‘100 Things Before You Die in Fort Lauderdale’ author Christiana Lilly is back with another stellar read.
Credit: Carina Mask
There’s much more to Fort Lauderdale than beach bars and boat parades, y’all, and journalist Christiana Lilly is proving it one jaw-dropping fact at a time. Her new book, Secret Fort Lauderdale: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, dives deep into the city’s quirks, mysteries and stories hiding in plain sight.
As Lilly tells Browardist, “I’m nosy, so anytime someone starts a sentence with ‘Did you know?’ I’m intrigued. This book is all about those moments right here in Broward County, from a restaurant with a four-year waiting list to a historic house that was floated across the New River, a movie star alligator at Flamingo Gardens, and that one time Fort Lauderdale residents kidnapped President Warren G. Harding. Secret Fort Lauderdale is for people who were born and raised in the area or brand-new residents who want to learn more about our hidden gems, and gems hidden in plain sight.”
The book is packed with hyperlocal lore, from whirlpools that once swallowed boats on the New River to a local python-hunting competition, a moon rock you can view for free, and even a group of paintings rediscovered in a city hall supply closet. It’s equal parts scavenger hunt and a love letter to Broward, stitched together by one of the county’s most respected storytellers.
A Pompano Beach resident, Lilly’s bylines span several prominent local publications, including lifestyle features and investigative reporting. Her work has earned recognition from the Society of Professional Journalist Florida Chapter, the Florida Press Club and more.
Secret Fort Lauderdale is available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and select local bookstores and museums. You can also catch Lilly at a free presentation and book signing at History Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, November 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.
