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State funding, Mosquito spraying, Property taxes and more.
State funding
The recently approved state budget includes two items we requested: $447,484 to help fortify our stormwater flooding prevention and $181,000 for a water interconnect between us and Lauderhill that helps both cities ensure reliability of water service.
Other Plantation appropriation requests were approved by the Florida Senate and Florida House, but were among many items Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed. (A governor vetoing some legislative requests is common.) Nevertheless, the city is grateful to Representatives Michael “Mike” Gottlieb, Daryl Campbell, and Lisa Dunkley, and Senator Rosalind Osgood for their efforts on our behalf.
We had $120,000 requested for a “Scorpion” device to provide more road safety for the first responders during emergencies and $375,00 for improvements on Southwest 125th Avenue, near the Melaleuca Isles neighborhood. The Old Plantation Water District, which serves portions of our city, had $918,075 for pump renovations, especially in the Plantation Acres area, but it was also vetoed.
The Florida Legislature meets in March during non-election years and in January during election years, such as 2026. So we have a quick turnaround in getting ready for next session. To that end, we have scheduled a legislative workshop looking back and looking forward. It’s at 5 p.m. on Aug. 13 and the public is welcome. The City Council meeting follows at 6 p.m.
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Mosquito spraying process
Some of you have contacted the city requesting insecticide spraying to eradicate mosquitos. That endeavor falls under Broward County government’s domain. The County conducts aerial spraying and publishes notices on their website. Areas to be sprayed by airplane are determined by the Mosquito Control Section after specific requirements have been met.
To request spraying at your property, go to https://www.broward.org/Mosquito/pages/mosquitoservicerequest.aspx. The County prioritizes the requests, including first inspecting the area. Spraying, if recommended by Mosquito Control staff, is between midnight and 6 a.m.
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Property taxes
The City Council has a special meeting at 5:01 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, to set the maximum millage rate for our 2025-26 fiscal year budget, which takes effect Oct.1. This is part of an extensive budget process that basically progresses year-round.
The millage rate has for about eight years remained at 5.80 per thousand dollars of home valuation and is the main source of funding to operate city services such as police, parks and maintaining the beauty of our city. Taxes to the city comprise about 30 percent of your total property tax bill, with county and school taxes being the other large portions.
There will be other opportunities for the Council to discuss the millage rate when the entire budget is presented in two sessions in September.
League of Women Voters event
The Broward County League of Women Voters will hold its annual “League 101 Meet and Greet” at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at the West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd.
The event is open to the public. More information at LWVBroward.org.
University of Plantation
We now have a third crop of graduates from our University of Plantation. The 2025 session ended Thursday, July 17, with presentations about stormwater management and managing trees that have made maintaining our swales and sidewalks more difficult.
About a dozen residents met one Thursday a month to learn more about our city. My take is that the more informed our residents are, the better our city is.
The next session will likely start in January 2026. To get on the potential enrollee list, email LKarpaviciute@Plantation.org.
School grades
Congratulations to the Broward County Public Schools district for receiving an "A" rating for a second year in a row.
Based on the latest report, there are five “A” rated schools in Plantation (up from three last year): Central Park Elementary, Plantation Elementary, Plantation Park Elementary, Tropical Elementary and South Plantation High. Four schools were rated a “B” and only one a “C”.
We’d like to commend the hard work of teachers, principals, students and school staff who made it all possible.
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Events
Model Train Exhibit at the Historical Museum on display until September 27.
August 1: Mother/Son Rumble in the Jungle party from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Volunteer Park. Music, pizza and games will ensure a good time! Grab your tickets online or at any community center.
August 5: National Night Out from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pine Island Park. Come meet your School Resource Officer (SRO), climb the rock wall, eat delicious food, listen to live music and more.
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Meetings
July 23: Maximum Millage public hearing at 5:01 p.m., Council following at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
August 4: Educational Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
August 5: Planning & Zoning Advisory Board at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
August 7: Affordable Housing Advisory Committee at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
View all 2025 meetings and events by visiting Plantation.org/Calendar.
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