Let's Talk Lauderdale

Thunderbirds Light Up Fort Lauderdale Skies

Fort Lauderdale just experienced one of its most turbulent weeks in recent history. Spirit Airlines abruptly ceased operations on May 2nd after 34 years, eliminating roughly 29,000 annual flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and devastating about 17,000 jobs, most held by Broward County workers.  Within hours of the collapse, JetBlue announced an aggressive expansion, adding 11 new cities to its Fort Lauderdale schedule starting July 9th and pushing its summer operations to nearly 130 daily departures, making it the dominant carrier at FLL.  While the airport was in chaos, Fort Lauderdale Beach transformed into a front-row seat for the 2026 Florida Air and Sea Show on May 9th and 10th, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, F-22 Raptor demo team, Navy's F-18 Super Hornet, and Red Bull helicopter aerobatics.  Off the beach, Uncle Marv attended Artful Minds, NAMI Broward's fifth annual fundraiser at Mad Arts in Dania Beach, where art, music, fashion, and theater came together to support mental health programs serving thousands of Broward residents. Chapters * 00:14 Welcome to Let's Fort Lauderdale Podcast * 01:30 The 2026 Air and Sea Show Experience * 04:00 Artful Minds: A Night for Mental Health * 06:55 Spirit Airlines: A Sudden Collapse * 09:12 Upcoming Events in Fort Lauderdale * 10:30 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Artful Minds Fundraiser * Artful Minds - NAMIBroward County: https://namibroward.org/ [https://namibroward.org/] * Donate to Provide Free Mental Health for Broward County: https://namibroward.networkforgood.com/ [https://namibroward.networkforgood.com/] * Broward Kids Studio: https://www.browardkidsstudio.com/ [https://www.browardkidsstudio.com/] * Mad Arts (Dania Beach): https://www.madarts.com/ [https://www.madarts.com/] * Self-Care Shirts: https://selfcareshirts.com/ [https://selfcareshirts.com/] * Hip Clothing: https://www.hipapparelcompany.com/ [https://www.hipapparelcompany.com/] Previous Podcast Episodes Referenced * Podcast Episode with Melanie Hoffman and Brian Poli-Dixon (April 7, 2026): https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/36 [https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/36] Upcoming Events in Fort Lauderdale & Broward County * Jason Mraz - Still Yours 2026 Tour - May 15, 2026 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts: https://jasonmraz.com/still-yours-2026-east-coast-tour/ [https://jasonmraz.com/still-yours-2026-east-coast-tour/] * Carter Park Jamz - May 15, 2026 at 7 PM featuring Kedash Untouchable Band (R&B and Soul) at Joseph C. Carter Park: https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events/special-events/carter-park-jamz [https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events/special-events/carter-park-jamz] * Samantha Bee: How to Survive Menopause - May 16, 2026 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts: https://www.samanthabee.com/tour [https://www.samanthabee.com/tour] * Sunday Jazz Brunch - Every Sunday along Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk: https://www.goriverwalk.com/ [https://www.goriverwalk.com/] === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE * Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic * Item ID: 195889930 * Publisher: Saowakhon Brown * Composer: Saowakhon Brown * License: Individual License, Commercial * Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5   Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/ [https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/] Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Spirit Fails, Fort Lauderdale Flourishes

