City Commission Recognitions During August 27, 2024 Regular Meeting

Prior to addressing the business of the City, the City Commission led a presentation of proclamations and a recognition which brought a variety of emotions to those in City Hall.

The City Commission proclaimed September 21 as Kate Kaplan Day in Cooper City, in recognition of Kate Kaplan who passed away earlier this year due to cancer. Kate was a fixture at the Pool and Tennis Center where she began swimming at the age of four. She grew to become a powerful swimmer and competed with the Cooper City Cyclones where she achieved accolades and cemented herself as a cherished member of our aquatic community. 

A graduate of the Cooper City High School Class of 2022, Kate became a mentor, Water Safety Instructor, and lifeguard at the Pool and Tennis Center. While her years in our community were cut short, Kate made a lasting impact on those she knew. For these reasons, and so much more, our City Commission presented Kate’s parents with a proclamation to mark September 21 as a day to remember their daughter each year while requesting that members of our community take on a random act of kindness. 

In addition, the City Commission recognized Linda Weisberg for her heroic actions. On June 2, 2024, Linda was attending a birthday party at a home in Coral Springs when she heard a distressing scream coming from a neighboring house. Without hesitation, Linda jumped a fence and rushed toward the screams.

Linda discovered a mother who had pulled her young daughter, who was unconscious, out of their pool. Linda immediately initiated CPR and performed chest compressions on the young girl. Following multiple rescue breaths and compressions, the child began to breathe again.

Linda’s actions have been described as nothing short of heroic. In a situation where every second could mean the difference between life and death, she displayed skill and determination in administering life-saving measures. Her quick actions played a crucial role in saving the child’s life.

There is no doubt that Linda was in the right place at the right time. It has been noted that she was going to leave the birthday party about 30 minutes prior to the incident. However, her decision to spend additional time with friends and family would prove critical in preventing a tragedy. While taking a few minutes to speak, Ms. Weisberg provided three things she wanted to share. She cautioned parents to never turn away from a child near a pool as it may take only seconds or minutes for a child to fall in a pool. She also cautioned against the use of "floaties" which may provide a child with a false sense of safety around water, but rather urged parents enroll children in swimming lessons. Her last point was advising all adults to learn CPR. Linda said it may be scary to think about performing CPR, but it is a skill that could save someone's life.

During this portion of the meeting, the City Commission also proclaimed September 2024 as Hunger Action Month in Cooper City. The proclamation was presented to Lisa Devine, with Feeding South Florida, who stated that the organization has provided food to more than 20 Cooper City families facing food insecurity over the past year.