Santa Claus is coming to town and you can track his progress! See where Rudolph is taking him next and play fun games using this website: Official NORAD Tracks Santa

Merry Christmas! And Happy Hanukah too!

By Rachel Galvin

“The state of the city is sound,” said Deerfield Mayor Ganz during his State of the City address on November 20. This was the mayor’s last time speaking in his current role, as there will be a new mayor chosen during the election March 11. Also on the ballot will be Commissioners from District 3 and 4. 

This year’s State of the City was at the recently transformed Johnny L. Tigner Community Center. There were light bites and drinks available for guests, as well as a backdrop for photos. 

The evening began with a pledge of allegiance by Denise Jordan, executive VP of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and the singing of the national anthem by Joy Mobley. It continued with a back and forth about who was really the emcee for the evening (It was Rebecca Medina). The Commissioners got a chance to talk, including District 1 Commissioner Michael Hudak and District 2 Commissioner Ben Preston. District 3 Commissioner Parness was unable to attend.

Then, Vice Mayor/ District 4 Commissioner Todd Drosky had a chance to speak, and in his usual lighthearted style, he ended up bringing the comic relief. This time, it was not in the form of disco dancing (like last year), but rather by presenting videos of ideas for the new city motto, complete with animations for illustration. Each idea was centered around a deer, including “Whoomp Deer it is,” “There’s No Real Deer Here,” “Just Buck It!” and others. There was a lot of applause… and laughter, but no real winner so far…

After Drosky’s bit of fun, Ganz began his talk about the state of the city. He thanked everyone responsible for putting the event together, and everyone who helped him throughout his career in politics so far. He also talked a bit about some who have disagreed with him and disparaged him, to put it lightly.

A funny video was shown with people on the dais and in the community talking about him and giving their thanks, or giving him a hard time.

In addition, Ganz pointed out that this night was also the kickoff of the centennial celebration for the city, which will be taking place throughout the next year.

He talked about how the city got its start, saying, “The late 1800s and the early 1900s, people were drawn to Deerfield because of its rich fertile soil, suitable for growing pineapples, tomatoes and green beans. And here we are 100 years later. The city of Deerfield Beach remains fertile ground for growth.”

The city has made many changes through the year and has many more in the works. He mentioned the installation of school speed cameras across seven school zones in the community, as well as other roadway improvements, with a goal of achieving zero pedestrian fatalities. He also said there is an effort to make the solid waste collection more efficient and to continue to invest in sand management, reef maintenance and more to keep the beach beautiful. The city is also investing $4.7 million in renovation and upgrade of the International Fishing Pier.

He also mentioned the city stepping up their waste reduction program/ compositing program. The city has composted 100,000 lbs. of food waste, which is 50 tons diverted from the landfill. He brought up that the nearby Monarch Hill Landfill wants to expand and that the city, along with Coconut Creek, is standing against it. He encouraged people to vote against it as well.

He said that the city installed cutting edge systems to remove micro plastics from the city’s tap water. They also are implementing critical storm water storage and flood resilience projects throughout the city.

The city also is looking to increase engagement through surveys and more, as well as promote transparency and financial accountability, something he said has really been the defining achievement of his time in office. He added, “I couldn’t be prouder to let you know that the city’s bench credit rating this year skipped two entire rating levels and has landed us at a double A rate level.”

In the past year, the city was awarded over 11.5 million in state and federal grants, he added. “The staff has submitted $30 million in grant proposals and we’ve issued $13.3 million in revenue bonds to fund capital improvement projects.”

One of the biggest projects in the works in the city is the Children’s Marine Science Center in Sullivan Park. The city received a $3.3 million grant from the Florida and Lynn Navigation District to help with making it a reality. The center will be available for schools to do field trips and learn about marine life. The center already has a partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation and now has a new partner, the award-winning Museum of Discovery and Science.

Of course, he said there already have been some great additions recently to Deerfield, including the Johnny L. Tigner Center where the event took place. He also mentioned the opening of the new 20,000 sf, $11.2 million Braithwaite Center for Active Aging. 

He also talked about playgrounds, the renovated Aquatic Center and the creation of a parks master plan, as well as a plan for the downtown area.

He added, “We’re working on a multi-pronged approach to bring a new level of interest and vibrancy in the central city area to attract quality businesses and create jobs for the city. And we cannot wait for all of you to see the $156 million mixed-use development that’s going to come out of the ground on Southwest 10th Street and I-95. That project will include workforce housing, medical office space and a new hotel, in addition to a rooftop park and improvements to Mayo Howard Park.”

