Fort Lauderdale City Commission Conference Meeting – September 2, 2026

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission held a conference meeting on September 2, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:15 PM. The meeting covered commissioner reports, a discussion on the state's Live Local Act, an update on the federal courthouse property, rescheduling of future commission meetings, the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center project milestone, the International Swimming Hall of Fame redevelopment progress, the Water Trolley service expansion options, and a comprehensive update on the city's homeless initiatives. Public comments were heard on the homeless initiative item.

Commissioner Reports

• Commissioner Beasley Pittman reported on the annual Summer Jams event (August 21st at Mills Pond) featuring the Ohio Players, thanked Parks & Rec, first responders, and acknowledged Chris Cooper and Pat Riley. She congratulated the Fort Lauderdale Police Explorers (Post 1160) for placing third overall at the South Florida Council Learning for Life Law Enforcement Agencies Explorers Conference, with first-place finishes in traffic stops, domestic crises, and crisis scenarios. She also noted attending the Fire Rescue Class #2601 graduation (19 recruits) and requested a moment of silence for the late Juanita Gray (lifelong resident, community champion, 80-year church member, 89 years old), which was observed.
• Commissioner Glassman reported attending the celebration of life for Dave Eric (August 24th), the AFL-CIO Labor Ball (August 29th) at the Diplomat in Hollywood, and announced upcoming events: a Las Olas Mobility/Eastern Corridor workshop on September 3rd at First Presbyterian Church; the Public Safety Building ribbon cutting on September 9th; 9/11 25th anniversary events at the Fire Museum (9:30 AM) and NSU Art Museum (11:00 AM); Rosh Hashanah beginning sundown September 11th; Sanctuary Church 75th anniversary (September 20th); Central Beach Alliance meeting (September 17th); Ocean Rescue Ribbon Cutting (September 24th); and the Urban League Derby Gala (September 26th). He also inquired about the status of the FTL sculpture at A1A and Las Olas; City Manager responded that the FDOT permit is complete, letters are being manufactured, and installation is expected late fall.
• Vice Mayor raised concerns about the Live Local Act, calling it a "massive challenge" that strips the city of zoning ability and input on development. He noted the possibility of four Live Local projects on 17th Street, already an F-rated road, with 120% AMI (approx. $100k) not being truly affordable. He suggested a meeting with lobbyists and the state legislative delegation before the next session to discuss negative impacts. He also proposed bringing the faith community together, possibly resurrecting an interfaith breakfast, and suggested a tourism focus for a staff member. City Manager noted existing tourism work in the Economic Development Division and agreed to explore enhancements.
• Mayor reported that the city received an award from U.S. Tennis for the Jimmy Everett Tennis Center as an outstanding public facility in a large city (over $9 million investment, 20+ courts). He also noted a Regions Bank ribbon cutting on September 3rd at 10:30 AM, and the Cove affordable housing project (1055 N. Federal Highway) groundbreaking on September 8th at 5 PM (a Live Local project with income limits lower than 120% – 100% below and some 120% below).
• City Manager reported the Labor Day Festival at Galt Mile Shops on September 6th (3-6 PM car show, 6-9 PM music).

Federal Courthouse – Public Benefit Conveyance

• City Manager reported that the application for a public benefit conveyance of the federal courthouse for museum/educational use was unsuccessful because the city could not complete the detailed application within a 20-day turnaround. The only option now is a negotiated sale at fair market value. The city has a meeting with GSA the next day. The appraised value was previously estimated at $28 million, but rehabilitation costs are high. The Mayor expressed opposition to paying a large sum given costs. The City Manager will bring back a path forward with defined use and restrictions.
• Vice Mayor expressed disappointment that the window for free conveyance was missed. The city will continue discussions with GSA on a negotiated sale, including historical preservation considerations.

Rescheduling of City Commission Meeting Dates

• The commission discussed and approved the following changes:
  • July 2027: Move the July 6th meeting to July 1st (Thursday) to avoid the July 4th holiday, with the next meeting on August 17th.
  • March 2027: Move the March 16th meeting to March 23rd (Tuesday) due to the National League of Cities Congressional Conference (March 13-17).
  • December 2027: Move the December 7th meeting to December 8th (Wednesday) because Christmas on Las Olas is on December 7th that year.

Prospect Lake Clean Water Center – Project Milestones & Commercial Operation Date

• Joey Patron (IDE Project Team) reported that the Prospect Lake water treatment plant achieved substantial completion on September 2, 2026. The commercial operation date is September 8, 2026, when water will start flowing. The transition from the Five Ash plant will take 30 days, gradually ramping up to 50 MGD (though city only needs about 40 MGD). The plant uses 70% nanofiltration and 30% ion exchange, removing color and emerging contaminants. A PFOS pilot is ongoing for 2029 MCLs. A ribbon cutting is planned for October 15, 2026.
• Kevin Pollito (Strategic Communications) reported that over 75,000 mailers have been sent to educate the community about the new water. A water tasting event is planned for the ribbon cutting.
• Al Carbon (City Utility Services) explained that the plant serves about 260,000 people (Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and portions of Tamarac, Davie, and unincorporated Broward). The plant will serve the rest of the community after Peel Dixie is phased down.

