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Vice Mayor Kristin Jacobs (third from left) cuts the ribbon to officially re-open the very popular jetty at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park
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DATE: April 16, 2012
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
PHONE: 954-357-8053
EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org
Broward County Vice Mayor Kristin Jacobs joined several state and city officials to cut the ribbon in celebration of the re-opening of the historic jetty at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park today.
“Most of us don’t own boats or live in a waterfront home, so this jetty provides tremendous public accessibility to the ocean,” said Vice Mayor Jacobs. “For the $350,000 that was invested to repair this jetty, $6 million will be generated in revenue. It pays to have recreation in our community.”
In 2004, storm damage caused the underlying jetty structure to shift, and the park closed the walkway to ensure visitor safety. Prior to that thousands of people would use the jetty for sightseeing and fishing.
“This jetty serves the recreational needs of our community. It is accessible to all, including ADA accessible. It has a rich history and has always been very important in this community,” said State Park Specialist Carmelo J. Duesler.
This project was awarded a $350,000 cooperative assistance program grant by the Florida Inland Navigation District, which funded half of the project construction costs. Broward County’s $200,000 contribution (jointly funded by the County departments of Environmental Protection and Growth Management and Port Everglades), combined with a $150,000 investment by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection covered the matching funds required to complete the jetty restoration project.
“This jetty also allows the public to observe sea life in its natural environment. So when we talk about conservation and protection, people have a better understanding of how and why their money is being spent on these programs,” said Vice Mayor Jacobs.
“This jetty opens just in time to provide the public with a spectacular view of the war ships destined for Port Everglades just in time for the 23rd Annual Fleet Week next week,” said Port Everglades’ Chief Executive and Port Director Steve Cernak.
The 1,000-foot rock jetty now features a new paved concrete walkway, six designated fishing spots, guard rails and is ADA accessible. It is estimated that the jetty will increase visitation to John U. Lloyd Beach State Park by approximately 150,000 visitors per year and have an annual economic impact of more than $5.9 million.
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