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Releases 2003

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Press Release Headlines
4/02 - 2003 Air & Sea Show Advisory
4/02 - Air & Sea Show "New for 2003"
4/08 - Victims’ Rights Coalition Award Recipient
4/12 - Missing Child - Amber Alert
4/15 - Abduction Case Arrest
4/16 - Suspicious Subject Sought
4/17 - Suspicious Male Update
4/21 - Suspicious Subject Reabuck in Custody
4/19 - Undetermined Death Investigation

2003 AIR & SEA SHOW
PUBLIC ADVISORY

April 2, 2003

The 2003 McDonald’s Air & Sea Show is to be held on Fort Lauderdale Beach during the weekend of May 3 & 4, 2003. The show will extend along the four miles of beach, from the 1900 block of North A1A to the 1100 block south. Advisories will be issued to try and make commuting as easy as possible for spectators, and residents.

Traffic Restrictions for Spectators

Residents and Business Employees

Vehicle passes will be issued to those individuals who live, or work within the restricted areas that will allow them to pass through the two checkpoints. Those checkpoints will be at East Sunrise Blvd and Bayview Drive, and at A1A and N.E. 19 St. Residents with questions about passes, or in need of passes can call (954) 828-6549.

Park & Ride Shuttle Service

A limited, continuous, Park & Ride shuttle bus service will be offered by the City of Fort Lauderdale and by Broward County Transit from downtown parking garages (blue line) and from Holiday Park (red line) to East Sunrise Blvd and the Intracoastal bridge area. There will be a $5.00 charge for parking, and a $3.00 per person charge for round-trip shuttle service. Shuttle service will begin at 8:00 a.m. each day, and will end one hour after the event. (Approximately 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday) Please have exact change. For more information call 954-357-8400 or visit www.broward.org/bct.

Downtown Parking: The public may park in downtown city garages. Broward County Transit Buses will pick up, and drop off passengers along S.E. 1 Ave. between Broward Blvd., and S.E. 2 St.

Holiday Park: There will be limited parking available at Holiday Park. Access can be made at Federal Highway and Nininger Drive. Broward County Transit will pick up passengers at Parker Playhouse.

When leaving the beach for your return trip remember:

Disabled/ Handicapped Access

Information provided in cooperation with the Access Now Organization

Recommended Parking – Located at the Galleria Mall in the Open Blue lot. From I-95 take Sunrise Blvd. exit east to Bayview Drive and proceed south (right) and follow signs back around Lord & Taylor to the Open Blue Lot at the east end of the Galleria Mall. This lot will accommodate disabled individual’s vehicles. The Galleria Mall will charge a parking fee of $15.

Transportation Accommodations – From 8:00am to 7:00pm on May 3rd and 4th Broward County Transit will provide, free of charge, two (2) wheelchair shuttle vans to transport disabled individuals from the designated pick-up/drop-off area at the intersection of NE 26th Avenue and Sunrise Blvd located near the Open Blue Lot of the Galleria Mall Parking. A designated shuttle drop-off and return area will be located at the Fire Station just over the Sunrise Blvd. intracoastal bridge. Please follow the informational and directional signage posted in the parking lot and at the Fire Station to the designated shuttle areas.

Disabled Seating Area – Located on A1A just north of Sunrise. A special fenced off area for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers or other instruments for assistance in mobility will be located at the Sunrise and A1A north location. Service guide dogs will be permitted in this area. Local enforcement officers will secure this area.

Accessible Bathroom Facilities – Located on Sunrise & AIA just opposite the disabled seating section. The first aid station adjacent to the bathroom facilities will make appropriate sanitary materials available.

Beach Access and Parking

Spectators who choose to drive to the beach during show hours will only be able to do so along the 17th Street Causeway, East Las Olas Blvd., and Oakland Park Blvd. No vehicles will be permitted to travel on A1A north of Bayshore Drive, nor will they be permitted south of N.E. 19 St.

Parking beachside will be limited, and parking lots are expected to fill early.

On street parking along Las Olas Blvd. in the downtown business district will be prohibited the weekend of the show.

All parking laws will be strictly enforced. Violators will be ticketed, and towed. Use of the park, and ride shuttle service is strongly encouraged.

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS

Bicycles, skateboards, and electric/gas scooters will all be prohibited in the area of “Show Center” at East Sunrise Blvd., and A1A. Bicycle lock-up areas will be provided at the following locations:

PETS: It is a violation of city ordinance 6-4 to have pets on “ any sidewalk or public property on either the west or east side of State Road A1A (including the roadway itself)” or “in the sandy portion of the beach”. Officers will be enforcing the ordinance, asking for voluntary compliance.

