a temporary variance from section (1)(a)9 of the Dade County manatee protection rule (68C-22.025, Florida Administrative Code), which designates the waters in the vicinity of Star Island as a Slow Speed zone. The petition was submitted by SPAD Films,...

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Manatees

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
68C-22.025: Dade County Zones

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT on September 17, 2008, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, received a petition for a temporary variance from subparagraph (1)(a)9. of the Dade County manatee protection rule (Rule 68C-22.025, Florida Administrative Code), which designates the waters in the vicinity of Star Island as a Slow Speed zone. The petition was submitted by SPAD Films, Inc. (“SPAD”) and seeks authorization allowing SPAD to operate 2-3 vessels at “high speed” west of Star Island while filming a scene for a movie. SPAD requests a variance for October 20 through October 30, 2008. Filming is currently scheduled for October 20-24, with the remaining days reserved as back-up in the event of weather delays. The variance would only be used on one day for approximately 6-8 hours with vessels being operated at high speed intermittently during this time. SPAD offers to use “manatee monitors/observers…to assure that no manatees are put at risk by filming activities.” Comments regarding the petition will be accepted for no less than 14 days from the date of publication of this notice.

A copy of the Petition for Variance or Waiver may be obtained by contacting: Scott Calleson, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Imperiled Species Management Section (6A), 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600.