LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
by Ann Guardino

First, I would like to thank the past board for their years of hard work Gary Starkweather, Joan Sheridan, Betty Ann Campbell and Terry Simonds deserve our heartfelt praise In addition to attending our meetings they put in many hours behind the scenes and helped us win some major battles. Theirs will be a tough act to follow. I can only hope we have a quiet year.
   Next, I would like to get some input from you as to what you would like the current board to accomplish or address this year. So, I will set out a suggestion box at the meeting into which you can drop your ideas or complaints.
   One of our goals is to increase membership and attendance at the meetings so we want to change the format a little. At the February 18th meeting, we’ll have a quick (I hope) business portion of the meeting followed by a speaker. Then we’ll adjourn to socialize over cake or cookies so we can get to know each other better.
   This month’s speaker will be Steve Somerville, the Director of the Broward County Department of Natural Resource Protection (DNRP). A blonde-haired charmer, Steve is a straightforward and pragmatic guy. Besides that, he is a dynamic speaker and will talk to us about the quality of the water in our part of the New River. We’ll make sure to leave time for him to answer questions about other environmental concerns you may also have.
   At future meetings, we would also like to hold a raffle to raise a little cash and excitement. Can we give some local business people some positive publicity by gratefully accepting donated prizes? If you have anything you would like to donate, please call any trustee or me.
   Again, thanks to all of our past board members and trustees. See you at the next meeting on February 18th!

CORPS STUDIES SOUTH FLORIDA WATER SUPPLY
by George Counts

Our area is among the fastest growing in Florida and the nation. Florida has more people than 39 states and is growing much faster than anticipated. We also host 20 million visitors a year. As a result, water resources restore the Everglades sheet flow. Since many wetlands, the Everglades and our quality of life face a bleak future unless something is done. Our roads, schools, and jails etc. are overcrowded. In 1992 & 96 Congress directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to come up with a plan to enhance our dwindling water supply and deteriorating ecosystem-especially the Everglades.
   Its plan is informally called the "Restudy", encompassing improved flood control, minimizing salt water intrusion and recapturing 1.7 billion gallons of fresh water dumped in the ocean each day. Attempts will be made to improve our lakes, estuaries ,recreational waters and have been drained or paved over, a major objective will be to identify and maximize our water storage capacity. A major key to the plans success will be to identify and enhance our fast disappearing wetlands and maximize aquifer recharge capacity.
   It won’t be cheap. Half of the guestimated $400 million yearly cost for 20 years will be paid for by the federal government and half by south Floridians. If no action is taken, our economy ,ecosystem and water supply is likely to suffer and flooding may worsen.
What can we do? Everyone has a say in this comprehensive plan. Watch the papers for future workshops. South Florida Water Management District. They are interested in what you have to say.
   Once the Corps plan has been implemented, major gains in water supply improvement will be more difficult. Meanwhile, tough, enforceable growth controls, conservation and use of new technology should have a top priority. The Corps should welcome criticism from outside scientists along with the public.
   This should not be a plan to assure even more growth, but to ensure our water supply, emphasize a sustainable economy while enhancing and protecting the Everglades and our fragile ecosystem residents and tourists are so attracted to. For more information call the Corps at 1-800-291-9405. Visit the Main Library at 100 S. Andrews Avenue, to look over the 9 volume report entitled, "Central and Southern Florida Project Comprehensive Restudy." This 3,500 page study is also available on CD ROM --Call 1-904-232-3332 for details. Visit the web site at www.restudy.org, or write Colonel Joe Miller, District Engineer, Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019.

