OTHER

Discussion and possible Motion to support the yearly distribution of funds to the selected entities with the income derived from the enforcement of school zone speed detection systems.
Requested by Mayor Michelle J. Gomez

Item:    Discussion and possible Motion to Support the yearly distribution of funds to the selected entities with the income derived from the enforcement of school zone speed limits.

Description:

Discussion and possible Motion to Support the yearly distribution of funds to the following entities with the income derived from the enforcement of school zone speed limits in accordance with our Ordinance establishing authority to use speed detection systems and executed contracts to enforce the same:

Challenger Elementary:                                  $10,000.00

Tamarac Elementary:                                     $10,000.00

Renaissance Charter K-8:                              $15,000.00

Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy:            $25,000.00

Tamarac Fire Rescue Benevolent:                 $10,000.00

Tamarac Cadets Program:                             $10,000.00

BSO Tamarac Explorers Program:                 $10,000.00                                         

                                                Total:               $90,000.00

As these dollars are coming from school zones within the City borders, this request is to have some the funds distributed as above.  However, open to adding $25,000.00 each the other three (3) High Schools that educate our Tamarac youth: Boyd Anderson, JP Taravella, and Piper. This would increase above total by $75,0000.00 for a total of $165,000.00 a year from expected revenues from “speed zone” violations.

According to the March 2026 study of Tamarac school corridors (attached to our agenda of June 10, 2026), there was an average of 2,058 daily violations. This means there should be sufficient dollars to cover this funding request and additional needs, such as school crossing guards and SROs.  Plantation started its program in March 2026, with tickets being issued in April. The violations have already totaled over $500,000.00.

Each of our schools need funding assistance for aftercare and club programs. As an example, Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy is trying to expand its STEM program to include Drone, Robotics, and Aviation.  The school just received a grant from JetBlue for equipment. Assisting with this program will help open doors to students to learn aviation, aerospace and drones that can present wonderful opportunities that they may never have even thought were available to them.

Further, TFR Competition team qualified to compete in the World Rescue Challenge in Brazil November 18th through the 23rd. They will compete with over 30 other agencies from across the world.  In the past, our team placed first in one of the competitions and has a great chance of winning the all-around.  The City does not have the funding available to send the team this year. While fundraising efforts are underway, guaranteed funding will place the competitors minds at ease for them to focus on practicing for their competition and allow funds raised to go to other benevolent causes.

For the initial year, each entity would present a detailed description of how it will utilize the funds. For every year thereafter, in addition to the program description, the entities would have to share benchmarks of the programs’ prior year’s success.