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Proposed Ordinance Prohibiting Mooring and Docking of Commercial Vessels at Boat Ramps
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
At its regular meeting held on September 28, 2021, the Board directed the County Attorney’s Office to prepare draft language amending the County’s Code of Ordinances as a result of various incidents of vessels blocking boat ramps in Hernando County for extended periods of time when not actively engaged in commercial fishing.
The attached proposed Ordinance provides for the prohibition of anchoring or mooring of a mooring of a vessel within 150 feet of any public or private marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other public vessel launching or loading facility. The prohibition does not apply to a commercial fishing vessel actively engaged in commercial fishing. It also provides for the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, its officers, the Sheriff and its deputies, municipal police officers, and any other law enforcement officer to enforce the Ordinance, may remove such vessels, and impose civil penalties.
The Department of Public Works, in conjunction with the Aquatic Services Department, has reviewed and commented on the proposed Ordinance. The proposed Ordinance was presented to the Waterways Advisory Committee for review and comment on December 15, 2021, and the Committee recommended to accept the proposed Ordinance with minor modifications to language. The attached proposed Ordinance is a culmination of both staff and committee recommendations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to adopt this Ordinance pursuant to Chapters 327 and 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Board conduct the public hearing and adopt the attached proposed Ordinance prohibiting the mooring and docking of commercial vessels at boat ramps.