Early voting is now open! vote button

Election Day is November 4th...but early voting opened Monday in Broward County and we urge everyone to get out and vote! Early voting for the General/Municipal Elections is open from Oct. 20 through Nov. 2. The two sites closest to us here in Rio Vista are:

- Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale FL 33301
- Fort Lauderdale Library/Art Serve, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale FL 33304
Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturdays, 10am-3pm; Sunday, 1pm-4pm; For a complete list of early voting sites in Broward County, click here.

We also suggest you preview the ballot by going to the Broward County Supervisor of Elections' website at http://www.browardsoe.org/items.aspx?id=3 where you can plug in your address and view the sample ballot for your precinct. Look it over ahead of time...there's quite a lot on the ballot and we recommend that you review the many amendments and understand them before you go to vote!

Upcoming Candidate Forums around Fort Lauderdale

Genia Ellis, President of the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations, has compiled an exceptional list of upcoming 'Candidates Forums' events for those who are interested in meeting, hearing and talking with the candidates for our local, state & federal offices representing this area. The Council's slogan is: 'Giving back to our community through neighborhood participation'...and a very apt one it is! Our thanks to them for this valuable list of events! Click here for the current list of upcoming events.

Protect Rio Vista - Latest Security Update

The Security Committee update and redacted patrol logs for the second half of October are now online at www.riovistaonline.com/ProtectRioVistaUpdate.html. We've seen several more arrests in the neighborhood recently...and once again, the sharp eyes of Rio Vista residents and swift action by our 'Protect Rio Vista' patrol officers resulted in thwarting a crime (see 'ORCHIDS & ONIONS' below).

Also...Trick-or-Treaters will be out in force on Halloween...and our Protect Rio Vista Security Patrol has arranged to have extra patrol cars in the neighborhood! For more information on joining, email riovistasecurity@earthlink.net

Halloween - Trick or Treat on Second Street!

Trick or Treat on Second Street!...A Free 'Spooktacular' event for the whole family!
The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department, The River House and The Museum of Discovery and Science have teamed up to create a free Halloween event the whole family can enjoy. Put on your costume and celebrate Halloween at Trick or Treat on Second Street Friday, October 31, 2008 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Click here for complete details!

'Orchids & Onions'

'Orchids!'...to Rio Vista residents Gerry Weber & Ed Collins who reported prowlers in a neighbor's yard to our Protect Rio Vista Security Patrol hotline, leading to the arrest of two suspects and preventing a burglary attempt. Officers responded swiftly and immediately arrested one suspect trying to hide himself in the neighbor's yard. The suspect gave up the name of his accomplice who was also arrested a few days thereafter. Once again, awareness of their surroundings by our neighbors led to the prevention of a more serious crime and apprehension of the criminals...'Thank you!' to Gerry & Ed!

'Orchids!'...to Officer Bollinger of our RVCA Protect Rio Vista Security Patrol for his swift response to the calls and ability to muster the support of at least a half dozen additional officers to the scene within minutes and making the arrest. As stated by resident Gerry Weber, 'The patrol is making a huge difference. We need to get the word out. At a dollar per day, it's the bargain of the century!' On behalf of everyone in the program and in Rio Vista, 'Thanks again, Officers!'

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival kicks off and now underway! With the opening night parties and the first weekend behind us, the 23rd annual FLIFF event brings us evening films (and a few matinees) at Rio Vista's favorite local theatre, Cinema Paradiso, along with nightly after film get togethers at differant area resturants and bars. Click the banner above for film showings, events and festivities!