Money needed to remove abandoned boats in Lee County

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LEE COUNTY, Fla.,- Abandoned boats filling the water along the Southwest Florida coast. Lee County says it costs thousands of dollars to remove these boats and they’re asking for your money to do it.

It’s an ongoing problem on the water in Lee County.

“They are an eyesore when they are sitting there abandoned, beat up and are literally falling into the water,” said Remax realtor, Craig Tupy.

Waterfront real estate expert Craig Tupy says abandoned and derelict boats often sink property values.

“When we have people looking at waterfront properties and you come over the bridge, they point out the abandoned boats and it definitely affects property values,” Tupy tells WINK News.

The boat removal is usually paid for with a grant, but all of that money is gone. Now, Lee County Natural Resources Department wants to use $75,000 from the Boater Improvement Program until new money becomes available next year.

“These funds come from boating registration that comes back to Lee County. The funds are restricted as far as what they can be allowed for and one of the uses is removal of abandoned and derelict vessels,” said Steve Boutelle, Operations Manager for Lee County Natural Resources.

The county says right now there are no boats that need to be removed immediately.

“We want to be able to act quickly if we have a problem. There are a couple out there right now we are watching and might become an issue,” said Boutelle.

“For the homeowners that have waterfront properties and are trying to sell them, it would probably be a huge advantage if we can get those boats out of the bay,” said Tupy.

About 60 boats are removed every year. Lee County Commissioners will vote on Tuesday.

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