Wilson Robertson Boat Ramp Opens Honoring Longtime Public Servant

February 12, 2016

More than 50 local, regional and state representatives joined Escambia County in celebration of the new Wilson B. Robertson Boat and Canoe Launch ad at 11800 Mobile Highway Thursday. The special ceremony also recognized Vice Chairman and District 1 Commissioner Wilson B. Robertson for his years of service and dedication to Escambia County, including his years of service as District 5 commissioner.

The boat ramp area, which sits on a 4.8 acre parcel near the Perdido River, features two boat ramp launch lanes, an ADA compliant dock, a paddle craft launch, 31 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers and a covered picnic table. Funding sources for the project included a Natural Resource Damage Assessment grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Escambia County Local Option Sales Tax and vessel registration fees for a total of $2.65 million.

“Fishing and boating are just some of the many recreational activities that continue to serve as great outdoor experiences in Escambia County,” said Robertson. “This new facility provides opportunities for citizens and tourists of all ages to enjoy, and I am very grateful to all of the local, regional and state partners that helped bring this project into fruition.”

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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Comments

12 Responses to “Wilson Robertson Boat Ramp Opens Honoring Longtime Public Servant”

  1. RD on February 13th, 2016 7:23 pm

    @Chris
    Seminole would require a Alabama out of state fishing license, if I’m remembering correctly, Perdido WMA has a maximum HP limit, and Rubys is a skinny, winding ramp that’s difficult for bigger bass boats. This ramp is great! Would be awesome to have Hurst Hammock back though.

  2. joe on February 13th, 2016 7:52 am

    been fishin that part of river over 30 years. Since the state has bought all the land up and opened sand landing there has been more boat traffic than I’ve ever seen. The problem is the jet ski’s. The river is very narrow and they come around the corners runnin 60. I’ve had several close calls with them. I’ve talked to the game wardens several times about this problem. Its gonna take somebody gettin killed before somethings done about it. I’m sure all the fisherman would agree that they should stay south of 90. The river is wide down there.

  3. chris in Molino on February 12th, 2016 9:55 pm

    Waste of money to me. Go the 5 min to Seminole, the 10 min to WMA ramp with recreation, or the 100 yds to Ruby’s.
    In my view, this has nothing to do with people of the community and everything to do with convenience for FWC.

  4. BG on February 12th, 2016 8:49 pm

    This is great…..Thanks Mr. Robertson

  5. erica on February 12th, 2016 6:26 pm

    Its ashamed that people cant have the hurst hammock boat launch again because this one is worthless with all the debris and sticks there is no way I would take my boat in this river! I wish it was better because its so convenient to where we live but we will have to keep using smiths or jims instead. :(

  6. Citizen on February 12th, 2016 12:47 pm

    Very nice. It took vision and then go about getting funds from various places and making it happen. The rivers are our natural resource. I agree with the comment about Century having something like this. Instead of just wishing I believe a Major Park should go in on the Escambia River.Perhaps the new Economic Developer could begin the process. Perhaps National Park funds, Federal, State, County, Tourist, Pollution Clean Up Funds. Make it happen. Apparently it is possible. This new boat ramp is a prime example.

  7. MM on February 12th, 2016 11:18 am

    I really miss the Hurst Hammock ramp near the bay, but good to have this one on Perdido.

  8. Terri Sanders on February 12th, 2016 11:14 am

    Congrats Wilson!!!!

  9. A.W. Thompson on February 12th, 2016 11:11 am

    I am glad for the folks on that side of town this is great.I wish Century had something this nice.

  10. Bob C. on February 12th, 2016 7:14 am

    Thank You, Commissioner Robertson.
    This is a most appropriate way to recognize your Service, Care, Assistance to ALL of the Citizens of Escambia County.
    You have always been approachable and willing to meet with and discuss issues with your constituents, even if they did not live in your district.
    This boat ramp will continue your dedication to Family, Recreation and Sports.
    Sir, Job Well Done.

  11. well on February 12th, 2016 7:03 am

    That’s nice.
    Can’t wait to use it.

  12. Lou on February 12th, 2016 7:00 am

    Very nice and much needed for our community! This area will provide access for many residents to enjoy. Thank you to our community leaders.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News