FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ New islands, rising from Lake Okeechobee like a bass fisherman’s version of Atlantis, could become a tourist-attracting, economic alternative for the Florida city of Pahokee’s life after U.S. Sugar. The state’s proposed $1.75 billion buyout of U.S. Sugar to further Everglades restoration threatens to leave Pahokee and other Glades cities without a major employer. This comes at a time when lingering low lake levels have hurt marinas and other water-dependent businesses.

That has the city teaming with Palm Beach County in a renewed push to dredge channels, clearing the way for boat traffic in low water.

The material dredged from the lake bottom would be used to create proposed “eco-islands” _ fishing, camping and bird-watching destinations that also provide a safety buffer for the lake’s aging dike.

The major hurdle is the steep price tag, as much as $55 million according to a study released in July.

The city and county are counting on the federal government to help pick up the tab. But right now, the spending priority is the decades-long, billion-dollar repair of the Herbert Hoover Dike _ named one of the six in the country most at risk of failing.

Supporters say the islands could help shield the dike, while at the same time creating an economic lifeline for communities in need of a boost.

Boat slips at Pahokee’s refurbished marina and campground often sit empty because low water levels have stopped vessels from using the lake to travel between Florida’s east and west coasts. Back-to-back years of drought, coupled with decisions to keep the lake lower due to concerns about the dike’s strength, resulted in the low water levels.

Factoring in the economic ripple effects of possibly losing U.S. Sugar’s 1,700 jobs, the situation is going to get worse for restaurants, hotels and shops, said Jim Sheehan, whose company manages Pahokee’s marina and campground.

“There is no business,” Sheehan said. “We’ve got a marina that you can’t get boats to.”

Palm Beach County paid for the $50,000 study that explores the possibility of dredging lake channels and creating the islands.

Now the county is considering spending another $150,000, during a tight budget year, for engineering and design plans needed to keep the project going. The county finalizes its budget in September.

“Create a destination for boaters, create good fishing habitat … it is just very promising,” county Parks Director Dennis Eshleman said.

The plan proposes three types of islands: one creating an extended shoreline, reachable by those without boats; several shallow water islands that cater to canoes; and a larger deep water island near the Pahokee marina with more boat moorings and campgrounds.

Aside from cost concerns, island backers have to overcome regulatory and permitting obstacles from a slew of state and federal agencies, most notably the Army Corps of Engineers.

The corps in a June 25 letter raised concerns about covering the lake bottom with man-made islands as well as using the dredged material to create those islands.

The corps also wants to finish building a reinforcing wall through the dike before allowing dredging. Rehabilitation of the southeastern side of the dike is supposed to last until 2013.

Using dredged material to build the islands could become a cost-effective way to move and contain the polluting sediment that covers much of the lake’s bottom, said Paul Gray, a scientist for Audubon of Florida.

“The mud center of the lake is just a crippling problem,” Gray said. “Part of dealing with the mud is where do we put it?”

The cost of the islands and environmental concerns raised by the corps are important issues, but so too is the need to create attractions that compensate for the loss of sugar industry jobs, Pahokee Mayor Wayne Whitaker said.

“That is a big opportunity for tourism,” Whitaker said. “We have got to provide for ourselves and provide jobs for people.”

(c) 2008, South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

From Staff and Wire Reports
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  The South Florida area is one of the hottest spots in the country for vacationing and bass fishing. For proof of this, you don’t have to look any further than the amount of bass fishing guides in the area. There are plenty of South Florida bass fishing guides, and each one promises an enjoyable fishing trip.

If you are an experienced angler and know your way around a body of water, chances are you won’t need the services of a fishing guide. There are plenty of prime bass spots that can offer great fishing in South Florida.

South Florida Fishing Guides

The number of South Florida bass fishing guides is due to the popularity of this area as a vacation spot. These services are great for someone who is in the Naples, Ft Myers, Palm Beach, Ft Lauderdale and Miami area for a family getaway or even a business trip. They are also great for people who are not exactly experienced in bass fishing. Hawghunter.net, south Florida’s largest bass fishing guide service offers guaranteed catches with it’s industry trend setting fishing policy, NO FISH, No PAY! Many of the other services will charge you regardless whether you catch fish. That fact alone tells you how confident the guides at Hawghunter.net are that you will catch fish with them.

