Resident warns city marina use could breach submerged‑land lease, asks council to act

A Punta Gorda resident told the city council on Oct. 22 that continued commercial operations at Ashley Park Marina may violate the city’s submerged‑land lease and jeopardize its status.

Mike Callahan, speaking during the regular public-input period, said he was concerned the marina has become more open to commercial operators than to the public. “At this point, we got over 90% open to Freedom Boat Club, a commercial entity that does not have a right to vote,” Callahan said, referring to a provision of the submerged‑land lease he said requires marinas to remain at least 90% open to the public.

Callahan said he had previously raised live‑aboard issues at the marina and that the city had previously faced jeopardy over a submerged‑land lease. He urged the council to ensure the city complies with the state lease’s terms, saying sales or repurposing decisions must follow the legal chain of approvals and that CDOM/state approval may be required. “You can't just systematically choose to sell the marina,” he said.

The council did not take immediate action on Callahan’s comments; the statement was part of a broader public-comment period that also included items on code enforcement and business licensing. City staff or the city attorney were not recorded as offering a direct response to Callahan’s public comment during the meeting. The comment was part of a series of public remarks that the council heard before taking up public hearings and business items.

Council members and staff have previously noted that submerged‑land leases carry state oversight and specific public-access requirements; Callahan’s comments signaled a neighborhood enforcement concern that could prompt staff review or follow-up.