[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6300215,"mediaKeyId","2493523-dbb1bff896c92af5ad132e719e38148b","parentId",2493523,"title","Neighbors press Fort Lauderdale to enforce resolution on unleaded aviation fuel; airport director outlines technical and supply barriers","audioSeconds",629,"startMs",2306000,"endMs",2935000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493523-dbb1bff896c92af5ad132e719e38148b&start=2306&end=2935","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493523-dbb1bff896c92af5ad132e719e38148b/thumbnail_2306000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6300215/Fort-Lauderdale/Broward-County/Florida/Neighbors-press-Fort-Lauderdale-to-enforce-resolution-on-unleaded-aviation-fuel-airport-director-outlines-technical-and-supply-barriers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300215-c1a334178e94c2da8c7cf24aafce2278/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139883&Signature=Ow8CBSyVCvtuXlWNpg5ZF7FxEX2mYDtz1D0UlhZGANuS8bGjRldyt~fERB-zLfAqTf0TV~Q0yvu3W7zxyI5zHeSFolyTUeEb1wEYqJ2ZCVuFss2PRNzzxeVb484XxJ1XMcT~rQO3Zoq5WUJaFdL4GbyGbSPL7eXCz-bQifMCcyO7DWs6Mf6pmS-6w-VOKb9aaVBZM8~UYRvMxrtv1iymdrzKNZvpdn1jV4v9v3ln0y1JQBNkF75zQCZ89Kiq9iw4LQcsoMa4Etu3Zaf6MxXk8VuACw1IITd-XSIzoMiMS84KJ15GpyCYa6C5jRwfm0F9On1zuvFj1bD~W3sUM4eLxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Fort Lauderdale, FL","date","2025-03-04T23:33:49Z","article","At the March 4 conference meeting, neighbors renewed calls for stronger action to stop leaded aviation fuel sales at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) after a neighborhood soil study — and urged the city to enforce a 2024 resolution that called for incentives to promote unleaded aviation fuel.

Resident Michael Ray recited public-health guidance and cited outside research suggesting elevated blood-lead levels near airports. He told the commission the 2024 soil study results were \"within regulatory limits\" but warned that \"there is no safe level of lead for children\" and urged the city to enforce Resolution 24-218, which tasked the city manager to \"implement a program that encourages and incentivizes the sale and use of unleaded aviation fuel\" and to apply for grants. Ray said he found no local incentive program and urged direct action to stop leaded fuel sales at FXE.

Rufus James, FXE Airport Director, responded with technical and regulatory context: \"The FAA and EPA agrees that it won't happen until 02/1930,\" he said when asked about an outright ban (quoting a date the agencies have targeted for complete phaseout). James explained multiple practical barriers: currently there are several different supplier formulations of unleaded aviation fuels that cannot be inter-mixed safely; fuel must be commercially approved for use and available at scale; installing a separate fuel truck and supply for a portion of demand is uneconomic unless there is customer demand; and delivering unleaded fuel to FXE often requires trucking it in, increasing cost. \"So that's part of the delay as well... Unleaded fuel would be as much as $10 a gallon\" versus roughly $6 per gallon for 100LL leaded fuel, James said during his remarks.

James also said airport staff reached out to state Department of Transportation and FAA regional staff and were told grant programs for fueling transitions are not available in the region \"right now.\" He described outreach to fixed-base operators and tenants, saying operators are prepared to provide unleaded fuel if tenants (pilots/operators) demand it and that the airport had surveyed tenants about adoption. He emphasized health concerns and said the airport will continue to encourage tenants to consider transition plans and to share information with the commission when available.

Commissioners and the public asked about testing blood levels for children (a private lab test was suggested by a commenter), the city's ability to apply for EPA or FAA grants, and whether the city can require tenants to stock unleaded fuel. Airport staff said federal regulations and aviation supply chains limit local authority to ban sales; they urged continued grant-seeking, tenant outreach, and monitoring of FAA and EPA policy developments.

