Black History Month, National Donor Day officially declared in Coral Springs
During a relatively brief City Commission meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4, Coral Springs’ elected officials celebrated organ donors, African-Americans’ contributions to the country and new appointments to key advisory groups.
They also continued statements opposing state legislation that would cut key funding for programs across the city, including public safety and quality-of-life initiatives.
Here’s what we heard during the meeting.
City recognizes Black History Month
“The city of Coral Springs recognizes the invaluable contributions of our community volunteers who devote countless hours toward preserving the heritage and history of African-Americans,” Commissioner Joshua Simmons read from the proclamation.
The recognition is now 100 years old, tracing its origins to the first Negro History Week in 1926. Started by prominent historian Carter G. Woodson, the celebration worked to get more researchers, educators and students invested in African-Americans’ contributions to the nation’s history.
Officials also recognized the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, which fundraises and selects local students for its annual scholarship for those who “embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings on peace, racial harmony, community service and bettering the lives of others.”
American Heart Month, National Donor Day highlighted
The City Commission unanimously approved a resolution aimed to encourage the community to learn CPR with the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety, which is offering classes at a reduced rate during February.
Officials and the audience heard two successful kidney donation stories that hit home for city staff.
That included Frank Molina, an employee of nearly 40 years who was facing final-stage kidney failure in 2019. He said he found a live donor later that year — Brunna Martins, a single mom and NICU nurse in Fort Lauderdale — and has made a full recovery.
Molina and a fellow city employee who received a kidney from a deceased donor encouraged the audience to do whatever they could to help those searching for a transplant.
“Please check that box — on your driver’s license, library card, whatever it is that they asked you to donate,” Molina said. “We’re living proof.”
City continues opposition to property tax elimination
Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution decrying Florida House Joint Resolution 203, which would phase out and eventually eliminate non-school property taxes on the grounds that it “significantly erodes local government home rule authority.”
Officials have stated during past sessions that the city would lose one of its most important sources of funding if legislation was passed, putting key programs in public safety and quality of life in jeopardy.
Advisory board appointments
Accessibility Advisory Group
Jennifer Levi, who is running against Melissa Donnahoe and Jeff Adelman to replace Joshua Simmons in the District 4 City Commission seat, was unanimously appointed to the accessibility advisory group’s open seat.
Levi has been an advocate for autistic residents, including her 7-year-old son, Jake, who is nonverbal. It’s a key part of her campaign, which also focuses on fiscal conservatism and more community-based programs.
Community Redevelopment Agency
Attorney Bernard Moyle was selected to take over the Finance Member seat. Lorna Burton-Brown and Scott Gilman were appointed to open General Member seats, along with Germain Bebe to the Urban Design Member seat.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Commissioners unanimously appointed Tony Riggi to the board.
Public Art Committee
Joyce Mallis was approved for the Private Citizen seat. Local art teacher Ana Rubin Reyes was appointed to the Arts Educator seat.
Jorge Cifuentes was reappointed to the Architecture seat and Orellana Smith was given the Alternate seat to complete her term in June 2028.
