The idea of a pathway at the south end of the Punta Gorda Isles to connect to Alligator Creek has been around a long time. Currently, there is the locally known saltwater ditch known as “Poachers Cut” which does allow small boat access to Alligator Creek which cuts off a lot of time for some locations in the bird section. For bigger boats this cut is too shallow. The city of Punta Gorda seems to have embraced the idea of creating a larger navigable passageway to Alligator Creek and has hired an engineering firm to perform a feasibility study and work through the intricacies of such an under taking.
The latest word I received was the engineer in charge, Hans Wilson has studied it extensively in many different ways. Including diving the canal and river waters nearby to get a first-hand look under water. One of the biggest hurdles I suspect will be working and convincing the EPA, Army Corp of Engineers and any other environmental agencies to agree on creating the canal. One idea is to create a canal with a radius so that boaters coming from either direction will be able to see others in advance, as opposed to a straight line canal (with 90 degree corners) from the bird section to the creek. This seems logical when you think about it.
One suggestion on the table to make this project more palatable to the environmentalists is to demonstrate that the impact to the environment will be minimal and as a mitigating action, close off Poachers Cut. Poachers Cut is shallow and boats often disturb the bottom in going through there. Wakes from boats also may cause damage to the estuary itself. By placing wooden pilings at the entrance to the cut it will eliminate all but canoes/kayaks and essentially promote better environmental care.
This project is a long time in coming and no one knows if it will be approved but there is a lot of support behind it. I will update you as I get other information.
If the Bird Section-Alligator Creek access canal is created it will cut many boat ride times in half especially for homes located in the north end of the bird section. With that said there is potential for some escalation in property values. Boat ride times in the north end can run 45 to 60 minutes to Ponce Inlet.
