Dear Neighbor,
In every neighborhood meeting I attend, the issue of homelessness arises. Addressing the City’s homeless is a primary focus for the City of Fort Lauderdale. Please be assured that homelessness is a continuous and difficult issue that we have been working on for decades. No other city in Broward County spends the money that we do providing services to the homeless population. In fact, our Commission has allocated $5,205,824 towards funding Homelessness Support Initiatives for the 2022 fiscal year. Additionally, the City’s Housing and Community Development Division continues to administer approximately $10.8 million in entitlement grant funds from HOME Investment Partnerships, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and State Housing Initiative Partnerships (SHIP). These funds support homeless prevention programs such as rental assistance, home rehabilitations, and first-time home purchase.
Below you will find much detail concerning the city's efforts on this issue. I truly wish that every municipality in Broward County contributed in such a significant way as this should never be considered just a Fort Lauderdale problem. Our city will continue to work within the parameters of the law in trying to assist our neighbors. Click on the image below to view the budget breakdown for homeless initiatives.
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The City of Fort Lauderdale continues to foster partnerships with community organizations who share the City’s vision of reducing homelessness and assisting those in need. These entities include Broward County, the TaskForce For Ending Homelessness, Inc., the Multi-Agency Homeless Taskforce (MAHT), Ameritas Mutual Holding Company, Noble A. McArtor Senior Day Center, Sunshine Cathedral, Care Resource, and Broward Partnership. Services offered include showers, haircuts, food, clothing, personal protective equipment, and other essential items. These partnerships are critical to further support the City’s homeless neighbors and maximize successful outcomes. By working together with these organizations/nonprofits, our City can maximize available resources. Click on the image below to access our homeless resources guide. |
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District 2 Neighborhoods Unite to Help the Homeless |
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A few months back, Lin Morgan, President of the South Middle River Civic Association (SMRCA) and members of the board began meeting with Hope South Florida to work toward solutions to reduce the increasing number of people who are living on our streets. It has been an interesting and rewarding experience for the committee so far. They have learned many things through these meetings, especially that "Homelessness is complicated!"
Troy Liggett, President of the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association, JJ Hankerson, President of the Progresso Village Civic Association, and Michael Albetta, President of the Lake Ridge Civic Association, have joined this effort. SMRCA believes that collaboration among the neighborhood associations will carry a stronger voice within our city and foster partnerships to resolve local issues.
Earlier this week, Lin attended Community Court, as recommended in a meeting two weeks ago by Officer Brian Blount. It was a wonderful experience. She met some of the providers who are there weekly, the incredible city staff, and Judge Florence Barner. Over all, Ms. Morgan reported that it was a rewarding experience and she is very proud of our city and the services we provide. SMRCA encourages every civic association attend and see firsthand what the city is doing and bring the information back to educate their neighbors.
SMRCA also discovered that the city needs volunteers to distribute lunches to people facing homelessness on Wednesdays. Ms. Morgan proposes that every week a different civic association volunteer to provide bag lunches. The staff said only about 20 or 25 lunches are needed at this time. The number could grow from there once the word is out.
If you or your Civic Association would like to volunteer with this effort, please contact Lin Morgan at [email protected].
Thank you Lin for your leadership on this and thank you to all of our incredible neighborhoods who are assisting in this effort.
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Meet the Homeless Outreach Officers from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department who assist with services for the homeless every day.
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The City of Fort Lauderdale, with support from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Unit, is working with the TaskForce For Ending Homelessness, Inc. to provide onsight outreach services to unsheltered homeless individuals in the City. The outreach team was originally formed in 1999 and was spearhead by a formerly homeless individual and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. They provided information about where to obtain shelter, meals, medical services, and other necessities.
Since then, the TaskForce has grown into a nonprofit agency that continues to provide street outreach services and has successfully helped thousands of unsheltered individuals throughout Broward County. Their guiding principle is to meet with individuals where they are (geographically, emotionally, and philosophically), and guide them with compassion, fairness, and purpose. They believe that, in the end, everyone deserves help in obtaining a home.
Currently, the Neighbor Support Division coordinates monthly operational meetings with the TaskForce and/or the City’s Police Department to discuss homelessness mitigation strategies. Between January and April 2022, there have been several Police ride along visits to various TaskForce coverage areas to determine how to best improve outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness. The City aims to expand outreach services soon by partnering further with TaskForce for additional mobile housing navigator assistance. To learn more about the TaskForce, please visit their website at www.taskforceoutreach.org.
