June 2024 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,


During my Commissioner Report at the January 18th Commission Conference Meeting, I presented a multi-point plan to my colleagues dealing with the ever-increasing occurrence of significant rain and flooding events. Please click on the image below to read the memorandum that I distributed to staff and the Commission last week.

Las Olas Isles Utility Undergrounding Project Updates

Post Date: June 14, 2024 4:00 PM

Recently Completed Activities

The following work has taken place over the past few days: 

  • Ferreira has converted all residences on all streets to underground power.
  • AT&T has converted all residences on all streets except Royal Plaza Drive.


Ongoing Work by Utility Companies

Utility companies are also making progress:

  • Comcast has completed the pre-wiring on all streets and individual residence conversions are underway.
  • AT&T has almost completed residence hookups.


Upcoming Activities (Through 6/28/24)

The following work is scheduled to take place over the next few days:

  • Ferreira will be completing restoration work on all streets.
  • Comcast will complete all conversions by Friday, June 28.
  • FPL will begin removing wood poles and old transformers on Isle of Capri Drive and Mola Avenue.
  • Sidewalk replacement on Las Olas Boulevard will commence next week.
  • Milling and resurfacing will commence starting with Mola Avenue and Isle of Capri Drive in the next two weeks. Flyers will be distributed warning residents to remove vehicles from affected streets and prevent landscapers and contractors from entering the streets.


Upcoming Activities 

The following activities remain to be completed as part of this project.

  • Residential connections to new Comcast and ATT lines
  • Restoration of landscaping and pavers
  • Removal of overhead lines and poles
  • Installation of 77 new streetlights
  • Roadway resurfacing
  • Replace all sidewalks along the south side of Las Olas Boulevard from Coconut Isle Drive to Isle of Palms Drive.


Project Overview

  • Construction Schedule: Just days after the City Commission approved the ordinance establishing the process for communities seeking undergrounding on May 18, 2010, Las Olas Isles neighbors applied and began efforts to make this project a reality. A groundbreaking ceremony was celebrated on June 14, 2022, officially marking the start of construction. Mayor Dean J. Trantalis and District 2 Commissioner Steve Glassman spoke at the event and have been closely monitoring the project's progress since then. "Many thanks to the residents for their patience these past twelve years. Getting this project started has been a priority of mine since being elected in 2018," said Commissioner Glassman. The construction schedule has been extended due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather, additional work, and revisions to the original contract. Substantial completion is now expected in June 2024 and final restoration is expected to be completed by the end of July 2024 with the exception of street repaving. An update will be provided once this work is scheduled.
  • Contractor & Sub-Contractors: Ferreira, International Drilling, Inc. (IDD), Voss Engineering, OY Underground, and Best Underground.
  • Construction Method: Utility conduits were installed using horizontal directional drilling. This trenchless method is more efficient than traditional open-cut construction and resulted in less disruption to roads and traffic. Construction has been done primarily from west to east, but some operations may vary due to unforeseen conflicts or tidal impacts.


Traffic Impacts

  • A single lane along each isle may be closed during work hours. Traffic control personnel will assist motorists as needed. Please follow posted signs and drive with caution in the area.
  • There may be times when equipment or materials temporarily block access to driveways during work hours. Crews in the field will coordinate with neighbors during these situations.
  • Driveway and roadway access will be restored at the end of each work shift.


We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and thank our neighbors for their continued patience as we work to complete this project as quickly as possible.


For more information or questions, contact:

Gary Foster, Senior Project Manager

954-828-6233 or gfoster@fortlauderdale.gov

City of Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Service Center

954-828-8000 or lauderserv@fortlauderdale.gov

Preliminary Budget Information

FY 2025 Preliminary Budget

Final Public Meeting

PD&E Study US-1 at Sunrise Boulevard

June 26th and June 27th

Overview of City’s Effort to Remove Trash from the Waterways

Happy Pride Month!

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month!

Hurricane Season Began June 1!

In the City of Fort Lauderdale, readiness is key for all of us.


Here are three essential steps to start your preparations:

  • Make a plan: Develop an evacuation strategy so you and your loved ones know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Communication is key – share your plan with family and friends.
  • Build a kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, batteries, flashlight, medications, and cash. Remember, one gallon of water per person per day is a good rule of thumb.
  • Stay informed: Understand the risks of hurricanes and ensure your insurance policies are up to date.



