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Veterans Day, CERT, Affordable Housing Summit, Proclamations and more.
Saturday, we held the city’s annual Veterans Day event to thank and honor our veterans for their service to our nation.
U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, whose district includes much of Plantation, read a proclamation. Cherfilus-McCormick, who is on the House Committee for Veterans Affairs, proclaimed “Veterans Day as a day of honor, reflection and gratitude for the Veterans of Plantation.” She is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization.
State Representative and veteran Lisa Dunkley, and County Commissioners Hazelle Rogers and Steve Geller also spoke. Council President Andreu shared the history of Veterans Day.
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 We were delighted to recognize a group of volunteers that have trained to help our city in times of crisis.
Our CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) consists of 20 people who are available to assist our fire department and other first responders with first aid, disaster response and other duties.
Several municipalities have CERT operations and Plantation began forming its version in 2021, during COVID. Participants completed 24 hours of basic training plus CPR, Stop the Bleed, hazmat awareness, crowd management and infectious disease awareness.
Learn more at Plantation.org/CERT.
 Pictured left to right: Michael Alpert, Assistant Director of Planning Zoning and Economic Development, City of Plantation, Edlyn Griffith, Community Development Grants Administrator, City of Plantation, Mayor Nick Sortal, City of Plantation, Cheryl Ann Gaston, President of the Board of Broward Housing Task Force, Maggie Zalamea, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, City of Plantation, Maude- King-Bruce, former Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, City of Plantation, Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser, and Don Wiggins of Plantation, who serves on the Broward County Housing Authority
The City was recognized for its commitment to ensure housing for all residents at the Broward Affordable Housing Task Force Annual Summit and Gala that took place on Nov. 4. I was honored to accept the Special Recognition Award on behalf of the City.
The ceremony brought together representatives from the housing industry, local government, and community leaders to celebrate the positive impact being made in our county.
We are working on addressing the need for housing options and its impact on families in our city by exploring new opportunities and providing help through existing programs, such as down payment assistance and home repair grants.
Our Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) Vice Chairperson Maggie Zalamea also received an award for her work in this arena. Through the power of collaboration, the AHAC serves our community by creating sustainable solutions for Plantation residents.
Join us for a town hall event that will explore options for workforce housing in Plantation at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 4 at City Hall. Share your thoughts on how we can improve our City. We look forward to seeing you there.
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At the City Council meeting on Nov. 8, the GFWC Plantation Woman's Club presented checks for initiatives that make our events and our first responder lives better.
Four checks went to Parks and Recreation, sponsoring Trunk or Treat, Rock the Park, Light Up City Hall and the Holiday Parade.
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Police Department received funding to provide furnishings for the decompression room that will be a space for police officers, dispatch personnel and community service aides to mentally recover after the stressful calls they respond to. Fire Rescue will be able to purchase a thermal imaging drone to assist fire fighters.
We’re grateful to GFWC Plantation Woman's Club volunteers for their long-term support of the City.
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The city’s annual It’s a Wonderful Life Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 18. Many participants line up at State Road 7 and Broward Boulevard, but the official kick-off is NW 46th Avenue and Broward Boulevard. Barbara Simmons, the recently retired CEO of HCA Florida Westside Hospital, is the grand marshal.
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Diwali Day
The city recognized Sunday, Nov. 12, as “Diwali Day,” noting that more than one billion celebrants worldwide reverently observe a symbolic victory of Dharma: “Good over evil, knowledge over ignorance.”
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Family Court Awareness Month
“Family Court Awareness Month” was marked in November, inspired by the death of 4-year-old Greyson Kessler. The boy was killed by his father during an unsupervised visit approved by the court over objections by his mother, Ali. Her advocacy efforts resulted in a successful passage of "Greyson's Law" that requires courts to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when deciding child visitation and custody.
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There are two City Council meetings left this year. The first is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29. The finale is Wednesday, Dec. 6.
One item of note will be from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, which I chair. We signed off on our recommendations and tasks for the year, as required by state law. The document now must be approved by the Council in order for us to receive certain funding. (If the Council recommends edits, we can bring them back on Dec. 6.)
Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate! November 23 is Thanksgiving day, city facilities will be closed Thursday, November 23 and Friday November 24.
Events
Meetings
November 16: Midtown Advisory Board at 11 a.m. at City Hall.
November 29: City Council at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
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