Crescent City commission approves drag-boat race permit after divided public comments

The Crescent City Commission voted on Feb. 26 to approve a permit request that would allow the Southern Outlaw Drag Boat Association to stage a drag-boat event April 11–12, with contingency arrangements to use Sunrise Park and monitoring by state wildlife officials.

The decision followed a lengthy discussion about safety, wildlife and zoning, and came after residents and commissioners raised concerns about Lake Stella’s conservation designations and a local ordinance limiting boat speeds. The commission recorded a roll-call vote after public comment and deliberation and instructed staff to finalize permit language and conditions.

Organizers described the event as a high-speed drag-boat competition that has drawn online interest; a promotional reading noted boats capable of ‘speed reaching 120 miles per hour.’ Organizers and staff said the city has requested Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) monitoring and expected FWC to respond by the end of the week. Staff also explained that, if weather or safety concerns arise, the event decision would be made by Thursday/Friday with an alternate plan to use Sunrise Park and the pavilion and dock for spectators.

Residents who spoke during the public comment period urged the commission to prioritize wildlife and neighborhood tranquility. “I am here to speak for the birds and the bees and the trees and the water quality and the tranquility that park offers,” said Patna, who gave her address during public comment. Another resident who identified himself as Kevin Jordan said, “My preference is probably … that the race not be conducted,” arguing that Lake Stella should remain a quiet, residential recreation area and noting potential impacts on nesting birds.

Supporters, including several commissioners and residents who recalled earlier events, said short.special events can bring visitors and revenue. One resident noted previous races had filled local restaurants and motels and argued that events can support small businesses. City staff and at least one commissioner emphasized the need to balance conservation goals with economic-development objectives and to include operational conditions that protect sensitive areas.

Commissioners also discussed the city’s comprehensive plan and zoning. A commissioner cited the municipal speed ordinance (36-20), which limits boat speeds to 5 mph within city waterways, and warned that allowing high-speed races in conservation-designated areas could conflict with the comp plan and local ordinances. Staff noted some portions of the proposal are outside the city limits but recommended specific permit conditions and coordination with FWC.

The commission’s approval instructs staff to incorporate the changes and conditions the body discussed: specifying the pavilion at Lakes Dela Park (Dexter Beach) as a permitted spectator area, clarifying contingency procedures, coordinating with FWC for monitoring, and including temporary security and rope/park management measures. Staff said they will record the final permit language and distribute it to the commission to ensure it is not misplaced.

The decision ends the item for this meeting; staff will complete permit documentation and confirm any necessary monitoring. The commission moved on to consider updates to the CRA grant process as the next substantive agenda item.