Special entertainment districts

Argued the root problem is lack of enforcement, not the ordinance; opposed changing rules for four compliant districts to accommodate Himmarshe, and suggested decertifying and recreating the district instead.

Said the problem is non-enforcement — noting roughly 84 percent of operators in the district aren't even in the SED — and that fragmented ownership dilutes the city's authority.

Urged the commission to change the area's image, comparing today's problems to the spring break era of decades ago.

A Himmarshe property owner who supported the staff proposal as a way to target bad actors without punishing compliant businesses.

PACA chairman who said enough is enough after 15 years of chaos; wants existing ordinance enforced and the area cleaned up to protect the Broward Center.

Broward Center CEO who asked where the enforcement teeth are, questioned the lack of national best practices, and noted the district has been out of compliance since 2013.

Fort Lauderdale Historical Society director who said she no longer feels safe sending her 200,000+ annual visitors to Second Street and supports enforcement of the existing ordinance.

Represents several Himmarshe bar owners; supports the staff recommendations and district-specific treatment, noting legitimate operators want outside-the-district operators shut down too.

Former city manager who recounted the city's 1990s turnaround and urged the commission to question whether special entertainment districts are needed at all.

Restaurateur who said common control doesn't work and urged a strict three-strikes penalty system enforced by the city.

Pointed to the 2013 Himmarshe agreement's security requirements and 21-and-over rules that went unenforced, and urged accountability under existing regulations.

Longtime downtown property owner who urged enforcement of the existing code and supported the three-strikes approach, saying nothing good happens after 2 a.m.

Cited a Munchies event advertised from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. and demanded the district be shut down, citing fire-safety-style zero tolerance.