Pembroke Pines, FL

With a growing population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of just over 34 square miles, Pembroke Pines is the second largest city in Broward County, second only to Fort Lauderdale. Only 15 miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale and the same distance from downtown Miami, Pembroke Pines is a popular suburban bedroom community with relatively low housing costs and plenty of room to grow. There is a large population of retirees living in the western portion of this quiet town, though recent efforts have been made to liven up the downtown district and attract young professionals.

The city receives over 64 inches of rain each year, with 10 inches falling in June alone. The climate stays hot and humid year-round.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Over 50 percent of the population works in sales or management, and more than 21 percent of workers commute to larger nearby cities during the day. While unemployment is relatively low at 2.6 percent, the cost of living is significantly higher than the national average.

Major companies headquartered in Pembroke Pines include Decorator Industries Inc., a fabric and textile manufacturing company; and Claire's Stores Inc., a national jewelry an accessory retailer.

The median age of residents in Pembroke Pines is around 37. Nearly 29 percent have a bachelor's degree or higher and 10 percent have a professional or graduate degree.

FAMILY FUN

There are at least 20 parks within Pembroke Pines city limits, but at the center of outdoor activities in Pembroke Pines is C.B. Smith Park, where numerous activities await both visitors and residents. The land was once a firing range used during World War II. It was known as Snake Creek Park until it was renamed in 1967 in honor of a former Broward County and City of Hollywood's commissioner Charles Barney Smith. C.B. Smith Park offers a wide variety of activities:

• There are picnic pavilions and shelters along with canoes, johnboats, and paddle boats for rent.
• The All Golf Facility and Batting Cages has a driving range, a miniature golf course, batting cages, and a pro shop.
• Concert Green can accommodate up to 5,000 people and is known as the site of the annual Chili Cook-off.
• Camping at C.B. Smith Park includes full RV hookups, grills, a laundry room, and restroom complexes with hot showers.
• Fishing, ball courts, and horseshoe arenas are all available.
• Safety Town, inside the park, features miniature roadways and teaches children about roadway and bicycling safety.

The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce holds annual events in Pembroke Pines, including the Three Kings Day celebration and Fiestas Patronales.

Pembroke Pines residents have easy access to a number of venues and events throughout South Florida. Local events include:

• The Annual Arts Festival in the Pines: Featuring food, music, hands on art exhibits, and demonstrations by local artists. Prizes are awarded to local musicians and artists.
• The Annual Antiques and Collectibles Show: Featuring over 50 antiques dealers and appraisers.
• The Glass Gallery on Pine Boulevard offers exhibits and demonstrations year-round.
• River of Grass Artspark Theater: Performances given throughout the year.
• Jazz concerts at the William B. Armstrong Dream Park
• Pembroke Lake Golf and Tennis Center
• The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• The Broward Museum of Discovery & Science

Shoppers can tour the newly constructed Shops at Pembroke Gardens, a 400,000 square foot open-air shopping center featuring two stories of upscale retailers, restaurants, and bars.

SPORTS TEAMS

Numerous sports teams play close to Pembroke Pines:

• The Florida Marlins (baseball)
• The Jupiter Hammerheads (baseball)
• The Palm Beach Cardinals (baseball)
• The Miami Heat (NBA)
• The Miami Dolphins (NFL)
• The Florida Panthers (NHL)
• The Miami FC (soccer)

EDUCATION

Pembroke Pines is home to an 80-acre Academic Park, built in the early 2000s. It houses various educational facilities, including:

• The Broward-Pines Center regional campus of Barry University, offering professional development and counseling, as well as two-year and degree completion programs.
• The Broward-Pines Center regional campus of Broward Community College, a four-year community college offering associate's and bachelor of science degrees.
• The Broward-Pines Center regional campus of Florida International University, offering degrees in arts and sciences, business administration, education, engineering, and computing.

Keiser University, a four-year university focusing on business, criminal justice, and nursing, also has campus in Pembroke Pines.

LOCAL MEDIA

There are no newspapers devoted to the Pembroke Pines area, though the MiamiHerald and Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel cover local news and events.

Radio and television signals are also provided by the Miami media market.