Deputy Director Amy previews Fort Lauderdale’s July–August parks events and programming

Deputy Director Amy briefed the Parks and Recreation Board about upcoming events and operational updates at the start of the meeting, noting that the board lacked a quorum and the presentation was informational.

She said the city will host a Fourth of July celebration on July 4 at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park that will include a drone show and a performance by country artist Walker Hayes; the event is planned to run through the day with a main performance window up to 9:15 p.m. She also described the long-running Starlight musicals series (47 years) and confirmed the series will pause in July and resume with fall/winter previews; the parks department will announce artists and dates as they are finalized.

Other summer programming noted included a Sunday jazz brunch at Esplanade Park (next on Aug. 2), a Studio 701 open house Aug. 8, and Summerjam on Friday, Aug. 21 (a national act to be named). Amy explained that learn-to-swim classes at the aquatic center are limited to skill levels 3–5 due to deep water and require a swim test for registration; levels 1–2 continue at community pools.

On capital projects, Amy said the capital projects team that oversees the bond will provide more regular, in-depth updates to the board starting in August to address members’ requests for project-specific information, and staff noted recent work such as restroom renovations at Esnot Park, Phase 2 at Mills Pond, and a ribbon cutting for Twin Lakes North Park. A board member asked whether permanent restrooms were planned at Mills Pond; staff confirmed permanent restrooms will replace existing trailers.

Because the meeting lacked a quorum, the board did not vote on any agenda items or approve minutes; staff said the May 27 minutes will be brought back for approval when a quorum is present.