Amendment 6 Seeks To Save Fla. Marine Industry

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Jun 19, 2004
512
Catalina 387 Hull # 24 Port Charlotte, Florida
While I don't fault a develper and the right to make a profit, they are just going about a full blown rape and pillage of the land. Without getting a political controversy started here, hopefully they will get slowed down somewhat since cash and credit is so tight. Moratoriums I think do have a place and we really need to slow down, especially with regard to water front expansion and development.

The Chesapeake Bay Wetlands Act was supposed to prevent over developmnet of watershed lands that drain into the bay, and yet they have managed to continue to build and develop in sensitive areas.

Now, the crabs, oysters, and other shellfish are becoming eradicated due to over fertizilation of pretty lawns, that run off into the bay and cause over proliferation of aquatic organics that are decomposing and falling to the bottom of the bay and choking off the oxygen for the crabs and oysters and other shellfish.

If we aren't careful, we will find that only a select group of people will be able to use and enjoy the water ways. Good for Florida to try and put the brakes on it, I wish them luck in getting enough of a vote out to pass this ammendment.
 
Feb 9, 2008
292
Catalina 22 Long Beach Harbor, MS
Jesus! I guess they determine that value as well. Is there no end to government intervention in the quest for your money? By what right? By whose authority?
 

Benny

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Sep 27, 2008
1,149
Hunter 320 Tampa, FL
Guys don't get your hopes up.

The damage to the industry has already been done. Rising costs and prices due to the increase of real estate taxes for marinas drove prices up causing more than a few boaters to scale back or give up boating altogether. Those marinas or yards that could not survive the rising costs were forced to sell to awaiting developers. The problem was wide spread and well known for at least the past 3-4 years but nothing was done then. Now because of the economic downturn and plummeting real estate values affecting everybody including developers I guess the politicians feel it is safe and at no loss to promote an amendment. To pass it needs 60% of the vote and I don't think boaters and marine industry personnel make 10% of the registered voters. The large trailerable power boat segment is content with a few municipal ramps. A huge information campaign would be necessary to help pass that amendment and with barely a few weeks left for the elections I doubt it could be done. I had not heard anything about it and that may be indicative that the proponent may be playing to his or hers local constituents but really has no real interest in the outcome.
 
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