Fort Lauderdale Mayor’s Newsletter: October 2025 [A Look Back at a Year of Progress and Growth!]

The following highlights are from the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale’s October 2025 newsletter –

Introduction: The Fort Lauderdale Renaissance

• Transformation of once-quiet areas like Flagler Village and Las Olas Boulevard
• Emergence as a global destination for luxury real estate and business
• Recognition from Forbes and Wall Street Journal as a “cool,” world-class city
• Blend of natural beauty, arts, culture, and infrastructure investment

Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Urban Growth and Family Living

• $10 billion investment reshaping downtown
• 83% increase in family population since 2018
• Emergence of a family-friendly urban core with parks, restaurants, and neighborhood feel

Tourism and Hospitality

• Overnight visitors increased from 7% to 30% in six years
• Expansion of hotels including The Whitfield, a new luxury boutique hotel
• Shift in tourism from beach-only to urban experience

Culture and Public Spaces

• Museum of Discovery and Science – first holographic theater on the East Coast
• Broward Center for the Performing Arts – major Broadway destination
• NSU Art Museum – includes Frida Kahlo self-portrait and Goodman collection
• Huizenga Park redevelopment as major public space and “green heart”

Dining and Entertainment

• Over 50 new restaurants in 2½ years
• Michelin and James Beard–recognized establishments such as Heritage and Katherine

Economic Impact and Job Growth

• Downtown generates $43 billion annually
• High-wage job sectors: finance, law, tech, healthcare
• Brightline and global connectivity via Port Everglades and FLL Airport

Ongoing Development Projects

• FAT Village by Hines: food, art, and tech hub (opening next year)
• Tarpon River Entertainment & Design District expansion
• Major upcoming projects:
  • The Andare (Pininfarina design)
  • Aimco mixed-use redevelopment of Searstown
  • Ombelle and Viceroy twin-tower ultra-luxury projects

New City Hall

• Replacement of 1960s building lost to 2023 floods
• Symbol of civic unity and forward momentum

The Beach and Barrier Island

Public Space Enhancements

• Completion of A1A streetscape – safer, more pedestrian-friendly
• Oceanside Park as cultural hub for festivals and family events
• Reopening of DC Alexander Park with playground and overlook

Marinas and Waterfront

• $130 million Las Olas Marina expansion – 7,000 ft of dockage for superyachts
• Generates $200 million annual economic impact

Aquatic Center Revitalization

• Rebirth as international swimming and diving hub
• Site of multiple world records (Katie Ledecky, Gretchen Walsh)
• Future phase includes new Hall of Fame and aquarium

Major Private Developments

• Bahia Mar Redevelopment: $2B project with St. Regis Hotel, residences, and retail
• Pier 66 Resort: reopening with 325 hotel rooms, residences, and rotating lounge
• The Dunes Hotel and Riva Residenze luxury expansions
• Beach’s first Michelin-rated restaurant (MAASS, Four Seasons)

Overall Impact

• Transformation into “Monaco of the West”
• Balance between seaside charm and global sophistication

Infrastructure

Fortify Lauderdale Initiative

• $1.6 billion investment after 2023 floods
• Citywide stormwater projects in Durrs, Dorsey-Riverbend, Edgewood, River Oaks, and Progresso Village
• Anticipated FEMA flood insurance discount

Sewer and Water System Upgrades

• Rehabilitation of major mains and pump stations
• Construction of Prospect Lake Clean Water Center (50M gallons/day, hurricane-proof)
• Smart water meters rollout and system mapping completion

Environmental and Sustainability Efforts

• Oyster cultivation with Coastal Conservation
• New marine facilities fund
• Net Zero Plan (solar, EVs, urban forestry)

Transportation and Mobility

• $8.6M for road and sidewalk repairs; $27.9M from bond funding
• Complete Streets programs and new corridors
• Circuit shuttle expansion into northwest neighborhoods
• Support for New River commuter rail tunnel option (not bridge)
• Adaptive traffic signals and bridge operation reforms
• Vision Zero and Sidewalk Master Plans for pedestrian safety

Public Safety

Crime Reduction and Policing Innovations

• Decline in overall crime due to proactive police work
• Expansion of Gun Intelligence Unit and ShotSpotter
• Marine patrols (Operation Risky Business) targeting illegal charters

Technology and Infrastructure

• $1.6M investment in CCTV and barriers for nightlife zones
• New police headquarters opening next year

Homelessness Initiatives

• Shelter and reunification programs
• 20-person specialized team with outreach, behavioral health, and enforcement
• Focus on accountability through Community Court

Fire and Rescue Services

• 28 new firefighters and 6 new rescue units
• Mobile Integrated Health Program (preventive care)
• New fire stations and upgraded fleet (hazmat and aircraft trucks)

Parks and Recreation

Major Projects

• The Fort at Snyder Park – $30M pickleball complex and national tournaments
• Jimmy Evert Tennis Center – $1.5M Orange Bowl gift, USTA partnership
• New YMCA and Broward Health Center – opening 2027 at Holiday Park
• War Memorial Auditorium & Baptist Health Iceplex – concerts and community use

Neighborhood Park Revitalizations

• Reopened Dottie Mancini Park; new land in Bal Harbour
• New park near Chase Stadium (settlement with Inter Miami)
• Citywide parks bond projects (Twin Lakes, Riverside, Tarpon Cove, etc.)
• Wi-Fi in all community centers

Other Citywide Initiatives

Economic Development

• Infinite Reality media studio project – 60 acres, 1,000 jobs
• Broward Convention Center and Omni Hotel expansion
• Executive Airport runway extension proposal

Housing and Affordability

• Affordable housing developments: Mount Hermon, Gallery at FAT Village, The Adderley

Community and Arts Programs

• “I Am Sistrunk” branding campaign
• Teachers-of-the-Year recognition program
• Public art installations (Laura Ward Park seashell, “FTL” sculpture)
• Municipal Affordability Program for essential utility support

Conclusion: A City Unstoppable

• Collective progress across neighborhoods, infrastructure, and culture
• Fort Lauderdale as a model of resilience, inclusivity, and ambition
• Future vision: cleaner waterways, safer streets, and more opportunity
• City’s transformation driven by community partnership and pride