Mayor Gomez Shares September Updates for Tamarac Residents

Mayor Michelle J. Gomez

Dear Neighbors,

By now you may have heard that charges were filed against Tamarac’s former City Manager, Michael C. Cernech. My thoughts are with him and his family as they navigate this issue through the judicial process. 

As a result of Tuesday’s special City Commission meeting, it was determined that the City of Tamarac shall move forward with Kathleen Gunn as our Interim City Manager. I am confident that Ms. Gunn will serve the City professionally and in the best interest of our community. 

As always, this Commission and our incredible City employees remain dedicated to keeping our City moving forward.

COVID-19 Update

During the past few weeks, concerns have grown over the increase in COVID-19 cases. I have received many questions from residents about receiving either a 3rd COVID vaccine dose or “booster” shot. At the time of this publication, the status is as follows:

The booster shot has not yet been approved by the FDA, nor the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

The CDC does not recommend additional doses or booster shots for any population other than the moderately to severely immunocompromised.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for COVID-19 is now available locally for anyone 12 years and older and at risk of severe sickness from COVID-19. No prescription is needed to receive the treatment. The Broward site is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at C.B. Smith Park (900 N Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines). For more information on the treatment, please visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/monoclonal-antibody-therapy or dial 1-(866) 779-6121.

Please refer to the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services websites for current information, and ALWAYS consult with your healthcare provider about your medical condition to know what is right for you and your body.

Local Updates

As we approach the peak of Hurricane Season, the City of Tamarac is offering you last-minute supplies at our 2021 Hurricane Preparedness Event. Come by Tamarac City Hall (7525 NW 88th Ave) on Thursday, September 2nd at 10:00 a.m. to collect flashlights, batteries, water, first aid kits, and more. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (954) 597-3549.

Are you ready to Move with the Mayor?  Please join me for these upcoming outdoor, socially distant, group fitness classes.

Friday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m. – Jazzercise with Warren at the Caporella Aquatic Center (Please note the new location.)

Saturday, October 9 at 4:00 p.m. – Hi-Low Aerobics with Carol at the Tamarac Sports Complex

Saturday, November 13 at 10:30 a.m. – Zumba Gold with Maria at Mainlands Park

Saturday, December 4 at 10:30 a.m. – Yoga with Beth at Caporella Park

** Classes are subject to cancellation due to weather. Please call the Parks and Recreation Department at (954) 597-3620 for any recorded message updates.

The 7th Annual Chess Challenge kicks off this month! Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. The first event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to noon on September 25 at the Sunrise Civic Center (10610 W Oakland Park Blvd).

You can also mark your calendar for Saturday, October 30 to join our Mayor’s Chess Challenge here in town also from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Tamarac Community Center (8601 W Commercial Blvd). For more information, please call (954) 597-3620. Those interested in learning chess can contact the Sunrise Center for Excellence in Chess at sunrisefl.gov/chess.

Thank you for continuing to support our local Tamarac small businesses. Now’s your chance to challenge your inner foodie! This September, support Tamarac’s small businesses by participating in a month-long restaurant hunt! For your chance to win $1,000 in prizes, simply follow the online route maps and restaurant clues. Visit flavorsoftamarac.com/hunt to learn more!

Assistance

The City is still accepting applications for mortgage, rent, and/or utility payment assistance for qualified Tamarac residents and families impacted by COVID-19. Applicants must have verifiable and documented income hardship. To apply and view eligibility requirements, please visit tamarac.org/367/Housing-Administration or call (954) 597-3549.

Broward County is also accepting applications for COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance, even if you were denied under previous COVID-19 rental assistance programs. To apply and view eligibility requirements, please visit broward.org/RentAssistance or call (888) 692-7203.

Food distributions will continue every Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., while supplies last, at the Korean United Methodist Church of South Florida (6501 W. Commercial Boulevard).

L’Shanah Tovah to everyone celebrating the Jewish New Year!

September 11

Saturday, September 11, 2021, marks the 20th Anniversary of events that changed our lives forever. I hope that you’ll join us in recognizing this important day and participate in a drive-thru tribute starting at 10:30 a.m. at Tamarac City Hall. From the comfort and safety of your own vehicle, we’ll remember the victims and their families, and honor the courage of the firefighters, EMTs, police, other first responders, volunteers, and survivors. NEVER FORGET.

For today, every day, and especially in commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001:

remember those who died unnecessarily;

thank all of our first responders and servicemen and women who protect us;

thank those who are preparing to be our future defenders;

thank their families as well;

thank the unsung heroes, and

remain proud to be living in our wonderful country!

Warm regards,

Michelle

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