February 2026 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,


The City Commission Priorities are an important component of the City’s planning process. These priorities advance the goals and objectives in the City’s five (5)-year Strategic Plan, Press Play Fort Lauderdale 2029, and long-term Vision Plan, Fast Forward Fort Lauderdale 2035. This process ensures that the City is agile in aligning today’s pressing needs with the defined goals and objectives for the next five (5) years and beyond.


At the Prioritization Workshop held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the City Commission discussed key concerns and priorities for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, beginning October 1, 2026. Staff summarized the key themes that were articulated and presented them as draft priorities for consideration at the February 3, 2026 City Commission Conference Meeting. The Mayor and City Commission validated the priorities at this meeting and they were approved at the February 17th Regular Commission meeting.


Commission priorities drive internal planning and help to advance advocacy efforts and collaboration with other governmental entities such as the County and the State.

 

The City Commission priorities established for FY 2027 include:

· Public Safety

· Homelessness Response

· Infrastructure and Resilience

· Public Spaces and Thriving Communities

 

Upon adoption, City staff will incorporate the priorities into the annual budget so that resources are available to move each priority forward in FY 2027.

 

As an additional component to the workshop, staff presented information to the City Commission regarding key topics, including items that required City Commission guidance. 

 

The topics presented and the feedback from the City Commission received are memorialized below:

 

  • Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) Update City staff provided an update on efforts and key milestones to address I&I, as well as the funding that is in place to support improvements. The City Commission requested additional community outreach in this area to share accomplishments as well as an update on milestones and expected completion.

 

  • Broadband Access City staff presented options to enhance broadband access across the City. The City Commission supported providing opportunities to educate neighbors on available affordable and free broadband programs, train neighbors on how to utilize broadband equipment and services, explore the expansion of the City’s existing internet service program, and increase bandwidth in parks and public buildings.

 

  • Police District IV City staff presented options to enhance police response through the creation of a fourth police district predominantly downtown. The City Commission supported continued exploration for the creation of this police district as a part of the budget development process to better understand costs and resource requirements.

 

  • Disposal of Federal Courthouse City staff presented options for repurposing the existing federal courthouse, which will be vacant after the new federal courthouse is completed. The City Commission expressed interest in the property for either education, affordable housing, or as a museum. While I feel there are also other uses, I strongly support acquiring this building from the Federal Government.

 

  • One Stop Shop City staff presented options for utilizing the existing One Stop Shop parcel. The City Commission shared with staff their preferences for the site to include both green space and elements for community activation. The City Commission also discussed the need for a new sewer lift station in the area. I along with staff will engage the community to better understand desires and needs for the site and I have already begun meetings with stakeholders to ensure that we develop this site wisely.



  • City HallCity staff provided an update on considerations for the framework of the interim agreement that will guide the construction and operation of the new City Hall site including cost, financing, and maintenance. The City Commission supported a target budget of $200 million. Thank you to staff and the development team for the excellent progress to date as we move forward with this important City project.  

 

Once again, I want to thank the District 2 neighborhoods for their input prior to our goal-setting workshop. All feedback given to our office was either discussed at the goal setting or was given directly to the City Manager and her staff to address immediately. As we work together not only as a district, but as a City, I look forward to a productive year ahead!

Police Headquarters Project Update

Construction activity continues at the Police Headquarters site at 1300 West Broward Boulevard. Demolition of the former headquarters began January 13, 2026 and is approximately 35 percent complete. This phase is expected to take 8 to 12 weeks, residents may notice demolition activity during daytime hours as this work progresses.


The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has begun relocating operations to the new headquarters. Public lobby services are now available, residents may visit Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to obtain records, retrieve evidentiary items and speak with department personnel.


Temporary public parking is available at 1350 West Broward Boulevard. Move-in is expected to be completed prior to March 31, 2026. Emergency services are not affected.