Sign up for emergency alerts from the City at http://fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl.

Preparation saves lives and property. For more tips, check out our

Quick Tips Guide: https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/.../66945/637864775590900000

Each summer, the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department proudly presents the Bank of America Starlight Musicals concert series. For 45 years, these free outdoor concerts on Fridays from June 7th to August 9th (7pm to 10pm) have provided a great way to enjoy the summer with family and friends. The series features an exciting lineup of bands covering pop, country, rhythm and blues, tropical rock, and more. The show takes place on the football field at Holiday Park, which is located at East Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway. Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and coolers. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.


June 28 - Remix (Top 40)

July 5 - Caliente (Latin)

July 12 - Andrew Morris Band (Country)

July 19 - Brass Evolution (Classic Rock with Horns)

July 26 - The Clique (Southern Rock)

August 2 - Marvels of Motown (Motown)

August 9 - Shane Duncan Band (The Ultimate Party Band)

Click here for more information

Join our partners from the Special Needs Advisory Coalition of Broward (SNAC) for an inclusive community celebration, the 2024 Block Party!


SNAC Broward is bringing you a day filled with fun activities, local community resources, and live performances by people of all abilities.


Sun 6/30, 2-5 PM

The Parker (707 NE 8th St)

FREE

More Information

You Must Re-Apply to Vote by Mail

Due to a change in state law, Florida Voters who wish to receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot for 2023 through 2024 elections are required to complete a new Vote-by-Mail ballot request.


In 2021, Florida legislators passed a new law that changed the basic rule for mail-in ballots. Previously, a Florida voter's request for a mail-in ballot would be good for two general election cycles, meaning a new request would not be needed for four years. The new law reduces that duration to once per general election cycle, or every two years. As a result, every vote-by-mail request expired at the end of 2022. 


To renew your Vote-by-Mail request, in Broward, click on this link: Mail Ballot Request Service.


For additional information, click here to visit the State of Florida Division of Elections Vote by Mail information page.

Are you subscribed to #AlertFTL yet?  Stay connected with us during an emergency- we send out notifications to keep you in the know.

Visit  fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl to sign up today.

We have the following Board Vacancies below.

Please email Erica Franceschi EFranceschi@fortlauderdale.gov if you are interested in serving on a Fort Lauderdale City Board.  



Board of Adjustment

Cemetery System Board of Trustees

Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board

Code Enforcement Board

Community Appearance Board

Community Services Board 

Nuisance Abatement Board

Boards and Committees Information

The Central Beach Alliance takes its summer break in July and August so it was my pleasure to address the neighborhood association at the beautiful Conrad Hotel. Thank you for the invitation and thank you for being so involved in community affairs!

As our city grows in population, protecting open space and green space is of paramount importance. Almost two years ago, the Commission began the process of rezoning open spaces to a Parks designation in order to preserve these green spaces within a variety of zoning categories. We have rezoned 23 sites to date with 11 more to go.



The Parks and Recreation Department held a public participation meeting regarding the rezoning of two very important parcels on the barrier island: Channel Square and Promenade Park. Both of these parcels now are zoned Planned Resort Development which permits very intense development and the Parks rezoning will prohibit that. I look forward to this moving from the Planning and Zoning Board to the City Commission so we can continue this important work.

Articles

Robert Dressler, former mayor of Fort Lauderdale who battled Spring Break, dies at 78
A sneak peek at Mai-Kai Restaurant’s $8.5 million facelift
‘Serious gut punch’: DeSantis eliminates state arts, culture funding for dozens of South Florida organizations
Big Jump in Insurance Costs Strikes Condos
Which South Florida arts, culture organizations had funding cut by DeSantis? Here’s the list and how much each lost
Fort Lauderdale election draws crowd vying for mayor and 3 commission seats
Too close for comfort? Tower where crane fell was controversial before it even broke ground
Florida condo owners get more rights in bill signed Friday by Gov. Ron DeSantis
DeSantis signs condo bill. Some unit owners are threatening to sue.
Tens of thousands of South Florida homeowners will be required to buy flood insurance. Are you on the list?

The greatness of our community starts with passionate citizens like you. 


Please do not hesitate to contact our Outreach Coordinator, Ashley Cacicedo, with any questions, comments or thoughtful suggestions acacicedo@fortlauderdale.gov or 954-828-5923.

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Steve Glassman
Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner, District 2