Publix BOGO, Brightline Safety, and Big City Tavern’s Last Call

[0:11] Hello, everyone, and welcome to Let's Talk Lauderdale, where we keep you connected to the stories, flavors, and weekend plans shaping the greater Fort Lauderdale area.

[0:22] I'm Marv, and yes, I've been away. I'll explain a little bit of that later. But right now, let's get into the local headlines, a few restaurant notes from the road, and some great ways to enjoy South Florida this week.

[0:38] First up, I did not realize how big this was going to get. The Publix BOGO conversation is back, and a lot of Florida shoppers are not thrilled. So, the issue is simple. If you shop at Publix, you know about the buy one, get one free deal that generally requires you to buy two qualifying items. Now, in many Publix stores outside of Florida, a customer can instead purchase just one item at half price.

[1:15] But Publix says its Florida approach has been in place since Bogo Promotions began here and reflects local customer expectations, and it requires you to buy both items in order to get the one free. Now, this is a Publix deal, not a Florida law, but shoppers who assume the rule was legally required are now understandably frustrated to learn that it is a company policy and not a state mandate. So, right now, the practical takeaway is check the shelf tag, match items carefully, and remember that buying one BOGO item in a Florida store usually means paying full price. It's a small detail, but when grocery bills are already high, people notice.

[2:08] Now, in a more uplifting Fort Lauderdale story, AutoNation is marking the 10th anniversary of its Drive Pink cancer initiative. So our hometown auto retailer says it has raised and donated more than $50 million, nationwide over the last decade to help drive out cancer. And to recognize the milestone, AutoNation announced an additional $1 million in grants, 10 grants of $100,000 for longtime organizations supporting cancer research, patients, survivors, and caregivers. The company's associates also assembled and delivered care bags to patients and partner organizations in South Florida. It is a meaningful reminder that a Fort Lauderdale-based company can create, a nationwide impact while staying connected to local families facing cancer.

[3:10] Now, let's move a little further north to Pompano Beach, where Brightline and the Broward Sheriff's Office are stepping up a rail safety campaign. The timing aligns with National Sea Tracks Think Train Week, and the message is straightforward. Never try to beat a train, drive around lowered gates, or ignore flashing signals. Brightline says it's nearing completion of a $45 million safety upgrade project across the 195-mile South Florida Rail Corridor. The work includes new fencing, additional signs, roadway markers, and flexible delineator posts designed to discourage drivers from going around crossing gates. More than 95% of crossings were reportedly complete at the time of the campaign launch. BSO is also targeting enforcement, meaning tickets for drivers who ignore the safety equipment. For residents, this is about more than rules. South Florida Rail Corridor runs through busy communities, and the safest choice is always the easiest one. Stop, wait, and let the train clear.

[4:30] And in education. I don't know how this is happening with all of the people moving in here, all of the building going up, but Broward County Public Schools is facing a deeper enrollment decline than initially reported at the start of the school year. The district's official September 14 count showed roughly 12,300 fewer students than last year, including charter school enrollment, and that is a 5.6% decline. That is larger than the approximated 11,000 student reduction that was reflected in the August first day count. So why does this matter? Well, enrollment drives funding, staffing, transportation, facilities planning, and ultimately the difficult conversation about school consolidations or closures. So we know that the school board is already weighing those decisions, so this newer figure adds urgency. Families, educators, and neighborhood groups will want to follow how the difference translates these numbers into actual policy decisions.

[5:43] So, you may be wondering, Marv, you didn't start with your customary opening of what's been happening, why you haven't been around. Well, I will tell you, I have been traveling, again, some of it for work, Well, all of it for work, but there was a little bit of pleasure in there.

[6:00] Two weeks ago, I actually made a trip up to Port Canaveral for a client where we were looking at a database for them to use in their business. We brought back the database and I'm beginning a migration project for them and doing a bunch of stuff there. And then I also was in Chicago, technically Rosemont, basically where the airport is and had a tech conference up there. I was a big part of that conference, the emcee, and helped do some of the organization. So that took a little bit of my time away. So what I thought about was while I was gone, for some reason, I always have more time to eat out than I do when I'm home.

