CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — After nearly two decades of enjoying public use of the Bluffs Landing Marina- a simple notice from management is set to change all of that for Coastal Bend fishermen and women.
Anglers are reacting to the marina owner's decision to privatize the space–and discussing what it might mean to adopt some possible solutions in the works.
The owner gave local fisherman who use the rental boat slips out of the Bluff's Landing Marina for work and play just a 30-day notice informing them that access will soon be restricted for those who purchase a boat slip. The transition will take effect on Sept. 30.
Todd Wilson, the owner of Laguna Madre Fishing tournaments said the move will have negative effects of local groups.
“It's tough for the community – in Flour Bluff. There is not a public boat ramp here. There is a lot of local guides that are going to struggle – buying an $80k boat slip just isn't in the cards for a local fishing guide.", explained Wilson.
Two fisherman we spoke with told us there are only three other public marinas in the area- and this is going to cause local anglers and guides to move their businesses over to the Island.
Wilson added that, “With the pressure from Flour Bluff and Corpus Christi going over to the Island to use those marinas it's going to be bad over there.”
The pressure is also being felt by the marina's owner, Kris Hawkins who says he wishes the community would be more open to change. Hawkins said he's received death threats for changes made to the marina over the years.
“When people say you're going to ruin the value of Flour Bluff -- I've spent twelve million dollars there.”, said Hawkins.
Hawkins adds that contrary to what many believe he and his family have roots in the Bluff that go back 100 years. He takes pride in the improvements made to the area -- from the RV park to the stretch of Laguna Madre road- and now the marina. He believes that this is an opportunity for residents to own their own piece of the bluff.
“We are invested in that community; we want it to be nice," Hawkins continued. "We don’t want to hurt it. You know...how could you get hurt from buying real estate?"
As for the locals, many plan to launch out of the marina until the end of the month—and don’t intend to stay after that.
“I've had a lot of calls in the last couple of days from my friends who have boats here – what's going on. I just say, 'Hey it is what it is. Time to move on.” said local fishing guide Chris Thompson.
We spoke with Dan Suckley, who oversees Dist. 4—and they might be launching other options sooner than they think.
Suckley tells 3NEWS, “The city hopes to find some alternative options for having a public boat ramp – started that effort last year and we actually have it on the bond proposal in November we have design work for a launch facility in Flour Bluff.”
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