He said that they updated $227 million of capital improvements planned for the next five years. $34 million is slated for implementation this next year alone. They are going to be replacing the 15th Street Bridge in The Cove neighborhood and rehabilitating all city roads that don’t meet a performance rate against 80 out of 100.

“We’re developing a new public safety master plan to operate the facilities for our public safety staff and ensure that the buildings and facilities they use allow them to operate in a manner that keeps us all safe and sound for the next 50 years,” he said.

He added that the fact that the city did not have a utility tax like almost every other city in the county, which led to a loss of revenue and ended up in layoffs and a credit ratings drop. That, in turn, led to an effort to improve the credit rating and diversify revenue streams. “We survived and we thrived, and look at us now,” he said.

Following his talk, Mayor Ganz was given a JM Family Changemaker Award, presented by the current and former president of the historical society.

Afterward, everyone had a chance to mingle some more and VIP guests received a swag bag on the way out. 

See more pics soon on ObserverNewspaperOnline Facebook page.

The Department of Parks and Recreation in Deerfield Beach has sent out a notice that the Sullivan Park splash pad will be closed until further notice. For more information, reach out to the Aquatic Center at 954-420-2262.  

Want to know what is happening in Deerfield’s parks & rec? Check it out below:

CALLING ALL LOCAL INSTRUCTORS!

The new recreation center, Johnny L. Tigner Center, located at 435 SW 2nd Street, is set for a grand opening in September 2024! We aim to maximize the use of our new center by implementing diverse recreation program for all ages. Program sessions can be scheduled Monday between 9:00AM – 9:00PM, based on availability and facility needs. Interested instructors must provide visuals (videos, pictures), website, or social media platforms of their current or past programs to demonstrate experience, portfolio, and following. Programs can include, but not limited to: fitness classes, arts & crafts, outdoor activities, health & wellness programs, senior programs, youth programs, adult programs, educational programs, and more! Interested parties please email lbarbosa@deerfield-beach.com or dterry@deerfield-beach.com.

DUNN’S RUN

Get geared up for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County 28th Annual Dunn’s Run on October 6th! The 5 Mile & 5K Walk/Run will begin at the Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 SE 21^st Ave., Deerfield Beach. For more information and to register, visit http://dunnsrun.com/.

NATURE WALK & TALK – Every 1^st Tuesday of the Month – All Ages

Location: Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Get connected to nature with Nature Walk and Talk at Constitution Park Arboretum every 1^st Tuesday of the month. The walk will take place on Tuesday, August 6^th just before sunset from 6:30-7:30PM and will allow residents to participate in mediation, learn about the ecosystem, learn native species and gardening tips, feel restored and renewed, enjoy quality time, and connect with nature. This program is entirely FREE and requires no registration. You can meet at the front entrance path by the parking lot and get ready to explore the Arboretum with other local nature enthusiasts. For any questions, contact Constitution Park at 954-480-4494.

YOGA IN THE ARBORETUM – Every Saturday – 9:00AM (time will return to 10:00AM in September)

Location: Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Relax and connect with nature while you enjoy yoga! Yoga sessions are held on Saturdays at 10:00AM at Constitution Park. Classes are $15 per person. For any questions and to register, contact Constitution Park at 954-480-4494.

BEGINNER’S DRAWING WORKSHOP – Saturdays (August 20^th – August 31^st) 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Ages 14+

Location: West Deerfield Community Center, 580 S. Powerline Road

Price: $15 (residents) / $20 (non-residents) one-time registration fee. Call 561-943-0449 for additional information.

Register at: Catalog – City of Deerfield Beach Parks and Recreation (rec1.com)

CALLING ALL TEENS – August 12th – June 10th – Ages 14-18 enrolled in High School

Location: Teen Center, 1345 SW 11th Way

Calling all Deerfield teens enrolled in High School. Teens are welcomed to join us after school to participate in free activities and programs that include Men2Boys Mentoring, DJ/Production 101, Digital Photography, Swim for Beginners, guest speakers and workshops. Youth must complete an application and tour with parent or legal guardian. Call to schedule 954-571-4568.

OPEN MIC NIGHT – August 13^th – 7:00 PM -8:00 PM – All Ages

Location: West Deerfield Community Center, 580 S. Powerline Road

Get your groove on at the West Deerfield Community Center, located across from the Powerline Road entrance of Quiet Waters Park! Performance sign-ups will open at 6:30PM and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that no alcohol is allowed at this event. Canned soda and bottled water will be available for purchase. Please contact 561-943-0449 for additional information.

SAND & SEA, MOMMY & ME – August 14^th (2^nd Wednesday each month) – 9:30 AM -10:30 AM – Ages 2-5

Location: Sullivan Park, 1633 Riverview Rd. (**please make sure to register your vehicle for parking at the meter 4 HOURS FREE PARKING)

Enjoy arts and crafts with your child! Each month is a different theme. All supplies are provided. Classes are $5 per participant. You may register by clicking the below link.

Register at: https://secure.rec1.com/FL/deerfield-beach-fl/catalog

DIVE IN MOVIE – August 16^th – Gates open at 7:30PM, Move starts at 8:00PM – All Ages

Location: Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center, 501 SE 6^th Ave.

Deerfield Beach Parks and Recreation would like for you to join us for a night under the stars for Dive-In movies, with Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom on Friday, August 16th, located at Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center, 501 SE 6th Ave. Bring the family, floats, friends, and chairs out for a fun floating family night out. Free admission and concessions for sale.

BEHIND THE ZINES – August 19^th – 6:15 PM -8:15 PM – All Ages

Location: West Deerfield Community Center, 580 S. Powerline Road

Join us for some fun arts and crafts as we make our own self-published zines! Attendees are welcome to leave their zines at our Zine Library for the public to read and enjoy. This program is geared toward Teens and Adults, but all ages are welcome to join. Walk-in anytime during the 2-hour window. No registration required.

SWIMMING FOR BEGINNERS – Thursdays (August 22 & 29, September 5, 12, 19, 26) – Teens ages 14-18 (must be enrolled in high school)

Location: Aquatic Center, 501 SE 6th Ave

The teens will join a swim program that progressively builds skills, focusing on water comfort, drills, and techniques. The final class covers water safety, including life jacket use, “reach or throw, don’t go,” and swimming near lifeguards. Contact 954-571-4568 to register.

GAME NIGHT – August 26^th – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – All Ages

Location: West Deerfield Community Center, 580 S. Powerline Road

Join us for a night of family fun playing board and video games. Attendees are welcome to bring their own games to share. Canned soda and bottled water will be available for purchase. Please contact 561-943-0449 for additional information.

DOLPHINS “NON-COMPETITIVE” SWIM TEAM – Tuesdays and Thursdays – 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Ages 6-18

Location: Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center, 501 SE 6^th Ave.

This program is meant for those who are interested in growing and improving their swimming ability. Swim tests are required before graduation, with Aquatics Manager Conor Hennigar. Fees are $50 per month. All registrations must go through Aquatics Manager at chennigar@deerfield-beach.com. The swim test requires 100 yards freestyle without touching the bottom of the pool, 25 yards of two of three remaining Olympic strokes (backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly) and the ability to dive from the side of the pool.

SWIM LESSONS – Weekly – times vary and depend on age group – Ages 6+

Location: Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center, 501 SE 6^th Ave.

All swim classes are taught by an American Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor and include six (6) lessons over two (2) weeks. Classes are on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no make-up classes due to inclement weather. Instructor to student ratio is 1:6 or 1:10 (parent and child). Must complete a skills test or pass/fail card from a previous session. Fees are $40 per participant, per session. Swim test and register in person. Visit the Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center for all registration dates and class schedules for each age group.

CHAMPIONS IN MOTION CHEER PROGRAM – Wednesdays – 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Ages 4-18

Location: Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Get ready to tumble, stunt, and cheer with the Champions in Motion Cheer Program! Join us at Constitution Park every Wednesday for a summer of excitement and fun. From ages 4-18, we have classes for everyone to build confidence, teamwork, and new friendships. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to unleash your inner champion! Class registration fees are $12 per week. There is a one-time membership registration fee of $15. For program information and to register, contact 954-480-4494.

YOUTH BALLET/HIP-HOP/ACRO – Every Tuesday and Thursday – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Ages 2-10
Location: Highlands Community Center, 511 NE 44^th Street
Get ready to dance your heart out with Diversity Performing Arts! Calling all young dancers ages 2-10 to join us for our youth ballet classes. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn ballet and showcase your talent and passion for dance! Sign up now, contact 954-429-1847.

CHAIR EXERCISE – Tuesdays – 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Ages 18+
Location: Highlands Community Center, 511 NE 44th Street
Looking for a fun and effective way for seniors to stay active? Look no further than Chair Fitness! This low-impact cardio workout improves balance, coordination, and overall fitness, all while boosting mood and mental alertness. Class registration fee is #10. For any questions, please contact Highlands Community Center at 954-429-1847. Click the link below to register.
Register at: https://secure.rec1.com/FL/deerfield-beach-fl/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI5OTYwMjE=

TENNIS & PICKLEBALL – Monday – Saturdays (hours vary)
Location: Pioneer Park & Tennis Center, 222 NE 2nd Ave.
Looking for a safe and fun environment to play and/or learn tennis and pickleball? Visit our Tennis Center. Contact 954-480-4422 to learn about program offerings and memberships.

By Rachel Galvin

Looking forward to some fun with the kids this summer? Four family-friends establishments are now offering a special pass that can save you money! The participating places are Museum of Discovery and Science,  Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens and Sawgrass Recreation Park. And the pass is called the South Florida Adventure Pass.  Having this pass means that passholders get unlimited admission to all four throughout the summer for one low price. 

The Museum of Discovery & Science makes learning fun. Kids can interact with dinosaurs, learn about the human body, and pretend like they are going on an adventure at sea or up in the sky. There is much to explore! Next, they can head to Butterfly world to be surrounded by the 20,000 exotic butterflies and birds… or head to the everglades an go on an airboat ride at Sawgrass Recreation Park, where they are likely to spot an alligator, and other wildlife. Then, they can stroll through the Flamingo Gardens for a more lowkey brush with nature. All of the above are great ways to spend quality time with your kids.

Where do I get the pass: The South Florida Adventure Pass will be available for purchase at each of the participating locations beginning on May 15, 2024, and will be valid for admission to each of the attractions until September 30, 2024. Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens, Museum of Discovery and Science and Sawgrass Recreation Park will also have the passes for sale online at their respective websites.

How much does it cost? $60 plus tax per adult (ages 13+), $50 plus tax per child (ages 3-12). This pass grants unlimited admission to each attraction. Existing annual passholders/members at participating attractions can upgrade to the South Florida Adventure Pass for $50 plus tax per adult and $40 plus tax per child.

For more information, visit southfloridaadventurepass.com.

Captain Lee, from the TV show “Below Deck,” is coming to Deerfield Beach for the Red Shield Regatta

By Rachel Galvin

Fans of the show “Below Deck,” boating enthusiasts, foodies and more will be in attendance at one of the hottest events to hit Deerfield Beach in a long time. The Red Shield Regatta will be at JM Family’s “The Park,” at 200 Jim Moran Boulevard in Deerfield Beach, on March 9 from 6 to 10 p.m. This special event, presented by the Salvation Army of Broward County, will include gourmet food, an open bar, live entertainment and a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, luxury getaways, golf foursomes, dinners and more.

Captain Lee Rosbach from “Below Deck” and “Couch Talk with Captain Lee & Kate” will be there as a special guest host. The event will also feature  WPLG Local 10 Anchor Nicole Perez, WPLG Local 10 Reporter Roy Ramos, 101.5 LITE FM’s Host Julie Guy, and 102.7 FM The Beach Host Gaby OC as emcees.

The regatta will help to raise funds to benefit Plymouth Colony, an essential transitional housing complex in Hollywood that provides shelter and supportive services for families facing adversity. 

The Salvation Army of Broward County engages in year-round critical operations, such as multiple shelters and housing programs to aid those experiencing homelessness; weekly food pantry distributions; daily soup kitchen; annual Angel Tree toy distribution program bringing joy to local families during the holidays, and others. To support these efforts fundraising activities like the seasonal Red Kettle bell ringing campaign and this year’s new Red Shield Regatta offer the community the chance to invest for long-term impact. All funds raised directly assist the most disadvantaged in Broward County.

The Red Shield Regatta is presented by JM Family Enterprises with additional support provided by Ocean Bank and Nivalmi Consulting (Super Yacht sponsors); Bombardier, HMY Yachts, Icon International, and SJF Law Group (Motor Yacht sponsors); Gulfstream, Best Roofing, Sodexo USA, Marksman Security, Convergint and PWC (Cruiser Yacht sponsors); Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Sarria Family, Nexa Mortgage, Sevenson Environmental Services, Moss Foundation, City of Fort Lauderdale, and WPO Development (Tender) and The Sabatano Family, The Cahill Family Charitable Fund, Pete & Jenny Sudler, Samantha Fitzgerald, and The Pino Family (Board Members).

“JM Family has enjoyed a long-term community partnership with The Salvation Army of Broward and has supported many of their programs, not only financially, but through board participation and our associate volunteer program,” said Pete Sudler, vice president, JM Family Enterprises, and an advisory board member for The Salvation Army of Broward County. “Supporting efforts to ensure Plymouth Colony has the appropriate funding to continue helping families toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing opportunities aligns perfectly with JM Family’s charitable giving initiatives.” 

Ready to join in the fun? Put on your cruise or resort wear and join the party. Tickets are $150 each and sponsorship opportunities are available at https://give.salvationarmyflorida.org/RedShieldRegatta.

For more information, contact Dave Hayton, The Salvation Army of Broward County’s development director, at (954) 654-3395 or at David.Hayton@uss.salvationarmy.org.