We’re probably all tired of the word “unprecedented,” which is likely one of the most commonly used words this year. It’s hard to find a substitute, though; “extraordinary” makes 2020 sound better than it was for many people. The same goes for “unparalleled.” Certainly, “uncommon” is an apt descriptor, but might be a bit of an understatement. “Remarkable” seems to strike an appropriate balance.
While “awful” seems to be folks’ go-to word lately, 2020 wasn’t, in fact, all bad. There was plenty of good, especially in the City of Tamarac.
As we celebrate our first year of publication, we thought it would be interesting to look back at some 2020 highlights – or lowlights, as the case may be.
December 2019: Our very first post, on December 19, announcing the selection of District 1 Commissioner Marlon D. Bolton as the City’s Vice Mayor.
January 2020: District 3 Commissioner Julie Fishman was appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2019 Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) council. Note: In the November 2020 election, Commissioner Fishman was defeated by Elvin Villalobos, who is now also Tamarac’s Vice Mayor.
February 2020: The Sugar Hill Gang headlined Tamarac’s 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival.
March 2020: Our very own Tamarac Fire Rescue received accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), making it the 85th fire and emergency services agency in the world to have both this designation and an ISO Class 1 rating. Tamarac Fire Rescue is just the fourth fire department in Broward County to receive CFAI accreditation. March is also, of course, the month that the scope of the coronavirus pandemic was becoming more widely known.
April 2020: Many cities, counties, and states scrambled to implement rules, procedures, testing and much more to help keep residents safe and address economic concerns. Broward County Mayor Dale Holness provided an update, including a list of drive-through testing sites, food distribution dates and locations, and much more.
May 2020: We spotlighted the city’s free, online classes, which are a great way for kids, adults, and seniors to stay engaged during this difficult time. Courses are offered on a variety of topics, from Beginning Spanish to Drawing to Tai Chi/Qigong and many others.
June 2020: Broward County’s curfew was in effect (and while there is a new County curfew in effect now, according to the Sun-Sentinel, it’s unclear how widely enforced it will be); the City began reopening, with guidelines.
July 2020: We reported that one of Florida’s 19 COVID-19 isolation centers was located in Tamarac.
August 2020: The 2020 U.S. Census was in full swing, and we encouraged residents to “Make Tamarac Count.”
September 2020: Despite the overall economic slowdown, progress continued in Tamarac, as evidenced by the many development projects underway.
October 2020: Nationally, drive-in movies began making a comeback, as people searched for open entertainment venues. The iconic Thunderbird Swap Shop and Drive-In certainly delivered, and Tamarac hosted its very own Drive-In Movie Night as well.
November 2020: November, of course, included Election Day. Turnout in Tamarac was high, as it was throughout the country. According to the United States Election Project, nearly 67% of eligible voters participated. November also brought us a brush with Tropical Storm Eta, which contributed to our area’s record-shattering annual rainfall.
December 2020: Throughout the year, City leaders continually sought ways to assist Tamarac residents and businesses during this difficult year. In December, commissioners hand-delivered small business grants to grateful recipients.
Thank you for being a part of our community. In just our first year, we’ve published over 100 pieces that help you stay in the know about our city; in 2021, we’ll work just as hard to keep you enlightened and entertained. To learn more, visit tamaracpost.com.
