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Venice and Sarasota County activate anchoring-limitation area in Roberts Bay to curb derelict vessels
Summary
Venice officials said an Anchorage Limitation Area in Roberts Bay became active March 1, 2025, establishing a 45‑day notice-and-removal process to reduce derelict and live‑aboard vessels that pose navigational and environmental risks to nearby homeowners.
Venice and Sarasota County officials described a newly active Anchorage Limitation Area (ALA) in Roberts Bay aimed at reducing derelict and long‑term anchored vessels near residential shorelines.
"The Anchorage Limitation Area ... is installed and effective and active in Roberts Bay as of 03/01/2025," said Ashley Castle, assistant director of public works for the City of Venice, summarizing the program's goal of keeping vessels moving and preventing abandonment adjacent to homes.
Master Officer Paul Joyce of the Venice Police Department marine patrol described the enforcement approach and early results. "As soon as a vessel shows up into our Anchorage limitation area, we quickly identify it, notify the owner of that vessel that they're now in Anchorage limitation area and that 45 day clock has started," he said. After the 45‑day period, officers said owners must remove vessels three nautical miles from the site and may not return for six months.
Castle outlined the multi‑agency permitting path that preceded activation: a city/county ordinance revision, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) uniform waterway marker permit, and a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) verification of exemption that avoids a separate U.S. Army Corps of Engineers review in areas where seagrass and habitat allow.
Officials said the program was approved in 2024 but installation was delayed by hurricane response; the signage, buoys and pilings required by the FWC permit were installed and the ALA activated March 1, 2025. Presenters said four vessels were currently in the ALA and an additional vessel was expected for removal action in June.
Venice and county staff said they coordinated public information with Sarasota County and have received positive community feedback; they also said neighboring jurisdictions — Charlotte County and Cape Coral — have requested briefings on the program.
The city and county described the ALA as a tool for safety, environmental protection and reduced taxpayer liability when vessels deteriorate. Officials emphasized the process is intended to keep boats moving and to reduce the costs of removing derelict craft.
No citations or formal penalties were reported during the briefing; staff said most vessel owners who enter the ALA have complied with the notice period.
