The groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited makeover of the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is set for 10 a.m. Wed., July 13, 2005.

Construction on the $14 million project, which is being funded by the Hollywood Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, will begin by the end of July.

Improvements will include multicolored concrete pavers in the pedestrian area, a tabby concrete bike path, crushed-shell jogging path, 18-inch decorative wall separating the Broadwalk from the sand, historical-themed lighting fixtures, palm tree clusters, new trash receptacles, the relocation of beach showers, one of which will be located at each street end and all of which will be handicapped-accessible.

The Beach CRA received permit approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on April 7, 2005 to carry out the Broadwalk improvement objectives identified in the Beach Community Redevelopment Plan. The much-anticipated project was in the planning, design and permitting stages for several years.

Public access to the Broadwalk, beach and local businesses will not be impeded by the construction, which will be performed by Burkhardt Construction. Hollywood residents and business owners are invited to an informational pre-construction meeting at 10 a.m. Mon., July 11 at the Hollywood Beach Culture and Community Center, 1301 S. Ocean Drive.

The two-year Broadwalk project is one of numerous improvement projects that are identified in the redevelopment plan. Approval was given on June 21 to proceed with the Garfield Street Parking and Recreational Activity Center, with work slated to begin in early 2006.

In addition, $7 million in street-end improvements have been planned along a 40-block stretch of the 2.5-mile Broadwalk, from Thomas Street to Jefferson Street, with decorative pavers on streets and sidewalks, and the creation of gateways, landscaped plazas and vista points incorporating water features, sculptures and/or central focal points.

Other components of the redevelopment plan include the renovation of Charnow Park, beach crossovers, new signage, and water, sewer and utilities upgrades.

Beach CRA Executive Director Gil Martinez said the improvements will make the beach area more appealing to businesses, residents and visitors.

“The Broadwalk improvement project is a very important part of our redevelopment effort,” Martinez said. “These much-anticipated improvements will certainly enhance Hollywood Beach’s image as a world-class destination.”

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk improvement project will take place at 10 a.m. Wed., July 13, 2005 on the Broadwalk at New Mexico Street, north of Johnson Street.

For more information on beach improvements, visit www.hollywoodbeachcra.org.