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BOOK 96 pvi-c 342 equipment. Whether and to what extent those businesses use Wabasso Causeway Park is unknown to staff. From a zoning perspective, staff's concern relates only to commercial activities, not delivery or off-site use of rental equipment. ANATMA T R Based upon the discussion at the October 10th Board meeting, it appears that the Board had two principal concerns. One concern was that businesses providing watersport rental equipment that is used in Wabasso Causeway Park were conducting business activity in the park. The second concern was that jet skis used at Wabasso Causeway Park are a nuisance, adversely affecting swimmers, fishermen, boaters, the Environmental Learning Center, and waterfront residences. Regarding the first concern, staff has checked with both the Sailboard Center and Aqua Ventures and has been assured that all transactions are conducted at their commercial locations, not at the park. In terms of transporting rental equipment, either sailboards or jet skis, to the park, there is little difference between a rental business trailoring two rental jet skis to the park and a family bringing two privately owned jet skis to the park. Staff's position is that delivering rental equipment to a county park does not constitute commercial use of the park. The Board's second concern relates to jet skis and their impacts. As indicated by the Board, jet skis seem to cause particular problems at Wabasso Causeway Park. This is consistent with complaints received by staff. Most likely, the number of jet ski complaints is high in this area because of the number of swimmers, boaters, waterfront residents, and ELC visitors in this area, coupled with the fact that the Wabasso Causeway Park is one of only a few places where jet skiers can get legal public access to the Lagoon. To address this issue directly, the Board has several options. One would be to prohibit launching motorized watercraft from Wabasso Causeway Park. In doing so, however, the Board could not differentiate between owners and renters. Another option would be to restrict the areas in the Lagoon where jet skis are allowed. This would probably have to be done through the state by either -expanding speed zone restricted areas or establishing jet ski prohibition areas. A final option would be for the Board to provide for enhancement of existing speed zone enforcement. This would involve Board funding for either additional Florida Marine Patrol staff or local speed zone enforcement personnel. Before choosing any of these options, however, the Board needs a more detailed analysis. Also, the Board would benefit by having either MANWAC or the Parks and Recreation Committee consider this issue and make a recommendation to the Board. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board make no changes in staff's watercraft rental policy at this time. Staff also recommends that the Board take no action on jet skis other than to request that the Florida Marine Patrol better enforce existing speed zone restrictions. 27 OCTOBER 17, 1995 � r