Publication Date: September 15, 2025

Secret Fort Lauderdale

Did you know that the first woman to get her concealed carry license in Broward County was an archaeologist? Did you know a local concert venue used to be a slaughterhouse, or that there is a python-hunting competition every year? And did you know school was canceled when it snowed in the 70s?

Secret Fort Lauderdale: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is for anyone who loves trivia and discovering the story behind the story, whether they were born in Broward County or are in town for the weekend. These pages are filled with the legends beyond the tourist destinations, a passport to the storage rooms of libraries, and an exploration of the many identities that Fort Lauderdale institutions have taken on over the decades.