Mayor Michelle Gomez
Dear Neighbors,
As the holiday season begins for many of us this month, I’m inspired by how much this city has grown since I moved here 28 years ago.
Despite all the ups and downs of natural disasters, a global pandemic, economic unrest, and our personal struggles, we’ve managed to stay afloat and remain connected in the most wonderful ways. We’ve wished Happy Birthday to so many centenarians over the years that I’m beginning to think there’s something magical in our water! But in all seriousness, Tamarac is a unique, thriving, and inclusive city because of YOU! Thank you for selecting Tamarac to call home and for your dedication to our city.
I want to take a moment and thank our city for their hard work during Hurricane Ian. Emergency teams worked around the clock to clear waterways, debris and tend to residents during those rainy days. We appreciate their profound commitment and are so lucky to have such incredible staff!
At the recent budget hearings, the City Commission reduced the millage rate from 7.2000 to 7.0000 mills. Based on the median taxable value of a single-family home for a property owner who was under the Save Our Homes cap for 2021 and 2022, the action taken by the Commission to lower the millage rate would average to a total savings of $28.00 in annual property taxes. I requested keeping the previous 7.200 mills to ensure our city would have enough reserves to provide economic resources for residents in need of support and resume city improvement projects. While some of my proposed cuts didn’t make the chopping block (like the car allowance), I’m pleased that we finally slashed one I’ve advocated for several times—the Commission’s $125,000.00 initiative funds. Overall, I’m very happy that the city avoided cutting services and laying off personnel.
Be sure to stop by the Community Garage Sale on Saturday, October 1, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Tamarac Park, 7501 N. University Dr. Come see what treasures you can find!
The 2nd annual Savor the Flavors Tamarac campaign to support our local small business eateries is back this month with a special edition of Restaurant Bingo! Nearly 60 participating restaurants across Tamarac are joining in this fun event so participants can get a diverse mix of delicious cuisine.
There are over $1,600 in prizes up for grabs, and seven winners will be announced every week in October. Players must spend at least $10 or more each time they dine in, take out, or order delivery at a participating restaurant. In exchange, they’ll receive a Restaurant Bingo sticker. When a player gets five stickers in a row, they can submit their winning Bingo cards by emailing info@flavorsoftamarac.com or texting (954) 410-3177.
Players can also win by posting selfies at their favorite participating restaurants by tagging @FlavorsOfTamarac and #TamaracBingo on Instagram and Facebook. Prizes include $250 and $50 restaurant gift card certificates and more! To download your bingo card and game rules, visit flavorsoftamarac.com.
This year’s Concert on the Green is on Friday, October 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Colony West Golf Club, 6850 NW 88th Ave. There’ll be food and drinks available for purchase and live music from the VAM Band so bring your blankets (no chair on the Green) to kick back and enjoy the sounds. Table reservations are available for a fee. You can reserve a table at bit.ly/3xo7Qdm.
Hope to see you at the next Move with the Mayor event on Saturday, October 15, featuring a free Jazzercise class led by Warren. The class begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Community Center Gymnasium, 8601 W. Commercial Blvd.
Remember to sign up for P.A.R.O.T.’s 10th Annual Bowling Tournament on Wednesday, October 19, at Bowlero-Sawgrass Lanes, 9501 N. University Dr. Check-in time is at 5:15 p.m., and bowling kicks off at 6:00 p.m. sharp. The cost is $45/bowler and includes 2 hours of bowling, pizza, beverages, raffles, and more. Proceeds go to the P.A.R.O.T. Foundation. To register, call (954) 597-3632. Sponsorships are available.
Celebrate Halloween with us at the Halloween Hoopla on Friday, October 21, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at Tamarac Park. Enjoy spooky carnival games, bounce houses, face painting, arts & crafts, and a live DJ. The first 500 kids will receive a treat bag, so stop by and join the fun! For more information, call (954) 597-3620.
The Halloween fun continues on Saturday, October 22, at the Great Pumpkin Splash at Caporella Aquatic Center, 9300 NW 58th St. We’ll be picking and decorating pumpkins, soaking up the sun poolside, and enjoying games and music from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., so mark your calendars! Admission is $5.00 per person.
Registration for our 41st Annual Turkey Trot 5k is now available online at tamaracturkeytrot. The race is on Thursday, November 24, and begins at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall. Early bird pricing is available before October 15. So be sure to sign up soon! For more information, visit www.runsignup.com.
Important Reminders
- Food distributions continue every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., or while supplies last, at the Korean United Methodist Church, 6501 W. Commercial Boulevard.
- We appreciate your patience as roadway construction resumes at the intersection of NW 70th Avenue & NW 76th Street. The roads are estimated to be closed until Friday, October 21, 2022. Detours will occur during that time to help alleviate traffic.
- There’s still time to receive free support from the Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF) for help with applications for Medicaid, ACA/Obamacare, Florida KidCare, and SNAP/food stamps at the Tamarac Community Center (TCC). The last dates for assistance are Monday, October 3 and 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at TCC, 8601 W. Commercial Boulevard. Se Habla Español.
- Did you know that most burglaries occur during daylight hours? Burglars may wear clothing to appear as delivery or repair personnel and even knock on your front door before wandering to the rear of the home to attempt a break-in. Taking the following steps each day can help you protect your property:
o Inform neighbors when you’re expecting a delivery or repair crew
o Lock your windows, doors, and car
o Close your garage door
o Install an alarm or surveillance system
o Report suspicious or unfamiliar persons
o Leave an outside light on
Health Reminders
October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I highly encourage you to get a breast exam from your doctor. Yes, that goes for both MEN and WOMEN! I am very proud to share that on August 30; I celebrated my 3rd birthday being cancer-free! I remain grateful for your love, support, and prayers.
For those who are survivors – keep going! For those who are going through the battle – you’ve got this! Stay strong, and know you have support! For those who have passed away – you are alive in our memories!
Please consult with your doctor or health care provider for a mammogram location near you. Many are free year-round. For a list of local places offering free screenings visit https://www.freemammograms.org/city/fl-fort_lauderdale.
Looking forward to seeing you at your Civic meeting!
Wishing a meaningful Yom Kippur to those who celebrate and Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, Creole Heritage Month, Diwali, and Halloween!
Warm regards,
Michelle
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