Fort Lauderdale approves state historic marker honoring marathon swimmer Diana Nyad

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission unanimously approved a resolution to submit an application for a Florida Division of Historical Resources marker honoring marathon swimmer Diana Nyad at the Las Olas Beach promenade entrance.

Supporters told the commission they had vetted the historical record and were offering to cover the cost. Dr. Lynette Long, who said she wrote the marker application and would be the financial sponsor, recounted statewide marker statistics and the verification process and added, "I'm ready to write the check." Dr. Elanor Pam, president of Veteran Feminists of America, described Nyad as an "inspirational figure" and urged approval as recognition of her achievements and local ties.

Carl Williams, the city's parks and recreation director, told commissioners he did not recall a Parks & Recreation Board rejection and said he would check file records. Commissioners discussed the application and took a roll-call vote to authorize city staff to submit the application to the Florida Division of Historical Resources.

Commissioner Herpst introduced the resolution and the commission approved it by roll call (Herpst: yes; Glassman: yes; Vice Mayor Pamela Beasley Pitman: yes; Sturman: yes; Mayor Dean Trantel: yes). Supporters in the audience applauded and one said she would deliver the sponsorship payment to the clerk before leaving.

The action authorizes staff to pursue the formal state marker process; placement, marker text and installation timing will follow the Division of Historical Resources' procedures and any vendor or fabrication arrangements required by that program.

The commission took the vote during a public comment period where several residents, local advocates and former officials described Nyad's swimming achievements and community connections to Fort Lauderdale.

The commission did not authorize any city funding for the marker; supporters indicated they would fund the marker privately.