[6:43] So I wanted to talk about a couple of restaurants that I visited. So while we were in Cape Canaveral, actually on our way back, we stopped in Vieira on Florida's Space Coast, and we stopped at Turning Point. And some of you may know that it is a chain of breakfast slash brunch places that kind of is like First Watch, which is growing rapidly, but it still has that hometown local feel, and it just felt right.

[7:15] So this one that we stopped at was located on Vieira Boulevard. Nice new community up there. It's open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 3. so it's just a breakfast brunch and lunch spot, and the menu of course leans to you know made to order omelets pancakes french toast all that sort of stuff you can get burgers wraps and sandwiches and the reason I m bringing this up is because the atmosphere.

[7:44] Was so not what I ve been accustomed to lately i when I ve been going to restaurants, I only get this type of service if it's a high end, you know, where you're paying a ton for the meal and your servers and waitstaff, you know, are cordial and happy and nice. Whereas most of the restaurants down here not have that experience. Although I did have that a couple of weeks ago, I talked about when shooters had the fire. But, you know, usually it's rushed. The waitstaff is in a hurry. They're not paying attention and it causes all that stir with the tipping. But this place turning point the waiter that we had was so happy to see us don't know why, he was absolutely fantastic very attentive the other wait staff as we watch them help and assist other people were all friendly overly happy i don't know if they're, told that they have to be but it was just a nice pleasant surprise so if you are ever heading up near Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or up to Canaveral for a launch. That is the place that you may want to go for a casual, dependable daytime stop that works for a family or even a business brunch.

[9:00] It's a very nice place, so nice spot.

[9:03] In Rosemont, when I was up there, again, it's just outside of Chicago, the first night we went to a Gibson's Bar and Steakhouse. I'm not going to talk much about that. If you've heard about that place, you know it's a nice upscale place.

[9:19] Not a budget diner, I'll tell you that. Prime Steaks, big portions are part of the experience, but it was a good pick for travelers. And of course, we were up there for a conference. So it worked out really nice. We had a little private area upstairs, so we didn't get to experience all the hustle and bustle of the downstairs space. But the one that I really wanted to talk to, a place called Shoeless Joe's Ale House and Grill. And this was a place, You have to think, you know, relaxed sports bar energy.

[9:59] Televisions for the game, craft beer, pub food, but it didn't look like your typical sports bar. It actually looked like a little local diner. I don't know if you remember places like Kim's Alley Bar or Pickles in Pompano, but it just had that kind of feel. The menu typical menu wings burgers but they did have flatbreads quesadillas, they had a big personal pizza that one of the people ordered that was too much for them they had ribs breakfast buffet yes at night we went on a Friday night, i expected it to be busy i expected it to be a long wait line, but no, plenty of seats, and it was very nice, very, very well. So, not that you guys would ever travel up there, but if you do, look up Shoeless Joe's Ale House and Grill, or Gibson's, if you really want a nice upscale place.

[10:58] So, that turns us back to South Florida, and.

[11:04] I've got a couple of bad news to report. Fort Lauderdale is losing a long-time Las Olas fixture, Big City Tavern. That's right there on East Las Olas Boulevard. And that will be scheduled to close on September 30th, next week, after 25 years in business. And it already made the announcement publicly, thanks to guests, staff, and the community. But it didn't give a reason, which is odd because it is in the heart of downtown. You guys know all the restaurants around there, YOLO and at a couple of places. I had clients down there and it was a place where, Five o'clock, you're heading over to Big City Tavern. So it was an interesting announcement. So for many of you that are in that area, it has been a part of the East Los Olas routine.

[12:00] Your burgers, your salads, cocktails, brunch. It was an easy place to meet before or after walking the boulevard. And if this is one of your regular stops, or you have friends that were visiting town, This is your last call to make one more visit before the end of the month. And then on the broader restaurant business side, Yardbird has filed for Chapter 11. And this is the Southern Comfort food brand. It was founded in Miami in 2011.

