City of Weston, Florida

City Overview
As of 2007, Weston's population is 65,720 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of 33.34 percent. See all of our Weston demographic data.
The median home cost in Weston is $538,100. Home appreciation the last year has been -4.35 percent. Find more data on Weston Real Estate.
Compared to the rest of the country, Weston's cost of living is 28.91% Higher than the U.S. average. See our full report on Weston Cost of Living.
Weston public schools spend $5,624 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $6,058. There are about 25 students per teacher in Weston. Learn about Weston Schools and Education.
The unemployment rate in Weston is 2.30 percent(U.S. avg. is 4.60%). Recent job growth is Positive. Weston jobs have Increased by 1.66 percent. See our full report on Weston Economy.

People
Weston, FL
United States
Population
65,720
293,655,400
Pop. Density
2,766
80
Pop. Change
33.34%
5.88%
Median Age
35.7
37.6
Households
21,521
108,954,329
Household Size
3
2.6
Male Population
48.50%
48.65%
Female Population
51.50%
51.35%
Married Population
71.77%
58.89%
Single Population
28.23%
41.11%
ESTIMATED TOTAL POPULATION BY AGE


Age 0 to 4
9.14%
6.74%
Age 5 to 9
9.23%
6.73%
Age 10 to 14
9.01%
7.10%
Age 15 to 17
5.71%
4.32%
Age 18 to 20
3.45%
4.37%
Age 21 to 24
4.25%
5.53%
Age 25 to 34
9.31%
13.47%
Age 35 to 44
19.47%
14.86%
Age 45 to 49
8.60%
7.51%
Age 50 to 54
6.88%
6.73%
Age 55 to 59
5.10%
5.66%
Age 60 to 64
3.42%
4.44%
Age 65 to 74
4.12%
6.45%
Age 75 to 84
1.84%
4.41%
Age 85 and over
0.48%
1.70%
RACE


White
85.32%
77.53%
Black
4.94%
12.35%
Asian
3.81%
3.58%
American Indian
0.13%
0.89%
Other
6.28%
5.65%
Hispanic
36.44%
12.73%
Non-Hispanic
63.98%
87.27%
FAMILY


Married, w/children
43.86%
27.90%
Married, no children
27.67%
31.04%
Single, w/children
7.06%
9.43%
Single, no children
21.32%
30.05%
Divorced
6.38%
7.64%
Separated
2.54%
2.82%
Widowed
3.10%
7.42%
Now Married
69.30%
57.73%
Never Married
18.70%
24.39%

The 2007 Weston, FL, population is 65,720. There are 2,766 people per square mile (population density).
Family in Weston, FL
The median age is 35.7. The US median is 37.6. 69.30% of people in Weston, FL, are married. 6.38% are divorced.
The average household size is 3 people. 43.86% of people are married, with children. 7.06% have children, but are single.
Race in Weston, FL
85.32% of people are white, 4.94% are black, 3.81% are asian, 0.13% are native american, and 6.28% claim 'Other'.
36.44% of the people in Weston, FL, claim hispanic ethnicity (meaning 63.56% are non-hispanic).

www.bestplaces.net/city/Weston_FL

Aerial view: Image courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey

BARAKA "The Silent Film"

Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson produced an outstanding movie called "BARAKA". In several languages, the word Baraka means blessing. Truly, this movie is a blessing. A blessing offered to those who cherish the environment, and a blessing chanted in the name of Nature itself. This profound hymn celebrates nature in a very powerful way given that there are no words to distract the viewer who can only allow his or her soul to be moved, accompanied by some enchanting music.

I was happy to recognize some of the places shown on the movie such as Jerusalem's Wailing Wall, the rain forests of the Amazon, Mount Everest, Auschwitz, the refuse dumps of Calcutta or the Egyptian Pyramids. At the same time, I was humbled by my lack of knowledge of all the beautiful places and amazing cultures that make up planet Earth. Seeing so many different ways in which human beings worship depending on their culture, brought to my attention that no matter how different they look, all peoples share the same basic needs whether they be Buddhist monks, Orthodox Jews or African aborigens.

Seeing images from the past such as the Egyptian Pyramids or Auschwitz, or from the present as in the war fields, reminds us that manking has always taken over his environment, but he has not always made the best of his knowledge. This film reminds us that it is the environment that sustains all life, human life as well. Destroying the environment by cutting down the forests caused the Indians of the rain forests to end up in the Brazilian slums. Man's domination over his environment has allowed him to improve his life; unfortunately, humans do not set limits to their actions. Consequently, they have moved away from a natural way of living, and their new fast-paced life in the industrial world has turned them into machines that lead an artificial life where man exists alone, cutting himself from the nurturing of community living.

Even though some viewers might miss the verbal interpretation that usually accompany documentaries, the film "Baraka" says without using words what we need to hear if only we would listen with our hearts and souls. Let's not be afraid to write the script that speaks so loudly and so clearly in the silence of "Baraka"; it will only bring more "blessings" to our planet.

