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The Year in Review in District 2 -
We Accomplished a Lot!
As 2023 comes to a close, let’s take a look back at this year and reflect on the challenges, District accomplishments and great strides that we have made together as a city during very unprecedented times.
I cannot stress enough the importance of all of us working together for this City. With a divisive political climate in our state and nation and hate rising at an alarming rate, it is imperative to be champions of civility. During the past nearly six years that I have served as Commissioner, we have accomplished incredible things by collaborating with City staff, public/private entities, and residents who are invested in our community and always provide such valuable input. Having participated in so many City holiday events and neighborhood holiday gatherings, I will tell you that there is a terrific spirit in Fort Lauderdale and the best people around who all love our City and want nothing but the best for it.
Wishing you the best of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all rolled into one! A Happy and Healthy New Year to all!
CITY HIGHLIGHTS
2023 Commission Prioritization Workshop
On January 26, the City Commission met at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center for our Annual Goal Setting Workshop. Outstanding discussion ensued as we formulated our Top Priorities for fiscal year 2024 (beginning October 1, 2023), projects of interest, and district needs. Staff consolidated the issues and provided a report to identify deliverables and milestones. These were our Top Priorities for FY 2024: Infrastructure & Resilience (this includes sea level rise), Housing & Homelessness, Traffic & Transportation, Parks & Public Spaces, Economic Development & Diversification, and Public Safety. Thank you to our City Manager and Staff who work diligently to help bring these priorities to fruition as we continue to build upon the City's progress in making Fort Lauderdale the place you never want to leave.
April 12 Flood Response
On April 12, 2023, our City experienced a historic rain event that poured an excess of 25+ inches of rain on our neighborhoods, most of it in a 6 to 7 hour period. During this extremely unprecedented occurrence, our city staff, police, fire, outside organizations and most importantly, the neighbors of this City, came together and displayed amazing teamwork and heroism that made me very proud to be an elected official in the City of Fort Lauderdale.
The day after the storm, our City Manager went into action securing airboats and high clearance buggies from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) and Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) that would ultimately help assist neighbors fleeing the flood. Our Police and Fire team rescued or relocated approximately 900 people who were either stranded or trapped by water, including 600 people on the first night. Our city crews impressively were out in neighborhoods the next day clearing storm drains to aid in water receding from neighborhoods. More than 30 vacuum trucks were deployed strategically throughout the City. The City of Fort Lauderdale, along with the Red Cross, set up comfort stations, including one in Holiday Park, to provide vital services to several hundred residents in need.
Staff, Police and Fire, and all the personnel on the ground from a variety of agencies, including the State, County, and Sheriff stepped up to assist our hurting community. Their endless dedication to the residents in all four districts of this City was nothing short of heroic and I sincerely thank them for doing everything possible to assist these residents while keeping the City open for business.
Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
During the 2023 Budget season, the City received positive news regarding one of the largest revenue sources: ad valorem (property) taxes. Property taxes account for approximately 47.1% of ongoing General Fund Revenues. The Broward County Property Appraiser’s June 1, 2023 estimate indicated an increase of 11.7% in the City’s taxable property value. This was an increase from $48.8 billion to $54.5 billion based on the final valuation for 2023. Of the $5.7 billion increase, $1.0 billion is associated with new construction, which is a positive outcome of the City’s ongoing focus on economic revitalization and smart development. Overall, this increase yielded approximately $20.9 million in additional revenue that the City will use to pay for its increasing expenses and to enhance service delivery.
Because of the significant increase in taxable values, I am very proud to say that the City maintained its current low millage rate of 4.1193 for the seventeenth (17th) consecutive year (unheard of in Broward County) and produced, year over year, a structurally balanced General Fund Budget.
Hiring of Our New Police Chief, William (Bill) Schultz
On November 3, the Fort Lauderdale City Manager announced the appointment of William "Bill" Schultz as the new Chief of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department; his swearing in took place on December 6th. Bill Schultz has been an integral part of our city's law enforcement for over two decades, and his dedication and expertise have earned him this well-deserved position.
