[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2003

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the City of 
Coral Springs, FL, as the residents celebrate the fortieth birthday of 
this ``City in the Country''.
  Incorporated in July of 1963, Coral Springs was a master-planned city 
established in the northwest corner of Broward County on 5,000 acres of 
land which had previously been used for farming and cattle ranching 
activities. The developers envisioned a family oriented city with a 
population projected at over 50,000 residents living in small 
neighborhoods throughout the community. The first land sale was made on 
July 22, 1964. In 1965, an additional 5,000 acres was acquired, 
increasing the area within the city to 16 square miles. The city's 
first official resident, George Knobel, moved into his home on July 9, 
1965. In 1971, the last large increase in land was given to the city 
bringing the total to 13,400 acres.
  Anxious to create a beautiful and natural looking town, the 
developer, Coral Ridge Properties, immediately enacted strict 
landscaping and sign ordinances. These rules have ensured that despite 
its growth, Coral Springs has maintained the ambiance that attracted so 
many of its residents, which now number over 116,000. In fact, as 
illustration of the strength of the sign restrictions, the Coral 
Springs McDonald's was the only one built without the famous golden 
arches.
  Throughout its 40 years of existence, Coral Springs has seen its 
share of celebrities and firsts. In 1965, entertainer Johnny Carson 
helped with the second Coral Springs ``Land Rush Sale'' and bought 55 
acres himself. Two U.S. presidents, President Ford and President Reagan 
have visited the city. In 1966, Coral Ridge Properties was acquired by 
Westinghouse Electric Corporation who viewed the new city as an ``urban 
laboratory'' to evaluate new products. In 1970, Westinghouse built the 
Electra Lab house which showcased new modern conveniences such as 
motion-detecting lights, electric kitchens and home security systems. 
Arnold Palmer stayed in the state-of-the-art home that year when he 
played in the Coral Springs Open. In 1982, actor Burt Reynolds filmed 
Smokey and the Bandit, Part 3, in Coral Springs.
  In 1993, as growth accelerated, Coral Springs city government 
implemented a management program based on a business model with the 
goal of performing as a high performance municipal corporation, 
customer focused and quality-oriented. In 1997, Coral Springs became 
the first municipality to receive the Governor's Sterling Award for 
Corporate Excellence, modeled after the internationally acclaimed, 
Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence. In 2003, the City of 
Coral Springs became the first past recipient, public or private, to 
receive the award for a second time.
  Today, Coral Springs is a premier South Florida community, known for 
its attractive neighborhoods, open spaces and parks, schools and youth 
programs. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the City of Coral 
Springs in the U.S. House of Representatives and extend best wishes to 
the residents of Coral Springs as they celebrate their first 40 years.

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