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Dear Neighbor,
What an INCREDIBLE first half of the year it has been for District 2! As we have reached the mid-point of 2025, I wanted to pause and review just how much we have accomplished together in the first six months of this year.
Setting Our Priorities
At the Prioritization Workshop held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the City Commission discussed key concerns, goals and priorities for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. Staff compiled the feedback and organized the ideas into priority categories for consideration by the Commission. At the February 18th meeting, a presentation was provided to outline the draft FY 2026 City Commission priorities beginning October 1, 2025.
The FY 2026 City Commission priorities discussed include:
· Public Safety
· Homeless Initiatives
· Affordable Housing and Economic Development
· Transportation and Traffic
· Infrastructure and Resilience
· Public Spaces and Community Initiatives
Once again, I want to thank all the District 2 neighbors for their input prior to our goal-setting workshop. My office has taken notes and has been working on those priorities.
City Staff Changes and Updates
City Manager Williams
Welcome to our new City Manager, Rickelle WIlliams! On March 5th, the City Commission adopted a resolution appointing Rickelle Williams as City Manager of Fort Lauderdale, effective April 2, 2025. The 4-1 vote in favor of the appointment and contract is reflective of the city's setting high expectations for Rickelle Williams. City Manager Williams attended our June 10th District 2 Presidents’ Roundtable meeting and got acquainted with our amazing team of neighborhood presidents. We are very excited to collaborate with her in the years ahead.
Executive Team
City Manager Williams will maintain four assistant city manager roles to memorialize the level of executive leadership the city has experienced for nearly a year. Benjamin Rogers will assume the role of Assistant City Manager maintaining his existing portfolio of the Office of Real Estate, Parks and Recreation and Transportation and Mobility. Christopher Cooper will serve as an Assistant City Manager and continue to have oversight of the Community Redevelopment Agency, Development Services Department and Neighbor Support Division (including Homeless Services). In addition, Chris will now provide leadership to the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Yvette Matthews will become an Acting Assistant City Manager until her permanent appointment as Assistant City Manager pending adoption of the Proposed FY 2026 Budget. Yvette's portfolio will include Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of Professional Standards. Milos Majstorovic is appointed as Transportation and Mobility Director, following his outstanding service in the acting capacity for the past year. I have had such a wonderful experience working with all four of these very talented individuals and am excited to continue the great progress we have made in our district and city-wide.
Appointment of Public Works Director
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Bradford Kaine as Fort Lauderdale's Public Works Director effective Monday, July 21, 2025. Mr. Kaine joins the City following over five (5) years of service in various senior leadership and executive roles within the City of Miami Beach's Public Works Department. Most recently, Mr. Kaine served as its Intermin Public Works Director with oversight of 340 full-time employees and managed a total annual capital and operating budget of over $500 million. Serving as interim director has been Talal-Abi-Karam (Abi) and we are so grateful for his leadership during this time.
Chief Waterway Officer
On April 22, 2025, Marco Aguilera was promoted to the Chief Waterways Officer Position in the City Manager’s Office. The Chief Waterway Officer is a leadership role that will liaise with the boating community, marine industry and the residents of the city while unifying existing efforts and coordinating with outside agencies on issues related to the City’s waterways. I met with Mr. Aguilera in June and discussed many of our District 2 waterway challenges and am very confident that he will make a positive impact in elevating the City’s response and protecting one of our most critical and loved assets in District 2-our waterways.
Upcoming Projects
Commission Receives Update on Holiday Park Parking
On May 20th, the Commission received an update on Holiday Park Parking and unsolicited proposals which included background on the previously discussed surface parking lot concepts, and two unsolicited proposals received in 2025. At the June 30th meeting, the City Commission decided to advance both unsolicited proposals to construct a parking garage at Holiday Park. As part of the 2020 Parks Bond, a parking structure was originally envisioned but could not be funded due to reallocations. Since then, demand for parking at the park has surged with the reopening of The Parker and War Memorial Auditorium, the debut of the Baptist Health IcePlex, and the forthcoming YMCA and Broward Health complex. Proposals were submitted by Holiday Park Parking Partners LLC and Park Place Garages LLC. Following a staff presentation, the Commission authorized moving forward with a Notice of Intent to enter into a comprehensive agreement, triggering a 45-day competition period. We will move this along as quickly as possible as parking is desperately needed in the ever-increasingly popular Holiday Park.
