Broward County Commission Meeting - May 12, 2026

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners convened on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. and adjourned at 12:41 p.m. The meeting included proclamations, a presentation on the Commission on the Status of Women, a consent agenda with 34 items, public hearings, and regular agenda items. Key actions included approval of a $53.4 million federal grant for Port Everglades, a major solid waste facilities amendment, a $125,000 World Cup sponsorship for the City of Lauderhill, and authorization to spend up to $25,000 for outside counsel to explore purchasing the Spirit Airlines headquarters for a new county governmental center.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the Consent Agenda (Items 1-34) with a 9-0 vote, excluding items pulled (6, 7) or withdrawn (26, 34).
• Items approved unanimously include:
  • Board appointments (including Constantin Huzdup to the Board of Rules and Appeals).
  • Port Everglades Department: Grant Agreement No. 693JF72540011 with MARAD for up to $53,357,402 for the Port Everglades Regional POWER Project; County to secure at least $24,992,001 (32%) in non-federal funds. Also approved a Three Party Escrow Agreement.
  • Increase to open-end contract BLD2126003B1 for Painting and Waterproofing Services by $2,600,000 (revised threshold $15,919,835).
  • Direction to draft a resolution amending Section 32.4 of the Administrative Code on marine terminal facilities.
  • Human Services Department: Amendments to homeless service provider agreements to modify outcome measures and add mental health services, at no cost to the County. Conflict waivers approved for four advisory board members.
  • Office of Economic and Small Business Development: Sister Cities relationship with Pingtung County, Taiwan (Item 7, pulled for discussion, approved 8-0).
  • Broward Municipal Services District: Conveyance of county-owned land to Frances M. Merricks for mixed-use development (Resolution 2026-101).
  • Office of Emergency Management: Memorandum of Agreement with City of Miami for UASI grant of $321,974.
  • Office of Intergovernmental Affairs: Appointment of Adam Cervera to Children's Services Board; conflict waiver for Darren L. Badore.
  • Finance and Administrative Services Department: Quarterly Financial Report for Children's Services Council; agreement with Chen Moore and Associates for Master Pump Stations Rehabilitation ($3,532,292); cancellation of stale/voided warrants.
  • Requests to set public hearings for May 26, 2026 (Sun Terminals franchise, Land Use Plan amendment, budget amendments, EMS Council ordinance) and June 9, 2026 (Comprehensive Plan text amendments).
  • Public Works and Environmental Services: Amendment to Safeware Inc. contract for emergency preparedness ($500,000 increase); lease amendments for 540 NE 4th Street, FP&L utility easement, and Mills Pond Park.
  • Water and Wastewater Engineering Division: Utility easement acceptance.
  • Environmental Permitting Division: Contract with FDEP for $6,000,000 for petroleum contamination cleanups.
  • Housing and Urban Planning Division: Budget resolution for $1,028,649 in SHIP Program Income; agreements with The View at Central City Developer, LLC and Pinnacle at Cypress, LLLP for multifamily rental construction.
  • Quasi-Judicial Consent Hearing: Plat note amendment for Fire Station 61 and new plat for Isla Estates, both approved subject to staff recommendations.
  • County Auditor: Acknowledged and filed Audit of Lost and Found at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (Report No. 26-09).
• Items withdrawn: 26 (Tax Collector lease and budget resolutions) and 34 (iguana removal program) for further review.
• Item 40 (Project Dashboard discussion) was deferred to the next Commission meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Solid Waste Facilities Amendment (Item 39): Stephanie Jopey and Linda Thompson Gonzalez spoke in support, urging approval to move forward with the Solid Waste Master Plan, noting that the status quo is unsustainable and the solution costs less than a cup of coffee per household per year. They emphasized the need to increase recycling from 35% to 64%.
• World Cup Sponsorship (Item 43): Kenny Hobbs (City of Lauderhill City Manager) presented the collaborative initiative "Broward Welcomes the World," noting signed agreements from three cities and verbal commitments from others. Sharon McClennan (Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce President) framed the initiative as a blueprint for future international events, ensuring economic impact reaches inland cities. Vice Mayor Richard Campbell of Lauderhill expressed gratitude.
• Spirit Airlines Headquarters Purchase (Item 44): Chris Nelson spoke in favor, highlighting potential savings of hundreds of millions of dollars compared to building a new government center, and suggested using the savings for health care and affordable housing.

