Boat ramps in Port St. Lucie will open to responsible recreational boaters

Starting April 17, 2020, at 8 a.m. boat ramps in Port St. Lucie will open to responsible recreational boaters.

 

The City’s Parks & Recreation staff members are working to remove the concrete barriers to allow access to the boat ramps which have been closed for three weeks.

Law enforcement will be visible on the waterways reminding boaters to adhere to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Distancing Guidelines. Port St. Lucie Police Department’s Marine Patrol will have a presence near launching sites, St. Lucie County and Martin County’s Sheriff’s Office will maintain a presence at local sandbars, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be enforcing boating and waterway laws.

The initial closure of the boat ramps occurred to reduce gatherings of more than ten people and in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Some instances of large groups gathering at boat ramps were reported to parks staff. For the health and safety of our residents, City administration made the decision to close boat ramps along with all other activities that could not comply with the CDC guidelines.

The City of Port St. Lucie reminds residents as they charter the waters to practice social distancing. Here are few recommendations:

• Limit the number of people aboard to those family members you share your home with.


• Keep your distance from other groups.


• Maintain a safe distance from others when doing things like loading up at the dock or fueling the boat.


• After doing anything that requires touching an item someone else may have touched, like a fuel pump, disinfect by washing your hands or using a hand sanitizer as soon as possible.

The City wants to remind boaters of Florida’s Executive Order No.20-09, directed by the Florida Fish and Wildfire Conservation Commission. Under the executive order all recreational boats must be at least 50 feet apart and there can’t be more than 10 people on board.

Please enjoy all the beauty that Port St. Lucie has to offer but enjoy it while boating responsibly. The City’s Parks continue to be open for walking, running, individual activities and uses of no more than 10 people following distance separation guidelines. City staff have posted notices at all City boat ramps reminding boaters to practice social distancing. During these uncertain times, social distancing is the best way to stay safe.

City Boat Ramp Locations:

• C-24 Canal Park: 500 SE Oakridge Drive


• C-24 Canal Boat Ramp at Oak Hammock Park: 1982 SW Villanova Road


• Veterans Park at Rivergate: 2200 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway