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2-minute voter guide: Fort Lauderdale's key races and ballot measures

Election

Early voting is underway in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broward County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/10/06/broward-county-ajayi-lawsuit-tax-collector-operating-costs" data-vars-content-id="5a2ffcba-b6a5-4eb8-b576-cb38a05c7354" data-vars-headline="2-minute voter guide: Fort Lauderdale&#x27;s key races and ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/10/06/broward-county-ajayi-lawsuit-tax-collector-operating-costs" target="_self">Broward County</a> ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election. Why it matters: Fort Lauderdale voters will elect a new city commissioner, weigh in on local ballot measures and vote on the proposed constitutional amendment to significantly reduce property taxes.

New Asian-Mediterranean restaurant opens this week on Las Olas

Fort Lauderdale's dining scene is booming.

Food and Drink

The restaurant group behind Java &amp; Jam, Nubé Rooftop and Yolo opens its new Asian-Mediterranean restaurant on Las Olas on Thursday.Why it matters: Naia is part of a wave of new restaurants <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that&#x27;s transforming Fort Lauderdale&#x27;s culinary scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/06/10/new-restaurants-opening-fort-lauderdale-2026" data-vars-content-id="99da8c85-4093-424e-84b6-89a0d0e4976d" data-vars-headline="New Asian-Mediterranean restaurant opens this week on Las Olas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/06/10/new-restaurants-opening-fort-lauderdale-2026" target="_self">that&#x27;s transforming Fort Lauderdale&#x27;s culinary scene</a> and giving Miami some competition.

Fort Lauderdale District 1 candidates split on property tax referendum

John Rodstrom and Heather Moraitis are vying to replace Commissioner John Herbst.

The candidates running for Fort Lauderdale&#x27;s Commission District 1 seat disagree on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amendment 3" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/10/06/broward-renters-amendment-3-property-tax-increase" data-vars-content-id="39503a79-6ec1-4364-a7a8-a466b442af5d" data-vars-headline="Fort Lauderdale District 1 candidates split on property tax referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/10/06/broward-renters-amendment-3-property-tax-increase" target="_self">Amendment 3</a>, the ballot measure that would increase the homestead exemption and reduce property taxes statewide. Why it matters: If approved, the measure would bring relief to homeowners but could cost <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local governments billions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/06/24/property-tax-cut-fort-lauderdale" data-vars-content-id="39503a79-6ec1-4364-a7a8-a466b442af5d" data-vars-headline="Fort Lauderdale District 1 candidates split on property tax referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/06/24/property-tax-cut-fort-lauderdale" target="_self">local governments billions</a>.

Fort Lauderdale takes 1st step to rein in Himmarshee nightlife

Residents say they avoid the area after dark following a recent spate of violence.

News

Major changes are on the horizon for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fort Lauderdale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale" data-vars-content-id="64cccf57-856d-4d9c-95bd-80c327eccf39" data-vars-headline="Fort Lauderdale takes 1st step to rein in Himmarshee nightlife" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale" target="_self">Fort Lauderdale</a>&#x27;s Himmarshee entertainment district. Why it matters: Himmarshee Village has earned a reputation for underage drinking, disorderly crowds and violence, which officials say threaten public safety and give the city a bad rap.

Why the wealthy and developers are buzzing about Fort Lauderdale

Luxury condos, exclusive clubs and upscale dining are transforming Fort Lauderdale.

Real Estate

While Miami and Palm Beach have long attracted the nation&#x27;s wealthy, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fort Lauderdale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/08/03/fort-lauderdale-rent-1500-budget-less-space" data-vars-content-id="b46d45be-fb9b-42f6-821f-4c610f4d12e1" data-vars-headline="Why the wealthy and developers are buzzing about Fort Lauderdale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/08/03/fort-lauderdale-rent-1500-budget-less-space" target="_self">Fort Lauderdale</a> is shaping up to be South Florida&#x27;s next luxury real estate hot spot.Why it matters: Developers are pouring money into Fort Lauderdale, transforming a city that has historically been a more affordable alternative to Miami and Palm Beach.

Wellness is reshaping Fort Lauderdale's luxury homes

From infrared saunas to private helipads, affluent buyers are pushing luxury living to new extremes.

