Block party day invites neighbors to get acquainted

Food, music and fun will fill many of Fort Lauderdale’s neighborhoods on Meet Your Neighbors Block Party Day.

On Sept. 16, the city and alumni of its Neighbor Leadership Academy are putting on the free get togethers in eight areas across the city. Those areas span from Knoll Ridge north of Commercial Boulevard south to Edgewood near the airport.

Residents are invited to attend a nearby gathering or visit others if a group isn’t taking place close to home. It’s also a good way to learn more about a particular area.

“All are open for our neighbors. Any location they want to attend they are more than welcome,” said Luisa Agathon, senior management fellow with Fort Lauderdale.

Party times are as varied as the locations. From morning until evening, somewhere one of the familyfriendly events will be taking place.

Organizers may offer grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, or they’ll ask folks to contribute a dish to a potluck meal.

“Our website has a list of all locations and the organizer’s contact information. People can reach out directly and ask ‘what can I bring,” Agathon said.

Games, kids’ activities, face painting, tree and book giveaways will be featured. City commissioners, police and fire personnel will make appearances.

“It’s really about building community. That’s one of the tenets of the city,” said Monique Damiano, a city public information specialist. “What’s unique about this event is that it was a project out of our Neighbor Leadership Academy.”

The five-week academy is designed to teach residents more about the city and develop leadership skills. At the end of the program, students take up a community service project. It could be joining an advisory board or a new enterprise.

“The block party was more of a group initiative,” Damiano said. “As a class they wanted to leave their mark on the city and engage the community.”

Residents who would like to enroll in the next Neighbor Leadership Academy can submit an appliation before Sept. 8. Details are on the city’s website.

Meet Your Neighbors Block Party Day takes place Sept. 16. For times and locations, visit FortLauderdale.gov or call 954-828-5271.