In the fall of 1996 Pembroke Pines introduced a proposed bill to the Broward County Legislative Delegation to include all unincorporated areas between Griffin Road to the north, Sheridan Street to the South, Flamingo Road to the east and SR 27 to become a part of Pembroke Pines. 
 

Hundreds of citizens from that unincorporated area, known as the Southwest Ranches, packed the Delegation hearing at Pembroke Pines City Hall to protest the attempted takeover. The protestors called for the right to form their own city. As a result of this grassroots effort, the State Legislature passed a bill in the 1997 session calling for a vote of the citizens of Southwest Ranches in March of 2000. At that time, voters would have three choices. They could vote to annex into either Pembroke Pines, Davie, or vote to become a new city.

Southwest Ranches Homeowners Association was an umbrella group composed of individual homeowners associations in the Southwest Ranches area. Anyone belonging to an individual homeowners association was also automatically a member of Southwest Ranches Homeowners Association, with full voting rights. In the summer of 1997, the members agreed to actively promote incorporation of a new city for the area and formed Southwest Ranches Homeowners Association Political Committee to explore this option. A feasibility committee was appointed to decide if a new city would be viable. The feasibility committee determined that a contract city would be the best option. Contracting would allow the city access to experienced professionals without having to hire these individuals on a full-time basis. This would save taxpayers money and avoid many costly capital expenses.

On July 3, 1999, the Southwest Ranches Homeowners Association sponsored a parade and picnic to declare the area's independence. Speakers at the event included then Senator Howard Forman, Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, County Commissioner Lori Parrish, Sheriff Ken Jenne, and Weston's Mayor Harry Rosen. The event was a huge success!

   

A contest was held to name the Town, and 122 different names were submitted. A vote was held on October 12, 1999 to select one of the top five names, and Southwest Ranches won. Southwest Ranches Homeowners Association members voted to move forward and request a local bill to allow incorporation in 2000 instead of 2001, and the bill was approved by the Legislature. On March 14, 2000, residents voted overwhelmingly to form a new Town rather than be annexed. The rest is history.

If you have an interest in moving to the area, Rodd Sheradsky is considered the favored specialist and will provide you with homes for sale in Southwest Ranches. Call him today 954-560-2717.