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Commissioner’s Message

Greetings! It is an exciting time for the City of Fort Lauderdale and District IV as this
City Commission continues to work hard. On January 27th the City Commission held
our Annual Commission Priorities meeting to discuss the top priorities of the City of Fort
Lauderdale. The top four priorities focused on 2022 are Homelessness/Housing,
Infrastructure, Parks/Public places and Transportation/Traffic. In addition, I would like
to share with you some other updates.
Underground Utilities. While electricity and internet and are vital, the way they enter our
homes is often less attractive than many of us would like. Overhead wires can be unsightly
and are susceptible to high winds. The city is working with FPL, Comcast and AT&T to both
harden and beautify the grid by burying overhead utilities. FPL estimates that buried
powerlines are 50-85% less likely to lead to outages when compared to overhead lines.
The program begins with an application submitted by neighbors who are interested in
participating in the program. The project is funded by the neighbors through a special
assessment. The program includes funds to beautify the street after the project is completed.
If you are interested in submitting an application, please visit the city webpage.
Tree Ordinance. I am excited that the updated tree ordinance is moving forward. The
ordinance is designed to preserve the old-growth trees and improve landscaping
Ben Sorensen
District 4 Commissioner throughout the city of Fort Lauderdale. We hope that with these changes we will be able
City of Fort Lauderdale
bsorensen@fortlauderdale.gov to ensure that our urban canopy is preserved for future generations. These trees are not
only beautiful and historic, but they are important for the livability of the city. With this
new ordinance the city will better preserve our oldest green residence even as the city
continues to grow.

USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28). We are continuing work for the upcoming commissioning
USS Fort Lauderdale this summer and are anxiously awaiting delivery of the new
Amphibious assault ship.
City Hall, 8th Floor
100 N Andrews Ave Pier 66. At this time, the developer has not submitted a new site plan for the southside of
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
the project to the city. We will be sure to keep residents informed of any new proposals.
SB 224-Smoking Ban. I would like to see that there be no more smoking on the beach
here in Fort Lauderdale. Current laws prohibit local municipalities from creating smoke
free zones on beaches and our wonderful parks. I would like to see the City Commission,
once SB 224 passes, create an ordinance banning smoking. However, we need your
help. Please reach out to the Senate Rules Committee and tell them to Vote “Yes” on SB
224 to allow municipalities to protect beaches, animals, plants and people.
Senate Rules Committee.
Office Contact Senator Kathleen Passidomo - passidomo.kathleen.web@flsenate.gov
Ryan C. Thomas Senator Ileana Garcia - Garcia.Ileana.web@flsenate.gov
Director of Community Affairs Senator Ben Albritton - albritton.ben.web@flsenate.gov
for District 4 Commissioner Senator Dennis Baxley - baxley.dennis.web@flsenate.gov
rthomas@fortlauderdale.gov Senator Aaron Bean - bean.aaron.web@flsenate.gov
954.828.5059
Senator Lauren Book - book.lauren.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Jim Boyd - boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Randolph Bracy - bracy.randolph.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Jeff Brandes - brandes.jeff.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Manny Diaz - diaz.manny.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Gary Farmer - farmer.gary.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Audrey Gibson - gibson.audrey.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Joe Gruters - gruters.joe.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Travis Hutson - hutson.travis.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Debbie Mayfield - mayfield.debbie.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Bobby Powell - powell.bobby.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Kelli Stargel - stargel.kelli.web@flsenate.gov
CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE
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