Commission backs mobile integrated health rescue, funds Rotary Connection bus and rejects Providence Park proposals

Fort Lauderdale’s City Commission moved on multiple community‑service items June 16, approving a mobile integrated health rescue vehicle program, funding a nonprofit transportation‑and‑navigation service for people experiencing homelessness, and rejecting proposals for Providence Park design work.

CM7: Mobile integrated health — Commissioner Beasley Pitman pulled CM7 to highlight the program and asked Fire Chief Steven Golden to explain. Golden said Broward Health purchased and outfitted a rescue vehicle (acquired via state appropriations) that Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue will use to deliver blood‑pressure checks, basic care and addiction‑navigation services through a mobile integrated health model funded in part by opioid‑related grants. The commission approved acceptance and deployment by roll call vote.

CM14: Rotary Connection funding — Gary Smith, executive director and co‑founder of Rotary Connection, described the local nonprofit’s bus program that has provided more than 5,000 rides and assisted in placements and reunifications. The commission approved an FY26 nonprofit service agreement not to exceed $90,000 to support the program.

CM9: Providence Park procurement — Commissioner Beasley Pitman also pulled CM9 (Providence Park redesign). CRA manager Vanessa Martin explained design, artist and construction components and the procurement history: an earlier firm went out of business, staff estimated remaining work at about $32,000, but a newly proposed firm returned pricing exceeding $200,000 by redoing the full scope. Commissioners debated whether existing continuing architectural contracts could handle the work. After discussion the commission voted to reject all proposals received for RFQ #543‑1 and to pursue alternatives; the motion to reject carried by roll call.

Taken together, the votes clear path for the mobile health initiative and Rotary Connection partnership while underscoring staff and commissioners’ attention to procurement transparency and value for park investments.