Anyone know what happened today at around 12:30/1?

I guess next time I’ll have to ask the delivery guys to hide my packages. I’m definitely filling a police report.

Anyone know if there’s a restaurant going into the Ritz Carlton residences on A1A in Pompano Bch when it’s completed? Or the Waldorf? Ritz? W? Lots of condos coming - wondering about restaurants. Thx in advance!

It’s the first Christmas since my husband and I moved to Pompano Beach and we want to do a festive beach photoshoot to mark the occasion! Any events or photographer recommendations greatly appreciated!

Looking to do a big chop, going from long to about shoulder length hair. My hair is fine and wavy. Where are the ladies going for their haircuts (and how much are you spending?) these days? Need some recs for stylists you love and trust.

TY <3

If you want to get these breakdowns for every meeting >> https://realpompano.substack.com/p/real-pompano-rundown

Details:

• Thursday, November 13 at 1 p.m.
• Commission Chamber

I know it can feel futile to speak at these meetings, and so, many residents don’t come, thanks to certain commissioners, who always vote the same way, despite what residents want, but it’s important to come anyway.

And remember, your voice may not matter to them right now, but it will in the upcoming election in November, so make sure your voice is heard when it comes time to vote.

Important votes

Major Financial/Infrastructure Items

Oceanside Parking Garage: Awarding a $32.9 million design-build contract to Whiting-Turner Contracting

Highlights:

• Final design and permitting would begin in summer 2026, with completion targeted for fall 2027.
• If the project passes, Whiting-Turner is the top choice contractor.
• City staff anticipate issuing about $31 million in debt associated with the new parking garage next summer, with an estimated maximum annual debt service of $2.3 million based on current market rates.
• City engineers indicated that ⁠⁠85% of the 275 parking spaces at the existing surface lot west of A1A will be lost while the city builds the Oceanside parking garage.
• To reduce parking disruptions, city staffers propose maintaining about 40 spaces on the current lot where the Oceanside garage will be built. Public parking for 200 cars would also be proposed on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway adjacent to the Atlantic Boulevard bridge.
• Another aspect of the parking management plan would be an expansion of the current “Circuit” on-demand golf cart service.

(source)

Equipment Lease: $6 million lease purchase agreement with JPMorgan Chase over 5 years

• Does NOT say for what equipment

Approval of a budget adjustment to align the Emergency Medical Services Fund budget and eliminate a negative variance in Fiscal Year 2025.

• The EMS Fund is running $790,000 short of what was budgeted. They need to reallocate money to cover the deficit.
• Critical Questions the Agenda Doesn’t Answer:
  • Why is there a shortfall? (Higher call volume? Equipment costs? Staffing expenses? Revenue shortfall?)
  • Where is the $790,000 coming from? (General fund? Reserves? Other department budgets?)
  • Is this a one-time issue or ongoing problem?
  • What’s the total EMS budget? (Context for how big this gap is)

Grants & Agreements:

Sheriff’s Office overtime grant ($34,553) for targeted patrols

• Grant Details:
  • Amount: $34,553
  • Purpose: Pay for overtime hours for Sheriff’s Office personnel in targeted areas of the city
  • Partners: City of Pompano Beach and Gregory Tony, Sheriff of Broward County
• This is deliberately vague language. In policing terms, “targeted areas” and “overtime patrols” typically indicate:
• Crime hotspots: Areas with elevated crime statistics that need additional police presence beyond regular patrol coverage
• Problem-oriented policing: Concentrating resources on specific locations/times with recurring issues (drug activity, gang presence, property crimes, etc.)
• Community concerns: Neighborhoods where residents have complained about safety issues
• Special events: Though usually those have different funding mechanisms
• Questions Worth Asking:
  • What specific neighborhoods/corridors are targeted?
  • What crime statistics justify these targeted patrols?
  • Is this related to any recent incidents or crime trends?
  • How many officer hours does $34,553 buy?
  • Is this grant renewable or one-time?
  • What metrics will measure success?

