Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 - Putting together this week's list, I was blown away with all the events to see and do. Art is definitely the theme of this week's newsletter. So whether you want to watch or participate, there is a little something for everyone below:

• Art on walls, murals, and public spaces
• Art on stage - watch or join to perform
• Big festivals that will color FTL for years to come!

Stuff You Won't Want To Miss:

1. Wednesday Night, it's Lyrics Lab - Ali Arts Open Mic at the Ali Cultural Arts Center in Pompano. Bring your latest work- poems, verses, songs, lyrics, jokes, stories, and beats to share in our intimate space with renowned hosts and poets, accompanied by our two-piece house band. (Free)
2. Also on Wednesday Night, it's the Pajama Storytime - Celebrate Colombia at the Broward Library, Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch. This is part of the NEA Big Read series of events. (Free)
3. Friday night, All Saints Episcopal will be hosting Snow Angel, featuring Concert Choir & Chamber Singers. The program includes holiday favorites from a variety of traditions and genres while featuring professionally choreographed works from the pop, jazz, and musical theater styles. (Tickets)
4. Do you have a budding performer in your home? Come out Saturday for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Winter/Spring Classes Open House. Guests will be able to participate in family-friendly activities, observe or take a sample class, enjoy light refreshments, tour the Education Center, meet the teaching artists, win prizes and register to win a Winter/Spring class registration. (Free)
5. Saturday afternoon, it's the next installment of Riverwalk Rhythm & Brews IV-Battle of the Bands. Come play lawn games, listen to the music, and try the local Food Trucks at Esplanade Park. (Free)
6. Starting Saturday (until May), MODS is hosting a new Wild Kratt's Creature Power exhibit. Based on the popular PBS Kids series, Wild Kratts: Creature Power! is all about discovering wild animals and their "creature powers." (Free with Admission)
7. Also starting Saturday, is the beginning of Fort Lauderdale's Art & Design Week. This is a full week of result of the desire to unite all of Broward County's artists and arts & cultural institutions in an effort to highlight all that the county has to offer through an annual self-guided tour and celebration of everything art and culture. See the website for exhibits and events. (Free)
8. Sunday, the Flamingo Flea Market is back at Tarpon River Brewing. Come for the shopping and stay for the craft beer, vendors, brunch and live music. (Free)
9. Next Monday (Jan 23) visit the YMCA for its annual Scholarship Fair. More than 40 colleges will be represented, and many will be prepared to offer acceptances and scholarships to qualified students who attend the YMCA of South Florida and Infinite Scholars Scholarship Fair. (Free)
10. Next week - get ready for Ignite Broward. We will share more next week to highlight specific events, but this will be one of those "won't want to miss" events of the year!

Feature Fort Lauderdale:

A couple of weeks ago, we shared news about the exciting redevelopment plans for Huizenga Park, located right in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Known for hosting local events nearly every weekend, or sometimes just a romp with the fur kids in the evening - Huizenga means a lot to a lot of families.

So this is your chance to be part of the conversation! Please join your friends at the upcoming community meeting on Wednesday night, January 19th to hear a project update and provide your comments.

When: Thursday January 19th at 6 p.m.

Where: Riverside Hotel’s Himmarshee Ballroom

If you can't make the meeting - take this online tour of the reimagined Huizenga Park and what it will be for our FTL community. For project information, please visit www.huizengapark.org or call the DDA's office at 954-463-6574 or email us at dda@ddaftl.org.

Do you have a favorite event, place, business, or organization you would like to see featured on the podcast? HIT REPLY and let us know!

So... You Think You Know Fort Lauderdale?

You probably know... that the greater Fort Lauderdale area is energized by its amazing local artists. From art galleries, to public art sculptures, and building-sized murals, there is something for everyone. In fact, listen to this recent podcast with Maxence Doytier as we talk about the upcoming Avenue of the Arts Festival (AOTA), including spray paint battles, 16 mural artists, and more!

But you might not know about... Vichys Art by Viktor Bevanda, an autistic 14-year-old boy with an exceptional talent for visual arts, right here in Oakland Park. Amazing art and more than affordable if you want to brighten your walls with vibrant colors.

Classifieds & Giveaways:

• Have you been to the Yellow Green Market yet? Located in Hollywood, this weekly Farmers Market is dynamic outdoor venue that connects local producers and artisans with the community. In addition to food and artisanal crafts, the culture of the market includes live music and other market happenings such as yoga, art and dance classes that are an integral part of the Yellow Green community.
• Come out to George English Park and paddleboard with Blue Moon Outdoor Adventures. Take a tour in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s Venetian Isles. You will see a combination of mansions, mega yachts, sail boats, marine & bird life and hidden little secrets on this paddle trip.
• Fort Lauderdale (the 'Venice of America') means boats. But did you know there is a new Bote Store coming to Fort Lauderdale? If you want to get on the water, we can't recommend the Bote brand paddleboards high enough. They have inflatables and hard boards options. Opening soon on South Andrews Street.
• This month at Acton Academy, we are doing the Detective Science Quest. And next session we will be tackling Coding & Robotics. If you child is an independent learner who wants to go as fast and as far at it fits for them - do something RADICAL for your child - come visit Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale.

Quote of The Week:

This week's quotation celebrates the life and spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoutout to #FFFTL reader Laura D. who found this graphic from the LoveWI project. If you don't know about Laura and her story - she is a local author and an amazing human being. Planning to get her on the podcast for a feature conversation soon!

Flotsam & Jetsam:

Here's a fun one for today. Maybe a bit less practical... but fun!

You've probably heard all the buzz in Broward County about the tunnel or the bridge debate? With the Brightline getting busier, that means more crossings and traffic stoppages, including drawbridges going up and down to allow maritime traffic (major industry for FTL) on the New River.

The City, the County, and State have been in ongoing discussions about how to update the rail crossing the river, including plans for a tall bridge right in the middle of the Old Fort Lauderdale Village, similar in height to the 17th Street Bridge. An under the river tunnel might also be an option, though there cost-effectiveness is still an open question.

So in the spirit of tunneling with... creative spirit, check out this story about a guy who built a tunnel from his house to his workshop in the backyard. It took him 3 full years! And... he spun it all into one of the most impressive YouTube videos you will ever see - because he shows you everything it took. This is like a full length documentary about a passion project - all created by one man. Wow. Just... wow!

Tell Us How We Are Doing

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? How could we do better?

And most importantly, what FTL businesses and experiences should we be highlighting?wall