The decisions behind police chases
We are always evaluating how active we should be when enforcing the law, and I have two recent cases I want to share.
First off, you might have heard of a traffic fatality involving a fleeing wrong-way driver on University Drive. The backstory: The driver was pulled over by Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) on Florida’s Turnpike. He fled. The chase ensued and the driver exited Sunrise Boulevard. Afterwards he turned onto University Drive where the tragedy occurred. Our only role was to control traffic after the wreck.
Chief Howard Harrison explained that, in order for us to engage in a chase, there must be a matter of a forcible felony. (Kidnapping, an armed shooter, etc.) I want to note that wasn’t the case here.
So that brings me to the policing of large groups of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in the county. Most law enforcement agencies, including ours, monitor their activity but do not engage.
But that doesn’t mean we aren’t on-scene and last month we made an arrest.
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According to our police blotter:
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, officers observed over 50 ATVs and dirt bikes driving recklessly in the 800 block of N. State Road 7 at 10:38 p.m. None of the ATVs or dirt bikes had visible tags, and they were all operating without headlights or taillights.
Officers attempted to stop the group of riders, but they all accelerated and fled the scene. The officers observed one of the ATVs strike a curb, and the rider fell off. The rider then attempted to flee but was apprehended by one of the officers.
The driver was arrested and charged with Fleeing and Eluding, Engaging in a Street Takeover, Resisting an Officer, Unlawfully Operating an ATV on a Public Road, Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of THC Oil, and Possession of a Control Substance without a Prescription. The driver was transported to BSO Main Jail.
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What being a tree city means
The Arbor Day Foundation honored us with our 41st Tree City designation last month and I’d like to use the occasion to walk you through our Tree City Journey.
Jeffrey Siegel was the Landscape Architect for the city for 27 years and a founding member of the Landscape Inspectors Association of Florida. He was one of the first to recognize the need to create sustainable landscapes in our communities and make that vision a reality.
His legacy continues on today through the dedication of Plantation team members Indyli Brown, Matt Rogers and David Jones. All have completed the Landscape Inspector Certification and have contributed to making the LIAF organization stronger.
While Broward County works to increase countywide tree canopy via a Tree Preservation Ordinance, Plantation continues to be at the forefront of expanding the urban canopy by developing codes that ensure resilience. Moreover, the implementation of the Tree Protection inspection as well as the Root Vault and Root Barrier standards are examples of this initiative.
This city legacy has taken years of work. It is something to be proud of.
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Vietnam War Veterans Day
At the March 26 City Council Meeting, Councilmember Denise Horland presented a proclamation in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The City recognized and thanked Vietnam War veterans for their courage, service, and sacrifice. This annual observance serves as a reminder of bravery and dedication.
Earth Day celebration
The City of Plantation celebrated Earth Day on Saturday, April 5, with a fun-filled evening focused on sustainability and community. Attendees explored a variety of booths hosted by environmental organizations, offering hands-on activities and information on how to live greener.
The highlight of the evening was recognizing the winners of the Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Board’s inaugural student video contest, where elementary and middle school students were celebrated for their creative messages promoting environmental stewardship. The celebration continued into the evening with the Rock the Park concert.
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Volunteers honored at lunch
The annual GFWC Plantation Woman’s Club volunteer appreciation lunch Saturday, April 5. Volunteers honored this year were Donna Ewert, Friends of Helen B. Hoffman Library; Daphne Pinnock, Friends of West Regional Library; Joan Khan, Plantation Acres Woman’s Club (not pictured); Jeannette Smith, Plantation Garden Club; Linda Marino, Hawthorne Village; Paul Lucas, city of Plantation Fire Department; Joel Vailloo, Kiwanis Club of Plantation (not pictured); Marc Kinsman, Plantation Historical Society; Claire Clemente, GFWC Plantation Woman’s Club.
Every year, the City Council and I smile at the broad range of people who love our city.
Events
Every Saturday: Farmer's Market from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Volunteer Park.
April 17: Staff from the Broward County Property Appraiser office will be at the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. to assist residents with filing for property tax exemptions and related assessment questions. For more information visit bcpa.net.
April 19: Royal Egg Hunt at Pop Travers at 10 a.m. SHARP. This event is for children ages 3 - 10. After the egg hunt there will be inflatables, games, arts and crafts, food for purchase, and the opportunity to take photos with the Easter bunny. If you need any accommodations or more information please call 954-452-2510.
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Meetings
April 9: CRA / City Council at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
April 16: Gateway Advisory Board at 10 a.m. at the Development Services Building.
April 21: Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Board at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
April 24: Library Board at 3:30 p.m. at the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library.
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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