Effective Leadership for a Better Tomorrow
I am a native of Broward County and my mother's family dates back to the South Florida settlers. My husband Dave and I have made Pompano Beach our home since 2003. We reside in Palm Aire and are surrounded with nature, walking trails and beautiful lakes. We both have a passion for family, community, church and traveling.
As a dedicated member of the Pompano Beach community, I am committed to delivering real results and positive change. My passion for our city drives me to lead with integrity, transparency, and a vision for a stronger future. With your support, we can work together to build a thriving and inclusive community for generations to come.
If you are a registered voter in Pompano Beach District 5, I would appreciate your vote on November 3rd. There are many ways to get involved in the campaign in addition to your vote: hosting a community Meet & Greet, making phone calls, working the voting polls on election day and making a contribution. Even if you don't live in District 5 your campaign contribution is most welcome. Contribution checks should be made payable to Darlene Smith Campaign and mailed to 2855 N Palm Aire Drive, Pompano Beach, FL 33069. If you prefer to donate using a credit card please select the DONATE button at the top of the screen.
Your support is truly appreciated.
First Term Accomplishments
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Hosted a Basic Emergency Skills Training That Save Lives event for District 5 Residents on March 4 2026. 45 District 5 residents attended the Fire Safety Hands-On Training. Residents learned how to “Stop the Bleed”, hands-only CPR, proper use of AED (Automated Eternal Defibrillator), how to use fire extinguishers and the Red Cross provided information on how they can assist after a fire. The information and training provided to the attendees just might save a life one day.
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To fund the civic portion of our new Downtown (City Hall and parking deck) the City Commission had an option to use private financing for 30 years at approximately 8.2% or public financing for approximately 5.2%. At the Special Joint Meeting I voted for public financing (like we did for the G.O. Bond and Beach Redevelopment) because it would save approximately $100 million in interest over the 30 years. Unfortunately, the public financing vote failed in a tied vote.
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For the 2025-26 Budget I presented a project that was approved to install License Plate Readers & High-definition Cameras in Collier City and the entrances to Palm Aire. The Commission voted to keep the Millage Rate at 5.2181, same rate as the previous year.
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2026 City Budget had a 5.2181 millage rate, .5% lower than 2025. The total budget was $463 million and a Fire Fee increase of $30 to $361. The approved Capital Improvement Plan budget included a Public Safety Technology line item for District 5 in the amount of $900,000 for License Plate Readers and High-Definition Cameras in Collier City and all entrances into Palm Aire. This was a big ask in my first year as your Commissioner and a campaign promise that I made to you. I’m pleased that I was successful with obtaining these funds for the benefit of public safety in District 5.
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On August 6 2025 hosted a Town Hall at Skolnick Community Center. This gathering was a call for all members of our community—both longtime residents and newcomers alike—to come together as one united voice.
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Worked with the Collier City community and our City Commission to obtain $5,000,000 road improvement project for NW 27 Avenue from Broward MPO’s.
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Town Hall "Living with Wildlife" - On February 3 2025Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission engaged with 50 concerned residents from District 5, shedding light on the world of coyotes and how we can coexist with them harmoniously.
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Serve on the Pompano Beach and Broward County's Regional Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC).
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Honored Collier City Athletes at September 2025 Commission Meeting. These terrific 10-year-old Collier City girls spent their summer training & racing, thriving to be the best they could be and setting records as they go, in Track and Field and Swimming.
Significant Community Projects
The Palm Aire Lakes Project
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2005 - Pines and Sabals golf courses closed after Wilma
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2009 – Lake construction project planning and permitting started
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2012 – Digging began
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Several Community Meetings held to keep residents informed, answer questions
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1,800+ residents directly impacted by the construction
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2018 - City purchased 6 of the 9 lakes and today it is a passive park with walking trails, benches & fountains
Palm Aire United Friends of the Lakes, Trails & Green Spaces
I founded this community group with the purpose of improving the Lakes, Trails & Green Spaces throughout Palm Aire. We were able to bring community together by working with the City of Pompano Beach to improve the Palm Aire Lake property, the trails and green space throughout Palm Aire.
The Trail Users Group (pictured) is part of the Friends of Lakes, Trails & Green Spaces and we gather as community 3 times a year.
