Enforcement boat recovered; town readies new work boat and invites public naming ideas

During the Oct. 27 Anchorage Advisory Committee meeting, Harbormaster Curtis Ludwig reported that Lee County Sheriff’s Office located the town’s stolen code‑enforcement boat and that staff are obtaining repair quotes for the engine and other damage. Ludwig said the vessel had been tampered with — “the gas lines were were cut” — and the boat will go through repairs before returning to service.

Ludwig also updated the committee on the new replacement boat. He said the town has completed the purchase paperwork and expects delivery in the first two weeks of November or by mid‑November after a water test. “Once that is done, they are doing the water test, I believe I believe this week. So I would say in the, first 2 weeks in November, or mid November, we should be, receiving the boat,” he said.

Committee members discussed public involvement in naming and introducing the new vessel. One member proposed a public contest; Ludwig said staff will work with the communications office to produce a video and public announcement. Jim Adderhold requested that staff explain how the boat purchase was funded when making public announcements; Ludwig said a grant and insurance money were involved but that town budget funds were also used and that he would provide a clear funding breakdown.

The committee asked about security to avoid repeat thefts. Ludwig said Matanzas Inn has cameras covering the storage area where the boat will be kept and that the town is working to install additional cameras at the mooring field dinghy dock. He also agreed to research use of AirTags in dry compartments as a supplemental recovery tool.