Boating Advisory

If you plan to attend the McDonald’s Air & Sea Show by boat, please be advised of the following safety restrictions:

There will be a restricted safety zone four miles long, north to south, beginning north of Oakland Park Boulevard and extending south to the Port Everglades Inlet. The restricted area will extend from shore out to 4,000 feet and will be well marked with buoys. The Port Everglades Channel will remain open for traffic, however all vessels must proceed east past the 4,000 foot marker before heading north.

The restricted safety zone will be strictly enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Florida Marine Patrol, Fort Lauderdale Police Department Marine Unit, Broward County Sheriff Marine Unit, and other local law enforcement agencies. Boaters are strongly reminded that boating and drinking don’t mix.

Due to federal security regulations, boaters are not allowed to come within 100-yards of U.S. Naval vessels without authorization, and are required to maintain a minimum safe speed when within 500-yards of U.S. Naval vessels.

Boaters are reminded to monitor channel-16 for updates and information regarding the Port and Intracoastal Waterway and closures. All boaters are advised to transit this area with caution during the period of April 28th through May 3, 2003.

Health and Safety

Spectators should prepare for a day in the sun by wearing sunscreen as well as a hat, and sunglasses. They should also drink an adequate amount of water to avoid dehydration. There will be well- marked first aid stations along the three- mile viewing area, courtesy of the North Broward Hospital District.

ALL OPEN CONTAINER LAWS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL ON THE BEACH IS PROHIBITED BY CITY ORDINANCE, AND WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IN DESIGNATED FOOD COURTS.

PLEASE, NO GLASS CONTAINERS.

Lost Children

Parents are advised to take extra care during the show. Last year there were numerous lost children. With the large crowds expected, and being along the water’s edge, a lost child can be very hard to find. If you are taking children tell them if they get lost to find a police officer, firefighter, or lifeguard. Efforts to reunite them with parents, or guardians will be coordinated through the Fort Lauderdale Police Dept.’s Command Center located at E. Sunrise Blvd, and Breakers Ave.

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AIR AND SEA SHOW
“NEW FOR 2003”

April 2003

The 2003 McDonald’s Air and Sea Show is to be held on Fort Lauderdale Beach during the weekend of May 3 & 4, 2003. And as in years past the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will continue to issue advisories for vehicle traffic, parking, pedestrians and spectators to the show.

This advisory is to make residents and visitors aware of changes “new for 2003”.

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VICTIMS’ RIGHTS COALITION AWARD RECIPIENT

April 8, 2003

While at times seemingly in place to protect only the rights of the accused, the Justice System handles both criminals and their victims. It is reassuring to know that there are organizations, programs, and outstanding personalities in the victims’ rights field who sincerely and aggressively look out for the victims of those crimes.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is especially proud of two of their officers. The Broward Victims’ Rights Coalition, in recognition of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, has awarded Sergeant Rich Herbert the Major Frank LeBlanc Award for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and Detective Raul Perez-Cubas received honorable mention. Sergeant Herbert recently celebrated his 24th year with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Sergeant Herbert supervises the Special Victims’ Unit of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and Detective Perez-Cubas is one the special unit’s Detectives.

The Broward Victims’ Rights Coalition, founded in 1991, is comprised of 66 members, seven of whom are board members. These members include victims’ advocates from state, county and municipal law enforcement, as well as from state and federal prosecutors’ offices. Various other Victim’s Rights organizations also take part.

According to Linda Laviano, President of the Coalition, the Major Frank LeBlanc award recipient was selected from a field of seven nominees. Frank LeBlanc retired as a major of the Broward Sheriff’s Office and is also the past president of the Broward Victims’ Rights Coalition Upon his retirement from the Coalition, the Board, in honor of Major LeBlanc’s commitment to victims’ rights, renamed the annual award. The criteria for the award is as follows:

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department proudly celebrates Sergeant Herbert’s and Detective Perez-Cubas accomplishments with them.

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MISSING CHILD – AMBER ALERT

April 12, 2003

The Fort Lauderdale Police, this morning, Saturday April 12, 2003 issued an AMBER ALERT for 17 year old , white female, FRANCES COVA of 1520 NW 108 Drive, Sunrise, FL. FRANCES COVA has the mental capacity of a 5 year old, a result of her suffering with Angelman’s Syndrome.

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Frances G. Cova 03/06/86

At approximately 12:20 hours this morning, at Blondie’s Bar on Fort Lauderdale Beach, FRANCES COVA was with her father, Frank Cova. He was playing pool and FRANCES COVA was playing a video game. Her father was continuously checking on her welfare when he discovered his daughter was gone. Fort Lauderdale Police were called moments later and a search of the area was begun. It was later discovered that a video surveillance camera had recorded FRANCES COVA’s actions. An unknown white male had sat down next to her and spoke with her on two different occasions. The second time they spoke, as the white male left, FRANCES followed him and exited the bar.

A search of the area is still on going.

