Fort Lauderdale City Commission Meeting - May 6, 2026

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission met on May 6, 2026, in a lengthy session that stretched past midnight, covering a wide range of topics from beach park redesign and stormwater infrastructure to the city manager's annual performance review. The meeting included public comments on several hot-button issues, multiple votes on development permits, and a contentious evaluation of City Manager Raquel Williams.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda items (except CR2) unanimously, including routine approvals and minutes.
• CR2: A resolution establishing a 100% rebate on city-based building permit fees for qualifying living seawall installations. Approved unanimously after discussion highlighting it as the first such program in the country.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Beach Park (B4): Over a dozen residents spoke. Many opposed the addition of four pickleball courts, artificial turf, and the removal of pine trees. Speakers like Nancy Thomas (41-year resident) and Trish Holiday questioned the lack of a full beach master plan and the shift from two to four pickleball courts. Others, like Ted and Sarah (River Oaks Civic Association), argued that the plan prioritized developers over residents. Mayor Trentellus clarified that the project is only for the section north of the pedestrian bridge, that the basketball courts will stay, and that a legal agreement with the Bahia Mar CDD requires the pickleball courts. No vote was taken; staff will take the design to the Central Beach Alliance and return by July 2.
• City Manager Review: Multiple speakers praised City Manager Williams. Dudley Etienne Harvard (Sunset Civic Association), Ted and Sarah (River Oaks), Steve Witten (Marine Advisory Board chair), Dr. John Hill, Bobby Henry, and others commended her responsiveness, engagement, and leadership. One speaker noted the city's improved crime stats and financial management.
• Wingate Area (PH1): April Young, Linda Patrick, Leanne Barber (Roosevelt Gardens), and others voiced strong opposition to the zoning change from residential to commercial due to environmental and health concerns from the adjacent ash site. They demanded independent testing and more community input. Some speakers from Golden Heights raised drainage and dust issues. Robert Lockery (applicant) countered that the site is being remediated and that the land use change is the first step; restrictive covenants are offered.
• Other Items: A resident spoke in favor of the city taking over sewer laterals (OFR1).

Discussion Items

• Beach Park Design (Afternoon Agenda B4): Commissioner Glassman noted that the Las Olas Oceanside Park's artificial turf has been successful with no complaints. Mayor Trentellus explained the legal background: a 2024 agreement with the Bahia Mar CDD required replacing basketball courts with pickleball; after public outcry, the city negotiated to keep basketball and add four pickleball courts, with the CDD contributing up to $1 million. Staff clarified that 21 palms will be removed and 80 planted (net +60), with no pine trees impacted. No vote; project to return by July 2.
• Stormwater Improvements (Business 5 & 6): Public Works Director Brad Kane presented unsolicited proposals from Mancon (Melrose Manor) and David Mancini & Sons (Riverland) for design-build of drainage systems. City estimates: $80.97M (Melrose) and $84.05M (Riverland); contractor proposals: $91.84M and $79.6M respectively. The city's 60% design was delayed a year due to FPL undergrounding conflicts. Contractors offered guaranteed maximum price, no change orders, and on-site flood mitigation starting within three months. Commission consensus to accept the proposals and set a 21-day competition period (over Commissioner Herbst's preference for 30 days).
• City Manager Annual Review (R5): Extensive discussion:
  • Mayor Trentellus criticized Williams for lack of transparency regarding an NAACP press conference about police sergeant exam allegations, a perceived imperious attitude, strained relations with public safety unions, and opposition to P3s. He cited an email showing she knew about the issue a week before.
  • City Manager Williams responded that she did not know the NAACP would hold a press conference, that she supported the police chief, and that she had improved crime reporting and overtime. She acknowledged needing to improve asking for feedback and balancing management with relationships.
  • Commissioner Herbst expressed disappointment in her transparency and cited rank-and-file dissatisfaction.
  • Commissioner Beasley Pittman strongly defended Williams, noting her accomplishments (reducing personnel budget growth, emergency reserve fund, AAA bond rating, crime decrease) and criticized the timing and tone of the mayor's remarks.
  • Commissioner Glassman called for continued work and improvement of trust.
  • Vice Mayor Sorensen walked through the accomplishments exhibit and praised her work, but acknowledged areas for growth. He asked the fire and police chiefs who confirmed improved relationships.
  • A motion for a 3% salary increase failed 2-3 (Herbst no, Glassman no, Beasley Pittman yes, Sorensen yes, Mayor no). Mayor then proposed status quo with a six-month review period; no formal vote.
• Opus at 701 (R6): 13-story, 54-unit multifamily development at 623 Bay Shore Drive. Approved 5-0 after applicant committed to a larger-scale sculpture honoring the demolished Manhattan Tower, a pictorial history in the lobby, and a historic plaque.
• Sereno (R7): Amendment to site plan for a hotel/hotel-condo at 2851-2901 NE 9th Court. Approved 5-0 after supportive public comments from Central Beach Alliance and nearby condo associations.
• Wingate Area Comprehensive Plan Amendment (PH1): First reading approved 5-0. Applicant agreed to a B2 zoning (instead of B3) and a declaration of restrictive covenants to limit uses (no data centers, no liquor stores, etc.) to address community concerns. Further environmental and drainage discussions anticipated in second reading.
• Sewer Lateral Ownership (OFR1): First reading approved 5-0 with modifications to allow repair/relining instead of just replacement and to clarify cost responsibility.
• Right-of-Way Vacations (OFR2 & OFR3): Two small street vacations approved on first reading after brief public hearings.

Key Outcomes

• Approved CR2 (living seawall program) unanimously.
• Directed staff to continue beach park design discussions with Central Beach Alliance, return by July 2 for a vote.
• Accepted unsolicited proposals for Melrose Manor and Riverland stormwater projects and set 21-day competition period.
• Appointed board and committee members (R1).
• Approved grants for Breakers Avenue (R2 for $3M surtax match, R4 for $850K HUD grant) and Las Olas Boulevard safety improvements (R3 for $1M FDOT grant).
• Approved M1 (mural at Peter Feldman Park) and M2 (Fire Station 13 construction).
• Denied 3% salary increase for City Manager Williams; mayor declared status quo with six-month review.
• Approved development permits for Opus at 701 (R6) and Sereno (R7).
• Approved first reading of comprehensive plan amendment for Wingate area (PH1) with conditions.
• Approved first reading of sewer lateral ordinance (OFR1) with modifications.
• Approved first reading of two right-of-way vacations (OFR2, OFR3).
• Approved walk-on resolutions for special election and stormwater project competition periods.

All decisions were final unless noted as first readings.