Hollywood grocery store could be all at sea

  • 2019-10-15
It may soon be possible for Hollywood boat owners to sail up to the grocery store.

Publix recently announced plans to open a new store in Hollywood along the Intracoastal Waterway, with a dock attached. The idea comes from TransAmerican Development Corporation, which recently purchased 1.5 acres of vacant land on South Ocean Drive. The property is just north of the Diplomat Beach Resort. TransAmerican would build a three-story building on the waterfront that would include a Publix, a parking garage, and a wide dock, according to TransAmerican's president, Albert Benalloun.

Benalloun says he wants to make the dock as large as possible, to fit as many boats as they can. The dock would also be an outdoor area for shoppers to relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee while they look at the view. In order to build the dock, TransAmerican is requesting a building permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps controls all development in and around the canals in South Florida.

Benalloun said Publix is planning to build in this way in order to do something for the community, adding the barrier island has no grocery store, forcing people to travel to do their shopping. Residents have been asking for a quality grocery.

The plans have not been finalised or approved yet, but the city is supportive, and construction could begin next year. Flyer printing is a great way to disseminate information about projects like this.