Mayor Dean J. Trantalis

Spring Break is here in the City of Fort Lauderdale! We’re excited to host visitors from around the world and want everyone to have a fun, safe, and unforgettable experience. Before you hit the beach or head out for the night, here are a few important reminders... AT THE BEACH: ● No alcohol, coolers, tents, or large speakers in designated areas ● Keep the music low and respect the space and nature around you DOWNTOWN & BEACH AREAS: ● Extra police and safety teams will be on duty ● Some late-night age restrictions may apply in high-activity zones ● Follow posted signs and directions from officers and city staff GETTING AROUND: ● Expect heavy traffic during peak weeks (March 8–22) ● We encourage the use rideshare services, the free LauderGO!Shuttle, or public transportation when traveling Please remember to respect our neighborhoods, follow the rules, and help keep our city clean and enjoyable for everyone. Visit: fortlauderdale.gov/springbreak to learn more. Have fun, look out for each other, and enjoy Spring Breakin Fort Lauderdale! #WeAreFTL

Spring in Fort Lauderdale brings more than warmer days and longer evenings; it brings moments of meaning for many in our community. During this season, families and friends gather to observe Passover and Easter, traditions that reflect enduring themes of freedom, renewal, and hope. Passover honors the resilience and perseverance of the Jewish people and their journey to liberation. Easter, for Christians, celebrates renewal and the promise of new life through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. While these observances are rooted in distinct faith traditions, they share a common message that continues to resonate across generations. As your mayor, I am grateful for the spirit of connection that defines our city. Together with my colleagues on the City Commission, we remain committed to fostering a community where diverse traditions are respected and celebrated. This season offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate both our individual beliefs and our shared values. I wish you and your loved ones a season of peace and reflection. Yours, Dean

As the spring break season comes to a close, I want to thank all of our city staff and first responders, as well as our neighbors and business owners, who helped make this season a success. We experienced a record number of visitors to our shores, which made for historic highs in hotel occupancies and small-business engagement. Public safety and the cleanliness of our beaches were the top priorities. I applaud our first responders for their assistance with the crowds, as well as our Parks and Recreation staff for their daily beach cleanups. We look forward to next year! #WeAreFTL

@FTLCityNews: In 1911, 150 people planted roots here with one shared belief: that Fort Lauderdale was something special. They were right. Here's what hasn't changed in 115 years: this city was built by people who loved it fiercely. People just like YOU. Happy 115th Birthday, FTL! 🎉 #WeAreFTL

Fort Lauderdale’s THRIVE Art District is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new destinations in South Florida. What was once a stretch of underutilized warehouses in Progresso Village has been transformed into an 80,000-square-foot hub of art, culture, and small businesses. The campus features cafes, studios, retail shops, and a modern outdoor event space. THRIVE is helping to attract young professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and visitors from across the region. This is exactly the kind of investment that reflects Fort Lauderdale’s continued renaissance. We're turning overlooked spaces into thriving, walkable destinations that support local talent and strengthen our community. #WeAreFTL #ThriveArtDistrict miamiherald.com/news/local/com… @MiamiHerald

We're wrapping up an extremely productive couple days in the nation's capital as part of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce's DC summit. We've been talking to members of Congress and other officials about issues important to our community. Topics have ranged from upgrades at Port Everglades to the impact of tariffs on the economy to funding for climate resiliency projects. I served on a panel discussing how the business community, other governments and non-profits could help address the city's homeless issues. We had the honor of hearing from a bipartisan range of members of Congress, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee. Florida congressional members who met with us included Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Lois Frankel, Mario Diaz-Balart and Jared Moskowitz -- who helped organize this year's fly-in program. #WeAreFTL

Our beautiful Riverwalk has once again been nominated for USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Riverwalk in America, and now we need your help to bring the top spot home to Fort Lauderdale. Vote today: GoRiverwalk.com/vote Last year was Riverwalk’s first-ever nomination, and we proudly placed #7 in the nation. This year, let’s climb even higher! From the Las Olas dining and shopping district, to our Arts & Entertainment District, to the incredible waterfront views that define our city, Riverwalk is truly the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. With exciting improvements underway, like the newly reoned Huizenga Park, the Riverwalk District continues to grow as one of South Florida’s premier waterfront destinations. You can vote once per day through April 6 at 12 PM. VOTE TODAY AT GoRiverwalk.com/vote #WeAreFTL

