Port of Tampa restores dock at environmental showcase

Port of Tampa restores dock at environmental showcase Officials at the Port of Tampa said Wednesday that dock repairs have been completed at Fantasy Island, the port's award-winning environmental mitigation project that is used for educational presentations for both school and environmental groups.
   The four-acre, man-made island was originally made from dredge material when the Tampa Harbor shipping channel and berth were deepened in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 2000, the port authority teamed up with the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, the Tampa Electric Company, and other participants for an ongoing restoration, conservation and educational outreach program.

Fantasy Island, a four-acre island made by dredged materials from Port of Tampa harboring deepening work, has received national recognition as an environmental reclamation project. The access dock for the island, shown on the left, has been repaired after it was damaged by vandals.

   The island has been restored to attract a variety of wildlife through landscaping and introduction of specific forms of plant life. There is also an open-air education pavilion with seating for presentations, plus a nature trail and educational signing for groups touring the island.
   In 2007, the port received the prestigious Environmental Improvement Award from the American Association of Port Authorities for the Fantasy Island project.
   The disabilities-accessible dock to the island was damaged by vandals, forcing an end to some outings until repairs could be completed. Some 1,800 students are expected to visit the island this school year, port officials said.