Cities shine a light for those helping others during COVID-19

As a way to show solidarity with first responders and health care professionals working during the coronavirus crisis, two western Broward County cities are lighting the way.

Cooper City has asked its residents to flicker their front porch, home or parked car lights from 8:08 to 8:11 p.m. every Friday as a sign of gratitude for those battling the coronavirus crisis.

“Our City Manager [Joseph Napoli] said, ‘I would love to bring the city together and let them know we’re in this together,” said Cooper City’s Tina Hudson, who spearheaded the initiative. “There’s been other initiatives in recent years for various things that involve lights.”

Cooper City’s Friday Night Flickering Lights initiative has been going on since mid-March since the stay-at-home orders were put into effect. On Friday, June 5, Cooper City will be moving the time period to 8:30 to 8:33 p.m. to adjust to the sky getting darker later.

Cooper City has been able to capture residents joining the initiative by having a drone collect footage around the surrounding area.

Weston has also been showing its support to first responders and health care workers by launching the “Shine in White” campaign. Weston encourages residents to display white lights or ribbons and wear white on Wednesdays to say thanks to those on the COVID-19 pandemic front lines.

Businesses and residents are also asked to display white lights or ribbons in their front yards, balconies or windows that are visible to their neighbors. Weston City Hall is decked out in white in support of those fighting the coronavirus with white ribbons installed in outdoor public areas.

“Those working closely with the public are taking great risks in an effort to ensure that others are safe,” Weston Mayor Daniel Stermer said in a statement. “This is not going to go away anytime soon and we need to encourage those on the front lines by showing our appreciation for everything they do for the betterment of our communities. I know I am very appreciative for all they do.”

Weston encourages residents to share their “Shine in White” photos and videos on social media by using hashtags #ShineInWhite and #Weston to help spread the messages of thanks.

Both initiatives are planned to continue until the safer-athome order is lifted.

COOPER CITY Cooper City residents flicker their lights every Friday as a sign of gratitude for those battling the coronavirus crisis.

Weston launched the Shine in White campaign as a sign of appreciation for first responders and health care workers.