Thursday, February 26th - 2026 - February is leaping away (literally—it ends Saturday!) and March is roaring in with a massive weekend of culture. Whether you want to browse world-class art on the boulevard, catch a historic parade, or test your slap shot speed, we’ve got you covered. Here is your basket of goodies for the weekend.👇

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Stuff You Won't Want To Miss:

1. Thursdays | Yappy Hour with Barkyard & the Humane Society of Broward County at Huizenga Park. In addition to all the fun of our regular Yappy Hour—social playtime, friendly pups, and a welcoming community—DogDrop will be onsite providing complimentary dog treats and sharing tips on canine enrichment, care, and socialization.
2. Friday night | Movie On The Lawn. Special showing of Crazy Rich Asians, in honor of the Lunar New Year. You can expect light bites from Temple Street Eatery, themed cocktails brought to you by Bandoleros Tacos & Tequila Bar, surprise menu items from Mr. Smash, and more!
3. Friday night | Friday Night Sound Waves (10th Anniversary!). Celebrating a decade of music on the beach! This week features the Shane Duncan Band at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Slide off your shoes and bring a blanket.
4. Saturday | Sistrunk Parade & Street Festival. Saturday kicks off with one of the city's most historic celebrations. The parade starts at 8:30 AM featuring floats, marching bands, and steppers, followed by a street festival with food and live music. A true community staple.
5. Saturday | Conundrum Stages: Solo Showcase. This intimate concert experience features three solo musical performances Ryan Bauta, Melissa Stacy, and Cynn Sage., showcasing talented South Florida artists across a mix of styles and sounds.
6. Saturday & Sunday | Florida Renaissance Festival. Head up to Quiet Waters Park for the "Sirens & Shipwrecks" themed weekend. It's the best people-watching in Broward, plus jousting and giant turkey legs.
7. Saturday & Sunday | Las Olas Art Fair, Part II. A world-class outdoor art museum right on the boulevard. Over 200 artists showing everything from life-size sculptures to fine jewelry.
8. Daily at MODS | HOCKEY: Faster Than Ever. New at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS). It’s an interactive look at the science of hockey—perfect for the learners who want to test their shot speed.
9. Saturday | Pompano Beach Green Market. Located at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, this is where you find the local honey, fresh produce, and handmade crafts.
10. Saturday Morning | Historic Walking Tour of Downtown. If you've ever wondered about the architecture of the Riverwalk district, this guided tour dives into the 100+ year history of the city.
11. Daily/Special Events | Bluefoot Pirate Adventures. A pirate-themed treasure hunt on the water. They are running special early-bird voyages this weekend.

😉Hey - quick question. Did we miss anything? Each week we do our research but you might know of an event, an organization, or a local business that deserves some love here in our weekly basket of goodies.​

Just hit reply to this email and let us know!

Featured Fort Lauderdale

This Weekend The Boulevard Becomes a Gallery

If you haven’t walked the Las Olas Art Fair before, this weekend is the perfect time to start a new tradition.

On March 1st and 2nd (10 AM – 5 PM), the Boulevard transforms into an open-air museum. This isn’t just about browsing paintings; it’s one of the few times you can actually meet the creators behind the work. From life-size sculptures to mixed media and jewelry, the variety is usually stunning.

Why it’s worth the trip:

• Meet the Makers: You get to ask artists about their techniques and inspiration directly.

• Eclectic Mix: It’s a juried show, meaning the quality is high and the styles are diverse.

• Community Vibe: Even if you aren't in the market for a masterpiece, the inspiration is free.

Grab a coffee, take a stroll, and enjoy one of the weekends that makes living here special.

So... You Think You Know Florida

You probably already know... Before Fort Lauderdale was the "Yachting Capital of the World," crossing the New River didn't involve a drawbridge—it required a hand-pulled ferry.

What you might not know...

