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Resident urges action after incidents, maintenance problems at Hallandale Beach Cemetery
Summary
A Hallandale Beach resident told the commission she was locked inside the city cemetery and later followed by a city employee, and urged the commission to restore oversight, fill vacant cemetery management posts and address maintenance and safety gaps.
Dahlia Rodriguez told the Hallandale Beach City Commission on Wednesday that longstanding problems at the municipal cemetery go beyond posted hours: staff have been closing the gates before published closing times, maintenance is inconsistent and staffing and accountability gaps remain.
"On February 11, I was locked inside the cemetery because staff did not properly clear the grounds before locking the gates," Rodriguez said. She said on March 9 a city employee followed her in a vehicle and yelled at her while she was recording closing procedures; she filed a police report after feeling threatened. Rodriguez also reported overflowing trash cans, pest issues, delayed marker placements and sunken headstones that create trip hazards.
The comment came during the meeting’s public-participation period. Rodriguez asked the commission to place cemetery operations on a future agenda, reconsider the advisory committee that had previously guided operations, and to prioritize training and clearer lines of supervision for cemetery staff. "This is a sensitive area that requires proper knowledge, consistency, and care," she said.
Mayor Joy Cooper said the pictures Rodriguez offered should be provided to the city clerk for follow-up. Commissioners did not take formal action during public comment but staff and commission members discussed the request and noted the need to research staffing and operational responsibilities.
Rodriguez said some supervisory positions tied to cemetery operations — including a cemetery grounds supervisor and an administrative role — were vacant. She told the commission families deserve "consistency, safety, and dignity when visiting their loved ones."
The commission did not hold a vote on the item at the meeting; Rodriguez said she has also raised the concerns with the county and will continue to seek resolution. City staff were directed (informally during the meeting) to accept her photographs and follow up with a staff report to the commission.