Separately, the public comment referenced Resolution 24-218; the record shows the resolution exists (cited by Michael Ray) but commenters said no meaningful city incentive program or grant-seeking had yet been implemented. Airport staff disputed any suggestion of inaction on testing, noting city-commissioned neighborhood soil testing was performed and results had been delivered; citizens said sample timing and follow-up left questions about enforcement and follow-up programs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Conference Meeting 03.04.25","oneSentenceSummary","Neighbors pressed the City Commission on March 4 to enforce a 2024 resolution encouraging the use of unleaded aviation fuel at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport after neighborhood soil testing showed lead within regulatory limits, while airport staff outlined supply, safety and grant limitations that complicate a local switch.","taxTitle","Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida","taxId",4849,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300220,"Developers unveil revised plan for International Swimming Hall of Fame West Building; swimmers raise sightline and safety concerns",1754,4401000,6155000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493523-dbb1bff896c92af5ad132e719e38148b&start=4401&end=6155","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493523-dbb1bff896c92af5ad132e719e38148b/thumbnail_4401000.jpg","/articles/6300220/Fort-Lauderdale/Broward-County/Florida/Developers-unveil-revised-plan-for-International-Swimming-Hall-of-Fame-West-Building-swimmers-raise-sightline-and-safety-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300220-e8448d2b173b07af47c358811e010c99/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139883&Signature=RYvdaL0j78Q79-bickZPrsTc7l8sdO~kb8Zv5-ZBRQJMZyjEsTRe0Y7K5WKQgpzB3v8bECqUGvdDgZYk4-rbZefMo0RCi0PyQ-CuJD55ulEYgOsYgUcHHztAv1rgDOsh~QjFqJNcL0I9xDiOPK0XiSzyvM~NaDIjKEZDn4v0h7KQBqjK9wqJ1v5gNGQgZdcwjHRV-BGX2vaLms5U8JbDg-EscxU7hqYeZ4fLV7LiE7C3rX~UBkQPjrxHWgb~frGFDAbYGYUQ8Kjhq6DSjA-KIW~CX2jxYeRvQ392n9Dqs7YoIHQyHy6c5eXn6TO4H0zCRSXPhz1gGK~X52EBx9jU0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hall of Fame Partners presented updated renderings and a program for phase 2 of the International Swimming Hall of Fame peninsula redevelopment at the City Commission conference on March 4. The revised West Building plan reduces some upper floors and adds an aquarium, public museum/experience space, event and food-and-beverage concessions, and significant parking to serve the site.

\"This has been a multi-phase project,\" Hall of Fame Partners' Stephanie Toothaker told the commission, tracing the project back to a 2018 pool RFP and interim and comprehensive agreements approved in 2021 and 2023. Developers said the West Building design was changed after public feedback to \"shrink those top floors so that you can see the view of the Dive Tower a little bit better,\" and that a 20,000-square-foot aquarium on the ground floor and a museum experience above are part of the programming package.

Developers said the project will go through the city's development review committee (DRC) process and noted the comprehensive agreement requires ISHOF to remain on the site. Mario Caprini, managing partner of Hall of Fame Partners, described the proposal as a mixed-use destination intended to make the Hall of Fame self-sustaining and to generate revenue for continued museum operations.

Scores of swimmers, coaches and residents urged more direct consultation with end users before the commission approves any final plan. \"We were totally caught off guard by what it seems is these massive plans now to add an aquarium, a theater, shopping, and office space,\" Deborah Eisinger, representing Swim Fort Lauderdale masters and local swim teams, said during public comment. Swimmers and coaches questioned whether the new buildings — particularly rooftop or glass-front features — would change poolside wind, sunlight, deck temperatures, privacy and compliance with competition and safety standards. They asked for documentation of consultations with swim/dive experts and for assurances that the facility will continue to host major national and international competitions.

Developers and tenant representatives said they have consulted multiple technical and aquatic experts and emphasized the program's focus on \"water district\" branding and public education features such as a lifeguard academy exhibit aimed at ocean safety. Aquarium lead Rich Walter described partnerships with research institutes and said some programming will support Ocean Rescue and local research groups.

Several nearby property owners and neighborhood association representatives raised concerns about height, parking and traffic, and asked that the promenade and pedestrian connections be preserved or improved. The Venetian Condominium president asked for the promenade to encircle the peninsula rather than be limited to the western end. Other speakers urged the developer to reduce the parking footprint and better coordinate deliveries and events with existing businesses.

