Clermont's plan to move boat ramp runs aground

CLERMONT — The City of Clermont’s plan to relocate its boat ramp to Lake Hiawatha Preserve has run into a wall.

A Clermont citizen was one of many who was opposed to moving the boat ramp to the preserve, and challenged the permit granted by the St. Johns River Water Management District in September. Water Management staff determined that the appeal had merit and should be forwarded to the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings.

However, the citizen, the City of Clermont and the Water Management District tentatively agreed to hold off sending the case to the state while they try to work out their differences.

The city is trying to move the boat ramp to make way for construction of the Victory Pointe storm water treatment system, and for construction of Triathlon Beach. Victory Pointe will treat storm water from a wide swath of the downtown area but will also serve as a large public park.