ISLES DRINKING WATER
by George Counts

Periodically, reports of our drinking water are made available by our supplier, Ft. Lauderdale, and labs it contracts with. In several months cities will be required to send an analysis of their drinking water with their water bills. As a concerned citizen, and not the Chair of the Isles Water Quality Committee, I'm just trying to fill in some gaps.
   No, our drinking water is not crystal clear as some bottled water that may or may not be as safe. I would prefer to have drinking water a little discolored by natural agents than have bacteria etc. in it. It meets color standards. Bottled water is rarely tested independently except by consumer publications which sometimes find bacteria and other problems. It is not always easy to discern how long bottled water has been in a warehouse.
   There is also no guarantee people will change their filters frequently to prevent bacteria buildup. Someone at the city water plant is monitoring your water 24 hours a day. There were no bacteria found at any of the 21 sampling stations included with ours at 2619 Sugar Loaf Lane and 3661 Riverland Road on 10-15-98. This confirmed earlier findings. Samples are taken before they leave the Peele/Dixie water plant on 441 and at selected destinations.
   Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCS) are often solvents etc. that evaporate readily into the atmosphere contributing to smog and related health problems. They were also looked for in our area samples. All 27 parameters analyzed from benzenes to xylenes were within EPA and state standards. This was also true for 17 inorganic parameters from turbidity (cloudiness) to sodium and 14 secondary parameters from color to odor. Trihalometanes(TIB4S) or the combining of chlorine with natural agents in the water to produce carcinogenic substances also met the guidelines according to a Ft. Lauderdale spokesperson.
   Even though I have no reason to suspect any problem with Ft. Lauderdale's testing procedures, I am a skeptic. These rave reviews of our water coupled with problems Ft. Lauderdale is having with our wellfield were enough to prompt me to request your civic association seek a second opinion. The money for testing was approved and as soon as our consulting laboratory finishes going through modifications we will have them try and replicate these findings. Stay tuned.

ZONING CHANGES WERE PASSED FOR THE ISLES
by Ann Guardino

On December 22, 1998, Broward County changed the Riverland/Lauderdale Isles unincorporated neighborhood zoning from R-1C (One-Family Dwelling District of 5 units/acre) to RS-5 (One-Family Detached Dwelling District of 5 units/acre). What does that mean to us? Because of the existing build-out of our neighborhood, not a heck of a lot. Most of the requirements for property use, set-backs, building height, commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, boat storage, etc. remain unchanged.
   Please remember that the board and the trustees are not here to enforce the code nor are we experts in code and zoning. Nevertheless, we get a lot of questions about what is legal and what is not. So to help newcomers and old-timers alike, a summary of items about which we are frequently asked is outlined below. If you have specific questions or complaints about code and zoning in our area, please call Broward County Code and Zoning at (954) 468-3434. The regulations are not easy to understand, so we apologize in advance if there are any errors in our interpretation of the information shown below.

*Building height: Maximum of 2 stories

*Lot size: Minimum of 6,000 square feet for a single family home. Minimum of 43,560 sf (up from 10,000 sf for other permitted uses

*Side setback for residential buildings: 7.5 ft not along a street; 15 ft along a street

*New permitted uses-. Home/Office (Correspondence/phones only-no customers)

*Yard Sales: 2 times per year of personal belongings only

*Group homes/assisted living facilities on minimum I acre of land

*No longer permitted: Floating home residences Libraries, art galleries, museums

*Setbacks & enclosures for pools and spas:

5' setback to screen enclosure or 3' from waterline of unenclosed pools.

*Unenclosed pools and spas must be surrounded by a minimum 5'high fence. Self-closing, self-latching mechanism required on all gates and doors.

*Setbacks or accessory buildings (sheds, workshops, garages, etc.)

5' setback from side or rear

10' setback from other buildings

Max. height - I story (10 ft.)

Max. size - 5% of lot area and 50% of residence

*Boat Storage: I boat outside of a building, must be on a currently licensed trailer except for canoes and boats less than 12' in length; cannot extend past front property line.

*Commercial Vehicles: 1 under 5,000 lbs. unless it is in carport, garage or obstructed from view

*Recreational Vehicles: 1 outside of a building, must not be parked to extend out past the front of the property line, no sewer connections, but electrical connection permitted in preparation prior to travel for 48 hours.

*Boat Docks: Must be 1O' from side property lines. Can extend 5' into the waterway.

*Mooring piling: May be placed extending 25'or 33% of the width of the waterway, whichever is less.

*Landscaping: Many trees and plants, such as the Australian Pine, Melaleuca. Brazilian Pepper, Florida Holly, Earleaf Acacia, and the Jumbie Bean are not allowed. Some, such as the Schefflera and the Ficus trees, are not allowed closer than 25' to a public right away (for example, the street) due to their invasive root systems which go into water pipes and lift up the pavement. For more information on plants, xeriscaping and landscaping code, call Broward County Code & Zoning: Landscape Division 468-3569.