Notably, Bill is a recent graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police. His educational achievements, combined with his hands-on experience, make him exceptionally qualified to lead our police department. Join me in congratulating Chief Schultz on his new role!
Hiring of Our New City Attorney, Tom Ansbro
The City Commission appointed Thomas J. Ansbro as City Attorney effective October 30, 2023. The City Attorney Search Committee recommended the Commission consider Mr. Ansbro for the role after reviewing applications submitted for the position and conducting interviews with top candidates. Mr. Ansbro graduated from the University of Florida School of Law and most recently served as the City Attorney in Dania Beach. Tom has extensive municipal government experience including his previous employment with the City of Fort Lauderdale where he served for twelve years. Wishing Mr. Ansbro all the best!
Hiring of our New Parks and Recreation Director, Carl Williams
On November 6th, Carl Williams became the new Director of Parks and Recreation, taking over from retiring Phil Thornburg. Carl is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and has over 17 years of experience in municipal government. He began his career as an intern for Miami-Dade County and worked in various capacities within Miami-Dade County, City of Miami Gardens and City of South Miami prior to coming to the City of Fort Lauderdale. Throughout his tenure, he has displayed exceptional customer service, problem solving and leadership skills which will serve him well in his new capacity as the Parks and Recreation Director. We thank Phil for his many years of service and wish him a wonderful retirement, and all our best to Carl in his new role!
Welcome Leo Messi
On July 16th, the City of Fort Lauderdale welcomed Leo Messi to the Inter Miami Family and I was proud to be a part of that welcome. Pouring rain did not deter the Inter Miami CF fans that packed DRV PNK Stadium to welcome Mr. Messi to the City of Fort Lauderdale. Excitement filled the air before, during, and after Messi took the stage to meet the town; it was terrific. Bienvenido, Leo Messi!
2023 DISTRICT 2 GROUNDBREAKINGS
The New Police Department Headquarters
On June 29, the City had a historic moment in a historic neighborhood as the City of Fort Lauderdale broke ground on a new 191,000 square foot police headquarters. I am thrilled to be the District Commissioner where our new state-of-the-art building calls home. Congratulations to all for bringing us a structure representative of our great City.
The Reimagining of DC Alexander Park
On February 16th, after more than a decade of discussion, we celebrated the groundbreaking for DC Alexander Park, which will soon be transformed into a vibrant, beautiful, and welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike. Nestled between Seabreeze Boulevard and A1A just south of SE 5th Street, the 1.2-acre oceanfront park is in an ideal location and just across the street from the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center and International Swimming Hall of Fame where an iconic renovation project is underway. The current site, which includes an asphalt parking lot, will come alive over the next year with improvements that include an elevated walkway offering views overlooking the ocean, a new playground, improved lighting for pedestrians, landscape beautification, a signature playground, improved ramps and walkways with increased accessibility and traffic flow improvements that will add to the beauty of our world-class City.
Sewer Pump Station A-24 in Flagler Village
On June 21st, we celebrated the groundbreaking of a new underground sewer pump station currently being constructed in Peter Feldman Park in Flagler Village. This project includes constructing a new 18-inch gravity sewer line and new gravity sewer manhole on NE 6 Street north of Peter Feldman Park, connecting the new gravity sewer line to existing nearby lines, and constructing a new 18-inch force main that connects nearby lines to the new pump station. This is a vital project in the ever-growing Flagler Village neighborhood. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2024.
DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS
NE 4th Ave. between Sunrise Blvd. and NE 13th Street; Intersection Traffic Improvement in South Middle River and Middle River Terrace
The City of Fort Lauderdale has begun improvements on NE 4th Avenue, between Sunrise Blvd and NE 13th Street to enhance traffic safety for our neighbors. This project includes widening sidewalks, landscaping, irrigation systems, decorative pavement treatments, addition of a district sign, and infrastructure improvements. Construction has commenced and will be completed by mid-September 2024. I want to thank staff who, at my request, scheduled additional meetings with the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association and the South Middle River Civic Association before we approved this construction agreement.
