From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale Commission approved major purchases and agreements during a recent meeting
The Commission approved approximately $6.9 million for equipment, replacement parts and services needed to support the City’s water and wastewater systems. Utility Services operates three water treatment facilities, a regional wastewater treatment facility and 186 sanitary sewer pump stations while maintaining more than 1,400 miles of underground infrastructure. The funding allows the City to replace and repair specialized equipment as needed to maintain reliable operations and continue providing water and wastewater services to approximately 250,000 neighbors and guests.
The Commission approved a new consolidated lease with Sheltair Executive South, LLC at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) that will support continued investment and development at the airport. Under the 30-year lease, Sheltair is required to invest at least $18 million in improvements over five years, including construction of at least 50,000 square feet of hangar and office space and a new aviation fueling facility. The agreement also expands the property available for future development and is expected to generate additional revenue for FXE.
The Commission approved an additional $105,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funding to H.O.M.E.S., Inc. for an affordable housing development at 1210 NE 5th Terrace. The project will create four energy-efficient, two-bedroom apartments for seniors age 62 and older who are raising their grandchildren or other related children. The homes will be affordable to households earning no more than 80% of the Area Median Income. The funding will close the project’s remaining financing gap and builds on $400,000 previously approved by the City and the CRA’s donation of the property.
The Commission approved a one-year agreement with the School Board of Broward County to continue the School Resource Officer Program at eight Fort Lauderdale schools. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department will assign nine officers to serve full-time on school campuses during the 2026-27 school year. The School Board will reimburse the City approximately $1.07 million for the officers, allowing the City to continue providing a dedicated law enforcement presence to support safety at participating schools.
