that has a deadbolt. • When purchasing new electronic equipment, breakdown cartons before discarding them. This way you avoid advertising your new purchase to the entire neighborhood and drive-by observers.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 53 HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

As you start shopping for a new home, you may encounter some Contingency Condition that must be met before a contract is unfamiliar words and terms. The following glossary will help get you binding. through the maze of buying a home. Convertibility Ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan with an interest rate schedule to a fixed-rate schedule. adjusted according to movements in the financial market. Many Covenant Agreement between seller and buyer on a piece of offer lower-than-market initial interest rates that rise only gradually property, restricting the use of that property. (Also called deed for the first few years. restriction.) Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Annual cost of credit over the life of Deed Legal document representing property ownership. a loan including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, Default When a borrower fails to make the required payments of mortgage insurance and other items. a mortgage contract. Appraisal Unbiased, professional opinion of a property’s value Density The number of homes built on a particular acre of land. based on its style and appearance, construction quality, usefulness Allowable densities are determined by local jurisdictions. and the value of comparable properties. Debt-To-Income Ratio Long-Term debt expenses as a percentage Assessment Tax levied on a property or a value placed on the of monthly income; used by lenders to qualify borrowers for worth of a property by a taxing authority. mortgage loans. Assumption Transaction allowing a buyer to assume responsibility Due-on-Sale Clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the Broker (Real Estate) Person who receives a commission or fee for property. bringing buyer and seller together and assisting in the negotiation of Earnest Money Sum paid to the seller to show that a potential contracts between them. A license is required in most states. purchaser is serious about buying. Building Code Local regulations controlling design, construction Easement Right-of-Way granted to a person or company and materials used in construction. Building Codes are based on authorizing access to the owner’s land. For example, a utility safety and health standards. company may be granted easement to install pipes or wires. An Buydown Subsidy, usually paid by a builder or developer, to reduce owner may voluntarily grant an easement or can be ordered to grant the monthly payments on a mortgage loan. one by a local jurisdiction. Buyer’s Agent A real estate agent who represents only the buyer Equity Difference between the value of a home and what is owed in a real estate transaction. on it. Callback Request by a homeowner for a builder to handle a service Escrow Handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf request. of the buyer and/or seller. Cap Limit to the amount an interest rate or monthly payment can Escrow Amount Amount set up by a lender into which periodic, increase for an adjustable-rate loan either during an adjustment usually monthly, payments for taxes, hazard insurance, period or over the life of the loan. assessments and mortgage insurance premiums are made. Funds Certificate of Occupancy Document from an official agency stating are held in trust by the lender who pays the sums as they become the property meets the requirements of local codes, ordinances and due. regulations. Fair Market Value Price at which property is transferred between Chain of Title History of all documents transferring title to a parcel willing buyer and willing seller, each of whom has reasonable of real property, starting with the earliest existing document and knowledge of all pertinent facts and neither being under compulsion ending with the most recent. to buy or sell. Change Order Homebuyer’s written authorization to add, delete or Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Federal agency that insures change an item specified in a contract. mortgages with lower down payment requirements than Closing Meeting to sign documents that transfer from a seller to a conventional loans. buyer. (Also referred to as settlement.) Fixed-Rate Mortgage Mortgage with an interest rate that remains Closing Costs Charges paid at settlement for obtaining a mortgage constant over the life of the loan. loan and transferring a real estate title. Hazard Insurance Protection against damage caused by fire, wind Commission Agent’s fee for negotiating a real estate or loan storms or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers transaction, often expressed as the percentage of the sales price or to carry it in an amount at least to the mortgage. mortgage amount. HVAC Common building industry abbreviation for heating, Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC and Rs) Standards that ventilation and air conditioning systems. define how a property may be used and the protections the Index Interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision. changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan.

54 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

Infrastructure Public facilities and services needed to support Point One-Time charge assessed by the lender at closing to residential development, including highways, bridges, schools and increase the interest yield on a mortgage loan. sewer and water systems. Presettlement Walk-Through Final inspection of house prior to Inspection Examination of work completed on a structure to closing, conducted by builder and buyer. determine compliance with building code and other code Principal Amount borrowed, excluding interest and other charges. requirements. Property Survey Survey to determine the boundaries of a piece of Joint Tenancy Form of ownership in which the tenants own a property. Cost depends on the complexity of the survey. property equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the Recording Fee Charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid entire property. to a city, county or other appropriate branch of government. Loan Origination Fee Lender will charge a fee for the cost of Specifications Contractual document describing in detail the work processing the loan, usually calculated as a percentage of the loan to be performed; method of construction; standards of amount. workmanship; quality, type and manufacturer of materials and Loan-To-Value-Ratio Relationship between the amount of a home equipment for a particular project. loan and the total value of a property. Tenancy in Common Form of ownership in which the tenants own Lock-In Rate Commitment from a lender to make a loan at a pre- separate but equal parts. To inherit the property, a surviving tenant set interest rate at some future date, usually for not more than 90 would either have to be mentioned in the will or, in the absence of days. A fee may be charged to “lock-in” a rate. a will, be eligible through state inheritance laws. Mortgage Commitment Formal written communication by a lender Title Evidence, usually in the form of a certificate or deed, of a agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property, specifying person’s legal right to ownership of a property. the loan amount, length of time and conditions. Title Insurance Insurance against any title defects that may exist Mortgage Origination Fee Charge for the work involved in preparing prior to the time the title is passed from one owner to the next, and and servicing a mortgage application. which may come to light in a future transaction. Permit Document issued by a local government agency allowing Veterans Administration (VA) Federal agency that insures mortgage construction work to be performed in conformance with local loans with very liberal down payment requirements for honorably codes. Work may not commence until permits have been obtained, discharged veterans and their surviving spouses. and each permit issuing agency must inspect the work at certain specified points during construction. PITI Principal, interest, taxes and insurance: the four major components of monthly housing payments.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 55 TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS

The cost of cooling your house continues to rise. There are a • Close doors to rooms that are not being used. number of ways you can save a significant amount of money on • Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use “solar drying” your energy bills. In fact, it’s possible to save up to 25 percent on (clotheslines). your power bill by using the following tips. While your results might • Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to vary, you’re guaranteed to find at least a few ways to save money. air dry. The idea behind all our advice, and in fact our entire conservation • If you A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and effort, is to give you the information you need to make the right free of obstructions to maintain air flow. decisions. • Unplug your televisions/VCR when you’re on vacation. Most new These simple steps don’t cost a thing, but can potentially save sets draw power even when they’re turned off. you 10-25% on your monthly energy bill. • Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let computer - it can use as much energy as a refrigerator. Most new lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs computers have “sleep” settings. with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage • In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb. home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you • If your dishwasher has a filter clean it. are not home more than four hours. • Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops. • In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you’re not There are plenty of low cost, easy to do projects or steps you can home. do to save another 10-25% on your energy bill. • Do not turn your air conditioning off in the hot months when • Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. you’re not home. Your house will store up the heat and you’re This will typically save $1 per bulb changed out (for bulbs running likely to make the air conditioning run for hours to feel 4-6 hours per day) and reduce heat in your home. Regular bulbs comfortable. use most of the electricity to generate heat so use care when • In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your changing bulbs. home to take advantage of “free heat from the sun” Close the • Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets. outside air out and the inside air in. • In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to • Install a hot water heater blanket but be careful not to cover vents keep heat out. or temperature settings. • Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook • Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six as late in the evening as possible. inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters. • Barbecue outside if practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect • Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your of sun on your body. By reducing the heat coming into your home residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides from any source, will reduce the load on your air conditioning. shading, reducing thermal gain in a building. • Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump • Fix leaky faucets Install low flow showerheads. runs on—eight to twelve hours a day is plenty in the summer • Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of months, less in the winter months. heat in your home. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. • Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a • Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work. spray to help trap dirt in the filter. • Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean. • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. • Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or • Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats. plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces. • Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the refrigerator.

