Brevard County
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
General Info Map Hillsborough County
Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve
General Info Map
Lee County
Lee County South of Pine Island
General Info Map
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
General Info Map
Miami-Dade County
Virginia Key No Entry Zone
General Info Map
Monroe County
Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site
General Info Map
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
General Info Map-Largo Sound Map-Key Largo
Pinellas County
Fort De Soto Wetlands And Aquatic Management Area
General Info Map
Gulf Islands GEOpark No Motor Zones
General Info
Map-Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area Map-Caladesi Island State Park
Weedon Island Aquatic Management Area
General Info Map
Sarasota County
Pansy Bayou No Entry Zone
General Info Map Brevard CountyMerritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
No Entry ZoneLocation:
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located in northern Brevard County bounded by the Indian River to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The refuge includes almost all of the northern Banana River north of State Road 528, Banana Creek, Canaveral National Seashore and the southern Mosquito Lagoon extending into Volusia County to the north. The no motor zone was established in the southern portion of the refuge in the Banana River between the Nasa Parkway and State Road 528. Extensive seagrass meadows are present within this area and are comprised of Cuban shoal grass, manatee grass and widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima). Composition of the seagrass community in this portion of the Banana River shifts with extended periods of dry and wet weather, where widgeon grass dominates during periods of wet weather (lower salinity conditions) and the other seagrasses dominate during periods of dry weather (higher salinity conditions). Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
March, 1990 (lower refuge no motor zone); 1963 (since the establishment of the Kennedy Space Center) by order of NASA (8,263 acres of the extreme northern Banana River and eastern Banana Creek closed to all public entry for safety and security reasons) Authorization:
The authority to regulate use of the waters within this federal wildlife refuge stems from the 1969 dedication of the submerged lands from the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida to the U.S. Federal Government. The northern Banana River is a part of the lands owned in fee title by NASA and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under a Memorandum of Understanding executed June 2, 1972. Development of the no motor zone was based on the authority granted through the Federal Refuge Administration Act. Appropriate Special Regulations are published in 50 CFR, Section 26.33. Wording on Signs:
4'x3' metallic signs with "Motorboats Prohibited; Manatee Refuge" for the no motor zone between the NASA Parkway and State Road 528 and signs of the same dimension with "No Entry; Manatee Refuge" north of the NASA Parkway and at the eastern entrance to Banana Creek. Enforcement:
Officers of the National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Enforcement Action:
Violations of no entry zones are treated as misdemeanors with citations provided to the vessel operator and fines ranging from $100-300 assessed. If violators of these zones demonstrate blatant or willful action, they may be found guilty of manatee harassment as described in the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Note: The northern " No Entry" zone acts as a manatee sanctuary. As such entry by people in any form (i.e. boat, on foot, etc.) is a violation. History:
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 as part of the development of the NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center. The refuge encompasses 140,000 acres and was dedicated in part to provide habitat and protection for endangered and threatened species (one of four main objectives of the refuge). The closure to public access of 8,263 acres of the northernmost portion of the Banana River and Banana Creek also in 1963 for public safety and security concerns provided indirect protection to manatee habitat including extensive seagrass communities. Aerial surveys performed by Dynamac Corporation as part of on-going wildlife assessments for NASA during the 1980s showed that manatee use of refuge waters was considerable and was increasing. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff identified this area as the most important springtime habitat for the east coast population of manatees during this period. A high level of watercraft-related manatee death and the fact that approximately 300-400 manatees used refuge waters during the springtime migration period, led refuge managers to establish the extended no entry zone to the southern limit of the current no motor zone in March of 1990, adding 10,544 acres to the protection area for a total of 18,807 acres (29.3 square miles). Following the preparation of an Environmental Assessment after the closure of this area in 1990, in which a preferred alternative to prohibit only motorized watercraft was specified, the lower portion of the no entry zone was converted into a non-motorized watercraft area. The public was and continues to be allowed to enter the lower zone by wading and use of any non-motorized vessel. During the five year period after establishment of this zone, warm season aerial survey data for manatees show a greater than 60% increase in manatee use of this area. This increase in use is attributed to improved habitat quality (lack of disturbance by humans, reduced propeller scarring of seagrasses, etc.) associated with the no motor zone development. Top of Page Hillsborough CountyCockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve
No Motor ZonesLocation:
Cockroach Bay is an embayment off of the southeastern shore of Tampa Bay. It is between the Little Manatee and Manatee Rivers and is wholly within southern Hillsborough County. Seagrass meadows are a prominent feature of this estuarine system and are comprised primarily of both turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) and cuban shoal grass (Halodule wrightii). Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
