05/02/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA MEMORANDUM TO: John Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator THROUGH: Richard B. Szpyrka, P.E., Public Works Director THROUGH: Eric Charest, Natural Resources Manager FROM: Melissa Meisenburg, Lagoon Plan Environmental Specialist SUBJECT: Derelict Vessel Process and Update DATE: April 12, 2023 Derelict vessels are defined by the state in Florida Statute (F. S.) 823.11, as vessels left, stored or abandoned in a wrecked, junked or substantially dismantled condition upon the waters of the state, at a port without the consent of the agency or upon private property without the consent of the owner. Vessels under the derelict designation are sinking, degraded and inoperable, creating navigational hazards and pose threats to the environment. Officers from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other law enforcement agencies investigate abandoned vessels to determine derelict status in accordance with F. S., 705.101(3) and 823.11. The derelict vessel designation from FWC allows for the removal and disposal of abandoned vessels, improving boater safety by removing hazards to navigation and to the environment. Coastal Division staff work closely with FWC Officer Richard Marroquin to monitor at risk, derelict and hurricane abandoned vessels in the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Sebastian River. County staff, FWC officers and the City of Vero Beach Police Department meet monthly to review the status of vessels under investigation. Coastal staff invited Officer Marroquin to present information on the at risk and derelict vessel process to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). This is an informational presentation on the State of Florida's laws and regulations regarding derelict vessels, at risk vessels and the Florida Vessel Turn -In Program. FUNDING Funding is not required under this item. RECOMMENDATION There is no action needed under this Derelict Process and Update. APPROVED AGENDA ITEM FOR May 2, 2023 26 7E