Gill Isles, Fort Lauderdale – New River Dockage

Gill Isles run along the westside of the North Fork.  View of the entrance to the first of Gill Isles.
Gill Isles run along the westside of the North Fork.

Gill Isles are located on the North Fork of the New River before and past the Eleventh Avenue bridge. The isles are all on the westside of the North Fork. The isles are south of Argyle apartments and the Broward Boulevard bridge. Gill Isles are north of the New River’s South Fork. Westward is Ft. Lauderdale’s historic African American district and I-95. Eastward is Coolies Landing, Riverwalk, and downtown. Gill Isles are the best kept secret of Ft. Lauderdale dockage – hurricane safe, deep water, and affordable rates.

Gill Construction Co., a prolific developer during the boom time late 1940’s and early 1950’s, dredged these canals. The Gill father son duo, George and Bob, built over 3,000 homes singlehandedly shaping Ft. Lauderdale. They dredged almost every canal in Fort Lauderdale before moving into hostelry such as the Yankee Clipper.

The 11th Ave swing bridge is a historic landmark of the New River.
The 11th Ave swing bridge is a historic landmark of the New River.
George Gill Sr and his son, George "Bob" Gill Jr. instigated the 1950's land boom.
George Gill Sr and his son, Bob Gill Jr. instigated the 1950s land boom.
Docks on Gill Isles are among the most reasonable on the New River.  Also docks along the main North Fork are reasonable.
Docks on Gill Isles are among the most reasonable on the New River

The docks lie behind private houses. These canals provide affordable dockage for sail and power boats similar to the Citrus Isles on the South Fork. Gill Isles are smaller and quieter than the Citrus Isles. They are a safe place for hurricanes and allow 6 foot draft. The area has traditionally had a higher crime rate. But along the water the houses should be safe. Anywhere, you should always lock your boat up.

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