ISLES REZONING
by George Counts

At the third public hearing on December 22, 1999, County Commissioners approved new zoning and regulations for the Isles and the unincorporated Riverland area. Your Civic Association sent a letter of objection. Some of us area homeowners attended the first hearings, and objected. However at the final hearing, our R-1C zoning was changed to RS-5 increasing water use and impervious surfaces in some areas, supposedly without significant impact.
   However, at the final hearing, our R-IC zoning was changed to RS-5 increasing water use and impervious surfaces in some areas, supposedly without significant impact. The county alleges the new zoning district is generally the same, but refused to strike generally. Your Civic Association felt the old zoning had served us well and there is no need to increase our chances of being surprised later with something that might not be in our best interest.

ANNEXATION UPDATE
by George Counts

An Isles committee plans to examine the principals and backgrounds of annexation consulting firms being paid big bucks by the County . They supposedly advise unincorporated areas on the pros and cons of eager-beaver cities they could be forced into. One such group has several annexation-happy former city managers working for its mother organization. Objectivity is unlikely to be its byword. The problem is, many wanna-annex-you cities don't have a great track record of following through with promises made to unincorporated areas or the wherewith al to carry them out. As a result, some disgruntled city residents would prefer to form their own city while other areas have improved less than if they had remained unincorporated.
   The state will allow a vote on annexation, as long as you vote on which of the cities they want to force you into. Of course you won't be allowed the option of voting on remaining unincorporated. Nor will city residents be allowed to vote on whatever they want an area or not.
   Thank goodness we have a new Governor since the annexation legislation was allowed to become law on the consent agenda. This minimized press exposure for its die- hard supporters . Governor Bush could veto this dictatorial legislation and end it all long before 2010.
   Thanks to Senator, Jim Scott, it looks like we'll get to vote on single member distracting for our County Commissioners who are now elected-at-large. We will be less likely to get answers from our Commissioner on jet noise such as--if you don't like it, close your windows; or it's every good citizens duty to have an incinerator in their backyard. There will be more of an incentive to cut spending if some wish to go into cities so costs and taxes go down accordingly.

AIRPORT NOISE
by George Counts

Sick and tired of large jets shaking your windows, interrupting your phone conversation or drowning out your TV? Call in an airport noise complaint to 359-6161 days or 359-1200 nights and holidays. A determination will be made about the who did it and why. If there is a violation, airport noise officials will contact the owner of the offending aircraft.
If you would like to attend quarterly noise abatement committee meetings at the airport contact your airport noise reps Bud Johnson, Chair, at 797-8915 or George Counts 584-4926.

MORE NOISE
by Robert Krycki

Welcome to Lauderdale Isles and the tranquility of the south Florida island of paradise. Well, that is what we thought, when we purchased our home here 10 years ago. Interstate 595 opened that same year. We were told there would be a buffer put in to stop or reduce the noise. By golly, they did and it is still growing. We still have the noise but there is some promise of hope. If you have any suggestions to speed up the growth of the buffer, they should be passed on to a committee in the Isles so that it can be acted on.
   Now with highways 595, 441 and 84, we have a new noise situation called Bullet Bikes or, for the older and less knowledgeable, they are called motorcycles. Would you believe, I have personally called in a noise complaint as many as 6 or 7 times? The phone calls were made to the BSO. When I called, the dispatcher was polite but had a problem understanding exactly what and where the problem was. I told her it was like this: There is a turn around on 84 just south of 441. The motorcycles travel south on 84 and use this turn around as their starting position. They then race.
   Yes, the noise does stop for awhile, but give me a break. Are they telling us they can only try to stop these hoodlums when they catch them? So, residents of Lauderdale Isles, it is up to you and me to do something, but what and to whom do we complain? It is your community and I think this is an issue which does affect everyone. Get involved with your community before the local motorcycle punks disturb you on another Friday and Saturday night.

