SUBJECT:
Title
WALK-ON: Presented on April 15, 2025, as Agenda Item 8.2. - Request Approval of Resolution to Establish Marion County Representatives to Appear Before the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission in its Consideration of Adoption of a Proposed Silver Glen Springs Protection Zone
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Matthew G. Minter, County Attorney |
County Attorney |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
At the initiative of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) is considering the adoption of a new rule of the Florida Administrative Code - proposed Rule 68D-24.0038, to establish a Silver Glen Springs Protection Zone. It is understood that the FWCC will be conducting a hearing on the proposed rule on May 21-22, 2025. The County has received expressions of concern from many small businesses that cater to individuals who regularly visit Silver Glen Springs - that the proposed rule would drastically curtail the recreational use of Silver Glen Springs, with severe negative impacts on their businesses. Their position is that a springs protection zone (SPZ) is too harsh a remedy to address concerns that have been raised about the activities of certain boaters and users of the springs.
The problem is that the Florida Statutes have significantly preempted the regulation of “waters of the state” by local governments.
A proposed resolution is presented for Board consideration. Volusia County has already adopted a similar resolution, and Lake County will be considering such a resolution on April 14th. The Resolution would authorize the County Administrator or designee to voice the County’s opposition to the establishment of the SPZ at the May 21-22, 2025, public hearing. There is some indication that the FWCC is not likely to adopt a new SPZ where the affected local governments are not supportive of the proposal. That is why it is important that our voice is heard at the hearing.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to adopt Resolution related to Silver Glen Springs.
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Motion by Commissioner Stone, second by Vice Chair Zalak, to approve agenda item 8.2. The motion carried 5 / 0.