Older residents of Fort Lauderdale often recall the A1A Ferry with fondness. They remember the sound of engines churning, the cry of gulls circling overhead, and the sense of community that formed during the brief crossings. Some even recall the fare—just a few cents for pedestrians and a small fee for automobiles. Children treated ferry rides

In the early 1950s, the first major bridge spanning the Intracoastal Waterway near Fort Lauderdale was completed. Known today as the Las Olas Boulevard Bridge, it provided a direct link between downtown Fort Lauderdale and the barrier island, effectively rendering the A1A Ferry obsolete. Over the next decade, additional bridges were built at Sun

Despite its popularity, running a ferry service along the A1A corridor was not without difficulties. Weather, tides, and hurricanes frequently disrupted operations. Storm surges would damage docks and ramps, and the Intracoastal’s currents could make crossings treacherous during certain seasons. Mechanical breakdowns, too, were common. Replace

The presence of the A1A Ferry played a crucial role in shaping the early growth of Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront areas. Before the ferry, the barrier islands were sparsely populated and largely inaccessible except by boat. With regular ferry service, developers began investing heavily in hotels, restaurants, and residential projects along the coas