6/16/1992 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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F, JUN 1( 1' '92 looK �3 t+iP �t Dean Mays, resident of Vero Beach and owner of Dean's Elite Wheels & Water Sports, was concerned that over regulating our waterways in these hard economic times could result in doing away with hundreds of jobs in marine related businesses. He wished to point out that next to the citrus industry, the marine industry is the next largest in this county. His particular involvement is with personal water craft which are jet propelled and do not have props. He believed safety is the important aspect that has to be considered in this matter. Mr. Mays objected to putting all these craft in two small areas designated for water recreation. He stressed the need for more boater education rather than all this regulation, and was against putting all the small recreational boats in two small recreational areas. He cautioned that somebody, perhaps a child, is going to get hurt and these regulations'` will end up in the wastebasket. Mr. Mays felt that the people 'in Indian River County have been taking care of manatees. He pointed out that all the signs that have been posted to protect';`the" manatee were not mandated by the DNR. They were posted by people who care about protecting the manatee. He wanted to save the manatee, but not at the expense of his children. Rose Schulte of Palm Bay, representing the 1000 -members in Indian River County and Brevard County of the Eternal Coast chapter of the Sierra Club, stated that they are in favor of the DNR's boating speed regulations proposal. She noted that Map #3 better clarifies the buffer areas for slow speed. In the past it was very difficult to distinguish between the slow speed areas and the idle speed areas and for which periods of time. She felt the recommendations that were made to the Board have clarified that area very well. Their organization supports the licensing of boats and feels that boater education needs to go hand in hand with the licensing. They are in favor of the DNR's proposal for speed regulations. Carl Fetzer, 465 33rd Avenue, felt that MANWAC's recommendations represent a very good compromise and that the DNR's regulating everybody into two small areas endangers the safety of both people and manatees. He noted that Broward County is heavily regulated and it has been found that manatee deaths are occurring in slow and idle speed zones. He felt the DNR has an obligation to come up with a plan for what they feel is right, but emphasized that Indian River County also has a right to come up with a plan that we feel is right. He believed IRC's plan is totally reasonable with respect to the manatee and to the use of the river by boaters, water skiers and fisherman. Mr. Fetzer supported the latest revisions to MANWAC's recommendations. 18