We had expected to notify residents on Jan. 6 that school zone speed cameras were in place, but have hit complications with some installations.

As of today, they are not yet in operation. When they do go live, we’ll begin the required 30-day warning period for drivers.

There have been some questions as to how it will work. State law dictates that only drivers going 10 mph or more over the posted speed limit on school days can be issued a $100 citation (no points). Enforcement starts 30 minutes before the flashing school zone signs go off at the beginning of school day and ends 30 minutes after the flashers stop at the end of the school day. So, when students are arriving or leaving and the speed limit of 15 mph is in effect, speeding at 26 mph or more will result in a citation. The rest of any scheduled school day, you will be cited for going 11 or more over the posted speed limit. For example, 30 mph plus 11 = 41 mph. No fines are issued until Plantation PD reviews the evidence and determines that a violation occurred.

Workers will begin laying the new floor Monday at the Plantation Central Park gym. We decided to paint the gym before the new floor is installed, and we’re happy that it already looks freshened up.

The new floor will have a modern, more forgiving surface that will not only enhance basketball, but all other activities in the gym as well.

The City Council at the Jan. 14 meeting heard the results of our survey of Plantation businesses. They said they liked the overall image of the city, safety, business-friendliness, access to highways, and physical appearance of their location.

Respondents also reported high satisfaction with city services, with public safety topping the list.

The top barrier to growing or establishing business was the cost of leasing or purchasing retail or commercial space at 37%, followed by obtaining permits, finding good employees, taxes, and the license application process.

See the survey on our website.

The City Council approved consultant Miller Legg to evaluate our golf course, Plantation Preserve.

Miller Legg, which specializes in engineering, landscape and planning, originally designed the golf course in 2005-2006, making them ideal for the assessment.

Phase 1 involves site assessment to identify infrastructure needs and conditions, with some infrastructure aging since 2006. Phase 2 would develop a strategy for capital improvements based on the assessment.

We plan to eventually close the course for major renovations. Neighboring Jacaranda Country Club closed one of its two course last season and will be closing its other one this spring. We might close our course the year after that, but more likely two years from now.

After a soft opening, Sticky Rice, 330 S. University, has a ribbon-cutting Thursday, Jan. 29, beginning at noon and a full dragon dance at 12:30 p.m. and speakers. The restaurant offers Southeast Asian fare and is operated by owners of nearby Otero.

Boali Healthy Food has opened at 8353 W. Sunrise Blvd., on the west portion of the Jacaranda Plaza, west of University Dr. There are more than 250 worldwide, but this is the first U.S. endeavor, owners say. They specialize in healthy food, including salads, wraps, acai bowls and smoothies. 

Public Works does not enjoy cutting down trees, and they must follow a process for the ones they do. Trees on city property that are damaging streets and sidewalks (creating a trip hazard) are the ones considered, especially if the tree roots are prompting the same repairs year after year.

A certified arborist must approve each removal. A recent count placed the number of trees under city purview at 32,000. (Trees in your yard or other private property do not count.) Of those 32,000, fewer than 100 have been removed.... read more.

I’m back again for our Mayors' Challenge, a chess event that rotates throughout Broward cities. It’s 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday at Volunteer Park.

Last year I got shellacked by child after child. This year I practiced some.

A couple employees who are more experienced will also participate, if you want a bigger challenge.

See a variety of chess opportunities at Plantation.org/chess.

The 20th annual Run Though Central Park 5K is at 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8. The course begins looping down Nob Hill Road, goes around the lake in Central Park, finishing on the track.

A healthy contingent of city of Plantation employees regularly participates.

Sign up through Active.com.

January 24: Mayors' Chess Challenge from 10 a.m. to noon at Volunteer Park.

January 31: Doggie-Palooza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Happy Tails Dog Park. The expo will collect an entrance fee of $2 per human that will be donated to a local non-profit (dogs enter free). Local vendors, dog show, contests and more.

February 4: Broward County Tax Collectors office staff members will be at the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist residents with their property tax questions and resources.

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

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