Boy oh boy, 2022 was a year! We thought we were done with COVID-19, sike… it was still messing with us, even more strains wanted to pop up. Will Smith smacked the hell out Chris Rock on live TV. Kevin Samuels, the irreverent and unlicensed relationship therapist, passed away; and rappers PNB Rock and Takeoff from the Migos were gunned down. Nia Long got cheated on, Kayne wouldn’t shut his damn mouth, and we traded a top-secret spy so WNBA Britney Griner could come back home from Russia off a weed possession charge. That’s the national scoop, but locally, how was it? Here we have some of the top moments of 2022 in Pompano and surrounding areas.
2022 in Pompano was a year of growth and a year of standing up for what you believe in. Notably, the fight to preserve part of the Westview cemetery from being developed into a storage facility attracted local leaders. Some burrowing owls came in to try to save the day, but the fight is ongoing. The Isles Casino was bought out by Harrah’s and is on its way to becoming a world-class destination. It’s bringing Top Golf to town! Many vacant lots are now construction sites throughout the city. We were spared from Hurricane Ian’s devastation and Kodak Black hosted his first ever Kodak Black Day featuring artists like Money Bagg Yo and Yungeen Ace. Beverly Perkins was elected to serve the city in District 4 for another term. Barry Moss beat out Cyndy Floyd for District 5, but Floyd remains involved in city happenings. Blanche Ely high school got a new principal, saying goodbye to Karlton Johnson. The Pompano Beach Fall Festival came back for its second year, bringing Plies and other artists to the city. Ashanti Cultural Art’s Chocolate Nutcracker was phenomenal. The Festival Marketplace threatened to close, but its doors are still open. A lot happened in 2022. What I can say is that it was a foundation year, a year to refocus and plan so we can achieve larger and more far-reaching goals. It was also a year of compromise and stepping out of our comfort zone. No one knows what 2023 will bring, but after a year like 2022, we know we’re ready for anything.
