City of Fort Myers evicts residents who park boats in Yacht Basin

The city of Fort Myers is handing out eviction notices to people with their boats in Yacht Basin.

Rodney MacDonnell has received an eviction notice and he’s not too upset. But he doesn’t plan on going anywhere until someone forces him to leave.

“I’m happy right here. Everything I need is right here,” MacDonnell said. Despite his sinking neighbors, green grass and random trash floating around him.

The city of Fort Myers originally sent a letter out on October 7 that the Yacht Basin was closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian.

MacDonnell has still tried to find somewhere else to go. He said, “I’ve looked around. The closest one is the Marina town over there but they have like 10 on the waiting list.”

So MacDonnell’s waiting. If he has to, he’ll anchor out in the river. But that’s not his first choice.

“I’ll anchor out there but I don’t like the anchor and there’s really too many barnacles. The barnacle growth is phenomenal on that river. I’m happy right here,” MacDonnell said.

MacDonnell might be the only person still living in Yacht Basin, but there are many boats that still need to go.

WINK News spoke to one boat owner who had no idea about the eviction notice. WINK News also talked to someone on the list who says his boats have been gone for months. Now he’s working to make sure he doesn’t get hit with an eviction on his record.