A boat stranded in the parking lot at North Shore Park in North Fort Myers has caught the attention of drivers and park visitors alike.
The 16-foot Bayliner, sprayed with graffiti, has been sitting near the shoreline of the park for weeks, prompting concerns about its appearance and potential impact on the park’s surroundings.
The boat, which is covered in trash, including soda cans, cardboard boxes and trash bags, has become an eyesore for those visiting the area.
“I feel like it kind of messes with the scenery of the beach and everything,” said park visitor JuliAna Jenkins. “It’s kind of unsightly.”
Despite the cheerful graffiti — a happy face and hearts — on the boat’s surface, some visitors feel the vessel detracts from the park’s natural beauty.
“I don’t know why someone would put that there,” Jenkins said.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office posted a red tag on the boat Dec. 13, saying the boat is unlawfully on public property on North Shore Park and must be removed, otherwise LCSO will take steps to have the property removed pursuant to Chapter 705 of Florida Statutes.
According to the sheriff’s office, the last known owner of the boat was contacted. The owner signed a waiver and authorization of removal of Hurricane Milton impacted property.
Locals say the boat appeared after the storm, and it has been moving around the parking lot.
Removal plans are in the works. NBC2 will continue to follow the story and provide updates when the boat is removed.