We’ve never tried to anchor in front to the LaBelle City Dock, and Captain Laura’s note is the first indication that I remember that you can not tie up to this pier overnight. So, if you want to visit the delightful town of LaBelle, and overnight there, it looks like dropping the hook may be the best way to go!

Subject: LaBelle, FL
Cruising News:
There’s a delightful anchorage in front of LaBelle City Park just west of the Hwys 78/29 bridge–good holding and very quiet. The city docks have a 15′ limit and no overnights. Adjacent is an aluminum dock with very small slips. If you need to take a puppy to shore, either dock would suffice for a dink tie. We found nothing else so this was a great only choice.
Laura Lane Bender

I e-mailed Captain Laura and asked if she was sure there was no more overnight dockage at the LaBelle City Dock. Yes, she’s sure! Read on:

Yes. 15 minute limit! That’s hardly long enuff to walk a dawg!!! The other dock about 100 yds down is apparently also public but they made little bitty slips so they’re pretty useless. There were 6 of us anchored there and it was great. Moore Haven was also another boater unfriendly place where we thought we could tie up so called phone # and who ever answered said she had no idea what it cost. Could be $1. Could be $2. Someone would appear the next morn to collect. Asked who I could call for info and she was clueless. This was on a weekend. For no amenities wasn’t willing to risk $2. That could be a significant shock!
Laura

Here’s some differing information:

I believe the limitations on size of vessel and time at the dock apply only to the park facilities on the north side of the waterway. The free town dock on the south side, with water and electric, can accommodate larger boats moored stern-to. Overnight docking has always been allowed there, and as far as I know that hasn’t changed. I didn’t tie up there this year because the dock was full, so I anchored off the park along the north side. As Laura said, it’s a very nice, quiet place with good holding.
Peter Colket

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of LaBelle on the Okeechobee Waterway