Description

A major New River rail crossing proposal is getting called a “zombie project,” while Fort Lauderdale’s event calendar stays very much alive—think reggae legends, a Riverwalk takeover by thousands of dogs, and a guided downtown architecture walk. Plus, a feel-good workforce trend (reverse mentoring) and a spotlight on women trailblazers remind us why community connections still matter.

Story recaps

• New River train tunnel “zombie project”: Vice Mayor John Herbst urges the city to walk away from a proposed 1.1-mile rail tunnel under the New River, citing a lack of funding and eye-popping cost estimates. Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/put-stake-fort-lauderdale-vice-120000391.html
• Rail tunnel vs. bridge price tag: The episode contrasts an estimated $888M tunnel vs. a roughly $500M bridge option, with concerns that either path will be tough to pull off. Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/put-stake-fort-lauderdale-vice-120000391.html
• Rhythm by the River 2026 (Inner Circle): Reggae favorites are coming to Fort Lauderdale for Rhythm by the River 2026, featuring Inner Circle—an easy “stay local” night (or afternoon) out. Source: https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/rhythm-by-the-river-2026
• Reverse mentoring in the workplace: A multi-generational workplace trend gets the spotlight as younger employees share digital/cultural know-how and senior leaders share relationship-building and experience. Source: https://www.local10.com/business/2026/02/05/coworkers-of-different-generations-mentor-each-other-to-reduce-workplace-misunderstandings/
• Walk for the Animals (Fort Lauderdale): The annual Walk for the Animals hits Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park on Saturday, Feb. 21 (walk at 9:00 a.m.), raising funds for homeless pets with a family-friendly morning vibe. Source: https://humanebroward.com/event/vca-walk-for-the-animals-2025/
• Women Trailblazers recognition (History Fort Lauderdale + Galleria): History Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale celebrate local women “champions of change,” with honorees recognized at a late-March reception. Source: https://www.facebook.com/ftlhistory/posts/how-will-you-celebrate-womens-history-month-join-us-for-history-fort-lauderdale-/19919
• Historic architectural walking tour (downtown): A guided, two-hour walking tour invites you to see downtown Fort Lauderdale through a history-and-architecture lens—perfect for locals or out-of-town guests. Source: 
• https://www.goriverwalk.com/greater-fort-lauderdale-events/historic-architectural-walking-tour-of-downtown-fort-lauderdale

=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE

• Title: Happy Epic And Confident Corporate Background Piece To Suit Health Or Dynamic
• Item ID: 195889930
• Publisher: Saowakhon Brown
• Composer: Saowakhon Brown
• License: Individual License, Commercial
• Stock Media provided by TheSaoLady / Pond5

Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.

Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.