56 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING

Architect Lender Building design professional who has completed all required The financial institution that provides construction loan financing university training in architecture and passed state licensing exams; during construction and permanent financing for the home buyer initials A.I.A. and F.A.I.A. indicate membership in a professional after the home is built and there is a property settlement, referred to organization, but not licensed status. in our area as closing. Most lenders make what is referred to as Builder or General Contractor “end loans” which is the loan made to the buyer of a new home, and The buck stops with him or her in construction projects. The others make both the “end loan” and “construction loan financing” general contractor secures bids for all work and materials; hires, which provides funds to pay for costs incurred during construction. coordinates and oversees subcontractors; files for permits and Owner Builder arranges for inspections; and generally makes the final decisions in An individual or family who finances and manages a home all construction-related matters. building project (usually with the assistance of a builder or general Building Inspector contractor who is hired to manage all or a particular phase of the One or more local officials who oversee and regulate every phase construction of the home) with the intention of retaining ownership of residential construction. Regulations vary widely. In most states and residing in the home after completion. area home construction meets standards contained in the Uniform Subcontractor Building Code. In addition, applicable provisions of the Uniform Fire A specialist who undertakes responsibility for one phase or trade & Plumbing/Mechanical & Electrical codes are enforced. Typically, within the project and reports to the general contractor. In a typical permits are issued and inspections are made at key stages of home building project, subcontractors generally include: an construction by County and City building code enforcement excavation contractor who digs foundations and grades the site; a departments. masonry contractor who handles all concrete, block, brickwork and Building Designer paving; a framing contractor who constructs the shell and interior Generally unlicensed professionals (license not required for partitions; a roofing contractor; a heating, ventilation and air- practice) who, by experience, are competent to design homes, conditioning (HVAC) contractor; a plumbing contractor; an electrical prepare drawings and write specifications; they often work in contractor; drywall installers; insulation contractors; finish association with licensed architects. carpenters who generally handle wood flooring, trim work, and Construction Manager/Foreman cabinet installation; and a painting contractor. The general contractor’s right-hand man. A construction Surveyor manager can be on site when the general contractor is not. A professional with the training and equipment to establish or Design/Build Firms verify property lines. The surveyor also plots and marks the An organization that provides both architectural planning and topography of the site, which is crucial in preparing the site plan. He general contracting services, and offers a different approach to the or she may also be employed to stake out the building site, setting conventional arrangement in which the designer and builder are reference marks for foundation excavation, establishing grades for separate entities. roads or driveways and marking the locations for a septic system Interior Designer and water well, if necessary. Specialist in decoration and furnishing; special training and Title Insurance Company licensing not required. Initials A.S.I.D. following individual’s name The entity that conducts a comprehensive search of the public indicate membership in a professional association, for which records to make sure that the title received by a buyer of a new training and passing tests are required. home is “free and clear of any liens and encumbrances”. This Kitchen /Bath Designer assures the issuance of a clear or “merchant able” title in favor of Specialist in designing these rooms; initials C.K.D. and C.B.D. the buyer of a new home at the closing of the sale of the property. indicate certification by a professional association, for which training and passing tests are required. License is not required for practice. Landscape Architect Specialist in landscape and garden planning; primary concerns include site selection, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing plant material. License required for practice.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 57 SELECTING A BUILDER

Are you shopping for a new home? Start by shopping for a Service After the Sale and Home Warranty professional builder first. Whether you are buying a townhouse, a While you are shopping, ask about the builder’s service after the detached home in a subdivision, or a custom-built house, the sale. Most builders offer some form of warranty. Many builders back construction quality of your new home will be determined by the their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for quality of your builder. one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance Start your builder-search process by calling your local home program. One of the most important criteria for selecting a builder builders association. They can give you the names of reputable is the warranty protection provided on the home. Ask for a copy of builders in your area. Ask friends and relatives about builders they the builder’s warranty. Read the document thoroughly and be sure have dealt with directly, or ask them for the names of acquaintances you understand what protection is provided. If you have any who have recently built a new home. questions about the coverage, talk to the builder prior to finalizing The Interview Process your purchase. Once you have developed a list of builders who are building the Quality and Value type and price range of home you are interested in, research their When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction reputations and the quality of their work. The best way is to visit features: the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. homes that they have built and talk to the owners. Ask the builders In viewing a home, you must determine whether it lends itself to on your list for the addresses of their recently completed houses, the type of lifestyle you want to lead. Look at the amount of interior subdivisions, or townhouse communities. At the very least, drive by living space and how efficiently the space is used. Find out if the and see if the homes are visually appealing. builder is incorporating state-of-the-art energy efficiency features, Look at homes that are the same style as you plan to buy. A good both in appliances and insulation. time to visit is on a weekend morning when people are outside doing chores. Introduce yourself and explain that you are considering buying a home from the same builder who built their home. Ask about their satisfaction with the home and whether the builder delivered what was promised in a timely manner. Ask if they would buy another home from this builder. People will generally tell you if they are happy with their purchase. Be Thorough When selecting a builder, be thorough and ask a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question because you are afraid of sounding “stupid” or uninformed. What seems like a “stupid” question may yield a very important answer. Buying a new home is probably the biggest and most important purchase you will make in your lifetime. By doing your new “home” work to select a builder, you will instill in yourself and your family a sense of confidence and knowledge that you have made the right choice. If you have additional questions about selecting a builder, contact your area’s Builders Association. Ask for a builder list that identifies the price categories and subdivisions in which they build. Be sure to tour the Parade of Homes in the Fall and Spring. It is an excellent way to get familiar with the housing market in this area as well as individual builder’s products.

58 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Every year hundreds of families are taken advantage of by 8. Make sure all required permits are secured and inspections are disreputable individuals or companies who represent themselves to made.The contractor should be expected to secure all necessary be reliable, reputable contractors. If you are planning to hire permits. Beware of contractors who want you to secure the someone to repair or make improvements to your property there are permit as the property owner. It is permissible to do so, but it is safeguards you can take to assure the best selection of a contractor very unusual that a reputable contractor will ask you to do this. for you. 9. Make sure you have a written contract with the contractor that Consider the Following details: 1. Hire only licensed contractors. Contractors are required to be a. A full description of all work to be done. licensed to do certain types of work. When selecting a contractor b. A firm date of completion you should make sure the contractor holds a current, valid c. Total cost of the job. license either issued by your city. d. Contractors license number. 2. All contractors do not possess the same expertise.Ask for e. All warranty information. references and check those references to assure yourself that f. Quality of materials to be used. the contractor is qualified to do the type of work you are wanting g. How and on what basis payments are to be made. done. h. How changes and payment for changes will be handled. 3. Check business references. Ask the contractor for a list of 10. Make sure complete architectural drawings are done and business references that you can call and verify that the agreed upon if you are having a room addition added, or relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are good ones extensive remodeling done. Be certain that detailed material and that the contractor pays his bills. specifications are also provided and made a part of the contract 4. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any you sign. complaints or charges pending against the contractor. 11. Monitor the work being done in accordance with the 5. Call local trade associations for information about selecting a contractual agreement with the contractor. If you have contractor. questions about what is being done or problems with the 6. Ask for proof from the contractor that he has general liability contractor, either ask questions or confront the problem head insurance and workers compensation insurance in order to on when it occurs in order to minimize any conflict and reach a protect you, as the property owner, against any claim in the event satisfactory resolve as quickly as possible. the contractor, his employees, or someone else is injured as a 12. Final payment should not be made until you are satisfied that result of work being done on your property. the job has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 7. Make sure the contractor you are contracting with will be contractual agreement between you and the contractor. personally involved in coordinating the work to be done on your property. “A house is made of walls and beams; A home is built with love and dreams.” - Author unknown

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 59 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Is Your Bank Meeting Your Current Financial Needs? What Will You Do? This page offers a guide to choosing the right bank for your The fist question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your needs, and offers some ideas for starting your checklist. bank account. Do you want to put money in there periodically and With banks offering an increasing number of financial services at watch it grow? Will you move money in and out quickly? You need widely varying fees, choosing one to handle your particular financial to know what your banking behavior will be like in order to find the needs can seem like a difficult and confusing task. Although there right bank. is much to consider, it is best to select a bank the same way you Next, get an idea of how you prefer to do your banking. If your would choose any product or service—first evaluate your needs schedule doesn’t work with most bank schedules, the best bank and then compare costs. You should also consider what is most might just be the one that’s open at convenient times. important to you in a banking relationship. Do you want to develop Free checking accounts get a lot of hype. They get people in the a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank? Do you door. However, free may not always be the best thing for you. If you travel frequently and need access to branch offices while you are value certain services or conveniences, you may be willing to pay for out of town? If you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, them. Once you get ahold of fee schedules from competing banks, you'll want to explore the types of electronic services each bank has consider if it’s really going to bother you to pay a few bucks each to offer. Once you have identified your needs, evaluating and month for that “gotta have it” feature or service. Maybe it is, maybe comparing the services and fees is a much simpler task. it isn’t. But you have to do your research, because not all banks offer At first glance, fees might make you favor debit cards in the debit free checking, and if they do, they won’t always tell you about that vs credit competition. The worst fee you'll find in a typical debit card option unless you ask. is a POS fee — charged when you use your debit card at a retailer So go online or make a few phone calls. Find out if the bank has using PIN number. While the tide is shifting away from banks a lot of ATM locations. It doesn’t do you any good to have free charging these fees, they're still around. More importantly, there are checking if you have to spend $2 a pop to use another bank’s ATM more factors than fees to the debit vs credit debate. because you bank only has one branch and it is all the way across Hidden fees are becoming increasingly popular in the banking town. industry. If you're not careful, you might end up wasting significant You may be eligible because of where you live or what type of job amounts of money each year on things that can be easily avoided. you have to join a credit union. Many people like credit unions One place that's full of hidden fees is the ATM. While it is an easy because they offer a lot of free services (like maybe free Money way of obtaining your money quickly and efficiently, ATMs are Orders). But keep in mind that credit unions are often few and far notorious for their service charges. You can end up being charged between, so you may end up with the ATM surcharge problem. every time you use the ATM, if you're not careful. Some banks will charge extra fees if you do not meet certain requirements or do your banking with them. Banks can even charge you to check your balance at the ATM. It depends on the bank. You need to understand the terms of your bank and find the best plan for you. You can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. Internet banking may also have a price. Depending on the bank, you may have to pay a service charge for this service. It also may not be available at all banks.

