The City of Jacksonville says the grant will pay for modernization and storm-hardening the docks in Mayport Village.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Freshly caught fish will arrive in style to Mayport Village soon.
The City of Jacksonville announced a grant will help pay to modernize the commercial dock at Mayport Village.
The City reports the improvements “expand berthing capacity, reduce flooding-related operational disruptions, and protect the seafood supply chain anchored by Safe Harbor Seafood and other commercial operators.”
“I think we probably had somewhere around six or seven,” said Shrimp Boat Captain Drew Sawyer while estimating how many shrimp he managed to net before coming back to Mayport Village.
Captain Drew Sawyer just pulled in to Mayport Village after four days at sea catching shrimp.
That’s not six or seven pounds he came back with, or even hundreds of pounds, but six or seven thousand pounds of the crustacean.
“It’s really good here,” said Sawyer. “That’s why I’m here. I told you I’m from North Carolina, but I’m here. It’s better than anywhere on the East Coast.”
While it’s the shrimp that reels him into the First Coast, he also says he enjoys Mayport Village.
“It’s got everything we need,” said Sawyer. “Ice, fuel, water. Got a nice restaurant right there, good guy we sell our shrimp to over there. Couldn’t ask for no more.”
Even if he didn’t ask for it, Sawyer will be getting a little more, as the City of Jacksonville received an $11 million grant to modernize the commercial docks.
The money will add new mooring structures and a reinforced concrete deck while also paying for power pedestals, water service and solar lighting to streamline the operation for captains like Sawyer when they pull in.
“Two thumbs up from me,” said Sawyer. “Anything is better if you can improve it.”
The City of Jacksonville reports the total project cost is $14,013,089.76, with the City providing a $2,802,617.95 non-federal match.