December 7, 1992 Authorization:
Chapter 1-11, Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) Wetland Rule as implemented with the authorization of Chapter 84-446, Laws of Florida. Wording on Signs:
Resource Protection area #2; "No Boating: Except for watercraft without internal combustion engines" Resource Protection areas #1, 3 and 4; "No Boating: No boats behind this sign" Enforcement:
Hillsborough County Sheriff, Aquatic Preserve Manager or Hillsborough County EPC staff. Enforcement action:
Enforcement officers record the violating vessel's registration number, the name of the owner/operator, names of passengers and information necessary to identify the circumstances of the zone violation. This is then registered as a violation of the Hillsborough County EPC Wetland Rule. History:
Hillsborough County first addressed concerns for boating damage to Cockroach Bay seagrasses in 1991, when the EPC designated a task force to address seagrass destruction and water quality declines. Workshops were held where public participation was encouraged through July of 1992. This task force recommended that revisions to the Hillsborough County EPC Wetland Rule, Chapter 1-11, were necessary to effectively protect seagrass in Cockroach Bay. Necessary changes were made to allow for the development of specific protection zones for seagrasses. The Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve Management Advisory Team was established late in 1992 by the County Planning Commission with the intent of establishing the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve Area of Concern and monitoring seagrass protection efforts within this system. Four regions within Cockroach Bay were identified by the EPC Board as qualifying recovery areas after a public hearing on September 23, 1992. The zones became effective after posting on December 7, 1992. All boat traffic with the exception of permitted research and enforcement vessels are prohibited in Recovery Areas 1, 3 and 4 in an effort to facilitate enforcement and determine the actual time for recovery of propeller scarred areas. Use of propeller driven watercraft were prohibited at tidal stages below 18 inches above mean lower low water elevation in Recovery Area 2 initially, but Chapter 1-11 was again amended on September 28, 1994, to prohibit any watercraft operating with an internal combustion engine. This was largely due to enforcement limitation recommendations from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office and continued propeller scarring in this area. Cockroach Bay currently enjoys protection from a supportive public, which act to educate boaters about seagrass protection zones and increase compliance through literature disbursement at locate ramps and on the water. Alternative Seagrass Protection Efforts:
A local public group, the Cockroach Bay Users Group (CBUG), has developed an alternative mechanism to inform boaters of seagrass damage resulting from operation of watercraft in shallow waters. CBUG has developed a boating stop-light gauge consisting of PVC pipes with bands of green, yellow and red in descending order that can be placed at boat ramps and on the edges of susceptible seagrass meadows. At high stages of the tidal cycle, only the green band is visible to boaters indicating that vessel access to nearshore waters is "safe" or will not harm seagrass. At lower tidal levels, the yellow band is visible indicating that the vessel operator should exercise caution when proceeding into nearshore waters. Finally, boaters are not permitted into nearshore waters of the Bay when the red band is visible. This is viewed as a less restrictive management option and one that any vessel operator can use with little additional training. Currently, the level of compliance with this strategy is unknown and is based solely on voluntary considerations. Top of Page Lee CountyLee County South of Pine Island
No Motor Power ZonesLocation:
The Lee County no motor power zones are located in southern Pine Island Sound immediately to the west of southern Pine Island. The northern zone encompasses MacKeever Keys and is immediately west of Chino Island. The southern zone has Bodiford Key as its northernmost tip and abuts York Island to the east. The shallow seagrass communities in this area are comprised primarily of Cuban shoal grass, manatee grass and turtle grass. Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
November, 1990 Authorization:
Lee County Ordinance No. 90-51. Designated areas were adopted after public notice by the Board of County Commissioners and are based on the "safety and/or welfare of the citizens of the County." Note: Exemptions to this ordinance include County sanctioned watercraft racing events, enforcement, emergency or rescue watercraft operations and commercial fishing vessels deploying nets while conducting fish netting operations (e.g. setting nets). Wording on Signs:
These zones are currently unmarked, and are therefore not enforceable. Signs have not been placed at locations around the zones due to local political and/or funding considerations. Enforcement:
Enforcement would be by Lee County Sheriff’s Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, but current enforcement is problematic due to an absence of zone markers. Enforcement Action:
Violations of marked Lee County no motor zones would constitute a misdemeanor with fines or imprisonment assessed to the vessel operator. Citations would generally be issued, however, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Sections 327.73 and 327.72, Florida Statutes. History:
Propeller scarring in seagrasses was recognized as the primary concern in the development of these zones. Public concern for seagrass and manatee habitat protection and boating safety in the late 1980s spurred County staff to develop and promulgate the County ordinance establishing these zones encompassing approximately 960 acres. Without posting necessary markers, the zones are ineffectual, making this regulatory effort a "paper tiger." This is unfortunate, as a 1995 assessment of Florida’s seagrasses shows that 14,310 of Lee County’s 50,510 acres of seagrass show some level of propeller scarring (Sargent, et al., 1995).
