§ 30-141. Gulf of Mexico safety zone.

(a)

Designated. There is created a designated safety zone for restricted watercraft operation within the corporate boundaries of the city extending 100 yards from the shoreline into the Gulf of Mexico, and running parallel to the city's shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico.

(b)

Operation of watercraft. The operation of any watercraft within the safety zone that threatens persons, property, watercraft and the use of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico shall constitute a violation of this section; provided, however, that watercraft intending to anchor at a location within the defined safety zone area may proceed at idle speed. Such restriction shall not apply to any watercraft entering the safety zone as a result of an actual emergency; nor shall it apply to any official emergency vessels.

(c)

Mooring to markers or buoys. The mooring of any watercraft to markers or buoys placed by the city or other authorized governmental body shall be prohibited.

(d)

Erection of signs or markers. The city may erect, or cause to be erected, appropriate signs in designated safety zone areas within the city, subject to state and federal regulations.

(e)

Violation; penalties. A violation of this section shall constitute a noncriminal infraction as set forth in F.S. § 327.73.

(Ord. No. 99-15, § 1(5-34), 11-15-1999; Ord. No. 01-10, § 1, 9-5-2001)