The City Commission of Margate voted to approve a temporary use permit for Hild(e)brand/Hildebrand Amusement (the applicant) to hold the Margate Spring Fling at 1000 North State Road 7 from March 14–30, 2025, after extended public comment and commission discussion.

Commissioners debated noise, late-night hours, unpaid invoices from previous events, and the presence of animals. Joshua Bridal, representative for the applicant, told the commission, “There will be no animals,” and committed that outstanding invoices would be paid “within 30 days of receiving any additional funds” from overtime bills. Bridal also told commissioners the event operator would work with city staff on unresolved permitting items and would identify a single day for a resident promotion; he later confirmed a “buy 1, get 1 free” day for Margate residents (planned for Monday, March 17) pending final logistics.

Why it matters: The permit drew more public comment than many routine temporary-use approvals, with residents and animal-welfare advocates pressing the commission to limit risks to public safety and protect animals. Speakers asked that amplified sound be curtailed at night and that financial guarantees be required so city services are not left unpaid.

What the commission approved and conditions: The permit passed after an amendment attempt to require a $200,000 performance bond failed. Commissioners and the applicant agreed on several conditions and operational commitments recorded in the meeting:
- Applicant representation said animals would not be used and that all state and city inspections would be completed during setup before any rides or food vendors operate.
- The applicant committed to pay outstanding police and fire overtime invoices within 30 days of receipt and to work with staff to resolve unresolved engineering and vendor permits during the setup period.
- The applicant agreed to a Margate resident promotion day; counsel said the operator would implement a “buy 1, get 1 free” day for Margate residents (logistics to be handled at point of sale and verified by ID).
- Commissioners asked that amplified music and loudspeaker use be curtailed; city staff and the city attorney confirmed the city retains the ability to enforce its noise ordinance and that staff would work with the operator on sound management.

Public comments reflected divided views. Multiple residents living near Firefighters Park told commissioners the carnival’s late-night hours and loud amplified sound reduce quality of life; Donna Fellows said she could not “go out and enjoy a barbecue or my hot tub” because of noise. Animal advocates and public commenters urged rejection or tighter conditions; James Wildman and Anna Campos cited prior USDA citations for some animal acts and urged the commission to vet operators carefully. Other residents and some commissioners highlighted the operator’s prior charitable ticket donations to local homeless shelters and students; one commissioner noted the operator has paid substantial overtime costs to the city in prior years.

Vote and next steps: The permit passed (motion recorded and seconded on the dais). Commissioners and staff recorded unresolved engineering and vendor items in the application packet; staff said those items are normally completed and inspected during setup and must be resolved before operations begin. The operator and city manager committed to ongoing communication and to resolving outstanding financial and permitting items before or immediately after the action noted on the record.

The commission did not adopt a bond requirement; an amendment to require a $200,000 bond was put to a separate roll call and failed. The city attorney confirmed the city may still enforce its code and noise ordinance regardless of approval, and staff said inspections for electrical and ride certification will occur during the set-up period.