The introduction of a senate bill restricting anchoring rights has raised many voices in opposition. See /?p=147397. This report on yesterday’s committee hearing in Tallahassee by Kim Russo was posted on AGLCA’s Forum, www.greatloop.org.

There were no surprises at today’s Florida Senate Committee hearing on this issue. Testimony was kept to an absolute minimum because votes on six bills were scheduled for a two hour time period, and the bill with the provision to prohibit overnight anchoring was the last on the agenda. The committee voted unanimously in favor of the bill. But AGLCA’s voice was heard, as was that of SCCA and Boat U.S., who had lobbyists and representatives there. Chairman Dean’s comments during the hearing, and in a brief conversation afterward, suggest that he is willing to work to find a compromise that meets all parties’ needs. Senator Dean has been a proponent of maintaining the rights of boaters to anchor in the public waterways in the past, so the next step is to work with him to make sure he understands our opposition to anchoring restrictions. The next step in the process for the bill is a vote before another committee, which is likely to happen next week. I’ll keep you posted.
Kim
Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association