Page 8 - HB0425

Mayor's Message

I
hope everyone has enjoyed the wonderful weather we’ve had so far this year. It
certainly made for a great St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival downtown. And for our
business community, the balmy weather has certainly helped draw a strong number
of visitors and made for a successful winter season.
As we enter spring, let me update you about some progress that the City Commission
has made to ensure Fort Lauderdale continues to be such a great place to live, work
and visit.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding downtown.
Chicago-based Go Grocer is opening a hybrid grocery and convenience store model
in Flagler Village. The retailer signed a lease at Motif, its first Florida location.
Dean Trantalis I’ve long said that the key to the future of downtown as a vibrant place to live would
MAYOR be the placement of grocery stores, drug stores, dry cleaners and other businesses
City of Fort Lauderdale
dtrantalis@fortlauderdale.gov within the neighborhood to support the needs of residents. The opening of stores like
Go Grocer means downtown residents can meet many of their daily needs without
getting in a car. It’s truly becoming a walkable downtown.

Downtown’s Museum of Discovery and Science also has been recognized as one
of Newsweek’s Best Children’s Museums. With hands-on STEM exhibits, an IMAX
theater and a dinosaur dig site, MODS continues to inspire learning for all ages.
Also, we are making big strides in the reimagining of Huizenga Park. the new
Riverwalk is taking shape, particularly with the construction of the planned Riverwalk
Overlook and the installation of a new seawall cap. We expect construction to be
completed by the end of the year.
City of Fort Lauderdale
1 E. Broward Blvd., Ste. 444 Huizenga Park will truly become downtown Fort Lauderdale’s signature gathering
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 place -- beautifully designed, activated, safe and comfortable. It will have space for
everyone with its series of specially designed areas.
At the same time, park work is progressing across the city. We are committed to
keeping the promises made to voters when they approved a bond issue for major
park improvements.

In March, we approved the construction of new restrooms for Mills Pond Park, an
item that has long been sought by the sports teams that use the park.
This $7 million project will include a new recreation center with pool access,
restrooms, fitness stations, landscaping as well as an interactive water feature. The
updates should be completed by November 2026.
Office Contact
Scott Wyman Construction is underway in Hardy Park. This includes better lighting, a paved
Chief of Staff to the Mayor pathway, a new playground, an improved exercise station and better security. This
swyman@fortlauderdale.gov work should be completed this summer.
954.828.5314
Work should start this summer on a second phase of upgrades at Holiday Park.
Improvements will be made to the playground, dog park, restrooms and walkways.
In January, the City Commission made a major step on another front of improving
recreation options at Holiday Park.
We approved a 10-year agreement with the United States Tennis Association
involving upgrades to the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center. This strategic partnership aligns
with the city's goal to enhance local sports facilities and promote Fort Lauderdale as
a premier location for national sports events.

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