Oakland Park welcomes new restaurant
From David Volz
The City of Oakland Park welcomes The Oasis Garden & Eats. It is Located at 3555 North Dixie Highway; the restaurant offers healthy and delicious dining in a relaxing oasis in the heart of Oakland Park. One can enjoy a refreshing drink from the juice bar, a wholesome meal, or a delicious cocktail, they have something to satisfy every craving. There is an assortment of drinks paired with their mouthwatering dishes, all at attractive prices in a family-friendly and pet-friendly environment.
Newrock Partners and Brickbox Development broke ground last week on the Parc at 3411 North Federal Highway in Oakland Park. This is a promising new residential project. Situated just north of the recently completed Oaklyn, Parc Residences will be located on the west side of Federal Highway at NE 33rd Court. The building will offer 165 apartments and about 28,000 square feet of retail space. City leaders welcome the property and its new residents to Oakland Park.
Historic bank building in Old Town Pompano Beach to become a restaurant
From David Volz
The historic bank building in Old Town is being rebuilt and will become The Vault, a 1920’s style restaurant promising a unique dining experience. The building was once the target of a daring heist by the infamous Ashley Gang.
John Ashley, known as the “swamp bandit” led the notorious criminal outfit operating in South Florida during the early 20th century. Despite a long rap sheet which included murder and moonshining, Ashle was known as a Robin Hood-style character who provided money and food to those in need.
Known for hiding out in the Everglades, it has been reported that the gang, which also included his family members, robbed over 40 banks between 1915 and 1924, taking more than $1 million. They robbed the Bank of Pompano in September 1924. Armed with rifles and pistols, they stormed the bank, terrorizing employees and stole thousands in cash and bonds. Thanks to a tip by an insider, possibly John’s disgruntled brother-in-law, the gang was killed by law enforcement in Fort Pierce that November. Their death was major news, but since the Ashley Gang had survived so many close calls, the public was skeptical they were dead. To prove the bandits were indeed gone, all four corpses were carried outside and displayed on the sidewalk in front of the mortuary!
The Bank of Pompano, forever part of the Ashley Gang legend, closed during the Great Depression, however, the bank’s vault was preserved by the Pompano Beach Historical Society. The 3-foot-tall structure is now being gifted back to the restaurant owner, Jessica Spill-Chaples to enhance the venue’s ambiance.
As The Vault restaurant prepares for a late 2024 launch, the building’s past will encourage patrons to step back in time. They will enjoy contemporary cuisine that will feature a melting pot of flavors and influences including Italian, Asian and classic American dishes.
“This building is a living testament to our city’s rich history and our commitment to thoughtful redevelopment,” said Pompano Beach CRA Director Nguyen Tran. “Just like the Bailey Hotel’s transformation into a vibrant art center, this over-century-old structure will be reborn as a modern culinary destination offering guests a unique glimpse into Florida’s colorful past.”
