Lee County is set to celebrate a significant milestone with the soft reopening of the Punta Rassa Boat Ramp and the conclusion of the Sanibel Causeway Emergency Restoration project.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday at 15001 Punta Rassa Road in Fort Myers. This event will feature remarks from Lee County Commissioners and officials from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
The boat ramp will reopen to the public at noon, offering limited amenities such as the ramp, partial docks, parking and restrooms.
FDOT and Department of Transportation staff made extensive repairs to underground water lines, ADA ramps, lift stations, discarded lines, fire hydrants and irrigation to complete the first phase of repairs.
"A lot of work has gone into this to try to get it open as soon as possible, but there will be phase two,” said Mack Young, Director for Lee County Parks and Recreation.
Additional improvements, including dock access, a fish cleaning station, landscaping and lighting, will be completed in the coming months as phase two of the project.
“It's been a long process.” said Young.
Every department across Lee County has been working to get boat ramps, parks, splash pads and boardwalks back open to the public.
“We're working very hard to give back to the community of Lee County so they can start using these facilities again," Young said.
Boaters are reminded to avoid docks still under construction and to stay clear of the riprap along the Causeway. Lee County Parks & Recreation staff and rangers will be present to assist. This reopening marks the first time since Hurricane Ian that the Punta Rassa ramp is accessible to boaters.
The site previously served as a staging area for the restoration of the Sanibel Causeway, a crucial link between barrier islands and the mainland. For those unable to attend the ceremony, Lee County will livestream the event on its YouTube and Facebook channels.
Boaters can track progress and updates on the site and other projects using the Lee County Parks Project Information Tool online. Information about the Sanibel Causeway project is available on the SWFL Roads website.