Pompano Park, 58, dies

Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Park, 58, died April 17, 2022, months after the Governor of Florida ordered the life support system be disconnected with the signing of the de-coupling bill.

The life support had been kept in place by Rep. Dan Daley but the remainder of his constituents in the Florida House and Senate felt that this historical institution that brought tens of thousands of people to South Florida for investment in real estate and business to make Pompano Beach the thriving community it is today, not worthy of their support and, instead, caved into the monopolistic ways of big business.

Their neglect cost an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 persons and businesses to lose their lifeline with their future prospects of continued success wiped out.

Former Commissioner Barry Moss put it best when he said, “the horses have got to go,” even though he knew the reality of what was ahead for horsemen and women involved in this business–some for as many as 60 years.

Affected are owners, trainers, drivers, racing officials, veterinarians, supply shop owners, farriers (blacksmiths) and thousands of others licensed by the DPBR in Florida.

A spokesperson for the deceased, commenting while requesting anonymity, remarked, “Any time one person or group, in this case the politicians, have the power to crush the lives of 10 to 15,000 people, they have too much power. We elect them to represent the best interests of the residents of Florida and, instead, they represent the best interest of their pocketbooks through political donations from big business. It shouldn’t amaze anyone anymore that these contributions destroy so much, including their own conscience.”

Originally, Pompano Park, which was birthed in 1964 by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Van Lennep, became the Winter Capital of Harness Racing, however, the track became somewhat of a stepchild of new “parents” after the passing of the Van Lenneps.

Though legislation was passed with voter approval enabling a casino to be built with the stipulation that pari-mutuel harness racing would continue, the new “parents” fought hard and got the Florida House and Senate, finalized by the Governor, to illegally disregard the voter’s rights to get rid of the “stepchild” that has enabled the parents to complete their monopolistic ways and earn millions of dollars while depriving the very source that enabled those riches.

Pompano Park valiantly tried to stay alive over the past few years and had their best year in the history during their 2020-2021 season with 21 million dollar handle nights while helping the “parents” with additional revenue to their casino, simulcasting and restaurant revenue.

While final arrangements are not available at this time, it is anticipated that the famed track and building will be bulldozed and demolished with the “stepparents” hope that the memory of Pompano Park will fade away with the death of those participants over the years and the death of the dreams of those that survive.

From an anonymous Pompano Park fan