History of Pembroke Pines City, Florida

Pembroke Pines is a city in Broward County, Florida, The United States of America. It is the second most populous city in Broward County. According to Gerry Witoshynsky, Pembroke Pines was incorporated in 1960.

Long before, Pembroke Pines was a dairy farm, managed by Henry D. Perry, which later on became a flight-training field for the U.S Navy in 1943. After World War II, the airport was used still by the U.S. Navy for small plane use.

Additionally, after World War II Pembroke Pines was created to accommodate ex- ex-servicemen who had trained in South Florida and wanted to return after the war. In 1959, the “Village of Pembroke Pines was incorporated but was later on cancelled. This city is quite different from other cities in South Florida because unlike most towns, Pembroke Pines were not shaped and established by developers; instead, it flourished from the efforts of its residents. In 1954, Pembroke Pines #1 and Pembroke Pines #2 subdivisions were created. One of its important residents was Dr. Walter Seth Kipnis. Together with his wife, Estelle, Dr. Kipnis, who was also the city’s first mayor, were the leading voices in the incorporation of the city. They also supported Pembroke Pines’ first organized citizens' group, the Pembroke Pines Civic Association. After the establishment of this group, rapid developments were then taking place in the city. In 1961, Dr. Kipnis was re-elected and a city manager was hired. This city council/city manager form of government has been used since then which means that the mayor and council develop rules and regulations and the city manager carries them out.

Another significant person in the history of Pembroke is Joseph La Croix, a developer who agreed to have his 320 acres land annexed into the city. In 1984, a major change was approved to have four City districts with one commissioner elected from each district. The mayor was now elected by a citywide vote. During the 1980s, the city continued to progress with parks and recreation areas being developed carefully. All kinds of sports could be played with its extensive sports facilities. Also, parks and recreation centers allowed its residents to enjoy indoor activities and creative classes.  Its real estate market also prospered with the Completion of the Century Village condominiums as one of the salient evidences. Pembroke Pines today have all types of housing, which included single family, town homes, condominiums, and apartments. But in August 1992, a disastrous hurricane named Andrew, hit Florida. As an effect, many of the residents in Miami had their houses ruined. Thus, with the money they received from insurers, they went to Pembroke Pines to settle down. This gave a great boom for the population.  Today, the city covers an area of 34.25 square miles. It is a full-service City having its own Police and Fire Department. While providing above average services and amenities to its 149,954 residents, this year's budget stands at $199,939,897.00 and the City’s Ad Valorem tax rate remains one of the lowest in the county.