Addressing homelessness in Fort Lauderdale requires both compassion and accountability, and we are taking action on both fronts. Since October 1 of last year, our city has launched an expanded and reorganized homelessness response, adding new team members and strengthening coordination across outreach, public safety, and housing services. Every day, our officers and street teams are engaging individuals, connecting them to mental health care, medical support, I.D. services, and pathways to housing while also enforcing laws that protect the safety and quality of life of our community. Through initiatives like our Community Court (the first program of its kind implemented in Florida), we are connecting individuals directly to services, housing, and job opportunities. And with targeted outreach efforts, we are helping neighbors take real steps toward stability and independence. Recent efforts include: ✔ Providing legitimate photo identification to individuals experiencing homelessness. This kind of necessary documentation helps them to gain access to jobs and housing. ✔ Hosting health and wellness events with medical screenings and support services. ✔ Partnering with organizations across South Florida to deliver care, treatment, and resources. At the same time, we must be honest that lasting solutions require stronger coordination at the county level. Current Broward County/BSO protocols result in individuals being released from the main jail into our downtown without follow-up care. This is perpetuating the cycle of "arrest and release" that we are all working to break. I am proud to stand by the fact that the City of Fort Lauderdale is leading with the most comprehensive approach of any city in the county, but this is a shared challenge that requires regional solutions. If you see concerns in your neighborhood, please report them through our FixIt FTL app. This official system ensures issues that city concerns are tracked and addressed properly by the appropriate city departments. Together, we are working hard for a safer, healthier, and more compassionate Fort Lauderdale for everyone. #WeAreFTL

I'm in DC this week with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce advocating on behalf of our community for many significant issues important to our future. These include improving the navigation at Port Everglades, increasing access to homeownership, addressing homelessness and obtaining support for vital flood resiliency studies. The chamber set up a great first evening for the group with a reception at the residence of the ambassador of Ireland, Geraldine Byrne Nason. Yesterday, we spoke with a variety of professionals and executives, including a representative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Today, we will be meeting with numerous members of Congress. #WeAreFTL

In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing updates on two exciting projects shaping our city’s future, including the transformation of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the opening of the THRIVE Arts District in Progresso Village. From world-class waterfront destinations to walkable cultural hubs, we’re continuing to invest in the places that define who we are and where we’re going. Read the full newsletter at conta.cc/4sTh6Ai to learn more! #WeAreFTL

I’m proud to share that our Fire Rescue Department has officially launched a Whole Blood Program, a major advancement in emergency medical care that allows lifesaving blood transfusions to begin before a patient even reaches the hospital. This program places Fort Lauderdale among a select group of cities nationwide equipped to deliver this level of advanced, evidence-based trauma care in the field. By reducing the time to transfusion, we are giving patients facing severe injuries and blood loss a significantly greater chance of survival. Through strong partnerships with Broward Health, this initiative was implemented with no additional impact to our operating budget. From our firefighters and paramedics to our medical leadership, this effort reflects the very best of Fort Lauderdale. #WeAreFTL

The streets of Las Olas turned green once again! ☘️ Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 15th Annual Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival. The festival continues today until 7 PM at Tunnel Top Plaza, featuring live music, games, cultural activities and plenty of Irish food and beverages. If you haven’t made it out yet, there’s still time to join the fun. Wear your green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Fort Lauderdale! 🇮🇪☘️

I’m proud to share that our Parks & Recreation Department has received the NatureScape Emerald Award from Broward County for the beautiful improvements at Riverside Park. This recognition highlights our commitment to environmentally responsible landscaping and innovative solutions that support both people and nature. The project included: 🌳 Thoughtful preservation of existing trees and natural features 🌱 Native landscaping to support local wildlife 💧 Smart irrigation systems and stormwater solutions to conserve water and reduce waste Riverside Park is a great example of how we can create spaces that are not only enjoyable for residents, but also sustainable for future generations. Congratulations to our Parks & Recreation team on this well-deserved honor! #WeAreFTL

Fort Lauderdale is saying goodbye to a very special member of our police family. After years of dedicated service, Ford, one of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s beloved Mounted Unit horses, is officially retiring. Since joining FLPD in 2016, Ford has helped officers maintain safety during large events, parades, and community gatherings across our city. He also served as a ceremonial “riderless horse” during memorials and funerals across Florida. Ford, a 17-year-old American Mustang, has been a trusted partner to our officers and a familiar face at community events throughout Fort Lauderdale. Now, Ford will enjoy a well-deserved retirement at Mill Creek Farm in Alachua, Florida, where he’ll spend his days roaming green pastures with fellow retired FLPD horses. Thank you, Ford, for your years of service to our city. Wishing you many peaceful days ahead. You’ve certainly earned them. #WeAreFTL

