Some of you may be wondering what is up with the parking situation at the Pineland Historical Marker, a popular kayak launch site on Waterfront Drive on the northwest side of Pine Island. Here is the explainer:

The history: The Randall family owns a small portion of what was considered by many to be a public place to park. The county had an option to use it. The Randall part of the parking lot was directly next to the county-owned part, so it looked like one lot. That’s why many kayakers have been able to park there.

The situation this summer: The family in June decided not to continue the agreement allowing the public parking option.

Why the bushes and trees are there now toward the middle of the lot: Because the family discontinued the agreement, the county had to put up a buffer to deliniate the Lee County property from the Randall’s property.

What this means: There will no longer be public parking to the left of the new plantings (if you are standing on waterfront drive, looking at Pine Island Sound). The county regrets that this has happened and recognizes the importance of the Pineland launch site for paddlers.