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Mayor Sortal's Plantation Update - May 16, 2022 |
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More restaurants on the horizon, Budget talk, and a drafted strategic plan.
Rock ‘n’ Brews, a music-themed restaurant, held a soft opening over the weekend. The restaurant opened for business today (May 16). The ribbon-cutting is May 31.
The restaurant takes up one of the largest spots at Plantation Walk, with indoor and outdoor seating. The music set the tone for Friday night’s test run as servers brought large Bavarian pretzels, Shrimp Sriracha, salads, pasta, burgers, ribs and chicken – with lots of drinks along for the ride. Wall-to-wall art of musicians grace the walls. (But there are still multiple spots for TVs.)
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The official address is 341 N. University Drive, Suite 1100. A small parking lot west of Plantation Walk is beginning to fill up more quickly, so it looks like patrons will need to park in the big garage that’s also used by tenants at the adjacent apartments.
Go to RockandBrews.com
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Padrino’s, a popular Cuban food restaurant, held a ribbon-cutting Thursday, May 11 at its new venue. The Plantation site, one of five Padrino’s, has moved from The Fountains to Market On University. Padrino’s is located at the old Pizza Fusion site, which was the spot of the explosion on July 6, 2019. Go to Padrinos.com. |
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Vicky Bakery, a popular Cuban bakery, is adding a location in Plantation. It’s at 1773 N. University Drive, inside the Plantation Square Plaza. There are already about 20 Vicky bakeries in South Florida, with another 9 in the works. Go to VickyBakery.com.
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Budget Talk
I have finished working with city staff and formulated an early version of our proposed budget for 2023-24. City department heads will provide a brief rundown during a workshop on Wednesday, May 24 at 6:00 pm.
It’s part of the process. Eventually I will present the proposed budget to the City Council for adoption in two meetings in September. A positive vote from the City Council is necessary for the budget to take effect.
For the most part, it’s a no-drama budget. I’m planning on our tax rates to remain the same. Police needs new vehicles, as usual. A few employee positions were adjusted and larger raises proposed for those doing jobs that might not have matched their job description.
The big focus is on our General Fund budget, which is about $128 million. Building, Utilities and State Road 7/Gateway District are among those with separate budgets. For example, we can only charge enough on permits and building fees to self-sustain that department, utilities revenues can only be used to maintain and improve water and sewer services; we can’t take a pile of money from there and use it for a new swimming pool.
All workshops are open to the public, but no resident comments are taken.
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Horland a Hero
The Florida League of Cities named council member Denise Horland a “Home Rule Hero.” It is the third year in a row she has earned this award.
Horland has been Plantation’s most active elected official in Tallahassee, fighting especially against the state taking control of regulating vacation rentals.
“I feel it is my duty as a municipal elected official to fight to preserve our local decision making abilities. I will always work to promote legislation which enhances, rather than harms, our community,“ she said.
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Library Help
The Friends of the Library presented their year-end gift to the library in the amount of $18,766.55. They raised this money through used book tent sales, online book sales, a sale table in the Library at Deicke, a fundraiser with Barnes & Noble, and their annual luncheon.
Their meetings will resume in September. Stop by Deicke Auditorium or visit the web page to get an application to join the group.
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Following the productive retreat with the City Council, I have completed our strategic plan draft. They had good ideas that were rolled into this original draft. I am going to run it by the City Council one more time before finalizing.
There will be a Strategic Plan workshop from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm on Friday, May 26 at the Development Services Conference room. I welcome the Council's ideas on strategic priorities. They help set up a road map for the budget.
The Volunteer Park Equestrian Center Bridge demolition has been postponed.
Agenda item that would’ve approved the demolition failed for the lack of a motion. This means that the conditions will remain as they are for the time being. Access to the areas will be closed off to ensure safety. Lack of funds is the reason we are unable to repair these bridges.
National Childcare Provider Appreciation Day
Councilmember Horland read the proclamation recognizing National Childcare Provider Appreciation Day. Representatives from the Early Learning Coalition accepted the proclamation.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
Councilmember Andreu presented the Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation to NAMI representatives. 988 is a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7 for calls or text messages.
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Pubic Service Recognition Week
We celebrated Public Service Recognition Week. I read the proclamation at the Council meeting for the occasion. Earlier that day, we thanked all City public servants with an employee appreciation lunch at Volunteer Park.
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Saturday, May 20: Kids to Parks Day is a National day of outdoor play and exploration celebrated on the third Saturday of May. There will be activities such as a community-wide mural painting, a scavenger hunt, nature activities and more at Seminole Park from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Monday, May 29: Memorial Day Service at Veterans Park starting at 9:30 am. Join as we pay tribute to all who sacrificed in serving and protecting our country in the United States Armed Forces.
For more information on these events please call (954) 452-2510.
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