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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.

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.

Fort Lauderdale tightens rules for short-term vacation rentals

The city is cracking down on rental operators who are racking up violations.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City of Fort Lauderdale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/08/18/broward-fire-rescue-county-control-sheriff-tony-bso-contract" data-vars-content-id="89fd0fb0-666d-48f9-902b-5f7b96570a9e" data-vars-headline="Fort Lauderdale tightens rules for short-term vacation rentals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/08/18/broward-fire-rescue-county-control-sheriff-tony-bso-contract" target="_self">City of Fort Lauderdale</a> is cracking down on illegal vacation rentals. Why it matters: Fort Lauderdale residents have long complained of illegal vacation rentals throughout the city.

Broward backlash grows over Flock cameras

Redditors are asking if bus lights are surveillance cameras.

South Florida residents across the political spectrum are growing increasingly wary of license plate readers made by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock and similar companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" data-vars-content-id="38b57971-434a-4f9e-82fc-14b75e472eb0" data-vars-headline="Broward backlash grows over Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" target="_self">Flock and similar companies</a>.Why it matters: The cameras, which are active throughout Broward County, have fueled privacy concerns and fears of police misuse.

Broward County considers taking fire rescue back from BSO

The county commission and Sheriff Gregory Tony have clashed over his budget requests.

The Broward County Commission is looking at bringing the fire rescue department under county control after nearly 25 years under the Sheriff&#x27;s Office.Why it matters: This could impact fire rescue services in Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Hallandale Beach, Lauderdale Lakes, Pembroke Park, Weston and West Park.

Fort Lauderdale high school will test active-shooter drones

Boyd H. Anderson High School is one of three Florida schools participating in the drone pilot program.

Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes is one of three Florida schools selected to test drones <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="designed to confront" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/07/16/colorado-school-turns-to-drones-for-active-shooter-defense" data-vars-content-id="6201538a-ac72-4fc5-8949-30236cc76fe2" data-vars-headline="Fort Lauderdale high school will test active-shooter drones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/07/16/colorado-school-turns-to-drones-for-active-shooter-defense" target="_self">designed to confront</a> active shooters, the Washington Post <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/07/28/schools-are-adding-pepper-spraying-drones-help-combat-active-shooters/" data-vars-content-id="6201538a-ac72-4fc5-8949-30236cc76fe2" data-vars-headline="Fort Lauderdale high school will test active-shooter drones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/07/28/schools-are-adding-pepper-spraying-drones-help-combat-active-shooters/" target="_blank">reports</a>. Why it matters: Mithril Defense&#x27;s Campus Guardian Angel drones are part of a multibillion-dollar campus security industry that has grown in response to mass shootings at schools.

Visitors repeatedly trapped in Hollywood building elevator

People with limited mobility are having to be carried up the stairs.

The elevator at Emerald Lake Plaza off Stirling Road is repeatedly breaking down and trapping people inside.Why this matters: Elderly visitors are having to be carried up the stairs with their walkers and wheelchairs to get to their appointments.<ul><li>Tenants at the three-story building include medical, law and other professional offices.</li></ul>

Public Safety

Fort Lauderdale takes 1st step to rein in Himmarshee nightlife

Inside Fort Lauderdale's unconventional community court

Fort Lauderdale tightens rules for short-term vacation rentals

Broward backlash grows over Flock cameras

Broward County considers taking fire rescue back from BSO