J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge
No Entry ZoneLocation:
The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge encompasses the northern wetlands, islands, including portions of the Wulfert Keys and Buck Key, and waters behind the barrier beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. This refuge forms the southern boundary of Pine Island Sound and San Carlos Bay on the associated barrier islands and is located approximately 2 miles from the southernmost tip of Pine Island in Lee County, Florida. Waters along Wildlife Drive in the interior portion of the refuge are closed to all motorized boating. Seagrass meadows in shallow waters within the zone consist primarily of Cuban shoal grass, manatee grass, widgeon grass and turtle grass. Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
September 1993 Authorization:
The authority to regulate use of the waters within this federal wildlife refuge stems from the dedication of the submerged lands within the refuge boundaries from the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida to the U.S. Federal Government as part of the refuge establishment process. The federal government hence owns submerged lands within refuge boundaries in fee title. Development of the no motor zone was based on the authority granted through the Federal Refuge Administration Act for the protection of wildlife species and their habitat. Wording on Signs:
Signs consist of 12"x12" brown metallic informational signs mounted on pressure treated posts with "No Motorized Boating Zone" painted on them. Enforcement:
Officers of the National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Enforcement Action:
Violations of the motorized vessel restriction zones are treated as standard refuge enforcement actions. These are Class A misdemeanors that carry a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison and a $200,000 fine. Generally, citations are provided to violating vessel operators and fines ranging from $100-300 are assessed. History:
J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge was established in 1945 due in large part to the efforts of cartoonist J.N. "Ding" Darling’s generosity and environmental activism at the federal level. The refuge is comprised of 6,300 predominantly wetland acres and was dedicated primarily for the protection of wading bird and mangrove community habitat. During the 1980s, refuge managers became concerned with the adverse effects that boating activities (primarily associated with commercial and sport fishing activities) were having on natural communities within the refuge boundaries. Managers noted significant increases in propeller scarring of seagrass meadows, disturbance to bird roosting and rookery sites, increased risk of impact deaths or injury to manatees, and wildlife behavioral disturbance. In response to a federal General Accounting Office study, the refuge manager listed motorized boating as one of the 9 non-compatible uses of refuge resources. The no motorized vessel zone was established in September of 1993 after other Marine Fishery Commission and Sanibel municipality marine resource protection regulations were enacted. Seagrass has coalesced across many old propeller scars in seagrass communities within the no motorized boat zone and new propeller scars, likely due to violations of the zone, are limited. Top of Page Miami-Dade CountyVirginia Key
No Entry ZoneLocation:
The Virginia Key No Entry Zone is immediately to the west of Virginia Key in northern Biscayne Bay. Virginia Key is located in mid-Dade County to the southeast of the City of Miami bordered by Fisher Island and Government Cut to the north and Key Biscayne to the south. The Atlantic Ocean lies immediately to the east of the island. Extensive seagrass meadows comprised of turtle grass, manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme) and Cuban shoal grass among others surround the island. Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
December, 1991 Authorization:
Section 62N-22.025(1)(e)(1.), F.A.C..; Specific Authority Section 379.2431(2)(f),(g), (n), F.S. Wording on Signs:
15 bouys surrounding the western border of the zone: "No Entry" 1 5x7 red rectangle metallic sign mounted on 12" pilings off the narrow peninsula north of the Marine Stadium:"Manatee Zone, No Entry". Enforcement:
Dade County Sheriff’s Department, Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Officers and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Enforcement Action:
Violations of no entry zones are treated as misdemeanors with citations provided to the vessel operator and associated fines levied pursuant to Sections 370.021(2) (a) or (b), F.S. If violators of these zones demonstrate blatant or willful action, they may be found guilty of manatee harassment as described in Section 379.2431(2)(d), F.S. Note: " No Entry" zones in Chapter 62N-22, F.A.C act as manatee sanctuaries. As such entry by people in any form (i.e. boat, on foot, etc.) is a violation unless an appropriate permit has been issued by DEP. History:
