'No fishing' signs come down on US 41 bridge in Punta Gorda

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK)—Fishing is allowed again along the U.S. 41 bridge over the Peace River after Charlotte County and the Florida Department of Transportation reached an agreement.

Officials put up no fishing signs last month after receiving numerous complaints about dead bait, fish remains, blood, rodents and gear blocking the shared walkway. The signs have now been replaced with no littering signs.

"We are getting it out to the fishing community that it's really important that we have folks understand that this is a responsibility... it's a privilege to fish, but it's a responsibility to be good stewards of the asset," a county commissioner said.

As part of the agreement, local law enforcement will keep a close eye on the bridge. Officers will hand out tickets to people who litter or leave fishing gear blocking the shared walkway.

The change comes as a huge relief for local anglers. Several Charlotte County fishing piers have been closed since hurricanes Helene and Milton, so while they wait for those piers to be rebuilt, they can once again fish at a place they've used for years.

The county says keeping access will take everyone doing their part—no dead bait, no fish remains, no trash and no fishing gear left behind. County leaders are also looking at adding signs reminding anglers to yield to pedestrians so everyone can safely share the walkway.