Griffis Landing at Blue Crab Cove
Griffis Landing at Blue Crab Cove is A Historic Working Waterfront
A 2.7 acre historic waterfront site, managed by Brevard County Natural Resources within the boundaries of the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency, Blue Crab Cove represents Brevard County’s last working waterfront commercial fishery operation, taking local seafood straight from its docks. Located on the Indian River Lagoon, this historic property has seen many enterprises from boat haul-out and repair to net making and both commercial recreational fishing, with an active bait shop and wholesale/retail seafood business still operating today—Doc’s Bait House – Bait Shop and Ms. Apples Crab Shack (which has operated here for 20+ years).
The MIRA/Brevard County project known as Griffis Landing at Blue Crab Cove is a comprehensive improvement plan to preserve and enhance the historic value and provide a gathering place at the entrance to Merritt Island that is reminiscent of the best that working waterfronts and waterside family entertainment areas have to offer.
Priority objectives:
- Provide channel depth for access and docking for commercial fishing
- Area for unloading seafood
- Place to sell commercial seafood
- Storage of fishing gear
- Educate the public on the heritage of Florida’s traditional working waterfronts
- Boat fueling
The plan includes expanded commercial fishing, parking, dock and storage areas including boat storage, enhanced wholesale pickup and refrigeration, pump out facilities and recycling, maritime educational opportunities, and events to bring Brevard’s history to life, as well as a welcoming waterfront with observation platforms and amenities, attracting public gatherings.
Significant improvements have already been made, as damage from hurricanes, such as storm damage to the boat ramp, shoreline loading dock, finger piers, and shoreline added to the issues of aging infrastructure.
The future is bright for this project. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) currently list more than 250 commercial licenses appropriate for use in Blue Crab Cove. The result of the planning and conversion of this site is expected to generate a large number of local users. Additionally, Indian River County to the south and Volusia County to the north, according to the FWC, add another 200+ commercial fishing licensees that could potentially access this area.
Blue Crab Cove is a recipient of a Florida Communities’ Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Florida Forever Grant. In 2010, a $596,500 grant was received from FIND (Florida Inland Navigation District). Other funding for this project is provided by MIRA and the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners.
Funding of more than $500,000 of improvements to Historic Griffis Landing at Blue Crab Cove
In cooperation with Brevard County Natural Resources, Boating and Waterways division, the following was completed:
- A $403,000 Land Acquisition Contribution
- Doc’s Bait House – $367,000 for “resiliency improvements” and replacement of a deteriorating flat roof with a pitch-roof structure
- Ms. Apples Crab Shack – Design charrette completed to create concept plans to improve resiliency and renovate the current site
- Boat Fuel Dock – Installation of a 1,000 gallon fuel tank with a $51,587 contribution commitment from MIRA
- Channel Improvements – Completion of plans and permits for a $353,542 channel dredging project and channel markers to improve navigable access
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