SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Continue to a date uncertain: Amend Clearwater Code of Ordinances, Chapter 33, Waterways and Vessels, Section 33.058, Areas Defined, by repealing subsections (17) and (18) relating to slow speed minimum wake zones within Stevenson Creek, and pass Ordinance 9925-26 on first reading.
Body
SUMMARY:
In conjunction with the proposed Stevenson Creek Manatee Protection Zone established by Ordinance 9931-26, staff is recommending the repeal of two existing slow speed minimum wake zones located at the Pinellas Trail Bridge and the Edgewater Drive/Fort Harrison Avenue Bridge within Stevenson Creek. These bridge-specific zones were adopted in 2022 as part of a broader boating safety initiative.
During the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) review of the proposed manatee protection zone, FWC identified that the new manatee protection zone would overlap portions of the existing bridge-related slow speed minimum wake zones. FWC recommended that these overlapping zones be removed to eliminate conflicting regulations and simplify future regulatory marker placement and enforcement.
The proposed ordinance repeals only the two existing bridge approach slow speed minimum wake zones identified in Section 33.058(17) and (18) of the Clearwater Code of Ordinances. The existing slow speed minimum wake designation within the narrow portion of Stevenson Creek between the Betty Lane Bridge and Douglas Avenue Bridge will remain unchanged.
Approval of this ordinance will eliminate redundant boating regulations while maintaining continuous slow speed protection within Stevenson Creek through the proposed Stevenson Creek Manatee Protection Zone and the remaining existing slow speed minimum wake zone. The proposed repeal area and the remaining slow speed minimum wake zone are illustrated on the attached exhibit maps.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government: 1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
Community Well-Being: 3.2 Preserve community livability through responsible development standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
Community Well-Being: 3.4 Inspire citizen participation through civic engagement and volunteerism to build strong, inclusive, and engaged communities.
