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One battle may be won but the war continues...
Norm
S/V Bandersnatch
Lying Norfolk VA
----- Original Message -----
From: Wade Nield
To:
Sent: 10/29/2007 9:19:23 PM
Subject: Are you back yet?
Norm, not sure if you're back yet. I would think with temps dropping to the north that you would already be back. In any case, I saw the following article in the paper this morning so thought I'd copy it and send it along:
The Florida Times-Union
October 29, 2007
Fee in works to anchor off St. Augustine
By DAVID HUNT,
The Times-Union
ST. AUGUSTINE - Mariners may have to pay a harbor master to drop anchor in coming years as city officials look for ways to keep boaters from abandoning wrecks and dumping sewage.
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PROPOSED PLANAlthough Coast Guard regulations apply throughout St. Augustine's waterways, city officials have no powers of their own to regulate the harbor. The proposed harbor management plan would establish mooring fields where boaters could anchor for a fee. Boaters can now stop for as long as they want, cost free, but city officials say the lack of oversight has led some boaters to dump sewage and abandon vessels.
The fee, which has not been determined, is part of a proposed harbor management plan that's been taking shape since 2005. A public workshop was held this month. The plan remains tentative but could become reality within the next year.
"We're going to try, with the public's help, to take back control of the harbor," said Jim Piggott, the city's general service director.
Jay Bliss, a member of the St. Augustine Port, Waterway and Beach District, said he's received mixed reactions on the idea. Some look at it as a welcome mat for visitors while others see it as a Big Brother patrolling action and a tax on responsible boaters, he said.
In the past two years, city officials have had to remove 19 abandoned and wrecked vessels from the waterways, Piggott said. There also have been complaints about boaters dumping sewage into the water.
Michael Usina, captain of Scenic Cruise St. Augustine, said he is happy the city is trying to weed out irresponsible boaters.
"It's just like your car breaking down and leaving it in someone's yard," he said. "It's a shame people have to be made accountable."
Within the next year, Piggott said the city may begin building mooring fields. They'd act like hotels, he said, where boaters would check in with a harbor master before they drop anchor.
The harbor master would act as more than just a receptionist, though. Before a boat is admitted, the boater will have to show the boat is registered, inspected and has proper sanitation equipment.
Piggott said city officials looked at mooring plans in Fort Myers and Vero Beach, but as far away as New Hampshire and Rhode Island as they developed a plan.
Piggott said a fee would be developed to keep the program's costs away from the city coffers. The goal is to curb pollution and keep St. Augustine looking good, he added.
Bliss said he's concerned that the plan may make a difference in the city limits only.
"I think the problem children will migrate to other areas," he said.
Bliss said the proposed harbor management plan likely will be part of the discussion at the port's Nov. 20 meeting.
,
(904) 359-4025
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