Asphalt Improvement Project in Central Beach
The City of Fort Lauderdale teamed up with All County Paving
to resurface the road and apply new pavement markings along the following streets in Central Beach: Bayshore Drive from N Birch Road to the dead end (north of Vistamar Street), Antioch Avenue from Vistamar Street to Bayshore Drive, Terramar Street from Bayshore Drive to A1A / N Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, and Windamar Street from N Birch Rd. to A1A / N Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard. Construction began on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, and the completed work is currently being inspected to ensure that the neighbors' expectations for this project are met.
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN DISTRICT 2
FORTIFY FORT LAUDERDALE
Along with the amazing infrastructure projects in District 2, on October 9th, we announced FORTIFY LAUDERDALE, an ambitious infrastructure initiative for Fort Lauderdale.
Over the next decade, the City will invest up to $500 million in stormwater infrastructure across 17 neighborhoods. This program, which is more than twice our initial plan, will accelerate construction to enhance our resilience. Our Public Works engineers are conducting a vulnerability assessment to prioritize risks. We'll complement construction with a program to help residents protect their homes. Fortify Fort Lauderdale is in addition to our existing $200 million investment in eight neighborhoods to tackle tidal flooding and stormwater runoff. We're installing tidal-control valves, drainage pipes, new outfalls, catch basins, and raising seawalls.
District 2 neighborhoods already underway in the Tranche 1 project phase are Progresso Village, Victoria Park, and Southeast Isles. Tranche 2, which is in the planning stage, will include 17 additional neighborhoods, to include Sailboat Bend, Flagler Village, South Middle River, Middle River Terrace, and Lake Ridge in District 2. Initial modelling and vulnerability assessment of all neighborhoods will take approximately one year to complete and is scheduled for completion in January 2024. Upon completion, individual neighborhood designs and permitting will take 18 to 24 months to be completed.
Execution of the Water and Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Loan Agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Stormwater Improvement Projects in Seven City Neighborhoods including District 2’s Progresso Village, Victoria Park, and Southeast Isles
On September 19th, Staff recommended that the City Commission adopt a Resolution approving and authorizing the execution of the Water and Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Loan Agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finance a portion of the cost of construction of stormwater improvements in seven (7) City neighborhoods: River Oaks, Dorsey Riverbend, Durrs, Progresso Village, Victoria Park, Melrose Manors, and Southeast Isles. (Bold indicates District 2)
Back in 2016, the City initiated the Stormwater Master Plan Modeling and Design Implementation Program, designed to resolve chronic flooding in seven (7) neighborhoods including District 2’s Progresso Village, Victoria Park, and Southeast Isles. The seven targeted neighborhoods suffer major flooding due to rainfall and/or high tides. The existing stormwater infrastructure in these areas is either nonexistent, undersized or in excess of fifty (50) years old, which is well beyond its operational lifespan.
Several of the neighborhoods were impacted by the flash flooding that occurred on April 12, 2023, further highlighting the necessity of stormwater improvements. The proposed stormwater improvements will install all new infrastructure to address the water quality and quantity needs of these areas. The improvements will minimize recurring flooding incidents/severity and promote an adaptable and resilient coastal community for the future. Total construction costs are estimated at $244,885,772, of which up to $119,994,028 (49%) (the “WIFIA Loan”) can be financed through the WIFIA program.
Isle of Venice Stormwater Improvement Project
In July, the City of Fort Lauderdale worked with Southern Underground Industries, Inc. to make improvements to the stormwater system at 40 Isle of Venice Drive that will help reduce tidal flooding. This project included replacing approximately 130 feet of 15-inch stormwater pipe and associated structures, restoring curb as needed and replacing a tidal valve. Construction concluded in August and the project is now complete.
Gravity Sewer Improvements on Fiesta Way in Nurmi Isles
On June 12th, the City of Fort Lauderdale and Southern Underground Industries replaced 150 feet of 8-inch gravity sewer main along Fiesta Way between 115 and 151 Fiesta Way. Work was completed on June 22, and this portion of Fiesta Way now has a new 8-inch gravity sewer main.
