Residents raise concerns about school recognition and allege police use of force at Coconut Creek meeting

Several residents used the public-comment period at the May 28 Coconut Creek commission meeting to raise two separate concerns: a request that Coconut Creek High School properly display former students’ athletic honors, and an allegation that city police used force during a recent medical visit.

Lacricia Peterman, who identified herself as the mother of four sons who attended local high schools, asked why framed jerseys and other honors for her sons had not been displayed at Coconut Creek High School. Peterman said a jersey was framed but remained in a case and had not been hung, and that she had a meeting scheduled with the school's athletic director to press for resolution. “My oldest son graduated from Bour Anderson High School and my last three graduated from Coconut Creek High School… the jersey was put in a case… and nothing was ever hung,” she told commissioners.

A second commenter, Maria Roes of Tamarac, alleged that her husband was subjected to force by Coconut Creek police officers after a doctor’s appointment and was held at Broward Health for 72 hours. Roes said the incident was recorded on video, that they initially retained legal counsel and later changed lawyers, and that the couple felt intimidated when seeking bodycam footage. “They jumped him because they didn't like a word that he said to them,” Roes said, describing the encounter and asking the commission to note the allegation.

City Manager Rose acknowledged the comment and asked that staff be allowed to follow up; staff indicated the husband was waiting to speak and that the administration would try to address the concern and pass contact information to the appropriate staff.

Why it matters
Allegations of use of force by local law enforcement and claims about access to public-school honors touch on oversight, transparency and community trust. The commission did not take formal action on either matter during the meeting; staff follow-up was requested.

What’s next
City staff said they would pass the resident’s inquiry to administration and follow up on the outstanding school-display issue; the transcript shows a staff offer to help connect the resident with school administration and to monitor any follow-up reports to the commission.