Fort Lauderdale Arts and Culture

Ft Lauderdale, Broward County has a serious commitment to the arts. Whether its, theatre, visual arts, art exhibitions, film festivals, museums or entertainment venues, Ft Lauderdale is a great place to be creative. So if you’re a writer, musician, artist, photographer or actor, Ft Lauderdale welcomes you.

Riverwalk is the Downtown Fort Lauderdale center for Arts, Entertainment, Events, Shopping, Dining and Nightlife. This website provides a guide to the attractions, events and activities along Riverwalk, and offers information on parking, directions, special offers and exclusive membership. Take your time to explore the pages of our virtual home, and don't forget to check back regularly for up-to-date information on the many exciting events and happenings on the world famous Riverwalk in beautiful Downtown Fort Lauderdale
General Infornation:

Art Galleries
There are currently over 130 galleries in Ft Lauderdale.
Theatre:
There are 24 Live Theatre facilities, associations.
A few examples below

Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Box Office
201 Southwest 5th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954 462-0222
Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Box Office
201 Southwest 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
954 462-0222
Community Performning Arts Center Inc
4433 Bougainvilla Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
954 202-2666
Dimond Productions
954 557-1482
email: events@dimondproductions.com
Florida Theatrical Association
500 East Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394
954 462-7396
Florida Theatrical Association
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954 462-7570
Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre Inc
640 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Museums
There are 18 in the Ft Lauderdale area.
A few below

Museum of Art
1 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954 525-5500
Museum of Discovery and Science
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954 467-6637
Schacknow Museum of Fine Arts Inc Smofa
7080 Northwest 4th Street, Plantation, FL 33317
Other;
Ars Flores Symphony orchestra. For scheduling and more info go to http://www.arsflores.com/
For more information on general art and culture go to The Broward Cultural Division Website at http://bcegov2.broward.org/cultural/list.asp?Name=Music

ArtServe, Inc.
An arts supporting organization that provides an auditorium, dance studio, the JM Family Enterprises Gallery featuring exhibitions, office rental space, a computer lab, meeting rooms, as well as technical business support, the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and other programs at affordable costs.
1350 East Sunrise Boulevard (954) 462-9191
www.artserve.org

Broadway in Fort Lauderdale
Presents the best of Touring Broadway at both the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Parker Playhouse. Subscription packages available.
1-800-764-0700
www.broadwayacrossamerica.com
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Multi-theater, waterfront complex, home to Broadway in Fort Lauderdale touring shows, Florida Grand Opera, Florida Philharmonic, the Concert Association and Miami City Ballet.
201 SW 5 Avenue
1-800-764-0700, Box Office (954) 462-0222
www.browardcenter.org

Broward County Cultural Affairs
Searchable database of cultural events in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, a directory of more than 450 cultural organizations, a public art tour, listings of cultural attractions and museums and much more.
100 South Andrews Avenue
(954) 357-7457, 24-hour Arts Line (800) 249-ARTS
www.broward.org/arts

Broward County Main Library
A service of the Board of County Commissioners.
100 South Andrews Avenue
(954) 357-7444
www.co.broward.fl.us/library

Cinema Paradiso
Cinema Paradiso opened officially in January 2001 as the year-round arthouse of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The Cinema is opened seven days a week featuring independent films from around the world most enjoying their U.S. premiere. The intimate 210 seat (stadium seating) Cinema features a cafe that serves wine, beer, champagne and snacks.
503 SE 6th Street
(954) 525-FILM
www.fliff.com/cinemaparadiso.html

Concert Association of South Florida
Internationally acclaimed organization that has enriched the quality of life in South Florida while championing its cultural stature throughout the world, presenting an impressive array of stars from the classical music and dance world to South Florida audiences.
(877) 433-3200
www.concertfla.org

