Honeymoon Island site suitable for boat ramps?
Though it remains on a list of proposed sites, officials and residents are concerned about environmental effects the ramps might have.
By MEGAN SCOTT
Published July 29, 2005
DUNEDIN - Despite concerns from residents, state park officials and even a few Dunedin city commissioners, Honeymoon Island State Park remains on a list of 20 possible sites for boat ramps in mid and north Pinellas.
The site under consideration is on the eastern end of the island near the docks serving the ferry to Caladesi Island, assistant county administrator Jake Stowers said.
Boaters launching there could cross a cove and have easy access to popular Hurricane Pass and to a less traveled north-south channel passing under a Dunedin Causeway bridge.
But many, including state park officials, aren't convinced Honeymoon Island is the right site.
The state is concerned about seagrasses, mangroves and traffic congestion on the Dunedin Causeway, state parks spokesman Matt Mitchell said. The state will take a closer look, however.
"We're working alongside the county to determine the impacts," Mitchell said. Dredging needed to provide access to the ramps also is a concern, he said.
The county is studying environmental impacts, Stowers said, and by this fall should pinpoint a location for the ramps.
Commissioner Susan Latvala, who pushed for the study, emphasized that Honeymoon is one of several sites being considered. The study may even show Honeymoon is not a smart site, she said.
"Are these concerns real? Some of them probably are," she said. "There may be a way around some of them. We need to know to what degree the issues are and whether or not it's feasible."
Last week, Dunedin city commissioners heard from residents opposed to ramps.
"I have nothing against boat ramps," said Diane Dubendorff, who works with the Clearwater Audobon Society. "But there's going to be a lot more boat traffic. That is putting a tremendous stress on the park."
Dunedin has no jurisdiction over Honeymoon Island and has taken no position. Mayor John Doglione recently was appointed to the county's Boat Access Task Force, which began meeting in May.
"We need to sit down and look at all different aspects of what are the impacts on the water environment, the land environment and traffic out on the causeway," he said.
Task force member Capt. David Markett likes the idea, however. "I think it's an ideal place," he said.
"The people in Florida already own that park, and it's all but impossible to get municipalities to set aside waterfront property for access to the bay."
Other proposed locations, such as Wall Spring and Pop Stansell parks in Palm Harbor, faced public opposition because of parking or environmental concerns.
Staff writer Nicole Johnson contributed to this report. Megan Scott can be reached at 445-4167 or mscott@sptimes.com