Commission approves variance to allow on-site filling of propane tanks at Ace Hardware on Federal Highway

The Deerfield Beach City Commission on an unspecified meeting date approved a variance to permit on-site filling of customer propane tanks at the Ace Hardware store on Federal Highway, with a 4–1 roll-call vote.

Supporters said on-site filling would improve emergency access to fuel during storms. A store representative argued the change responds to repeated shortfalls: "We've gone through a 125 tanks that we exchange right now. We ran out of them in a couple of hours," the representative said, adding that a refill tank would let the store serve more customers during outages.

The issue drew objections from nearby residents of the Belamar condominium, who cited proximity and property-value concerns. Linda Fitzpatrick, a Belamar owner, told the commission she and other residents had opposed a similar proposal in 2011 because of the tanks' closeness…