New 62-slip marina approved for Punta Gorda's waterfront

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK)—Punta Gorda City Council approved a new marina project Wednesday that could reshape part of the city's waterfront.

The boat-slip project is part of a larger vision that also includes a future hotel. WINK News reporter Miyoshi Price was at the meeting to see how developers addressed community concerns.

"We are a marine town, we're a maritime city, so this will help reestablish that," Punta Gorda Councilwoman Janis Denton said.

The plan would put a new marina along the waterfront at West Retta Esplanade. The project expects 62 slips with fixed and floating docks, a fishing pier and a breakwater.

The marina alone is expected to cost about $4 million. Punta Gorda native Denim Wilson, who works in the area, said the project would fill a gap left by hurricane damage and ongoing construction.

"A great benefit because Sunseeker can't do it, so I think it'd be good for them to do it over here, if they could get it done," Wilson said.

Wilson said hurricane damage and ongoing work have limited waterfront options for boaters. "They got Fishermen's Village, but that's in a working project, you know. And then Tiki Bar has like all their stuff like destroyed and everything from a hurricane, and then you got Lashley, but there's not much stuff to do there," he said.

During the city council meeting, residents questioned waste pump-outs, water and power access, and whether people could eventually live on the boats. Presenters said pump-out service, water and electricity are built into the design.

The city said liveaboards would require another public hearing. "There is a pump-out station in the design, 100%," Phil Laboudier of Stokes Marine said.

The marina is phase one of the project. A 160-room hotel is planned for the property later.

Developers want marina construction started in October and finished before the end of the year, before their Army Corps permit expires in January. Not everyone supported the project.

"I think it's too many boats in the harbor. I think it's too much, too crowded there," Charlotte County resident Shawn Wilson said. "It could cause boating accidents. It's just going to be too confusing."

The approved marina project marks a step forward in Punta Gorda's effort to reestablish its maritime identity along the waterfront.