Commission advances Dunns Creek no-wake ordinance after residents cite safety at ADA kayak launch

Putnam County commissioners advanced a proposed no-wake ordinance for a narrow stretch of Dunns Creek after multiple public speakers described safety hazards at a sharp turn near Duns Creek State Park.

Local resident Sam Carr (speaker 18), who lives near the creek, told the board he raised the issue a decade ago and that the narrow, near-90-degree turn plus a sandbar create a hazardous mix for paddlers and small craft. "Somebody's gonna get killed there one day if we can continue to allow 50 mile an hour boats coming past that particular park," Carr said.

Commissioner Josh Alexander (speaker 5), who said he spends substantial time on the water, framed the proposal as narrowly targeted to protect an ADA-compliant kayak launch and potential dockage associated with the park's management plan. He described the ordinance's shore-to-shore, limited-duration approach and emphasized efforts to minimize impacts on routine navigation and bass tournaments. County staff and the county attorney explained that if the commission approves the ordinance it will be forwarded to the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for review; FWC will evaluate whether there is "competent substantial evidence" to protect public safety.

The board voted to advance the item to a second reading; the clerk later confirmed advertising shows the follow-up hearing date and the board amended the second-reading schedule consistent with legal requirements and publication. Commissioners said they wanted additional public feedback and signage options explored during the interim.