Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hollywood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues with critical priority
Amendment 3 Property Tax Reform Impact
Commissioners spent a lot of time on the state's property tax overhaul — about $28 million a year hit to Hollywood by year two. Ideas floated: commissioners rolling back their own raises, set budgets for downtown events, and tightening spending everywhere.
Hollywood Beach Overlay District
The city is proposing new zoning rules and design guidelines for the beach area stretching from the Intracoastal Waterway to the ocean. This could shape building heights, rooftop amenities, and the look of future development on the beach. The hearing itself never happened because of a posting error — it resumes September 8.
Central Beach tidal flooding and backflow preventers
The September king tide plus Nor'easter pushed a record 2.77-foot tide over parts of the Broadwalk, flooding streets and businesses near Michigan Street. Board members asked staff to develop a pilot using knee-wall closures or removable gates at the lowest-elevation stretch, and debated dunes versus hardscape. An expert confirmed today's king tide levels become the normal sea level by 2050.
The Club at Emerald Hills Redevelopment
166 acres of the golf course will shift from Country Club to Planned Development zoning, setting up a master-planned redevelopment eight years in the making. First reading passed unanimously with no public opposition; a second reading still ahead.
Hollywood Beach comprehensive plan amendments (File 26-L-18)
Three first-reading ordinances create a hotel density bonus, transfer of development rights, and flexibility-unit framework for the barrier island — the skeleton for a future beach overlay zoning package. Residents warned the framework is rushed and could permanently change the low-profile character of the beach.
1301 South Ocean Drive and Hollywood Beach Hotel redevelopment concerns
The Commission narrowly approved changes to the development agreement for the property at 1301 S. Ocean Drive after hours of public comment, with Commissioners Shuham and Quintana opposed.
Flat operating millage proposal for FY 2027
The city set the operating millage at 7.4293 mills, about 6% above the rolled-back rate, meaning most property owners will pay somewhat more. Commissioners argued the rate is still lower than a decade ago and that looming Amendment 3 makes cutting revenue risky.
Five-year capital improvement program for core water and sewer infrastructure
The city adopted a 25-year, five-phase plan to connect septic-neighborhood homes to sewer, plus new water and sewer rates through 2031. Septic homeowners will eventually face connection costs, but the program protects groundwater and reduces flooding risk.
WATERWORKS 2050 master plans adopted
The city adopted its 25-year, $2.7 billion water and sewer roadmap, covering PFAS removal, consent-order plant repairs, and a $1.3 billion septic-to-sewer program. Residents should expect continued utility rate increases to fund it.
Joining the Broward County Solid Waste Authority (facilities amendment)
The commission conditionally approved county interlocal amendments for solid waste disposal and recycling processing after extensive debate — Hernandez was the lone no vote.
Septic-to-sewer conversion program
The city adopted a 25-year, five-phase plan to connect septic properties to sewer, along with water and sewer rate schedules through 2031. Gruber dissented on the sewer expansion and rates; residents like Ann Ralston raised cost concerns.