Punta Gorda weighs privatization of Laishley Park Marina 

Punta Gorda City Council members debated the future of Laishley Park Municipal Marina last week, agreeing to hold a workshop to examine whether the city should continue managing the facility, privatize it or sell it outright.

The city’s most recent contract with Marina Park Management Group Inc. expired March 30. The company, which first signed on in 2013 and renewed three times, agreed to stay on month to month after Council declined to renew the contract in January. City officials are now seeking bids for a new operator.

One qualified bid was received from Waypoint Marine Inc. That proposal exceeds the city’s fiscal 2026 budgeted contract expense of $233,105, City Manager Melissa Reichert said. Council will take up the issue at a marina workshop scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Laishley Community Room.

The marina has been closed to the public since sustaining heavy damage from Hurricane Milton in October 2024. While the boat ramp and courtesy dock have reopened, most of the commercial slips remain unused, a sticking point for residents and business owners who spoke during the Sept. 10 council meeting.

Concerns from the water

Capt. Phil Voyer, a Coast Guard-licensed operator of the Charlotte Harbor Water Shuttle, criticized the allocation of slips. Of the 14 available, he said, 13 are occupied by Freedom Boat Club, leaving little access for commercial captains.

Cole Kelly, general manager of Punta Gorda Adventures, which operates The Oasis Tiki boat, said Freedom Boat Club vessels “just sit dormant.” He noted the company is based in Sarasota and pays Sarasota County taxes, while local businesses are left on waiting lists.

Calls for repairs, not management

Council member Janis Denton said the city doesn’t need a management firm right now but instead requires a dockmaster and maintenance staff to rebuild the marina’s infrastructure.

“We want someone who knows how to rebuild a marina — cleats, pedestals,” Denton said.

Dockmaster Gary Pyszka told Council there are five power pedestals “sitting somewhere,” questioning why the city hasn’t acted faster to restore operations.

Public Works Director Ron Everts responded that city crews are spread thin, repairing widespread storm damage from Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton. He noted the city lacks a marine engineer, complicating repairs. Council member Jeannine Polk added that Punta Gorda is still waiting for Federal Emergency Management Agency aid.

Mayor Debi Lux called the marina a top priority. “This is a boating community — it is our bread and butter,” she said.

Finances under scrutiny

Finance Director Kristin Simeone reported the marina has generated no slip rental income since Hurricane Ian in 2022. Revenues typically flow into a reserve balance, which once stood at $650,000 but has been drawn down steadily.

Council members also voiced concern over the prior contract with Marina Park Management Group, which allowed the company to collect 10% of the expenditures it managed. Several members said they were surprised by that provision.

Denton raised the idea of selling the marina outright.

Keep or sell?

Voyer opposed the idea. “If you sell, you’re giving away the farm,” he said. Resident Jeff Lustig agreed, telling Council, “I can’t believe we would think of selling.”

Kelly also opposed privatization, despite criticizing the city’s past management.

Speculation turned to whether a large firm, such as Blackstone Real Estate, which recently purchased Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, might be interested in acquiring the marina. Voyer cautioned that while a sale could net $10 million to $15 million, it would end long-term revenue for the city.

Others worried a private buyer might limit public access.

Next steps

After weighing arguments on both sides, Council member Melissa Lockhart made a motion to schedule a workshop to determine the marina’s fate. The motion passed unanimously.