§ 306.12. Use of airboats in the St. Sebastian River.

(1)

Purpose and intent. It shall be the purpose of this section:

(a)

to protect the terrestrial and aquatic resources of the St. Sebastian River, including the Florida manatee and nesting birds, from unnecessary harassment and impacts attributed to noise;

(b)

to preserve the tranquillity of the St. Sebastian River for the enjoyment by the citizens of Indian River County; and

(c)

to protect smaller watercraft from the thrust generated by airboat propulsion.

(2)

Airboats prohibited in the St. Sebastian River. The operation or mooring of an airboat in any open water, tidal water or riverine wetland area along the portion of the St. Sebastian River lying within Indian River County is hereby prohibited. For the purpose of this section, an airboat shall be defined as a watercraft propelled by an engine, motor or other propulsion system which utilizes a propeller, fan or blade which is not normally submerged below the water surface upon which the craft operates and which is commonly known as an airboat.

(3)

Penalties and enforcement. Violations of this section shall be enforced and penalized as provided for in F.S. §§ 327.70, 327.72, and 327.73.

(Ord. No. 98-13, § 1, 6-2-98)