As construction continues at one of Collier County’s most popular boat ramps, here are five things to know about the Collier Boulevard Boating Park and Caxambas Park, where damage by Hurricane Ian superseded the start of work at the Collier ramp.
1. Boat park major renovations first in 16 years
In August 2009, Collier County began a project to expand parking at the Collier Boulevard Boating Park, also known as the 951 boat ramp. Parking spaces were increased to 88 from 10, including 83 for boat trailers.
The park, on SR/CR 951 just north of Marco Island’s S.S. Jolley Bridge and east across 951 from Isles of Capri, was reopened in February 2010.
2. Current renovations began in mid-February
The 951 boat ramp closed the day after nearby Caxambas Park on Marco Island reopened Feb. 15, 2025. County officials planned the repairs to leave options for boaters.
On Collier Boulevard, the seawall has been replaced at the boating park, along with boat ramp structures and timber pilings. An Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliant gangway and an ADA-compliant sidewalk leading to it from the parking lot have been built.
Workers added a floating concrete dock, and they will repave the entire parking lot, adding lighting, according to Collier County planning documents and Collier County Commissioner Rick LoCastro (District 1).
They expect the boating park to reopen by the end of August, according to LoCastro.
3. Fort Myers marine contractor won bids for Collier Boulevard, Caxamabas boat parks
Collier County Board of County Commissioners awarded Kelly Brothers, Inc. the $2.7 million contract for Caxambas in March 2024 and the $1.22 million contract for Collier Boulevard in October 2024. Collier County Board of County Commissioners awarded Kelly Brothers, Inc. the $2.7 million contract for Caxambas in March 2024 and the $1.22 million contract for Collier Boulevard in October 2024.
Among the Fort Myers-based company’s’ Southwest Florida projects include reconstruction of the Naples Pier in 2015; transported and deployed the 1,000 pounds of concrete debris used to create the 150-acre Dean Hicks Artificial Reef in Lee County; upgraded the Alva boat ramp in Lee County in 2020; restoration of the waterfront of Tin City in Naples in 2018 after Hurricane Irma caused massive seawall and boardwalk damage; and the replacement of the bridge to Chokoloskee Island with a new wider structure in 2018.
4. Caxambas Park boat ramp and park repaired before 951 ramp
At 909 Collier Court, Caxambas Boat Park is at the south end of Marco Island. When Hurricane Ian struck on Sept. 28, 2022, the Category Four storm did significant damage to the ramp, bulkheads, and electrical and plumbing infrastructure.
Phase I of the renovation focused on re-opening the boat ramp, which took place Feb. 15, 2025. Phase II will include the replacement of the fueling service system and is expected to be completed in late 2025.
5. Caxambas has a ship store
The onsite ship store is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with limited sundry items, adding frozen bait and other goods over time. Ship Store hours will extend to 5 p.m. once fully operational, with fuel, according to Collier County.
Fuel is expected to flow again at Caxambas Park by fall, according to LoCastro.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Five things to know about improvements at Collier County’s 951 boat ramp
Reporting by J. Kyle Foster, Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
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