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Resident tells council marina kayak ramp is “virtually ADA unacceptable”; staff promises follow-up
Summary
During public comment Dr. Mariah Shelton, a Vero Beach resident and kayaker, told council the marina’s kayak slip ramp is unsafe and likely not ADA‑accessible; the mayor apologized for an insensitive staff remark and staff said they will explore options including a permit to trim mangroves and alternatives such as launch access at McWilliam Park.
At the meeting’s public comment period, Dr. Mariah Shelton of Vero Beach told the council the kayak ramp at the city marina is unsafe and "virtually ADA unacceptable." Shelton said the ramp does not float and the water level makes boarding difficult for people with disabilities, and that a marina employee responded to her by saying, "if you're disabled, you should not be in a kayak," a remark the city apologized for on the record.
Mayor Catugno apologized and city staff said the city would follow up. The city manager and staff reported they were seeking consultant guidance about whether a permit to trim mangroves would be possible — an option Shelton had mentioned — and staff offered McWilliam Park as an alternate kayak‑launch site while they investigate. City staff committed to contact Shelton later in the week with further information.
Ending: The council did not take formal action at the meeting but staff acknowledged the complaint, apologized for the staff response, and committed to follow up with the resident about permit options and alternative launch locations.
