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Patrick M. Rose, Environmental Administrator of Protected <br />Species Management, Florida Dept. of Natural Resources, explained <br />that in reviewing the interim measures of about six counties, it <br />was felt that a better way to go would be to do a more thorough job <br />of going beyond what would be the interim measure and, if possible, <br />doing something where they would not have to keep coming back and <br />adjusting the plan. They are now in the fine-tuning process on the <br />differences in opinions. <br />Commissioner Scurlock asked if the fly -over count that was <br />done in the Indian River to determine the number of manatees was <br />ever released to the public. <br />Mr. Rose advised that the results of the most recent count <br />have not been released at this point because they are in the <br />process of final analysis. The numbers have been released, <br />however. <br />Commissioner Scurlock understood that for the past three years <br />in this county, there has been only one manatee death per year that <br />was related to boats. Many boaters have asked for that information <br />as well as the Sebastian Inlet Taxing District. <br />Mr. Rose said that he had met with Ray LeRoux of the Sebastian <br />Inlet Taxing District and discussed the DNR proposals. He wasn't <br />aware that the District had requested that data. <br />Commissioner Wheeler wondered if recent studies are correct <br />that it is the older manatees that are being hit because they have <br />a hearing loss caused by a virus. <br />Mr. Rose stated that there is no evidence to date that <br />manatees have a problem hearing boats. <br />Commissioner Wheeler wanted to see a balance of concern <br />between the protection of the manatee and man's right to enjoy his <br />surroundings. <br />Commissioner Scurlock emphasized that the County has selected <br />the option for a locally developed, site-specific speed zone plan. <br />He felt that if we are not going to be allowed to do that and the <br />State is going to design the plan anyway, then maybe we should have <br />selected one of the other options that puts all the onus on the <br />State. <br />Commissioner Bowman reminded the Board that they did not <br />accept the ad hoc committee's report in its entirety and had, in <br />fact, modified it considerably to the dissatisfaction of the DNR. <br />Mr. Rose commented that there are many, many things in the <br />State's plan and most of it is consistent with the County's <br />recommendation. There are a few areas where there are some <br />differences of opinion and they had suggested even stronger <br />provisions than what they are proposing today. They are concerned <br />17 <br />MOO <br />