FTL Connect Spring '23 by City of Fort Lauderdale

FTL Connect

S P R I N G 2 0 23

C I T Y O F F O R T L AU D E R DA L E

D VE INTO

SPR NG Inaugural Issue

YO U R K E Y TO T H E C I T Y

In this

ISSUE

Directory of Important Contacts Commission Connection

4-5

Commission Priorities Homelessness and Housing Opportunities

6-7

Infrastructure and Resilience

8-9

Parks and Public Places

10-11

Transportation

12-13

Public Safety

14-15

Economic Development

Climate Resiliency

Upcoming Events

18-19

Employee Spotlight

Division Spotlight

Outstanding Citizens

City Manager's Message

QR CODES

Open the camera app on your cell phone. Hold your phone so that the QR code appears in view. Tap the notification to open the website link for more information on the associated topic. FTL Connect magazine is produced by the City of Fort Lauderdale's Strategic Communications Office. If you would like this publication in an alternate format, please call 954-828-4755 or email strategiccommunications@fortlauderdale.gov.

Directory of

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

24-Hour Customer Service Center Phone: 954-828-8000 Email: lauderserv@fortlauderdale.gov Website: fortlauderdale.gov/lauderserv

City Hall 100 N. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: 954-828-8000

Development Services Department (DSD) 700 NW 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Call Center: 954-828-6520, Option 2 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fire Rescue Administrative Headquarters 528 NW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Office: 954-828-6800 IN AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 9-1-1

Parks & Recreation Department Phone: 954-828-PARK (7275) Email: parksinfo@fortlauderdale.gov

Police Department 1300 W. Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Non-Emergency: 954-828-5700 IN AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 9-1-1

Utility Billing Customer Service 100 N. Andrews Avenue, 1st Floor, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: 954-828-5150 Sanitation Cart Service: 954-828-8000 Sanitation Pick-Up, Sewer, Storm Drains: 954-828-8000 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Transportation and Mobility Transportation Inquiries Phone: 954-828-4TAM (4826) Email: transportation@fortlauderdale.gov Parking Inquiries Phone: 954-828-8000 Email: parkingservices@fortlauderdale.gov

Stay Informed Visit the City website: fortlauderdale.gov

Alert Register for emergency alerts: FTL fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl Join us on Nextdoor: nextdoor.com Get E-news delivered to your inbox: fortlauderdale.gov/enews Contact our 24-Hour Customer Service Center: 954-828-8000

YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

Commission CONNECTION MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR This decision is an important component in the city’s ongoing efforts to improve its aging infrastructure. Another important issue explored in this magazine is the city response to homelessness in our community.

Mayor Dean J. Trantalis I’m pleased to share with you the first edition of a new magazine — FTL Connect — that the city is producing to give everyone up-to-date and accurate information about what is happening in our community. We plan to regularly share with you details on the progress we are making on important issues from public safety to infrastructure improvements as well as put a spotlight on some of the great work being done by our staff that you may not know about. One of this issue’s highlights is a tremendous event that occurred at the start of 2023 — the grand opening of the newly upgraded Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center. The renovation not only provides a significantly improved place for local residents to use, it is expected to restore Fort Lauderdale as a premier destination for competitive swimming and diving events. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to check out the facility. This FTL Connect magazine also takes a look at a major decision that the City Commission made that will be important to our residents for generations to come. The commission agreed to replace the old Fiveash Water Treatment plant with a new facility that will be located next to our existing well fields at the executive airport.

Check out the City's new website to track current large and ongoing projects that make Fort Lauderdale a world-class city that you never want to leave!

Fort Lauderdale has led our region in efforts to try to reduce homelessness through the offering of temporary housing with wrap-around social services to address the underlying issues of a person’s homelessness. The city also established a community court program where homeless individuals charged with minor offenses can be diverted into temporary housing and needed social services. We have a special team from the Police Department and the Neighbor Support Division that goes throughout the city and offers assistance to get people off the streets. We even offer to pay transportation to reunite anyone who wishes with a supportive family member. Panhandling is certainly a particular problem that the commission wishes to eliminate. We had an ordinance on the books that prohibited panhandling, but it was struck down as unconstitutional in court. We are working to obtain court clearance for a new ordinance that is tailored to address the constitutional concerns by focusing on instances that pose a danger to public safety. As your public leaders, we will continue to look for ways to improve our response to homelessness and ensure our streets are safe. I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made in making Fort Lauderdale an increasingly cosmopolitan and vibrant community that is a great place to live and work.

YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

SCAN CODE

or visit ftlcity.info/mayor to connect.

City's new website that highlights current large projects and partnerships

SCAN CODE or visit fortlauderdale. gov/majorprojects to explore major initiatives in the works.

Commission CONNECTION Commissioner District 1

Commissioner John C. Herbst

The new Commission set our goals for the upcoming year during a meeting in January. Key themes are as follows: Infrastructure & Resilience, Housing & Homelessness, Traffic & Transportation, Parks & Public Places, Economic Development & Diversification, and Public Safety, all of which are addressed in each issue of the new FTL Connect. I have raised a number of issues and concerns that I hope to see addressed in the coming year, including the hiring of additional police officers to deal with crime and expanding calls for service, increased focus on problems with short-term rentals, and panhandling at intersections along Federal Highway. I look forward to sharing the City’s progress throughout the year. Commissioner Herbst may be reached via e-mail at jherbst@fortlauderdale.gov or by phone at 954-828-5003. SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/district1 to connect.

