Jonathan Dickinson State Park's concession operation is closed indefinitely this summer, leaving visitors without access to boat rentals, canoe rentals, and the popular Loxahatchee Queen tour to Trapper Nelson's Island. Park officials told WPTV the vendor who operated the concession had their contract expire. The park is now searching for a new vendor, but warns the approval process is lengthy and could take months.
Max Santos, a Jupiter local who has been coming to the park his entire life, said he and others were caught off guard when they arrived to find the concession office closed. Santos said the concession previously allowed visitors to access bike rentals, canoes, motorboats and tours, and provided a place to get refreshments after activities. Daniela Sellitti drove from West Palm Beach with her kids hoping to take them on the Loxahatchee Queen to Trapper Nelson's Island, only to find the service unavailable. The park website says the concession is closed indefinitely. Sellitti said she hopes the park can find a contract with someone else who will open a concession and get the boats running again so visitors can enjoy the river and get a chance to visit Trapper Nelson's Island, which she called a part of Florida history.