THE TRASHING OF PARADISE
by Doug Nelson

As I sit here thinking of all the hard work I have done, not to mention the money I've spent to improve my little spot in paradise, I can't help wondering why I am doing this, as others on the street seem to think that they live in a ghetto. When I turn onto Flamingo, I must first pass businesses, parking lots for large boats, and RVs. There are inflatables, pontoon boats and cars that haven't run in years and for good measure an old mattress adds to the ambiance.
   I know that other streets in the Isles have similar code violations and I think that we need to wake up and see that the codes are enforced (see "codes" in this issue) before our property values begin to drop.

22ND ANNUAL WATERWAY CLEANUP SET FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1999
by Joan Sheridan

Join thousands of volunteers for the 22nd Annual Waterway Cleanup on Saturday, March 20, 1999 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Through the help of community support and business sponsorship, the cleanup event has grown each year. Last year more than 2,800 volunteers and 600 boats collected approximately 74 tons of trash.
   This is your chance to join fellow South Floridians in the cleanup effort to make our community a more beautiful place to live. The Cleanup is not only good for our environment, it's a fun event for the whole family to enjoy. If you have a boat, or plan to help out on shore, participating is easy.
   This year, Joan Sheridan will run our community site at Lauderdale Isles Yacht and Tennis Club at 2637 Whale Harbor Lane. We need volunteers and boats to make this event a big success. So PLEASE CALL Joan Sheridan at 581-0816 and offer your assistance. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
   This civic awareness project is organized and primarily funded by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida which is responsible for coordinating and promoting the event as well as hosting an after the cleanup party, affectionately called the "Trash Bash", for ALL volunteers. This year's bash is being held at Rick's Patio Bar & Grill at the MARINA BAY HOTEL & RESORT which will include FREE food, refreshments, entertainment and fabulous prizes.
   Volunteers, door prize donations and sponsorships are also needed. For more information on how you can participate or donate, contact Kitty McGowan at the MIASF office at 524-2733 or 1-800-BOAT-001.

SEE YOU ON SATURDAY, MARCH 20,1999!

***** MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS *****

MEET GEORGE
by Robert Krycki

No, Godzilla hasn't abandoned the New York subways to run amok in the Isles. It's just George. George and his family are residents in the Isles, and I hope that if you encounter him or one of his family, that you will extend them the same courtesy as you would any of the other residents.

(NOTE: George was a rather large and very handsome green iguana that climbed up onto Bob's seawall and held court for a while!)

SUGARLOAF PLANTING
by Bobbye Atha

Sugarloaf Lane neighbors joined together Saturday, 11/07/98, to work on the Landscape Project. All the volunteers arrived with a shovel and great enthusiasm for the project. Everyone worked hard. The land was cleared, the plants planted and mulched within 45 minutes. It was a great team effort and a tremendous improvement to the entranceway of our special lane.
   Thanks to the following volunteers: Heinz Tordxel, Christa Tordxel representing Don and Jane Johnson, Karen Buckley, Alex Poblat, Myron Crawford, John Teloh, Connie Chin, Bobbye Atha, John Foster for picking up the plants, and Rosa Colananna & Ron Steiner for volunteering to water them.

PARTYING LIKE IT'S 1999 LAUDERDALE ISLES STYLE! FORT
LAUDERDALE DOWNTOWNER'S BOAT PARADE
By Waleska Cordrey

Nothing like a boat parade, New Years Eve and a fun loving group of friends to start 1999 with style. The Downtowner New River Boat Parade was a blast! Eighteen entries and Swinging in the New Year theme got us in the swing of things, and Lauderdale Isles very own "Mi Querida" owned by Ken and Glori Stauch of Key Largo Lane was awarded the first place. The 35.5' Hunter sailboat was decorated with over 2,000 lights inspired by the music, instruments and performers of the 1950's. Neighbors and friends from Key Largo, Flamingo and Gulfstream lanes danced the night away to the tunes of "In the Mood" by Glen Miller not to mention the live performance of our very own band "The Inflatables". Side by side a classy choreography that charmed the crowds. It was a great group effort. Congratulations to the winners!
   The parade started off at the New River fork at 7:30pm on New Year's Eve where the spirit of celebration, champagne, fireworks and even the 12 grapes tradition was alive and well. According to John Backer, Downtowner's Saloon owner and event organizer, the event was a success and there will definitely be a parade next year with a "New Millennium" theme. The parade will be tied to the Bubier's Park Event and will also involved the waterfront neighbors along the river, Boats should not exceed 40' and a minimum of 1,000 lights are required. We urge you to keep this event in mind for the years to come. Decorate your boats for the occasion and come along next time. It proved to be a fun, organized, and special way to spend the new year's eve. Congratulations to Mi Querida's owners, crew, event organizers and participants. Until next year, Happy 1999 everyone!

