June 2025 Newsletter:

Dear Neighbor,


Two years ago, unprecedented rainfall fell and impacted every area of this city. In response, we launched Fortify Fort Lauderdale, a $600 million program initiating and accelerating stormwater projects across Fort Lauderdale. At the April 15th Commission meeting, City staff presented an update on Fortify Fort Lauderdale, a program aimed at improving infrastructure, resilience, and flood prevention in vulnerable neighborhoods.

 

City staff and consultants from Hazen and Sawyer focused on Phase 2 of the stormwater improvement program and introduced the proposed methodology for prioritizing twelve additional neighborhood projects to follow the first eight. The approach combines model-driven flood analysis with community feedback to rank projects grouped into three phases. Projects will be scored using factors such as flood modeling results, levels of service, the number of impacted structures and roads, FEMA repetitive loss data, and spatial distribution. The Commission discussed the update and provided input, including suggestions to better define project areas and incorporate additional details into the prioritization process.

 

Along with the launch of Fortify Fort Lauderdale, I sent the acting city manager at the time a Flooding and Multi-point plan to supplement the Fortify program and to draw attention to specific areas of concern that I thought needed to be explored.  I am happy to report that many of the items I brought forth to the Commission are being addressed and I am very pleased to report that many vulnerable District 2 neighborhoods are currently being addressed or are in the queue for construction for these greatly needed stormwater management improvements. In Tranche1, the Southeast Isles seawall project has been completed, work in Progresso Village has begun and Victoria Park will be going out to the bid process this month. With many of our District 2 neighborhoods being included in the upcoming Tranche 2 (Sailboat Bend, Flagler Village, South Middle River, Middle River Terrace and Lake Ridge) to be discussed at the August Commission meeting, I am confident that we will make our neighborhoods more resilient. These projects will bring long-awaited drainage solutions and enhancements to key areas that experience storm and tidal flooding. I want to thank each and every resident for their patience and perseverance as we work towards reinforcing our infrastructure.



To learn more about Fortify Fort Lauderdale, please access the link below.

 

 www.fortlauderdale.gov/fortifylauderdale

Click on the memo below to view Commissioner Glassman's Multipoint Plan.

The City's Update on Flooding Initiatives

This Thursday, June 26th

Art Walk Open call to Artist

June 28th 6-10PM


Visit Galleries and meet the Artists and Local Vendors.

RAFFLE GIVEAWAY @8:30pm next to DJ.


Experience pop-up art galleries, local art and craft vendors, food trucks, a live DJ, and don’t forget to grab your raffle tickets for a chance to win an original piece of artwork—how exciting!

  •  Free admission
  •  Plenty of free parking
  •  Dog-friendly—bring the whole family!
  • If you’ve never been, this is a must-visit event!
  • Come celebrate the arts with us at the Thrive Art District!
  • Vendors Welcome! Text 561-599-0809

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

Free Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Day!

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Noon - 5 pm


Fort Lauderdale residents receive FREE admission to NSU Art Museum on the Last Sunday of Every Month as part of Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Days.



Fort Lauderdale Residents Receive:



·    2-for-1 Wine in the Museum Café

·    FREE admission, residents must show a photo ID, driver’s license, or residential utility bill with proof of Fort Lauderdale address.

·    Visit the Museum Café & Store and receive 10% off books published by NSU Art Museum.

Mid-Year Neighbor Survey Results

As part of the ongoing Progresso Village Neighborhood Stormwater Improvements Project, the following traffic impacts will be in effect Monday, June 23 through Thursday, June 26 while crews install drainage infrastructure at the intersection of NW 6th Street / Sistrunk Boulevard and NW 5th Avenue.

 

  • NW 6th Street / Sistrunk Boulevard will be open to local traffic only from NW 7th Avenue to Andrews Avenue starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 23 until approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 26
  • Traffic will be detoured to NW 4th Street and NW 7th Street at NW 7th Avenue and Andrews Avenue.
  • Traffic control personnel will be available to assist with access to properties in the area.
  • Please follow posted signs and drive with caution in the area.

