Clarification Needed on Citywide Streetlight Discrepancies

by Chaz Stevens, Mayoral Candidate Deerfield Beach

Dear FPL;
media.relations@fpl.com

I hope this email finds you well. My name is Chaz Stevens, and I’m reaching out to you as a concerned resident of Deerfield Beach — and, coincidentally, a mayoral candidate. I’m writing to address a pressing issue regarding streetlights across our city.

Here’s the situation: many areas are plagued by non-functional or absent streetlights, leaving neighborhoods in literal darkness. This isn’t limited to isolated spots; it’s a citywide issue, raising both safety and accessibility concerns. Meanwhile, the streetlight in front of my home is so bright that it practically rivals the midday sun. I’m half-joking when I say that stepping outside at night almost requires sunscreen.

This glaring (pun intended) inconsistency begs a few questions:

• Why are so many lights throughout Deerfield Beach out of commission?
• What determines the brightness levels for functioning streetlights?
• Are there plans in place to address the outages and recalibrate lighting levels across the city?
• Does FPL offer welding glasses for the visually impacted?

I’m keen to understand what might be causing these disparities and how FPL is working to resolve them. I believe we share the same goal: ensuring safe, well-lit streets for every resident while balancing energy efficiency and environmental considerations.

I’d appreciate your insights into this matter and any steps we can take to collaborate on solutions. Thank you for your time and the work you do to support our community.

Looking forward to your response.

Best regards,
Chaz Stevens
Mayoral Candidate, City of Deerfield Beach

PS I have begun a project to wrap street poles containing non-functioning lights with yellow ‘police’ tape. Should make the culprits easy to find. Town folks might wonder if we’re filming a CSI Miami episode.

Also, I’ve asked incoming City Manager Brimlow for a tour of the city. For safety reasons, we’ll be donning miner’s caps and cap lights …