PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The future of Lashley Park Marina drew sustained public comment Wednesday, prompting council members to ask staff for a focused review and a council workshop to shape a long‑term strategy.

Public commenters — including charter captains, marina users and business owners — described operational problems at the marina: inconsistent slip assignments, lack of transparency about waiting lists, damaged and submerged equipment remaining in place after Hurricane Ian, and concerns that Freedom Boat Club and others control many slips to the exclusion of local commercial captains. Several speakers urged the city to either remodel and operate the marina better or to consider selling the submerged land lease to a professional marina operator.

City staff said the marina sustained storm damage and noted the city is awaiting a comprehensive engineering evaluation; the city has a solicitation out for marine engineering and reconstruction planning. Staff also said the marina fund reserves have been reduced by repair spending and lower slip revenue post‑Ian, and that FEMA reimbursements are outstanding. Councilmember Janine Polk and others said a careful plan is needed, not a rush decision to sell.

Nut graf: Council did not take any final action on ownership or sale. Instead it asked staff to compile current contracts, revenue statements, management obligations and repair estimates, and to schedule a marina workshop so council members can examine short‑term fixes and long‑term options — including managed city operation, professional private management, or sale/long‑term lease of submerged land.

Council asked staff to gather specific financials (slip revenues, reserves, outstanding contracts), insurance and management‑contract terms, and any FEMA coordination work, and to return with a public workshop paving the way to a policy decision. Staff also said they will include a short‑term plan to address obvious safety hazards in the dock area.