During Tuesday’s meeting, the Deerfield city commissioners are expected to discuss a tentative date offered to hold a special election to replace suspended District 2 commissioner Sylvia Poitier.

Poitier was recently suspended after being arrested on misdemeanor corruption charges.

Previously, Deerfield City Attorney wrote in a memo to commissioners [as stated in the April 21 Observer newspaper] that is was his “opinion that the temporary vacancy created by the suspension of Commissioner Poitier should be filled by a special election to be held no sooner than 45 days nor later than 75 days from the date the vacancy was created …”

Recommendation was based on the city charter, Section 3.10 discussing filling of vacancies.

At that time, Deerfield was looking at May 30, June 30 — or whenever the Supervisor of Elections can do it per advertising requirements.

Maurodis went on to say: “It is also clear that if the commissioner is cleared of the charges during her elected term, the governor will reinstate her to that position and the person elected to fill the vacancy will be divested of his/her position.”

On April 30, about 1300 people gathered across from Two Georges at The Cove to enjoy samplings from 40 chefs and wines around the world at the 1st Annual Wine & Food Festival. The event benefited many local nonprofits, including HANDY, United Cerebral Palsy, South Florida Symphony Orchestra, Deerfield Chamber of Commerce and others. It was put together through Deerfield Island Partnership, who brought in Robert Stanfield for his event planning expertise. He became a co-chair with Ocean’s 234 owner Danielle Williams.

Besides good eats and drinks, there was also a farmer’s market with herbs, flowers and plants, cigars, other vendors and live entertainment, including the Urban Gypsy Band. Also Stanfield and Williams led a parade of the Deerfield Marching Band, who marched in style, playing all the way, winding through the crowd of those who had gathered there. Mayor Peggy Noland spoke and asked the at-capacity crowd to call City Hall if they enjoyed the event to make sure the event happens again next year.

See video of event under ObserverTV.

–By Rachel Galvin–

For those who have not heard the news, Osama  bin Laden, leader of Al-Qaida, has been killed. The announcement was made about 10:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. President Obama spoke to the nation confirming the news. Bin Laden was found within a mansion in Pakistan where a firefight took place and bin Laden was killed. The U.S. has possession of his body.

This news has prompted large gatherings in Washington D.C. outside the White House of people chanting “U.S.A.” and celebrating. It also has prompted people in New York City to gather at Times Square. Meanwhile, social networks, like Facebook, have been extremely active as the news has reached a international audience.

President Obama called President George W. Bush and Clinton personally to relay the news. President Bush issued the following statement:

“This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done,” he said.

Although his death is significant and seems to be a morale booster, Obama said, “His death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al-Qaida will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain vigilant.”

Some American officials have mentioned that security forces will remain alert and have issued a travel warning and U.S. diplomatic facilities have been put on alert, according to CNN.

The news of this event is changing quickly and the details are sure to emerge piecemeal.

(Photo by AP)