Commissioner District 2

Commissioner Steven Glassman

As your District 2 Commissioner, I’m so pleased to be able to highlight some of the incredible things happening in our city. My hope is that this magazine keeps our neighbors better informed about the Commission’s key initiatives on behalf of everyone. You’ll notice one big highlight this quarter is on the cover. It’s our beautiful, newly renovated Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center. This sparkling gem on the barrier island will bring world-renowned athletes and events to Fort Lauderdale in addition to providing swim facilities for our city. We are once again the center of the swimming and diving world, and the best is yet to come! Commissioner Glassman may be reached via e-mail at sglassman@fortlauderdale.gov or by phone at 954-828-5003. SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/district2 to connect.

Commissioner District 3

Commissioner Pam Beasley-Pittman

You spoke, and the City of Fort Lauderdale listened. Through voicing your need for additional transportation and engaging with Transportation and Mobility (TAM), the service area for the LauderGo! Micro Mover, powered by Circuit, has been expanded! The service is now available to neighbors in District 3. I’m so proud to have cut the ribbon on this project and look forward to many more conversations about improving services for District 3. Please keep sharing your feedback with us because together, we can make it happen! Commissioner BeasleyPittman may be reached via e-mail at pbeasleypittman@fortlauderdale.gov or by phone at 954-828-5003. SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/district3 to connect.

Vice Mayor/Commissioner District 4

Vice Mayor/Commissioner Warren Sturman

Our City is rapidly developing, and I am working daily to make sure this development is as compatible as possible with the needs of District 4 residents. I’ve listened closely to residents’ concerns regarding the reimagining of Huizenga Park and implemented policies to reduce noise and traffic into the lease agreement. Also, I’m working to stave off possible unintended consequences of the pending PublicPrivate Partnership to rebuild the Fiveash Water Treatment Plant. I’m working with Interim City Attorney D’Wayne Spence to improve the process for reviewing residents’ proposals for modifications to the project. I look forward to continuing to work with District 4 residents to improve our city! Vice Mayor Sturman may be reached via e-mail at wsturman@fortlauderdale.gov or by phone at 954-828-5003. SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/district4 to connect. YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

Commission Priorities

HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

HELP HOMELESS FOR THE

Community Court is not here to judge.

Left to right: FLPD Homeless Outreach Unit Officer Brian Blount and Community Court participant Frank Ngezelonyeon

YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

Commission Priorities

HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY

The first day I walked in here changed my life. When you hear the word court, the image of a cold and formal setting might come to mind. Every Wednesday, however, a different type of courtroom comes to life inside the City’s Commission Chambers. It’s called Community Court, and it looks just the way it sounds. Various providers from local nonprofits, police officers, staff, and volunteers become lifelines to the area’s homeless population. The program was launched in 2019 to address low-level misdemeanor offenses and violations of local laws by providing community resources in lieu of incarceration. The program has broadened its impact by not only providing services to those who are courtordered, but also to those who choose to come in on their own. “The first day I walked in here changed my life,” said Community Court participant

From October 2022 to December 2022, we have provided our homeless neighbors with

376

SHOWERS

Frank Ngezelonye. “I walked into City Hall because I needed help, and I told them that I have a substance abuse problem.” Ngezelonye is a Community Court success story. The 37-year-old had been homeless without a job and estranged from his family for years. With the help of Community Court’s growing network of organizations and partners, he was able to find a sober living facility where he connected with other residents who were working to conquer their addiction together. Ngezelonye says he is 20 months sober and maintains a job working at the facility where he lives. “I’m a recovery navigator and house manager. I’ve been working for them since October,” he said. From October 2022 through December 2022, Community Court staff welcomed 294 walk-ins and 12 individuals who

200

HAIRCUTS

330 MEALS

were ordered to appear. These individuals learn more about resources that can help them get back on track, and there are mobile facilities available that offer showers and haircuts. Broward Health also supports Community Court by offering medical attention from their mobile unit. “If I can come out of the bondage of addiction and go to the City of Fort Lauderdale to get myself clean and get myself right and have visions of what I want to do, you [too] can definitely do it,” said Ngezelonye, who has also reconnected with his family. Support services are available for anyone experiencing homelessness starting at 9 a.m. every Wednesday at City Hall located at 100 N. Andrews Avenue. Community Court is held at 11 a.m. within Commission Chambers.

SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/communitycourt for more information. Homeless resources are available by calling 954-563-HELP (4357) or visiting fortlauderdale.gov/helpnow. YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

Commission Priorities

INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESILIENCE

Flow With Fort Lauderdale New Water Treatment Plant Slated For 2026 Let’s cheers to crystal clear water from Fort Lauderdale faucets! The City Commission recently approved a comprehensive agreement to build a new, state-of-the-art water treatment facility serving more than 260,000 customers in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, and other surrounding cities.

The new plant will provide residents clear, safe, potable water without a yellow tinge.

