Spring Break Then and Now in Fort Lauderdale
If you’ve driven past the Broward Convention Center lately and thought, “What’s actually going on in there?” this episode has your answer. Marv brings firsthand impressions from speaking on a panel in the brand-new building, while Jen counters with food, festivals, and a ladies-only dance night that proves Fort Lauderdale knows how to mix business, nightlife, and neighborhood charm.
Marv and Jen catch up after Super Bowl weekend with pizza naps, MVP debates, and a surprising shoutout to the kicker before diving into Broward’s newest upgrades. They walk listeners through the revamped Broward County Convention Center, new flyover, and a weekend packed with Emily’s Garden, Revolution Live’s all-female Early Birds Club, Pizza Fest, and a sneak peek at upcoming spots like Monster Burger and the reborn Mangos on Las Olas.
Key Takeaways
- The Broward County Convention Center has expanded with a new multi-story building, larger breakout rooms, skybridges, and a planned ballroom overlooking the Intracoastal, while still using the same parking garage and adding a new back road.
- Emily’s Garden Bistro and Wine Bar operates as a food collaborative with multiple vendors offering pizza, burgers, charcuterie, wine, coffee, juices, and local art in an indoor–outdoor garden setting.
- Revolution Live hosted a sold-out Early Birds Club all-women dance night from 6–10 p.m., creating a safe, early evening party environment with themed giveaways.
- Monster Burger is set to open in Davie with oversized, monster-themed burgers, hot dogs, and fries, plus chicken and veggie options and house pink and pineapple sauces.
- Santorini by Giorgio’s has opened on Las Olas in the former Rivertail space, bringing Greek cuisine, shared plates, and live music, while Mangos is slated for a modern “second act” on Las Olas under the Restaurant People group.
- Fort Lauderdale’s spring break roots trace back to 1930s college swim teams training at what became the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the 1938 College Coaches Swim Forum.
- The Dolphin Cancer Challenge at Hard Rock Stadium supports Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center with run and cycling events and features Blues Traveler at the closing party.
Mentioned Links:
- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza: https://acfp.com
- Broward County Convention Center: https://www.broward.org/convention
- Earlybirds Club dance party (Revolution Live date-specific event): https://early-birds.club
- Emily’s Garden Bistro and Wine Bar (Fort Lauderdale): https://www.emilysgarden.us/
- Pizza Fest (Fort Lauderdale pizza festival): https://www.pizzafestftl.com (placeholder)
- Monster Burger (Davie): https://www.monsterburgers.com/www/pages/index.html
- Mangos (Las Olas reboot news; Restaurant People): https://www.therestaurantpeople.com
- International Swimming Hall of Fame: https://www.ishof.org
- Dolphin Cancer Challenge: https://dolphinschallengecancer.com
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center: https://umiamihealth.org/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center
- Blues Traveler: https://www.bluestraveler.com
- Elbow Room (Fort Lauderdale): https://worldfamouselbowroom.com
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Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.
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