Turtles and Tortoises

It was an amazing experience to observe the reptiles that were presented to our class, namely, the African Hinge-back Tortoise, the Central American Ornated Red-foot Turtle, the Mud Turtle from the U.S., the Texas Box Turtle, the African-Spur Turtle, and the Russian Turtle.

Tortoises differ from turtles as they live on land and use water only for bathing and drinking. These reptiles use their shells or carapaces to protect themselves from their predators. Growth rings appear on the carapace. Their bodies adapt to their habitats and this is evident in the differences in their snouts which may be sharp in carnivores or dull if they are herbivores. Their feet may be webbed for swimming or limbs may be present for stronger muscles needed for walking or digging holes. They also vary in size, skin-texture, and color.

The Central American Ornated Red-foot Turtle is a great example of the variety of texture and color. This attractive animal’s face is adorned with thin red lines, and the legs, tail, plastron (underside of the shell), and marginal scutes (sides of the shell) are heavily marked with red and black. The shell is moderately elongated in shape. Males can be distinguished from females by the thicker tail and concave plastron. They can reach up to 7 inches long whereas females can be about two inches longer. They are endangered as they are domesticated because of their beauty, and they also require more care and do not do well in captivity.

Hinge backs are a species of tortoise that have hinges on the bottom part of their shells. The African hinge back tortoise is not listed as endangered; however, these animals are being exported out of their native areas in large numbers because of their unique shells, with a movable hinge. The hinges allow the back of the shell to clamp down so the back legs and tail have increased protection from predators. They can retreat their head quite far when threatened, bringing the front legs in to seal the anterior opening in the carapace; the knees meet in front of the head with the feet pointing to either side. The enlarged scales of the forelegs face outward in this position, protecting the legs themselves. Overall, they are rather small in size, but the largest type can grow to be nearly 12 inches long.

The Texas Box Turtle is very ornated, and it has a single hinge at the front of the lower shell (plastron), allowing to fold it up and closing the front of the shell entirely; thus the common name of “box turtle”. They also have a hooked upper jaw (“beak”). Males have a longer tail thank females with a thick base and a somewhat concave plastron, whereas females have a flat one. They used to be seen in backyards, on ranches, and along roadways, but many Texans report that they are now hard to find. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would like to know if you see a box turtle in the state.

The Mud Turtle is another American turtle that is found in the Southeast of the country. It has a double-hinged plastron, similar to the box turtle, and the males have longer and thicker tails than the females. Interestingly, the Florida striped mud turtle differs from those found in the Carolinas or in Georgia. It has yellow head stripes and three light longitudinal stripes on a dark carapace whereas other mud turtles lack these stripes, retaining only the light stripe between the eye and nostril. Furthermore, the females of the striped mud turle nest in the fall, rather than the spring or summer as other mud turtles do.

The tan-colored Russian Tortoise is the smallest of them all. It generally reaches a length of 6 to 8 inches. Their carapace is very round, and the vertebral scutes of the carapace are noticeably flat. The tail has a terminal claw, and it is generally longer and thicker in males than in females. The Russian Tortoise has four claws on each foot.

For its part, the African Spur Tortoise is the largest of these reptiles. Its shell length ranges up to 36 inches and weighs up to 240 lbs. Well cared for in a pen, it can live up to 70 years. This tortoise has a uniform brown to golden yellow color. Growth rings on each scute appear on the carapace. There are also well-defined spurs on the rear legs, which gives it its name African spur thigh tortoise. The skin is thick which may serve to reduce fluid loss through transpiration.

This brief encounter with these different tortoises illustrates how diverse the same species can be. It is important to remember that in many places it is illegal to take wildlife out of the wild without the proper permits from local, state, or federal authorities. Also, it is important to remember that captive reptiles or amphibians should not be released into the wild as this will disrupt the natural order of our environment.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

http://www.wnyherp.org/
http://www.turtlesite.info.html/
http://www.centralpets.com/
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/
http://www.rollinghillswildlife.com/

Florida Disaster Preparedness Program

Office for Domestic Preparedness Grant ProgramEnhance the ability of the State of Florida to prevent, deter, respond to and recover from threats and incidents of terrorism involving the use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) weapons and cyber attacks.

"The threat of terrorism does not have to change your life. Just Be Prepared."

How Should Florida Prepare For Terrorism?

