New protection zones for manatees in western Pinellas County moved closer to final approval Thursday at a meeting of the FWC commissioners in Key Largo. But stakeholders who consider the measures excessive will get at least one more say.
The commissioners approved the next step in a winding legal process: publishing the proposed rules, which affect boaters and some waterside businesses in 46 miles of inshore waterways. The proposal would create 21 slow-boating areas stretching from the mouth of the Anclote River to Egmont Key.
The new measures intended to reduce manatee boat strikes involve a mixture of year-round, warm-season and cold-season no-wake and minimum-wake zones, according to a 34-page recommendation to the commissioners.
“Through our analysis of manatee and boating data, we believe the proposed zones will provide improved protection for manatees while causing a relatively small effect on boaters’ travel time,” said Carol Knox, head of the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section.
After the proposed rules are published, a public comment period will begin and at least one public hearing will be scheduled, the FWC said. The seven commissioners then will take final action.
SpaceX marks a historic first: Launching a used rocket then landing it safely on a remotely piloted platform https://t.co/KNkpUiJcI8 pic.twitter.com/KSffGjSNdY
— CNN (@CNN) March 31, 2017
Put your ocean voyage on Cruise Control
Hasta la vista
For Americans traveling to Cuba, multiple options exist — and so do misconceptions. The Treasury Department is still keeping a watchful eye. Here's a Q&A, via the Tampa Bay Times.