Major Progress on Holiday Park YMCA
At the June 17th meeting, there were agenda items passed regarding the progress of the YMCA at Holiday Park. First, the City Commission approved the transfer of $1 million each from Commission Districts 1 and 2 Parks Bond land acquisition funds, totaling $2 million, to support construction of a public pool at the YMCA facility planned for Holiday Park. The funding will close a financial gap in the $3.35 million project, which includes a 25-yard, six-lane pool, a teaching pool, and accessible community amenities. The YMCA will offer free weekend access to Fort Lauderdale residents, discounted memberships, lifeguard training, and swim safety programs as part of its community partnership. The second item was a resolution to approve authorization of a new lease agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and the YMCA for a portion of Holiday Park along North Federal Highway. I am so happy to report that construction will begin in August with an anticipated completion date of May 2027.
Andrews Avenue Redesign
On June 4th, City staff, along with Broward County, held the second public meeting regarding Broward County’s proposed improvements to Andrews Avenue between Sunrise Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard. The project is funded through the Mobility Advancement Program (Transportation Surtax). Neighbors had the opportunity to hear directly from the Broward County project team, view the latest design updates, and share feedback. Planned improvements include: safer sidewalks and new crosswalks, landscaped medians and new street trees, traffic signal and lighting enhancements, resurfacing, signage, and drainage upgrades. Broward County anticipates finalizing the design plans by the first quarter of calendar year 2026; beginning construction in the third quarter of 2026; and completing construction by the fourth quarter of 2027. Thank you to all who attended as we received valuable feedback to help the enhancements planned for this area.
Breakers Avenue at the Beach
On May 6th, the City Commission adopted a resolution approving a $3,000,000 grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the construction of the Breakers Avenue Resiliency and Pedestrian Traffic Improvements Project. The project aims to transform Breakers Avenue into a safer, more connected, and climate-resilient corridor by incorporating streetscape upgrades such as pedestrian lighting, landscaping, shared-use street design, and water and sewer utility improvements. Originally designed in 2019 with community input, the project has secured over $8.3 million in funding to date and remains a priority under the City's strategic transportation and mobility goals. The design is advancing from 90% to final completion, with construction anticipated to be finished by December 2027. I am confident that a new interlocal agreement with the County, as well as nearly $3 million in our FY 2026 budget will complete the necessary funding.
City Hall Update
At the June 3rd Conference Commission meeting, the City Commission received an update on the Fort Lauderdale City Hall project, including recent progress, upcoming procurement steps, and funding considerations. Staff will issue a design Criteria Package solicitation through the City’s standard procurement process. Later that evening at the Regular Commission meeting, the City Commission adopted a resolution expressing its intent to enter into a comprehensive agreement with Meridiam Infrastructure North America for the design, development, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of a new City Hall facility, following an unsolicited proposal submitted by the company. The resolution also provided a 60-day period for the City to receive other proposals for the same project. It is important that we continue moving this process forward and this action will accomplish just that.
Police Headquarters Update
At the June 3rd Commission Conference meeting, the City Commission was given a presentation on the Fort Lauderdale Police Headquarters project following a third-party peer review of the building’s structural design. Phase 2 of the review, conducted by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE), identified multiple findings grouped into life safety, serviceability, and documentation categories. Key items identified include insufficient shear wall strength, overstressed columns, and discrepancies in roof beam loading. When asked by the City Commission if these issues can be corrected, WJE stated that if properly addressed, all items identified can be corrected and the building can be safely occupied. City staff and the design team are working on corrective measures and documentation updates, which will need to be implemented prior to building occupation. Next steps include developing final proposals, determining associated costs, and recovering costs tied to validated design errors. Not one police officer or support personnel will move into this building unless it is safe to do so.