 

This schedule is subject to change based on inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Inflow & Infiltration Reduction Program:

Sewer Smoke Testing

Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27



The City of Fort Lauderdale is working with Ardurra Group Inc. to conduct smoke testing throughout Fort Lauderdale over the next three years. This common procedure involves blowing smoke through sewer pipes to locate defects that would allow stormwater and groundwater to enter the sewer system.

 

The smoke being used is odorless, non-toxic, non-staining, does not create a fire hazard and will clear within 30 minutes with proper ventilation. Smoke should not enter private properties if they are properly plumbed and vented and if water traps contain water. If smoke enters private property, please ventilate the area, and notify nearby field technicians.

 

Smoke testing will take place Monday through Friday between 9 am and 4 pm. This schedule is subject to change based on inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

 

Approximate Testing Schedule for Arterial Roads

 

Monday, June 23, 2025

• SW 12th St. from SW 9th Ave. to SW 2nd Ave.

• SW 4th Ave. from SW 12th St. to SW 16th St.

• E Broward Blvd. from S Federal Hwy. to N

Victoria Park Rd.

 

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

• E Las Olas Blvd. to E Broward Blvd. from SW 4

Ave. to S Federal Hwy.

• NE 62nd St. from NE 18th Ave. to N Federal

Hwy.

• NE 56th St. from NE 20th Ter. to N Federal Hwy.

 

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

• Bayview Dr. from NE 14th St. to E Sunrise Blvd.

• N Federal Hwy. from E Commercial Blvd. to NE

54th St.

• E Commercial Blvd. from NE 15th Ave. to NE

20th Ave.

 

Thursday, June 26, 2025

• NE 18th Ave. from E Commercial Blvd. to NE

45th St.

• E Commercial Blvd. from NE 15th Ter. to NE

20th Ave.

 

Friday, June 27, 2025

• NW 6th St. from NW 31st Ave. to NW 27th Ave.

• W Sunrise Blvd. from NW 31st Ave. to NW 27th

Ave.

 

Traffic Impacts

• One lane in each direction of each street may be closed during work hours.

• Traffic control personnel will direct traffic as needed.

• Access to driveways will be maintained.

• Please follow posted signs and drive with caution in the area.

 

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and thank our neighbors for their patience while we complete this important testing. To see a map of the areas where smoke testing is scheduled and learn more about sewer smoke testing and the City’s efforts to reduce inflow and infiltration, visit ftlcity.info/iandi .

 

For more information or questions, contact:

Inflow and Infiltration Program Hotline

877-332-4037 or ftlii@ardurra.com

If you would like this publication in an alternate format, please call 954-828-4755 or email

strategiccommunications@fortlauderdale.gov.

Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Information

Annual Water Quality Report


Here’s some cool and refreshing information… the City’s 2024 Water Quality Report is available online here.


This annual report contains details about the City’s water source, treatment process, test results, and overall drinking water quality. As you’ll see in the report, Fort Lauderdale’s water is routinely monitored and tested to ensure customers receive high-quality drinking water that meets all federal, state, and local regulations.

Hurricane Season Has Arrived – Let’s Get Storm Ready!

As we enter hurricane season, it’s more important than ever to be proactive. Being prepared is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your home.

Although it’s been a while since our area faced a significant tropical storm, we can’t afford to be complacent. Experts are forecasting an active season this year, with 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and up to 5 major hurricanes expected between June 1 and November 30.


The City of Fort Lauderdale is already taking action—clearing storm drains, inspecting infrastructure, and ensuring emergency resources are ready to deploy when needed.


To help residents stay ready, free sandbags are available the first weekend of every month at four locations across the City.


Distribution Sites:

  • George English Park (1101 Bayview Dr.)
  • Holiday Park (1150 G. Harold Martin Dr.)
  • Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave.)
  • Floyd Hull/Morton Center (2800 SW 8th Ave.)
  • Free Resident Sandbag Flyer With Maps


Distribution Details:

  • First Saturday and Sunday of each month
  • May through November
  • May 3-4 | June 7-8 | July 5-6 | August 2-3 | September 6-7 | October 4-5 | November 1-2
  • 10AM - 1PM
  • Fort Lauderdale residents only (proof of residency required)
  • While supplies last


Sandbag Usage and Disposal Guidelines:

  • Reuse: Only dry, uncontaminated sandbags are suitable for reuse.
  • Disposal: Sandbags exposed to floodwaters should be considered contaminated and must be disposed of properly.
  • Important: Never dispose of sand in drains, streets, or on beaches.



