Causeway watercraft ban

Returning from July's hearing, she cited sheriff's incident reports and asked the commission to prioritize safety and the environment.

Said the planned new bridge makes the jet ski debate moot and suggested dredged cul-de-sac launch areas like those at Fred Howard Park.

Disputed staff claims, arguing Fort DeSoto is the county's most expensive park and that stormwater runoff — not jet skis — is the top cause of seagrass damage; suggested a no-wake zone instead.

Spoke for himself, his wife, and the Dunedin Boat Club paddling group in support, citing clear water and seagrass recovery since the closure.

A jet ski owner who says she no longer launches there because post-Hurricane Helene sandbars make it unsafe; backed the ban on safety grounds.

Recounted a friend being knocked off her paddleboard by a jet ski with no sheriff response; urged extending protections further into the water.

A Marina Advisory Committee member who praised the thorough committee process and urged residents to serve on city committees.

Opposed the ban but proposed a middle ground: a small resident-only permit launch pilot (10-15 trailers) with fees and a one-year evaluation.

Cited personal negative experiences with jet skis and a friend struck while swimming; said two deaths in two years is two too many.

Representing the Suncoast Sierra Club, described the recovered shoreline and advocated native plantings like mangroves for resiliency.

A Causeway Committee member speaking for himself who grudgingly supports the ban but hopes a ramp can be added with the future bridge project.

Claimed to represent a large enthusiast group warning they will take their spending to Pasco County, urging the city to consider the economic hit.

Causeway Committee member explained the recommendation was driven by traffic, police calls, and unmanageable volume — not seagrass — and noted broad organizational support.

A Navy veteran who believes the closure was an excuse to keep the area shut, saying the launch area survived the hurricanes without damage.

Supported the ban, citing missing swim buoys, the vegetated north side versus eroded south side, and manatee and scallop declines from watercraft strikes.

Opposed; he launches a 12-foot john boat responsibly using oars to avoid seagrass and warned that alternative ramps leave small boaters unsafe in storms.

Supported safety measures, describing jet skiers swamping kayakers near the channel and endangering swimmers and kids, and noting two prior fatalities.

Strongly supportive; cited over 12,000 Class A jet skis in Pinellas County, large jet ski meetups, and rentals to inexperienced riders, urging the committee memo be posted.

Passionately supportive; described kayaking there since 1999, feeling safer without jet ski wakes, and the return of dolphins, manatees, and seagrass.