Mayor’s Column

March

Mayor Anne Gerwig

March means Spring is just around the corner. Days are getting longer which also means we will have more time outdoors. This month, please take full advantage of all our Great Hometown has to offer.

This month, Wellington kicks off the seventh annual “Let’s Move: Commit to Change Physical Activity Challenge” with a celebration at the Wellington Green Mall on Saturday, March 3rd, 2018.  Starting at 8:00 am, in the Wellington Green Mall Food Court the Village Council will lead a “Walk” through the mall.  Immediately, following the walk Ultima Fitness will lead a “Stretching Demonstration in the Wellington Mall Live 360 Fitness Studio. Residents may register by visiting LetsMovePBC.org. Participation is FREE and open to all.  Log your time under the “The Village of Wellington” team.

Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 11^th; don’t forget to “spring forward” and set your clocks one hour ahead.  This is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It is a simple safety practice that may save a life.

We are in high gear for the fiscal year 2018-2019 Budget. Wellington’s long-term financial plan is in progress and includes financial condition analyses and forecasts for the next five years. The budget kicks off this month, with all departments preparing their budget requests, and the capital plan will be put together in April. The budget staff looks forward to presenting a balanced and fiscally sound FY 2018-2019 budget that continues to make Wellington a Great Hometown.

Several of our major capital projects included in the current budget are underway:

• Drainage improvements for inlets, piping, swales and roadway along Forest Hill Blvd. at Montauk and Wellington Trace intersection
• Addition debris removal device and pump at Pump Station 5
• Construction of the Binks Pointe multi-use pathway and canal crossing for connectivity with Flying Cow pathway
• Construction of additional turn lanes and drainage improvements on Big Blue Trace at Barberry
• Construction of the Dorchester Park observation deck and park amenities
• Resurfacing of the Tiger Shark Cove and Margate playgrounds
• Rebuilding Village Park fields #6, #7 and #21
• Installation of shade structures and lighting enhancements at Scott’s Place
• Adding more parking at the Tennis Center
• Renovation of Village Park concession stands
• Rebuilding of Village Park dugouts
• Extension of the Brown Trail Bridle Trail and pipe replacement and road improvements for Wellington Trace at the C-15 Canal.

We are gearing up for major utility capital projects with construction anticipated to start mid-year.  We will keep everyone advised as the project work schedule gets finalized.  Stay up-to-date with our social media and website updates for these major projects. 

This month, Wellington is ready to help create a world with more birthdays. The Village will join the American Cancer Society Saturday, March 10, for this year’s Relay For Life to support the fight against cancer. Relay begins at the South Florida Fairgrounds with a Survivor Lap at 3:30 PM, an inspiring time where survivors are honored by participants in support of their incredible fight.  One of the most memorable events during the night is the Luminaria Ceremony at 10:00 PM, where everyone has the opportunity to light candles and take a moment to honor those who have beat the disease, those who are still fighting, and those remembered for their courageous fight against cancer. Funds raised at Relay For Life support programs and services for patients and families in our community.  

The 2018 Municipal Elections take place on Tuesday, March 13. Wellington residents can request their VOTE BY MAIL/Absentee ballot, by 1) calling 561-656-6200 and requesting it over the phone; OR 2) emailing absentee@pbcelections.org and requesting it via email; Or 3) visiting http://www.pbcelections.org/items.aspx?id=28 , to request online.  Don’t forget to look up your precincts and polling locations.

St. Patrick’s Day is on Friday, March 17^th.  Have fun while being responsible.  And don’t forget to wear green! 

Speaking of green, Wellington’s Green Market continues each Saturday this month. The Wellington Food Truck and Music series happens every Thursday evening at the Amphitheater. We also have free ongoing entertainment at the Amphitheater, with great food, movies, and outstanding music.  Find the complete schedule of events taking place this month by clicking here: CLICK HERE

Spring Break for our local schools runs from March 19^th through the 23^rd and we all know how much our kids look forward to that.  Fortunately, Wellington has a wide variety of outdoor activities this month for everyone to enjoy. The Village offers several camps during Spring Break including basketball, soccer, sand volleyball, and TumbleKids.

Get your baskets ready for Wellington’s annual Egg Hunt! The Egg Hunt returns to the Village Park softball fields, located at 11700 Pierson Road, on Saturday, March 31^st. The event begins promptly at 10:00 a.m., and will be divided into four age groups: ages 2 and under; ages 3 to 4; ages 5 to 7; and ages 8 to 10. At each egg hunt, two eggs will have a pink bunny ticket inside, indicating a special prize. Families are encouraged to arrive early as traffic congestion may occur.

The Lakeside Family Fun days events continue this month on March 10^th featuring a variety of activities between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., including kayaking, paddle boarding, bounce houses, lawn games, and demonstrations with local organizations under the pavilion. Additional scheduled activities include yoga, meditation, zumba, art activities with the Wellington Art Society, a reptile meet and greet, and more. Then join us on March 20^th for the first Family Fun Nights on the Lakeside “Mardi Gras” event starting at 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This event will include: a live jazz band, food trucks, face painting, a balloon artist, lawn games, and a Mardi Gras boat parade. The boat parade starts at 7:00 p.m. Those interested in participating may contact Jack Brownson at jbrownson@comcast.net. For updates and additional information please visit wellingtonfl.gov/Lakeside. 

On behalf of the Council, I want to wish our residents a happy Passover, Good Friday, and Easter.

As the saying goes “spring is a time of new beginnings.” This year, that saying holds true for us here at Village Council.  We are looking toward the future and are excited to work with you to ensure that Wellington remains a Great Hometown.