Tamarac’s Innovative Pet Pantry Honored with Award by Florida League of Mayors

Tamarac Mayor Michelle J. Gomez at the city’s Pet Pantry. {City of Tamarac}

By Sharon Aron Baron

The Tamarac Pet Pantry, an initiative spearheaded by the City of Tamarac, received the Florida League of Mayors’ Municipal Innovation Award (MMIA) for its exceptional contributions to the Quality of Life Category.

According to a statement, Mayor Michelle J. Gomez accepted the award on behalf of the city during the Florida League of Mayors‘ business meeting held in Orlando.

This prestigious award was introduced this year by the Florida League of Mayors (FLM), and Tamarac was among three municipalities distinguished with the accolade. The MMIA is designed to celebrate municipal agencies that employ innovative strategies to enhance the lives of their residents.

The Tamarac Pet Pantry at the Tamarac Recreation Center on 7501 North University Drive began its operations in March 2023. It was conceived as a response to the financial burdens faced by pet owners in the city. Not just a hub for income-qualified locals to access pet food, the pantry also acts as a collection point for those looking to donate pet food.

“We are honored to receive the FLM’s inaugural Municipal Innovation Award for our Tamarac Pet Pantry,” said Mayor Gomez. “In Tamarac, quality of life is paramount, and it’s heartening to ensure everyone, including our four-legged residents, receives care and support.”

Since its inauguration, the pantry has relied heavily on the benevolence of its community members. For those interested in donating, the pantry opens its doors between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Home pickups for donations are also available by dialing 954-597-3674.

Residents in need can schedule appointments to receive pet food donations. Pickups are slated for the 2nd and 4th Tuesday and Thursday of each month, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Application forms for the same are available at www.Tamarac.org/PetPantry.

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