For more information and for a list of services, please visit our website at ftlcity.info/PDHQ

Traffic Advisory: VCA Walk for the Animals - February 21

The VCA Walk for the Animals will take place on February 21 at the Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park in Fort Lauderdale.


The following traffic advisory will be in effect on Saturday, February 21, from 9 to 10 a.m.:

  • One eastbound lane of E. Las Olas Boulevard will be closed from Seabreeze Boulevard to A1A
  • One northbound lane of A1A will be closed from E. Las Olas Boulevard to Poinsettia Street
  • One westbound land of Poinsettia Street will be closed from A1A to Seabreeze Boulevard
  • One southbound lane of Seabreeze Boulevard will be closed from Poinsettia Street to E. Las Olas Boulevard


The following traffic advisory will be in effect on Saturday, February 21 from 5 a.m. to noon:

  • Las Olas Circle surrounding Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park will be closed. Motorists should expect traffic congestion and plan travel times accordingly.


For more information, please visit secure.qgiv.com/event/2026walkfortheanimals.

Great American Bash - Feb. 21

The Great American Bash will take place on February 21 at Backyard in Fort Lauderdale.



The following traffic advisory will be in effect on Saturday, February 21, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.:

  • SW 3rd Avenue will be closed from SW 2nd Street to Broward Boulevard.


Expect traffic congestion and plan travel times accordingly. For more information, please visit greatamericanbash.net.

Asphalt Improvement Project in Victoria Park

Presentation on Managing Your Water Bill: Rates, Prevention, Ordinance Rights, and Customer Assistance Program

City Hall Update - Overview of Proposed Interim Agreement

District 2's 13th Street Roundabout Community Survey

Final Design Proposals


This survey will be open until March 14, 2026.  

The City of Fort Lauderdale is pleased to invite you to participate in a community survey to help guide the selection of an artist for a new public sculpture planned for the roundabout at NE 13th Street and NE 7th Avenue. This project is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public spaces through meaningful, high-quality art that reflects the character and identity of our community.


Three professional artists have been shortlisted through a competitive process and have developed site-specific design proposals for this location. Your feedback is an important part of the selection process.


In this survey, you will have the opportunity to:

  • View the full design proposals from each artist
  • Share your thoughts and comments on each concept
  • Rank the proposals
  • Select your overall preferred design

Community input will be shared with the Public Art and Placemaking Advisory Board and City staff as they make a final recommendation. While survey results are one of several factors considered — including artistic merit, durability, safety, and site compatibility — your perspective helps ensure the selected artwork resonates with those who live, work, and visit Fort Lauderdale.


Thank you for taking the time to share your voice and help shape the future of public art in our city.


Click the button below to take the survey!

Stormwater Pipe Replacement Projects in District 2's Sailboat Bend, South Middle River, and Middle River Terrace.

Sewer System Video Inspections: February 17 - May 29


In the following District 2 Neighborhoods:

Middle River Terrace, South Middle River, 

Lake Ridge, Hendricks and Venice Isles,

Riviera Isles, Nurmi Isles, Seven Isles, Las Olas Isles,

and Sunrise Key 


Construction Update: Victoria Park Neighborhood Stormwater Improvements Project

Property Resiliency Outreach Program

Business for the Arts Broward to Host Inaugural Art Walls Mural Fest

12 local artists are paired with nonprofits to create mission-driven murals in Fort Lauderdale

 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (February 2, 2026) – Business for the Arts Broward (BFA), in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), hosts the inaugural BFA Art Walls Mural Fest, presented by Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, a free two-day, community-driven celebration of art, collaboration and impact on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at History Fort Lauderdale, 231 SW Second Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

 

Twelve local nonprofits will be paired with one of 12 established and emerging artists to create 8-foot-by-8-foot murals inspired by each organization’s mission. Additionally, youth from the participating nonprofits will paint their own murals as an interactive experience designed to foster creativity and artistic self-expression.