Cultural Information Center (CIC)
Located on the first floor of the Broward County Main Library and operated by Broward County Commission's Cultural Affairs Division, the CIC is a one-stop shop for quick and easy cultural information and tickets in South Florida. Includes gift shop, cultural concierge booth, online ticketing system and First Moon Cafe. http://www.co.broward.fl.us/arts/cic/index.html
100 South Andrews Avenue
(954) 357-7979
www.co.broward.fl.us/arts/cic/index.html

Curtain Call Playhouse
Touring theater company that includes productions at the Broward County Main Library.
(954) 784-0768

Florida Grand Opera
South Florida's award winning opera company.
221 SW 3 Avenue
Box Office 1-800-741-1010
www.fgo.org/home.htm

Florida Philharmonic Orchestra
Performing throughout South Florida, the Florida Philharmonic showcases the best in classical music by the well-known masters and the most talked-about composers of today.
(954) 930-1812 (tri-county area) 1-800-226-1812 (all other areas)
www.floridaphilharmonic.org

Fort Lauderdale Children's Ballet Theater
(954) 491-4668

Fort Lauderdale Children's Theater
640 North Andrews Avenue
(954) 763-6882
www.flct.org

Fort Lauderdale Historical Society
Enclave of historical houses dating back to the early 1900’s known as Old Fort Lauderdale. The Old Fort Lauderdale Museum of History and King Cromartie House showcase the Society’s permanent collections and changing exhibitions reflecting the history and heritage of the Fort Lauderdale community.
219 SW 2 Avenue
(954) 463- 4431
www.oldfortlauderdale.org

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival presents the most compelling and thought-provoking international films, hosts special tributes and seminars and introduces some of the greatest talents to South Florida audiences. The 28-day festival screens over 100 films from Boca Raton to Miami and is the longest film festival in the world. Considered one of the most important regional film festivals in the U.S., the Festival’s commitment to first-time filmmakers and innovative programming make it the perfect test market for filmmakers.
503 SE 6 Street
(954) 525-FILM
www.fliff.com

Gold Coast Jazz Society
Gold Coast Jazz is a not-for-profit organization that celebrates the creativity and artistry of jazz, the music of America. Mainstage concerts at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, a jazz festival, member events and free community programs.
(954) 524-0805
www.goldcoastjazz.org

Miami City Ballet
Under the artistic leadership of legendary dancer Edward Willella, Miami City Ballet is a must-see, world-acclaimed dance company, performing a full season of dance at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
(305) 929-7010 Toll Free (877) 929-7010
www.miamicityballet.org

Museum of Art
This beautiful facility, designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, has rotating exhibitons and a permanent colleciton: Masterworks from the Meyer and Golda Marks CoBrA Collection: Art Amaze.
1 East Las Olas Boulevard
(954) 525-5500
www.moafl.org

Museum of Discovery and Science / Blockbuster IMAX Theater
A hands-on science museum for children and adults. Seven interactive exhibit areas. Powerful 3D IMAX® cinema puts you in the center of the action.
401 SW 2 Street
(954) 467-6637 or (954) 463-IMAX
www.mods.org

South Florida JAZZ
Performance-oriented nonprofit organization focusing on the modern jazz idiom. The principal activities include production and presentation of the annual Hollywood Jazz Festival and "Jazz Impressions," an six-concert monthly series held in the auditorium of the MUSEUM OF ART - Fort Lauderdale from January through June.
(954) 779-3032; 1-877-877-7677
www.southfloridajazz.org

Stranahan House
Tiny, beautifully restored, turn-of-the-century, riverside home of Fort Lauderdale's founder is the oldest residence in Fort Lauderdale, and is furnished in period antiques.
335 SE 6 Avenue
(954) 524-4736
www.stranahanhouse.com

Symphony of the Americas
The Symphony of the Americas is a classical symphonic orchestra enriching the cultural environment of South Florida. The Symphony annually presents Summerfest with an international orchestra performing concerts in 5 counties in Florida and 6 countries of the Americas.
(954) 545-0088
www.symphamer.com

¡Viva Broward!
Viva Broward! sponsored by Bank of America is a countywide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and features 33 events in 12 cities with 75 organi-zations. The calendar includes the cultural contributions and traditions of art, music, dance, the visual arts and education.
(954) 527-5346
www.vivabroward.com

In conclusion the Beach areas, Las Olas Blvd and the River walk areas look like works of art. Public fountains and statues can be found throughout the city. In addition to all this, you’re an hours drive from Miami and all of its options.

