Call Center Company in Fort Lauderdale, FL

El Al launched holiday service to Fort Lauderdale in September 2023, working up to twice weekly service in April 2024.

That was great news for many of the growing Jewish communities in South Florida, which prefer flying from Fort Lauderdale rather than dealing with all of the hassle around flying out of Miami International Airport.

In a previous poll on DansDeals, some 87% of readers preferred flying out of Fort Lauderdale:

– Effective October 26, 2025, EL AL will operate five weekly flights to Miami and one weekly flight to Fort Lauderdale, with the Friday/Saturday flight shifting to Miami, leaving just the Monday flight to/from Fort Lauderdale.

– Beginning April 14, 2026, all six weekly flights to Florida will operate exclusively to Miami.

El Al says that,

“This strategic move aligns with EL AL’s long-term vision to strengthen its presence in the Americas and focus on core routes. The transition will enable increased seat availability to Florida, a unified and enhanced customer experience, seamless connectivity to a wide range of destinations across the United States and Latin America, and expanded cargo capacity between Israel and the United States.

Miami International Airport serves as a major hub, offering extensive connectivity through EL AL’s partnerships with Delta Air Lines, AEROMEXICO, LATAM, and Aerolíneas Argentinas. These collaborations provide convenient onward travel options and broaden access to key destinations throughout the continent.”

Of course, El Al partner JetBlue has hub operations in Fort Lauderdale, and that connectivity will be lost.

From rumblings that I’ve heard, the real pain point has been that Fort Lauderdale’s runway length can’t support a fully loaded 787-9 with cargo, which forced the airline to utilize the smaller 787-8 on the route.

That meant the airline was forgoing cargo space and passenger for the Fort Lauderdale flights, while the Miami flights were operated by a 787-9 with more cargo and passenger space.

It will also mean more available seats in the market, thanks to 6 weekly 787-9s.

But that’s little consolation to people who live in communities like Boca, Boynton, or West Palm Beach, who may opt for a stopover rather than fly direct out of Miami.

What do you think of this change?

Let's be real: between airport meltdowns, missed connections, and group texts debating dinner plans in some far-flung city, a full-blown vacation can sometimes feel like more stress than it's worth. Enter the staycation, made even easier when you live in a beachy entertainment destination like South Florida. In Fort Lauderdale, the options for indulgent, tropical escapes (all within Broward County's confines) are seriously next-level.

Whether you're craving a poolside cabana day, an oceanside Italian feast, or a glitzy rooftop with DJs and daiquiris, Fort Lauderdale has a staycation spot with your name on it. In alphabetical order, here are ten of the best places to hit pause — no boarding pass or Real ID required.

Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-414-5100 hilton.com Staycationers at this all-suite oceanfront stunner can bliss out on the breezy pool deck, then dive into world-class dining without ever leaving the building. Takato, the hotel's Japanese-Korean fusion spot, delivers sushi dreams with ocean views, while celeb-approved Vitolo channels old-school New York Italian style (Taylor Swift and the Obamas are fans of Chef Anthony Vitolo). It's pure penthouse energy from check-in to checkout.

Editor's Picks

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 754-336-3100 fourseasons.com This is where Fort Lauderdale's polished edge meets its barefoot beach soul. With Five Diamond swagger and jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic, the Four Seasons is the gold standard for a luxurious local getaway. Picture yourself lounging in a daybed by the pool, spa-cationing with a custom massage, then hopping into a sunshine-yellow electric Moke for a beachside cruise before dinner. Speaking of dinner, the Four Seasons is home to Fort Lauderdale's first-ever Michelin-starred restaurant, Maass, and Michelin-recognized Evelyn's.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

1 Seminole Wy., Hollywood 866-502-7529 casino.hardrock.com If your vibe is part rockstar, part high roller, the Hard Rock is calling. The unmistakable guitar-shaped hotel isn't just for out-of-towners; locals can soak in a Vegas-meets-Miami energy with luxe rooms, rooftop pools, a massive casino, and a stacked lineup of concerts and restaurants. There are so many venues under one roof here, each with distinct entertainment options. Catch mega-bands at Hard Rock Live, world-class DJs at Daer, or dine with some stellar steak at Council Oak. Whether you're there for a spa day or an all-night party, this staycation hits all the high notes.

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Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale photo

Hyatt Centric Las Olas

100 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-353-1234 hyatt.com In the heart of the action, Hyatt Centric delivers urban cool with a Fort Lauderdale twist. Start with cocktails and skyline views at Elev8, the hotel's art-laced rooftop bar and pool. Then, channel your inner Gatsby at Room 901, a speakeasy tucked just out of sight, slinging stiff drinks and retro ambiance. With its walkable Las Olas location, the Hyatt Centric can be an escape or a springboard to the surrounding entertainment district.

Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

2900 Riomar St., Fort Lauderdale 954-908-7301 shorebreakfortlauderdale.com A throwback to vintage beach cool with a modern, boutique twist, the historic Kimpton Shorebreak offers two pools, a stocked beach bag in your room, and postcard-ready courtyards tucked behind tropical foliage. You're steps from the sand and moments from the action, making this hideaway the perfect place to recharge or rev up your weekend.

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Pier Sixty-Six Resort

2301 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale 954-525-6666 piersixtysix.com A South Florida icon reborn, the freshly reimagined Pier Sixty-Six is a 32-acre love letter to Fort Lauderdale's nautical soul. Perched beside one of the largest superyacht marinas on the East Coast, the resort blends retro charm with futuristic glam. You'll find the city's only rotating rooftop bar, a slide-draped poolscape, and increasingly popular restaurant options (Sotogrande, Garni, and Calusso among them) — all wrapped in a breezy, yacht-club-chic package.

Riverside Hotel

620 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-467-0671 riversidehotel.com A timeless gem on Las Olas, Riverside Hotel offers vintage vibes along the New River. Grab dinner at Wild Sea Las Olas, sip a martini inside Preston's cozy piano lounge, or dock and dine with a sunset spritz at Boathouse. With city and waterway views from nearly every room, this local favorite is a true classic for staycationers who love a side of history with their mimosa.

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Diplomat Beach Resort photo

The Diplomat Beach Resort

3555 S. Ocean Dr., Hollywood 954-602-6000 diplomatresort.com The Diplomat is summer energy personified. This sprawling beachfront retreat in Hollywood stuns with an infinity pool, a glamorously reimagined Hotel Bar, and beachy perks like private cabanas and sunset happy hours. With its Florida resident discount and free parking, this resort getaway is accessible and irresistible.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-465-2300 ritzcarlton.com When only the best will do, the Ritz delivers. Its revamped Sea La Vie Sundeck pairs dreamy ocean views with a crisp cocktail menu and breezy cabanas, while the ever-happening Burlock Coast celebrates its tenth anniversary with caviar, Champagne Mondays, and truffle fries Thursdays. The spa? Still divine. The rooms? Sanctuaries with sea and sky views. Go for the elevated elegance, stay for the dirty martinis and barefoot luxury.

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W Fort Lauderdale

401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-414-8200 marriott.com From the moment you step onto the rooftop at Wet — the W's infamous fifth-floor pool — you're transported into a glossy, DJ-soundtracked dream. This hotel is built for people who like their staycations with a little strut. Private balconies in every room? Oh yes. Cocktails in its always-buzzin' Living Room lounge? Check. Spa treatments at Away? Absolutely. Just be warned: one night is never enough.

Roamly, an insurtech company, has established new regional headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Fort Lauderdale office is set to become a central hub for recruitment, focusing on positions such as claims specialists, customer success teams and insurance product experts.

To date, Roamly has hired eight employees from the local workforce and seeks to continue sourcing talent from Florida to support the creation of digital insurance products for recreational customers.

Roamly president and Florida office head Rich Sanders said: “Florida’s incredible combination of outdoor recreation and insurance infrastructure makes it a high-impact market for us. Our expansion into Florida as we enter peak travel season with AI-powered insurance solutions tailored to recreational lifestyles offers proximity to customers and collaboration with other industry-leading partners.”

Additionally, Roamly has formed alliances with several national insurance carriers including Ahoy! Insurance, American Modern, Dairyland, Hagerty, Mercury, National General (an Allstate company), Progressive and Safeco.

These partnerships are intended to broaden the range of recreational insurance policies Roamly can offer, leveraging the underwriting capabilities of each carrier with its digital-first approach.

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Ahoy! Insurance CEO Amit Nisenbaum stated: “Our partnership with Roamly combines Ahoy’s nationwide, boater-centric, tech-driven coverage with a digital platform designed to seamlessly cater to the diverse array of vessels owned by today’s modern consumer.”

Earlier in February, Roamly expanded its international footprint by launching in Canada through the acquisition of Canadian Access.

The company also set up headquarters in Toronto and appointed Richard Sanders as its president.

Roamly Enterprise provides a technology platform that enables companies to utilise AI-driven software modules for the development of insurance products.

The platform is designed to facilitate an expedited market launch and risk mitigation, encompassing pricing, underwriting, policy and claims management.

It also offers consumers a digital-first experience from quotation to policy binding, with operations spanning the US, Canada and Europe.

Whether you're a die-hard New York-style pizza devotee, Detroit-style crust crusader, or just a huge fan of a late-night greasy slice, Fort Lauderdale is stacked with pizzerias worthy of a pit stop or a full-fledged feast.

The city's pizza scene continues to evolve, with beachy newcomers, inventive pop-ups that have become mainstays, and old-school haunts that have become legendary for their classic pizza pies. Plus, one of the spots in this list, Heritage, just got a Michelin nod in the 2025 Florida Michelin Guide.

Here are 11 of New Times’ favorite pizza spots in Fort Lauderdale, listed in alphabetical order, to get your carb-craving journey started.

Photo courtesy of Blue Steel Pizza

Blue Steel

849 Seabreeze Blvd., 103, Fort Lauderdale bluesteelpizzaftl.comIt's not every day you find legit Detroit-style pizza just steps from the sand, but Blue Steel is changing the game on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Square pies come with perfectly caramelized cheese edges and pillowy dough that strikes the right balance of crisp and chew. The "Sausage & Hot Honey" and "Bacon Chicken Ranch" pies are standouts, and its sleek, modern setup — tucked amid stalls at Marina Village — gives off hidden gem energy.

Editor's Picks

Heritage photo

Heritage

903 NE Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale 954-635-2335 heritageftl.comThis buzzy Flagler Village spot is where fine dining meets full-on pizza obsession. Chef Rino Cerbone's range of simplistic pies, like "the Bronx," a New York-style cheese pie, and the complex, like the "Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Bianco" equates to a Fort Lauderdale icon in the making. The dishes here are just as great as the pizza, even garnering the spot a Michelin recommendation in April of 2025. Plus, the restaurant's industrial-chic vibe and photo-popped walls round out the experience.

Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar

Louie Bossi

1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-356-6699 louiebossi.comA Las Olas mainstay that's equal parts scene and substance, Louie Bossi isn’t just about the handmade pastas and sprawling patio. Its pizza menu leans rustic and Roman — with pies like the spicy salami-topped Piccante and Italian sausage-loaded Salsicce boasting a delightful mix of richness and freshness. Each pizza is fired to a crackling finish in their wood-burning oven, and the whole affair feels celebratory... even on a Tuesday.

Mister O1 photo

Mister O1

415 NE 4th St., Fort Lauderdale 754-253-5785 mistero1.comThis pizza chain may now be all over the map, but it got its humble start in Miami Beach. The Fort Lauderdale location stays true to the brand’s quirky identity with toppings like prosciutto di Parma, white truffle oil, and, yes, ever-controversial pineapple shaped into abstract art. Their crust is whisper-thin and perfectly blistered, built for those who appreciate creativity as much as authenticity. Pro tip: Order the Coffee Paolo as a buzzy surprise, which includes coffee and natural honey on top.

Moon Pizza Pie photo

Moon Pizza Pie

3501 N. Dixie Hwy., Oakland Park 954-533-3652 moonpizzapie.comTucked in the same building as Satellite Pinball Lounge, Moon Pizza Pie is a retro-cool joint dishing out serious slices in an unpretentious setting. It’s where old-school New York style meets playful experimentation: think the Mac Tonight with ground beef and a ketchup and mustard drizzle; or the meatball and ricotta-doused Out of Space. Whether you’re here for the games or the grub, you’re guaranteed a good time.

Patio Bar photo

Patio Bar

901 Progresso Dr., Unit 114, Fort Lauderdale patiobarpizza.comPizza, fire pits, and a funky industrial patio that feels plucked out of Wynwood — what more could you want? Patio Bar keeps the vibes high and the pies higher quality. Its soppressata and peppers number is rich and comforting, while the spicy Hawaiian packs a sweet-and-heat combo that’s hard to beat. Come for the pizza, stay for the laid-back live music and buzzy beer garden atmosphere.

Pizza Craft photo

Pizza Craft

330 Himmarshee St., Ste. 1, Fort Lauderdale 954-616-8028 pizzacraftpizzeria.comPizza Craft is the kind of spot where everything is made in-house and with intention. Located on the edge of downtown’s Himmarshee nightlife strip, this pizzeria blends craft cocktails, wood-fired pies, and cozy patio seating for maximum appeal. Try the Spicy Soppressata with long hots if you're craving something bold and spicy, or go for the Fig Jam & Bacon concoction if you want a sweet touch to round things out.

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Pizzeria Magaddino photo

Pizzeria Magaddino

1105 NE 13th St., Fort Lauderdale 954-766-4842 pizzeriamagaddino.comThis low-key neighborhood gem inside of Gulf Stream Brewery flies under the radar but has built a cult following for its blistered, naturally leavened pies. Toppings are traditional yet top-shelf — from pepperoni cups to fresh basil — and there’s a hyper-focus on technique here that rivals some of the bigger names. Beyond the traditional, don’t be afraid to dabble in some of its more creative picks, including the Queen Bee with prosciutto and a chili-infused honey drizzle.

