Fort Lauderdale is first as most diverse city in state

FORT LAUDERDALE — The city of Fort Lauderdale has been named the number one “Most Diverse” city in Florida.

According to a report by WalletHub, the city ranks 23rd among the 230 most populated U.S. cities. WalletHub is a business organization that analyzes data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau to create city-by-city rankings.

The report compared economic class diversity, ethno-racial and linguistic diversity, diversified economies and household diversity.

Among other cities recognized for diversity in Florida, Miami ranked 39th, Tampa ranked 64th and Jacksonville ranked 69th.

Education foundation, mall team to support teachers

PALM BEACH GARDENS — The Gardens Mall will give back five percent of every gift card purchased through May 31 to the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. Proceeds will support the students and teachers throughout the School District of Palm Beach County. Shoppers should mention the Gift Card Give Back when they make the purchase at the information desk at the mall, 3101 PGA Blvd.

“I love seeing how business leaders are finding creative ways to support our teachers, students and public schools. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Teresa Dabrowski, director of development at the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.

Touting the program, school district officials say the gift cards, among other things, can go to classroom teachers, who work with students every day. They say Gift Card Give Back has a twofold purpose: shoppers can show appreciation to teachers while also supporting local public schools.

Goulds Park wins grant award of $20,000 from Disney, NRPA

MIAMI — Plans to develop a new community garden in Goulds Park in south Miami-Dade County received a boost in the form of a $20,000 “Parks Build Community” grant award from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Citizenship, Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN. The award is the result of public voting, which directed grant funding to the winning Miami-Dade park improvement project.

The $20,000 grant will support the implementation of a community garden for the park, inclusive of an irrigation system, planter beds for growing fruits and vegetables, and fencing.

Parks Build Community helps to revitalize and restore local parks and park programs across the country. The Goulds Park Community Garden project was one of 15 projects selected to receive grant funding.

Health care, faith groups host launch reception

MIAMI — The Community Health and Empowerment Network Inc. (CHEN The Network) will host its launch in the community in conjunction with state Rep. Daphne D. Campbell at 6:30 p.m. today at the Caribbean Marketplace at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 5925 NE Second Ave.

The cooperative partnerships between CHEN, health care and faith-based organizations are designed to reduce health disparities in South Florida. Founder/Chair Micaelle Titus has invited key organizations that will join together to build the bridges necessary to better address the needs of the vulnerable and underserved in South Florida. Some of the areas that will be addressed include spiritual, mental, sexual, financial and physical health.

The event is free, and includes dinner and live entertainment. For more information call 786.292.1934 or visit www.chenthenetwork.com

Compiled from staff, wire reports