Cost of Living

The cost of living index is based on the composite price of groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, clothing and entertainment.

Cost of living indexes will generally be higher in areas that offer access to beaches, culture, arts and recreation. In addition areas, that offer a wider variety of services such as health and education will run higher due to higher wages, and increased quality of living.

Cost of living indexing explanation
A figure of 100 points is used as an average both for the USA and Florida. For example:
Boise Idaho is ranked at a 99
Boston Mass is rated at 240
San Francisco at 217
Statewide, Florida cities come in from a low of 90 and up.
One way to compare Florida areas to salary requirements

For example-If you were relocating from Portland Oregon (whose rate 1s 94.0) to Orlando, and you currently make $50,000 per year, the formula is as follows
Take the destination index, in this case Orlando-94.0 and divide by Portland’s index-120, then multiply by a salary of $50,000. This will give you a figure of $39,166 which would be required to make in Orlando to have the same quality of life.
See comparable Florida statewide
* Re cost of living--in some areas Real Estate has went up dramatically however costs that factor in such as food, transportation, rents etc have not increased at the same rate-so in some areas, even though housing is expensive, the overall rating may still be low
2007 stats per Sperlings best Places http://www.bestplaces.net/

Boca Raton-154.74
Bradenton-114
Cape Coral-Ft Myers-108.0
Ft Lauderdale-132.0
Fort Walton-Destin-120
Jacksonville metro-94.0
Big Pine Key fl-132.46
Key Largo-146.0
Key West-168.0
Marathon fl-162.06
Miami metro-138.0
Melbourne-92.72
Naples Fl-250.59
Orlando metro-94.0
Palm Bay-84.56
Palm Coast-Flagler-125.01
Panama City-86.35
Pensacola metro-82.0
Sarasota-108.75
Tampa 94.60
St Pete-Clearwater-91.58
Vero-Beach Indian River-122.87
West Palm Beach metro-112.05
(Population Weighted-State Average=100
See national comparisons
Cost of living (100 = nationwide average)

* New York, NY -164.50
* Long Beach, CA -135.71
* Palo Alto, CA -234.42
* Boston, MA -127.60
* Malibu, CA -492.80
* San Francisco, -187.23
* Greenwich, CT 215
* Chicago, IL -126.45
* Dallas Tx -92,94
* Atlanta Ga -112.21
For more information about cost of living go to either
Sperlings best Places http://www.bestplaces.net/
or Accra's site at http://www.coli.org

Ft Lauderdale’s cost of living is currently (December 2006) at 132.0
Although it’s ranked higher, consider that it is a major metropolitan area with all the needed services. In that context it comes in extremely favorably.
See comparable Florida CGI’s below:2nd quarter 2005
(Population Weighted-State Average=100
Housing.

Minimum two bedroom single family homes in Ft Lauderdale .
As of June 2005, the median sold price is $378,000.
On average 2/2’s inland will run about $450,000
On a canal about $700,000
Oceanfront homes about 3 million
Inland condos, $300,000
Canal condo with Ocean access $350,000
Oceanfront condo, $550,000
The median price for properties sold from June 1/2005 through July 26/2005 is $237,000.
Utilities. For Utility charges water and sewer go to http://www.broward.org/oes/

For electric and gas go to http://www.fpl.com/

For more information about cost of living stats go to http://www.coli.org
In comparison Ft Lauderdale doesn’t look so bad. In addition to that, the other areas don’t have the beaches and recreational facilities we do,