Manatee aerial survey and telemetry data collected prior to 1991 indicated to federal and state environmental managers that the seagrass meadows adjacent to Virginia Key were used extensively during the winter months by relatively large numbers of manatees moving into Dade County waters seeking warmer winter water temperatures. Manatees were, however, observed using these seagrass systems throughout the year and this evidence indicated that a seasonal restricted zone would not provide sufficient protection for this important regional manatee feeding resource. Adjacent lands were not developed and were protected by existing regulations including those developed by the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (now known as FWC) for wading bird rookeries, which provided an undisturbed mangrove buffer to landward human activities. The Department of Environmental Protection established this no entry zone based on high levels of manatee mortality in Dade County waters coupled with the demonstrated knowledge that this area was an important feeding area. Now manatees can feed in open Biscayne Bay waters adjacent to one of the most densely urbanized areas of the state without fear of harassment and in addition, seagrass communities are protected from boat grounding and propeller scarring impacts. Top of Page Monroe CountyLignumvitae Key State Botanical Site
No Combustion Motor Operation ZonesLocation
Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site is a 280 acre island located 1 mile west of U.S. Highway 1 between upper and lower Matecumbe Keys to the south of Islamorada in the upper Florida Keys. The Lignumvitae Key Management Area encompasses approximately 10,000 acres and borders Everglades National Park to the west in Florida Bay and extends slightly beyond Indian Key to the east. Seagrass meadows behind the lower end of upper Matecumbe Key and the upper end of lower Matecumbe Key are included in the management area. Seagrass meadows within the park consist predominantly of turtle grass with some manatee and Cuban shoal grass in mixed species beds. Shallow seagrass communities are separated by natural channels carved through these systems by the action of tidally influenced currents. Boaters use these channels extensively. Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
October, 1993 Authorization:
Closing of the areas for seagrass protection occurred concurrently with those for JPCRSP and was authorized under existing Florida state parks legislation. Regulations establishing this authority include, 258.007 (2) F.S., and Sections 62D-2.014(8)(a), F.A.C. and 62D-2.014(16)(b), F.A.C. The former administrative rule subsection stipulates that no person shall operate a boat in waters closed by the Division of Recreation and Parks (FDEP). The latter administrative rule subsection states that park management has the authority to partially or entirely close an area to any use for any time period for resource protection. Wording on Signs:
Signs consist of 3'x3' square metallic signs on breakaway posts that have an orange border around the edges along with an orange circle in the center with a reflective off-white background. Wording on the signs consists of permit numbers (FDEP, ACOE and County), regulatory ordinance numbers (Chapter 62D-2.011, F.A.C.) and "Area Closed to Combustible Motor Operation". Enforcement:
Enforcement activities are conducted by officers of the Florida Park Patrol and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Enforcement Action:
The enforcement strategy for this State Park is the same as that for JPCRSP and works on a "warn then cite" basis. On the first offense, a written warning citing Careless Operation of the Vessel (violation of 327.33(2), F.S.) and Restricted Areas/Closed (327.46(2), F.S.) is issued. On the second offense, a citation for an infraction of the above referenced state laws is issued. On the third offense, a second degree misdemeanor citation for violation of Chapters 62D-2.014 (8)(a) and 62D-2.014(16)(b) is issued. History:
Much like the neighboring JPCRSP, seagrass communities in the Lignumvitae Key Management Area were recognized as being extensively damaged by watercraft operation in shallow waters in the mid- to late 1980s. Damage was recognized as being caused by accidental groundings and by commercial and recreational fishermen intentionally accessing these waters in pursuit of their quarry. In 1992, the Governor and Cabinet sitting as the Board of Trustees directed the FDEP Division of Recreation and Parks to develop an interim protection plan to address continued seagrass community damage. State park managers developed a plan focusing on education (brochures, informational signs, and public service announcements), augmented marking of existing access channels, and closure of management area waters to combustion engine powered vessels. In all, approximately 6,000 acres of shallow water containing abundant seagrass was closed to such watercraft on an emergency basis in late 1992 and officially closed on a permanent basis through changes to appropriate regulatory codes in 1993. Boaters can still access these shallow waters in kayaks, canoes, sailing craft, with electric engines, and by poling with engines tilted up and turned off. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
No Combustion Motor Operation ZonesLocation:
