[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6500601,"mediaKeyId","5612992-1d763027497400650602c1e844172e32","parentId",5612992,"title","South-end Margate residents raise sewer backups and service-notification concerns","audioSeconds",96,"startMs",682000,"endMs",778000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5612992-1d763027497400650602c1e844172e32&start=682&end=778","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5612992-1d763027497400650602c1e844172e32/thumbnail_682000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6500601/Margate/Broward-County/Florida/South-end-Margate-residents-raise-sewer-backups-and-service-notification-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500601-c1bc5ea0a073d0bba32e69833e773908/orig.mp4?Expires=1770785870&Signature=IpmLoDk7djOSzt4SuOHF0j-D0ei6HUUnjY9Quh6ThyoaqqIHTQfh1Tjwn-vHlZevTutWiphP3CrNkQPK-E9ZI~KQ8AEUmr0cqWFxyt6gH~LKUcDdE8-HeZ0ZaaqxMYZZGb8ooJstF0zhQrMhlOIpbGCmhQY6ToP~dfcLnldrPFs3erlFIMUrPNAMXTl-fD9mQ2oA7Wo6CMnaaw9J2FCzVZiOrZ4v3BfXaOgNtOoiAKpJNlHAbBf9NTaB6Ex~l2mxydxgbCOJPzM9COvYQZeYfXWAlD9tFNqpegyanlMpg75Qw3ACmBaVYSkjXtnOdZ780Q4bxjyCGBCkXOw0D--CVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Margate","date","2025-08-21T00:00:00Z","article","Several residents reported sewer backups and poor advance notice of repair work in Margate's south end during public comment on Aug. 31.

Tracy Van Winkle, a Margate resident, described a recent after-hours sewer issue and said she was initially unable to reach city officials by phone. She said city staff subsequently returned a text, confirmed the crew's location at a convention earlier that day and that staff contacted the appropriate crew to address the problem.

Van Winkle said sewer problems are common on the city's south end and singled out a privately owned plaza (Checkers Center Plaza) that she said has contributed to recurring issues. She asked for advance notice before crews work in the neighborhood so residents can prepare.

City staff thanked residents for reporting problems and said crews have been responding promptly. Staff said they would provide advance notice when practical and that Code and public-works teams are taking proactive steps. No formal policy or budget action was taken during the meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Margate - 8/20/25 Regular City Commission Meeting 630PM","oneSentenceSummary","Residents reported repeated sewer problems in the city's south end and asked for better advance notice when crews will work. Staff acknowledged sewer issues in the area, thanked crews for a quick response, and said they are attempting proactive measures.","taxTitle","Margate, Broward County, Florida","taxId",5088,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500605,"Margate expands sandbag giveaways and urges residents to prepare for hurricane season",1832,568000,2400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5612992-1d763027497400650602c1e844172e32&start=568&end=2400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5612992-1d763027497400650602c1e844172e32/thumbnail_568000.jpg","/articles/6500605/Margate/Broward-County/Florida/Margate-expands-sandbag-giveaways-and-urges-residents-to-prepare-for-hurricane-season","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500605-c07fee4790300089c95a2d6f69ee5a12/orig.mp4?Expires=1770785870&Signature=lNYa~cql~AtGajNhXOnqWPs29j8wJgZrS222BH7A7ZM5OnJd4TrbeL9mqv-Z3fM8fvuqicaycqsQPeur4-X-hLrwMEaNWeziEg5flGq4fs4AGrWu~JeVzsF8dKCXNOwQr6ZxsA8at7iQuHm6YnI7MnauVOX4owIjesjP1icrX9XK8Cm9S6jbYiZY4OKHS-FhvB6ouPkwF-xcCYMQUWFI6ssvrWdglmViDb8QjIDzPyOcsP4~FjDoDE6cG~pQgpRLNGWYhEQhvQnu6Toxae0pC2OJZMVn8qltIUh8XiuHfpWmPcRR538iYt6g0IdZswjuT2bmglF4LOmOwTHHMBNC2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Margate officials said on Aug. 31 the city has increased proactive sandbag giveaways to help residents prepare for hurricane season.

