Mayor Michelle J. Gomez
Dear Neighbors,
May is here, bringing many reasons to celebrate and enjoy life here in Tamarac.
Before I get into all the fun activities we’ve got in store this month, I’d like to recap some unforgettable moments from April.
Thank you to everyone who attended the very first Let’s Move Tamarac event and everyone who worked to make it a great success! We had a wonderful time getting fit together and learning ways to monitor and improve our health. It’s never too late to take care of yourself, “Health is Wealth!” I look forward to planning more fun ways to encourage wellness in our community.
This month, we’ll be Jazzercising the night away on Friday, May 20th, at the Caporella Aquatic Center Pavilion, 9300 NW 58th Street. Instructor Warren will lead the class at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Hope to see you there!
May 1 through 7 is National Small Business Week. To celebrate, the South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration are helping businesses in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe County by offering them low-interest loans ranging from $25,000 to $500,000. For loan criteria and applications, visit sfregionalcouncil.org.
Business continues on Thursday, May 5, at the 6th Annual R.I.S.E. Business Expo presented by the Tamarac North Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, at the Tamarac Community Center, 8601 W. Commercial Boulevard. Come celebrate Tamarac’s Resilience, Intentionality, Strength, and Endurance (R.I.S.E.) and network with other like-minded entrepreneurs. The event runs from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and features a luncheon, keynote speakers, business education, breakout sessions, and more. For more information, call 954-722-1520 or info@tamaracnorthlauderdale.org.
Tamarac’s newest eatery, Cork and Barrel (10052 W. McNab Road) will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., just in time for Mother’s Day weekend. There’ll be a live DJ, lunch specials, a raffle contest, and a special 10% discount for all mothers in attendance. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the delicious food and atmosphere!
The City’s Groove on the Grass outdoor concert series continues on Friday, May 6, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the band Turnstiles performing Billy Joel tunes. There’ll be food trucks on-site for you to grab a bite so just remember to bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair to the Tamarac Sports Complex, 9901 NW 77th Street. No pets, please!
The next Movie in the Park is on Friday, May 13, at the Tamarac Sports Complex at 8:00 p.m. featuring the Disney hit “Encanto”! This film is a must-see family favorite with a spectacular soundtrack. You won’t want to miss it! Don’t forget to grab your favorite snacks and bring your lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, call 954-97-3620 or visit tamarac.org/specialevents.
Mayors Play Ball returns on Wednesday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the Tamarac Sports Complex, Field 1. This event is part of the National PLAY BALL initiative, launched in 2015 by Major League Baseball (MLB) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. I’m excited to enjoy an evening of baseball activities and games with the City’s Youth Baseball Coach Pitch Division, ages 7-10. I hope you’ll join us in supporting the players and the City of Tamarac’s Parks & Recreation staff to promote this fantastic sport and encourage physical fitness in our community.
I’m excited to participate in Buddha’s Birthday celebration presented by the International Buddhist Progress Society on Sunday, May 22nd. Stop by the Buddhist Temple in Tamarac (9341 NW 57th Street) between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and enjoy a ceremony with fun outdoor activities, exhibits, food, and games!
Tamarac’s Memorial Day Ceremony & Concert will be held on Monday, May 30, at the Tamarac Community Center (due to construction at Veterans’ Memorial Park). Join us in paying tribute to all the brave individuals who gave their lives for our country. There’ll be a special performance by the Victory Dolls following the ceremony, who’ll take us down memory lane by performing All-American music in their vintage-inspired attire. Space is limited. Register at Tamarac.me/events or call (954) 597-3625.
As the beautiful weather draws many of us outdoors, it’s a perfect time to practice water safety. You can brush up on your skills at the Parks and Recreation Department’s Operation Swim Water Safety Expo on Saturday, May 21st. The free event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Caporella Aquatic Center. Come out for a morning of water activities, safety tips, swimming techniques, and survival basics. The information is truly vital for water lovers and could help save lives!
Important Reminders
- Help protect your property by signing up for Owner Alert, a free service from the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office that helps protect homeowners from deed fraud. Avoid illegal title transfers and fraudulent deeds by signing up for notifications about any changes to the ownership of your property. Sign up online at bcpa.net/owneralert or call 954-357-5579.
- 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 West Commercial Boulevard).
- Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 1st through May 7. Tune in to the City of Tamarac’s Facebook page to get tips on how to organize and plan for Hurricane season. In the meantime, check out the following tips provided by the American Red Cross:
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- Have an evacuation plan. Know where you’ll go if you’re evacuated and how you’ll get there. Make transportation plans if necessary.
- Prepare to shelter safely. Designate a safe shelter that can protect you from high winds. Be prepared to live without power, water, phone/internet service, and gas. Assign a support team of people who can assist you in an emergency.
- Stay connected by signing up for emergency alerts (Subscribe to Tamarac’s Code Red Emergency Alert System at tamarac.org/AlertCenter.
- Have backup batteries and a battery-powered radio.
- Learn emergency life-saving skills like First Aid and CPR.
- Stock up on emergency supplies. Prepare a Go-Kit (3-day supply of food, flashlight, batteries, cell phone, wheelchair, etc.) or a Stay-at-Home Kit (two weeks of food and emergency supplies). Have a 1-month supply of medications in a child-proof container.
- Protect your personal records.
- Several Tamarac parks are undergoing construction. We appreciate your patience at the following locations:
- Restrooms, parking lot modifications, and Hammock Art Project at Sunset Point Park
- Restrooms and parking lot modifications at Veterans Park
- Dog Park renovations coming soon
- The next Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Recycling event is on Saturday, May 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at City Hall, 6011 Nob Hill Road. Accepted materials include Fire extinguishers, printers, keyboards, batteries, cell phones, paint, motor oil, and much more. Proof of residency is required (driver’s license or utility bill). For more information call (954) 597-3750.
- Families experiencing hardships from COVID-19 can still apply for rental and mortgage assistance provided by the Center for Working Families and the Children’s Service Council. Individual coaching, classes, and workshops are available. The following contacts can provide you with more information about the program:
- Emily Hernandez, Arc Broward: (954) 746-9400
- Milenis Johancsik, Hispanic Unity of Florida: (754) 971-8889
- Russchelle Matin, Urban League of Broward County: (954) 625-2574
Happy Eid al-Fitr, Cinco De Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day!
For today, every day, and in honor of Memorial Day:
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 J. Gomez
The Tamarac city commission Mayor Michelle Gomez, Vice Mayor Mike Gelin, and commissioners Marlon Bolton, Debra Plackso, and Elvin Villalobos.
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