With South Florida’s population
growth in the 1950s and 60s came legions of fishing fans. Fishing piers went up
or were renovated in coastal towns to accommodate them. One of those piers, located
in Pompano Beach, met the hopes, if not always the catch, of local anglers.
Architect Paul R. John visited Naples, Florida to get an idea about pier amenities, which included restrooms, and a concession store in a footprint that with a T-shaped end. John claimed, however, that anglers fished along the entire span of the pier.
John’s plans, submitted in
late 1962 featured an 877-foot concrete pier with timber decking, rentable
lockers, cutting tables for cleaning fish, a hexagon end and snack bar (later taken
off the plan to cut costs). The price tag for the Pompano pier, estimated at
$232,000 but proposed parking for 100 cars was up to the city at additional cost.
The city later paid $315,000 for the lot property and an additional $100,000
for pavement and meters.
Pompano Beach commissioners gave it a green light but briefly dallied over its name. One commissioner suggested the “Pompano Beach Fishing Pier and Recreational Outlet.” Mayor Walter Rossiter nixed that idea and settled on the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier.
Powell Brothers Construction Company of Fort Lauderdale began the pier project in March 1963 with ocean dynamiting to clear the way for pilings. They completed the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier in December 1963 for $240,000 (later reported for $264,000); it officially opened February 22, 1964.
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| Pompano Beach Fishing Pier 1989, Florida State Archives |
That day, Mayor Rossiter dedicated the pier with a ribbon cutting. Light rain led to cancelling a fashion show, which was to include a visit by Ms. Belk Lindsey of 1964 (whatever happened to her?). But the show went on with music provided by Pompano Beach High School, and a “Hootenanny” song fest.
Free fishing for dedication day drew a few anglers but not many fish. Fees were set for 75 cents for adult fishermen and 50 cents for children. “Window shoppers” or visitors to be charged a quarter.
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. Jane Feehan
Sources:
City of Pompano Beach
Fort Lauderdale News, Jan.
2, 1962
Fort Lauderdale News,
March 17, 1962
Fort Lauderdale News,
March 29, 1963
Fort Lauderdale News,
Sept. 11, 1963
The Miami Herald, Oct. 10,
1963
Fort Lauderdale News, Dec.
23, 1963
Fort Lauderdale News, Feb.
23, 1963
Fort Lauderdale News, June
28, 1964
Fort Lauderdale News, Aug.
7, 1964
