ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A dispute that has been brewing for years over access to a public boat ramp in St. Johns County came to a head Thursday when News4Jax brought both sides together at the scene.
William Hennessey — known locally as “Boat Ramp Billy” — has been raising concerns at St. Johns County Commission meetings for years, arguing that neighboring property owners have encroached on the public right of way surrounding the Palmetto Road Boat Ramp, making it harder for the public to use it. Hennessey took us out to the spot and measured from one end of the road to another outside the ramp and said it doesn’t add up.
“You can immediately see the problem from the crown of the road, our public right of way,” Hennessey said. “We have 30 ft — 30 ft right here. So that would make it 30 ft. Where that fence is.”
During our time speaking with Hennessey, John Durant, the neighboring homeowner, and a large part of Hennessey’s complaints came outside and joined the conversation saying the issue is not quite what Hennessey says it is.
“This ramp gets used maybe once a month,” Durant said.
“Well, you can’t get to it,” Hennessey replied.
“Anybody who wants to use this ramp is more than welcome there,” Durant said.
Part of the dispute centers on Durant’s driveway and mailbox, which Hennessey argues sit on public right of way. Durant says his driveway got the proper approvals. But he did tell News4Jax part of the grass where a no parking sign sits is in public right of way as is his mailbox which he says he upkeeps.
“What am I supposed to do when I build a house and everybody approves the driveway? Where do I go from there?” Durant said.
News4Jax did reach out to the county asking about the approval process for the driveway and if the county is doing anything to improve it. We also asked about the concerns Hennessey raised about limited space to use the boat ramp.
A county spokesperson sent us a statement, which we read out loud to both Hennessey and Durant:
With regards to the Palmetto Road Boat Ramp: For specifically the residential properties, driveway locations are an administrative approval only and requires that the driveway meet Land Development Code Article 6.04.05.C, which the properties meet. No variances were required and no easements were needed.
The one home at 379 Palmetto meets the Code and there was no requirement for it to access Sunset Landing Circle. Prior to approval, staff consulted with Parks and Recreation to determine if there was any object to a driveway in the vicinity of the ramp. The Director of Parks and Recreation at that time, back in 2015, had no objection.
Both men were asked what they ultimately want. Durant said he has no issue with the public using the ramp — he just wants to be left alone.
News4Jax asked Durant if there is any confusion with people driving and getting confused with the public right of way and his yard.
He said, “No, nobody has a problem turning around here because they know if they go too far, there’s a sign there they’ll back up and just go out.”
Hennessey was equally direct about what he wants.
“I want to see the land given back to us,” he said.
It is worth noting that Hennessey himself has previously been banned from accessing the ramp for a period of time.