County Seeks Input on Proposed Upgrades to South Coquina Boat Ramp

Representatives from Manatee County Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources and Property Management departments will be on hand to answer questions and to explain the proposed upgrades to the boat ramp. Proposed upgrades include:  

• an expansion of the shell parking lot and associated storm water areas to improve water quality from runoff. Under this plan, the number of designated trailer parking spaces would grow from 18 to 49; 

• Parking lot improvements will also better define drive aisles and boat trailer parking spaces. New sea turtle friendly lighting and native landscaping is also planned;

• The concrete ramp or apron leading into the water will be extended to better serve boat ramp users and to help direct storm water runoff away from the ramp;

• The restroom building will remain and no changes to the ramp or docks are planned for this phase of the project.

The project will be paid for entirely through West Coast Inland Navigation District funds and the Florida Boater Improvement Program. Construction dates haven’t yet been identified, but when the boat ramp is closed, boater traffic may use Kingfish, Warner’s Bayou or Palma Sola boat ramps.