A Message from Debby Eisinger, President HVNA

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As evident from this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show activity, our seasonal residents and tourists are back in town.  The busy season is officially upon us.  As we prepare to embrace the moderate temperatures and numerous holiday festivities that make Fort Lauderdale such a popular Winter destination, we must also brace ourselves for the traffic challenges, likely an uptick in crime (this sadly happens all across our country and world-wide during the holiday season), more short-term rental activity along our 2 finger islands, and difficulty finding on-street parking for ourselves and guests.  For those of us who enjoy quiet waterways for kayaking, paddleboarding and other recreational watersports, we can expect more boating traffic and water pollution in the coming months.

Of course, we can pick up and move to a remote island somewhere in the Caribbean or elsewhere.  Fortunately, we have choices as to where we wish to reside.  Fort Lauderdale is a win-win for those who like the City life which offers culture, shopping, restaurants and unlimited entertainment along with premier weather, beautiful beaches and year long outdoor sports activities.  

Rather than complain about our challenges, let’s continue our work together with finding solutions.  While this newsletter includes updates on the various HVNA projects and accomplishments, your continued help and support is needed if we are to remain successful with our mutual goal of enhancing our quality of life along Hendricks Isle and Isle of Venice.

Having a strong and active Board is extremely important to the success of the Neighborhood Association.  It is the role of the Board to vote upon various matters and issues affecting or potentially affecting the neighborhood.  While membership input is tremendously important when positions on issues such as development or parking are being considered, it is the Board who is vested with the authority to vote and provide their advisory opinion to the government entity which has the ability to implement action.  The Board is strictly advisory in nature.  However, the City and County seriously weigh the position of the Board in their decision-making process.

Currently, the Board is seeking applicants with an interest in waterway and coastal issues or community safety and security.  We also invite members to join a committee.  Committees include:

• Development – tasked with reviewing development applications for neighborhood compatibility and compliance and making advisory recommendations.

• Parking & Roadway Enforcement – this committee is in the process of establishing a Residential Parking Permit Program (RPPP) that will fit the needs of property owners along Hendricks & Venice Isles.

• Waterway / Coastal Safety and Cleanliness – the value of our properties is significantly impacted by the quality and cleanliness of our waterways.  Boating and recreational water sports are paramount to our lifestyles.  By working together with the appropriate governmental entities, this committee will be instrumental in ensuring the safety of our waterways. 

• Safety & Security – by working together with the Fort Lauderdale police department, this committee is tasked with coming up with ideas and suggestions for improvement of neighborhood safety and security.

• Social Media & Communications – this committee is tasked with finding avenues for expanding the HVNA’s social media, keeping the HVNA website, Instagram and Facebook accounts up-to-date and assist with membership recruitment.

• Social Events & Activities – this committee will coordinate social events and other activities that bring our neighborhood together.