Canoe and kayak access now open

The canoe/kayak launch and parking area at the Boca Grande Fishing Pier located at 5810 Gasparilla Road on Gasparilla Island has officially reopened.

Portable toilets are available on site for public use. Charlotte County advised patrons to use caution as fenced off areas, that include the pier and pier approach walkway, remain closed until permanent repairs are completed. 

Nicole Killian, of SUP Englewood, a vendor at the Don Pedro Island State Park, said that she was “absolutely thrilled” to hear about the launch reopening at the Boca Grande Fishing Pier. “We want to extend our sincere thanks to Charlotte County Parks and Recreation for restoring access to the road and the natural kayak launch. It’s a huge win for paddlers in our area,” Killian said.

“We know that Charlotte County Parks has been working tirelessly to restore access across numerous properties after the storms,” said Killian. “We recognize the scale of the permitting and behind-the-scenes effort that goes into making that happen.”