Thursday, December 8, 2022

Florida: upcoming virtual meeting regarding impacts of long-term stored vessels

DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 6:00 p.m. (EST)

Atkins Global has been retained by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and will hold a virtual stakeholder engagement meeting for a study of the impacts of long-term stored vessels on local communities and the state of Florida as a whole. For the purposes of this study, a “long-term stored vessel” is a boat on state waters which is not under the supervision of a person capable of operating, maintaining, or moving it from one location to another and which has remained anchored or moored outside of a public mooring field for at least 30 days out of a 60-day period.

This hearing is being held virtually to announce the study and to explain how the public can participate. The meeting will begin with a formal presentation from subject matter experts at 6:00 p.m. (EST) and will conclude with a question-and-answer session. All attendees will participate in the same live virtual stakeholder meeting and can access it via computer, tablet, smartphone, or by telephone in listen-only mode.

Stakeholders are encouraged to attend the virtual hearing online (register at www.VesselStudy.com) or by phone in listen-only mode at 1 (562) 247-8321 using access code 648-012-772.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained emailing VesselStudy@atkinsglobal.com or by calling 1 (321) 775-6643.

The intent of the project is to:

  • Investigate whether, and to what extent, long-term stored vessels contribute to the number of derelict and abandoned vessels on Florida’s waters
  • Investigate the impacts of long-term stored vessels, those anchored or moored outside of public mooring fields for more than 30 days, and those moored within public mooring fields on: local and state economies, public safety, public boat ramps, staging docks, and public marinas during and after significant tropical storm and hurricane events
  • Provide recommendations for appropriate management options for long-term stored vessels to mitigate any identified negative impacts to local communities and the state

Persons wishing to participate in the study can do so via this statewide virtual meeting and/or via the project website: www.VesselStudy.com. Stakeholder input will be collected through Feb. 10, 2023.

Pursuant to the provisions with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the Commission at least 7 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting Janet Luce at 1 (321) 775-6643 or janet.luce@atkinsglobal.com. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service 1 (800) 955- 8771 (TDD) or 1 (800) 955-8770 (VOICE).

For more information you can contact study staff member Janet Luce at 1 (321) 775-6643 or janet.luce@atkinsglobal.com

Attend a virtual meeting hosted by Atkins Global – register at www.VesselStudy.com.

Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m.

Residents, business owners, visitors and others who use and enjoy Florida’s waters are encouraged to listen in and ask questions. Receive an overview of the situation, history of recent regulations regarding anchoring and mooring as well as information about how to participate in the study. All are invited to attend.

Take a brief survey at VesselStudy.com

Complete a brief questionnaire on boat ownership and storage as well as the opportunity to share location-specific information about long-term stored boats and vessels.

We appreciate your interest in the study and hope you will elect to participate. If you have any questions, please email us at vesselstudy@atkinsglobal.com.