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| Fort Lauderdale 1983 Florida State Archives |
Below is a small collection of Fort Lauderdale-specific news items of the 1980s. Some may jog a memory or two or evoke surprise about that decade—one of change for this beachside city.
Merchants along Fort Lauderdale’s “strip” off A1A near Las Olas Boulevard consider the “troubled area” 80 percent better than during the last few years of high crime. Two additional police officers were recently assigned to this popular spot across from the beach. 1980
Mayor E. Clay Shaw sponsors an ordinance to permit high-density hotels for two blocks at A1A near Las Olas to “prevent further deterioration of the beach area.” Merchants express new fear of being pushed out. 1980
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers draw 18,223 for a soccer game aired on ABC-TV June 8, 1980. They played the Tampa Rowdies.
Controversial ophthalmologist Dr. Frederick Blanton loses appeal and is sentenced to five years in federal prison for dispensing Quaaludes to patients. He first gained attention during the 1970s for prescribing marijuana for patients with glaucoma. He was also accused of assault of a police officer after allegedly pointing a gun at a cop. Before sentencing he says he prefers a one-way ticket to Russia rather than go to jail. 1983
Fire destroys one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest buildings, the Ship Apartments at 303 N. New River Drive West. Built in 1905 by Fort Lauderdale pioneer Philemon Bryan for his son, Reed Bryan in 1905, the 75-year-old building, next to the New River Inn, is vacant when the fire occurs. 1980
A six-month federal investigation reveals mob ties to Heaven nightclub at 3937 North Federal Highway. Activities involving New Jersey mobster Anthony Acceturro of the Lucchese crime family are cited in a report submitted in 1983
Beach residents rally to complain about Spring Break patrons of Penrod's relieving themselves behind the popular nightspot. 1983
Sunday Brunch at the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel advertised for $6.95. 1983
The first person is arrested under a controversial anti-vagrancy law making it illegal to rummage through other people’s garbage. The violator was arrested for allegedly rummaging at an apartment building at SE 4th Avenue and 23rd Street. 1984
The inaugural Greater Fort Lauderdale Film Festival is approved by the city and held in late 1986. Realtor Patty Lombard serves as first president of the festival.
New York businessman Donald Trump’s $29 million, 282-foot yacht Trump Princess will berth at the Best Western Motel off the 17th Street Causeway until March that year (1988).
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi begins service between Commercial Boulevard and Port Everglades October of 1988. Bekoff Yachting Service launches its Canal Cabs the same month. Rides on both are $2.50-$5.00
Population of Fort Lauderdale in 1989 - about 148,500
Fort Lauderdale restaurants open for late-night eats after night clubbing in 1989 (does not include chain restaurants):
Bahia Cabana
Bootleggers
Boat House Bar and Grill
North Ridge Raw Bar and Restaurant
At’s a Pizza
Peter Pan Diner and
Joseph’s Restaurant and Lounge
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| Bahia Cabana circa 1996 Florida State Archives |
Fort Lauderdale News:
Jan. 6, 1980
Oct 23, 1980
Jan. 9, 1980
March 30, 1983
April 3, 1983
April 17, 1983
June 4, 1983
Oct. 11, 1984
South Florida Sun-Sentinel:
May 29, 1986
Oct. 8, 1988
Dec. 30,1988
Dec. 30, 1989
Tags: Fort Lauderdale during the 1980s, Fort Lauderdale History. history of Fort Lauderdale, Trump, Water Taxi, Penrod's, population of Fort Lauderdale
