EXTRA! Interview
7 Questions for Jack Seiler, Mayor of Fort Lauderdale

Keeping city at forefront
of marine industry crucial
to third-year mayor’s plans

By Doug Thompson

Jack Seiler, 48, grew up in Fort Lauderdale and is in his third year as the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale. Seiler replaced Jim Naugle as the city’s mayor—Naugle was first elected in 1991 and served six consecutive terms.

Seiler’s long association with South Florida and his political experience has helped him work with the multifaceted marine industry that is so important to the region. Seiler is married to wife Susan and they have four children.

Seiler was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, and held that position until he became mayor. He’s also an attorney at the Law Offices of Seiler, Sautter, Zaden, Rimes & Weihe in Fort Lauderdale. Southern Boating’s Doug Thompson caught up with Seiler and interviewed on subjects ranging from the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (Oct. 27-31, 2011) to the many attractions Fort Lauderdale offers.

SB: The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is coming up—how is the City faring in preparation?
JS: As the host for this world-class event, the City of Fort Lauderdale is proud to showcase our natural resources, amenities and services. We’ve pulled out all the stops to make sure visitors to Fort Lauderdale have an unforgettable experience.

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida and Show Management have a superb success record for planning every detail of this huge event. The City has been working closely with boat show organizers to ensure that all of our assets are primed and ready for the 52nd annual show.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department and Marine Patrol Unit have extensive experience ensuring that the transportation network of bus shuttles, trolleys, water taxis and riverboats provide attendees with easy access to the boat show and the City’s recreational amenities.

SB: Is the City introducing anything new for this year’s Show for our readers to know about?
JS: Just in time for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, a freshly completed, multi-million dollar beautification project is ready for visitors to enjoy at world famous Fort Lauderdale Beach. The park and redeveloped parking area, located on State Route A1A across the street from the Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center, is close to the heart of many of the boat show activities.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park features include a new wave wall, wide-paver walkways, turtle-friendly decorative lighting, new showers, over 8,000 shrubs, plants and trees, undergrounding of overhead utilities and resurfacing of the entire parking lot.

SB: Where does the Bahia Mar Park project stand as far as a timeline and completion? How can the public learn more?
JS: The City Commission approved the site plan on June 21, 2011. Lease negotiations between the City and the developers are moving forward.

One of the most important aspects of the Bahia Mar project is a long-term commitment to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The City and developers have worked closely with Boat Show officials to make certain the project provides the facilities, resources and amenities to ensure the success of the Boat Show well into the future.

The Bahia Mar development will also strengthen Fort Lauderdale’s position as a premier destination for domestic and international visitors by providing a five-star hotel, upscale shops and restaurants and a picturesque public park along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Updates will be provided to the public as the project continues to move forward.

SB: What does Fort Lauderdale do differently as a City when working with the Boat Show, compared to other cities with boat shows?
JS: Fort Lauderdale is an unrivaled location with a clear competitive advantage. As the yachting capital of the world, the International Boat Show, now in its 52nd year, is part of the fabric of life in Fort Lauderdale. Our commitment to preserving and enhancing the vitality of our marine industry comes from the heart and soul of this community because recreational boating and water activities are a way of life for us.

Today, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is much more than a showcase of boats. It is a huge international marketplace bringing unprecedented global recognition, prestige and exposure to our City.

This local treasure attracts more than 130,000 visitors, features over $3 billion in products and merchandise, generates millions of dollars in marine commerce and stimulates new business development. In addition to strengthening our reputation as the yachting capital of the world, the event is a windfall for hotels, restaurants, retail and entertainment establishments.

The Boat Show’s total economic impact to Fort Lauderdale exceeds half a billion dollars, which is greater than any other event in Florida

Moving forward, we will continue to work in partnership with the marine industry to preserve, support and enhance this extraordinary event that symbolizes the spirit and character of our great city.

SB: There’s so much to do on Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, but are there activities that our readers may not know about?
JS: The City has installed new floating day docks along the New River. The docks provide boaters with convenient access to the downtown Riverwalk, which is the picturesque cornerstone of the City’s arts, science, cultural and historic district. The district features the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, Museum of Art and Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum. Shopping and entertainment venues accessible from the docks include Las Olas Boulevard and Himmarshee Village.

SB: Commercial and recreational boats must co-exist, especially in Port Everglades. What should recreational boat operators know to say safe around commercial vessels?
JS: On the New River, all commercial vessels monitor VHF Channel 9. Recreational vessels should monitor the channel as well.

Commercial vessels should be given a wide berth and/or right of way during a crossing and passing situation, due to their size and restricted maneuverability.

The United States Coast Guard has established a cruise ship security zone that restricts waters near docked cruise ships. Details are available at: www.uscg.mil/d7/sectmiami/pdf/PEVSecurityZoneFlyer.pdf

SB: Do you enjoy recreational boating and do you own a boat? What activities do you enjoy?
JS: Having grown up here, I have many fond memories of recreational outings with family and friends. I don’t have a boat, but in Fort Lauderdale that’s not a hindrance to enjoying our waterways. The City offers an abundance of boat rental opportunities, snorkeling adventures, airboat rides and tours. I enjoy almost all outdoor activities, especially when it involves spending time with my family and friends.