Gandy Boat Ramp Access: Open Or Closed?

The Gandy Boat Ramp is a popular public boat ramp in Hillsborough County, Florida, offering access to the central portion of Tampa Bay. Located on the south side of Gandy Boulevard, it features six wide lanes and ample parking. In the past, there have been discussions about potentially closing the boat ramp overnight due to concerns related to street racing in the area. However, county officials ultimately decided against installing gates to restrict access during overnight hours. As of January 2025, the Gandy Boat Ramp remains open to the public.

Gandy Boat Ramp is located in Hillsborough County, Florida

The boat ramp is well-maintained and offers a smooth transition from land to water. The six large lanes accommodate various boat sizes, and the ample parking spots ensure that visitors can find a space for their vehicles and trailers. The ramp is also conveniently located off Gandy Boulevard, providing easy access for those travelling to and from the site.

Gandy Boat Ramp is known for its well-designed and efficient layout. The multiple lanes allow for a steady flow of boats entering and exiting the water, reducing congestion during busy periods. The ample parking area is well-organised, with designated spots for vehicles and trailers, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for visitors.

In addition to its practical features, Gandy Boat Ramp also boasts a scenic setting. The nearby Tampa Bay provides a beautiful backdrop for boaters and fishermen alike. The ramp's location on the central portion of the bay offers easy access to various destinations within the bay, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore the area by boat.

Gandy Boat Ramp has been a topic of discussion among county leaders due to its association with illegal street racing on the Gandy Bridge. However, they have decided against installing a gate to restrict overnight access, prioritising the needs of boaters and fishermen who rely on the ramp for their livelihood.

There is a \$5 fee to use the ramp and park

The Gandy Boat Ramp is a popular public boat ramp in Hillsborough County, Florida, offering access to the central portion of Tampa Bay. It is located on the south side of Gandy Boulevard and features six wide lanes and ample parking. While there is no mention of a specific opening or closing time, it is understood to be open 24/7.

There is a $5 fee to use the ramp and park your vehicle at the Gandy Boat Ramp. This fee is important to note, as failure to pay may result in a $35 ticket. The revenue generated from this fee likely contributes to the maintenance of the facility, ensuring it remains well-maintained and accessible for boaters and fishermen.

The Gandy Boat Ramp is a convenient and preferred spot for many locals, including charter boat captains, fishermen, and recreational boaters. For those who rely on early morning access, such as charter captains fishing for bait, the ramp's availability during the overnight hours is crucial to their livelihood. This was evident in the strong opposition to a proposed overnight closure of the ramp to combat street racing in the area.

The $5 fee for using the ramp and parking is a small price to pay for the convenience and accessibility that the Gandy Boat Ramp offers. It is important to be aware of and abide by the fee requirements to avoid any fines and contribute to the upkeep of this valuable resource for the boating community in Hillsborough County, Florida.

It is the most popular public boat ramp in the county

The Gandy Boat Ramp is the most popular public boat ramp in Hillsborough County, Florida. Located off Gandy Boulevard in Southwest Tampa, it offers access to the central portion of Tampa Bay. With six wide lanes and over 100 parking spots, it is the ideal launch spot for boaters looking to access the bay. The boat ramp is well-maintained and has a $5 fee to use, with a $35 ticket issued for non-payment.

Its popularity is evident in the number of boaters and fishermen who utilise the ramp daily. For many, it is a source of livelihood, with charter boat captains depending on early access to these waters for their businesses. The Gandy Boat Ramp provides convenient access to Tampa Bay, making it a favourite leisure spot for many residents. Its central location and ample facilities make it a preferred choice for those looking to launch their boats.

The boat ramp has also faced some challenges. In early 2020, there were concerns about overnight access due to an increase in after-dark street racing along the Gandy Bridge. County officials considered installing gates to restrict access during nighttime hours. However, after hearing feedback from the boating community and meeting with law enforcement, it was decided that the boat ramp would remain open 24/7, with county officials affirming that "there was never a plan to add a gate at this location".