The festivities kick off with a special BFA Art & Spirits presented by BBX Capital celebration on Thursday, February 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the BBX Capital Gallery, a showcase of participating artists and organizations, with an exclusive liquor tasting and art exhibition with BFA’s sponsors and supporters. Tickets are available at https://www.bfabroward.org/programs/art-and-spirits/.



“The BFA Art Walls Mural Fest is more than just an art show. It’s a platform where artistic expression intersects with community service,” said BFA Executive Director Robyn Vegas. “In a rapidly changing society, there is a vital need to expand access to the arts. By pairing talented artists with our local nonprofits, we are not only creating beautiful public art but also amplifying the missions of the organizations that make Fort Lauderdale thrive.”



Selected nonprofits and the artists are:

·        Art and Culture Center/Hollywood with Surge (Sergio Quinonez)

·        Art Prevails Project with Ashlee Sanford

·        Developing Dreams Foundation with Stefan Smith

·        Florida Children’s Theatre with BK Foxx

·        Inside Out Theatre Company with Luis Valle aka El Chan Guri

·        Museum of Discovery Science with Stephanie McMillan

·        New City Players with Priver Murals

·        Old Davie School Museum with Gabby Shepherd

·        South Florida Pride Band with Mongo Art (Michael Andress)

·        South Florida Chamber Ensemble with Samara Ash

·        Stonewall National Museum & Archives with Nate Dee (Nathan Delinois)

·        Pompano Beach Arts Foundation with Ivan Roque

 

In addition to presenting sponsor Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, BBX Capital, Crown Residential, Cathy and James Donnelly Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, FPL, Broward 

CRA Residential Enhancement Program

Applications are Open!

The CRA will begin accepting applications for the CRA Residential Enhancement Program starting Tuesday, January 20. This program is available exclusively to single-family homes located within the Northwest–Progresso–Flagler Heights CRA that may need assistance with exterior home improvements, particularly where property conditions have been identified as needing repair or corrective action.


Attached for your reference are the program application and an informational flyer. Please feel free to share this information with any constituents who may benefit from the program.



For additional details and program guidelines, please visit www.fortlauderdalecra.com/repprogram.

East Sunrise Boulevard Public Workshop

Important Election Information

We have the following Board Vacancies below.

Please email Ashley Cacicedo acacicedo@fortlauderdale.gov if you are interested in serving on a Fort Lauderdale City Board.  




Cemetery System Board of Trustees

Community Appearance Board

Community Services Board 

Nuisance Abatement Board

Spring Break is almost upon us and today’s press conference with all local media laid out our advice and regulations for a safe and fun-filled experience. While we basked in 76 sunny degrees, it was 38 degrees and rainy in NYC this morning. Is it any wonder why Fort Lauderdale is the most searched destination online for spring break destinations?!

Another jam-packed crowd for the Central Beach Alliance meeting. Always a pleasure to be with these very engaged residents and discuss the latest issues concerning the beach, the district, and the City.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is booming and Fort Lauderdale means business! That was the message at the 116th Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting attended by an overflow crowd! Congratulations to all the honorees, outgoing Chair Debbie Danto, incoming Chair Janna Lhota, President & CEO Dan Lindblade and the entire Board. Your work is so vital to the success of our City and County! Thank you, Dan Lindblade for your many years of incredible service and all the best in retirement!

A terrific turnout of citizens at the 2026 Neighbor Support Night! It was a great opportunity for residents to learn about the work of our outstanding staff in every department and get a closer look at our city’s major projects. So proud of the spirit in the City of Fort Lauderdale and all the accomplishments we have achieved together!


Articles

The greatness of our community starts with passionate citizens like you. 


Please do not hesitate to contact our Senior Commission Assistant, Ashley Cacicedo, with any questions, comments or thoughtful suggestions acacicedo@fortlauderdale.gov or 954-828-5923.

Steven Glassman

Fort Lauderdale Commissioner, District 2