News Chapters * 00:04 Welcome to Let's Talk Lauderdale * 01:40 Spirit Airlines Faces Shutdown * 03:50 The Water District Unveiled * 04:32 Air Show Excitement Returns * 05:41 New Restaurants on the Horizon SPIRIT AIRLINES ON THE BRINK * (Source: https://www.local10.com/news/local/2026/05/01/spirit-airlines-flyers-employees-brace-for-potential-shutdown-i-wish-there-was-a-way-out/ [https://www.local10.com/news/local/2026/05/01/spirit-airlines-flyers-employees-brace-for-potential-shutdown-i-wish-there-was-a-way-out/] | Published: May 1, 2026)  * (Source: https://wsvn.com/news/us-world/wsj-south-florida-based-spirit-airlines-set-to-shutdown-after-failing-to-secure-500-million-government-bailout/ [https://wsvn.com/news/us-world/wsj-south-florida-based-spirit-airlines-set-to-shutdown-after-failing-to-secure-500-million-government-bailout/] | Published: May 1, 2026) THE WATER DISTRICT: FORT LAUDERDALE’S BOLD NEW WATERFRONT VISION * (Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/fort-lauderdale-water-district-makeover-construction/ [https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/fort-lauderdale-water-district-makeover-construction/] | Published: April 30, 2026)  * (Source: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/04/28/3282779/0/en/hall-of-fame-partners [https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/04/28/3282779/0/en/hall-of-fame-partners]... | Published: April 28, 2026) FORT LAUDERDALE OPEN SWIMMING: WORLD-CLASS COMPETITION IN OUR BACKYARD * (Source: https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/fort-lauderdale-open-day-3-prelims-katie-ledecky-summer-mcintosh-to-joust-again-in-200-free/ [https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/fort-lauderdale-open-day-3-prelims-katie-ledecky-summer-mcintosh-to-joust-again-in-200-free/] | Published: May 1, 2026) WHAT’S COMING UP FORT LAUDERDALE AIR SHOW ⭐ TOP PICK * Date:    Saturday & Sunday, May 9–10, 2026 Time: Gates open 9 AM; performances 12–3 PM daily * (Source: https://www.visitlauderdale.com/events/annual-events-festivals/air-show/ [https://www.visitlauderdale.com/events/annual-events-festivals/air-show/] | March 31, 2026) Skinny Louie — Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Opening: Spring 2026  * (Source: https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-fort-lauderdale-restaurants-opening-spring-2026-40530673/ [https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-fort-lauderdale-restaurants-opening-spring-2026-40530673/] | April 29, 2026) The Taco Stand — Sawgrass Mills, Sunrise Opening: May 4, 2026 (Cinco de Mayo week!)  * (Source: https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-fort-lauderdale-restaurants-opening-spring-2026-40530673/ [https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-fort-lauderdale-restaurants-opening-spring-2026-40530673/] | April 29, 2026) Hula Kai Tiki Bar — 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale Type: Two-Story Tiki Bar & Restaurant | Opening: Coming Soon * https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-fort-lauderdale-restaurants-opening-spring-2026-40530673/ [https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-fort-lauderdale-restaurants-opening-spring-2026-40530673/] | April 29, 2026) ViceVersa at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale  * (Source: https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-restaurants-in-fort-lauderdale-january-2026-40514945/ [https://www.miaminewtimes.com/food-drink/new-restaurants-in-fort-lauderdale-january-2026-40514945/] | January 2026) === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE * Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic * Item ID: 195889930 * Publisher: Saowakhon Brown * Composer: Saowakhon Brown * License: Individual License, Commercial * Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5   Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/ [https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/] Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Fort Lauderdale Luxury Closets with Donna

