Davie Town Council Meeting Recap: February 4, 2026 | Key Decisions and Updates
Town of Davie Government
Key Takeaways
- 89th Annual Orange Blossom Festival, Parade, and Rodeo officially previewed, February 27 through March 1
- New Town Hall council chambers material selections made: warm gray seating fabric and upgraded wood-and-stone dais backdrop
- Council Member Carol Hatton’s resignation letter read into record; vacancy process initiated for District 2
- Parks code amendment finalized with new rules for equestrian trails, electric vehicles, and smoking
- Budget amendment and smoking/vaping ordinance deletion approved on second reading
Orange Blossom Festival Preview
Parks Director Jeff Pullman presented the full schedule for the 89th Annual Orange Blossom Festival, including the 2025-2026 Orange Blossom Royal Court. The three-day event features a Friday kickoff concert with Southern Blood, the Roots and Boots parade Saturday at 10 a.m., over 100 vendors, the Davie Women’s Club Strawberry Festival, pony rides, and the Weekly Brothers Pro Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday evenings. The main stage is sponsored by Seminole Classic Casino.
New Town Hall: Council Chamber Design Selections
In a milestone for the new town hall project (expected to open mid-2027), council provided direction on two design elements for the council chambers:
- Seating fabric: Warm gray was selected over blue, with council noting it brightens the room and pairs well with the multi-toned carpet
- Dais backdrop: Council unanimously chose the upgraded option featuring stacked stone and wood paneling behind the dais, complementing the exterior building design and town seal
Council Member Carol Hatton’s Resignation
Mayor Paul read Council Member Carol Hatton’s resignation letter into the record. Hatton, who served District 2 for more than 15 years, was praised by all council members for her dedication, warmth, and tireless service. The town clerk outlined the vacancy process: interested District 2 residents had until February 11 to submit qualifications, with an appointment vote scheduled for February 18.
Code Amendments Approved
- Smoking/Vaping in Parks (Deletion): Chapter 16, Article 1, Section 7 deleted as the smoking prohibition is now incorporated into the new comprehensive parks code
- Parks and Recreation Code (Chapter 29): New comprehensive code approved covering rules for all town parks, Sunny Lake Bird Sanctuary, equestrian trails, recreation trails, smoking regulations, and penalties. Mayor Paul noted concerns about dogs on equestrian trails and plans to bring back a targeted amendment identifying specific trails where dogs should be prohibited for safety
- Budget Amendment: First amendment to the FY2026 budget approved on second reading
Community Highlights
- Shredathon: Free document shredding and prescription drug drop-off February 7 at Shenandoah Park
- Legislative Update: Council Member Starky and Vice Mayor Whitman reported back from Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee, highlighting threats to municipal property tax revenue and other legislative challenges
- Community Wildlife Habitat: Davie received recertification from the National Wildlife Federation for 2026, aided by the wildflower pilot program, garden workshops, and canopy tree policies
- Cold Weather Iguana Roundup: Over 150 iguanas collected during recent cold snaps, with Florida Fish and Wildlife receiving over 1,000
- Council Member Lewis: Appointed to the town’s affordable housing committee
What This Means for Homeowners
The new Town Hall project continues to take shape with design selections that reflect Davie’s western heritage while modernizing government facilities. The mid-2027 opening date means the surrounding area, including the rodeo grounds and Davie Road corridor, will continue to see construction activity that is reshaping this central part of town.
The new comprehensive parks code (Chapter 29) is important for homeowners near equestrian trails, parks, and recreation areas. The rules clarify permitted activities, address electric vehicle concerns on trails, and include enforceable penalties. Horse owners should pay attention to the upcoming amendment that may restrict dogs on specific equestrian trails. The Community Wildlife Habitat recertification reinforces Davie’s commitment to its natural environment, a key quality-of-life factor that supports property values in the town’s rural lifestyle communities.
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