Punta Rassa Boat Ramp Opening Date Confirmed

The Punta Rassa boat ramp in Fort Myers, Florida, has been closed since 2022 when Hurricane Ian hit southwest Florida. The Florida Department of Transportation expects the work on the boat ramp area to be completed by next summer. The Punta Rassa boat ramp is the most widely used public boat ramp facility in Lee County. It features two double ramps with wooden docks, a fish-cleaning station, restrooms, and parking spaces for vehicles with and without trailers.

The Punta Rassa boat ramp has been closed since 2022 due to Hurricane Ian

The Punta Rassa boat ramp in Fort Myers, Florida, has been closed since 2022 due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian. The hurricane caused significant disruption to local businesses, with many struggling to stay afloat as they were forced to travel further to complete charters with very little profit. The boat ramp was the most widely used public boat ramp in Lee County, featuring two double ramps with wooden docks, a fish cleaning station, restrooms, and parking spaces for vehicles with trailers.

The Punta Rassa boat ramp was constructed on 1.5 acres of land donated by the Frizzell and Kontinos families in 1975. The donation was made with the provision that the land be used to develop a boat ramp for public use. The boat ramp has been a popular site for fishing guides, tour guides, commercial fishermen, and other businesses that rely on easy access to the water.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, many businesses have been impacted by the closure of the boat ramp. Some business owners have had to take on additional jobs or travel to other ramps, incurring significant costs. The Sanibel boat ramp, located nearby, is only for recreational use and has rules in place to prevent commercial boaters from using the facility.

The Florida Department of Transportation is currently working on renovating the Punta Rassa boat ramp, with an expected completion date of summer 2025. However, for the businesses impacted by the closure, this date may be too far away, as they are already feeling the strain of reduced access to the water. The renovations include the installation of concrete panel boat ramps, armormat scour protection, fixed docks, and bulkhead construction, as well as upland site work and environmental protection measures.

Local businesses are suffering as a result of the closure

The Punta Rassa boat ramp in Fort Myers, Florida, has been closed since 2022 when Hurricane Ian hit southwest Florida. This has had a significant impact on local businesses, leaving them struggling to stay afloat.

The boat ramp was a vital hub for various commercial operations, including fishing guides, tour guides, and commercial fishermen. With its closure, these businesses have had to find alternative ways to continue their operations, leading to increased challenges and expenses. Many have had to take on side jobs or travel long distances to complete charters, often with little to no profit.

Captain Matt's Island Charters, for example, has faced significant difficulties. Matthew Hawksley from the company stated that the closure of the ramp has forced them to operate at a distance, making it hard to turn a profit. The nearby Sanibel boat ramp is intended for recreational use and has rules in place to restrict commercial boaters.

Even for those who are willing to risk the fines, the Sanibel ramp presents another challenge due to its small size. The increased fines of $500 were implemented to curb the issue of people willing to pay a $250 fine to use the ramp without a permit. This has further limited the options for commercial boaters, making it difficult to find alternative ramps that can accommodate their needs.

The closure of the Punta Rassa boat ramp has left local businesses in a bind, and the expected completion date of summer 2025 for the renovation work feels too far away for those already struggling to stay afloat. The delay in reopening the ramp is causing a ripple effect of financial hardship for the businesses that relied on it, and many are hoping for a speedier resolution to alleviate their woes.

There are alternative public boat ramps, but they are too far away

The Punta Rassa boat ramp in Fort Myers, Florida, has been closed since 2022 when Hurricane Ian hit southwest Florida. The Florida Department of Transportation estimates that the work on the boat ramp will be completed by summer 2025. This has left local businesses and boaters with limited options as they look for alternative public boat ramps.

While there are other public boat ramps in the area, they are too far away for many businesses and boaters. One alternative is the Sanibel boat ramp, located on the other side of the causeway. However, this ramp is intended for recreational use, and rules are in place to restrict commercial boaters. Additionally, the Sanibel boat ramp is relatively small, and fines for parking without a permit or payment have been increased to $500 to curb misuse.

The Punta Rassa boat ramp was the most widely used public boat ramp in Lee County, featuring two double ramps with wooden docks, a fish cleaning station, restrooms, and ample parking spaces. Its closure has significantly impacted local businesses, including fishing guides, tour guides, and commercial fishermen. Some have been forced to take on additional jobs or run charters at a financial loss to stay afloat.

The distance to alternative boat ramps adds operational costs and time, making it challenging for businesses to turn a profit. With the expected reopening of the Punta Rassa boat ramp still months away, businesses continue to struggle and look for solutions to remain operational. The situation highlights the importance of infrastructure like boat ramps in supporting local economies and the need for timely repairs and maintenance to minimise disruptions.

The Sanibel boat ramp is for recreational use only and has strict rules in place

The Punta Rassa boat ramp has been closed since 2022 when Hurricane Ian hit southwest Florida. Work on the area is expected to be completed by next summer. In the meantime, boaters have been using the Sanibel boat ramp, but this has strict rules in place regarding its use.

The Sanibel boat ramp is located at 888 Sextant Drive and has the following rules: it is open to permit holders only on weekends and holidays. On weekdays, it is open to the public (non-permit holders) for a $40 daily fee. There is no beach access at the ramp. Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited. Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250, and recently these have increased to $500 due to people choosing to pay the fine instead of the parking fee.

To obtain a beach or boat ramp parking permit, you can go to the Sanibel Recreation Center, which is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also download the Beach or Boat Ramp Parking Permit Application Form online and fill it out before travelling to the Recreation Center.

The Punta Rassa boat ramp is expected to reopen by summer 2025

The Punta Rassa boat ramp in Fort Myers, Florida, is a crucial facility for many local businesses, including fishing guides, tour guides, and commercial fishermen. However, the Punta Rassa boat ramp has been closed since 2022 due to the impact of Hurricane Ian, which devastated southwest Florida. The closure has left many businesses struggling to operate, with some having to find alternative jobs or run charters at a significant loss.

The good news is that the Florida Department of Transportation is actively working on renovating and restoring the Punta Rassa boat ramp. The expected completion date for the project is summer 2025, which means the boat ramp should be open to the public again by then. This timeline is welcomed by businesses who have been facing challenges due to the extended closure.

The Punta Rassa boat ramp is one of the most widely used public boat ramp facilities in Lee County. It features two double ramps with wooden docks, a fish cleaning station, restrooms, and ample parking spaces for vehicles with trailers and single vehicles. The site is ADA-compliant and family-friendly, making it accessible to a diverse range of users.

The renovation project is being handled by Kelly Brothers, Inc. (KBI), a company with expertise in marine construction. KBI has installed new concrete panel boat ramps, scour protection, fixed docks, and bulkhead enhancements. They have also conducted upland site work and implemented environmental protection measures during construction. The project is being carried out in two phases to ensure the facility remains open during the renovation process due to its heavy use.

The reopening of the Punta Rassa boat ramp by summer 2025 will be a welcome development for the local community and businesses that rely on it. It will once again provide a convenient and accessible gateway to the waters of southwest Florida for both commercial and recreational users.

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