County Reviews Boat Ramp Issues

According to recent figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Collier County’s population has grown approximately 23.4% in the last ten years. The population in 2010 was reported as 322,581, while 2020 numbers are estimated at 393,304 - an additional 70,723 since the 2010 numbers were released and the latest 2020 figures were compiled.

These numbers should not shock anyone who has been here over the last decade. The tri-county area (Lee, Charlotte and Collier Counties) that comprises Southwest Florida is now home to 1.3 million people, according to U.S. Census estimates, which is no surprise to anyone traveling north or south on I-75 each day.

Those statistics place our tri-county area second behind the Orlando area in growth, and there are no signs of any slowing in the pattern, according to experts.

Thus, it should be no surprise to county officials that the demand for access to the area’s greatest asset, the Gulf of Mexico, is growing exponentially. Couple that with nutrient pollution north of Collier County due to continued discharges by the Army Corps of Engineers from Lake Okeechobee, and you have a perfect storm of sorts with regard to recreational anglers seeking suitable areas to enjoy their passion.

Those factors, along with the subsequent pressure from last year’s COVID-19 closures of East Coast beaches and recreational waters along Dade, Broward and areas of Palm Beach County, caused a major influx of that population base seeking the qualities found here in Collier, Lee and Charlotte County, just two hours away via Alligator Alley.

In recent weeks, a considerable uproar has arisen over rumors that the City of Marco Island may have been in discussions with Collier County regarding some type of modified restrictions on commercial entities utilizing the county boat ramp on Marco. Many local fishing charters pick up customers or launch their vessels from that location. 

Local jet ski tour operators also are regular users of the facilities, taking locals and visitors for eco-tours or just a day on the water. Kayak operators also frequent the launch areas and provide tours from the launch points.  

Tour operators from the east coast also have discovered the opportunities found here, only a short two-hour ride across “the alley.” Their customer base is amazed by the tranquil and beautiful backdrop of the Ten-Thousand Islands, and their presence here is becoming more evident, either as “day-trippers” or “short-term renters.”

As an alternative to eliminating commercial launching as a way to restore order, some have suggested the possibility of limiting those commercial launching permits to local contractors. This would limit the overflow of vehicles at those facilities as a way to protect local vendors. This also might limit the disruption of residential neighborhoods due to the overflowing of vehicles and trailers.

The county is looking at similar issues throughout Collier County as they seek to find solutions to the overcrowding of the boat launch facilities throughout the county. The county commercial permits for launching will expire at the end of the year, and all parties are seeking an amicable solution to the issue before that deadline and beginning of season, which is only four months away.