Okaloosa County BOCC — April 21, 2015 — Consideration of Creating an Ordinance for a Crab Island Emergency — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: April 21, 2015 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Jason Autrey SUBJECT: Consideration of Creating an Ordinance for a Crab Island Emergency Vessel Corridor DEPARTMENT: Public Works BCC DISTRICT: All STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Consideration of creating an ordinance to establish a corridor for emergency response vessels into the center of Crab Island. BACKGROUND: In a recent town hall meeting at the City of Destin attended by Representative Matt Gaetz the topic of Crab Island, with respect to jurisdiction and safety, was discussed. Representative Gaetz has followed up with a letter to Commissioner Windes (attached) requesting consideration by the Board of County Commissioners to establish an emergency corridor. With large numbers of boats, waders and swimmers in close proximity, accidents do occasionally happen. Emergency response vessels sometimes have difficulty reaching accident victims due to the density of people and vessels in the area with no designated corridor. In order to establish an emergency corridor, a permit would need to be obtained from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). Representative Gaetz has had preliminary conversations with FWC staff and it is understood that the County has the jurisdictional authority to request such a corridor and FWC will work to expeditiously provide any such requested permit. Specifics regarding the corridor (such has marker style, location, size, etc.) will be worked out with FWC should the Board wish to pursue such a permit with an associated emergency vessel ordinance. Staff seeks direction from the Board as to whether or not an ordinance should be developed and a permit should be obtained. OPTIONS: Direct staff to, or not to, develop an ordinance for an emergency vessel corridor along Crab Island and to proceed with acquiring the necessary permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. RECOMMENDATIONS: As no formal ordinance has been prepared at this time, a motion from the Board is not necessary. However staff does seek direction from the Board of County Commissioners as to whether or not to pursue an Emergency Vessel Corridor Ordinance and associated state permits. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator