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.

Friedreich’s Ataxia is a rare inherited condition that damages the nervous system that causes muscle weakness, balance issues and sensory deficits that worsen over time. It has no cure. And it effects people all over the world, including right here in Deerfield Beach.

Many may know Carly Magnuson, who has been written about many times in The Observer through the years for her efforts to raise money toward Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) —a national public non-profit tax exempt 501c(3) organization (EIN #52-2122720) that funds and facilitates research progress in Friedreich’s Ataxia.

Now, there is an event happening on Saturday, Feb. 1 that helps that cause. Called Runway to the Cure, that event will be held at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport hosted by Banyan Air. The party will take place in their airplane hanger from 6 to 10 pm and will include a buffet dinner, drinks, music and a silent auction.

For more information, click here Runway to the Cure 2025 – Campaign.

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 City of Deerfield Beach issued this alert regarding the weather situation…

National Hurricane Center is tracking a storm brewing in the Atlantic, with a chance of becoming Tropical Storm Debby and impacting Florida this weekend. Areas from Louisiana to Florida’s west coast are on alert for strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding. This is a great time to practice your hurricane preparedness plan. Make sure your supplies are stocked up, and visit the city website (DFB.CITY/STORM) for more info.

Stay updated:
•    City website: DFB.CITY/STORM
•    Facebook & Instagram (city social media handles)

Need help after the storm?
•    Report flooding or outages: City Hotline – 954.480.4370
•    Report power issues: FPL – 1-800-468-8243

Stay safe, Deerfield Beach!

The City of Deerfield Beach recognizes the value existing businesses bring to the community by investing in facilities, creating jobs, and providing a support network that anchors the local economy. To maximize their positive impact on the local economy the City is reaching out to companies with a program aimed at helping them navigate the regulatory landscape and find the resources they need to thrive.

The Business Outreach Program aims to enhance communication between the City and the business community and is part of a broader business retention and attraction strategy. 

The program comprises two initiatives, Quarterly Roundtables & the Business Visitation Program.

The quarterly roundtables, which will be starting in March, are intended to provide and collect valuable information on Economic Development initiatives, the future of industries in Deerfield Beach and Broward County and to facilitate networking opportunities among local businesses.

The Business Visitation consists of confidential one-hour meetings with the owner or senior executives of companies in the advanced industries sector and enables the Economic Development staff to better understand what these companies do, identify issues and projects eligible for incentives, or work hand in hand with these companies to solve pending issues.

The Department of Economic Development cordially invites business owners and managers to actively participate in the Business Visitation Program.

For more information about the Business Visitation Program, visit www.dfb.city and check out the department’s web page, or contact Gigi Chazu, Economic Development Coordinator at 954-395-6051 or gchazu@deerfield-beach.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.

Save the Date: The Art Stroll is coming to Deerfield Beach Feb. 17 & 18. Once called Festival of the Arts, which has been in place for 43 years, this event will bring in artists from all over to showcase their masterpieces. But this is just part of the fun. Look for live entertainment, food and drink. Mark your calendars. More details coming soon!