FWC to repair, install boating signs for Duval County
Work begins in mid-December and completion is expected by the end of April 2010

Posted Dec. 16, 2009

 
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin work to remove, repair and install waterway markers in manatee protection and boating safety zones in Duval County and small segments of Nassau and Clay counties. The work begins in mid-December and completion is expected by the end of April 2010.

"It's all about slowing down vessel traffic in areas where vessel congestion occurs and manatees frequent, to protect the safety of the boating public and our manatees," said Capt. Gary Klein of the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement. "Clearly marked zones improve operator compliance."

The FWC is replacing signs damaged by storms, deteriorated from age or in disrepair due to vandalism. The work also includes the removal of unpermitted or illegal signs, which cause operator confusion and make the state zones unenforceable. In addition, signs that display an incorrect regulation will be replaced, and some markers will be relocated in and around the state-adopted manatee protection and boating safety zones.

"There are several areas around the county where officers are issuing only warnings because the signs are missing or damaged," Klein said. "After completion of the project and an education period, officers will begin issuing citations for speed violations within regulatory zones."

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Boating to access state manatee protection and boating safety regulations and maps.