Page 16 - Layout 1

RV0919.qxp_Layout 1 8/26/19 6:37 PM Page 14
Ben Sorensen
District 4 Commissioner
CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE
14
Commissioner’s Message
s this issue is being readied for press, Tropical Storm Dorian is approaching
the Caribbean and seems likely to become Hurricane Dorian, now
Aforecasted to head toward South Florida and reach here during Labor Day
weekend. Whether Dorian does come our way or not, it is another reminder that
each of us must be prepared for tropical storms, hurricanes and the storm surge,
flooding and loss of power that can arise from those events. We only need to look
back to 2017 and Hurricane Irma to recall the many dangers and problems these
ferocious storms can cause. Even if you think you ‘know the drill,’ please visit the
City’s website at www.fortlauderdale.gov/hurricane for comprehensive preparation
and potentially life-saving information to help protect you and your family.
IN OTHER COMMISSION NEWS…
Lockhart and Fort Lauderdale Stadiums
After six months of work, The City Commission unanimously selected Inter Miami’s
proposal as the preferred and first ranked proposal, thereby authorizing the City to
commence negotiations for a Comprehensive Agreement with Inter Miami,
encompassing therein the development, improvement, design, construction, and
occupation of the property. Under the terms of the 50-year agreement, Inter Miami
will fund the Lockhart renovation project, at a cost estimated at $60 million, and
will operate and maintain the site while the city retains ownership of the property.
Beckham will build a parking garage, and 30,000-square foot training center with
gym, classrooms, dining facilities, medical and rehab space for his professional
and farm teams. For the public, four regulation size soccer fields that can be used
for other sports will be built, as well as a dog park, a running trail, field
maintenance building, playground and public park space.
Las Olas Marina- Beach Development
On July 9th, the City Commission approved the development located on the
Intercoastal Waterway at 151 Las Olas Circle. Some of the substantial number of
the Las Olas Marina project are: The new extensive landscaping along the
promenade will include 192 new trees and approximately 6,400 new shrubs and
other plantings. The promenade will complete the Las Olas Circle connection from
south of the Las Olas bridge to the north of the Las Olas Bridge, providing a
significantly improved continuous pedestrian connection along the Intracoastal
Waterway. Besides, 68 boat slips, spanning up to 7,000 linear feet of dock
space to accommodate both mega-yachts and smaller vessels. Also, 24,401
square feet of marina services building, including a 2,543 square foot casual
restaurant, a 1,499 square foot ship store, a 1,100 square foot dock master’s
office, a 3,349 square foot boat broker’s office, 9,065 square feet of office space
for the marine industry, and a 6,845 square foot captain’s lounge. Overall, the
Las Olas Marina project will not only help modernize our City but it will also
accelerate our local economy by creating new jobs and promoting tourism and
marine industries.
City of Fort Lauderdale’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020.
The FY 2020 total proposed operating budget for all funds is $830,774,017
including balances and transfers. This is approximately $45.8 million more than
the FY 2019 Adopted Budget of $785,015,992 or a 5.8% increase.
rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com