Sewer Force Main Installation on the Isle of Capri Drive
On June 21st, the City of Fort Lauderdale and Southern Underground began installing 240 feet of 4-inch sewer force main from Pump Station D-14 at the entrance of Isle of Capri Drive to the manhole in front of S. Gordon Road. Construction was completed on June 30th.
Seawall Ordinance Amendments
In March, the City Commission approved the second and final reading of an ordinance to amend sections of the City’s Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR). The ordinance addresses resiliency standards for tidal flood protection by raising the minimum height of seawalls and tidal barriers to comply with standards established by Broward County. The new standard of compliance is 5 feet NAVD, up from 3.9 feet NAVD. There are three conditions in which a property owner would be required to raise the height of a seawall: when building a new seawall, when a seawall is in significant disrepair (damage to more than 50% of the structure), or when the property owner has been cited for tidal flow breaching the seawall and impacting a neighboring property or right of way.
Stormwater Improvements Project in Central Beach
In February, the City of Fort Lauderdale and Southeastern
Engineering Contractors, Inc. made improvements to the stormwater system along NE 30 Street from NE 32 Avenue to NE 33 Avenue and along NE 32 Avenue from NE 30 Street to NE 30 Court in Central Beach. The work included installing new stormwater drainage structures, installing new check valves and reconstructing the roadway, including paving.
Hendricks Isle Seawall
In March, we cut the ribbon on the completion of the Hendricks Isle seawall and stormwater infrastructure improvements of drains and tidal valves. Infrastructure and resilience are critical priorities of the City of Fort Lauderdale Commission. This $1.5 million investment was offset by a $440K state grant. Congratulations to Public Works Staff, Ebsary Foundation, Hazen and Sawyer, and thank you to the neighbors of the Hendricks Isle & Venice Isle Neighborhood Association for your patience during those seven months of work. The improvements made as a part of this project will help reduce tidal flooding along Hendricks Isle and make us better prepared for future King Tides and sea level rise.
Merle Fogg Seawall Replacement in Idlewyld
In January, the Commission approved an agreement for Merle Fogg Park Seawall Replacement in the amount of $1,022,459 with Ebsary Foundation Co. The City owns and maintains Merle Fogg Park at the intersection of E. Las Olas Boulevard and Poinciana Drive, at the Intracoastal Waterway. This seawall was included in the Seawall Master Plan several years out; however, in the spring of 2021, the seawall collapsed, creating erosion and impacting an existing stormwater discharge pipe. I advocated for moving the timetable earlier, and a new 130 linear foot proposed seawall will be built to replace the collapsed seawall and will be constructed to an elevation of five (5) feet providing greater protection against future sea level rise. Additional improvements include storm inlet installation, landscaping restoration, and check valve installation. Construction has commenced and is expected to be completed in early 2024.
Southeast Isles Seawall Replacement Project
Construction is now underway along the south side of Las Olas Boulevard between Coconut Isle Drive and Royal Plaza Drive where four seawalls are being replaced and new stormwater infrastructure is being installed. The new seawalls will be constructed using corrosion-resistant steel sheet-piles with a concrete cap and will be elevated to 5 feet NAVD in accordance with the City’s revised seawall ordinance. Nearby stormwater infrastructure, including pipes, catch basins, and tidal valves will be improved to ensure proper drainage near the seawalls. The first seawall to be replaced is between Coconut Isle Drive and Lido Drive and crews will continue to move east along Las Olas Boulevard. This work in the Las Olas Isles neighborhood represents a nearly $3 million investment in our infrastructure that will help reduce tidal flooding, making us better prepared for future king tides and sea level rise. Crews began mobilizing in September and completion is expected in Summer 2024.