City staff and the development team said the design has been modified since earlier concepts, that the project will go through regular site-plan and permitting review (DRC) with additional public outreach, and that the city and ISHOF have executed agreements that establish programmatic requirements and financing steps already completed (including a loan close in Oct 2024). Commissioners and residents agreed the DRC process is the right venue to address detailed questions about sight lines, construction sequencing, safety, and interim use of facilities during construction.","Hall of Fame Partners and development team presented a smaller, resculpted design for the West Building that adds an aquarium and event/food-and-beverage leases; swimmers and community members urged more outreach and raised concerns about dive-tower visibility, training space, pool safety, and construction impacts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300225,"Fort Lauderdale presents 25-year 'Net 0' plan; sustainability board urges formal adoption",3529,2215000,5744000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493523-dbb1bff896c92af5ad132e719e38148b&start=2215&end=5744","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493523-dbb1bff896c92af5ad132e719e38148b/thumbnail_2215000.jpg","/articles/6300225/Fort-Lauderdale/Broward-County/Florida/Fort-Lauderdale-presents-25-year-Net-0-plan-sustainability-board-urges-formal-adoption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300225-9c2cd29c2fcba52362c7eb7820962b17/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139883&Signature=BsLEc1yFQrOn1q64qiNMIb2Hbg7PbsBfiutFxbqs5NKIwE~IJn3sf1C06BLo4Aq9B08YY6mTdO4EilsVIM~Kxjt5nmXxQFZs4kw2wNwGJ30meJg1V8khnyKaQSHignD3GUxyL4pFWIC-l~WhhB7SjP86HMV~YCtkZWyQECP4VSpcNN6j1vc~qkv3aSEb7csk72QA8aymRBi~aRkwf45m4jW4hz0foKoCmzq2s4FOpJSX3fsao3qlSXl8WBlHyLFHjRXauddsHeHBTGSpT6aIn1mK9dxwjkwWbrfk8gzNEqZTafivF-mRUIS8eWYRJT--PW~eOnjegTmfX5pYY~6nsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Lauderdale Sustainability Advisory Board recommended on March 4 that the City Commission adopt a 25-year net zero greenhouse-gas plan that consultants say would cut nearly all community and municipal emissions by 2050.

The plan, developed with consultant WSP and city sustainability staff, lays out 55 distinct actions across eight community strategies (energy efficiency, renewables, reduced vehicle miles traveled, electric vehicles, sustainable aviation, waste and water reduction, tree canopy enhancement and related measures) and seven municipal strategies including municipal energy efficiency, fleet electrification and sustainability administration. \"The plan provides a critical framework for shaping policies that will help the city achieve its net 0 goals, and we strongly recommend that the commission move forward with adopting the net 0 plan by resolution later, later today,\" Sustainability Advisory Board Chairman David Blatner said.

Consultants said they modeled two scenarios: a business-as-usual forecast and a \"legislative adjusted\" scenario that assumes third-party commitments such as Florida Power & Light's grid decarbonization plan. Under the recommended actions and with grid decarbonization factored in, consultants projected community emissions could fall about 26 percent below 2019 by 2030, about 70 percent by 2040 and 97 percent by 2050; municipal emissions follow a similar trajectory. The consultants cautioned the city's municipal net-zero by 2040 target would be \"elusive\" under modeled assumptions because deep reductions in the grid slope occur after 2030.

WSP presented short-term cost estimates for the city: many community strategy items would not require more than $3 million in city funds over the next five years; several municipal items were described as continuations of existing investments, such as LED streetlight conversion and fleet turnover to electric passenger vehicles. \"None of the community strategies are expected to cost the city more than $3,000,000\" in the next five years, WSP said during the presentation.

Commissioners asked about dependence on utilities and grid decarbonization and about community-level incentives such as solar and financing. City staff and consultants said the plan relies on both public programs (city-owned renewables, municipal fleet electrification) and private adoption (residential and commercial solar, incentives), and that financing and grant-seeking will be part of implementation. The presentation identified 22 actions already underway and 33 that will require new work. The consultants also recommended a monitoring and reporting framework and said the City should seek outside funding to cover upfront costs.

The presentation prompted a range of remarks from commissioners and members of the public. Some commissioners urged further tailoring of actions to Fort Lauderdale specifics (for instance, clarifying which street lights are city-owned vs. investor-owned) and asked staff to return with timelines and budget implications to consider in the FY26 budget process. Others warned of broader energy-demand trends that could affect utility decarbonization schedules.