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER
By Gary Starkweather

I write the Environmental Corner for this Newsletter to help educate our residents about key issues where "we the residents" can really make a difference. It all boils down to the old saying that "you're either a part of the solution or a part of the problem." It's easy to preach about being environmentally responsible but most folks just want the simple facts. Do this, don't do that.... and don't bore me with any technical jargon or I'll slap ya.
   OK. In non-technical terms bugs are a real drag. But, don't use any pesticides or insecticides. Learn to share, and don't be so stingy. Oh yeah, nobody likes bugs. Well, almost nobody. Some folks like chocolate covered ants but for the rest of us normal, well adjusted individuals we just really don't like bugs. And maybe a few "outdoors" bugs are OK but certainly we're not gonna share our home. So how do we keep our homes and yards reasonably bug free without turning our environment into a toxic waste dump?

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ENVIRONMENTALLY CORRECT PEST EXTERMINATION SCORE KEEPER

Outdoors Team Home Pest

Aphids         0    1
Carpenter Ants 0    1
Snails         1    0

Indoor Team   Home Pest

Roaches        1    0
Sugar Ants     1    0 ======================================================

   That's a key issue environmentalists are faced with today. Lauderdale Isles waterfront homeowners face greater challenges because their properties are directly connected to the New River water system. Most Isles residents have waterfront homes. The ground water around our homes seeps into our water table and canals so waterfront and non-waterfront homeowners all have an impact on our New River water quality.
   Environmental science researchers armed with new technologies have learned that septic tank systems with drain fields leach pollutants into the surrounding water table and into our canals. Basically, every contaminant that enters the Isles and does not leave via the public sewer system or garbage pickup, stays in the Isles and adds to the contamination of our soil and water system.
   About two years ago I decided to boldly go down nature's lane where the prime directive is "thou shall not pollute or contaminate." I thought to myself "if it's as easy as it's all cracked up to be then I should have no problem at all." And then I'll write this column with confidence and recount all my success stories. Not.
   Well, I have had some difficulties (failures) as well as some success stories (squash). Like with outdoor bugs, the scene has been rather nasty at times. I love hibiscus shrubs. They produce such pretty flowers. However, my hibiscus are plagued with aphids. So when Terry Simonds told me about a bug farm on the Internet at http://www.bugstore.com I purchased some all natural pest control (lacewigs). Sure enough, the lacewigs hatched and made a quick meal of all my aphids. Happy days. Then the ungrateful rotten little bugs ran off. They don't call, they don't write..... Didn't take long before the aphids resumed munching on my hibiscus. I'd estimate the cost of purchasing wondering lacewigs throughout the entire year at over $250.00. So the score here is: Homeowner 0, Aphids 1. For now I still rely on soapy water treatment twice a week.
   The most environmentally friendly way I have found to date to kill Carpenter ants is a spray like Raid right where they nest. I'm still looking for a better solution.
   With snails I have truly squashed the competition. My yard was plagued by large brown snails that could eat Texas in one night. I suggest using hard shoes or a small 2x4.
   Indoors I cheated a little because I use roach traps and ant traps. These products are intended to be disposed of in the trash so they should have little or no negative environmental impacts. They really work!
   I'll keep up the research and if you have any good ideas that have worked for you please send to Gary@ANISITE.COM or write me at the address below.

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The Environmental Corner published in this newsletter is committed to raising people's awareness of how our behavior can impact our environment. Ft. Lauderdale is a community that is dependent upon its marine environment, economically and recreationally. If you would like more information, contact the Department of Natural Resource Protection at 519-1257, or write your Civic Association at: Lauderdale Isles Civic Improvement Association, 1300 Riverland Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312.
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