Ft. Lauderdale commissioners just approved plans for the Orion Resort.  This is the development groups second time at submitting the plans.  It didn't pass last year due to the Historical Society.  They feared that the Bonnet House (Historical Site on the beach), would pale in the shadow of a highrise.  Since the property is far enough away, they decided to let them go ahead and build. 

This marks another upscale Resort on the books for Ft. Lauderdale.  The average cost of a room will be in the $600-$700 range at peak season.  The Orion Resort will replace the Howard Johnson Oceanfront that has been closed since Hurricane Wilma hammered the property 1 1/2 years ago.  The plans call for the Hotel to be 18 stories and will be located on A1A between Vistamar and Belmar Streets.

We'll keep an eye out for more developments.