[đ #FFFTL] Mraz, More Music, Miss Arc Broward Pageant, and a Star-Studded Week in Fort Lauderdale
Plus a new neighbor article on Flagler Village
Thursday, May 14th, 2026 - Before we get into this weekâs rundown of cool happenings, quick favor to askâŚ
What questions (about Fort Lauderdale) are you wildly curious to know about?
Asking because we are working on a new section for the newsletter, and we want to cater it to our readers. Curious about local businesses? History of the city? Hidden gems? Just hit reply. Your responses will end up in an upcoming newsletter feature.
Stuff You Wonât Want To Miss:
TONIGHT | Like Nastya. Global music star Like Nastya brings her live show to Fort Lauderdale. A family event from the YouTube phenomenon with millions of young fans worldwide.
Also Thursday Nights | Yappy Hour + DogDrop. Bring your dog for a social hour with treats, activations, and the DogDrop on-site. All dogs welcome.
More from Huizenga: Thursdays | Pilates in the Park. Free pilates session in the park. Bring a mat and water. Open to all skill levels.
Fridays | Zumba by Domingo. Free Zumba class in the park with instructor Domingo. All ages and fitness levels welcome.
Saturday | Arts in the Park: Terrarium Workshop. Creative workshop for kids: build your own miniature terrarium to take home.
Tuesdays | Lauderdale Run Club. Join over 400 runners, trotter, and walkers of all ages in a short 1.8 mile loop around the Riverwalk.
Friday | A Spoonful of Sugar. Several of our Acton learners will be on stage Friday night with the Miss Marie Poppinz Theatre Company. Get your tickets.
Also Friday | Jason Mraz: Still Yours 2026 Tour. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz returns with his acclaimed Still Yours tour â an intimate evening of hits and storytelling.
Saturday | The Mixtape Live - Broadway Kids Studio. Two shows Saturday. Features young Broadway talent performing iconic musical theater numbers.
Saturday | Smoke On The Water BBQ Feast. This annual festival will bring together top pitmasters, BBQ enthusiasts, and food lovers for an assortment of smoked and grilled fare.
Saturday Night | Samantha Bee: How to Survive Menopause. The Full Frontal (adult themes and not for children) host brings her candid comedy to the Truist Comedy Series.
This Weekend | Star Wars & Pop Culture Event. Three full days at the Westin in Fort Lauderdale. Not just Star Wars, but Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Anime, Marvel, and a whole world of pop culture.
Sunday | Brazilian Voices: A Bossa Nova Yoga Experience. Part of the Amplify Arts Series. A wellness event combining live bossa nova music with yoga â all levels welcome.
Sunday | Miss Arc Broward Pageant. Annual pageant celebrating the achievements of young women with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hosted by The Arc of Broward County.
Next Wednesday (May 20th) | Father Mike Schmitz: The Parables Tour. The beloved author and speaker behind Ascension Presents brings his live tour to Fort Lauderdale. A faith-filled evening for families and young people.
đâ Hey - quick question. Did we miss anything? Each week we do our research but you might know of an event, an organization, or a local business that deserves some love here in our weekly basket of goodies. Just hit reply to this email and let us know!
Featured Fort Lauderdale
Flagler Village Becoming Part of Fort Lauderdale's Creative Heart
For decades, the area just north of downtown Fort Lauderdale was defined by the rhythmic hum of industry and rows of weathered warehouses. Today, that industrial grit has been repurposed into the cityâs most vibrant cultural engine: Flagler Village. Once a neglected industrial pocket, it has evolved into a walkable, mural-clad sanctuary for artists, entrepreneurs, and young families alike.
From Concrete Roots to Canvas Walls
The transformation of Flagler Village is a masterclass in urban revitalization. The neighborhoodâs history is rooted in the early 20th-century Florida land boom and the manufacturing industries, printing, railroads, and turpentine that once dominated the landscape. As these industries shifted, they left behind a vast âwarehouse districtâ that provided the perfect, low-cost skeleton for a creative takeover.
The turning point came with the establishment of sub-districts like FATVillage (Flagler Arts and Technology) and the MASS District (Music and Arts South of Sunrise). These pockets turned industrial relics into galleries and performance spaces, fostering a community advocacy group focused on promoting the area as a dedicated arts district. The most visible sign of this shift is the street art; the neighborhood now serves as a sprawling public gallery where world-class murals greet visitors at nearly every turn.
A Day in the Village: Coffee, Curios, and Community
What makes Flagler Village distinct from the sleek skyscrapers of Las Olas is its human scale. The neighborhood is designed for the âstroll.â A typical morning might begin at an independent craft coffee shop, many of which are housed in former garage spaces before wandering through boutique stores that specialize in everything from vintage apparel to handmade home goods.
The communityâs heart beats loudest during the Monthly Art Walk. On these evenings, the district transforms into a massive block party where visitors can wander through artist studios, watch puppet shows, or explore prop warehouses that have been opened to the public (Lipscomb, 2014).
