Parts of Kingfish Boat Ramp on Anna Maria Island to close 6 weeks for repairs

HOLMES BEACH -- Sections of the Kingfish boat ramp in Holmes Beach will be closed for about six weeks beginning Wednesday, April 23, while crews make repairs following recent damage, according to Manatee County government.

Alan Lai Hipp, environmental program manager with Manatee Parks and Natural Resources, said crews will replace the understructure and decking of the docks at the ramp, a news release states.

"The aging eastern dock section was recently damaged, possibly from an impact by a large vessel or barge. Other sections of the docks are also very aged so the decision was made to update all of them at this time," the release states.

Lai Hipp said Kingfish, 752 Manatee Ave. W., will remain open throughout the six-week project. At times, one or more of the launch lanes will be closed while work is done on the adjacent docks.

The repair work is intended to keep the docks safe and functional until a major renovation project scheduled for the fall of 2015, according to the county.