DANIA BEACH, Fla. – A Dania Beach kosher food bank has reopened after being shut down last week when its permits were pulled by the city over traffic concerns.
The organizers of the kosher food bank that runs through the Florida Department of Agriculture has been operating since June 2020. They distribute kosher meals throughout the state.
Last week, they received a notice from the City of Dania Beach, which read:
“Your special event application will be revoked immediately due to life safety and traffic concerns expressed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.”
Local 10 News reached out to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and they said the City of Dania Beach revoked the permit.
This was not true, according to the food bank.
BSO said the issue is out of their hands and that it’s a city issue.
They also said the city and BSO had received complaints from residents in that area complaining about traffic.
After Local 10 shared the story, 24 hours later, there was a resolution.
Dovie Katz runs the food bank and didn’t realize how much the community relies on their bank.
“We didn’t realize how important it was until we got the emails from the people saying how important it was,” Katz said.
Changes have been made to alleviate traffic concerns. They are expediting the delivery of food to make sure there is no backup.
“We have Broward Sheriff’s Office, they provided us with a vehicle and it will help with traffic. It’s very helpful, the kids look forward every week to see what kind of grocers they are getting this week,” Katz said.
Shira Sipper was happy her store was back open again and was picking up food for her four children and her neighbor who just had a baby.
“Thankfully for us, it’s a bonus, but I think a lot of people have come to rely on this in a way we can’t understand. We are very grateful,” she said.