Infrastructure Improvements for Sailboat Bend
The City has two projects planned for the upcoming year within Sailboat Bend. In November, construction began on a $247,000 stormwater improvement project near 1540 Argyle Drive to install five new catch basins and other improvements to drain rainwater from the roadway into the North Fork of the New River. The anticipated completion date is February, 2024. The City also approved $578,279 in its FY 2024 budget for project P12818, Sailboat Bend Stormwater Improvements, which will be used to initiate planning and design for a neighborhood-wide stormwater project. This effort will be part of the second Tranche of the Stormwater Master Plan improvements program.
Federal Funding for Cooley’s Landing in Sailboat Bend
On September 14th, we were given an update from Congressman Jared Moskowitz that the National Park Service committed $1.1 million to renovate Cooley's Landing. We are undertaking seawall improvements, repairing waterfront access pathways and improving picnic facilities and restrooms. We also are adding new landscaping, lighting and benches.
The improvements at Cooley’s Landing will also be receiving $1.1 million in grants from Florida Department of Environmental Protection and $600,000 from BBIP (Broward Boating Improvement Program). These funds will help modernize the marina to improve boating and water access. This project is currently in the design phase and we will keep you updated regarding timelines, design concepts and much more!
$13.5 Million Grant for a Progresso Village Project
In August, the City Commission approved a resolution that authorized the City Manager to execute a reimbursable grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the amount of $13.5 million. The funds will be used for District 2's Progresso Neighborhood Stormwater Improvements Project, which includes the replacement of aging, undersized, and fragmented stormwater management infrastructure as well as construction of new infrastructure. These improvements will reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of flooding in the neighborhood and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rain events.
Stormwater Drainage in Middle River Terrace
The city will soon be starting two exciting projects to improve Middle River Terrace’s stormwater system. First, the city received a $23 million FEMA grant to restore the stormwater drains in eight neighborhoods -- including Middle River Terrace! They will be unclogging drains and cleaning out the silt in a massive project to restore the stormwater drainage system. Second, the proposed city budget includes $480,702 to upgrade the stormwater drainage system on Holly Heights Drive and adjacent streets east of Middle River Terrace Park.
GRAND OPENING PROJECTS
Aquatic Center
The Aquatic Center has reclaimed its place as a destination for national and international and national swimming and diving competitions. In January, with the help of the Prince and Princess of Monaco, the city opened the renovated Aquatic Center on the barrier island in District 2 with its iconic new 27-meter dive tower. The tower is the largest in the western hemisphere and the city was recognized by the American Institute of Architects for the unique design of the dive tower. Among the events already taken place have been the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup and the Pan American Artistic Swimming Championships.
THE YEAR OF PARKS REZONING
In 2023, the City Commission worked to expand the green space in each Commission district and has coordinated with the Development Services and Parks and Recreation Departments to rezone numerous properties to Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (P) zoning district.
The rezoning of City-owned properties that are used and maintained as public park space protects those properties in three significant ways. First, by rezoning the property to Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, it creates a record of the City’s intended use for the property. Second, the zoning limits the use of the property to those uses typically associated with public parks and open spaces. Lastly, the City’s Charter provides protection to lands zoned Park, Recreation, and Open Space by limiting the sale, transfer, or lease for more than (1) year without a unanimous vote of the entire City Commission.
Since February, five properties were approved for rezoning to park space in District 2:
· 1016 Waverly Road (1.86 acres)
· 500 Seabreeze Boulevard (1.65 acres)
· 3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard (2.77 acres)
· North Seabreeze Boulevard- (.44 acres)
· 2 North Victoria Park Road - (0.94 acres) .
In addition to the above, we can now also look forward to the Bahia Mar Park that I had added as dedicated park space during the final site plan approval. This 1.8-acre park will overlook the Intracoastal Waterway and add yet more greenspace for our residents and visitors to enjoy.
I am very proud of the progress made and this Commission’s continued dedication to improving access to and enjoyment of our beaches, waterways, parks and open spaces for our neighbors and visitors. As our city grows, it is more important than ever to commit to and ensure that park and open space can be enjoyed throughout Fort Lauderdale.
