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Home Of FLIBS To Undergo Major Transformation

By Rebecca Bradbury   7 December 2017

Fort Lauderdale City Commission in Florida has approved redevelopment plans for Bahia Mar, the hub of the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS).

Over the next 10 years, the Bahia Mar resort and marina at Fort Lauderdale beach will be transformed with reconfigured marine space, high-rise apartments, restaurants, shops and a new hotel.

The plans, which were revealed earlier this year, meet the ongoing needs of FLIBS, which has used Bahia Mar as its headquarters for nearly 60 years.

drone shot of superyachts lined up for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Over the summer, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), which owns the iconic boating meet, extended its lease on the site until 2050.

At the time, MIASF indicated it had seen the redevelopment plans and was satisfied. The lease extension was then a key factor for Jack Seiler, Fort Lauderdale’s mayor, before he considered voting on the new plans.

The approved development will see a new ‘marina village’ with shops and outdoor dining in one and two-storey buildings, as well as a yachting amenities complex.

The approved plans meet the ongoing needs of FLIBS, which has used Bahia Mar as its centrepiece for nearly 60 years

A new hotel will replace the Doubletree Hotel currently on site and there will be seven new 11-storey apartment buildings and a five-storey building combining offices, a grocery store and on-site parking.

A two-level parking garage and an underground garage will be added too, and a public promenade will wrap around the site. The work is due to be completed by 2028.

FLIBS 2018 will take place from 31st October to 4th November. Entering its 58th year, the annual event is the world’s largest in-water boating show, bringing together more than 1,200 boats, including a spectacular fleet of superyachts, across seven show locations.

hundreds of yachts line up for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
superyachts at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
tender dock alongside superyachts at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

For more information on the show, speak to your preferred charter broker.   

Alternatively, check out all luxury yachts available for charter in Florida.

 
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