The Landings & Bay Colony

10

Commissioner’s Message 

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VOLUNTARY PILOT PROGRAM ENCOURAGING NEIGHBORS/
VISITORS TO NOT SMOKE IN CERTAIN CITY PARKS:It is
recommended that your City Commission adopt a
resolution encouraging neighbors and visitors not to smoke
in certain parks by participating in a voluntary pilot
program with the American Lung Association (ALA) and
authorize acceptance of $1,000 from the ALA for the
purchase of signs which will be designed by the City, to be
displayed encouraging neighbors and visitors not to
smoke. Four civic associations have passed resolutions
requesting to participate: Imperial Point - Dottie Mancini
Park; Tarpon River – Hardy Park; Victoria Park – Holiday
Park; and Middle River Terrace – Middle River Terrace
Park. City parks attract individuals and families who enjoy
and engage in healthy recreational programs and
activities. In addition, there are strong environmental
reasons to encourage patrons not to smoke. The trash that
is created by cigarette butts tossed on the ground is a
significant environmental issue.

FLPD PARTNERS WITH THE REALITY CHECK PROGRAM:The
Reality Check Program – founded by Larry Lawton – is
designed to prevent teens and young adults from making
bad choices by providing a first-hand account of the
consequences and results of poor decisions. The Fort
Lauderdale Police Department has recently acquired
10,000 Reality Check video gift cards, through the use of
Law Enforcement Trust Funds. These video gift cards will be
carried by our officers so that they are readily available to
the community as officers encounter teens, young adults
and parents who might benefit from hearing about the
realities of a life of crime or bad conduct. The gift card
gives viewers access to a video that can be viewed on any
computer, smart phone or tablet. The video covers topics
such as choice making, consequences of being arrested
and avoiding and dissolving bad associations. The FLPD
believes knowledge is power. We hope that as our
community youth hear the experiences of someone who
has been exposed to the criminal justice system, they will
understand that the choices they make today have the
potential to affect the rest of their lives. The FLPD is
committed to our community, and this partnership between
them and The Reality Check Program is a positive step for
our community youth.

NATIONAL TERRORISM ADVISORY SYSTEM BULLETIN:We
are in a new phase in the global threat environment, which
has implications on the homeland. Particularly with the rise

in use by terrorist groups of the Internet to inspire and
recruit, we are concerned about the “self-radicalized”
actor(s) who could strike with little or no notice. Recent
attacks and attempted attacks internationally and in the
homeland warrant increased security, as well as increased
public vigilance and awareness. Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) and the FBI are providing additional
guidance to state and local partners on increased security
measures. The public should expect an increased presence
of law enforcement across communities in the weeks ahead.
More stringent security should also be anticipated at public
places and events. This may include a heavy police
presence, additional restrictions and searches in bags and
the use of screening technologies. There are 3 types of
Advisories: BULLETIN:Describes current developments or
general trends regarding threats of terrorism. ELEVATED
ALERT:Warns of a credible terrorism threat against the U.S.
IMMINENT ALERT:Warns of a credible, specific and
impending terrorism threat against the U.S.

How You Can Help:Community leaders, co-workers,
friends and family can help by recognizing signs of
potential radicalization to violence. For more information
visit: https://nsi.ncirc.gov/

Report threats or suspicious activity to the FBI or your
local authorities. FBI field offices can be found at
http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field

Be Prepared:Expect increased security across most U.S.
cities and plan ahead to anticipate delays and
restricted/prohibited items.

-In populated places, be responsible for your personal
safety. Make a mental note of emergency exits and
locations of the nearest security personnel. Keep cell
phones in your pockets instead of bags or on tables so
you don’t lose them during an incident. Carry emergency
contact details and any special needs info with you at all
times. For more visit: http://www.ready.gov

Stay Informed:The U.S. Government will provide
additional information about any emerging threat as
additional information is identified. The public is
encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public
safety officials.

We urge Americans to continue to travel, attend public
events and freely associate with others but remain vigilant
and aware of surroundings while doing so, particularly
during the holidays.