Law enforcement and fire rescue officials announcing a crackdown on crime in Fort Lauderdale’s Himmarshee entertainment district.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department and Fire Rescue held a press conference Tuesday morning, announcing a crackdown on crime in the city’s Himmarshee Entertainment District.
Officials said underage drinking, violence and fights happen often in the popular nightlife area, located just west of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
A shooting in the district in December 2025 left five people injured; an incident that, city leaders said, is indicative of the trouble going on in the area.
Fort Lauderdale Police Chief William Schultz said the department will be greatly increasing the amount of law enforcement presence.
He also said they will especially crack down on underage drinking — making sure bars are not serving alcohol to underage individuals, which bartenders could find themselves in trouble for.
“Underage drinking, fights, disorderly conduct and large gatherings create safety risk,” said Schultz.
Barricades have been put up on sidewalks to keep partygoers from running into the streets for their safety, officials said.
“If you plan to come here to commit crimes, to fight, to cause problems, make other plans,” said Schultz. “Our officers will be taking strict enforcement actions at all times.”
“We’re seeing a large uptick in call volume on the fire rescue side between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. in the morning. A majority of those are pass-outs, and of those calls we’re seeing, about 30% of those calls, 2,720 in that area there, of calls for service are for individuals between the age of 18 and 24 years old,” said Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Gollan. “As a father myself of teenagers, I would want someone out here resonating this same message. It’s so incredibly important that we know where our teenagers are, what they’re up to, what they’re doing and taking corrective action.”
Officials said they have already begun corrective action in the last few months by banning open containers and outdoor sales of alcohol.
Jeff John, owner of Revolution Live, America’s Backyard, and Stache nightclubs, told 7News he’s all for authorities’ efforts to tamp down on unruly behavior in the area but would also like to see new ideas to improve safety.
“I want a clean, beautified area that families and people feel safe coming down there,” said John. “When you’re going out to dinner, you’re going to go see a concert or you’re going to see a play, are you really gonna want to walk through police towers and strobe lights and sniffing dogs walking around?”
He said alternative methods could explore finding the right balance of ensuring people are safe without harming the neighborhood’s inviting image.
“I would love to see new concepts or stuff that are gonna drive people coming into our neighborhood,” said John.
Another point of contention has been the bars staying open until 4 a.m.
City officials are expected to meet with local business leaders to continue discussions on additional solutions to make the area safer sometime this week.
