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City plans to remove derelict vessels from public docks as derelict status progresses through state process
Summary
Parks and Waterways staff said they will remove several derelict or abandoned vessels to upland storage to free public docks; removals follow FWC process and may attach costs to owners if derelict determinations hold. One vessel at Bert Maxwell will be removed Monday; two at Ortega River may be reanchored or removed.
The Waterways Commission received an update May 15 on derelict vessels, including planned removals and storage, and coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Captain Jim Suber said several vessels have been flagged as derelict: one at Bert Maxwell has been waiting approximately three months while the registered owner filed for a hearing (scheduled in July), and two sailboats at Ortega River have remained on public docks. One sailboat’s owner returned to Canada and appears to have abandoned the vessel, Suber said.
Suber and general counsel staff reviewed state derelict‑vessel law and FWC operational orders and determined that once FWC declares a vessel derelict following investigation, the vessel may be removed from the waterway and stored on land (not demolished). Suber said the Parks Department has staff and storage capacity and will attempt removal to avoid prolonged dock storage, and that charges for removal (staffing and equipment) would be attached to the owner if the removal is confirmed through the derelict process.
Staff plans to remove the Bert Maxwell vessel to a park maintenance yard on Monday and to address the vessels at Stinson/Ortega River, possibly by returning them to anchor or re‑situating them out of the way. Suber said staff continue to coordinate with FWC officers and that removal and storage will proceed even if state funding to remove vessels is not provided, to restore dock access for recreational users. He also said park staff are considering installing a kayak cradle on a particular dock to deter long‑term vessel storage.
Commissioners asked no further questions. Suber said the process can be lengthy when owners request hearings, and that removals proceed where operationally feasible.
