Commission approves Oceans of Soul beach festival after removing artist-approval clause

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission on Jan. 7 approved a contract for the Oceans of Soul Jazz & Funk Festival on Fort Lauderdale Beach after amending the agreement to remove a clause giving the police chief the power to approve performers.

The vote came after more than two hours of testimony from neighborhood leaders, residents and the event promoter about public safety, neighborhood impacts and equitable treatment of artists. The commission approved the contract as amended on a unanimous voice/roll-call vote.

Neighborhood leaders and the festival promoter said they had negotiated many details during multiple meetings. Bill Brown, president of the Central Beach Alliance, told the commission he and the neighborhood association had met repeatedly with promoter Gregory Scott and that they had agreed the first year should be treated as a one-year pilot so the city and residents could evaluate impacts. "We have met numerous times with Mr. Scott in the planning process ... they have agreed to that with the understanding that…