NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on July 08, 2010, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, received a petition for a variance from portions of the Sarasota County manatee protection rule (Rule 68C-22.026, Florida Administrative Code) that establish Slow Speed boat speed zones in the Sarasota Bay and Little Sarasota Bay to Venice Bypass Canal areas. The petition was submitted by Sarasota Crew, and seeks authorization for the applicant and associated parties to operate small, outboard-driven safety launches (generally a 16-foot johnboat or semi-v boat with a 25 horsepower engine) at speeds greater than Slow Speed (and less than 20 MPH except in emergencies) while accompanying rowing boats and shells during training and competitions. Generally there is one safety launch per one to four shells. Comments regarding the petition will be accepted for no less than 14 days from the date of publication of this notice.
A copy of the Petition for Variance or Waiver may be obtained by contacting: Mr. Scott Calleson, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Imperiled Species Management Section (6A), 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600, (850)922-4330.