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Punta Gorda explores Anchorage Limitation Area to curb long‑term boat anchoring and derelicts
Summary
Staff described a proposed Anchorage Limitation Area (ALA) that would allow short‑term anchoring (45 days or less) inside a roughly 100‑acre zone and give the city limited tow authority for noncompliant vessels; the plan requires an interlocal agreement with the county and must be reconciled with state law (FL 327.411) and FWC permitting.
Punta Gorda — City staff outlined a proposed Anchorage Limitation Area (ALA) intended to reduce long‑term anchoring and derelict vessels in the harbor while creating a short‑term anchoring option.
Shane Jadakowski told councilors the ALA would cover about 100 acres inside the FWC boundary and allow short‑term anchoring of 45 days or less with a local permitting system that could be renewed. “Essentially that would give us the ability to do short term anchoring, which is 45 or less. We could kind of permit that, control that. If they don't follow it, then we can have the ability to tow the vessel if needed,” Jadakowski said.
Staff said the county must be a partner: the statute requires county establishment of the zone and an interlocal agreement would be necessary. Legal counsel flagged potential verbiage and adjacency issues for residential docks that need review. Councilors discussed whether to pause while the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and state statute (FL 327.411) implementation mature, to avoid duplicative work.
The city has drafted a proposed map and sent it to the county for review. Staff said the ALA could also help address derelict vessels that accumulated after recent storms by creating a local permitting and enforcement mechanism that complements state authorities.
Council did not take final action; staff noted there are legal and interjurisdictional steps remaining and recommended further coordination with the county and state agencies before any ordinance or interlocal agreement is finalized.
