The Margate City Commission on Oct. 8 issued multiple proclamations, including one recognizing the inaugural South Florida Mental Wellness Summit and Expo on Oct. 23, 2025, and another declaring October 2025 as Fire Prevention Month with emphasis on lithium‑ion battery safety.

Mayor Arlene Schwartz presented the proclamations to organizers and city staff at City Hall and asked representatives to address the commission about each initiative.

The mental‑health proclamation, co‑sponsored by Mental Health America of Southeast Florida and Aetna, names Oct. 23 as the South Florida Mental Wellness Summit and Expo Day. Simone Edwards, a suicide prevention coordinator with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, told the commission the event has drawn “well over 500 registers” and urged residents to use crisis resources. “If you ever feel you need it, we have a national number: 988. If you’re a veteran, press 1,” Edwards said.

The commission also proclaimed October 2025 as Fire Prevention Month and highlighted new guidance about the fire risks from lithium‑ion batteries in everyday devices. The proclamation cites guidance from the National Fire Protection Association on buying listed products, charging batteries safely and recycling them responsibly. Division Chief Daniel Rodriguez of the Margate Fire Department thanked the commission and said the department’s prevention bureau performs inspections and community outreach “day in and day out.”

Mayor Schwartz told staff the city will hold a hazardous‑materials take‑back event that will accept lithium‑ion batteries in January. Public Works Director Gio Batista accepted a proclamation naming the week of Oct. 20–26 as Florida City Week and thanked the commission for supporting public‑works outreach to students and residents.

No formal votes or ordinances were taken during the proclamations. The proclamations are ceremonial recognitions that the city will use to promote the Oct. 23 summit, the October fire‑safety campaign and Florida City Week activities.