Coral Springs joins Broward Solid Waste Authority 40-year master plan while commission calls for honoring late Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen
Coral Springs, Florida – The Coral Springs City Commission has formally joined a long-term regional waste management agreement, moving forward with a 40-year solid waste and recycling master plan developed by the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County. The decision came during a unanimous vote on Wednesday, placing Coral Springs among a growing list of municipalities participating in the plan.
The vote marks another step in a coordinated effort involving 28 member municipalities and Broward County. So far, 16 cities have already approved the agreement, which outlines how waste will be handled, managed, and potentially phased out or restructured in the future if needed. The plan will only take effect once jurisdictions representing at least 80 percent of the total participating population give their approval.
For Coral Springs officials, the decision carried both practical and emotional weight. It came just months after the death of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, who had been closely involved in discussions surrounding the agreement before her passing in April. Her absence was strongly felt throughout the meeting, as commissioners reflected on her role in shaping the city’s participation.
Commissioner Shawn Cerra, who now represents the city on the Solid Waste Authority board following Metayer Bowen’s death, said the process had been ongoing for months and required close collaboration across multiple levels of government.
“I was the one that was sat by the commission to carry her torch,” Cerra said. “We have been very involved with every aspect of moving this forward in a collaborative manner.”
The emotional tone continued as commissioners spoke about Metayer Bowen’s contributions, particularly her focus on environmental issues and regional cooperation. Her work on sustainability and waste management planning was referenced repeatedly during the discussion.
Commissioner Joshua Simmons supported the agreement but also used his remarks to call attention to her legacy, urging the authority to formally recognize her contributions.
“I am strongly encouraging you all to find a way to make sure she is honored,” Simmons said.
Metayer Bowen’s death on April 1 was previously ruled by Coral Springs police as a domestic violence incident. Authorities have charged her husband, Stephen Bowen, with premeditated murder. Her passing left a noticeable gap in ongoing city initiatives, including the waste management negotiations now moving forward.
Mayor Scott Brook also acknowledged her influence during the meeting, noting that her work remained present in the background of the decision-making process.
“I’m very happy to be voting yes on this,” Brook said. “I appreciate the work of our Vice Mayor. Definitely in my thoughts a lot today.”
Beyond the emotional context, officials emphasized the technical structure of the master plan itself. Approved by the Solid Waste Authority Governing Board on April 17, the document establishes long-term strategies for waste disposal across Broward County. It also defines what facilities the authority may operate and includes contingency provisions for winding down operations if necessary in the future.
The plan entered a 120-day approval window after its initial adoption, during which member municipalities are required to vote. Several cities moved quickly, including Coconut Creek, Sea Ranch Lakes, and Southwest Ranches, all of which approved the agreement on April 23. Others, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Miramar, have yet to cast their votes, with meetings scheduled through mid-2026.
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During the Coral Springs meeting, commissioners also raised questions about potential costs to residents. Authority officials responded that the projected expense would be relatively modest, estimating about $2.22 per ton, which translates to roughly $4.44 per year for an average household using two tons of waste services in 2028 — or approximately 35 cents per month.
Mayor Brook acknowledged the low figure during the discussion, noting its importance in public communication.
“That figure is a nice figure to promote,” Brook said.
As Coral Springs moves forward with the agreement, officials say the focus now shifts to regional coordination and continued participation in shaping how Broward County handles waste management over the next several decades. For many in the room, however, the vote was also a reminder of a colleague whose influence helped bring the plan to this stage but was not there to see
