Marine Commission seeks clearer waterfront enforcement as thefts and long‑term vessels persist

The City of Vero Beach Marine Commission pressed staff to clarify who currently patrols the city’s waterways and called for better coordination with county and state agencies after members described persistent long‑term moorings and a rise in thefts.

At a meeting attended by the commission, Chairman Johnson opened the discussion by asking whether the enforcement officer who had previously worked waterfront patrols remained assigned. A commission member urged staff to check with police leadership so the group could “actually get through it.”

A commission member detailed broader public‑safety concerns, saying, “from my quick math, in the last 30 days between Melbourne and Dania Beach, there's been almost a half $1,000,000 worth of electronics stolen,” and added that waterfront policing “is not keeping up with the thievery that's going on.” The speaker asked staff to follow up with the sheriff’s detective division and city police to close enforcement gaps.

Members discussed a particular long‑term occupant anchored in a small cove, describing prior trespass actions and threats against marina staff. One commissioner identified the individual as likely Joseph Brown and said the person “has a long police record” and “hasn't moved for months.” Commissioners noted that documenting time‑in‑place matters for enforcement: under local and state rules a vessel may be allowed to anchor for a limited period in designated zones, and proving the full 45‑day window can be difficult when patrols are intermittent.

The attorney on the commission reiterated jurisdictional limits: FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) and county agencies have primary authority over anchoring zones; the attorney said the commission should direct complaints to those agencies and that the group’s role is to study marine issues and make recommendations to city council. Commissioners asked staff to contact Deputy Chief Matt Monaco or Chief Curry to confirm current waterfront enforcement assignments.

Commissioners also compared enforcement results in nearby jurisdictions, noting that Saint Lucie County recently removed multiple derelict vessels in a coordinated sweep. They cautioned that enforcement in one county can displace boats to neighboring waterways if enforcement is uneven.

The commission asked staff to compile enforcement contacts and existing ordinance materials so the group can consider formal recommendations to the city council and to coordinate with county and state partners. The commission scheduled follow‑up at its next meeting.