Fort Lauderdale continues to move forward with purpose and the progress taking place across our city is both meaningful and measurable. In my monthly newsletter, I share updates on the continued transformation of our downtown, where new amenities like a neighborhood grocery store and the arrival of Smorgasburg South Florida are helping shape a more walkable, livable, and complete city center. You’ll also find updates on our Smart Water Meter Program, which is improving billing accuracy and giving residents better tools to monitor water usage, as well as continued momentum on our park improvement bond initiative, with projects advancing in neighborhoods throughout Fort Lauderdale. I invite you to read the full newsletter to learn more about the progress underway: conta.cc/48cVEP3 #WeAreFTL

Heads up, Fort Lauderdale! Our City Commission Conference Meetings will now take place at 1 PM on the first & third Tuesday of each month. Head to 🔗 fortlauderdale.gov/agendas to see dates & what's up for discussion. #WeAreFTL

Big news, Fort Lauderdale! Country music superstar Walker Hayes is headlining the City of Fort Lauderdale's 4th of July Spectacular! 📅 July 4 📍 Las Olas Oceanside Park & Fort Lauderdale Beach 🎟️ Free Admission 🔗 parks.fortlauderdale.gov/jul… #WeAreFTL @ftlcitynews @walkerhayes

Have a business idea and ready to take the next step? Applications are now open for the StartUp FTL Ideation Cohort through June 21, 2026. StartUp FTL is a free program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs in Fort Lauderdale turn ideas into real businesses through practical training, mentorship, and business development support. Participants will: • Work with experienced local business mentors • Explore business fundamentals and launch strategies • Refine business ideas and planning concepts • Connect with Fort Lauderdale’s business community For program details and application information, visit ftlcity.info/startupftl For questions, contact EconomicDevelopment@fortlauderdale.gov or call 954-828-6350. #WeAreFTL

I’m very proud to share that @FTLCityNews has officially launched our new Living Seawall Permit Fee Assistance Program, designed to encourage property owners to install environmentally friendly seawalls that strengthen our community’s resilience while enhancing marine habitats. Living seawalls do more than protect property. They improve water quality, support biodiversity, reduce wave energy, and create habitat for fish and other marine life. By working with nature instead of against it, we can build a more sustainable future for our waterfront city. To help make these projects more accessible, FTL is offering a 100% discount on eligible seawall permit-based fees through a new assistance program. Funding is available on a first-come, first-qualified, first-served basis for both residential and commercial properties. Fort Lauderdale is fueled by water, and protecting our waterways remains one of the most important investments we can make. Learn more and apply today at: fortlauderdale.gov/livingsea… #WeAreFTL

Homelessness is one of the most complex challenges facing communities across America, and Fort Lauderdale is meeting that challenge with compassion, coordination, and a commitment to results. Over the past several months, our city has expanded its Homeless Outreach Progressive Engagement (HOPE) Team, bringing together public safety professionals, healthcare providers, behavioral health specialists, and case managers to provide real-time assistance and long-term pathways to stability. This coordinated approach is helping connect individuals not only with immediate support, but also with housing, treatment, employment resources, and other critical services. The numbers reflect meaningful progress: ✔️ More than 1,700 outreach engagements with unhoused individuals during the second quarter alone. ✔️ Nearly 700 service referrals through Community Court. ✔️ 55 individuals served through emergency shelter partnerships. ✔️ 14 individuals successfully transitioned into permanent housing. ✔️ 51 individuals connected to substance abuse recovery and supportive services. ✔️ Expanded staffing, including new Park Rangers and Case Managers dedicated to homelessness response. We are also advancing new initiatives, including a Safe Parking Program for families experiencing homelessness while living in their vehicles, enhanced partnerships with community providers, and public education efforts that encourage support through professional service organizations. While there is still work to do, FTL is taking decisive action, the most of any municipality in Broward County, by continuing to invest in programs that help individuals regain stability while keeping our neighborhoods safe and welcoming for everyone. Together, we are making progress. Together, #WeAreFTL