EXISTING PROJECT UPDATES
Las Olas Undergrounding
Ferreira has converted all residences on Isle of Capri Drive and Lido Drive to underground power. Three residences on Mola Avenue remain to be converted. On Coral Way, 90% of residences have been converted, and 75% of residences on Royal Plaza Drive have been converted. Ferreira completed work on all feeder lines and switches on Las Olas Boulevard. Feder lines and switches provide power to the new transformers on each isle. Through December 29th, Ferreira will complete residential power conversions on Mola Avenue, Coral Way and Royal Plaza Drive and they will also begin residential power conversions on Coconut Isle Drive and Bontona Avenue. Substantial completion is now expected in December 2023 and final restoration work is expected to be completed by the end of January 2024.
This is the first neighborhood in the City to undergo undergrounding; it has been a long time in the making. We have several other neighborhoods in District 2 that are in the queue and now we have a template to move forward.
A1A Streetscape Improvement Project
Currently 87% of the project work has been completed. Most recently, sub-contractor UEG completed the installation of light poles, pull boxes, and light fixtures and is currently running wires and working on the inter-connection to the load centers. Installation continued with the bollards along the east sidewalk from Las Olas Boulevard north toward Poinsettia Street. Crews resumed decorative concrete operations along the east sidewalk of northbound A1A and the beach entrance at Las Olas Boulevard is now open. Construction was scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2023, but the November storm and last week's storm will delay that a bit.
Las Olas Marina
The Las Olas Marina is making wonderful progress. All of the principal buildings have been topped off and are in the process of being enclosed with windows and interior stucco. The northern seawall has been completed and work on the south side seawall will begin in January. Also completed is the hydraulic dredge on intracoastal. Very soon, they are moving into the final phase of material export to complete the permanent marina basin. The Las Olas Marina remains on schedule for completion in the second quarter of 2024. Live video of the construction can be found here:
Las Olas Marina Cam
EXCITING PROJECTS COMING UP
International Swimming Hall of Fame
On October 3rd, the City Commission voted to approve a comprehensive agreement with Hall of Fame Partners LLC, for a project that includes the construction, maintenance, and operation of east and west buildings at the International Swimming Hall of Fame/Aquatics Center, located at 501 Seabreeze Boulevard. The comprehensive agreement is a framework that allows the City to move the project through the site plan approval process, getting valuable public input in the months ahead. The new International Swimming Hall of Fame will complement the award-winning Aquatics Center and bookend the peninsula in stunning fashion. Fort Lauderdale’s Aquatic Center, which boasts one of the highest diving platforms in the world at 89 feet, has already undergone a successful $50 million renovation, reopening to a great reception one year ago.
This $190 million makeover of the International Hall of Fame will be a major attraction for visitors and all those who enjoy aquatic sports. This project will transform the city-owned peninsula south of Las Olas with a modern five-story building on the east side, just a block from the beach, and a six-story building on the west, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Features of the new East building will include a FlowRider surf simulator, shops, and office space. Visitors will be able to enjoy a beautiful café that serves lunch and dinner and becomes a bar in the evening. The West building will feature an aquarium and house the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum, where visitors will be able to travel through time to enjoy an expansive display of aquatic sports history.
The developer, CGHP Developments, a partnership between Capital Group and Hensel Phelps, also plans to build an Ocean Rescue headquarters for the city’s lifeguards as well as seawall improvements to protect the 5-acre peninsula against sea level rise. This renovation will return Fort Lauderdale to the top of the aquatics' world. The approval of this project represents a rebirth of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and its best is yet to come.
Sunrise Lane Project
The Transportation and Mobility Department is planned two public engagement conceptual design workshops for the Sunrise Lane District Streetscape project. The project aim is to develop an active streetscape concept for the Sunrise Lane District, encompassing Sunrise Lane, Breakers Avenue, and NE 9 Street. Design is planned for 2024. The first public workshop for this project was held on December 12 and the next one is scheduled for January 16th. The workshop aim is to actively engage property owners, business operators, and residents directly impacted by the Sunrise Lane District. Sunrise Lane is a charming corner of the beach with great potential. It cries out for some TLC.
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