Standing-Watch.org A Boating Coalition

By Bonnie Basham, Lobbyist for Standing Watch:

FFWCC Manatee Rule Decisions

The following decisions were made by the FFWCC regarding the proposals put forth by the FFWCC staff.

Those proposals which are going forward will be published by the FFWCC and formal rule hearings will be held in the affected areas. We expect those hearings to take place between June and August.

Charlotte County ---Lemon Bay

Proposal as proposed by staff was accepted by FFWCC. In addition, access points along the area are to be studied by staff.

Charlotte County --- Turtle Bay

Proposal as proposed by staff was accepted.

Charlotte County --- Peace River

Change 500 foot buffer to 1000 foot buffer

Hunter Creek to be slow in the southern area of the creek

Speed zone to be year round and not seasonal

Shell Creek to remain as proposed by staff

Staff to review an additional 25 mph channel at the opening of the area (to the left of the current channel)

Slow speed zone moved upstream in Harbor Heights area?????

Sarasota County --- Warm Mineral Springs

Proposal as proposed by staff was accepted

Sarasota County --- Pansy Bayou

Proposal was accepted but ski area was shortened in the dog-leg area near the mouth of the bayou

Hillsborough County ---- Terra Ceia

Proposal was accepted as proposed by staff

Hillsborough County ---Alafia River

Proposal was accepted as proposed by staff EXCEPT: FFWCC officers will be clocking speeds in the unregulated area to determine average speeds of those using the area...side channels may be made slow.

Citrus County --- Homossassa No Entry, Safe Haven

Proposal of staff was accepted....staff directed to look at accommodating fishermen who use the rock pile at the mouth of the newly proposed no entry zone.

Martin County --- Loxahatchee

This will drop from the recommendations as the FFWCC voted to take no action in this area

Martin County --- Crossroads

This will drop from the recommendations as the FFWCC voted to take no action in this area

Indian River County ---Vero Beach Power Plant

Staff proposal accepted by FFWCC

Indian River County --- Jungle Trail Narrows

Staff proposal was accepted except that the 30 mph channel will now be year round with slow outside the channel year round

Volusia County --- Dunlawton Bridge

This will drop from the recommendations as the FFWCC voted to take no action

Volusia County ---- DeLeon Springs No Entry Safe Haven

This will drop from the recommendations as the FFWCC voted to take no action

Sky Lakes Dade County

Leave current zones in place without changes

Blue Lagoon Dade County

Leave current zones in place without changes