Florida Blockwatch salute a decade of resolute community service
A breakfast event was held to acknowledge those who have aided Florida Blockwatch's success.
Underestimated is the immeasurable potential of fledgling ambitions.
Long-serving contributors and those continuing to help evolve the mission of Florida Blockwatch were shown glowing appreciation on May 6. Raising their glasses in commemoration of 10 years of service and dedication, acknowledgment was given to the community members who stood up and took preserving what had been built around them as a sense of duty.
In the absence of cornerstone John Kirsten, who was attending to matters abroad, André Brink led the celebrations in the Hoërskool Florida clubhouse.
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“We are here to honour the efforts of those who have played a very important role for Florida Blockwatch. As a community member, I am very proud to be associated with this group of people,” said André in his opening address.
The story of the neighbourhood watch’s origins was chronicled, from the ‘On Florida’ Facebook group aimed at addressing service delivery issues to the creation of formal structures. John and a pre-politics Caleb Finn are credited with the founding efforts; John hounding Caleb to join his vision for a better Florida. Sensing security was becoming precarious, regular meetings were held in several homes on Petunia Street and the successes have mushroomed from there.
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From initially paying for panic buttons for vulnerable elderly residents, to now paying for alarms for key electrical infrastructure, Florida Blockwatch membership fees have funded countless efforts to beautify, secure and maintain their suburbs. The active citizenry may not have been enough as strong partnerships with private security, most notably Leon Mans and Apcan Security, added authority to efforts.
André pondered what the suburb may be like if the Florida Blockwatch had never existed, believing the answer to be a bleak one save for their eyes and ears. Despite stressing that the entity could not be run by one person, a small token of appreciation was given to Margaret Richardson for being an administrative saint.
“She really is the glue that binds it all together,” said André.
With the long-term goals being growth and continuity, all were encouraged to rope in additional members to ensure the longevity of Florida Blockwatch. Sponsored prizes were raffled but no celebration would be complete without food, a hearty breakfast, and a slice of cake symbolic of the fuel needed to fill the hearts for 10 years more.
