Despite being the “universal language,” math and numbers can be very confusing, especially when it comes to taxes. For instance: Wilton Manors is cutting its tax rate in order to keep tax income the same.

The new budget year is underway and Oakland Park has big dreams and a budget to match. City Commissioners passed the annual budget, which took effect Oct. 1. Running the city will cost $180.6 million this year, up from $173 million last year.

One brave person, clad in a bulky, olive-green bomb suit walked down a deserted NE 26th St., an oversized helmet with a dense screen allowing them to see. More than half a dozen times, that person alone approached the front door of the Truist branch.

New shopping. New Housing. A new… vibe? All that and more is coming to the heart of Wilton Drive. Probably. A plan to redevelop The Shoppes of Wilton Manors (aka Alibi Plaza) passed the city commission. The multi-building project will have commercial businesses facing Wilton Drive while 89 housing units will be further back.

For the first time in recent memory, the races to be mayor of Wilton Manors and fill two city commission seats are all competitive. Four people are candidates for the commission seats and two are actively running for mayor. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, in a packed room at The Pride Center, all six stated their cases to the Dolphin Democrats.