60 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

You may have a difficult time deciding which type of home feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for mortgage is the best for your needs. The world of home finance veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership offers so many variables and options that it’s often hard to keep became a reality for millions of veterans. VA will guarantee a them straight. The following may help you better understand the maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, differences and find a home loan that’s right for you. which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the Fixed-Rate Mortgages are very popular because the interest rate reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever and monthly payments are constant. Fixed loans are generally is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must amortized over ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years. Property taxes qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program. and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your Interest-Only Mortgage is really an interest-only option that works monthly payments will be very stable. During the early amortization with various mortgage types. This option has regular payments, period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for typically monthly, for a fixed period of time; however, payments paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly consist of one hundred percent interest. No principal is paid during payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate the interest-only period. When that period ends, the borrower is mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the obligated to make payments of principal and interest. Because the original loan amount. You may also opt for “biweekly” mortgages, time remaining in the loan term to repay the principal is shorter than which shorten the loan by making a payment every two weeks. it would have been, payments will adjust upward, sometimes (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 substantially. The appeal of interest-only payments is savings. When “months” worth, every year.) principal is not being paid, monthly payments are dramatically Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a loan which allows for the lower. On the risk side is potential for loss. If the need to sell arises adjustment of its interest rate according to the terms of the note and and the property value has stayed flat or declined, a borrower might as market interest rates change. With this type of mortgage loan be in a position where the mortgage loan balance is higher than the program the interest rate and payments may be adjusted as market value of the property. frequently as every month. The purpose of the program is to allow Balloon Mortgage Loan generally has a short term, commonly mortgage interest rates to fluctuate with market conditions. The anywhere from 3-7 years. During that term, borrowers make regular initial interest rate for an ARM is usually lower than that of a fixed equal payments of principal – the amount of money borrowed – plus rate mortgage, where the interest rate remains the same during the interest. At the end of the loan term, a “balloon” payment is due for life of the loan. A lower rate means lower payments, which might the entire loan balance. Options for handling the balloon payment help you qualify for a larger loan. Also if you do not plan to keep your include paying off the balance when due or refinancing before the home for more than a few years, the possibility of rate increases payment comes due. Balloon mortgages are usually offered at isn’t as much of a factor. But no one has a crystal ball to predict the lower interest rates than other fixed-rate loans. In addition, fluctuation of interest rates, so it is somewhat of a gamble. payments are calculated using a period longer than the term of the FHA Mortgage Loan is insured by the Federal Housing loan. As a result, balloon loans offer affordability for short-term Administration. FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and circumstances. Borrowers do need to plan ahead so they are not Urban Development (HUD), one of its chief purposes is to help caught unprepared when the balloon payment is due. people obtain financing to buy their homes. The FHA doesn’t make Choosing a type of mortgage is not the only decision you must the loans, but insures loans made by banks, savings and loans, face. Several other criteria are listed below. mortgage companies, credit unions and other approved institutions. Hybrid Mortgage combines features of both fixed-rate and FHA does not originate loans. FHA insures the mortgage and pays adjustable-rate mortgages. A hybrid mortgage loan may start with the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the a rate that is fixed for a period of time. When that fixed-rate period loan. Almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough expires, the loan then converts to an ARM. The initial rate for a cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make hybrid mortgage loan is typically lower than prevailing fixed rates. monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured The lower rate enables more buying power up front. On the risk side mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level is the uncertainty of how high interest rates will be when the fixed- required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. rate period expires. VA Mortgage Loan is similar to the FHA mortgage. The U.S. Lending Institution are used When you’re looking for a home loan, Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans made by you might work with an officer at a bank or other lending institution, institutional lenders to eligible veterans. The guarantee helps protect or you might choose to work with a mortgage broker. The loan the lender in the event of the borrower’s default. The VA Loan was officers at a bank, credit union or other lending institution are initiated in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more employees who work to sell and process mortgages originated by commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into their employer. They often have a wide variety of loans types to law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with draw from, but all originate from that specific lender. a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. This continued on page 62

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 61 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Brokers are professionals who are paid a fee to bring Appreciation is the increase in the property’s value, either by together lenders and borrowers. The mortgage broker working to improvement in the market or improvements made by the owner. secure your loan is earning a fee for that transaction—and the Balloon Mortgage is a loan that acts like a fixed rate but is due in better deal they achieve for a lender, the more they are paid. Don’t three, five or ten years. At that point you must pay the outstanding be too anxious to disclose the interest rate you would be willing to balance in one lump sum. accept, let them tell you what terms they can secure. Shop around Buydown is the process of buying a lower interest rate by paying to make sure the terms are reasonable. more points at closing. There should be little difference between obtaining a loan from a Conventional Mortgage is a loan that is under $ 240,000 and meets broker or a local lending institution. Maybe none, but you should be Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, the largest purchasers of aware of the differences between the two positions. A mortgage home mortgages on the secondary market. broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. The loan Convertible Mortgage is an ARM with the option to convert to a office will likely be able to offer more personal service while your loan fixed rate mortgage as specified in the contract. is being processed and once you are an established customer. FHA Loans are issued by FHA approved lenders. The FHA insures Discount Points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to its loans so that borrowers can get them with only 3 to 5% down lower your mortgage interest rate. While buying points is sometimes payment. The FHA has certain criteria to qualify for these loans. a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it Fixed-rate Mortgages are self amortizing loans with a constant rate saves. The cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan of interest. These loans are commonly for 10, 15. 20 or 30 year amount. For instance, for a $100,000 loan one discount point periods. equals $1,000. Each discount point paid on a 30-year loan typically lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. That means a 5.5 percent Interest Rate is what the lender charges for the use of their money. rate would be lowered to 5.375 percent if you purchase one point. Expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed before Paying for points lowers your interest rate, because the lender financing expenses. receives the income in a lump sum at closing rather than collecting Initial Interest Rate is what lenders charge on an ARM until the first the interest as you make payments on your loan. Whether or not adjustment is made. This rate is usually much lower than fixed rate paying points makes sense for you depends in part on how long mortgages. you plan to keep the loan. Jumbo Mortgages are loans greater than $ 227,150 with an interest rate that is a quarter percentage higher than conventional Helpful Mortgage Terms loans. Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a loan with a rate that adjusts to Lifetime Cap is the same as an annual cap except there is limit on market conditions. The rate of adjustment will be stated in the how high the interest rate can increase over the entire life of the contract. mortgage. Adjustment Index is a guide lenders use to change ARM interest Loan Commitment is a promise by the lender to provide the agreed rates during the life of a mortgage. The specific index to which your amount of money stated on the mortgage to close on a home. The ARM is tied to will be listed in the mortgage contract. commitment also states the interest rate, term of loan, and usually Annual Cap is a limit on how high the interest rate on an ARM can expires within 60 days. rise in a single year. Annual caps are specified in the better ARM Loan Servicing is the institution that handles the administrative programs. processing of your loan such as billing and collecting payments. Annual Percentage Rate Equals the true cost of a loan including Loan-to-Value Ratio is the proportional relationship of the financing charges and fees. mortgage loan to the value of a home, expressed as a percentage. Amortization is the process that reduces the amount owned in a loan. It can be made in a lump sum or periodic installments. Appraisal Value is estimating the property’s worth which is based on comparable properties. Appraisals that are completed by certified professionals, and are used by lenders to verify the home’s value and justify the mortgage commitment.

62 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Calculator You can obtain your property taxes from the local township office How much do you qualify for based on typical lender and you can contact your insurance agent for homeowner rates. requirements? Generally, the lender will require that your monthly Now, while shopping for your mortgage, you probably have payments not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Lets take discovered the current interest rate. Use the chart below; find the a look at how a lender would typically determine your ability to meet column, which applies to that rate. Follow the number down until monthly house payments. you find the number that is closest to your principal and interest First, determine your gross monthly income from all sources. payment. To the left of that you will find the loan amount for which Then multiply that amount by 28% to determine an approximate you probably qualify. If you intend to apply for a 90% loan, divide the allowable monthly payment. This payment includes principal, loan amount by .90 to calculate the price of the house that would interest, taxes and insurance. From this amount subtract taxes and require this monthly payment. insurance to arrive at your allowable principal and interest payment.