City staff said they will return with a proposal that includes adoption language, timelines and follow-up reporting mechanisms that could be incorporated into the city's FY26 budget process. The Sustainability Advisory Board indicated it had reviewed the plan several times and supported moving forward.

The net-zero plan presentation and the board's recommendation were informational at the March 4 conference meeting; staff will return with an adoption resolution and an implementation timeline for the commission to consider in the coming months.","Consultants and the Sustainability Advisory Board outlined a 25-year roadmap to cut municipal and community greenhouse-gas emissions, proposing 55 actions and upfront investments with projected deep reductions by 2050; board recommended commission adopt the plan by resolution.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300210,"Commission directs consolidation of business tax categories; rejects immediate rate hike",1051,3365000,4416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493523-dbb1bff896c92af5ad132e719e38148b&start=3365&end=4416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493523-dbb1bff896c92af5ad132e719e38148b/thumbnail_3365000.jpg","/articles/6300210/Fort-Lauderdale/Broward-County/Florida/Commission-directs-consolidation-of-business-tax-categories-rejects-immediate-rate-hike","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300210-96b6771fdcee61ef8969b8b5b1e5490d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139883&Signature=iaHJtgoN3OReDWEAlTtdbGpR8L7lD1zARBdt7PPziY-el1If2w19jKdjTwM-XVdtRGy2B-wYfcicfvs4jXST4tjU49cU12Eytjno~1JQAU0UjtJsDul-jKT0l~nZYfQCzNezcnc2HdsD71TjuZYjXCYAK1oUniwpwcZxRnoE5DZI2oWTWdx-t9DrpVWagW0O96q~~~KH-46lYKr4gz5S3RcGpiaYaSYILC-QKST4IgjBmLeN4ENwG4JZceFwbvvLtc~2qOOxIqVR6dFU1eRl5iFM9yQnEhKS~5gwUQq2egFpwt1ZZZK52OOKldLu3K4F7eRo4JM95TtU6F4ujos-hA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Consultant HDL presented the City Commission with a comparative study of Fort Lauderdale's business tax receipts on March 4 and recommended administrative simplification plus options for modest rate adjustments over nine years.

HDL's study showed the city collects roughly $3 million annually from approximately 21,000 business tax accounts, with most accounts paying a flat fee (the most common amount reported in the presentation was $157.50). The consultant recommended consolidating the city's roughly 636 business-tax classifications down to about 245 \"supergroups\" by combining categories that share the same rate to simplify administration and public understanding. \"We think you can simplify that by doing some of these super groupings,\" HDL said.

HDL modeled several rate scenarios that rely on state law limitations (Florida law limits local business-tax rate increases to 5 percent every other year). Scenarios ranged from modest biannual increases to a blended 9-year schedule. The largest modeled option (5% every other year) would have raised average tax per business by roughly $33 and generated an estimated additional $900,000 annually over the projection period. Smaller models produced modest revenue estimates (hundreds of thousands rather than millions).

After discussion, commissioners supported the administrative consolidation but declined to raise rates at this time. \"Consolidation. No raise at this time,\" one commissioner said; staff responded that they would draft and return an ordinance to implement the consolidation. HDL said consolidation would reduce paperwork and the number of classifications staff and businesses must review when filing or renewing business tax receipts.

Staff and consultants noted that the business-tax structure is constrained by state statute and that the tax is not a fee tied to cost recovery. Consultants also said the city's present average business-tax level is competitive with peer Florida cities and that modest increases would keep Fort Lauderdale competitive.

The commission directed staff to return with an ordinance implementing consolidation of classifications and did not give direction to adopt any of the modeled rate increases.","City consultant HDL presented analysis of the city's business tax structure and several rate-increase scenarios. Commissioners instructed staff to bring back an ordinance to consolidate hundreds of current categories into a smaller set and decided not to pursue an immediate citywide rate increase.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighbors press Fort Lauderdale to enforce resolution on unleaded aviation fuel; airport director outlines technical and supply barriers

Developers unveil revised plan for International Swimming Hall of Fame West Building; swimmers raise sightline and safety concerns

Fort Lauderdale presents 25-year 'Net 0' plan; sustainability board urges formal adoption

Commission directs consolidation of business tax categories; rejects immediate rate hike