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (JPCRSP) is located in Key Largo in the upper Florida Keys in Monroe County. The park covers approximately 70 nautical square miles with 53,661 acres of submerged land in shallow, tropical Atlantic waters adjacent to 2,350 acres of uplands. This was the first park established in the United States for the protection of submerged natural resources. The seagrass community in park waters consists predominantly of turtle grass with some manatee and Cuban shoal grass in mixed species beds. Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
October, 1993 Authorization:
Closing of the areas for seagrass protection was authorized under existing Florida State Park rules Sections 62D-2.014(8)(a) and 62D-2.014(16)(b), FAC. Legislation establishing this authority includes, 258.007 (2), FS. Subsection 62D-2.014(8)(a), FAC stipulates that no person shall operate a boat in waters closed by the Division of Recreation and Parks (FDEP). Subsection 62D-2.014(16)(b), FAC states that park management has the authority to partially or entirely close an area to any use for any time period for resource protection. Wording on Signs:
Signs consist of 55 standard regulatory spar buoys (cylindrical top with broad floatation base) that have orange bands at the top and base along with the international symbol for restricted area (a vertical orange diamond with a cross inside) or 3x3 metallic signs on breakaway posts with an orange border around the edges and an orange circle in the center with a reflective off-white background. Wording on the buoys and signs consists of permit numbers (FDEP, ACOE and County), regulatory ordinance numbers (Chapter 62D-2.011, FAC) and "Area Closed to Combustible Motor Operation". Enforcement:
Enforcement activities are conducted by officers of the Florida Park Patrol and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Enforcement Action:
The enforcement strategy for this State Park works on a "warn then cite" basis. On the first offense, a written warning citing Careless Operation of the Vessel (violation of 327.33(2), FS) and Restricted Areas/Closed (327.46(2), FS) is issued. On the second offense, a citation for an infraction of the above referenced state laws is issued. On the third offense, a second degree misdemeanor citation for violation of Sections 62D-2.014 (8)(a), FAC and 62D-2.014(16)(b), FAC is issued. History:
Damage to seagrass communities related to watercraft access to shallow waters around JPCRSP was recognized in the late 1980s. Park managers decided to address this problem with three protective measures after damaged areas were mapped. Areas that were identified as exhibiting the worst damage (6370 acres) were closed to vessels operating with combustion motors in October of 1993 to allow for resource recovery. These included Port Largo flats, Garden Cove flats and the east side of Largo Sound (see map). Additional regulatory channel markers were installed along boating channels (natural and artificial) and adjacent to seagrass beds in an effort to improve navigation. Educational brochures and interpretive signs outlining the effects of vessel operation in seagrass systems were also produced for public use and distribution. During the first mapping effort, a total of 4,646 propeller scars totaling 136.6 acres were identified within the closed areas. It was found that the severity of damage was directly related to the level and proximity of vessel traffic and the configuration of seagrass meadows and bordering vessel access channels. Heavy propeller scarring was therefore concentrated adjacent to sharp curves in the channel. Continued monitoring efforts have identified recovery in protected segrass communities due to relatively good compliance with the zones. Considerably less damage is occurring in the protected zones, but some new propeller scars have been identified and are attributed to poor navigational skills of watercraft operators. Note: The success of the JPCRSP seagrass protection zones has prompted a request from the residents and fishing guides of the Ocean Reef Club to establish a zone in the shallow channel and nearshore waters off northern Key Largo off Ocean Reef Harbor north to Broad Creek, the southern boundary of Biscayne Bay National Park (see map). The authorization to do this lies with the existing JPCRSP seagrass protection regulations and permits. A total of 44 breakaway piling markers and signs with the same information and wording as current seagrass protection signs to the south will be installed in the Spring of 1998. Top of Page Pinellas CountyFort DeSoto Wetlands & Aquatic Management Area
No Combustion Motor Operation ZonesLocation:
Fort De Soto is located just north of the Egmont Channel at the entrance into Tampa Bay wholly within Pinellas County. The fort is located on an island connected to the mainland via a bridge network associated with Pinellas Bayway. As part of the aquatic management area, no combustion motor and seagrass caution zones are established in shallow seagrass systems surrounding Mullet, Whale, Tarpon and Indian Keys immediately to the north and east of Fort De Soto Park. The management area encompasses both Pinellas County and Federal Wildlife Refuge protected upland and submerged lands. Seagrass communities in this area have formed behind the protection of barrier islands, are documented as being dense and highly productive and consist predominantly of turtle grass, manatee grass and Cuban shoal grass. Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