The example below illustrates this procedure: Gross Monthly Income $2,500 X 28% = $700 Less: Monthly Taxes & Insurance ($100) = $600 6% Interest Rate for 30 years for $600 = $30,000 $30,000/.90 (Loan to Value) = $33,333 = Estimated Maximum Home Price For Qualification

$ 3% 3.5% 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7%

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850,000 2550 2975 3400 3825 4250 4675 5100 5525 5950

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950,000 2850 3325 3800 4275 4750 5225 5700 6175 6650

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Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 63 AIRLINES CONDO/TOWNHOME SALES

Airlines combination for Equitable Bank. We remain Budget Rent a Car relationship driven, focused on excellence Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 American Airlines over the long term, continue to appreciate Right now, Budget has some great rates Reservations call (800) 433-7300 the commitment and vision of our on some equally great cars and trucks. So Flights at your fingertips. For passenger employees and support of our don’t let them pass you by. For your local reservations and information call us or your shareholders. We look forward to reporting or one-way rental choose from Budget’s travel agent. continued progress. World Class Fleet at the airport, or in your United Airlines Equitable Bank neighborhood. Reservations call (800) 241-6522 300 NW 82 Avenue Budget Rent a Truck Serving more of the nations top 100 Plantation, FL 33324 Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 business centers than any other airline. (954) 474-4050 Right now, Budget has some great rates Small package dispatch, same-day airport Personal service, tailored banking on some equally great cars and trucks. So to airport. products and a knowledgeable staff don’t let them pass you by. Continental Airlines continues to prove to be a winning Hertz Car Rental Reservations call (800) 523-3273 combination for Equitable Bank. We remain Reservations call (800) 654-3131 Want to be treated with respect, fly the relationship driven, focused on excellence Still the biggest, still the best We care safe and courteous skies with Continental over the long term, continue to appreciate about you. Customer service is the most Airlines. the commitment and vision of our important thing we do. Biggest selection of United Airlines employees and support of our low-mileage cars. Reservations call (800) 241-6522 shareholders. We look forward to reporting Serving more of the nations top 100 continued progress. Condo/Townhome Sales business centers than any other airline. Equitable Bank Azura Small package dispatch, same-day airport 633 South Federal Highway 6475 Azura Lake Road to airport. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 Greenacres Lake Worth, FL 33463 (954) 524-2265 Banks/Finance (877) 949-3068 Personal service, tailored banking www.drhorton.com Enterprise National Bank products and a knowledgeable staff Azura is located just minutes from the 11811 US Highway One continues to prove to be a winning Florida Turnpike, with easy access on your North Palm Beach, FL 33410 combination for Equitable Bank. We remain daily commute to work. Schools are within (561) 624-4400 relationship driven, focused on excellence walking distance and all “A” rated ensuring Enterprise National Bank is committed over the long term, continue to appreciate your children get a grade “A” education! to our customer’s by providing personal the commitment and vision of our The Palm Beach International Airport is service and the latest technology, so that employees and support of our close to home, making your vacation plans you have access to up to date products shareholders. We look forward to reporting a breeze! A gorgeous day spent relaxing and services in a friendly and professional continued progress. on the Florida Beaches is just 15 minutes atmosphere. Enterprise National Bank is Flagler Bank away! Enjoy shopping, dining, and involved with our community. We 3650 N. Federal Highway, Suite E recreational activities nearby your new encourage our employees to participate in Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 home! Check out this great Jog Road community events, activities and (954) 942-8130 location between Hypoluxo and Gateway! organizations. Some of Flagler Bank’s advantages are: Bella Vista Enterprise National Bank Personalized service - you’ll speak to a 3600 NW 29th Court 3980 RCA Blvd. Suite 8012 person, not a machine. Striving to really Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 know our customer - so we can better (954) 535-2021 (561) 624-4400 serve their personal and business needs. www.drhorton.com Enterprise National Bank is committed Small business friendly attitude - we want Coming soon. Bella Vista a must see in to our customer’s by providing personal to grow your business. Fast loan decisions Broward County. Unbelievably priced in the service and the latest technology, so that - all decisions are made locally, so our mid $100’s. response is quick. Convenient location - or you have access to up to date products Coronado at Doral we will come to you. Provide funds for the and services in a friendly and professional 8955 NW 107th Avenue local community - we will invest our funds atmosphere. Enterprise National Bank is Doral, FL 33178 in this community, not some out-of-state involved with our community. We (305) 888-0197 entity. encourage our employees to participate in www.drhorton.com community events, activities and Car/Truck Rental Coronado at Doral, located just 13 miles organizations. from downtown Miami, is D.R. Horton’s Equitable Bank Avis Rent a Car exclusive community of condominiums for 5418 University Drive Reservations call (800) 331-1212 sizzling hot prices! 7 innovative floor plans Coral Springs, FL 33067 Offers low-mileage quality maintained that feature 2-3 bedrooms, and (954) 752-2265 GM and other cars. Computerized for fast I contemporary design. Resort style Personal service, tailored banking service and low rates for day, week, or swimming pool for the gorgeous Florida products and a knowledgeable staff long term mini lease. weather. Fitness center is located steps continues to prove to be a winning

64 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide CONDO/TOWNHOME SALES EDUCATION away from your home. If you like to travel, to explore new beginnings. The city has self-control, tolerance, and cooperation. Coronado at Doral is a quick drive to the come to life at Tuscan Villas. This is more Each month a trait is highlighted in all Miami International Airport. Doral is famous than a luxurious new townhome sensation grades and classes. for World renowned Golf Courses, located with innovative floor plans, elegant Indian Ridge School near by. Excellent, “A” rated schools. appointments and relaxing amenities 1950 Benoist Farms Road Coronado at Doral is not to be missed. It’s including a tropical resort-style pool and West Palm Beach, FL 33411 South Florida, at its best! cabana area—it’s carefree living at its (561) 681-0000 Gramercy Square finest. School helps students to learn to work 14901 S Military Trail Ventura at Emerald Dunes cooperatively with others and participate in Delray Beach, FL 33484 West Palm Beach, FL 33411 social, recreational and community (855) 949-3054 (561) 687-4114 activities. Our students work hard, but the www.drhorton.com www.VenturaTownhomes.com pressure of competition does not produce 3 and 4 Bedroom Luxury Townhomes Ventura. The name alone evokes winners and losers, they are all winners. with 1 and 2 Car Attached Garages! western beauty and a sense of exclusivity. Granite Countertops/Wood Cabinets. Welcome to this special new place of Education 6-12 Cabana Pool Area and Sundecks. Totally exciting beginnings, embraced by the Florida Air Academy Maintenance-free Lifestyle. State-of-the-Art velvet manicured greens of the Emerald 1950 South Academy Drive Fitness Center - Coming Soon! Dunes Golf Course. A charming Melbourne, FL 32901 Monterey neighborhood of unique townhomes, (321) 723-3211 Boynton Beach, FL 33426 Ventura embodies California architecture www.flair.com (561) 733-1166 ornamented by terracotta tile roofs, At Florida Air Academy, Cadets at have www.MontereyTownhomes.com decorative awnings, picturesque balconies the opportunity to get a first-rate education The choices are endless. The and sprawling tropical gardens. With geared to the learning styles of young men possibilities are outstanding. Welcome to inspiring designs matched by an amenity- and make friends from around the world. Monterey at Boynton Beach. This best, rich setting, Ventura redefines South The school accepts young men in grades new townhome community is your private Florida style. Finally, something different. 6 through 12. The Academy boasts a 16- student average class size and college epicenter for fun. In addition to the Education PreK-5th communities own tropical style pool and prep curriculum taught by accredited staff, peaceful nature walks, Monterey is situated Floranada many with advanced degrees. Cadets at in a thriving city that is fast becoming one 5251 NE 14th Way Florida Air Academy receive leadership of the most desirable settings in South Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 training and an emphasis on community Florida. (954) 928-0380 service. Other programs include an excellent sports program, extensive Monterey’s address says excitement. As Golden School, National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, Redbook’s Award for computer curriculum and optional flight a resident, you will be surrounded by the training and SCUBA certification. conveniences of a great Boynton Beach Americas “Best Elementary Schools,” Five location, which offers a diversity of Star School. Pre-Gem Mathematics Florida Air Academy is located on attractions and amenities that cater to all Program, 4th grade, aftercare program, Florida’s Space Coast and is fully age groups. At Monterey, your biggest multiage classes in selected first-and accredited. Contact our Admissions decision is what to do next. Only minutes second-grade, kindergarten autism department for more information on Fall, from your beautiful new townhome, enjoy program. Spring, and Summer enrollments. For additional Information contact: Donna the many dining, entertainment and cultural Education K-5th venues of Delray Beach’s ‘All-America City‘ Stratford Director of Communication along the Atlantic Avenue. Bayview (321) 723-3211, Extension 30028 1175 Middle River Drive Education 9-12 The Pointe At Middle River Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 Oakland Park, FL 33334 (954) 390-0730 Dillard (561) 752-4779 www.firn.edu/schools/broward/bayview_el 2501 NW 11th Street www.khov.com School Awards/Honors: National Blue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311 Coming Soon! Look for upcoming Ribbon School of Excellence. (954) 797-4800 information about this exciting Townhome Special recognition Blue Ribbon and Condominium Community located in Education K-12 Sunset School School,6A Boys Basketball State the urban redevelopment setting of Champions, numerous student awards. Oakland Park. 3775 SW 16 Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Student Activities/Clubs: Chess, Youth Tuscan Villas (954) 797-8750 Crime Watch, E.S.Ol>, foreign language Ft. Lauderdale FL 33309 Sunset School provides a supportive competition, Future Business Leaders of (954)714-9669 and stimulating environment, which is America SECME, robotics team, American www.TuscanTownhomes.com student centered. The students participate Technology Honor Society, American Sign Exhilaration. Intoxicating. Cool, yet so in activities that will prepare them for the Language Club, Art Honor Society. Special hot. Feel the intense rhythm of in-town future. Character education addresses Programs: Performing Arts Magnet, excitement at Tuscan Villas, central Ft. eight key behaviors; responsibility, Emerging Computer Technology Magnet, Lauderdale’s newest most fashionable citizenship, kindness, respect, honesty, Air Forcoe JROTC, Advanced Placement townhome community, and premier place Courses.