You don’t have to drain your pocket book to enjoy these fishing trips either. Many of the South Florida bass fishing guides offer trips that are quite affordable. An eight hour trip for two people can be purchased for anywhere from $350-$400. There are various amounts of time that these trips are available in for less money. Some of these guides will also offer lessons and refresher courses in bass fishing. They give you the opportunity to spend a day on the water with a bass fishing expert.

These guided trips are a great addition to any Florida getaway at an affordable price. You can either take the whole family, or split off by yourself instead of going shopping. There are many South Florida bass fishing guides to choose from, we suggested this one because of it’s #1 ranking on Google. They should be able to find a fishing adventure that suits your needs and preferences. There is an abundance of information online about many of these services. Take your time and research them before making your choice. Make sure you book as far in advance as you can, because many of the South Florida bass fishing guides book up quickly, especially during vacation season.

Other great reasons to book a fishing trip in the South Florida area include the weather and the number of other things to do in the area. Not to mention that it is some of the best bass fishing in the country, whether you use a guide or not.

We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us if you would like to help or suggest a body of water in your area. If you have any questions on the videos or if you are interested in a fishing trip in Florida. Our if you would like additional information on the fishing trips or fishing videos please contact us on this form, thanks you and good fishin!.

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By MARK S. KRZOS • mkrzos@news-press.com • August 2, 2008A city of Bonita Springs’ plan to turn a piece of land near Interstate 75 into a small park will get a helping hand from the state.

Carpenter Lane River Park in Bonita Springs has been named as one of four Lee County parks that will get a slice of $24 million earmarked by the state for improvements.

“That property near the McDonald’s is going to be part of the river trail,” said Gary Price, Bonita’s city manager.

The river trail will be a walking trail along the Imperial River. The trail will work in conjunction with a canoe/kayak trail planned for the eastern reaches of the river, Price said.

“The city and the county both bought some land in that area,” Price said. “The walking trail is being planned between Bonita Grande Drive and Quinn Street.”

Part of the state’s budget for 2008-09 includes $24 million to expand and improve local parks statewide.

The money Bonita Springs receives from the state will be used for a new sheltered pavilion, a multi-use trail and landscaping.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) will grant Lee County $542,000 to develop and enhance community parks, providing outdoor recreation opportunities and improving public access to Florida’s natural resources.

“Outdoor recreation areas and facilities are a vital part of Florida’s economy, drawing both Floridians and visitors to experience the state’s natural resources,” said Michael Sole DEP secretary. “With the support of Gov. Crist and the Florida Legislature, FRDAP funding allows Florida cities and counties to develop and enhance local parks while uniting their communities through recreational opportunities.”

Other Lee County projects funded in this year’s budget include:

• City of Fort Myers, Clemente Park - The money will be used for a new picnic pavilion, walking trail, restroom, landscaping and to renovate picnic pavilions.

• Lee County, Three Oaks Community Park - The money will be used for a new tennis court, fishing pier, picnic pavilion, parking and lighting.

• City of Cape Coral, Chantry Park - The money will be used for new picnic facilities, a boat ramp, walking trails and lighting.

“Reserving space and funds for recreation is essential to the healthy growth of Florida’s communities and citizens,” said Mike Bullock, the director of the DEP’s Florida Division of Recreation and Parks.

Administered by DEP, the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) is a competitive grant program, providing funds to local communities for public outdoor recreation.

Over the past decade, Florida has invested more than $250 million to improve local park facilities through this grant program, funding more than 2,000 projects statewide.

We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us if you would like to help or suggest a body of water in your area. If you have any questions on the videos or if you are interested in a fishing trip in Florida or you would like additional information on the fishing trips or fishing videos please contact us on this form, thanks you and good fishin!.

From Staff and Wire Reports
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www.flpeacockbass.com
www.basson-line.com