Capable of producing

50 million gallons

of treated water per day

The Prospect Lake Clean Water Center will replace the aging Charles W. Fiveash Regional Water Treatment Plant, which requires significant investments to maintain its use. The new plant will provide residents clear, safe, potable water without the yellow tinge associated with water delivered from the Fiveash plant, which was built in the 1950s. “We are harnessing the talent of world-renowned experts to build and operate the top-of-line plant that will produce crystal clear water. The existing Fiveash plant simply had reached the end of its lifespan and needed to be replaced,” City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said. The City’s new plant will be capable of producing 50 million gallons of treated water per day with a combination of nanofiltration membrane and ion exchange technologies capable of removing 99% of emerging contaminants such as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as the forever chemicals. The new plant will also be able to withstand a category 5 hurricane.

YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

Capable of removing

99% of emerging contaminants

Designed to withstand a

Category 5 hurricane SCAN CODE or visit fortlauderdale.gov/watertreatment to learn more about the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center.

Commission Priorities

INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESILIENCE

“The P3 approach for constructing and operating the plant will allow this critical infrastructure to be delivered 42 months sooner than if the City had procured the project through traditional means.“

This mobile lidar unit features a 3D laser scanner, GPS receiver, and highresolution cameras and can document all structures within 200 feet.

This project is an example of a public-private partnership, commonly referred to as a P3. These agreements between public agencies and private sector entities allow for the delivery of services in a cost-effective way that might not be possible using traditional contracting methods. Under the agreement, the City of Fort Lauderdale will not be responsible for on-site operational management, maintenance, or repairs. However, the City will own the water treatment plant, remain the sole authority to set customer water rates, and will staff the plant with its own workforce. “The P3 approach for constructing and operating the plant will allow this critical infrastructure to be delivered 42 months sooner than if the City had procured the project through traditional means. In addition, the operating agreement with the P3 provider provides cost certainty both from an operational and renewal and replacement perspective,” said Fort Lauderdale Assistant City Manager Susan Grant. The new water treatment plant will cost approximately $666 million, including projects that are necessary to integrate the new plant into the City's existing water distribution system. This initiative will be funded through a combination of private equity and City-issued tax-exempt bonds that will be paid over 30 years, leveraging the City’s excellent credit rating and low cost of capital. Customer water rates, which are determined based on the total cost to operate and maintain the City’s water systems, are projected to increase by $45 per month over the next 10 years for a customer using 5,000 gallons per month – from approximately $31 per month in 2022 to $75 per month in 2032. “In approving the construction of a new water treatment plant, the City Commission has taken a significant step to ensuring Fort Lauderdale and its utility customers have a clean and reliable water supply for generations to come,” Mayor Trantalis said. To learn more about the Prospect Lake Water Treatment Plant, visit fortlauderdale.gov/watertreatment.

Surveying crews use GPS equipment to identify the precise location of underground pipes and make the information available digitally.

Water Infrastructure Mapping Underway By the end of next year, the City of Fort Lauderdale will be able to reference a digital map showing the precise location of key water infrastructure elements such as water mains, meters, and valves. This map will help City staff accurately pinpoint those elements for new construction, maintenance or emergency repairs. In order to accomplish this ambitious undertaking, the City is working with a team of surveying companies that are utilizing various mapping and utility locating methods combined with the latest available technology.

SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/watermapping to learn more about this initiative. YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

Commission Priorities PUBLIC PLACES

Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center

Towering Over the Competition

ith nearly a century of swimming history, Fort Lauderdale is renowned as a leader and pioneer among top aquatic centers. Since building the first Olympic-size swimming pool in Florida in 1928, the City of Fort Lauderdale has celebrated 10 world records and played host to countless sports heroes, champions, events, and achievements at every level along the way. Today, Fort Lauderdale continues its tradition of excellence with its all-new aquatic center on the barrier island, home of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. The landmark $47.2 million aquatic center includes state-of-the-art competition pools for both competitive and public use. Hensel Phelps Construction Company led the design-build project that includes three swimming pools and support amenities that will welcome new generations of aquatic sport enthusiasts. From a groundbreaking ceremony on April 5, 2019, to the ribbon cutting on January 28, 2023, the new aquatic center has been heralded by scores of the world’s aquatic sport heroes including Olympians Donna DeVarona, Greg Louganis, Dara Torres, Cullen Jones, Caeleb Dressel, Ryan Lochte, Wendy Boglioli, Jesse Vassallo, Mary Ellen Clark, Sam Dorman, Brandon Loschiavo, Tom Gompf, Dave Burgering, Randy Ableman, Michelle Davison Sandelin, Tim O’Brien, and Dr. Ron O’Brien.

YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

SCAN CODE or visit

ftlcity.info/divetower for more information on the dive tower.

The ribbon cutting festivities included the Hall of Fame Dive Challenge and remarks by Mayor Dean Trantalis, Commissioner Steven Glassman, and Dale Neuberger of World Aquatics, who remarked, “No other city in the world, apart from an Olympic city, is doing more for aquatic sports than the City of Fort Lauderdale.” Highlighting the City’s signature venue is a 27-meter permanent dive tower with a full complement of springboards and nine platform levels. This one-of-a-kind high dive tower is accessible via a standard stairway. Visitors will be able to experience guided “Top of the Tower” tours to see what it is like to be a diver from heights above three meters with scenic views of the intracoastal waterway and Fort Lauderdale Beach.

SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/flacrc to see photos from the ribbon cutting.

Photo courtesy of Chad Baumer

Commission Priorities PUBLIC PLACES

“The renovation of the aquatic center restores Fort Lauderdale as a premier destination for global competitive swimming and diving at a venue that is also available to the community. Your morning swim can be a lane away from a world champion training for their next title,” said City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. “I could not be more honored for the world to finally see what we’ve poured our hearts into over these past five years. The City of Fort Lauderdale is committed to carrying on the legacy of the aquatic center and maintaining our position as the swimming and diving capital of the world,” said Commissioner Steven Glassman, who has been a longtime advocate for the revitalization project and serves on the board of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. The aquatic center and International Swimming Hall of Fame are located on a 5-acre man-made peninsula operated by the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department. As a municipal venue, residents and visitors alike can experience this venerable fountain of youth - to dream and swim in the same pools as championship athletes, where personal achievements are made daily, whether it's learning to swim, diving from a springboard, or setting a world record. This is your pool.

Photo courtesy of Chad Baumer

Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center 501 Seabreeze Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

SCAN CODE or visit parks.fortlauderdale.gov/flac for more information.

YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

Commission Priorities

TRANSPORTATION

! o G r e d u a L r e v o M o r c Mi 4.8 STARS The LauderGO! Micro Mover, powered by Circuit, is a free and eco-friendly pilot program that makes it easy for residents and neighbors to get around downtown, Las Olas Boulevard, the beach and now District 3! The fleet of nimble, all-electric vehicles also connects to Brightline, Broward County Transit, and the LauderGO! Community Shuttle. The service is an innovative and sustainable solution to ease traffic congestion in the City and help get you where you want to go.

YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

Passenger rating on a scale of 1 to 5

10,077 Average number of monthly riders since August 2022

Commission Priorities TRANSPORTATION

NE 3rd Ave

NW 6 St NW 4 St

ROUTE STOP Las Olas Garage

ROUTE STOP North Beach Village Parking Lot Parking Available

ROUTE STOP Adjacent to Beach Place

Parking Available

Broward Blvd

Las Olas Blvd. ROUTE STOP Las Olas Oceanside Park

Seabreeze Blvd

SW 4 Ave

MAP LEGEND

N Birch Rd

A1A

NW 7 Ave

NW 21 Ave

E Sunrise Blvd

ROUTE STOP Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

Service Area

A1A

Expanded Service Area

Parking Available

Beach Service Area

SE 17 St

The hottest ride around takes you to the some of the coolest places in the City of Fort Lauderdale – at no cost to you! Thousands of riders have hopped on the LauderGO! Micro Mover every month since the pilot program officially launched in August 2022, and it’s in more demand than ever. “We had a great, knowledgeable driver and we loved the history he told us about the area during our ride,” said a recent rider who gave a five-star rating. The Micro Mover makes life easier. You can use the on-demand system to schedule a ride using the free app and request to be picked up and dropped off anywhere within the downtown service area, which includes Las Olas Boulevard. When you’re out at the beach, simply hop on for a ride at one of the five stops. When using the app, riders can expect an average wait time of less than 15 minutes. On the beach, wait times are typically shorter as the vehicles make continuous loops along a fixed route. Just remember, riders must be at least 18 years old or be accompanied by an adult to request a ride. Children must weigh at least 65 pounds or use a child seat provided by the adult passenger.

Free Rides!

Take the scenic route! Download the Ride Circuit app and start movin’ today!

“We are focused on improving traffic flow and continuously evaluating new solutions to ease congestion within our City,” Mayor Dean J. Trantalis said. “We want to leverage emerging technologies and tools and continue our coordination with the teams at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Broward County. The Micro Mover is one great example of those successful efforts.” Improving the quality of transportation services and reducing traffic congestion are top priorities for the City and its Commissioners. The City is considering making this pilot program a permanent service. Forget about navigating through traffic and finding a parking spot and let someone else deliver you to your destination.

SCAN CODE or visit fortlauderdale.gov/micromover for more information.

YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

Commission Priorities PUBLIC SAFETY

FLPD Community Support District 1 CSU Patrol Staff Unit

Left to right: Officer Tim Ryan and K9 Raven, PSA Judy Schilter, Officer Juan Giraldo, Sergeant Eric Pekrol, Officer Nicholas Herring, Officer Victoria Negron Rodriguez, and Officer John Shefferman and K9 Ace

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) is introducing a new 2023 initiative focused on reimagining its partnership with residential, business and visitor communities. The effort is called the FLPD District Community Support Unit (CSU), which is comprised of one sergeant, multiple officers and one public service aid dedicated to all of the department’s districts. “The creation of our Community Support Unit is a critical part of our effort to increase community engagement,” said Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Patrick Lynn, who considers the initiative a top priority for his department. The plan is for each CSU member to foster and strengthen relationships with community members, including homeowner and businessowner associations, local schools, charitable and faith-based organizations. If you wish for officers to attend meetings or events in your district, you can contact:

District 2 CSU Patrol Staff Left to right: PSA Nicole Beecher, Officer Tourek Williams, Sergeant Eric Landau, Officer Jesus Fernandez, Officer Randy Washington, and Officer Justin Fairburn and K9 Delta

Police District 1: Sergeant Eric Pekrol, 954-828-5542 or CSUDistrict1info@fortlauderdale.gov Police District 2: Sergeant Eric Landau, 954-828-6652 or CSUDistrict2info@fortlauderdale.gov Police District 3: Sergeant Nicole Graves, 954-828-6905 or CSUDistrict3info@fortlauderdale.gov

Interested in joining the FLPD team? Scan code or visit FLPDJobs.com.

YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

District 3 CSU Patrol Staff Left to right: Officer Reynaldo Santo, Officer Kerri Hagerty, Sergeant Nicole Graves, Officer Antje Jackson, Officer Douglas Ng-A-Kien and K9 Troy, and PSA Nicole Trujillo

Commission Priorities PUBLIC SAFETY

City of Fort Lauderdale’s Fire Explorer Program is Blazing a Trail

Do you or someone you know dream of being a firefighter or working in public service? Fort Lauderdale’s Emergency Management Bureau offers a place to start. The Post 713 Fire Explorer Program in Fort Lauderdale teaches young men and women, ages 14 to 21, elements of fire service, including first aid as a first responder, search and rescue tasks, hose handling, ladder techniques, ropes and knots, handling and use of self-contained breathing apparatus and other fire equipment. Fire Explorers can participate in a ride-along program with the department after completing a 6-month probationary period and earning a CPR card. They also help with special events around Fort Lauderdale including the Air & Sea Show, Tortuga Music Festival, Winterfest Boat Parade and Fire Safety Museum tours.

Police Officer Jason Wilson offered a presentation to explain what to do if you are pulled over by a police officer. “I wish this program existed when I was getting my license. Having an officer share his expertise can be indispensable,” Officer Wilson said. The team has been able to generate support from various departments. Parks and Recreation Director Phil Thornburg has made it possible for explorers to train with the best gear and tools in the fire service. Assistant Fire Chief Frazier, Fire Captain Shane Simcox, Fire Inspector Cedric Daniels and retired Fire Captain David Adams keep the program going with their passion and expertise. “We are not finished yet!” said Assistant Fire Chief Frazier, who works to recruit a diverse mix of young men and women from our city every year.

“It has been my ultimate goal to establish a direct pathway from this program to a career at Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue,” Assistant Fire Chief Jermaine Frazier said.

If you are interested in joining the Fire Explorer Program, email your full name, age, high school, and the city where you live to: FTL.EM@fortlauderdale.gov.

The group, founded 20 years ago, has expanded to teach recruits about police work, emergency medical technician training and careers in the military. The curriculum also includes life skills and character-building with presentations on topics such as interactions with a police officer or authority figure to help navigate challenging situations. Most recently, Fort Lauderdale

The fee is $50 and the group meets Tuesday nights from 6-9:30 p.m.

SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/fireexplorers for more information. YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

Commission Priorities

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The link between City and State Governance:

Is it all political ? By Daphnee Sainvil - Government Affairs & Economic Development, Division Manager

Many of you may be wondering – what’s happening in or with local government? How does the City interact and work with state and federal elected officials? Is it really that political? I can emphatically say that our local officials work hard to ensure that best practices and policies are adopted to benefit you. Funny enough, it’s not that political! Let’s ramp up to state politics. Every year, the State Legislature meets for 60 days to pass policy affecting your everyday lives. That’s right - 60 days! They are considered a part-time legislature, unlike some other states which are year-round (full-time). Our Legislators are also constitutionally mandated to balance the state budget, which sometimes totals over $90 billion. The Governor submits his “Proposed Budget Recommendations” to the Legislature, who either give him all of what he wants, some of what he wants, or none and they just do what they want! Generally, there’s a compromise and a majority of the recommended tax cuts are adopted, as well as other funding initiatives in the health and human services, transportation, education, public safety, and environmental buckets. On the other hand, the federal government runs at its own pace. Real easy explanation! Oftentimes, the City requests funding from the federal

government, which trickles down to the state then gets to the City, for larger projects because of (a) timing and (b) the amount that is available to be awarded. The City is lucky to have representation from three sitting members of Congress in the US House of Representatives. Some communities only have one or two, so this gives us more opportunity to obtain gap funding to complete much-needed projects. However, the downside to the pace of Washington, DC is that it takes longer to obtain funding and we often must keep trying with each Congressional cycle if proven unsuccessful. Now I can squeeze in the City’s role in all of this. In order to capitalize on potential opportunities, the City has a Government Affairs Manager, works directly with the elected officials, and indirectly via the state and federal contract lobby teams. These teams are invaluable in the sense that they can get us face time with essential elected officials in the Legislature, as well as the Executive branches (President and Governor) through their existing relationships. In conjunction with the Government Affairs Manager, they relay our positions on certain policy, and assist us in establishing or re-establishing relationships. Their teams are made up of bipartisan former

SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/economicdevelopment for more information.

