Page 12 - HB0425

Commissioner’s Message

Harbor Beach Neighbors,

hen I spoke at your association in January, a top concern raised was the
urgency for traffic mitigation. I am pushing to limit the number of events
Won the barrier island. The City Commission is working with the Parks and
Recreation Department to determine how many events we have annually. My next
steps will be to include the affected neighborhoods in the decision-making process that
determines how many events should happen in these areas per year.

I have also been meeting with the Transportation and Mobility team bi-weekly to ensure
that the South Ocean Drive bridge construction stays on schedule for a timely opening.
City staff is currently working with FPL to relocate utility poles to work on the new
Ben Sorensen drainage and infrastructure. Get ready to drive on the bridge again because it is on
District 4 Commissioner track to open in June 2025. In addition to this, last month I visited Port Everglades and
bsorensen@fortlauderdale.gov
had the opportunity to see the bypass road. Construction is ongoing, and the bypass
is on track to open in October 2025. The bypass road will decrease traffic by creating
an alternative route to the Port, Convention Center, and the beach.
City of Fort Lauderdale I continue to advocate for a tunnel to be the New River crossing for commuter rail.
1 E. Broward Blvd., Ste. 444
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 This infrastructure would transform travel throughout our region for several reasons.
Lawmakers from Palm Beach to Miami Dade want to expand commuter rail on the east
tracks to increase accessibility to popular destinations without the traffic constraints.
Office Contact To make this a reality, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County must agree on whether a
Sabrina Javellana bridge or tunnel will transport people across the New River. Both infrastructures would
Chief of Staff run south of Sunrise Boulevard and end north of Davie Boulevard. The tunnel is the
sjavellana@fortlauderdale.gov
innovative and durable alternative. City staff is working with the County staff to further
Vicki Gargano the tunnel progress.
Community Outreach Director Lastly, I am happy to announce that from Wednesday, April 30th to Saturday, May
vgargano@fortlauderdale.gov 3rd, the TYR Pro Swim Series is coming to the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center. This is
954.828.5028
a unique chance to watch Olympians and world record holders compete right in our
backyard.
I would love to collaborate with anyone interested in initiatives enhancing the barrier
island. Please feel welcome to email me at bsorensen@fortlauderdale.gov or contact
my office at (954)-828-5028. HB
Ben Sorensen
District 4 Commissioner

10 HARBOR BEACH Magazine | www.harborbeach.org

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