W Fort Lauderdale wants special permission to hold late-night parties

The W hotel in Fort Lauderdale is asking for special permission from the city to hold outdoor events late at night after residents of neighboring condos complained about loud partying and got the hotel charged with violations of city land-use regulations. According to the Sun Sentinel, there are very few Fort Lauderdale venues that have been granted the kind of exemption the W is seeking — the Las Olas Riverfront, BeachPlace, the Himmarshee downtown business district and a stretch of bars near Las Olas Boulevard and State Road A1A are all considered entertainment zones by the city. The hotel’s argument is that their designation would promote tourism and help revitalize the beach area, but neighbors are skeptical. “They are not a world unto themselves and have no right to destroy the community to make a profit,” said Mel Rubinstein, whose condo looks out at the W. [Sun Sentinel]