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Community Court helps our Neighbors in Need |
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In November 2018, the average daily jail population in Broward County was roughly 3,500. The City of Fort Lauderdale has strived to reduce that number by creating Florida’s first Community Court. The City of Fort Lauderdale was one of five jurisdictions in the nation to receive a federal grant to implement the specialized court. There are nearly 70 Community Courts throughout the country. This important program addresses the needs of at-large, homeless, petty crime and municipal ordinance offenders.
Community Court focuses on the root causes of each defendant’s issues, applying appropriate therapeutic and community service-based punishments. Participants must choose to take an active role in their rehabilitation and agree to give back to the community in the form of community service, once their situation is stable.
Community Court is held every Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall, 100 N. Andrews Avenue, First Floor – Commission Chambers, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
The City of Fort Lauderdale works closely with the Seventeenth Circuit Court, Broward County, the State Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Public Defender, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office to develop the program, and several public and private service providers signed on to provide services to participants in the Community Court.
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Homeowner Assistance Fund |
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The Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund may be able to offer you relief for mortgage payments and other homeowner expenses. Register now to begin the first step of determining your eligibility to participate in the program. |
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Elderly Veterans Services Division |
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Click on the image below to view the
New Police Headquarters presentation
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League of Women Voters of Broward County
Lock It Up Program
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Hurricane Season Starts June 1st! |
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an "above-normal" 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, with 14-21 named storms expected. Of those named storms, six to ten are expected to be hurricanes and three to six could be major hurricanes.
NOAA's updated predictions will be issued in August, before the peak of hurricane season. Last month, researchers at the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project released their predictions for the 2022 season, also saying it will likely be above-average, with 19 named storms and nine hurricanes, including four major hurricanes.
With that said, please check your disaster supply kits. Ensure you have at least a 3 to 5-day supply of non-perishable items and water. Prevent potential difficulties by keeping a full tank of gas in your vehicle, familiarizing yourself with evacuation routes, and securing your homes and/or property. Locate and review your insurance coverage, secure valuables, and other important documents. Constantly monitor local media for important updates. Don’t forget we are in this together. Please reach out to your neighbors and colleagues to determine if they may need special assistance or help with their preparations. If, you have not done so, please review your respective department’s Emergency Response Plans and Continuity of Operations Plans, for the upcoming 2022 hurricane season.
In addition to the preparedness information we are pleased to share this as a reminder of the 2022 kick off of the Sales Tax Holiday that begins this Saturday, May 28th and extends through June 30, 2024. Several items have been updated and do not only pertain to disaster supplies. Every little bit of savings helps so please review the items on the attachment.
During the Sales Tax Holiday period, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax.
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For the past few weeks, beach residents have experienced more than the usual nuisances regarding bikes and noise. This needs to stop and I want to share the response my office received from the Chief of Police. |
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"We are continuing our investigation of disturbances involving bicyclists that occurred this weekend on the beach. Today we reviewed several videos regarding this, and we provided additional information to the media in an effort to identify the individuals who may have engaged in criminal activity. Furthermore, we will be adding additional officers to the beach patrols, particularly on the weekends. Please be assured we have taken this matter seriously and every effort will be made to curtail disruptive and/or unlawful activity. Please let me know if you would like any additional action."
Chief Lynn
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Kick off the summer on Memorial Day weekend at the Great American Beach Party, a tradition in the City of Fort Lauderdale, taking place Saturday, May 28 from 11:00 - 8:30 at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Celebrate with family and friends as a portion of Fort Lauderdale’s world famous beach transforms into an entertainment mecca. Highlights from this free, family event include live bands, a military tribute, a sand sculpting demonstration, DJ, classic car show, an art show, vendors and exhibitors.
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Fort Lauderdale Artwalk
Saturday, May 28th at 6:00 p.m.
