With an expected 200,000 attendees, Fort Lauderdale government officials are excited to host South Florida’s first-ever Stanley Cup victory parade.
“It’s a big deal,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. “You don’t get to experience the success of the Florida Panthers and the Stanley Cup [often]. The economic impact is immeasurable. All hotel rooms are already booked.”
However, with an event of this magnitude coming to Fort Lauderdale, city officials are working hard to ensure a smooth experience for every visitor.
City officials encouraged visitors to find alternative modes of transportation to the city. A bus service from the Broward County Convention Center to the Fort Lauderdale Beach Area will begin at 7 a.m. Monday and end at 10 a.m. Water taxis will be available from the Broward County Convention Center and also from the downtown Los Olas business district.
For those driving, larger parking lots will be available, including the Galleria Mall, Birch State Park, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, Las Olas Garage and the Downtown Las Olas Business district. Parking will also be available downtown. More information about parking can be found at fortlauderdale.gov/panthers.
The parade will finally begin at 11:00 a.m. and the roads for the event will be closed at 8:30 a.m. The parade route will begin at the intersection of A1A and Riomar Street and end at Southeast Fifth Street.
Police officers will set up a tent at the Bo’s Beach restaurants, handing out wristbands to children. Parents can put their phone numbers on the wristbands to help find their children if they get separated.
Police Chief Bill Schultz told the media Friday that those looking to steal from paradegoers won’t have much luck.
“As for those who think they’re going to come here and victimize our revelers, forget it,” Schultz said. “Not only do we have our officers in uniform, but we have some [non-uniformed] plainclothes officers looking for exactly that activity.”
Schultz also emphasized that visitors should bring a limited number of items, including a water bottle.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan stressed that the city was concerned about heat exhaustion among the crowd. He urged paradegoers to hydrate and seek shade whenever possible. The city will also provide water and a splash pad along the parade route.
More information about the event can be found at fortlauderdale.gov/panthers.
