Boat Ramps In Monroe County: Open Or Closed?

Monroe County, Florida, has eight boat ramps that are open to the public and free for use by county residents. However, during the coronavirus pandemic, county officials closed public boat ramps to visitors, allowing only locals to use the access points. The closure was implemented to prevent large gatherings of boats and ensure social distancing, as seen in Miami-Dade County before its shutdown of boat ramps and marinas. Monroe County's boat ramps offer various amenities, such as launching lanes, courtesy docks, picnic areas, and restrooms, catering to different needs and providing a range of facilities for boaters.

Monroe County, Florida, has eight boat ramps open to the public

Boat ramps in Monroe County are located in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. In the Upper Keys, boat ramps can be found in Islamorada, Key Largo, and Tavernier. The Harry Harris boat ramp facility in Tavernier, for example, offers two launching lanes, courtesy docks, 20 paved boat trailer parking spaces, picnic pavilions, grills, picnic tables, and restrooms.

The Middle Keys also offer several boat ramps. A single-lane ramp with a courtesy dock and parking for about 10 boat trailers can be found near Vaca Cut in Marathon. This location provides easy access to both Gulf side and Atlantic side fishing.

In the Lower Keys, boat ramps can be found in Big Pine Key, Big Coppitt Key, Cudjoe Key, Key West, Little Duck Key, and Shark Key. The Bahia Honda State Park boat ramp in Big Pine Key has two launching lanes, courtesy docks, about 30 paved boat trailer parking spaces, picnic areas, and restrooms.

It is important to note that during the coronavirus pandemic, Monroe County officials closed public boat ramps to visitors, allowing only locals to use the access points.

Boat ramps in Monroe County were closed to visitors in October 2020

Boat ramps in Monroe County, Florida, were closed to visitors in October 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Locals were still permitted to use the ramps, but they had to show ID before launching their boats. The closure was decided after a busy weekend at the boat ramps, especially in the Upper Keys, where many day-trippers and weekenders gathered at popular sandbars. This decision followed the shutdown of boat ramps and marinas in Miami-Dade by Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, except for commercial fishermen. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office and FWC patrolled popular sandbars and social areas to ensure social distancing instructions were being followed.

Monroe County has several boat ramps that are usually available for public use, with no fees for county residents. These include the East Ridge Road Boat Ramp, Harry Harris Boat Ramp, Sunset Point Park Boat Ramp, and John Pennekamp State Park Boat Ramp. The county also has ramps in the Middle and Lower Keys, such as the 33rd Street Boat Ramp, Cudjoe Key Boat Ramp, and Bahia Honda State Park Boat Ramp.

The closure of the boat ramps to visitors in October 2020 was a measure to control the spread of COVID-19. It was implemented after reports of crowded sandbars and social areas, which could potentially increase the risk of virus transmission. By limiting access to locals only, the county aimed to reduce the number of people gathering in these areas and encourage social distancing.

During that time, locals who wanted to use the boat ramps in Monroe County had to provide identification before entering the water. This measure ensured that only residents of the county were allowed to use the facilities. The exact process and requirements for ID checks may have varied depending on the specific ramp and local enforcement.

The closure of boat ramps to visitors was part of a broader effort to control the coronavirus pandemic in Monroe County and the state of Florida. Other measures, such as shutting down hotels, campgrounds, and short-term vacation rentals, were also implemented to limit social gatherings and non-essential travel. These decisions were made to protect the health and safety of the community during the pandemic.

The Harry Harris boat ramp facility offers two launching lanes, courtesy docks, and picnic tables

Monroe County, Florida, offers eight boat ramps for the public to use. One of these is the Harry Harris boat ramp facility, which is located at Mile Marker 92.6, with the closest intersection being Dove Lake Drive & East Beach Road Tavernier, FL 33070. There is a small launching fee at this location.

The facility's two launching lanes allow for efficient and quick boat launching, ensuring that visitors can get out on the water with minimal wait times. The courtesy docks provide a safe and easy way to board and disembark from vessels, adding to the overall convenience and functionality of the facility.

The picnic tables at the Harry Harris boat ramp facility offer a great spot for boaters to relax, enjoy a meal, and take in the surrounding natural environment. The presence of grills and picnic pavilions further enhances the experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking an enjoyable day out on the water, followed by a relaxing meal with family and friends.

Overall, the Harry Harris boat ramp facility in Monroe County, Florida, is a well-equipped and convenient location for boaters. With its efficient launching lanes, courtesy docks, and additional amenities, it offers a comprehensive range of services for visitors looking to enjoy a day of boating and outdoor recreation.

The John Pennekamp State Park boat ramp offers four launching lanes, courtesy docks, and restrooms

Monroe County, Florida, offers eight boat ramps that are available for public use, free of charge for Monroe County residents. The John Pennekamp State Park boat ramp is one of these eight ramps and is located at U.S. 1 Mile Marker 102.5 Key Largo, Florida, 33037. The ramp can be reached by phone at 305-451-1202.

The John Pennekamp State Park boat ramp stands out among the eight public boat ramps in Monroe County for its range of amenities. In addition to four launching lanes, the ramp features courtesy docks, pavilions, picnic areas, and restrooms. The four launching lanes set this ramp apart from others in the area, such as the Harry Harris boat ramp facility, which offers only two launching lanes. Multiple launching lanes can help ease congestion at the ramp, especially during peak times or when larger vessels require more space.

The courtesy docks at the John Pennekamp State Park boat ramp provide a convenient and safe area for loading and unloading boats. These docks eliminate the need for boaters to search for a suitable docking space or worry about navigating through a crowded marina. The docks also offer a secure location for passengers to embark and disembark, enhancing the overall safety of the boating experience.

The presence of pavilions and picnic areas at the John Pennekamp State Park boat ramp adds to the convenience and enjoyment of boaters. These shaded structures provide a comfortable space for gathering, protection from the elements, and a place to host social events or gatherings. The availability of restrooms further contributes to the comfort and convenience of boaters, ensuring they have access to essential facilities during their visit.

Overall, the John Pennekamp State Park boat ramp, with its four launching lanes, courtesy docks, pavilions, picnic areas, and restrooms, exemplifies Monroe County's commitment to providing high-quality, accessible boating facilities for its residents and visitors. These amenities contribute to a safe, enjoyable, and convenient boating experience, enhancing the appeal of boating as a recreational activity in the region.

The Eden Pines Neighborhood Ramp is one of the eight boat ramps in Monroe County

Monroe County, Florida, has eight boat ramps that are open to the public and free for use by county residents. The Eden Pines Neighbourhood Ramp is one of these eight boat ramps.

The Eden Pines boat ramp is located at 102050 Overseas Highway in Key Largo, Florida. This is one of the many boat ramps in the Florida Keys.

Boat ramps in Monroe County have been closed to visitors in the past due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, locals were still able to use the ramps and access the water by presenting their IDs.

The county's boat ramps tend to be busy on weekends, especially in the Upper Keys, where day-trippers and weekenders flock to popular sandbars on the ocean and bay sides. Monroe County's boat ramps are patrolled by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Public Information Office and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office to ensure compliance with social distancing instructions.

Other boat ramps in Monroe County include the Card Sound Road ramps, the Harry Harris Boat Ramp, the Sunset Point Park Boat Ramp, and the John Pennekamp State Park Boat Ramp.

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