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Commissioner’s Message
Warren Sturman, MD
Vice Mayor
District 4 Commissioner
City of Fort Lauderdale
wsturman@fortlauderdale.gov
City Hall, 8th Floor
100 N Andrews Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Office Contacts
Jeri Pryor
Chief of Staff
jpryor@fortlauderdale.gov
Renee Manchoy
Community Outreach
rmanchoy@fortlauderdale.gov
954.828.5028
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Proposed Changes to Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations
allowing Leashed Dogs in all City Parks
The City Commission reviewed proposed amendments to the Parks and Recreation
rules and regulations, as recommended by the Parks, Recreation, and Beaches Board.
First discussed at a May 7 Commission meeting, the changes received mixed reactions
from the community, particularly regarding regulations for dogs within city parks. Initial
proposed amendments allowed for leashed dogs to be allowed in City parks, excluding
areas such as athletic fields, courts, playgrounds, and the beach. I hosted a Townhall with
the community and a new recommendation came forward which would allow leashed
dogs in certain parks as determined by neighborhood associations and create designated
dog areas in other parks. I believe each neighborhood should decide, let the community
decide what they want to do with their parks. My colleagues and I directed the board to
consider options for a phased approach, either district by district or park by park, and
bring guidance back for consideration.
Design Phase of Four New Bridges in Harbor Beach and Rio Vista
My colleagues and I have approved an agreement with FDOT to accept funds for the
design of four bridge replacements in District 4, three in Harbor Beach and one in Rio
Vista. The new bridges include the West Lake Drive bridges at Lucille River, Mercedes
River, and Estelle River, as well as SE 7th Street at Rio Cordova. The replacement of
the bridges involves the complete demolition of the existing structures and construction
of new bridges in the same footprint. A phased approach will be used to maintain
traffic during the construction phase. I will provide more updates as the project
progresses.
Pier 66 – Tavistock request for extending construction hours
On May 13th, I held a Townhall Meeting with Pier 66 developer Tavistock along
with our City Attorney, Director of Development Services, community members and
neighbors. I am pleased to announce that the community and developer were able
to come to an agreement regarding neighbor concerns during the development of
the project located at Pier 66 along SE 17th Street east of the intracoastal waterway.
The Pier 66 project features a new hotel, retail and restaurant space. The developer
requested to extend construction hours Monday through Sunday from 6am to 11pm
to allow for alarm systems testing, among other activities. However, the City’s Noise
ordinance allows construction to be done Monday through Saturday from 8am to
7pm and Sunday 10am to 7pm. Through collaborative discussion a viable solution
was approved by all parties in attendance of the townhall meeting. As a result, an
extension of allowable hours of construction was granted Monday through Sunday
from 6:30am to 8pm. This will allow for early morning deliveries and exterior work.
Alarm testing will only be conducted two to three evenings per week with no alarm
testing on Sundays. I would like to thank my colleagues on the Commission for
deferring this item and allowing me to have the opportunity to gather public input that
resulted in a collaborative solution.
It is through continued collaboration and partnership that we can achieve great things
in District 4 and I wholeheartedly look forward to continuing to work with you.
Your Neighbor,
Warren
rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com
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7/8/2024 12:58:16 PM