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Commissioner’s Message

Greetings, Neighbors!

just returned from dropping my girls off at school, and it is hard to believe summer is
already in the rearview mirror. I know you are as excited as our family about cooler
Ifall temperatures and spending time with friends and neighbors. Rio Vista is just that
kind of place.
Normally, I write to you about what is happening in town – and with the Fort Lauderdale
International Boat Show just around the corner and our hometown soccer team
InterMiami on a winning streak it is an exciting time on the beach and at Lockhart Park.
Culturally, Parker Playhouse is making its big debut after a top to bottom renovation, and
the Panthers are hard at work with their family focused public/private partnership at
Holiday Park. And here in District 4 we have new waterway cleanups in Himmarshee
Canal and more scheduled at Tarpon River, parks are being improved and will soon
reopen, the site for a new EMS substation on Federal Highway and SE 11 Court is being
prepared, and the main sewer updates are finished ahead of schedule.
But today, what is most on my mind the is how we are dealing with this resurgence of
Ben Sorensen Covid-19. I think it is the single most important challenge we face, particularly because
District 4 Commissioner,
City of Fort Lauderdale many of our young children still cannot be vaccinated.
BSorensen@fortlauderdale.gov
We all need to look at Covid-19 head-on, and that includes getting vaccinated. For
those who have already been vaccinated, it is vital we encourage our friends and
neighbors to learn about the facts and science if they are reluctant. I know that we all
share one thing in common: the desire to get back to normal as soon as possible and
enjoy the beautiful city where we live.
Another measure we can take to care for our friends and neighbors is to wear a mask.
City Hall, 8th Floor They will not stop this pandemic alone, but properly fitted facial coverings make a real
100 N Andrews Ave difference and they work. I want you to know we took a strong stand at the last city
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
commission meeting to increase our Covid-19 response with masking and temperature
checks in city hall and other public buildings. It was the right thing to do. I am deeply
appreciative of my fellow commissioners for leading with me, because we are all in this
together. Small steps can make a big difference in this fight.
With the challenges we face globally and locally, it is easy to forget the simple joys of
living in Fort Lauderdale and Rio Vista. Even with all 2021 has thrown at us we can still
be neighbors, friends, and care about each other. Thank you ALL for your continued
endurance and for the kindness and consideration I have witnessed in every corner of

Chief of Staff this beautiful place where we live. RV
Juan Saavedra
JuSaavedra@fortlauderdale.gov Thank you.

Ben Sorensen
City Commissioner - District 4
City of Fort Lauderdale

CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE

14 rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com