New managers hope to build marina community

Two men who helped build Paradise Preserve Marina are now the new managers of the renamed Paradise Marina, and hope to build it into a thriving marina-living community.
It’s one of the few “live-aboard” boating areas in the area, already established as a small, tight-knit boating lifestyle community. Current residents are excited about working with the new managers and their plans for growth.
The Marina is in the old Lochmore Country Club, located at the far south end of Orange Grove Blvd., off Hancock Bridge Pkwy. near the border of North Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
Amenities include 69 boat slips, a sheltered harbor, free Internet access, free pump outs, a library, laundry, tennis courts and more. There are also showers and a screened recreation room.
Jacobs and Guthrie both worked as contractors for the past managers and owners. “I was the development manager and Rick was the construction manager on the site for four years,” said Jacobs. “There was a lot of uncertainty about the future of it, but we are now here to stay.”
They said they were both so taken with the beauty and potential for a great marina community there.
“Now we’re trying to get more boats, attract more business,” said Guthrie.
They want area boaters to come out to an open house scheduled for Saturday, March 21 from noon to 4 p.m. There will be food, drink, a chance to meet the new managers and current residents and tour the facility. There will also be door prizes and music from noon to 2 p.m. by one resident, Bill Taylor, known around the area as “Wooly B.”
“This is the best-kept secret in Lee County,” said entertainer Taylor, who loves living there aboard his boat. “I love the new managers and they will run the place how it should be run, not too loose, not too tight. A 69-slip marina with live-aboard is hard to find in the area.”
“We can accommodate boats up to 70 feet, including catamarans,” said Jacobs.
“We have full shower and laundry facilities, our library and the free WiFi Internet access as well, those are pluses” said Guthrie. “And we have a secluded nice little beach and it is very good fishing around here.”
They say manatees, otters and dolphins are common sights there, part of the community.
Resident Sue Mayer of Runaround Sue lives there year round. “It’s a great lifestyle, and a lot of friendships go with it. It’s a great way to meet people, interesting people. I think the new managers are doing a great job already. I’m looking forward to their plans, what they want to accomplish here.”
Of the community, she said, “It’s a great community – people help people out here.”
Marsha Gerhart lives there half the year. “I love this marina. I was sad when it looked like things were going to shut down with the economy and all but now we have the new managers.”
She said she’s stayed in a lot of marinas because she has a year round cruising lifestyle, often to the Bahamas. “But I consider this marina my home. Everyday around 4:30 p.m. Runaround Sue blows her horn and we have a social and happy hour. We also go to breakfast together during the week.”
It’s not glitzy like some marinas, she said, more comfortable and friendly. “We exchange ideas on everything from boating to cooking questions.”
For information on the marina or the open house, call 997-1603. Hours are “24/7” both managers said.