October, 1994 Authorization:
Boat access restrictions were created through the authorization of Pinellas County Ordinance No. 94-21 (Sections 4, 7, and 8). This ordinance amended a previous ordinance (No. 92-11), which created the Fort De Soto Park Wetlands and Aquatic Management area in 1992. Wording on Signs:
Signs marking the boundaries of the combustion engine exclusion zones consist of two kinds. First, standard buoys with orange bands at the base and top have an orange circle with an orange line transecting it superimposed over a drawing of a propeller and the language, "Use of Combustion Engines Prohibited" on them. Metallic 3'X3' signs with the same information mounted to cross-braces on pilings in order to conform to federal waterway marking requirements. Seagrass caution zones are marked using buoys and signs with the language," Caution: Shallow Water, Use Caution" on them. Enforcement:
Enforcement of Pinellas County seagrass protection zones is provided by officers of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Enforcement Action:
A violation of the zones, upon conviction, results in a fine and/or County Jail imprisonment not exceeding $500 or a term up to 60 days. The County Attorney may also institute civil or administrative actions or proceedings to "declare, prevent, restrain, correct or abate" any such violation. In addition to any other penalties, the Board of County Commissioners also my require restoration, mitigation, or enhancement in order to ameliorate the adverse effects of the violation. History:
Submerged lands in the vicinity of Fort De Soto Park were granted to Pinellas County for public recreation and navigation purposes pursuant to Chapter 30400, Laws of Florida as recorded in Deed 1548, on page 463 of the public records of Pinellas County. The County then formed a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1992 to incorporate submerged lands surrounding Federal Wildlife Refuge lands on nearby keys into a greater aquatic management area that the County would monitor and, the regulations for which, enforce. County, University of South Florida and Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI now known as FWRI) staff documented extensive damage to shallow seagrass systems due to vessels accessing islands in the management areas from the bay side for various purposes or out of navigational error in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Pinellas County created the no combustion engine zones in 1994 to protect these important marine resources and to allow monitored recovery. In 1995, all seagrass systems in the vicinity of Fort De Soto were identified as being either moderately or severely propeller scarred (Sargent, et al., 1995). The ordinance establishing the no combustion engine and seagrass caution zones also mandated a five year monitoring program to track the effectiveness of the two management strategies on seagrass recovery. Analysis of the monitoring data collected to date indicates that unregulated zones of similar character (depth, seagrass features, etc.) to regulated zones show a higher degree of seagrass loss due to propeller scarring. No combustion engine zones also show less boating related damage than do caution zones. Significant seagrass recovery in both regulated zone systems documented during the monitoring period indicates the effectiveness of these management strategies in this area. Note: It is important to recognize, that Pinellas County also developed regional education programs to inform the public about the importance of seagrass communities and the effects of boats on such systems. This may result in greater compliance with developed zone regulations and greater awareness of the adverse effects of boating on the marine environment. Gulf Islands GEOpark No Motor Zones
Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area
&
Caladesi Island State ParkLocation:
Gulf Islands GEOpark is located in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 2 miles from the mainland shoreline in northern Pinellas County. This park consists of nine islands with four primary islands including Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, Anclote Key and Three-Rooker Bar, all located directly to the north of Clearwater Beach Island. Anclote Key, the northernmost island crosses the border between Pinellas and Pasco Counties and lies mostly within Pasco County. St. Joseph Sound, through which the Intracoastal Waterway passes, is the body of water between this island complex and the mainland. Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
November, 1994 Authorization:
Chapter 62D-2.004, Florida Administrative Code (Specific Authority 370.021(1), 258.011 Implemented 258.007(2) Wording on Signs:
