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Mayor Sortal's Plantation Update - June 29, 2023

First Watch and Chick-fil-A plans in the making, P.A.I.D and visits from Representatives.

Restaurants Coming

Chick-fil-A and First Watch

The city approved a new Chick-fil-A at the southeast corner of University Drive and Sunrise Boulevard. The restaurant will be one of five new offerings south of the existing row that includes Chipotle, Habit Burger, Panda Express and Pieology.  City Administration and the City Council were concerned about cars stacking into University Drive as they enter the Chick-fil-A drive-through, but developers showed a traffic plan that contains a significant amount of vehicles expected to be accommodated on-site without extending past the designated drive-through lanes or into the adjacent roadways.

First Watch and three other yet-to-be-named restaurants are also planned in two buildings just south of Chick-fil-A.

Dutchy's Gourmet Sausages featured on "Check, Please!"

Dutchy's Gourmet Sausages, a South African store and eatery, 401 S. State Road 7, was featured on a recent edition of “Check Please! South Florida” a restaurant-review show that airs on WPBT-Ch. 2. Catch a rerun of the episode by visiting the South Florida PBS Youtube channel.

Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization New Office

Plantation Chamber of Commerce members were among those at a ribbon-cutting for the Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization last week. This non-profit provides support to families who have an individual with Down syndrome. Their new office is located at 7301 NW 4 Street, Suite 103. Go to https://www.BGCDownSyndrome.org.

P.A.I.D / Plantation Acres

CAO Jason Nunemaker and I visited the board for the Plantation Acres Improvement District. The District, created by State Statute, manages Plantation Acres drainage and other related issues. The recent frequent rainfalls have all of us concerned about how to prevent flooding, and we discussed ideas.

Also, we noted that traffic calming devices are on order to be placed along NW 118^th Avenue. Credit goes to City Engineer Shamira Shalan for her detailed evaluation.

Note: We are willing to visit other entities that have Plantation concerns. Email Mayor@Plantation.org.

Next Gen Plantation Scholarship

The pledge of Allegiance at June 21 Council meeting was led by Alshine Mondesir - one of the four Next Gen Plantation Scholarship recipients. This scholarship is offered by Councilmember Andreu and is based on the character, qualities, or achievements of a scholar. Alshine Mondesir (pictured left) is a graduate from Nova Hight School and a future meteorologist. Lindsay Stumer and Cassidy Stumer both graduated from South Plantation High and they are headed to University of Florida.  Lindsay plans on becoming a veterinarian and Cassidy wants to be a Speech Pathologist. Jade Reid (pictured below) is a phenomenal young lady from Plantation High School, who is heading to Penn State.

“We received 53 applications this year and they were all amazing high school seniors. We are so fortunate to have these scholars and future leaders in our city to pass the torch to.”- said Councilmember Andreu.

Representatives Visit

U.S Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and State Representative Lisa Dunkley will speak at the July 19 City Council meeting.

State Representatives, School Board members and County Commissioners have visited City Hall in recent months, providing updates on measures that were passed and those upcoming.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Maximum Millage

The City Council will set the maximum millage rate at its July 19 meeting. Final millage cannot be higher than the adopted max millage. It is proposed to stay the same as the last few years.  Maximum millage information is due to the property appraiser on or before Aug. 4.

The Florida Statute requires two public budget hearings. The City of Plantation budget hearings are Sept. 13 and Sept. 20. The first approves the tentative budget and tentative millage rates and the second adopts the final millage and budget.

State Appropriation for ADA Improvements

The City of Plantation is pleased to be included in the 2023-24 State of Florida budget.  The City requested and received an appropriation in the amount of $225,000 to complete needed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements. We are matching this amount with funding of $225,000 from the municipal budget. These improvements will target the City’s municipal complex which includes City Hall, the Development Services Building, and the Police Department. Funds will be available after the commencement of the State’s budget year, July 1, 2023.

We were green before green was cool!

The City has many green practices already in place throughout Plantation, such as the residential recycling program, environmentally friendly construction and demolition debris management requirements, miles of multi-use recreation trails, and the establishment of “healthy neighborhoods” such as Plantation Midtown, which makes it safer and easier for residents to navigate throughout the community without the use of a motorized vehicle.

Did you Know? - The City adopted an administrative policy banning the use of polystyrene (styrofoam) products at events taking place on City property or in City facilities.  This prohibition will be incorporated into City contracts and agreements going forward. The City also prohibits intentional release of helium filled balloons on City property.

Important Dates:

July 1: Sidewalk Sale outside the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library building (building is closed for repairs). This sale is cash only and benefits the City of Plantation's clubs and volunteer organizations. Stop by between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm to show your support!

July 4: Independence Day Festivities! Our parade begins at the intersection of Broward Boulevard and NW 46th Avenue at 9:00 am, and heads west to NW 69th Avenue, then to NW 4th Street, to 73rd Avenue, ending at City Hall.

Later in the day, at Central Park, we have free activities such as a kid's fun zone opening at 6:00 pm and a concert at 7:00 pm at the north end of Central Park, featuring the band Havoc 305. At 9:00 pm our Fireworks Show will being - featuring one of the best pyrotechnic shows in Broward. No dogs are allowed in Central Park. Parking is limited, so please plan to come early or carpool for your convenience. If you live in the area, walking or riding your bike is a great alternative.

July 3 - 8: Bulk pick up for residents East of University.

July 10 - 15: Bulk pick up for residents West of University.