The Original "Commute": Life Before the Bridges

Imagine Fort Lauderdale in 1893. There were no traffic lights, no Las Olas boutiques, and definitely no Tunnel. It was just dense mangroves, pine trees, and the wide, wild New River.

When Frank Stranahan arrived from Ohio at just 26 years old, his job wasn't just to manage a camp—it was to keep the flow of people moving. Since there were no bridges, Frank operated a hand-pulled ferry.

To get across, you didn't press a button; you (or Frank) grabbed a thick rope and physically hauled the flat-bottomed boat across the current. It was back-breaking work, but it made Frank’s camp the most important spot in town.

From Trading Post to Living Room

Frank soon realized that people didn’t just need a ride; they needed supplies. He built a trading post on the banks of the river, which became a vital meeting place for:

• The Seminole Tribe: Who traveled by dugout canoe to trade skins and starches for beads, cloth, and tools.
• Pioneer Settlers: Looking for news from the outside world and basic groceries.
• The First Post Office: Where Frank served as the postmaster.

That trading post eventually evolved into the Stranahan House, which still stands today! It is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County and served as a post office, community center, and the Stranahan family home.

Meet the "Mother of Fort Lauderdale"

You can’t talk about Frank without mentioning his wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan. She arrived in 1899 as the area’s first school teacher. While Frank was building the economy, Ivy was building the community. She was a fierce advocate for education and a lifelong friend to the Seminole people, often teaching their children on the porch of their home. There is a replica of the original schoolhouse on display in Old Fort Lauderdale Village.

Ivy holds special status for us at Acton as she is on our wall of inspiration, along with Maria Montessori, Jan Amos Comenius, Lord Acton, and the Sandefers (who launched the first Acton in Austin, TX in 2009).

More Treats To Try

We don't let just anyone sponsor this newsletter. Here's who "made the cut" this week:

(Hit reply to this email if you want to reach over 1300+ local families for just $100)

• Studies show kids can lose 2–3 months of academic progress over summer break. The summer slide is real but it’s preventable. But when kids build robots, create, and problem-solve, they’re still using math, logic, reading, and teamwork - just in a different way.That’s not a brain-drain summer. That’s a brain-building one. It’s summer camp that actually counts. Learn more at www.esteamlearninglabs.com.
• Tickets are now available for 2026 Florida Renaissance Festival! Starts on Saturday, February 7th in Deerfield Beach
• 👉 Buy YOUR OWN Classified Ad Here 👈

Just hit reply to this email to get started. Work with us to reach over 1250+ Greater Fort Lauderdale families.

Quote Of The Week

​James Clear is an American writer. He is best known for his 2018 self-help book Atomic Habits.

Flotsam & Jetsam

Time for your regularly scheduled digital distractions. This week, we’re diving into the playful side of machine learning with two interactive experiences that prove AI isn't just about productivity. It's about making time to play.

​A.I. Duet Have you ever wanted to jam with a computer? This experiment lets you play a few notes on a virtual piano, and the AI responds with its own melodic riffs. It’s not just mimicking you; it’s listening and "jamming" in real-time. Warning: this is a certified "I just lost 20 minutes of my life" button.

​Training Data Instead of using a chatbot, you are the AI. Your mission? Gather training data by surviving a series of increasingly chaotic, WarioWare-style microgames. It’s fast, frantic, and a clever nod to the messy reality of how models actually learn.

Word Play Of The Week

This phrase likely originated in 19th-century gambling houses. If a gambler won more than the house had on hand at a specific table, they would literally "break the bank," forcing the casino to temporarily close that table to replenish the funds. ~ Source​

Idea Of The Week

Tell Us How We Are Doing

Every week we are working to improve #FFFTL every week, both for your reading experience and to provide a cutting-edge media apprenticeship opportunity for our learners.

We want to hear from you. What do you love? What could we do better FOR YOU?

And most importantly, what FTL businesses and experiences should we be highlighting?