Palma Sola boat ramp closing for maintenance

MANATEE COUNTY – The Palma Sola Causeway Boat Ramp launch ramp and docks, located at 9701 Manatee Ave. W., will be closed from Monday April 4 through Friday April 8, 2022, for dredging maintenance.

Approximately 130 cubic yards (about 10 dump-trucks full) of accumulated sand will be removed from the launch ramp and end of the docks to restore full functionality of the facility. This maintenance is made necessary by natural geological processes. Over time -- sand is transported westward by the current along the shoreline of the Causeway. That deposition of sand at the boat ramp makes this periodic dredging necessary.

Contractors have identified a slim window of opportunity to do the work this week, rather than wait until later in the season. It is their hope to complete the dredging within the work-week time frame, to minimize impact on weekend boaters.

A portion of the Palma Sola Causeway Boat Ramp parking lot will also be closed for material and equipment staging. The launch ramp and docks will be closed to vessel and pedestrian access for the duration of the dredging activities.

Boaters may alternatively use the Kingfish Boat Ramp located three miles to the west at 752 Manatee Avenue West while the maintenance is ongoing.