Partial Repairs Planned for Kingfish Boat Ramp

MANATEE COUNTY – Sections of the Kingfish boat ramp in Holmes Beach will be closed for about six weeks beginning Wed., April 23 while crews make repairs following recent damage.

Alan Lai Hipp, Environmental Program Manager with Manatee Parks and Natural Resources, said crews will replace the understructure and decking of the docks at the ramp. The aging eastern dock section was recently damaged, possibly from an impact by a large vessel or barge. Other sections of the docks are also very aged so the decision was made to update all of them at this time.

Lai Hipp said Kingfish, 752 Manatee Ave. W., will remain open throughout the six-week project; however, at times, one or more of the launch lanes will be closed while work is done on the adjacent docks. The repair work is intended to keep the docks safe and functional until a major renovation project scheduled for the fall of 2015.

“Boaters and fishermen will have access to the park throughout the repairs,” Lai Hipp said. “We understand how popular the Kingfish ramp is and the importance of keeping it functional while the repair work is conducted. We ask that boaters remember that the ramp will be operating at a reduced capacity and that they should exercise caution when launching or landing their vessels.”

The repair project will cost $43,862 and will be funded entirely through Manatee County's Boating Improvement Fund and the West Coast Inland Navigation District.