After two years of repairs, the Caxambas Park boat ramp has officially reopened following extensive damage from Hurricane Ian. The $1.2 million renovation includes three new floating docks and refurbished picnic areas.
For seasonal residents like Anne Hill who lives across the street, the reopening is a long awaited return to one of her favorite hobbies.
"I'd be up every morning with my big camera [...] and watch the sunrise take all sorts of pictures. I used to love it," Hill said.
Hurricane Ian left the park in ruins, damaging the boat ramp, seawall, timber pilings, and electrical and plumbing systems. Now, after repairs, the site is fully operational again.
"Beautiful, beautiful boat ramp, beautiful benches, everything. Even the shop is just so new and shiny and nice. Yeah, it really is. They did a great job. It was a long time. But it's worth it, because now look at what we have, you know," Hill said.
Despite the excitement, the reopening comes with a major change — commercial boats are no longer allowed to launch from Caxambas. Most Marco Island charter businesses previously operated from the ramp, but now they will have to launch from the Goodland Boat Ramp, about 15 minutes away.
Marco Island city rules limit commercial operations at Caxambas to just the fuel station and store. While this may be an inconvenience for businesses, some nearby residents welcome the change.
"We're right on Swallow. So it's nice for us because we don't hear all the noisy boat traffic. you know, the trailers in that. I guess it's an inconvenience for all the guys that rent, you know, charters and that. But it's going to be nice," said seasonal resident Dennis MacDonald.
Phase one was the reopening of the ramp.
And now phase two will be the replacement of the fueling service system that was also destroyed by Ian, which is expected to be completed by late summer.