Discussion began several months ago, but on August 31st the construction of the Tavares seaplane harbor finally began. This seaplane harbor, officially named the Tavares Seaplane Harbor, is a $7.3 million project. People should be pleased because many issues about how seaplanes fly over homes and how seaplanes have no place to refuel and no designated flight patterns will be solved. This will also help the businesses around downtown Tavares that are suffering economically by bringing more people to the city.

The harbor is going to be constructed beside Wooton Park. Of course there will be a place for the seaplanes to dock but there are going to be many other changes, too. The harbor plan includes a place where boats can refuel and a new boat ramp near the seaplane dock. There will be two new sandy beaches and two forty-nine passenger water taxis. More park benches and trash cans will be added to Wooton Park. Near to the water taxi docking area there is going to be a new gazebo.

The purpose of the harbor is “to promote business and bring people to Lake County,” said Bill Neron, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Tavares.  It is hoped that this will assist the economic situation of downtown Tavares by bringing people to the restaurants, museum, and shops.

The harbor is planned to be completed in about two years. “There will be minimal impact [on the environment] if any," said Neron.  This project has been approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Health.

The harbor can and will help many people of downtown Tavares. The seaplane harbor is going to help many people whether the person is a suffering business owner, an angry homeowner, or a confused boater.