Tamarac State of the City address by Mayor Michelle Gomez. {City of Tamarac}
Dear Neighbors,
Where did the year go!? It seems like yesterday we were welcoming 2025! Thank you for helping the year go by quickly and creating wonderful memories! (Stay tuned for the end-of-year video that will be out later this month.) I remain ever grateful for the honor and joy of representing you!
The first week of December may seem quiet, but get ready for a busy day on Saturday, December 6th, with these four (4) free events –
- First, it’s time to make some room in the closet or garage! You can do so by dropping off your Household Hazardous Waste from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Tamarac Public Services located at 6011 North Nob Hill (East Entry Gate). Safely recycle unneeded electronics and hazardous household waste for free! Just store your items in your trunk, remain in your vehicle and event staff will retrieve and recycle with minimal contact. To participate, a photo ID is required to verify residency in Tamarac, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderdale, and Pompano Beach.
- Then head over to the Tamarac Library (8701 West Commercial Blvd.) from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to play Chess in a fun and friendly environment. This is for all levels of Chess players – people ages 8 and up. Register now and get ready to enjoy playing with other chess enthusiasts (https://broward.libnet.info/event/14356684#).
- Starting at 2:00 p.m., it’s time to wave to Santa and friends as they travel through Tamarac with Fire Rescue, BSO and City officials! The ride ends at Caporella Park, 5200 Prospect Road, where at 6:30 p.m., we will start our annual Holiday Lighting Celebration. Join us as we light up the Christmas Tree, Menorah, and Kinara, and enjoy ringing in the holidays!
One of the best gifts you can give this holiday season is to donate blood.
On Friday, December 10th, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the OneBlood bus will be located at the BSO Tamarac Parking Lot, 7515 N. Pine Island Road, Tamarac, FL 33321. Donating blood helps people facing chemotherapy, major surgeries, traumatic injuries, chronic illnesses, and medical emergencies. It’s a simple act that can make a real difference for patients and their families. As a proud cancer survivor, I am grateful for the chance to collaborate with OneBlood and help give others the same hope I was given.
On Friday, December 12th, winter festivities continue at the City of Tamarac’s Winter Wonderland from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tamarac Park Baseball Fields (7501 N. University Dr.). Time to enjoy an evening of reindeer games, bounce houses, carnival games, photos with Santa, family and friends, and more!
And if you thought last Saturday was busy, well, it’s time for another fun-packed day with these four (4) free events on Saturday, December 13th –
Let’s start the day with two free events to burn some calories so that we get ready for all the holiday goodies of this month!
- Starting at 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., join me, the Running Edge 954, PinkBerry Boost and the Change Me Foundation, for our monthly free 5K Run/Walk at Tephord Park, 10003 Southgate Blvd. We start and end with stretching by Wendy at the westernmost parking lot the park. While the event is free, we appreciate your registering at: https://runadic.com/running-edge-954
- Then it is time for our last hour-long Move with the Mayor session of the year. Time for Power Circuit at 9:30 a.m. at Tamarac Park, 7501 N. University Drive. While the 2026 schedule is not yet complete, join me at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7th, for Beat Burners at the Community Center and then at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20th, for Strength & Tone at Tamarac Park. The full 2026 schedule will be shared as soon as it is finalized.
From 10:00 a.m. to noon, it is time to bring your furbabies to Paws with Claus at Gary B Jones Park for People and Pups, 8101 Southgate Blvd. Enjoy a costume contest, arts and crafts, music and vendors. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to give a pet a fur-ever home! The Broward County Animal Shelter will be on site for anyone looking to adopt, with spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and a Broward County pet license tag included, and all adoption fees waived!
Then let’s end the day with Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy Class of 2027 and I as we take a trip to Candy Cane Lane! Join us from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Tamarac Village Amphitheater, 9090 NW 57th St., to participate in the various student lead organizations crafts, games and activities. Enjoy food trucks and live performances by students from Challenger Elementary, Tamarac Elementary and MCA (*being scheduled and subject to change). Buy some holiday gifts and help raise funds for the Class of 2027 and Hurricane Melissa needs. Entry is free, but we are asking for donations of hurricane supplies, non-perishable items and unwrapped toys.
Join Tamarac Chabad for its free annual Chanukah Festival in the Park (Tamarac Park) starting at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 14th. Enjoy the Gelt Drop with Tamarac Fire Rescue, latkahs & donuts, LED light show, Chanukah crafts, music, toy drive, and more! As the sun goes down on Sunday, December 14th, the first candle of Chanukah will be lit, and this will be repeated every night through Monday, December 22nd.
May the candles’ flames bring you warmth, love and light!
Important Reminders·
Shop local at the Tamarac Community Farmer’s Market every Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Tamarac’s Veterans Park, 7825 Southgate Blvd.·
Food Truck Fridays with music and games continue on the second and fourth Friday of every month between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the Tamarac Village Amphitheater, 9090 NW 57th Street. (Please note, Food Truck Friday is cancelled on December 26th.)
If you or someone you know is in need, please contact Tamarac’s Social Services department at 954-597-3626 or go to the website: Tamarac.org/SocialServices. For additional services, please visit FeedingSouthFlorida.org, 211-Broward.org, or adrcbroward.org for resources, or visit the City’s Food Pantry and Pet Pantry.
Share compliments, provide feedback, and submit City of Tamarac service requests through the “See, Click, Fix” online platform (visit www.Tamarac.org/Help).
Need weekend and nighttime code enforcement? Please call 954-531-3928 and leave a message if you have any issues or concerns. Assigned officers will be monitoring that line. This number is also published on the City’s website.
Thank you to everyone who has donated food, toys, non-perishables, and, just as important, time and love to help others! In the face of all the challenges we face, our community continues to demonstrate its strength and compassion. You are fabulous!
Wishing you all the very best this holiday season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026!
Warmest regards,
️ Michelle
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