By Stan Karpf, GSAC Board Member
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Several weeks ago, I was at a meeting, and a friend who knows I am active in the community wanted to know if Dave Ramsey, longtime owner of the Park Shore Marina, was retiring.

My response was, “I don’t think so.”

I saw Dave the next day and, in conversation asked him that question, unfortunately for us, he said “yes.”

The Park Shore Marina has been an ongoing business since it originally opened in the late1980’s when the Village was originally completed.

Dave has been in Naples since 1988 and took over the marina business in 2009.

At the time Dave purchased the business there were just four old boats included in the purchase, today he owns a fleet of 11 boats. In addition to today’s fleet of pontoon boats and fishing boats, prior to COVID Dave also rented paddle boards and kayaks.

Dave has many fond memories from the past fifteen years.

He particularly enjoyed the holiday season where for many years the Village sponsored a Boat Parade which various Venetian Village employees decorated all his pontoon boats and participated in the parade. As many of you remember the boats were decorated with festive lights, Christmas trees, Santa Claus figures and many other holiday symbols.

Additionally, many boats also had sound systems that played holiday music throughout the parade. Literally, hundreds of onlookers turned out and lined Venetian Bay for this terrific event. But most importantly will be his memory of all the kind people and friends that he has made over the past fifteen years.

Dave will officially retire on December 31; however, his last day of operation will be December 15 which will give him time to close the operation. For those that would like to rent a boat from Dave one last time, the marina will be open from this day forward, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from 9 am-5 pm.

Hopefully, The Village will find a new operator for the Marina so that we all may enjoy what has become a terrific neighborhood amenity.

What will Dave do next? He is looking forward to spending more time with his large family, which includes 11 grandchildren!

Dave, a big thank you for all the years you provided joy and entertainment to so many of us, our family and friends, we will miss you!