The Gandy Boat Ramp's popularity extends beyond recreational boaters. It is also a hub for fishermen, who appreciate the convenient access to the bay. The ramp's availability during all hours of the day allows fishermen to go out early in the morning or stay out late, depending on their needs. This flexibility is crucial for those who rely on fishing as a source of income.

Overall, the Gandy Boat Ramp's convenient location, ample facilities, and accessibility make it the most popular public boat ramp in the county. Its importance to the local community and businesses is evident, and the county's decision to keep it open 24/7 ensures that it remains a vital hub for boaters and fishermen in Hillsborough County.

County officials considered closing the ramp overnight due to an increase in after-dark street racing

The Gandy Boat Ramp in Hillsborough County, Florida, is a popular spot for boaters and fishermen, offering access to the central portion of Tampa Bay. The Sal Sol Fleishman public boat ramp is known for its six large lanes and ample parking. However, in recent years, this tranquil leisure spot has faced the threat of closure due to an unexpected issue—an increase in after-dark street racing.

County officials considered addressing the issue by closing the boat ramp overnight, a proposal that sparked concern among the boating community. Emails sent by county officials, including Forest Turbiville, Hillsborough County's director of conservation and environmental lands, revealed the challenges they faced. Turbiville acknowledged the importance of ensuring the nighttime safety of the public on the Gandy Bridge while hoping to resolve the issue without installing gates.

The proposal to close the ramp overnight aimed to tackle the issue of illegal street racing on the Gandy Bridge. According to Turbiville's email, the Gandy Boat Ramp parking lot and the FDOT right-of-way on the Pinellas County side were identified as the primary gathering spots for these illegal activities. The racing activities posed a risk to public safety, prompting the county to consider drastic measures.

The potential closure of the boat ramp overnight caused a stir among boaters and fishermen who relied on early access to the waters for their livelihood. Charter boat captains, like Jason Dozier and Bubba Betancourt, expressed their concerns about the impact on their businesses. Dozier highlighted the inconvenience of having to wait for someone to open the gate early in the morning to access bait, while Betancourt emphasised the frustration of restricting public access to a public ramp.

Ultimately, the county officials, including the Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department, the Tampa Police Department, and the Florida Department of Transportation, decided against installing a gate to restrict overnight access to the boat ramp. They acknowledged the importance of public access and opted to explore alternative solutions to address the issue of street racing, ensuring that the Gandy Boat Ramp remains open for all to enjoy.

County officials decided not to restrict overnight access

County officials in Hillsborough County, Florida, have decided not to restrict overnight access to the Gandy Boat Ramp, a popular boat launch site in South Tampa. The decision was made in collaboration with the Tampa Police Department and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The proposal to restrict overnight access to the boat ramp was initially considered as a way to combat illegal street racing in the area. Forest Turbiville, the Director of the Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department, explained in an email to citizens that there had been an "increase in illegal car racing" on the Gandy Bridge during late evening and early morning hours. The boat ramp parking lot was identified as one of the primary gathering spots for these street racing activities.

However, county officials recognised the potential impact on fishermen, charter captains, and boaters who rely on early morning access to the waters. In his email, Turbiville expressed the county's preference to avoid installing overnight gates, stating, "it is not the county's preference to place overnight gates at the Gandy Boat Ramp, but we want to ensure the nighttime safety of the public driving on the Gandy Bridge."

The decision not to restrict overnight access was met with relief by those who earn their living through fishing and boating activities. Charter boat captains, such as Jason Dozier and Bubba Betancourt, expressed concern that restricted access would negatively impact their businesses, requiring them to move their operations elsewhere. Wade Osborne, another charter boat captain, emphasised that public access to the boat ramp should be maintained regardless of the time of day.

County leaders are now exploring alternative solutions to address the issue of dangerous street racing while maintaining unrestricted access to the Gandy Boat Ramp for law-abiding citizens.

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