May 2023 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

Historic Preservation Month

Every year in May, local preservation groups, municipalities, state historical societies, and business and civic organizations across the country celebrate National Historic Preservation Month through events that promote historic places and heritage tourism, and that demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.

Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in 1973. In 2005, the National Trust extended the celebration to the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month to provide an even greater opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states.

Historic Preservation in the City of Fort Lauderdale is regulated through the City’s Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR) and through the Historic Preservation Element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  In addition to the ULDR, decisions and recommendations by the Historic Preservation Board and the Historic Preservation Board Liaison are guided by the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

The City of Fort Lauderdale has been a Certified Local Government (CLG) since 2010 and maintains a commitment to protect its historic resources and provide continuous improvement to historic preservation efforts. The CLG program was enacted as part of the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 and is a preservation partnership between local, state and national government that is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation Office in Tallahassee. Since becoming a CLG, the City of Fort Lauderdale received several grants that are made available to CLGs including funds to create the City’s Historic Preservation Design Guidelines, conduct several Architectural Resource Surveys, and to prepare a Strategic Historic Preservation Plan.

Historic Preservation in the City of Fort Lauderdale is regulated through the City’s Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR) and through the Historic Preservation Element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  In addition to the ULDR, decisions and recommendations by the Historic Preservation Board and the Historic Preservation Board Liaison are guided by the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

Benefits of Historic Preservation

• Recycling of community resources

• Restoration and rehabilitation of historic houses and commercial buildings, preserving the City’s past

• Stabilization and improvement of property values in historic neighborhoods and older commercial areas

• Welcomes adaptive use and new construction in historic districts

• Creation of jobs for architects and skilled craftsmen in restoring historic buildings

• Stimulates economic revitalization and business opportunities in older commercial areas

• Protects resources through design guidelines and review

• Improves the local economy by promoting heritage tourism

• Provides financial assistance for eligible projects

• Stimulates additional tax revenues in revitalized neighborhoods and commercial areas

• Attracts other funding sources to popular community-based projects

• Provides a sense of place and focus for cultural activities

• Encourages investment in the historic core of communities

• Development community and civic pride

• Increases the choice of housing types available

We are blessed to have many organizations in our city that help to promote and protect historic structures for future generations to enjoy. These organizations include the Bonnet House and Gardens, Broward County Historic Preservation Program, Broward Trust for Historic Preservation, Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, and the Stranahan House; all help to enhance our city’s rich cultural heritage and educate future generations on the foundations of our past.

The City of Fort Lauderdale has a rich architectural heritage that comprises three historic districts, (including the one residential district in Sailboat Bend) 62 individually designated historic landmarks sites, and fifteen sites on the National Register of Historic Places. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to respect our built history and to ensure that representations of our architectural heritage are preserved. To accomplish this, we must continue to expand incentive offerings to property owners as preservation is not inexpensive.

To protect and enhance these areas, Historic Preservation incentives are available to properties that are designated as historic landmarks or are contributing properties in a designated historic district within the City of Fort Lauderdale. City, state and federal incentives for historic preservation include the following:

City of Fort Lauderdale

• Ad Valorem Tax Exemption providing a 50% reduction in base City taxes for certain commercial uses, Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR) Section 47-24.11.F.

• Ad Valorem Tax Incentive for Improvements for both residential and commercial properties (10-year tax abatement from the increased value of the property due to the improvements) ULDR Section 47-24.11.E.

• Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program, ULDR Article XII, Section 47-36.1

• Parking Reductions and Exemptions, ULDR Section 47-20.3

• Waivers for Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse for both residential and commercial properties to reduce setback and distance separation requirements, ULDR 47-24.11.G.

• No application fees for most residential Certificates of Appropriateness

• Exceptions from Florida Building Code, Existing Building as outlined under Chapter 12, Historic Buildings, within the Existing Buildings to protect features and elements of historic buildings.

• Accessibility Exceptions (ADA)

• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Exemptions

• Design assistance provided by staff to the HPB and design review by the Historic Preservation Board (HPB)

• Broward County Ad Valorem Tax Exemption providing a 50%

reduction in base County taxes for certain commercial uses)

• Ad Valorem Tax Incentive for Improvements for both residential and commercial properties (10-year tax abatement from the increased value of the property due to the improvements) Broward County Municode Section 31 1/2-103.

State of Florida

• Small Matching Grants offered through the State Historic Preservation Office are available to public entities such as counties or municipalities, school districts, state colleges or universities, agencies of state government and non-profit organizations to apply for survey or planning projects, National Register nominations, heritage education projects, or historical markers.

• Special Category Grants are available to public entities such as counties or municipalities, school districts, state colleges or universities, agencies of state government and non-profit organizations to apply for development projects, archaeological research, development of a museum exhibit, or acquisition of a historic property.

