Fort Lauderdale is stepping up to tackle the homelessness issue head-on. We’re committed to reclaiming our streets and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. While we believe in offering help to those who need it, we’re no longer tolerating behavior that jeopardizes public safety or quality of life. The City Commission and I are rolling out stronger measures to confront the safety challenges linked to homelessness. We’re balancing compassion with the firm actions necessary to protect our city. An assistant city manager is leading a new, aggressive strategy to address homelessness across Fort Lauderdale. This comprehensive plan involves all city departments working together under a unified command. With the new state law cracking down on public encampments, we’re moving fast to stay ahead of the curve. Here’s how we’re taking action:

• Increased Patrols: We’re deploying more officers to high-risk areas, and it’s already making a difference in curbing dangerous activities.
• Mobile Healthcare Support: Our Fire Department and paramedics are on standby, ready to back up our officers and provide immediate care when needed.
• Street Safety Ordinance: We’re enforcing a new law that bans individuals from blocking our streets and causing traffic disruptions.
• Enhanced Housing Navigation: We’re doubling down on our Housing Navigation Program, which last year saw a 65% success rate in getting people off the streets and into stable housing.
• Temporary Shelter Initiative: We’re funding a new program to offer up to 60 days of shelter for those in need while they secure permanent housing.
• Community Court Program: Our innovative court program continues to offer homeless individuals charged with minor offenses a path to temporary housing and essential services like substance abuse treatment and job training.
• Interagency Collaboration: We’re intensifying our partnerships across government and agencies to more effectively protect our community and reduce repeat offenses.

We’re leading with a balanced approach—offering necessary resources to those willing to seek help while taking decisive action to ensure the safety and security of Fort Lauderdale. It’s time to restore order, protect our public spaces, and uphold the standards of our community. Let’s keep Fort Lauderdale safe and thriving. Dean

Monday, August 12, is the first day of school in Broward. As we say good-bye to summertime, I know our kids are ready for a fresh start. And this new school year is looking as bright as they are! We’ve done so much to make sure that Fort Lauderdale’s schools are providing students, teachers, and staff with the materials and support they need to thrive. We’ve been dedicated to education, because when our schools are strong, our children can achieve their dreams. During my time as Mayor, the city has:

• Made a huge commitment to school safety, and is providing school resource officers in all public middle and high schools.
• Coordinated with the school district and nonprofits to help children master new skills and enjoy their time outside of class at a successful summer enrichment program.
• Partnered with the Barbara Bush Foundation on the Book Explorers Reading program to boost literacy and help our kids fall in love with reading.
• Worked with Broward College to expand access to post-secondary education and workforce training so that our graduates are ready for the world.
• Provided educational options for those who want to work in sports business by bringing the Global Institute of Sport to Fort Lauderdale.
• Launched an avionics program at Atlantic Technical College in conjunction with local colleges and businesses so that students can soar.

There’s so much more I’d like to do. For example, other cities have seen success with a city-run charter school and I see promise in such a program in Fort Lauderdale. This could expand schooling options for our families and increase educational achievement in the community. Please support my campaign today, so that I can continue to innovate and implement ideas that further strengthen our education system. Have a wonderful first day back at school! Dean

It’s hard not to love Fort Lauderdale. Our city offers so much—year-round events, stunning weather, and beautiful beaches that draw visitors from all over the world. We’re not just growing; we’re thriving! I feel incredibly privileged to live here and honored to serve as your mayor. During my time as mayor, we faced a pandemic and the worst flood in history in addition to inheriting a serious infrastructure crisis. But we worked through it and have seen our economy grow, new industries take root, and job opportunities flourish. We have become a safer and easier place to live thanks to smart investments in infrastructure and public safety. Our cultural offerings are unmatched, our culinary scene is strong, and we are a top destination for soccer, tennis, swimming, and hockey. There’s nothing we can’t do together. We’ve achieved so much, but my work isn’t done. I’m committed to keeping Fort Lauderdale on the right track to ensure our residents enjoy the highest quality of life possible. Dean

When I was elected Mayor, I committed to growing employment opportunities in our city. Through hard work and innovative solutions, we have seen impressive progress.  In the past year, Fort Lauderdale added 3,200 jobs — an increase of 5% — double the countywide average. In the past, suburban growth was the main economic driver in Broward, but not anymore. Our downtown has a $35.7 billion annual economic impact. Part of what makes Fort Lauderdale an employment hub is an expanding financial sector. Companies have confidence in our city, and I do, too. We are an economic powerhouse with the skills and talent the sector demands. My administration made sure our city has the amenities and infrastructure necessary to make this an even greater place to live and work. But our work is not yet finished. I’m inspired by the ways we’ve come together as a city, and I can’t wait to see what we do next.  Dean

Equality, justice, and progress — those are foundational American values that we work to uphold today, 248 years after our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence. That document established our nation as one of strong values and action by stating that all of us are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Here in Fort Lauderdale, we remain dedicated to preserving our freedoms and our vision for a brighter future. We are working to make sure that everyone who lives here can enjoy safety, economic stability, and cultural innovation.

As Mayor, I have enjoyed focusing on making our city an even better place to live, and I hope to continue to serve you and our beautiful community in the coming years. Together, we will write our city’s next chapter — and it will be a remarkable tale!

I hope that you have a joyful and peaceful Independence Day!

Dean