Fort Lauderdale Approves Dramatic Las Olas Redesign

City commissioners vote to remove iconic olive trees to make way for new landscaping and wider sidewalks.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Fort Lauderdale city commissioners have voted to remove the iconic black olive trees along Las Olas Boulevard in order to facilitate a dramatic redesign of the popular downtown street. The redesign will include new, larger canopy trees to provide more shade over wider sidewalks for pedestrians and outdoor cafes.

Why it matters

The olive trees have long been a defining feature of Las Olas, so their removal represents a significant change to the character of the area. However, city officials say the trees are old and their roots are unhealthy, necessitating the redesign to improve the pedestrian experience and make the street more inviting for businesses.

The details

Commissioners voted on Tuesday night to approve the removal of the olive trees, which will clear the way for the redesign project. The new plan calls for installing larger canopy trees that will provide more shade over wider sidewalks, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment and allowing for the expansion of outdoor dining areas.

  • The commissioners voted on Tuesday, February 4, 2026 to approve the removal of the olive trees.
  • The dramatic redesign of Las Olas Boulevard is expected to begin in the coming months.

The players

Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners

The elected officials who voted to approve the removal of the olive trees and the redesign of Las Olas Boulevard.

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What’s next

The city will now move forward with the redesign project, which is expected to take several months to complete.

The takeaway

The removal of the iconic olive trees on Las Olas represents a significant change to the character of this popular downtown district, but city officials believe the dramatic redesign will ultimately create a more inviting and pedestrian-friendly environment that will benefit local businesses and residents.