Members press for local forum on Big Marco Pass dredging as county reviews jurisdiction

Committee members said residents raised safety and access concerns at a recent presentation on Big Marco Pass and argued the Waterways Advisory Committee should review those concerns even if higher-level entities are involved.

Ralph (speaker 4) said the committee was directed to consider the February presentation and that residents lined up with questions; he urged that the committee not be bypassed. Councilmember Deb Henry (speaker 5) responded that Collier County is looking into ownership and is working with City Council and potential state representation to identify funding, and she urged continued resident input. She said the county and city are coordinating and that state and federal bodies — including the Coast Guard and Corps — have been engaged in past meetings.

Members discussed navigation safety, draft needs for different vessel types (from personal watercraft to sailboats with large drafts), and whether dredging decisions should be coordinated across jurisdictions. The committee agreed to add a Big Marco Pass update to a future agenda so members can review presentation material and residents’ concerns.