Drayton Island Ferry Explained

Drayton Island Ferry
Crosses:St. Johns River
Carries:Automobiles
Ferrytype:Barge
Id:764040 / 764041[1]
Opened:1943

The Drayton Island Ferry is an auto ferry that crosses the St. Johns River in Putnam County, Florida, connecting Georgetown on the eastern bank with Drayton Island, located in the middle of the river at the north end of Lake George. It provides the only public access to the island.

History

The Drayton Island Ferry provides the only access for vehicles to Drayton Island.[2] Residents of the island petitioned for the establishment of a ferry service in 1939;[3] operations began in 1943.[4] The original ferry barge sank at its moorings on January 12, 1956;[5] although it was salvaged and returned to service, a replacement, measuring by, was acquired from J.H. Coppedge and Co. in Jacksonville for $6,793.[6] A safety inspection of the ferry was carried out in 1963 after reports were received that 40 people had been carried on some trips; the ferry's passenger limit was set at six.[7]

In 1968 the ferry received an $1800 subsidy from Putnam County for its operations; overall the ferry had cost $4129 to the county to operate over the previous year, while in 1965 it had produced $2,267 in toll revenue.[8] Repairs to the ferry landing were proposed in the early 1980s, with a proposal for the establishment of a special taxing district to provide funding,[9] but were rejected as unneeded; questions were raised about the financial management of the operation at the time.[10]

Operations

The ferry is currently operated by Putnam County, Florida; capable of transporting two vehicles per trip,[11] there is a $9 toll for passage to the privately owned island.[12] The ferry, which consists of a tugboat and barge combination,[13] is located near daymarker No. 70 on the river.[14] It nominally runs three times daily;[12] however, the schedule is considered flexible.[15]

References

Citations
  • Bibliography

    • 29.3858°N -81.6381°W

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Florida Bridge Information. June 29, 2012. Office of Maintenance Bridge Information. Florida Department of Transportation. 2012-09-07.
    2. Web site: Our River comes home. Bull. Roger. October 9, 2001. The Florida Times-Union. 2012-08-31. Jacksonville, FL.
    3. News: On Drayton Island Life Is Much More Simple. West. Maureen. December 10, 1978. Daytona Beach Sunday News-Journal. 9F. 2012-08-31. Daytona Beach, FL.
    4. Klinkenberg, Jeff (August 23, 2009). "Fort Gates Ferry still crossing the St. Johns River ". Tampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, FL. Accessed 2012-08-24.
    5. News: River Barge Sinks at St. Johns Dock. January 14, 1956. Daytona Beach Morning Journal. 1. 2012-08-31. Daytona Beach, FL. Putnam County Edition.
    6. News: Accepts Bid For Barge. March 22, 1956. Daytona Beach Morning Journal. 1. 2012-08-31. Daytona Beach, FL. Putnam County Edition.
    7. News: Putnam Okays Insurance Plan. November 13, 1963. Daytona Beach Morning Journal. 2012-08-31. 1. Azalea Edition. Daytona Beach, FL..
    8. News: Drayton Island Funds Asked. June 26, 1968. Daytona Beach Morning Journal. 13. 2012-08-31. Daytona Beach, FL.. Azalea Edition.
    9. News: Tax District May Help Residents. Prevatt. Butch. December 31, 1983. The Bass Capital News. 4. 2012-08-31. Daytona Beach, FL.
    10. News: Putnam Names Committee To Study Repair Project. December 14, 1983. Daytona Beach Morning Journal. 2B. 2012-08-31. Daytona Beach, FL.
    11. Belleville 2000, p.115.
    12. News: Ferry fever: Scenic St. Johns a nice place for a barge crossing. McGee. Penny. Star-Banner. 6. 2012-08-31. Ocala, FL.
    13. Griffes 2004, p.144.
    14. Young 2005, p.146
    15. McCarthy 2008, p.65.

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