FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis delivered his annual “State of the City” address on Monday, covering topics from infrastructure improvements to billions of dollars in economic growth.
One of the biggest highlights was his announcement that the city will expand its homelessness response team.
More than 500 residents filled The Parker in Fort Lauderdale to hear the speech, which emphasized the city’s booming downtown and beachfront transformation.
Trantalis announced that 20 full-time employees will now be part of a team dedicated to tackling homelessness throughout the city.
“When I became mayor, we only had one or two people and, honestly, it was not effective,” Trantalis said. “We realized how important it is that homelessness is dealt with in two ways: with a firm hand and a compassionate heart.”
The mayor invited three people on stage to share success stories after facing homelessness and turning their lives around.
One of them, Thomas Sherrill, said he is grateful for the outreach he received and welcomes the city’s expanded resources, but added that more can always be done.
“There’s a lot of trauma that’s been done, so mental health is one key element that they need to address, as well as making sure there are resources readily available,” Sherrill said. “Don’t just sit over here and make them feel like a number, actually make them feel like a human being.”
This year alone, the city says it has sheltered 80 people and helped secure permanent housing for 18. Trantalis said he is hopeful the new initiative will increase those numbers.
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
