Page 14 - HB1224
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Mayor’s Message





                                                        s the holiday season unfolds, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the
                                                        vibrant community we share here in Fort Lauderdale. This time of year is
                                                  Aan opportunity to reflect on the many blessings that surround us and to
                                                  celebrate the spirit of togetherness, kindness and hope that defines our city.

                                                  It was amazing to see the hundreds of people turn out for Light up the Beach, and I
                                                  know large crowds will gather just the same for our other holiday festivities.

                                                  Whether you're enjoying our beautiful beaches, the festive lights of Las Olas or
                                                  gathering with loved ones, I encourage you to embrace the joy and generosity
                                                  that make this season so special. We’ve faced challenges together, and yet, our
                                                  resilience and unity continue to shine through.
                Dean Trantalis                    I’d like to thank all of those who turned out to vote in the Nov. 3 election.
                      MAYOR
                City of Fort Lauderdale           I am truly honored to have received your confidence to continue to serve our city as
             dtrantalis@fortlauderdale.gov        mayor for a third term. Please join me in congratulating Vice Mayor Steve Glassman
                                                  and commissioners Pamela Beasley-Pittman and John Herbst on their re-elections and
                                                  welcoming Ben Sorensen back to the dais.
                                                  I also wish Warren Sturman the best as he departs from the commission.
                                                  The incoming commission will have been sworn into office at 10 a.m. on Dec. 3
                                                  in the Mary Porter Ballroom at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. I hope
                                                  many of you were able to attend the ceremony.
                                                  The new commission will have many challenges and opportunities over the coming
                                                  four years.
                City of Fort Lauderdale
              1 E. Broward Blvd., Ste. 444        Infrastructure
              Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
                                                  We must continue to improve the city’s infrastructure – a major priority given the age
                                                  of parts of the system and the growing impact of climate change.
                                                  The king tides of the past couple months have been some of the highest tides ever
                                                  recorded. And, while we were fortunate not to be impacted by any tropical systems
                                                  this year, weather data shows that hurricanes are of much greater intensity than they
                                                  were a mere decade ago.
                                                  We’ve committed an investment of more than $1.6 billion directly to infrastructure
                                                  upgrades. This rapid modernization will bring the best level of service possible to
                                                  our neighborhoods and businesses.
                   Office Contact
                   Scott Wyman                    Our existing flood-control system could accommodate a mere three inches of rainfall
              Chief of Staff to the Mayor         over a 24-hour period. When our upgrades are completed, we will be able to
             swyman@fortlauderdale.gov            handle 10 inches of rain in the same time-period – tripling our capacity to prevent
                    954.828.5314                  flooded streets.

                                                  Water plant and police station
                                                  The new commission must oversee the completion of several major construction projects.

                                                  We are a third of the way through building a new water treatment plant. This plant
                                                  will be able to withstand major hurricanes, provide clean, colorless water and
                                                  remove contaminants that scientists are increasingly concerned about like PFAs.
                                                  Construction of the new police station should be completed next year, providing space
                                                  for our growing force and offering them the latest in technological support as well
                                                  as better access to training. Three new fire stations on the barrier island and in the
                                                  downtown-Rio Vista area are in various stages of the design-construction process.

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