Spirit Fails, Fort Lauderdale Flourishes

Why Fort Lauderdale Is Booming in 2026

Fort Lauderdale is not the same sleepy beach town you remember, and this week we unpack why it suddenly feels like the city hit fast forward. I walk you through everything from the Florida Air and Sea Show roaring over the coastline to the Great American Beach Party on Las Olas, plus the big economic headline about a Fortune 500 logistics company eyeing a headquarters move to our backyard with 150 high-paying jobs on the table. We get into the nuts and bolts of the projects that will actually change how you move through the city: a controversial new city hall price tag, a fifth terminal at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Broward County’s multi-billion-dollar Primo transit network connecting downtown to Miami, the airport, Port Everglades, and more. If you care about traffic, commuting, or where the next business hubs will pop up, this is your roadmap. Then we zoom into the neighborhoods, from the half-billion-dollar Fat Village redevelopment in Flagler Village to luxury living along the Riverwalk with projects like Six and Rio and Astor Park. I round things out with your summer game plan: Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations, concerts at the War Memorial and Hard Rock, recurring jazz brunches, waterfront markets, trivia nights, art museum evenings, and events in Pompano and beyond that keep the region feeling like one big community. Chapters * 00:21 Air Show and City Buzz * 00:58 Memorial Day and Economic News * 02:23 Food Scene Highlights * 03:23 Major Development Projects * 05:58 Airport and Transit Expansion * 07:00 Summer Events Calendar * 08:54 Weekly Recurring Events * 11:37 Sign-Off and Subscription Reminder === Summer Recurring Events * Sunday Jazz Brunch: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar [https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar] * The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar [https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar] * Big Sunday Energy at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://wharfftl.com/events/ [https://wharfftl.com/events/] * Pioneer Wednesdays at Historic Stranahan House: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar [https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar] * Huizenga Park Trivia Night: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar [https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar] * 2 for 1 Martini Thursdays at The Wharf: https://wharfftl.com/events/ [https://wharfftl.com/events/] * Sunny Days/Starry Nights at NSU Art Museum: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar [https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar] * Happy Hour at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://wharfftl.com/events/ [https://wharfftl.com/events/] * Old Town Untapped in Pompano: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar [https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar] * Seaciety Saturdays at The Wharf: https://wharfftl.com/events/ [https://wharfftl.com/events/] * Flamingo Flea at Tarpon River Brewing: https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar [https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/greater-fort-lauderdale-event-calendar] === 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 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.

How Children’s Harbor Helps Broward Teens

I had a powerful conversation with Children’s Harbor Chief Development Officer, and Fort Lauderdale local, Vanessa Seltzer about what foster care really looks like in Broward County, far from the postcard beaches most of us picture when we think about South Florida. We talked about the thousands of kids in Florida’s foster care system, the teens who have bounced through 20 different placements before landing at Children’s Harbor’s eight‑acre, family‑style campus in Pembroke Pines and what it means for them to “age out” at 18 with no safety net. Vanessa walked me through how Children’s Harbor runs two campuses, including Browns Harbor’s affordable apartments for 18 to 23 year olds who still get life coaching, mental health support and a boutique where they can pick out furniture and clothes for their first real place. We dug into their family strengthening program that steps into real Broward homes after loss, job changes or trauma to keep kids out of foster care, and we talked about simple ways you and your business can help, from monthly gift card drives and mock interviews to hosting workshops on LinkedIn, taxes, credit and entrepreneurship. We also highlighted the Harbor Social at Palm Garden in East Broward, a June 25 event where your ticket turns directly into mission support so Children’s Harbor can keep kids safe, stable and seen as more than just a statistic. Chapters * 00:27 Foster Care in Broward * 02:41 Inside Children’s Harbor * 06:49 Aging Out Explained * 11:59 Family Strengthening Support * 15:46 Ways to Get Involved * 20:18 Workshops and Career Paths * 23:02 Harbor Social Event * 25:50 Breaking the Foster Care Stigma === Guest: Vanessa Seltzer, Children’s Harbor * Website: https://childrensharbor.org [https://childrensharbor.org] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-seltzer-0a430322 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-seltzer-0a430322] === People Mentioned * Tiffany Dhooge (CEO), Children’s Harbor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanidhooge/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanidhooge/] * Nicholas Sproul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-sproul-pa-srs-clhms-62672347/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-sproul-pa-srs-clhms-62672347/] * Cadence Real Estate Group: https://cadencerealtor-xdvumtih.manus.space/ [https://cadencerealtor-xdvumtih.manus.space/] * DCF (Florida Department of Children and Families): https://www.myflfamilies.com [https://www.myflfamilies.com] * ChildNet: Website: https://www.childnet.us [https://www.childnet.us]dnet [https://www.facebook.com/childnet] * Palm Garden Event House: https://www.palmgardenevents.com [https://www.palmgardenevents.com] === Events / Attractions / Venues * Harbor Social presented by Cadence: https://app.betterunite.com/childrensharbor-harborsocialpresentedbycadence [https://app.betterunite.com/childrensharbor-harborsocialpresentedbycadence] === 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.

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.