Details

Published: April 03 2014

Carlton B. Moore. FORT LAUDERDALE - A distinguished politician, outspoken activist, and a voice for the underserved passed away early Wednesday morning, April 2, 2014, in the person of former Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Carlton B. Moore.

Carlton Moore dedicated his life to public service believing that he could truly make a difference in the lives of his neighbors in Fort Lauderdale's Northwest community as well as the city-at-large.  Moore served Fort Lauderdale with passion, dedication and a mind squarely fixed on justice, social change and economic empowerment for those historically under-represented.

"Fort Lauderdale has lost a true champion of the people," said Mayor John P. "Jack" Seiler.  Commissioner Moore's decades of distinguished leadership provided a strong voice to our City and, in particular, to our Northwest community.  His vision and tireless efforts brought new residential and commercial development to the Midtown area, while laying the foundation for much of the progress and advancement we continue to see today.  We are grateful for his many years of outstanding service to Fort Lauderdale and his countless contributions to moving our City forward.  Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with his family during this difficult time."

Carlton Moore's life of service began with leadership in the NAACP.  As president of the organization, Moore molded many current leaders of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, instilling in them the principles and values of equality and justice.

"Commissioner Moore was so much more than an elected official, he was a father to many of us in the Northwest community," said Commissioner Bobby B. DuBose.  I remember him as the president of the NAACP when I was in the youth council.  He was always a leader and encouraged many of us who are currently serving as elected officials to be leaders, and not just any leader, but a leader with integrity, grit, and a true sense of wanting to make our community and City a better place for everyone.  His voice, passion and dedication to the Northwest will be missed.  Our hearts are heavy and we will continue to pray for his family during this time of bereavement."

Committed to making a positive change in his community, Carlton Moore was the first Commissioner elected to serve Fort Lauderdale's Commission District III, when district-wide elections took effect in 1988.  He was officially sworn into office on March 15, 1988.  During his 20 years of service to the City of Fort Lauderdale, Moore was instrumental in the creation and development of the Northwest Progresso Flagler Heights Community Redevelopment Agency (NWCRA).  His forward thinking laid the groundwork for much of the revitalization and economic investment taking place today along historic Sistrunk Boulevard and in surrounding areas.

Moore's advocacy for the Northwest community led to the development and building of the Seventh Avenue Family Health Center, the United States Post Office on Avenue of the Arts, the Negro Chamber of Commerce Building on Sistrunk Boulevard, as well as a $550 million water and sewer project for Fort Lauderdale. 

His leadership on the City Commission led to the passing of a $40 million fire safety bond which funded the construction of new fire stations throughout the City including two in District III.

His commitment to affordable housing for all citizens, motivated Commissioner Moore to work tirelessly for the construction of several modern housing facilities throughout the Northwest that complimented the area and allowed residents access to universal amenities.

Carlton Moore represented the City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County through his participation on several boards and committees.  He was a member of Leadership Broward, the State Road 7 Steering Committee, and the Florida League of Cities' Community Redevelopment Agency Working Group.  He also served as past president of the Florida League of Cities' Blue Ribbon Committee and Strategic Planning Committee,  past chair of the South Florida Regional Planning Council, and a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

Commissioner Moore was appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles to serve on the Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.  He also served as president of the Metropolitan YMCA, the Broward Commission on Substance Abuse, the NAACP - Fort Lauderdale Branch, and the Broward League of Cities.

Because of his leadership, Commissioner Moore was the recipient of numerous awards, including:  2008 NFBPA National Leadership Award,  Broward League of Cities President's Award, Million Dollar Round Table Insurance Award,  and the Silver Sextant Award.

Until his recent illness, Commissioner Moore remained very active in the community serving on the Fort Lauderdale Community Development Corporation Board, Blue Ribbon Task Force for Community Housing, and the NAACP.

Commissioner Carlton Moore leaves a legacy of service to the common man and his voice will be missed by those he worked with and served.  The City of Fort Lauderdale has lost a tremendous leader.

Funeral arrangements are pending, but are being handled by Roy Mizell and Kurtz Funeral Home, located at 1305 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.