In October the Madeira Beach City Commission approved Ordinance 2019-21, which regulates the use of live-aboard vessels in waters within the jurisdiction of the City of Madeira Beach. Over the last three months, city staff has been streamlining the registration process and spreading the word in the boating community that enforcement of the ordinance will begin on January 1, 2020.
Throughout 2019 residents and boat owners spoke before the City Commission about their concerns with some of the boaters. The most frequently talked about issues include boaters dumping waste into the Intracoastal Waterway, inappropriate behavior in public view, and trash being thrown overboard. City staff researched state statutes and best practices of neighboring communities including Treasure Island and Gulfport, in the process of crafting the ordinance.
“Our waters are the lifeblood of this community and we need to do whatever we can to help protect them,” said City Manager Bob Daniels. “The vast majority of boat owners abide by the rules and want to protect our natural resources, however, there are some who treat the Intracoastal Waterway as their bathroom or garbage bin, and we cannot let that continue.”
Boat owners wishing to anchor in city-regulated waters can visit the Madeira Beach Marina, 503 150th Ave., to obtain a permit. The cost is $5.00 and the permit is valid for 72-hours. The vessel cannot be left unattended for more than eight consecutive hours during that period and only one permit can be issued for a specific vessel every 30 days. Enforcement of the ordinance will be handled by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol unit. The fine for violating the ordinance is $118.
For more information contact Curt Preisser, City of Madeira Beach Public Information Officer at 727-391-9951 x299 or cpreisser@madeirabeachfl.gov.