Discussion Items

• Solid Waste Facilities Amendment (Item 39): Commissioner Furr led the discussion, noting that the amendment is the linchpin for flow control and new facilities (yard waste, glass recycling, composting). He thanked staff, the Solid Waste Authority, and the League of Cities. Commissioner Geller commended Furr's tireless efforts, stating the county has no choice due to landfill capacity. The item was approved 9-0.
• World Cup Sponsorship (Item 43): Commissioner Rogers presented the item. City Manager Kenny Hobbs detailed the plan, including a $125,000 sponsorship, a 1:1 match requirement, and collaboration with 31 cities. Commissioner Geller expressed initial concerns about process but voted yes after hearing details. Commissioner Fisher requested Hollywood be included. Commissioner Rich clarified the reimbursable nature. The motion passed 9-0.
• Spirit Airlines Headquarters Purchase (Item 44): Commissioner Udine proposed exploring the purchase of the Spirit Airlines headquarters for the new county governmental center, citing potential cost savings of $400-600 million. Commissioner Fisher provided a detailed explanation of bankruptcy court procedures, emphasizing the challenges for government agencies (as-is, where-is, no contingencies, credit bidders, need for outside counsel). Commissioner Geller supported the idea but noted insufficient information. Mayor Bogen co-sponsored. The board authorized up to $25,000 for outside counsel to investigate. Vote was 9-0.
• Rescission and New Sales Surtax Referendum (Item 45): The board considered three parts: (A) suspend administrative code rule to allow reconsideration, (B) rescind the April 28, 2026 action on a 0.25% sales surtax referendum, and (C) adopt a new resolution for the same referendum. Commissioner Rich attempted to amend the language to prioritize indigent health care, but her motion lacked a second. Parts A, B, and C were voted separately and all passed (9-0, 8-0, 8-0 respectively). The new Resolution 2026-114 places the 0.25% surtax for a health care plan on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Resolutions: 2026-100 (Sister Cities with Pingtung County), 2026-101 (land conveyance), 2026-102 (Sun Terminals franchise hearing), 2026-103 (Wetlands Map amendment hearing), 2026-104 (Margate Land Use Plan amendment transmittal), 2026-105 (Deepwater Port text amendment hearing), 2026-106 (Comprehensive Plan amendment transmittal, as amended), 2026-107 (budget amendments hearing), 2026-108 (EMS Council ordinance hearing), 2026-109 (utility easement), 2026-110 (SHIP program income), 2026-111 (cargo handler franchise renewal), 2026-112 (stevedore franchise renewal), 2026-113 (World Cup sponsorship budget), 2026-114 (sales surtax referendum).
• Approved Ordinances: Ordinance No. 2026-16 (aquatic/water resource management, wetland protection, hazardous material, cooling towers), effective as provided by law.
• Grants and Contracts: Accepted $53,357,402 federal grant for Port Everglades POWER Project; $321,974 UASI grant; $6,000,000 contract with FDEP; $3,532,292 agreement for Master Pump Stations Rehabilitation.
• Sponsorship: Authorized up to $125,000 for World Cup community events in Lauderhill, with a 1:1 match requirement.
• Spirit Airlines Exploration: Authorized up to $25,000 for outside counsel to investigate the purchase of the Spirit Airlines headquarters for a new county governmental center.
• Sales Surtax Referendum: Rescinded prior action and adopted a new resolution placing a 0.25% sales surtax for five years to fund the Broward County Health Care Plan on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Votes: Part A (9-0), Part B (8-0), Part C (8-0).
• Commissioner Reports: Included updates on town meetings, South Florida Water Management District's 203 bill, Habitat for Humanity project, P3 Eco Challenge, mangrove issue in Dania Beach, Alcee Hastings Exhibit, affordable housing panel, rail options, Career Source Broward support, Port Everglades Career Fair, TransitFORWARD 2040, FTZ workshop, and tourism funding advocacy. The County Administrator's Report was not given.