YOUR KEY TO THE CIT Y

@FtLaudBiz ftlcity.info/linkedingaed

staff, elected officials, and strategists who provide us with the necessary guidance to win for you – the Fort Lauderdale resident, visitor, or business. For example, we know housing affordability and transportation infrastructure are top concerns throughout the community. We are continuously strategizing with our teams to find solutions to ease traffic congestion and encourage developers to include affordable units while simultaneously applying for grants and loans to fund these essential projects and programs. Overall, we’re working diligently to make this City a place where you want to live, work, play, and invest. #WeAreFTL

Daphnee Sainvil Government Affairs & Economic Development, Division Manager

Climate Resiliency

THE TRUTH KING TIDES TELL

A Look Back and a Glimpse Forward on Climate

By Dr. Nancy Gassman, Assistant Public Works Director - Sustainability If you think you’ve noticed a higher than usual occurrence of king tides impacting your neighborhood, the science tells us you’re right. In 2022, the City of Fort Lauderdale experienced 178 tides that exceeded the threshold for tidal inundation in our lowest lying areas, the most since these records were started in 2018. We also recorded 32 flooding tides that occurred between January 1 and May 31, more than three times the average number of flooding spring tides during the previous four years. Our city, home to 165 miles of waterway, pays close attention to these types of shifts as our master plans and comprehensive plan incorporate climate as a critical component to consider for our future. Fort Lauderdale took early and continuing action to install tidal valves (more than 190 to date) and elevate seawalls (at Isle of Palms Drive, Cordova Road, and Hendricks Isle) to reduce impacts from sea level rise as part of a much larger sustainability plan. Even with such progress, a key message at the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit, which was held in Fort Lauderdale in December 2022, was that we need to do more and we need to do

it now to prevent a rapid acceleration of impacts and this urgency is warranted.

IN 2022 178 TIDES

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Resilience Committee also asserts that South Florida needs to be the “epicenter of solutions” to address and adapt to climate change. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport had an average summer temperature of 84.2°F, nearly one degree above the 30-year norm. The temperature exceeded 90°F for 56 days, a full week longer than the previous average. A total of 13 daily high minimum temperature records were tied or broken over the summer of 2022. Extreme weather is also a source of concern. In November 2022, Hurricane Nicole's storm surge produced the highest tide of the year and led to multiple days of tidal flooding. A potential tropical cyclone in June 2022 dropped 10 inches of rain over a single weekend. Flooding from this extreme rainfall event was minimized in three neighborhoods due to stormwater improvements previously made in Melrose Park and those under construction in River Oaks and Edgewood.

OF THE

FLOODING TIDES

occurred between January 1 and May 31

MORE THAN

190

tidal valves installed to date

A TOTAL OF 13 DAILY HIGH minimum temperature records were tied or broken over the summer

HURRICANE

The key message for Fort Lauderdale neighbors and business owners is that the City is remaining vigilant, reducing our carbon footprint and enacting plans to implement adaptation strategies prioritized for neighborhoods most vulnerable to climate impacts. SCAN CODE or visit fortlauderdale.gov/kingtides for more information.

exceeded the threshold for tidal inundation

NICOLE

caused a storm surge that led to multiple days of tidal flooding and the highest elevation peak tide of the year.

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Upcoming EVENTS

Sunday Jazz Brunch

Sundays | April 2, May 7, June 4

SCAN CODE or visit

ftlcity.info/events for more upcoming events.

Great American Beach Party

Saturday, May 27 | 11 AM - 6:30 PM

11 AM - 2 PM | Along the Riverwalk

Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd.

The Sunday Jazz Brunch is an ideal way to relax and enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Riverwalk. This free, live, outdoor concert series brings the area’s best local jazz artists to three different stages along the Riverwalk (Esplanade Gazebo, Connie Hoffmann Gazebo, and Peck Courtyard Stage). Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to attend. There is plenty of room to set up chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to experience the fabulous entertainment. Attendees can also stroll along the historic brick-lined walkway to enjoy live music while browsing items from local merchants and enjoying food from area restaurants.

Kick off the summer on Memorial Day weekend at the Great American Beach Party, a tradition in the City of Fort Lauderdale. Celebrate with family and friends as a portion of Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach transforms into an entertainment mecca. Highlights from this free, family-friendly event include live bands, water slides, a kids zone, a classic car show, an art show, a sand sculpting contest, a SOCOM Para-Commandos parachute jump, a military tribute, the Walk of Fame ceremony, vendors, exhibitors, and so much more!

Memorial Day Ceremonies Monday, May 29

Carter Park Jamz

Fridays | April 21, May 19 7-10 PM | Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd. Enjoy a free concert series with a broad range of musical varieties featuring a different live performer each showtime! Bring your chairs, picnic blankets, and snacks to relax under the stars. From jazz to pop, Carter Park Jamz has it all!

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9 AM | Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery 2001 SW 4th Ave. 11 AM | Sandy Nininger Statue Along Riverwalk Join us on Monday, May 29, for two special Memorial Day ceremonies. The first observance will take place at 9 a.m. at Lauderdale Memorial Park, located at 2001 SW 4th Avenue. The second ceremony, hosted by the William C. Morris American Legion Post 36, will take place at 11 a.m. at the Sandy Nininger Statue, located on the Riverwalk. Attending a Memorial Day ceremony is a wonderful way to honor all service members who have given their lives to protect our liberty and preserve our freedom.

Upcoming EVENTS

SCAN CODE or visit

ftlcity.info/events for more upcoming events.