In April 2023, Fort Lauderdale experienced historic flooding that changed lives and damaged homes across our community. Many of our neighbors faced devastating losses, and since that moment, the city has been working tirelessly to secure resources to help families recover. Today, the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) application portal is now OPEN for residents impacted by that flood event. Eligible assistance may include: ● Home rehabilitation and reconstruction ● Elevation of homes to reduce future flood risk ● Reimbursement for eligible flood-related expenses ● Additional recovery and mitigation activities designed to strengthen resilience and protect families from future storms I also want to address a question many residents may have: "Why is this funding becoming available more than three years after the flood?" The answer is that this timeline was driven by the federal disaster recovery process and not by any lack of effort on the city's part. Before these funds could be made available, the city had to complete a series of federally required steps, including securing the grant award, conducting community outreach and needs assessments, developing a detailed Action Plan, receiving City Commission approval, submitting that plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), completing public comment periods, and ultimately obtaining federal authorization to begin distributing funds. While the process is lengthy, these safeguards are designed to ensure that federal recovery dollars are spent responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with federal law. This moment follows years of work, from neighborhood outreach and needs assessments to the development of a recovery action plan and federal approval, with one goal: helping our residents recover and rebuild stronger. If your home was impacted by the April 2023 flooding, I encourage you to learn more and explore your eligibility at: 🔗 ftlcity.info/CDBG-DR #WeAreFTL

Hurricane season is here. Make sure you are prepared. As we enter the 2026 hurricane season, I encourage every Fort Lauderdale resident, business owner and visitor to take time now to prepare before a storm threatens our community. In recent years, South Florida has experienced firsthand how quickly severe weather can impact our daily lives. Heavy rainfall, flooding, tropical systems and changing weather conditions have reinforced an important lesson: preparation matters. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. While we cannot predict exactly what this season will bring, we can take steps now to protect our homes, families and neighborhoods. The City of Fort Lauderdale has been preparing year-round. Our teams have inspected stormwater infrastructure, cleaned drains and waterways, tested pumps and generators, coordinated emergency response operations and reviewed plans to help keep the community informed and safe during severe weather events. But preparedness is a shared responsibility. Now is the time to review your hurricane plan, restock emergency supplies, confirm your insurance coverage and know whether you live in an evacuation zone. We also encourage residents to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertFTL and follow the City’s official communication channels for trusted updates before, during and after a storm. To help residents prepare, the City will once again offer free pre-filled sandbags throughout hurricane season. The program will continue on the third Saturday and Sunday of every month through November, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sandbag distribution locations include Floyd Hull Stadium, George English Park, Holiday Park, Mills Pond Park and Riverland Park. Residents can also find preparedness resources, evacuation information and additioanl storm readiness tips at fortlauderdale.gov/stormread…. Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe. Yours, Dean

This Memorial Day, we come together to honor the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. As America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, we are reminded that the story of our country has been shaped and safeguarded by generations of patriots willing to sacrifice everything in defense of liberty, democracy and the ideals that unite us as Americans. The freedoms we enjoy today were secured through their courage, their selflessness and their unwavering devotion to this nation. Memorial Day is a solemn opportunity to reflect on the profound cost of freedom and to remember those who never returned home to their families, friends and communities. As we gather with loved ones this weekend, I encourage everyone to pause in remembrance of our fallen heroes and the families who continue to carry their legacy forward with strength and pride. Please join us tomorrow, May 25, for two Memorial Day tributes: a 9 a.m. ceremony at Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery, followed by an 11 a.m. ceremony at the Sandy Nininger Statue along the Riverwalk. On behalf of the City Commission, we extend our deepest gratitude to the brave service members who gave their lives for our country. May we honor their memory through unity, service and a continued commitment to the values that define our nation. Wishing you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. Yours, Dean

