shelter - REDBROWARD

Mayor Nick Sortal says there are “no plans” for a homeless camp in Plantation even as a homeless camp grows on Broward County property in the City. Last week, Sortal published his “Homeless Strategy for Plantation” on the City website. He said the Plantation Police Department hired two homeless outreach officers and encouraged businesses to sign up for a “trespass” program.

“But let’s not kid ourselves,” Sortal wrote. “This challenge is not going away.”

With a new anti-public camping law set to take effect on October 1st, local cities and the County must come up with plans to address homeless individuals living on our streets.

Sortal said the new law was discussed at a recent Florida League of Cities meeting where “best practices” were discussed. These “best practices” included the usual costly liberal solutions like public housing.

Sortal said he was “hoping for small wins” by working with Broward County government and other cities.

What is Broward County’s plan to deal with the new law?

A senior Broward County official told REDBROWARD the county is “still working on a plan.”

In Fort Lauderdale, Commissioner Warren Sturman wants to transform the tops of parking garages into homeless camps. A place where homeless can sleep in their cars. Commissioner John Herbst wants other cities to share the burden of housing the homeless.

Regarding the myraid of solutions, Sortal wrote, “No community so far has stepped up, and Plantation has no plans for such a setup.”

Some Plantation insiders suspect someone in Fort Lauderdale is encouraging homeless individuals to move west.

HOMELESS CAMP GROWS

Mayor Nick Sortal said Plantation must “balance compassion with public safety and a get-tough approach, lest we become one of those cities with tents everywhere. (Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc.)”

But is it already too late for Plantation?

Since late August, REDBROWARD has documented the growing homeless encampment at the County-owned complex on West Broward Boulevard.

This complex includes the Broward County West Satellite Courthouse, the Broward Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a bus depot and the West Regional Library.

The homeless population is growing and spreading to locations across from the County complex.

A large gathering on tents and shopping carts is located in front of the main building of the bus depot.

Homeless individuals have set up tents and carts inside the two-story parking garage. One camp included chairs, a moped, a crock pot and even an air fryer. Last weekend, individuals slept on the floor in separate parking spaces. Other parking spots were home to people living in their cars.

On Sunday morning, several tents and carts blocked the main entrance of the library. Laundry was spread over numerous bushes while drying in the sun.

On Monday, at least 6 homeless individuals congregated in the courtyard between the courthouse and the library. On Wednesday, a disabled mininvan served as a makeshift sleeping space near the courtyard.

Now, homeless individuals have moved across Broward Boulevard. Several individuals have set up camps near J. Alexander, Einstein Bagels and TGIFriday’s.

What happens if Broward County makes the west regional complex a permanent homeless camp on October 1st?

Will Mayor Nick Sortal and the Plantation Council say no?

Will Sortal say anything?

Is it already too late?

City records show the Associate Director of Community Engagement and Legislative Affairs for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) was the paid campaign manager for Dean Trantalis’ 2018 Mayor campaign. On March 13, 2018, Trantalis defeated fellow Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Bruce Roberts. But visitor logs show Trantalis met with AHF CEO Michael Weinstein before the election to discuss the group’s controversial 16-story development near the Rio Vista neighborhood.

Before the January 2018 primary, Jason King was listed as Trantalis’ campaign manager. During November and December 2017, King received more than $4,300 from Dean Trantalis’ campaign.

City lobbyist visitation logs show Dean Trantalis meeting with AHF representatives six times to discuss the project. On February 8, 2018, then-Commissioner Trantalis met with Michael Weinstein at J. Marks restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. The logs show AHF lobbyist Stephanie Toothaker attended the meeting. There is no mention of Jason King attending this meeting.

Trantalis met with AHF representatives five more times after his mayoral victory. The meetings were held at local restaurants in May, June, October and November.

According to a Facebook post, Jason left his position at AHF in May 2018. He is currently the Assistant to the Homestead City Manager.

Other social media posts document Trantalis’ close ties to Jason King. In 2016, both men ran on same ticket to be delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Later that year, both men attended an event at The White House.

Trantalis appointed King to influential City of Fort Lauderdale Committees.

Earlier this year, Trantalis and King attended the “March For Our Lives” rally in Washington, D.C.

Did Jason King ever discuss the AHF project with Dean Trantalis?

In a message to a constituent on Friday, Mayor Trantalis attempted to downplay his role in the AHF project. Trantalis said he, “Met many potential investors who look to Ft. Lauderdale and AHF is one of them.” Trantalis said he encouraged them to submit a proposal.

How many other “investors” had employees working for the Trantalis campaign?

Did Trantalis discuss Jason King when he met with Weinstein (King’s boss) in February?

Fort Lauderdale residents deserve answers, right?