Page 22 - TLBC1024

Mayor’s Message

I
hope you’ve enjoyed a wonderful summer. With schools now open and people
returning to their normal routines, the energy builds for yet another exciting fall
and winter season. There are so many events for children and families to enjoy,
and the sports season is already underway.

But let us not forget those whose lives have become less fortunate.
Over the past month, the city of Fort Lauderdale has made substantial progress on a
bold new initiative to address homelessness in the community. The state has directed
municipalities across Florida to get more assertive in dealing with this national crisis,
and we are determined to lead the way.
Our approach will couple needed assistance with increased power of law
Dean Trantalis enforcement.
MAYOR
City of Fort Lauderdale We will step up our efforts to help those who want help to get off the streets. But
dtrantalis@fortlauderdale.gov we are equally as determined to crack down on conduct that is harmful to public
health and public safety. We already passed a new ordinance against aggressive
panhandling, and we passed on first reading an ordinance that outlaws camping on
public property.
In fact, this proposed ordinance, which was approved on Oct. 1, is tougher than
what the state sought cities to do. The Legislature wanted overnight camping
banned, but we are making the regulation apply 24/7. Our approach is simply
common sense – if something is a problem overnight, it is the same problem during
the day.

City of Fort Lauderdale
1 E. Broward Blvd., Ste. 444
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Office Contact
Scott Wyman
Chief of Staff to the Mayor
swyman@fortlauderdale.gov
954.828.5314

20

10/2/24 9:44 PM
TLBC 1024.indd 20 10/2/24 9:44 PM
TLBC 1024.indd 20