MANATEE COUNTY – The Coquina North Boat Ramp in Bradenton Beach will be renamed the Captain Scott Moore Boat Ramp in honor of longtime Holmes Beach resident and well-known fishing guide and charter captain Scott Moore.
During the May 14 Manatee County Commission meeting, Moore gave a short presentation about the condition of the area’s local fisheries and the importance of preserving mangroves as fish habitats and breeding grounds.
After the presentation, Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge surprised Moore by proposing the county attorney’s office draft a county resolution that, when adopted, will result in the Coquina North Boat Ramp being renamed in Moore’s honor. The nearby Coquina South Boat Ramp will be renamed as Coquina Boat Ramp.
MOORE PRESENTATION
When introducing Moore, Van Ostenbridge said, “He’s 50 years on the water and there’s no better expert.”
“He’s a legend,” Commission Chair Mike Rahm added.
As he began his presentation, Moore said, “Despite recent challenges with red ride, Piney Point issues and freezes, I’m pleased to report that our fish populations are recovering. There are reasons for this recovery and I’d like to highlight the crucial role that the mangroves play in our area.
“Throughout the years, decisions made by past commissioners and present regarding the preservation of mangrove areas such as Robinson Preserve and Emerson Preserve have significantly enhanced our fisheries. The leaf litter from the mangroves is essential for nurturing fish populations. The leaf litter that comes from them is so important, and it also affects our fishery inshore and offshore, both recreationally and commercially. Protecting these mangrove habitats is paramount to sustaining our fisheries. It’s the most important thing that we have,” Moore said.
“While we still face water quality issues – and those solutions I’ll leave up to the scientists – safeguarding our mangroves is a step in the right direction. One particular area I want to emphasize is Rattlesnake Key, a vital fish-producing region,” Moore said.
Moore noted that in the Tampa Bay area, the waters at Emerson Point have historically been a significant area for snook to spawn and preserving those mangroves has benefitted the area’s snook population and assisted in its recovery.
“Snooks really got hit. We had a freeze (in 2015) and it took out a lot of fish. It takes years. You have recruitment in these fish populations and it takes time for this to happen,” he said, also noting the past impacts of red tide.
He said the fish population would not have recovered as well without the mangroves and fish habitats available at Emerson Point Preserve, Perico Preserve and Robinson Preserve.
“Robinson Preserve is a big producer of redfish because of the inner shore area we have now,” he said, noting that Robinson Preserve serves as an important fish habitat and breeding area in addition to being a great place to bicycle, hike and enjoy other recreational activities.
Moore has long been a proponent of the state and/or county buying Rattlesnake Key and designating it as a park and preservation area.
In 2022, the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis earmarked $23 million to purchase the 671-acre island known as Rattlesnake Key and designate the property as a state park, with Manatee County contributing an additional $3 million to purchase the land. To date, that sale has not materialized and the earmarked state funds are scheduled to expire in June. In April, the corporate owners of the Rattlesnake Key property and several surrounding properties collectively listed those properties for sale for $75 million.
Despite the decreasing likelihood that the state will buy Rattlesnake Key, Moore remains hopeful.
“Rattlesnake Point is a huge area that produces fish commercially and recreationally,” he said. “As you drive south across the (Sunshine) Skyway entering Manatee County, what are you going to see? You’re going to see Rattlesnake Key. Consider the legacy we leave for generations to come. We need to preserve that.”
After noting that he’s a “little disappointed” with the state regarding the Rattlesnake Key purchase, Moore said, “Use our money wisely, but we want that done if you can do it.”
RENAMING BOAT RAMP
After Moore’s presentation, Van Ostenbridge noted that in addition to being a legendary fishing guide, Moore serves on fishery committees, has formed partnerships with scientists and other fishermen, has spent many hours educating local students about the importance of conservation and has “enlightened countless individuals on the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the delicate balance of marine life.”
Van Ostenbridge noted Moore founded the Coastal Conservation Association in the 1980s and still sits on that board. He also said he’s earned many awards and honors in recognition of his work – including a $3 million donation that philanthropists Carol and Barney Barnett made to the Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory in Moore’s name.
“We could go on and on and on for all the things that he has done for this county and the local waters around here. If there’s ever a person that was going to be memorialized or remembered for their contributions in their specific field and specific industry, I think Capt. Moore is somebody who deserves that kind of recognition,” Van Ostenbridge said.
“Out at Coquina, we have two boat ramps; one’s called Coquina North and one’s called Coquina South. I always thought that was kind of silly, so I move that we direct the county attorney’s office to draft a resolution for this board to name the Coquina North Boat Ramp the Captain Scott Moore Boat Ramp and the Coquina South Boat Ramp the Coquina Boat Ramp, Van Ostenbridge said.
In response, the surprised Moore said, “Wow. Thank you so much.”
Rahm seconded Van Ostenbridge’s motion and the commission voted unanimously in favor of having a resolution drafted that sets the renaming efforts in motion.
In closing Rahm said, “Thank you so much for what you do for our community.”
Related coverage: Scott Moore inducted into Agricultural Hall of Fame