Federal

• Rehabilitation Tax Credit (RTC) for a federal income tax credit equal to 20% of the allowable expenses incurred in a certified rehabilitation of an income-producing certified historic structure.

Historic preservation is a conversation with our past about our future. I am so proud of the many neighborhoods through Fort Lauderdale that have such a rich history that can be shared with so many in present day. Historic preservation serves to enhance Fort Lauderdale’s identity, economy, and quality of life. Through historic preservation, we look at history in different ways, ask different questions of the past, and learn new things about our history and ourselves so we can impart this wisdom to future generations to come. Our built history is the physical manifestation of our city’s history; it should be respected.

Click on the image below to watch my segment on Commission Connect!

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Full overnight closure of Federal Highway (US-1) at Sunrise Boulevard May 15-17

Click on the image below to read "Tomorrowland: Fort Lauderdale Forges Forward" from Fort Lauderdale Illustrated Magazine.

Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Stopping

in Broward County

Update on Allocation of Residential Flexibility (Flex) Units and Regional Activity Center (RAC) Residential Units

LauderGO! Micro Mover – Galt Mile Service

Click on the images below to view the District 2 transportation project reports for Lake Ridge, Middle River Terrace, Progresso Village, Sailboat Bend, South Middle River, and Victoria Park.

Lake Ridge

Middle River Terrace

Progresso Village

Sailboat Bend

South Middle River

Victoria Park

Check out our City's Go-Green recycle bins featured on the Eco Channel.

A1A Streetscape Improvement Project

Update May 5th, 2023

The City of Fort Lauderdale is working with Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. to make streetscape improvements along A1A from the Fort Lauderdale Beach Parking Lot entrance (near SE 5 Street) to Sunrise Boulevard. This project will enhance pedestrian lighting and safety and create a signature hardscape pattern at the intersection of A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. The project includes:

• Relocating existing palms to the curb to extend sidewalk area on both sides of A1A
• Upgrading hardscape elements including colored, decorative concrete
• Installing site furnishing elements including accent seating and bollards
• Installing LED pedestrian lights along the west side of A1A that will provide amber-colored lighting during turtle nesting season and white lighting during the remainder of the year

Construction began on Monday, April 24, 2023, and is expected to be completed in December 2023. 

Recently Completed Activities

• Work Complete: 1%
• Schedule Complete: 4.4%
• The project remains on time and on budget.
• Daily lane closures along southbound A1A from SW corner of Sunrise Boulevard towards Vistamar Street.
• Sub-contractor MTX conducted sounding operations to locate existing utilities in preparation for boring operations.
• MTX performed two bore shots between light poles for a total of 530 feet.
• Sub-contractor UEG started to excavate and assembled rebar cage for light pole spread footer.

Upcoming Activities (Through 5/19/23)

• Continue operations along southbound A1A.
• Continue concrete spread footers at each light pole location.
• Begin installation of light poles.

Traffic Impacts

• Daytime operations (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will continue for lighting directional bore and installation of spread footers & pole bases along sidewalks on the west side of A1A.
• Partial Closures along A1A in both directions:
• Southbound: 1 lane (outside) from SW corner of Sunrise Boulevard to NW corner of Seville Street.
• Northbound 1 lane (inside) from north of South Beach Parking Lot to north of Castillo Street.

Please follow posted signs and exercise caution when traveling in the area. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and thank our neighbors for their patience as we work to complete this project.

Additional Information

• Project Flyer
• Public Meeting Presentation
• Public Meeting Recording - Enter Passcode: 73%^z^x0

For more information or questions, contact:

Irina Tokar, Senior Project Manager

954-828-6891 or [email protected]

City of Fort Lauderdale 24-Hour Neighbor Service Center

954-828-8000 or [email protected] 

 Las Olas Isles Undergrounding of Overhead Utilities

We're coordinating utility undergrounding efforts throughout the Las Olas Isles neighborhood to enhance safety and resilience for our neighbors. 

• Construction Schedule: Just days after the City Commission approved the ordinance establishing the process for communities seeking undergrounding on May 18, 2010, Las Olas Isles neighbors applied and began efforts to make this project a reality. A groundbreaking ceremony was celebrated on June 14, 2022, officially marking the start of construction. Mayor Dean J. Trantalis and District 2 Commissioner Steve Glassman spoke at the event and have been closely monitoring the project's progress since then. "Many thanks to the residents for their patience these past twelve years. Getting this project started has been a priority of mine since being elected in 2018," said Commissioner Glassman. The construction schedule has been extended due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather, additional work, and revisions to the original contract. Following the approval of a recent change order, substantial completion is now expected in September 2023 and final restoration work is expected to be completed by November 2023.
• Contractor & Sub-Contractors: Ferreira, International Drilling, Inc. (IDD), Voss Engineering, OY Underground, and Best Underground.
• Staging Area: The primary contractor, Ferreira, is staging materials and equipment at the corner of Isle of Capri Drive and Mola Avenue.
• Construction Method: Utility conduits are being installed using horizontal directional drilling. This trenchless method is more efficient than traditional open-cut construction and results in less disruption to roads and traffic. Construction is being done primarily from west to east, but some operations may vary due to unforeseen conflicts or tidal impacts.



