North Lauderdale launches coordinated relief drive for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa

Mayor Bordelon introduced an emergency item at the Oct. 28 commission meeting asking the City of North Lauderdale to coordinate a relief‑supply drive in response to Hurricane Melissa’s damage in Jamaica and to prepare a resolution of solidarity for formal adoption at a subsequent meeting.

City Manager Mike Sargis told commissioners the city will open City Hall and the two fire stations as collection points for nonperishable food and toiletries. The manager said the city will coordinate with the Tamarac‑North Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, recognized humanitarian organizations and the Jamaican consulate in Miami. He also said the city would work with the City of Lauderhill, which will assume responsibility for shipping collected items, and that Broward County is providing additional drop‑off locations and shipping help.

During public comment, Komoda Johnson, speaking on behalf of the North Lauderdale Kiwanis Club, said the organization had already started collecting goods and that boxes will be placed at both fire stations and City Hall for donations both to Jamaica and to local residents experiencing food insecurity. The commission registered a consensus to begin coordination immediately and asked the city attorney to draft a resolution of solidarity to be placed on the next regular agenda.

City Manager Sargis said the city will box donated items and turn collections over every few days; Lauderhill and Broward County will assist with shipment logistics. No appropriation or expenditure was approved at the Oct. 28 meeting; commissioners instead gave staff direction to begin coordination and to return with formal documentation for future approval as needed.