Fort Lauderdale Commission approves major projects
From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved several ordinances and agreements that will affect residents.
The Commission held the first reading of an ordinance to create “exclusive children play areas” within City parks. These designated areas will be clearly marked with signage and limited to children 17 years of age or under, with adults only permitted if accompanying a child. The ordinance is intended to provide safe spaces for children and deter inappropriate or loitering behavior by unaccompanied adults. Parks will be designated case by case with support from the Parks, Recreation, and Beaches Advisory Board. Implementation costs are estimated at $20,000 for signage.
The Commission held the first reading of an ordinance that would limit vessels to anchoring no more than 30 days in any six-month period within Fort Lauderdale waterways. The change follows new state legislation restoring municipal authority to set time-based anchoring limits in large counties, including Broward. While concerns have been raised in areas such as Lake Sylvia, the Intracoastal near Las Olas, and Sunrise Bay, the rules apply citywide and are intended to reduce derelict or abandoned vessels, protect water quality, and improve navigational safety. The Marine Advisory Board recommended approval, and enforcement will be handled by the Police Department’s Marine Patrol Unit.
The Commission approved the Series 2025 Infrastructure Special Obligation Bonds, which will provide $105 million to complete the Police Headquarters, upgrade public safety communications, and fund citywide infrastructure improvements. Of this, $26.9 million is dedicated to roadway and sidewalk projects. The bonds will allow the City to accelerate critical repairs, improve ADA compliance, and strengthen neighborhood infrastructure
The Commission accepted a $403,278 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Urban Area Security Initiative, administered through the State of Florida and City of Miami. The funding will support projects by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and the Police Department, including upgrades to the Emergency Operations Center, new cybersecurity tools, cyberattack response and mitigation, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, and regional community resilience initiatives.
The Commission approved a $100,000 grant agreement with the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society to support capital improvements at the historic King-Cromartie House Museum. Built in 1907, the home is one of the City’s earliest pioneer structures and is leased to the Historical Society, which operates it as a museum and educational site within the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District. The improvements will help preserve the site, which is regularly toured by school groups and visitors.
The Commission approved a $97,618 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation to support a public awareness and enforcement campaign focused on pedestrian and bicycle safety. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department will carry out the campaign with the Institute of Police Technology and Management, using the funds to cover officer overtime and distribute educational materials. The program will run through May 8, 2026, and is aimed at educating pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists on safe behaviors.
