The Manchester Waterway community is located in Charlotte County, on the north side of the Peace River and west of the U.S. 41 bridges. It is bracketed by Alligator Bay where the main access channel is located. Tippecanoe Bay and the Myakka River define the western limits of the land form with the Myakka Cutoff and Charlotte Harbor to the south. The northern limit of boating access terminates with El Jobean Road. It is approximately half-way between Tampa and Naples.
Shallow water flats fishing options abound, with both sides of Charlotte Harbor providing waters renowned for their redfish, snook, and trout fishing. Deeper draft vessels have essentially unrestricted depths for access to Boca Grande Pass, known as the world's best Tarpon fishing grounds, and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. There are a significant number of artificial reefs offshore, attributed to Lee County's active artificial reef program.
History of Manchester Waterway
1940 Aerial View Before Development and Without Plots
1976 Aerial View With Open Passage Before Manchester Waterway Was Completed
1976 Aerial View With Open Passage Before Manchester Waterway Was Completed
The Manchester Community was created from predominantly pine/palmetto flatwoods. A number of creeks drained the uplands into the Myakka and Peace River and subsequently into Charlotte Harbor
In the late 50's and early 60's developers began excavating canals to create water access and fill for upland developmentp
1976 Aerial View With Open Passage Before Manchester Waterway Was Completed
1976 Aerial View With Open Passage Before Manchester Waterway Was Completed
1976 Aerial View With Open Passage Before Manchester Waterway Was Completed
In November 1975 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) issued a permit to a developer to allow connections to the upland navigation canals via a lock that allowed access to Charlotte Harbor. This work essentially authorized the continuation of the development and established the Manchester /Ackerman Waterway and interior canals.
1984 Aerial View With Manchester Waterway And Blocked Passage
1976 Aerial View With Open Passage Before Manchester Waterway Was Completed
1984 Aerial View With Manchester Waterway And Blocked Passage
On August 19, 1977 the COE issued another permit that authorized the completion of a residential development. This work also included constructing plugs that eliminated navigational access via Flamingo, Christopher, and Knox Waterways. On June 29, 2007 after extensive water testing, advocacy by MWCA, and discussion by interested parties, Charlotte County was issued a Permit to remove the lock.