If you’ve ever looked at your jam‑packed closet and thought “too many clothes, nothing to wear,” this one is for you. In the studio with me is Fort Lauderdale luxury realtor and hanger founder Donna Zalter, who saw messy closets in million‑dollar South Florida properties and decided to tackle the problem starting with the hanger. We talk real estate cycles, e‑commerce reality, AI, and why All Hung Up Hangers is built from the ground up right here in Broward. * Originally from Montreal, Donna has lived in South Florida for about 35 years, starting in Hallandale/Hollywood and eventually moving to Fort Lauderdale to get closer to Pine Crest School and out of I‑95 traffic. * Donna loves Fort Lauderdale’s walkability, calling it a small city that feels like Buckhead in Atlanta, with new, shiny growth but still manageable size. * Donna shares what her real estate business coach is telling agents: you must be “AI searchable” now, whether you’re in real estate, IT or selling hangers. * Check out AllHungUpHangers.com for Donna’s curated hanger line and grab the limited-time 15% off discount. Chapters * 00:23 Welcome to Let's Talk Lauderdale * 02:03 Entering Real Estate * 03:28 The Market Shift * 06:02 The Closet Dilemma * 06:09 Hangers and Home Style * 19:50 Business Life in Fort Lauderdale * 26:07 Community and Culture * 31:26 Launching All Hung Up * 36:03 Embracing AI and E-commerce Guest: Donna Zalter,  * All Hung Up Hangers: https://allhunguphangers.com [https://allhunguphangers.com] * Donna Zalter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnazalter/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnazalter/] People, Places and Events Mentioned * Pine Crest School: https://www.pinecrest.edu [https://www.pinecrest.edu] * The Container Store: https://www.containerstore.com [https://www.containerstore.com] * Dolores Catania: https://www.instagram.com/dolorescatania [https://www.instagram.com/dolorescatania] * Las Olas Boulevard: https://www.lasolasboulevard.com [https://www.lasolasboulevard.com] * Flagler Village: https://www.flaglervillage.org [https://www.flaglervillage.org] * FAT Village Arts District: https://fatvillage.com [https://fatvillage.com] * Riverfront (downtown Fort Lauderdale area): https://www.goriverwalk.com [https://www.goriverwalk.com] * Galleria Mall Fort Lauderdale: https://www.galleriamall-fl.com [https://www.galleriamall-fl.com] * Broward Center for the Performing Arts: https://www.browardcenter.org [https://www.browardcenter.org] * Museum of Discovery and Science: https://mods.org [https://mods.org] * Buckhead (Atlanta): https://www.livablebuckhead.com [https://www.livablebuckhead.com] * Sway Nightclub: https://swaynightclub.com [https://swaynightclub.com] * Dicey Riley’s: https://www.facebook.com/diceyrileyspub [https://www.facebook.com/diceyrileyspub] * The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://wharfftl.com [https://wharfftl.com] * A1A Fort Lauderdale Beach: https://www.myfortlauderdalebeach.com [https://www.myfortlauderdalebeach.com] * S3 Restaurant: https://s3restaurant.com [https://s3restaurant.com] * Steak954: https://steak954.com/ [https://steak954.com/] * Lululemon: https://shop.lululemon.com [https://shop.lululemon.com] === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE * Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic * Item ID: 195889930 * Publisher: Saowakhon Brown * Composer: Saowakhon Brown * License: Individual License, Commercial * Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5 Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/ [https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/] Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Small Business Basics in Fort Lauderdale

