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Commissioner’s Message

Hello Rio Vista and Lauderdale

Harbors Neighbors,
I
t’s been a pleasure speaking with many of you at recent association meetings.
One of the top concerns raised was the quality of our waterways — and I want to
share some important updates.
The City of Fort Lauderdale has contracted Miami Waterkeeper to monitor water
quality at ten recreational sites, testing for fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci).
While this bacterium doesn’t always cause illness, high levels signal contamination
from human or animal waste. I’m working closely with Miami Waterkeeper and
our City Manager’s Office to add source tracing to the program. This would help
pinpoint exactly where pollution is coming from, so we can take targeted action to
clean and protect our waterways.
In another historic step, we’ve created Fort Lauderdale’s first-ever Chief Waterways
Officer position. I’m excited to share that Marco Aguilera started in this role on
April 27th! Marco’s leadership will help drive long-term, sustainable improvements
to waterway health — a key priority for our city’s future.
We are also making significant strides on regional transportation. I continue
to strongly advocate for a tunnel under the New River to serve as the crossing
point for the planned commuter rail expansion. Lawmakers across Miami-Dade,
Broward, and Palm Beach Counties support expanding commuter rail along the
east tracks to connect more people to jobs, schools, and entertainment — without
adding to traffic congestion. I have had great conversations in advancing the
tunnel with the U. S. Department of Transportation, the Broward County Mayor
and Commissioners, and the State. The tunnel is a durable, innovative solution that
will better serve our community for generations to come. City and County staff are
actively working together to advance this important project.
Additionally, I recently toured Port Everglades and saw firsthand the progress on
the new bypass road. Construction is underway, and the bypass is on track to
open in October 2025. Once completed, this road will dramatically reduce traffic
by creating a direct route to the Port, Convention Center, and beaches — easing
congestion for residents and visitors.

Finally, as hurricane season begins, it’s crucial to be ready. The City will be
providing free sandbags to residents on the first Saturday and Sunday of each
month (10:00 AM–1:00 PM) from May through November. You can pick up
sandbags at George English Park, Holiday Park, Mills Pond Park, or the Floyd
Hull/Morton Center. For full storm preparation tips and resources, please visit
https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/stormready.

Thank you for staying engaged and working with me to make Fort Lauderdale even
stronger. I look forward to continuing to serve you!

Ben Sorensen
City Commissioner, District 4 Fort Lauderdale

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