Sun, Sand, and Sophistication: Discover Fort Lauderdale

• HelloHi
  [haɪ]
• GoodbyeBye
  [baɪ]
• YesYeah
  [jɛ]
• NoNah
  [nɑ]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pliz / no ˈprɑbləm]
• Thank youThanks
  [θæŋks]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [ɪkˈskjuz mi / ˈsɔri]
• How are you?How are you?
  [haʊ ɑr ju]
• Fine. And you?Good. And you?
  [ɡʊd ænd ju]
• Do you speak English?Do you speak English?
  [du ju spik ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
• I don't understandI don't understand
  [aɪ doʊnt ˌʌndərˈstænd]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please
  [aɪd laɪk tu si ðə ˈmɛnju pliz]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [aɪ doʊnt it mit]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [ʧɪrz]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please
  [aɪ wʊd laɪk tu peɪ pliz]

• Help!Help!
  [hɛlp]
• Go away!Go away!
  [ɡoʊ əˈweɪ]
• Call the Police!Call the Police!
  [kɔl ðə pəˈlis]
• Call a doctor!Call a doctor!
  [kɔl ə ˈdɑktər]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [aɪm lɔst]
• I'm illI'm ill
  [aɪm ɪl]

• I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...
  [aɪd laɪk tu baɪ]
• I'm just lookingI'm just looking
  [aɪm ʤʌst ˈlʊkɪŋ]
• How much is it?How much is it?
  [haʊ mʌʧ ɪz ɪt]
• That's too expensiveThat's too expensive
  [ðæts tu ɪksˈpɛnsɪv]
• Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?
  [kæn ju ˈloʊər ðə praɪs]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [wʌt taɪm ɪz ɪt]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [ɪts wʌn əˈklɑk]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [hæf pæst (10)]
• MorningMorning
  [ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [ˌæftərˈnun]
• EveningEvening
  [ˈivnɪŋ]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [ˈjɛstərdeɪ]
• TodayToday
  [təˈdeɪ]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [təˈmɔroʊ]
• 11
  [wʌn]
• 22
  [tu]
• 33
  [θri]
• 44
  [fɔr]
• 55
  [faɪv]
• 66
  [sɪks]
• 77
  [sɛvən]
• 88
  [eɪt]
• 99
  [naɪn]
• 1010
  [tɛn]

• Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [wɛrz ə ðə]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [wɑts ðə əˈdrɛs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [kæn ju ʃoʊ mi (ɒn ðə mæp)]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [wɛnz ðə nɛkst (bʌs)]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [ə ˈtɪkɪt (tu ....)]

Long before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Fort Lauderdale was inhabited by the Tequesta people. They lived in the region for over a thousand years, relying on the rich marine resources and thriving in the subtropical climate. Archeological evidence of their settlements and burial mounds can still be found in the area today.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers such as Ponce de León made contact with the native populations in what is now Fort Lauderdale. The Spanish influence, however, was limited and short-lived, as European diseases significantly reduced the indigenous populations.

The early 19th century saw the Seminole Wars, a series of conflicts between the United States and the Seminole people, who sought refuge in the Florida Everglades. Fort Lauderdale itself is named after a series of forts built during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842) by Major William Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale was officially established in the early 20th century. In 1911, the town was incorporated, and its development was spurred by the arrival of the Florida East Coast Railroad, built by Henry Flagler. This crucial infrastructure allowed for the rapid growth of the city.

The 1920s brought a land boom to Fort Lauderdale, with many people flocking to the area for its sunny climate and burgeoning real estate opportunities. However, this boom was followed by a bust during the Great Depression, causing economic hardship and halting development.

During World War II, Fort Lauderdale became a significant military base for the U.S. Navy, housing naval air stations and training facilities. The city's strategic coastal location made it an important site for military operations.

After World War II, Fort Lauderdale experienced a period of rapid expansion and modernization. The development of Port Everglades and the construction of the interstate highway system facilitated the city's growth as a major tourist destination and commercial hub.

In the mid-20th century, Fort Lauderdale gained fame as the 'Spring Break Capital of the World' due to its popularity among college students. This era, immortalized in films like 'Where the Boys Are,' brought a significant cultural shift and economic boost to the city.

Today, Fort Lauderdale is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, pristine beaches, and extensive canal system, earning it the nickname 'Venice of America.' The city is also a major yachting center, hosting events like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the largest in the world.

Fort Lauderdale is served by Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), located just 3 miles southwest of downtown. The airport offers numerous domestic and international flights. Alternatively, Miami International Airport (MIA) is about 30 miles south and offers another option for travelers. For those arriving by car, Fort Lauderdale is accessible via Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike. Amtrak also offers train services to Fort Lauderdale, and Greyhound provides long-distance bus services.

Fort Lauderdale has a variety of transportation options including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and public buses operated by Broward County Transit (BCT). The Sun Trolley offers a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the downtown area. For waterways, the Water Taxi offers a scenic way to travel along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River, with stops at popular destinations.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also commonly used. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case a vendor does not accept cards.

Fort Lauderdale is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas like Sistrunk Boulevard are known for higher crime rates and should be avoided, particularly after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and always stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Fort Lauderdale has several hospitals and urgent care centers. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are widely available.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing due to the hot and humid climate. Don't wear beachwear away from the beach or pool areas. Religion: Do respect religious customs if visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do have exact change for buses or use a transit card. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' Handshakes are common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local seafood and Cuban cuisine. Don't forget to tip your server, typically 15-20%.

To experience Fort Lauderdale like a local, visit the Las Olas Boulevard for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Explore Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for outdoor activities. Take a stroll along the Riverwalk and enjoy the vibrant arts and entertainment district. Don't miss the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. For a unique experience, join a fishing charter or a boat tour to explore the waterways.