Palm Beach police boat removal: 50 violations, 15 vessels towed from Lake Worth Lagoon

PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — The Palm Beach Police Department has been actively working to enforce new vessel regulations in the Lake Worth Lagoon.

The Town of Palm Beach approved the ordinance in November, under which vessels can no longer anchor within town waters for more than 30 days within a six-month period, and illegal moorings are strictly prohibited.

During a Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, officials gave an update on the recent enforcement actions since the latest Town Council Meeting, which include:

• 21 vessels have been identified for enforcement action.
• 16 Notices of Violation have been issued, bringing the total to 50.
• Three citations have been handed out for illegal moorings.
• 7 vessels have been removed and towed, totaling 15 vessels removed so far.
• The number of vessels currently within Town jurisdiction has decreased to approximately 70, down from 168 during initial enforcement efforts.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is engaged in managing four derelict vessels identified in collaborative actions.

See also: Lake Worth Lagoon boat removals spark backlash from sailing community

Officials stated that these enforcement initiatives are aimed at ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws, addressing issues such as unlawful anchoring, derelict vessels, and environmental hazards that affect the Intracoastal Waterway.

Key objectives of the enforcement efforts include:

• Tracking and monitoring vessels that exceed the 30-day anchoring limit.
• Confiscating illegal mooring balls.
• Addressing live-aboard activities that do not comply with the Town Code.
• Taking action against derelict or abandoned vessels.
• Reducing navigational hazards in the waterways.
• Tackling environmental and sanitation concerns in the Lagoon.