Sail boat access to Punta Gorda Isles is an extremely important consideration for a Sail Boater or large power boater that requires significant draft. As of August 9, 2016, I confirmed that dredging is underway at the Ponce de Leon Inlet. This important inlet is the most significant navigational waterway in Charlotte County and most importantly to Punta Gorda Isles (PGI). Literally, 1000’s of waterfront homes gain access to Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf from this waterway. Many deep draft boats reside in the extensive canal system behind beautiful homes.
Dredging of the Ponce Channel is nothing new and is required periodically. According to my research the Army Corp of Engineers has approved dredging to 8 feet. In a brief conversation with the head of the canal maintenance department I was told dredging would be to 6 feet mean low water (MLW).
I WILL BE PERSONALLY MONITORING THE WATER DEPTHS TO CONFIRM THE CHANNEL DEPTHS AT PONCE. THE DATA I ACCULATE WILL BE POSTED ON THIS WEBSITE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. Three years ago I did sounding measurements of Ponce and will compare from then to now.
This waterway has a marked channel entrance that eventually meanders through a tidal creek and tidal flats. The trickiest area of navigation is the “S” curves as it is a tidal flat and easily fills in with the incoming and outgoing tide.
I am told the Punta Gorda Dept. of Public Works is overseeing this operation. I am sure all boaters will be happy that the city takes maintaining the channel seriously. For a short time, fisherman utilizing public piers will have to relocate until the waterway project is complete and the waters have settled. Fishing Franks in Port Charlotte are directing their landbound fisherman to other areas for the time being.
I have sold homes to sail boaters that vessels draft 7 and more feet. Most sailors in the area generally have shoal draft sailboats or vessels that draft less than 6 feet. In a few days the work should be completed. Let’s see just how deep the channel is dredged to with real life depth soundings.
