Fort Lauderdale officials plan to remove iconic black olive trees along Las Olas Boulevard as part of major street renovation

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The fate of Las Olas Boulevard’s iconic black olive trees appears all but sealed as city officials move forward with a major renovation project that will reshape one of Fort Lauderdale’s most famous streets. The trees, which have lined the medians of the bustling shopping district for decades, are likely on their way out, sparking controversy among residents and business owners who have long regarded the boulevard as a defining feature of the city’s charm.

City commissioners discussed the Las Olas redesign during a conference meeting Tuesday, ultimately leaning toward a plan that removes the medians entirely, keeps on-street parking, and widens sidewalks to improve pedestrian access and safety. A formal vote on the project is scheduled for February 3.

“If we are going to create an iconic boulevard for the future, we really must look at the no median option,” said Commissioner Steven Glassman. “It offers the most beneficial balance of mobility, pedestrian safety, business access, long term functionality.”

The project to revamp Las Olas Boulevard has been in the works for years. In 2021, the city approved a vision that included removing four blocks of black olive trees planted decades ago, though residents immediately expressed concern over losing a signature feature of the street. The boulevard is known for its mix of boutiques, eateries, art galleries, and pedestrian-friendly spaces, all framed by the distinctive canopy of black olive trees. Many fear that removing the trees could diminish the boulevard’s scenic appeal.

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“We have mature trees. We don’t have to wait for growth,” said Denise Grant, a social worker and Fort Lauderdale resident of 40 years. “Las Olas is a beautiful scenic environment for people to walk and shop. It’s ridiculous to waste money to rip this out just to plant new trees.”

The city has contracted consulting firm WSP USA for the redesign, which began in May 2024. WSP presented two options for the “shops” section of Las Olas, where the black olive trees are located. Both options involve removing the existing trees, as their roots would be damaged during construction, according to Brian Voelker of Chen Moore and Associates, the project’s consulting arborist.

“The average lifespan of a tree in an urban environment […] typically we’ll say is around 30 years,” Voelker explained. “These trees have been in the ground well, well past that.” Ironically, city codes prohibit replanting the same tree species, meaning that the iconic black olive trees cannot return even if medians are preserved.

The proposed plans for the “shops” section each carry an estimated price tag of $7.5 million. The first option removes the median entirely to allow for wider sidewalks, while the second retains the median but adjusts parking and sidewalk width. Both options include planting new trees along the sidewalks to maintain a shade canopy, though many residents worry the trees will take years to mature.

During the conference meeting, commissioners focused heavily on whether the tree canopy would remain sufficient for pedestrian comfort. Mayor Dean Trantalis pointed out that WSP’s renderings suggest large portions of the sidewalk would be exposed to direct sunlight. “I do want to emphasize that this is only a rendering,” said Catherine Prince, WSP project manager. “We can absolutely go back and make sure the rendering is updated to reflect this priority.”

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Vice Mayor John Herbst supported removing the median, citing improved access for emergency vehicles. Fire Chief Stephen Gollan agreed, noting that the current median complicates traffic flow during critical situations. “Maintaining a tree canopy on Las Olas is critical for the look and the feel of what makes it unique in South Florida, but whether that’s in a median or whether that’s on the sidewalk, I don’t think is the driving force,” Herbst said.

Residents attending the meeting expressed mixed feelings. Diana Gagne said she had hoped the black olive trees could remain. “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone,” she said, quoting Joni Mitchell. “I’d rather have a median with different trees if we don’t keep the black olive trees, I guess what I’m trying to say, than not have a median at all. Because I do think it makes Fort Lauderdale very unique. […] I’m one of those people that moved here because of the charm of Las Olas Boulevard.”

Other residents, however, voiced support for removing the median. Steve Hudson argued that the median takes up valuable space, limits flexibility, and hinders pedestrian investment. “Las Olas is a destination, not a commuter corridor,” Hudson said. “The median consumes scarce right of way, limits flexibility, complicates access and delivers limited pedestrian investment. With the median left in place, this project becomes compromised from the start.”

On-street parking also sparked debate. While some residents called for its removal to create a more pedestrian-focused environment, Mayor Trantalis defended keeping the spots, noting that they provide convenient access for shoppers and support local businesses.

Beyond the “shops” section, the renovation will affect two additional stretches of Las Olas Boulevard. The downtown section, from Andrews Avenue to US-1, would see an extended median, increased tree canopy, and a raised intersection at SE 1st Avenue. Huizenga Plaza would receive wider sidewalks and a raised crosswalk. This phase carries an estimated cost of $5 million.

The Colee Hammock section, from SE 12th Avenue to 17th Avenue, would feature a “shared-use path” for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as the planting of 72 shade trees and 54 flower trees, at a projected cost of $6.8 million. Compared to the intense debate over the black olive trees, these sections generated relatively little controversy.

Despite assurances that new tree plantings would create a canopy, many longtime residents remain skeptical. For decades, the black olive trees have provided a unique identity to Las Olas Boulevard, and their removal represents a significant shift in the aesthetic and character of the street. For many, the trees were more than just greenery—they were an emblem of Fort Lauderdale’s history and the charm that draws tourists and locals alike.

“We have invested decades in enjoying this boulevard,” said Denise Grant. “To just pull it out and start over feels like erasing part of our city’s personality.”

City commissioners, meanwhile, emphasized the long-term benefits of the redesign. Wider sidewalks are expected to encourage pedestrian activity, enhance safety, and improve access for businesses. Emergency vehicle access will be simpler without the median, and the new design promises a functional balance between vehicle traffic, public transportation, and walkability.

Mayor Trantalis also reassured residents that while the existing black olive trees cannot return, the city plans to prioritize a strong tree canopy in the new design. “We want Las Olas to remain a beautiful, shaded environment for shoppers and pedestrians,” he said.

Still, the debate underscores the challenge cities face when modernizing historic streetscapes. Balancing functionality, safety, and aesthetics can be fraught, particularly when beloved landmarks like Las Olas’ black olive trees are involved. For some, the trees were a signature feature that defined the area; for others, removing the medians and planting new trees represents a necessary step toward a more accessible, flexible, and resilient urban corridor.

As the city approaches the February 3 vote, the decision over Las Olas Boulevard’s medians and black olive trees looms large. With an estimated $7.5 million price tag for the “shops” section and millions more for other areas, the renovation represents one of Fort Lauderdale’s most ambitious urban projects in decades. Residents, business owners, and city officials alike will continue to weigh the tradeoffs between preserving history and creating a functional, modern street for the future.

Ultimately, the Las Olas redesign reflects a broader tension in urban planning: how to honor the past while preparing for the needs of tomorrow. Whether the street retains its iconic charm or embraces a new identity with fresh trees and wider sidewalks, the project will leave a lasting impact on Fort Lauderdale’s downtown landscape for decades to come. For many, the loss of the black olive trees will mark the end of an era, but city leaders hope the new design will provide a revitalized, pedestrian-friendly boulevard that continues to define the heart of Fort Lauderdale.