The Sun Sentinel’s recent editorial on co-naming Sea Grape Drive for President Trump was less about journalism than about dramatization (“MAGA madness threatens a small town’s charm,” Sept. 13).

The editorial’s first sentence, “Lauderdale-by-the-Sea will never be quite the same,” paints a misleading picture of a town in turmoil. That’s simply not the reality.

I previously wrote a letter to the editor to point out inappropriate and unethical behavior by your writer, Steve Bousquet, who used Sun Sentinel resources to recruit opposition to attend this very meeting. He helped manufacture the very controversy he later wrote about. That is not objective journalism. It is advocacy.

Edmund Malkoon is mayor of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

The co-designation of one street sign does not define Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Our identity is built on our welcoming community, natural beauty and thriving small businesses.

The suggestion that one honorary sign will drive away visitors insults our residents and the millions who come each year for reasons that have nothing to do with politics.

It is also important to clarify that many of the loudest voices of opposition came from outside our town. They do not represent the majority of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea residents, who continue to enjoy a respectful, engaged civic life.

This decision was not about one individual or one party. It was about recognizing the office of the presidency — an institution that belongs to all Americans.

Our town’s real focus remains public safety, infrastructure and fiscal responsibility, not a sign. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea remains what it has always been — a vibrant, resilient, united seaside community.

Edmund Malkoon, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

The writer is the town’s mayor.

(Editor’s Note: Opinion Editor Steve Bousquet sent an email to resident Howard Goldberg, chairman of the town’s Chamber of Commerce. The email said: “I also hope that a lot of town residents speak up and speak out” about the renaming. At least 84 people signed up to speak on the issue.)

Dividing the community

The three town commissioners who voted to place Donald Trump’s name on Sea Grape Drive in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea showed contempt for many in this community.

They broke with our nonpartisan tradition to score political points, leaving neighbors angry and divided. Their reckless decision has shattered public trust and undermined the integrity of our town’s unique governance.

They have proven themselves unfit to lead. Worse, they have shown themselves to be disingenuous, mean-spirited and opportunistic neighbors.

Kelly-Kate Pease, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Commandeering a street

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a nonpartisan community. It should not be forced to bear the name of any president as a street sign. Nearby, Mar-a-Lago already exists like a mini-Disney World (which is good or bad depending on which side you’re on).

Gov. Ron DeSantis called it “commandeering ” when speaking of rainbow crosswalks and street art. I consider Trump Drive to be “commandeering” a street for political purposes.

Now that it has been approved, a clause should be added that the sign can be removed after we see the results of the Epstein files exposed, in addition to the “felon and sexual predator” already associated with his name. Shame.

Nina Leonard, St. Augustine

Another naming idea

Since town commissioners in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea voted to “co-designate” Sea Grape Drive as “President Donald J. Trump Drive,” the city should extend the honors further —  and have a “Jeffrey Epstein Way” as well.

Lloyd Clements, Boca Raton

And yet another

On re-naming a street for Trump, surely we can find a tiny dead-end street to re-name for him.

James Carbone, Fort Lauderdale

Please submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the online form below. Letters may be up to 200 words and must be signed with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters will be edited for clarity and length. 

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/09/17/a-mayor-defends-donald-j-trump-drive-letters-to-the-editor/