Dear Neighbors,

Congratulations to the Florida Panthers, the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions! The team has worked hard this season to defend its title, and I am pleased that we have such an energetic presence in South Florida. Over the weekend, the city hosted a celebration parade on Fort Lauderdale Beach, bringing together people from all over, with viewership numbers estimated at 400,000. Of course, we owe the success of this significant event to our first responders and city staff who worked long hours to keep everyone safe. THANK YOU!! If you haven't visited yet, make plans to visit the FTL War Memorial, the Panthers practice arena, where the Baptist Health IcePlex is located, and tie up your skates with the family! Visit their website here to see what's happening.

Fort Lauderdale- every day, I am grateful to live in a vibrant, diverse community where people are free to be exactly who they are. Thank you to the LGBTQ+ community for decades of work in making South Florida as welcoming as it is. It is important that we continue to recognize this progress so it is never taken for granted. I am proud to stand with you to protect your rights, amplify your voices, and celebrate all that you bring to our city.

Last week, I joined Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman, Commissioner John Herbst, and city leadership to celebrate the legacy of late Lieutenant Bobby G. Glenn. In 1970, Lt. Glenn became the first Black firefighter in Broward County and Fort Lauderdale. He went on to dedicate 22 years to serving our community. Lt. Glenn was honored with a special exhibit showcasing his uniform at the Old Dillard Museum. In 1970, Lt. Glenn accomplished what had never been done before, and this exhibit honors that achievement while preserving an important piece of our city's history to inspire future generations.

At our last commission meeting, we reviewed the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026, discussed next steps for the Net Zero Plan, and covered several other key initiatives. Learn more about what the commission is working on. Visit the LauderBriefs page here to review highlights of each commission meeting. Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or want to collaborate, I welcome the opportunity. You can reach me at bsorensen@fortlauderdale.gov or contact my office at (954)-828-5028.

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Ben

Upcoming Commission Meetings

Monday, June 30th - Joint Workshop with Affordable Housing Advisory Board at 11:30 am

Monday, June 30th - City Commission Conference at 1:30 pm

Monday, June 30th - Regular Commission Meeting at 6:00 pm

City Commission meetings are held at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom - 201 SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312

Watch live on YouTube. Meeting agendas can be found here.

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Thursday, June 26th - Neighborhood Agenda Review at 5:00 pm on Zoom

Register using this link here. Click to add to calendar.

Next Up...

Monday, August 18th - Neighborhood Agenda Review at 1:00pm on Zoom

The Florida Department of Transportation will host a public meeting to share plans for the upcoming Davie Boulevard Bridge rehabilitation project on Monday, June 23rd at 5:30pm at the Riverland Branch Library. To attend virtually, register here. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2027 and finish in Spring 2028. For more information, visit here.

Free sandbags are available for residents the first Saturday and Sunday of each month from May through November, 10am-1pm. Click on the flyer to find a pick-up location near you. Visit here to learn additional ways to prepare for hurricane season.

HUGE WIN- Stranahan High School is officially a joint-use park! The park will be open Monday to Friday from 6 to 9 pm, and on weekends from 8am to 9pm. This park offers two tennis courts, three basketball courts, and six pickleball courts. To learn more, click here.

This annual report provides an overview of the city's water source, water supply, treatment process, and contents of drinking water based on approximately 100,000 tests performed between January 1st and December 31st, 2024. Click on the flyer to review the report.

Construction of a new wastewater force main is underway and scheduled for completion in August 2025. The work includes sewer installation on SE 15TH ST., trenchless installation along MIAMI RD., and sewer rehabilitation on SE 10TH AVE. Project updates will be posted regularly on the City's website here.

This Friday: Come out to Holiday Park for Starlight Musicals with live music by Doubleback. Bring your friends, family, and a lawn chair, and enjoy tasty bites from local vendors. Click the flyer to see the event schedule for the rest of the summer.

Join us for the 4th of July Spectacular on Fort Lauderdale Beach. We are featuring beloved 90's artists Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Tone Loc, and Young MC. There will be family activities, beach games, fireworks, and more. Click the flyer to see the event schedule and plan your outing.

This summer, the city is bringing health and wellness to you. From cancer support groups to SoCa dance, aerobic fitness, and healthy eating classes. Discover it all, click on the flyer to learn more.

This is the perfect season to register for adult and youth swim lessons or aquatic activities. Click on the flyer to learn more or contact the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center at (954)-828-4580. Families may also qualify for vouchers, learn more here. 

Curious about pickleball? Come out for free lessons. It is easy to learn, fun to play, and all skill levels are welcome. Click the flyer to learn more.

📍Click on the image above to sign-up for traffic/road closure updates.

📍Utilize LauderStreet here to view current traffic alerts.

Let's Stay Connected!