International Swimming Hall of Fame Complex – Project Update

• Mario, Janine, and team presented an update on the redevelopment of the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) complex. Phase 1 (Ocean Rescue building and seawall) has a partial certificate of occupancy; Ocean Rescue staff have moved in. Phase 2 (West Building) will house the aquarium, museum, event spaces, and a rooftop restaurant. Phase 3 (East Building) includes retail, café, dive grandstand, teaching pool, and elevated promenade. Phase 4 includes the public water dock and shade structure. The project is on budget at $218 million, with all phases hitting caps. The team is awaiting a master building permit for Phase 2, expected by end of September. Construction completion is targeted for December 2028, with a possible soft opening then and grand opening in March/April 2029.
• Rich Walter presented the aquarium concept, focusing on oceanic conservation (no mammals), coral breeding, education partnerships with NSU, FIU, FAU, and Guy Harvey, a frameless immersive digital experience, and a 4D theater. The event space can accommodate 1,100 standing or 275 seated. The sixth-floor restaurant is named "Umi no Kazi" (sea breeze).
• Commissioner Glassman thanked the team for extensive community engagement and noted the project's evolution over 12-15 years. The project will include a job fair in District 3.

Water Trolley – Operations Update & Service Enhancement Options

• Ekaita Query (Deputy Director, Transportation & Mobility) reported that the free Water Trolley service (one 19-passenger boat, 12 hours/day, 8 stops) has seen ridership double from 67,000 in FY2022 to a projected 140,000 in FY2026. An average of 730 passengers per month are left behind (peak 1,700 in January). The service is now a tourist amenity rather than a transit service. Four options were presented: (1) implement fares (residents free, non-residents pay), (2) add a second vessel during peak months (Jan-July), (3) add a second vessel year-round, (4) procure a larger 49-passenger vessel. Annual costs for options range from $300,000 to $735,000 on top of the current $255,000 annual contract.
• Commissioners expressed support for keeping the service free for residents but charging non-residents, and for exploring a combination of options. Staff will return with a detailed proposal by early 2027.

Homeless Initiative Update

• Carol Mitchell (Homeless Initiatives Program Manager) presented an update on the city's homeless response, including expanded outreach and case management (two new case managers, three new park rangers), community court data, panhandling signage, service contracts, and upcoming initiatives.
• Key Statistics (FY2026 Q1-Q3): 227 arrests/NTAs, 218 referrals, 4,530 duplicated contacts. Community court: 1,929 walk-ins, 171 NTAs written, 93 NTAs appeared, 45 program graduates. Panhandling signs installed at 15 high-frequency intersections and parks.
• Service Contracts: 20 beds at Caring Place (shelter), 180-day residential treatment at Fellowship Recovery (detox and recovery), shared housing for mental health at Homes United, and transportation from Rotary Connection (263 rides in June, 857 in July).
• On the Horizon: Overnight safe parking pilot for families, expanded community court services (M-F 9-1), critical homeless support hotspot project, homeless advisory committee ordinance review, and development of a homeless strategic plan.
• Commissioner Beasley Pittman emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent homelessness, including tracking expiring affordable housing units. Rachel Williams noted that an asset tracking database is in place, and the city has helped 115 seniors stay housed through SHIP rental assistance. Vice Mayor pushed for a more data-driven approach using the HMIS system to track individual progress and identify gaps. Commissioner Glassman expressed frustration that visible homelessness on the streets remains unchanged despite programs, and questioned the effectiveness of enforcement and the lack of a plan with the sheriff's office. Mayor raised concerns about discharge protocols from hospitals and jails, and the need for transitional housing. Rachel Williams explained that federal funding restrictions limit partnerships with AIDS Healthcare Foundation, but a 24-month rental assistance program (TIBOR) with Homes Inc. has been successful, serving 16-20 families.
• Public Comments: Dr. April Young opposed the performance report, arguing it lacks documented outcomes and accountability, and requested more transparency and inclusion of certified local providers. Barbara Stern expressed resident frustration with chronic homelessness, citing safety concerns (a death threat incident) and the lack of available beds for those with severe mental illness, and called for stronger action to protect residents.

Key Outcomes

• Approved rescheduling of July 2027 meeting to July 1, March 2027 meeting to March 23, and December 2027 meeting to December 8.
• Acknowledged the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center substantial completion and commercial operation on September 8, 2026; ribbon cutting on October 15.
• Received the International Swimming Hall of Fame project update; staff to continue permitting and financial review, with a ribbon cutting for Ocean Rescue on September 24 and Phase 2 groundbreaking on October 21.
• Directed staff to develop a Water Trolley service enhancement plan, including a resident/non-resident fee structure, and bring back a proposal by early 2027.
• Received the homeless initiative update; staff to provide additional data on arrests vs. referrals, community court outcomes, and discharge protocols. City Manager to continue discussions with the sheriff's office and county on homeless issues. An updated social service feeding ordinance will be presented as part of the special events ordinance rewrite.