Publix reopening might be in April

  I’ve tried to adapt to other Publix stores in my area, and while they’re serviceable, I’m still walking around lost half the time.

  So I contacted those in charge of refurbishing my Publix on Cleary to see how long until I’m back “home.”

  Now, construction deadlines are fluid, and I’m not holding them to it. But it looks like April is a good bet.

 For those interested, I’ve included an aerial photo they provided, shot in late October. They say they are currently dried in and interior slab is poured. Many trades are working inside and sitework, stucco and front façade construction is well underway.

Public hearing on bridge

The city of Plantation will conduct a public workshop at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at City Hall to discuss a new bridge that could help relieve traffic in Midtown.

 The city has initiated a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study to evaluate conditions for a new bridge over the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) New River Canal between SR 84 and SW 17th Street.

 City officials say the proposed bridge will provide the Plantation Midtown Development District with a direct connection to westbound SR 84, enabling new capacity to and from Midtown and improving traffic conditions along the University Drive and Pine Island Road corridors approaching I-595. In addition, the bridge will provide traffic congestion relief on Pine Island Road from Peters Road to the I-595 Interchange, University Drive from Peters Road to the I-595 Interchange and diverted traffic will be analyzed on Peters Road from Pine Island Road to University Drive and on 17th Street and 80th Terrace south of Peters Road.

   Conceptual designs will be available for public viewing. Representatives will be available to offer pertinent information and answer questions.

  The meeting will also be available on Zoom. Go to http://tinyurl.com/kc3vmuw3.

 For questions email SShalan@Plantation.org.

Anderson is council president

Erik Anderson was elected city council president during the Nov. 17 meeting and Jennifer Andreu was selected as president pro-tem.

  The position usually rotates among the five council members.

 As president, it is Anderson’s duty to run the twice-monthly meetings. Andreu steps in if Anderson is absent or late.

Interfaith service Tuesday

  The annual community interfaith Thanksgiving service is back on: This time it’s at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, at St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church, 7801 NW Fifth St., Plantation.

  The event, which features clergy from several houses of worship (and religions), will be in-person and also shown via St. Benedict’s Facebook page.

Piano man? Well, it’s an imitation

 The monthly “Rock the Park” concert series resumes at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at Plantation Central Park. The act this month is “Turnstiles,” a Billy Joel tribute band.

  As always, food trucks will be stationed at the park.

  Meanwhile, the parks department announced that the Beatles tribute act, which was rained out in November, will be rescheduled. They are still working on a date.

Light up City Hall Dec. 4

 The annual “Light Up City Hall” event is set for 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Residents are invited to stroll the grounds and view holiday decorations.

 The evening also includes “Selfies with Santa,” local choral groups and the movie “Home Alone 2,” food trucks and crafts.

  An added feature this year is a “letters to Santa”  mailbox drop. Those wishing to reach the man at the North Pole may drop a letter into the box. (Deadline Dec. 17.) Include a return address and get an acknowledgement card, hopefully before Christmas, from Santa, although the handwriting might be similar to employees at the Parks Department.

Chess Challenge in Plantation

The City of Planation is hosting its leg of the Mayors’ Chess Challenge at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at Volunteer Park. The free event is part of a countywide initiative by local mayors to highlight the benefits of chess for children.

Created by Sunrise Mayor Mike Ryan in 2014 to highlight the benefits of chess in an academic environment, each month during the school year, the challenge rotates to different Broward County cities. This year, 21 cities have a chess challenge day.

  Nick Sortal is a member of Plantation City Council. Email: NSortal@Plantation.org. Twitter: @PlantationNick