South Florida is full of people with big ideas and side hustles, but turning that into a real business is where a lot of locals get tripped up. In this episode, I’m joined by Coral Springs and Parkland business attorney Matthew Fornaro to talk about what it actually looks like to start, grow and protect a business in Broward County, Palm Beach and Miami‑Dade. We get into the good, the bad and the ugly of business formation, partnerships, contracts and commercial real estate in a market that never seems to stop building. Whether you’re working out of your spare bedroom in Fort Lauderdale or signing a lease on that storefront you’ve been eyeing, this conversation will give you some local perspective before you sign anything. Chapters * 00:21 Welcome to Let's Talk Lauderdale * 04:11 Nostalgic Memories of South Florida * 10:52 Transitioning from Big Law * 13:40 Starting Your Business Right * 19:04 Common Business Mistakes * 24:08 Partnership Challenges * 26:23 Real Estate Disputes * 28:14 South Florida's Changing Landscape * 32:45 Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs * 40:27 Family Life and Community * 44:30 Wrapping Up the Conversation Guest: Matthew Fornaro * Website: https://fornarolegal.com [https://fornarolegal.com] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewfornaro/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewfornaro/] People, Places and Events Mentioned * Who Song and Larry’s (restaurant chain history): https://www.facebook.com/whosongandlarrys/ [https://www.facebook.com/whosongandlarrys/] * Morgan & Morgan law firm: https://www.forthepeople.com [https://www.forthepeople.com] * TopDog Law: https://www.topdoglaw.com [https://www.topdoglaw.com] * Cohen and Cohen (injury lawyers): https://www.cohenandcohen.net [https://www.cohenandcohen.net] * Rubenstein Law: https://www.rubensteinlaw.com [https://www.rubensteinlaw.com] * Florida Bar: https://www.floridabar.org [https://www.floridabar.org] * Coral Springs Charter School: https://www.coralspringscharter.org/ [https://www.coralspringscharter.org/] * Galleria Mall (The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale): https://www.galleriamall-fl.com [https://www.galleriamall-fl.com] * The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://wharfftl.com [https://wharfftl.com] * Coral Springs Center for the Arts: https://www.thecentercs.com [https://www.thecentercs.com] * Broward Center for the Performing Arts: https://www.browardcenter.org [https://www.browardcenter.org] * Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (West Palm Beach): https://www.kravis.org [https://www.kravis.org] Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/ [https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/] Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.

Artful Minds: Mental Health and the Arts in Broward

Melanie lays out the vision for the fifth annual Artful Minds and how it has grown beyond a traditional gallery show. Every ticket, sponsorship, and piece of art sold sends funds back into NAMI Broward’s free programs for individuals and families here in Broward County. Brian shares how he always saw himself as an artist first, even while playing at UCLA and in the NFL.  He also gives us a peek into the Lux Neon space: a 4,500‑square‑foot front gallery and event venue, plus a big workshop in the back where they design and build custom LED art, signs, and installations for homes, businesses, and events across South Florida. === Chapters * 00:27 Why mental health in Broward County matters * 01:19 Introducing NAMI Broward and Artful Minds * 06:03 Introducing guest artist and former NFL player Brian Poli‑Dixon * 11:27 What Artful Minds is and how the event works * 13:36 Art auction, artists, and how the funds support free programs * 16:17 Live music, fashion, culinary arts, and performances at Artful Minds * 21:16 Art, athletes, and mental health after sports * 27:24 Mental health in the workplace and NAMI’s Stigma‑Free Workplace program * 29:43 Local sponsors stepping up to support mental health * 35:04 NAMIWalks at Nova Southeastern University and how to get involved * 36:40 Inside Lux Neon Art Gallery and Brian’s “genius” artwork * 39:03 Final thoughts on community, creativity, and mental health in Broward County Guest: Melanie Hoffman, NAMI Broward County * Website: https://namibroward.org [https://namibroward.org] * LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniehoffman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniehoffman/] Guest: Brian Poli‑Dixon, Lux Neon Art Gallery * Website: https://brianpolidixonartwork.com/h-o-m-e [https://brianpolidixonartwork.com/h-o-m-e] * Website: https://luxneonartgallery.com [https://luxneonartgallery.com] People, Places and Events Mentioned * Mad Arts (MAD Arts, Dania Beach): https://madarts.org [https://madarts.org] * Carl Schmid (violinist): www.youtube.com/@carlviolinist * Better Strangers (band): https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterStrangers [https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterStrangers] * Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood: https://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com [https://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com] * Memorial Healthcare System: https://www.mhs.net [https://www.mhs.net] * Rotary Club of Weston: https://www.westonrotary.com [https://www.westonrotary.com] * Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance: https://www.gflalliance.org [https://www.gflalliance.org] * NAMIWalks Broward: https://www.namiwalks.org/home [https://www.namiwalks.org/home] === MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE * Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic * Item ID: 195889930 * Publisher: Saowakhon Brown * Composer: Saowakhon Brown * License: Individual License, Commercial * Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5 Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/ [https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/] Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.