New Publix, Meet Police and Fire, Grand Marshall and more.
New Publix plan progresses
Groundbreaking for the new Publix at the West Broward Shopping Center is expected any day now. Located at the northeast corner of State Road 7 and Broward Boulevard, this project marks a significant step forward in revitalizing our Gateway District.
City officials have been working closely with the shopping center’s ownership and construction teams to ensure a smooth and efficient development process. As part of these improvements, the existing post office has been relocated to a new, more convenient retail space facing State Road 7, where it remains open for regular business.
Publix is on track to open its doors late spring of 2026, creating a much-anticipated retail anchor to the area. The new addition is expected to attract further investment and business growth, reinforcing the Gateway District’s role as a vibrant commercial hub.
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Meet city police and fire
An example of growing activity in Gateway is the city’s Barbecue with a Hero event from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at 747 Motors, 747 N. State Road 7.
Police and Fire department employees will be present to interact with guests. Dutchy’s Sausages is providing the food.
Fire engines, the Police Department “bearcat” vehicle and motorcycles will be on display.
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Remembering Pastor Volz
A celebration of life is set for Saturday, March 29, for Rev. Walter Volz, who passed away March 10. It will be at Our Savior Lutheran Church, which Pastor Volz presided over for more than 20 years.
Pastor Volz served our nation for three decades in the Navy reserve. He dedicated 20 years as the chaplain for the Planation Fire Department and as a speaker for Food for the Poor. Rev. Voltz extended his warm friendly presence wherever he went.
Visitation is 4 - 8 p.m. Friday, March 28 at the T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home, 7001 NW Fourth St. Funeral service is at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Our Savior Lutheran Church.
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Library’s Miki is Grand Marshal
Miki Ostendorf has attended almost every parade the city has conducted but this July 4 she will have a special spot: at the front.
Miki, a children’s librarian at Helen B. Hoffman Library since 1994, will be the Grand Marshal this year.
Miki came to Broward County in 1966 and taught at Parkway Christian Preschool from 1978-2000. She is well-known for her volunteer work with PTAs, booster clubs, Plantation United Methodist Church, Plantation Athletic League, GFWC Plantation Woman’s Club and the Plantation Historical Society.
We often wait to announce our grand marshal, but March 15 was the annual Friends of the Library luncheon and it was just too good of a moment to pass up for me not to make the announcement.
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Pancake House closes
I received an email, regrettably, last week informing me of the closing of The Original Pancake House restaurant located at 8460 W. Broward Blvd. “We will close its doors to the public on March 18th and will remain closed completely on March 24th," officials said.
I appreciate their time here and will miss them. FYI, the first Original Pancake House opened in 1953 in Portland, Oregon.
Relay pre-event at City Hall April 4
We’re getting closer to Relay for Life events that raise money for the American Cancer Society. A Luminaria Ceremony is set for 7 p.m. Friday, April 4 at City Hall. Join us in honoring loved ones as luminaria bags light up the steps of City Hall throughout the weekend. Luminaria bags will be available for purchase and decoration on-site.
The big event is Friday night, April 25 at Central Park. Not only will Plantation Relay for Life be represented, but this year participants who usually Relay in Weston, Cooper City and Davie will also be there.
The City Council and I have issued a challenge to other cities. See the video here.
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Snow White event at Broward Mall
Regal Cinemas and Young at Art have combined to cover a lot of ground Saturday, March 22 tied to the release of Disney’s Snow White.
It will be a “Family Fun Day” from 1 - 3 p.m. in the Regal Broward Mall lobby, with art activities and craft sessions.
Go to VisitBrowardMall.com.
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Events
March 22: BBQ with a Hero at 747 Motors from noon - 3 p.m.
March 29: Community Garage Sale from 7 a.m. to noon at Volunteer Park.
April 5: Earth Day Celebration and Rock the Park at Pine Island Park. Starting at 5 p.m. join the fun for a plant giveaway, hands-on activities, food trucks and more. At 7 p.m. the event will culminate with our Rock the Park concert, featuring the band Caliente bringing Latin hits & more.
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Meetings
March 26: CRA/City Council at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
April 3: Affordable Housing Advisory Committee at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
View all 2025 meetings and events by visiting Plantation.org/Calendar.
If you subscribe to this newsletter and other city communications, effective 4/2/2025, the City will send text updates from a new phone number: 1-833-370-7323. Questions? Contact subscriberhelp@granicus.com
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