Pompano Beach Fishing Village Steals Tourism from Lauderdale By The Sea

Lauderdale By The Sea Pier Waters Deemed Unsafe for Swimming or Snorkeling – “Steer Clear of the Pier,” said Lauderdale By The Sea Mayor Chris Vincent

By Kristen Hernandez

Tourists who have stayed in Lauderdale by the Sea for decades are instead flocking over to discover all that’s changed in Pompano Beach. The growing popularity of the newly renovated Fisher Family Pier and creation of the Fishing Village along Pompano’s beach has finally matched the vibrancy and atmosphere of Lauderdale By The Sea.

In September of 2022, Hurricane Ian tore through South Florida and took the center section of Lauderdale by the Sea’s Anglers fishing pier with it, creating a danger zone for swimmers. The unfortunate damage to Lauderdale By The Sea’s star attraction has created an opportunity for Pompano Beach to become the next trendy vacation destination of northern Fort Lauderdale.

“For public safety concerns, steer clear of the pier,” said Lauderdale By The Sea Mayor Chris Vincent at the January 10 city commission meeting. “The pier being incapacitated is a big part of our town agenda. No one should swim within 300 ft of the pier, it’s not a smart thing to do. Something could fall on an unsuspecting swimmer and there is still concrete and rebar in the water.”

Lauderdale By The Sea was already beginning to compete with Pompano Beach during the early days of COVID restrictions, when Lauderdale By The Sea was forced to stop their monthly outdoor party, Friday Night Dancing.  Although the city commission voted to temporarily begin them again, the loss of the privately-owned pier may have also damaged their tourism and may have long-term revenue ramifications.

“Right now, our town is suffering a little bit due to the pier being shut down,” said Mayor Vincent. “I’ve recently spoken with a family my wife has known for 35 years who’ve been coming to vacation in Lauderdale By The Sea. For the first time, they’re taking their family to Pompano.”

The ongoing growth of the city of Pompano Beach has been on a steady upward trend. With downtown Pompano in the early stages of a new, multi-million-dollar beautification project to create a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly area along the Dixie and Atlantic Blvd intersection, Pompano Beach is gaining its own distinct personality that will firmly cement its place as an amazing destination and wonderful place to live.

“Now, they [tourists] are discovering Pompano Beach and what’s changed,” said Mayor Vincent. “They’re visiting their pier and they are booking those new hotels and vacation rentals across the street.” Restaurants on the pier like Oceanic and the Pompano Beach House regularly draw crowds.

Residents who’ve yet to visit the rebuilt Pompano Beach fishing village can check out what’s new on their website or better yet, take a visit.