Bass Pro on Lake Okeechobee!

[topdsm0138]

  After a few years hiatus, Johnny Morris has been given the green light to buy and build the old Okeetantee Campground and Marina, on Lake Okeechobee as of the January 12th meeting. I will be a small part of this project because of the engineering work I do, and am excited to see an old favorite spot and area get rennovated and cleaned up. What are ypur thoughts and opinions on this subject? Do you think Bass Pro can breathe some new life into Lake Okeechobee?

https://ocedcorp.com/site-selection/success-stories#:~:text=The%20site%20where%20Bass%20Pro,Okee%2DTantie%20Campground%20and%20Marina.



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[BassmanRudy]

I think it will be a good thing. Johnny is a smart man. Will create jobs and bring more fishing related $$ to the economy.

[Smallie_Stalker]

I agree with Rudy.

I would have a bit of concern if they were tearing down large areas of trees and other wildlife habitat to make way for yet another business but that doesn't seem to be the case here.

If it will help the state and the people of Florida in the long run then I'd say it's a good thing.

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[FlatsNBay]

I've had some fond memories of Okeetantee. I used to live around the corner from it. I think it's great to fix up that old dilapidated marina and campground. Bass Pro should bring a big presence to the lake management meetings and plans. I think it's a win win for everyone.

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[Capt. BassinLou]

That's pretty exciting that your firm will play a small role in this project topdsm. 

With that said, I have mixed feelings in regards to this project.

From a business and local economy point of view, Johnny Morris does not become involved in projects like this just for fun. He sees something worth investing in. $$ will be pouring in.

From a FL resident point of view, this will mean more tourists, more out of towners, more traffic, more this and more that, etc. Growth is inevitable I get it, but at what cost?

From an ecological point of view, this is where it can become interesting. Yes there will be more boating traffic, pollution, and fishing pressure. But,,,, having a power house like Johnny Morris, may help with restoration of the lake. If the lake does not fish well, it will effect their pockets. A healthy lake means a popular lake, means more $$. This might help lake have proper representation. So like I said earlier, this project will be interesting to follow.

Appreciate the post Josh. 

[big g]

Can anyone think of a better person to rejuvenate the entire area.  I'm sure it will provide much more then just a location for product sales.  Additional ramps, tournament headquarters, restaurants, and possible lodgings.  Should be a boom to the City of Okeechobee.  Clewiston area may be negatively effected. 

[topdsm0138]

I will agree with the traffic impact, but also agree with bringing buisness back to the old town. Morris does put a lot of money into cleanup and restoration, so hopefully he follows through. I remember that campground, restaurant (Lightsey's if I recall) and boat ramp used to be a Hot Spot. But has now sat abandoned since the Mid-Late 90's.

As for "man made" area/Restoration, some should know that that "island" of Eagle Bay, that goes from the Kissimmee to Okeechobee City, is a man made "island".

Good points so far, keep em coming guys.

Every opinion matters here on these subjects wether positive or negative (just please be respect of other members if using negative on a subject.)

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[mygreenihc]

I have only been to Lake Okeechobee once this past spring.  My brother and I visited the area and fished it with BassinLou.  It was a great time and I intend for it not to be my last.


I am not really a Johnny Morris fan,  but if he is investing,  he will do what needs to be done to bring it up to his high standards.  If he is investing,  it is to make money,  not to help the fishing community.  From what little I saw while I was there,  there is room for this and it should help the lake.  I agree with Lou's statement above about lake restoration.


Brad

[topdsm0138]

I have only been to Lake Okeechobee once this past spring.  My brother and I visited the area and fished it with BassinLou.  It was a great time and I intend for it not to be my last.


I am not really a Johnny Morris fan,  but if he is investing,  he will do what needs to be done to bring it up to his high standards.  If he is investing,  it is to make money,  not to help the fishing community.  From what little I saw while I was there,  there is room for this and it should help the lake.  I agree with Lou's statement above about lake restoration.


Brad

And that my friend is the catch 22 I've been hinting at. In order to make his money, he will do what needs to be done (it really is needed) to bring it up to his standards. I an hopeful that this will pan out for the best as Lake I and The Glades are and will always be my home.

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[FD]

I think it is a great thing.  I much needed boost to the local economy.

Plus the resort will be at a standard that the non fishing boss will approve of.  Long weekends in Okeechobee will be in my future.

Sent from the very edge of civilization...where I belong

[topdsm0138]

I was discussing a few things with our head Enviromental Tech at work about this project and he asked me about how I feel about tye algae issue and what that would mean for this resort. Naturally, the discussion led to talks of bioremediation and do we really think that BPS will allow that much of it to flow to their resort? Of course not. So that hints that their might be something in works to help curb that issue. (Fingers crossed)

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[acesover]

Maybe it will help stop all the spraying that goes on not only there, but all over the state.  I just would like to see a smaller impact on the area.

[topdsm0138]

Maybe it will help stop all the spraying that goes on not only there, but all over the state.  I just would like to see a smaller impact on the area.

I'm hopeful of the less spraying and seeking otherr alternatives myself, so im with you there.

As for area impact, I hate to say this, but slowly the whole lake region is starting to tey and build up from a little south of Taylor Creek, all the way to the mouth of the Kissimmee. I don't like it either, but "progress" and development are inevitable.

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[bowhunter63]

I live in Springfield Missouri and i know everything he touches makes money and jobs. Plus Okeechobee has always been a bass meca. It's on my bucket list. Been wanting to go there since the 80 s

[topdsm0138]

I live in Springfield Missouri and i know everything he touches makes money and jobs. Plus Okeechobee has always been a bass meca. It's on my bucket list. Been wanting to go there since the 80 s

If you do come to visit and fish, hit up the North, West or South ends of the lake as the east end is all pelagic w/little to no vegitation, mainly large submerged rocks (hence all the boating accidents in tournaments and recreation) and shell beds.

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[bowhunter63]

I live in Springfield Missouri and i know everything he touches makes money and jobs. Plus Okeechobee has always been a bass meca. It's on my bucket list. Been wanting to go there since the 80 s

If you do come to visit and fish, hit up the North, West or South ends of the lake as the east end is all pelagic w/little to no vegitation, mainly large submerged rocks (hence all the boating accidents in tournaments and recreation) and shell beds.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

I live in Springfield Missouri and i know everything he touches makes money and jobs. Plus Okeechobee has always been a bass meca. It's on my bucket list. Been wanting to go there since the 80 s

If you do come to visit and fish, hit up the North, West or South ends of the lake as the east end is all pelagic w/little to no vegitation, mainly large submerged rocks (hence all the boating accidents in tournaments and recreation) and shell beds.
Thank You
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[lightningmusky]

More places to stay , done right and on a good lake