Unlike with a Hurricane or a Flood, there will likely be NO WARNING for a terrorist attack. We, as Floridians can make sure that our families know what we would do to account for each other in a disaster. A Family Disaster Plan is critical and should be in place at all times. Your family's plan should include Emergency Contacts, identification of Rally Points, Disaster Supply Kit, and more.
With some simple planning this can be done and help alleviate the fear of the unknown.
Why Your Family Should Identify Rally Points...
Since your family is not together 24 hours a day, you need to consider how you would find each other in a disaster. Rally points (physical locations) should be identified for the most commonly frequented locations (i.e. work, school, neighbors ..). For example, if a crisis occurs at school — a location where both parents and child designate to meet should be included in your plan.
Before, During, and After a Terrorist Incident...
SOURCE: FEMA TERRORISM FACT SHEET

BEFORE Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. Learn where emergency exits are located. Be ready to enact your Family Disaster Plan DURING Building Explosion - leave as quickly and calmly as possible. If items are falling from above - get under a sturdy table or desk. Fire - stay low to the floor and exit as quickly as possible. Cover nose and mouth with a wet cloth. If a door is hot to the touch, do not open it — seek an alternate escape route. Stay below the smoke at all times. AFTER If you are trapped in debris- use a flashlight. Cover your mouth with a piece of cloth. Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if available and shout as a last resort — shouting can result in inhalation of dangerous amounts of dust. Assisting victims - untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people in a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Chemical Agent - authorities will instruct you to either seek shelter and seal the premises or evacuate immediately.

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What Actions Should You Take To Be Prepared?

Talk to your family. Discuss the potential hazards and threats. Develop your Family Disaster Plan to include rally points and have a third party as a common contact. Practice your plan.
Terrorism does not mean you have to change your life. You only need to BE PREPARED.
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What Your Community Can Do?

In a disaster our best untapped resource is you and me. You can become a part of a Community Emergency Response Team. This team is a local or neighborhood group that receives special training to enhance their ability to recognize, respond to and recover from a major emergency or disaster situation.

Florida Citizen Corps Over the past months America has witnessed a wellspring of selflessness and heroism. People in every corner of the country have asked, "What can I do?" and "How can I help?" Citizen Corps has been created to answer these questions.
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Where Can You Go For More Info?

State of Florida Links
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Florida Department of Community Affairs
Florida Department of Emergency Management
Florida Department of Health
Florida Department of Law Enforcement

US Government Links
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Ready America (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
The Official Web Portal of the US Federal Government
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program Residential Shelter-in-Place
CitizenCorps.gov
Department of Education Emergency Preparedness Plans for Schools
Department of Health and Human Services Disasters and Emergencies
Disaster Help
Anti-Terror
Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Preparedness
Federal Citizen Information Center Federal Emergency Management Agency
FirstGov for Consumers
Threat Alert System Information for Citizens
USA Freedom Corps

Nonprofi Organizational Links
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
The Ad Council
American Medical Association
American Red Cross
Disaster Relief
Neighborhood Watch

Chemical Threat

A chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and the environment.Possible Signs of Chemical Threat• Many people suffering from watery eyes, twitching, choking, having trouble breathing or losing coordination.• Many sick or dead birds, fish or small animals are also cause for suspicion.If You See Signs of Chemical Attack• Quickly try to define the impacted area or where the chemical is coming from, if possible.• Take immediate action to get away.• If the chemical is inside a building where you are, get out of the building without passing through the contaminated area, if possible.• Otherwise, it may be better to move as far away from where you suspect the chemical release is and "shelter-in-place." Read more at Staying Put.• If you are outside, quickly decide what is the fastest escape from the chemical threat. Consider if you can get out of the area, or if you should follow plans to "shelter-in-place."

If You Think You Have Been Exposed to a Chemical

If your eyes are watering, your skin is stinging, and you are having trouble breathing, you may have been exposed to a chemical.• If you think you may have been exposed to a chemical, strip immediately and wash.• Look for a hose, fountain, or any source of water, and wash with soap if possible, being sure not to scrub the chemical into your skin.• Seek emergency medical attention.

What's a Superfund Site?

There are many different kinds of Superfund sites. Some Superfund sites are old factories where chemicals were dumped on the ground. Some are landfills where garbage was dumped along with other poisonous waste. Some Superfund sites are remote places where people secretly dumped hazardous waste because they did not know what to do with it. Some Superfund sites are old mines where people used to dig in the ground for things like coal, iron ore, or silver.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

In 1980, in response to growing public concern about the health and environmentalrisks posed by hazardous waste sites, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, to address these sites. The Superfund Program, which is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in cooperation with the states and tribal governments, locates, investigates and cleans up hazardous waste sites throughout the country.The Superfund law created a Trust Fund, financed mainly by a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries, to pay for the cleanup of abandoned and uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The Trust Fund is used primarily when the companies or people responsible for the contamination at Superfund sites cannot be found or cannot perform or pay for the cleanup work.

The law, which gave the federal government broad authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment, established two kinds of responses:
Short-term "removal" actions for emergencies or when EPA determines that a site may become a threat in the near future.
Long-term "remedial" actions to permanently and significantly reduce the dangers from seriously contaminated hazardous waste sites that require extensive cleanups, but do not pose immediate threats.