International Swimming Hall of Fame
On March 4, 2025, Hall of Fame Partners, (HOFP) provided the City Commission with an update on the International Swimming Hall of Fame project during the City Commission conference meeting. The presentation focused on two efforts, which includes the West Building and the Promenade.
During the meeting, the project team heard feedback and concerns from the City Commission and community members regarding the West Building design. In response, Hall of Fame Partners made modifications to address many of the concerns. Specifically, the building height was reduced from 120’ to 85’ by removing two levels of parking and privacy concerns were mitigated by removing direct views of the Aquatic Center from the interior of the West Building. Thank you to all of those who have taken the time to provide input on this project - especially the swimming and diving community and the project's closest neighbors. We will all work together to make sure that this peninsula is programmed in a way that works for all.
District Improvements
Bayshore Drive Asphalt Improvement Project
On June 13th, the long-awaited Bayshore Drive Asphalt Improvement Project finally commenced and was completed a few days later. The City of Fort Lauderdale worked with All County Paving to resurface Bayshore Drive from north of Vistamar Street to N. Birch Road in Central Beach. This project included milling and resurfacing asphalt and applying new pavement markings. Thank you to all the neighbors for your cooperation and your patience while this project was completed.
South Gordon Road Paving
Finally, the paving of South Gordon Road commenced on June 27th. I would like to thank the neighbors who live on South Gordon Road for their patience while we brough this project to fruition.
Thrive Progresso!
When Jonathan and Abraham Fish first met with me nearly six years ago to discuss their vision for the Thrive Art District in District 2’s Progresso Village, we took a tour of the site and I looked at them and said, “Really?!” What I saw then was a blighted mess of rag shops, auto parts bays, and little to write home about. We got to work and fast forward to today where the transformation is nearly complete.
Nearly 70% of the spaces are rented, the mix of tenants is phenomenal, and renowned international artists are filling the walls! Art Walks and other events bring huge crowds (more than 300 for Yoga!) and there is still more to come. If you haven’t checked this out, then get there! The excitement is really building and I predict a reputation that will surpass Wynwood. Congratulations to the Fish Brothers and all the tenants for your passion, vision, and community building!
Flagler Village Safety Study (Between Broward and Sunrise Blvd. - Flagler Village)
I met with City staff and FDOT on June 19th regarding the safety study that was conducted on US1 in Flagler Village. The main purpose of this study was to identify existing concerns and develop recommendations that address safety and mobility. Staff presented several short- and long-term recommendations including installing regulatory safety signage, enhancing the intersection pavement markings at NE 8th Street signal, the possible signalization of the NE 5th Street and NE 7th Street, and much more. Staff has also met with the Flagler Village Civic Association leadership to share these details as well. The next step is coordination with key organizations such as FDOT and MPO to help implementation.
NE 11th Street Asphalt Improvement Project
(South Middle River)
The City of Fort Lauderdale is working with FG Construction to resurface NE 11th Street between N. Andrews Avenue and NE 1st Avenue in South Middle River. This project includes milling and resurfacing asphalt and also applying new pavement markings This project was funded through a Community Development Block Grant. This federal grant program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and supports activities to build stronger and more resilient communities. Dates are forthcoming, so stay tuned.
Commission Receives Presentation on Sailboat Bend Vision Plan
On June 17th, The City Commission received a presentation on the Sailboat Bend Vision Plan, developed in partnership with Dover, Kohl & Partners to guide future improvements in Fort Lauderdale’s only residential historic district. The plan was shaped by input from residents through open houses, an online survey, and several meetings, and highlights opportunities to improve the overall streetscape, calm traffic, enhance local parks, and protect the neighborhood’s historic charm. It also explores ways to manage new development and improve connections to surrounding areas while preserving Sailboat Bend’s unique identity. The plan offers a foundation for future decision-making and potential funding priorities. The FY 2026 tentative budget includes $100,000 for the next steps towards implementation.
