May 2025 Newsletter

Historic Preservation Month

Dear Neighbor,

Every year in May, local preservation groups, municipalities, state historical societies, business and civic organizations across the country celebrate National Historic Preservation Month. It’s a time to acknowledge preservation successes and how those successes encourage economic vitality, drive heritage and cultural tourism, protect our unique communities, promote diversity and foster a sense of place.

The City Commission has identified Historic Preservation as a priority for 2025 to enhance the City's Historic Preservation Program. Current efforts include several initiatives within the Sailboat Bend Historic District including the completion of the Vision Plan report, completion of an Archaeological Survey, and the design and implementation of interpretive signs with a walking tour. An Architectural Resource Survey as part of a City-Wide Architectural Resource Survey initiative that includes Coral Ridge, Bal Harbour, Laudergate Isles, and Dolphin Isles is also underway.

In addition, funding has been requested to address elements included in both the Himmarshee Summary Report to implement a Tactical Urbanism project and within the Sailboat Bend Vision Plan to develop a Streetscape Masterplan. Efforts are also currently underway to propose amendments to the Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR) to update the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program which includes multiple changes such as an update to the receiving area for density and the ability to retransfer TDRs.

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. Since becoming a CLG, the City of Fort Lauderdale has received several grants, with no match required, 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. In addition, the City’s Strategic Historic Preservation Plan was adopted by the City Commission on December 19, 2023. Preparation of the plan was identified as the first goal of the City’s Comprehensive Plan under initiatives outlined in the Historic Preservation Element. Within the Comprehensive Plan, it states that “the City shall prepare and adopt a long-term approach to historic preservation which identifies and evaluates the City’s historic resources."  

The Strategic Historic Preservation Plan in its entirety may be found here: https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-a-h/development-services/urban-design-and-planning/initiatives.

I am so proud that Fort Lauderdale has such a rich history that can be shared with so many today and in the future. Initiatives like the Strategic Historic Preservation Plan help us to identify where we need to currently focus our efforts in order to secure that our past remains present and accessible for future generations.

Having spent many years serving on the Broward County Historical Commission and the Broward Trust for Historic Preservation (founding member), I feel passionate about historic preservation and understand the importance of preserving physical manifestations of our history for generations to come.

I share this recent article in the Miami Herald to demonstrate the challenges that lie ahead with regard to historic preservation.

DeSantis signs bill that makes demolishing historic Florida buildings easier:

 Bill that worried Miami preservationists signed by DeSantis | Miami Herald

Flood Watch Started at 8 a.m.

A Flood Watch took effect for Fort Lauderdale at 8 a.m. Monday, May 12th.

A slow-moving storm system is expected to bring periods of steady, heavy rain through early Tuesday morning. The heaviest downpours are still on track for Monday afternoon through late Monday night.

Most areas in Fort Lauderdale could see 3 to 5 inches of rain.

Please keep an eye out for ponding on roadways, especially in low-lying areas, and drive carefully. Never drive through high water.

Our stormwater crews are keeping a close watch and are ready to respond if needed.

Report any impassable roads using FixItFTL or by calling the city’s Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.

Additional resources are available at fortlauderdale.gov/stormready.

Sign up for emergency alerts at fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl.

The City of Fort Lauderdale now offers a new service providing vehicle storage for residents during any Flood Watch or Warning on garage levels 3 and above at:

• Las Olas Garage - 200 Las Olas Circle
• Riverwalk Center Garage - 150 SE 2nd Street

Vehicles may remain up to 24 hours after the advisory ends.

For more info: fortlauderdale.gov/severe-weather-parking.



You can also download the Alert FTL app to stay updated.

Report any impassable roads using FixItFTL or by calling the city’s Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.

Additional resources are available at fortlauderdale.gov/stormready.

Sign up for emergency alerts at fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl.

Click on the image below to view the

 2025 Storm Season Preparedness Presentation

From May/June 2025 Las Olas Boulevard & Isles Magazine

Read Go Riverwalk's feature on District 2's

Northeast 15th Avenue Mobility Project

Fort Lauderdale is now on the international map!! The New York Times gave the Christo exhibit at the NSU Museum of Art a full page in the print edition and a teaser in the front page of the special Art Collecting section for New York Art Week.

Empowering Sustainability: Earth Day Interview with

 Gia Veres on The ECO Channel

These recycling bins are making a difference in Fort Lauderdale!

I am very humbled and honored!

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

I am always so moved by the annual Fort Lauderdale Police Department Police Memorial Service; one of the most significant events I attend all year.

"The Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the Fort Lauderdale FOP Lodge 31 honored thirteen Fort Lauderdale police officers who died in the line of duty. These officers made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out their duties to serve and protect the City of Fort Lauderdale, and we honor these fallen officers and their selfless dedication to duty.”

We remember:

R. DWIGHT JOHNSTON, died in the line of duty as a result of a motorcycle accident, April 5, 1947.

DONALD E. KIRBY JR., died as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, October 9, 1968.

D. WALTER ILYANKOFF, was murdered by four culprits during an armed robbery of a local restaurant, July 21, 1974.

GREGORY J. CONNERS, died in the line of duty as a result of a motorcycle accident, November 12, 1977.

JOHN C. ALEXANDER, killed when a police airplane crashed in the line of duty, August 3, 1981.

KENNETH PETERSEN, killed when a police airplane crashed in the line of duty, August 3, 1981.

CHARLES E. BRUCE, died as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, August 24, 1983.

FRANK A. MASTRANGELO, killed when a police airplane crashed in the line of duty, May 25, 1989.

NORMAN EDDY, killed when a police airplane crashed in the line of duty, May 25, 1989.

DAVID L. BROWER, died as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, December 29, 1994.

BRYANT H. PENEY, was murdered while investigating a person acting in a suspicious manner, January 6, 1996.

JOSE A. DIAZ, died as a result of injuries sustained in a fall while backing up another officer, October 8, 2005.

JENNIFER B. SEPOT, died as a result of complications related to the COVID-19 virus, August 14, 2021.

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