Fort Lauderdale was glowing green yesterday for our annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival! ☘️ Under beautiful blue skies and sunshine, residents and visitors lined the downtown to celebrate Irish heritage, culture, and community spirit. From the bagpipers to the floats, traditional stepdancing, and smiling faces throughout the crowd, it was a fantastic day. Events like this remind us how special Fort Lauderdale is. It's our city where neighbors come together, families make memories, and traditions continue to grow year after year. A big thank you to the organizers, volunteers, performers, and public safety teams who helped make the day such a success. We look forward to continuing the celebrations through Tuesday, March 17. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Fort Lauderdale! #WeAreFTL

The Core Construction Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival returns to downtown Fort Lauderdale with a day full of Irish spirit, music, and family fun. Enjoy decorative floats, bagpipers, marching bands, classic cars, live entertainment, a kids zone, Irish food & drinks, and more. 🍀Wear your green and be part of the tradition! TODAY - Saturday, March 14 Parade starts at Noon📍Traveling east on Las Olas Blvd from Huizenga Plaza to SE 9th Ave Festival runs from 11 AM – 7 PM📍 Tunnel Top Plaza, Las Olas Blvd & SE 6th Ave Learn more at 🔗parks.fortlauderdale.gov/stpat #WeAreFTL

She's a vision in GREEN. 💚TOMORROW. The 2026 Core Construction Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick's Parade & Festival is TOMORROW. 🍀 Grab your green outfit & see you there! 🏷️ @deantrantalis, @glassman4ftl, @bensorensen, @playlauderdale

Our beautiful Riverwalk has once again been nominated for USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Riverwalk in America, and now we need your help to bring the top spot home to Fort Lauderdale. Last year was Riverwalk’s first-ever nomination, and we proudly placed #7 in the nation. This year, let’s climb even higher! From the Las Olas dining and shopping district, to our Arts & Entertainment District, to the incredible waterfront views that define our city, Riverwalk is truly the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. With exciting improvements underway, like the newly reoned Huizenga Park, the Riverwalk District continues to grow as one of South Florida’s premier waterfront destinations. You can vote once per day through April 6 at 12 PM. VOTE TODAY AT GoRiverwalk.com/vote #WeAreFTL

The Core Construction Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival returns to downtown Fort Lauderdale with a day full of Irish spirit, music, and family fun. Enjoy decorative floats, bagpipers, marching bands, classic cars, live entertainment, a kids zone, Irish food & drinks, and more. 🍀Wear your green and be part of the tradition! ✨ Kickoff Tradition Join us for the traditional green street striping, a beloved Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade tradition that officially marks the start of the celebration. 📅 Friday, March 13 Traditional Street Striping | 4:30 – 5 PM 📍 Tunnel Top Plaza, Las Olas Blvd & SE 6th Ave 📅Saturday, March 14 Parade | Noon 📍Traveling east on Las Olas Blvd from Huizenga Plaza to SE 9th Ave Festival | 11 AM – 7 PM 📍 Tunnel Top Plaza, Las Olas Blvd & SE 6th Ave 🔗parks.fortlauderdale.gov/stpat #WeAreFTL

Last week, I was proud to help cut the ribbon at the new THRIVE Art District in Progresso Village, an exciting new creative hub right here in Fort Lauderdale. With more than 80,000 square feet of industrial space transformed into an artistic campus, THRIVE is quickly becoming a walkable destination for creativity, culture, and small business growth. It features space for 60+ local businesses, a 17,000 sq. ft. outdoor venue for performances and events, and was supported by a $3.9M investment from the Fort Lauderdale CRA to improve the surrounding streetscape This project reflects the power of the arts to revitalize neighborhoods, support entrepreneurs, and create local spaces that distinguish Fort Lauderdale from the rest of the country. Check out the #THRIVEArtDistrict today 📍 710 NW 5th Ave / thriveartdistrict.com #WeAreFTL

Over the weekend, I was honored to join community leaders from across South Florida for the Human Rights Campaign’s annual South Florida Dinner here in Fort Lauderdale. It was a powerful evening celebrating the progress our society has made toward equality while reaffirming our shared commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of every member of the LGBTQ+ community. I was proud to welcome guests and remind everyone that Fort Lauderdale remains a city where people can live openly, safely, and authentically. Together, #WeAreFTL!