Holly Heights Drive Stormwater Improvement Project (Middle River Terrace)
This project is to provide stormwater improvements for Holly Heights Drive and adjacent streets in the Middle River Terrace neighborhood. The project's scope includes the design and construction of new stormwater infrastructure to alleviate historical flooding. Potential conceptual design may consist of new and/or improved swale areas, drainage structures, drainage piping, and other stormwater control features. The project is currently in Design; construction is slated for later this year with an approved budget of $89,610.
Refurbished Pavement Markings and Pedestrian Crosswalk Installation (Victoria Park)
In April, our office received a concern regarding the NE1st and Victoria Park Road intersection; cars have been seen driving through stop signs and failing to yield to pedestrians. Our office contacted Transportation and Mobility and asked them to review the area and see if any mitigation efforts could be implemented. Neighbors have reported positive feedback that the pavement markings have been refurbished along with the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk, and it is assisting in having cars stop.
Progresso Village Stormwater Improvements
On April 1, the City began working with Man-Con, Inc. to make improvements to the stormwater system in the Progresso Village neighborhood to enhance its efficiency and reliability. This $30 million project includes: Installing 21,000 feet of stormwater pipe, installing 100 drainage structures, installing a new stormwater pump station, reconstructing swale areas, relocating nearby water and sewer lines, reconstructing driveways and sidewalks, restoring pavement and trimming trees. Construction is expected to be completed in Fall 2026.
Catch Basin Repairs-(Hendricks Isle/Isle of Venice)
In May, neighbors reported flooding on Isle of Venice Drive and we requested that City staff investigate. The city stormwater crew detected leaks inside the walls of the catch basin on Isle of Venice Drive. Along with resurfacing the pipe, city crews sent a camera inside the pipe between the catch basins to determine if there was further damage. City crews resealed the basin and fixed all cracks. Special thanks to our team in Public Works for your amazing assistance in fixing the issue.
Upcoming A1A Intersection Improvements at NE 14th Court and NE 27th Street in Central Beach.
FDOT has announced the upcoming A1A intersection improvements at NE 14th Court and NE 27th Street. At NE 14th Court, they are constructing a signalized mid-block pedestrian crosswalk to enhance safety and connectivity for pedestrians. At A1A and NE 27th Street, there will be an installation of two new traffic signal mast arms along with construction of new crosswalks and pedestrian signals. Construction will commence in July.
NE 15th Street Improvements-Middle River Terrace and Lake Ridge
Late last year, the City was notified that the grant application submitted to the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the NE 15 Avenue was awarded and programmed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The complete streets project between Sunrise Boulevard and the South Fork of the Middle River, within the neighborhoods of Lake Ridge and Poinsettia Heights, seeks to improve mobility for all roadway users including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. With the programming of funding, the Transportation and Mobility Department is engaging both neighborhoods to advance the initial vision towards design concepts.
The project is expected to include: raised intersections for traffic calming, integration of lessons learned from the pilot tactical project between NE 11th Street and NE 13th Street, raised crosswalks near the NE 18th Street roundabout, a new crosswalk at NE 15th Street, landscaped medians between NE 11th Street and NE 13th Street to match the northern section of the roadway. The first of two public meetings were held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The second public meeting is anticipated to take place in early Fall. The final concepts will be utilized for the development of the design scope when funding becomes available.
Undergrounding Progress-Idlewyld/Riviera Isles
On April 15th, the City Commission adopted an ordinance which establishes a process for Idlewyld and Riviera Isles neighborhoods to underground their overhead utilities. The program provides that the City will incur upfront costs for the preparation of construction plans for utility underground services. We are also closely monitoring the progress in all of the other District 2 neighborhoods interested in undergrounding.
And if the above wasn’t enough excitement in the first six months of this year, I would be remiss if I did not mention our 2025 Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers! On June 22, we celebrated their victory with yet ANOTHER monumental parade on the beautiful beach in District 2! The excitement was palpable, and the entire city was beaming with pride. We are so proud of our CATS!
I know that was A LOT of information, but this was not even everything; thank you for bearing with me. I am grateful to represent a district that continually gives my office invaluable input that helps me navigate the projects that I bring to City Staff for consideration and ultimately push to get completed. These past six months have been incredibly productive for our District, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish together in the last half of 2025.
Thank you!
Steven
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