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 65 HOME BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS NATIONWIDE TRAVEL

Home Builders/Developers today’s most sought-after luxury features. Moving Supplies Centex Homes - Southeast Florida Division Homes by Kennedy Dial-A-Box 3301 Quantum Blvd, First Floor 600 W. Hillsborough Blvd, Suite 101 White Plains and , NY Boynton Beach, FL 33426 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 TOLL FREE: (866) 4-DIAL-A-BOX / (877) 231-3321 (954) 426-9999 (866) 434-2522 www.centexhomes.com For over three generations, master www.dial-a-box.com craftsmanship, creative design & long- Buying a new home is one of the largest Nationwide Travel financial commitments you will make, so it lasting value have been synonymous with is important to know what distinguishes the Kennedy name. You don’t have to look Bellagio The Resort Centex Homes from other builders. Centex far to find a Kennedy home, we’ve built 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South Homes has extensive experience in homes in many exclusive communities Las Vegas, NV 89109 building master planned communities; in throughout Illinois, Colorado, Idaho & (702) 693-7223 fact, Centex Homes created the concept Florida. Experience a world unto itself at “the of the master planned community. The New Urban Communities most romantic hotel in the world.” first, Elk Grove Village, debuted in 1957 398 NE 6th Avenue • AAA Five Diamond Award winning resort. with such innovations as the first Delray Beach, FL 33483 • Nine world-renowned restaurants underground utilities and phone lines. (561) 279-8706 including Aqua, Prime, and AAA Five Centex Homes is also the only builder to www.newurbancommunities.com Diamond Award-winner Picasso. rank among the Top 10 on Professional New Urban Communities was founded • “O” by Cirque du Soleil, an extraordinary Builder's “Giant 400” list each year since in 1998 by principals Kevin Rickard and fusion of water, dance and aerobics. its inception in 1968. Furthermore, Centex Tim Hernandez. Together Kevin and Tim • Via Bellagio–a collection of the worlds Homes is the largest subsidiary of Centex have more than 50 years of experience in most sophisticated boutiques from Corporation, ranked as the most admired the development, financial and Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Tiffany, and company in the engineering and construction industries. New Urban was Hermes. construction sector by Fortune magazine. formed with the goal of synthesizing best • The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens practices from the production and custom D R Horton charms guests with its natural beauty. homebuilding arenas with new urbanist 1245 South Military Trail, Suite 100 • Dancing Fountains cavort on an eight Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 architectural and community design acre lake. (954) 949-3000 principles. While other builders seek to www.drhorton.com grow through standardization and volume, Fairmont Hotels D.R. Horton’s philosophy of creating New Urban succeeds in the marketplace Toll Free (800) 527-4727 value every step of the way was the through its small unique communities, www.Fairmont.com Company’s signature focus when Horton cutting edge architecture, and a burning Boston, Las Vegas, Dallas, New unveiled his first neighborhood in the state desire to create memorable places that Orleans, New York, San Francisco & San of Texas over three decades ago. As the stand the test of time. New Urban Jose America’s Grand Hotels since 1907. Company grew from a local homebuilder, Communities has been lauded by Hilton Hotels to a regional homebuilder, to ultimately the government, the news media Worldwide Reservations largest homebuilder in the United States environmental organizations and Toll Free (800) 845-8667 that philosophy has never wavered. Today, neighborhood groups for its innovative, www.Hilton.com D.R. Horton continues to demonstrate its environmentally responsible approach to Hilton Hotels, Resorts, Suites, Hilton leadership in residential development design, land development and Garden Inn, Conrad International Hotel. through design innovation, superior homebuilding. MGM Grand craftsmanship, and responsiveness to the Transeastern Homes 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South needs of its customers. The simple vision 3300 University Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109 that began over 30 years ago represents Coral Springs, FL 33065 (702) 891-1111 years of value and security when you (954) 346-9700 Searching for non-stop action and choose America’s Builder to make your We know the most important home we pulse-pounding excitement? “The City of dreams come true. will ever build is YOURS, so naturally our Entertainment” awaits your arrival. Engle Homes success comes from carefully monitoring • La Femme-the sensual French sensation 123 NW 13th Street Suite 300 the quality of your home during direct from the original Crazy Horse in Boca Raton, FL 33432 construction and working closely with you, Paris. (800) 624-3960 our lifelong customer, to assure your • Tabu - The ultra hip lounge designed to Engle Homes has been building complete satisfaction! With a broad stimulate and arouse your senses. spectrum of models available for your extraordinary homes in South Florida’s best • Live the nightclub lifestyle at studio 54sm. inspection in a wide price range - designed location for over a quarter of a century. • Sixteen masterpiece restaurants including to meet the needs of many different Recognized as one of the nation’s top 15 celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s families - surely there’s a Transeastern builders, Engle Homes offers a wide variety Craftsteak and Michelle Mina’s NOBHILL. of home styles including townhomes, Home that’s right for you and yours! • The king of the jungle overlooks the Lion single-family homes, and luxury estate Habitat. homes. Engle Homes provides a unique selection of home designs and many of • The Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood

66 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide NATIONWIDE TRAVEL NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS

Theatre feature top name entertainment. amenities. 7–acre recreation area featuring a fitness Mirage Hotel & Casino • AAA Four Diamond Award® winning center, resort-style pool, tennis, basketball 3400 Las Vegas Blvd South resort. courts and much more. Prices from Las Vegas, NV 89109 • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle $255,900. (702) 791-7111 between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and Canterbury Place Immerse yourself in this tropical South the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the 109 Midleton Way Sea oasis filled with luxury and excitement! middle of the Buccaneer Bay. Jupiter, FL 33458 • Experience the elegance and • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a (877) 231-3321 sophistication of our newly redesigned mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, www.canterburyplacefl.com guest rooms. circus skills and dance. Canterbury Place is located within the • Dive into interconnected lagoon and • Eight exciting dining options including established community of Abacoa. The thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay community offers single family homes and pool. Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the townhomes in beautiful Tuscan and French • Ten international restaurants including explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. Country styles, only steps away from sports attractions, shopping, dining and AAA Five-Diamond award winner Renoir. • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. entertainment. Base Plan Prices from the • Exotic White Tigers, Lions and a family of • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and low $300s – low $700s Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried salon. and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Canyon Springs Habitat. New Home Developments (Previewing at Canyon Lakes in Boynton Beach, FL) • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons Bella Vida Contempo Series 10740 Castle Oak Drive and tumbling waterfalls. Cape Coral FL 33909 Boynton Beach, FL 33437 (239) 731-6221 • Dive into interconnected lagoon and (800) 617-1406 www.swf.drhorton.com thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage www.glhomes.com Bella Vida will feature a wide selection of pool. Canyon Springs, located in Palm Beach single family homes and spacious New York-New York County’s pristine agricultural reserve, townhomes to suit the needs of every 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South follows on the unprecedented success of family. With a seemingly endless selection Las Vegas, NV 89109 Canyon Lakes and Canyon Isles. Visit us of remarkable amenities, Bella Vida will (702) 740-6969 and tour 13 gorgeous decorated models. offer an unparalleled family lifestyle. A large The best of meets the Choose from 24 exciting new single-family recreation area will provide the perfect best of Las Vegas in one exciting location. home floor plans with up to 7 bedrooms, setting for family outings, with a soccer Be a part of it. all offering the unmatched lifestyle that is field, baseball diamond, picnic area, “Canyon.” The location is among the best • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and basketball court, volleyball courts, and in Palm Beach County – and the brilliant entertainment. children’s playground. A resort-style heated design includes walkways connecting • Live performances nightly from the pool located next to the clubhouse and schools, services, shopping and recreation Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. tennis courts will provide the perfect place – right within the community! Live the • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller to cool off after a fun day of family Canyon lifestyle and enjoy your life. Prices Coaster. recreation. from the $500’s. • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon In addition to its amenities, family can and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at also enjoy the peach and beauty of the Castellina Times Square. community’s surrounding nature. Small, Wellington, FL 33414 • New York City’s original Gallaghers charming lakes and wetland preserves will (877) 231-3321 Steakhouse. offer tranquil retreats for families to share www.centexhomes.com the simple things in life. No matter what Castellina is an upscale, gated • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple community located in the heart of Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The you choose to do, Bella Vida is the community that offers you a beautiful life. Wellington. At Castellina, Centex Homes Greatest City in Las Vegas.” will offer luxurious single family homes Botanica Lakes • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du ranging in size from 3,100 - 6,070 square 10312 Longleaf Pine Court Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, feet of air conditioned living space, located Fort Myers, FL 33913 humanity and art. on premium 80' x 160' lots. These 4, 5 (800) 617-1128 Pan Pacific Resort Hotels and 6 bedroom homes will include 3 or 4 www.glhomes.com Worldwide Reservations car garages and will offer several choices Live in Fort Myers’ hottest new Toll Free (800) 327-8585 of beautifully designed exteriors in the community and enjoy a great value, too! Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts. North classic Mediterranean or French Country Botanica Lakes is a gorgeous new America, Japan, Southeast Asia. styles. community that features over 105 acres of Treasure Island lakes and preserves and offers spacious 2 Standard features will include granite 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South to 6-bedroom Mediterranean style single- countertops, 6 burner gas cook top range, Las Vegas, NV 89109 family homes. Enjoy a lifestyle like no other, summer kitchens, choice of personal pool, (702) 792-5627 all in a serene yet easily accessible location custom landscaping packaging, crown Enjoy the adventure and romance of this in desirable Fort Myers. You’ll love the molding, impact glass windows and more. engaging resort filled with new-world fabulous courtyard-style Clubhouse and

