29119611, 68C-22.011 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Notice: 29119611

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Manatees

Chapter:

THE FLORIDA MANATEE SANCTUARY ACT

Overview

RULE:

68C-22.011

Citrus and Associated County (Parts of Levy and Hernando) Zones

PURPOSE:

The Commission is proposing amendments to portions of the existing Levy County manatee protection rule in the southern portion of the county.  The Levy County rule is established under 68C-22.011, F.A.C. (Citrus County chapter).  In June 2024, the Commission provided notice to Levy County as provided by §379.2431(2)(f), Florida Statute.  The 60-day statutory time requirement expired on August 16, 2024.  The proposed rule amendment would amend 68C-22.011(1)(d) from Slow Speed (March 1-August 31) to 25 MPH All Year zone. The proposed rule would amend the western portion of 68C-22.011(1)(a) from a “Caution”/25 MPH All Year Zone to a 25 MPH All Year and the eastern portion to a Slow Speed (March 1-August 31) seasonal zone. Additionally, the proposed rule would establish a year-round Slow Speed Zone in the waters surrounding the Highway 40 Boat Ramp. In December 2024, proposed rules were presented to FWC Commissioners. Additional information is available at: http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/manatee/rulemaking/.

SUMMARY:

The first Manatee Protection Zones in Levy County were adopted in 1985, establishing seasonal zones in portions of the Withlacoochee River. Since then, no rule amendments have been made to the zone configurations in Levy County. Some of the zones in the Withlacoochee River are problematic to enforce and may result in a boating safety concern. Staff collected twelve months of manatee distribution and boater compliance data to further evaluate the effectiveness of the zones. Commission staff are recommending two Manatee Protection Zone amendments to ensure manatee protection while addressing zone enforcement capability and boating safety. Staff recommends amending the existing Seasonal Slow Speed Zone and a portion of the Caution 25 MPH Zone to a more standardized 25 MPH All Year Zone at the mouth of the Withlacoochee River.  Additionally, staff recommends adopting a Slow Speed All Year Zone in the narrow travel corridor south and west of the Highway 40 (Bird Creek) Boat Ramp. The changes will enhance manatee protection in the narrow portion of the Withlacoochee River, south of the Highway 40 (Bird Creek) Boat Ramp, and decrease waterway restrictions in the open waters west of the Ramp, within the marked navigational channel. Other Manatee Protection Zone amendments within Levy and Citrus counties are not being considered as part of this rulemaking effort. Staff hosted a public workshop in Levy County in September and public comments were in support of the Commission’s proposal. Staff presented proposed rules at the December 2024 Commission meeting and received approval to advertise a Notice of Proposed Rule.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

379.2431(2) FS.

LAW:

379.2431(2) FS.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

1/3/2025 Vol. 51/02

COMMENTS:

From 1/3/2025 To 1/24/2025 (21 Days)

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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