Joy Carter concludes her time on Coral Springs City Commission amidst a surge in Pickleball and community engagement

Coral Sprins, Florida – Joy Carter, who has served as a Coral Springs City Commissioner for many years, has wrapped up her decade of public service. She leaves a legacy marked by enhanced senior programming, increased civic engagement, and a notable expansion of pickleball facilities.

Upon Carter’s assumption of office in 2014, Coral Springs featured merely two pickleball courts.
When she stepped down last month, that figure had risen to 26, positioning the sport as one of the city’s most favored pastimes.

“The city had only two courts,” Carter stated. “I involved every commissioner, along with the city manager and city attorney, to showcase the benefits of pickleball to everyone.”

Carter, 66, officially stepped down in November due to term limits, with Joe McHugh taking over her seat after winning the election.

Carter embarked on his political journey in 2014, entering the race for an available two-year position on the City Commission while working as a real estate agent with Keller Williams.
“I’ve decided to choose the shorter seat, despite the option of the longer one being there,” she stated. “I want to check if this is a feasible option for me, as I’d prefer not to commit to four years without a clear direction.”

Carter emerged victorious in that race, garnering 57 percent of the vote, and subsequently secured a full-term seat, serving until the end of her tenure.

Carter’s tenure included significant decisions, notably the contentious move of city hall.
She championed the enhancement of facilities for residents, emphasizing the importance of recreational activities and programs for senior citizens.

“We faced funding challenges, but I discovered methods to secure additional resources so they could participate in more activities,” Carter stated, emphasizing her commitment to enhancing senior services in the face of financial obstacles.

Furthermore, she backed local efforts like the Keep Coral Springs Beautiful committee, a volunteer organization committed to maintaining the city’s cleanliness.

“I became engaged in it because, when the children were young, my mother and I would stroll through the entire city with the strollers, collecting litter,” she shared.

Carter’s extensive background in civic engagement extends well beyond her position on the commission.

She held the position of chair for the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce, engaged in various city committees focused on economic development, multicultural initiatives, and transparency, and is presently the secretary of the Parkland 17 Memorial Committee, which is dedicated to creating a memorial for the victims of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Carter, who hails from Boise, Idaho, has made Coral Springs his home since 1985.
She brought up her two daughters, Mallory, 34, and Tara, 38, in the city. Tara is currently working with her and her brother in real estate at Keller Williams. She mentioned that her team is among the top 1 percent in the nation.

Carter attributes a significant portion of her success to her mother, who has been by her side for 38 years.

“She played a crucial role in raising my daughters, allowing me to manage my hectic work schedule,” Carter stated. “Thanks to her, I was able to accomplish many things for the city.”
As she transitions from public office, Carter intends to pursue her real estate career and stay engaged with community organizations.