Hollywood

Hollywood was given its name by its developer, Joseph Young, in the 1920's, echoing in its connotations the glamor of the film capital at the other side of the North American Continent.

Endowed with an extensive ocean coastline, Hollywood offers two beaches. Sixty-five-acre North Beach Park, nestled in sand dunes and tall sea grass, is preserved as a sea turtle hatchery. There one finds nature trails, picnic tables, a 60-foot viewing tower, and--on the intracoastal side--a popular fishing pier.

The other beach, Hollywood Beach, is extremely popular because of its wide swath of sand and the 2.2 mile Broadwalk which parallels it, offering pedestrians and cyclists vended items from food to tee shirts. Hollywood Beach occupies roughly the center of the city's 6 miles of sandy coastline.

Broad streets, stately rows of royal palm trees (planted under the direction of founder Joe Young) and grand traffic circles (one of which is named "Young Circle") give the city a certain sense of drama.

One can find art or entertainment at the Hollywood Art and Culture Center and at the Hollywood Playhouse, also at the the Hollywood Beach Theater Under the Stars, a band shell featuring year-round free musical programs.

In the western part of Hollywood is a Seminole Indian Reservation. The Seminole Tribe Bingo Hall offers prizes of up to $100,000. A recreated Seminole Indian Village features snake shows, turtle shows, alligator wrestling, wildlife walks, an Indian Art museum, and a shop that sells products of Indian arts and crafts.