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Plantation council issues proclamations for Mental Health, Water Safety and Lung Cancer; Parks & Rec schedules Water Safety Day
Summary
The council read proclamations recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Lung Cancer Action Week, designated a Water Safety Day for May 24 and honored local students and staff for Character Education Day. Parks & Recreation outlined upcoming community programs, including a free Water Safety Day with hourly free swim lessons.
The City of Plantation on May 7 issued multiple proclamations and announced community events aimed at public health, safety and education.
Mayor and council members read proclamations designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in partnership with NAMI Broward County, naming the second week in May as Lung Cancer Action Week and declaring May 8, 2025, as Character Education Day in Plantation. The council also designated May 24 as Water Safety Day and described a community Water Safety Month observance.
NAMI Broward County representative Melanie Hoffman told the council the organization provides free, evidence‑based support groups and educational programs in Broward County and urged continued advocacy and local partnerships. “Every time we speak up, we help someone feel less alone,” Hoffman said, and she invited the city to participate in the NAMI Walk on Oct. 4 at Nova Southeastern University.
Chris Cooksey, superintendent of aquatics and racket sports, previewed the city’s first annual Water Safety Day on Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the city’s aquatic center. Cooksey said the free event will include lifeguard demonstrations, a life‑jacket fitting station, arts and crafts, and a free Red Cross water‑competency swim lesson offered every hour (registration required). The aquatics team will also offer demonstrations by the Plantation swim team and water‑fitness showcases; registration details were provided by staff.
Michael Garcia, an ambassador for the American Lung Association, accepted the Lung Cancer Action Week proclamation and emphasized the role of early screening and awareness. Garcia cited national estimates and urged residents to learn about screening for high‑risk individuals.
Council member Horland presented a Character Education Day proclamation recognizing students Mukthika Chana (Central Park Elementary), Stacy Sequetta (Plantation Park Elementary) and staff member Yvonne Strum (Tropical Elementary) for exemplifying traits such as responsibility, respect and citizenship. The honorees spoke briefly and were recognized by council members.
Parks and Recreation Director Trish O’Toole summarized upcoming department events including a Mother’s Day brunch at Plantation Preserve golf course (reservations required), Kids to Parks Day on May 17 at June Ward Community Center, a junior tennis tournament May 15–18, and a Plantation Swim Team meet May 16–17 with Pool 1 closed at noon on Friday and reopening Sunday. Session 3 swim lessons were open for registration, and dive classes run through September.
The proclamations are ceremonial and do not require council votes; the announcements reached the record during the meeting’s mayoral presentation and Parks & Recreation briefing.
