Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hollywood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
21 issues in public safety
School Zone Warning Lights
The commission took the first step toward bringing back red-light cameras, limited to serious violations like running red lights and illegal U-turns, with officers reviewing each citation. Most commissioners had concerns; a broader roadway-safety workshop is planned for the new commission before second reading.
FEC Railway Quiet Zone Retention
Three items locked in the city's plan for the FEC rail corridor: keeping Garfield Street open with quad gates — now at 100 percent city cost — and a $4 million five-year maintenance agreement with FEC Railway.
Fire Station 74 HVAC Replacement Cost Increase
Up to $1.9 million contract with Lebolo Construction to replace the fire station's failing HVAC system.
Joint board meeting membership dispute
Board member Glickman raised that the full planning board was excluded from a June 29 joint hearing and asked whether the matter can be reheard; the city attorney and chair pushed to move on, creating a tense exchange.
Neighborhood Code Enforcement and Traffic Safety Concerns
Longtime resident Helen Chervin described illegal truck parking, suspected criminal activity, and dangerous cut-through traffic near her neighborhood, saying code enforcement can't keep up. Hernandez gave out his cell number and asked residents to report issues directly.
Police Radio System Funding
The Motorola radio contract jumped from $500,000 to $1.5 million over three years — the gear officers use to communicate depends on it.
Downtown 4 a.m. liquor licenses
There are 13 bars with 4 a.m. licenses downtown, and some business owners and residents worry promoters are drawing unruly late-night crowds. The Commission will get police and legal analysis before considering a cap or one-year moratorium on new licenses.
Crime Prevention Funding From Forfeiture Funds
A $139,500 donation of law enforcement forfeiture funds was on the consent agenda to continue safe neighborhood and crime prevention programs, using seized funds rather than tax dollars.
Emergency Sandbags and City Operations Contracts
Consent items included a sandbag supply agreement with ESR, LLC (up to $140,000 annually) for declared emergencies, water treatment clarifier mechanisms from MKI Services ($366,800), and an increase in the HD Supply cleaning supplies contract from $142,500 to $400,000.
Behavioral Health Core Grant Funding
The Fire Rescue department was slated to accept $327,782.20 from the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition with no local matching required, supporting behavioral health response capacity.
Firefighter contract and pension changes
The commission finalized pension ordinance changes and ratified the 2025-2028 fire union contract, raising member contributions and adjusting benefit accrual and retirement dates.
Downtown streetlight outages
A dark stretch near 68th Avenue and Charleston Street prompted a request for new streetlights or tree trimming.
Emerald Hills Safety Enhancement District renewal
The district reports lower crime, balanced budgets, and resident support for a 10-year extension with fees raised from $250 to $500 — a formal vote comes later.
Homelessness in Hollywood
A new street survey found 198 unsheltered people in Hollywood, with an aging population, high mental health needs, and 40% newly homeless. The Task Force recommended a co-response police model like Davie's and eviction prevention programs.
Beach truck ordinance and residential parking
Commissioner Shuham raised resident complaints about inconsistent overnight parking enforcement, especially on the barrier island, and asked staff for policy clarity.
Vessel exclusion zone on city waterways
The city is finally installing permitted safety buoys off Hollywood Beach, but the line is going in at 218 yards instead of the 50-year-old 300-yard rule. Divers, snorkelers and dive shop operators say that puts a boat lane right between the shore and the natural reef; the mayor and staff counter that no buoys existed before and 218 matches Hallandale.
Police Canine Donation
The Brady Hunter Foundation gave the police department $17,500 to buy a new K-9 — a free boost to police capabilities.
Overnight boat anchoring limits
New city rule limits where boats can anchor overnight on the waterways, with new penalties.
Foreclosure Litigation on North Dixie Properties
The city is still fighting over two blighted foreclosed properties at 824/826 North Dixie Highway and 1708 Dixie Highway, with appeals and mediation dragging on.
Scooter and micromobility rental ban
A new ordinance mirrors state law on scooters and e-bikes — 15 mph on sidewalks, yielding to pedestrians, helmets for minors — to make enforcement easier. The commission asked staff to study whether to ban these devices on busy downtown sidewalks.
Police Misconduct
A local man is suing Hollywood after an officer accidentally shot him with a real gun instead of a Taser. This mess highlights some serious red flags regarding police training and how officers handle their weapons.