Margate names Joanna Bridal employee of the year; students and teachers honored

The commission opened its Nov. 5 meeting with routine recognitions. Mayor Schwartz presented Joanna Bridal of the Parks & Recreation Department with a City of Margate certificate of recognition and a $100 gift card as the city’s 2025 employee of the year; Parks & Recreation director Mike Jones praised Bridal’s role programming recreation events during and after the COVID‑19 period.

The commission also honored students and teachers-of-the‑month from multiple area schools (Abundant Life Christian Academy, Ascend Academy, Atlantic West Elementary, Broward Math and Science, Liberty Elementary, Margate Elementary, Margate Middle, Phil’s Academy, RISE Academy, West Broward Academy and others). Each recipient received a framed certificate, a city pin and small donated gifts from municipal departments and partner organizations; many honored teachers received letters of congratulations from state representatives noted during the presentations.

These ceremonial recognitions were presented prior to the regular agenda and drew family members and school officials to the dais for photographs.

Ending: Mayor and commissioners commended the award recipients and their families for community involvement and invited the public to the following week’s community events.