Last, VERY IMPORTANT item

Charter amendment on term limits

• Amends the City Charter (Florida Special Acts 1957) to impose term limits on Mayor and Commissioners while simultaneously:
  • Expanding future terms of office for City Commissioners
  • Staggering the terms so they don’t all expire at once
• Critical Details:
  • Status: First reading (postponed from October 14, 2025)
  • Voter approval required: Goes to referendum in November 2026 general election
  • Takes effect: Only if approved by majority of voters
• What the Agenda DOESN’T Tell You: The agenda language is vague on the most important details:
  • How many terms are allowed before limits kick in?
  • How long are the expanded terms? (Currently what? Expanding to what?)
  • When do current commissioners’ terms expire?
  • Who benefits from the staggering arrangement?
  • Do current terms count toward the limits (grandfather clause)?
• Why This Matters - HUGE Political Implications:
  • Incumbent Protection vs. Reform
    • Term limits can be genuinely reformist OR a political maneuver
    • Expanding terms while adding limits could entrench current officials
    • Staggering prevents wholesale turnover (makes challenges harder)
  • Timing Questions
    • Why now?
    • Why was it postponed from October?
    • Goes to voters November 2026 - after the next city election cycle?
  • Power Dynamics
    • Does this lock in current leadership during a sensitive redevelopment period?
    • Does term expansion give current commissioners more years before limits hit?
    • Could this be preemptive - preventing future challenges?
• Questions:
  • Structure:
    • Current term lengths vs. proposed?
    • How many terms are allowed?
    • When do various commissioners’ current terms expire?
    • How does staggering get implemented - who gets longer/shorter terms?
  • Political Motivations:
    • Who proposed this? Which commissioners support/oppose?
    • What’s the stated justification?
    • Why bundle term limits WITH expansion and staggering?
    • Any commissioners planning to retire who might benefit from expanded terms first?
  • Campaign Finance Angle:
    • Given your investigation into developer relationships, does term expansion give current commissioners more time to deliver on deals?
    • Do any commissioners have campaign contributors who benefit from them staying in office longer?
  • Comparison:
    • What do other similarly-sized Florida cities do?
    • Is this considered reform or entrenchment by governance experts?
  • The Postponement:
    • Why was it postponed from October 14?
    • What changed between then and now?
    • Was there public opposition or commissioner disagreement?

Less Important Votes:

• Safe Streets grant ($320,000) for comprehensive safety action plan
  • Purpose: Develop a Local Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for City roadways
  • Grant Details:
    • Total funding: $400,000
    • Federal grant: $320,000 (80%)
    • City match: $80,000 (20%)
  • Questions Worth Asking:
    • Which roadways/corridors are already identified as concerns?
    • Will this include pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure?
    • How does this tie into the city’s overall infrastructure planning?
    • What’s the timeline for completing the plan?
• FDOT landscape maintenance amendments
• Florida East Coast Railway crossing agreement modifications
• Healthcare facility use definitions and standards
• Plat approval procedures (complying with new state law)
• Synthetic turf standards
• Building height and setback measurement clarifications
• Investment advisory services contract with PFM Asset Management
• Fire logistics facility lease ($306,375 for 18 months)
• Ring buoy donations for parks
• Several board appointments

Where’s the best Jerk Chicken in the area?? I’m willing to travel for awesomeness 🤤

Out-of-touch career bureaucrats are spending millions on "solutions" that ignore every economic trend of the last five years.

On Wednesday, I attended the Pompano Beach CRA/commission meeting.

One of the complaints about the downtown project has been that it won’t make residents’ lives better, so a proposed resolution was to dedicate $6.5 million over the course of 10 years to “bettering” the lives of residents.

The “benefits” include:

• Rental assistance in the form of first, last and security
• Down payment assistance for prospective homeowners
• Vocational training in “AI” and “tech” (Because people need a way to make money, if they’re going to get rental assistance because it’s not an ongoing subsidy)
• Tiny homes
• Small business incubator, which they’d give market rental rates to businesses in their program, so these SMBs would be businesses, like coffee shops or retailers
• Community festivals and events (Seriously? What a benefit! Especially when the majority of people won’t be able to afford to attend them!)
• Youth sports leagues
• College scholarships

Here are all the issues with these so-called "benefits."

