By David Volz
Work is moving forward on the new professional soccer facility and community site in Fort Lauderdale.
The Commission approved a settlement framework with Miami Beckham United (MBU) to resolve outstanding disputes related to the public-private partnership for a qualified project including a stadium, Lockhart Park training facility and community site. As part of the agreement, MBU will pay the City a $2.5 million lump sum within 45 days of execution to support the development of the community site.
An additional $1.5 million payment will be made if the City constructs a 260-space North Parking Facility adjacent to the stadium by December 31, 2028, and grants MBU exclusive use of the facility during Major League Soccer events, which includes three hours before kickoff and three hours after. The City has exclusive use and control of the North Parking Facility at all other times and may assign the use of the North Parking Facility subject to the rights of Miami Beckham under this Agreement. The City will be responsible for all future permit fees on the property.
Within 90 days, the City and MBU will negotiate a Second Amendment to the Comprehensive Agreement to define future improvements to the community site, which may include a community center, pickleball courts, fitness areas, green spaces, parking, and pathways. Construction on the community site, with the exception of the North Parking Facility, is expected to begin after April 30, 2026, unless conditions allow for an earlier start. The Commission’s vote authorizes the execution of a settlement agreement based on these terms.
” The six year negotiation processes needed to come to an end and this compromise benefits both parties without the cost of litigation which was looming over head,” said commissioner Steve Glassman.
The Commission approved setting September 3 and September 12, 2025, at 5:01 p.m. at the Broward Center’s Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom as the public hearing dates for the proposed FY 2026 millage rate and budget for both the City and the Sunrise Key Neighborhood Improvement District. These hearings comply with state requirements and avoid scheduling conflicts with other taxing authorities.
The Commission adopted a resolution setting the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 millage rate at 4.1193 per $1,000 of taxable value and a debt service rate of 0.2306. The Commission also set the millage rate for the Sunrise Key Neighborhood Improvement District at 1.000 and acknowledged receipt of the City Manager’s Fiscal Year 2026 proposed budget and budget message. This action reflects Fort Lauderdale’s continued fiscal discipline, as the Commission has not raised the millage rate for 19 consecutive years.
The Commission approved the acceptance of $1,114,396.85 in grant funding from the Florida Division of Emergency Management for Phase I of planned improvements at the City’s Emergency Operations Center. This phase includes design, engineering, and permitting work for a new hurricane safe room and upgraded generator. The City will provide a required $366,818.25 match. The safe room will eventually provide near-absolute protection during emergencies and be built to withstand winds up to 200 MPH.
The Commission approved the co-naming of Northwest 23 Lane, between NW 22 Street and NW 26 Street, as “Rev. Dr. C.W. Bell Jr. Lane.” The honorary designation recognizes the late Rev. Dr. Willie Cleveland Bell Jr., who served as pastor of Greater New Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years and was a dedicated community leader. The cost of signs and installation is estimated at $3,000 and will be fully funded by the City. Installation is expected within four months.
The Commission approved a $3.5 million agreement with Jacobs Project Management Co. to serve as the owner’s representative for the new City Hall project. The firm will oversee planning, design, construction, and post-construction activities following the demolition of the previous facility.
The Commission approved an agreement with Solares Electrical Services, Inc. for $7.86 million to begin Phase 1 of installing four standby generators at the George T. Lohmeyer Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project fulfills a requirement in the City’s Consent Order with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to provide emergency backup power for effluent pumps.