The surveillance video will be reviewed at 10:30 for the media at 229 South Atlantic.

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ARREST IN ABDUCTION OF MISSING CHILD

April 15, 2003

Today, April 15, 2003, Fort Lauderdale Police Detectives DeBilio and Perez-Cubas arrested 33 year old MAURICIO AGUIRRE. AGUIRRE an illegal alien who was staying with his parents, was arrested at their home in Tamarac. AGUIRRE’S parents were very cooperative.

Additional, and invaluable information retrieved from the surveillance video, by Blondie’s staff, was relayed to investigators.

After running down this information, investigators were led to the Tamarac residence where AGUIRRE was located and taken into custody.

Charges are pending as investigators are currently interviewing AGUIRRE. Homeland Security personnel will also be notified due to AGUIRRE’s illegal status.

AGUIRRE has been arrested in the past for aggravated assault, a domestic violence situation.

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SUSPICIOUS SUBJECT SOUGHT

April 16, 2003

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Daniel Eugene Reabuck
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is attempting to locate a subject who checked out of a local motel leaving behind suspicious materials.

Fort Lauderdale Police were called to the south-end motel late Tuesday night, April 15th, after the staff found several items that could be used to make explosive devices. Members of the bomb squad were notified and responded to remove the property.

Some of the items recovered were white tape, granules of gunpowder, misc. caliber bullets, and small electronic timing devices.

The subject, who left a copy of his Florida driver’s license at the motel, is identified as Daniel Eugene Reabuck with a date of birth of 10-07-68. The address on the license is an Orlando address.

Reabuck checked into the motel at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 14, and checked out at approximately 1:30 on Tuesday the 15th, he paid cash for the room.

Reabuck is described as a white male, 34 years-of age, 5’8”, 150-160 pounds, green eyes, short, straight brown hair, and is clean shaven.

No vehicle is known at this time.

A photo of Reabuck can be viewed on the Fort Lauderdale Police Department web site at www.flpd.org

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 493-T.I.P.S or the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at 828-5700.

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UPDATE ON SUSPICIOUS MALE

April 17, 2003

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department releasing a possible vehicle being used by Daniel Eugene Reabuck.

Reabuck is the subject sought by Fort Lauderdale police for questioning after he checked out a Fort Lauderdale motel leaving behind items used to manufacture explosive devices.

The vehicle is a 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT, white in color with 4-doors. This model of Escalade is the “pick-up” version. The vehicle should have a Florida tag of V06-YUG.

The photo below is of a similar vehicle.

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Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 493-T.I.P.S. or the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at (954) 828-5700.

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SUSPICIOUS SUBJECT REABUCK IN CUSTODY

April 21, 2003

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has confirmed that Daniel Eugene Reabuck, 10-07-68 is in custody.

Reabuck was taken into custody at approximately 3:00 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2003, as he exited a restaurant in the Orlando, Florida area and was arrested without incident on a warrant issued Friday April 18th, by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

Detective Mike Hoelbrandt responded to Seminole County and interviewed Reabuck, Reabuck will be extradited back to Fort Lauderdale at a later date.

The investigation into the circumstances around Reabuck’s suspicious activities continues.

ARRESTED: Daniel Eugene Reabuck, 10-07-568
CHARGES: Possession/Manufacture of an Explosive Device.

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UNDETERMINED DEATH INVESTIGATION

April 19, 2003

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is investigating the death of 21 year-old Raymond Sterling.

Sterling collapsed and died in the jail sally port at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Saturday April 19, 2003.

Officers initially observed Sterling driving in the 1800 block of NW 8 Street at approximately 1:15 a.m. As officers attempted to stop Sterling in the area of NW 19 Avenue and NW 9 Street for traffic related charges, Sterling bailed out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Officers at this time began pursuing him. The foot pursuit continued north across Sunrise Blvd. with officers catching up to him in a backyard in the 1100 block of NW 17 Avenue. Here Sterling was taken into custody after he resisted arrest.

As Sterling was being placed into the back of a marked Fort Lauderdale Police car he began kicking at the officers refusing to get into the vehicle. Sterling was sprayed with a short blast of departmentally issued OC spray, and transported to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for booking.

At approximately 1:48 a.m. as officers arrived in the booking area, Sterling complained of not feeling well. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue was requested and responded to check Sterling finding him responsive and alert. EMS cleared the sally port area a short time later.

Sterling again complained of not feeling well, and it was decided to take Sterling to Broward General Medical Center for treatment. As officers walked with Sterling to a vehicle to transport him, he collapsed. EMS was requested “Code 3” however Sterling was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.

The Broward County Medical Examiners Office has conducted an autopsy and could find no conclusive cause of death at this time. There were no visible signs of trauma or immediate indications for Sterling’s death. Toxicology and microscopic lab analysis tests are being conducted at this time.



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