15450274, 68C-22.016 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 15450274

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Manatees

Chapter:

THE FLORIDA MANATEE SANCTUARY ACT

Overview

RULE:

68C-22.016

Pinellas County Zones

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the proposed rule is to improve protection of manatees and manatee habitat by limiting allowable motorboat speed in portions of Pinellas County. This rule is being proposed after considering recommendations made by the Pinellas County Local Rule Review Committee that was formed pursuant to 379.2431(2)(f), FS. The effect of the rule would be to limit allowable motorboat speed in portions of western Pinellas County. Additional information is available at: http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/manatee/rulemaking/.

SUMMARY:

The proposed rule would establish manatee protection zones in portions of western Pinellas County that limit allowable motorboat speed to Slow Speed. Most zones would be in effect only between April and October, while some would be in effect year-round and one would be in effect only between November 15 and March 31. The rule would add 0.5 linear miles of new Slow Speed zone on the Intracoastal Waterway. In many locations the zones would have no impact on the water because of existing boating safety zones that are more restrictive. The proposed rule includes new descriptions of the existing zones in the eastern portion of the county but the zones in this area are not being substantively changed. The new descriptions are needed so that all zone descriptions are based on the same geographic projection and the most up-to-date and accurate shoreline information.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

379.2431(2), FS

LAW:

379.2431(2), FS

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

12/22/2014 Vol. 40/246

COMMENTS:

From 12/22/2014 To 1/12/2015 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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