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It is important to remember the reason for this weekend's holiday. Wishing everyone a safe weekend and please take a moment to remember those who lost their lives in service to our country. |
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On May 19th, the Central Beach Alliance held their last meeting until the Fall. Always a pleasure to join the beach residents, give an update, have a dialogue, and view the presentations. On the agenda were items concerning the addition of a small rooftop bar at the Cambria Hotel and the proposed hotel at 201 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Have a great, healthy, and safe summer, CBA! |
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May 20th was a big day for City of Fort Lauderdale as residents and community leaders gathered for the Grand Opening Ceremony of the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center! This state-of-the-art, 65,000 square foot facility is amazing! Lots of art, a black-box theatre named after the original Victory Theatre, and every bell and whistle imaginable. Homage is duly paid to the historic significance of this Sistrunk corridor site - Provident Hospital stood here as well as the previous Mizell Community Center. Absolutely terrific celebration!
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The Dolphin Democrats is the oldest LGBTQ+ organization in the State and a sold-out ballroom celebrated its 40th Anniversary on Saturday, May 21st. It was an honor to receive the Harvey Milk Leadership Award and address this incredible group. Congrats to President Alfredo Olvera, the Board, the awardees, and the entire membership for an uplifting evening. We will not go backwards.
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I want to congratulate the USS Fort Lauderdale - LPD 28 - Commissioning Committee chaired by Pat Du Mont for all the work these past twelve years. We remember Chuck Black’s commitment as the devotion of Lynn Elsasser and Mayor Jack Seiler. Thank you Bill Feinberg and your team for hosting a spectacular Launch Party. What a proud moment for our City!
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Ashley, our D2 Outreach Coordinator, was present at the South Middle River Civic Association (SMRCA) meeting on May 24th where they received updates from the police department and the code enforcement department. Neighbors discussed their upcoming Green Your Routine initiatives. Additionally, they reported on their progress in fostering partnerships with Hope South Florida, the police department, and neighboring civic associations to help our neighbors in need. Thank you to the SMRCA board and city staff for their continued effort to improve the neighborhood. |
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Hearts were heavy on May 25th and had an impact on two education events I attended. First up- “SAILebrate Our Schools Fort Lauderdale.” I am so proud to be a part of a City Commission that values education and supports our schools. Congratulations to our Education Advisory Board for the event and congratulations to all the awardees from the Broward County Schools. It was my honor to speak and to present Erin McDonough from Stephen Foster Elementary School with the ESE Support Facilitator Award.
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KAPOW Learning For Success Partner Celebration and Awards was my second education event on Wednesday, May 25th. It was a virtual ceremony to recognize the organization’s accomplishments and thank those who made a difference during the school year. Students, Volunteers, and Teacher of the Year nominees and winners were announced. Additionally, there were special awards for outstanding service and I was humbled and honored to be recognized along with my colleague Commissioner Heather Thompson Moraitis, Assistant City Manager Greg Chavarria, and City Staff member Kerry Arthurs! |
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Thank you to the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association (MRTNA) for the opportunity to join you on May 25th. Always enjoy the dialogue and the opportunity to assist a great group of volunteers who continuously work to improve the neighborhood! All the best to the new Board of Directors! |
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I thoroughly enjoy our Fort Lauderdale District 2 Neighborhood Presidents’ Roundtable! Having this incredible group of volunteers sharing ideas, networking, and providing input on the issues of the day is what community is all about. Plus, we had terrific presentations from Davika Thompson and her team concerning the new Police HQ; City Attorney Alain Boileau did a deep dive into his department; and Barbara Markley addressed gun safety. Terrific meeting! |
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I am very proud to serve on a City Commission that has prioritized infrastructure these past four years. Pleased to join the public meeting last evening detailing the Hendricks Isle Seawall Replacement Project where the two City-owned seawalls on the northern end of the Isle will be replaced at a height 2.5 feet higher than the existing walls to combat tidal flooding. The City Commission awarded a $1,471,590 contract for the seawalls and drainage improvements in April and work will commence mid-July with completion set for mid-December. Four additional seawall projects are slated along the vulnerable Las Olas Isles. |
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We have the following Board Vacancies below. Please email Nancy Fry [email protected] if you are interested in serving on a Fort Lauderdale City Board.
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Board of Adjustment
Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board
Cemetery System Board of Trustees
Civil Service Board
Code Enforcement Board
Community Appearance Board
Community Services Board
Fire-Rescue Facilities Bond Issue Blue Ribbon Committee
Education Advisory Board
Insurance Advisory Board
Marine Advisory Board
Nuisance Abatement Board
Sustainability Advisory Board
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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.
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Steve Glassman
Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner, District 2
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