Health

Residents enjoy state of the art facilities and healthcare.
Healthcare Facilities:

Hospitals, 26
Assisted living, 244
Adult Day care, 18
Health Care clinics, 281
Skilled Nursing facility, 34
For addresses and more information regarding the above and other facilities, see http://facilitylocator.floridahealthstat.com/
See partial Hospital listings below.

o ATLANTIC SHORES HOSPITAL
o 4545 N FEDERAL HWY CAPACITY:72
o FORT LAUDERDALE , FL 33308 TELEPHONE#:954 771-
o BROWARD GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER
o 1600 SOUTH ANDREWS AVENUE CAPACITY:716
o FORT LAUDERDALE , FL 33316 TELEPHONE#:954 355-
o CLEVELAND CLINIC HOSPITAL
o 3100 WESTON ROAD CAPACITY:150
o WESTON , FL 33326 TELEPHONE#:954 689-5000
o CORAL SPRINGS MEDICAL CENTER
o 3000 CORAL HILLS DRIVE CAPACITY:200
o CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065 TELEPHONE#:954 344-3121
o FLORIDA MEDICAL CENTER
o 5000 WEST OAKLAND PARK BLVD. CAPACITY:459 LAUDERDALE LAKES, FL 33313-
o FORT LAUDERDALE HOSPITAL
o 1601 EAST LAS OLAS BLVD. CAPACITY:100
o FORT LAUDERDALE , FL 33301TELEPHONE#:954 463-4321
o HOLLYWOOD MEDICAL CENTER
o 3600 WASHINGTON ST
o HOLLYWOOD , FL 33021 TELEPHONE#:954 966-4500
o HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL, INC.
o 4725 N FEDERAL HWY
o FORT LAUDERDALE , FL 33308 TELEPHONE#:954 771-8000
o IMPERIAL POINT MEDICAL CENTER
o 6401 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY
o FORT LAUDERDALE , FL 33308 TELEPHONE#:954 776-8500
o KINDRED HOSP-SO.FLA-FT LAUDERDALE 1516 EAST LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
o FORT LAUDERDALE , FL 33301 TELEPHONE#:954 764-8900
o MEMORIAL HOSPITAL PEMBROKE
o 7800 SHERIDAN STREET
o PEMBROKE PINES , FL 33024 TELEPHONE#:954 963-
o MEMORIAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL
o 3501 JOHNSON STREET
o HOLLYWOOD , FL 33021 TELEPHONE#:954 987-2000
o NORTH BROWARD MEDICAL CENTER
o 201 EAST SAMPLE RD
o POMPANO BEACH , FL 33064 TELEPHONE#:954 941-8300
o NORTH RIDGE MEDICAL CENTER
o 5757 NORTH DIXIE HIGHWAY
o FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33334 TELEPHONE#:954 776-
In conclusion, The Broward County area has some of the best Hospitals and health care facilities and clinics in the Country. Additionally, you are only an hours drive from Miami and its world class facilities, such as Baptist hospital and the palmer Eye Institute.

Schools

Southwest Florida has some of the best schools in the country.
Broward is the 5th largest school district in the country with over 270,000 students.
In addition to this Broward counties adult education program is second to none. There are over 25 learning, technical centers that currently accommodate over 200,000 students.

More information on each of the counties' public schools can be obtained by phone or from their Web sites. For a comparison of schools and school districts on a variety of criteria, view Florida School Indicators Reports at the Florida Department of Education's Web site. http://www.fldoe.org/
Broward county school specifics:

137 Elementary Schools
41 Middle Schools
29 High Schools
5 universities
1 community college
5 Alternative Schools
29 Charter Schools. Charter schools are public schools holding state or local contracts to meet special student achievement goals.
21 Trade schools
150 private schools
Higher Education-Colleges and trade Schools

There are 21 in all, teaching everything from Law, Health care to Business.

