Fort Lauderdale city officials halted plan to replace basketball courts on the beach

The effort to save the basketball courts at Fort Lauderdale Beach became a community win after nearly a year of work led by Leo Lorenz and the Fort Lauderdale Beach Ballers.

The city first planned to remove the courts and replace them with pickleball. Basketball would be moved farther down the beach. Local players were concerned about losing a popular and historic spot. Many felt their community was being pushed out.

They spoke up—and it worked.

City leaders, including Steven Glassman, changed the plan. The basketball courts will stay where they are and be upgraded.

The new plan also adds fitness equipment, better landscaping, and four nearby pickleball courts.

This is part of the larger Bahia Mar redevelopment. The project includes luxury condos, a new hotel, and marina upgrades.

Thanks to strong community support, the plan is moving forward. A final vote is expected soon.