It's Not too Late to Respond to the Census

It's not too late to complete the census form for you and your family. Help Margate get its fair share of the $1.5 trillion in federal funding available for schools, education, housing assistance, public services and programs, hospitals and health care centers, disaster recovery, and emergency readiness for pandemics like COVID-19. All it takes is 10 minutes of your time.

Be sure to count everyone in your household. The Census is only nine questions, and there are three easy ways to complete the form:

?? Online: https://my2020census.gov/
?? Call toll free: 844-330-2020
?? Mail back your Census

Back to School Sales Tax Holiday Aug. 7-9

During the 2020 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Aug. 7-9, qualifying items will be exempt from tax, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item; and the first $1,000 of the sales price of personal computers and certain computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use. For more information and a list of qualifying items, visit https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool.

Are you Ready for the Next Storm of Hurricane Season

Hurricane Isaias was a good practice run for residents as we enter the most active time of hurricane season, which runs through November 30th. The City of Margate encourages you to prepare your family and your home now before the next storm threatens our area.

Develop your family’s hurricane plan. A plan should include educating all members of the family about the dangers of a hurricane, creating a list of things that should be done before the storm, assessing your home for leaks or any vulnerable areas, deciding where you will go if you choose to evacuate, making plans for your pets, and gathering items for your family’s hurricane kit. Here’s a list of items for your kit:

• Hurricane Supply List (3-7 day supply minimum)

• Water – 1 gallon per person daily

• Food – non-perishable or canned for the entire family

• Toiletries – include hygiene items and moisture wipes

• Can opener – non-electric

• Paper plates and plastic utensils

• Blankets, pillows, sleeping bag, clothing, rain gear

• First aid kit

• Prescription medicine – two weeks supply

• Special items for infants or the elderly

• Flashlight and radio (NOAA) with extra batteries

• Cash, keys, documents (store important documents in a waterproof safe)

• Pet care items

For more information, go to margatefl.com/hurricaneprep or visit the Broward County hurricane preparedness website at Broward.org/hurricane.

Temporary Chlorination of Water System

To maintain high water quality in the City’s water distribution system, the City of Margate Water Treatment Plant has changed its treatment process temporarily to increase the level of free chlorine disinfection from July 28th through August 18th. This proactive measure prevents bacterial growth in the water mains and keeps the water safe for potable uses. For more information, please call the Department of Environmental and Engineering Services at (954) 972-0828.

Early Voting Takes Place Aug. 8-16th

Early voting for the Primary Election begins this Saturday, August 8th and will continue through August 16th. For Early Voting locations, go to https://www.browardsoe.org/Voting-Methods/Early-Voting-Dates-Hours-and-Sites

Know before you go. Review your sample ballot here: https://www.browardsoe.org/Election-Information/Sample-Ballots-Information

Connect With Us

For questions or comments about the information shared above, please email pio@margatefl.com.