Bad news for responsible boaters

Overnight anchoring around seven Biscayne Bay islands might be a thing of the past. Report by Cruising World:

The state of Florida has long had a challenge in balancing the rights of responsible boat owners against the owners of poorly maintained, derelict vessels that are rarely make-way, often used as domiciles, and are hazards to navigation and the environment. These vessels, which have little to no value, wash up ashore and are frequently abandoned after storms, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill for removal.

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has applauded the state’s efforts to not lump these two waterway users together, providing waterway management options that strike a balance that keep areas open for all boating activities. That will no longer be the case if the recently introduced SB192/HB437 bills are enacted, according to the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group for boaters. – Full report