Published on: 16238593. The purpose and effect of this rule amendment is to address changes affecting vessel speeds during flood conditions on the Withlacoochee River within Citrus, Hernando, Marion, and Sumter Counties, updating maps and making other changes to rule language where necessary to manage and promote the use of this state waterway for safe and enjoyable boating
Published on: 15822657. The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule changes affecting vessel speeds during flood conditions on the Withlacoochee River within Citrus, Hernando, Marion, and Sumter Counties, updating maps and making other changes to rule language where necessary to manage and promote the use of this state waterway for safe and enjoyable boating.
Published on: 4463957. Annual spring rains routinely cause the Withlacoochee River to rise. This condition creates a danger to vessels transiting the area. Objects previously well above the water and objects previously on dry land become wholly or partially submerged and create hazards to navigation. These objects include without limitation: Waterway markers, bollards and piles, docks and wharves, electrical and telephone wires, utility poles, trees and stumps, fences, dwellings, boat houses, and sheds. The turbulent and muddy waters cause boats to allide dangerously upon submerged objects without warning. Restricting operation to steerageway speed will mitigate the dangers and damages associated with such allisions. Limiting vessel operation to speeds no greater than Idle Speed No Wake is necessary to allow vessels additional opportunity to assess the situation and to avoid dangers.
Vessel operation at speeds greater than IDLE SPEED NO WAKE also endangers persons in or near the river. Floodwaters submerge accustomed footpaths and handholds. These submerged areas could cause persons to slip and fall, perhaps into the river. Under these circumstances, there is a substantial likelihood of injury or death.
There is general concurrence from Citrus, Hernando, Marion and Sumter Counties, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Lake City and Ocala, Florida, the Boating and Waterways Section, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with this rulemaking.
Published on: 4132799. The Withlacoochee River experiences flooding during the spring and summer months of each year and during sever weather events throughout the year. The flooding poses a real and immediate hazard to boaters on and about the Withlacoochee River, as it is typically a narrow waterway with numerous rock outcroppings and much overhanging vegetation. Because this river forms the county line between Citrus, Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties, enactment and enforcement of local ordinances is not feasible.
During flooding, objects previously well above the water and objects previously on dry land become wholly or partially submerged and create hazards to navigation. These objects include without limitation: waterway markers, bollards and piles, docks and wharves, electrical and telephone wires, utility poles, trees and stumps, fences, dwellings, boat houses, and sheds. The turbulent and muddy waters cause boats to allide dangerously upon submerged objects without warning.
During periods of the highest flooding, closing of portions of this waterway to vessel traffic is necessary for the prevention of deaths, injuries, and damage to vessels. During periods of significant flooding but at less than the highest flood levels, restricting vessel operation to steerageway speed will mitigate the dangers and damages caused by the river conditions during flooding. Limiting vessel operation to speeds no greater than Idle Speed No Wake is necessary to allow vessels additional opportunity to assess the situation and to avoid dangers. Vessel operation at speeds greater than Idle Speed No Wake also endangers persons in or near the river. Floodwaters submerge accustomed footpaths and handholds. These submerged areas could cause persons to slip and fall, perhaps into the river. Under these circumstances, there is a substantial likelihood of injury or death.
This rulemaking action will be developed in consultation and coordination with the governing body of any county or municipality in which the restricted areas will be located and with the United States Coast Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Published on: 4048312. The proposed changes to rules within this chapter are to: (1) correct and update locations of boating safety zones which are subject to flood status along the Withlacoochee River; (2) improve clarity and consistency of language and definitions; (3) remove or revise obsolete locations of zones; and (4) respond to requests for revisions received from stakeholders and from other governmental entities. The anticipated effects include the automatic regulation of areas along the Withlacoochee River when high water threatens to create hazards to navigation (i.e., submerged docks, stumps, etc.,) homes, septic services, where possible. Other anticipated effects include the permanent installation of markers, which would provide year round boating safety information and during times of flooding would advise boaters of the required speed of vessel operation.; June 19, 2007 – 5:30p to 7:30p –; Citrus County Lecanto Government Building, 3600 West Sovereign Path, Room 280, Lecanto, Florida