Punta Gorda moves forward exploring limits on boat anchoring near Gilchrist Park

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — Punta Gorda City Council voted Wednesday to move forward with exploring possible limits on how long boats can anchor in the Peace River near Gilchrist Park, citing safety concerns, environmental impacts, and challenges removing abandoned vessels.

The discussion prompted several liveaboard boaters to speak out during public comment, saying the stretch of river is not just a place to anchor — it is their home. Many said they agree that abandoned boats are a problem, but worry that new rules could force them out entirely.

For Matthew Brattain, living aboard his boat has been a lifelong dream.

“It’s a fun life. It’s not an easy life, but it’s a fun life,” Brattain said.

Brattain has lived on his boat with his dog, Trixy, in the Peace River off Gilchrist Park for the past three years. From his floating home, he has experienced every sunrise, sunset, and hurricane — including Hurricane Milton, which he said caused widespread damage.

“Of the 32 boats out there, there were only three of us that survived,” Brattain said. “And the three that survived were the people who stayed on their boats.”

Many of the damaged and abandoned vessels washed ashore in Gilchrist Park, where crews worked for months to remove them. City leaders said scenes like that are a significant reason they are now considering anchoring limitations.

Brattain said he understands the concern and agrees that abandoned boats are a problem.

“All the boats can be traced back to the owner. We need to get those boats out of here,” he said.

During Wednesday’s meeting, council members emphasized that they are following Florida law and are not attempting to ban responsible liveaboards.

“I don’t think any of us are against longer-term anchoring, but we need to make sure they’re doing the right thing — and this is the best way for us to do it,” Councilwoman Melissa Lockhart said.

Councilwoman Jeannine Polk pointed to similar rules already in place elsewhere.

“Sarasota County has already done this, and the City of Venice has said that after they implemented it and just towed away a couple of people, they didn’t have any problems because the word gets out,” Polk said.

Two state laws were discussed during the meeting.

Senate Bill 164, which took effect January 1, requires vessel owners to obtain a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if they plan to anchor longer than 14 days within one nautical mile of a mooring field. Punta Gorda Police Chief Pamela Smith clarified that the permit is free, valid for one year, and can be renewed annually.

Florida Statute 327.4108 also allows counties to establish anchoring limitation areas that prohibit vessels from anchoring longer than 45 days. Because this authority is granted to counties — not cities — Punta Gorda would need to work with Charlotte County before implementing such a restriction.

 

Police Chief Smith told the council that abandoned vessels can take months to process, during which time boats may sink, break loose during storms, or become environmental and navigational hazards.

Brattain initially feared the changes could force him to leave the river.

“My whole life is uprooted,” Brattain said. “I’m going to have to go somewhere else and find a job, an anchorage, and a place to work.”

After clarification from the police, Brattain learned he could remain in the area by obtaining a permit from FWC. It's free, suitable for a year, and can be renewed annually.

He also pointed to Punta Gorda’s identity as a boating community.

“[The logo] It’s a sailboat,” Brattain said. “It’s not a train, it’s not an airplane or a surfboard — it’s a boat. This is a boating community.”

People visiting Gilchrist Park told WINK News that they enjoy seeing boats on the water and support people living aboard vessels, but noted that abandoned and damaged boats are an issue. Several said they have not personally seen any dangerous behavior in the park.

City Council has not approved any final changes. Staff will continue researching the proposal, including costs, enforcement, and coordination with Charlotte County, before bringing it back to the council for further discussion.