Sept. 4 hearing set over BSO's western-zone deputies

Deerfield Beach commissioners voted unanimously June 16 to approve a purchase order with SAG Cocoa LLC, doing business as Cocoa Ford, for 144 vehicles for the city's police and fire departments, at a cost not to exceed $8,279,400.01 including wrap graphics for 108 of them. A Ford premium five-year maintenance plan covering all 144 vehicles adds up to $470,160, putting the total package at $8,749,560.01 in city backup materials. Sean Gladadio, director of the Office of Public Safety, told commissioners the city bought through the Florida Sheriffs Association Cooperative Purchasing Program. (Boca Post)

Construction is underway at Sullivan Park on a Museum of Discovery and Science marine science center, planned as a 10,000-square-foot facility built around hands-on marine science, interactive exhibits and environmental education for residents, students, families and visitors. Project materials list a late fall 2026 opening, while the original partnership announcement referenced summer 2026. Commissioner Mike Hudak said partnering with organizations that share the city's goals had been an aim since he took office, calling the museum a first-class organization. The Deerfield Beach CRA takes questions about the project at 954-480-4262. (Boca Post)

Three City Charter workshops in July worked through provisions covering the description of city corporate limits, a two-year residency requirement for candidates for mayor or city commissioner, the timing of municipal elections, a city manager residency requirement, and a Charter Review Board convening every seven years. Workshop #2 on Monday, July 6, focused on Beach Development under Article XI, City Charter amendments and Charter Review Board recommendations. Workshop #3 followed Wednesday, July 15, at 7 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at 150 NE 2nd Avenue. Agendas carry instructions for access by telephone, YouTube and Zoom, and the City Clerk's Office answers questions at 954-480-4213. (City of Deerfield Beach)

The first day of school for Broward County Public Schools students is Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, closing out the summer for Deerfield Beach families. Employee planning days run Monday, Aug. 3 through Friday, Aug. 7, with no school for students that week. The approved 2026/27 calendar also sets a full week off for Thanksgiving, two weeks for winter break and one week for spring break, and builds in provisions for up to five severe weather makeup days. (Broward County Public Schools)

Sargassum, the brown seaweed that washes ashore on local beaches, has been running its annual course along the Gold Coast, with communities up and down the coastline seeing the unsightly and sometimes odorous weed drift in from Caribbean waters. The weed itself is harmless, but it can carry organisms that sting, which is the practical reason to keep some distance from fresh piles. As it decomposes it gives off hydrogen sulfide gas, the source of the smell that follows it up the beach. (New Pelican)

The city is asking residents to build disaster readiness gradually rather than in a rush, adding a few extra items to regular grocery trips instead of clearing shelves once a watch is posted. A well-stocked household should hold enough water, non-perishable food and necessary medications to sustain everyone in it, pets included, for up to seven days. Residents are urged to rely strictly on official municipal, county and National Weather Service updates during severe weather, and to enroll in ALERTDFB, a free automated service that sends notices about local severe weather, road updates and municipal responses to a phone or email address. (City of Deerfield Beach)

Beachside Thai & Sushi is one of the newest additions to Deerfield Beach's dining lineup, set just minutes from the sand near the busy intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Federal Highway. The restaurant is at 61 S. Federal Hwy., serving Thai and sushi menus in a casual room. Reservations and details are handled at 954-531-0483 or through beachsidethaiandsushi.com. (New Pelican)

Commissioners approved $19 million in FEMA grant applications covering fire department staffing and equipment as the city stands up its own public safety departments. The fire department staffing grant runs three years and requires city matching funds of almost $10 million. Commissioner Daniel Shanetzky raised comments and questions on the item during the meeting. (New Pelican)

A budget amendment for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026 cleared first reading, allocating $1 million to the city's Flood Barrier Rebate Program and transferring $400,000 to the Tedder Park Improvement Project. The same amendment recognizes PFAS settlement proceeds, raises General Fund reserves by $1,370,763, funds eight public safety transition positions through realigned Office of Public Safety money, and adds $173,437 for a security system at the Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex. A second reading and public hearing were scheduled for July 7. (Boca Post)

Deerfield Beach's annual Jr. Anglers Day returns Saturday, Sept. 19, starting at 8 a.m. at the International Fishing Pier. The morning is open to young anglers ages 5 to 13 and combines fishing with instruction. Families who want the date held early have the time and venue to plan around. (Deerfield Beach city event announcements)

A public hearing on the city's Community Development Block Grant material is set for Aug. 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Deerfield Beach Commission Chambers at 150 NE 2 Avenue, and interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate. A previous 30-day written-comment period has closed. Questions go to Ferline Mesidort, Housing and Community Affairs Manager in the Community Services Department, at 954-250-4258. (City of Deerfield Beach)