NO TO THE WIDENING OF THE OVERSEAS HIGHWAY
On September 11, 2025, the Monroe County (Keys) Board of Commissioners rejected a proposal to widen the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1), the essential route connecting the mainland to Key West. After hearing public comments throughout the week, the five commissioners unanimously declared that they would not support the expansion.
However, they mandated county staff to continue working with the Florida Department of Transportation to find alternative solutions to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on this road. The Overseas Highway stretches approximately 108 miles (174 km) across islands and is renowned for its scenic views but also for its growing congestion.
The rejection of the ordinance highlights residents’ concerns about the potential impacts of the widening—whether environmental, social, or related to increased traffic. For now, the county is favoring less invasive measures to ease traffic without drastically changing the existing infrastructure.
SYMBOLIC DECREASE IN PROPERTY TAX RATE IN BROWARD
For the past two months, Broward County has been under pressure from an audit by the Florida DOGE department, spearheaded by Governor Ron DeSantis. He states: “You’ve had counties that have had virtually no population increase on net — like Broward — have had a massive increase in their budget. » Broward County responds that the budget for traditional government services has increased by 39% over the last five years (i.e., +7.8% per year). According to Census.gov, the county’s population grew by +4.8% (94,075 residents) between April 2020 and July 2024, reaching a total of over two million residents.
In addition, the county has finally paid off a 20-year debt obligation. The timing was therefore right to make a financial gesture to Broward voters and property owners.
On Tuesday, September 16, the commission voted 7-2 in favor of lowering the millage rate from 5.6690% to… 5.6658%. The decline in revenue for 2026 for the county is estimated at only $1 million, which should be put into perspective with the $2 billion in revenue from property taxes.
For homeowners, tax returns will have virtually no impact from this decrease, and will likely even see an increase due to rising property values.
The county’s total budget for 2026 is $8.8 billion. More than half is allocated to law enforcement, including the Broward Sheriff’s Office, which will receive an additional $26 million in funding. Last year, the opening of the new Tax Collector’s Office cost $80 million, offset by the elimination of 159 jobs and $20 million in savings in operating costs for various agencies.
The commission pointed out that Broward County is one of only 2% of US counties (3,200 in total) to have a AAA rating from the three major rating agencies.
SEAWORTHY COLLECTIVE INVITES YOU TO DISCOVER BLUETECH STARTUPS
Seaworthy Collective’s Startup Showcase is celebrating its fifth anniversary. On Saturday, October 25, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Miami Beach Bandshell, the local and international community will gather around the sixth cohort of BlueTech startups, dubbed “Sea Change Makers.” The term BlueTech refers to all technologies, innovations, and solutions dedicated to the sustainable maritime economy.
These young companies, mentored by Seaworthy in the fall of 2025, offer innovative solutions to address ocean-related challenges. Through a partnership with NOAA, they harness the power of marine data and technology services to address critical ocean impact issues.
This year’s program will include startup presentations, interactive activities, and networking opportunities.
Information: miamibeachbandshell.com
ARRIVAL OF KING TIDES
King tides appear in Florida at the end of September and continue until the beginning of December. Here are the dates to remember for periods of risk:
− New moons: September 20-23 (new moon on the 21st); October 18-24 (new moon on the 21st); November 18-20 (new moon on the 20th);
− Full moons: October 4-12 (full moon on the 6th); November 1-10 (full moon on the 5th); December 2-7 (full moon on the 4th).
Be careful on these days during high tide twice a day, in the morning and early evening, as spring tides can cause flooding even in sunny weather.
FORT LAUDERDALE BURIES ARTS PARK PROJECT DUE TO LACK OF FUNDING
The Arts Park project in Fort Lauderdale, planned for more than three years in the Flagler Village neighborhood, has been abandoned by city commissioners due to lingering doubts about the ability of developer Jeff John and his partners to raise the necessary funds.
The $140 million project, which was to include a concert hall and food market on 3.3 acres of public land, never got off the ground despite initial approval. The situation worsened when the developers failed to honor a $250,000 good faith payment, undermining the confidence of elected officials. Several officials, including Mayor Dean Trantalis and Deputy Mayor John Herbst, had already expressed concerns about the financing.
After the termination was announced, developer John blamed the failure on a hostile political climate and threatened legal action. Residents, while supportive of the halt, hope for a new cultural use for this strategic public land.
GAS PRICES FALL IN FLORIDA
As gas stations switch to cheaper winter gasoline, prices at the pump fell across the state in early September. This welcome drop comes as fall approaches and snowbirds return to the Sunshine State. The AAA (American Automobile Association) reports that motorists are paying an average of 3.103 cents per gallon on Monday, September 22, which is less than the national average of 3.184 cents per gallon.
VIRTUAL BUILDING PERMITS AUTHORIZED IN BROWARD
On August 14, the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) authorized virtual inspections for building permits. These inspections can now be conducted using digital tools such as videoconferencing and geolocation. This is a major change for BORA’s approach to building safety and efficiency.
Property owners will be able to use their personal screens to show inspectors the areas that must be examined. The aim is to streamline the building permit process in order to fast-track real estate developments across the county.
Digital inspections are common in many Florida counties and are secure. Digital traces, recorded videos, and detailed documentation with checklists and access to plans offer greater transparency and accountability for all parties involved.
