By Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis
As we enter spring, let me update you on some progress the City Commission has made to ensure Fort Lauderdale continues to be a great place to live, work, and visit. There is excitement surrounding downtown with the opening of Go Grocer in Flagler Village. This hybrid grocery and convenience store will serve downtown residents, making it a more walkable neighborhood.
Downtown’s Museum of Discovery and Science was named one of Newsweek’s Best Children’s Museums. With STEM exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a dinosaur dig site, MODS continues to inspire learning. We are also reimagining Huizenga Park, with new Riverwalk features and a seawall cap. The park will be a safe, comfortable gathering place, set to be completed by the end of the year.
Citywide, we’re focused on park improvements. The $7 million Mills Pond Park project includes a new recreation center, restrooms, fitness stations, and an interactive water feature, to be completed by November 2026. Hardy Park is seeing improvements in lighting, pathways, and security, expected to be finished this summer. Holiday Park will receive upgrades to its playground, dog park, restrooms, and walkways this summer as well.
In January, the City Commission approved a 10-year agreement with the United States Tennis Association for upgrades to the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center. This $1.5 million partnership will bring top-tier tennis events back to Fort Lauderdale, including the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships.
Snyder Park’s The Fort pickleball facility recently hosted the Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open. The event, which aired nationwide on CBS Sports Network, showcased top pickleball players. This facility is part of a public-private partnership to create the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium at Snyder Park, with 44 courts and seating for nearly 2,000 spectators.
We are also making progress on road and infrastructure projects. Las Olas Boulevard has been repaved, making travel smoother. Construction is underway for street improvements in Tarpon River and Shady Banks. Northwest 15th Avenue will soon be upgraded, and stormwater improvements in Durrs are set to be completed a year early. Progresso Village will benefit from a $39.6 million project to improve stormwater drainage and reduce flooding.
The new police headquarters will be completed later this year, providing officers with a better workspace and a new community meeting space. We’ll hold City Commission meetings there until the new city hall is built. Our new water treatment plant is on track for completion by fall 2026, ensuring safe, abundant water for Fort Lauderdale residents. Additionally, new high-tech water meters will alert homeowners to unusual water usage, helping prevent billing issues.
Fort Lauderdale is truly thriving, and we’re looking forward to even more improvements in 2025 as we continue to enhance our wonderful city.
Yours,
Dean
