The W is getting closer in Pompano Beach. The city says preparations are beginning for The W Pompano Beach Hotel and Residences, and the public Beach Parking Lot on the site, just north of Atlantic Boulevard at A1A and Pompano Beach Boulevard, closes permanently on Monday, Nov. 9.

That makes Veterans Day weekend the last time beachgoers can park there. The lot holds more than 200 public spaces, so the city has spent the fall putting other ways to reach the sand in place.

What is going up

The plan the city describes is a 24-story tower with 296 hotel suites and 77 private residences, along with restaurants, resort-style pools and a spa. It sits at the foot of Atlantic Boulevard, by the Fisher Family Pier and the area the city calls the Fishing Village.

The city has not announced a completion date. Several trees growing in the lot are being moved rather than cut down, and they are headed to the Pompano Beach Skatepark.

Getting to the beach without the lot

The main replacement is the Fishing Village Shuttle, a free on-demand service the city started on Oct. 2. It runs Fridays through Sundays and on holidays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., carrying riders to and from the Fisher Family Pier. Anyone inside the shuttle's service area can request a pickup from home or from a business through the Ride Circuit app.

The fleet is three vehicles, seating 5, 6 and 15 passengers. They have room for beach chairs, bags and coolers, and wheelchair-accessible rides are available.

For anyone coming from outside the service area, the city has set up a free weekend park-and-ride. Leave the car at City Hall, 100 W. Atlantic Blvd., or at the Old Town lot at NE Second Street and NE Second Avenue, and the shuttle runs straight to the beach.

Other places to park

Paid beach parking is still available at the Oceanside Parking Lot, the Pier Parking Garage and on designated streets near the beach. The city's Pompano Circuit page has route maps and the boundaries of the shuttle zone.

The dates to know

  • Through Veterans Day weekend: the Beach Parking Lot at A1A and Pompano Beach Boulevard is still open.
  • Monday, Nov. 9: the lot closes permanently.
  • Fridays to Sundays and holidays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.: the free Fishing Village Shuttle, booked in the Ride Circuit app.

Questions go to the City of Pompano Beach at 954-786-4600.

Sources