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License Plate expansion, Broward Mall policy change, events and more.
License plate program expands
As part of our ongoing commitment to public safety, the City Council recently approved expanding license plate reader (LPR) technology throughout our City. Phase one of the program began in the Gateway District (along State Road 7) and has proven to be a valuable tool for our Police Department, allowing officers to refine implementation and ensure the system is used effectively and responsibly.
With this approval, we can now expand coverage citywide, strengthening our ability to deter crime, quickly identify vehicles linked to criminal activity, and assist in locating missing persons. These cameras have already demonstrated their effectiveness, particularly in identifying stolen vehicles entering our city and assisting officers in making timely arrests.
Once fully implemented, the system will include 95 cameras strategically placed throughout the city, including fixed locations and mobile units. This investment is a proactive step to enhance safety, support our law enforcement professionals, and keep our community safe to live, work, and visit.
Public safety is our top priority, and we will continue using proven technology to protect our residents while staying transparent and accountable.
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Policy change on Broward Mall events
Based on feedback and discussions with the City Council, the Midtown Advisory Board, and residents, my administration is adjusting our policy on approving special events at Broward Mall and other locations.
There have been a couple of age-restricted events that have been approved as special events generating concerns about compatibility. Administration appreciates the feedback and is acting to ensure that we maintain a family-friendly environment. Moving forward we will not be approving age-restricted special events.
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Superintendent hosts roundtable
I participated in a mayor’s roundtable discussion with Broward Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn last week, and it was a free-flowing conversation. The School Board is considering replacing 27 municipal School Resource Officer positions with the district hired officers countywide and we are among the municipalities expressing disapproval. The matter is still under discussion.
Dr. Hepburn also updated that eliminating block schedule for high schools could save the district up to $30 million. The School Board gave brief consideration of eliminating block scheduling last fall, but Hepburn said the topic will resurface with a more comprehensive approach.
Rogers visits Council meeting
City Councilmember Jennifer Andreu presented County Commissioner Hazelle Rogers with a proclamation honoring her 30 years of public service. Rogers has been a state legislator, a mayor and a city commissioner.
Rogers gave a brief update on the state of the county, emphasizing the importance of homeownership as a priority and stressed the need to protect recreational and cultural programs as vital to community mental health.
Teachers of the Month
At the March 25, City Council honored the February and March Teacher of the Month award recipients:
- Cynthia Marcano - Mirror Lake Elementary School
- Pamela Salkey - Renaissance Charter School at Plantation
- Charlene Almodovar - Renaissance Charter School at Plantation
- Darin Diaz - Plantation High School
This recognition is spearheaded by the city’s Educational Advisory Board.
Talking the talk
At the behest of Councilmember Denise Horland, who is also president of the Broward League of Cities, a roomful of elected officials from across the county learned about “The Dignity Index,” a way to converse in a way that can ease divisions, prevent violence and solve problems.
Councilmembers Jennifer Andreu, Erik Anderson and Louis Reinstein joined Horland and I at Friday morning’s event, held at the Renaissance Hotel.
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Laura Padrino new Chair
Laura Padrino is the new chair of the Midtown Advisory Board. Longtime chair Barry Lethbridge has stepped down, but will remain on the board.
Padrino, owner and sales and marketing director of Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant, said three areas of focus are Midtown Bridge construction, the creation of a “spine road” north of Peters Road that will lead drivers to the bridge and designation of an area as “Activity Center,” meaning zoning regulations are more conducive to activity.
The Midtown Advisory Board was created in 1999 and advises the city on special taxing district funds and development.
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Dogs recused from fire
Two dogs were safely rescued after a kitchen fire at Omega Condos. Plantation Fire crews responded quickly, and no injuries were reported, though the unit experienced significant damage. The cause remains under investigation.
Read more: www.wsvn.com
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Liberty Tree Park work continues
Installation has begun on an inclusive playground at Liberty Tree Park. City workers cleared the area and installation will take about six weeks.
Our Parks Department creates update videos. See them on their social channels like Facebook and Instagram.
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Free Legal service workshop
Mark your calendars for a Community Legal Resource Presentation at 5:30 p.m., April 22, at Plantation City Hall. Join for an informative evening learning about free legal services available to our community through Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida.
For more information call 954-736-2400.
Calendar adjustments and events
Passover begins Wednesday night, and continues through April 8. With that in mind, the usual slate of night meetings at City Hall has been pushed back a week. So the next City Council meeting, for example, isn’t until April 15.
But this weekend we have plenty of things to do:
Rock the Park returns at 7 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Pine Island Park, with Ultimate Garth & That’s So Shania (Garth Brooks and Shania Twain). Food trucks open at 6 p.m.
The Royal Egg Hunt for ages 3-10 starts at 10 a.m. sharp Saturday at Pop Travers Park. Family activities for all ages are on-going to 12:30 p.m.
Friday is Good Friday, but City Hall offices are still open.
On Easter Sunday, the Veltri Tennis Center, the Plantation Aquatic Complex and all community centers are closed.
There is no public school on Monday, so the city offers a Kid’s Day off program.
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Events
Meetings
April 13: Educational Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
April 14: Planning & Zoning Board at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
April 15: Gateway Advisory Board at 10 a.m. at Palms at Plantation.
April 15: City Council at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
View upcoming meetings and events by visiting Plantation.org/Calendar.
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