[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

By Marie Puleo, News Reporter

The Pompano Beach fishing pier, which has been undergoing reconstruction since May 2017, is expected to be completed at the end of June.  However, the grand opening is currently slated for October due to construction  right near the entrance to the pier for the Oceanic restaurant and the Lucky Fish Bar and Grill.

>>>You can find a photo gallery showing all of the progress on the pier, the Lucky Fish and the Oceanic restaurant at the bottom of this article.

>>>CLICK HERE FOR A SNEAK PEAK OF WHAT THE OCEANIC RESTAURANT IN POMPANO BEACH WILL LOOK LIKE

>>>CLICK HERE FOR A SNEAK PEAK OF WHAT THE LUCKY FISH BAR AND GRILL WILL LOOK LIKE

According to Horacio Danovich, the city’s Capital Improvement and Innovation District Director, the only work that remains to be done on the pier is the construction of a new bait and tackle shop, which got under way in early May.  

All other elements of the pier are in place, including the lights, shade structures, benches, splinter-free railings, marine-related artwork, Wi-Fi, an underwater camera for watching fish, sewer and water connections, and security cameras.

“We paid attention to details to make it more than just a fishing pier,” said Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin. “The pier itself is a destination. We’re trying to really set Pompano Beach apart and this has been part of that process.”

Remediation of the reef in the vicinity of the pier has also been completed. To offset any impact the pier reconstruction may have had on the hard-bottom area, materials that attract fish and marine life were added to the reef.

At the west end of the pier, Oceanic restaurant and Lucky Fish Beach Bar and Grill are being constructed as part of the beachside development project known as the Pompano Beach Fishing Village. The new pier can’t open sooner than October because the developer of the Fishing Village, Pompano Pier Associates, needs to complete the sidewalks and the access plaza that are necessary for safe pedestrian passage onto the pier, and that work can’t be done while the other construction is underway.

The access plaza will include a decorative arched entranceway to the pier. It’s possible that once the pier is opened to the public, there will be a fee to access it. The decision to charge a fee or not will made by the City Commission.

The new $11.5 million pier is 896 feet long (virtually the same length as before), but it is four feet higher than the old one to withstand sea level rise and storm surges. The new pier is also almost 50 percent wider than the old one to reduce the risk of people getting hooked by a cast fishing line as they stroll along the pier. The east end of the pier is shaped like a stylized pompano, the fish that the city was named after.

The pier reconstruction was completed on time and slightly under budget, said Danovich.

“I am elated and proud to bring this project to fruition,” he said. “Many years and lots of hard work have finally paid off, and this monumental project will be a landmark across Broward County and the state. The pier will be an iconic feature that fishermen and visitors alike will have an opportunity to enjoy for years to come.”

For more Pompano Beach news and events read Pompano! magazine and search our website[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”7801,7802,7803,7804,7805,7806,7807,7798″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Previous

UPDATE: Latest Details on Pompano Beach Atlantic Boulevard Bridge Redesign

Next

Deerfield Beach Restaurant JB's Sells for BIG bucks

About Author

LOCAL NEWS

This post was prepared by staff at Point! Publishing. For inquiries call 954-603-4553.

Subscribe to Coastal news

Get our free email newsletter directly in your inbox! Our semi-monthly newsletter showcases the most important local news and events in your backyard and comes with complimentary digital editions of our magazines!