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4D ti Indian River County Manatee Protectlon and Boating Safety Comprehensive Management Plan ANALYSIS EFFECTIVENESS OF SPEED ZONES Speed Zone Compliance A study entitled An InvestigafiQn of Compliance to Boat Speed R mlation in Manatee ProtectionZone9 in Brevard Coun y Florida (Morris and Burke, 1444) presents a general overview of speed zone non-compliance trends in the IRL. In summary, approximately 25 percent of boats operating in the IRL violate speed zones when traveling outside the ICW. PWC are responsible for most of the violations which occur outside the ICW. Overall, approximately I I percent of boat operators violate speed zones in the ICW. Furthermore, nearly 85 percent of all boat operators violating speed zones are considered to be in blatant non-compliance, such as on a plane in a slow speed zone. Since boat operation is highest during the afternoon hours and on weekends, most non-compliance occurs during these times. This study, however, does not indicate whether or not a greater number of violations in Brevard County occur when the more restrictive winter season speed zones are in effect. To date, no comprehensive study of speed zone compliance has been completed for Indian River County. Enforcement As previously mentioned, two FMP officers and two Sheriff's Office marine units are responsible for patrolling the inland waters of Indian River County. Additionally, FMP officers are responsible for patrolling the offshore waters of Indian River County (up to 3 miles offshore). Due to a lack of personnel, on -water patrols cannot be conducted on a consistent basis. In comparison, Martin County, a county similar in size and population to Indian River County, has five (5) full-time marine units. As a result, Martin County is able to maintain a 24 hour ors -water patrol. The county has several opportunities to increase enforcement of speed zone regulations. Under Florida. Statutes Section 327.22, the BCC is granted the authority to set the annual rate of boater's fees. A nominal increase in this user's fee could provide part of the funding necessary for the county to obtain a cost -share grant to hire an additional FMP officer. Also, the BCC could adopt a Resolution formally requesting the state to fill the one vacant FMP officer position and have that position assigned to Indian River County. The greatest benefit of raising the boater's registration fee would be realized by hiring an additional Marine Unit Officer for the Sheriff's Office. Since the Sheriff's Office already has two (2) patrol vessels, no additional funding would be necessary for startup costs or to purchase equipment. In addition to increasing; the presence of local law enforcement in the IRL, the BCC would retain local control of the funds. Community Development Department Page 34