Fort Lauderdale, FL

The city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is located in Broward County, and has a population of more than 183,000 residents. A popular spring-break destination on Florida's southeastern shore, the city plays host to approximately 10 million visitors each year.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Fort Lauderdale boasts more than 60 distinct neighborhoods, many of which are to home to established neighborhood associations. Some of the city's most prominent districts include:

• Coral Ridge Isles: This family-oriented neighborhood hosts a wife range of activities throughout the year. The area is also known for its residential parks, high-end shopping, and restaurants.
• Galt Ocean Mile is composed of a number of area associations. This neighborhood is located on the beach and features a wealth of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
• Harbour Inlet is located on a barrier island and is composed of single-family homes, co-ops, and condominiums.
• Rio Vista is the oldest neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale. The homeowners association for the community offers residents a newsletter and various committees to ensure the area remains clean and safe.

PARKS

Fort Lauderdale provides residents and visitors with numerous parks, community centers, and boating facilities.

• Hugh Taylor Brich State Park features trails, camping, picnic areas, and canoeing.
• Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the premiere stretches of coast in the region. Stretching more than seven miles, the beach offers shopping, restaurants, entertainment, boating, windsurfing, and jet skiing. Along the shore, visitors can participate in a game of volleyball or go rollerblading. Underwater activities include snorkeling and scuba diving. This beach also hosts events such as the Greater Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the area Fourth of July Celebration.
• Croissant Park offers visitors a water playground, a pool, lighted fields, and a recreation center.
• George English Park is a large park that offers boat ramps, ball fields, a playground, picnic areas, tennis courts, and walking trails.

BEST BETS

• Florida Sportsman Fishing Show is held at the War Memorial Auditorium and features a range of seminars and educational displays.
• The USA Diving Regional Championship is held at the Aquatic Complex. This regional event features top divers from the area.
• Pridefest celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities of Fort Lauderdale. This event features comedians, DJs, live music, dancing, and food. The festival is held at Holiday Park/War Memorial Auditorium.
• Family Fun Day is held at the Aquatic Center. Families can enjoy swimming, museum tours, fire truck tours, and prizes. Those interested in the Florida swim team can try out for the summer program.

In addition, Fort Lauderdale is host to various aquatic events, including swimming and diving competitions for all ages and levels. These events are held at the Aquatic Center throughout the year. The city also boasts a number of premiere yacht clubs and marinas.

EDUCATION

• The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale offers associate's degrees and bachelor of science degrees. The institute is known for its sizable and diverse faculty, and has received numerous awards for its culinary arts program.
• Broward College offers associate and bachelor's degrees in science and arts. Students can also earn certification in technical studies. The college provides childcare services and offers financial aid.
• City College offers associate and bachelor's degrees in various fields, including health sciences, broadcasting, business administration, and nursing. Financial aid is available.
• Florida Atlantic University. The Fort Lauderdale campus is located downtown. The school, offers research opportunities and programs in computer arts, business, multimedia, communication, architecture, and public administration.

SPORTS TEAMS

• The Florida Atlantic University Owls is the school's football team. The Owls play at Lockhart Stadium.
• Major League Baseball's Baltimore Orioles have their spring training facilities at the Fort Lauderdale Stadium.
• The NHL's Florida Panthers play their home games in nearby Sunrise, Florida.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

AutoNation is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale and provides the nation with chain auto dealerships. Sprint Airlines is also based out of Fort Lauderdale. The carrier provides affordable airfares to destinations in the United States, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Other major employers in Fort Lauderdale include:

• American Express
• Motorola
• National Beverage Corporation

LOCAL MEDIA

AM Radio Stations

• WFLL 1400 (Sports)
• WSRF 1580 (Tropical)

FM Radio Stations

• WVUM 90.3 (Religious)
• WHYI 100.7 (Top 40)
• WMIB 103.5 (Hip Hop)
• WBGG 105.9 (Classic Rock)
• WRMA 106.7 (Spanish)

Newspapers

Some of the more noteworthy newspapers serving the Fort Lauderdale area include the Sun-Sentinel, a weekly newspaper catering to the broader South Florida area, and the South Florida Times, a weekly newspaper serving the African-American and Caribbean communities of Fort Lauderdale.