Fort Lauderdale has come a long way from the sleepy small town that woke up for a few weeks during Spring Break. Today, the "wild and crazy" breakers are gone, and sidewalk cafes, high rise condos and multi-star hotels line the beaches, welcoming visitors from around the world while giving locals amenities tourists save up all year to enjoy. Residents live within minutes of the beach, clubs, restaurants, historic landmarks, boating, fishing, theater, the arts and entertainment.

The city is a major market for banking, transportation, health care, education, communication and the travel industry. The goal among some government leaders and...

Fort Lauderdale has come a long way from the sleepy small town that woke up for a few weeks during Spring Break. Today, the "wild and crazy" breakers are gone, and sidewalk cafes, high rise condos and multi-star hotels line the beaches, welcoming visitors from around the world while giving locals amenities tourists save up all year to enjoy. Residents live within minutes of the beach, clubs, restaurants, historic landmarks, boating, fishing, theater, the arts and entertainment.

The city is a major market for banking, transportation, health care, education, communication and the travel industry. The goal among some government leaders and planners is to make Fort Lauderdale a pedestrian-friendly, 24-hour community that blends the old and the new and the night life with the quiet life.