Remaking Fort Lauderdale

The Florida city once known for rowdy spring-break parties redefines itself as the second gateway to Latin America (after Miami).

1 minute read

June 5, 2005, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"The raunchy seaside bar that local lore says pioneered an American institution, the wet T-shirt contest, is long gone, torn down for a five-star resort scheduled to open this year.

Though Miami loudly lays claim to being the "Gateway to the Americas," more than 250 companies from Latin American and other foreign countries have set up operations in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in Broward County...

Though sunshine and beaches remain lures, the economy of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding Broward County has diversified enough so that this year, for the first time, tourism is no longer the lead local industry in terms of dollar value. That spot has been claimed by the marine industry, which countywide employs 109,000 people and has an $8.8-billion impact on the economy, the mayor said."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Read the full story: A City Reborn Is Ready for Close-Up

Sunday, June 5, 2005 in The Los Angeles Times

Community / Economic Development Florida

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