ARCADIA —

Last January the DeSoto County BOCC Parks Department was awarded a Florida Boating Improvement Program (FBIP) Grant through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to relocate and improve the DeSoto Veterans Memorial Park boat ramp.  The design includes construction and installation of a new, two-lane boat ramp with a concrete floating dock, retaining walls, 3 storm-water retention areas, and a paved parking lot with connecting sidewalks.

The work has recently started at the new location of the boat ramp which will be at the far east end of the park down by the public restrooms.  Completion of this project will result in safer access for boaters, provide ADA wheelchair access, and a parking lot. The project is estimated to take 4-6 months.

Thomas Marine Construction, Inc. is the contractor.

Part of this grant will require some tree removal at the east end of the park.  DeSoto County’s Road and Bridge Department will be performing this task as part of the County’s in-kind contribution towards the grant funding.

Please note that once construction begins, the east end of the park and the restrooms at the park will be CLOSED.   These areas will be closed until the project is complete.

If you have any further questions about this FBIP grant for DeSoto Veterans Memorial Park please call Tara Anderson, Parks Director at 863-491-7507.