Mayor Michelle Gomez with members of CareerSource at Paychecks for Patriots event in November. {courtesy}
Dear Neighbors,
Can you believe the end of 2024 is here? Thank you for another wonderful year representing you!
Congrats to the Tamarac Fire Rescue Advanced Life Support (ALS) Team for being named the 2024 Florida Cup Winner! Thirty-eight teams competed in 7 ALS scenarios. TFR is the third team in Broward to accomplish back-to-back wins.
The ALS Team will officially receive the 2024 Florida Cup Trophy at the Fire and EMS conference in January 2025. In addition, they competed at Las Vegas EMS World and placed third. We are so proud of our dedicated, committed, and skilled team!
It’s not only our brave first responders who can make a difference in an emergency. Do you ever wonder what you could do as a resident when an emergency takes place here in Tamarac? Tamarac is seeking people to get involved in the CERT program and learn how to help. As we know all too well, hurricanes, flooding, and other emergencies require a swift, coordinated response from all levels of government and the community. One of our state’s most valuable resources in these critical moments is the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). CERT members are the eyes and ears of the First Responder Community and are there to fill in when our resources are overwhelmed. CERT members can also assist in city events, trainings, and conferences and meet new people throughout Tamarac and Broward County. For more information, visit the Facebook page of MCERT – Municipal Community Emergency Response Teams of Broward County, or contact Tamarac Fire Rescue at 954-597-3800, or go to TamaracFireRescue.org to submit your interest form online and find out more about CERT.
Are you eligible for Medicare but confused about what your options are? Let the professionals help you find your way through the “Medicare Maze” at a free information session on Monday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Colony West. You’ll learn how Medicare supplements can help cover out-of-pocket costs associated with original Medicare, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Light refreshments will be served. Don’t miss this chance to get your questions answered and find the solution that works for you! Requesting RSVP via email to MayorGomezEvents@Tamarac.org.
Let’s get burn a few extra calories before the holidays with the last Move with the Mayor session for the year. Join me for a free Zumba class at 6:30 p.m., Monday, December 2, at Tamarac Park, 7501 N. University Drive. And mark your calendars now for the first class of the new year, 20/20/20, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, also at Tamarac Park.
It’s time to light up the night at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, at Caporella Park, 5200 Prospect Road, as the City’s Holiday Lighting! We’ll be lighting up the Christmas tree, Menorah, and Kinara, with a special appearance by Santa Claus and friends, an interactive kids area, and holiday entertainment for everyone. PLEASE NOTE: There will be limited on-site parking for this event. Please use the continuous free shuttle transportation beginning at 6:00 p.m. from Redeeming Word, 2800 Prospect Road, to Caporella Park.
Enjoy playing Domino and over 50 years young? Well, then, you are ready to sign up to participate in the 50 Plus Statewide Seniors Domino Games. The Domino Tournament will be held on Saturday, December 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Champions Hall at 6601 Blvd of Champions, being hosted by North Lauderdale this year. For more information, please call 954-724-7061.
Important Traffic Advisory Meeting: The Florida Department of Transportation will be making improvements, including resurfacing, to Commercial Boulevard from University Drive to A1A, beginning in January 2025. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a brief presentation followed by questions and comments from the public from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and again from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please use the following link to register: https://tinyurl.com/Commercial-Blvd-RRR. Participants may also join the online meeting by phone, please dial +1 (914) 614-3221, and enter access code: 715-300-897.
There will also be an in-person Construction Open House on the 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the FDOT District Four Auditorium, 3400 West Commercial Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, with project representatives available to answer questions and provide assistance. The auditorium is located behind the main district office building. Notices are also being sent to all property owners and tenants within the construction corridor and to individuals who expressed interest in the project.
Don’t miss a holly jolly night of reindeer games at the City of Tamarac’s Winter Wonderland on Friday, December 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tamarac Park, 7501 N. University Drive. Come for a fantastic night of holiday fun for the whole family with inflatables, face painting, games, pictures with Santa, and much more.
On Saturday, December 14, bring your furbabies to Paws with Claus Holiday Paw-ty from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Gary B. Jones Park for People and Pups, 8101 Southgate Blvd. It’s time to dress up your pet, enter the free costume contest, enjoy arts and crafts and music, and peruse the vendors’ offerings. 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!
Need help keeping your elementary school-aged kids entertained over winter break? Register now for the City’s Winter Break Camp, which will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Tamarac Park, 7501 N. University Drive, on the following dates: December 23, 26-27, 30-31, and January 2 -3. Please provide your child with a healthy lunch and snack each day. The fee for residents is $170 and $195 for non-residents. Registration is required; please register now at the Tamarac Community Center.
Community News:
What a wonderful way to enjoy holiday unity with Chanukah starting the evening of Christmas and Kwanzaa starting on December 26 by bringing joy to our local children. The Tamarac North Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Toy Drive through December 13, please drop off an unwrapped toys, games or items that will bring a smile to child’s face this holiday season at the Moose Lodge, 6191 Rock Island Road, and Woodmont Country Club, 7801 NW 80th Avenue, Tamarac.
Important Reminders
- Ready for fresh produce, delicious bites, pet treats, artisanal goodies, and more?! Come by the Tamarac Community Farmer’s Market at Tamarac’s Veterans Park, 8501 N—University Dr., from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Sunday.
- Don’t miss Food Truck Fridays, the last Friday of every month between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the Tamarac Community Center. Stop by with the family and choose from various delicious food vendors. There’ll be lots of fun, music, and games for everyone to enjoy!
- If you or someone you know is in need, the City of Tamarac’s food pantry is available. Please contact the Social Services department at 954-597-3642 or go to the website: Tamarac.org/SocialServices. For additional services, please visit FeedingSouthFlorida.org, 211-Broward.org, or adrcbroward.org for resources. Also, our Award-Winning Pet Pantry remains open to assist pet parents.
- Remember to use our other Award Winner – the “See, Click, Fix” online platform, where you can share compliments, provide feedback, and submit City of Tamarac service requests. To get started, please visit www.Tamarac.org/Help. Let’s make Tamarac Shine Together!
- Remember, weekend and nighttime code enforcement is now available! Please call 954-531-3928 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, and, just as important, time and love to help others throughout the year! With all the challenges we face, our community continues to show strength and compassion. You are fabulous!
Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season and a prosperous 2025!
Warmest regards,
️ Michelle
Got News in Tamarac, Lauderhill, or North Lauderdale? Send it to Tamarac Talk.