Connecting our COMMUNITIES EVENTS Spring Egg Hunts Saturday, April 1 10 AM - 12 PM | Mills Pond Park, 2201 NW 9th Ave. 12-2 PM | Croissant Park, 245 W. Park Dr.

Saturday, April 8 10 AM - 12 PM | Bass Park, 2750 NW 19th St. 2-5 PM | Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd. Enjoy spring egg hunts at several of our parks! Highlights include photos with the Spring Bunny, an egg hunt, arts and crafts, food, games, music, and more! Please remember to bring your own basket.

Viernes Musicales

Fridays | April 14, May 12

Movie Night and Food Truck Invasion Friday, April 28, 2023 | 7-10 PM Riverland Park | 950 SW 27th Ave. Families are invited to enjoy a poolside movie with a food truck invasion. Call 954-828-5320 for more information.

Old School Field Day

Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 12-4 PM Warfield Park | 1000 N. Andrews Ave. A fun and friendly outdoor event with competitive games, old school funk music, an obstacle course, bounce houses, face painting, arts and crafts, and light refreshments. Call 954-828-6120 for more information.

Sips, Sounds, & Splats

7-10 PM | Riverland Park, 950 SW 27th Ave.

Saturday, April 29

Viernes Musicales is a free Latin music concert at Riverland Park! Bring your chairs, picnic blankets, snacks, family, and friends to enjoy great music outdoors!

2-6 PM | South Side Cultural Arts Center 701 S. Andrews Ave. Sips, Sounds, & Splats is an art and wine social with live music. The event is free to attend, but does include a cash bar and a take home canvas is available for $10.

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Employee SPOTLIGHT

Q&A

Meet Fort Lauderdale’s New Fire Chief Stephen Gollan Stephen Gollan, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue’s new Chief, is a City native who has devoted the past 26 years of his life to bravely fighting fires and working up the ranks with a driving force at the heart of his selfless work – helping people. Chief Gollan’s nearly 20 years of service with the City includes time with the Marine and Technical Rescue teams, the role of Assistant Fire Marshal, and as a wellsuited Public Information Officer. But these roles don’t entirely detail Chief Gollan’s bravest moments. His courage and grace under fire began early on in life. He takes a moment to reflect on his journey during this conversation with FTL Connect.

What inspired your journey as a firefighter? There are so many things that led me to where I am today. I remember the Fort Lauderdale fire trucks when I was going to school at St. Anthony’s. I have vivid memories of Fort Lauderdale Fire showing up, spraying water, and giving us hats. Also, while in middle school and high school, my mother became sick with cancer. I was touched by the response of paramedics and how they did as much as they could for my family to make a very challenging time somewhat better.

Both my parents passed away while I was in high school, a year apart, and at that point I was looking for direction. The City of Wilton Manors had a volunteer fire department, and they were very gracious to accept me. I wasn’t old enough to start running calls with them yet because I hadn’t graduated high school, but they allowed me to attend training and really showed me a career path that I had never thought of. Later, I went to college at UCF and worked as a lifeguard, but an opportunity was presented to me to go to Auburn University. I could work for the City of Auburn as a paid firefighter, and they would pay my college tuition. Being that I was on my own, I was looking for a way to make that happen. I was able to get my degree and all the experience out of it.

What has been your most impactful assignment? When I look at some of the highs, and lows, I think of all my paramedic training and experience that helped me deliver my son. It was in a hospital and the doctor was okay with it because I had paramedic training and delivered other babies in the field before. It was just something near and dear to my heart.

What are the most important messages you want cadets to know by the time they are done training? It is currently a very long, challenging road to get hired as a firefighter. The classes – Emergency Medical Technician

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(EMT), paramedic, firefighting – they all take 2½ years for someone to complete and it costs a lot of money. At the end of the day, they’re well worth it. I always tell the new hires or the recruits that it’s like winning the lottery. You’re being given something that is going to last the rest of your life because it’s not a job. It’s truly a family. It’s a career. Once you get hired by a department, you get into a shift. Those are the people that are at your weddings. They are there when your car breaks down. A firefighter doesn’t just stop at helping the community, it bleeds into the people that they work with every day. It is so much more than a job.

What are some of the goals you have for the department now that you are chief? I want to change the department’s focus a little bit and highlight all of the great things we do in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Often, we hear the word firefighter and we forget that the majority of calls that we run are EMS calls. When we think of firefighters, we think of someone grabbing someone and running out of a burning building. The reality is that 90% of our calls are EMS and we save more lives by our paramedic training than we do with firefighting.

SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/firerescue for more information.

Division

SPOTLIGHT

Nighttime Code Enforcement Left to right: George White, Fitzgerald Simmons, Paul Smart, and Robert Krock

When the sun goes down, work is just starting for the brand-new Nighttime Code Enforcement Team (NET). The team is experienced and dedicated to the work they do. George White is a military veteran with 17 years of code enforcement experience. Robert Krock is a former military police officer with 12 years of related experience, and Paul Smart and Fitzgerald Simmons have 13 years of experience between them. These four Community Enhancement and Compliance Division team members serve the needs of the City from 5 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Thursday through Sunday. They are continuously working to educate the public about noise limits, vacation rental policies, lighting violations and other concerns. “We always try to balance the needs of the entire community, whether that’s a property owner, business owner or a visitor from out of town,” said George White, Senior Code Compliance Officer. “We also take into consideration the City’s laws and guidelines to make sure Fort

Lauderdale remains beautiful, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.” Is there a raucous party at the vacation rental next door keeping you awake on a Thursday? The Nighttime Code Enforcement team can help. Is a commercial vehicle parked in a residential neighborhood between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.? This team will handle that issue as well. They are also responsible for making sure businesses and residences along the beach are following the lighting rules that help protect our sea turtles, among other duties. For more information about the Nighttime Enforcement Team (NET), visit ftlcity.info/CodeCompliance. To make a report about a potential code violation, call 954-828-5207 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. If it’s after hours, call 954-828-8000.

