Punta Gorda’s Laishley Park Municipal Marina partially reopens

Laishley Park Municipal Marina partially reopened after hurricanes Helene and Milton forced the Punta Gorda facility to close nearly two years ago. 

The city has completed temporary repairs, allowing the marina to operate at reduced capacity within a temporary footprint. 

The repairs were authorized under the city’s Temporary Use Agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and will remain in place until permanent reconstruction begins. A date for that work has not been determined. 

There are currently 61 operational slips. The Boater’s Restrooms and showers, boat ramp and Day Room also have been repaired and reopened, City Manager Melissa Reichert said. 

Residents have been clamoring for the city to reopen the marina, which has been battered by storms in recent years. Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage in 2022. 

Public Works crews scrambled to get the marina up and running, but Hurricane Helene struck in late September 2024, followed by Hurricane Milton about two weeks later. The storms forced the marina to close again. 

Storm surge from Milton pushed boats into the marina and docks, damaging and sinking a number of vessels. 

Elsewhere in Punta Gorda, boats moored off the city’s waterfront parks, including Gilchrist Park, were pushed onto land. Some wound up on residents’ front lawns and in city parks along West Retta Esplanade. 

Boating activity came to a halt in a city known for its boating lifestyle and waterfront homes. 

The 2024 storms also destroyed fishing piers throughout Charlotte County, including the one at Laishley Park Municipal Marina. 

Reichert said the pier remains closed and is in the evaluation and permitting phase. 

“Once permits are in hand, it will take about a year to complete construction,” she said. 

Those wanting to lease a slip at the city marina must apply in person and provide identification, the vessel’s registration and proof of $1 million in liability insurance, Dockmaster Amanda Wood said. 

Leases are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. As of Sept. 2, 39 slips were available out of 72, reflecting 43% occupancy. 

Because of extensive damage to the finger docks, side tie-ups are required, Wood said. 

The marina is at 120 Laishley Court in Punta Gorda, near Laishley Park and off northbound U.S. 41. 

Meanwhile, Charlotte County and Punta Gorda public works crews continue making storm-related repairs throughout the area in addition to their regular duties.