Margate Commission Approves Free Calypso Cove Passes for Graduates, Sparking Resident Concerns

by David Volz April 5, 2026

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Calypso Cove {City of Margate}

The Margate City Commission on April 1 approved waiving fees for Margate Elementary School to use the covered field at the city’s Sports Complex for its fifth-grade graduation ceremony.

Following the ceremony, graduates will attend a celebration at Calypso Cove, the city’s aquatic facility. In addition, graduates from other Margate elementary and middle schools will receive a free day pass to the water park.

The decision prompted concerns from several residents, who argued that some students receiving the passes may not reside in Margate, noting that Broward County Public Schools students often attend schools outside their home cities. One resident said providing free passes to graduates was unfair.

Vice Mayor Anthony Caggiano defended the plan, describing it as a potential “loss leader” for the city. He said parents accompanying their children would pay admission and may spend money on food and beverages, and a positive experience could encourage return visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.