“We always try to balance the needs of the entire community, whether that’s a property owner, business owner or a visitor from out of town” - George White, Senior Code Compliance Officer

SCAN CODE or visit ftlcity.info/codecompliance for more information.

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Outstanding CITIZENS

HONOREES FOR THE ANNUAL

CITIZENS’ RECOGNITION AWARDS 2021-2022 In appreciation of our residents who go above and beyond for the betterment of Fort Lauderdale, the City formed a committee to recognize community leaders whose efforts and achievements foster civic pride and responsibility, encourage public service, promote an appreciation of the City's heritage and significantly contribute to the development of our community. On June 10, 2022, the Citizens’ Committee of Recognition met to select the community leaders who will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the City throughout the years. Since the program’s inception in 1972, Fort Lauderdale has honored over 140 outstanding community leaders, and on May 2, 2023, the City Commission will complement that already-distinguished list with the addition of William “Bill” Rotella, M. Austin Forman, Hal Barnes, and Michael Weymouth. Be sure to check out the next issue of FTL Connect where we highlight Distinguished Citizen, M. Austin Forman and Exemplary Former City Employee, Hal Barnes.

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Citizen of the Year: William “Bill” Rotella William “Bill” Rotella is President and Founder of The Rotella Group, Inc. Bill started his commercial real estate brokerage career at CBRE Group Inc. before opening his own boutique firm in 1995. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Bill was instrumental in redefining the retail landscape in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County. He represented Home Depot in the assemblage of 14 parcels of land at Sunrise Boulevard and Northeast 4th Avenue, a gateway into Downtown Fort Lauderdale, that beautified a once-blighted area in the central sector of the city. Bill is an active member of the Fort Lauderdale Executives Association, a private organization that brings together over 100 local businesses that are unified in their commitment to excellence and are known for their reputation in the community representing the best in their field from all major industries. He is also a member of the Broward Workshop, a private, non-profit, non-partisan business organization representing 100 of Broward County's major businesses and professions whose key areas of focus include business advocacy, community resilience, and cultural affairs. Additionally, Bill served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC). His 35 years with the BGCBC was highlighted with his induction into the BGCBC Hall of Fame in 2015.

Honored Founder: Michael Weymouth Michael Weymouth has a long-standing history in Fort Lauderdale and is a shareholder and President/CEO of The Las Olas Company. Michael is the fourth generation to oversee the family-owned company that has been involved in hospitality, real estate development and management since 1935. He actively manages the 231-room Riverside Hotel and almost 255,000 square feet of commercial space on East Las Olas Boulevard. Prior to assuming the day-to-day operations of the organization, Michael ran his own real estate and construction business and was engaged in business ventures with several local and national companies including Blockbuster Entertainment, Trammell Crow Development and CMC Development. Michael gives back to the Fort Lauderdale community in many ways including serving on several boards and committees such as the Broward Workshop, Junior Achievement, Riverwalk Trust, Fort Lauderdale Executives Association, Winterfest Boat Parade, Las Olas Association and Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority. He also served on numerous City boards and committees including the Planning and Zoning Board, the Unsafe Structures Board and the Reapportionment Committee.

City Manager's MESSAGE The Future is bright! We are excited to support the City Commission’s vision and the projects and initiatives that are now underway. As City Manager, I am proud to lead a team that is committed to providing excellent service to all stakeholders. Our goal is to ensure that every member of our community feels engaged, heard, and valued. With this in mind, our staff strives to continuously build a culture of service, innovation and collaboration. This inaugural magazine was created with the intention of keeping you connected and involved. Furthermore, we are developing informational virtual spaces that highlight programs, projects, and activities that benefit our community. Please visit fortlauderdale.gov/majorprojects to learn more about all of the projects in the works. There, you will find progress information and details about some of the major initiatives that are being worked on. We appreciate your continuous support and trust in our services, programs, and staff and invite you to participate in our commission meetings, town halls, and other engagement opportunities to help shape City’s future.

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Sincerely, Greg Chavarria City Manager

We encourage you to participate in our public meetings. They are the perfect opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ideas with city leaders, other residents and be a part of the decisionmaking process.

GET INVOLVED IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY!

Learn more about the process and see what topics are on the agenda, visit fortlauderdale.gov/ citycommissionmeetings.

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MAKE AN IMPACT!

Apply today to serve on a City of Fort Lauderdale advisory board or committee. Make a difference and help shape the future of our City by adding your voice to the conversation around important community issues. Explore the boards and committees that can benefit from your expertise: ftlcity.info/adviseftl.

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CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE 101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 1400 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

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