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Coconut Cay a place with limitless possibilities and two story home designs. Base Plan Prices 20607 NW 12th Ave activities, Equus is it! Come see Equus From $184s-$315s. Miami Gardens, FL 33169 today! Nautica Lakes (305) 652-0636 Falcon Trace 11467 Garden Cress Trail www.drhorton.com 2655 Heron Bay Lane SW Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 Explore the excitement of your new, Vero Beach, FL 32962 (800) 936-3864 spacious home in Coconut Cay, the most (800) 617-2377 www.glhomes.com prestigious, single family home community www.glhomes.com The best value in Palm Beach County is in Miami Gardens. Discover a home rich in Visit Falcon Trace and you’ll see for right here at Nautica Lakes! Choose from a design and detail, where innovation yourself why so many are choosing to beautiful collection of distinctive 3 to 5- compliments comfort. Minutes drive to the move-up to the unspoiled lifestyle that Vero bedroom single-family homes and 3 to 4- Atlantic Ocean, I-95, Florida Turnpike and Beach is famous for – uncrowded roads, bedroom townhouses, all located within a Dolphin Stadium. Architecturally crafted beautiful beaches and a relaxing small- beautiful resort-style Royal Palm Beach homes situated on spacious, lush town ambiance. Build your waterfront, cul- location. The perfect home design – and landscaped yards maintained by the de-sac or garden view dream home amid perfect lifestyle choice – is right here. Get Homeowners Association. 45 enticing acres of lakes, resort-style all the space your family needs and Copperleaf pools and impeccable grounds and live the deserves – plus enjoy the included resort- 904 SW Scrub Oak Ave. dream now. Falcon Trace showcases style amenities and activities to let your Palm City, FL 34997 luxury family home designs, from 2 to 5 family make the very most of the great (877) 231-3321 bedrooms, with one and two-story floor Florida outdoor lifestyle. Prices from mid www.copperleaffl.com plans, at a great east-of-I-95 location. $300’s to $500’s. Centex Homes is proud to announce Prices from the $300’s to high $400’s. Oakmont Estates Copperleaf, its newest and most exclusive Lyons Ranches 10200 Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite 110 community. Designed for those who Boynton Beach, FL 33437 Wellington, FL 33414 appreciate the tranquil comforts of natural (877) 949-3070 (877) 231-3321 surroundings, 43% of Copperleaf’s acreage www.drhorton.com www.centexhomes.com is devoted to wetlands, pristine nature Lyons Ranches is located just minutes Located in the charming Village of preserves and glistening lakes. Expansive from the Florida Turnpike, making your Wellington, Oakmont Estates is an homesites ranging up to 1/2 acre will daily commute to work, easy and exclusive gated community of 202 finely provide the perfect setting for the unique effortless! Enjoy a neighborhood-style crafted Mediterranean-style single family blend of sophisticated architecture shopping plaza featuring a new grocery homes designed for the most discerning featuring French Country and stores, banking, restaurants, and families. The community's peaceful Mediterranean style designs with stucco boutiques all within minutes of your new ambience is created by mature, lush and stone facades. This gated community home! Also located nearby for your landscaping and thirty-two acres of is further enhanced with sixteen exterior entertainment, an outdoor Amphitheater glistening lakes. Residences boast Centex color schemes and fifteen unique floor hosting concerts, theatre, and events year Homes’ outstanding value and quality plans ranging from 2640+ to 6300+ sq. ft. round. Relax on the beautiful Boynton construction, and range in size from 2,173 Base Plan Prices From $500s to over a Beaches, just 15 minutes from home! to 4,227 square feet, with a variety of million. Boynton Beach conveniently sits between floorplans to fit any lifestyle. Personalize Equus Palm Beach and Boca Raton, where major your home with the diverse selection of 9806 Equus Circle shopping malls flourish. Whether you’re architectural styles, design options and Boynton Beach, FL 33472 looking for a Beautiful community to raise colors. Homesites feature picturesque lake (561) 739-8303 your family, or a place with limitless or privacy views. Base Plan Prices from the www.drhorton.com possibilities, Lyons Ranches in Boynton mid $500s – high $700s. Equus is located just minutes from the Beach is it! Provence Bay Florida Turnpike, making your daily Morningside 1121 Normandie Way commute to work or to run errands, easy 100 Palm Breezes Vero Beach, FL 32960 and effortless! With a wide array of Fort Pierce, FL 34945 (877) 231-3321 amenities, D.R. Horton brings style, (877) 231-3321 www.centexhomes.com sophistication, and luxury to Equus, www.centexhomes.com Provence Bay will offer 6 unique designs combined with a friendly and active way of Now open for pre-construction sales of two-story townhomes ranging from life. Whether you like to spend your days opportunities! Awake to the peace and 1300+ to 2245+ square feet. Plans offer swimming with the kids, playing tennis with quiet found in the private convenience of two and three bedroom layouts with two friends, or barbeque’s with the neighbors, Morningside. Located West of I-95 and and 1/2 baths. All homes have a covered Equus is the premier community in Palm Orange Avenue in St. Lucie County, entry and patio, breakfast bar and one or Beach County to belong! Equus features a Morningside will afford families a getaway two-car garage. Some plans offer state of the art Equestrian center adjacent from the hustle and bustle of urban life additional living space with a loft, additional to the property (non- affiliated) which offers without sacrificing location. The prep space with an island kitchen or riding lessons, training and agricultural Morningside community offers 15 distinct separate breakfast room. Provence Bay’s activities whether you’re looking for a single-family homes plans with two to six lakes and preserve areas are designed to Beautiful community to raise your family, or bedrooms, 2 to 4 bathrooms and one or enhance the tranquil lifestyle found in Vero

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Beach. Take a splash in the pool or relax SunTerra Valencia Palms under an umbrella. Base Plan Prices From 5778 Belvedere Road (Previewing at Valencia Shores in Lake $221s-$308s. West Palm Beach, FL 33413 Worth, FL) Sagewood (877) 231-3321 8621 Vintage Reserve Terrace 6867 Osage Circle www.centexhomes.com Delray Beach, FL 33467 Greenacres, FL 33413 SunTerra is a private, gated enclave of (800) 910-3403 (561) 688-0213 124 Single Family Homes surrounding a www.glhomes.com www.drhorton.com four acre lake. The clubhouse with heated Ideally situated in Delray Beach between Welcome home to Sagewood. Envision pool and all homesites offer a lake or I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike, Valencia Palms a quiet community of 104 homes that offer privacy view. SunTerra is located in Palm boasts a central location that is convenient beautiful Mediterranean architecture and Beach County, 10 minutes from Downtown to everything! Valencia Palms’ 2 to 4- innovative floor plans designed with you in West Palm Beach, on the south side of bedroom luxury homes are the perfect mind. Location and affordability come Belvedere Road, east of Jog Road. choice. These larger homes boast many together in this hidden residential SunTerra offers easy access to the standard luxury features. And you’ll love community. Just minutes to Florida’s Turnpike and I-95. Base Plan Prices from the resort-style amenities and recreation Turnpike, West Palm Beach International the $290s. that active adults everywhere are raving Airport and The Mall at Wellington Green. Tuscan Villas about. The fulltime Lifestyle and Fitness 15 minutes to City Place and the beautiful 2975 West Commercial Blvd staff is on site to help you make the very beaches Palm Beach County has to offer. Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33309 most of your rewarding Valencia lifestyle. Finely appointed exteriors with covered (954) 714-9669 See for yourself why Valencia is Florida’s porches and soaring, open interiors, www.TuscanTownhomes.com #1 choice for active adults. Prices from shimmering lake, sparkling pool, sidewalks, Exhilaration. Intoxicating. Cool, yet so $309,900. covered BBQ pavilion and fun children’s hot. Feel the intense rhythm of in-town Valencia Pointe playground. Come home to your own excitement at Tuscan Villas, central Ft. (Previewing at Valencia Shores in Lake peaceful retreat at Sagewood. Visit our Lauderdale’s newest most fashionable Worth, FL) model center today. townhome community, and premier place 8621 Vintage Reserve Terrace Lake Worth, FL 33467 Sandiper Cove and Strathmoor at Botanica to explore new beginnings. The city has (800) 910-3403 Centex Homes come to life at Tuscan Villas. This is more www.glhomes.com 425 Indian Creek Parkway than a luxurious new townhome sensation For Florida’s active-adult lifestyle at its Jupiter, Florida 33458 with innovative floor plans, elegant best, nothing beats Valencia. Valencia (877) 231-3321 appointments and relaxing amenities Pointe’s selection of stunning 2 to 4- www.sandpiperandstrathmoor.com including a tropical resort-style pool and bedroom single-family homes offer Sandpiper Cove and Strathmoor cabana area – it’s carefree living at its gracious living – plus a fantastic active- represent the best of Jupiter. With finest. adult lifestyle that includes top recreation distinctive exterior designs, a wide variety Valencia Lakes and Broadway-style entertainment choices. of floorplans to choose from, and generous 4927 Sapphire Sound Drive The fulltime Lifestyle and Fitness staff is on amenities for each community, Sandpiper Wimauma, FL 33598 site to help you make the very most of Cove and Strathmoor offer some of (800) 506-0997 your rewarding Valencia lifestyle, with a Jupiter's best new construction. Pricing www.glhomes.com wide array of clubs, resort-style activities ranges from the low $200s to the mid Broadway-quality shows, resort-style and more. Visit 11 gorgeous decorated $400s. living and all the amenities active adults models and discover what active adults Sunset Falls want – no wonder Valencia is the preferred choice of active adults, 55+! These everywhere are raving about! Prices from 17376 SW 48th Street $309,900. Miramar, FL 33029 gorgeous 2 to 4-bedroom single-family (800) 616-0416 homes offer elegant design, beautiful Ventura at Emerald Dunes www.glhomes.com landscaping and a maintenance-free 1990 Vista Parkway The ultimate in waterfront living can be lifestyle. Enjoy resort-style amenities, with a West Palm Beach, FL 33411 yours, right here in Miramar! Mile-wide dazzling Social Club, fully equipped Athletic (561) 687-4114 water views and an astonishing 375-acre Center and full-time Lifestyle Director. www.VenturaTownhomes.com lake make Sunset Falls the last great Valencia Lakes’ top-notch recreation and Ventura. The name alone evokes waterfront community in Miramar. Discover fantastic social hall set the new standard western beauty and a sense of exclusivity. luxurious single-family homes, from 3 to 7 for active adults living in Florida’s best Welcome to this special new place of bedrooms, in a “location, location, locations. Come and tour our twelve exciting beginnings, embraced by the location” that’s convenient to everything. outstanding decorated models. Prices from velvet manicured greens of the Emerald And enjoy a phenomenal lifestyle that $219,900. Dunes Golf Course. A charming includes a waterfront Clubhouse, fitness neighborhood of unique townhomes, center, two lighted tennis courts, tropical Ventura embodies California architecture pool and more – just minutes from Miami ornamented by terracotta tile roofs, and Fort Lauderdale. Prices from decorative awnings, picturesque balconies $499,900. and sprawling tropical gardens. With inspiring designs matched by an amenity- rich setting, Ventura redefines South