Join us tomorrow for the Great American Beach Party, a Memorial Day Weekend tradition that brings our city together along our world-famous shoreline for a day of celebration, entertainment, and family fun. Kick off summer the Fort Lauderdale way! Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Las Olas Oceanside Park From live music and a kids zone to water slides, a classic car show, art displays, sand sculpting, and the SOCOM Para-Commandos parachute jump, it’s a day that captures the energy and spirit of Fort Lauderdale. We will also continue a proud tradition with our Walk of Fame ceremony, recognizing individuals who have made lasting contributions to our city. We look forward to seeing you there! #WeAreFTL

Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the City of Fort Lauderdale is reminding everyone that we have ZERO tolerance for illegal street takeovers, reckless ATV activity, dangerous motorcycle stunt riding, and unlawful e-bike operations on our roads. These dangerous gatherings are not harmless entertainment. They place residents, visitors, families, pedestrians, and motorists at serious risk. This holiday weekend, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, in partnership with regional law enforcement agencies, will increase and enhance police presence throughout our city to aggressively target reckless riding and unlawful behavior. If you participate in illegal street takeovers or reckless roadway activity in Fort Lauderdale, you will face enforcement action. We want everyone to enjoy a safe Memorial Day weekend while showing respect for our neighborhoods, businesses, visitors, and public spaces. Thank you to the FLPD and our regional law enforcement partners for their continued work to keep Fort Lauderdale safe. #WeAreFTL

In my latest monthly newsletter, I share new details about plans for The Water District, FTL's transformational $220 million vision for the peninsula surrounding the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center and the International Swimming Hall of Fame. This exciting project will build upon nearly a decade of investment along our beachfront and waterfront by creating a world-class destination centered around aquatic sports, marine education, tourism, dining, and public space. Plans include: ● A reimagined International Swimming Hall of Fame museum ● A family-friendly marine aquarium ● A rooftop restaurant overlooking the Intracoastal ● Public Water Taxi access and waterfront promenade spaces ● Immersive exhibits and interactive experiences celebrating aquatic excellence and ocean conservation The newsletter also includes updates on: ● Fortify Lauderdale stormwater projects coming to Riverland and Melrose Manors ● America 250 celebrations throughout Fort Lauderdale ● Continued investments shaping the future of our city Our city has always been defined by water. Our beaches, waterways, and marine industries are a part of our aquatic legacy. The Water District is the next major chapter in that story. Read the full newsletter here: conta.cc/49IiTBa #WeAreFTL

Today, I joined Chief Bill Schultz, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, and representatives from public safety agencies across our region for a press conference ahead of Memorial Day Weekend to address illegal roadway takeovers involving ATVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, and other reckless vehicle activity on our streets. These dangerous gatherings are not harmless entertainment. They create serious risks for residents, visitors, pedestrians, and first responders while disrupting neighborhoods and threatening public safety. Over the last year, Fort Lauderdale has seen a significant decrease in these unlawful events thanks to the dedicated service of the FLPD and their strong partnerships with regional agencies throughout South Florida. Their proactive enforcement efforts and coordinated operations are making a real difference in keeping our community safe. As we head into one of the busiest weekends of the year, our message is clear: The City of Fort Lauderdale will not tolerate reckless behavior that endangers the public. I thank our Police Department and public safety partners for their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment to protecting our city. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day Weekend. #WeAreFTL

In observance of Memorial Day, City of Fort Lauderdale offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026. As we enjoy this upcoming holiday weekend, we will pause to honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. I invite our neighbors to join us for the City of Fort Lauderdale’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026. The ceremony will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 2001 SW 4th Avenue. This moving tribute will feature the Fort Lauderdale Police Honor Guard, Police Pipe and Drum Corps, Parade of Colors, Armed Forces Salute, Dove Release, veteran recognition, and musical performances by the Fort Lauderdale Symphonic Winds featuring James Perkowski. Together, let us honor the memory, courage, and sacrifice of those who gave their lives defending the freedoms we cherish. #MemorialDay #WeAreFTL

Honor. Remember. Reflect. 🇺🇸 Join us for a Memorial Day Ceremony as we pay tribute to the heroes of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. 🔗parks.fortlauderdale.gov/mem…