Visit fortlauderdale.gov/stormready to watch a quick how-to video and learn more about how to prepare.


Now is the time to:

  • Check your emergency kit and restock any missing items.
  • Review and update your family’s storm plan.
  • Know your evacuation zone and identify where you’ll go if needed.
  • Make sure your insurance and home inventory are up to date.
  • Secure loose outdoor items and trim trees to minimize storm damage.
  • Stock up on food and water—enough for at least 3 to 5 days.



Stay informed by signing up for official alerts at fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl, and follow the City’s social media accounts for real-time updates before, during, and after any storm.


Living in a beautiful coastal city means we have a duty to be storm-smart. Let’s take the necessary steps now to keep our neighborhoods safe and resilient this season. Be informed. Be ready. Be safe.

FLIBS RETURNS OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 2, 2025

 

The countdown is officially over, and tickets to the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show are now on sale!

 

Join us October 29 – November 2 as we take over Fort Lauderdale for five days of boats, debuts, and unforgettable experiences. With 1,300+ boats, thousands of marine products, and more world and U.S. debuts than any other boat show in the country, FLIBS is the ultimate celebration of life on the water.

 

What’s on deck this year?

 

⚓️ Seven show locations

⚓️ Must-see activations and live demos

⚓️ Expert-led seminars and workshops

⚓️ Family-friendly fun and entertainment

⚓️ New vessels, big debuts, and exclusive first looks you won’t find anywhere else

 

Rally your crew, plan your trip, and get ready to explore everything FLIBS has to offer. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the world’s largest in-water boat show — grab your tickets today!

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.  



Board of Adjustment

Cemetery System Board of Trustees

Code Enforcement Board

Community Appearance Board

Community Services Board 

Nuisance Abatement Board

Articles

Whew! What a day in the City of Fort Lauderdale! This Panthers Celebration Parade and Pep Rally might have been the largest attendance ever at an event. I first went to Holiday Park where the hundreds of parade participants gathered and eventually were loaded into cars and busses. We made our way east on Sunrise Boulevard to the beach and the rest is history! A1A was packed on both sides of the road with very spirited fans; everyone had a blast. Thank you to all who coordinated this huge endeavor in just four days and thank you to the best first responders around! We are blessed! 3-peat anyone?!

The vibe in District 2’s Flagler Village continues to get better and better. We have created a cool village within our City and I had the pleasure of welcoming another small business to the neighborhood with a ribbon cutting for Through The Vine. This is a small space with huge talent and creativity behind it. Beautifully decorated and so welcoming, folks will love hanging out here for a glass of wine and small bites. Congrats!

I believe that the Central Beach Alliance neighborhood meeting set a Zoom record with 181 participants! This was their last meeting before a summer break and it was a pleasure to join them and discuss beach and city issues.

Thank you to all the media outlets who covered the City of Fort Lauderdale press conference pertaining to our huge Florida Panthers parade. Our Police and Fire Chiefs imparted valuable information so that everyone could have a fun, memorable, and safe experience. GO CATS!

The four District 2 beach neighborhoods had been anxiously awaiting the Grand Opening of Publix at A1A and NE 30th Street. A terrific crowd showed up for the 6:55 am ribbon cutting and thoroughly enjoyed this stylish, modern store. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Honored and humbled to be recognized at the “Take PRIDE 2025”! Thank you to all the sponsors for not being among so many corporations nationwide that have shied away from supporting the LGBTQ+ community this year. Congratulations to all my fellow honorees for all you do each and every day to better our community and demonstrate the amazing inclusivity of the City of Fort Lauderdale.

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


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

Steve Glassman

Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor, District 2