of Broward Correctional Institution in the former Country Estates CDP and in Southwest Ranches. The Broward prison formerly housed the female death row, which was moved to the Lowell Correctional Institution in February 2003. Parks and recreation To support its rural-equestrian lifestyle, the town has developed miles of multiuse trails. People can be often be seen riding horses or bicycles or walking the trails that spread throughout the town. Since incorporation, the town has also acquired seven open-space parks, only one of which has been developed so far. This park includes a schooling ring, a show ring, and the Equestrian Oasis, an art installation primarily used to provide drinking water for horses. Government From the time of its founding until 2012, the town conducted its business from a modular office at the South Broward Drainage District headquarters. In 2012, the town, under the leadership of Vice Mayor Doug McKay, renovated a former church to create Southwest Ranches' first permanent town hall. Police and emergency services are provided by the nearby town of Davie. Southwest Ranches' charter defines the governing body as a council with one mayor and four council members. The mayor and the council members are elected at large from the electorate of the town, but the council members represent districts in which they must reside. The mayoral role is largely ceremonial with no more power than any council member. Other charter positions serving Southwest Ranches include the town administrator, financial administrator, and town clerk. The town's first council consisted of Mayor Mecca Fink, Vice Mayor Johnny Dollar, Forrest Blanton, Freddy Fisikelli, and Astor Knight. Education Southwest Ranches is served by Broward County Public Schools. Notable people River Alexander, actor Ricou Browning, actor and film producer Vernon Carey, American football player Miss Cleo, television psychic Daunte Culpepper, American football player Karlos Dansby, American football player Udonis Haslem, basketball player Dwayne Johnson, actor and former professional wrestler Raw Leiba, actor and film producer Uncle Louie, actor, talent manager, and former Homeland Security employee Reggie Wayne, American football player In media In April 2019, the WSVN show Deco Drive featured a Southwest Ranches farm owned by Uncle Louie. References External links Town of Southwest Ranches Towns in Broward County, Florida Towns in Florida