For more specifics go to

http://www.switchboard.com/Schools-Vocational_&_Trade/Fort_Lauderdale/FL/17331-/yellowpages.htm

and http://www.trade-schools.net/locations/florida-schools-directory.asp

In conclusion, whether you have school children or are looking for higher education and/or vocational assistance, Broward County can help. In addition, Miami and it’s trade schools and Higher education facilities are just an hours drive away.

Weather

Ft Lauderdale’s tropical climate offers year-round sports and recreational opportunities. From spectator sports such as the NFL Dolphins, to MLB baseball, The Marlins, the weather lets you enjoy yourself almost year round.

Some specifics:
The hottest month are July and August, with an average annual high of 89° F and an average low of 69° F. In January the average high temperature is 75° F and the average low is 59° F

Normal annual precipitation is 55,9 inches, with the largest monthly totals accumulating from July through September.See below for annual weather averages

Ft Lauderdale Temperature Annual

Avg. Temperature 75.9
Avg. Max Temperatre 82.8
Avg. Min Temperature 69.0
Days with Max Temp of 90 F or Higher 61
Days with Min Temp Below Freezing 0.0
Ft Lauderdale Precipitation Annual

Precipitation (inches) 51.3
Days with Precipitation 0.01 inch or More 131
Monthly Snowfall (inches) 0.0
Other Ft Lauderdale Weather Indicators Annual

Average Wind Speed 9.2
Clear Days 74.0
Partly Cloudy Days 175
Cloudy Days 115
Percent of Possible Sunshine 70.0
Avg. Relative Humidity 71
To see stats by the month, go to http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/united-states/florida/miami/

For current forecast go to http://www.city-data.com/forecast/w-Fort-Lauderdale-Florida.html

* Since Miami is only 24 miles away, the same weather applies to Broward County.

To see average January temperatures across the United States go to http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/thematic-maps/usa-temprature-january.html
Compare where you live or want to live in Florida. For more specific info, look at the area you are interested in and go to the weather page.

So what about Hurricanes, the rainy season and humidity?
We are a tropical climate, so our rainy season comes in the summer. Generally it will rain hard for a half hour then subside. It does get humid then. Although not as bad as you’d think. Our water breezes really help cool us off.
Hurricanes.
Despite four devastating hurricanes in 2004, the number of Florida visitors rose 7% to an all-time high of 79.8 million last year and is on target to hit 80 million this year.
To think on:
If you live on the coast you stand the greatest chance of having one affect you. Some areas of Florida have gone fifty years plus without one but you never know.
As a resident having lived in the Keys and now in central Florida I’ve been through them.

In my opinion, the best thing you can do is buy a home that was built after Andrew-August 92 that was built to stricter building codes. Have window protection and a backup generator and make sure your insurance is up to date. If they ask you to leave, do it!

Realize-If you live in an older home that was not built up to the stricter building codes (After Hurricane Andrew-August 1992) or you live in a mobile home you stand the best chance of having major structural damage.

Living on the beach in a mobile home is asking for it. Although, you may never have a problem, you’re still definitely taking your chances. Barrier islands and open-water Ocean or Gulf front are the most prone to damage.
Having lived in California, I prefer the threat of a hurricane however as opposed to an earthquake. At least you have a warning.

For current information about hurricanes go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
For 2005 climate info by areas go to http://www.coaps.fsu.edu/climate_center/LCD/2005LCD.html
For current weather forecasts by cities go to http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/fl/fl.html
*Living in a waterfront home typically means that you will pay a higher Insurance premium. The insurance is higher due to flood and wind concerns.
Part of this is also because the pricing on these homes is higher so there is more value to insure against.

Having said all this, I can’t imagine living elsewhere. It is really great to wake up and it’s sunny out.
We spend over half our lives indoors…so when you do go outside, wouldn’t it be nice if it was warm and sunny?