FWC approves no-anchor zone for Pine Channel

KEY LARGO - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed a new rule Wednesday to create a no-anchoring zone for masted boats between Big Pine Key and Little Torch Key south of U.S. 1. The area between the red lines in the picture.

The rule resulted from petitions from the Monroe County Commission and the Utility Board of the City of Key West after several incidents involving vessel masts that hit power lines, which run along the South side of the Overseas Hwy., during storms. Such strikes endangered people on the vessels, affected power to residents of the lower Keys and caused property damage. The rule, which applies to all vessels with masts, provides that if the overhead power lines are removed, the zone would no longer be in force.

On July 26, 11 private citizens attended a public workshop in Marathon on the proposed rule. Representatives from Monroe County, the power company, the Coast Guard and FWC staff also attended. Of the seven people who provided comment, three were opposed to the proposed rule, and four were in support of it. A notice of proposed rule appeared in the Oct. 27 Florida Administrative Weekly. FWC Commissioners passed the rule in a unanimous vote.

del.icio.us - Digg This