With the World Cup bringing the world’s game to South Florida this summer, the City brought it to Highland Park. At the Mayor’s Soccer Clinic, young athletes worked on their skills, learned teamwork and sportsmanship, and had a great time doing it alongside friends and neighbors.

The Commission also recognized our own North Lauderdale Youth Soccer Ambassadors at its June 30 meeting, along with the volunteers who made the city’s “Welcome the World Cup” kickoff event a success.

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Mayor’s Community Concert on June 26, with T-Vice, Black Dada, and DJ Nicky Mix. In June the Commission also proclaimed National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

Over the July 4 weekend, the city marked 250 years of American independence, and residents of all ages came out for North Lauderdale’s 4th of July 5K Walk. It was inspiring to see neighbors walking together in the spirit of health, unity, and community.

It was a proud World Cup summer for so many of our families. Haiti reached the tournament for the first time since 1974 and scored its first-ever World Cup goals, and watch parties across our community filled with cheers and flags. Matches played right up the road at Hard Rock Stadium.

The month closed with the Mayor’s Community Night on July 31, celebrating Caribbean culture while helping local students get ready for the school year with a backpack giveaway. Thank you to Dale V. C. Holness and Broward County Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers for their continued support of our city, and to everyone who attended and volunteered.

Summer camp was in full swing too. The Mayor stopped by to greet our campers and see the energy and smiles that make the program so special. Thank you to the dedicated Parks & Recreation team for creating a safe place for our youth to enjoy summertime.

The City is accepting applications right now for the Residential Rehabilitation and Hardening program. Qualified homeowners can receive up to $50,000 as a forgivable loan to repair and strengthen their home. That can cover a new roof, impact windows, HVAC, ADA accessibility upgrades, and weatherization.

The loan is forgiven when you stay in the home for 10 years. To qualify, your household income must be at or below 80% of the area median income, and you must have lived in the home as your primary residence for at least 10 years.

Hardening My Property 2.0 helps with a new roof and impact windows, up to $25,000. The current application window is closed. Call the Grants office to be ready when the next cycle opens.

Minor Home Repair covers smaller fixes, and the Central Air Conditioning Program helps replace a failing central A/C unit. Both are currently by waitlist. Call the Grants office to ask about being added.

The City’s lien amnesty program has closed. If you have a question about a lien on your property, call the Grants office and we will talk it through with you.

On April 30, the City broke ground on a new $12 million pump station, a major step toward moving stormwater out of our neighborhoods faster during heavy rain. Crews and residents also placed a time capsule at the site, to be opened in 2051. The work is moving: in June the Commission authorized up to $145,000 for the next round of permit fees and construction tasks on the C-14 project. The $12 million project is funded through the City’s capital improvement plan, and construction is expected to take 18 to 24 months. Storms and heavy weather can shift that timeline.

For the Mayor, the day was personal. “It’s something the city has been working toward for so long, for decades,” said Mayor Borgelin. “I remember in 2018, we had water above my knee at several areas, and to know that this is happening right now is unbelievable.”

The City has opened an earthquake relief collection for Venezuela. Non-perishable food, diapers, baby items, and hygiene products can be dropped off at City Hall, the Teen & Recreation Center, and Fire Station 34. Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NOAA is predicting a below-normal 2026 season, with 8 to 14 named storms. That is good news, and it is still worth being ready. The peak of the season runs from August through October, so now is the time to prepare.

A few simple steps:

The first day of school for Broward County Public Schools is Monday, August 10. A little planning now makes that morning a lot smoother.

Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date. Florida requires Form DH 680; details are at browardschools.com/vaccinations.

Registration is open for the City’s After-School Program for the 2026–27 school year, and signups for Fall Soccer are underway. The Parks and Recreation Department can help with both. And if your student picked up a backpack at the Mayor’s Community Night, we hope it serves them well all year.