Signs read "Combustion Motor Exclusion" (Honeymoon Island:permit No.93-073, F.A.C. 62D-2.004; Caladesi Island: permit No.93-072, 62D-2.004). A total of 72 signs (21 around Honeymoon Island and 51 around Caladesi Island) were distributed around the edges of seagrass meadows. Signs conform to the Florida Uniform Waterway Marker System. Signs are bordered in international orange with an orange circle in the center. The orange circle signifies a restricted area. Enforcement:
Florida Park Patrol and Florida Fish and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Enforcement action:
Violations of boating exclusion zones are treated as misdemeanors (criminal penalties) with citations provided to the vessel operator and associated fines levied. History:
There are two primary species of seagrass comprising the seagrass community in this area. Both turtle grass and cuban shoal grass are distributed throughout the approximately 1800 acres of seagrass that surround the bayside portions of the GEOpark islands. Seagrass distribution was recognized as declining from 1950 to 1982 by over 72% due primarily to dredge and fill and other human activities. Dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway between May 1961 and October 1963 directly and indirectly eliminated a large percentage of seagrass in St. Joseph Sound. Analysis of photographic information in a 1992 report by Alice Bard indicated over a 20% reduction of seagrass communities between the years of 1973 and 1990. She noted an especially dramatic increase in the number of propeller scars between 1979 and 1990. Bard (1992) determined through analysis of aerial photos that propeller scarring was in large part responsible for this more recent loss and recommended closure of seagrass systems out to the 1 meter depth contour adjoining GEOpark Islands. Sargent and coworkers (1995) determined that areas close to the islands were either moderately or severely scarred and that of the 22,920 acres of seagrass in Pinellas County, 42.3% or 9,680 acres were scarred, 5,880 in the moderately to severely scarred category. These authors ranked Pinellas County sixth in total scarring overall. A series of public meetings were held beginning in early 1994 to address closure of the seagrass beds around Gulf Islands GEOpark. Park staff worked extensively with representatives of local public and private organizations to address concerns for seagrass protection within the planned motorboat exclusion zone and closure signs were finally placed along the 3 foot mean high tide depth contour in November 1994, officially establishing an enforceable closure area. Combustion Engine Exclusion Zone Maps:
Note: Sign boundaries exist inside edges of deeper seagrass systems not shown on the maps Weedon Island Aquatic Management Area
No Combustion Motor Operation ZonesLocation:
Weedon Island is located in upper Tampa Bay waters of Pinellas County on the western shore of the entrance to Old Tampa Bay and directly west of Port Tampa. Weedon Island has extensive mangrove communities along the length of the island, that provide a wetland buffer for the shallow seagrass system surrounding the island complex. Dense seagrass communities comprised of turtle grass, Cuban shoal grass and manatee grass contribute to the productivity of Tampa Bay in this area. Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
January, 1991 (Department of Natural Resources; Florida Park Service) for the seagrass systems along the eastern shoreline of Weedon Island, later expanded and continued under the transfer to Pinellas County authority in October, 1996. Authorization:
Original seagrass protection zones were authorized under existing Florida State Park rules. Regulations establishing this authority include, 258.007 (2) FS, and Sections 62D-2.014(8)(a), FAC and 62D-2.014(16)(b), FAC and their precursors . The former administrative rule subsection stipulates that no person shall operate a boat in waters closed by the Division of Recreation and Parks (FDEP). The latter subsection states that park management has the authority to partially or entirely close an area to any use for any time period for resource protection. Boat access restrictions were continued through the authorization of Pinellas County Ordinance No. 96-80 (Section 5) in October, 1996 after the transfer of Weedon Island State Preserve. Wording on Signs:
Signs marking the boundaries of the combustion engine exclusion zones consist of standard buoys with orange bands at the base and top and the language "No Combustion Engines" on them. In 1998, the Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management plans to change the signs designating the seagrass protection zones to match those used for the Fort De Soto zones. Enforcement:
Enforcement of Pinellas County seagrass protection zones is provided by officers of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Enforcement Action:
A violation of the zones, upon conviction, results in a fine and/or County Jail imprisonment not exceeding $500 or a term up to 60 days. The County Attorney may also institute civil or administrative actions or proceedings to "declare, prevent, restrain, correct or abate" any such violation. In addition to any other penalties, the Board of County Commissioners also may require restoration, mitigation, or enhancement in order to ameliorate the adverse effects of the violation. History:
