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
