The following highlights are from the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale’s April 2025 newsletter, showcasing a wide range of exciting announcements that reflect the city’s remarkable growth and development — appreciated by both residents and visitors alike.
Downtown Updates
- Go Grocer, a Chicago-based hybrid grocery and convenience store, is opening its first Florida location in Flagler Village at Motif.
- This marks a step forward in making downtown truly walkable, allowing residents to meet their daily needs without using a car.
- The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) was named one of Newsweek’s Best Children’s Museums for its STEM exhibits, IMAX theater, and dinosaur dig site.
Reimagining Huizenga Park
- A new Riverwalk Overlook and seawall cap are under construction.
- The park will serve as a central gathering place downtown with a beautifully designed, safe, and inclusive space for everyone.
- Construction is expected to finish by the end of 2025.
Citywide Park Improvements
- Mills Pond Park: A $7 million project adding restrooms, a new recreation center, pool access, fitness stations, and an interactive water feature (completion by Nov. 2026).
- Hardy Park: Ongoing upgrades include lighting, a paved pathway, a new playground, and enhanced security (completion summer 2025).
- Holiday Park: Phase 2 begins this summer, improving the playground, dog park, restrooms, and walkways.
Big News for Tennis in Fort Lauderdale
We’ve signed a 10-year agreement with the United States Tennis Association to enhance the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center. This includes:
- A $1.5 million legacy gift from Orange Bowl Tennis to bring the facility up to international standards.
- Hosting the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships and quarterly tennis events and clinics.
Pickleball Takes the Spotlight at Snyder Park
The Fort, a new pickleball complex at Snyder Park, has already hosted its first major event:
- The Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open drew players and spectators from around the country.
- With 44 courts and 2,000-person seating, The Fort is the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium, built through a public-private partnership with My Park Initiative.
Infrastructure & Public Works Progress
- Las Olas Boulevard has been fully repaved, improving the driving experience.
- Design work is underway for street improvements in Tarpon River and Shady Banks, and construction is starting on NW 15th Ave.
- In Durrs, a stormwater project is finishing a year ahead of schedule.
- In Progresso Village, a $39.6 million drainage project is approved to reduce flooding.
New Police Headquarters & City Services
Our new Fort Lauderdale Police Headquarters is nearly complete. It will provide:
- Modernized workspaces for our officers.
- A community space for meetings and events.
- Temporary space for City Commission meetings until the new city hall is built.
Upgrades to Water Infrastructure
- The new water treatment plant remains on track for launch in Fall 2026.
- High-tech water meters are being installed citywide to provide accurate, real-time water usage data and detect unusual spikes for quick response.
Looking Ahead
Exciting things are happening throughout Fort Lauderdale. Thank you for your continued support as we build a city that works for all. Stay tuned—2025 will be a transformative year.
Yours truly,
Dean Trantalis, Mayor