The Weedon Island Aquatic Management area is a low-lying group of islands including Mud Hole Island, Benjamin Island, Snake Island, Christmas Island, Googe Island, Ross Island and the largest of the islands, Weedon Island itself. The island management area consists of over one thousand acres of diverse communities from coastal berm and maritime hammocks on the uplands to marine seagrasses in the sub-tidal areas. The island was originally settled by native Americans approximately 10,000 years B.C., as evidenced by extensive burial mound development, and was alternately used as a ranch, farm, and weekend getaway for the Weedon family and others from the late 1860s until 1929. Weedon Island was the site of a major airport and small scale movie studio in the 1930s and was a military training base during World War II. The State purchased portions of Weedon Island in February, 1974, and the Weedon Island State Preserve was officially opened to the public in December, 1980. Damage to seagrass beds due to propeller scarring was noted in a FDEP (then Florida Department of Natural Resources) report to the Division of State Lands in December, 1989, with recommendations for closure of preserve waters to vessels with combustion engines. Activities related to recreation fishing and boating and commercial fishing were identified as the source of this damage. Establishment of no combustion engine zones occurred in January, 1991, when the eastern seagrass meadows of the preserve were closed to all vessels with internal combustion engines. Weedon Island State Preserve was officially transferred to the Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management with existing seagrass protection zones and management structures intact in December, 1996. Expanded seagrass protection has led to recovery of propeller scarred areas with new scarring occurring occasionally due to errors in navigation. The zones in this management area are also covered under the Fort De Soto five year monitoring plan in order to evaluate their environmental effectiveness. Top of Page Sarasota CountyPansy Bayou
No Entry ZoneLocation:
Pansy Bayou is located at the southern end of Sarasota Bay and inside the northern end of Lido Key, which is approximately 2 miles to the west of the City of Sarasota in the Gulf of Mexico. Longboat Key lies to the north and Siesta Key lies to the south of Lido Key. Gulf waters enter Sarasota Bay via New Pass located just to the north of Pansy Bayou. Although dredged in the center, Pansy Bayou maintains extensive fringing seagrass beds consisting of primarily Cuban shoal grass. Date of Seagrass Protection Zone Authorization:
January, 1992 Authorization:
Section 62N-22.026 (1)(c), F.A.C.; Specific Authority Section 379.2431(2)(f), (n), (o), F.S. Wording on Signs:
One 4'x3' metalic sign mounted on the northeast face of the John Ringling Boulevard bridge separating City Island and St. Armands Key bridge reads, "Manatee Zone, No Entry, Residents Only". Another informational sign mounted on the shore of the same causeway facing land in a northeast direction reads, "Manatee Zone, No Entry, Boating, Swimming, Diving, Wading Prohibited". Enforcement:
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Enforcement Action:
Violations of no entry zones are treated as misdemeanors with citations provided to the vessel operator and associated fines levied pursuant to Section 370.021(2) (a) or (b), F.S. If violators of these zones demonstrate blatant or willful action, they may be found guilty of manatee harassment as described in Section 379.2431(2)(d), F.S. Note: " No Entry" zones in Chapter 62N-22, F.A.C act as manatee sanctuaries. As such, entry by people in any form (i.e. boat, on foot, etc.) is a violation. Residents requiring access to waterfront property along Pansy Bayou are issued no cost permits, the possession of which is signified by a decal affixed to a promient location on the owner’s vessel entering the zone. Permits are issued by the Bureau of Protected Species Management within FDEP. History:
Pansy Bayou consistently demonstrated the highest frequency of manatee use in Sarasota County on a year-round basis according to Mote Marine Laboratory aerial survey monitoring data. As many as ten manatees have been observed at one time in this relatively small waterway feeding on abundant seagrass and resting. Greater than fifty identifiable individual manatees have been observed over a short time period using this small area indicating its importance to the regional manatee population. During the development of speed zone regulations in Sarasota County, FDEP staff determined that Pansy Bayou should be a manatee sanctuary to offset a compromised high speed water ski area adjacent to the bayou. A narrow entry into Pansy Bayou is maintained from the adjacent water ski area. This access corridor is shallow and also contains significant seagrass communities. The Pansy Bayou no entry zone provides a sanctuary for manatees from locally high levels of vessel traffic and has proven to experience increased use by manatees since its establishment. Seagrass is indirectly protected from boat damage, as seagrass beds are removed from the main homeowner access channel in the system. Top of Page | 
