Cape Coral is considering new dock designs at Jaycee Park, which would allow up to 24 boats to pull up to the shoreline along the Caloosahatchee River, sparking mixed reactions from residents. “I’ve boated right in front here, and it’s going to take a lot of riffraff and a lot of coral to be taken out in order to put docks in order for boats to actually get close to the dock,” said neighbor David Lozon. The proposed designs include 16 to 24 slips for boats up to 40 feet, requiring some dredging. Engineers have noted that the footprint of three of the designs would be minimal.”There are protected species in the water and that there’s a channel is going to be dredged out and it’s going to be a lot of construction and a lot, a lot of trouble for no good reason,” said nearby resident Paul Bowler.The city will need permitting approval from Florida Fish and Wildlife, the South Florida Water Management District, and the Army Corps of Engineers. The firm behind the designs noted that Florida Fish and Wildlife would have to relocate some oysters, and the city will consult with them about any impact on the smalltooth sawfish.Despite his skepticism about the project’s approval, Lozon is not bothered by the potential docks.”The boaters coming here, that’s fine. I’m a boater. It’s one more place to go. Spend your money and, you know, help a local community,” he said.City leaders are scheduled to meet on the 12th to review the different options. The process of moving forward with permitting, design, and construction of the new dock is expected to take a year and a half.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Cape Coral is considering new dock designs at Jaycee Park, which would allow up to 24 boats to pull up to the shoreline along the Caloosahatchee River, sparking mixed reactions from residents.
“I’ve boated right in front here, and it’s going to take a lot of riffraff and a lot of coral to be taken out in order to put docks in order for boats to actually get close to the dock,” said neighbor David Lozon.
The proposed designs include 16 to 24 slips for boats up to 40 feet, requiring some dredging. Engineers have noted that the footprint of three of the designs would be minimal.
“There are protected species in the water and that there’s a channel is going to be dredged out and it’s going to be a lot of construction and a lot, a lot of trouble for no good reason,” said nearby resident Paul Bowler.
The city will need permitting approval from Florida Fish and Wildlife, the South Florida Water Management District, and the Army Corps of Engineers. The firm behind the designs noted that Florida Fish and Wildlife would have to relocate some oysters, and the city will consult with them about any impact on the smalltooth sawfish.
Despite his skepticism about the project’s approval, Lozon is not bothered by the potential docks.
“The boaters coming here, that’s fine. I’m a boater. It’s one more place to go. Spend your money and, you know, help a local community,” he said.
City leaders are scheduled to meet on the 12th to review the different options. The process of moving forward with permitting, design, and construction of the new dock is expected to take a year and a half.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.