By Rachel Galvin
Mayor Todd Drosky with 100th birthday cake for Deerfield Beach.
In 1925, the small agricultural community became incorporated and named the Town of Deerfield, later adding “beach.” The small town of about 1,300 known for growing vegetables grew to a bustling community of more than 87,000 people. It became a place for businesses, families and a beacon for tourists from all over the world to its sandy beaches.
On June 28 of this year, that city celebrated their centennial in grand style. Young professionals and local dignitaries came out to commemorate the occasion dressed to the hilt (Former Mayor Peggy Noland incorporated the roaring ’20s into her style for the evening to add to the fun).
Guests could grab a drink and head to the photo opp station and then mingle. The event was sold-out so people filled the hallway before stepping into the ballroom.
Inside, people were served salmon, chicken, green beans and au gratin potatoes preceded by a salad. Later, happy birthday would be sung over a crafted cake made from styrofoam and other medium after which guests would be served delicious key lime pie in Florida style.
The emcee introduced City Manager Rodney Brimlow, who said a few words, and introduced the newly elected mayor Todd Drosky. Drosky first acknowledged the other dignitaries in the room — not only former Mayor Peggy Noland, but also Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher, Former Broward Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness, Former Representative and Deerfield Commissioner Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed, current Deerfield Commissioners Michael Hudak, Ben Preston, Daniel Shanetzky and Tom Plaut, former Deerfield Commissioners Joe Miller and Gloria Battle, and state Representative Mitch Rosenwald.
He went on to thank sponsors of the event, including Oceans234 and the Break House, People’s Trust, JM Family and FP&L.
That was followed by a toast in which he talked about the community of Deerfield Beach. “This is my home,” he said, “This is your home. Let’s treat each other like neighbors, like we should.”
He continued, “This is not the end of Deerfield Beach’s journey. This is just the beginning. The seeds that we plant will be for the next generations to come. Beneath the shade of the banyan tree at the Butler House or the sand near our pier, in the laughter of out Founders Days, or the quiet of Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach has always been more than a location. It’s a feeling. It’s still home. It’s the neighbor who checks in on you. It’s the lifeguard who watches the shore. It’s the small business owner who opens early or stays open late. It’s the child who believes anything is possible right here in Deerfield Beach. Tonight, we honor 100 years. We don’t just look back. We look forward because our story is not finished, folks. It is being written every day for people just like you. To the next 100 years of compassion, courage and connection, to the next century of Deerfield Beach … Happy Birthday, Deerfield Beach!”
Guests celebrated this joyous milestone by taking over the dance floor, dancing to songs primarily from the 50s to the 80s. They each left with a beautiful bag perfect for the beach saying Deerfield Beach, which included a picture book about the city, a commemorative coin and a Deerfield water bottle.
See more photos coming soon on the Observer Newspaper Online Facebook page.
