Committee hears ferry proposals; members flag parking constraints at proposed landing sites

Fort Myers Beach — As the committee discussed potential ferry service to the South End, members cautioned that several proposed landing sites lack sufficient parking, which could limit ferry utility for visitors and businesses.

Sam Lurie and other members said three primary landing candidates—Moss Marine, Snook Bite and Fishtail—have limited or no parking now, and additional parking solutions would be required if regular ferry service is pursued. Jim (committee member) said that Santini Plaza could provide spillover parking and that London Bay has signaled plans to route ferry service through Fishtail Marina rather than residential canals after community concerns.

Why it matters: ferry service is being explored to boost off‑season visitation to South End businesses; parking constraints affect rider access and the feasibility of proposed routes.

Key points

- Parking shortage: “the three primary locations… two of those three do not even have parking right now to accommodate what they already have,” Sam Lurie said, urging planners to consider parking when evaluating ferry sites.

- London Bay proposal: committee members said London Bay originally proposed routing through a residential canal but has since indicated plans to use Fishtail Marina, which reduces neighborhood impacts but concentrates ferry traffic at that marina and nearby Santini Plaza.

- Next steps: members suggested assessing parking capacity, spillover arrangements (for example Santini Plaza), and vacant lots that might be repurposed for parking if ferry service is advanced.

Ending

No decisions were made; committee members asked staff and partners exploring ferry options to include parking analysis in further planning and to report back with options and potential locations.