Former Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Carlton Moore has passed away. He was 60. Moore died Tuesday night at a rehabilitation center in Tamarac, where he had been recovering from a severe stroke.
Moore served nearly two decades on the commission. He was known as a strong advocate for improving the city's predominantly black northwest section, though he faced some controversies during his years of service.
Moore's rise to office began in 1985, when he took over as president of the Fort Lauderdale NAACP. While holding that position, Moore fought against the lending practices by banks and the closings of black-majority schools while also working to strengthen the power of the black vote.
Florida Senate Democratic Leader Chris Smith of Fort Lauderdale, a good friend of Moore's, told the Sun Sentinel:
"Carlton Moore was a mentor, a friend, and, above all, a surrogate father for me... He taught me the values of hard work, dedication, and commitment to my community.
"Fort Lauderdale is a better place because of the tireless work he did as NAACP president to bring economic and social justice to the city. From downtown development to beautification and revitalization of Sistrunk Boulevard, his legacy will forever stand as one of the finest commissioners ever to have served our community. The City of Fort Lauderdale, the State of Florida, and this nation have lost a tireless servant. And I have lost a great friend."
However, Moore also faced criticisms while in office, among them accusations that he was more interested in helping himself than the city's poor and that he led backroom deals aimed at lining his pockets. Moore also was caught driving on a suspended license, accused of harassing a code director, and found to be falling behind on his taxes while he was a part of Fort Lauderdale municipal government.
Moore announced his resignation in 2008.
A funeral will reportedly be held at Roy Mizell and Kurtz Funeral Home, 1305 NW Sixth St. (Sistrunk Blvd.), but details have yet to be announced.
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