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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>.

Boat Show 2026: Helicopter tours, floating pickleball and superyachts

You can avoid the traffic and take a helicopter directly to the boat show this year.

Things to Do

The 67th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show returns Wednesday–Sunday with more than 1,300 boats on display. Why it matters: While you may not be in the market for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="superyacht" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/fort-lauderdale/2026/10/14/fort-lauderdale-luxury-real-estate-buyers-wellness-amenities" data-vars-content-id="98aa0337-6eb6-4671-bf0a-197790303d8f" data-vars-headline="Boat Show 2026: Helicopter tours, floating pickleball and superyachts" 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-luxury-real-estate-buyers-wellness-amenities" target="_self">superyacht</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual five-day event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flibs.com/" data-vars-content-id="98aa0337-6eb6-4671-bf0a-197790303d8f" data-vars-headline="Boat Show 2026: Helicopter tours, floating pickleball and superyachts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flibs.com/" target="_blank">annual five-day event</a> is a boon to local businesses and the local economy.

Flanigan's fans get their own day at Hard Rock Stadium

The Dolphins are hosting its first-ever Flanigan's Fin Fest next month.

Sports

Flanigan&#x27;s lovers, it&#x27;s officially your Super Bowl: Flanigan&#x27;s Fin Fest is coming to Hard Rock Stadium. Why it matters: It&#x27;s a spin-off of the Marlins&#x27; Flanigan&#x27;s Fest.

Capybara Café opens in Fort Lauderdale; PETA isn't pleased

The business dedicated to the world's largest rodents is the first of its kind in South Florida.

Business

You can now hang out with capybaras and other exotic animals at the new Capybara Café in Fort Lauderdale&#x27;s Thrive District. Why it matters: The cafe dedicated to the world&#x27;s largest rodents is the first of its kind in South Florida.

Magie brings its laid-back wine bar to Fort Lauderdale

The Miami favorite opens Oct. 15 with caviar dino nuggets, happy hours, singles nights and more.

Miami&#x27;s popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Magie Wine Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/25/chef-ivan-barros-favorite-miami-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="0e88b39c-c0ce-4c21-a214-432d411886de" data-vars-headline="Magie brings its laid-back wine bar to Fort Lauderdale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/25/chef-ivan-barros-favorite-miami-restaurants" target="_self">Magie Wine Bar</a> is heading north.Why it matters: The neighborhood wine bar is opening in Flagler Village on Oct. 15.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Fort Lauderdale

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Axios Social Club is bringing readers together for dinner to Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Wells Coffee is a go-to work spot in Flagler Village

Wells Coffee in Flagler Village has become one of my favorite spots for good coffee (or matcha), a quick bite and a productive work session.State of play: It&#x27;s a roastery and coffee shop all in one.

Broward coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor

Banana beverages are having a moment — even banana water.

Lattes and matchas are going <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bananas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/12/inflation-banana-prices-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="9f93bfb7-eb97-4131-a7db-5adc5b420fb2" data-vars-headline="Broward coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/12/inflation-banana-prices-tariffs" target="_self">bananas</a> including at a bunch of coffee shops around Broward County. The big picture: Already the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most-eaten" data-vars-click-url="https://yougov.com/en-us/ratings/fruits" data-vars-content-id="9f93bfb7-eb97-4131-a7db-5adc5b420fb2" data-vars-headline="Broward coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://yougov.com/en-us/ratings/fruits" target="_blank">most-eaten</a> fresh fruit in America, bananas are ripe for the beverage market beyond smoothies.

Mahjong is South Florida's new social night out

Local mahjong instructors say demand has surged over the past year.

Enthusiasm around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mahjong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/18/new-mahjong-series-social-play-community-connection-miami" data-vars-content-id="687a069e-1559-4bfe-aa79-60e87413a9ac" data-vars-headline="Mahjong is South Florida&#x27;s new social night out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/18/new-mahjong-series-social-play-community-connection-miami" target="_self">mahjong</a> is growing in South Florida, according to local instructors.Why it matters: While the 19th-century Chinese tile game has swept the country over the last few years, Fort Lauderdale was slower to catch on.

Where to play mahjong around Broward

There are plenty of places around town hosting lessons and open play.

If you&#x27;re looking to learn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mahjong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/mahjong-brain-health-benefits" data-vars-content-id="625d4841-90f0-4bb8-a4cf-8eaefa911aee" data-vars-headline="Where to play mahjong around Broward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/mahjong-brain-health-benefits" target="_self">mahjong</a> or find a social game, there are plenty of places around town hosting lessons and open play.Here&#x27;s where you can play in Broward County:<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mahjong &amp; Mingle @ The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale" data-vars-click-url="https://ritzcarltonfortlauderdale.247activities.com/services/mahjong-mingle-parent" data-vars-content-id="625d4841-90f0-4bb8-a4cf-8eaefa911aee" data-vars-headline="Where to play mahjong around Broward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ritzcarltonfortlauderdale.247activities.com/services/mahjong-mingle-parent" target="_blank">Mahjong &amp; Mingle @ The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale</a>: Includes welcome cocktail, snacks, game board setup and à la carte menu.

Miami's popular Ophelia bakery is headed to Fort Lauderdale

The RV bakery is known for its breakfast sandwich, speciality coffee and coffee cinnamon roll.

Ophelia, the popular vintage-RV bakery located off U.S. 1 in Coconut Grove, is coming to Fort Lauderdale&#x27;s Huizenga Park this fall. Why it matters: It will be Ophelia&#x27;s first location in Broward County.

Things to Do 🗓

Boat Show 2026: Helicopter tours, floating pickleball and superyachts

Flanigan's fans get their own day at Hard Rock Stadium

Capybara Café opens in Fort Lauderdale; PETA isn't pleased

Magie brings its laid-back wine bar to Fort Lauderdale

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Fort Lauderdale