South FL Pictures – Page 4 – Places Things People of South Florida

Airport Greenbelt Park in Dania Beach a Great Place for Plane Spotting

by Tony on February 8, 2015

Looking for a new place to spend a few minutes with friends, family or by yourself?

First, here are a few things to know about this little-known place. It is a park that covers about 30 acres. It has a well maintained grassy area and tress under which you can sit to have lunch. It also has a walking trail, a small lake/pond, and a viewing area from which you can watch planes takeoff and land.

The park is in the city of Dania Beach on the south side of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. It’s official name is Airport Greenbelt Park. You can enter the park off Griffin Road at 10th Avenue between I-95 and U.S Hwy 1.

One great feature of the park is its elevation. The park was originally build to act as a sound barrier between the airport and the residents on the south side of Griffin Road nearby. There are lots of trees to help buffer the noise from the planes especially on takeoffs. The view of the planes from the elevated viewing area or from the walking trail is better than the views at most airports.

Here are some of the images taken from the viewing area at the park.

Groundbreaking of Broward Complete Streets Projects in Hollywood FL

by Tony on February 3, 2015

“Broward County’s efforts to promote and implement Complete Streets began in earnest when County staff presented the concept of Complete Streets to the Broward County Board of County Commissioners in 2009. Since that time, a number of County agencies, the Broward MPO, municipalities and other partners have been working to develop Complete Streets design guidelines, update codes and the Comprehensive Plan, identify and allocate funding and ultimately construct projects.”

“A Complete Streets Team was developed and has been working with its partners to continue the implementation of Complete Streets projects. Most recently, on June 10, 2014, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners adopted Complete Streets policies into the Broward County Comprehensive Plan. A number of municipalities have adopted resolutions in support of the concept and are working toward adopting policies into their comprehensive plans…”

SOURCE: Broward.org

The images below were taken on February 3 2015 at the groundbreaking ceremony in Hollywood Florida. The south side of Sheridan Street between 66th Avenue and 70th Avenue would see new sidewalks shortly.

A Drive Along The Beach

by Tony on January 29, 2015

I was in Miami Beach today and snapped a picture of a hi-rise near City National Bank. I drove along A1A to Hollywood where I took photos of the beach. It was a cold day so there weren’t many beachgoers. Only our friends from the north seem to enjoy this kind of weather.

Another Fine Day at Vista View Park

by Tony on January 21, 2015

Vista View Park is a hidden gem in Broward County. The park was previously a landfill which explains why there is a 70 feet elevation. Those looking for some physical exercise use the park to run, jog, cycle or simply walk the dog. There are two fishing decks at the park. This park is not known as a place for birdwatching, but occasionally you will see Burrowing Owls and egrets. The park is located near Griffin Road and I-75.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

by Tony on January 19, 2015

Today was one of those great winter day with nice cool temperatures and dark blue skies.

South FL Sunset at Vista View Park

by Tony on January 12, 2015

Vista View Park in Davie Florida is a great place to watch the sun set because of the higher than normal elevation. The park is a former landfill with a maximum height of about 70 feet. The following photos where taken at the park on Saturday January 10th.

The First Park Visited in 2015: Miramar Pineland

by Tony on January 4, 2015

I visited the Miramar Pineland Park early this morning hoping to see birds. I was disappointed but I stayed at the park for a little over a hour. Here are some of the images I captured. One of the photos is a covered structure on the south side of the park. From that structure (a gazebo?) I took photos of the park to the west, to the north and to the south where you see Sunlight Stadium. The Florida Turnpike runs near the south side of the park.

Fall Foliage in South Florida?

by Tony on December 28, 2014

There is no better display of fall foliage than in the northeastern USA (New England) in October each year. Vermont and New Hampshire have lots of great spots to view the changing leaves.

I have visited New England 4 times and if I had to pick one spot to re-visit I would choose the Kancamagus Highway in northern New Hampshire. The hillside views, the reflections of the colors in the river, the waterfalls and the covered bridges are all worth the drive into the White Mountains.

Here in south Florida we do not have enough cold days to produce the vibrant colors of New England. However there are a number of maple trees here that undergo color change at this time of year. I have visited a few local parks in search of maple trees and here are the more colorful ones.

The first two photos were taken at Fern Nature Center in Coconut Creek, the third was taken at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach and the last was shot at Tree Tops Park in Davie.

Miramar Pineland – A New Park in Broward County

by Tony on July 16, 2014

Miramar Pineland Park opened in Broward County in March 2013. The park sits near the Broward-MiamiDade Countyline off University Drive in Miramar Florida.

The 157-acre park mainly features pine trees. It has a nature trail, a viewing deck and a small play area for children.

According to the County’s website some of the plants you will see “include common wild pine, giant wild pine, meadowbeauty, nodding clubmoss, pickerelweed, Everglades Key false buttonwood, wand goldenrod, buttonbush, wild coffee, giant orchid, seaside primrosewillow.”

Butterflies seen at the park “include blue dasher, soldier, giant swallowtail, cloudless sulphur, gulf fritillary, Julia, zebra longwing, white peacock.”

“Birds, both resident and migratory, include great blue heron, tricolor heron, common moorhen, black-throated blue warbler, American kestrel, palm warbler, ovenbird, yellow-throated warbler, American redstart, red-tailed hawk, loggerhead shrike.”

There is an interesting history related to the park that you can read here.

J C Bermudez Park in Doral

by Tony on July 5, 2014

Amidst the “army” of restaurants, banks, hotels, distribution centers, warehouses, and other commercial interests in Doral, sits an “oasis” of relief: The J C Bermudez Park. The park is on west side of 87th Avenue between 25th Street and 36th Street.

J C Bermudez Park covers 82 acres of open green space and a scenic lake. There is a walking/jogging trail that measures just under a mile, a fitness area and a play area for children. There are also grills, tables for eating, and benches by the side of the lake for relaxing, spending time with a loved one or reading a good book. There are restrooms on the south side of the park.

According to the City of Doral the park is open from 7:00 AM to sunset weekdays and 8:00 AM to sunset on weekends and holidays. If you are in the area stop by, drive through the park and enjoy the view.