Lauderhill commissioners approve pediatric dental, clinical research site, bakery manufacturing and budget moves

Lauderhill commissioners on Nov. 24 approved a series of land‑use and budget items including special exceptions for a pediatric dental clinic, a clinical research institute and a manufacturing bakery, and authorized budget adjustments and change orders related to redevelopment projects.

Pediatric dental center approved: The commission voted unanimously to grant a special exception for a pediatric dental center at 1879 North State Road (the former Bright Star Credit Union site). Planning staff recommended approval after finding the proposal met the standards for a special exception; applicant Enrique Acosta told the commission, "We have 8 active locations in South Florida," and said he will rotate doctors through the Lauderhill office.

Clinical research institute approved: Commissioners also unanimously approved a special exception for the South Florida Wellness and Clinical Research Institute at 4966 N. Pine Island Road. Applicant Leroy Reynolds, a retired clinical research manager, described plans to run phase 2–4 trials in areas such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while emphasizing community access and minority enrollment. "It's my mantra that that's not gonna happen to our people," Reynolds said about ensuring local participation in trials.

Manufacturing bakery approved: The commission granted a special exception for Canaima Bakery to operate a manufacturing bakery at Promenade Plaza (4474–4476 N. University Drive). Staff conditioned approval on limited truck sizes and hours (deliveries beginning around 7 a.m.) to reduce traffic and odor impacts.

Budget and capital items: The commission approved a $96,500 change order for security upgrades at Wingate Plaza and a $2,000,000 capital budget adjustment to address drainage and parking improvements on a municipal site; both votes were unanimous. An ordinance that would supplement FY2026 appropriations by approximately $18.0 million passed on first reading and will return for final adoption per ordinance rules.

Elections: Commissioners elected Richard Campbell as vice mayor by roll call vote (Campbell yes; Dunne no; Hodgson yes; Martin yes; Mayor Grant yes).

What was said: Planning staff repeatedly told commissioners that required public notice procedures were followed and recommended approval on land‑use items. Applicants committed to compliance with licensing and operational conditions; staff noted a 4‑vote requirement for special exceptions and confirmed that approvals met that threshold.

What happens next: Staff will manage implementation conditions — including provider licensure checks for the dental clinic, limits and monitoring for bakery deliveries, and reporting on capital project site plans and bollard aesthetics for parking/drainage improvements. Several items require follow‑up reports to the commission.