[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2005

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Pompano 
Beach, Florida, which has been named as one of only ten cities 
nationwide designated as a 2005 All-America City by the National Civic 
League. I have represented the City of Pompano Beach since coming to 
Congress in 1981, and I take special pride in this recognition of their 
achievements.
  The City of Pompano Beach was recognized for two programs which 
impact the community's youth, and an affordable housing project.
  The Pompano Beach Junior Lifeguard Program which began as a small 
part-time recreational swimming program has grown into an annual 
recreation and education program for children ages nine to seventeen. 
The program partners parents and local schools in promoting activities 
which develop healthy lifestyles, sportsmanship and self-esteem in the 
community's youth. Childhood obesity has also be targeted with parents 
reporting improved eating habits, weight loss and increased muscle mass 
in their children.
  The Kidz-N-The-Hood Program is a weekly TV show produced and scripted 
by kids of all ages, income levels and ethnic backgrounds. Developed to 
counteract the often negative and gratuitous images children are too 
often exposed to on television, the program receives accolades from 
parents and educators who report more attentive students, improved test 
scores and reduced drop out rates. Supported by a diverse community 
group including AT&T Broadband, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Pompano 
Middle School, Broward County Sheriff's Office, and the Broward County 
Urban League, the program has reached thousands of children through 
participation and viewing opportunities.
  Pinnacle Village, a new affordable rental community, replaces a 
failed HUD subsidized housing complex which stood as an eyesore and 
haven for crime in the neighborhood. Frustrated by a failed project 
which had undergone numerous attempts at rehabilitation for a period of 
years, the public and private sectors worked together to improve the 
living conditions for dozens of families. The result was Pinnacle 
Village--148 town houses with one to three bedrooms. This project not 
only meets the needs of the resident families, it has had a positive 
impact on the surrounding community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate the residents, officials, 
and the staff of the City of Pompano Beach whose efforts on behalf of 
their city have earned the title of 2005 All-America City.

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