A resident thanked city staff for public sandbag distribution and urged the city to start giveaways earlier in the season. The acting chair and city staff said the sandbag program was planned in advance of a current storm and that leftover sandbags remain available to residents who call the city's distribution number for pickup.

\"It had nothing to do with the storm that's out there now,\" a commissioner said, noting the program had been discussed and planned previously. City staff confirmed residents can call to arrange pickup of remaining sandbags after the public event.

Commissioners reiterated general hurricane-preparedness advice and thanked the police, fire and animal-control personnel for recent emergency responses. No formal policy changes or new budget allocations for storm response were made at the meeting.","Commissioners and staff described a proactive sandbag giveaway program and ongoing hurricane-preparedness messaging. Staff said sandbags remain available by request after the giveaway event and provided a phone contact for pickup.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500610,"Margate commissioners say firefighter pay negotiations underway; $40-unit 'Hometown Heroes' housing mentioned",112,2386000,2498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5612992-1d763027497400650602c1e844172e32&start=2386&end=2498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5612992-1d763027497400650602c1e844172e32/thumbnail_2386000.jpg","/articles/6500610/Margate/Broward-County/Florida/Margate-commissioners-say-firefighter-pay-negotiations-underway-40-unit-Hometown-Heroes-housing-mentioned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500610-5fe80e879fb04c6f267a1c3db29d178c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770785870&Signature=OsSWDEA0Xj6cXQeF~cUemuqxpa9r6ZATnDZalQUbATK-MVrqEpBIQDJD6tFSJKUnDVXCxExQsDVc4l8xTwglDOOnEqDk-aTetEKKisCunMklRTs9cZyLsaJs0AO2gcun51wcGwzcAE5BpQ5TnRWFWx9SrZHqakp-VJAzSZi8XSIwL2NoOnOzvNu3C1sjwCwhTDksGNXmn3VjNvVHtToDjgQUyYn4MlUc7mOLP4hwC596zyWkmJ9uO-4S5g~G2Pvq4QjWjiDwgWsdqiysbaIWYHZEle1uovpyO6OdGZZou1Azx2NyNNC8FeLWkOgPfZwSz-urdpMygc2pUwCp-JKU8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Margate commissioners said on Aug. 31 that negotiations over firefighter pay are active and that the city is exploring housing set-asides for first responders.

During public comment and commission remarks, the acting chair and commissioners addressed pay parity and housing as two related issues affecting recruitment and retention of safety personnel.

Acting Chair/Commissioner Casciano and other commissioners described ongoing negotiations with the firefighters' union and an executive session planned to discuss terms. One commissioner stated, \"It's my expectation that the salaries will be raised significantly to match that of BSO,\" referring to Broward Sheriff's Office pay scales, but added the change would require union negotiation and is not finalized.

Commissioners also noted a separate proposed housing project adjacent to the planned downtown area that could offer units set aside for first responders. The project was described in public remarks as potentially providing about 40 units under the Hometown Heroes Program for affordable housing specifically for first responders and teachers; the speaker identified that as an offering the developer intends to include to offset costs.

Commissioner Rosano said he had advocated for programs to help safety personnel obtain housing in Margate, including options that would prioritize city safety personnel and help recruits afford to live near their workplace.

City staff and commissioners framed both pay and housing as negotiable items: salaries require agreement with the union, and housing offers are subject to developer proposals and formal approval through the land-use and permitting process.

No formal compensation changes or housing approvals were taken at the Aug. 31 meeting. Commissioners said they will continue negotiations and review proposed housing projects when formal applications and developer plans are filed.