Urban Living with a Family-Friendly Edge
While the âartsyâ label often implies a nightlife-only vibe, Flagler Village has become a âfamily-friendlyâ hub. The influx of new residential developments has brought with it a wave of approachable dining options and green spaces. Modern placemaking efforts, including âBetter Blockâ initiatives, have prioritized traffic-calming devices and pedestrian-friendly âshared spacesâ to make the streets safer and more livable for residents.
Whether youâre visiting to photograph the latest mural, hunt for a unique gift in a local boutique, or simply enjoy a latte in the shadow of a repurposed warehouse, Flagler Village offers a glimpse into the future of Fort Lauderdale: a city that honors its industrial past while painting a bright, creative future.
FAT Village mural by Leah Brown
So... You Think You Know South Florida
You probably already know... FTL is known for its love and proximity to all things H2O.
What you might not know... Fort Lauderdale has more waterways than any other city in the world.
With over 300 miles of canals, more than Venice, Italy - Fort Lauderdale is often called the Venice of America. The Intracoastal Waterway, New River, and network of canals were largely hand-dug during the city's early development, creating a boating and waterfront lifestyle that defines the city to this day.
Fort Lauderdale ALSO holds the prestigious Blue Wave Beach certification, one of fewer than 40 beaches in the US meeting the highest international standards for water quality, environmental education, safety, and sustainability.
The Clean Beaches Coalition doesnât just look for pretty water; they analyze the âhealthâ of the coastline through four primary lenses:
Water Quality: Frequent, documented testing to ensure the ocean is free from harmful levels of bacteria or pollutants.
Habitat Conservation: Protecting the local ecosystem, including the delicate sea turtle nesting grounds that characterize the region.
Safety Services: Ensuring the presence of professional lifeguards, clear signage, and emergency response infrastructure.
Public Education: Providing the community with information on how to interact with the environment without damaging it.
Why It Matters for Families
For parents, the Blue Wave certification offers more than just environmental peace of mind; itâs a practical guide to safety. The designation guarantees that the water quality is monitored with a frequency that exceeds standard coastal requirements. In an era where âeco-friendlyâ is often used as a marketing buzzword, Fort Lauderdaleâs commitment to third-party verification proves that its status as a top U.S. beach is rooted in data, not just aesthetics.
The result? A coastline that manages to be both a bustling urban hub and a pristine natural sanctuary, all at the same time.
More Treats To Try
We donât let just anyone sponsor this newsletter. Hereâs who âmade the cutâ this week:
(Hit reply to this email if you want to reach over 1300+ local families for just $100)
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The Opulent Reset. For the woman who built it all, and forgot herself inside of it. A private four-day return to yourself on the white-sand shores of Turks & Caicos.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale | One of South Floridaâs premier contemporary art museums. Current exhibitions: Selma is Now (through June 27) and Michelangeloâs Sistine Chapel (through June 14). Free First Thursday every first Thursday of the month, 11 AMâ7 PM. đ https://nsuartmuseum.org
Children heading off unhappily to school for another dreary day? Have you looked at Acton? The model is pretty different from a traditional school, and it seems to click for many who are not thriving in a standard classroom. Book a visit to see for yourself.
Pioneer Wednesdays is a special program designed to give back to the Fort Lauderdale community by offering residents free admission to the Historic Stranahan House Museum every Wednesday during operating hours. This initiative invites locals to explore the cityâs rich history, connect with its pioneering roots, and experience one of Fort Lauderdaleâs most significant landmarks at no cost.
Rhythms School of Dance is a training center for Indian Classical dance, Bharatanatyam. Promoting priceless artistic traditions of India through professional training and student performances.
Just hit reply to this email to get started. Work with us to reach over 1300+ Greater Fort Lauderdale families.
Quote Of The Week
âMost of the work thatâs done in the world gets done by people who werenât feeling all that well at the time that they did it.â ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist. She was the longest-serving first lady of the United States, during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms as president from 1933 to 1945. Through her travels, public engagement, and advocacy, she largely redefined the role.
Flotsam & Jetsam
Ever wondered if you are saying a word correctly? Now you will know.
Use Youglish to check your pronunciation.
Word Play Of The Week
âRaining cats and dogsâ
Youâve probably heard this phrase and wondered where it comes from. It means that it is raining extremely hard and comes from 17th-century England, where heavy rain would wash dead animals through the streets. ~ âSource
âUnder-The-Radarâ Openings Job Board
Hereâs a new section that we are debuting this week with our transition to Substack.
EcoExplorers Internship Program in Environmental Education and Workforce Training at MODS. A yearlong paid internship for students entering grades 10-12 at eligible Broward County public high schools in environmental education and workforce development.
Part-time openings at the Broward Center. Head usher, bartenders, and event staff. Even a teaching artist position.
Next week (May 19th) CareerSource Broward Job Fair for former Spirit Airlines workers. In response to the Spirit Airlines shutdown, FloridaCommerce and CareerSource are hosting Rapid Response events to bring career and employment resources to displaced workers.
Lastly⌠One Big Idea For Your Week
Tell Us How We Are Doing
Every week we are working to improve #FFFTL every week, both for your reading experience and to provide a cutting-edge media apprenticeship opportunity for our learners.
We want to hear from you. What do you love? What could we do better FOR YOU? And most importantly, what FTL businesses and experiences should we be highlighting?