For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Judy Erickson

(954) 924-2980, (954) 214-2456



Hollywood Beach To Host Community Workshop


February 6, 2006 — Hollywood, Florida — The Hollywood Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and Hollywood Beach Civic Association will present a Community Renaissance & Awareness Workshop on March 8 to update residents and business owners on the ongoing redevelopment effort taking place in the Beach District.

The workshop, set for 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hollywood Beach Culture and Community Center, will provide information and timelines on the current beach renaissance, which includes several major public improvements and private development projects.

The community-focused program will feature briefings by Mayor Mara Giulianti and Vice Mayor Cathleen Anderson, and an extensive overview by Hollywood Beach CRA Executive Director Gil Martinez. In addition, some of the beach developers will be introduced to the public.

The Hollywood Beach CRA welcomes community input and participation in the redevelopment program. At the Community Renaissance & Awareness Workshop, members of the community will be able to share their views and help make informed decisions about their community’s future through a question-and-answer session targeted to address any redevelopment concerns.

“The beach residents and businesspeople are our partners in creating the exciting renaissance that is taking place on our barrier island,” Giulianti said. “So, it’s important that we have a free flow of information – back and forth – and offer opportunities for our ‘partners’ to give us their input. That’s why I asked our CRA director to set up this program, and I was thrilled that he agreed to take the lead.”

Martinez stressed the importance of involving community members in the beach redevelopment process with several major projects currently in the works or planning stages, including public improvements totally $97 million.

“As we enter an exciting new era on Hollywood Beach, it’s more crucial now than ever before that the Beach CRA and beach residents work together to make our community the best it can possibly be,” he said. “I invite all interested community members to attend the workshop, and look forward to hearing their thoughts, suggestions and concerns regarding beach renovations.”

Anderson, who represents the Beach District, said she’s excited that Hollywood Beach is coming into its own.

“At last Hollywood has attained its place in the sun. I look forward to continue working with Gil Martinez and the Beach CRA staff and the beach residents,” she said.

Ron Clasky, president of the Hollywood Beach Civic Association, is hoping for a large turnout.

“This is an exciting event that will showcase what’s happening on the beach today and into the future,” he said.

The Community Renaissance & Awareness Workshop will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wed., March 8 at the Hollywood Beach Culture and Community Center, 1301 South Ocean Drive. Check-in and a continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Workshop participants can park at no charge in the parking lot adjacent to the Culture and Community Center, or catch the beach shuttle, which will be making regular stops along Ocean Drive beginning at 8 a.m. and following the program.

Those wishing to attend the workshop are asked to RSVP by Wed., Feb. 27. Please call the Hollywood Beach CRA at (954) 924-2980 or email jerickson@hollywoodfl.org.

For additional information, visit www.HollywoodBeachCRA.org.