During our April 10 meeting, Lauren Jackson, one of our contracted lobbyists in Tallahassee, updated the City Council on the latest legislative session.

The good news is Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) has been funded in the State budget and has never been vetoed by a governor before. We have two Plantation projects on the FRDAP grant list: $200,000 for inclusive playground amenities at Liberty Tree Park and $50,000 for Tennis Court improvements at Central Park.

We had other requests for appropriations, but they didn’t make it into the budget: $950,000 for a water main replacement in Park East and $900,000 for a water and force main relocation on the NW 65th Ave bridge.

On a separate note, the legislature approved a $500,000 appropriation for the Old Plantation Water Management District, however, Gov. Ron DeSantis has a line item veto power, so nothing is final until he reviews the budget.

The city’s third annual Earth Day Celebration is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at Volunteer Park, 12050 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation.

The city’s Sustainability and Resiliency Advisory Committee will be giving away seeds at their booth and to mark our Tree City USA designation, I ordered window clings, so stop by and get one for your car, home or office and help us show off our status as a tree city. 

We will also be giving away trees to the first 300 event participants. Call 954-452-2510 for more information.

The cutest event of the year, is the Teddy Bear Picnic, that returns at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Helen B. Hoffman Library in the Reading Garden on the northwest side of the library. The morning includes songs, stories and a parade with your stuffed animal friends.

Bring a teddy bear (or your favorite stuffed friend), blanket, food and drink, sunscreen and a hat. Preschool and early elementary students are invited to bring adults, but no pets, please.

Registration is not required. Event is weather permitting. Call 954-797-2145 for more information.

I issued my first-ever State of the City address, first to employees and then to the general public April 9-10.

Our permitting process has improved, with more accountability and some time-consuming and unnecessary steps being eliminated.

We have added 14 pickleball courts around the city and are seeing a significant growth in Parks and Recreation event attendance. The addition of a stormwater manager is helping us better prepare for heavy rain events and body-worn cameras for police are on the way.

We’re in a good position financially, thanks to our Triple Crown awarded Finance department. Our largest-in-the-state combination Fire Rescue department (volunteer firefighters and career emergency medical responders) is running a successful fire cadet program. We are undergoing a complete code and comprehensive plan rewrite.

Utilities Department keeps proactively making sure that we deliver drinking water that meets and exceeds all regulatory standards. Public Works keeps the roadways, medians and landscaping in good condition.

We do need to figure out how to fund $4.2 million annually for road resurfacing and to further encourage affordable housing development.

The Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Board has launched the Plantation Green Business Certification Program. This program is designed to empower and recognize local businesses committed to environmental sustainability.

The goal is simple: To partner with businesses in minimizing global climate change and addressing the urgent crisis facing our world. Through initiatives like reducing waste, adopting energy-efficient practices, conserving water, and offering eco-friendly options, businesses can play a vital role in creating a greener, healthier future for all.

If your business is already taking steps towards sustainability, you may be eligible for our Green Business Certification Program. Please visit plantation.org/greenbiz for specific program requirements and submit your application.

Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our planet and build toward a brighter, greener future!

Covenant Living of Florida, located in Plantation, was named among America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities in the nation ranking 3rd, in the state of Florida and 18th in the United States of America.

Two thousand Continuing Care Retirement Communities were considered for this top ranking. Covenant Living of Florida has an A- Fitch rating making it one of the most financially secure retirement communities. 

April marks the anniversary of the passage of the Fair
Housing Act of 1968, which sought to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities and to further housing choices for all Americans.

The City of Plantation Administration and the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Department remains committed to pursuing this shared goal and responsibility of providing equal housing opportunities for all in our City.

April 20: Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volunteer Park.

April 24: 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.

Mayor Nick Sortal's newsletter is dedicated to the governance of Plantation with a special emphasis on our residents.

In case you missed out on the latest updates, catch up on the archives here.

If you'd like to schedule a meeting during my office hours on Fridays, feel free to drop an email to AskCityHall@Plantation.org or give a call at 954-797-2222.

For any additional questions or concerns, I encourage you to reach out via email at Mayor@plantation.org.