Notice is hereby given that on Sept. 25, 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) received a completed application from Pasco County requesting approval of an ordinance to establish a Slow Speed Minimum Wake boating restricted area within Gulf Island Lagoon pursuant to 327.46, Florida Statutes (F.S.) and Rule 68D-21.004, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). 

Notice: Public Comment Opportunity on Pasco County Request to Establish Boating Restricted Area

The Slow Speed Minimum Wake boating restricted area would be within Gulf Island Lagoon to include the waters 300 feet around a bridge per 327.46(1)(b)2b, and 300 feet around a narrow entrance presenting a blind corner per 327.46(1)(c)2a. Pasco County is required to provide substantial competent evidence the ordinance establishing the boating restricted area under 327.46(1)(c)2a is necessary to protect the safety of the public.

As a part of Pasco County’s ordinance review application, they have provided substantial competent evidence in support of the proposed zone to the Commission. At this time the ordinance has been approved by the Commission based upon the evidence submitted.

As required by Rule 68D-21.001(3), F.A.C., Pasco County has published as provided by Sections 50.011-.031, F.S., once a week for two consecutive weeks, notice of the public hearing on their ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation in the area affected by the ordinance.

Public Participation: Pursuant to Rules 68D-21.002, and 68D-21.003, F.A.C., comments regarding this request will be accepted no more than 21 calendar days from the date of publication/distribution of this public notice.  Public may provide written comments, recommendations, requests, inquiries, or other correspondence to:

Boating and Waterways Section
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600

or by emailing waterway.management@myfwc.com.

The Commission will conduct a public hearing within Pasco County if a written request for such a hearing is received within 21 days following this notice.

Due Date for Public Comment: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2023 (5 p.m. Eastern time)

A copy of the application can be obtained by U.S. mail or email (in PDF format) by submitting a request to waterway.management@myfwc.com or contacting Boating and Waterways Section at 850-488-5600.