Agenda

1.

Call to Order - Meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM

2.

Attendance - Quorum present

3.

Introduction - New MAC appointee, Clint Retherford, joined the meeting via conference call.

4.

Approval of Minutes
Eilene Beard made the motion to approve the October 2017 Minutes. Mark Moore seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

5.

Florida Sunshine Law
Assistant County Attorney Bobbi Ellis Wiggins gave the presentation.

6.

10836 Lillian Highway Public Boat Ramp
MRD Update: contractors working on soil issue due to results of bayou sediments testing. Meeting with Florida Department of Environmental Protection to resolve. MRD is working with FWC to modify Grant Agreement to extend funding for design/engineering/permitting.

7.

Natural Resources Damage Assessment - Oil Spill Restoration & Recovery
MRD Update: Phase 1 Artificial Reef Construction in Casino Reef has been completed. Solicitation for Phase 2 Reef Construction in Escambia County Southeast Artificial Reef Site in process.

8.

New Inshore Reefs at Pensacola Beach
MRD Update: Awaiting response from NRDA Proposal and seeking other funding opportunities

9.

Proposed Boating Regulatory Areas in Bayou Garcon, Bayou Grande, Kees Bayou, Old River, and Innerarity Point Park
MRD Update: MRD and FWC Boating & Waterways Staff (Hailey Anderson) rode with FWC Law Enforcement Officer and viewed Innerarity Point Park and Bayou Garcon sites requested by stakeholders for No Wake Zones. Total list of requested sites is: Bayou Garcon, Bayou Garcon, Kees Bayou, Old River and Innerarity Point Park Swimming Area and Paddle Craft Launch Area. FWC Hailey Anderson provided feedback per Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code. Counties are provided limited authority to establish vessel speed zones under certain conditions. Additional information and communication will be provided to FWC at a later date to justify stakeholders’ requests.

Bayou Grande: Steve Obolinic (NAS Pensacola) Navy proposes a No Wake Zone off the Navy Public Recreation Area, to extend the existing zone as many low profile craft are navigating the area.

Robert Turpin shared that Escambia County could establish a slow zone 300 feet to each side of the bridge. A request could then be made of the FWC, to close the gap from the east of the bridge to the existing zone at the bayou entrance.

Kerry Freeland asked of the west zone would be necessary. Steve Obolinic prefers that both sides be included. Mike Papino stated that he paddle boards the area weekly and can confirm that it is an issue would prefer both sides.

Eilene Beard made the motion as follows:
“ The Marine Advisory Committee and Marine Resources Division ask that Escambia County establish a Slow Speed / Minimum Wake Zone to extend 300 feet from both the East and West sides of the Sam Lovelace Bridge. Also ask that the FWC close the gap from the Slow Speed / Minimum Wake Zone on the East side of the bridge to the existing No Wake Zone at the entrance of Bayou Grande.”

Kerry Freeland seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

Bayou Garcon: Leo Goron would like to have the channel into the bayou dredged deeper, better marked and improved on the west end. He would also like a No Wake Zone from the entrance from the bay into the bayou.

Mark Moore made the motion as follows:
“ The Marine Advisory Committee and Marine Resources Division ask that Escambia County establish a Slow Speed / Minimum Wake Zone on the East end of Bayou Garcon at the point of entrance being less that 75 feet wide and to the east.”

Eilene Beard seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

Kees Bayou: Haley Anderson shared that the Florida Statute allows for No Wake at opening of less than 75 feet for boating safety. FDEP could regulate for grass bed protection.

Brunnie Emanuel (Friends of Kees Bayou) asked if they could apply for a boating regulatory zone on the areas less than 75 feet wide? Haley Anderson replied Yes, then look at applying regulatory zones to the open areas.

Barbara Albright stated that seagrass protection should preempt other issues, as we have so little of it.

Eilene Beard made to motion to ask for the establishment of zone(s) in Kees Bayou with wording to be determined by Robert Turpin.

Mark Moore seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

Old River: William Dumas (Shipwatch) stated that large vessels are a major issue and would like to establish a zone address that issue.

Robert Turpin and Haley Anderson both confirmed that a No Wake Zone could not be established for the protection of private property or shorelines. Haley Anderson stated that, if an issue of safety could be documented, a zone may be established.

Martha Duma stated that their intent is to protect the safety of residents and guests. Haley Anderson restated that to establish a zone credible evidence of damage and/or injury must be documented.

Innerarity Point: Walt Woodfin made to motion to ask for the establishment of zone(s) in Kees Bayou with wording to be determined by Robert Turpin.

Joe Denmon seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

10.

Lionfish Issues/Developments - No MRD update

11.

Navy Point Living Shoreline Project
MRD Update: Escambia County Department of Natural Resources Management staff and temporary employees and volunteers are creating Living Shorelines along eroded shorelines within Navy Point park.Melissa Pino appreciates the response from Escambia County on moving the oyster reef breakwaters away from the swimming area.

12.

Old Business - None

13.

New Business
Vessels Anchored in Bayou Chico. Local residents and waterfront property owners have voiced a number of concerns and complaints regarding a number of vessels anchored in Bayou Chico. Among the greatest concerns are compliance with Marine Sanitation Device regulations. MRD is working with FWC and Sheriff Marine Unit to investigate complaints.

14.

Adjourn
Eilene Beard made the motion to adjourn. Sidney Clopton seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Minutes Packet Return

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Escambia County Central Office Complex 3363 West Park Place Pensacola, FL 32505 MARINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE DRAFT Meeting Minutes - November 13, 2017