Week of December 30th – January 3rd, 2025
Hot Dog Heaven Reopens Under New Ownership
Fort Lauderdale’s iconic eatery, Hot Dog Heaven, has reopened its doors under new ownership. The beloved establishment, known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, had previously closed but has been revived due to popular demand. Fans are thrilled to once again enjoy their favorite hot dogs at the legendary spot.
Royal Caribbean Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Video Voyeurism
A lawsuit has been filed against Royal Caribbean Group by 12 individuals alleging video voyeurism by a former cruise ship worker. Attorney Spencer Aronfeld, representing the plaintiffs, expressed concern that there may be more victims, potentially numbering in the hundreds. The lawsuit follows the conviction of the former employee for preying on passengers.
Tragic Accident on I-95 Claims Woman’s Life
A woman was fatally struck by an SUV on Interstate 95 in Fort Lauderdale on New Year’s Eve. The incident occurred in the northbound lanes just south of Sunrise Boulevard around 6:15 p.m. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.
South Florida Welcomes First Babies of 2025
South Florida hospitals joyfully welcomed the first babies of 2025 just moments after midnight. Families celebrated the arrivals of their newborns, marking a hopeful beginning to the new year.
Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Shot; Suspect Dead
A Fort Lauderdale Police officer was wounded, and a suspect was fatally shot during a confrontation at a Holiday Inn Express on March 21, 2024. The incident began after a caller reported a killing inside a hotel room. The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fort Lauderdale Faces Severe Flooding
Residents in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood experienced significant street and home flooding as a storm approached Florida. The city of Fort Lauderdale distributed sand and pumps to help residents cope with the heavy rainfall. Mayor Dean Trantalis urged residents to stay prepared but not to panic.
Fort Lauderdale Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Weather
Mayor Dean Trantalis declared a state of emergency in Fort Lauderdale following severe weather and heavy storms in South Florida. City administrative offices and sections of I-95 were closed, and residents were advised to stay off the roads and remain home unless absolutely necessary.
Sun Sentinel’s Coverage of 2023 Fort Lauderdale Floods
The Sun Sentinel provided extensive coverage of the historic flash flood event that occurred in Fort Lauderdale in April 2023. The floods resulted in significant damage and highlighted the city’s infrastructure challenges.
Fort Lauderdale Protester Receives $2 Million Settlement
LaToya Ratlieff, a protester who suffered eye damage when a rubber bullet fired by Fort Lauderdale police struck her during a 2020 protest over George Floyd’s murder, has received a $2 million settlement from the city. Ratlieff’s lawsuit accused the police of violating her civil rights.
Boat Explosion at Lauderdale Marina Leaves One Dead
A boat explosion at Lauderdale Marina resulted in one death and five hospitalizations, three with traumatic injuries. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on December 23, 2024, and is under investigation.
Fort Lauderdale Museum Receives Refund After LGBTQ+ Website Deletion
The Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale received a refund after the Florida tourism website deleted its LGBTQ+ visitor section. The museum’s executive director criticized the decision, emphasizing the economic contributions of LGBTQ+ tourists.
Florida Prosecutor Seeks to Overturn Convictions from 1980s Sting Operation
Florida prosecutor Harold F. Pryor announced plans to overturn up to 2,600 convictions from a Broward County sting operation where police manufactured and sold crack cocaine between 1988 and 1990. The operation was deemed illegal by the Florida Supreme Court in 1993 due to due process violations.
Eater Miami Awards Recognize Fort Lauderdale Restaurant
The 2024 Eater Miami Awards honored Maass, located at the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale, as the Best Reason to Visit Broward County. The restaurant offers high-end tasting menu experiences, contributing to the area’s vibrant dining scene.
Recent Fort Lauderdale News Highlights
A George Floyd protester injured by Fort Lauderdale police gets $2 million in lawsuit settlement
29 days agoPeopleBoat Explosion at Florida Marina Leaves 1 Dead and 5 Hospitalized, 3 with ‘Traumatic’ Injuries10 days agoEater MiamiIntroducing the 2024 Eater Miami Award Winners31 days ago