Mayor Tommy Ruzzano with resident Jerry Fleming. {David Volz}
When Jerry Fleming moved to Margate with his parents in 1972, his first goal was finding a lifeguard job.
He applied to work at the Margate pool when he was 17 after gaining three years of experience as a lifeguard in Michigan. The manager at the Margate pool wanted to hire him but mentioned that he needed a water safety instructor credential. However, he was able to secure a job at the North Lauderdale pool with the help of a friend.
This was one memory that Fleming shared at the July 10 commission meeting, where he was honored for living in Margate for 50 years.
Mayor Tommy Ruzzano gave him a plaque and praised him for choosing the city.
Fleming told the audience he was in the first graduating class at Coconut Creek High School and played on the school’s football team. After high school, he went to Broward Community College, where he was treasurer of the student council. “I had a great time. I have many good memories,” he said.
His parents started Fleming Realty in Margate, and he joined the business and eventually took it over. He mentioned, “My father sold many homes to Margate police officers.” He joined Fleming Realty in 1985 and took over the business in 1992 after his parents retired.
He ran the business until 2008, when he left because of the financial crisis. Fleming then became a massage therapist and continues to work in this profession.
Fleming has many fond memories of Margate. “I remember when it was a small town with only three restaurants. It has grown since then,” he said.
He told the audience that all five of his children went to Margate Elementary School. “Look at a map; we are dead center in Broward County. What we are doing here is building community. I am so proud of Margate, and I am proud of what we are going to do.”
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