According a Park Service press release, Everglades National Park Superintendent Dan Kimball announced today that the Florida Bay boat ramps at Flamingo will reopen Saturday, August 19th at 6 AM. One side of the boat ramp will have limited access until Tuesday morning.

Park officials announced that URS Corporation, the dredging contractor for the Florida Bay boat basin, has completed the removal of significant quantities of marl mud that were deposited in the basin as a result of Hurricane Wilma last October and that the basin can now be safely navigated.

“We are thrilled to reopen the Florida Bay ramps at Flamingo so that fishermen and boaters can take advantage of this important access point to Florida Bay, especially during the upcoming Holiday weekend," Superintendent Kimball stated. Kimball also expressed his thanks for the patience and understanding exhibited by fishermen and boaters while the project was being carried out.

Park officials also want to inform anglers that, “The Park is moving forward in the development of a commercial services plan for Flamingo that will address the future of commercial services (including buildings) that were adversely affected by the 2005 hurricanes. This process will include public meetings and other opportunities for the public to participate in determining how best to rebuild Flamingo. Information on the commercial services plan will soon be distributed to the public through a project newsletter, information posted on the Park’s website, newspaper advertisements, and a press release distributed widely to media outlets. It is anticipated that public workshops will be held in about two months.”

You can also provide input through mail or e-mail once the public comment period is announced in October. Further information is available at 305/242-7700