NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

April 23, 1999

CONTACT: Sam McKinney or Joy M. Hill (352) 732-1225

PELLICER POND FMA GETS NEW PUBLIC FISHING PLATFORMS

If you like to fish but don't have a boat you've got a great new place to go - two brand new fishing platforms at Pellicer Pond Fish Management Area in Flagler County!

The new platforms are a joint project of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and Flagler County, and will be officially opened at a special dedication on Tuesday, May 4 at 10 a.m., at the newly-created fish management area.

The public is invited as county, state and water management officials, as well as representatives from Redd Team Manufacturing - the company that designed the new platforms - make the first official cast and open them to the public. *Bank fishing in this area is limited so we are pleased to be able to create this new opportunity and partnership with the St. Johns River Water Management District and Flagler County. It*s a good example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together for a project that people can use and enjoy,* said Sam McKinney, regional fisheries biologist for the FWC.

The platforms cost $32,179 to build and install, and were paid for by the FWC using fishing license revenues and Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration funds. Pellicer Pond is located on Pellicer Creek Corridor, one of the SJRWMD*s conservation areas. The district spent more than $5,000 to improve road access to the pond; construct a handicapped parking space; install entrance signs; and develop an informational kiosk and educational display at the pond. The rectangular-shaped fishing platforms are located on opposite sides of the 20-acre pond. One is handicapped accessible, while the other can be reached by a short walk on foot from the parking area. They are covered to help shade anglers from the sun and rain. Anglers can fish either standing or sitting, and the aluminum decking will keep maintenance low. The handicapped accessible platform and access to it meets the standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Pellicer Pond was recently established as a FWC fish management area (FMA), and has a six catfish per day bag limit. The FWC has already stocked approximately 500 catchable-size catfish and plans to install fish feeders on the area. The fish feeders and parking area will be maintained by Flagler County. A fishing license is required to fish in Pellicer Pond FMA.

To get to Pellicer Pond FMA, take U.S. 1 to Old Kings Road and follow the signs. For more information call Sam McKinney at (352) 732-1225.