Broward Commission considers changing the name of Dixie Highway
Hollywood residents may see another effort to change a street named for a memory of the old south: Dixie Highway. In 2017, the Hollywood Commission agreed to change the names of city streets named after Confederate generals Robert E. Lee, Nathan Bedford Forrest, and John Bell Hood.
Broward County Commissioners are discussing changing the name of Dixie Highway, but they want to get input from the cities that would be affected.
Dixie Highway runs through eight Broward cities including: Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Hallandale Beach. County Commissioners want to check with the leaders of these cities to see if they’re agreeable to changing the name.
“People feel it’s racist and that the term ‘Dixie’ is painful and hurtful,” said Broward Mayor Dale V.C. Holness. “I like the idea of renaming it something like Harriet Tubman-Dixie Highway to portray both aspects of our history to be remembered.”
He wants cities to decide what name is right for their communities and has suggested a committee be formed to come up with some suggestions for Commission consideration.
“I agree about renaming Dixie Highway, but the County has little jurisdiction on naming city roads,” said Broward Commissioner Steve Geller. “I would prefer a name with a South Florida connection. Perhaps we could have a contest and ask for recommendations. Or ask a panel.”
“I like the idea, but I worry that the name could get piecemealed in all of this. I favor forming a committee to study ideas and come back to us for final approval,” said Commissioner Nan Rich.
Commissioners did not vote on any specific names. They expect to hear back from the specific cities with some recommendations for further discussion and review. The estimated price of implementing the changed name of the highway is about $100,000 to $200,000 for signage change.