The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued a critical permit for the Yacht Club Community Park renovation last week, bringing the city of Cape Coral one step closer to breaking ground on the park’s improvements. The environmental resource permit will now be sent to the Army Corps of Engineers, with federal approval anticipated in April 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances, city officials said. Once received, the construction manager at risk will advertise the marine improvement portion of the project for construction bids. The FDEP permit covers essential construction activities, including relocating the existing boat ramp in the Caloosahatchee River, replacing and reconfiguring docks in the marina basin and adjacent canal and replacing nearly 3,000 linear feet of seawall. In addition, it includes dredging more than 38,500 square feet to improve water access and navigation and redeveloping the 16.6-acre upland area of Yacht Club Community Park. Design plans for the Yacht Club Community Park renovation are underway, with completion anticipated by November 2025.