A proposal to add "President Donald J. Trump Drive" to Sea Grape Drive has sharply divided Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, and set up a contentious commission meeting on Sept. 10. The town's small population and reliance on an uncontroversial, tourist-friendly image have made the proposed dual-name change a focal point of local debate.
Broward County Republican Chairman Chris Marino wrote to town commissioners proposing the additional moniker as "a symbolic landmark that could attract visitors." The idea was sponsored by town commissioner Richard DeNapoli. Mayor Edmund Malkoon said potential boycotts by some residents or visitors would likely be offset by support from Trump voters who might be drawn to the town by the name.
Opponents have argued the change would politicize a street that serves as the principal entryway to the town. Cristie Furth, a resident and business owner for 53 years, told the Daily Mail that "Sea Grape Drive serves as the main entrance to the town and politicizing its name would alienate visitors and residents alike." Furth said she has gathered a group of community members opposed to the plan and that most residents she has spoken with opposed it regardless of political affiliation. "We want everybody comes to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to get away from their daily life their problems the things that bother them," she said. "We don't want any political drive."
Gary Koenig, who lives on the corner of Sea Grape Drive and said he voted for Trump, told the Daily Mail he also opposes the change. "This is political in nature and should never be with this commission. We should be unbiased about everything," he said. "I don't want anybody's name out there. I like Sea Grape Drive. That's fine. I'm happy with it." Koenig added that others who have contributed to the town might be more deserving of recognition and cited his roommate's long effort to get sidewalks installed on Sea Grape Drive.
Supporters have said the change would honor a two-term president and could bring visitors. On social media, Lee Ann McNabb wrote, "Fantastic idea! As a long term LBTS resident I support this fully! Obama has a street in Broward. Trump is a two term president that was overwhelmingly voted in by the American people. He has a place here in Broward just like Obama does." Commissioners backing the plan have pointed out that streets in Broward County already bear the names of presidents and said there is a local nexus: county Republicans have long had headquarters at the corner where the additional sign is proposed.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, on the Intracoastal Waterway north of Fort Lauderdale, has about 6,000 residents and roughly 40 percent registered as Republicans. If approved, the proposal would be the first time the town itself added a presidential name to a street, according to officials and residents.
Mayor Malkoon described the matter as the most contentious issue to come before the commission during his tenure. Residents said some homeowners on Sea Grape Drive learned of the proposal only after it was reported in the media and that they had not received direct notice from the town. The commission is expected to hear public comment when it meets on Sept. 10; organizers and opponents on both sides have signaled plans to attend in large numbers. The Daily Mail reported it had reached out to the Republican commissioners and the mayor for comment.