Escambia County has received 14 public comments on its proposed boat launch expansion at Galvez Landing.
Based on the public comments, residents are deeply divided on the Galvez Landing boat ramp expansion project. Opponents argue that Galvez Landing is a cherished community gathering place and natural park that should remain unchanged, citing concerns about increased traffic congestion, safety issues near children’s swim areas, and potential bottlenecks from inadequate dock space relative to expanded parking. They worry the project will disrupt the area’s peaceful, pedestrian-friendly character.
- Supporters believe the expansion is necessary to accommodate the growing boating community, as current facilities fill up quickly. Some suggest focusing resources on other infrastructure needs, like pedestrian bridge access, instead.
BACKGROUND
Escambia County has released its RESTORE Act Draft Multi-Year Implementation Plan Amendment 4 for a 45-day public comment period beginning Tuesday, May 13 until Friday, June 27.
- The Galvez Landing Boat Ramp is a major infrastructure improvement project included in MYIP 4 that aims to modernize a decades-old public boat ramp facility to better serve the community’s current needs, as existing infrastructure cannot accommodate today’s longer towing vehicles, vessels, and trailers.
With design plans completed in August 2022 and permits already secured by Escambia County, the comprehensive upgrades will:
- Nearly double vehicle and trailer parking capacity from 24 to 44 spaces,
- Relocate boat ramps from the center of the parking lot to the end of Cruzat Road for improved traffic flow,
- Enhance safety at the sunset viewing area by addressing trip hazards and erosion protection,
- Add restroom facilities with sewer connections, and
- Implement stormwater treatment best management practices to protect Florida’s intercoastal waterway water quality.
Public comments will be accepted in the following ways:
Emailing restore@myescambia.com
By mail: Attention: Ryan Kirby, Natural Resources Department, 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32502
Via the public comment portal on MyEscambia.com
COMMENTS
Won’t moving the boat ramps to the end of Cruzat create a traffic/congestion problem? In the summer trailers and trucks are parked all up-and-down Cruzat..this would add traffic to that and to not be able to pass through that area towards the east going through the parking lot would just create an unnecessary traffic situation. As it is now, vehicles can pass through easily without being blocked…is the goal to prevent vehicles from viewing Galvez conditions and leave it with basically just one entrance/exit? Please clarify. Thx. – Susan Hill
Could you please share a link to the plans for the planned upgrades for the Galvez Landing boat ramp? I’m looking for any site plans or other architectural type documents that are available please. Thank you! – Todd Koontz
No one wants Galvez Landing to be touched. It’s one of the last natural community parks that haven’t been monetized and it is a local gathering g place. Please don’t take it away. It is precious to us. – Jennifer miller
“I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed design update and construction at Galvez Landing Boat Ramp. Galvez Landing is not just a boat launch—it is a cherished public space that has been a cornerstone of our community for decades. It serves as a gathering place for neighbors, a recreational spot for families, and a peaceful retreat for those who enjoy watching the boats, sunsets, and the beauty of our shoreline.
When my family was stationed here in the 1990s, we found a welcoming community at Galvez Landing, and upon returning, we are delighted to see that it remains one of the most treasured parts of living in Innerarity Point. The space fosters connections among residents, provides a scenic area for children to play, owners to walk their dogs, and maintains the natural charm that makes our neighborhood so special. Any changes that limit access to Galvez Landing would significantly impact our community’s way of life and the environment we have fought to preserve.
Galvez Landing is much more than a boat launch—it is the only park with direct water access on the peninsula, offering a place for walking, biking, and leisurely visits to enjoy the intracoastal waterway. Locals, including veterans who gather daily, children who build sandcastles, and families who admire the wildlife, all rely on this space as an integral part of our daily lives. Many homeowners have chosen to live in Innerarity Point because of its access to Galvez Landing, making it vital to maintain public access without restrictions.
Additionally, the Grand Lagoon boat launch and the Perdido Bay Boat Ramp already accommodate larger vessels and trailers. Galvez Landing has historically been a neighborhood fishing and pleasure boat launch and should continue to serve small boat users rather than large charter operations. The infrastructure simply does not support expansion for larger vessels, and doing so would disrupt traffic patterns and diminish the welcoming nature of the area.
Innerarity Point has a unique character, defined by its pedestrian-friendly environment, old-growth oak trees, and connection to the water. Preserving Galvez Landing is essential to maintaining this lifestyle, ensuring that residents and visitors alike continue to experience the beauty and tranquility that make this area so remarkable. I urge you to reconsider any plans that would limit public access or alter the essence of Galvez Landing.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I sincerely hope you will prioritize the preservation of this vital community space.
Sincerely,
Linda Woodall”
I believe this is a wonderful idea. The boating community is just growing and in Perdido there’s not enough to accommodate for this. We’ve got Big Lagoon and Galvez. They fill quickly which leaves no closer options for boaters. Improving Galvez will help for sure! – Laura
Please leave Galvez alone. The present configuration works. We don’t need anything changed. – Mike Bonds
I’d love to see a bigger pier for Galvez. We seem to get the short end of the stick every time out here. Whether it’s a YMCA that gets built downtown instead of out here, infrastructure or free public access to the beach without being harassed by condo security. My questions are: Where would you have parking for vehicles? How far out would the pier extend? Francisca Bennett
As avid Boaters who live in the area and use this boat ramp frequently. I have a lot of concerns with the design. The proposed boat ramp plans raise some concerns. While the added parking will accommodate more visitors, the lack of additional dock space for loading and unloading may create bottlenecks. One dock is positioned directly adjacent to the children’s swim area, which could lead to safety and congestion issues. Additionally, boats launching right at the No Wake zone could cause navigational challenges. Overall, the design seems likely to create significant congestion. – Tracey Wicks
“As someone who uses this boat ramp frequently.
- **Capacity and congestion:** While the expanded parking will allow for more visitors, the lack of additional dock space for loading and unloading could lead to bottlenecks and inefficiencies at the ramp.
- **Safety near the swim area:** Positioning a dock so close to the designated children’s swim area raises safety concerns and could create unnecessary congestion in an already high-traffic zone.
- **Impact on boat movement:** Boats launching right at the start of the No Wake zone may face difficulties maneuvering efficiently, potentially disrupting traffic flow and increasing congestion.
- **Overall traffic management:** Without additional dock space, the increase in parking capacity may unintentionally create a more crowded and difficult-to-navigate area for boaters. – Donald Huhn
I think the update to Galvez is very needed. People may be upset about the little park, but if you offer a nice play to sit at the landing they will welcome the update. Thank you for taking time to read my comment. – Adrian Nunez
I get the rest of it but not the seawall! And the grass areas where people sit and watch the boats. – Elizabeth Triplett
You guys already remarked the parking lot and made it so the roads leading into the launch are now congested with parked vehicles on weekends and holidays. Leave the ramps where they are and remark the parking lot the way it was before. I’ve owned my home here and used the ramp(s) for more than 20 years. Stop trying to fix what ain’t broken.
Jeff Ferris
Thanks to all who are involved in updating the Landing.
We live on Galvez Rd rt by the area. Have been reading the negative comments which need to be ignored! The area needs updating to accommodate new owners & flush out the same old people who do nothing but complain & never give back!
Ignore them!
Thxs for all your effort to make our area beautiful!
Sherrill & Hunt Pendergrast
Please do not change anything about Galvez boat landing. Put money into adding bike path/walkway for people to get over Theo Baars Bridge. Lovely bike paths on both sides but no way to get over it. Not fair to residents on north side of bridge.
Thank you,
Theresa Healey