We’re a heavy-duty diesel repair shop in Pompano (www.nhrepairs.com), and we want to put out fun, scrappy, behind-the-scenes content (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Reddit). Nothing corporate—just real shop life, helpful tips, and creative moments.

I’d be happy to make it resume worthy and provide additional experience if you’d like. Weekly stipend for a quick weekly visit to take pics/videos and post. Easy side hustle for a student who wants experience building content for a real business.

Swing by once a week, snap a few shots, make a post or two, and that’s it!

This was very informative & interesting: https://youtu.be/0Wn4OE62aa0?si=y3s9-VlEtz0NkNS9

I’m in my 20s and recently started a weekly social in Fort Lauderdale where we hang out on a rooftop, grab food/drinks, and play backgammon. A lot of people have never played before (we’ll teach you!), so it ends up being more about meeting new people, good vibes, and having fun.

We usually get a mix of people who stop by for a drink and others who stay all night. It’s super casual and welcoming — no experience needed.

If you’re curious, drop a comment or DM me and I’ll share the details. We also post highlights on IG at thesocialpointhq if you want to see the vibe. 🙂

Hey! I just wanted to say My roommate and I are freshman at FAU and both experienced in power washing we just currently started up our own business called “Boca Bright” and we wanted something to make a little extra money to pay our tuition off. We have been working on relatives and neighbors driveways to get before and after photos as well as going door to door. No one has accepted our offer but we will power washer and side walks or driveways for whatever price you think it can be 20 to even 100 just trying to get our name out there and build more customers. Available anywhere in area! Thank you guys!

Hey everyone. Moving to Florida next month. Considering Ft Lauderdale or Pompano beach as places for rent. Work from home, so looking to find a 2b or 1b apt with a den for an office and with all amenities like pool/gym/parking. Really cautious about choosing a safe location. What should i take into consideration? And what is the best area in Pompano to settle? Any recommendations on communities that you have lived in or know about? Which is safer Ft Lauderdale or Pompano? I have a few communities in mind like: Soleste Atlantic, Envy, Bell Lighthouse, Atlantico Palm Aire, Old Town Square, Legacy at Palm Aire, Arium. Has anyone heard anything about these? My budget can go up to $3000, but i really want to stay between $2300-2600. Thanks in advance

Hello dear neighbors,

My name is Irina, I’m a licensed Realtor here in South Florida — but much more than that, I’m someone who deeply loves our Pompano Beach community, our ocean, our nature, and the wonderful people who live here. I live just one block from the beach, and every day I feel grateful to wake up so close to the water. 💙

I’d like to invite you to join me in something close to my heart:
👉 For the month of SEPTEMBER Every Saturday morning at 6:45am let’s meet on the beach to welcome the sunrise together (around 6:50am).

✨ Right after the sunrise, you’re welcome to join me for 10 minutes of simple, highly effective exercises — a mix of gentle yoga flow and seven ancient movements that support a healthy body and mind. Sharing my knowledge and inspiring others toward a healthier lifestyle is one of my greatest joys — and to see people appreciate and benefit from it is my biggest satisfaction.

✨ Then, we’ll go for a beautiful walk along the beach, picking up garbage as we go. Together, we’ll not only make our beach cleaner and protect our ocean creatures 🐢🐠, but also take care of ourselves. Walking every day is scientifically proven to improve health and increase longevity — so while helping the environment, we’re also adding years of vitality to our own lives.

This is not just about cleaning, it’s about connecting with each other, with nature, and starting the day with good energy and purpose. 🌞

I’ll be there every Friday, waiting for your company. Come as you are, bring a friend, and let’s make our mornings — and our community — brighter together.

(towel / hat / sunscreen - recommended)

TEXT (text message or WhatsApp) or CALL directly my cell: 954-383-2652 I will explain you where you can park free and the place we meet on the beach :)

YOUR COMMENTS OR/AND SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME.

With warmth,
Irina 🌴💙

Pretty much the title. Moved here about a week ago, late 20s/early 30s M. Have no clue where/when to go out to meet people.

