Florida petition

[All U Get]

A cruising friend sent me this from Marathon, I filled it out and sent my name in. Don't know if they're making a list but this seems easier than writing a letter.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/323/...-limit-access-to-public-waterways/?cid=FB_TAF

All U Get

 

[jimmcgee]

Thanks for posting. This has been a hot topic on a number of sailing sites.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I'm not sure what significance to place on a signature from NH on an issue related to Florida or whether you read the actual legislative language.

Is this the issue of allowing people to anchor within 200 feet of someone's home?

If so, why would you want to be that close to shore in such shallow water?

 

[PGIJon]

Thank you for posting!

 

[Bob J.]

I'm not sure what significance to place on a signature from NH on an issue related to Florida or whether you read the actual legislative language.

Is this the issue of allowing people to anchor within 200 feet of someone's home?

If so, why would you want to be that close to shore in such shallow water?

Don,

Today they're only asking for 200', what will they want tomorrow? It's like football, you reach the end zone an inch at a time. Whether one is a FL resident or not, doesn't matter. People from away flock to FL in the winter & take their $ along with them.

Personally I view it in the same light as voting. If you don't vote, you have no right to complain.

 

[RECESS]

I keep my boat in Florida. 200 feet is reasonable legislation to me.

 

[31seahorse]

Our sailing organization helped our members use the BOAT/US format to contact our Senators. After reading the proposed bill I responded today regarding the proposed legislation (SB 1548), and I had responded to the earlier governmental questionnaire in which several distance options were offered. I am disappointed that the longest distance proposed was the one that made its way into the proposed legislation.

Many of the problems that homeowners had complained about were created by derelict boats left anchored for long periods of time and perhaps by a few inconsiderately noisy cruisers. Both of those groups are a small fraction of the sailing/boating public. This is legislation that restricts the activities of those of us who have properly registered and maintained boats and those of us who use restraint in our activities whether we are aboard or ashore. I oppose the anchoring restrictions. Phil

 

[Bill1565]

Our sailing organization helped our members use the BOAT/US format to contact our Senators. After reading the proposed bill I responded today regarding the proposed legislation (SB 1548), and I had responded to the earlier governmental questionnaire in which several distance options were offered. I am disappointed that the longest distance proposed was the one that made its way into the proposed legislation. Many of the problems that homeowners had complained about were created by derelict boats left anchored for long periods of time and perhaps by a few inconsiderately noisy cruisers. Both of those groups are a small fraction of the sailing/boating public. This is legislation that restricts the activities of those of us who have properly registered and maintained boats and those of us who use restraint in our activities whether we are aboard or ashore. I oppose the anchoring restrictions. Phil

There is another way to object. Boat US has finally published their data base of Florida legislators as well as their opinions on the senate bill and a house "derelict" bill. If you are a florida resident enter your zip and the boat us data base will format and address an e mail to either your state senator or your state representative. I did both. If you like to anchor out, you should too.

 

[Stu Jackson]

There is another way to object. Boat US has finally published their data base of Florida legislators as well as their opinions on the senate bill and a house "derelict" bill. If you are a florida resident enter your zip and the boat us data base will format and address an e mail to either your state senator or your state representative. I did both. If you like to anchor out, you should too.

Yes, BoatUS also sent out an email to its members today.

Don, if you don't live in FL, you may not be able to deal effectively with the state legislature, but the point, I believe, is that ALL boaters can be impacted by this and there are a LOT of non-FL going though FL.

Also, don't forget, it sets a precedence for other states.

Dangerous slippery slope here.

 

[Butch23065]

BOATUS has a synopsis of both bills in the Florida Legislature. Everyone may want to check both of them.

The one receiving most of the press sets a 200' minimum distance from a residence for anchoring. The most common reasons for this are derelict vessels, loud noise and waste discharge. Every city/county I know of has laws on the books governing noise. I would expect most of their neighbors are closer than 200'. There are laws dealing with the discharge of waste and there are ways to identify the law breakers.

The second bill in the Florida Legislature deals with derelict vessels and provides a means for local government to remove them.

I agree with the second proposed bill but not the first.

 

[All U Get]

I'm not sure what significance to place on a signature from NH on an issue related to Florida or whether you read the actual legislative language.

Is this the issue of allowing people to anchor within 200 feet of someone's home?

If so, why would you want to be that close to shore in such shallow water?

Most anchorages on the ICW in the southern half of Fl. are close to houses and the marinas are very shallow. I draft 7 so calling ahead is routine if I'm looking for a marina. Very often we push through less than 7 to get in. There's room in anchorages at 8-10 feet only because the little boats are in tighter to shore. But there are times when catamarans and small boats don't pulled in so tight so there is "No room in the Inn". When we find a deep enough puddle the bottom is turned so often that a good hold with the anchor takes a bit of time.

The bill asks for 200' hoping for 150' and probably limiting staying at a spot for 90 days. For cruisers it would shrink some spots and hopefully still be manageable if they include markers around the area. Most of the marinas we stopped in explained the issues quite well and would welcome us back again if we could make it. I promise not to turn the pages in my book too loud while reading.

BTW Our state legislature decided to cut the governor's budget in half. With half a budget the DOT would lay off the guys plowing snow. Of course then folks from Boston can't go skiing here so little money will be spent in the state that relies on leisure dollars. If you think running a state with intelligent people is hard, try it with a bunch of idiots.

All U Get

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Do not forget the Washington BeauraCRAZY starting at the white little structure and the doe doe dome

 

[pateco]

Signed it.

 

[Gunni]

Signed. Apparently, buying the dirt wasn't enough, now they want to own the view AND the anchorage.

 

[Bill1565]

Signed. Apparently, buying the dirt wasn't enough, now they want to own the view AND the anchorage.

Absolutely, all the way to the horizon.

 

[woodster]

Signed

 

[ggrizzard]

The proposal is 200 feet from the property's high water mark at the shore!

 

[SailorTom]

I signed,
This seriously impacts shallow draft boats. I routinely scoot up within 50ft of the windward shore when it blowing. Heck I've anchored in areas that are only 400ft across!

This is just a land grab by folks with enough debt to buy the waterfront.

 

[SailorTom]

The proposal is 200 feet from the property's high water mark at the shore!

Not sure I understand your excitement,"!". Do you wish they were trying to grab more public property?

In places I know of, the property line is at Mean High tide(but always fights. Any measurement should be from this point.

There are already LAWS about noise,discharge, and countless other "offenses". We really don't need another.

 

[gettinthere]

For those of you thinking 200' is OK; this will effectively ban anchoring in much of S Florida, especially Miami and Ft Lauderdale. There is good depth up to the seawalls, at least 6' and usually more.
Again, this is 200' from your boat. So the total space you might need is 200 + 40 to 50 feet total length of your boat, plus scope of 50 to 75 feet and then double that for swing room. That means over 600' of room. Miami and Ft Laud are pretty expensive at over $3/ft if there is room. Cruising boats passing thru wont be able to stop safely to wait out weather.