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Midtown Bridge, Impact fees, Max millage, School bell times and more.
Big money for big bridge
The City has received its largest grant in our recent history: $7.5 million toward the Plantation Midtown Bridge.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) notified the City earlier this month of an FY 2026 BUILD grant to support a bridge connecting Southwest 17th Street and State Road 84. That bridge would be used by those between University Drive and Pine Island Road headed for I-595. Engineers estimate the bridge could lessen traffic at our two biggest chokepoints by up to 15 percent.
The overall cost of the bridge is estimated to be almost $10.5 million but a $3 million grant match from Broward County transportation surtax funds has also been approved.
The Plantation Midtown fund spent about $1.3 million for design and engineering work. Design has been completed. Now we are finalizing permits with the Florida Department of Transportation and South Florida water Management District, so no date for construction has been set.
In a letter to USDOT supporting the grant, Midtown Advisory Board Chair Laura Padrino noted that the bridge would also alleviate traffic in the event of an emergency evacuation and is “a forward-looking investment in both economic vitality and community resilience.”
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Impact fees increased
When new developments come on-line in Plantation, the developers must pay for their impact on the community. We have had growth primarily in our Midtown District, in accordance with a master plan that’s been part of City documents since 2002.
Those impact fees are going up, thanks to a June 24 City Council vote. For each apartment that now opens in a multi-family building, the cost is at least $2,540: That’s $653 per unit toward parks, $633 for fire safety, $575 for police, $425 toward the general fund, $181 for transportation and $73 for our library.
Utility water and wastewater capacity charges were updated in October of 2025. The water capacity charge per Equivalent Residential Connection ("ERC") went up to $2,895 per ERC; wastewater to $2,755 per ERC. Depending on a project, developers may also be required to build infrastructure improvements.
All cities must follow specific statutory rules that dictate how such fees can be increased and when. The approved fee schedule outlines annual increases through 2029 for most fees.
New Planning and Zoning Board date is Aug. 18
The Planning and Zoning Board meetings are usually held the first Tuesday of the month, but the next one is now slated for 6 p.m. on August 18.
An updated submission for Marketplace at Plantation is expected to be on the agenda, which is finalized about a week before the meeting.
It’s fortunate that the regular date, August 4, is a no-go: it’s the date of our annual National Night Out Against Crime which runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pine Island Park. Police and rescue demonstrations, vendor booths and interaction with our first responders are among the highlights.
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City Council meeting Wednesday
City Council meetings have been on summer break since June 24, so there’s a lot of catching up to do at the July 29 meeting.
Our meeting to set the maximum millage rate is at 5:01 p.m. at City Hall, and that likely includes a discussion of all kinds of budgetary items
The regular Council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Final approval of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, an update on the state legislature from our lobbyist Ericks Consultants and a request to approve an entryway upgrade at Sunrise Boulevard and NW 118th Avenue are on the agenda.
Shopping cart monitoring
After receiving feedback from the Midtown District, the Target store in Plantation Midtown has taken steps to curtail runaway shopping carts by utilizing GPS tracking and a phone number for the public to use. Call 1-888-777-2430 to request that Target shopping carts be returned to the store - free of charge to the city.
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School bell times
Events
August 4: National Night Out from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pine Island Park.
August 7: Mother/Son Party (ages 6 - 12) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Volunteer Park. Tickets available for purchase July 29 - August 6 online at parks.plantation.org or at any of our community centers. For more information please call 954-452-2510.
August 7 & 8: Used Book Sale at the Helen B. Hoffman Library. Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., cash only.
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Meetings
August 3: Educational Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
August 6: Affordable Housing Advisory Board at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
August 10: Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Board at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
August 12: City Council Workshop on Preserve Golf Course at 5 p.m. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
View upcoming meetings and events by visiting Plantation.org/Calendar.
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