Indian River County directs attorney to research options for Calcutta docks after months of dispute

The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners asked county attorneys to study options for resolving long-running disputes over the Calcutta docks at Country Club Point, directing staff to return with legal and practical options after public testimony and extensive debate.

At the meeting the county’s deputy attorney, Susan Prado, told commissioners her office had found no legal “public benefit” supporting the county’s long-running practice of licensing slips at the site and presented five general options: continue renting slips at market rates; abandon the county’s interest to the homeowners association under Florida Statute 336.125; abandon the right-of-way to adjacent property owners; sell the property at fair market value under Florida Statute 125.35; or leave existing licenses as-is. Prado said any option could be challenged in court.

Why it matters: Residents said the docks raise questions about property rights, taxes, liability and county staff time. Commissioners said the county should stop operating what one called “a mini marina” while also trying to be fair…