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Max millage, New restaurants, Water maintenance and more.
Max millage matches last year's reduction
After reviewing the proposed budget, the City Council voted for a maximum millage for fiscal year 2026-27 of 5.7000 mills. Last year, the Council supported my recommended rate of 5.7000 mills after eight years of it being at 5.8000.
Tentative and final millage and two budget hearings are set for 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 and 16.
FY 2026-2027 Budgeted expenditures in the City’s general fund would drop $7.5 million (4.5 percent) from this year if the budget is approved.
“Prudent planning today protects our tomorrow,” Finance Director Anna Otiniano reminded Councilmembers in her presentation.
Otiniano spoke briefly about how the City would be impacted should voters approve expanding Florida’s Homestead Exemption via a Nov. 3 Constitutional Amendment vote: 21,983 homestead properties in Plantation could qualify for an increased exemption, comprising about 42 percent of our taxable property base.
The State estimates the City of Plantation’s impact would be a decrease of $12.7 million for FY 2027-28 and $23.9 million the year after.
New restaurants in the works
A handful of dining options are in the pipeline across Plantation.
First off, Mistero1, known for its pizza, has filed paperwork to eventually set up in the former Mustard Seed spot at 256 S. University Drive. There are already 25 Mistero1 locations in Florida. Go to mistero1.com
Meanwhile, The Seed, a growing chain that serves coffee and juice, hopes to open later this year at 266 S. University Drive, in the same plaza.
Also, Sizzle Restaurant and Lounge, serving Jamaican food, is seeking City Council approval with plans to open in early fall in the former Vivace spot, 9763 W. Broward Blvd.
And two fast-food chicken places are coming: Raising Cane’s is undergoing the development review process with the City and is aiming to set up at 12396 W. Sunrise Blvd. Popeye’s, 1851 N. University Drive, received City Council approval at the July 29 meeting.
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Resilient Broward Initiatives
Broward Chief Resilience Officer Jennifer Jurado spoke to the City Council about a new $20 million program that could help fight flooding in Broward County.
She cited several areas in Plantation that could be eligible for the grant, which pays up to 25 percent of a project’s cost. Examples she gave were increasing pump capacity, fortifying seawalls and improving canals and culverts.
Jurado acknowledged that the county has stepped up its game since the April 2023 flooding event in Broward County.
For more info go to ResilientBroward.com.
City addresses fertilizer
The City approved an ordinance on a first reading that, if passed on a second reading on Aug. 12, will create a section defining standards for “Florida Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes.”
The ordinance is designed to protect local surface and groundwater quality. Seasonal algae blooms multiply quickly in waterways with an overabundance of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, which are known to be captured in runoff deposited in waterways.
Utilization of the correct fertilizer, application method and application period can mitigate this runoff. The City's Sustainability and Resiliency Advisory Board recommended adoption of the model ordinance.
Review these South Florida Water Management District tips to learn how to fertilize your lawn correctly.
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School officials update mayors
Broward County Public Schools officials hosted mayors and city managers at Junior Achievement’s headquarters Wednesday, Aug. 5 in order to communicate updates before school starts.
Several topics of interest to the residents of the City were discussed.
The new combined middle and high school is officially called Planation 6-12 and is one of nine high schools to offer Aerospace Career Pathways via the Space Florida Partnership. Meanwhile, South Plantation High is one of six schools that will receive new artificial turf sports fields. BCPS wants to add six turf fields a year.
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A 30-day warning period for ensuring stopping behind school buses begins Monday, Aug. 10. Come Sept. 9, those who violate the law by not stopping behind a school bus when required will receive a $225 citation. AI-powered camera on school buses will document the offenses.
The now-closed Plantation Middle School will be used by the school district as safety, security and technology hub, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Valerie Wanza said.
Dr. Wanza commented on declining enrollment and school closings. She noted Broward County is experiencing its lowest birth rate in 50 years. The amount of unneeded property within the system is growing as schools close and the School Board is developing procedures for those interested in buying: Interest has been substantial, Dr. Wanza said.
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Primary elections are Aug. 18 and four schools in Plantation (Plantation High, South Plantation High, Central Park Elementary and Plantation Park Elementary) are used for polling. The schools themselves will remain open, though.
On a separate, but related note, I wanted to remind you that the City of Plantation school zone camera enforcement will resume when school starts on Monday, Aug. 10. So drive carefully and slow down to keep the children and school staff safe throughout the school day.
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Chlorination Aug. 23-Sept. 6
The City of Plantation Utilities will temporarily switch to free chlorination in its drinking water system beginning Aug. 23 and ending Sept. 6.
This is done as part of the annual system maintenance in order to kill any potential bacteria or viruses in the extensive distribution network. This disinfection will be performed in compliance with all applicable Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Broward County Health Department regulations.
Some customers may notice a slight change in the taste or smell of their tap water. In addition, some may see fire hydrants with flowing water in their neighborhood as a regular part of this process.
Residents on kidney dialysis or those with other medical conditions should contact their healthcare providers for more information about increasing chlorine levels in their drinking water during this time.
During this process, your water will continue to meet all local, state, and federal standards for clean water used for drinking, bathing, cooking, and all other purposes.
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Nob Hill Aldi plan moves slowly
The Winn-Dixie at the northwest corner of Nob Hill Road and Cleary Boulevard closed more than a year ago. While Aldi bought several Winn-Dixie stores in the region, don’t expect to shop there anytime soon.
Aldi stores are smaller than what the Winn-Dixie occupied and officials say Aldi, a company known for being tight-lipped, may be looking for a tenant to share the space.
Interior construction has a long way to go: Aldi just applied for a permit on June 25.
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Events
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.
August 15: Yoga in the Park at 9 a.m. at Jim Ward Community Center.
August 15: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Docent Speakers Bureau Presents Norman Rockwell: America's Illustrator at 1 p.m. at the Plantation Historical Museum.
August 22: 80's and 90's Trivia at 1 p.m. at the Plantation Historical Museum.
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Meetings
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.
August 18: Parks & Recreation Advisory Board at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Park Multi-purpose building.
View upcoming meetings and events by visiting Plantation.org/Calendar.
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