Judge recommends DEP should issue permit for Chiquita Lock removal

CAPE CORAL – A judge has recommended that the Department of Environmental Protection issue a permit to the city of Cape Coral to remove the Chiquita Lock.

The judge's order on Monday is crucial for the city, which has been in a yearslong battle to remove the boat lock.

The city said the lock is a safety and traffic issue. It's now exploring options to remove it.

Attorney Mike Hannon, who represents those fighting to keep the lock, said they aren't giving up. They plan to file objections to the order to the secretary of the DEP.

"The city's multimillion-dollar effort to remove the Chiquita Lock will eventually fail again because this Recommended Order does not even discuss our claims. We anticipate that Secretary Shawn Hamilton of the Department of Environmental Protection or the Florida Court of Appeal will recognize the many errors in the Recommended Order and reverse the decision," Hannon said.

Others fighting to keep it, including the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation and the Calusa Waterkeeper, have argued the lock needs to stay to protect water quality and the mangroves.