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These SOUND like great ideas, "fine 'em, fine 'em big,etc,etc. "
The reality is it's not that simple, at all.
Abandoned vessel issues are not new. the only real effect to these types of "feel good" ordinances is alot of justification for the enforcement and judicial system's ever increasing budget.
As evidenced by the conversation of the town board posted by Cam. one person keeps asking where the money's going and repeatedly is told the "general Fund". If the issue is actually the waterways safety,navigation etc. etc. then the cash should be used for that.
Aside from the money grab. the reality is that the people abandoning their vessels most likely did/do so in a large part due to financial issues. if they were unable to deal w/ the boat themselves with all the different options available. Tell me how the courts or any concious person can expect to collect these 1000's and 1000's in fines? get real. Are perhaps you familiar with the term "blood from a stone?"
I would much rather see more organizations like waterkeeper or riverwatcher or whomever take an interest with actual results than yet more time and resource wasted on the "punishment" approach.
Of course I favor a return on my investment rather than more feel good unfunded mandates, and red tape.
Look at successful waterfront communities and take their lead in methods used to prevent abandoned and derelict vessels before they become costly removal issues by comunities.
More interest and self education of mariners and waterfront comunities .The remedies already at their dispose as well as good old self policing by all in the boating community would go alot further than the punishment approach.
One of the biggest issues with these vessels is determining ownership , Florida has taken a big step requiring all vessels on the water to be registered at all times.(can't believe it was otherwise) of course enforcing the laws are another issue, as there are several unregistered in my immediate area now, and they've been there a while. No doubt on the way to the bottom.
So much for more laws.
Derelict vessel in florida is a criminal offense. yet I've never read or know of anyone being prosecuted for it.
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