Residents urge stronger enforcement, better signage after repeated high-speed jet-skiing on C-51 Canal

Dozens of residents of the Town of Lake Clarke Shores urged the town council on April 8 to take immediate steps to curb reckless boat and personal watercraft (PWC) activity on the C‑51 Canal and adjacent waterways, saying riders routinely travel at unsafe speeds through no‑wake and blind‑corner areas.

Speakers described a pattern of behavior they say includes repeated high speeds, property damage and confrontations. John Studdard, a long‑time resident and cofounder of the Lake Clarke Shores Yacht Club, said he compiled drone and security footage into a two‑minute video to illustrate the problem and told the council “these guys are going 40, 50 plus miles an hour down a 65 foot wide canal.”

Residents and Yacht Club members said the problem is concentrated on the east side of town along the C‑51 Canal and around the Keller Bridge and Mediterranean Bridge. They cited recent incidents including a group of five PWCs that “swarmed” a boat near a homeowner’s dock, one of which struck and damaged a seawall, and multiple reports that riders have brandished firearms when confronted. Lynn Riley, a resident at 1550 Mediterranean Road West, said she measured noise levels at 125–135 decibels from some craft and that wakes are accelerating seawall deterioration.

Why it matters: Residents said the activity is a public‑safety and property‑damage risk for people using the waterway or sitting on nearby docks, and they want clearer, enforceable measures now rather than waiting for a serious injury.

What residents recommended and what staff said they will pursue

- Signage: Several speakers said town and private signs are faded, inconsistent and poorly placed. John Studdard told the council many signs differ (some say “idle speed,” some “slow speed,” others list ordinance numbers) and recommended standardized, clearly visible “idle speed” signs in the canal approaches. Town staff said they recently completed a sign audit and that many faded signs appear to be privately posted rather than town signage; staff said they will bring options to replace or supplement official signs.

- Enforcement and patrols: Residents urged consistent marine patrols that write tickets rather than warnings. The council and public-safety officials said the town’s police vessel requires operators certified in marine tactics before conducting interdiction and ticketing. Police and fire leadership said they are pursuing training seats with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office marine unit and exploring short‑term assistance from the county and state agencies.

- Cameras and reporting tools: Multiple speakers proposed installing cameras near the Keller Bridge and a dedicated phone or text line for a citizen watch. Residents offered to host cameras or provide footage. Town staff said the bridge has power/data infrastructure that could be used for cameras and that staff will catalog options and costs.

- Citizen monitoring and evidence gathering: Several residents offered private footage and volunteered to participate in a coordinated reporting program modeled after a previous practice when a town officer regularly patrolled the water.

Town response and next steps

Police Chief Jake Smith said the vessel is undergoing maintenance and that officers need formal marine training to conduct safe enforcement stops; he said the department has contacted the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office marine lieutenant for training seats and would ask for help coordinating short‑term patrols from outside agencies. Town Manager Joe Labello said staff will pursue outreach to PBSO and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), continue the signage review and report back to council on feasible camera and citizen‑reporting options.

Council members and staff did not take a formal binding vote on a new enforcement program during the April 8 meeting. Instead, the record shows staff and public‑safety leaders agreed to pursue training, pursue interagency assistance and return with costed options for signage, cameras and an organized reporting method.

Resident context and background

Speakers described a decline in enforcement since a prior officer who patrolled the water was reassigned. Yacht Club members said a prior enforcement effort led to arrests and tickets and temporarily reduced incidents. Several residents said they have documented damage to seawalls, decibel levels that interfere with outdoor enjoyment and safety incidents that may not have been reported to police.

Ending note

Council members said they would press for a plan that balances safety and available town resources and would provide periodic public updates. Residents asked for a clear, public timetable for next steps; council members and staff said they would return with recommendations and a proposal for interagency coordination and enforcement resources.