COVID-19 Response Measures

March 25 – In response to Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” order, Port facilities will be impacted by this order.  Effective immediately, the following restrictions are in effect until amended or rescinded:

Port Business Office – The business office will remain open Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with minimal staffing, and may be closed without notice for short periods of time.  Operations will be degraded and you may experience delays in responses to inquiries or requested actions.

South Whidbey Harbor – The Harbor will remain open with minimal staffing.  Annual moorage, commercial moorage and live-aboard customers are not required to vacate the Harbor.  Winter moorage customers must remove vessels from the Harbor by the date specified in their contract.  In the best interest of public health and our staff, the Harbor is closed to transient moorage through April 30.  No new reservations will be accepted until further notice.

Whidbey Island Fairgrounds & Events Center – All events/meetings/activities on the Fairgrounds are prohibited through April 30.  This includes the use of the horse arena.

Fairgrounds Campground – No tent camping is allowed at the Fairgrounds Campground through April 30.  RV camping is permitted on a case-by-case basis for limited durations as long as social distancing is practiced.  Contact the Campground Host or Fairgrounds Director for further information.

Port water-access areas (Bush Point Boat Ramp, South Whidbey Harbor Boat Ramp, Possession Beach Waterfront Park Boat Ramp) – Remain open for public use at this time; however, due to the volume of people visiting Washington’s ocean beaches, we are asking the public to avoid these areas.  People should continue to practice social distancing when recreating outdoors.  Additionally, due to increased usage of the restrooms and limited availability of expendable supplies, visitors should plan to bring their own hand sanitizer and toilet paper.  Portable toilets will be available at these locations

Port day-use areas and trails (Phil Simon Park, Dorothy Cleveland Trail, Clinton Beach Park and Pier, Possession Beach Waterfront Park) – Remain open for public use at this time; however, due to the volume of people visiting Washington’s ocean beaches, we are asking the public to avoid these areas. People should continue to practice social distancing when recreating outdoors.  Additionally, due to theft, increased usage of the restrooms and limited availability of expendable supplies, visitors should plan to bring their own hand sanitizer and toilet paper.  Portable toilets will be available at these locations.

March 24 – The Port Board of Commissioners approves Resolution No. 20-01 Declaring Local Emergency and Delegation of Authority to the Port Executive Director to exercise emergency powers.

March 19 – Given the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the State of Washington and Island County in regards to COVID-19, the Port is taking the position that events and activities occurring on the Fairgrounds, and other Port properties, are “non-essential”.  Although gatherings with under 50 participants are currently allowed by the state and county (if criteria from the CDC for public health and social distancing are met) the Port is canceling events/meetings/activities on the Fairgrounds through April 30.  On April 23, or if new guidance/information is received from proper authorities before then, the Port will reevaluate conditions and either extend the cancellation of events or rescind the restriction.  Please be assured that the Port is taking this step in the interest of public health and that our resources will be available to help local and regional agencies respond to this crisis.

New Fairgrounds Director
We have a new Fairgrounds Director on board.  Bryon Midkiff started work this week.  He can be reached by email at:  fgdir@portofsouthwhidbey.com .  We are happy to have him as part of our team!

Tentative Dates for Floats
The floats at Bush Point Boat Ramp will be launched for the season on April 7th and at Possession Beach Waterfront Park on April 10th.

Clinton Dock
The gangway and the floats are closed until further notice.

Flying out of Paine Field or Seatac Airport?
Park at our Humphrey Road lot for just $5 per day!
Call us at (360) 331-5494 for more information.