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.

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.

The Arbor Day Foundation honored us with our 41^st 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.

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.

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.

Mayor Nick Sortal's newsletter is dedicated to managing Plantation's matters, placing a special emphasis on our community and its residents.

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

Sign up to receive up-to-date information with Mayor Sortal's Plantation Update, the Mayor's Minute, Parks & Recreation newsletter, agendas, city projects and more at Plantation.org/SignMeUp