","Commissioners discussed ongoing firefighter-pay negotiations and a proposed affordable-housing project for first responders near the planned downtown; one commissioner said salary increases are expected to match Broward Sheriff's Office levels, and staff identified a 40-unit affordable-housing offering under a Hometown Heroes program.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6500615,"Margate debate intensifies over Carolina Club golf course redevelopment, rezoning and traffic impacts",493,1115000,1608000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5612992-1d763027497400650602c1e844172e32&start=1115&end=1608","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5612992-1d763027497400650602c1e844172e32/thumbnail_1115000.jpg","/articles/6500615/Margate/Broward-County/Florida/Margate-debate-intensifies-over-Carolina-Club-golf-course-redevelopment-rezoning-and-traffic-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500615-22598c385ebe18d882e6021cd397b6a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770785870&Signature=mgeL~a8sRUEFBy6LX15Vh~hpkDYyd~q8Va3Dc7WH02OOLE-vQDymE7iDvTjtQmuMqwIDIPuLXAl~r9h39rfsQRChcgmq6PAYFtdomViZ3GgvK3I7d8cLODaTs1mAEfc2bJSKHrewYE6n190pr2PEy35U-749SPx4FhkNZM3fEU1Ta05rmJo3SNNI7pyKgZOvwn3M5z5BxIArH5TWsWeq6ojqWn-m44CI2MQ4MyByqxUgUd3I5z7itZb78ZQ4ndDRoVkawJV-uYjmErEu6XBQlXOUs7BckHwPD4F8GHez--iXglx2WgBrdtj2g-SfxJVsNj-deXIEyUwRl4sVJiz2kA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A proposal to redevelop the shuttered Carolina Club golf course into a mixed-use downtown drew extended public comment and sharp exchanges among Margate City Commission members on Aug. 31.

Supporters for the project say the plan would convert a deteriorating, unused golf course into housing, lakes, walking trails and open space. Opponents told commissioners the proposal would harm neighborhood quality of life, increase traffic on State Road 441 and pose health risks if contaminated soils are disturbed.

The debate began during public comment. Philip Clepia, identifying himself as a Carolina Club resident, told commissioners he opposed the project and said soil chemicals at the golf course, \"full of arsenic and stuff,\" raised health concerns if excavation began. \"Everybody's gonna die,\" Clepia said, adding he suffers breathing problems and worries about dust from digging and retention-pond work.

Commissioner Rosano pressed the record and described a longer history of public opposition. \"I've been agreeing with residents for 6, 7 years now that nothing should go on that golf course,\" Rosano said, urging the commission to keep the site's recreational zoning. Rosano said the property's lot lines and green-space purpose weighed against apartment-style redevelopment.

City staff told residents the process remains procedural. The acting chair said the city has \"selected the developer,\" but city staff clarified there has not been a final contract execution. City Manager Kale (first referenced in staff remarks during employee recognition) told the public the item could go to Planning and Zoning in September and, if recommended, reach the commission for a first public hearing in October, with a tentative date given as Oct. 3.

Commissioners and others reminded the public that a comprehensive plan amendment and quasi-judicial review are part of the process. One commissioner noted receiving legal advice that commissioners must act as quasi-judicial decision-makers when the application comes before them and that public comments by commissioners now could expose the city to legal challenge.

Residents also raised infrastructure and traffic worries. A business owner who identified herself as leasing space off 441 asked where to find traffic and water/sewer studies; staff replies indicated specific studies and detailed build-out numbers were not presented in the public comment record at that time. Another commenter, Rich Zucchini of Lakewood on the Green, urged commissioners to oppose rezoning and proposed negotiating housing benefits for city employees and firefighters if development proceeds.

Commissioners emphasized competing considerations: keeping green space under the comp plan versus addressing a long-abandoned property that some commissioners say is deteriorating and costly to restore. One commissioner argued that the proposed redevelopment would preserve more than 60 acres of green space and walking trails and that property owners adjacent to a redeveloped site could see property-value increases.

What happens next: staff indicated the developer selection does not guarantee final approval. The item will proceed through Planning and Zoning review and public hearings; a comprehensive plan amendment is anticipated. Commissioners were advised by the city attorney that they must avoid pre-judging the matter ahead of the quasi-judicial hearing.

Residents were urged to attend upcoming public meetings to review project materials and studies when they are made available.

","Residents and commissioners debated a developer-selected plan to redevelop the long-closed Carolina Club golf course into a mixed-use downtown area. Concerns raised included rezoning, potential contamination, traffic, sewer capacity and the city's legal constraints under the comprehensive plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

South-end Margate residents raise sewer backups and service-notification concerns

Margate expands sandbag giveaways and urges residents to prepare for hurricane season

Margate commissioners say firefighter pay negotiations underway; $40-unit 'Hometown Heroes' housing mentioned

Margate debate intensifies over Carolina Club golf course redevelopment, rezoning and traffic impacts