Deerfield flyover gets most of Broward's stim funds

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) approved 13-6 a motion to grant the Dixie Highway flyover $40 million in federal stimulus highway and bridge funds, moving the long-delayed project ahead of its 2011 starting date. The flyover from Hillsboro Boulevard to just south of SE 18 Street in Boca Raton spans the Hillsboro Canal, removing for motorists a dangerous five-way stop at the intersection of Dixie and NE 2 Street.

The MPO gave the flyover its first priority because it is the one local project most ready to go forward after being on Florida Department of Transportation list of things to do for more than 20 years. DOT's southern district has pledged the funds needed to complete construction estimated at $48 million.

The flyover is expected to generate 1,200 jobs.

Deerfield's City Manager Mike Mahaney, a strong advocate for the flyover, has also presented two list of improvements he'd like to see funded by the stimulus package. Among them, $3.5 million to widen SW 11 Way from Sw 10 Street to Sample Road, $700,000 to rehab the fishing pier, money for three fire/rescue stations, a community center in Pioneer Park, water and wastewater system improvements, beach restoration and a turtle overlook.

 Voters have full slate for March 10 election

It's a busy political season in Deerfield Beach with six candidates including the suspended mayor seeking the top job, and seven others running for district seats.

Al Capellini, suspended in December by the governor after being indicted by the state's attorney for using his political position for personal gain, is asking the voters to elect him for one last four-year term, after which he would be term-limited. Capellini has served on the commission for 20 years, the last 16 as mayor. Challenging him is former District 1 Commissioner Peggy Noland, former mayor Jean Robb, civic activist Caryl Berner and two new faces former lobbyist Don Cleveland and pharmceutical salesman C. Don Peterson. In that race, Capellini and Noland have raised the  most money while Robb rivels them in dollars contributed by herself.

Running in District 1is incumbent Pam Militello and challenger business owner Joe Miller who leads her in campaign contributions. Militello is still heavily supported by members of the Original Save Our Beach (OSOB)who elected her four  years ago. Miller's support comes from the firefighter's union, members of Observer publisher David Eller's family, land use attorney Ruden McClosky and developer Mike O'Leary.

In District 3, incumbent Marty Popelsky faces Century Village East Master Management President Donna Capobianco and Brazilian realtor Jurandir Albuquequer. Popelsky has raised the biggest war chest with donations from the firefighter's union and its supporters, USA parking president William Bodenhamer, Ruden McClosky and service and construction companies.

District 4 voters have a choice between former fire chief Gary Lother and civic activist Bill Ganz. Lother's contributions, almost $16,000 to date, exceed Ganz's by more than $6,000 and come from a variety of businesses and developers. Ganz's chief supporters are the firefighter' union and some OSOB members living in the district.

 Station House first to present 'Key West' facade

A Lantana lobster house will open a restaurant in the Cove Shopping Center and its owner, Steve Jankun, will adhere to the new rules there: renovated building fronts there must carry a Key West theme. The 6,438 square-foot Station House will be located in space occupied by Cafe Claude and an adjacent retailer. Renovations are underway and Jankun hopes to open in April.

At his Lantana location, Jankun says he sells more lobsters than any restaurant in Florida, in season 4,000 - 6,000 a week.He has not yet taken advantage of $10,000 in improvement money offered by the city to building owners in the Cove. More improvements to the Cove are scheduled for late next summer when the parking lot will be reconfigured, green space will be added and upgrades to drainage, lighting and irrigation wil be installed.

Palms owners stave off water shortage

Residents of Deerfield Palms, faced with a $60,000 delinquent water bill from the City of Deerfield Beach, got together and raised $16,000, enough to buy themselves a month's water supply. The two-year condo was converted from rental units and sold to owners who can no longer make their mortgage or maintenance payments. The Federal Housing Authority has stepped in and reportedly will offer some relief to t he unit owners. Once the apartments go into foreclosure, FHA is required to make the monthly utility payment.