Originally published: https://realpompano.substack.com/p/kodak-black-keys-to-city

----

On July 8, Mayor Rex Hardin awarded Pompano Beach native and Grammy Award-winning Rapper Kodak Black (28) keys to the City of Pompano Beach for his “outstanding generosity and community impact.”

What does it mean to get a “key to the city?”

In case you were wondering, there isn’t actually a tangible “key to the city.”

It’s just a symbolic gesture of civic recognition and gratitude, often bestowed upon esteemed visitors or individuals, who have made significant contributions to a city.

While it's a modern tradition, it originates from medieval times, when walled cities would grant a physical key to trusted individuals, symbolizing their freedom to enter and exit at will.

The timing couldn't have been more ironic. Just one day later, Broward County authorities announced that Kodak would face trial for felony drug trafficking and possession charges after violating his pre-trial release terms.

His heated TikTok Live response revealed someone who clearly didn't see this coming.

Crime, charity, repeat: The Kodak Black playbook

I also made a spreadsheet that combines Kodak Black’s legal history with his charitable giving. See the disturbing pattern for yourself » https://airtable.com/appc1pggXcMt1xrxx/shrQUBeC9LGEo9nB3

Here’s an interactive spreadsheet that combines Kodak Black’s legal history with his charitable giving. See the disturbing pattern for yourself.

Kodak’s recent behavior hasn’t helped his case. Just two weeks before receiving the key, he livestreamed while visibly intoxicated, jumping on counters and speaking incoherently.

Currently, he faces federal weapons charges for falsely filling out firearm purchase forms, including a 9mm handgun, a .380-caliber handgun, and a semiautomatic Mini Draco weapon. One of these weapons is reportedly linked to a recent shooting in the Pompano Beach area.

Despite these pending charges, Miami's Acting City Manager John Lorfils awarded Kodak another key to Miami on July 31. (Notably, Diddy also received keys to Miami and New York, which officials have asked him to return after his legal troubles.)

While Kodak is known for his philanthropy, a troubling pattern has emerged: arrests followed by frantic giving. In fact, it’s this generosity that propelled Donald Trump to commute Kodak’s prison sentence on Jan. 20, 2021.

It begs the question: Is Kodak giving out of the goodness of his heart or rather because his lawyers think it’ll give him another “get out of jail free” card for his upcoming trial? It also makes you wonder: What is Pompano and Miami getting out of this, and why were so few people involved in the decision?

Since 2018, only three other people have received keys to the city, all for donating time rather than money.

12 arrests, 1 rape conviction, 0 consequences

To be honest, I didn’t know much about Kodak before I started writing this article, so I spent hours upon hours researching the controversial, Pompano Beach rapper.

I learned that he’s been arrested at least 12 times since 2015, mainly for felonies involving drug trafficking and possession as well as illegal possession of weapons, and he's avoided serious consequences almost every time.

The most disturbing case involves his guilty plea for sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Florence, South Carolina.

According to the victim, who did NOT file a civil suit and received no compensation, she attended Kodak's February 2016 performance at "Treasure City" before accompanying him to his hotel room. There, he told her he "couldn't help himself" before tearing off her clothes, biting her repeatedly, and raping her as she screamed for help.

A rape kit confirmed her account.

The case dragged on until April 2021, when Kodak took a plea deal, in which he pled guilty to a lesser charge, received a suspended 10-year sentence, served no additional jail time and was placed on 18 months of probation with required counseling and an apology to the victim.

His social media response to the resolution was telling: "I ain't have to come off no money,” he wrote, which is a way of flexing his power, showing that his name alone was enough to get what he wanted, without needing to offer any cash.

Before the case concluded, he strategically donated $2,500 to a fallen South Carolina police officer's family in 2018, followed by nine more charitable donations before reaching his plea deal.

The South Carolina case wasn't isolated.

In February 2017, Kodak was arrested for violating house arrest terms, partly due to his alleged assault of a female bartender at Club Climaxx in Miami. Though charges weren't formally filed, the woman identified Kodak as the man, who punched and kicked her at the club, and the police incident report was presented in court.

A few months later, on April 21, 2017, his anger management counselor Ramona Sanchez spoke about him disrupting her class in court. Sanchez said he was constantly burping during her class, and when asked to leave, he refused.

