From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale commission approved several large contracts and agreements during a recent meeting.
The Commission approved by a 3-2 vote a $1.16 million agreement with The Luminicos, Corp. to replace the non-operational lighting system at the Las Olas Parking Garage. The project will install a new lighting façade designed to enhance the building’s appearance and restore the original dynamic functionality. The contract includes installation, operation, and maintenance of the system through a three-year term, with options to extend for two additional years at $18,000 annually.
The Commission held the first reading of an ordinance to rezone 1.55 acres between NW 2 Avenue and NW 3 Avenue, north of NW 8 Street, to allow future mixed-use redevelopment. The property, which is currently partially developed with three apartment buildings, is within the Northwest-Progresso-Flagler Heights CRA. The rezoning changes the designation from Residential Multifamily Mid-Rise/Medium High Density to Northwest Regional Activity Center–Mixed Use East, consistent with the area’s master plan to create a walkable neighborhood with housing, shops, and services. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval in May 2025.
The Commission approved a new fee structure for the Vacation Rental Registration Program. This change ensures the program can cover the costs of administration, inspections, monitoring software, a dedicated customer service call center, and enforcement. The increase to the fees follows a comprehensive study and reflects growth in the program, from 320 registered rentals in 2017 to more than 1,300 in 2025, along with added monitoring and customer service resources. Under the new structure, the initial registration fee increases from $350 to $880, the standard renewal fee from $160 to $650, and the owner-occupied renewal fee from $80 to $200, with smaller increases for inspections and other services. The changes will make the program self-sustaining while continuing to protect public safety and neighborhood integrity.
The Commission approved a one-year, $544,500 agreement with All Kids Catering, Inc. to provide after-school snacks and dinners at seven City parks and recreation facilities. The program, which is fully reimbursed through the Florida Department of Health, provides up to 400 children with snacks and up to 550 with dinners in the first year, with capacity to expand in future years. Based on current enrollment, staff estimates serving 72,000 snacks and 99,000 dinners in year one.