The following is a recap of the work that has been completed since construction began:

• Primary Conduits: Primary conduits are the main lines that will serve the neighborhood and receive energy from nearby transformers. IDD is performing the directional boring of the primary conduits for FPL, AT&T, and Comcast. The installation of FPL, AT&T, and Comcast primary conduits has been completed along every isle.
• Proofing Conduits and Setting Utility Handholes: This process ensures that the conduits are clear and ready for future cable installation. Voss Engineering hired OY Underground to perform this work, which began on October 21, 2022, on Isle of Capri Drive and is 100% complete.
• Secondary Conduits: Secondary conduits connect to handholes that are connected to primary conduits and provide service to individual meters. IDD hired a subcontractor, Best Underground, to perform smaller drilling operations for the installation of secondary conduits for FPL, AT&T, and Comcast. Best Underground has completed the secondary conduit installation for FPL, AT&T, and Comcast along Isle of Capri Drive, Bontona Avenue, Coconut Isle Drive, Lido Drive, San Marco Drive, Mola Avenue, Coral Way, Royal Plaza Drive, and Isle of Palms Drive.
• Pad-Mounted Transformers: The redesign for the relocation of the pad-mounted transformers feeding 520 Isle of Palm Drive and 600/624 Isle of Palm Drive has been completed. Relocation revisions have been finalized for Mola Avenue, Isle of Capri Drive, Bontona Avenue, Lido Drive, Coconut Isle, Coral Way, San Marco Drive, Royal Plaza Drive, and Isle of Palms Drive. The installation of pad-mounted transformers is complete.

Recently Completed Activities:

The following is a look at the work that has taken place over the past few days:

• Ferreira has completed pulling primary cables on Mola Avenue, Isle of Capri Drive, Bontona Avenue, San Marco Drive, Coconut Isle Drive, Lido Drive, Coral Way, Royal Plaza Drive and Isle of Palms Drive.
• Ferreira has completed transformer pad installations on Mola Avenue, Isle of Capri Drive, Bontona Avenue, Lido Drive, Coconut Isle, San Marco Drive, Coral Way, Royal Plaza Drive, and Isle of Palms Drive.
• Ferreira has installed transformers on Mola Avenue, Isle of Capri Drive, Bontona Avenue, Coconut Isle Drive, Lido Drive, San Marco Drive, Royal Plaza Drive, and Isle of Palms Drive.
• Ferreira has commenced installing secondary cables on Mola Avenue, Isle of Capri Drive and Bontona Avenue.
• Ferreira has been installing secondary conduits to individual residences on Mola Avenue, Isle of Capri Drive and Bontona Avenue.
• Ferreira has commenced installing AT&T and Comcast handholes on Isle of Capri and Lido Drive.

Upcoming Activities (Through 5/19/23)

The following is a look at the work that is scheduled to take place over the next few days:

• FPL handhole installations are 100% complete.
• Ferreira will continue pulling primary cables once the concrete pads are completed on each isle.
• Ferreira will continue installing handholes for ATT and Comcast on Isle of Capri Drive and Mola Avenue.
• Ferreira will complete individual residence conduit installations on Lido Avenue.
• Ferreira will commence conduit installation for FPL, Comcast and AT&T on Las Olas Boulevard.
• Ferreira will commence installation of FPL switches within the median on Isle of Capri Drive and Bontona Avenue. 

Access:

As crews work on installing new FPL electric service connections and AT&T and Comcast conduit connections to individual residences, they will require access to the exterior of properties where this work is taking place. Access inside homes is not required and all construction team members will have visible proof of identification. Click here to see a flyer with additional details about this work.

Traffic Impacts:

• A single lane along each isle may be closed during work hours. Traffic control personnel will assist motorists as needed. Please follow posted signs and drive with caution in the area.
• There may be times when equipment or materials temporarily block access to driveways during work hours. Crews in the field will coordinate with neighbors during these situations.
• Driveway and roadway access will be restored at the end of each work shift.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and thank our neighbors for their continued patience as we work to complete this project as quickly as possible.

