The Fort Lauderdale community is very pleased that the two beach basketball courts will remain at their current site and will be refurbished by Bahia Mar’s developer.
However, the public raised two controversial issues at the May 5 city commission meeting: using artificial turf on the beachfront and adding two more pickleball courts to the two originally planned for the site.
Speakers were concerned about the safety and comfort of artificial turf on the beach (toxicity and high heat) and wonder why natural turf or packed sand cannot be used. Beachgoers are used to exercising on sand. If greenery is desired, natural grass is more comfortable and healthier.
Please reconsider the use of artificial turf on the beachfront due to health and comfort concerns and its unorthodox placement on a beachfront.
There has also been public backlash about having any pickleball courts on the beach. The current rendering shows 7,200 square feet allocated to four courts, encroaching on open beach space that could be available to beachgoers and picknickers.
If we must have pickleball courts there, please go back to two courts.
Lastly, the city commission directed staff to obtain public comments only from the Central Beach Alliance. Because the public beach is open to all, it is only fair to give other citizens a chance to provide input.
— Nancy Thomas, Fort Lauderdale
Pickleball a positive addition
The controversy surrounding pickleball at Fort Lauderdale Beach has been fueled by misinformation. First, the basketball courts are not being removed. They are staying exactly where they are. Claims otherwise are simply false.
Second, concerns about visual impacts from State Road A1A are greatly exaggerated. Due to the elevation of the sidewalk and seawall, the proposed pickleball area is barely visible from northbound A1A. In many places along that stretch, even shoreline visibility is limited.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America with more than 24 million players nationwide. Communities across Florida embrace it because it generates tourism, supports local businesses, increases recreational activity and brings economic value to surrounding areas. Beachfront pickleball courts already exist successfully in places like Key West and coexist with other recreational uses.
Unfortunately, many of the loudest voices at city meetings appear to oppose nearly every proposed beach improvement, regardless of the facts. The public deserves balanced discussion, not manufactured outrage. Fort Lauderdale can support basketball and pickleball while keeping our beach active, modern and welcoming for everyone.
— Dr. Bret Ribotsky, Fort Lauderdale
Publix stores display signs asking that only law enforcement openly carry guns inside. This sign is at a Publix in Deerfield Beach on May 7, 2026. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
A man’s best friend: A gun
I agree that no one should have to carry a weapon to protect themselves and their loved ones from criminals who use weapons to commit crimes (Publix appears to change open-carry policy, news article, May 7).
When criminals stop using weapons and there’s a mandatory death penalty for using a weapon during commission of any crime in Florida, then I will consider not exercising my concealed-carry permit and having my best friend with me — my S&W.
— Gene Marchese, Jr., Southwest Ranches
Politics at the pump
In the coming months, I predict we will see record windfall profits for the major oil companies in the United States.
Congress could do something about this, but it won’t.
The Republicans want the free market to determine prices, and the Democrats want to see higher gas prices so they can blame Republicans for it.
Once again, we the people pay the price for inaction and political partisanship.
— Carlo Ermoli, Tamarac
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