The Nice Changes at Pompano Beach, Florida Pier Lot

Sailboat off the coast of Pompano Beach, Florida

Beach chairs on Pompano Beach, Florida

The fishing pier at Pompano Beach, Florida- inside view

The fishing pier at Pompano Beach, Florida-
outside view

Moon over Pompano Beach

High rise condos and Beach chairs
 on the shores of Pompano Beach, Florida

High rises on Pompano Beach-

taken from the fishing pier

Pompano Beach has upped its game. I am specifically referring to the Pier Lot on Pompano Beach, along A1A, between Atlantic Blvd and NE 5^th Street. I really love going to the beach to relax, meditate, and free my mind. Pompano Beach and Hollywood Beach are my beaches of choice here in South Florida. But Pompano Beach is my favorite beach, because it is less “ghetto” than Fort Lauderdale Beach and there are less troublemakers frequenting Pompano Beach.

I recently went to the Pompano Beach Pier Lot after a 8 or 9 month hiatus and there are some remarkable changes to the Pier Lot. I guess that the city wanted to improve the landscaping and amenities there in order to attract more tourists (as well as locals) and increase revenues. Before the developments, there was hardly anything there, but the fishing pier, sparse parking, a concession stand, volleyball nets, and restrooms. All in all, I think that they have done a good job.

From what I can see the biggest changes have occurred in parking, landscaping, pavement, and seating. Whereas before, you had to drive in circles to find parking, there is much more metered parking spaces available. It costs about $1.00 an hour to park on Pompano Beach, which is the going rate in Greater Fort Lauderdale. There are computerized parking meters along the sidewalks, which accept cash, credit cards and debit cards. As far as horticulture and pavement goes, the city has put up more palm trees and flowers along the new sidewalk. Also, the strip of road behind A1A looks newly paved, painted, and improved. There are also wooden beach chairs, more barbeques grills, and more picnic benches. If my memory is serving me correctly, most of that didn’t exist before.

The weather was just right on my most recent visit. Nice and breezy. I decided not to get in the water, but rather to take a stroll on the beach and enjoy the lovely scenery. I went down and hung out at the  fishing pier for a bit. I always get a kick out of the people trying to catch fish, who end up "catching rocks" on the ocean floor instead.  It has happened to me several times so I can relate.  Plus, it is hiliarious to watch the sea birds trying to swoop down and steal bait and fish.  

It was just before sunset when I took most of the photos, so I was able to capture a beautiful shot of the moon. By the way, there is a public library just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the beach area. Also, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and hotels within walking distance along A1A. Anyways, if you are ever on this side of town, check out the Pompano Beach Pier Lot.

　

More info:

http://mypompanobeach.org/parksrec/weather.html

http://pompanobeachcra.com/east-cra/pier-development
　

© Copyright 2013 Susan Broadbelt

www.thewhimsicalmusingsofsusan.com