Like it or not…the Jimmy Buffet themed hotel/resort will be making its way to Hollywood Beach. Yesterday the city approved a 99-year lease for the project that is expected to start construction sometime in Spring 2012.

The new resort will contain 349 rooms, 35,000 feet of convention space, a wave pool and restaurants and entertainment venues. The building will stand 17 stories and will take up space from the boardwalk to the intercoastal. The city is hoping that this project will be the 'shot in the arm' Hollywood Beach needs to start upgrading its boardwalk. The city has spent millions renovating the area and now are looking to area businesses to do their part. The new resort is expected to bring a much higher room rate to the area as well.

Some residents are not happy to see Margaritaville, saying that the massive building will shade the beach in the late afternoon. They also fear it will turn the area into another 'South Beach' or 'Ft. Lauderdale' with high priced hotels and dining options. I guess only time will tell if their fears will happen…but I'm thinking there is room for new and old on Hollywood Beach.