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Florida style. Finally, something different. VeroLago 5576 57th Avenue Vero Beach, FL 32967 (877) 231-3321 www.centexhomes.com Vero Beach, the Treasure Coast’s most desirable location, is the setting for the newest private community, Vero Lago. Choose between 23 distinctive floor plans for our beautifully crafted one and two story Mission and Mediterranean style homes. Set amongst 10 glistening lakes, 18 acres of green space, an open park and walking path, this gated community is designed for those seeking amenities that offer the ultimate relaxed lifestyle. Base Plan Prices From $218s-$513s. Woodfield 55 and better 6262 Thames Place Vero Beach, FL 32966 (877) 231-3321 www.centexhomes.com You’ve Waited Your Whole Life To Live Like This! Woodfield is a gated, active adult community with Mediterranean and Mission style single-family homes and attached villas. Enjoying the vast array of amenities at Woodfield will make you feel like you’re on a fabulous vacation. The 16,000 square foot grand clubhouse is the hub for countless indoor activities; fitness, aerobics, crafts, billiards, cards, computers, live theatre/ballroom. To complete the resort experience, a full-time social director is on staff to plan and coordinate trips and clubs to help you take full advantage of the incredible South Florida lifestyle. Base Plan Prices From $198s-$359s.

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Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried salon. Canyon Springs and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin (Previewing at Canyon Lakes in Boynton Habitat. New Home Developments Beach, FL) • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons Bella Vida Contempo Series 10740 Castle Oak Drive and tumbling waterfalls. Cape Coral FL 33909 Boynton Beach, FL 33437 • Dive into interconnected lagoon and (239) 731-6221 (800) 617-1406 thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage www.swf.drhorton.com www.glhomes.com pool. Bella Vida will feature a wide selection of Canyon Springs, located in Palm Beach single family homes and spacious County’s pristine agricultural reserve, New York-New York townhomes to suit the needs of every follows on the unprecedented success of 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South family. With a seemingly endless selection Canyon Lakes and Canyon Isles. Visit us Las Vegas, NV 89109 of remarkable amenities, Bella Vida will and tour 13 gorgeous decorated models. (702) 740-6969 offer an unparalleled family lifestyle. A large Choose from 24 exciting new single-family The best of New York City meets the recreation area will provide the perfect home floor plans with up to 7 bedrooms, best of Las Vegas in one exciting location. setting for family outings, with a soccer all offering the unmatched lifestyle that is Be a part of it. field, baseball diamond, picnic area, “Canyon.” The location is among the best • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and basketball court, volleyball courts, and in Palm Beach County – and the brilliant entertainment. children’s playground. A resort-style heated design includes walkways connecting • Live performances nightly from the pool located next to the clubhouse and schools, services, shopping and recreation Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. tennis courts will provide the perfect place – right within the community! Live the • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller to cool off after a fun day of family Canyon lifestyle and enjoy your life. Prices Coaster. recreation. from the $500’s. • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon In addition to its amenities, family can Castellina and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at also enjoy the peach and beauty of the Wellington, FL 33414 Times Square. community’s surrounding nature. Small, (877) 231-3321 • New York City’s original Gallaghers charming lakes and wetland preserves will www.centexhomes.com Steakhouse. offer tranquil retreats for families to share Castellina is an upscale, gated the simple things in life. No matter what • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple community located in the heart of you choose to do, Bella Vida is the Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The Wellington. At Castellina, Centex Homes community that offers you a beautiful life. Greatest City in Las Vegas.” will offer luxurious single family homes Botanica Lakes • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du ranging in size from 3,100 - 6,070 square 10312 Longleaf Pine Court Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, feet of air conditioned living space, located Fort Myers, FL 33913 humanity and art. on premium 80' x 160' lots. These 4, 5 (800) 617-1128 and 6 bedroom homes will include 3 or 4 Pan Pacific Resort Hotels www.glhomes.com car garages and will offer several choices Worldwide Reservations Live in Fort Myers’ hottest new of beautifully designed exteriors in the Toll Free (800) 327-8585 community and enjoy a great value, too! classic Mediterranean or French Country Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts. North Botanica Lakes is a gorgeous new styles. America, Japan, Southeast Asia. community that features over 105 acres of Standard features will include granite Treasure Island lakes and preserves and offers spacious 2 countertops, 6 burner gas cook top range, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South to 6-bedroom Mediterranean style single- summer kitchens, choice of personal pool, Las Vegas, NV 89109 family homes. Enjoy a lifestyle like no other, custom landscaping packaging, crown (702) 792-5627 all in a serene yet easily accessible location molding, impact glass windows and more. Enjoy the adventure and romance of this in desirable Fort Myers. You’ll love the Copperleaf engaging resort filled with new-world fabulous courtyard-style Clubhouse and amenities. 7–acre recreation area featuring a fitness 904 SW Scrub Oak Ave. Palm City, FL 34997 • AAA Four Diamond Award® winning center, resort-style pool, tennis, basketball (877) 231-3321 resort. courts and much more. Prices from $255,900. www.copperleaffl.com • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle Centex Homes is proud to announce between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and Canterbury Place Copperleaf, its newest and most exclusive the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the 109 Midleton Way community. Designed for those who middle of the Buccaneer Bay. Jupiter, FL 33458 appreciate the tranquil comforts of natural • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a (877) 231-3321 surroundings, 43% of Copperleaf’s acreage mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, www.canterburyplacefl.com is devoted to wetlands, pristine nature circus skills and dance. Canterbury Place is located within the preserves and glistening lakes. Expansive • Eight exciting dining options including established community of Abacoa. The homesites ranging up to 1/2 acre will Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay community offers single family homes and provide the perfect setting for the unique Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the townhomes in beautiful Tuscan and French blend of sophisticated architecture explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. Country styles, only steps away from featuring French Country and • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. sports attractions, shopping, dining and Mediterranean style designs with stucco entertainment. Base Plan Prices from the and stone facades. This gated community • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and low $300s – low $700s

Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide [ 67 NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS is further enhanced with sixteen exterior Oakmont Estates Sunset Falls color schemes and fifteen unique floor 10200 Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite 110 17376 SW 48th Street plans ranging from 2640+ to 6300+ sq. ft. Wellington, FL 33414 Miramar, FL 33029 Base Plan Prices From $500s to over a (877) 231-3321 (800) 616-0416 million. www.centexhomes.com www.glhomes.com Falcon Trace Located in the charming Village of The ultimate in waterfront living can be 2655 Heron Bay Lane SW Wellington, Oakmont Estates is an yours, right here in Miramar! Mile-wide Vero Beach, FL 32962 exclusive gated community of 202 finely water views and an astonishing 375-acre (800) 617-2377 crafted Mediterranean-style single family lake make Sunset Falls the last great www.glhomes.com homes designed for the most discerning waterfront community in Miramar. Discover Visit Falcon Trace and you’ll see for families. The community's peaceful luxurious single-family homes, from 3 to 7 yourself why so many are choosing to ambience is created by mature, lush bedrooms, in a “location, location, move-up to the unspoiled lifestyle that Vero landscaping and thirty-two acres of location” that’s convenient to everything. Beach is famous for – uncrowded roads, glistening lakes. Residences boast Centex And enjoy a phenomenal lifestyle that beautiful beaches and a relaxing small- Homes’ outstanding value and quality includes a waterfront Clubhouse, fitness town ambiance. Build your waterfront, cul- construction, and range in size from 2,173 center, two lighted tennis courts, tropical de-sac or garden view dream home amid to 4,227 square feet, with a variety of pool and more – just minutes from Miami 45 enticing acres of lakes, resort-style floorplans to fit any lifestyle. Personalize and Fort Lauderdale. Prices from pools and impeccable grounds and live the your home with the diverse selection of $499,900. dream now. Falcon Trace showcases architectural styles, design options and SunTerra luxury family home designs, from 2 to 5 colors. Homesites feature picturesque lake 5778 Belvedere Road bedrooms, with one and two-story floor or privacy views. Base Plan Prices from the West Palm Beach, FL 33413 plans, at a great east-of-I-95 location. mid $500s – high $700s. (877) 231-3321 Prices from the $300’s to high $400’s. Provence Bay www.centexhomes.com Morningside 1121 Normandie Way SunTerra is a private, gated enclave of 100 Palm Breezes Vero Beach, FL 32960 124 Single Family Homes surrounding a Fort Pierce, FL 34945 (877) 231-3321 four acre lake. The clubhouse with heated (877) 231-3321 www.centexhomes.com pool and all homesites offer a lake or www.centexhomes.com Provence Bay will offer 6 unique designs privacy view. SunTerra is located in Palm Now open for pre-construction sales of two-story townhomes ranging from Beach County, 10 minutes from Downtown opportunities! Awake to the peace and 1300+ to 2245+ square feet. Plans offer West Palm Beach, on the south side of quiet found in the private convenience of two and three bedroom layouts with two Belvedere Road, east of Jog Road. Morningside. Located West of I-95 and and 1/2 baths. All homes have a covered SunTerra offers easy access to the Orange Avenue in St. Lucie County, entry and patio, breakfast bar and one or Turnpike and I-95. Base Plan Prices from Morningside will afford families a getaway two-car garage. Some plans offer the $290s. from the hustle and bustle of urban life additional living space with a loft, additional Tuscan Villas without sacrificing location. The prep space with an island kitchen or 2975 West Commercial Blvd Morningside community offers 15 distinct separate breakfast room. Provence Bay’s Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33309 single-family homes plans with two to six lakes and preserve areas are designed to (954) 714-9669 bedrooms, 2 to 4 bathrooms and one or enhance the tranquil lifestyle found in Vero www.TuscanTownhomes.com two story home designs. Base Plan Prices Beach. Take a splash in the pool or relax Exhilaration. Intoxicating. Cool, yet so From $184s-$315s. under an umbrella. Base Plan Prices From hot. Feel the intense rhythm of in-town Nautica Lakes $221s-$308s. excitement at Tuscan Villas, central Ft. 11467 Garden Cress Trail Sandiper Cove and Strathmoor at Botanica Lauderdale’s newest most fashionable Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 Centex Homes townhome community, and premier place (800) 936-3864 425 Indian Creek Parkway to explore new beginnings. The city has www.glhomes.com Jupiter, Florida 33458 come to life at Tuscan Villas. This is more The best value in Palm Beach County is (877) 231-3321 than a luxurious new townhome sensation right here at Nautica Lakes! Choose from a www.sandpiperandstrathmoor.com with innovative floor plans, elegant beautiful collection of distinctive 3 to 5- Sandpiper Cove and Strathmoor appointments and relaxing amenities bedroom single-family homes and 3 to 4- represent the best of Jupiter. With including a tropical resort-style pool and bedroom townhouses, all located within a distinctive exterior designs, a wide variety cabana area – it’s carefree living at its beautiful resort-style Royal Palm Beach of floorplans to choose from, and generous finest. location. The perfect home design – and amenities for each community, Sandpiper Valencia Lakes perfect lifestyle choice – is right here. Get Cove and Strathmoor offer some of 4927 Sapphire Sound Drive all the space your family needs and Jupiter's best new construction. Pricing Wimauma, FL 33598 deserves – plus enjoy the included resort- ranges from the low $200s to the mid (800) 506-0997 style amenities and activities to let your $400s. www.glhomes.com family make the very most of the great Broadway-quality shows, resort-style Florida outdoor lifestyle. Prices from mid living and all the amenities active adults $300’s to $500’s. want – no wonder Valencia is the preferred

68 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT choice of active adults, 55+! These Ventura at Emerald Dunes Property Management gorgeous 2 to 4-bedroom single-family 1990 Vista Parkway Lyon Management Group, Inc. homes offer elegant design, beautiful West Palm Beach, FL 33411 landscaping and a maintenance-free (561) 687-4114 4901 Birch Street lifestyle. Enjoy resort-style amenities, with a www.VenturaTownhomes.com Corporate Headquarters dazzling Social Club, fully equipped Athletic Ventura. The name alone evokes Newport Beach, CA 92660 Center and full-time Lifestyle Director. western beauty and a sense of exclusivity. (949) 252-9101 Valencia Lakes’ top-notch recreation and Welcome to this special new place of www.LyonApartments.com fantastic social hall set the new standard exciting beginnings, embraced by the In February, 1989, Lyon Management for active adults living in Florida’s best velvet manicured greens of the Emerald Group, Inc. was established to provide locations. Come and tour our twelve Dunes Golf Course. A charming property management services to The outstanding decorated models. Prices from neighborhood of unique townhomes, William Lyon Company for its multi-family $219,900. Ventura embodies California architecture properties. Since then, Lyon has seen unprecedented growth and expertise and Valencia Palms ornamented by terracotta tile roofs, decorative awnings, picturesque balconies is now offering comprehensive services in (Previewing at Valencia Shores in Lake all aspects of multi-family investment. Worth, FL) and sprawling tropical gardens. With 8621 Vintage Reserve Terrace inspiring designs matched by an amenity- Lyon’s vision is to be the premier Delray Beach, FL 33467 rich setting, Ventura redefines South apartment company, creating the highest (800) 910-3403 Florida style. Finally, something different. quality living environment while delivering superior results and instilling a pride of www.glhomes.com VeroLago ownership within our team. Years of Ideally situated in Delray Beach between 5576 57th Avenue I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike, Valencia Palms experience, long-term vision and a strong Vero Beach, FL 32967 commitment to customer service give us boasts a central location that is convenient (877) 231-3321 to everything! Valencia Palms’ 2 to 4- the ability to set new standards in asset www.centexhomes.com management. Our management bedroom luxury homes are the perfect Vero Beach, the Treasure Coast’s most choice. These larger homes boast many philosophy addresses the specific desirable location, is the setting for the requirements of our clients while standard luxury features. And you’ll love newest private community, Vero Lago. the resort-style amenities and recreation maintaining an owner's perspective in Choose between 23 distinctive floor plans every decision we make. that active adults everywhere are raving for our beautifully crafted one and two about. The fulltime Lifestyle and Fitness story Mission and Mediterranean style staff is on site to help you make the very homes. Set amongst 10 glistening lakes, most of your rewarding Valencia lifestyle. 18 acres of green space, an open park See for yourself why Valencia is Florida’s and walking path, this gated community is #1 choice for active adults. Prices from designed for those seeking amenities that $309,900. offer the ultimate relaxed lifestyle. Base Valencia Pointe Plan Prices From $218s-$513s. (Previewing at Valencia Shores in Lake Woodfield Worth, FL) 55 and better 8621 Vintage Reserve Terrace 6262 Thames Place Lake Worth, FL 33467 Vero Beach, FL 32966 (800) 910-3403 (877) 231-3321 www.glhomes.com www.centexhomes.com For Florida’s active-adult lifestyle at its You’ve Waited Your Whole Life best, nothing beats Valencia. Valencia To Live Like This! Pointe’s selection of stunning 2 to 4- Woodfield is a gated, active adult bedroom single-family homes offer community with Mediterranean and gracious living – plus a fantastic active- Mission style single-family homes and adult lifestyle that includes top recreation attached villas. Enjoying the vast array of and Broadway-style entertainment choices. amenities at Woodfield will make you feel The fulltime Lifestyle and Fitness staff is on like you’re on a fabulous vacation. The site to help you make the very most of 16,000 square foot grand clubhouse is the your rewarding Valencia lifestyle, with a hub for countless indoor activities; fitness, wide array of clubs, resort-style activities aerobics, crafts, billiards, cards, and more. Visit 11 gorgeous decorated computers, live theatre/ballroom. To models and discover what active adults complete the resort experience, a full-time everywhere are raving about! Prices from social director is on staff to plan and $309,900. coordinate trips and clubs to help you take full advantage of the incredible South Florida lifestyle. Base Plan Prices From $198s-$359s.

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

70 ] Ft. Lauderdale Information Guide