Bold my highlighting... Important - Proposed Florida Statewide Anchorage/Mooring Regulations May Be Redrafted [image: Print]<http://www.cruisersnet.net/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4733&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=440> [image: E-mail]<http://www.cruisersnet.net/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform&id=4733> Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Let me emphasize that I have NOT been able to indepdendently verify Captain Leslie's info below concerning a redraft of the proposed statewide Florida anchoring and mooring regulations. HOWEVER, if this report is true, it would appear that all the input from the cruising community is having a POSITIVE effect. For those not familiar with this issue, the two largest problems with the proposed regulations are a three day anchoring limit anywhere within the jurisdictional limits of a community which has a state approved mooring field, and a four day stay limit at a mooring in a field which lacks Florida Department of Environmental Protection approved shoreside support facilities (showers, waste disposal, ect.). All of us in the cruising community need to keep the pressure on! Please attend the public comment meetings whenever possible, and let the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commision (FWC) hear from you! In my latest conversation with the Office of Boating and Waterways at FWC, I was told that the Anchoring and Mooring legislation was going to redraft. The length of stay restrictions just did not sit well with stakeholders. *I asked that the crafters look at coming up with a means to address the stored *, *unoccupied, unattended vessels that stand to ruin things for the responsible boater/cruiser*. Perhaps some sort of hybrid of the Marathon ordinance and current law would be attainable. *The derelict and unattended boats and their owners must be properly dealt with in order to quell the impetus of local governments to regulate anchoring*. Local governments for the most part have no desire or funding to delve into this arena, but the mounting frustration over the last several years over derelicts and unattended vessels is compelling many to want to do just that. Marathon provides a clear example of this vexing problem. They have a public access mooring field that is endeared by all levels of government and the boating public. Yet, they *still have the problem of stored, unattended vessels. In my view these vessels are clearly the heart of the problem*. Not the responsible cruiser. The fact that the legislation is going to redraft is great news for boaters, and NOW is the time to voice your opinions to the FWC. They want to hear from the public, and they need outside of the box thinkers making recommendations. Vessel owner responsibility should be the ultimate goal. As a city marina Dockmaster and member of the Florida Boating Advisory Council, representing the boating public, I am pleased to see the cruising community stepping up and getting involved during this is a critical time. If I can be of assistance, please let me know. Mark Leslie -- It's not about the boat it's sails or rigging. It's about the freedom. http://www.slideshare.net/jacko91/these-are-my-credentials/ http://fisherhouse.org/ http://www.specialops.org/ "We are the gaurdians of a great faith. When we believe that freedom offers the best chance of peace and prosperity for all, and our desire for peace cannot be seperated from our believe in liberty." Harry J. Truman Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.
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