Agenda Item #35
Subject
Authorization to Request Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Review of Boating Safety Conditions in the IntraCoastal Waterway in the area of the Anna Maria Bridge
Briefings
None
Contact and/or Presenter Information
Alan Lai Hipp, Environmental Program Manager, x6008
Action Requested
Authorize the Parks and Natural Resources Marine Resources staff to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to request State review of boating safety conditions within the Intracoastal Waterway in the area of the Anna Maria Bridge.
Enabling/Regulating Authority
Florida Statute 125
Background Discussion
Parks and Natural Resources Marine Resources has been contacted by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit regarding boating safety conditions within the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) under the Anna Maria Bridge. The safety concerns involve the unrestricted speed within the ICW and the width between the fenders of the bridge as well as the intersection with two navigational channels immediately north of the bridge. The confluence of channels also has restricted visibility to boaters south of the bridge traveling north which is caused by the bridge structure itself.
The Marine Unit has observed several near collision misses involving vessels traveling under the bridge at higher speeds and has received a letter requesting a review of the safety conditions in the area from a concerned boater who has experienced two near incidents within the last two years.
Florida Statute 327.60 prohibits local governments from regulating any vessel upon the ICW; however, the County may request the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to conduct a review of the boating safety conditions in this area to determine if such conditions and evidence warrant regulation to promote and enhance boater safety.
If requested, FWC will conduct an extensive analysis of the existing boating safety conditions within the area of concern and will solicit boater and stakeholder input through their review process prior to reaching a final decision. Any potential establishment of boating safety regulations within the ICW is solely by decision and action of the FWC; the County would only be requesting that it be reviewed.
If authorized, Marine Resources staff will submit a memo requesting such review to FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section.
County Attorney Review
Not Reviewed (No apparent legal issues)
Explanation of Other
Reviewing Attorney
N/A
Instructions to Board Records
Please send copy of approved agenda item to Alan Lai Hipp, alan.laihipp@mymanatee.org.
Cost and Funds Source Account Number and Name
No Cost
Amount and Frequency of Recurring Costs
No Cost
Attachment: MSO ICW Letter.pdf
Attachment: Boater Request Letter.pdf
Attachment: ICW_AMBRIDGE.pdf