For more information or questions, contact:

Gary Foster, Senior Project Manager

954-828-6233 or [email protected]

City of Fort Lauderdale 24-Hour Neighbor Service Center

954-828-8000 or [email protected]

Recovery Update - May 8th

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Broward County

The State of Florida and FEMA are operating a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Broward County. Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications. Read the announcement in English or Spanish.

Location: Hortt Park, 1700 SW 14th Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Transportation Assistance

Floridians who were impacted by the April 12-14 severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in Broward County may be eligible for FEMA assistance to repair or replace a vehicle. Read the announcement in English, Español, or Kreyòl.

For questions and concerns, call FEMA at 800-621-3362, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app.

Business Recovery Center

The U.S. Small Business Administration is opening a Business Recovery Center on Monday, May 8, at 11 a.m. Read the announcement in English or Español. 

Location: Urban League of Broward County (560 NW 27th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311)

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For questions and concerns, call 1-800-659-2955, visit sba.gov/disaster or email at [email protected].

What Kind of Assistance Can FEMA Provide to Broward County Flood Survivors?

Floridians who were impacted by the April 12 – 14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County may be eligible for FEMA assistance for temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other eligible expenses.

Lodging Expense Reimbursement

Under FEMA’s Individuals and Households program, lodging expenses may be eligible for reimbursement if an applicant:

• Verifies occupancy in a primary residence within Broward County.

Verifies that the primary residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible due to the storm.

Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing

FEMA may be able to provide rent, including a security deposit, if the storm made your primary residence uninhabitable. The assistance may include essential utilities such as electricity and water.

Major Repairs and Out-of-Pocket Expenses

FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program assistance is intended to meet the basic needs of your household, not to restore your home and all your personal property items to a pre-storm condition.

•  “Housing Assistance” covers repairs to structural parts of your home. This includes windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, utilities (electrical, plumbing and gas systems), and entrance ways. FEMA may also reimburse for repair or replacement of your furnace, well and septic system.

• Other Needs Assistance” may provide reimbursement to homeowners and renters for such uninsured or underinsured, storm-related expenses as:

Medical and dental expenses; funeral and burial costs; repair, cleaning, or replacement of clothing; household furniture and appliances; specialized tools used in your occupation; educational materials and moving, storage and other necessary expenses related to the storm and flooding.

Your personally owned, disaster-damaged cars and trucks may also be eligible for repair or replacement by FEMA.



FEMA may be able to reimburse applicants who rented or purchased generators for their primary residence during a power disruption caused by the severe storms and flooding.

Apply to FEMA

• To be eligible for FEMA’s Individual and Households Program, you must apply to FEMA. There are three ways to apply: 1) DisasterAssistance.gov, 2) download the FEMA App for mobile devices, 3) call the FEMA Helpline toll-free 800-621-3362. The helpline is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

•  For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, go to, FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4709. Follow FEMA on Twitter at FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

FEMA-HOW TO APPLY

FEMA teams are going door to door to assist with applications for assistance.

For more, go to fortlauderdale.gov/stormupdates.



To apply, go to DisasterAssistance.gov

or

Call FEMA directly at: 800-621-FEMA (3362).

Were you affected by the recent flash flooding? A one-stop shop supporting those with home & auto insurance issues can be found at PrepareFL.com.

Visit ftlcity.info/floodservices for more on flood recovery services.

Volunteers Needed to Help with Flood Recovery Efforts

SR 838/Sunrise Boulevard Bridge Project

Meeting May 24th

Neighbor Needs Assessment Survey

Neighbor Support has created a survey to best assess the needs of our neighbors affected by the flood. The goal is to collect and identify the needs of our neighbors and identify partners that could help assist, we are being the connectors to resources. The survey is designed to gather data on current needs of those affected by the flood.

Please help us reach neighbors by sharing this link with our neighbors: Neighbor Needs Assessment (arcgis.com)

For crisis counseling and support for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to natural disasters, call the number below.

Help is available.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE AND ELECTRONICS DROP-OFF EVENT LOCATIONS

Have a clogged storm drain or flooding near you? Contact the #TeamFTL Customer Service Line. It's available 24/7, 4 different ways:

•  (954) 828-8000
•  [email protected]
•  fortlauderdale.gov/lauderserv
•  LauderServ App

Introducing FTL Connect!

The City's new magazine is intended to keep YOU connected & involved in what's going on in Fort Lauderdale. You can see the digital version now by clicking the image above.

Great American Beach Party

Articles

We have the following Board Vacancies below. Please email Erica Franceschi [email protected] if you are interested in serving on a Fort Lauderdale City Board.  



Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

Board of Adjustment

Cemetery System Board of Trustees

Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board

Code Enforcement Board

Community Appearance Board

Community Services Board 

Education Advisory Board

Nuisance Abatement Board

Sustainability Advisory Board

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 [email protected] or 954-828-5923.