Volunteers, downtown development, public safety highlighted at State of the City

Coral Springs leaders gave shoutouts to volunteers and staff at the State of the City event on Saturday, while highlighting projects and progress the city has made in the past year.

Three of the officials who make up the commission are seeking re-election this year, although none discussed their personal campaigns in their remarks.

After Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook kicked off the event in the commission chambers Feb. 7, each commissioner gave speeches and recognized the various sub-committees they each serve on that keep the city running, asking members of those committees to stand for applause.

“When we plan with intention and we lead with purpose and love, as a result, great things happen,” Brook said. “This past year we made meaningful progress, not just in completed projects, but in how we serve our community.”

He touted infrastructure upgrades, a new fiber optics network, improved parks and recreation facilities, the Let’s Move program and investment in the downtown area.

Changes happening in downtown near Sample Road and University Drive have drawn mixed reactions from residents who are concerned about more traffic and high-rises.

Commissioner Joshua Simmons celebrated many of those downtown changes, which have received support from the business community.

“Downtown Coral Springs is entering an exciting new chapter, with new businesses opening, expanded event space and the upcoming relocation of the Coral Springs Museum of Art right into the heart of downtown,” said Simmons, who serves on the Community Redevelopment Agency. “We are strengthening arts and culture as an economic driver and a community connector.”

Simmons announced two days after the state of the city event that he’s running against Brook for Coral Springs mayor this year. Brook had already announced he’s seeking re-election.

“We had a bold vision for a vibrant downtown, and it’s exciting to see that vision become a reality,” Simmons continued. “Every decision and action we take today is focused on creating a welcoming destination that all our residents — and visitors — can enjoy.”

Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen shared that the evening was about celebrating “progress and purpose.”

She highlighted recent strides to promote accessibility and inclusion for those with disabilities and special needs, the city’s LEED gold environmental certification and the achievement of 13 families moving into homes built by Habitat for Humanity in the city.

“This is what thoughtful policy looks like when paired with compassion and action,” she said.

She was followed by Commissioner Shawn Cerra, former principal of J.P. Taravella High School and Director of Athletics and Student Activities for the Broward County School Board. He’s running to keep his position as Seat 2 Commissioner.

Cerra mentioned education advances and youth engagement, including the new Youth Ambassadors Program and investments in standardized testing preparation. He also celebrated aesthetic improvements to the city.

“From enhanced corridor beautification and sidewalk improvements, to new public art and neighborhood-led initiatives, we are strengthening the character and identity of our city block by block,” Cerra said.

Joe McHugh, a first-year commissioner and a former captain with the Coral Springs Police Department, highlighted public safety advances.

“Public safety remains the foundation of our community …” he said. “I am proud to say that Coral Springs continues to be one of the safest cities of its size in the state of Florida.”

He shouted out the police and fire departments and mentioned the improvements to the Real Time Crime Center, with the help of a $500,000 state grant.

“By upgrading the Real Time Crime Center, police officers respond faster, coordinate more effectively and make informed decisions in real time crime,” McHugh said. “These tools are not about surveillance. They’re about safety, accountability and keeping our officers and residents protected.”

McHugh joked the other commissioners dumped several committees on him, including the public art committee, which he said has taught him more about art than he knew before.

“Sitting on these boards is so invaluable,” he said. “They’re all volunteers, and the input and the heart they have is absolutely priceless.”

City Manager Catherine Givens then presented winners of the Lynne Johnson awards, in memory of the longtime city volunteer. The event was capped by an outdoor concert on the City Hall lawn, headlined by tribute band Absolute Queen.