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Commissioner’s Message





                                                  Hello District 1 Neighbors



                                                   hope this message finds you in good health and looking forward to the cooler
                                                   fall temperatures.  I’d like to welcome our returning snowbirds back!  In this
                                                 Inewsletter, I want to address a matter of utmost importance that is affecting our
                                                  community profoundly.
                                                  In response to the tragic incident at Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Senate Bill
                                                  4-D was passed to ensure the safety of properties in Florida. This legislation
                                                  mandates that condo associations conduct structural integrity reserve studies every
                                                  ten years. Undoubtedly, this requirement comes at a significant cost to condo
                 John Herbst                      owners. The bill requires associations to augment their reserves substantially,
                District 1 Commissioner           eliminating their ability to waive or reduce owner contributions. This situation is
                City of Fort Lauderdale
              jherbst@fortlauderdale.gov          already directly impacting our community, particularly our senior residents, many of
                                                  whom are retirees living on fixed incomes.

                                                  District 1 is home to many high-rise condos and co-ops, all affected by SB 4-D. For
                                                  our elderly neighbors who have been a vital part of our community for years, this
                                                  has resulted in substantial assessments, some as high as $60 K. I understand the
                                                  immense burden this place on our seniors, who may now find themselves
                                                  contemplating relocation from the places they’ve called home for decades.
                                                  In light of this, I took it upon myself to introduce a resolution aimed at addressing
                                                  the severe impact of this bill on our seniors. The City Commission and I will work on
                                                  resolution language that urges the Florida Legislature to establish a grant or low-
                 City Hall, 8th Floor             interest loan program specifically for full-time residents facing these substantial
                 100 N Andrews Ave
               Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311          repair bills. It is my firm belief that the state, which created the legislation driving
                                                  this issue, should step in to assist our community members. The state possesses the
                                                  resources and abilities that localities like ours do not.  In addition, I was able to
                                                  include this as an item on our legislative agenda for our lobbyists to work on in the
                                                  upcoming session.
                                                  I want to assure you all that I am steadfast in my commitment to advocating for the
                                                  seniors of District 1. Their well-being is our priority, and I will continue to work
                                                  tirelessly on their behalf. If you or someone you know is a senior impacted by SB 4-
                                                  D, I encourage you to reach out to state House Representative Chip LaMarca.
                                                  Together, we can make our voices heard and work towards a solution that supports
                   Office Contact                  our community in this challenging time.
                  Melissa Whiddon
            District 1 Commission Assistant       Representative Chip LaMarca: Capitol Office
             mwhiddon@fortlauderdale.gov          418 The Capitol
                   954.828.5033
                                                  402 South Monroe Street
                                                  Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
                                                  Phone: (850) 717-5100

                                                  District Office
                                                  1827 Northeast 24th Street
                                                  Lighthouse Point, FL 33064-7742
                                                  Phone: (954) 784-4531







        16                                                     CORAL RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION



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