Yesterday, I was proud to present a proclamation honoring Dan Lindblade as the 2026 Downtowner of the Year and officially proclaiming May 15, 2026, as “Daniel H. Lindblade Day” in the City of Fort Lauderdale. For nearly 19 years, Dan has served as President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, helping guide our community through a period of extraordinary growth and transformation. Through his leadership, collaboration, and commitment to regional partnership, he helped strengthen Fort Lauderdale’s economy, support local businesses, advance workforce development, and position our city as one of the premier destinations to live, work, and invest in South Florida. Beyond the Chamber, Dan’s impact has extended across countless civic and community organizations, always leading with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine belief in the power of bringing people together. Fort Lauderdale is stronger because of Dan’s service, vision, and dedication. Congratulations, Dan, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your many years of leadership and partnership. Wishing you all the best in your retirement and the next chapter ahead. #WeAreFTL

When you support a local business in Fort Lauderdale, you are investing directly in our community. 🏙️ $68 of every $100 spent at a local business stays right here in our local economy 🤝 Small businesses give 250% more to local nonprofits and community causes than large chains ✅ Participation in the City’s Eat & Shop Local initiative is completely FREE for businesses and residents alike Through Fort Lauderdale’s “Eat & Shop Local” campaign, the city is helping connect residents and visitors with the incredible entrepreneurs, restaurants, shops, and neighborhood businesses that make our city unique. Participating businesses receive: - Placement in the City’s official digital directory - QR code marketing materials to help drive customer engagement - “Eat & Shop Local” window clings to proudly showcase community partnership Every local purchase helps strengthen jobs, neighborhoods, and the small businesses that are the backbone of Fort Lauderdale’s economy. Learn more at spotlightftl.com/shop-eat-lo… #WeAreFTL

Florida is currently experiencing some of the most severe drought conditions we have seen in over a decade, and every resident can play a role in helping to conserve water. Here are a few simple ways you can help reduce water use at home: 💧 Water lawns only when necessary and avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day 💧 Check for leaking faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems 💧 Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads 💧 Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving 💧 Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks 💧 Take shorter showers whenever possible These small actions, taken together across our community, can make a meaningful difference. Fort Lauderdale continues working to strengthen our long-term water resiliency through major infrastructure investments like the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center and our Smart Water Meter Program, but conservation remains essential during periods of drought. Thank you for doing your part to help protect our water supply and preserve our environment for future generations. #WeAreFTL

This July, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Here in Fort Lauderdale, we're proud to take part in this once-in-a-generation commemoration with a series of events throughout the year that honor our country’s history while celebrating the spirit of our FTL community. Our #America250 celebrations will include: The Great American Beach Party – Memorial Day Weekend The City of Fort Lauderdale Fourth of July Spectacular The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade: “Party in the USA” - December 12th America 250 is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honor those who came before us, and look ahead toward the future we continue to build together. Mark your calendars and we look forward to celebrating this historic year with our entire community. #WeAreFTL

The City of Fort Lauderdale is here to help you prepare for the rainy and hurricane seasons. This May through November, pre-filled sandbags will be available for residents on the third (3rd) Saturday and Sunday of each month at: - Floyd Hull / Morton Center (2800 SW 8th Ave.) - George English Park (1101 Bayview Dr.) - Holiday Park (1150 G. Harold Martin Dr.) - Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave.) - Riverland Park (950 SW 27th Ave.) Distribution Details: - May 16 & 17, June 20 & 21, July 18 & 19, August 15 & 16, September 19 & 20, October 17 & 18, and November 21 & 22 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Prefilled sandbags provided (5 bags per vehicle) - City of Fort Lauderdale residents only. Proof of residency required - While supplies last Starting on May 16, 2026, the City will also offer daily self-fill sandbag opportunities. Residents who bring their own shovels and sandbags can help themselves to sand: - Every day, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Floyd Hull / Morton Center (2800 SW 8th Ave.) - Mills Pond Park (2201 NW 9th Ave.) More information: fortlauderdale.gov/stormread… Questions? Call us at 954-828-8000. #WeAreFTL