Lighthouse Point committee urges strategic plan, targeted code and branding changes for Federal Highway

The Lighthouse Point economic development committee presented findings from an 18‑month review and a 25‑page report that recommends starting a strategic planning process to define the city’s long‑term economic vision and a set of targeted changes to support businesses along the Federal Highway commercial corridor. Committee chair Natalie Bowe said the work included market analysis, resident and business surveys and engagement with stakeholders and that the report “lays the foundation” for a broader strategic plan while proposing several near‑term, low‑cost changes such as improving the city website and permitting guides to be more business friendly.

City planner Dave Dixon reviewed a map of “areas of further study” tied to infrastructure and ownership patterns and said the committee focused on how to diversify revenue while protecting Lighthouse Point’s small‑town character. Commissioner commentary ranged from advocating a cautious “do no harm” approach to zoning changes to urging the commission to ensure any strategic plan is actionable and not shelved. One commissioner summarized the debate this way: “We want a nicer Federal Highway — how do we get there?”

The committee flagged permitting, conditional uses and signage as priority items that could be addressed either through code changes or by asking planning and zoning to hold a workshop. The presentation also highlighted branding proposals to create a consistent “look and feel” for entrance signage and corridor facades. Natalie Bowe told commissioners the committee’s timeline included suggested action steps and timeframes and said the next step is to solicit the commission’s feedback and move toward adopting recommendations by resolution.

Commissioners asked administration to route the report to planning and zoning for more technical review and to return with options for a strategic plan that balance cost, community input and the Live Local Act’s effect on local authority. Several commissioners said they support a focused vision for the Federal Highway corridor while cautioning that code changes should be deliberate and coordinated with stakeholders.

The presentation closed with a request that the commission accept the report and direct staff to prepare follow‑up steps; commissioners agreed to keep the process moving and to consider targeted workshops with planning staff. The committee’s report will remain available to commissioners as the staff develops implementation options.