Primanti Brothers photo

Primanti Bros.

901 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-565-0605 primantibros.comNo Fort Lauderdale pizza roundup is complete without a nod to Primanti's — the after-hours legend with Pittsburgh roots. Open late and steps from the sand, this no-frills, cash-only operation slings jumbo slices and monstrous sandwiches (with fries on them!) that are perfect for post-beach carb-loading. Grab a plain slice, fold it up like a local, and soak in the gritty charm that’s kept this place buzzing for decades.

Times Square Pizza photo

Times Square Pizza

2304 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-566-7772 timessquarepizza.netBig, foldable, saucy, and satisfying — Times Square Pizza nails the New York-style pie without gimmicks or compromise. It’s a go-to for grab-and-go slices that don’t skimp on quality, and the prices are some of the most wallet-friendly in town (starting at $3.50). The garlic bread to its classic pepperoni have earned its local praise, while the thick AF Sicilian pie is an underrated sleeper hit. No frills, no fuss — just good pizza here.

Umberto's

3051 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-776-0258 umbertosfl.comA Fort Lauderdale staple for more than 30 years, Umberto's brings that classic Long Island Italian-American feel to East Commercial Boulevard. The simplistic brown tables, brick archways, and old-school menu (yes, they’ve got baked ziti, too) make it a nostalgic slice of New York in South Florida. Their pizza—especially that Meat Lover with big ole slices of ham—is crispy, cheesy, and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of pie that hits like a warm hug after a long day of South Florida craziness.

⚠️ A Flood Watch will be in effect through 8AM Tuesday . Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks and other low-lying, flood-prone locations, such as urban areas & roadways.????Stay weather aware and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts! pic.twitter.com/XOl4Fj6Tyt

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) May 12, 2025

This story was updated on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 5:38 p.m.

Heavy rains in South Florida have prompted the National Weather Service to impose a region-wide flood watch.

Rain is expected to gradually increase in coverage Monday morning, with the heaviest rainfall expected in the afternoon through the late night hours.

READ MORE: Storms return to Florida and some could be strong to severe on Sunday and Monday

Three to 6 inches are forecast across most of the region, with isolated amounts of 8 or more inches possible.

Deep tropical moisture continues to be in place across South Florida between midnight and 1 p.m. on Monday. Even thoughwe're seeing a break from deeper shower, it's not over, said Irene Sans from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.

"It's fueling the atmosphere, making it more unstable with the winds and the warmth coming in from the south southwest," she said.

The National Weather Service said our region is at moderate risk for excessive rainfall. Meteorologist William Maxham from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network. He said there is also potential for severe weather.

"With a little bit of daytime heating, the upper level wind profile could support an isolated tornado. the biggest concerns today will be for damaging winds and flash flooding," he said.

Therefore, there's a chance for some storms to turn severe. Here during the late afternoon early evening hours, some of the storms could bring damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokesperson Erika Benitez warns residents to exercise caution.

"During and after periods of flooding, it's never a good idea to walk or drive through flooded areas. As water may be deeper than it appears, hiding all kinds of hazards like debris, sharp objects, down power lines and even wildlife," Benitez said.

Here's a look around the region at the flooding reports and what advisories are being issued by local governments:

Fort Lauderdale

A Flood Watch took effect in Fort Lauderdale at 8 a.m. Monday. Most areas in Fort Lauderdale could see 3 to 5 inches of rain.

City officials warn motorists to keep an eye out for ponding on roadways, especially in low-lying areas, and never drive through high water.

Report any impassable roads using FixItFTL or by calling the city’s Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000, city officials said.

Additional resources are available at fortlauderdale.gov/stormready.

City officials said Monday that residents can store their vehicles on garage levels 3 and above at the following locations:

Vehicles may remain up to 24 hours after the advisory ends.

For more info: fortlauderdale.gov/severe-weather-parking.

Miami Beach

A flood watch is in effect now through Tuesday at 8 a.m.

Anyone who comes across any flooding that obstructs access or causes damage to public or private property should call 305.673.7625, or report it through the Miami Beach Gov app or email flooding@miamibeachfl.gov.

Parking garages in nine locations are open to all Miami Beach residents. The garages at the Miami Beach Convention Center (1901 Convention Center Drive), 5 Street & Alton Road (550 Lenox Avenue), and City Hall (1755 Meridian Avenue) are not included.

Residents may park vehicles at no cost through Tuesday, May 13 at 12 p.m. Proof of residency when exiting the parking facility is required. Non-residents may use any city parking garage, however, standard rates still apply.

Available Parking Garages:

200 7 Street512 12 Street1301 Collins Avenue1557 Washington Avenue640 17 Street1661 Pennsylvania Avenue1900 Bay Road340 23 Street400 West 42 Street