Editor’s note: This release was provided by Glades County, Florida.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on September 24, 2019, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) received a complete application from Glades County requesting approval of an ordinance to establish an Idle Speed No Wake boating-restricted area within Harney Pond Canal pursuant to Section 327.46(1)(c), Florida Statutes (F.S.) and Rule 68D-21.004, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).
The Idle Speed No Wake boating-restricted area would be within Harney Pond Canal in the northwest area of Lake Okeechobee (see attached map for details). Glades County contends that the boating safety zone is needed for controlled and safer boating conditions within the existing canal and the areas around the three boat ramps. Glades County is required to provide competent substantial evidence that the ordinance establishing the boating-restricted area is necessary to protect the safety of the public.
As a part of Glades County’s ordinance review application, they have provided 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., Glades 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 the Boating and Waterways Section at 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600; or by email at [email protected]. The Commission will conduct a public hearing within Glades County if a written request for such a hearing is received within 21 days following this notice.