The wealthiest of Fort Lauderdale&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new arrivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/10/14/fort-lauderdale-new-york-developers-luxury-condo-towers-wealthy" data-vars-content-id="de973e6e-8f84-46e0-9deb-57770c0f1d2e" data-vars-headline="Wellness is reshaping Fort Lauderdale&#x27;s luxury homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/10/14/fort-lauderdale-new-york-developers-luxury-condo-towers-wealthy" target="_self">new arrivals</a> are coming with high expectations for their homes. Why it matters: Their demand for homes that feel like mini private resorts is reshaping the Fort Lauderdale luxury real estate market.

Fort Lauderdale defends stormwater upgrades as residents worry

River Oaks residents say its stormwater upgrades couldn't handle last month's rain.

Environment

King tides are expected to peak again Wednesday through next week, bringing the potential for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flooding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/06/29/residents-april-2023-flood-recovery-aid" data-vars-content-id="64a10f88-05c0-4c42-824d-3314623ed85f" data-vars-headline="Fort Lauderdale defends stormwater upgrades as residents worry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/06/29/residents-april-2023-flood-recovery-aid" target="_self">flooding</a> to South Florida.Why it matters: This week&#x27;s rain and king tides are another test for Fort Lauderdale&#x27;s new multimillion-dollar water pumps and stormwater improvements, part of the $1.6 billion Fortify Lauderdale project.

Scoop: Broward sues tax collector over $17 million windfall

The lawsuit says most of the money should have gone back to the county.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broward County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/08/21/broward-county-tourism-visit-lauderdale-logo-rebrand-business" data-vars-content-id="db4cc6e2-6b90-4d32-884c-95a203dc7152" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Broward sues tax collector over $17 million windfall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/08/21/broward-county-tourism-visit-lauderdale-logo-rebrand-business" target="_self">Broward County</a> is suing Broward Tax Collector Abbey Ajayi for allegedly distributing more than $9 million that the county says it was entitled to.Why it matters: The lawsuit, which was filed on Sept. 30, comes after attempts to resolve the dispute out of court.

Scoop: Broward spent $61M improving schools it may close

Work remains ongoing at four of the 10 schools that the district may close next year.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broward Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/08/06/broward-schools-superintendent-enrollment-decline-ai" data-vars-content-id="6a996627-1048-4a8e-844f-1edc346e4ca5" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Broward spent $61M improving schools it may close" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/08/06/broward-schools-superintendent-enrollment-decline-ai" target="_self">Broward Schools</a> has spent more than $61 million on improvements at nine of the 10 schools that the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="district could close" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/08/25/broward-school-closures-hollywood-enrollment-decline" data-vars-content-id="6a996627-1048-4a8e-844f-1edc346e4ca5" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Broward spent $61M improving schools it may close" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/hollywood/2026/08/25/broward-school-closures-hollywood-enrollment-decline" target="_self">district could close</a> next year.Why it matters: Work is still ongoing at four of the schools, according to a document obtained by Axios.

Fort Lauderdale officials rethink homelessness strategy

Officials are questioning whether the city's approach to homelessness is working.

Fort Lauderdale officials are questioning whether the city&#x27;s approach to homelessness is working.Why it matters: They say they continue to see people experiencing homelessness in many of the same areas and constantly hear from residents about it.

Inside Fort Lauderdale's unconventional community court

""We are not going to arrest anybody out of homelessness," says officer Brian Blount of the Homeless Outreach unit.

Fort Lauderdale&#x27;s community court isn&#x27;t your traditional legal proceeding: Judge Florence Taylor Barner, known as Judge Flo, is more problem-solver than arbiter, and defendants are called participants.Why it matters: The seven-year-old program connects unhoused people with services while diverting those with minor offenses away from the criminal justice system.

News 🗞

Fort Lauderdale takes 1st step to rein in Himmarshee nightlife

2-minute voter guide: Fort Lauderdale's key races and ballot measures

Fort Lauderdale District 1 candidates split on property tax referendum

Why the wealthy and developers are buzzing about Fort Lauderdale

Wellness is reshaping Fort Lauderdale's luxury homes