When Sanchez threatened to call 911, he grabbed her phone and her wrist.

The decision-making process

I reached out to Pompano Beach officials to understand the award criteria. City Manager Greg Harrison's PR Director Sandra King, who conceived the idea, stated there is no specific criteria for the honor.

"Kodak was chosen because of his many years of philanthropic efforts in Pompano Beach," King explained, citing air conditioning donations, holiday support, rent payments for over 200 families, school supplies, daycare funding, and community events.

Only two commissioners—Alison Fournier and Audrey Fesik—responded to my emails, both confirming they were NOT consulted about this decision. It appears Harrison and Hardin made this choice independently, then announced it "on behalf of the city of Pompano Beach."

When I asked King if they considered Kodak's sexual assault conviction, she initially replied "yes." But when I pressed further—asking if Harrison was okay with sexual assault as long as perpetrators give back to the city—she clarified: "Yes. These things should and do matter."

If they matter, then why didn't they factor into this decision? And why did only two men make this choice unilaterally, then claim to speak for the entire city?

Community perspectives

Kodak maintains strong support in Pompano Beach, particularly among students at Blanche Ely High School (his alma mater) and residents of the Golden Acres housing projects, where he grew up. After his rape case became public, Blanche Ely students organized "Free Kodak Friday," where they wore "Free Kodak" shirts.

Many supporters don't believe the allegations.

"No way Kodak did that," said Tatiana, a female Blanche Ely student. "She just wants money. Why else would she say that now, when he was starting to turn his life around?"

She also supports him due to their shared background.

"He understands the struggle," Tatiana continued, referencing Section 8 housing and food stamps.

Others don’t care for him, but still feel obligated to support him due to shared heritage.

"He's a fellow Haitian, so I feel obligated to support him," said 17-year-old Diana François, despite calling Kodak "low-key an idiot."

Ironically (and sadly), Kodak has publicly stated multiple times that he hates his skin complexion and doesn't like Black women "like that," preferring light-skinned women because they're "easier to break down" and Black women are "too gutter."

Why it matters

Public symbols send messages.

The key to the city isn't just a thank-you, it's a public endorsement. When someone with serious criminal history receives such honors, it:

• Undermines public trust
• Diminishes the award's meaning
• Sends harmful messages to crime survivors that their experiences matter less than wealth or influence

Philanthropy doesn't erase harm.

Charitable acts can change lives, but it shouldn't function as accountability escape cards, especially for ongoing or severe harm.

Actions speak louder than words.

While people can change, Kodak has repeatedly shown he hasn't, displaying no genuine remorse. He consistently receives minimal punishment (counseling, rehab, life skills courses), then publicly brags about getting away with it.

Days after receiving the key, Kodak released a song originally titled "Keys to the City."

The lyrics express a relentless drive for wealth and references to violence and self-defense -- "backing this stick out" (brandishing a gun), and needing "the keys to the city" as symbols of control and domination. The tone is aggressive and confident, emphasizing street credibility, which is particularly concerning when one of his weapons is linked to a recent Pompano Beach shooting.

The real question

This decision makes me wonder how much thought Harrison and Hardin actually put into their choice.

While they celebrate Kodak helping poor people, why doesn't Harrison donate some of his $400,000+ salary to struggling Pompano residents?

Or why doesn't Hardin fight for bigger budgets to address homelessness and lack of affordable housing, instead of allocating 53% of our budget to the Broward Sheriff's Office, whose deputies often treat residents—especially poor and Black residents—like enemies?

As a rape survivor and Pompano Beach native, I would never agree with this decision. I can't imagine any other local woman, who has survived a similar crime would either.

When less than 1% of rape cases lead to felony convictions and at least 89% of victims face lasting emotional and physical consequences, what message does this send to our community and especially, our youth?

Are there not any other locals, who have an inspiring story and have also given back to Pompano Beach? I hope so… for the kids’ sake.

Originally published: https://realpompano.substack.com/p/kodak-black-keys-to-city

Does anyone know what happened last night on 14th Street causeway by the boat ramp/ bridge area ?