[12:34] And they did cite legacy debt and a need to strengthen its balance sheet. So reports indicate nearly $25 million in debt, along with a planned asset sale process and $5.4 million in financing to support ongoing operations during the restructuring. So this is, again, an important customer note that the company says the restaurants will remain open and continuing to serve guests. However, the original Miami location was among one of the locations that had already closed before the bankruptcy filing. So just another story of how expansion costs, debt structure, changing customer habits. Restaurants have been taking a hit since the year of our COVID, and even the well-known brands can be hit by economics.

[13:30] So now, for things to do. For a family-friendly local event, you may want to think of heading to the historic Stranahan House as they have their fourth annual Founding Families Fall Festival. And that's going to be this Friday, September 25th, from 5 to 8 p.m.

[13:49] If you don't know where that is, it is at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. It's right along the New River. Admission is just $5 for adults and children get in free, and then each adult admission includes a drink ticket. You can get them online or at the door. There will be live music, family activities, and a ceremony scheduled for 6.15 p.m. And complimentary parking is available at the Riverside Hotel located sort of next door at 620 East Los Olas Boulevard. So why go? Well, this is one of those events that is distinctly Fort Lauderdale. It's about history. It's about the river, local families, and a setting that makes you appreciate how much the city has changed since the Stranahan House era.

[14:45] Plus, it's affordable. It's easy to pair with dinner off Los Olas and generally good for all ages. But if you are an adult looking for a festivity, well, there are two Oktoberfest options to put on your radar. So first, Fort Lauderdale Oktoberfest is happening Saturday, September 26th from 4 to 10 p.m.

[15:10] It's at the Bodega Taqueria and Tequila. That's at 21 West Los Olas Boulevard. This is a 21 and over event with tickets starting around $7.63. Don't know how they came up with that number. But Gus must check in between 4 and 10 p.m. to receive wristbands.

[15:33] This is a social nightlife focus option for people who want that Oktoberfest energy right in the heart of Los Olas. And if you're looking a little further ahead, then you may want to consider the Dania After Dark Oktoberfest Beer Fest. And that's going to be set Saturday, October 10th. So a few weeks away, that is going to be from 6 to 9 p.m. At the Dania Beach City Hall. Admission is free. And the event includes food trucks, live music, a pumpkin patch, KidZone contest, beer garden for adults 21 and older, beer sampling tickets are listed at $50 for general admission. That's again, to get in is free, but if you want to drink, you've got $50 for general, $70 VIP, and then you can do a four person package for $180. So another great South Florida choice because it gives family a fall festival experience without requiring a trip out of town and adults can choose whether they want to add the beer sampling experience.

[16:45] And last, if you want something that is a little more relaxed, do not overlook Fern Forest Nature Center. And that is actually in North Broward. That's 201 Lions Road South in Coconut Creek. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and free parking. This is a place that offers trails, picnic facilities, nature programming, and just simply a quieter change. From the pace from the beach traffic and the restaurant scene, fern forest does periodically offer guided walks it's got birding programs astronomy gatherings and even night heights, some of those programs do require pre-registration and have a small fee so you may want to call before you go their number 954-357-5198 that will get you the current schedule and registration details. And folks, for South Florida residents, this is one of those easy reminders that getting out does not always have to mean spending a lot of money. You can take a walk under the tree canopy, bring the family, and enjoy a side of Broward most people forgot is here.

[18:03] Well, that is going to do it for your Greater Lauderdale update for this week.

[18:08] Just watch out for those plumbers, BOGO rules, be extra careful around rail crossings and keep an eye on the Broward School enrollment conversation. But of course, make time for places and events that give our community its character. If you enjoyed the episode, follow Let's Talk Lauderdale wherever you listen to podcasts, share it with a friend, send in some stories and events that you think South Florida needs to know about. And most importantly, get out there, explore, Support local, enjoy Greater Fort Lauderdale, and let's keep talking.