BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Access to the water is a top priority when it comes to quality of life in Bay County, and county leaders are finding ways to grant access year-round.
Deer Point Lake is drawn down in the winter. When this happens, the boat ramp at Highpoint Park can’t be used until the water levels returns.
Recently, Bay County was awarded a grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or FWC and commissioners tell us it will help cover about half of the cost to build two new floating docks. These docks will help with traffic flow and allow boats to enter the lake at a deeper point. They will be long enough so that when the water is drawn out boaters can continue to enjoy the water year-round.
Officials say after the project is complete it will have a huge impact on the community.
“It means we are rebuilding from Hurricane Michael,” Bay County Commissioner Daniel Raffield said. “We are doing that surely and steadily,” he continued. “It is something that I promised we would work hard on, and we are doing it. So, it is very exciting to see a place for a family and kids to come have a good time and enjoy themselves. “
The total cost for the project is just over a million dollars. So county leaders will have to find a way to come up with the difference.
But this project will also include a floating kayak, a canoe launch, and future improvements to playground equipment. Construction will start by 2026.
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