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Chaperone appreciation, Plantation High upgrades, ADA, housing assistance, and more.
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School chaperones go unnoticed for the most part. But that wasn’t the case Feb. 16.
For those who didn’t hear, a chartered bus returning Seminole Middle School students from a SeaWorld trip encountered a problem on the return trip to Plantation.
A bus driver pulled over after a nearby driver pointed out that there were some jangling vehicle parts.
It wasn’t time for sitting around. The bus chaperones quickly directed the students to a safe spot away from the parked bus.
Good thing they did. The bus burst into flames seconds later.
 For that reason, I issued a “Chaperone Appreciation Day” proclamation at our Feb. 21 meeting. Principal Emily Gonzalez handed out the proclamation, which went to all 12 chaperones, including four aboard the distressed bus. We gave a special shout-out to School Resource Officer, Shawn Kidwell, for handing out doughnuts to children while they waited to be picked up.
Broward School Board member Brenda Fam appeared at the Council meeting to laud the chaperones.
On Feb. 21, the School Board approved $22.8 million in planned upgrades at Plantation High School.
The project includes installing fire sprinklers, upgrading HVAC systems, re-roofing several campus buildings, and modernizing key areas like the Media Center, STEM Lab, and Art Room. In addition, Building 2 will be demolished, and the art programs that it housed will be moved to the new Art and Culinary Labs in Building 1.
SMART Bond Program money has already been used for track resurfacing, a renovated weight room, new music equipment, a wireless network upgrade and technology infrastructure improvements.
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The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) released the 2024 South Florida Environmental Report (SFER). SFWMD says the report underscores continued progress for Everglades restoration and water quality across Central and Southern Florida.
The SFWMD report includes info on record hydration and improvement of water quality in the Everglades.
Our March 1 Rock the Park concert included several informational booths with environmental interests.
Participants included members from our Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Board, with students from South Plantation High Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration Magnet Program, spreading awareness of upcoming events, meetings and a new Green Business Program that will be rolling out in the next couple of weeks.
Our Landscaping and Utilities staff, as well as Waste Management representatives also shared information.
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The Planning & Zoning Department has organized another free in-person First-Time Homebuyer Purchase Assistance Workshop. It is hosted by Consolidated Credit on April 24, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Jim Ward Community Center.
Acquire valuable insights and kickstart your journey toward your dream home. Take advantage of this opportunity and register by visiting Plantation.org/FTHB. For assistance or questions, reach out to the Planning & Zoning Department at 954-797-2225.
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Your voice matters. Plantation is committed to making our city more accessible and inclusive for everyone, and we need your input to make it happen. We're asking all our residents, visitors and business owners to participate in a Citywide survey. You'll help us identify areas where we can improve infrastructure, services, and facilities to better accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Take the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ADA_Plantation.
You may also join us for an ADA Self-Assessment and Transition Meeting Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m. at the Plantation Police Outreach Center (located at the Broward Mall, through the North Entrance). You'll be able to listen, learn, and share your input.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of the City of Plantation, should contact the office of Carole Morris, ADA/504 Coordinator, at 954-797-2222 as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.
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Friends of the Library Author Luncheon will be on Saturday, March 16 at 11 a.m., at the Jacaranda Country Club.
Lyle Howard, a suspense thriller author and a South Florida native, and Mystery writer Elaine Viets, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, will be in attendance.
Mr. Howard has been writing stories since childhood. “As long as I can remember, writing fiction has always been my creative outlet”, he says. Mr. Howard also taught journalism classes to aspiring young writers for many years.
Ms. Viets has written 34 mysteries in four series: the best-selling Dead-End Job series, the cozy Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper series, the dark Francesca Vierling mysteries, and the Angela Richman Death Investigator series.
Contact Jennifer Orkin (jennorkin@gmail.com or 954-399-3120 ) or pick up reservation form at the library. For those desiring to sit with friends, please submit all ticket requests at one time in the same envelope.
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Social Work Month
Social Work Month recognizes those who provide essential services in various settings to vulnerable populations. They support individuals and families helping them overcome challenges, access resources, and build resilience.
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Loving Care Pet
Loving Care Pet Grooming was lauded at the March 6 Council meeting for 50 years in the business.
Nancy Heffner and her young sons Frank and Tom started the business at the Vanella Plaza at the corner of Broward Boulevard and East Acre Drive. Her son Tom has run the business since Nancy Heffner retired in 1987.
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Finance Professionals Week
Procurement Month
Daylight Saving Time begins March 10 at 2 a.m.
Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour for those time keeping devices that don't adjust automatically. This is also a great time to check and test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Events
March 9: Water Matters Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tree Tops Park in Davie. This event helps residents learn about water conservation techniques, smart irrigation, native landscaping, and their role in protecting and conserving our water supplies. The City of Plantation Utilities Department will be in attendance, so make sure to stop by!
March 16: Touch-A-Truck from 9 a.m. to noon at the Plantation Equestrian Center. This event will give children the unique opportunity to get up close and experience touching and being inside a variety of trucks, including construction trucks, tractors, fire trucks and more. There will also be other fun activities and games. We will have a horn-free hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for children with sensitivities. For more information on this exciting event please call 954-476-4316.
March 17: Sound Bath Healing at Rae Carole Armstrong Liberty Tree Park. The third Sunday of every month join a relaxing sound bath healing class. An instructor will take you on a journey inward with the use of crystal sound bowls and sacred instruments to draw you into a meditative state. Please bring a yoga mat, any blankets or pillows for head and lower back support, and water.
March 18: Procurement Department’s “Learn How to Engage with the City of Plantation” Town-Hall style meeting (with a jeopardy-style twist). This event begins at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Staff is thrilled to provide valuable insights into navigating the procurement process, vendor registration, and avoiding common pitfalls.
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Meetings
March 11: Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Board at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
March 21: Midtown Advisory Board at 10 a.m. at the Development Services Building.
View all 2024 meetings and events by visiting Plantation.org/Calendar.
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