Marianne Paton Assistant to the late Commissioner Bob Janes, Nan Gonzalez and Sally Tapager from the Tropic Star participate in the recent ribbon cutting ceremony for the recently opened public boat launch in Bokeela.

Boaters, residents and dignitaries gathered in Bokeelia last week for a formal ribbon cutting ceremony for the newest public boat launch facility in Lee County.

The ceremony at the end of Barrancas Avenue signaled the completion of the $1.5 million renovation project. Welcoming those attending the ceremony was Lee County Commissioner Brian Bigelow.

“This boat ramp is a perfect example a public works success story,” said Bigelow. “Pine Island is a southwest Florida corner of paradise and this location is perfect for a public boat access.”

Also in attendance were representatives of County Commissioners Ray Judah, Frank Mann and Tammy Hall as well as Nan Gonzalez, executive assistant for the late commissioner, Bob Janes.

“I remember when five years ago Bob got a call from the residents living near the Harbor Hideaway boat ramp letting him know that the property was up for sale. He saw it as a deal the county couldn’t refuse and jumped on it,” said Gonzalez. “He would be very proud of the teamwork it took to make this happen.”

Handling the daily administration of the Bokeelia Boat Ramp and Cottages is the Tropic Star of Pine Island which has partnered with the county. President of the Tropic Star, Vince Tapager, will take on the responsibility of managing the boat ramp as well as the marina store, six efficiency rental cottages and a vacation rental house.

“I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to manage this property and thanks to the county for making this possible,” said Tapager. “They did a great job and Compass Construction saw to it that the refurbishing of the property went very smoothly.”

Representing Lee County Parks and Recreation on the project was Barb Manzo who explained how important it was to have the community involved in the project.

“The first thing we had to do was to bring the neighbors into several meetings to get their input so that they would be happy with the results,” said Manzo. “We kept the wishes of the community in mind throughout the process and I thank them.”

The Bokeelia Boat Ramp allows boaters access to Shell Cut and Charlotte Harbor and is one of the Great Calusa Blueway stops on Pine Island. The facility is now open to the public year-round each day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fee to launch a boat is $5 or $10 a day to launch a vessel and park any vehicle on the site.

Formerly the Harbor Hideaway Boat Launch, along with the new look is a new name. In recognition of his more than three decades serving Lee County, the park and launch facility has been named Lavender’s Landing for Jim Lavender, Lee County Construction and Design director.

“Jim Lavender is the person responsible for spearheading this project and his quick response when learning that the property was available is what made this all possible,” said Bob Taylor, construction manager. “Jim is responsible when it came to steering this property to the county which had been searching for such a property for the last 20 years. Within a week, a proposal was presented to the commissioners and thanks to his hard work and dedication, he was instrumental in the acquisition of Harbor Hideaway, now Lavender’s Landing.”

Lavender has a long history with Pine Island and was pleased to see the project to fruition.

“I have something of a sweet spot for Pine Island. When the Pine Island Pool first opened I was one of the first lifeguards there and what impresses me most is the fact that Pine Island has stayed within itself while making progress,” said Lavender. “With this project, we did have issues to work out, but we managed to remain true to the Pine Island area and I am very proud.”